An almost sold-out ABBA tribute show turned Anita’s Theatre into a buzzing celebration of music, nostalgia and community on Friday night.
The performance transformed the historic 1925 Thirroul venue into a disco and pop paradise, with fans singing along to classics like Mamma Mia, Waterloo and Dancing Queen.
Marketing and Events Coordinator Rachel Meikle said the night captured everything Anita’s stands for.
“It’s the heart of Thirroul,” she said.
“Anita’s is where people come to connect, dance, laugh and sing. Everyone feels like they’ve got a little bit of ownership over the place.”
Eighteen-year-old audience member Sienna Mathie said the ABBA tribute show was “absolute cinema”.
“I grew up listening to ABBA,” she said.
“When I saw the advertisement for this show, I thought it was a no-brainer to go.”
Since its restoration in the early 2000s, Anita’s Theatre has evolved from a local picture house into one of the Illawarra’s most recognised live venues. It regularly draws crowds for touring acts, comedy shows and community events, a revival that has helped strengthen Thirroul’s community.
“Having a venue like Anita’s brings people into Thirroul,” Ms Meikle said.
“Locals grab dinner beforehand, visitors stay overnight, it gives a nice lift to local businesses.”
The crowd’s energy spilled into Thirroul’s main street, with local venues such as Beaches Hotel reporting extra staff on duty to handle the pre-show rush.
For many, the night symbolised more than entertainment. It was a reminder of how live performance continues to bring people together after years of COVID-19 disruptions and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“There was a time when everything went quiet and local businesses struggled,” Ms Meikle said.
“We’re always thinking about how to make the experience even better. We’ve been looking into updating some of our sound and lighting gear. The goal is to keep the theatre evolving without losing its charm.”
Anita’s Theatre continues to keep Thirroul’s arts and culture scene alive, with upcoming performances including Lime Cordiale, JD Fortune playing INXS, and a Leo Sayer tribute.