The best stage productions happening this month

From Arts Centre Melbourne to the Regent Theatre, this is Melbourne’s most comprehensive guide to theatre shows, comedy performances and stage productions happening each month. The show must go on, so let’s dive into what’s on this month.

Check out Melbourne’s latest stage shows and theatrical events here.

Melbourne theatre shows this month

Arts Centre Melbourne: The State Theatre

• 100 St Kilda Rd
• Melbourne Vic 3004
• Ticketing Enquiries: 1300 182 183

Sitting beneath one of the city’s great symbols, the magnificent spire, Arts Centre Melbourne is both a defining Melbourne landmark and Australia’s largest and busiest performing arts centre.

Right in the heart of Melbourne’s famed cultural precinct sits Australia’s largest performing arts venue – Arts Centre Melbourne. For over three decades this has been the Victorian capital’s leading venue for world-class theatre, dance, music and more. In the Theatres Building, directly under the venue’s iconic Spire, are three separate theatres – the State Theatre, the Playhouse and the intimate Fairfax Studio.

The State Theatre has one of the largest stages in the world and regularly hosts performances by Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. The Fairfax Studio is a versatile, intimate 376-seat theatre, offering the chance to get ‘up close and personal’ with a variety of contemporary works by presenters from Australia and around the world. The plush, 884-seat Playhouse hosts everything from The Production Company’s entertaining musicals to family shows, comedy and contemporary dance.

Arts Centre Melbourne also houses a significant visual art collection, with works by artists such as Arthur Boyd, John Olsen and Roger Kemp on display in the foyers and a self-guided tour available. Explore your love of music, revisit big music moments and discover the stories of Australian contemporary music at the Australian Music Vault. This free exhibition turns up the volume on our love affair with Australian contemporary music and includes interactive and digital experiences, learning programs, iconic objects and performances. Why not try a guided tour of the venues? These depart at 11am daily and reveal the fascinating stories and secrets of this extensive venue, including the three theatre spaces and five floors underground. Outside Arts Centre Melbourne, local artisans fill the lawn from 10am to 4pm on Sundays to showcase their locally produced arts, crafts and freshly made delicacies at the Sunday Market. Dining options are varied and cover pre-show drinks and small bites, light lunches, hearty dinners, coffee-and-cake or nightcaps.

What’s on at Arts Centre Melbourne

Mary Coustas: This Is Personal

Mary Coustas is touring her smash hit solo show This Is Personal in 2023

Perhaps better known as her beloved character Effie, there’s no question that Mary Coustas has had a long lasting impact on the world of comedy here in Australia. This show is set to dive into the woman behind the wig, and will dive into her journey through life and motherhood. Mary Coustas: This Is Personal is taking place at the Arts Centre from June 27

Taylor Tomlinson

Taylor Tomlinson is bringing The Have It All tour to Australia next year

Popular US comedian Taylor Tomlinson is making her way to Australia this month for her Have It All tour, which has been making its way around her home country. Taylor has appeared on a bunch of hit shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Comedy Central’s Adam Devine’s House Party, and Netflix’s The Comedy Lineup, and Last Comic Standing, among much more.

Bungul

Coming to the Arts Centre thanks to the upcoming Rising Festival, Bungul is a show inspired by an album of Dr Gurrumul Yunupinu’s, Djaimirri. Alongside the MSO, this show will feature a performance by Yolgnu dancers.

Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Mozart

If you’re after something with more of a classical flair, look no further than this event hitting the Arts Centre thanks to the Australian Chamber Orchestra. They’ll be performing pieces of Mozart, pieces include Symphony No.31, and Idomeneo, K.366

Jacky

This aptly titled play follows Jacky, an Indigenous person as he takes on the city. He takes on things like internships, cultural performances, and even sex work. It’s taking place at the Arts Centre until June 24.

