His Majesty’s Theatre’s Stunning Heritage Balconies Have Finally Been Restored!
After a huge $15 million restoration project, His Majesty’s Theatre’s two levels of wrap-around balconies have now reopened to the public!
The heritage theatre was originally built in 1902 and opened in 1904, however the balconies were removed from the Edwardian-era theatre in 1953 due to fears that vehicles could crash into supporting posts.
The meticulous restoration of the balconies involved staff scouring scrap yards until they found elements of the original balcony spiral stairs. The project used a total of 4.4km of jarrah battens and 400 square metres of decking, with 14 separate modules constructed and lifted into place via crane.
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“I am thrilled our beloved His Majesty’s Theatre has been restored to its former glory for the enjoyment of all Western Australians,” Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said.
“The elegant balconies that wrap around the grand façade will significantly enhance the visitor experience.”
More than doubling the usable area of the upstairs level of the theatre, the new balconies can be enjoyed with a drink from the Upper Circle Bar.
As well as the spectacular balcony restoration, since 2018 His Majesty’s Theatre has also undergone other recent upgrades that include a state of the art orchestra pit, new acoustic treatments, a larger and more accessible box office, a new entrance and additional ticketing window at the corner of King and Hay Streets, and a new staircase from Hay Street.
“His Majesty’s Theatre is a State heritage icon, but more than that it is a place to embrace our shared cultural heritage. It is a place where opera is sung in First Nation’s language, and culture and the performing arts can be enjoyed by all.”