Theatre, Music, Dance and Live Performance

Halftix Melbourne is Australia's longest running discount ticket service. Specializing in live shows and tours, they have the widest range of events at the best prices in town. They cover everything from the big shows through to smaller events and cabarets. Check “Today’s Listings” on their website for what is on offer but it does change regularly. Most events can be bought online but some can only be bought in store (behind Melbourne Town Hall)

208 Little Collins Street

https://www.halftixmelbourne.com/

Having been around London and New York for some time, Today Tix has now arrived in Melbourne. The variety of shows on offer cover lottery tickets for the big musicals, mobile rush tickets (released at 9am day of show), flash sales (I've seen up to 75% off) and many more. Worth downloading and keeping an eye on things.

https://www.todaytix.com/melbourne/category/all-shows

Part of the TIX group, Lasttix is their discount ticket seller. They often do the bigger shows such as musicals and concerts. They are online only and basically redirect you to their authorised reseller with a special code to give you a discounted ticket price.

www.lasttix.com.au

https://tix.com.au/

Every Tuesday at 12 noon, Arts Centre Melbourne (home to Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) will release discounted tickets for selected shows for the next week (Tues-Mon).

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/festival-and-series/tix-at-12

Some of the East End Theatre District theatres will offer discounted rush tickets at the box office from an hour before the show. It’s sporadic so if there is a show you’re keen on seeing, head to the box office of the show you want to see and ask if they have any last minute deals or rush tickets available. These are rare and most rush tickets are done day of show online through TodayTix.

Melbourne Theatre Company offer 50% off tickets for anyone under 30. Whether buying online or in person, you always have to collect your tickets at the box office before the performance and show ID for all people buying that type of ticket. 

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra also offers discounts for under 30 or 35 depending on the show.

One of Melbourne’s largest and oldest theatres. Mostly houses big commercials shows, in particular musicals. 

Currently playing: Tina: The Tina Tuner Musical

Former productions have included Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, Phantom Of The Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! And Book Of Mormon. 

163 Spring Street

https://marrinergroup.com.au/venues/princess-theatre

One of Melbourne’s largest and grandest theatres. It used to be a cinema, now it mostly houses big commercials shows, in particular musicals. 

Currently playing:  Sister Act: The Musical

Former productions have included Wicked, & Juliet, The Lion King, King Kong, Les Miserables, and The Sound Of Music. 

191-197 Collins Street

https://marrinergroup.com.au/venues/regent-theatre

One of Melbourne’s largest and oldest theatres. Mostly houses big commercials shows, in particular musicals.

Currently playing: Beauty and the Beast

Former productions have included  Miss Saigon, Kinky Boots, Aladdin, Avenue Q, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, School Of Rock and Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical. 

They run  tours of the theatre every Monday at 10:30am (check website for details)

219 Exhibition St

https://www.hmt.com.au/

The Comedy Theatre holds 1000 people and hosts smaller scale musicals and plays, and serves as a main hub for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. 

Currently playing:  A Christmas Carol

240 Exhibition Street

https://marrinergroup.com.au/venues/comedy-theatre

The Athenaeum Theatre is used for theatre, comedy and music performances, including as a principal venue for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Opera. Former productions have included Bring It On: The Musical.

188 Collins Street

http://www.athenaeumtheatre.com.au/

The Forum Theatre is a live music, cinema, theatre, and event venue. It has hosted musicians such as Oasis, Madonna, Ozzy Osbourne, Katy Perry, Cat Power, Jarvis Cocker, Dirty Three and Harry Styles.

154 Flinders Street

https://marrinergroup.com.au/venues/forum-melbourne

New York has Broadway, London has The West End, here in Melbourne, we have the East End Theatre District. This is where the largest commercial plays, musicals and dance shows are held in these 6 historic theatres in the CBD.

http://eastend.melbourne/home

Full Arts Centre Melbourne What’s On Guide https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on

Don't forget about the Tix at 12 program I mentioned above if you want cheap tickets.

