The idea for a theatre has its origins in 1959 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Union of South Africa called the Union Festival; an initial fund of R100,000 had been set aside by the Johannesburg City Council for an event and when the city was excluded from arranging a cultural event by the South African government, the idea of using the money for a civic theatre was introduced.

[2]: 401  Johannesburg City Council Mayor, Alec Gorshel, would break the ground at a ceremony at the construction site on 16 September 1960.

[3]: 6 [2]: 401  The first production was Offenbach's Tales of Hoffmann with the next 31 weeks devoted to operas, ballet, dramas' light music and recitals with 145,000 guests attending in the first year and by the end of 1963, the figure had risen to 216,000.

[3]: 16  A more local effect on the size of audiences attending the theatre was caused by the introduction of television in South Africa in January 1976.

[3]: 14  Children were entertained outside the complex, at the Rand Easter Show and by the use of a city bus that had been outfitted as a mobile theatre.

The backstage facilities and technical areas were overhauled, the main theatres height increased, and electrical work, lightning and cooling and heating improved.

[3]: 22  On 1 July 2000, Bernard Jay took over from Janice Honeyman as chief executive officer, with his contract extended a number of times until June 2013.

[3]: 28  The Sophiatown, The Brickhill, The West End and the Mandela Lounge can be used for lunches, dinners, cocktail parties, workshops, presentations, training sessions as well as board meetings.

[10] This theatre can house 110 patrons and it is used for experimental works, play readings, rehearsals, classes, workshops as well speakers.

[10] There are two dance studios, located above one another, with glass facades, that allow the public to view rehearsals of the Joburg Ballet from Simmonds Street.