24/12/04
His Majesty's Theatre celebrated its 100th birthday today with the extra special present of being named a Western Australian heritage icon and $1.5million in new funding for lighting and electrical work.
Following a year of celebratory events enjoyed by 140,000 people, Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale announced the honour at a ceremony marking the theatre's 100 years of achievement.
"His Majesty's Theatre is one of our capital's most beautiful heritage buildings and is a truly outstanding landmark for theatregoers and visitors alike," Ms McHale said.
Along with the Midland Workshops, the theatre was declared a State Heritage Icon for December by the Minister, representing Premier Geoff Gallop, celebrating 175 years of the State's history.
His Majesty's Theatre joins other WA icons named this year including the Swan River, Fremantle Harbour, Kings Park, Albany Anzac Dawn Service, Rottnest Island, Broome Pearls, Ningaloo, the Western Derby, the Royal Show and Kalgoorlie Gold.
Ms McHale announced that facilities would be further improved with the Gallop Government's allocation of $1.5million to upgrade the outdated electrical and lighting infrastructure.
The work will lead to better performance production values, improved energy efficiency and improved occupational health and safety.
Heritage Council Chairman Mr Patric De Villiers and Year of the Built Environment's Steering Committee Chairman Mr Warren Kerr joined the Minister today to unveil a stage door plaque in recognition of performers.
Ms McHale said that in its 100 years, His Majesty's had showcased thousands of performers and delighted generations of audiences.
"Some of the more notable artists to have passed through the original stage door include Dame Nellie Melba, Anna Pavlova, Percy Grainger, Gladys Moncrieff, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Sir Robert Helpmann, Katherine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, Sir John Gielgud, Claudette Colbert and Rex Harrison," the Minister said.
"This theatre and its magnificent auditorium have brought an undeniable energy and passion to our society and contributed to the cultural and social fabric of our State."
As part of the day's celebrations, the Hon Sir Charles Court buried a special 'time capsule' in the theatre's foyer. The capsule contains His Majesty's Theatre memorabilia and is set to be opened in another 100 years, in 2104.
Minister's offie: 9213 6900
