His Majesty's Theatre

His Majesty's Theatre

Exterior of His Majesty's Theatre
Address Rosemount Viaduct
City Aberdeen
Country Scotland
Designation Category A listed
Architect Frank Matcham
Owned by Aberdeen Performing Arts
Capacity 1,470 seated (now)
2,300 on four levels (1906)
Type Regional theatre
Opened 3 December 1906
Rebuilt 2003-5 LDN Architects
Previous names Aberdeen Playhouse
Current use Touring productions
www.hmtaberdeen.com

His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen is the largest theatre in north-east Scotland, seating more than 1400. The theatre is sited on Rosemount Viaduct, opposite the city's Union Terrace Gardens. It was designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1906. On its centenary in 2006, the theatre was "twinned" with His Majesty's Theatre in Perth, Western Australia.[1]

After a National Lottery grant was awarded in 1999, the Theatre was the subject of a refurbishment and extension. The new glass-fronted box office, café and restaurant was designed by City Architect Trevor Smith, who also designed the award-winning Aberdeen Maritime Museum. The auditorium was completely refurbished and new seats were installed. Backstage facilities were also upgraded.

The theatre is regularly visited by Scotland's national arts companies and hosts performances from other major companies and the annual Aberdeen International Youth Festival.

The theatre is managed by Aberdeen Performing Arts which also runs The Music Hall, Aberdeen Box Office and the Lemon Tree.

References

  1. ^ Edi Swan: His Majesty's Theatre – One Hundred Years of Glorious Damnation (Black & White Publishing) (2006) ISBN 978 184502 102 3

External links