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, announced today.
Earlier today, a 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.
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 moldings. 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. Accessibility improvements include wheelchair access to all levels and backstage areas and improved seating on all levels.
The redevelopment was designed by Adelaide-based COX Architecture and built by national construction company Hansen Yuncken, managed by the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Adelaide Festival Centre. The project employed more than 150 construction workers at its peak and engaged a 90 per cent South Australian work force, including specialist artisan contractors and local craftspeople.
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM also announced the first opportunity for the public to enjoy a theatre performance since COVID restrictions began, 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 – patrons can enter the competition here.
“We cannot wait to welcome audiences into this stunning venue to enjoy this mulitple award-winning family show while supporting local arts workers through this challenging time,” said Mr Gautier. “The children who sit on the stage here to enjoy this performance will witness the beginning of a great future and will always be part of the history of The Maj.
“Adelaide Festival Centre is continuing to work with SA Health to make sure this performance will fit within current safety guidelines and we can safely increase audience numbers as restrictions are eased. South Australia’s arts and entertainment scene is entering a new era with the redeveloped Her Majesty’s Theatre, which has been the pride of Adelaide for more than 100 years.”
“Having two large-scale theatres will help Adelaide Festival Centre accommodate our valued local home companies while also attracting some of the blockbuster shows coming to Australia. This means South Australians will no longer need to travel interstate to see some of the biggest and best shows,” said Mr Gautier.
While the theatre was scheduled to officially re-open to the public in June with Six The Musical – restrictions relating to COVID-19 and the postponement of Six mean the theatre will have its grand reopening at a later date, when it is safe and practical to do so. For more information, visit: www.hermajestystheatre.org.au or www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for details.
Image: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide (auditorium from stage) – photo by Chris Oaten