Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney
Coordinates | 33°52′14″S 151°12′30″E / 33.870658°S 151.20835°E |
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Type | Proscenium arch |
Capacity | 2000 |
Construction | |
Opened | 10 September 1887 |
Closed | 10 June 1933 |
Demolished | 1933, 1960s, 2000s |
Rebuilt | 1902, 1927, 1975 |
Architect | Morell and Kemp |
Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, Australia, refers to three theatres of the same name none of which remain standing. They were located in central Sydney on either Pitt Street or Quay Street.
History
First theatre (1887–1933)
The original Her Majesty's had its origin in the partnership of
The foundation stone was laid by
In early 1902, Sydney was undergoing sporadic outbreaks of the bubonic plague, which threatened the theatre and surrounding businesses with closure.[7] On Sunday 23 March 1902, after a performance of Ben Hur and after the theatre had been disinfected, a fire broke out at around 6am.[4][8] The asbestos safety curtain failed to operate and the interior of Her Majesty's, including the expensive props and costumes, was destroyed.[4] The only victim of the fire was a woman inside a neighbouring bakery who died when the theatre's wall collapsed onto her.[9]
The theatre re-opened on 1 August 1903, The second theatre, originally named the Empire Theatre, was located in Quay Street, at the Bijou Lane corner. It opened with the show Sunny on 26 February 1927. When J. C. Williamson's wanted a long run for My Fair Lady, they renamed it to Her Majesty's Thratre on 21 May 1960.[11] The theatre barely survived the 1960s and was destroyed by fire on 31 July 1970.[11]
The third theatre was also located on Quay Street, Haymarket, at No. 107 (near Central Station).[12] It opened on 30 November 1973[11] and closed in 2001[13] but is no longer standing. Apartments have been built on the site.
The $100 Australian banknote (in the background of the Dame Nellie Melba portrait) features an image of the interior of the first theatre.[14]
Second theatre (1927–1970)
Third theatre (1973–2001)
Depictions
See also
References
External links