Overview
Bendigo’s popular music, theatre and performance venue hosts over 200 performances of opera, drama, orchestras, popular music and many exhibitions each year.
The Capital is a grand, National Trust-listed, Victorian era building with ornately decorated interiors. It was built with gold rush wealth as a Masonic Hall, although these days it's theatre-lovers who enter through its towering Corinthian columns.
Take your seat in the magnificent first-floor Capital Theatre auditorium for a performance by a local and international act, including Australian popular musicians, touring orchestras, divas and quartets, comedy and cabaret, kids’ entertainers, dance, theatre and spectacle.
If you are visiting for a smaller concert, more intimate performance or event, head downstairs to the elegant Banquet Room or Bendigo Bank theatre.
Booking tickets
Purchase tickets for shows at The Capital:
- via our What’s On calendar
- by phone 03 5434 6100
- at our Box Office on 50 View Street Bendigo.
To retrieve or reprint your etickets - login to your gotix account
Box Office opening hours
Our Box Office at 50 View Street is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and one hour prior to performances.
The Shades Bar
The upstairs Shades Bar opens 1 hour prior to performances.
Accessing The Capital
Wheelchair seating
The Capital has wheelchair access seating available. To book these seats contact our Box Office. Please book early to obtain the best available spaces.
Hearing aid loop
A section of our theatre is equipped with a hearing loop sound system for use by people with hearing aids.
Companion Card
The Capital accepts the Companion Card. Carers and attendants accompanying cardholders receive free entry to shows and events. A Companion Card must be presented when booking. Contact our Box Office for details.
History of The Capital building
The National Trust-listed building now known as The Capital was originally the Sandhurst Masonic Hall.
The hall was designed by two prominent Freemasons, W.C. Vahland and Robert Getzschmann. The foundation stone for the building was laid on 24 June 1873. When built, this space was the largest hall in Victoria apart from the Melbourne Town Hall.
The main building frontage extends 60 metres along View Street. As you climb the bluestone steps look up at the façade rising 20 metres above the street. Six 10-metre Corinthian-style pillars are decorated with an ornate frieze and cornices, and topped with pediments with decorative moulded coping. The building is topped with a large triangular pediment.
The Capital Theatre was closed in the 1970s after almost a century of staging opera, drama, dance and cinema. In late 1987, in response to a community campaign to save the theatre, 3 of the 5 Bendigo municipalities – Marong, Strathfieldsaye and Eaglehawk – purchased the building from the Masons. With the financial support of State and Local Government, private and public subscriptions and overwhelming community support, renovations, costing around $6 million, started in 1989 and the building was officially reopened by the former Premier, Mrs. Joan Kirner on 26 April 1991.
Hiring The Capital
Six venues suited to your meeting, workshop, conference, performance or special event.
More about Hiring The CapitalGetting married at The Capital
A favourite venue for nuptials, The Capital hosts weddings large and small.
More about Getting married at The CapitalGetting to The Capital
The Capital is located in the heart of the View Street Precinct.
More about Getting to The CapitalVenue Booking
Please contact our Bookings Coordinator on 03 5434 6100 for more information about hiring The Capital.
Please note this performance has been postponed.
Old date: Saturday 13 February, 2021
Read moreInventi Ensemble
The Planets
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Please note the date of this performance has been changed, all ticket holders are currently being notified.
Read morePlease note this performance has been postponed:
Original date: Saturday, 2 May 2020
Read moreCelebrating Country
starring Courtney Conway
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Please note this performance has been postponed:
Original date: Friday 18 December
Read morePlease note this performance has been postponed:
Old date: Friday 19 March, 2021
Read moreDixit Dominus
Performed by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra & Polyphonic Voices
A feast for lovers of Handel and an
Read moreKate Ceberano and Paul Grabowsky
Please note this performance has been postponed
Read morePlease note this performance has been postponed:
Original date: Saturday 22 August
Read moreDue to the ongoing border & mass gathering restrictions by the Australian Government, the Giggle & Hoot’s Live in concert tour has
Read morePlease note this performance has been postponed:
Old date: Friday 12 March, 2021
Read moreHighly acclaimed Australian country music artist Adam Harvey announces the release of his new single "Ramblin' Fever” and the much anticip
Read moreAmphibian
By Windmill Theatre Company
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Inventi Ensemble
Pied Piper Promenade
Inventi's Musical Promenade will feature a wide range of music including Bach, Ross Edwa
Read moreGrigoryan Brothers - Past, Present & Future
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Robot Song
Presented by Arena Theatre Company and Bendigo Venues & Events
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A Ten Tonne Sparrow production
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Margaret Fulton - The Musical
Produced by Jally Entertainment
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Please note this performance has been postponed:
Original date: Wednesday 17 February, 2021
Read moreSoft Tread's
The Gospel According to Paul
Written and performed by Jonathan Biggins
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