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/festival-and-series/tix-at-12

Resident Companies of Arts Centre Melbourne:

The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company and Opera Australia

Other companies who regularly use Arts Centre Melbourne include:

• Bell Shakespeare (more contemporary/experimental)
• Australian Shakespeare Company (more traditional)
• Circa (Modern circus/acrobatics)
• Victorian Opera (state opera company, pushing for new work)
• Bangarra Dance Theatre (Indigenous Australian contemporary dance company)

The Australian Music Vault is a free exhibition celebrating Australia's fantastic live music scenes. With memorabilia from Kylie Minogue, AC/DC, Dami Im, Archie Roach and many more.

https://www.australianmusicvault.com.au/

Also on Sundays is the Sunday Market on the Arts Centre Lawn. Dozens of local craftspeople, and food vendors make the lawn come alive. All are local producers and offer many great gifts and souvenirs.

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/visit/sunday-market

Boasting one of the largest performance stages in the world, the State Theatre is home to two of Art Centre Melbourne’s resident companies: The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia. Hosts large grand ballet, opera and musical theatre. 

100 St Kilda Rd

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/visit/theatres-and-spaces/state-theatre

A medium sized theatre, home to chamber operas, musicals and ballet as well as a main theatre for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

100 St Kilda Rd

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/visit/theatres-and-spaces/playhouse

Versatile and intimate 376 seat theatre, here you can see leading theatre productions from the likes of the Melbourne Theatre Company, one of one of the resident companies, to experimental works, cabaret and everything in between.

100 St Kilda Rd

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/visit/theatres-and-spaces/fairfax-studio

Melbourne’s premier large scale concert hall. Home of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, it hosts many artists across all genres of music.

100 St Kilda Rd

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/visit/theatres-and-spaces/hamer-hall

A large outdoor concert venue, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl has played host to the likes of The Seekers, AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Metallica, Florence and the Machine and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. It seats 2000 under cover and another 11,000 on the grass. During the summer, there are often free concerts held here.

Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Ave

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/visit/theatres-and-spaces/sidney-myer-music-bowl

Melbourne Recital Centre is an acclaimed music destination combining architectural innovation and acoustic perfection within its two world-class performance spaces to showcase the best music, artists and ensembles from around the world. It features 2 performance spaces: The Elizabeth Murdoch Hall for chamber ensembles that seats 1000 people and The Salon for more intimate performances.

They occasionally run guided tours of the venue (check website for details)

31 Sturt St

https://www.melbournerecital.com.au/

Comprising the state of the art Sumner Theatre and the intimate Lawler Theatre, this building is the home of the Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne’s largest state theatre company. They perform multiple shows a year including new and classic works from Australian and international playwrights.

140 Southbank Boulevard

https://www.mtc.com.au/your-visit/our-venues/southbank-theatre/

An intimate 3 theatre (Merlyn, Beckett and Tower Theatres) complex, Malthouse Theatre collaborates with local and international artists to create inventive performances that cut to the core of the human experience. Their work explores the world, personally, socially and politically to provoke a dialogue with and within audiences. They produce medium sized productions, both originals and classics reinvented and are more avant-garde and challenging than Melbourne Theatre Company shows.

113 Sturt Street Southbank

https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/

An independent theatre converted from an old parish hall. They produce exciting new work and really push theatre and performance are and are incredibly proud and passionate about what they do. Their mission is to enable new work, foster and develop new voices, be a vital support for established voices, and welcome and engage new audiences. Very close to the St Kilda Esplanade so you can go for a nice walk on the beach or get some dinner in one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby.

14 Acland Street, St Kilda

http://www.theatreworks.org.au/

Redstitch is owned and operated by an ensemble of actors and creatives. They present actor forward plays and performances. Less focus on technical and design elements and more focussed on keen acting craft and storytelling. Incredibly engaging performances and developing and presenting new writing. Go for a bite to eat just up the road on Chapel Street.

