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 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.

Donate to the Theatre Maintenance Fund
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

Booking Request

Theatre Availability
Past productions at the Clink Theatre
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
The Douglas Theatre Arts Group (DTAG)
Clink Theatre
18 Mowbray St Port Douglas QLD 4877 AU
POSTAL: PO Box 225 Port Douglas Qld 4877
A huge thank you to all that attended the 2023 AGM. We need to say a massive thank you to the exiting committee for all the incredible work that they have completed over the past year.
We now have a newly elected committee for the next 12 months and also give thanks to those who have decided to dedicate their time to this local gem… can’t wait to get started with this new committee.
President - Michael Kerr
Vice President - Erica Mast
Secretary - Narelle Spencer
Treasurer - Carolyn Toohey
Member - Shaun Cram
Member - Judy Gittings
Member - Marilyn Davison
Member - Nicole Carnaby
Member - Becc Waters
Member - Jenn Kerr
Member - Natusha Eggins ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Sorry to miss AGM Covid kept me locked up. Looks like a strong and diverse committee. Thanks for having me on board.
Creativesouls studio and Jenn Kerr present Melomaniac - “One with an abnormal fondness of music; a person who loves music.” Get your tickets at www.clinktheatre.com.au ... See MoreSee Less
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Cruise Control… David Williams amorous play based on three very different couples traveling the voyage from London to New York… you will love them, giggle at others and even grow to despise some. This controversial play covers it all and gives an enjoyable evening of entertainment… limited tickets available www.clinktheatre.com.au ... See MoreSee Less
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What a great show this was!!!!!
Cruise Control at the clink next week… tickets available at www.clinktheatre.com.au ... See MoreSee Less
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Cruise Control at the clink next week… tickets available at www.clinktheatre.com.au ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Wow just watched this amazing show⭐️congratulations to all cast, crew and director Nicole!! So great to see a drama so well acted, shame it’s not on for 2 weeks as I would have watched it again 😍😍
We are searching for people aged 20 - 60 who are based in the Cairns/Port Douglas area to appear as extras in an Airline TVC.
All applicants MUST be based within the Cairns/Port Douglas area & fully available to shoot 1 day between 24th November - 25th November 2023
Fee is a standard rate for an 8hour extras call @ $319.60
We are open to applicants from all cultural backgrounds.
No previous professional acting experience is necessary to apply.
Applications close: 12pm Friday 17th November
www.mcgregorcasting.com/casting-calls/airlinetvc-c46ws ... See MoreSee Less
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Kaylah Rose
Makaylah Jane Meyers
www.platinumpromotionsaustralia.com/service-page/platinum-casting-126-sheridan-st ... See MoreSee Less
Platinum Casting - 126 Sheridan St | Platinum
www.platinumpromotionsaustralia.com
Casting 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th November Are you ready for your close-up? Platinum is casting for a major national commercial and we want you to be a part of it! Light, camera, and action, we are searc...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Interested in doing something exciting for your community.
The Douglas Theatre Arts Group Inc. will be holding its Annual General Meeting on the 28th of November and is looking for a variety of people to fill the roles of the exiting committee members.
People of all backgrounds, diversities and skill sets are asked to consider the opportunity to be part of the team that operate this wonderful Douglas Shire asset.
The committee will require a new President, Treasurer and Secretary as the existing members will be standing down after 10 incredible years at the helm.
If your interested in filling a role please nominate via the online page or download the paper version at the same place.
www.clinktheatre.com.au/annual-general-meeting-2023/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Auditions for solo performances at carols will be at the Clink November 15 between 5pm and 6:30pm.
Solo performers will have to organise private rehearsal times with myself or Alteouise.
Choir Rehearsals will be:
Monday 4th Dec 6pm to 8:30pm
Wednesday 6th Dec 6pm to 8:30pm
Monday 11th Dec
6pm to 8:30pm
Carols will be at the community centre on Dec 16th.
Extra rehearsal will be called earlier that day if needed. Please message if you require further details.
thanks Jenn ... See MoreSee Less
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Apr 9
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 ...
clinktheatre
Apr 8
You’ll be as crazy Wednesday if miss out on tickets for the Addams Family… get yours www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Apr 7
Uncle Fester leads a merry dance with the Addams ancestors…
opens April 14 tickets on sale www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Apr 7
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 ...
clinktheatre
Apr 5
Such an amazing production and so proud of our all local cast putting it together… Priscilla - Queen of the dessert is an amazing show… get your tickets, limited seats remaining… #portdouglas #priscillaqueenofthedesert #livetheatre #livemusicals ...
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Feb 21
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Dec 31
It’s all getting very pretty as the costumes for Priscilla start to arrive…. #priscillaqueenofthedesert #feathersgalore #feelingfabulous ...
clinktheatre
Aug 6
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 ...
clinktheatre
Aug 3
Get your tickets for a wonderful night of entertainment www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Jul 31
What do you get when you add a fantastic audience with a talented comedian… an amazingly funny night.. The very funny and very naughty @randyfeltface entertained a full house at the Clink tonight to rapturous laughter and applause. Surprisingly he even found an old friend Sister Mary Annette, who came back stage to give him seven hail Mary’s and then a stiff whisky at the bar…😊
#livecomedy #randyfeltface #portdouglas @goodchatcomedy ...
clinktheatre
Jul 11
High School Musical Jr auditions at the Clink Theatre… #clinktheatre #highschoolmusicaljr
#futurestars ...
clinktheatre
May 24
tickets on sale at www.clinktheatre.com.au
Starting soon... ...
clinktheatre
May 24
tickets on sale at www.clinktheatre.com.au starting soon... ...
clinktheatre
May 23
Got your tickets yet... not long to go www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Nov 29
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 ...
clinktheatre
Nov 22
Opening this week at the Clink Theatre www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Jul 2
Keep watching the Clink Theatre pages for ticket details coming soon #cramitonline #clinktheatre ...
clinktheatre
Feb 9
Brisbane comedy night at the Clink #laughoutloud #clinkcomedy #portdouglas ...
clinktheatre
Jan 26
Fantastic weekend of Wizard of Oz Young Persons Edition.. the cast were amazing and rave reviews from all who saw it... thank you everyone who came and supported this production.. #wizardofozype #douglasshire #portdouglas ...
clinktheatre
Dec 22
Santa’s at the Clink till 2pm come on down for a photo #Santa #clinktheatre #christmas #portdouglas ...