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 Popular gathering place with comedy and music |
1068 High Street Armadale Melbourne, VIC 3143 Australia +61 3 9509 0277 |
The comedy line-up on Mondays and live music on every other night of the week has made this a popular venue that draws crowds from all corners of Melbourne. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Class acts over dinner and a drink |
124 Burwood Rd Hawthorn Melbourne, VIC 3122 Australia +61 (0)3 9819 1797 http://www.capersmelbourne.com... |
Capers is a notable theater restaurant. It wishes to make the point that its food can stand on its own--it is not a mere add-on to the acts. That the food stands up to this is impressive, as the acts themselves are so good at Capers. It seats 120 odd, with good views even from the back. There is no smoking in the dining/viewing area, but has a pleasant lounge to which smokers can retire. Planning and booking ahead is advisable--there is a mailing list that is worth joining. See their website for further information. Food is available only during show times and private functions Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Performance paradise |
12 Little Chapel Street Prahran Melbourne, VIC 3181 Australia +61 3 9522 3382 |
Chapel Off Chapel is a business unit of the local Council and so has to remain financially viable while meeting the community's needs - and that means accessible prices. It holds a remarkable variety of performances, from play reading to live-to-radio-acts to different types of concerts, attracting such musical stars as Shirley Bassey and Wolfmother. Workshops are also a common occurrence. Often the performance area features a combination of theater seating plus tables and chairs. There is also a bar and an art gallery featuring local and renowned artists, which is open outside, as well as during, performance hours. Call to book for performances, and get on their mailing list - it's worth it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Cannot stop laughing! |
380 Lygon St Carlton Melbourne, VIC 3053 Australia +61 (0)3 9348 1622 http://www.thecomedyclub.melbo... |
A pioneering comedy institution in Melbourne, 20 years ago it had a name around Australia. These days there are a lot of comedy venues, but this one, with its focus specifically on stand-up comedy, is still special. Good crowds anticipating a good show give it a great atmosphere. It is a large venue, seating 380 at capacity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Theatre laughs |
240 Exhibition Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9299 9886 http://www.marrinertheatres.co... |
Near the corner of Lonsdale Street and about opposite Her Majesty's, the Comedy Theatre is one of the theatres built in Melbourne during the 1920s. But unlike many of them, it is not a venue for the big musical. Rather, it is more likely to host interesting but slightly less commercial productions, whether it be a one-man show or perhaps a Tom Stoppard play. It is in the heart of Melbourne's theatre land, as well as being just next to Little Bourke Street's Chinatown, whose restaurants are often frequented by theatre-goers pre and post productions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben Roberts |
 Glitz and glamour! |
8 Whiteman Street Southbank Melbourne, VIC 3006 Australia +61 3 9292 8888 http://www.crowncasino.com.au |
The biggest development in Melbourne since the gold rush, Crown Entertainment Complex opened up a previously rundown area of the Yarra River and turned it into a gold mine for retail outlets. The four levels of the complex house restaurants, bars, designer fashion shops, entertainment venues, a 24-screen cinema complex, a five-star hotel - and of course the Casino, which attracts an international clientele and is now Victoria's biggest tourist attraction. The Showroom, Odeon Cabaret, Mercury Lounge and Heat Discotheque often host international acts. An age limit of 18 years applies to the gaming rooms and bars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Long Zheng  |
 Photo: Stuart Gilberd |
 Photo: Joan |
 Photo: Scott Sandars |
 Photo: Kristian Lam |
 Photo: Simon Davis |
 Photo: Kevin Jewell |
 Photo: Nick Jennion |
 Photo: Rob Hicks |
 Photo: Renee Picasso Manoppo |
 A Melbourne institution |
11 Upper Esplanade Melbourne, VIC 3182 Australia +61 3 9534 0211 http://theesplanadehotel.com.au/ |
The Esplanade Hotel, affectionately known as the "Espy", is a landmark of Melbourne's music and drinking scene. Grungy, almost seedy, the Espy attracts a mixed crowd of pub enthusiasts, hip young things and older ones just enjoying the atmosphere. No stylish modern design here. The Espy is all about sticky carpets, sweaty live music, playing pool or drinking in the front bar with its Bay views. There is also a beer garden, and comedy acts and bands appear regularly. The quaint restaurant is a cosy place to fill up on nutritious and cheap food. It is especially strong on soups, noodles and rice dishes. Admission to the front bar is free; there may be a cover charge for bands and comedy performances in the Gershwin Room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ProPRphotos.com |
 Photo: laureskew |
 Photo: Brooke Lenon |
 Photo: Roberts Birze |
 Photo: liloch |
 Photo: Helen Thura Palsson |
 Photo: Anders Alexander |
 Photo: Bindi Cole |
 Photo: Pomegranate02 |
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Variety theatre |
154 Flinders Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9299 9700 http://www.marrinertheatres.co... |
The Forum opened the same year as the Regent--1929. But whereas the Regent is a rather classic style theatre, the Forum is architecturally an oddball. You cannot but notice it as you pass down Flinders Street. And the inside is equally unusual and ornate. These days it does not attempt to compete with the many old theatres in the city area. Instead the main, downstairs area is cabaret in style, though seating some 800 odd--a big cabaret! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mick Stanic |
 Photo: Rupak Das |
 Photo: Janine Ferris |
 Photo: Nicholas G. Morieson |
 Photo: Anthony Steele |
 Photo: Gruntfuttock |
 Photo: Mick Stanic |
 Photo: Erika Andresen |
 Photo: Rohan Caldwell |
 Photo: Gruntfuttock |
 Photo: James Marallich |
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Opera, comedy and cabaret |
204 St Kilda Road VCA Arts House, Southbank Melbourne, VIC 3006 Australia +61 3 9682 9689 http://www.musictheatreaustral... |
Music Theatre Australia creates, produces and presents various opera, comedy and cabaret productions across the country. MTA productions are based on a repertoire that makes them appropriate for a wide variety of venues. Past venues have included theatres and halls to ships, boardrooms and vineyards. The company places a strong emphasis on drama and musicianship. An interactive style of performance also makes them popular with younger audiences. Among the company's successful shows was the emotional and uplifting Songs of the Century millennium production, with the talented Glynn Nicholas and the opera/cabaret quintet Pot-Pourri. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 An unpretentious watering-hole |
127 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Melbourne, VIC 3065 Australia +61 (0)3 9417 2711 |
Located at the start of the trendy Brunswick Street café strip, the Old Colonial Inn is an oasis, free of the oh-so-funky decor and attitude that have become de rigueur in this part of town. It is not dowdy, just unpretentious. Featuring a beer garden out the back, as well as a front bar, it regularly hosts local musicians and acoustic nights, as well as a weekly comedy night on Mondays. Among the tasty dishes on offer are butternut and potato soup, Hokkien noodles tossed in peanut sauce, Turkish pide with dips and focaccias. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pot-Pourri |
204 St Kilda Road, Suite 5 VCA Arts House, Southbank Melbourne, VIC 3006 Australia +61 3 9682 9689 http://www.pot-pourri.com.au/ |
After beginning as a trio in 1987, Pot-Pourri has expanded to five members, including two sopranos, a tenor, baritone and pianist. They have charmed audiences around Australia, Asia, USA and the South Pacific. The enigmatic group blend light opera and cabaret, reaching out to a variety of audiences, including young children as well as corporate groups. Their operatic arias are performed regularly at major venues, festivals and theatres. Successful shows have included A Night on Broadway, From Figaro to Phantom and Opera Under the Stars. The group has also performed alongside David Helfgott and flautist Jane Rutter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A comedy club with a difference |
135 Victoria Parade (Collingwood) Melbourne, VIC 3066 Australia +61 (0)3 9419 4197 |
When Dave Taranto had the idea for a comedy night on Wednesdays, little did he know how long the tradition would last. His suggestion, made soon after the building's foundation in the late 1800s, created The Cheese Shop, now one of Melbourne's favorite comedy venues. The venue still thrives despite competition from bigger establishments. Its success seems to be the relaxed atmosphere and the appreciative audiences. International comedians as well as most of Australia's leading comics perform here. On other nights there is acoustic and world music. The popular bistro-style lunch menu is now also served in the evenings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mystery and mayhem! |
84 Dudley Street West Melbourne Melbourne, VIC 3003 Australia +61 (0)3 9329 9850 http://www.witchesinbritches.c... |
Since 1990 this exciting venue has become Melbourne's largest theatre restaurant. The talented cast wows audiences with its fresh brand of comedy incorporating a witches and warlocks theme with impersonations and send-ups of celebrities. The witches love to invite everybody into their medieval castle for a mesmerizing evening of atmospheric entertainment. At 7pm, park your broomsticks at the door and enjoy a mysterious potion from the bar before the show. At 8pm, a delicious three-course set meal (vegetarian option) is served. Show time begins at 9.15pm, with an interval for dessert at 10.15pm. After the show at 11.45pm, strut your stuff in the Dragon Pit disco. Review © 2007, Wcities |