Rear 2 Chapel Street (behind All Saints Church), St Kilda East

https://redstitch.net/

La Mama Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre in Carlton, Victoria. It has been nationally and internationally acknowledged as a crucible for cutting edge, contemporary theatre since 1967. 

They operate both their Main Theatre and the Courthouse

349 Drummond Street, Carlton

https://lamama.com.au/

Housed in what used to be a church, it has become a centre for independent musical theatre, cabaret, dance and performance art. There are two theatres, The Chapel and The Loft.

2 Little Chapel St, Prahran 

https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/

The last single screen cinema of its kind in continuous operation in Melbourne, still standing since its grand opening in 1936. Long famous for its presentation of classics, cult favourites and select new releases, The Astor projects a range of mediums including 35mm prints and the now rare 70mm format (over three times the size of 35mm, with glorious detail and clarity). The Astor is also home to the Barco 4K Digital Projector, the highest quality projector of its kind in Australia. Go for a bite to eat just up the road on Chapel Street.

Corner Chapel Street & Dandenong Road, St Kilda

https://www.astortheatre.net.au/

A large, old 3000 person theatre. Hosts live music performances and occasionally opera, theatre and musicals. Just across the road from Luna Park and the St Kilda Pier area.

Lower Esplanade, St Kilda

https://palaistheatre.com.au/

fortyfivedownstairs is a Melbourne based not-for-profit theatre and gallery, showcasing independent visual art, theatre and music. A very unique performance space that host very dynamic and interesting productions.

45 Flinders Lane

https://www.fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp2016/

Meat Market is an iconic heritage listed building in Melbourne, reimagined as a venue hire space for arts, culture and events. Meat Market hosts performances, circus and dance, creative productions, exhibitions, music, photography, film, fashion, markets, corporate events and more.

3 Blackwood St, North Melbourne

https://meatmarket.org.au/

Quirky, intimate theatre and bar with kitsch decor, for edgy live performances and clever cocktails. Hosts mainly cabaret but also comedy, small plays and burlesque.

5 Carson Place, (Off Lt Collins St)

https://thebutterflyclub.com/

On Monday nights, Spleen hosts free stand up comedy starting from 8:30pm. It does fill up so get in early (7:30pm), get a drink and enjoy a fun atmosphere of comedy. Acts range from first timers trying out new material to seasoned veterans who are paying it forward to Spleen for supporting their early career

41 Bourke St

https://www.spleenbarmelbourne.com.au/

http://www.comedyatspleen.com/

Melbourne's home of Chicago Style improv & sketch comedy. Original shows every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Night. All tickets either $6, $12 or free. They also have a fully licensed bar and run improvisation classes.

Level 1, 19 Meyers Place

https://www.improvconspiracy.com/

Australian home of Vaudeville, cabaret, burlesque, carnival, burlesque, illusion, comedy and live music. Fun, quirky, intimate performances you will not see anywhere else.

522 Flinders Street

https://www.speakeasy-hq.com/

Unique bar and club with art deco train carriage booths, for live music, theatre and late-night DJs.

2nd Floor, 252 Swanston St

https://thetoff.com.au/

Iconic, raucous laneway bar, hosting a lineup of local and international rock 'n' roll, soul, R&B and blues acts until 11pm. From then DJs take over.

68 Little Collins St

http://www.cherrybar.com.au/

Focussing mainly on Jazz, Funk, Soul, R&B and Latin, Birds Basement is a great venue with a restaurant and bar to accompany the music

11 Singers Lane

https://birdsbasement.com/

The Paris Cat Jazz Club is Melbourne's finest dedicated live jazz venue. They are committed to featuring the City's best jazz and are always on a pursuit to discover the next generation of Australian Jazz artists.

6 Goldie Pl

https://pariscat.com.au/

St Kilda

Fitzroy

Collingwood

Richmond