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her majesty’s theatre, ballarat

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Not just beautifully preserved and restored, this is a working theatre and a fascinating example of living history. The whole history of the building can be read as one tours through it, with stories about the way theatres have evolved, famous stars who have appeared here and even ghost stories! Groups can arranged to go on guided tours.

Suggested by: Peter Freund

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44 comments


  1. 44 Sharon
    Jul 6th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    A stunningly beautiful venue - the intricacies of its design are incredible. A great place to experience a variety of live entertainment too!

  2. 43 P. Glenane
    Jul 3rd, 2008 at 1:41 pm

    Beautiful, majestic theatre– how lucky are we! To have such a treasure on our doorstep.

  3. 42 "Jac"
    Jul 2nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm

    Old, Cold & Gold!
    Not a very good description really, but old it is-the craftsmanship & finishing touches are divine; Cold it is-some evenings until that charming person on the door opens it to unleash a full array of wonder and splendour and state of the Art heating! (Well, it is Ballarat)! Gold? Absolutely! Carl Barron, Foster & Allen, Bananas in Pyjamas, The indefinable South Street Competitions, Beauty & The Beast which reminds where is my candlestick? sigh…….Must go, I think the Menopause is coming……the musical that is, have to book my seats!!

  4. 41 Jason Goldsmith
    Jun 21st, 2008 at 5:30 pm

    What can I say that many haven’t said before me…… Seeing is believing!…… come one come all!…… day or night you will have a ball!

    Thy beauty should not be hidden by walls.

    Strikingly dazzling one day……. elegantly stunning the next.

    She is truly an historical work of art.
    I will always be proud, privledged and honoured to stand by the doors of such a grand old lady.

  5. 40 Elizabeth
    Jun 14th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

    Carl Barron said at his performance there last night;
    ” This place is better than the opera house”
    I agree, though I am yet to see inside the opera house.

  6. 39 Pat H. Wilson
    Jun 13th, 2008 at 9:34 am

    Her Majesty’s theatre is an exquisitely preserved piece of Australian heritage which, unlike a musem exhibit, is used and enjoyed daily by the public. Theatre is at the heart of a nation’s cultural expression; this theatre is an Australian sweetheart beloved by many.

  7. 38 Marilyn O'neil
    Jun 12th, 2008 at 2:29 pm

    beautiful old theatre in Ballarat which is open to the public also conducts tours this theatre is still operating it holds South street competions there every year plus many other event it isreally worth a visit

  8. 37 Sallie Burke-Muller
    Jun 10th, 2008 at 3:52 pm

    There is no theatre like the Grand old lady. Such a treasure for the wonderful city of Ballarat. May her lights always shine brightly!

  9. 36 Tracey
    Jun 10th, 2008 at 3:51 pm

    The diversity, the accessability, it’s for the young, the old, reasonably priced, covering all types of entertainment from the dramatic to the seriously funny, it’s cosy but your senses absorb the performances without being overwhelming, the history, the availability for the professional & the amateur, it’s an experience no one should miss.

  10. 35 Patrick
    Jun 10th, 2008 at 2:52 pm

    There’s no business like show business,the costumes scenery ,the props and taking in a performance at the beautiful Her Majesty’s Theatreis a wonderful way to see a show.Enter your local multiplex cinema watch what is on the screen with no interaction between you & perhaps your favourite movie star,and what you have seen will sonn be forgotten,but a live performance at Her Maj will long be remembered.
    Arriveing at Her Majesty’s you join the hub in the foyer,voices of greetings underlined by the thrill of anticipation of what you are about to see on stage.Time for a pre-show drink in the Long Room a place of simple elegance,the history of some of Ballarat’s personalities of a bygone era adorn the walls,If your lucky perhaps Dame Nellie Melba’s piano is being played at the end of the room. But soon the warning bells in the foyer can be heard a signal that its almost show time.As you enter Her Maj’s auditorium and soon seated you take in your surroundings the deep red of the velvet stage curtain.the teal-blue elegance of the Dress Circle & Balcony,highlighted by golden decorations.

