Theatre manager Graeme Russell stands in an empty dress circle after all seats were removed on Wednesday morning. 

Mr Russell said there was an unusual but exciting vibe about the bare theatre.

“It feels very, very strange, sounds very strange and looks very strange,” Mr Russell said.

Floors will be refinished before new carpet is laid and new seats can be installed. The seats will be in similar style and colour to those removed, but wider and more comfortable.

Ceiling works were complete last month.

Expressions of interest are open to bid for the theatre’s old seats.

Theatre chairman and City of Ballarat councillor Samantha McIntosh said the board was looking for “a bit of a story” in submissions for the historic pieces.

“These are potentially great talking pieces, given what Her Majesty’s has shared,” Cr McIntosh said. “Some people already have talked about their love for the theatre.

“We want people to put a bit of a story to their expressions of interest...why they are chasing a bit of Her Maj history.”

Cr McIntosh said a local primary school and private submissions had requested seats for home theatres. Some had wanted a seat for their front verandah, others simply because they had a connection with the theatre’s history or performers.

Applicants can name their price for the seats. More details, www.hermaj.com