The Stratford Courthouse Theatre

A stunning preservation of 1885 period architecture, the Stratford Courthouse seamlessly blends rich history with modern creativity. Nestled in the beautiful Gippsland town of Stratford on the Avon River, our vibrant venue boasts an intimate 100-seat theatre alongside the welcoming Segue Community Hub and Arts Café.

The Courthouse Theatre is intimate, cosy, and uniquely immersive. We carefully curate our program to bring a handpicked selection of the highest-quality artists, films, and live performances right to your doorstep.

Why We’re Different:

• Immersive Atmosphere: Our space gives you the rare feeling of being part of the performance.
• The "Wit's End" Bar: The experience doesn't end when the curtains close. We invite you to mingle, chat, and meet the performers post-show in our exclusive bar.

The Stratford Courthouse holds a proud H1 Heritage Listing and a colourful past spanning well over a century.

Key Milestones:

• 1885: Built as the Shire of Avon's Court chambers and Municipal offices. The premises were famously leased to "Queen Victoria, her successors and assigns" for an ambitious 999 years—for the rental price of just one peppercorn per year, if demanded!
• 1976 – 1978: The court officially closed, and council offices relocated to Sale. The building found new life housing the local library and the Historical Society (where much of the original Bell Brothers furniture can still be viewed today).
• 1993: Deemed "past repair" by the local council, the building was rescued by the Eye to Eye Theatre Company. They defied expectations, transforming the space to produce over 1,000 shows and cementing the courthouse as an essential hub for Gippsland’s arts scene.
• 2008 – Present: Following the end of Eye to Eye's productions, the Roberts family purchased the property with a vision to restore and inject new life into this architectural gem. In September 2009, the Stratford Courthouse officially reopened its doors, continuing its legacy as a proud, community-driven home for the arts.