    The house lights dim the audience hushed mobile phones checked.Is it a musical .opera or ballet your about to see,the overture commences,perhaps its comedy or drama or tonight a solo performer the lights fade as the red curtain rises.Whater ever your choice all can be seen at Ballarat’s beautiful histroic Her Majesty’s Theatre .Come take your place in the audiencs………

  11. 34 Brenda
    Jun 10th, 2008 at 12:40 pm

    A beautiful theatre to work in or experience a show in.
    If youv’e never been catch a show by one of the local theatre companies. You will be wowed by the theatre before the show even starts

  12. 33 Chris Quinn
    Jun 9th, 2008 at 8:49 am

    i’ve been in some old theatres before but her maj….. she’s an original old girl….. not very many as well kept and preserved. come up and see a good variety of shows all live stage shows… the only real change has been the sound system… i know i will be visiting her again…

  13. 32 Steve
    Jun 6th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

    A truly magnificient structure that deserves to be preserved for future performers and audiences!!!

  14. 31 Amanda Larcombe
    Jun 6th, 2008 at 10:30 am

    er Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat

  15. 30 Anton
    Jun 5th, 2008 at 2:36 pm

    There is no other theatre in Australia quite like her…..some may say the world!

  16. 29 Stephen
    Jun 5th, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    There is no other theatre in Australia quite like her…..some may say the world!

  17. 28 Cathy C
    Jun 5th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    An absolutely beautiful theatre she has stood the test of times. Stepping inside the historic building lets the Gold rush meet 2008. It truly is a place to be admired. Plus the shows they stage, both local and national productions are fantastic to see. I am glad I am a Ballarat local and able to visit this lovely theatre regularly. When in the area try and take in a show….

  18. 27 Val Sarah
    Jun 5th, 2008 at 11:36 am

    ‘The Grand Old Lady of Lydiard Street”… in the twentieth century Her Maj was described by Ross Thorne, a major exponent of our nation’s theatrical hstory ,
    as ‘probably the most significant theatre in Australia today’. In the twenty-first century, our challenge is not only to protect and preserve her; we need to be proactive in helping her reach her potential in the future.

    An icon of the past, she deserves to be cherished for generations to come …
    as a pre-eminent performing arts centre, continuing to attract world-class programs and nurturing local artists in their quest to carve out national and international careers.

  19. 26 Kieran Hanrahan
    Jun 5th, 2008 at 11:19 am

    Australia’s most historic and oldest continual live theatre venue. Beutiful decor and a place to see great local and touring shows.

  20. 25 Stuart Kelly
    Jun 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am

    Her Majesties is a beautifully restored example of the golden era of Ballarat. It displays both the enormous wealth and the far-thinking civic pride of the City’s leading ciitizens of the period.
    Currently it not only provides an excellent venue for both local and touring shows but is home to the culturally important Royal South Street Society competitions.

  21. 24 Vicki Rowe
    Jun 5th, 2008 at 9:51 am

    What a magnificent example of Victorian building practice! It is incredible that it is still a working theatre after all these years. Her Maj is a joy to perform in and always gives the audience member a memorable theatre experience. If you have never visited this wonderful theatre book into a show today, you won’t be disappointed!

  22. 23 Elizabeth
    Jun 5th, 2008 at 8:40 am

    The most beautiful theatre I have ever seen. Everyone should see it!

  23. 22 Kylie Macdonald
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 10:27 pm

    Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat is one of the most beautiful theatres I have ever seen… It is such a magnificent place to perform and work. The theatre has soo much wonderful history for all to enjoy!!! If you want a great night out, come to ‘Her Maj’… I guarantee you will have an amazing time!

  24. 21 Ben Nunquam
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

    Comedy acts frequent through here!
    The theatre is far more aesthetically pleasing than most other venues in Melbourne.

  25. 20 liz
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

    This theatre is seeped with historic beauty and is truly as majestic as its name suggests. As a local young performer, I felt honoured to dance upon a stage which had attracted the calibre of performers i aspired to be like!

  26. 19 Andrea Thorpe
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    Her Majesty’s theatre is one of the most beuatiful theatre that I have
    performed and worked in, it also gives local, and international, and other victorians a chance to have the experience of performing in this elegant theatre and show the talent, that is around.

  27. 18 Kayelene
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat is truly a most beautiful theatre. It has a wealth of history both in terms of historical architecture and in terms of wonderful performances. For some performers Her Majesty’s theatre in Ballarat has been the first theatre they have performed in. The Royal South Street Competitions have done a remarkable job in welcoming so many performers to Her Majesty’s theatre. It is a wonderful experience to see a show at Her Majesty’s as the theatre has great working stage facilities. It is also great as a performer to work there, as the space is large and very workable. Her Majesty’s theatre has in some way developed a healthy theatrical culture in Ballarat. It is used by local theatre groups as well as international guests. This theatre is so worth your while visiting. Do yourself a favour and catch yourself a show

  28. 17 David Miller
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 12:27 pm

    It’s where, as a young boy, I learned to love live theatre. It still gives me goose bumps when the lights start to dim and I am about to be transported to some magical place!

