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Welcome to the Clink Theatre

Home of the Douglas Theatre Arts Group

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Douglas Theatre Arts Group Inc

20 years ago a small group of locals had a dream, “a small place to put on some shows”, they found a building, sought funding from council, local residents and the bank; and in typical Aussie style they ‘got it done’. Combining hard work and dreams they crafted the Clink Theatre, a wonderful building, full of history and life. What once was the old police lock-up was moved to its new location and became a majestic little theatre. This beautiful auditorium, with perfect acoustics, complete with full theatre accoutrements, 120 tiered seating, back stage, dressing room, wardrobe and sets area, foyer, box office and the best little bar in town, plays host to local and travelling artists alike. It is truly one of a kind and is here ready and waiting for you to visit!

Until Christopher Skase arrived in the 1980s Port Douglas was the archetypal Queensland coastal village – small, quiet and not wishing to be disturbed . But there was always a strong theatrical element – boisterous, fun-loving and irreverent.

Under various names – Port Douglas Players, the Troubadours – revues and plays were put on wherever a venue could be found. Then, in 1982, the Douglas Theatre Arts Group was formed.  But the players were still without a permanent home.

Fiercely amateur and independent, the local thespians always dreamed of having a theatre of their own, although grateful for the loan of hotel ballrooms, foyers, restaurants and other venues for their performances.

Then came the stroke of luck that changed everything.  In 1991 the old Mossman courthouse, a sturdy wooden structure, was due to be replaced and the Douglas Shire Council needed someone to take it off their hands – for a price.

Councillor Paul Lucas said: “Why not move it somewhere else – and turn it into a theatre?” Local folk put their hands in their pockets, corporate sponsors came forward and grants appeared from the State and Local Governments. The building was transported down the Cook Highway to where it now stands in Mowbray Street, Port Douglas. With the expertise of architect Roger Mainwood and builder Jon Ewen-Smith, it was transformed into the 120-seat theatre we now know.

The building, completely renovated and remodelled, cost $600,000.

But it lacked a title.  So a Shire-wide competition was held and the winning name was put forward by a local, Joe McColum, incidentally a former Director of the Brisbane Theatre Company.  The Clink Theatre was born.

The name resonates with memories of the theatre’s former existence as a jail and ties in with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre which was built near the “Clink” (prison) in Southwark, London in 1599.  This notorious prison held misbehaving actors, thieves and ne’er-do-wells dragged from the local taverns and brothels!

Our Clink Theatre was officially opened on November 7 1992 by the then Parliamentary Member for Cook, Steve Bredhauer MLA and this year celebrates 30yrs.

Our theatre members are our biggest supporters and we cant thank them enough. If you love the theatre and wish to be kept up to date with the latest Clink news become a member today.

Click on the link to join up as a member today.

Memberships are only $20 per annum.

Our theatre family is what keeps the Clink alive and successful. We require a varying skill set of volunteers. From Bar staff, door staff, set builders, maintenance, costume makers, sound and lighting technicians and of course those that are keen to be up on the stage. Doesn’t matter if you don’t have the skills, we are happy to teach anyone who comes with the right attitude and want to be a part of something really special.

If your interested in learning some new skills, having some fun and meeting new friends all whilst helping out a community organisation, fill in the expression of interest form below and our volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch.

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7 days ago
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7 days ago
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7 days ago
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2 weeks ago
Clink Theatre

Don't miss out on seeing our Maya performing in this piece coming soon to CPAC ... See MoreSee Less

Dont miss out on seeing our Maya performing in this piece coming soon to CPAC
2 weeks ago
Clink Theatre

Tickets onsale now... www.clinktheatre.com.au ... See MoreSee Less

Tickets onsale now... www.clinktheatre.com.au
3 months ago
Clink Theatre

It finally feels like Christmas! ❤️🎄

Our Carols had to be postponed due to Jasper 🌀 then we nearly didn’t get to go ahead due to electrical issues at the Clink, then no running water for facilities 🥺

But…. This fabulous community has pulled together and made it happen!

