Adelaide’s iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre has delivered another stellar performance – being inducted into South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame! The stunning redeveloped theatre took out South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame 2024 Venue, awarded to different venues each year, recognising its rich musical heritage.
Her Majesty’s Theatre joins the ranks of more than a hundred South Australian venues and legends including Elder Hall, Cold Chisel, and No Fixed Address. Inductees are endorsed by their peers for their musical influence, innovation, and lasting impact on the local, national, and international stage.
Other 2024 South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame inductees include Mirning Senior Elder and Whale Songman of the Yinyila Nation Bunna Lawrie and his band Coloured Stone. Coloured Stone have been nominated for four ARIA awards and awarded numerous other accolades as well as touring Europe, the US and Australia multiple times.
“On the prestigious occasion of the SA Music Hall of Fame’s 10th anniversary, we celebrate the resplendent Her Majesty’s Theatre being inducted into our prized institution. Joining its nearby luminaries the Adelaide Town Hall and Elder Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre continues to inspire generations of artists and devotees of musical performance,” said South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame Co-Founder, Dr Enrico Morena.
“Her Majesty’s induction will coincide with the Hall of Fame’s laudation of First Nation artists leading up to NAIDOC week. Musical icons and trailblazers Coloured Stone and their long-standing founding member Bunna Lawrie, will be inducted simultaneously adding to the significance of this eminent occasion,” said Dr Morena.
“We are delighted and proud to see Her Majesty’s Theatre receive the great recognition it deserves in South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame. We invite visitors to reminisce and reflect on the many legendary South Australian music acts who have helped shape Adelaide into a UNESCO City of Music at our new exhibition in the Ian and Pamela Wall Gallery,” said Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director, Douglas Gautier AM.
“Her Majesty’s Theatre is an icon in South Australia, and it is incredible to celebrate its inclusion into South Australia’s Hall of Fame. For more than 110 years, South Australians have enjoyed extraordinary performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre and from the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel its remarkable history. It is a jewel in the crown of our state, and it is fitting for it to be recognized in such a distinguished way,” said The Hon Andrea Michaels MP, South Australian Minister for Arts.
Built in 1913, Her Majesty’s Theatre is one of the last remaining examples in Australia of the famous chain of Tivoli theatres. Having played a significant role in Australia’s theatre and entertainment history, Her Majesty’s Theatre has survived two world wars, the great-depression, and two pandemics.
An extensive redevelopment of the iconic Grote Street theatre commenced in 2018 and was unveiled in June 2020 to enthusiastic reviews, bringing the 1500 seat venue to world-class status and offering an unrivalled audience and artist experience. Her Majesty’s Theatre is managed by Adelaide Festival Centre, making her part of the family that is ‘The Heart of the Arts’ in South Australia.
The Maj has showcased many big names across its 110 years including Luciano Pavarotti, Maggie Smith, Chris Isaak, Archie Roach, Alan Cumming, Barry Humphries AC CBE, and Paul Kelly. Including Her Majesty’s Theatre ambassadors Robyn Archer AO, Greta Bradman, David Campbell OAM, Kate Ceberano AM, Ali McGregor, Todd McKenney, Rhonda Burchmore OAM and Meow Meow.
Adelaide Festival Centre will celebrate the award with a special exhibition in Her Majesty’s Theatre’s Ian and Pamela Wall Gallery showcasing images, plaques and awards from South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame’s archives featuring artists such as The Angels, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and The Masters Apprentices. The exhibition is free and open to the public before and during performance times.
For more information about Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide, visit: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for details.
Image: Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide – photo by Chris Oaten