Birth of a Landmark
The story begins in 1880, when the site at the corner of Exhibition and Little Bourke Streets hosted an open-air venue for circuses and equestrian shows. From these humble roots, a grander vision emerged. In 1886, the Alexandra Theatre opened—designed by architect Nahum Barnet under the direction of French entrepreneur Jules Joubert—boasting seating for nearly 2,800 patrons, making it the largest stage in the Southern Hemisphere.
Reinvention and a New Identity
Despite its grandeur, the theatre struggled financially. In 1900, producer James Cassius Williamson stepped in, renovated the venue, and renamed it Her Majesty’s Theatre in honor of Queen Victoria. The revamped venue reopened with Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, marking a prosperous new chapter.
Stars, Acoustics, and Evolution
In 1909, Dame Nellie Melba famously criticized the theatre’s acoustics as “dead,” prompting further renovations. Just two years later, in 1911, she returned to make her Australian opera debut in a vastly improved performance space.
Flames, Rebirth, and Art Deco
A devastating fire in 1929 consumed the auditorium. By 1934, the theatre had been rebuilt in a sleek Art Deco style, led by architects Hollinshed and Walkley, and designed with input from acoustic consultant H. Vivian Taylor. This transformation modernized the venue while maintaining its theatrical prestige.
A Name That Endures
The theatre’s name has shifted with the monarchy, alternating between Her Majesty’s and His Majesty’s over the decades. While the name changed in deference to reigning monarchs—including returning to Her Majesty’s for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953—it remains unchanged today, despite recent changes in the monarchy.
A Centre for Legendary Performances
Beloved performers have graced its stage through the years—Dame Nellie Melba, Anna Pavlova, and later, Dame Joan Sutherland in 1965. It has hosted opera, ballet, musical theatre, drama, and international acts, making it a versatile and powerful force in Australia’s performing arts history.
A Pillar of Australian Theatre
For much of the 20th century, Her Majesty’s was the flagship theatre for J.C. Williamson Ltd, which produced major operettas and musicals. The Borovansky Ballet regularly performed in the post-war years, and the theatre frequently premiered Broadway-style productions for Australian audiences.
Preservation and Modern Revival
Under the ownership of Mike Walsh from 2000, the theatre underwent a thoughtful restoration, blending modern upgrades like improved seating and facilities with its historic charm. It officially reopened in 2002, emerging refreshed for a new era of audiences.Architectural Grandeur
The theatre’s exterior melds English and French design, with an iconic facade that commands attention on Exhibition Street. Inside, its auditorium has retained classic tiers and has evolved in capacity from its original 2,800 seats to a more comfortable and intimate 1,700-seat layout.
A Cultural Pillar in Melbourne
More than bricks and plaster, Her Majesty’s Theatre stands as a landmark of Melbourne’s East End Theatre District—a key cultural artery in a city renowned for performance and arts. It has helped define Melbourne as the performing arts capital of Australia.
The Audience’s Experience
Stepping inside is like stepping into history. Guests are greeted by an ambience where era-appropriate elegance meets contemporary comfort. Nearby cafés and pre- or post-show strolls through Melbourne’s vibrant arts district complete the experience, making it ideal for memorable nights out.
A Legacy in Motion
Today, Her Majesty’s continues to stage world-class musicals, operas, and theatrical productions. It remains both a beloved icon of the past and a vibrant venue in step with modern entertainment demands.
Enduring Significance
For more than 135 years, Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne has been a stage for history, laughter, drama, and magic. It’s more than a venue—it’s a living chronicle of performance, design, and community. Each time the curtain rises, it carries forward a legacy of artistic splendor.
