A Sacred Space Reborn: Church Becomes 'Unholy' Nightclub
A 158-year-old deconsecrated church in Sydney's CBD, previously home to the Genesian Theatre, has reopened as a venue called The Unholy Playhouse.
The space will function as a nightclub and performance arts venue, hosting events such as cabaret, gospel choirs, DJ school, and burlesque shows.
A Storied History
Built in 1868 as St John's Church, the building was owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney before being sold to developers in 2017. The Genesian Theatre operated there for 70 years before relocating to Rozelle in 2024.
The building is heritage-listed and remains largely untouched. Meanwhile, the adjacent warehouse is planned for a $55 million redevelopment into a 16-storey tower with 25 luxury apartments.
A Stage for Legends
Notable figures who performed at the Genesian Theatre include Baz Luhrmann, Angela Punch McGregor, Bryan Brown, Peter Carroll, Judi Farr, John Bell, Nick Enright, and Coral Lansbury.
According to Michael Schell, Luhrmann's first stage appearance was at the Genesian.
The Vision Behind the Venue
Kat Dopper, owner of events company Heaps Gay, secured the lease for the venue. She found the listing on Realestate.com.au after returning from a holiday.
Dopper stated that the building's development application predates the planning system, so its existing use rights for entertainment remain valid.
The venue is reported to have two ghosts that previous theatre members said appeared backstage.
Filling a Community Gap
The venue aims to provide an inclusive late-night space for the queer community following the closure of Sydney's only lesbian bar, The Bearded Tit.