Shedley Theatre

The unique design of the theatre complex is the work of Geoff Shedley, chief architect for the South Australian Housing Trust.  He has been described as ‘one of the visionaries of Elizabeth’, joining the Trust in 1947, becoming the Chief Design Architect in 1963.

Shedley spent most of his professional career in the development of Elizabeth. He designed the Town Centre, with its mall, was the first shopping and civic complex of its kind in South Australia.

Geoff was also a talented sculptor and artist, best known for the fountain that once stood in Windsor Green.

The Shedley has been the home theatre to several local theatre groups, such as Nimbus Productions, The Northern Light Opera Company, Masque, Mirrabooka and The Elizabeth Repertory Company.  At one stage in the early 70's there were 4 Musical Companies and 3 straight theatre groups using the Shedley regularly.

These groups perform drama, light opera, musicals and comedy.  They give many people the opportunity to be connected with an amateur theatre group whether it be in acting, singing or the technical side of a production. 

The theatre also attracts theatre groups from Adelaide, and has been used during the Adelaide Festival of Arts.  Dancing Schools, Callisthenics Club Displays, Concerts, and the Boy Scouts Comedy Capers are held at the Shedley Theatre making it a real “Peoples theatre”.

Elizabeth Civic Theatres was designed to be a modern complex of entertainment. Planned were two facilities under one roof, an intimate theatre (Shedley) suitable for theatrical productions and a large octagonal theatre suitable for numerous kinds of entertainment (Octagon). 

A group of civic minded individuals initiated the concept.  In order to build the theatres, the Council would need to borrow funds.  A public poll was held to gauge people’s response.  After some varying results, the project was proceeded ahead. 

The Housing Trust of South Australia offered the Council free of cost, a site on the condition that it could design the structure. 

The complex was opened by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Edric Bastyan on 21st August 1965.  In his speech he said;

Today is a very special day for Elizabeth, for it marks yet another great step forward in its development.

It represents a determination to see that we set new standards rather than follow old ones and it is yet further evidence of the fact that Elizabeth is rapidly consolidating its position as the main centre outside of Adelaide.

Surely this is the first heart beat for Elizabeth.

Plans to revamp Elizabeth began in 1992.  Initial plans suggested demolishing the theatres to expand the Elizabeth Shopping centre.  The proposal sparked outrage amongst the local community.  Once again the citizens of Elizabeth rallied to raise support.  Placard carrying demonstrators gathered outside the Elizabeth Council Chambers to show their disapproval.

The theatres were nominated for State Heritage listing in a desperate attempt to save them from demolition.  Friends of the Shedley theatre led by Chairman Len Ashby organised meetings to inform the general public.  Adelaide Theatre Critic, Peter Goers, even came on board “If the Shedley bites the dust, South Australia loses its best theatre.  The Shedley is that rare thing, the ideal theatre”.

Advertiser 17/05/1994

The Shedley was saved, but the Octagon was demolished. 

In 2004 the Playford Civic Centre opened designed to be a hub of inspiration, drawing together a range of community and cultural services into one central and dynamic facility.