AUSTRALIA: Situated around 60 kilometres north-east of Sydney, the historic town of Richmond is preparing to welcome audiences back to one of its cultural cornerstones, the Regent Theatre, following an extensive two-year renovation programme. Originally built in 1935 and defined by its art deco character, the venue is set to reopen with upgraded technical infrastructure designed to support a broad mix of live performance, cinema screenings and private events, placing modern production capability at the heart of a much-loved regional theatre.

As part of the refurbishment, new sound and lighting systems have been installed by Sydney-based production technology specialists Voyager Sound, with audio centred around a flown NEXO GEO M10 system. The theatre accommodates multiple audience configurations, including standing or seated options on the main floor and a fixed-seating balcony, with a maximum capacity of up to 608 people, supported by three bar and service areas spread across the venue. The sound system specification comprises six GEO M10 line array modules per side, under-stage subwoofers, a centre fill, and NEXO ID24 loudspeakers providing balcony delay coverage.

From an installation perspective, the system was designed to integrate efficiently within the theatre’s architecture while delivering consistent coverage across its varied seating layouts. “In terms of installation, it was very straightforward with rigging and aiming the system and I especially like the way the boxes fit together,” reports Voyager Sound owner Jim Morley. System design and prediction were supported by NEXO’s Australian distributor using the manufacturer’s NS-1 system configuration software, a process Morley credits with delivering highly accurate results. “NEXO’s Australian distributor assisted with an excellent prediction using NEXO’s NS-1 system configuration software which has been remarkably accurate. Coverage is very even and sets us up at a really good starting point with a great system.”

Amplification and control form a fully networked backbone, with two NEXO NXAMP4x4Mk2 Powered TD Controllers running the main system and a NEXO nanoNXAMP driving the ID24 balcony fills. According to Morley, “We have 2 x NEXO NXAMP4x4Mk2 Powered TD Controllers running the main system with a NEXO nanoNXAMP on the ID24 balcony fills. The amps are networked together and can be monitored and adjusted from the operating position via NEXO’s NeMo remote control app if required.” This configuration provides operational flexibility while allowing fine adjustments to be made quickly as the venue’s programme evolves.

With the reopening approaching, events are already being booked for the year ahead, with performances by Ian Moss, Aj Barker and Ross Noble reportedly selling out within days of release. Alongside live shows, the Regent Theatre will continue to operate as a cinema, with high-density screenings during school holidays, while also catering to private hire and corporate events. Reflecting on early feedback, Morley concludes, “The owners are very happy with the sound and the reactions they are getting from the potential shows that are booking in for the future.” He adds, “All in all, I’m very happy. I think we may add extra subs in the long term and fine tune the angle of the main arrays, possibly adding an extra M10 box on the bottom. Its early days but we are in a great place.”

As the Regent Theatre prepares to reopen its doors, the combination of heritage architecture and a modern NEXO sound system positions the venue to serve both its local community and touring productions with clarity, flexibility and renewed technical confidence.