Malthouse Theatre at The CUB Malthouse

Malthouse Theatre

Malthouse Theatre, formerly known as Playbox, is a company dedicated to the development, production and promotion of contemporary Australian Theatre. Malthouse Theatre’s task in theatre is to engage broadly and investigate profoundly what it is to be alive, to be human, to be Australian and to be a citizen of the world.

Malthouse Theatre is dedicated to building on Playbox Theatre’s three decades of leadership in the nation’s cultural and imaginative life through recognising, and being alive to, the changing dynamics of theatre and theatre practice in contest with the contemporary imagination.

The CUB Malthouse

The CUB Malthouse was originally built in 1892 as a brewery and malting works for Castlemaine Breweries. It was subsequently acquired by Carlton and United Breweries, who in 1985 generously donated the site as a new home for Playbox Theatre Company following the fire that destroyed the company’s original theatre in Exhibition Street.

The CUB Malthouse offers patrons a relaxed and friendly environment with a choice of three flexible theatres, The Merlyn, The Beckett and the Tower Theatre, as well as rehearsal and function rooms, a bar and café.

For more information on the venue and venue hire enquiries please contact the Facilities and Services Manager on 03 9685 5161.

Dinner and drinks

Your Malthouse visit can only get better by arriving early for a pre-show dinner special at Blake’s Feast, the café at The CUB Malthouse. You can also beat the rush at interval and pre-order your drinks or stay and play after the show and enjoy a drink at the bar.

Bookshop

Located in the foyer of The CUB Malthouse, the Bookshop is open one hour before every performance. It is stocked by Readings Books, Music and Film, and staffed by volunteers.