Adelaide Festival Centre completes $66m redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre
Australia’s most exciting theatre project is now complete with a new look. Her Majesty’s Theatre is ready to welcome back audiences when it is safe to do so.
Work on the A$66 million redevelopment commenced in June 2018 to transform Her Majesty’s Theatre into a larger and more accessible venue with state-of-the art facilities for modern productions.
Her Majesty’s Theatre
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.
While the building’s heritage façade and eastern wall have been preserved, the theatre will now feature a 1471-seat auditorium over three levels. The new design also re-introduces some of its original Edwardian elements and the third tier of seating.
The increased capacity, combined with larger backstage facilities, will allow Her Majesty’s Theatre to host some of Australia’s most popular touring shows.
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM said he was looking forward to the opportunities the new theatre would present, once COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings were eased.
“South Australia’s arts and entertainment scene is entering a new era with the redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre, which has been the pride of Adelaide for more than 100 years,” Mr Gautier said.
“Having two large theatres will help Adelaide Festival Centre accommodate local home companies while also attracting some of the biggest and best shows coming to Australia.”
“We have been careful to preserve and celebrate the theatre’s fascinating past while also preparing for an exciting future – one in which we hope our loyal audiences will return alongside new patrons and find solace in live performance.”
“This venue is truly unique in the way it combines heritage architecture with modern facilities to reach new standards of comfort and accessibility.”
“The new theatre will also revitalise the Grote Street leisure and entertainment precinct and support for artists and workers across the entire arts sector at a much-needed time.”
Her Majesty’s Theatre has the capacity to host at least 50 extra performances each year, and patrons will appreciate a new western wing with bar facilities on every level and a dramatic glass façade. Accessibility improvements include wheelchair access to all levels and backstage areas.
The redevelopment was designed by Adelaide-based Cox Architecture and built by national construction company Hansen Yuncken.
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Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation’s Her Majesty’s Theatre Fundraising Campaign:
The Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation is responsible for raising A$5M for the Her Majesty’s Theatre redevelopment. As part of their campaign, the foundation is inviting people to dedicate seats to a loved one or themselves for A$1,000 for three years or A$3,000 for 25 years. Donors will have their names engraved on a brass plaque on the back of the seat and be part of this historical redevelopment.
To purchase a seat go to buyaseat.hermajestystheatre.org.au or Phone: 08 8216 8826