His Majesty’s Theatre

It is now hard to believe that this superb building was nearly demolished in 1971! Named after King Edward VII, the theatre is believed to be the only remaining working Edwardian theatre in Australia and is one of only two remaining ‘His Majesty’s’ theatre’s in the world (the other is in Aberdeen, Scotland).

This magnificent theatre, which opened its doors for the first time on Christmas Eve 1904, was built for local businessman and later Lord Mayor, Thomas G. Molloy. Costing £42,000 and taking about two years to complete, the building contained novel features such as a domed roof which slid open to improve ventilation in the auditorium and enabled the audience sit in comfort on hot summer nights.

The design of His Majesty’s was the masterpiece of architect William Wolf and contractor Gustav Liebe. The interior of the building was altered in 1912 and further work was carried out in 1948, when the verandas were removed because they were considered a hazard to traffic in Hay Street.

Privately owned from 1904 to the mid-1970s, the theatre was eventually purchased by the WA State Government in 1977 following the threat of demolition to make way for a road widening scheme. Responding to overwhelming community support, His Majesty’s underwent extensive refurbishment and restoration, reopening in 1979 and remaining a very popular theatre venue to this day.