Uplifting experience for His Majesty's Theatre
The restoration of His Majesty’s Theatre reached another key stage on Saturday 23 April, with the installation of the first level of the iconic Perth landmark’s balconies to their original state.
The upgrades to the theatre, which first opened in 1904, are part of a $15 million State Government initiative to return the theatre to former glories, and preserve it for future generations.
The works will reinstate the two-storey balcony to Hay and King Streets to closely match the originals removed in the 1950s, providing additional break out space and improving the theatre experience.
The balconies were constructed off site, in transportable modules to minimise disruption to His Majesty’s day-to-day operations. Each level has seven modules with four main pieces and three infill sections, with the longest module at 16 metres in length.
The restoration works are due for completion in late 2022.
Further works will deliver improvements to the building’s mechanical systems, signage and wayfinding, refurbishment of level 2 and installation of a new bar, and circulation of people through the theatre.
The restoration project is being managed by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.