Ye’ old ‘Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
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My sister and I were up in front of the stage just before the show began
The Animals – Final Curtain Tour at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
Last night, my sister and I had the pleasure of attending The Animals at the grand old Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat. First opened in 1875, Her Majesty’s remains Australia’s best-preserved theatre building — a living monument to Ballarat’s rich cultural heritage. It has served as the city’s home of live performance for nearly 150 years, and its ornate charm made the perfect setting for a night of rock nostalgia.
The Animals have thrilled audiences across generations, and we couldn’t miss their Final Curtain Tour. The current lineup features original member John Steel — now 84 and still commanding the stage — alongside Danny Handley, Bobby Ruiz, and Barney “Boogie” Williams. Together, they delivered a powerhouse performance that had the crowd on their feet, singing along and soaking in every note.
From gritty blues to timeless rock anthems, the band’s energy was infectious. It was more than a concert — it felt like a farewell embrace from legends who’ve shaped the soundtrack of so many lives.
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Their finale song …
Ivor Steven (c) November 2025
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Ivor.Plumber/Poet 