Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

Princess Theatre is a two-story brick building in Woolloongabba with a distinctive central entrance portico, columns, and mansard roof located on Annerley Road. The renovated venue now contains a 900-seat auditorium, multiple bars, a cafe, private event spaces, a rehearsal studio, and an outdoor courtyard.

The building was erected in 1888 by architect John Beauchamp Nicholson as the South Brisbane Public Hall before being renamed Princess Theatre in 1893. During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, it functioned as an administrative and rehearsal facility for the United States Entertainment Unit.

The theatre served as a cultural hub where local performers and Brisbane's arts community gathered for live shows and cinema evenings. It was a place where people came together to experience entertainment and artistic expression throughout different eras.

Plan to spend time exploring the different areas, as the venue offers multiple bars, a cafe, and various event spaces beyond just the main auditorium. The outdoor courtyard provides a pleasant spot to relax between activities or before enjoying a show.

During World War II, the theatre hosted entertainment programs specifically designed to boost soldier morale and provide comfort during wartime. This unexpected role reveals how a local entertainment venue became integral to the broader war effort and civilian resilience.