His Majesty's Theatre, Perth
Address | 825 Hay Street Perth Australia |
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Coordinates | 31°57′11″S 115°51′16″E / 31.95308°S 115.85444°E |
Owner | Government of Western Australia |
Capacity | 1,263 |
Construction | |
Opened | 24 December 1904 |
Architect | William G. Wolfe |
Website | |
hismajestystheatre | |
Type | State Registered Place |
Designated | 16 December 1994 |
Reference no. | 2006 |
His Majesty's Theatre is an
At the time the theatre was opened, it was the largest theatre in Australia, and had seating for over 2,500 people. It is also thought to be the first reinforced concrete building constructed in Perth.
Over its life, the theatre has hosted large-scale musicals, ballet, opera, Shakespearean plays and many other events. It has been renovated numerous times, most notably in the late 1970s when the State Government purchased it and performed an ornamental restoration whilst modernising the facilities provided. Since that time, it has been the home of the West Australian Ballet and West Australian Opera companies, both of which perform regularly.
The importance of His Majesty's Theatre to the cultural fabric of Western Australia has been recognised by its inclusion on the
Construction
At the turn of the 20th century, Perth was experiencing a period of high growth as a result of the Western Australian
A call for tenders to construct the complex was put out, and the winning tender was by
During construction, questions were publicly raised about the stability of the building's foundations in light of the water table on the site and the presence of a subterranean stream.[10] Liebe conferred with the architect and engineers before developing a revised design which featured drains to divert running water.[10] Liebe presented the modified plans to Molloy and proceeded with them, assuming that he had the consent of Molloy.[11] Construction progressed, and the building was completed on schedule.[12] When the time finally came for Molloy to pay Liebe for the construction, a dispute arose as to who should be liable for the extra £17,000 incurred in remedying the structural defect.[7][13] Molloy was reputed to be one of the most litigious businessmen in Perth,[14] and refused to pay higher than the original agreed price,[13] on the basis that the contract required his written approval for extra work to be carried out.[15] Liebe pursued him through the courts all the way to the High Court and Privy Council.[13] The Privy Council eventually ruled in favour of Liebe, however the legal costs he had incurred were exorbitant.[13]
After resolving some last-minute objections by the Central Board of Health to the building's fire safety,[14] the theatre was officially opened at 8pm on Christmas Eve in 1904 by Sylvia Forrest in the presence of her uncle, former Premier John Forrest.[16] Opening night saw "Pollard's Adult Opera Company"[16] performing The Forty Thieves,[6][17] however the choice of opening date was an unfortunate one and the opening night was not a sell-out.[6]
Architecture
At the time of its opening, His Majesty's Theatre was the largest theatre in Australia,
The building as designed by Wolfe was grander than Molloy's Theatre Royal complex,[5] and featured a 65-room hotel separated from the theatre by internal iron doors.[16] The hotel had billiard rooms, parlours and six bars to serve the patrons of the theatre.[16] The building used 272 tonnes (600,000 lb) of iron and steel, 3.75 million locally made bricks, imported marble, Minton tiles and Castlemaine slate.[19] An electric lift led to the roof, where an observation platform had panoramic views over the town.[19]
The auditorium contained a proscenium arch,[16] with a raked stage 20 by 23 metres (66 by 75 ft) in size.[17] The auditorium measured 23 by 21 metres (75 by 69 ft),[17] and its original capacity was 2584 people in three tiers.[2] The interior of the theatre was a typical Edwardian horseshoe-shape to bring the audience closer to the performers.[2][17] It featured stalls (seating 974), a dress circle (seating 540), an upper gallery (seating 1,074) and private boxes.[2][5]
The theatre incorporated several cooling features. Four small waterfalls[17] were located on either side of the proscenium arch, intended to cool the audience[16] in tandem with electric fans and a retractable dome in the ceiling.[20] The dome was split down the middle, with each half sliding to either side to open.[17] The dome was decorated in imitation of an umbrella, with panels of gold and silver with scrollwork embellishment.[19] The artificial waterfalls were removed early in the life of the theatre.[17]
The exterior of the theatre was originally lined with two-level verandah balconies, which provided relief to the imposing walls.[2] These were removed in 1947-48, because authorities considered that the proximity of the supporting pillars to the road constituted a traffic hazard.[17] As a result, there is a disparity between the ornamentation at the top of the building's facade and the lower three storeys, which were previously obscured by the balconies.[2]
Subsequent history and renovation
Over its first 70 years of life, His Majesty's played host to the traditional Shakespearean plays, opera, political rallies, boxing matches and movie screenings.[6] It was particularly noted for its excellent acoustics.[21] During World War II, the theatre functioned chiefly as a cinema due to travel restrictions on touring companies.[6]
Original proprietor Thomas Molloy leased the theatre to others, including Ben and John Fuller, and local producer Anita Fitzgerald.
