$15m theatre restoration begins

Major construction work is now officially under way as part of a $15 million plan to restore the balconies and verandahs of His Majesty's Theatre. 

The work, which began yesterday, is being led by construction company Built and will involve restoring the balconies removed in 1953, based on their original design.

The project, which received funding as part of the state government’s COVID recovery plan, is expected to create about 110 jobs.

Built was responsible for upgrades to the heritage-listed theatre’s orchestra pit in 2019, and has extensive heritage refurbishment experience.

Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman said the state government was eager to ensure that the much-loved theatre remained a world-class venue for opera, dance and theatre. 

"These works are particularly exciting, and they complement other improvements from the past few years, including upgrading the orchestra pit, box office, auditorium and entranceway,” he said. 

His Majesty’s Theatre was constructed in 1902 and was the largest theatre in the country when it officially opened in 1904.

The state government has encouraged members of the public with information on or photographs of the original balconies to contact the Perth Theatre Trust and be part of the project.