His Majesty's Theatre is located on the corner of Hay Street and King Street in Perth's business centre. Built between 1902 and 1904 during the city's booming the theatre is in the Edwardian Baroque style. At one time this was the largest theatre in Australia, with a seating capacity of 2,500. It is also believed to be, the first building in Perth to be built on a reinforced concrete frame.
Perth experienced a period of rapid growth and development in the early 20th century, associated with the gold gold rush in Western Australia. The city's prosperity was reflected in, among other things in the lavish baroque style. Local politician Thomas Molloy in 1896 bought the Metropole Hotel and the adjoining 1,200-seat theatre to combine them into an entertainment complex. The name had already been chosen - His Majesty's Theatre and Hotel in honour of the recently enthroned King Edward VII of England.
During the construction of the complex, the public was concerned about the future reliability of the buildings in light of the water table at the site and the presence of underground flow. To address this problem, special drainage pipes were constructed to divert water flows. The theatre was officially opened on Christmas Eve 1904.
His Majesty's Theatre was the largest theatre in Australia in those years, with the largest stage and the highest grates - the top of the theatre stage. As an example of the Architectural style of the 4-storey building was taken from English and European theatres of the of the 19th century. The building accommodated 65 hotel rooms, but they were separated from the theatre rooms by iron doors. An electric lift took guests up to the roof, from where with magnificent panoramic views of Perth.
Over the years the theatre has staged numerous musical performances, ballet, opera, Shakespearean plays, etc. The building has been restored several times - the last significant renovation was in the late 1970s when the theatre was purchased by the State of Western Australia and modernised some of the premises. Since then, the theatre His Majesty's Theatre has been the main performance venue for the Western Australian Ballet and Opera. The importance of the theatre to the cultural life of Perth has been recognised by its inclusion in the list of places of historical value. It is believed to be the only functioning Edwardian theatre in the country.
In 2006 His Majesty's Theatre "twinned" with the world's second operating theatre bearing the His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen, Scotland.