The Capitol Theatre

• Address: 113 Swanston St, Melbourne Vic 3000
• Website: rmit.edu.au/the-capitol
• Dining: Highly-rated nearby options include Thai Viet Bibigo, Kim Sing and Bistrot d’Orsay

RMIT’s beloved subterranean theatre, The Capitol, was Australia’s first picture palace, then the Capitol Theatre, which boasts a highly unusual crystal-like roof design, home to a bespoke roof lighting system, which makes it rather unique among theatres throughout the world.

It’s one of the world’s most architecturally-sublime cinemas. Located smack-bang in the middle of the CBD, the art deco theatre was designed by American architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahoney Griffin (who also designed the entire city of Canberra). The Capitol’s extravagant opulence was nearly demolished under Melbourne’s rush to modernise the inner-city around the 1956 Olympic Games, and it took a major push from a coalition of Australia’s foremost architects to save the building (and they still were unable to save the foyer and parts of the entrance, which made way for the now ‘Capitol Arcade’ shopping strip below).

It was bought by RMIT for use as a lecture theatre and underwent $18 million renovations soon after, reopening as a theatre that now plays host to a variety of speaking and performance tours. Nowadays, it’s not only treasured as an architectural gem, but one of the first examples of an organised push to save Australia’s architectural heritage – a movement that 70 years later, is forefront in the minds of many across the nation’s major cities.

What’s on at The Capitol Theatre

Everyday Oceans: Surfing, Swimming and Gardening

This June, we’ll be celebrating World Ocean Day, and The Capitol will be home to members of ORCA, who will be showcasing a selection of short films about the ocean. Alongside the films, there’ll be Q and A sessions, panels and plenty more. You can check out the full program for this event here.

Regent Theatre Melbourne

• 191 Collins St
• Melbourne Vic 3000

Regent Theatre originally opened in March 1929 and programmed film screenings, ballets and other art performances. The theatre’s auditorium burned down in 1945 towards the end of World World II and reopened in 1947. Closing again in 1970, the theatre was restored and reopened in 1996 with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard.

Renovations to the theatre in 2019 included brand new seating, upgraded bars and foyers, repairs of the ornate plasterwork and the restoration of the crystal chandelier. All up, the renovations cost a whopping $19.4 million and took place in partnership with the Victorian Government, the City of Melbourne and the Marriner Group.

What’s on at the Regent Theatre

& Juliet

‘& Juliet’: Melbourne’s exclusive pop musical reimagining Shakespeare

A brand new musical is coming to Melbourne this February, & Juliet is quickly gaining a lot of attention, only recently opening in the UK, and already winning a number of the renowned Olivier awards. It’s coming to the Regent Theatre this month, along with a star studded cast, Amy Lehpamer, Rob Mills, Casey Donovan, and Hayden Tee, alongside newcomer Lorinda May Merrypor in the leading role

Her Majesty’s Theatre

• 219 Exhibition St
• Melbourne VIC 3000
• 8643 3300
• www.hmt.com.au 

Her Majesty’s Theatre was first built in 1886 and originally sat close to 3,000 people making it – at the time – the largest theatre in the southern hemisphere. It had a slightly troubled start to life, originally planned for major operas, it quickly sunk to playing low-brow comedies and its original builder – after running seriously over-budget during the theatre’s construction – went insolvent early in the theatre’s history.

It was taken over by American producer JC Williamson, who was the largest theatre entrepreneur in the world at the time, and eventually established itself as a successful venue hosting operettas that continued to flourish after the owner’s death. The acoustics were famously remodelled after Dame Nellie Melba called them “dead” – Melba eventually made her Australian operatic debut at Her Majesty’s Theatre – and today, after renovations in the early 2000s, the storied venue seats 1,700 people and tends to show at least one long-running major international theatrical production each year.

What’s on at Her Majesty’s Theatre

Mary Poppins The Musical

Yet another new musical is flying into Melbourne this February, Mary Poppins will be coming to the Her Majesty’s Theatre. Based on the popular children’s film of the same name, it features all your favourite moments complete with amazing musical numbers. The cast involves Stefanie Jones, Jack Chambers, Tom Wren, and many more.

