Photo credit: Chris Oaten
Her Majesty’s Theatre Redevelopment Unveiled
Australia’s most exciting theatre project is now complete with the new-look Her Majesty’s Theatre unveiled at last and an exciting opportunity for the public to experience the new venue.
Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Uncle Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien, a Senior Kaurna and Narrunga man, marked the official completion of the venue. Work on the $66 million redevelopment commenced in June 2018 to transform the iconic South Australian theatre into a world-class, larger and more accessible venue with state-of-the art facilities ready to house more blockbuster productions.
The Adelaide landmark was built in 1913 and is the last remaining example of the famous chain of Tivoli theatres, although redevelopments in the 1960s and 1970s removed many of its unique architectural features and more than halved its capacity to around 900 seats.
Fast Facts about the Redevelopment:
- Seating increased from 970 seats to 1467
- At least 50 additional performances a year and more commercial blockbuster shows.
- Expanded foyers, bars and toilets on all three levels, improved accessibility.
- More spacious backstage areas, new dressing rooms, Greenroom and a rehearsal space the same size as the stage
- 150 construction jobs at peak activity.
- Signature Wall took 9 days to remove on 12 pallets – has been reinstated backstage leaving a lasting legacy for future performers.
- Her Majesty’s Theatre heritage façade and eastern wall retained. It required 54.6t of steel and over 400t of concrete of retention bracing.
- Last surviving Tivoli theatre frontage in Australia
- Original Edwardian design features reintroduced including brass fixtures, curved staircases and pressed metal ceiling.
- The widest proscenium arch and deepest fly tower of all 1400-1500 seat commercial theatres in Australia.
Photo credit: Chris Oaten
The increased capacity, combined with more spacious backstage facilities, will allow Her Majesty’s Theatre to host at least 50 extra performances a year and attract some of Australia’s most popular touring shows and musicals. While the building’s heritage façade and eastern wall have been preserved, the theatre now features a 1467-seat auditorium over three levels, with the Grand Circle returning for the first time in more than 50 years. The stunning new design, featuring two sweeping staircases in the expanded main foyer reintroduces some original Edwardian elements, including a pressed metal ceiling and elegant architraves and mouldings.
Photo credit: Chris Oaten
Other outstanding features include custom-built curved timber balcony fronts in the auditorium, stylish foyer bars on all three levels, a larger backstage rehearsal room and a dramatic glass façade to the new west wing. In a nod to the theatre’s rich performing arts history, backstage features the return of the famous ‘signature wall’ which had to be deconstructed and reconstructed brick by brick. The wall is covered with signatures from visiting stars including Julie Anthony, Rowan Atkinson, Lauren Bacall and Barry Humphries and is ready for a new generation of artists to sign. On the floors of each foyer level, brass tiles are engraved with the names of some of the notable stars who have graced the stage over the past 100 years.
Photo credit: Chris Oaten
Accessibility improvements include wheelchair access to all levels and backstage areas and improved seating on all levels.
First Performance:
The first opportunity for the public to enjoy a theatre performance since COVID restrictions began has also been announced, with a limited number of tickets available for Slingsby Theatre’s family production The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 23 June 2020.
Audience numbers will be capped at 20 people per show, with free tickets available via a lotto draw.
ENTER THE COMPETITION HERE
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Her Majesty’s Theatre website here
What: Her Majesty’s Theatre Redevelopment Unveiled
When: 12 June 2020 | First performance Tuesday 23 June 2020
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre | 58 Grote St, Adelaide
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Supplied (Credit: Chris Oaten)
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