Heritage balconies at His Majesty’s Theatre open to public for first time in 70 years

​Historic wrap-around balconies at Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre, once a prominent feature of the original façade, have been reinstated and are now open to the public for the first time in 70 years. 

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 in Perth 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 two 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:

• state-of-the-art orchestra pit lift and new acoustic treatments;

• bigger and more accessible box office featuring counters at different heights;

• new entrance at the corner of King and Hay Streets with a ticketing window on King Street; and

• new staircase from Hay Street with access to the basement and Dress Circle Bar to improve visitor flow.

WA Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman enthused "I am thrilled our beloved His Majesty's Theatre has been restored to its former glory for the enjoyment of all Western Australians.

"The elegant balconies that wrap around the grand façade will significantly enhance the visitor experience, and more than double the amount of upstairs public space.

"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."

Images: Credit: His Majesty's Theatre Facebook