Sydney LGBTQ arts venue closes after Christian protests

A new LGBTQ arts and nightlife venue in Sydney has been forced to close just over a week after its opening, following protests from Christian groups and a breach notice issued by its landlord. Divine Playhouse, located in a deconsecrated 19th-century church on Kent Street, suspended all events and is now exploring legal options.

The venue opened on July 8, 2026, after months of preparation and with the support of a $100,000 grant from the New South Wales government's arts agency, Create NSW. It was conceived as a one-year pop-up space for live music, performance, and community events. On its opening night, dozens of protesters from Christian groups including The Prodigal Sons and Fit for the Kingdom gathered outside, chanting hymns and voicing opposition to the venue's use of religious themes and imagery in its event programming, which included titles like "Sunday Mess" and "The Resurrection."

The following day, the venue's operator, Heaps Gay Events, received a formal breach notice from the landlord, the developer Revelop. The notice alleged the venue was carrying on an "offensive trade" that insulted religious beliefs and cited the likelihood of continued public protests....