There is no box office for the ladies’ loo at The State Theatre, but perhaps there should be.

With seats for around 1000 women inside the theatre, from the Stalls, to the Mezzanine Lounge, to the Dress Circle – there are only a few precious seats to spare inside the legendary Ladies’ Room (despite there being four licensed bars).

So, when the chimes sound for the end of interval, you may not want to leave. Curtain or no curtain. It’s understandable.

The Gothic Lavatory

This is a romantic, Gothic lavatory to match the Juliet balcony in the theatre.

In fact, it’s just as sumptuous as the five dressing rooms for the stars you see on the stage.

Known as The Butterfly Room, the most famous Ladies’ loo, opened in the Jazz Age with Louis XIV furniture and flattering lighting. Nothing’s changed.

Perch on the chairs to unzip your boots; touch up your lipstick (but don’t smoke – Sydney ladies are no longer allowed to light a cigarette at half-time).

Character Lounges

Jonathan Ryan, one of the experts behind the theatre’s restoration, comments,

“Completed in 1929, the State Theatre was designed as a lavishly decorated eclectic composition combining the French Empire style with Baroque, Italianate, Gothic, Tudor and Art Deco elements.

The character lounges or retiring rooms were one of the unique features of the State Theatre.

The Butterfly Room, along with the Pompadour Room and the Futurist Room, was one of three rooms reserved for female patrons. It was a unique butterfly-themed bespoke space designed in tones of pink, pale green and golden-buff.”

The Mens’ Loo

Each of the three levels of the State Theatre features its own male and female smoking rooms with its own theme, despite the ban on cigarettes today.

Gentlemen could enjoy the Pioneer room, Empire Builders’ room or the Tudor styling of the College room and puff away at the interval. Today they are places for a chap to nip in between Crowded House sets.

Imogen Eveson, from Broadsheet, comments:

“The auditorium has the second biggest hand-cut crystal chandelier in the world and Australia’s only Wurlitzer organ. It’s also the only movie theatre in Australia to have three levels – stalls, circle and mezzanine – and possibly the only to have a plaque depicting the legendary Medieval King Arthur in its foyer.”

So if you’re going to spend a penny in Sydney, spend it here.

Touring the State Theatre

And – you don’t have to see the likes of medium John Edward, Bill Bailey, 10CC, Crowded House or stand-up comedian Alan Davies to use the ladies.

Tours are available for visitors. For $25, you too can see The Palace of Dreams, as they call it. And the smallest room within the palace.