Forum Theatre

One of Melbourne's best-loved performance spaces offers the latest live music, comedy and theatre in a spectacular old-world setting.

The Forum Theatre has been through a lot since its construction in the 1920s. Previous tenants have used it as a cinema, church and cabaret theatre. Nowadays, it stages performances most nights of the week and is one of the most popular of Melbourne's many live music and theatre venues.

The building itself was heritage listed in 1978 largely due to its iconic Moorish-revival façade and its place in Melbourne’s rich cultural history. The interior is extensively decorated in the Greco-Romanesque style, with statues and columns throughout. The ceiling is another spectacular feature of the building and is designed to create the illusion of an open-air amphitheatre with twinkling stars.

Every April, the theatre hosts one of the city’s biggest festivals, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Film festivals are also held occasionally, as well as weekly performances by top local and international bands.

Sitting opposite Federation Square and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the Forum Theatre is perfectly located at the heart of Melbourne’s cultural district. Before catching a show, head down Flinders Lane and enjoy a meal at any one of the trendy restaurants. Or, snap a photo of the fabulous street art in the iconic AC/DC Lane, which is named after one of Australia’s most successful rock bands.

The Forum Theatre is located on the corner of Flinders and Russell streets, on the edge of downtown Melbourne. Tickets for shows are available at the box office and through online ticket sellers. Be sure to check what’s on before going as the popular shows and performances can sell out very quickly. You must be over the age of 18 to see a show at the Forum Theatre. You will need to provide proof of age, such as your passport, at the entry.