Since the 1930s, the outdoor theatre terrace at Everglades House & Gardens has been the scenic backdrop to hundreds of performances. We chart its captivating history.
The history of outdoor performance in Australia can be traced back through many thousands of years, intrinsically tied to the traditional ceremony, song and dance of Aboriginal culture. Following European settlement, theatre practices from across the globe were introduced, with convicts performing the first ‘play’ in Sydney Cove in 1789. The nation’s enthusiasm for outdoor performance continues unabated, with Western Australia even laying claim to the world’s oldest open-air cinema still in operation. Located in Broome, Sun Pictures is still showing the latest new releases almost 110 years after first opening in 1916.
Setting the scene
Built on private property by Henri and Una Van de Velde in the 1930s, the garden theatre at Everglades House & Gardens is a curio in Australian history. The outdoor theatre terrace was included as part of the original design of the Art Deco property, which is situated on Dharug and Gundungurra Country, with the stage set through the landscaping of the gardens by Paul Sorensen. Enjoying stunning views over the Blue Mountains, the amphitheatre was created at a time when Australia was experiencing a marked expansion in the construction of theatres. ‘Picture palaces’ showing the latest Hollywood movies were becoming increasingly popular, however traditional theatre performances were still in vogue, so venues often contained facilities for both live performance and cinemas. Commonly combining clubs, bars and games halls, theatres formed the cultural hub of many Australian country towns.
A shared vision
The creation of a practical outdoor theatre at a time when other theatres were being built across the country, speaks to Henri and Una’s vision of Everglades House & Gardens not just as a luxurious private estate, but a place for the wider community to enjoy live performance and theatre. In fact, before the property was even completed Una and Henri opened the gates for visitors to their gardens. A community open day in 1936, held to raise money for the RSPCA, brought 1000 visitors to Everglades House & Gardens
Another early charity event was planned with the Kirsova Ballet in 1941. Hélène Kirsova is noted as the founder of the first professional ballet company in Australia. The performance by her ballet company was part of a weekend fete organised by the Wool Trade War Fund of NSW and was intended to raise funds for Narrabeen War Veterans’ Home and the King George Home Fund for Sailors. Unfortunately, due to bad weather the scheduled ballet performances were cancelled and the event moved to the nearby Leura Golf Club.
Alongside ballet, the gardens have provided a spectacular backdrop for everything from opera, orchestra, dance troupes, circus festivals, pantomime – and even a physical culture demonstration. In 1939 a callisthenics group was invited to Everglades House & Gardens to perform ‘Physie’ – a type of performance using a combination of dance, movement and discipline, prominent in the 1920s and 1930s. Well-known to be obsessed with health and well-being, it is possible that Henri invited the demonstration to showcase the benefits of physical fitness.
Grand designs
Not only remarkable from a cultural perspective, the garden theatre at Everglades House & Gardens is fascinating from an architectural perspective too. A sandstone arch with a bronze relief in the centre forms a dramatic formal backdrop to the theatre. This structure was originally the entrance arch to the London Chartered Bank of Australia on Sydney’s George Street. The historic bank was demolished in the 1930s to make way for Henri Van de Velde’s ‘Feltex House’ company headquarters. Apparently, the arch had already been on-sold during demolition works, however landscape architect Paul Sorensen, appealed to Henri to buy it back for use in the garden design. Henri agreed and a team of workmen reconstructed the archway stone by stone, utilising a series of pulleys to lay it into place in 1938. The sculptor Otto Steen was then commissioned to create the two bronze reliefs which were set into the arch in 1939. Striking Cyprus hedges were then established by Paul Sorensen as right and left wings for the stage.
Playing the part
The Van de Velde’s vision of Everglades House & Gardens as a public space for performance continues to play out today with the popular annual Leura Shakespeare festival. Since 2010, the award-winning independent Sport for Jove Theatre Company has been bringing Shakespeare’s finest works to life with youthful exuberance at the garden amphitheatre. Regarded as one of the greatest English playwright and poets, Shakespeare’s plays include tragedy, history and comedy, and are still fresh in wit and meaning today.
In January 2026, this much-anticipated Shakespearean event returns with a stunning production of The Comedy of Errors. Don’t miss your chance to see one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most humorous plays in the scenic surrounds of Everglades House & Gardens. Book your tickets now.
An ode to performance
Discover On Stage at Everglades House & Gardens, a unique display exploring the art of performance at this historic place. Theatre buffs will also love the chance to learn about the story of intriguing theatrical objects in the National Trust collection. Find out more.
Cover image of Everglades House & Gardens ampitheatre: (Photography by Joe Wigdahl)
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