Queens Theatre
Adelaide, South Australia
The Queens Theatre is a place of national, state and local heritage significance. Constructed in 1840, it remains the oldest purpose built theatre on mainland Australia. Woodhead has transformed the theatre from a derelict urban 'ruin' into a flexible multi-functional space.
The theatre provides a fascinating insight into the historical development of Adelaide in the 19th and 20th centuries. Subsequent uses included Adelaide's Supreme, Magistrate's and Police Courts, Formby's Horse Bazaar, auction rooms, tavern, car garage and car parking station.
Archaeological excavations revealed significant below-ground remains of the original theatre, including original flooring and below-stage dressing rooms. Approximately half of the original 1840 structure remains with no original drawings or interior photographs known to exist.
From 1988 to 2001, extensive prioritised works packages have been managed by Woodhead International to conserve all remaining elements from the original theatre and subsequent phases of use; ensure all new works provide a coherent means to assist the public with an understanding and awareness of the theatre's varied history; and facilitate a viable and contemporary reuse of the theatre.
All new building materials and structural modifications are intentionally discreet, understated and readily identifiable to assist with public interpretation of the historic building fabric. All new services are visible, accessible and fixed only to new materials. New flooring is a combination of compacted earth and bitumen to permit ease of future access to the underground archaeological remains.
The theatre provides a fascinating insight into the historical development of Adelaide in the 19th and 20th centuries. Subsequent uses included Adelaide's Supreme, Magistrate's and Police Courts, Formby's Horse Bazaar, auction rooms, tavern, car garage and car parking station.
Archaeological excavations revealed significant below-ground remains of the original theatre, including original flooring and below-stage dressing rooms. Approximately half of the original 1840 structure remains with no original drawings or interior photographs known to exist.
From 1988 to 2001, extensive prioritised works packages have been managed by Woodhead International to conserve all remaining elements from the original theatre and subsequent phases of use; ensure all new works provide a coherent means to assist the public with an understanding and awareness of the theatre's varied history; and facilitate a viable and contemporary reuse of the theatre.
All new building materials and structural modifications are intentionally discreet, understated and readily identifiable to assist with public interpretation of the historic building fabric. All new services are visible, accessible and fixed only to new materials. New flooring is a combination of compacted earth and bitumen to permit ease of future access to the underground archaeological remains.