Book tickets to see a show under the dome of this iconic Melbourne live entertainment venue that has hosted so many celebrities during its lifetime. If the theater’s heritage-protected, creaking red seats could talk, they would tell of all the laughter and joy this venue has brought to the community, in good times and bad.
Located next to Luna Park, which has an iconic gate in the shape of gaping mouth, you can’t possibly miss the Palais Theatre near the Esplanade. The original cinema thrived as a theater and live music venue and in later years also hosted major ballet performances. The Rolling Stones, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys are among the big stars that have performed on its stage.
The Palais Theatre was commissioned by the American brothers Leon, Herman and Harold Phillips. These keen entrepreneurs first renovated the former Palais Picture early in the 1920s, but a fire destroyed the stage shortly before its grand opening. Instead of giving up, they asked the architect Henry E. White to design an even larger venue on the same spot, which opened its doors in 1927.
Most shows are on at night. Book your tickets online or through the phone bookings hotline to ensure your tickets are valid. Handling fees apply. Find the best seats in the Orchestra section facing the stage at Ground Level. Collect your booked tickets at the outlet in the city or line up for the Palais Theatre Box Office just before the doors open.
Several trams and buses stop near the venue. If you come by car, pay for a parking spot in one of St. Kilda’s covered car parks. There is a Bike Share station in front of the Palais Theatre. Food and beverages are available just before and during the intermission of the shows. Many nearby St. Kilda restaurants offer discount deals if you show your theater tickets upon arrival.
Since April 2017, the Palais Theatre is managed by Live Nation Australia Venues. Live Nation has vowed to restore the venue to its original glory over the next 30 years. Check the official Palais Theatre website or Facebook page to see if the works limit the show times during your planned visit.
