Built in 1913, Her Majesty’s Theatre is Adelaide’s oldest performance venue and a place of cultural significance to South Australia, but it was in need of a major renovation. Despite the project team delivering the project on time and on budget, the grand reopening in June was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
With an inspiring new auditorium, and stately architectural features – Her Maj, as she is fondly known, is now complete. Theatre unveiling tours are now giving guests a sneak peek at the theatre’s careful heritage restoration, including her famous ‘signature wall’ which had to be deconstructed and reconstructed block by block, to preserve autographs from visiting stars from around the world.
A stunning contemporary new glass wing featuring three levels of bars, entertainment and exhibition spaces now sits alongside the original heritage building which has a new canopy.
The theatre’s existing 970-seat capacity was expanded to a 1,467 seat auditorium over three levels, which is accessed by two sweeping staircases from the elegant Edwardian foyer.
On the 4th of September, Her Majesty’s will shine in all her glory with the debut of her first live show, unveiling an invigorating new fusion of contemporary architectural design in harmony with her unique history and heritage.
RLB Managing Director John Drillis said, ‘I’m excited to hear Her Majesty’s doors are reopening. Our team enjoyed the level of detail in this $66M refurbishment. The project involved extensive “re-use” of heritage elements, which required innovative structural solutions to support existing heritage walls during the construction process.’
Although the venue won’t be able to run at full capacity due to social distancing, Adelaideans have missed this much-loved arts venue and are keen to return to live performances.
The first performance will be Gaslight, a mind bending classic thriller presented by the State Theatre Company, South Australia.
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