Discover Brisbane’s newest cultural hub, the West End Electric Theatre, where immersive performances take centre stage
The Brisbane Travel Guide acknowledges the Turrbal and Yuggera people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which West End Electric Theatre is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
Brisbane’s thriving arts and culture scene has a vibrant new addition with the opening of the West End Electric Theatre. Located on the corner of Boundry and Wilson Streets in the heart of the eclectic West End neighbourhood, the new theatre combines cutting-edge technology with a passion for the performing arts.
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The Theatre
Once an old, disused brick building, 125 Boundry Street is now a glamorous 400-seat theatre offering an intimate yet versatile space for a wide variety of performances.
The cabaret-style venue features bentwood chairs hugging the circular thrust stage while lavish velvet drapes hang from the ceiling, creating a cozy and intimate setting, bringing audiences closer to the action in ways that traditional venues can’t match.
Seating is either:
- General admission (to the sides of the stage),
- Ringside VIP (front row in front of the stage),
- Premium (rows in front of the stage),
- Platform VIP (in front of the bar with bar stools and table).
Generally, seating is not allocated within the sections, although VIP seating is allocated by staff on the day of the show.
Being such an intimate theatre, you really can’t go wrong with any seat. However, if you want the very best experience, my recommendation would be either Ringside VIP, Platform VIP, or Premium—in that order.
Theatre Bar and Balcony Bar
The Theatre and Balcony Bars sell a range of drinks, including cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, mocktails, and soft drinks.
For food, you can purchase oysters, antipasto plates, toasted sandwiches, mixed nuts, olives, chips, and chocolates.
The Balcony Bar is open 60 minutes before performances commence, ideal for those wanting to grab a snack and a drink before the show.
You’ll also find another bar at the back of the theatre. The theatre and bar will open 30 minutes before the performance and remain open during the performance.
Both bars are open during intermission, and the Balcony Bar is open after the show.
Accessibility
The theatre is committed to accessibility, with inclusive facilities and programming designed to welcome everyone, regardless of age or ability.
The main theatre has level access from Wilson Street, while the main bar and accessible bathroom can be accessed via a wheelchair lift or 4 steps.
Those using mobility devices are encouraged to email ticketing@strutnfret.com before the performance to reserve a space for you.
West End Electric also accept companion cards. To get your companion ticket, after you’ve purchased your ticket, email ticketing@strutnfret.com, and they will arrange your companion ticket.
What’s On?
Right now, West End Electric is playing Blanc de Blanc Encore – one of my all time favourite cabaret performances! I’ve seen Blanc de Blanc shows numerous times over the years including several times at the Brisbane Festival, twice onboard the P&O Pacific Encounter and most recently at West End Electric.
If you haven’t seen Blanc de Blanc as yet, lucky for you, it will be playing at West End Electric until mid February.
You can read my full review on Blanc de Blanc here.
Check out the West End Electric website for the latest performance schedule, ticketing information, and updates on upcoming events.
Parking
There is no parking at the venue, although you may be lucky enough to score a free street parking spot.
To avoid driving around and around, your best option is to pre-book a parking spot for Browning Street on the Secure Parking website. Right across from the car park entrance there is a tiny lane way that leads you pretty much right to the West End Electric theatre – its only 140 metres away, so no more then a 2 minute walk.
Night parking at Browning Street is $13 if you book online or $16 if you just turn up on the night.
Public Transport
There are a range of bus stops close to West End Electric Theatre, including stops along Boundary Street and Melbourne Street.
If you’re coming by train, the nearest train station is South Brisbane, which is 1km away. You can walk from here or take a bus from the Cultural Centre bus station, 250 metres from the train station.
It’s a good idea to plan your trip using Journey Planner.
Enjoy West End Electric Theatre
Hopefully, you found this review on West End Electric Theatre helpful.
Why not check out some of our other reviews of things to do around Brisbane, such as the Pink Flamingo, The Star Brisbane or Soak Bathhouse.
If you’re planning a trip to Brisbane, I highly recommend you check out our full guide to Brisbane, which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland and Brisbane Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great tips on things to do in and around Brisbane.