After three years as a ‘travelling circus’, the Mousetrap Theatre finally has a new home in Redcliffe.
An institution on the local cultural scene for more than 70 years, the theatre’s first production at their new home, the Sutton Centre, is an Italian comedy and opens tomorrow (October 24); more details below.
It has been more than three years after the theatre vacated their Lamington Drive premises, home since 1966, due to structural concerns.
The renovated centre features a new roof, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, more toilets and shower, and disability compliance and access upgrades.
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery says council is happy to help the theatre company find a new base.
“We’re delighted that the show will go on for Mousetrap Theatre right here in the heart of Redcliffe,” he says.
“The performing arts are an intrinsic part of our community which council is proud to support through partnerships like this.
“We wish Mousetrap every success on and off stage at their new location.”
MOUSETRAP MORE ACCESSIBLE
Councillor Karl Winchester says he is proud to have helped Mousetrap find a new home.
“I advocated for the Sutton Centre to become their new performing arts space and it’s fantastic to see that vision come to life,” he said.
“Visiting recently, I was blown away by how they’ve transformed the old council office building into a welcoming and expansive theatre.
“It makes perfect sense to back this location right on Sutton Street, which is beside Bee Gees Way, surrounded by foot traffic, fantastic cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy dinner and a show.”
Mousetrap Theatre President Karen Matthews says the group can’t wait for their first show at their new centre.
“After three years of performing in halls and clubs, we’re very excited to have a home again. A proper stage with curtains and lights is something we’ve been missing while we’ve been in ‘travelling circus’ mode,” she said.
“The Sutton Centre is a great location central to Redcliffe, easy to find, and surrounded by cafes and restaurants where our audiences can have a meal before the show.”
NEW SPACE, NEW POSSIBILITIES
Matthews said Mousetrap started with a ‘blank slate’ for their fit-out, using the last several months to build a light and sound booth, storage area and side-stage area, lay down a stage surface, hang curtains and lights, and paint the walls and floors.
“A new space brings new possibilities. We don’t know yet what the full potential of the venue is but we’re going to be trying new things as we go along,” she says.
“We’ve brought a lot of costumes, props and furniture with us from the old building so our audiences may recognise items they’ve seen before.
“We also have historical artworks which we’ll be hanging around the building to keep that link between the past and the future.”
The flexibility of the building’s layout means Mousetrap can configure their theatre based on what is needed for a particular show.
“The auditorium has a side area which could be opened up when needed and our seating is on moveable tiers, which will allow the option to reconfigure the audience seating to suit different styles of productions,” Ms Matthews said.
“The new venue has a second space which can be used when the main auditorium stage is taken up with a set for a major production.”
WHAT’S COMING UP
While a full program of productions over the next year is still in the planning stage, the theatre’s first major play, comedy Mirandolina, will be held from October 24.
That will be followed by singing and dancing cabaret 80s Icons Superstars and Soundtracks (November 14), the pantomime Robinson Crusoe – Pirates and the Caribbean Queen (January 2026) and comedy whodunnit Inspector Drake and The Perfekt Crime (February 2026).
Mirandolina will run from tomorrow to Sunday, November 2; the show is an Italian comedy about a charming, cheeky innkeeper dealing with three admirers.
Matthews says the theatre is “always open to new members”, on and off stage.
“The location of our new venue may encourage people to just pop in and see what we do. We hope to expand our numbers as we become more active,” she says.
The centre is at 157 Sutton Street, just behind Bee Gees Way.
Click here to visit their website.
OTHER REDCLIFFE NEWS: 2027 women’s softball cup coming to town
