Coming up in the new year, James Ehnes leads musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in an all-strings program being staged for the first time in Ballarat.

Set for Friday, March 21 at her Majesty’s Theatre, the evening performance bridges the old and new worlds with works ranging from classical to contemporary.

It’s a prime opportunity to journey into the heart of the violin with one of today’s most masterful soloists. 

This special event features a work by Grammy Award-winning composer Jessie Montgomery who is renowned for her socially inspired and richly layered music.

The contemporary masterpieces by Montgomery are performed alongside Mozart’s playful Violin Concerto No.4, which he wrote while still a teenager, and Dvořák’s uplifting and optimistic Serenade for Strings. 

Further details are available through her Majesty’s Theatre website.

Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat will come alive for its 150th birthday with a spectacular musical takeover set for  Saturday evening, February 1.

The city’s iconic theatre means a lot to the people of Ballarat, so the venue’s management is inviting the wider community to help celebrate the historic occasion.

Participatory arts company Everybody NOW! have brought together dozens of local community groups, artists, and musicians to take over the whole building and show that “the old girl still knows how to party”.   

It’s advised that those who get along “expect the unexpected as you explore music, song, and stories woven throughout our beloved Ballarat icon”.

From brass bands to punk pop, choirs to classics, Birthday Party! is a genre-bending, community-led celebration starring over 100 local legends.  

More information is available on Her Majesty’s Theatre website.

Coming up in the new year, ‘Fun Night Only’ offers the chance to laugh yourself silly at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat.

The evening show happens Friday, January 31 and offers the chance to spend a good chunk of your evening in a state of mirth catching a line-up that features some of the finest comedians this country has to offer.

There’s Alex Ward, Sez, Tom Ballard, Zoë Coombs Marr and Dilruk Jayasinha …  

The show is aimed at over 16s and contains occasional coarse language and adult themes with more details available  from Her Majesty’s website.

Anticipation is building at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat as the beloved venue edges closer towards a grand reopening.

With works now primarily focusing on installing the two lifts, upgrading fire protection in the auditorium and completion of the Unicorn Lane fire escape, the project remains on track for completion in mid-2024.

It is expected the doors to the iconic theatre will re-open to the public in the third quarter of 2024.

The Stage 3 works being undertaken will improve the capability, accessibility, and safety of the 149-year-old theatre.

In addition to the two new lifts which provide full accessibility to the theatre for patrons, staff and performers, the completion of the project will also see an improved front-of-house area, new toilet facilities, administration area, and associated compliance works.

Works are significantly advanced throughout the theatre with the major demolition and structural works now almost complete.  

This includes new southern escape stairs and reconfiguration of the back-of-house area. The back-of-house area is key to providing the accessible pathway from Lewis Street to Lydiard Street South.  

Works in the theatre are now moving towards final fit out and finish in many areas, with finished colour schemes evident through the new administration hub.  

Installation of joinery including the ticket box and bar is yet to commence, with most items now in production off-site.  

Works to upgrade the back-of-house amenities is underway and fire protection upgrades throughout the building are ongoing.

The Her Majesty’s Theatre Stage 3 Redevelopment was identified by the City of Ballarat as a priority project. Successful advocacy on behalf of the local community has seen funding secured from the State Government to deliver this project.  

The project is supported by $10,000,000 from the State Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and $6.3 million from the City of Ballarat.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison joined City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson and construction contractors Nicholson Construction for a tour of the theatre last Wednesday.

Cr Hudson said the $16.3 million project would ensure the long-lasting legacy of Her Majesty’s Theatre as a significant and integral part of Ballarat’s creative and artistic life.

“I’ve been delighted to see these works progressing throughout and cannot wait until we can have the facility open again,” he said.  

“Restoring such a grand venue that dates back to the 1870s certainly comes with its challenges, but it is promising to see the project remain on track and edging nearer completion.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the substantial government investment had helped secure the future of the theatre.  

“The Allan Labor Government’s $10 million investment into Her Majesty’s restoration and redevelopment guarantees the theatre’s future and makes it accessible to all,” she said.

“I am thrilled that many generations of patrons and performers to come, will enjoy this remarkable venue, particularly those who have not been able to previously.”

The City of Ballarat will soon be calling for Expressions of Interest for community and commercial hire of Her Majesty’s Theatre.