Farewell to The Indee: Theatre’s Costume Sale Draws Curtain on Era

by Janine Hill

HIPPOPOTAMUS outfits are not easy to come by, but now is your chance to secure up to five, or any number of other costumes.

The Independent Theatre, aka The Indee Theatre, has opened up its vault of costumes and props for sale.

The massive collection has been accumulated through performances over more than 30 years on the Sunshine Coast.

The Indee became well known at Eumundi, where it was based for many years, but in more recent times, has been itinerant and has used a Sunshine Coast Council building to store costumes and props.

However, theatre manager Carol Burls said the council wanted its building back and the Indee had to vacate by 31 March.

With nowhere else to store the collection, Carol said the decision had been made to sell it off but it was turning out to be a rather large task.

“There’s more every time we turn a box over. We still haven’t emptied all the boxes,” she said.

The loss of the storage effectively draws the curtain on The Indee, which Carol said had become a very small group since covid.

She said it would be wonderful to see the costumes and props go to other theatres, schools, dance studios and photographers.

The collection includes five hippopotamus costumes (think Fantasia); rock'n'roll skirts; western shirts; silver leotards; ballroom-style petticoats; medieval pieces; jazz, ballet, tap and character shoes; and a crocodile head from a Peter Pan production.

“I’ve only got the head. His body hasn’t emerged at the moment but it’s an amazing head,” Carol said.

Also up for sale is half a large roll of corflute, black wool cyc curtain for the back of the stage, stage chairs and other set pieces.

Carol said there was vintage and everyday wear among the collection and a ‘60s lover had visited three times from Brisbane to add to her wardrobe.

“I had to loan her a suitcase last time to carry it all,” she said.

Most items are being sold at $5 or $10. 

The Indee Theatre’s pop-up costume and prop shop is open at 41 Farrell Street, Yandina, from 10am until noon on Fridays and Sundays and from 8am until noon on Saturdays.

For information, phone 0468 322 268.