The Victorian Government is supporting a major transformation of Melbourne’s Regent Theatre before the curtain rises on its next blockbuster production.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley was at the Regent today to see progress on the theatre’s first upgrade since the heritage site reopened to the public in 1996.
“Melbourne is home to the best theatres in the country, including extraordinary heritage theatres like the Regent,” said Minister Foley. “This investment ensures that we will continue to attract and host top productions for many years to come – introducing new generations of Victorians to the magic of theatre and live performance.”
The Government will contribute $14.5 million towards the $19.4 million upgrade, which will renew the Collins Street landmark inside and out.
Works include upgrades to seating, improvements to the bar and foyer areas, more women’s bathrooms and extending the balcony to bring audiences closer to the action. The theatre’s façade will be repaired and cleaned. The project will allow the theatre to be set to three configurations – 1,500 seats, 1,700 seats and 2,300 seats.
Built in 1929, the Regent is an iconic part of Melbourne’s history, having survived threats of demolition, a flood, and a fire in 1945 that gutted the auditorium and destroyed its organ.
The Government and City of Melbourne are joint owners of the theatre, which is operated by the Marriner Group. The council and the Marriner Group are also contributing to the redevelopment.
The project will be completed in early 2020 and in 2021 the theatre will host the Australian premiere of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, based on the global smash hit film by Australian director Baz Luhrmann.
As part of the upgrade project, the Government is working with the Marriner Group to give more Victorians the chance to experience the magic of live performance.
Free theatre tickets will be offered to drought-affected farmers from East Gippsland and Wellington through the Gimme a Break program – and 1,000 free tickets will be allocated to children in state care and their carers. There will be 10,000 free or low-cost tickets provided to Victorian state school students.
The Regent opened 90 years ago and was operating as a movie house when its doors closed in 1970, not to open again until its rebirth in the mid-1990s under the management of the Marriner Group.
For more information about the Regent Theatre, visit: www.marrinergroup.com.au For more information about Moulin Rouge! The Musical, visit: www.moulinrougemusical.com for details.
Image: Melbourne’s Regent Theatre at night – photo by Dianna Snape