His Majesty’s Theatre Balcony Project

Wrap-around balconies restored for iconic theatre.

The historic His Majesty’s Theatre has been restored to its former glory with the reinstatement of its iconic wrap-around balconies, which had been missing for 70 years. This $15 million restoration project also included upgrades such as a new Upper Circle bar, a repainted façade, and advanced lighting and LED screens. The restored balconies have doubled the usable upper-level space, blending the theatre’s Edwardian charm with modern functionality.
A ballerina in front of His Majesty's Theatre at night. The theatre is lit up at night.
Photo: His Majesty's Theatre featuring Kiki Saito, Soloist, West Australian Ballet. Photo: Danica Zuks.

Project background

His Majesty’s Theatre, built in 1902 and opened in 1904, is one of the last working Edwardian theatres in the southern hemisphere. The original balconies were removed in 1953 due to safety concerns about vehicles potentially colliding with their supporting posts. In 1995, a heritage report highlighted the value of reconstructing the balconies to preserve the theatre’s architectural and cultural heritage.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) managed the project in collaboration with the Arts and Culture Trust. The restoration complements prior works which include a state-of-the-art orchestra pit, improved accessibility features and a redesigned box office.

A balcony with tables and chairs at night.
Photo: View from the balcony at night at His Majesty's Theatre.

Who was involved

The project was led by the DLGSC in partnership with the Arts and Culture Trust and the Department of Finance. Heritage experts, including HGN, played a crucial role in crafting and installing the balconies’ intricate design. The collaboration also involved close coordination with tenants to ensure minimal disruption during the theatre’s ongoing operations.

The project journey

The journey to restore His Majesty’s Theatre’s balconies began with careful planning to replicate the original design using modern techniques. Much effort went into making sure the new balconies closely resembled the originals, including staff sourcing elements of the original spiral stairs from local scrap yards. The balconies, constructed in 14 modules off-site, were transported and installed with a 300-tonne crane to minimise disruption.

This restoration is part of a broader effort to enhance the theatre’s facilities, including the addition of an Upper Circle bar and new entranceways to improve accessibility and visitor flow. With these upgrades, the theatre now offers a revitalised experience that honours its heritage while meeting modern needs.

His Majesty's Theatre lit in purple lighting at night
Page reviewed 04 March 2025
Was this information helpful?
Do not check this box if you are a human.