Mousetrap scurries into new future

Published 22 October 2025

• Mousetrap Theatre is set to raise the curtain on their first major production at their new home at Redcliffe’s Sutton Centre
• The building has been renovated by City of Moreton Bay and gives the theatre company a permanent home since vacating their previous building three years ago
• Mousetrap has recently completed their fitout and is preparing a full slate of shows

A beloved theatrical institution, which has served the Redcliffe community for more than 70 years, has moved into a new era - thanks to help from City of Moreton Bay.

Mousetrap Theatre will raise the curtain for their first production at their new home at the Sutton Centre on October 24, more than three years after they vacated their previous building on Lamington Drive due to structural issues.

While the previous venue had been home to the theatre company since 1966, the Sutton Centre, which has been renovated by Council, features a new roof, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system, additional toilets and shower, as well as disability compliance and access upgrades.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said Council was happy to help the theatre company establish its new base, as it forged ahead with a new program of exciting productions.

“We’re delighted that the show will go on for Mousetrap Theatre, right here in the heart of Redcliffe,” he said.

“The performing arts are an intrinsic part of our community which Council is proud to support through partnerships like this.

“We wish Mousetrap every success on and off stage at their new location.”

Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) said he was proud to have worked closely with Mousetrap to secure and set up their new home. 

“I advocated for the Sutton Centre to become their new performing arts space and it’s fantastic to see that vision come to life,” he said.

“Visiting recently, I was blown away by how they’ve transformed the old Council office building into a welcoming and expansive theatre. I would like to congratulate Mousetrap Theatre President Karen Matthews and the talented team of volunteers who have poured so much passion and effort into this project.

“It makes perfect sense to back this location right on Sutton Street, which is beside Bee Gees Way, surrounded by foot traffic and fantastic cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy dinner and a show.”

Mousetrap Theatre President Karen Matthews said the group couldn’t wait to entertain Moreton Bay locals at their new premises.

“After three years of performing in halls and clubs, we're very excited to have a home again. A proper stage with curtains and lights is something we've been missing while we've been in ‘travelling circus’ mode,” she said.

“The Sutton Centre is a great location that is central to Redcliffe, easy to find, and surrounded by cafes and restaurants where our audiences can have a meal before the show.”

Ms Matthews said Mousetrap started with a ‘blank slate’ for their fit out, using the past several months to construct a light and sound booth, storage area and side stage area, lay down a stage surface, hang curtains and lights, and paint walls and floors.

“A new space brings new possibilities. We don't know yet what the full potential of the venue is, but we're going to be trying new things as we go along,” she said.

“We've brought a lot of costumes, props and furniture with us from the old building, so our audiences may recognise items they've seen before. We also have historical artworks which we'll be hanging around the building to keep that link between the past and the future.”

The flexibility of the building layout means Mousetrap can configure their theatre based on the needs of a particular production.

“The auditorium has a side area which could be opened up when needed and our seating is on moveable tiers, which will allow the option to reconfigure the audience seating to suit different styles of productions,” Ms Matthews said.

“The new venue has a second space which can be used when the main auditorium stage is taken up with a set for a major production.”

While a full program of productions over the next year is still being planned, theatre goers can look forward to the theatre’s first major play, comedy Mirandolina, from October 24.

That will be followed by singing and dancing cabaret 80s Icons - Superstars and Soundtracks from November 14, pantomime Robinson Crusoe - Pirates and the Caribbean Queen in January next year and comedy whodunnit Inspector Drake and The Perfekt Crime in February.

Ms Matthews said the theatre was “always open to new members” both on and off stage.

“The location of our new venue may encourage people to just pop in and see what we do. We hope to expand our numbers as we become more active,” she said.