The last booking in the historic venue was on December 22 when renowned opera singer Teddy Tahu Rhodes performed, and it is expected the theatre will be closed to the public for several months.

Built in 1874, Her Majesty’s is thought to be Australia’s oldest operating theatre and is known for its unique interior with double horse-shoe shaped balconies supported on ornate columns – the last example of this type of theatre design in Victoria. 

"Her Majesty's Theatre has closed its doors for conservation works designed to extend the life of one of Ballarat's most significant creative and cultural assets,” said City of Ballarat development and planning director Angie Lush.

“The important conservation works are being funded by the State Government's Living Heritage Grants Program and will address deterioration prevention works, fire safety upgrades, a stormwater system upgrade, and internal plaster and paint conservation works.”

Waterproofing, drainage, and structural repairs are also on the agenda, and upgrades to doors and windows.

Ms Lush said Her Majesty's Theatre would present performances at other Ballarat venues while works were completed.

The state government announced funding of up to $3 million for conservation works at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the 2016-17 state budget.

Some work has been completed while conservation and building experts have inspected the theatre to determine a schedule of works that need to be carried out while the theatre is closed.

“Her Majesty’s Theatre has been the centre of the city's arts and cultural life since it opened some 143 years ago," Ms Lush said.

In early 2016 Her Majesty’s underwent a $1.148 million renovation during which the old seating was replaced, new carpets installed, foot warmers realigned and repairs made to timber throughout the auditorium.

Those renovations also saw the theatre’s seating capacity reduced from 940 to 890.