SUN STREET STUDIOS

Sun Street Studios is a multi-use live performance venue and creative studio at 246 High Street, Maitland, about 40 minutes from Newcastle. Its programme spans concerts, theatre, spoken word, small-scale productions and one-off creative events, giving the space a broader remit than a typical music venue. Depending on the event, you might find an intimate solo performance, a classical recital, a musical, burlesque, experimental sound or an all-ages show on the programme.

The venue is housed in a grand 1840s building with a connected performance hall at the centre of its live work. The property has previously operated as Dickson’s Store and the Royal Hotel, and Sun Street Studios now uses the site for music, theatre and community activity. The setting is intended to support close, immersive listening, with some performances presented in a lounge-style environment. The venue’s own approach puts emphasis on a welcoming audience experience, from seating through to sound, while leaving room for unusual formats and creative risk.

Music programming can move between styles and scales. Examples on the site include Australian folk, Manouche jazz, classical music, flamenco, Irish airs, experimental music and world music, alongside theatre and spoken-word events. Sun Street also works as a rehearsal and audio-visual recording studio, with group bookings available and recording offered by submission. That makes it relevant not only to people looking for a night out, but also to performers and groups needing a dedicated creative space.

The venue suits a range of visits: a solo audience member looking for a close-up performance, a date at an intimate concert, or a group attending theatre or a community event. Families can look for the specifically advertised all-ages shows, while organisers can enquire about function, rehearsal and sound-engineering needs. There is easy parking on arrival, two accessible parking spaces near the foyer, and additional council and on-street parking nearby. Public transport is also practical, with bus stops close by and High Street train station within a 10-minute walk. Sun Street Studios is rated 4.7 on Google from 29 reviews.