The concept plans for the redevelopment of Adelaide’s Her Majesty’s Theatre by local firm Cox Architecture were unveiled last Thursday on stage at the theatre – The Grand Old Dame of Grote Street, as the heritage building is affectionately known.

^{Cox Architecture drawing of the redeveloped façade with new entrance. Courtesy of the Adelaide Festival Centre}

The Her Majesty’s Theatre Renewal Fundraising Campaign, set up to raise public funds for the historic redevelopment, was officially launched at the same time. Barry Humphries has agreed to become the patron of the public fundraising campaign, which is supported by several other high profile arts identities including Greta Bradman, Todd McKenney, Rhonda Burchmore, David Campbell, Peter Goers, Kate Ceberano and Geoffrey Rush.

Coincidentally, Australian cabaret star Meow Meow is paying musical homage to the venue in her new cabaret show Souvenir, “a fantastical song cycle on the half-remembered misreported history of Her Majesty’s Theatre”, which she is performing at the venue in June as part of this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

Her Majesty’s Theatre has been in operation for more than 100 years, having opened in 1913 when it was called the Tivoli Theatre. Adam Hannon, SA...