Built in 1920 as the Victory Theatre (a cinema), the National Theatre was converted into a live performance venue in 1972-74. It functions today as a community arts centre for over 70 groups including musical comedy performances, dance companies, multi-cultural events and school groups.
Beneath the theatre in what was the original theatre stalls seating are Australia's oldest performing arts schools. The National Theatre Ballet School was begun in 1939, just a few years after the Drama School in 1936. The Company itself celebrates its 70th birthday in December 2005.
Historically the conversion saved the bulk of the auditorium and all of the main foyers which are now protected by heritage controls, as is the exterior. The existing building is substantially the 1928 renovation undertaken by then owner Frank Thring (snr), father of the actor. Frank Thring Snr was very involved in both the film making and film distribution businesses in early Australia so the site is important for that reason.
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