Big Top Sydney

The Big Top
Entrance to venue, 2013
Full nameThe Big Top at Luna Park Sydney
Former namesLuna Circus (planning/construction)
Address1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW, 2061
LocationLuna Park, Milsons Point, New South Wales
OwnerOscars Group[1]
OperatorLuna Park Sydney
Capacity2,950 (pre-refurbishment) 1,000 (post refurbishment)
Construction
Broke ground7 February 2003 (2003-02-07)
Opened2 April 2004 (2004-04-02)
Construction cost$20 million
($33.1 million in 2022 dollars[2])
ArchitectHassell
Structural engineerMacDonald Contracting
Services engineerDouglas Partners
General contractorCordell Construction
Website
Venue Website

The Big Top (also known as the Big Top Auditorium and The Arena; commonly known as Big Top Sydney) is a multi-purpose functions venue located within Luna Park Sydney. Opening in 2004, the venue was a part of the amusement park’s 2003 redevelopment plan. The venue was refurbished in 2023 to install projection and holographic technology.

It has housed notable events such as the 2005 MTV Australia Video Music Awards, Come Together Music Festival and the 2013 Sydney Darts Masters.

History

The venue was originally proposed in 1999 by Metro Edgley Pty Ltd. as the replacement for the troubled Big Dipper.[3] Known as Luna Circus, the building was proposed as a venue for circus acts and a possible site for a permanent Cirque du Soleil show. Plans were underway to begin construction in 2000, opening in 2001.[4] However, the proposal was not approved by the North Sydney Council until December 2002. Construction began in February 2003 and was completed in December.

The Big Top stands in place of the park's former Ghost Train, which burnt down in the 1979 Sydney Ghost Train fire that claimed seven lives. The fire's victims are memorialised with a plaque at the Big Top entrance.

An opening celebration concert was held 2 April 2004.[5] It was hosted by Simon Burke and featured performances by Caroline O'Connor, Marina Prior and David Campbell. The first official event held at the venue was a performance of Sunset Boulevard (featuring Judi Connelli and Michael Cormick) on 3 April 2004.[6]

In 2023, the venue received an extensive interior refurbishment. The main auditorium was fitted with 360 projectors, LED screens and holographic technology, allowing for the showing of "immersive experiences".[7] The refurbished venue opened on 22 December 2023, with its premiere show named Dream Circus.[8]

Since Big Top's refurbishment, it has been primarily utilised for upcharge pre-recorded shows targeted at Luna Park guests.[9] As of 2025, Big Top's official website advertises the site as a corporate functions venue.

Venue configurations/capacities (2025)[10]
Layout Capacity
Round 450
Classroom 570
Ovals 600
Theatre 750
Cocktail 1,000

Performers

References

  1. ^ Kwan, Campbell (2 December 2024). "Pubs operator beats theme park giants to snap up Sydney's Luna Park". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  2. ^ AU = 1850-1901: McLean, I.W. (1999), Consumer Prices and Expenditure Patterns in Australia 1850–1914. Australian Economic History Review, 39: 1-28 (taken W6 series from Table A1, which represents the average inflation in all of Australian colonies). For later years, calculated using the pre-decimal inflation calculator provided by the Reserve Bank of Australia for each year, input: £94 8s (94.40 Australian pounds in decimal values), start year: 1901.
  3. ^ Farrelly, Elizabeth (19 August 2003). "Get back on the rollercoaster". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  4. ^ Cochrane, Peter; Peatling, Stephanie (7 July 1999). "Over the moon about Luna Circus". The Canberra Times. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  5. ^ Maley, Jacqueline (2 April 2004). "Roll up, roll up". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  6. ^ Hallett, Bryce (5 April 2004). "Sunset Boulevard, Luna Park". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  7. ^ Ward, Sarah (3 November 2023). "Luna Park Sydney Is Filling Its Big Top with a $15-Million Immersive Attraction with 360-Degree Projections". Concrete Playground. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  8. ^ Tongue, Cassie (27 December 2023). "'More showreel than show': inside Luna Park's new $15m theatre". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  9. ^ Egging, Kiel (7 December 2024). "Cheeky Little's 'Vegesaurs' Is Coming to Luna Park Sydney for World-First Experience". Variety Australia. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Sydney's Immersive Big Top". Luna Park Sydney. Retrieved 28 August 2025.

allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Top_Sydney