- Published:
- Friday 22 November 2024
The stage is set for a new and more inclusive era for patrons and performers at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison represented Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today at ‘Resurgence’, the City of Ballarat’s official reopening event held at the theatre.
This is just the beginning for the nearly 150-year-old theatre, with major acts Marcia Hines, Daryl Braithwaite, and the illusionist Consentino among the performances coming to the newly revamped theatre over the holiday period.
Her Majesty’s Theatre, or ‘Her Maj’ as it is affectionately known to locals, has undergone major upgrade works in recent years, the latest of which were backed by $10 million from the Labor Government via Regional Development Victoria.
Her Maj, which is Australia’s oldest continually used performance space, has been transformed into a building that beautifully marries the old and the new. The venue honours the rich goldfields-era history of the theatre while offering a modern, accessible and fit for purpose space for artists and audiences.
A jewel in Ballarat’s artistic crown, the theatre is a key pillar of live entertainment in regional Victoria and one of the most significant 19th Century theatres remaining in Australia.
The theatre receives $95,000 per annum via Creative Victoria’s Regional Partnerships Program to support the venues programming. Council also receives funding through the program to support Art Gallery of Ballarat.
The reopened theatre will continue to support high quality arts and entertainment events, while ensuring that more people of all abilities have a chance to showcase their talents, tell their stories on the stage, and experience live entertainment.
Recent works, which supported 21 jobs during construction, have installed new lifts to support people of all abilities to access the stage and auditorium, improved fire safety standards in the building, and installed a new box office to make it easier than ever to purchase tickets and stay up to date with future performances and events.
The building also now offers accessible toilets and an improved back-of-house area for artists.
Earlier upgrades included the installation of steel structural support beams and external brick works and were completed as part of the first two stages of the redevelopment. These works were supported by more than $5 million from the City of Ballarat and $2 million from Heritage Victoria.
With more people moving to regional Victoria than ever before, the Labor Government is enhancing and preserving the identities of its regional hubs and towns.
Support for Her Majesty’s Theatre is part of our record $45 billion investment since 2014 into projects and programs that are designed to support regional and rural Victoria to be even better places to live, work, stay and play.
For more information, go to rdv.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“Her Majesty’s Theatre is not only a cultural icon but a vital space for creativity and inclusion in regional Victoria, and we’re proud to support its transformation for future generations of performers and audiences alike.”
“By investing in this cherished theatre, we’re encouraging more people to visit and stay in Ballarat – supporting local jobs and businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“After a rich history that stretches back nearly 150-years, it’s so exciting to see the curtain rise on a new era for performers and patrons at Her Majesty’s Theatre.”
“We now have a more modern and welcoming space, which will be better able to meet the needs of our vibrant and diverse community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
“Her Majesty’s Theatre holds a special place in Ballarat’s heart, and these upgrades mean that more people of all abilities can enjoy and perform on its stage for many years to come.”
Quotes attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves
“Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat is back, better than ever and ready to resume its function as one of our most beloved regional theatres.”
“This redevelopment has not only preserved an iconic piece of our city’s history but also ensured that it remains a vibrant, functional space for future generations to enjoy.”