She's survived prohibition, a pandemic, and now she's ready to shine her spotlight. After two years of renovations, Adelaide's Her Majesty's Theatre is ready for the big reveal.
Work on the $66 million redevelopment started in June 2018. The expansion aimed to transform the theatre into a world-class venue, increase its size and improve accessibility.
The theatre - which is managed by Adelaide Festival Centre - was built in 1913 and is the last of the famous Tivoli theatres.
While the redeveloped theatre is currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions, it plans to host more performers and attract some of Australia's most popular touring shows and musicals when restrictions are fully lifted.
It now features a 1467 seat auditorium over three levels - greatly expanding its previous capacity of 900.
The theatre's historic Grand Circle has also been restored and the building's heritage facade and eastern wall have been preserved.
Other features include two sweeping staircases, curved timber balcony fronts in the auditorium, stylish foyer bars an expanded backstage rehearsal room.
In a nod to the theatre's rich performing arts history, backstage features the return of the famous 'signature wall' which had to be deconstructed and reconstructed brick by brick.
The wall is covered with signatures from visiting stars including Julie Anthony, Rowan Atkinson, Lauren Bacall and Barry Humphries and is ready for a new generation of artists to sign.
Accessibility improvements include wheelchair access to all levels and backstage areas, as well as improved seating.
The theatre's first production since reopening, for Slingsby Theatre's family productionThe Tragical Life of Cheeseboy, took place from June 23-27.
Audience numbers were capped at 40 people per show and tickets were handed to winners of a prize draw.
Adelaide Festival Centre chief executive and artistic director, Douglas Gautier, said the Slingsby show was a great success and that as restrictions start to ease in SA, the company welcomes the opportunity to work with more arts organisations, producers and artists.
Dates for future shows and productions will be announced as restrictions ease.
"Some large-scale productions take months or even years to plan in advance and we are working as swiftly as possible to be able to reopen theatres as soon as it is safe and practical to do so," said Mr Gautier.
"To help people feel comfortable and safe returning to our venues, Adelaide Festival Centre has been working closely with SA Health to ensure the safety of all patrons, staff and artists. We have implemented several safety measures in our venues including physical distancing, hand sanitising stations, and frequent cleaning.
"We look forward to welcoming audiences, artists, and staff back to Adelaide Festival Centre in the future to provide great entertainment and share all we've experienced as a community."
He advised anyone wanting to find out about future shows and visits to check the Adelaide Festival Centre website for frequent updates.
'The Maj's' fast facts
- Seating increased from 970 seats to 1467
- At least 50 additional performances a year and more commercial blockbuster shows
- Expanded foyers, bars and toilets on all three levels, improved accessibility.
- More spacious backstage areas, new dressing rooms, green room and a rehearsal space the same size as the stage
- 150 construction jobs at peak activity
- Signature Wall took nine days to remove on 12 pallets - has been reinstated backstage leaving a lasting legacy for future performers
- Her Majesty's Theatre heritage facade and eastern wall retained. It required 54.6t of steel and over 400t of concrete of retention bracing
- Last surviving Tivoli theatre frontage in Australia
- Original Edwardian design features reintroduced including brass fixtures, curved staircases and pressed metal ceiling
- The widest proscenium arch and deepest fly tower of all 1400-1500 seat commercial theatres in Australia
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