Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
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Temporarily closed until further notice
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
Located in the heart of Wollongong's Arts Precinct, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC) is the region's most loved and respected venue for the performing arts. Comprising three versatile spaces, it plays host to a variety of events, from internationally renowned theatre, music, dance, comedy and children's programming, as well as a wide range of community events. Merrigong Theatre Company is the venue manager of IPAC and a vibrant regional theatre company in its own right - producing, presenting and touring exciting contemporary theatre and supporting the development of a wide range of theatre-makers and local independent artists. The name Merrigong, found in early accounts of European exploration of the Illawarra, is thought to be a derivation of the indigenous word for the region's distinctive escarpment.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
59 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
30
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Africa Tourist
Sydney, Australia9,297 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
This is the final season after 20 years of the Wharf Revue. The final season is arguably the best they have performed.
The Merrigong Theatre inside IPAC is arguably the most comfortable theatre in NSW with high back chairs and loads of leg room.
The view and acoustics are top class. We are privileged in the Illawarra to have something of this standard here.
The Merrigong Theatre inside IPAC is arguably the most comfortable theatre in NSW with high back chairs and loads of leg room.
The view and acoustics are top class. We are privileged in the Illawarra to have something of this standard here.
Written 6 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shortstayspecialist
Wollongong, NSW28 contributions
Jul 2012
Though tickets are often expensive, you will find they are a lot more affordable than Sydney theatres. The view from EVERY seat in the house in the IMB Theatre is BRILLIANT! The Bruce Gordan is also very good. The staff are friendly and well informed.
Written 20 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WernMachine
Melbourne, Australia275 contributions
Oct 2012
IPAC is the best theatre in the region and it shows excellent productions from time to time, not consistently. Worth checking what's on if your visiting.
Written 22 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela_Wollongong
Wollongong, Australia293 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
Have seen everything from Shakespeare to stand up comedy here. Great size, comfortable seats. Sign up for their email newsletter to get details on upcoming performances.
Written 8 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravellingJalan
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
From the rudeness of the ushers, to bar and wait staff not knowing which bar is selling no what or if any of the bars or food counters were open... Dismal
Written 23 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SydneySuz
Sydney, Australia122 contributions
Sept 2015
This place is a gem. It always has great productions on - often ones that you could pay a lot more to see in one of the capital cities. It also has local performances and has a producing arm which creates new productions. There is a very good cafe and bar. The staff are friendly. The main venue has some of the most comfortable seats of any venue I've been in and access is easy. They run a subscription program with much variety.
Written 15 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful to hear such great feedback. It inspires us to continue to bring great theatre to Wollongong. Also good to hear that our venue rates highly as well, especially The Social cafe and bar. We hope to see you back here soon.
Written 16 September 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark_R_B_123
Dapto, Australia112 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
Great theatre in the heart of Wollongong. Shows are usually well priced, cheaper than Sydney and you get to sit close to the stage and have a great view of the act. Free parking is available at the council car park just a few metres away. Seats are comfortable, toilets clean and there's a small cafeteria too.
Written 4 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer B
Wollongong, Australia18 contributions
Sept 2013 • Family
Great performance, terrrific seats and great company! Air conditioning a little cool but this was rectified quickly.
Written 8 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LyNeTtE29
Shellharbour, Australia192 contributions
Aug 2012
This place has some great shows. They bring a broad range of shows to Wollongong and they are well attended. They used to have a lovely little coffee shop, which had great food before and after the shows. This has been closed for some time. It is sometimes hard to find anywhere opened close by for a coffee after the show and the bar at the theatre is only open before the show and at intermission.
Bring back the cafe!
Bring back the cafe!
Written 17 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madgely
Sydney, Australia80 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
IPAC theatre brings wonderful theatre, dance, musical performers to Wolllongong. Good viewing from any seat.
Written 15 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merrigong T
Wollongong, Australia
Hi Pauline,
Apologies for the delay.
It depends on the show and the theatre that you are watching the show from. If you contact our Box Office on 0242245999 they will be able to help you in more detail regarding specific shows.
Kind regards, Eliza
Written 28 January 2020
Hi most seats have good Vision, we usually try for the centre, avoid the front three rows if possible. Enjoy :)
Written 1 July 2016
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