Forum Theatre

A heritage-listed building which is loved by locals both for its quaint architecture and for the wide range of entertainment regularly on offer.

The Forum Theatre was built in the 1920s, and has retained its old-time appeal through its many incarnations down the years, changing from cinema to church to cabaret theatre. Concerts and performances are held throughout the week, and it remains one of the locals' favourite venues.The theatre’s enduring appeal throughout Melbourne's history, along with the building’s Moorish-revival facade, have lead to it being listed as one of the city’s most important heritage sites. The dramatic, star-spangled ceiling of the interior of the theatre is designed to give visitors the impression of being in an outdoor Greco-Roman amphitheatre – a sight that is worth the entrance fee alone!One of the city's biggest festivals, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, is held here every April, while film festivals are also a regular feature at the Forum Theatre. The venue also hosts regular concerts by top quality Australian and international acts. Situated opposite Federation Square and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the theatre is perfectly located in the heart of the cultural centre of Melbourne. Flinders Lane is a great place to find a fashionable restaurant to have a meal in before the show. Or you can take some snaps of the graffiti murals on AC/DC Lane, painted in homage to the revered Australian heavy metal band.The Forum theatre is found on the corner of Flinders and Russell streets, adjacent to the city’s ‘downtown’ area. Tickets are available at the venue box office and through ticket selling websites online and they can sell out early for popular performances, so check online to avoid disappointment. You must be over 18 to see a show at the theatre, and proof of age, such as a passport, will be required on the door.