Brunswick Picture House

Brunswick Picture House is a restored theatre and entertainment venue in Brunswick Heads, bringing together live music, circus, cabaret, comedy, cinema and family-friendly shows. Its programme ranges from intimate gigs and touring performers to film festivals, burlesque, comedy nights and the venue’s signature Cheeky Cabaret. Upcoming listings include live music by artists such as Lior, Alex Lloyd, Katie Noonan and Neil Murray, alongside comedy and all-ages events, so there is usually more than one kind of night out on the calendar.

The venue has a distinctive setting and story. An old theatre sat unused for more than 30 years before its restoration was completed and the curtains reopened in March 2016. The revival was led by the creative team behind La Soirée, the internationally recognised circus and cabaret production. Today, the Picture House combines the character of a retro Australian theatre with a tropical garden and courtyard near the Brunswick River. It is a place to settle in before a show, share a drink, or stay on after the performance rather than simply arrive for the main event.

Cheeky Cabaret is the house speciality: a genre-bending variety show known for its unusual, playful line-ups and visiting international artists. Other events can be more intimate, including acoustic concerts and songwriter-focused performances, while the cinema programme includes adventure, cycling and family film tours. The range makes the venue suitable for different kinds of outings, from a date or catch-up with friends to a solo evening built around a live performance. Family-friendly screenings and all-ages circus events also give parents and children options beyond the usual cinema visit.

Food and drinks are available before shows, with the kiosk opening an hour ahead of performance time. Offerings include vegan popcorn, crisps, lolly bags, choc-top ice creams, cheese boards, burgers and vegetarian nachos, with some options varying by event. Evening shows starting after 5pm may also have pre-show meat and vegetarian meals. The adjoining Kombi Kollective bar serves cocktails, spirits, premium beers, wine and bubbles, and drinks can be enjoyed in the courtyard or taken into the theatre. With a Google rating of 4.8 from 158 reviews, Brunswick Picture House is a well-regarded local landmark for entertainment in the Byron Bay area.