Her Majesty's Theatre had its resident spooks. Jon English witnessed one ghost as he played the part of 'Judas' in 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.
Unfortunately, what was once considered the most haunted theatre in Australia, is now gone. Sold and demolished, a hotel and shopping centre now stand in its place.
However, patrons and staff of a bar, which was built on the land the theatre once stood, have experienced some strange events...
Unfortunately, what was once considered the most haunted theatre in Australia, is now gone. Sold and demolished, a hotel and shopping centre now stand in its place.
However, patrons and staff of a bar, which was built on the land the theatre once stood, have experienced some strange events...
Grand Design
Her Mayestey's Imperial Opera House 1888. Her Majesty's theatre opened in April 1888 as 'Her Majesty's Imperial Opera House. The theatre was grand in design and it's small frontage belied the wonders that one could find within. It took nearly three years to complete the theatre and even after it was formally open there were still some slight finishing touches needed to be done.
The building consisted of three floors and a on site hotel made use of some of this space. What better way than to travel to Brisbane, Australia, take up first class lodgings and enjoy a good show in the evening!
The theatre itself could accommodate a crowd of more than two thousand in it's varied and many stalls, circles and viewing pit. People could marvel and be entertained by the various acts that took place on the 3600 square foot stage. As to be expected there were different classes of seating with padded velvet chairs in the dress circle and simple wooden seats in the stalls.
In 1901 the theatre changed it's name after Queen Victoria's death to 'His Majesty's theatre' to reflect the new ruling figure King Edward the Seventh. The theatre would keep this name throughout the reign of King Edward and his two successors until it was renamed 'Her Majesty's Theatre' upon Queen Elizabeth's taking of the throne
The building consisted of three floors and a on site hotel made use of some of this space. What better way than to travel to Brisbane, Australia, take up first class lodgings and enjoy a good show in the evening!
The theatre itself could accommodate a crowd of more than two thousand in it's varied and many stalls, circles and viewing pit. People could marvel and be entertained by the various acts that took place on the 3600 square foot stage. As to be expected there were different classes of seating with padded velvet chairs in the dress circle and simple wooden seats in the stalls.
In 1901 the theatre changed it's name after Queen Victoria's death to 'His Majesty's theatre' to reflect the new ruling figure King Edward the Seventh. The theatre would keep this name throughout the reign of King Edward and his two successors until it was renamed 'Her Majesty's Theatre' upon Queen Elizabeth's taking of the throne
The Theatre in the 1970s/1980s. Her Majesties Theatre underwent extensive remodelling in the 20s and again in the 40's. In 1973 the theatre was sold to the A.M.P. society for $3 million, the first time it had changed hands since it's opening. Unfortunately to the disgust and much protestation from the public the theatre was demolished to make way for a hotel and shopping centre (Hilton Hotel and the Wintergarden shopping mall).
Although it was stated that the facade of the building would be preserved it too was destined for the heap.
Although it was stated that the facade of the building would be preserved it too was destined for the heap.
A Haunted Theatre
Jon English. Her Majesty's Theatre was said to be haunted. It should not be surprising as it would seem most, if not all theatres of a long standing have their resident ghost. During a performance of 'Jesus Christ superstar' Jon English saw a transparent figure walk from one side of the dress circle to the other. He took this in as he was performing the role of 'Judas' but did not skip a beat. It was during a tour of Princess Theatre in Launceston, Tasmania that Jon English regaled the ghost tour he had joined of his experience. No-one knows the identity of this spirit
Theatre goers in 1914. There are other ghosts said to haunt the theatre. It is said that in the early 1900's one actor killed another and hid the body in the ceiling cavity. The body was found and promptly removed (no idea what happened to the killer) but for many years after the dressing room that the body was discovered would suddenly reek with the smell of decaying flesh.
Even today after the building is gone the ghosts are making their presence known. The patrons and staff of the bar that is located on part of the site is feeling the presence of the inhabitants of the theatre now long passed.
Even today after the building is gone the ghosts are making their presence known. The patrons and staff of the bar that is located on part of the site is feeling the presence of the inhabitants of the theatre now long passed.
Ashley Hall 2012
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