Princess Theatre Melbourne

• 163 Spring St
• Melbourne VIC 3000
• (03) 9299 9800
• theprincesstheatre.com.au

Melbourne’s iconic Princess Theatre is regarded by many as Melbourne’s most spectacular landmark. Dating back as far as 1854, the theatre was purchased by Marriner Theatres in 1986 and plans were put in place for its total refurbishment and to ensure its future viability as a live theatre venue. The Princess Theatre reopened in 1989 with the musical Les Miserables followed by The Phantom of the Opera which established a new record for the longest-running show ever staged in Victoria.

What’s on at the Princess Theatre

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

It’s been a staple of our theatre scene for years now, a number of different versions hitting stages with different cast members. Perhaps one of the most memorable elements of the show was its split-staging across two parts, often seen hours after one another, leading many to possibly be turned away from the original production. But now the team are back with a new format, all the magic and moments you love cut down into one portion, and it’s still just as long as any other stage show you’ll have ever seen.

Comedy Theatre

• 240 Exhibition St
• Melbourne Vic 3000

Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre retains a vital place in the city’s vibrant live entertainment scene. Built in 1928, the theatre is a blend of European flavours. The exterior is a replica of a Florentine palace and the interior shows a strong Spanish influence. The Comedy Theatre still maintains a lot of its original characteristics including balcony seating, a generous foyer and an elegant staircase.

It is not only comedy that you will find here. Audiences can enjoy a diverse range of theatre and live entertainment. With seating for 1000 patrons over two levels, famous shows to have played the Comedy Theatre stage include; Keating, Menopause the Musical, Waiting for Godot, The Rocky Horror Show, Avenue Q, Rock of Ages and Jagged Little Pill.

What’s on at Comedy Theatre

Once

It’s been playing to adoring crowds for a little while now, and it’s set to close early this June. The show focuses on an Irish musician. The score and book was penned by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.

Midnight: The Cinderella Musical

It wouldn’t be a stage guide if it didn’t mention a brand-new musical hitting one of our big 4 stages this month. Midnight: The Cinderella Musical is an exciting new show hitting the Comedy Theatre this month, and features a selection of our most popular performers, including Brianna Bishop, Lucy Durack, and Shane Jacobson, among many more. Midnight: The Cinderella Musical is opening at The Comedy Theatre on June 25

Athenaeum Theatre

• 188 Collins St
• Melbourne Vic 3000
• (03) 9650 1500
• athenaeumtheatre.com.au

The Athenaeum is one of the oldest public institutions in Victoria, Australia, founded in 1839. Its building in the Melbourne City Centre consists of a main theatre hosting a range of theatre, comedy and music performances, a small studio theatre, and a subscription library. The building was added to the National Trust’s Register of Historic Buildings in 1981 and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The theatre is part of Melbourne’s East End Theatre District.

Today, the Athenaeum Theatre is used for a range of theatre, comedy and music performances, including as a principal venue for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Opera. The Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas presents discussions and talks at the theatre.

What’s on at the Athenaeum Theatre

David Bridie

ARIA award winner David Bridie will be hitting the stage this June. Perhaps best known as members of groups Not Drowning and My Friend The Chocolate Cake, Bridie also produces soundtracks for the screen, and has had a significant solo career, back in 2020 he dropped his 9^th studio album, titled Reconstructions.

Songs of Rosa Mystica

The Song Company brings this show to the Atheneum Theatre. They will be led by director Jack Symonds.

The Rocky Horror Show

Rocky Horror reimagined: An unforgettable night of madness, glamour and sensational performances

It recently opened to rave reviews, so it’s time to go and see what all the fuss is about. It’s celebrating 50 years on stage by bringing a star-studded cast, global theatre star Jason Donovan appears as Frank N Furter, and music genius / Spicks and Specks regular Myf Warhurst as The Narrator.

National Theatre 

A vital part of Melbourne’s creative landscape since 1920, The National Theatre are host to hundreds of performances and community events every year. They’re a not-for-profit organisation that aims to support communities through the arts by providing an accessible venue and a centre for training emerging artists for generations to come.

