Find me here:
  The Paranormal Guide
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Atlas
  • Glossary

The Haunted 'Her Majesty's Theatre

30/11/2012

Comments

 
Picture
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...

Grand Design

PictureHer 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

PictureThe 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.

A Haunted Theatre

PictureJon 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

PictureTheatre 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.

Ashley Hall 2012
Comments
comments powered by Disqus

    The Paranormal Guide Articles

    Here you will find all of the articles written for The Paranormal Guide on all things paranormal, strange, dark, macabre, weird, strange and bizarre!

    All photos with the blog posts remain the property of their respectful owners. If one of your photos is featured here without attribution please leave a comment on the blog and full credit will be given.

    Categories

    All
    Bizarre Experiments
    Conspiracy
    Cryptozoology
    Cursed And Haunted Objects
    Curses Demons And Exorcisms
    Earth Mysteries
    Fakes Frauds And Hoaxes
    Ghosts And Hauntings
    Ghosts Ghouls And Demons
    Interesting And Inspiring People
    Investigations
    Miracles
    My Paranormal
    Paranormal Photos
    Paranormal Vocabulary
    Phobias And Philias
    Post Mortem Practices
    Psychics Predictions And Seers
    Questions And Discussions
    Reviews
    Spirituality And Miracles
    Spirituality And Miracles
    Strange And Macabre Places
    Strange And Tragic Deaths
    This Week In Dark History
    Tragedy
    True Crime And Punishment
    Ufos And Aliens
    Unsolved Mysteries
    Urban Legend Superstition And Folklore
    Weird Odd And Bizarre


    Ashley Hall -
    The Paranormal Guide

    Ashley Hall explores The Paranormal, True Crime, Strange Deaths, Dark History, The Weird, The Strange and The Bizarre! Fact or Fiction? You decide!

    Picture

    Contributors

    Picture
    Matty Sweeney
    Picture
    Peet Banks
    Picture
    Nic Hume

    Picture
    Check out The Paranormal Guide Podcast and join three paranormal investigators and researchers for honest and raw discussions on all things paranormal, strange, dark and macabre HERE!

    Archives

    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

    Please note that dates are from when the article was originally made.
    The Paranormal Guide does have posts all the way up to the current date.


    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.