Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a childhood passion into something that can shape an entire city’s creative scene? For Chris Mitchell, the journey from a movie-obsessed kid to the founder of a theatre in Melbourne is anything but ordinary. As a child, Chris wasn’t good at sports and often found himself on the sidelines. Instead, he gravitated towards drawing, storytelling, and filmmaking. His parents encouraged his love for the arts and never pushed him to focus solely on academics or material success. Blockbuster video stores became a playground for his imagination, exposing him to bizarre, twisted, and absurd films that fuelled his taste for the unconventional.
As a teenager, Chris realised that creativity alone was not enough. He started a small multimedia production company beside a local radio station and quickly became involved in organising events and parties. What began as a way to explore filmmaking soon morphed into live event production, blending visuals, themes, and performance. Each event had a theatrical flair, combining artistry with logistics and problem-solving. Managing people, budgets, and the chaos of live events became a skill set that would prove essential later in life.
In his mid-twenties, Chris opened Red Benny’s, a cabaret, circus, and vaudeville venue in South Yarra. Managing a venue taught him lessons beyond the stage. He navigated unpredictable performers, produced shows on tight budgets, and discovered the delicate balance between chaos and creativity. More importantly, Chris realised that live performance offered something film never could: a direct, immediate connection with an audience. Watching people laugh, cry, and be moved in real time reinforced his belief in the power of theatre to create shared human experiences.
A pivotal moment came when Chris became involved in a small musical called The Marvelous Elephant Man. The show was initially a zero-budget production, yet it captivated audiences. It reminded him of the intimacy of live performance and highlighted a gap in Melbourne’s theatre landscape: few mid-sized venues could host experimental, community-driven work.
This realisation led to the creation of Spiegel House. What started as a single venue quickly evolved into a multi-room complex, including a Spiegeltent, a rooftop performance space, and an adjacent warehouse. Every aspect, from the Japanese-themed magic bar to the celestial views from the rooftop Spiegeltent, is designed to transport visitors into a slightly otherworldly experience. Spiegel House is more than a theatre. It is a playground for creativity, a home for artists, and an immersive space where audiences can connect with stories in unexpected ways.
Chris is candid about the realities of building a venue. The process involved navigating bureaucracy, safety regulations, and logistical hurdles that often seemed insurmountable. Long hours and relentless problem-solving were the norm, yet working alongside creative people, laughing, producing new work, and seeing ideas come to life made it all worthwhile. For Chris, creativity is essential. It is about materialising ideas, solving problems inventively, and creating spaces where people can share meaningful experiences.
He believes live performance is more important than ever. While AI and on-demand entertainment dominate, nothing replaces the immediacy and intimacy of theatre. Spiegel House offers audiences a space to experience performances that are experimental, engaging, and communal. It is a venue where the unexpected is celebrated, artists can take risks, and audiences are reminded of the power of live storytelling.
Chris Mitchell’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, ambition, and community. From a kid captivated by movies to a theatre-maker building a cultural hub, his story is relatable, humorous, and deeply human. It shows the courage it takes to follow your passion, the value of embracing the unexpected, and the impact of creating spaces where art, community, and imagination can thrive. Spiegel House is not just a theatre; it is a living example of how passion, creativity, and courage can enrich a city, provide a home for artists, and remind everyone that creativity remains essential to the human experience.
