Audiences love Chapel Off Chapel for many reasons – friendly staff, a fully licensed bar, foyer and courtyard, and the excitement of getting up close and personal with the arts.
LIVE MUSIC: isn’t the only thing happening on stage at Chapel Off Chapel. Comedy, theatre, cabaret and everything in between can often be found in this quirky venue.
FAMOUS FOR: its signature Chapel Sessions which bring musical stars to the intimate stage for one night only. Past acts include Great Gable, Amaru Tribe, Charm of Finches, Sahara Beck and more.
INFAMOUS FOR: the stunning stained glass backdrop that casts a mesmerising glow on the performers. It’s truly a sight to behold.
There’s just something special about seeing a performance in an actual church. Although Chapel Off Chapel was converted in the 1980s, traces of its origins remain, from the stained glass windows to the sacred energy you can feel the moment you walk through the doors.
Built in 1858, the Bluestone building is one of the oldest standing churches in Victoria. The original project was never completed and the space has since been transformed into an arts venue with heritage charm and modern bells and whistles, consistently booking independent and out-of-the-box acts.
The 240-capacity theatre comes to life when a performer takes to the stage, with moody lighting and reverberating sound (the cathedral acoustics are another blessing left over from its church origins). With comfortable chairs and an intimate vibe, there’s really not a bad seat in the house.
What’s more, the venue has a well-priced bar, a smaller theatre (The Loft) and lovely grounds to explore before or after the show. Grab a glass of wine and a salty snack and mingle in the courtyard during intermission, getting a little fresh air before heading back in for the end of the show.
The parking lot may be a bit small, but it’s easy to get to on public transport, which the team behind the venue encourages as they’re dedicated to increasing sustainable efforts.
There’s a reason why Chapel Off Chapel has earned the reputation as an arts and culture epicentre in Prahran. For fans of live performance in any capacity, Chapel Off Chapel is a must-visit – there really isn’t anywhere else like it.
