Visitors and locals alike flock to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre to see legendary productions such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Head to this theatre in the evening to enjoy a performance at one of Melbourne’s most popular venues. Crowds congregate here to enjoy the intimate setting, often filling the hall’s 1470 seats.
Try to catch sight of the friendly ghost that is rumoured to be a resident. It is said he was an opera singer known as Federici who died of a heart attack on stage in 1888. To honour his memory, a seat in the Dress Circle is left vacant every night for him. Actors and staff members have reported many sightings over the years. An ashen-faced apparition also showed up in a documentary made in the 1970s.
Dine at the Federici Bistro in the theatre before the show. Or, take the family to a matinee followed by a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and bars in nearby Chinatown. Sit back and enjoy the performance on comfortable, red chairs. Admire the architecture and the roof’s design from your seat. During the intermission, take photos of the theatre’s radiant exterior and classical stained glass windows.
The Princess Theatre opened in 1854 and was ahead of its time with a retractable roof and electrical stage lighting. It fell into disrepair more than 100 years later. Now, it is one of Melbourne’s cultural highlights, located in a prime location.
Buy tickets online or by phone. There are no age restrictions. Ask for a booster cushion for the kids. The theatre is situated on Spring Street in the centre of the city. It is right by Tianjin Gardens and Parliament Gardens. Take the metro system to Parliament Station, a two-minute walk away. Ride the free City Circle Tram straight to the theatre.
