Forum Theatre

Dating back to the 1920s, Melbourne’s lovely Forum Theatre has served its time as a cinema, a church and a cabaret. Today it is one of the city’s most popular and best-loved live venues with an active and varied programme of music, drama and comedy.

One of the theatre’s biggest claims to worldwide fame is as the host of the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which brings star names from the world of stand-up to the city every April. Its proximity to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image also means it is sometimes used for film festival events, while performances by local and international bands are regular highlights.

The building itself is worth a visit in its own right. It was listed as a heritage site in 1978 for its Moorish revival façade and its ornate interior decoration in the Greco-Romanesque style. One of the most striking features is the ceiling, which is covered with twinkling stars to give the impression of an open-air amphitheatre.

The Forum has occupied a special place in the cultural life of Melbourne for almost a century and continues to attract enthusiastic and diverse audiences. Situated just a stone’s throw from lively Federation Square and the bohemian bars and restaurants of Flinders Lane, it’s also perfectly located for an animated post-performance discussion over a drink or a meal.

Call in at the box office on the corner of Flinders and Russell streets for a copy of the programme and to buy tickets for shows, some of which sell out very quickly. Tickets are also available online. You must be over 18 to see a show at the Forum, so be prepared to show proof of age if necessary.