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Stage set for Her Majesty’s Theatre refresh

05/09/2024

Restoration works at the nearly 150-year-old Her Majesty’s Theatre are now complete.

The Stage 3 works mark the final stage of the major restoration and ensures the theatre will meet modern standards to support its use for years to come.

A grand public opening of the theatre will be held in November.

Supporting 21 jobs during construction, the refreshed theatre is paving the way for performers of all abilities to use the space.

A new backstage lift provides a more accessible alternative for artists hitting the stage. Public theatregoers of all abilities will enjoy additional accessibility improvements including new lifts.

Other works include improved fire safety and a new box office to ensure it meets all standards necessary to continue supporting Ballarat’s vibrant creative industry.

Her Majesty’s Theatre is Australia’s oldest continually used theatre and its upgrade will support the community to deliver arts and entertainment events.

The theatre is a key pillar of live entertainment in regional Victoria and one of the most significant 19th century theatres remaining in Australia.

Upgrades including steel structural support beams and external brickwork were completed as part of Stages 1 and 2 of the theatre’s refurbishment, backed by $5.3 million from City of Ballarat and $2 million from Heritage Victoria.

With more people moving to regional Victoria than ever before, the Government is committed to enhancing and preserving the identities of its regional hubs and towns.