South Brisbane, Queensland, 2025

The Lyric Theatre at Queensland Performing Arts Centre has been reimagined through a sensitive refurbishment that honours Robin Gibson’s original
modernist vision, while introducing a contemporary approach to seating, finishes, lighting, and patron-focused elements to enhance both performance
and audience experience.

The architectural approach retains the theatre’s spatial integrity while integrating new materials and systems that improve comfort, accessibility, and visual coherence. A key feature of the upgrade is the installation of 2,000 newly designed seats. These reinterpret the original metal-framed seating with a refined timber form that curves to support the body, upholstered in rose-toned velour—a contemporary nod to the theatre’s original pink palette.

Bronze handrails have been introduced throughout the venue to improve patron comfort and accessibility. Indirect lighting strategies have been employed to enhance the ambience and ensure safe navigation, contributing to a more refined and immersive audience experience.