Her Majesty's Story
Her Majesty’s Theatre opened as the Tivoli in 1913. The theatre seated 2170 patrons and was regarded as the finest theatre in Australia. For many years Her Majesty’s was part of the famous Tivoli circuit. It is now the last surviving Tivoli theatre in the country and is an important part of Australia’s theatrical history.
During World War I many overseas artists were featured and fundraising concerts were held for the Australian troops. In 1918 A C Blackburn was awarded his Victoria Cross on the stage and two years later the theatre hosted a reception for Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith after their record-breaking 28-day flight from Britain to Australia.
There were many dark nights during the Depression and the impact of this severe economic downturn was magnified by the introduction of talking pictures and a state entertainment tax on tickets.
Over 104 years the Maj has showcased many famous and infamous celebrities including W C Fields, Stiffy and Mo, Sir Robert Helpmann, Googie Withers, Rudolf Nureyev, Dame Maggie Smith, Luciano Pavarotti, Lauren Bacall, Dame Joan Sutherland, Barry Humphries, Angela Lansbury, Whoopi Goldberg and Nancye Hayes. Our Her Majesty’s Theatre ambassadors have also performed on its stage – Robyn Archer AO, Greta Bradman, Rhonda Burchmore OAM, David Campbell, Kate Ceberano AM, Peter Goers OAM, Ali McGregor, Todd McKenney, Meow Meow and Geoffrey Rush AC.
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