HIS MAJESTY'S
Johannesburg
Johannesburg
His Majesty's Theatre was situated in Commissioner Street (between Eloff and Joubert
Streets) and was opened by General Jan Smuts (then Prime Minister of the Union Of South
Africa) on 23rd December 1946 as a legitimate theatre presenting live stage productions.
The theatre was designed by Morris Cowen at the behest of Mr. I. W. Schlesinger, head of
the Schlesinger Organisation
Streets) and was opened by General Jan Smuts (then Prime Minister of the Union Of South
Africa) on 23rd December 1946 as a legitimate theatre presenting live stage productions.
The theatre was designed by Morris Cowen at the behest of Mr. I. W. Schlesinger, head of
the Schlesinger Organisation
His Majesty’s was converted into an exclusive 'roadshow' cinema with the release of Cecil B.
De Mille's 'The Ten Commandments' in 1956. That same year 70mm projectors, together with
six-track magnetic stereo sound equipment, were installed for the release of Mike Todd's
'Around The World In 80 Days'. This theatre continued to show such blockbusters as 'Lawrence
of Arabia', 'Cleopatra' and 'My Fair Lady', to mention but a few, all presented in 70mm.
De Mille's 'The Ten Commandments' in 1956. That same year 70mm projectors, together with
six-track magnetic stereo sound equipment, were installed for the release of Mike Todd's
'Around The World In 80 Days'. This theatre continued to show such blockbusters as 'Lawrence
of Arabia', 'Cleopatra' and 'My Fair Lady', to mention but a few, all presented in 70mm.
The auditorium had luxurious seats covered in wine-coloured velvet. The stage contained a large
screen especially suited to the presentation of 70mm films. The auditorium walls were equipped
with separate ‘special effects’ speakers - strategically placed to enhance the stereo sound. The
seating capacity was 1250 divided into both a stalls and circle section.
screen especially suited to the presentation of 70mm films. The auditorium walls were equipped
with separate ‘special effects’ speakers - strategically placed to enhance the stereo sound. The
seating capacity was 1250 divided into both a stalls and circle section.
The cinema was managed during the 1960s by Mr. Bromilow and the chief projectionist was the very
professional Mr. ‘Natie’ Ratzer. Well-remembered is Mrs. Mackeson (mother of radio personality Victor
Mackeson) who was one of His Majesty’s charming box office cashiers. In 1978 the theatre ceased
operations as a cinema and reverted back to live stage show presentations under the management of
well-known impresarios Joan Brickhill and Louis Burke. Sadly, due to financial constraints, His Majesty’s
was finally closed in 1981 with the couple’s glorious production of 'Hello Dolly!'
professional Mr. ‘Natie’ Ratzer. Well-remembered is Mrs. Mackeson (mother of radio personality Victor
Mackeson) who was one of His Majesty’s charming box office cashiers. In 1978 the theatre ceased
operations as a cinema and reverted back to live stage show presentations under the management of
well-known impresarios Joan Brickhill and Louis Burke. Sadly, due to financial constraints, His Majesty’s
was finally closed in 1981 with the couple’s glorious production of 'Hello Dolly!'
CINEMA
SOUVENIRS
SOUVENIRS
Sporting beautifully ornate downstairs and upstairs foyers complete with white marble floors, His
Majesty’s also had a very celebrated restaurant in its basement known as His Majesty’s Cellars.
Majesty’s also had a very celebrated restaurant in its basement known as His Majesty’s Cellars.