Her Majesty's Theatre Adelaide, Adelaide
Her Majesty's Theatre in Adelaide is a historic and iconic venue located on Grote Street. Built in 1913 as the New Tivoli Theatre, it has undergone several name changes and refurbishments throughout its history, reflecting its evolving role in the cultural landscape of Adelaide.
The theatre's story began in 1912 when Adelaide-born architects David Williams and Charles Thomas Good designed the building, initially named the Princess Theatre. However, when it opened on 5 September 1913, it was called the New Tivoli Theatre, joining the national Tivoli vaudeville circuit. The opening ceremony was officiated by Mayor John Lavington Bonython. Notably, it is the only original Tivoli theatre still standing in Australia.
In 1920, the theatre was briefly renamed the Prince of Wales Theatre before reverting to the Tivoli Theatre in 1930. By the 1950s, it had deteriorated, leading to its purchase by J. C. Williamson in 1954. After a major refurbishment following the 1962 Adelaide Festival, the theatre was modernized, reducing seating to 1,200, enlarging the orchestra pit, and adding air conditioning. However, many heritage features were lost to plastic and aluminum décor, and the exterior was painted grey. It reopened as Her Majesty's Theatre on 9 November 1962 with a performance of The Mikado.
The introduction of television in Australia in 1956 led to a decline in theatre attendance, putting financial strain on Her Majesty's Theatre. In 1976, the Dunstan government intervened, purchasing the theatre for the State Opera of South Australia. It was redecorated in a 1920s style, with a cream and burgundy color scheme, improved acoustics, and the addition of private box seats. Upon reopening on 12 March 1979, it was renamed the Opera Theatre, with a performance of Die Fledermaus by the State Opera.
The theatre's current name, Her Majesty's Theatre, was reinstated on 31 August 1988. After a major refurbishment, the theatre re-opened in June 2020, continuing its legacy as a premier venue for performing arts in Adelaide. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the city and remains an important part of its artistic community.
The theatre's story began in 1912 when Adelaide-born architects David Williams and Charles Thomas Good designed the building, initially named the Princess Theatre. However, when it opened on 5 September 1913, it was called the New Tivoli Theatre, joining the national Tivoli vaudeville circuit. The opening ceremony was officiated by Mayor John Lavington Bonython. Notably, it is the only original Tivoli theatre still standing in Australia.
In 1920, the theatre was briefly renamed the Prince of Wales Theatre before reverting to the Tivoli Theatre in 1930. By the 1950s, it had deteriorated, leading to its purchase by J. C. Williamson in 1954. After a major refurbishment following the 1962 Adelaide Festival, the theatre was modernized, reducing seating to 1,200, enlarging the orchestra pit, and adding air conditioning. However, many heritage features were lost to plastic and aluminum décor, and the exterior was painted grey. It reopened as Her Majesty's Theatre on 9 November 1962 with a performance of The Mikado.
The introduction of television in Australia in 1956 led to a decline in theatre attendance, putting financial strain on Her Majesty's Theatre. In 1976, the Dunstan government intervened, purchasing the theatre for the State Opera of South Australia. It was redecorated in a 1920s style, with a cream and burgundy color scheme, improved acoustics, and the addition of private box seats. Upon reopening on 12 March 1979, it was renamed the Opera Theatre, with a performance of Die Fledermaus by the State Opera.
The theatre's current name, Her Majesty's Theatre, was reinstated on 31 August 1988. After a major refurbishment, the theatre re-opened in June 2020, continuing its legacy as a premier venue for performing arts in Adelaide. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the city and remains an important part of its artistic community.
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Her Majesty's Theatre Adelaide on Map
Sight Name: Her Majesty's Theatre Adelaide
Sight Location: Adelaide, Australia (See walking tours in Adelaide)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Adelaide, Australia (See walking tours in Adelaide)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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