Following several years with an uncertain future and a public campaign to save it,[2] in 1977 the theatre was bought by the Government of Western Australia.[1] Adhering to an April 1974 election promise to retain and restore the theatre in conjunction with a new Art Gallery and Cultural Centre, in 1977 the Charles Court Coalition Government undertook a A$10.5 million refurbishment.[2][25] The final performance in the theatre before closing for renovation was the Gilbert and Sullivan Society's 25th anniversary production of Iolanthe.[26] The refurbishment took three years[16] and was overseen by architects Hill and Parkinson.[27]
The refurbishment saw significant structural changes made to the hotel/theatre complex. Initially, it was suggested that the theatre be largely remodelled to a two-tier
The hotel portion of the complex was separated from the theatre, and renovated to provide a home for the resident
The theatre's grand marble staircase was relocated[1] to provide a larger foyer.[17] It had its marble treads replaced but retains the original balustrade.[17] The former Sportsman's Bar of the hotel was converted to function as the theatre's new box office, and the side entrance from King Street was made an emergency exit.[17] Soundproofing was also installed within the building's walls to reduce traffic noise.[17]
During the renovation there was debate about the best way to manage the theatre in the future.[30] The favoured option was to establish a trust to operate it, which could focus on best serving the arts rather than worrying about commercial viability of productions.[30] However, on 8 February 1979, Premier Court announced that His Majesty's would be run by TVW Enterprises Ltd, the owner of the rival Perth Entertainment Centre.[30] This led to public outcry over potential conflicts of interest, and in June 1979 TVW declined to manage the theatre.[30] The Perth Theatre Trust was instead created, and it took over the running of the theatre.[30] His Majesty's Theatre finally reopened on 28 May 1980, with a reduced seating capacity of 1250.[16]
His Majesty's Theatre has long been recognised as an important piece of Western Australia's history: in 1978 it was entered onto the
In 2004 the theatre celebrated its centenary and events included the publications of David Hough's volume of history. In 2006 the theatre became 'twinned' with the only other remaining theatre of the same name in the world,
In 2008, Savcor (a company which specialises in restoration techniques for concrete and steel) was contracted to do a detailed survey of His Majesty's Theatre. This survey revealed a number of defects on the facades that potentially rendered it unsafe. In 2010, a project involving the restoration of damaged cornices and corbels was carried out. Damaged decorations were replaced by using modern repair mortars which produced perfect reproductions. Mick Summers was in charge of crafting the ornate flowers around the façade. This was achieved with the help of latex moulds which were taken from the original form. Due to structural deterioration, many of the balconies had to be rebuilt completely. The balconies' many features, including clamshell base, curved profile and plaster features, required many different processes to recreate the original. Both latex moulding and traditional construction techniques were used to make sure the balconies remained durable.[34]
In December 2021, renovation work began to reinstate external balcony structures and return the 118-year-old building to its original façade. The Perth Theatre Trust said restoration of the balconies to their original splendour and upgrades of foyers would ensure the theatre remained a viable entertainment venue for future generations: "The extensive renovation will improve patron experience by enhancing the theatre’s main entrance and street precinct character; and extending internal foyer spaces to make them more accessible and functional". The canopy was removed and replaced with two levels of balconies designed to reflect Wolfe's intent. The balconies were constructed in sections and craned into place. They are more complex than the originals and can accommodate a variety of uses. The works were completed at the end of 2022.[citation needed]
Notable performances
In addition to being home to the West Australian Opera and the West Australian Ballet, His Majesty's Theatre has hosted famous performers over the years, including:[16][18][21][35]
- Edouard Borovansky – Czech-Australian ballet dancer, brought his "Borovansky Ballet Company" to Perth five times between 1945 and 1960;
- Claudette Colbert – French-born American actress;
- Peter Cook – English comedian, toured with Dudley Moore;
- Dame Margot Fonteyn – English ballerina;
- Amelita Galli-Curci – Italian coloratura soprano;
- Judy Garland – American actress and singer, visited in 1964;
- Sir John Gielgud – English actor and singer;
- Percy Grainger – Australian-born pianist and composer;
- Sir Rex Harrison – English actor;
- Sir Robert Helpmann – Australian actor and dancer, starred with Katharine Hepburn in three Shakespeare plays in 1955;
- Katharine Hepburn – American actress, starred with Sir Robert Helpmann in three Shakespeare plays in 1955;
- Barry Humphries – Australian comedian and character actor, best known for his character Dame Edna Everage;
- Harry Lauder – Scottish entertainer, performed in 1923;
- Old Vic Companyin 1962;
- Dame Nellie Melba – Australian soprano;
- Gladys Moncrieff – Australian singer and musical theatre actress;
- Dudley Moore – English actor and comedian, toured with Peter Cook;
- Anna Pavlova – Russian ballerina;
- Geoffrey Rush – Australian actor;
- Dame Maggie Smith – English actress;
- Dame Sybil Thorndike – English actress; and
- Emlyn Williams – Welsh actor, starred as Charles Dickens in 1958.
