Entertainment in Central Adelaide (Adelaide)

Skycity Adelaide Casino

Set in the historic sandstone surroundings of the city's main railway station, Skycity Adelaide makes a journey to the gaming tables easy. Roll the dice, draw an ace or spin the wheel - most gambling is catered for here with around 70 tables and 750 gaming machines. With bands, bars and dining, elegant Skycity offers an all round entertainment venue. Choose from one of fabulous restaurants and wine and dine in their classy premsies. The minimum age for patrons is 18 and dress codes apply. Carefree valet parking is available.

Adelaide Festival Centre

A major landmark in central Adelaide, the Festival Centre is South Australia's premier theatre complex and home of the Adelaide Festival of Arts. Set on the banks of picturesque River Torrens, this splendid arts centre comprises a full proscenium arch Festival Theatre (The), an intimate playhouse, a versatile studio theatre, an open-space performance venue, a bistro, a late-night bar and gallery space. The complex lies in close proximity to Skycity Adelaide Casino, Parliament House and the central railway station--and is just a stone's throw away from the city's major shopping precinct, Rundle Mall.

Jam Factory Contemporary Craft And Design Centre

This is one of Adelaide's most prestigious galleries. A visit to this arts and cultural center is a must for anyone interested in local contemporary art with a difference. Walk through the exhibition space, which is regularly filled with exciting and distinctive work by local artists; craft, sculpture, metalwork, ceramics and design. The store strives for perfection with most of the work clean line and design oriented.

The Festival Theatre

Opened in 1973 as part of the Adelaide Festival Center, this fine 2,000 seat theater is the largest proscenium arch theater in the city. Owing to the extensive stage area, many lavish productions are performed here prior to touring worldwide. A special feature of the theater is the magnificent pipe organ, which was installed to celebrate the silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Occasionally the theater conducts backstage tours.

Scott Theatre

This useful 635-seat theatre is part of the Elder Conservatorium School of Performing Arts at Adelaide University. It is used for presentations of theatre, dance or music or as a conference location and is a popular venue during Adelaide's biennial Festival of Arts. It has a most convenient location in the picturesque grounds of the University and close to the main shopping precinct of Adelaide. Refreshments are available at performances.

Elder Hall

Elder Hall belongs to the University of Adelaide and was named after one of the university's main benefactors, Sir Thomas Elder. It is often used for public lectures and symposiums, plus musical concerts presented by students of the Elder Conservatorium of Music. Refurbished as a commemorative project for the university's centenary, the hall now houses a quite splendid organ built by Casavant Freres of Quebec. Community radio station, 5UV, maintains a recording booth in the hall and concert recordings can often be heard on the airwaves.

Wallis Theatres - Academy Cinema City

Wallis Theatres - Academy Cinema City, a cinema complex is close to city shops and adjacent to the Rundle Street restaurant precinct. Academy is a five-screen cinema with two super screens featuring Dolby Digital sound. In conjunction with nearby restaurants, a special meal deal for a meal and cinema ticket is available. See the website for details of participating restaurants.

Her Majesty's Theatre

Built in 1913, this this regal old theater has long been an affectionate favorite with Adelaide theater enthusiasts. It was first known as the Tivoli, and the opening night featured the great Lili Langtrey, "the Jersey Lily". Over the years the theater has played a colorful role in South Australian theater history. It is now managed by the Adelaide Festival Centre, enjoying a new life as the renovated Her Majesty's.

Union Hall

Union Hall is an proscenium arch theater at Adelaide University managed by the Faculty of Performing Arts. It was built in 1958, but a recent upgrade has seen the replacement of technical equipment and air conditioning, plus the refurbishment of the auditorium. It also now has a new stage floor and stage lights, a computerized lighting board and totally restructured control rooms. Along with all the new work, disabled access ramps have also been installed, turning it into an excellent venue for a variety of performances.

Arts Theatre

This cozy little theater which is ideal for plays and smaller musical productions. Often used for specialist music concerts, such as those by visiting folk performers, it is a good place for less expensive entertainment and is popular with entrepreneurs trying to keep ticket prices down. As programs are not run on a regular basis, please phone for details of performances and admission costs.

Royalty Theatre

One of the older-style theaters, Royalty Theater has played host to many diverse performances. Medium sized, with both stalls and a dress circle, it can be quite comfortably filled for plays or concerts. It is fully licensed and refreshments are available. As programs are not run on a regular basis, please call for schedules and other details.

Jive

Pin Balls machines at a live music venue?  Might take you by surprise but that's the deal at Jive.  A former theater it went through a metamorphosis from being nightclub to a strip joint to a live music venue. The architectural design of the theater makes it easier for the performers to be seen by the audience. Jive is mostly frequented by college students as a hangout out joint after an exam or a game of football. The bar has a multitude of spirits locked up waiting to be released into shiny glasses. Entry is restricted to 18 and above.