It has entertained audiences since 1928, and underwent a chrysalis-to-butterfly $30-million dollar overhaul in the 1990s, relaunching with much fanfare; newly-spruced and able to accommodate a 110-musician orchestra and 2000-strong audience, making it one of the truly top-notch theatres in Sydney for seeing Guys & Dolls or Fame, stand-up comedy and even concerts – past shows have included Kylie Minogue and Shirley Bassey. The location can’t be beaten, either – it’s in the heart of Chinatown with plenty of dumpling and BBQ pork joints around for a thrifty dinner-and-show. The theatre has a fascinating history – even if you can’t make it to a production, it’s worthwhile joining one of the tours, which will explain its history, the architectural elements of John Eberson’s theatrical design vision and an inside peek into what it takes to launch a world-class musical production.