- Sir Ian McKellen English Actor, Starred in Waiting for Godot in 2010.
- James Earl Jones – American Actor, starred in Driving Miss Daisy in 2013.
- Angela Lansbury – British-American Actor, starred in Driving Miss Daisy in 2013.
Image gallery
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View of staircase from first floor landing to ground floor
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This ornate upper floor foyer features in many wedding photographs
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The inside of the cupola is a major feature of the interior
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His Majesty's Theatre at Dusk exterior image by Robert Garvey
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HMT exterior. Photo by Shirley Knapp
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His Majesty's Theatre - Dress Circle Foyer - ROBERT GARVEY
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His Majesty's Theatre - Stalls Foyer - ROBERT GARVEY
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His Majesty's Theatre - Dome and Curtain - ROBERT GARVEY
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The theatre in 1926, showing the prominent balconies which dominated the lower portion of the facade
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A 1932 audience in the theatre
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The main entrance to the theatre
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External balconies following restoration.
See also
- The Playhouse Theatre (Perth)
- Regal Theatre
- Perth Theatre Trust
References
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "History". His Majesty's Theatre. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Assessment Documentation" (PDF). Register of Heritage Places. Heritage Council of Western Australia. 28 February 1995. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 May 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ a b Hough, p. 65
- ^ Gervas, p. 44
- ^ a b c d e f Gervas, p. 45
- ^ a b c d e f g King, Ivan. "Programme Biography of 'The Maj'" (PDF). His Majesty's Theatre. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2008. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ a b c Hough, p. 73
- ^ Gervas, pp. 15-16, 45
- ^ Hough, p. 63
- ^ a b c Hough, p. 75
- ^ Gervas, pp. 45-46
- ^ Gervas, p. 48
- ^ a b c d Gervas, pp. 49-54
- ^ a b Hough, p. 62
- ^ Hough, p. 76
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Banks, Ron (26 May 2004). "His Majesty's Theatre opening night". The West Australian. p. 20.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "The Original His Majesty's - 1904" (PDF). His Majesty's Theatre. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2008. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ a b c Hough, p. 87
- ^ a b c d Hough, p. 78
- ^ Gervas, p. 49
- ^ a b Hough, p. 89
- ^ a b c d e f Hough, p. 86
- ^ a b c d Hough, p. 34
- ^ Hough, pp. 34-38
- ^ Hough, p. 30
- ^ Hough, p. 85
- ^ Hough, pp. 30-34
- ^ a b Hough, p. 38
- ^ a b c "His Majesty's Theatre". Department of Culture and the Arts. Archived from the original on 10 July 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Hough, pp. 45-49
- ^ "His Majestys Theatre, 825 Hay St, Perth, WA, Australia (Place ID 16697)". Australian Heritage Database. Australian Government. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ "Permanent Entry" (PDF). Register of Heritage Places. Heritage Council of Western Australia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 June 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ "Perth Concert Hall". Department of Culture and the Arts. Archived from the original on 25 July 2008. Retrieved 7 February 2008.
- ^ "Heritage News - Number 6: Spring 2011", Heritage News, City of Perth, Spring 2011
- ^ Hough, p. 208
Sources
- Gervas, Stan (2004) [1991]. Five Graves in Dalwallinu. ISBN 0-646-06820-2. ("Gervas").
- Hough, David (2004). Hutchison, June (ed.). A Dream of Passion: The Centennial History of His Majesty's Theatre. Perth: His Majesty's Theatre. ISBN 1-920843-09-4. ("Hough").
External links
- Official website
- Places database listing for the theatre by the Heritage Council of Western Australia