Updating historical locations can breathe fresh life into them for new generations to enjoy. After enduring prohibition, an unremarkable 1970s’ renovation and two pandemics, it was time for Her Majesty’s Theatre to shine again. When the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust took possession of the historic landmark, they knew that a complete renovation and audio technology upgrades would help cement the building’s legacy for a modern audience.
As part of a A$66 million total rebuild that spared only the theatre’s historic facade and eastern wall, Diversified’s Australian team was brought in to deliver a complete scope of audio technology requirements. “Theatre systems are usually very high end and a highly specified design,” says Nico Van Wieringen, operations manager at Diversified. “For a project like Her Majesty’s Theatre, the pressure is on to deliver the performance and expectations of the stakeholders.”
Focused on delivering an exceptional acoustic experience from any seat in the venue, Diversified worked with Schuler Shook consultation to design and deliver a technology system worthy of a standing ovation. The theater’s new system includes a comprehensive technical cabling infrastructure with custom stagebox and patch panels; a custom stage management console housing paging, venue relay monitoring, cue lights and stage intercom systems; and a performance video relay system using venue long view and low light cameras to relay performances to monitors throughout the venue.
“A fantastic outcome has been achieved across all project stakeholders,” adds Van Wieringen. "From a technical perspective, all of the systems installed and coordinated are in line with achieving the overall acoustic performance, and meeting the Adelaide Festival Centre’s expectations, aligning with their production systems. All project stakeholders are delighted with the outcome and the public’s response to the opening of the theatre has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Although the official unveiling for Her Majesty’s Theatre took place amid COVID-19 restrictions that limited the number of tickets available, this crown jewel has been restored to new brilliance and eagerly awaits the day it can once again greet and awe a full house.
