THE INDEPENDENT
The Independent Sydney Pty Limited is a subsidiary of The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust (AETT), proud owners of Sydney's oldest extant Theatre, The Independent at 269 Miller Street North Sydney. The Independent is currently listed, as an item of regional significance, in the Heritage Schedule to North Sydney Council's Local Environmental Plan.
Part of the current building dates from 1886 when it was built as a cable tram terminus and depot. In 1911 the building was converted into two auditoria by North Sydney Coliseum Limited.
Creative theatre
In 1939 the site became the home for Doris Fitton's Independent Theatre group which pioneered creative theatre in Sydney providing over 400 productions of plays ranging from Shakespeare to Noel Coward, from Anoulth and Christopher Fry to the sensational premier of Sumner Locke-Elliot's "Rusty Bugles", initiating the Australian theatre industry.
The building
The flamboyance of The Independent's façade roofscape provides significant architectural interest and the remaining façade provides a lively and rare example of early twentieth century architecture and contributes significantly to the streetscape of Miller Street.
The Independent is a building of national cultural significance for the many and varied contributions to Australian theatre already made from the site since 1911. Many famous Australian actors and musicians have performed at the Independent including such theatrical luminaries as Gladys Moncrieff, and Roy Rene (Mo) presented by Henry Clay early in the twentieth century.
A new phase
The Independent now enters a new phase in its history with the completion of major refurbishment to the foyers and stage creating an open and elegant lobby to compliment the auditorium's improved acoustic and state of the art lighting and sound. The beautiful polished wood motorised stage is easily adaptable for concert performance, musical shows, plays readings or corporate presentations.
Community
The AETT is proud to provide The Independent as an accessible community centre for the benefit of all in North Sydney who welcome excellence in both the productions and facilities to be experienced at the The Independent. At the same time its worth is being recognized by an ever widening circle of devotees who are keen to enjoy its unique facility.