What’s on at the National Theatre

Romeo and Juliet

After you catch & Juliet, come and see the original story in ballet form.

The Wizard of Oz

There’s nothing more enjoyable then catching an old school musical on one of our classic stages. If you don’t know the story, Dorothy travels to visit the Wizard via the Yellow Brick Road. It opens on Thursday June 29, and will play throughout July.

Alex Theatre 

• Level 1, 135 Fitzroy Street
• St Kilda Vic 3182
• (03) 8534 9300
• alextheatrestk.com.au

The old George Cinemas has had quite the tidy makeover, courtesy of Aleksandar Vass OAM – an actor, writer, producer and businessman, who redeveloped the building in 2014 with the intention of creating an off-Broadway esque, 500-odd capacity theatre right in the heart of St Kilda.

What’s on at the Alex Theatre

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

The Peanuts characters will be your friends throughout this production, as it tells the story of the characters throughout their crazy and interesting lives. It opens on Friday June 16.

Metamuse

Dancing is the focus of this show hitting the Alex Theatre this month. Metamuse features a team of talented dancers who push boundaries.

The Alexander Theatre

• Monash University (Clayton Campus)
• 48 Exhibition Walk
• Clayton VIC 3169

Originally built in the 1960s, the Alexander Theatre is a modernist architecture lover’s dream. Located at the newly opened Monash University’s Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, this handsome 561-seat performing arts venue was redeveloped by Peter Elliott Architects and features an active acoustic sound system; enabling the venue’s acoustics to be digitally modified in real-time to achieve optimal sound across a wide spectrum of performance modes.

Home of the MLIVE program, the Alexander Theatre heralds a new era of 21st-century performing arts facilities, education and entertainment.

What’s on at the Alexander Theatre

Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady

The popular musical is returning to Melbourne stages this month, with Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria. The musical features songs like I Could Have Danced All Night, Get Me To The Church On Time, and I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face.

Fortyfivedownstairs

• 45 Flinders Ln
• Melbourne Vic 3000
• (03) 9662 9966
• Fortyfivedownstairs.com

A unique multidisciplinary venue, fortyfivedownstairs has a strong history of presenting new and innovative art to Melbourne audiences.

Located in Melbourne’s CBD, fortyfivedownstairs has two exhibition spaces and a flexible theatre and event venue, which operate all year round. One floor below street level, the gallery exhibits a diverse range of art forms, including photography, drawing and sound art.

One floor further still, down in the building’s basement, the warehouse-style theatre space offers an extraordinary array of groundbreaking works in theatre, cabaret, music, opera and dance. One week you could be attending a classical music recital. The next, the world premiere of a new Australian play featuring award-winning actors.

It’s yet another venue dedicated to bringing you points of view, shows, and art that push the boundaries, are thought-provoking and have a long-lasting impact on you. In many ways, they epitomise what Melbourne independent theatres should be, a not-for-profit that says they are focused on “making money for artists, not from them”, so you know they’ll have your best interests at heart if you ever want to put on your show there.

What’s on at fortyfivedownstairs

Exiles by James Joyce

James Joyce’s only play will be getting its Melbourne premiere this month, and it stars Doug Lyons, Lucy Payne and Soren Jensen in leading roles.

Just a boy standing in front of a girl

This play follows a couple from the high school romance until their hellish life as a domestic couple. It’s penned by Jane Miller, and stars Hudson Emery, Sophie Lampel, Annie Lumsden, Glenn van Oosterom, and Gabriel Partington.

Chapel Off Chapel

• 12 Little Chapel St
• Prahran Vic 3181
• (03) 8290 7000
• chapeloffchapel.com.au

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. These all combine to keep locals and visitors alike returning again and again. This highly respected and renowned venue just off Chapel Street in Prahran is a veritable institution for the arts in Melbourne.

Housed in a former church, it presents a well-rounded programme of cabaret, theatre, comedy, dance and visual art. The venue has hosted artists such as Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Tripod, and musicals including The Colour Purple, Rent and Blood Brothers. Chapel Sessions, the venue’s signature live music series, launched in January 2016 with intimate performances featuring members of some of the country’s biggest bands from the last 25 years.

What’s on at Chapel off Chapel

Death of A Salesman

Arguably one of the most iconic shows will be hitting the Chapel off Chapel stage this month, Arthur Miller’s Death of Salesman.

Timothy James Bowen

Perhaps best known as a contestant on The Voice, Timothy James Bowen has quickly become one of the most recognised names in music here in Australia. He’ll be heading on national tour in support of his debut album, Sing.

Malthouse Theatre

• The Coopers Malthouse, 113 Sturt St
• Southbank Vic 3006
• (03) 9685 5111
• malthousetheatre.com.au

The Malthouse Theatre has undergone a number of changes over the years, but it’s on the grounds of the original beer malthouse that was first built back in 1892. They are dedicated to bringing forward different points of view to the arts and aren’t afraid to bring quirky things to their stage. They’ve got two stages too, their outdoor stage making its mark during the MICF.

They’ve got some cool shows on the way to their stage in coming months, their outdoor theatre has cool shows like Yacht Rock Revival, the kind of show you can take your dad to. Their indoor theatre’s got cool things like a play version of Looking for Alibrandi. Check out some more info about the Malthouse here.

What’s on at the Malthouse Theatre

Red Stitch Theatre

• Rear, 2 Chapel St
• St Kilda East Vic 3183
• Administration Office: (03) 9533 8082
• redstitch.net

Established in 2002, Red Stitch performs contemporary Australian plays and award-winning new writing from around the world in an intimate venue.

Red Stitch plays a vital role in the development and presentation of new Australian works through a unique INK playwriting program, and they also offer opportunities for theatre-makers at all stages of their careers to hone and develop their craft. With a national reputation for quality of work, Red Stitch remains at the forefront of contemporary Australian theatre practice.

This is one of the newest theatres on this list having only been opened in 2001. This theatre are focused on staging a mix of the best plays and the newest works that are looking for support. It’s a cool little intimate theatre that’ll make you feel like you’re involved in the shows taking place. There’s a lot to read about with the Red Stitch Theatre, one of their most notable endeavours being their INK program, which supports playwrights who want to bring their ideas to life, learn more about that here. There are a few cool shows on their way to Red Stitch that you can check out here.

What’s on at Red Stitch Theatre

Shhhh

This show dives into the world of sisterhood, and the relationships between daughters and their mothers.

Theatre Works

• 14 Acland St
• St Kilda Vic 3182
• (03) 9534 3388
• theatreworks.org.au

 Pear – Shaped

Mixing elements of drama, comedy, and magic, Pear-Shaped is a must-see play this April. The play was written by Miranda Middleton and Ziggy Resnick.

The Butterfly Club

• 5 Carson Place
• Melbourne Vic 3000
• (03) 9663 8107
• thebutterflyclub.com

The Butterfly Club have hosted many acts, including Amanda Palmer, Paul Kelly, Nick Cave, and launched Tim Minchin’s career. It’s a truly unique Melbourne theatre experience, and one we highly recommend as they’re renowned for supporting niche performers.

What’s on at The Butterfly Club

Broadway Diva

If you’re a fan of musical theatre, look no further than this event making its way to The Butterfly Club this June. Star of the stage Olivia Ruggiero will perform songs from shows such as Anastasia, Jesus Christ Superstar, and much more.

Mystery Radio Theatre

Harkening back to the days of audio shows, this show creates an old school radio drama live on stage.

Palais Theatre

• Cnr Lower Esplanade And Cavell St
• St Kilda Vic 3182
• (03) 8537 7677
• palaistheatre.com.au

The historic Palais Theatre is Australia’s largest seated theatre with a capacity of just under 3000. The theatre also enjoys immediate proximity to transport, restaurants and accommodation – it has one of the most beautiful facades of any Melbourne theatre, and also boasts one of the city’s best locations, located right on the St Kilda foreshore.

What’s on at the Palais Theatre

Mark Normand

Mark Normand announces debut Australian tour

 

Popular New York based comedian Mark Normand is heading down under very soon for his Fanny Guy tour. He’s performed on a number of America’s most popular TV, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Late Show With Stephen Colbert, and Last Comic Standing.

Sooshi Mango

The popular Australian comedy sketch group are hitting the Palais Theatre stage this month, their comedy dives into humorous areas of their culture.

Arts House Melbourne

• 521 Queensberry St
• North Melbourne Vic 3051
• (03) 9322 3720
• artshouse.com.au

Based at North Melbourne Town Hall and on the land of the Kulin Nations, Arts House is where artists and audiences gather to find new frontiers in contemporary performance. Hyperlocal and intergalactic, the development and presentation programs create new live experiences across artforms.

A key program of the City of Melbourne, Arts House presents Dance Massive, the Festival of Live Art and Refuge as well as presenting art in partnership with festivals in Melbourne and nationwide. Our development programs include CultureLAB, Time_Place_Space and from 2019, Makeshift: professional development and critical discussion by artists, for artists.

What’s on at Arts House Melbourne

Tracker

This show hits the stage courtesy of the Australian Dance Theatre alongside the popular and talented ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, and is based on the story of Alec Riley, a Wiradjuri Elder and former police officer, who forged a strong bond between Aboriginal people and the colonial rule that impacted much of that generation. The show will be performed by Riley’s great-great nephew Daniel Riley, who is now Artistic Director of the Australian Dance Theatre.

La Mama Theatre

• 349 Drummond St
• Carlton Vic 3053
• (03) 9347 6948
• lamama.com.au

With a rich history spanning over 50 years and a national profile, La Mama is Australia’s home of independent theatre, and one of the undisputed pillars of the Melbourne theatre scene. It plays a critical role in the national arts landscape, providing a space for new responsive and risk-taking work to occur. La Mama has a distinct artist focus and provides a unique audience experience. Treasured for its continued advocacy of those seeking to explore beyond the mainstream, La Mama champions artistic individuality and freedom, prioritises accessibility and celebrates a diverse community of artists and audiences alike.

Synonymous with this cultural icon is the intimate setting in which its performance takes place. In La Mama, both artists and audiences are challenged and invigorated by the knowledge that there is nowhere to hide, no whisper that will not carry and no movement that won’t be studied for meaning.

Over half a century, La Mama has presented nearly 2,500 shows; with each year becoming more jam-packed than the last. The arts hub now averages approximately 50 primary seasons annually, as well as 30 Explorations developments, monthly music and poetica events, regular touring through its Mobile program, as well as learning productions, play readings, and special events.

La Mama’s core mission is to provide independent artists from across Australia with opportunities to develop, practice and present work. La Mama is an open, accessible space actively breaking down barriers to the arts through programs, initiatives, affordable ticketing and a welcoming ethos which has developed over the past five decades. La Mama is home to many and open to all.

What’s on at La Mama Theatre

Little Brother, Big Sister

This play comes from Michel Paul Tuomy, a writer who has experienced schizophrenia.This play focuses on a pair of siblings who aim to traverse live through schizophrenia.

Woman With A Tomahawk

This play has been described as “an experience”, so you know it’s definitely worth seeing. It’s about a woman shot by cops after she had a weapon – but that’s not the full story.

Frankenstein

Everyone knows this story – but this reimagining brings a new look and new life to the hit story, performed by an all-female cast.

Trees

According to the La Mama website, this play has no script, so you’ll need to head to it to see what it’s all about. It kicks off on June 20.

Southbank Theatre

• 140 Southbank Blvd
• Southbank Vic 3006
• mtc.com.au/southbank-theatre

Designed by the award-winning Melbourne-based ARM Architecture, Southbank Theatre opened in 2009 and contains two performance spaces, function rooms, foyers and extensive backstage facilities. As the principal home of Melbourne Theatre Company, Southbank Theatre presents the majority of MTC’s annual season of up to 12 plays as well as other MTC activity such as the Cybec Electric play readings and education performances.

What’s on at Southbank Theatre

Is God Is 

There’s not too many shows out anymore that can grab your attention like this one. Penned by Aleshea Harris, Is God Is follows two sisters who witness their father perform a horrific act on their mother, leaving her dead. But, their mother isn’t dead, but dying, and her dying wish is for her girls to kill their father. It stars Henrietta Enyonam Amevor and Clare Chihambakwe among many more.

The Palms At Crown

• Level 3, Crown Melbourne
• 8 Whiteman Street
• Southbank Vic 3006
• (03) 9292 8888
• crownmelbourne.com.au

Hosting over 150 shows a year, the 870-seat venue’s unique cabaret-style fit-out and raised performance stage combine to create an atmosphere that’s both intimate and electric allowing you to be completely immersed in the show.

What’s on at The Palms at Crown

Dragon 50

Your grandma’s favourite band is hitting the road this month, Dragon are celebrating 50 years in the industry, you’ll be able to sing along to hits such as April Sun in Cuba and Rain, among many more.

The Substation

• 1 Market St
• Newport Vic 3015
• thesubstation.org.au

An outer Melbourne theatre housed inside a former industrial building steeped in the rich history of Melbourne’s inner west, The Substation is an arts destination that celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 (with an exhibition of photographs from Berghain bouncer Sven Marquardt, in true fashion).

Established over a century ago to power Melbourne’s suburban rail system, The Substation building is a landmark in the industrial history of the inner west. After ceasing operation in the 1960s and falling into disrepair for three decades, in 1996 two local residents successfully led a campaign to restore and adapt the building for artistic use. Today, as an international destination for contemporary and experimental arts, The Substation both celebrates and transcends its original context in Newport.

What’s on at The Substation

Tethering

Matthias Schack-Arnott hits the stage to create a world of connected sounds.

Gasworks Arts Park

• 21 Graham St
• Albert Park Vic 3206
• 03 8606 4200
• gasworks.org.au

Gasworks Arts Park is a vibrant arts precinct producing a range of high-quality arts programs, workshops and activities for all ages. Situated in Albert Park, Melbourne, on the site of the former South Melbourne Gas Plant, Gasworks is just three kilometres from the CBD and the precinct houses four hectares of park, two theatres, three gallery spaces, a café, as well as function and workshop spaces.

What’s on at Gasworks Theatre

Eternity – The Metal Aerialist

If you’ve ever wondered about the cross over between alternative music and aerial work, look no further than Eternity, a new show heading to Gasworks this June.

Plenary Theatre

• 1 Convention Centre Pl
• South Wharf Vic 3006

Plenary is without doubt the centrepiece of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and one of the largest Melbourne theatre venues. Its versatility means it can accommodate events from single-speaker presentations to full-scale stage productions, with a theatre capacity of well over 5,000 people, making it one of the largest Melbourne theatre venues in the city. It’s hosted a huge variety of acts in the past, everyone from Nick Cave to Thurston Moore to Jo Koy to Puscifer.

What’s happening at the Plenary Theatre

Frozen in Concert – Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

There’s no question that Disney movies are always jam-packed with iconic music, with the movie Frozen featuring songs like Let It Go, and First Time In Forever. These tracks will be getting a new life this June when the MSO perform them live at the Plenary, while the movie plays in the background.

The Motley Bauhaus

• 118 Elgin St
• Carlton Vic 3053
• themotley.com.au

The Motley Bauhaus is a beautiful Melbourne theatre located in Carlton, gallery, lounge bar and performing arts venue with a ground-level Blackbox Theatre, which hosts live shows from independent producers on a weekly basis. Upstairs they have a less formal stage area for cabaret, music, burlesque, standup or any of the bits in between.

What’s on at The Motley Bauhaus

Corner Shop Comedy

If you’re a fan of different types of comedy, this is the show for you. A collection of Australia’s most out there comedians will be hitting the stage for what is sure to be a night of many laughs.

Find out more information on Corner Shop Comedy here.

Check out our list of Melbourne’s best independent theatres here, and the city’s best independent cinemas here.