Melbourne has made a name for itself as the artistic capital of Australia, and when you dive into the world of theatre and live performance, it’s easy to see why. Whether you want to catch the latest headlining show, or find a new underground date spot, this city has something for you.
Check out our picks of the top theatres in Melbourne to catch a live show.
Regent Theatre
Originally built as a cinema in 1929, the opulent Regent Theatre is a charming and magnificently restored theatre that has stood the test of time. Despite a fire in 1945 that destroyed the auditorium, fly tower and roof, as well as a 20 year closure, the doors have remained open since its restoration in 1996.
Its unique, luxe auditorium has drawn drama and music lovers from around the world, with seating for up to 2,145 patrons over two levels, complete with chandeliers, velvet cushions and a beautiful proscenium. The ornate, Gothic-style interior is complemented by a Spanish Baroque Plaza Ballroom on the lower level, where audience members are welcomed each week.
Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet regularly host shows here, including a seasonal run of The Nutcracker. Make sure to stop by the theatre bars for a glass of local wine and an ice cream, then take your seat and prepare for a show you won’t soon forget.
Princess Theatre
Princess Theatre is Australia’s oldest continuous entertainment site, and it wears that label proudly. First opened in 1886, it has maintained an elegant facade, domed roofs and marble foyer.
The theatre has welcomed some of the biggest musicals of all time, including Les Miersables, Cats and Mamma Mia. It even set the record for the longest running show ever staged in Victoria when The Phantom of the Opera took to the stage in the early 1990s.
With 1,452 seats, the theatre reflects the opulence of the “Marvelous Melbourne” boom period, a time of extreme economic growth and lavish construction. It introduced state of the art electric stage lighting and the world’s first sliding ceiling, which could be rolled back on warm nights to mimic the feeling of an open-air theatre.
Today, it continues to host musicals from around the world, with some of Australia’s biggest performers taking to the stage.
As well as its grand performance past, the Princess Theatre has a slightly spooky history of ghost sightings. Many performers and audience members have reported seeing baritone Frederick Baker, who died on stage in 1888, wandering the theatre in evening dress or even taking bows with the performers. Keep an eye out for this ghoulish figure!
State Theatre: Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne, on the banks of the Yarra River, has been one of Melbourne’s leading venues for world-class theatre, dance and music for more than 30 years. The centre hosts six separate theatres and more than 1000 performances a year, with views across the Yarra River.
The grand and awe-inspiring Ian Potter State Theatre boasts 2,000 seats, one of the largest stages in the world (with floor space equivalent to eight suburban houses), and two resident companies: the Australian Ballet and Opera Australia.
Before the show begins, take a look at the famous curtain, designed by Graham Bennett, which is decorated with hand-painted Victorian wildflowers and an outspread lyrebird’s tail. On the ceiling, you may also notice the 75,000 tiny brass spheres, which create the illusion of a dazzling sky.
Open during the Summer, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is also part of the Arts Centre. This outdoor venue is tucked away in the gardens of Kings Domain, with space for 11,000 standing and 2,000 seated patrons. Each year, the concert series includes international bands and Carols by Candlelight, set against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Her Majesty’s Theatre, one of Melbourne’s most iconic venues for live performance, has been entertaining audiences since 1886. It heralds itself as “Australia’s home of musical theatre”, where Art Deco glamour is combined with modern amenities.
Visitors can enjoy a show from the comfort of the 1,700 seat theatre, and book a pre-show experience for VIP treatment. When you book The Director’s Box, you will be greeted by your host 30 minutes before the performance, where you will have exclusive access to private Art Deco facilities, with the option to enjoy a cheese and charcuterie selection and a bottle of Chandon sparkling wine.
For bigger groups, you can book The Mike Walsh Suite, with a private bar, restrooms and a curated selection of tapas on offer for 90 minutes before the show starts. Perfect for groups from 2-45, the room encapsulates the opulence of 1930s Broadway.
Comedy Theatre
While it might be a more intimate venue, the walls shake with laughter in the Comedy Theatre. Built in 1928, the Comedy Theatre on Exhibition Street has hosted local and touring theatre, comedy and musical shows for generations.
The building’s exterior takes inspiration from a Florentine palace, while the Spanish-inspired interior seats up to 1,000 guests across two tiers. The theatre dates back to Melbourne’s theatrical boom in the late 1920s, but records suggest the land was first used for a circus in 1852.
The popular venue has hosted shows such as Menopause the Musical, The Rocky Horror Show and Waiting for Godot.
SouthBank Theatre
Southbank Theatre is the principal home of the Melbourne Theatre Company, and its award-winning architectural design makes a stunning backdrop for world-first stage adaptations, acclaimed dance performances, Pulitzer Prize-winning dramas and everything in between.
Inside, you will find two performance spaces, a bar and a restaurant. The Sumner is a modern 559-seat theatre using advanced stage technology to offer an intimate show experience, while The Lawler is a black-box studio where Melbourne Theatre Company stages its more experimental shows.
Miss Pearl Bar + Dining, also on theatre grounds, celebrates the vibrant flavours of Asian fusion cuisine under the guidance of head chef Sushil Aryal. If you’re visiting before a show, Sushil has designed a pre-theatre menu consisting of a selection of top Miss Pearl share places, including kingfish sashimi, miso roasted cauliflower and crispy master stock chicken, for just $65 per person.
Fortyfivedownstairs
fortyfivedownstairs is one of the city’s most renowned and multifaceted creative hubs: a not-for-profit theatre and gallery showcasing independent visual art, theatre and music. Here, you can catch independent, experimental and thought-provoking art – and the seating is rarely organised the same way twice, so you’re always in for a surprise!
Stop by the gallery for a range of exhibitions from local artists, and then catch a show in the small theatre space. Creatives are invited to submit a proposal to the team, with the chance to exhibit to an audience larger than what is typically possible for independent artists.
Can’t get enough of these theatres in Melbourne? Check out the best art spaces in the city here.
To visit these incredible theatres, you can jump on a flight to Melbourne with Rex airlines.
