Melbourne
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Theatres and Performances
Venues for live theatre, musicals, opera, and dance performances.
Sections
1. Popular Theatres and Performance Venues in Melbourne
a. The Regent Theatre
- Location: 191 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
- Overview: A historic and opulent theatre, the Regent Theatre is one of Melbourneโs most iconic venues. It hosts large-scale musicals, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, and Frozen.
- Capacity: Approximately 2,000 seats
- Insider Tip: The grand architecture and plush interiors make it worth arriving early to explore the venue.
b. Princess Theatre
- Location: 163 Spring Street, Melbourne CBD
- Overview: Another historic gem, the Princess Theatre is known for hosting blockbuster musicals like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Itโs also rumored to be haunted!
- Capacity: Around 1,500 seats
- Insider Tip: The Dress Circle offers excellent views of the stage without the premium price of Stalls seating.
c. Arts Centre Melbourne
- Location: 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank
- Overview: A cultural hub with multiple venues, including the State Theatre, Playhouse, and Fairfax Studio. It hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, theatre, and concerts.
- Capacity: Varies by venue (State Theatre: 2,000+ seats; Playhouse: 884 seats; Fairfax Studio: 376 seats)
- Insider Tip: The Arts Centreโs spire is a Melbourne landmark, and the Sunday Arts Centre Market nearby is worth a visit.
d. Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC)
- Location: Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
- Overview: MTC is the cityโs flagship theatre company, offering a mix of contemporary and classic plays. Performances are held at the Sumner and Lawler theatres.
- Capacity: Sumner Theatre: 500 seats; Lawler Theatre: 150 seats
- Insider Tip: MTC often offers discounted tickets for students and under-30s.
e. Comedy Theatre
- Location: 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD
- Overview: A smaller, charming venue that hosts comedies, plays, and smaller-scale musicals. Recent productions include Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show.
- Capacity: Approximately 1,000 seats
- Insider Tip: The venueโs intimate size ensures good views from most seats.
f. Forum Melbourne
- Location: 154 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
- Overview: Known for its stunning Romanesque architecture, the Forum hosts live music, comedy shows, and smaller theatrical performances.
- Capacity: Around 1,500 seats
- Insider Tip: The Forum is also a key venue during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
g. Sidney Myer Music Bowl
- Location: Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Avenue, Melbourne
- Overview: An outdoor amphitheatre that hosts concerts, festivals, and special events, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestraโs free summer concerts.
- Capacity: Up to 12,000 (seated and lawn areas)
- Insider Tip: Bring a picnic blanket for lawn seating and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
2. Types of Performances Available
- Musicals: Melbourne regularly hosts world-class productions, including Broadway and West End hits.
- Plays: From contemporary works to Shakespearean classics, Melbourneโs theatre companies offer a diverse range of plays.
- Opera and Ballet: The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia perform regularly at the Arts Centre Melbourne.
- Comedy: The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MarchโApril) is one of the largest comedy festivals in the world.
- Live Music: Venues like the Forum and Sidney Myer Music Bowl host concerts across genres.
- Experimental and Fringe Theatre: Check out La Mama Theatre in Carlton for cutting-edge and independent performances.
3. Approximate Ticket Costs
- Musicals: AUD 70โ250 (depending on the production and seating location)
- Plays: AUD 50โ120
- Opera and Ballet: AUD 80โ300
- Comedy Shows: AUD 20โ100
- Live Music: AUD 50โ150 (varies by artist and venue)
- Discounts: Many venues offer concession pricing for students, seniors, and under-30s. Last-minute tickets or rush tickets are sometimes available at reduced prices.
4. How to Book Tickets
- Online: Most venues and productions have official websites where you can book tickets directly. Popular platforms include:
- Box Office: Tickets can also be purchased in person at the venueโs box office.
- Third-Party Resellers: Be cautious when buying from third-party sites to avoid scams or inflated prices.
- Rush Tickets: Some productions offer same-day rush tickets at discounted prices. Check the venueโs website or social media for details.
5. Tips for Getting the Best Seats
- Book Early: Popular shows sell out quickly, so book as soon as tickets go on sale.
- Seating Charts: Review the venueโs seating chart online to choose seats with the best view.
- Mid-Price Options: For musicals, seats in the middle of the Dress Circle or towards the back of the Stalls often offer great views at a lower cost.
- Matinees: Matinee performances are often less expensive than evening shows.
- Group Discounts: If youโre attending with friends or family, check for group discounts.
6. Local Considerations and Recommendations
- Public Transport: Most venues in Melbourneโs CBD are easily accessible by tram, train, or bus. Use a Myki card for seamless travel.
- Parking: Parking in the CBD can be expensive. If driving, consider pre-booking parking through services like Wilson Parking or Secure Parking.
- Dress Code: While thereโs no strict dress code, smart-casual attire is common for most performances. For opera or ballet, some patrons opt for more formal wear.
- Dining Options: Many theatres are surrounded by excellent restaurants. Consider dining before or after the show. For example:
- Near the Regent and Princess Theatres: Try Chin Chin or Movida.
- Near Arts Centre Melbourne: Check out Southbankโs riverside dining options.
- Accessibility: Most venues are wheelchair accessible and offer hearing assistance devices. Contact the venue in advance to arrange any specific accommodations.
- Seasonal Events: Keep an eye out for special events like the Melbourne International Arts Festival (October) and the Melbourne Fringe Festival (SeptemberโOctober).
7. Insider Tips
- Theatre Subscriptions: If youโre staying in Melbourne long-term, consider subscribing to the Melbourne Theatre Company or Opera Australia for discounted tickets and priority booking.
- Free Performances: Look out for free or low-cost performances, especially during festivals like White Night Melbourne or the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Some venues, like the Arts Centre Melbourne, offer guided tours that provide a fascinating look at the history and workings of the theatre.
With this guide, youโre well-equipped to enjoy Melbourneโs thriving theatre and performance scene. Whether youโre catching a blockbuster musical or an intimate play, the cityโs venues and productions are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Enjoy the show!