Lane Cove Theatre Company can finally leave their equipment on stage. After three decades of packing up lighting rigs and costumes after every show at St Aidan’s Church, the company has a permanent home at the new Pottery Lane Performance Space, which opened on 26 February 2025.
The $1 million venue conversion transforms the former Terrace Function Room at 1 Pottery Lane into a 135-seat performance space with cinema-quality projection, programmable stage lighting, and tiered seating. Lane Cove Council funded the project as part of their 10-year Cultural Action Plan adopted in February 2016.
Lane Cove Deputy Mayor Bridget Kennedy described the cultural impact as transformative for the community. “The impact that this space is going to have on the community is incredible. It’s really going to enrich it culturally,” Kennedy said.
Theatre Company President Trent Gardiner expressed relief after decades of advocacy. “We’re very excited, 30 years is a long time to wait for such a venue for the creative community,” Gardiner said. “But better late than never.”
The venue features high-definition digital screens, professional soundproofing, and dedicated backstage areas. Council assessed all materials for reuse and carbon impact during the conversion, repurposing the existing asset as part of their sustainability goals.
Theatre photographer Joshua Morris curated a portrait exhibition for the foyer showcasing Lane Cove’s artistic community. “We wanted to create unique photographic moments that could then be held up and put up on the walls and be reflective of the diverse and really interesting artistic community,” Morris said.
The Lane Cove Theatre Company has already booked four productions for 2025, with interest from jazz musicians and performers beyond the local area. The space can be booked through Council’s Facility Manager Annette Marsh on 02 9911 3621, with lift access and extensive undercover parking for accessibility.
Quick Facts
Lane Cove Council
Local government authority for Lane Cove in Sydney’s Lower North Shore. The council allocated $1 million for the Pottery Lane Performance Space project as part of their Cultural Action Plan priorities.
Lane Cove Theatre Company
Local community theatre group that advocated for a dedicated performance space for 30 years. Previously performed at St Aidan’s Church in Longueville before moving to the new Pottery Lane Performance Space.