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1888: Opened on 2 April as Her Imperial Majesty’s Opera

1888: Opened on 2 April as Her Imperial Majesty’s Opera House boasting an elegant Italian Renaissance and Corinthian-style façade.

1901: Renamed His Majesty’s Theatre following the death of Queen Victoria.1921: Hosted what is believed to be the first live radio broadcast from a stage in Brisbane.

1929: Rebuilt and modernised into a major stop for touring international opera, ballet, and theatre companies.1952: Renamed Her Majesty’s Theatre following the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II.

Introduction of Cinema: In 1929, the theatre adapted to the rising popularity of motion pictures by installing sound equipment to showcase the new era of synchronized sound films, or “talkies” - The historic venue frequently alternated between hosting live theatrical acts, concerts, and screening feature films until it closed permanently in 1983

Despite major community protests and union bans trying to save the heritage façade, the building was entirely torn down to clear space for the Wintergarden shopping centre expansion and the Hilton Hotel.

Prior to the opening of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in South Brisbane, Her Majesty’s was the only stage in the city large enough to handle massive set designs touring from Sydney and Melbourne. Its loss remains one of the most prominent pieces of lost architectural history in Brisbane.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -