Overview
Perched beside the river in New Farm, Brisbane Powerhouse is already one of the Queensland capital's most striking venues, and has been since the former power station relaunched as a performance site more than two decades ago. Now, as part of an expansion plan that's also set to see a permanent outdoor cinema and twice-yearly night market join its offerings, it also boasts a luminous new events space right by the water.
Meet the Pleasuredome, which was first announced back in June 2022, and is now up and running on Powerhouse's Performance Lawn. The 450-person, 520-square-metre venue is a handcrafted Nordic-style tent, with Powerhouse CEO and Artistic Director Kate Gould coming up with the concept, and Australian stage and site designer Bruce McKinven (Dark Mofo) then doing the honours. Its purpose: to be used for special events and functions year-round.
Visitors will find not just a performance and party space inside, but full-service bars and al fresco lounging zones. Indeed, when it isn't being used for shows and events beneath the lawn's Moreton Bay fig trees — think: long-table dinners, cabaret and theatre-style gigs, plus weddings and other private functions — it can be deployed as a hangout space.
Officially launching on Saturday, November 19, it's currently opening free to the public every Saturday morning at the Powerhouse Farmers Markets, giving Brisbanites the chance to check it out and take advantage of its laidback configuration — which, when the event calls for it, can be moved into full-theatre mode for everything from theatre, comedy and dance through to music and circus.
"Brisbane is famous for its natural beauty, vibrant community spirit and enviable outdoor lifestyle and the Pleasuredome celebrates all three in equal measure," said Gould, opening the space.
"Made from handsewn sailcloth from The Netherlands, the organic-shaped, fluted tent-like structure balances an international feel with an authentic local presence, responding beautifully to its relaxed sub-tropical location under the Moreton BayfFigs beside the Brisbane River. Doubling as a community gathering space and a new home for unique events, Bruce McKinven has created a truly breathtaking new venue that is sure to become an iconic Brisbane experience."
Pleasuredome is due to be followed by the aforementioned cinema, which was originally slated for a spring 2022 opening date but hasn't started screening yet, and the Hap Wah Night Market. The 1950s-inspired cinema will show everything from big-name blockbusters to arthouse flicks, and host film festivals as well, with a major exhibitor running the setup. And, it'll feature chairs, cushions and rugs to sit on, and serve up gourmet food and champagne.
As for the market, it's set to debut in March 2023, running for the entire month. It'll then take place in October, and also return in the Powerhouse forecourt and surrounding parks in those two months every year.
Here, Brisbanites can look forward to a food-focused night market that'll score its own village precinct each time that it's up and running, and have Blade Runner-meets-Queensland theming with a dash of Cantonese culture, too. The name stems from a north Queensland sugar plantation from the 19th century, aka the state's first Chinese business, and the markets will also feature free and cheap art installations, music and films.
Find the Pleasuredome at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. For more information about the venue, head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website.