Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat ready to welcome audiences again

The stage is set, the curtains are ready to be lifted, and the hours are counting down until Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat opens to the public for the first time in almost two years.

The magnificent 149-year-old theatre will come alive in greater fashion than ever before on Friday night when the spectacular gala event, Resurgence, takes to the stage.

The gala event will officially mark the completion of the $16.3 million stage three redevelopment of the project, which has resulted in a grand theatre that is set to embark on a new era of world-class entertainment in the heart of Ballarat.

The redevelopment has prioritised making the theatre accessible for all, with two internal elevators, an improved front-of-house area, new toilet facilities, a new administration area and improved back-of-house artist amenities among the notable highlights.

With the redevelopment now complete, Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat is ready to welcome people back through the doors to re-experience regional Victoria’s oldest and grandest working theatre – a building that will forever hold a special place in the cultural landscape of Ballarat.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said undertaking such a large-scale project indicated Council’s commitment to the arts, accessibility, and Ballarat’s heritage.

“Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat is more than just a building, it is a cultural landmark and a symbol of Ballarat’s heritage,” she said.

“This redevelopment not only safeguards the historic charm of the theatre but also brings it into the modern age, creating new opportunities for both artists and audiences.

“The redevelopment has revitalised the theatre’s infrastructure while honouring its historic roots. It is a space that will inspire artists and captivate audiences for years to come.”  

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney said she was looking forward to seeing how the revitalised theatre will encourage more people to visit and stay in Ballarat, boosting local jobs and business.

“Her Majesty’s Theatre is a key pillar of live entertainment in regional Victoria, and thanks to these upgrades, we look forward to seeing more stories, new and old, told on her legendary stage.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said she was pleased to see the jewel in Ballarat’s creative crown shining once again.

“When you walk into this theatre, you’re walking on the footsteps of 149-years of history and there’s nowhere else quite like it,” she said.

“It’s wonderful that we can celebrate that history, while also looking forward to many more happy memories being made within these walls over coming years and decades.”

The completion of stage three marks the latest phase in a long-term vision to preserve and enhance the theatre, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.

Over three stages commencing in 2018, the theatre has been completely refurbished, with a total investment of $23.6 million to ensure the future of the theatre for generations, $11.6 million of which was funded by the City of Ballarat.

Stages one and two included the installation of new steel structural support beams, a complete stage reconstruction, roof restoration and external brick work. Those stages were funded by $5.3 million from the City of Ballarat and a further $2 million from the State Government’s Living Heritage Program.

The most recent stage three works began in March 2023 and were the most significant to date, with the $10 million from the State Government's Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and $6.3 million from the City of Ballarat.

Ballarat company Nicholson Construction has carried out all three stages of works on the facility.

Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat Resurgence gala event will be held on Friday 22 November, featuring performances from renowned local and national artists.  

Once doors are open, the upcoming program of events will showcase a blend of music, theatre, dance, family experiences and more, highlighting the theatre’s versatility and its renewed commitment to fostering artistic talent.  

There are limited tickets available for Resurgence. Visit hermaj.com to ensure you do not miss out.