Firstly the volunteers at the Clink Theatre that came and cleaned, pulled down the sail that ripped during the cyclone and made the theatre look like Christmas: Gail, Julie, Wayne Dabinet, Erin Jane, Matilda (Nicola Falstein), Millie (Kyah Filicietti) Robert Ottone, Bruce Fitch, and Nathan Vorwerk
Thank you 🙏

Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre you were the absolute saviours organising a couple Porta Loos from Kennards Hire
Thank you 🙏

Saskia Williams for last minute running the music for us 🙏❤️

Mark Littler for coming the long way round from Cairns to Host the show

Michael Kerr the busiest man of earth at the moment still was there running the live stream, lights and sound. I don’t know how you do it?! Love you to bits! Thank you 🙏

Alteouise DeVaughn and all your Voices of the Voices of the Voices of the North singers. You were fabulous! Thank you 🙏

All the Sponsors 🙏
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
PDM Pest Control
Greenleaf Gardens
Just Jase Hair
Exemplar Coaches & Limousines
Clink Theatre

Finally my Creative Souls Studio - Port Creative Souls Creative Souls Studio - Port Douglas - Port Douglas choir family. How I adore you all ❤️
Thank you 🙏
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3 months ago
Clink Theatre

With everything that’s gone on over the past few days from the effects of Jasper I’m hoping a little Christmas spirit might brighten up our community ❤️🎄🤗
We will be holding The Douglas Shire Carols at the Clink Theatre 6:30pm Thursday night. Free entry please book a seat online at www.clinktheatre.com.au
But for those that cannot get there and would like to watch here is the YouTube link for the live streaming of the performance so you can Carol from your home ❤️🎄🎶

www.youtube.com/live/_kJhSfH35lc?si=WtT6YToK5L3gaSbM
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3 months ago
Clink Theatre

Link for Carols 2023 ... See MoreSee Less

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What do you mean you haven’t got your tickets yet to see the Addams Family… they’re selling fast….
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#portdouglas
#clinktheatre
#addamsfamily
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You’ll be as crazy Wednesday if miss out on tickets for the Addams Family… get yours www.clinktheatre.com.au ...

18 0

Uncle Fester leads a merry dance with the Addams ancestors…
opens April 14 tickets on sale www.clinktheatre.com.au
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They’re here...... Yes the Addams family have finally arrived at the Clink Theatre and shows open from April 14... Get your tickets before they sell out... www.clinktheatre.com.au ...

31 1

Another wonderful night at the Clink with Dolly Diamond entertaining a packed house… it’s only possible with the help of our fantastic volunteers… #clinktheatre #greatentertainment #volunteersrock ...

50 2

Get your tickets for a wonderful night of entertainment www.clinktheatre.com.au ...

14 1

High School Musical Jr auditions at the Clink Theatre… #clinktheatre #highschoolmusicaljr
#futurestars
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tickets on sale at www.clinktheatre.com.au
Starting soon...
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tickets on sale at www.clinktheatre.com.au starting soon... ...

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Got your tickets yet... not long to go www.clinktheatre.com.au ...

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Last chance to see this very beautifully written and performed play... tomorrow this set comes down and the theatre prepares for its next exciting adventure.
“Steel Magnolias”
Still tickets available at the door so head on down.. 2pm matinee and 730pm evening show... www.clinktheatre.com.au
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32 1

Opening this week at the Clink Theatre www.clinktheatre.com.au ...

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Keep watching the Clink Theatre pages for ticket details coming soon #cramitonline #clinktheatre ...

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Brisbane comedy night at the Clink #laughoutloud #clinkcomedy #portdouglas ...

20 4

Santa’s at the Clink till 2pm come on down for a photo #Santa #clinktheatre #christmas #portdouglas ...

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Please Read the terms and conditions prior to making your booking request. Thank you

Clink Theatre Venue Hire Terms and Conditions.       Clink Theatre Venue Hire Policy

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Theatre Availability

The Douglas Theatre Arts Group (DTAG)

Clink Theatre 

18 Mowbray St Port Douglas QLD 4877 AU

POSTAL: PO Box 225 Port Douglas Qld 4877

info@clinktheatre.com.au

Phone:
07 4015 3216