Western Australia
Since 1904 His Majesty’s Theatre (HMT) has been, and is, Perth’s premier theatre for performance art. The balcony demolition in 1953 removed a key component of the buildings function and architectural expression. The idea to reinstate the balconies was decades in gestation but was catalysed by the WA state Government’s Recovery WA program to support the Arts community through the Covid-19 pandemic.
The project sought to reinstate the balconies and all that had been lost in their removal whilst accommodating contemporary requirements for construction, access, function and amenity. The reinstatement of the balconies allows patrons to experience the theatre in a manner that has not been available for 70 years, provides for the theatre to stage performances in a manner that was never possible, and improves the civic amenity of the precinct.
The balconies provide a connection between street, city, and theatre; a stage for performers and patrons.
His Majesty’s Theatre is a State Registered Place and a premium cultural venue. The reinstatement of the balconies and installation of new bar on level 2 has helped to maintain the heritage fabric and restore its original design intent. It improves patron comfort and experience through reduction of crowding, creation of open air social spaces for pre-show, interval and post show and provide a new and improved refreshment offering on the second floor for reduced dwell time. We are just beginning to explore the additional performance and patron experiences we can deliver with the return of balconies to HMT.
Brandon Pratley, Project Architect
Kylie Maxfield, Graduate of Architecture
Marilyn Callaghan, Design Architect
Matthew Bonasera, Graduate of Architecture
Philip Griffiths, Project Architect
Rosie Douglas, Design Architect
Altura, Height Access Consultant
BG&E, Civil Consultant
BG&E, Structural Engineer
DCWC, Quantity Surveyor
ETC Solutions, Electrical Consultant
ETC Solutions, Lighting Consultant
Herring Storer Acoustics, Acoustic Consultant
JCA Project Planning, Time Planner
MEnD, Materials Consultant
Milestone Certifiers, Building Surveyor
O’Brien Harrop Access, Access Consultant
RM Surveys, Surveyor
SMW&C, Mechanical Engineer
Stantec, Hydraulic Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
