Adelaide will be in a stronger position to make bids for more national and international productions when Her Majesty’s Theatre re-opens in early 2020.

Work has begun on a $66 million redevelopment that will deliver a bigger-capacity and more accessible contemporary theatre space.

Theatrical and music promoters have long called for more theatres as the existing ones are booked out.

“Her Majesty’s is the original jewel in the crown of the arts world here in Adelaide and a redeveloped and revived theatre will create enormous flow-on benefits for our visitor economy,” said premier Steven Marshall.

“We are incredibly fortunate that Her Majesty’s Theatre has remained functional since 1913, and I am confident that this redevelopment will transform the much-loved heritage building into a thriving and commercially successful venue.”

The premier pointed out that past redevelopments of the theatre in the ‘60s and ‘70s has halved its seating to 970 seats.

“Over time, it has unfortunately become a less attractive venue for large-scale and long-running productions,” he said.

The redevelopment will see a new 1,472 seat auditorium over three levels with high specification acoustics, large backstage facilities and greater capacity to stage major touring shows.

Premier Marshall stated, “When it reopens in early 2020, it is estimated that Her Majesty’s Theatre will be able to host at least 50 additional performances each year, which is fantastic news for the arts sector and our economy.

“At its peak, construction work will provide up to 120 jobs and the finished theatre, with its greater activity and increased capacity, will also bring more jobs and drive economic activity in the Central Market and Chinatown precinct.”

The state’s arts sector echoed his sentiments.

Douglas Gautier, CEO of the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust said, “Having two large theatres, Her Majesty’s and Festival Theatre, will put Adelaide into the major league for touring productions and accommodate South Australia’s home dance, theatre, orchestral and opera companies.

“The revenue we generate from this modern and in-demand new theatre will also allow us to invest in our core purpose of bringing arts to all.”

Arts South Australia executive director Peter Louca added, “As well as providing access to contemporary performance spaces for our homegrown local companies, South Australians will be able to experience shows that once would have by-passed our city.”