A new arts venue inside a 158-year-old Sydney CBD church where Baz Luhrmann once performed has closed within days of opening after its lease was terminated under an “offensive trade” clause.
Divine Playhouse had begun operating from the deconsecrated building at 420 Kent Street as an LGBTQIA+ pop-up venue for live music, DJs, choir performances, cabaret and other arts events.
The project was first announced as Unholy Playhouse before being renamed Divine Playhouse. Its planned program included the Holy Flesh cabaret series and a performance billed as Australia’s first live exorcism.
The lease was terminated on 15 July. Organisers later confirmed they had been directed to leave the property within three days, and all scheduled events were cancelled.
Lease Dispute Ends Sydney CBD Church Program
The termination followed objections from some Christian groups to the venue’s programming and use of Catholic imagery and themes.
About 70 protesters gathered outside during the opening celebrations, while hundreds attended the venue.
A breach notice issued earlier in July alleged that the tenants had carried on an “offensive trade” that caused grievance and disturbance to adjoining property owners and members of the public.
Divine Playhouse founder Kat Dopper and the venue’s operators dispute the termination and are considering legal action.
Lawyers acting for the tenants have argued that the term “offensive trade” developed in a public health context involving activities such as abattoirs, foul smells and industrial waste.
They maintain that applying the provision to artistic programming regarded as morally or religiously offensive is legally untested.
Some opponents of Divine Playhouse said their objections concerned its treatment of religious symbols and themes rather than its association with the LGBTQIA+ community.
From Church to Theatre
The 230-square-metre building stands on the eastern side of Kent Street between Druitt and Market streets, about 200 metres from Sydney Town Hall.
Built in 1868 as the Church of St John, it was deconsecrated in 1932. The property later served as a poorhouse, the Kursaal Theatre and the original Matthew Talbot Hostel.
The former church is listed as a local heritage item, including its interior and front fence.
The Genesian Theatre moved into the Kent Street building in 1954 and remained there for about 70 years before relocating to Rozelle.
It was associated with the early careers of several Australian creatives, including Baz Luhrmann, who performed at the Kent Street venue before establishing himself as a filmmaker, producer, writer and theatre director. He later became known for productions including Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, Australia, The Great Gatsby and Elvis.
Organisers Seek Another Venue
Divine Playhouse’s operators were required to remove flooring, industrial bar refrigerators, artworks, customised signs and other fit-out works by 5pm on Wednesday.
They are searching for another venue following the cancellation of the Kent Street program.
Supporters have planned a sing-in rally at Hyde Park on Saturday, while a fundraiser involving artists whose events were cancelled is also being organised.
A crowdfunding campaign had raised about $36,000 towards the venue’s campaign
Published 20-July-2026
