Though only half of one year old, the New Globe Theatre has already made a solid effort to stake its claim as Brisbane's go-to arts and music venue.
Veterans of Fortitude Valley know all about the Globe's tumultuous history. It began life in the '70s as a cinema, drastically changed gears in 2005 to become an all-inclusive arts venue, and eventually closed up shop after financial troubles in 2010. Now, the old Valley favourite is back in business, under new management and a new name (sort of).
Although its doors opened just last November, the New Globe Theatre has hit the ground running, offering a good selection of great shows. However, regular patrons of the original venue will find the new joint to be very different, given its intensive makeover: “The electrical work had to be redone from scratch, we knocked out a whole bunch of superfluous walls, the cinema's had a total re-carpeting,” explains the venue's new owner Paul Robinson.
The new layout offers much more floor space, allowing the venue to host a wider variety of shows that may not have been possible before. “Across all three stages we reckon we could fit 700 [people] quite easily, we've had festivals and events that have utilised all three areas,” Robinson claims, adding that the venue still caters to smaller crowds and niches. “We don't want to exclude anyone. There's still movies, and there's professional wrestling once a month in the theatre, and they're starting to get quite big.
“What makes [New Globe Theatre] unique is the fact that it can be a multi-media venue. It's got potential for theatre, cinema, music, all kinds of the arts are covered, and it is being utilised for that. Outside of the government sector it's probably the only multi-arts venue I can think of.”
A new look for the New Globe.
In charge of publicity and bookings is John Meyer, better known for being in local bands Bertie Page Clinic and The Good Ship. With Meyer possessing such an active and vibrant background in the performing arts industry, Globe's regulars (both past and present) can rest assured knowing the venue's line-up is in capable hands – Meyer knows exactly what audiences want, and aims to deliver.
“We will very soon have regular movie screenings, a mix of classic, cult, retro films and more modern films, plus screenings of independent Australian films,” Meyer says regarding the plans for the rest of the year.
“We will also be hosting theatre and comedy shows in the cinema. Bands can also book the cinema room for a unique experience. The rest of 2014 will see the venue host local, national, and international acts across all genres, from folk to rock to metal.”
No self-respecting arts venue comes without a well-stocked bar, and the New Globe delivers.
Indeed, there's apparently nothing the New Globe Theatre won't try; on top of all the usual suspects of the arts, the venue has also been utilised as a location for filming. Retro roots outfit, Morningside Fats, recently filmed the music video for their track 'Speak No Evil' on the Globe's main stage, followed by LeSuits shooting live footage for a video release on the premises.
With upcoming events including a 'Kill Bill' themed cabaret, a double-feature screening of the Rolling Stones' 'Circus' and David Bowie's 'Ziggy Stardust', and even an appearance by Brissy legends Dead Letter Circus, it's clear the New Globe Theatre is both willing and capable of reprising its reputation as the “best arts venue” in the city. “I think it's a good space, it's the right size to fill a void in Brisbane,” says Robinson.
“When you look at how the space can be utilised, there's nothing else like it.”
