If you love music, art and cinema, Ballarat is primed and ready for visitors at the best of times but especially right now.
Amongst the plethora of stunning colonial architecture in the centre of town lies three of the finest buildings and venues you could ever wish to see in any part of the world.
The Regent Theatre was recently placed into the hands of administrators sadly but has been saved by the wonderful Palace Group. Not only do Palace provide all the blockbusters but thankfully have the best range of independent films when they are released.
Today (3/10/24) is the re-opening day and we’ve just been to see the Joker 2. Lynda loved it and I have mixed feelings despite Joaquin Pheonix’s compelling performance once again.
We were in Cinema One which must hold close to a thousand people and Palace intend to make the most of this incredible space with live music down the track. The screen is huge and the sound is perfect. Very much like the Rivoli in Camberwell, it’s art deco styling at its best.
I’ve raved about the Art Gallery of Ballarat enough in the short time we’ve lived here, but their latest exhibition Medieval to Metal is currently being curated and starts on 12/10/24.
An ode to the history of the guitar, the most popular instrument in the world it promises to be another ripper show as they all are at the gallery. Take the time to visit the permanent stuff as well.
Finally, the recently restored 150YO Her Majesty’s Theatre is opening in November after nearly two years of work.
Acts have started to lock in and we have bought tickets to see Bang On, a show with Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe. The theatre holds almost nine hundred and we can’t wait to check it out next month.
Up till now whilst the restoration has taken place, we have been going to The Civic Hall to see live acts and although it’s been adequate, the hall is huge and the acoustics a bit off so we’re looking forward to a bit more intimacy with the performers.
Her Majesty’s is the oldest theatre on mainland Australia, only beaten in age by the classic Theatre Royal in Hobart which feels like a Shakespearean experience. Definitely a must see if you are visiting Tassie.
So there you have it. Why go all the way to London’s West End when you can pop down the highway and spend a couple of days In ‘The Rat’ and soak up all that art in Lydiard St?
By the way the gardens are spectacular now that Spring is upon us. For all the latest on what’s happening in Ballarat, this website is helpful. Hopefully see you around the traps.
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About Ian Wilson
Former army aircraft mechanic, sales manager, VFA footballer and coach. Now mental health worker and blogger. Lifelong St Kilda FC tragic and father to 2 x girls.
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Just love these old buildings IW!