One of the theatre's most impressive features at the time was the dome roof, which was designed to improve ventilation in the auditorium. The dome slid open sideways so that on a typically warm summer evening, the audience could benefit from the cooling effects of the open roof.

His Majesty's Theatre was named after the reigning British monarch of 1904, King Edward VII. It 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.

PHOTOS from the Early Years

Refurbishment 1978-1980

From 1904 to the late 1970's, His Majesty's Theatre in Perth was privately owned by a succession of entrepreneurs.

When the Western Australian government purchased the building in 1977, the Theatre was in much need of major structural improvements. It took two years and over $11 million to refurbish and restore the building to the modern, yet aesthetically traditional facility it is today.

During the refurbishment, the magnificent marble staircase was carefully relocated from the stalls entrance to the western end of the stalls foyer, and the dome roof, which once opened to improve ventilation within the auditorium, was permanently sealed.

The hotel that once shared the site was physically separated from the Theatre during the refurbishment and now provides backstage facilities for touring companies, and most importantly, is the administrative and rehearsal home to both the West Australian Opera and West Australian Ballet.

Museum of Performing Arts

Throughout its colourful and exciting history, His Majesty's Theatre has hosted a myriad of performance genres - from ballet to contemporary dance, opera to musical theatre, vaudeville to stand-up comedy, Shakespearean drama to pantomime and more.

Performers who have graced the stage at 'The Maj' include: Dame Nellie Melba, Anna Pavlova, Gladys Moncrieff, Dame Margot Fonteyn and Sir Robert Helpmann, as well as Academy Award winners Katharine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, Sir John Gielgud, Claudette Colbert, Rex Harrison and Geoffrey Rush.

These performers, and thousands more who have performed at His Majesty's Theatre since 1904, have all contributed to the cultural and social livelihood of Western Australia. In a fitting celebration of this, in February 2001, His Majesty's Theatre opened the Museum of Performing Arts.

The Museum houses more than 30,000 catalogued items of theatre memorabilia collected by the theatre's historian. Items such as glamorous costumes, photographs, press clippings, scripts, scores and other historic pieces are publicly exhibited at the Museum, DownStairs at the Maj, with a new exhibition to view every six to eight weeks. The oldest item in the Museum collection dates back to 1854 - a beautiful silk programme from a Perth performance of amateur theatricals.

Individuals and groups are welcome to visit the Museum of Performing Arts during open hours from Monday to Friday. Entry to the Museum is by gold coin donation. Wheelchair access is via the theatre's main entrance.


CLICK HERE for details of our current exhibition.

Historical Tours

His Majesty's Theatre is not just a terrific venue in which to catch a first-class show, it is well worth stopping by for a grand historical tour where you'll visit rarely seen areas of the building. And who knows, you may even see Eric - the theatre's friendly ghost!

The Friends of His Majesty's Theatre

The Friends of the Theatre are a dedicated group of volunteers committed to assisting visitors to His Majesty's Theatre. Located in the main foyer, The Friends offer guided tours of the Theatre, and provide historical information about the building together with information of upcoming events. To find out more about becoming a friend of His Majesty's Theatre, email: FRIENDS.

His Majesty's Theatre Foundation

His Majesty's Theatre Foundation was established in 1993 to preserve and enhance His Majesty’s Theatre as one of Australia's great theatrical landmarks through the support of donations and sponsorship.

The Foundation is also committed to supporting Community Service Programmes within the theatre, including MajKidz, Lunchtime Concerts and Morning Melodies.

Several sponsorship options are available for individuals and businesses including:

"Sponsor a Seat"

For a donation of $500 (fully tax deductible), you can have one of the theatre’s seats named for you, or a friend or family member.

Your donation will be acknowledged with a brass plate affixed to the back of a seat in the main auditorium. Your name will also appear on the Sponsor A Seat board in the Theatre’s foyer.

"Corporate Partner Programme"

Our Corporate Partner Programme provides businesses the opportunity to entertain clients and colleagues in grand style. Entertainment packages include the best Dress Circle seats at a performance, complemented with premium wines and gourmet food served in an exclusive private area, both pre-show and during the interval.

"Major Sponsors Programme"

Major Sponsors enjoy all the privileges of the Corporate Partners as well as more exclusive specially tailored entitlements.

For information on how you can become a Foundation sponsor, email: ASTRID JACKSON


“On Stage at The Maj” – Saving the best ‘til last!

Providing a unique and fascinating venue space, the main stage within the theatre’s auditorium is frequently transformed to offer an amazing venue for black-tie dinners and private cocktail receptions. Raise the house curtain and reveal a truly spectacular gala ballroom – chandeliers, special effects lighting, state of the art technology… nothing will top a celebration On Stage at The Maj!

For event enquiries, please telephone 9231 9941 or email: EVENT SALES