English-born actor, dancer, choreographer, scenic artist, entrepreneur, theatre decorator, director, producer.
One of the most versatile theatre practitioners of the 19th century, Andrew Torning made his Australian debut in Sydney in 1842. He went on to choreograph and arrange pantomimes at the Royal Victoria Theatre for more than 10 years; painted scenery at several Sydney theatres (including the 1870 production of Kodad); and redecorated the Royal Victoria (1843 and 1872) and Queens Theatre (1875). As an entrepreneur Torning owned the Royal Hotel (1851) and became lessee of the Royal Victoria (1854-55) and Prince of Wales (1855). He also founded Sydney's first organised fire brigade.