  29. 16 Stephen
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 11:43 am

    Her Majesty’s Theatre is a direct portal through almost 140 years. The amount of theatre ‘ghosts’ manifest from the energy residue of over a century of performance, is enchanting. The secrets hidden in walls, floors and ceilings that are periodically and mysteriously offered up by this grand building are priceless. Just go ask Lucky the mummified cat.

  30. 15 Jacinta
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 11:34 am

    Seeing is believing!
    Breathtakingly beautiful………

  31. 14 Len Bauska
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    Her Majesties is a Ballarat icon and not only represents one of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in Australia but a wealth of performers and theatre workers that have tread the stage.

    Her Majesties is about the human spirit and creative energy…….. its beauty is the energy through time that is enclosed between the magnificent walls.

    A brilliant icon that everyone should see and feel.

  32. 13 Melanie Dunbar
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 6:49 pm

    A fabulous theatre which has entranced us both as perfomers & spectators. What adventures to be had in the tunnels…….

  33. 12 Adrienne Ryan
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    I, like many performers, have both excelled and been frightened off stage at Her Maj! the performance space is amazing, the atmosphere of the old building and its rich history is fully appreciated by all who enter this space. Truely worthy of being included in this wonderful list.

  34. 11 Brendan Bawden
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 3:17 pm

    There are thousands upon thousands of people who have experienced the wonderful Her Majesty’s Theatre, from performers, audience, backstage to the front of house. Ballarat is truly the ‘Lucky City’ to have such a magnificent building. Here’s hoping it remains that way and the people of Ballarat and around Australia can continue to use it in it’s current form. It’s history is amazing and needs to be left untouched.

  35. 10 B Harper
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 2:06 pm

    Ballarat is rich with heritage that must be preserved and promoted A prime example is Her Majesty’s theatre that one day, through public recognition to protect and preserve our history for the current and future generations, will be returned to its historic facade while continuing to present theatrical attractions with modern day staging, equipment and seating suitable to theatre producers and patrons of today. Councillors and authorive figures have a brief life span in office, our heritage which is of prime importance to tourism should never be in their control but the control of the people and associations better able to foster their relevance in our society. Take a visit and see for yourself.

  36. 9 Paula Heenan
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 12:57 pm

    The home place and growing space of so many wonderful performers - nationally & internationally renowned. From little things……..

  37. 8 Peter Tulloch
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm

    Her Majesty’s theatre is a prime example of a magnificent Lyric Theatre which affords the viewer the opportunity to experience live theatre in it’s hay day!

  38. 7 Stuart Mckellar
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm

    A incredibly beautiful and historical theatre that is not worth a visit but worth sitting and watch some of the wonderful shows it has on offer. There are very few theatres like this one in Australia

  39. 6 G.O.Varney
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 11:35 am

    I’d come and see “Her maj” in all her Victorian grandeur as soon as possible. Rumours are afoot that Ballarat council is looking to make big changes. Recently the Victorian enterance has been replace by sliding glass doors !!!! So much for their heritage overlay. This was a wonderful theatre lets hope it remains so and not turned into a car park.

  40. 5 Lisa
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 am

    Love The Maj!

  41. 4 Teena Gaylor
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 10:16 am

    Attending the South Street Competition at Her Majesty’s Theatre is the most pleasant experience to seat and relax and enjoy this beautifully Victorian era buiding.

  42. 3 Jo Kruse
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 10:04 am

    Why would you want to go anywhere else to experience live theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre is a magnificent venue and supports many different performances, come to ballarat and enjoy the experience.

  43. 2 Wendy Hall
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 am

    A visit to to Her Majesty’s Theatre is a wonderful experience combining live theatre and history in one of Australia’s most significant historical theatres.
    Stylish and elegant ‘Her Maj” has been has been an integral part of Ballarat’s golden heritage for 133 years

  44. 1 Kate O'Hehir
    May 14th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    As a Ballarat local, one of my favourite experiences is a live show at Her Majesty’s Theatre. All the grandeur of the Victorian era with up to date live performances to rival any metropolitan show.