The Curtain Has Gone Up On Live Performances At Collaroy Theatre

November 18, 2025

The Northern Beaches is now home to another live performance venue – and it’s one we all know and love!

The iconic Collaroy Theatre (also known as the United Cinemas Collaroy) and one of Australia’s few remaining Art Deco theatres, has welcomed live entertainment for the first in more than 30 years. Reborn as a vibrant hub for music, cabaret, comedy and community connection, the Collaroy Theatre is set to reclaim its place at the heart of the local arts scene.

Headlining the launch over the weekend, Lionel Robinson and the Beachside Big Band, brought their acclaimed Frank Sinatra tribute Come Fly With Me! to the main stage, while rising local favourites Astrovan, winners of the 2024 Northern Composure band competition, continued the opening celebrations.

A Historic Theatre Reborn

Built in 1937 and the oldest working cinema on the Northern Beaches, the live perfomance calendar is the brainchild of Roy Mustaca, owner of United Cinemas, and Christine McCormack, Director, Northern Beaches Entertainment.

“This theatre has always belonged to the community. We are bringing back that magic – the laughter, the applause and the memories,” they say.

United Cinemas, known nationally for blending film with live performance, has nurtured talent ranging from emerging Australian acts to international artists across its venues. The Collaroy Theatre relaunch continues that tradition – giving new voices a stage and established performers a loyal local audience.

The Power of Partnership

According to Christine, this project is a passion project steeped in community pride.

“We can’t wait to see these seats filled again for the shared experience of live music, cabaret and theatre for young and old,” Christine says. “We are building a space where artists can grow, audiences can reconnect and the next generation can see what is possible right here on the Northern Beaches.”

Roy Mustaca’s story is one of extraordinary perseverance. From founding United Cinemas Warriewood, to creating a network that now spans Australia and New Zealand, Roy has long championed homegrown arts.

“Roy’s belief in people and performance never wavers,” adds Matt Farmer, Artistic Director. “He has created spaces where audiences experience great shows as well as feeling part of a creative and vibrant community. The Collaroy revival is proof that art endures.”

A Stage For Every Kind of Talent

The new program will host an eclectic mix of acts – from big bands, comedians and musical theatre performers, to children’s entertainers, acoustic duos and cabaret artists.

Emerging Northern Beaches musicians, local dance troupes and regional touring acts will share the same stage and become a breathing showcase of Australian talent.

Musician Lionel Robinson says, “I was thrilled to kick off the return of live shows to this prestigious heritage-listed venue in the company of the community’s own Beachside Big Band! I’m also very grateful to Northern Beaches Entertainment, the driving force behind this initiative. It’s a wonderful opportunity for local performers and spectators alike to be able to share the joy of a live show in this majestic theatre without a drive to the city and back. I think it was the perfect setting for an evening of Big Band Sinatra music.”

Roy Mustaca adds, “The Collaroy Theatre has always been a place where people came together – to laugh, cry, sing and share stories. To see it reborn for live entertainment makes me incredibly proud.”