Civic Theatre open for show business with arrival of Michels
Date published: 29 September 2025
One of the city’s most coveted catering and events companies has found a new home at the Civic Theatre, setting up Townsville’s newest café and offering theatregoers the chance to elevate their evenings out.
Townsville City Council, which owns and operates the theatre, is pleased to officially welcome Michels Catering and Events to the venue where it has opened the Civic Theatre Café.
Open Tuesday to Friday from 7:30am – 3pm, the Civic Theatre Café offers a relaxed, welcoming space for coffee, light meals, and sweet treats.
In addition, the café opens its doors on performance nights, giving patrons a relaxed forecourt dining option before the show.
For those looking to elevate their theatre evening, the Balcony Bar upstairs offers quality wines, boutique beers, canapes and a grazing plate for just $25.
With sweeping views of the Civic Theatre forecourt, it’s quickly becoming a favourite pre-show tradition.
Michels Managing Director Tanya Roberts said she was excited to announce the opening of Civic Theatre Café, along with the launch of the Balcony Bar Pre-Show Experience.
“The Civic Theatre has been a great addition to our hospitality firm, and the café now gives us a shopfront where customers can pull in and not only pick up a delicious coffee, sweet treat, or lunch option, but also collect their Michels Meals,” Ms Roberts said.
“Patrons are also loving the $25 Balcony Bar experience – it really sets the tone for a special night out.”
Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the addition of Michels would enrich the experiences on offer at the Civic Theatre.
“As a city, we are proud to embrace arts and culture – the Civic Theatre is the North’s premier performing arts centre and it attracts thousands of patrons through its doors each year,” Cr Greaney said.
“I personally enjoy a night at the theatre and having the chance to head along early and enjoy a drink as well as some delicious food before show time just adds to the overall experience.
“We really hope the community makes the most of what’s on offer at this special venue – there is an impressive line-up of shows for the remainder of the year as well as what’s shaping up to be an exciting 2026 calendar.”
Cr Greaney said, from this week, Council was also excited to restore the Civic Theatre’s TicketShop to full operating hours.
The TicketShop Box Office will once again be open for in-person ticket purchases five days a week – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, plus two hours before performances.
“We had a trial of reduced Box Office opening hours for six months and based on community feedback, as well as the arrival of Michels activating the space and bringing more and more people through the doors, we are excited to return to full operating hours,” Cr Greaney said.
The Townsville Civic Theatre is North Queensland's premier cultural facility – since its opening on 31 March 1978, the theatre has been a dynamic centre of entertainment and provides an environment to further develop the performing arts in Townsville and the greater region.
The Civic Theatre offers performances in dance, music, opera, comedy and drama from major Australian companies with international and national artists that complement the work of local performers.
Visit TicketShop, or the Box Office, to purchase tickets for upcoming events.
