Performing Arts To See During A Short Stay In Melbourne
Melbourne offers one of the most enriching cultural experiences in the world. It is often referred to as the ‘Paris of Australia’. Languid mandolin strummers and other musicians playing aboriginal tunes may be frequently encountered on a leisurely walk down the roads of Melbourne. Among the “high brow” performing arts, the most popular are the Australian Ballet, Australian Opera and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The performing arts scene in Melbourne, though not as popular as that of Sydney, is no less attractive. For those interested in the performing arts, other places to visit in Melbourne are the Melbourne Concert Hall, the Arts Complex and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Likely to be a short walk from your Melbourne serviced apartments are several great attractions. Within the Arts Center of the city, are at least five different venues hosting a variety of shows. The State Theater stages drama, opera and dance performances, most of the popular plays are held at the Playhouse and the Melbourne Concert Hall; other theatre venues include George Fairfax Studio and the Playbox, which stage musicals and other theatrical productions for a comparatively younger crowd. After the end of World War II, it was decided that the city of Melbourne needed a cultural center. After much discussion and speculation, in 1960 a master plan was agreed upon, and Sir Roy Grounds was appointed as the architect of the Arts Center.
Originally built in 1886 and renovated in the 1980s, the Princess Theater is a legendary cultural venue, especially since it is said to be haunted by the ghost of the actor Frederici, from The Phantom of the Opera. The National Theater also hosts unusual, offbeat cultural programs such as world music, modern dance and opera. Most of the large-scale concerts of world famous celebrities, whether native, or visiting, are held at the Regent Theater. The Regent Theatre was built as a magnificent picture palace for Frank Thring Senior’s cinema chain. Since 1996, the Regent Theater has hosted a number of musicals like Sunset Boulevard, The Fiddler on the Roof, and The Lion King. Most of the well-known Australian plays were originally performed at the La Mama Theater in Carlton. This was also the showcase for many well-established Australian actors.
Melbourne also has a number of thematic theatre restaurants with regular stage shows combined with fine dining. The most popular among these are Dracula’s, Witches in Britches, Titanic Theatre restaurant and Tivoli Theatre Restaurant. These shows are soaking in special effects and adrenaline-fuelled entertainment. Costume hire and memorabilia are also available in some of these theater restaurants. Moreover, the performing arts scene in Melbourne also includes internationally acclaimed comedy festivals (especially the Melbourne International Comedy Festival) which have become some of the biggest comedic get-togethers in the world. Besides comic acts, these festivals also include a wide variety of inexpensive cabaret and theater performances that carry on late into the night. The International Comedy festival is generally held between March and April.
The performing arts among many other activities and attractions within the city, is what makes it the cultural and sporting capital of Australia.