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SOURCE NSW HERITAGE - Quay Street, Sydney, 31 July 1970 - The Night Flames destroyed Her Majesty’s Theatre

A devastating fire swept through Her Majesty’s Theatre on Quay Street, In the early hours of 31 July 1970, destroying one of Sydney’s most treasured entertainment venues. For generations, its grand auditorium had welcomed audiences to musicals, plays and major theatrical productions.

Fire crews rushed to the scene, but the flames spread rapidly through the building. Conditions became so dangerous that firefighters were forced to withdraw, and an explosion inside the auditorium was followed by the collapse of its roof.

Much of the theatre was destroyed, although the stage area survived largely intact. The disaster brought an abrupt end to an important chapter in Sydney’s theatrical history, leaving behind a badly damaged landmark and memories of countless performances.

A smaller theatre eventually reopened on the site in November 1973, but the original grandeur was gone. The photographs of that terrible morning remain a haunting reminder of the night Sydney lost one of its great theatres.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -