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 Mainstream to experimental |
188 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9650 1500 |
Unlike the Regent Theatre opposite, the Athenaeum deals pretty exclusively in live theatre. However, its productions range from Bell's Shakespeare Company to Winnie-the-Pooh to one-man shows. There is a small theatre upstairs and the main theatre downstairs seats slightly fewer than 1000 at full capacity. The National Trust classified building is decoratively rather more restrained than some of the old city centre theatres. Refreshments are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Traditional Shakespeare with a difference |
188 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 8676 7509 http://www.australianshakespea... |
Since 1987 the Australian Shakespeare Company has presented exciting, accessible and contemporary productions of Shakespeare and other dramatized classics in innovative and unique outdoor theatre performances from Melbourne to Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens to Kakadu National Park and Beswick Falls in the Northern Territory. The Australian Shakespeare Company has played to over a million people throughout Australia with its successful and critically acclaimed annual seasons of Shakespeare Under the Stars and The Wind in the Willows with some of Australia's finest professional performers and creative artists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Shakespeare Aussie style |
Flinders Lane P.O. Box 311 Melbourne, VIC 8009 Australia +61 3 9686 1222 http://www.bellshakespeare.com... |
The Bell Shakespeare Company enriches over 200,000 Australians each year, around a third of them under 30. From its courageous beginnings in 1990, the group currently performs in every state and territory in both regional and outback Australia. The BSC aims to incorporate the works of Shakespeare into contemporary Australian culture. Australian accents are used with no attempt at duplicating a traditional British approach. Contemporary music and design inspired by young local talent is used to convey the significance of these works to today's audiences. The group regularly performs at the Athenaeum Theatre and other regional theatres across Melbourne. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Focus on Australian theatre |
113 Sturt St Melbourne, VIC 3006 Australia +61 (0)3 9685 5111 |
The C.U.B. Malthouse was donated to the Playbox theater company in 1986 by Carlton United Breweries. It consists of two theatres—the Merlyn and the Beckett. Neither is large, with the Merlyn holding 500 and the Beckett 200. The connection to the Playbox means there is a strong accent on Australian theatre, but music, dance and events associated with Melbourne's festivals are held here, too. There is a coffee shop open from breakfast until after the shows. Call for prices of individual performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Alderson |
 Photo: Peter Alderson |
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A musical theatre |
PO Box 2163 Hampton East Melbourne, VIC 3188 Australia +61 3 9592 2897 / +61 3 9598 9494 http://www.cloc.org.au/ |
The Cheltenham Light Opera Company has been providing Melbourne audiences with high quality amateur productions since the early 1960s. Having left its ties with the Cheltenham Presbyterian Church in 1963, the group aims to set the pace of non-professional music theatre in Melbourne. This self-funded company encourages university students to design costumes and sets for the performances. Two major works are presented annually at various venues across Melbourne, lasting for two weeks. Past works have included "Les Miserables," "Anything Goes," "West Side Story" and "Evita". 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 |
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Bringing Chinese culture to Australians |
The University of Melbourne Parkville Melbourne, VIC 3052 Australia +61 3 8344 6976 |
The Chinese Theatre Group aims to promote awareness of Asian culture in Australia. Since its first production in 1990, many high quality performances have produced tears, laughter and a sense of pride amongst audience members, plus an invaluable insight into Chinese culture and tradition. Around one hundred students from various Asian backgrounds gather annually to perform three Chinese plays in English and Mandarin. Aided by an outside director and innovative costumes, sets and props (designed by students), the group attains the quality essential for a production to rank beyond amateur. Performances are held at Melbourne University's Union Theatre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 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 |
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Gasworks Theatre |
21 Graham Street Albert Park Melbourne, VIC 3206 Australia +61 3 8606 4200 http://www.gasworks.org.au/ |
"If not inevitable it is certainly likely these days that a theatre will be housed within a "complex". In this case the complex includes studios for artists, ceramists and sculptors, and a bookshop. Seating only 240 it is a focal point for the local community but hosts a wide range of shows including productions from interstate and overseas. The standard of its productions is high, and being a community-based venture its prices make theatre financially accessible to all." Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Intimate theatre |
100 St Kilda Road Victorian Arts Centre Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9281 8000 http://www.vicartscentre.com.au/ |
This small theatre is a minor miracle in design. Wherever you sit there is the sensation of being right in the thick of the action. Like the Playhouse it is a major venue for the Melbourne Theatre Company, with the consequent expectation of getting your money's worth. It holds going on for 400 in curved, amphitheatre style seating, with some consideration for wheelchairs. However short you might be, it is impossible to get other than a good view of proceedings at the Fairfax. Refreshments including alcohol are available and can be pre-ordered to avoid interval queues. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Her Majesty's Theatre |
219 Exhibition Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 8643 3300 http://www.hmt.com.au/ |
Like many of Melbourne's old theatres, Her Majesty's is not really equipped for the large scale productions expected of theatre these days. However some productions, such as Chicago, actually manage to make lack of space seem like a virtue, utilising techniques like singers performing their numbers while hanging off ladders. But the individual foibles of each grand old building in the city theatre area are to be treasured. It is part of a theatre atmosphere that only a few cities in the world have. Sydney would kill for it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katie Hannan |
 Photo: Debbie Tea |
 Photo: Ruth Chong |
 Photo: Nghi Huynh |
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Classic and contemporary drama |
29 Burke Road Malvern East Melbourne, VIC 3145 Australia +61 3 9530 8586 (Bookings) / +61 3 9528 1653 (General Enquiries) http://www.malverntheatre.com.au/ |
This leading amateur theatre company has been performing five diverse plays of high standard each year for over 40 years. The repertoire includes a variety of local and overseas plays ranging from Shakespeare and period dramas to comedies and contemporary works. The group has also taken part in various festivals around Melbourne in the past, winning several awards. All plays are performed in the cosy Malvern theatre and with the exception of the 2p shows on Saturdays and 3p shows on Sunday; performances usually start at 8.15p sharp. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classical showcase |
Victorian Arts Centre 100 St. Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9281 8000 |
Victoria's key venue for major concerts and opera, the Hall also hosts the whole gamut of musical productions - from symphony orchestra to rock concerts. Although it is the largest venue in the Victorian Arts Centre, seating at least 2,400, its modern design gives all patrons a feeling of being close to the stage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Burkhard Westphal |
 Photo: Becca & Brian Davis |
 Photo: John Raptis |
 Photo: Chuan Chew  |
 Photo: mylene tong |
 Photo: Chris MacDonald |
 Photo: Jes |
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Feast in the Weird and Wonderful |
25 Easey Street (Various venues in city and suburbs) Melbourne, VIC 3066 Australia +61 3 8412 8788 http://www.melbournefringe.com... |
Just before the Melbourne Festival, the "Fringe" is a three-week alternative version of the major international event. Wonderful and weird art forms dominate venues across the city! Melbourne Fringean organisation rather than just a Festivalis dedicated to supporting local independent artists. It encourages innovative, independent and experimental art, providing an audience for otherwise unseen works of art. In venues as varied as the funky streets of Brunswick, to the sands of local beaches, this is a perfect chance to see something a little off-the-wall. Admission: Tickets start at AUD10 with some free events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Australia's pre-eminent arts festival |
P. O. Box 10, Flinders Lane (At various venues in and around the city) Melbourne, VIC 8009 Australia +61 3 9662 4242 http://www.melbournefestival.c... |
Melbourne, renowned as Australia's cultural capital, has embraced this Festival with such passion that it is now the country's greatest annual arts festival. Since 1986, the Festival has consistently delivered a programme of top Australian and international performers to enthusiastic audiences. Visitors and locals revel in the superb selection of theatre, dance, visual arts, opera and music. The diverse programme is not just for culture vultures. There is a high quality cultural experience to meet most pockets and tastes. Admission: From AUD20-AUD120 per performance (prices vary widely). Some free events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Melbourne's prominent theatre company |
129 Ferrars Street Southbank Melbourne, VIC 3006 Australia +61 3 9684 4500 http://www.mtc.com.au |
The Melbourne Theatre Company remains the longest established professional theatre company in Melbourne. Performances held at its original Melbourne University Union Theatre home, date back to the early 1950s. Each year, 11 ambitious plays, consciously incorporating contemporary Australian playwrights, are selected and performed to thousands of urban and rural Victorians. The company has been responsible for launching many careers. Performances in the past have included the talents of Hugo Weaving and Geoffrey Rush. MTC perform at the Arts Centre Playhouse. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Popular amateur theatre |
P.O. Box 2100, Lechte Road Unicorn Theatre Melbourne, VIC 3178 Australia +61 3 5988 0465 |
Peridot Theatre Company produces four full length plays each year ranging in style from drama to farce. Having debuted in August of 1985, the company takes its name from the birthstone for this month. The company performs at the Unicorn Theatre in Mount Waverley, which accommodates over 200 people. Past performances have included Ray Lawler's legendary Summer Of The Seventeenth Doll and Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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the Arts Centre |
100 St Kilda Road the Arts Centre Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9281 8000 www.theartscentre.net.au |
The Playhouse is just one of the venues inside the Victorian Arts Centre. Seating almost 900, it is the larger of the two theatres used by the Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC). It cannot but have a good name as a consequence--the MTC rarely puts a foot wrong. Being a modern theatre viewing from both circle and stalls is fine as seats are well staggered. There is wheelchair access. Refreshments including alcohol are available and can be pre-ordered to avoid interval queues. Admission: Prices, including concessions, vary according to type and time of performance. Subscribing to the MTC's season is excellent value. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lindsay Blamey |
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The queen of Melbourne theatres |
163 Spring Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9299 9800 http://www.marrinertheatres.co... |
In use since 1854, major restoration in the late 1980s saw the Princess Theatre reopen in 1989 capable of providing the technology modern shows demand. Its ornate façade is in keeping in with the surrounding area that includes, nearby, the historic Windsor Hotel. The Princess is yet another of the theatres in Melbourne that show her English roots. Used for big production musicals, it holds the record for the longest playing musical in Melbourne. And don't forget it is haunted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Linda L |
 Photo: Fluoride |
 Photo: Beth Ballingall |
 Photo: Antoine |
 Photo: Gordon McAlpin |
 Photo: Leon Sammartino |
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Regent Theatre |
191 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (03) 9299 9600 http://www.marrinertheatres.co... |
The Regent might look old, but it is actually about the most modern of the old theatres in Melbourne, first opening in 1929. Its lavish décor, both in the theatre and in its foyer areas, brings to mind the West End of London. A small but attractive feature is generous room for legs. One can sit with another walking past, all without any fuss and bother. Quite the opposite of modern theatres. It hosts a range of events ranging from popular musicals to pop concerts. Binoculars can be hired. Admission: Prices vary according to performance, time, seats chosen, etc. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dean Melissinos |
 Photo: Aleksandar Lazic |
 Photo: Peter Eades |
 Photo: Stewart Thorn |
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Lavish venue for lavish productions |
Victorian Arts Centre 100 St Kilda Rd Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9281 8000 http://www.vicartscentre.com.a... |
The State Theater, which opened along with the Playhouse and the Fairfax in 1984, is Victoria's premier dramatic theater. Its 2079 seats include all varieties--stalls, circle, balcony, boxes. Wheelchairs are accommodated. The vast size of its stage means it can hold big productions such as ballets and musicals, and it has the capacity for a full orchestra pit to complement such lavish performances. Its surrounds, as well as the onstage action, will appeal to the audience, since they are stunning to look at. Refreshments including alcohol are available and can be pre-ordered to avoid interval queues. Prices vary according to the performance and its time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: craigalmond |
 Photo: Nada Lovric |
 Photo: Lucy Fisher |
 Photo: Tuck Leong |
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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 |
 Experience Melbourne's Cultural Heart |
100 St Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia +61 (0)3 9281 8000 http://www.theartscentre.net.au/ |
Melbourne is proud of its landmark Eiffel Tower, a sight to be seen, especially at night as birds attracted by the light circle the spire. The spire sits atop the Theatres Building, comprising a series of gallery and theatre spaces. You can wander through and visit the State Theatre, the George Adams Gallery and the Performing Arts Museum. There is also the Hamer Hall, a venue for major artists and the base for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. You can relax on the sloping lawns outside, where free concerts are held during summer. Admission is free unless attending a show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luke van Grieken |
 Photo: Oliver Parzer |
 Photo: Vincent Tan |
 Photo: Allyson Griffith |
 Photo: Linda Teng |
 Photo: Patrick Houlihan |
 Photo: Luke van Grieken |
 Photo: Shaun Nicholson |
 Photo: Cristopher Solis Chen |