A new act for Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat’s ‘Resurgence’

Tickets are on sale now for Ballarat’s biggest night-of-nights when the magnificent Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat opens its doors on Friday 22 November with a spectacular gala event, Resurgence at the city’s cultural jewel.  

Since opening its doors in 1875, originally as The Academy of Music, Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat has been the heart of entertainment for the region. Next month, the theatre will enter a new act for its opening gala Resurgence, in a highly anticipated celebration of Ballarat’s culture, creativity and thriving arts scene.  

Resurgence is a bespoke concert inspired by the theatre’s rich history, putting a spotlight on Ballarat’s creative scene. The Gala will feature a program of local stars curated by Musical Director Sam Boon, including Alice Skye, members of Ballarat Lyric Theatre and BLOC Music Theatre, Coda Chroma, deborahN, Epicure, Jason Wasley, Juan Alban, Owelu Dreamhouse, Richard Chew with Inscape Piano Trio and The Word of Mouth Ensemble from Federation University Arts Academy, Skyscraper Stan, Stella Angelico, plus an extraordinary 27-piece world-class orchestra and a very special Welcome to Country by Wadawurrung woman Dr Deanne Gilson.

On developing the Resurgence opening gala program, music director and ARIA-nominated composer, arranger and Ballarat local Sam Boon said the show would be a brilliant way to throw open the theatre’s doors once again.

“Resurgence is about welcoming people back to this iconic venue with a bold artistic statement about the future of performing arts in Ballarat,” Mr Boon said.

“This special gala event is an evening of music that is as eclectic as the theatre itself. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back to this epicentre of entertainment and share this special evening with art lovers."

Loved by locals and visitors to Ballarat, Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat is an essential part of the city’s creative future with a program featuring theatre, dance, live music, and special events set to fill the cultural calendar.  

City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer, Evan King said the recent completion of the stage three redevelopment had ensured the theatre would remain a beloved Ballarat institution for generations to come and that the re-opening event was not to be missed.

“Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat has brought entertainment and joy to our city for almost 150 years,” he said.

“This beloved institution certainly knows how to put on a show and I encourage people who want to be a part of this historic Ballarat moment to secure their tickets before they sell out.”

When audiences enter Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat in 2024, they will be magically transported to another time, ascending into the nostalgic theatre with modern day comforts and improved accessibility for theatre goers of all abilities.

The $16.3 million stage three redevelopment was supported by $10 million from the State Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.    

Substantial accessibility improvements have been made since the doors were last opened to the public, including the installation of two new elevators providing direct access to the stage for artists and performers and access for patrons to all levels of the auditorium. Other noticeable stage three upgrades include an improved front-of-house area, new toilet facilities, a new administration area and improved back-of-house artist amenities.

Resurgence: Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat Opening Gala takes place on Friday 22 November 2024, with red carpet arrivals starting at 6.30pm and the show at 7.30pm. Tickets available now at hermaj.com