News | 25 August 2023
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Friday Five: Wicked things to do on Courtenay Place

With Wicked the Musical on at the St James Theatre, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip out in the city. While Courtenay Place may not be the Emerald City, there are still some great local gems to make your night at the theatre one to remember. Here's five ideas.

Sign at the entrance to a theatre reading 'wicked'.

1. Get a bite to eat 

In a rush before the show starts? Spots like Dragons, Chow and FJ Dumplings are great at churning out some fast and delicious meals. 

If you’ve got a more time up your sleeve, there’s plenty of great restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed family meal. Check out spots like Monsoon Poon, Mabel’s or Istana Malaysia.

2. Enjoy a tipple

Before you head to the St James Theatre to grab yourself an Oz-Mopolitan, why not head to some local bars? With the theatre being smack-bang in the middle of the precinct, you have so many close options to try out.

Why not check out CGR Merchant & Co and the Library just across the way, or Lulu Bar down the road. 

Or, if you’re not a fan of cocktails you can enjoy a beer at Mean Doses, Panhead or Mishmosh!  

3. Check out the local art

The St James Theatre is surrounded by artwork – it even has a mural on the side of the building! Take a moment to check out the work of Tina Rae Carter and Keri-Mei Zagrobelna, or read the story of the mural on Our Wellington

You can also stop and see the lightbox collection, which is conveniently outside the entrance to the St James! 

Inside the St James theatre with the stage showing the setup for the musical 'Wicked'.

4. Browse boutique shops

While Courtenay Place is packed with great eateries, there are also many boutique shops in the area for you to check out. Pop into shops like Yvette Edwards, Small Acorns and Underlena

5. Make the most of the day

Swap the cocktails for a coffee! If you’re heading to a Matinee Show, make the most of all the cafes and bakeries that are open in the daytime. Visit Myrtle for a delicious baked good, Squirrel for tasty toast, or a cake from Tomboy.

Read more about the St James Theatre.

Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our awesome city.