Accessible theatres in Melbourne
Melbourne has long theatrical tradition and many of its treasured historic theatres have been restored. Access to these theatres is improving with seating arrangements, toilets and hearing induction loops.
Historic Rambles
Guided ‘theatrical’ tours of Melbourne’s theatres occur daily between 10am-12pm. Hosted by characters from Melbourne’s past, the tours cover a number of theatres including The Regent, Plaza Ballroom and Forum theatres. There is a separate tour for the Princess Theatre. Access is available into all theatres, but not all areas of each theatre. For more information, call 03 9820 0239.
Forum Theatre
Ph 03 9299 9800
154 Flinders Street, Melbourne
With its artificial sky, stars, clouds and statuary, the Forum Theatre was built in 1929 to reflect the golden age of Hollywood. Today the Forum is a music and cabaret venue seating about 800 people, which still retains much of its original detail.
Access from Flinders Street is mostly level near Russell Street. A ramp is available during performances. An accessible unisex toilet is located up a short grade near the Russell Street exit.
Regent Theatre
Ph 03 9299 9800
191 Collins Street, Melbourne
Lavish and opulent, the Regent is regarded as perhaps the best example of the combined Spanish Gothic and French Renaissance revival styles in Melbourne. Built in 1929 as two entertainment venues: the Regent Theatre upstairs and the Plaza Ballroom, designed for dining and dancing.
On arrival you will be welcomed by the venue concierge, and directed to the accessible entrance. Accessible seating is allocated in the stalls where up to eight wheelchair users can be accommodated. An accessible unisex toilet is available in the stalls foyer.
Access to the Plaza Ballroom is from Collins Street via a door which is staffed during functions. A lift is available to the Plaza Ballroom level where ramps lead to the ballroom area. Two accessible toilets are available in the Ballroom.
A ’Word of Mouth’ audio system is in place throughout the venue, and operates on a T-switch.
Comedy Theatre
Ph 03 9299 9800
240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
The Comedy Theatre belongs both to the early development of Melbourne’s entertainment precinct and to the boom period of theatre-going in the 1920s – resulting from the popularity of the American musical and helped to counter some of the effects of cinema. The theatre’s design has been described as having a ‘Spanish Mission’ flavour and a ‘Florentine’ feel.
Access is via a step up from the street, but if you book ahead staff will put out a portable ramp. There are no accessible toilets, but a T-switch hearing loop is available and aisle seating is available for wheelchairs. Make sure you advise the theatre in advance of your accessibility requirements.
Princess Theatre
Ph 03 9299 9800
163 Spring Street, Melbourne
The Princess Theatre's boom Classical period features were designed in 1886. The theatre even had an opening roof at one stage. The café, Frederici’s is named after the theatre’s own ghost who, while playing a part, fell through a trap door and died of a heart attack. The theatre was refurbished and changed character twice up to 1986, when it was brought back to life with a refurbishment to its 1922 grandeur.
Access is available via a small ramp that management makes available two hours before performances. Limited aisle seating is available, but patrons are able to sit with their companions. An accessible unisex toilet is available in the lower foyer. There are some audio-described performances, and audio loops are available in the stalls and dress circle.
Athenaeum Theatre
Ph 03 9650 1500
188 Collins Street, Melbourne
Commenced in 1842 and occupied in 1843, the Athenaeum was the first Australian theatre to screen 'talking' films in 1929. Today it is a three storey brick building with a Classical stucco facade in boom style architecture.
Access from Collins Street is almost flat as the street rises heading east. From the foyer, entry to the dedicated seating at the rear of the stalls is flat. An accessible toilet is behind the box office between the male and female toilets; you may need to ask for directions. An old lift provides access to the Art Gallery level and Theatre Two.
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Ph 03 9663 3211
219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Her Majesty’s Theatre is often described as the most important theatre still standing in terms of its contribution to Australian theatre. It opened in 1886 with an amalgam of English and French influences as the Alexandra Theatre, in honour of the Princess of Wales. The name changed to Her Majesty’s in 1900. Over its life, Her Majesty’s stage has been graced with internationally renowned performers: Dame Nelly Melba (1911), Anna Pavlova (1926) and Dame Joan Sutherland (1965).
The best entry is centrally off Exhibition Street, near the bar, where the step is small. There is no accessible toilet. Wheelchair visitors are positioned at the ends of Row C and Row W.
The Victorian Arts Centre
Ph 03 9281 8000, TTY 03 9281 8441
100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
The Victorian Arts Centre consists of the circular Melbourne Concert Hall and a separate building housing the State Theatre, Playhouse Theatre and George Fairfax Studio. The theatre building was constructed with only five of its ten levels above ground. The State Theatre was finished in 1984 from a design based on Australia’s mineral wealth, by architect Sir Roy Grounds. The theatres provide a fascinating and accessible tour. A major feature is the wire spire, a Melbourne landmark inspired by a ballerina’s tutu.
Two disabled car parking spaces are available on St Kilda Road. Alternatively park in the basement car park where there are many dedicated spaces on the upper car park level. This becomes level five in the centre. Access to performances is available in all theatres. There are several seating options. Unisex accessible toilets are also available. Two huge lifts have grab rails, braille buttons at an accessible height, a floor directory (showing accessible toilets) and an electronic floor display.
A hearing system is available in all Arts Centre venues except Black Box and ANZ Pavilion. An FM system covers all seats via headphones or neckloops and are available from the venue ushers. This system is also used during guided tours. The Vision Australia Foundation offers a free audio description service for Melbourne Theatre Company performances. Contact them for more information (ph 03 9864 9222, TTY 03 9281 8441).
