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Intro
The $15 million project includes reinstated balconies, a new Upper Circle bar and function area, a repainted façade, and installation of upgraded lighting and LED screens.
His Majesty's Theatre is one of the last remaining working Edwardian theatres in the Southern Hemisphere. Built in 1902 and opened in 1904, the original balconies were removed in 1953 as part of a city-wide order enacted because of concerns vehicles could crash into the supporting posts, causing the balconies to collapse.
A 1995 heritage architect report recommended reconstruction of the balconies as a positive conservation outcome, as well as providing significantly more space for patrons.
Much effort went into making sure the new balconies closely resembled the originals, including staff scouring local scrap yards where elements of the original balcony spiral stairs were found.
The 2 levels of reinstated balconies contain more than 400 square metres of jarrah decking and 4.4 kilometres worth of jarrah battens. Glass-fibre reinforced concrete was used to create the uprights and decorative elements.
The balconies were constructed as 14 separate modules that were trucked onsite and lifted into place using a 300-tonne crane.
The $15 million balcony restoration project follows a $6.5 million investment to refurbish other areas of the historic theatre.
Additional works undertaken since 2018 include:
Lanie Chopping, Director General Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and CEO of the Arts and Culture Trust said:
“Many thanks to everyone involved, including the staff at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Department of Finance, for delivering such a great outcome. And thanks also to all who joined us to celebrate this historic occasion. I encourage all of you to visit the theatre to see the balconies or join one of the tours on offer. ”
His Majesty's Theatre featuring Kiki Saito, Soloist, West Australian Ballet. Photos: Danica Zuks.
His Majesty's Theatre