
National Theatre Melbourne
A historic St Kilda gem hosting diverse theatrical productions, from musicals to comedy, offering a vibrant arts experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Experience live theatre magic

National Theatre Melbourne
Best Time
Experience live theatre magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic St Kilda gem hosting diverse theatrical productions, from musicals to comedy, offering a vibrant arts experience.
"The National Theatre was just amazing and The Legally Blonde Play was just Mind blowing!"

🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Popular shows like Legally Blonde sell out fast! Book in advance via booktickets.com.au to guarantee your seat.
📍 Check Entry Points
The main entrance may be under construction. Enter via Barkly Street for easier access.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legally Blonde: The Musical
Main Stage
A high-energy, feel-good production based on the iconic film. Expect dazzling performances and a powerful message.

Avenue Q
Main Stage
A hilarious, adult-only puppet musical that's both irreverent and surprisingly touching. A must-see for comedy lovers.

Tarzan: The Musical
Main Stage
Swing into adventure with this visually stunning musical adaptation of the beloved Disney story.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Navigating the Venue
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Popular shows like Legally Blonde sell out fast! Book in advance via booktickets.com.au to guarantee your seat.
📍 Check Entry Points
The main entrance may be under construction. Enter via Barkly Street for easier access.
🪑 Comfortable Seating
Seats are comfortable with good rise, ensuring visibility even with taller patrons in front.
🎶 Diverse Productions
From musicals like Tarzan to comedy shows, the National Theatre hosts a variety of performances.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Popular shows like Legally Blonde sell out fast! Book in advance via booktickets.com.au to guarantee your seat.
📍 Check Entry Points
The main entrance may be under construction. Enter via Barkly Street for easier access.
🪑 Comfortable Seating
Seats are comfortable with good rise, ensuring visibility even with taller patrons in front.
🎶 Diverse Productions
From musicals like Tarzan to comedy shows, the National Theatre hosts a variety of performances.
🍻 Pre/Post-Show Drinks
Consider visiting nearby Captain Baxter for food and drinks before or after your show.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Theatre for its quality productions, comfortable seating, and beautiful historic architecture. Shows like 'Legally Blonde' and 'Tarzan' receive rave reviews for being engaging and well-executed. Some minor drawbacks include limited restroom facilities during peak times and occasional entrance construction.
"The National Theatre was just amazing and The Legally Blonde Play was just Mind blowing With such warming hearts definitely worth going there for Theatre Show Lovers Thank You.💚😍🥰💞🫂🖤🐶🩷🩷"
Kim Strange
"Great place to watch some quality theatre. We saw Tarzan the musical here. S
o good!!!"
J C
"Musical performance 'Legally Blonde' by the Theatricals. Brilliantly engaging on multiple levels!"
Louis Balis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Theatre is located in St Kilda. You can reach it by tram, with several routes stopping nearby. Parking can be challenging in the area, so public transport is often recommended.
Street parking is available but can be limited and metered. Some local car parks may also be an option, but it's advisable to check availability and rates beforehand.
Several tram routes service St Kilda, with stops within walking distance of the theatre. Check public transport apps for the most up-to-date route information.
Yes, you can be dropped off at the theatre. If the main entrance is under construction, you may need to use the Barkly Street entrance for drop-offs.
Absolutely! The National Theatre is well-served by Melbourne's tram network, making it easily accessible via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available through the theatre's official website, booktickets.com.au, or other authorized ticketing partners. Booking in advance is highly recommended for popular shows.
Opening hours vary depending on showtimes. It's best to check the specific performance schedule on the National Theatre's website for exact times.
Discounts may be available for seniors, concessions, and children, especially for family-friendly shows. Check the ticketing page for specific pricing details.
While possible for some performances, it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. Purchasing tickets in advance is the safest option.
The National Theatre Melbourne has a significant capacity, accommodating a large audience for its productions. Specific numbers can vary by seating configuration.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The National Theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, including musicals like 'Legally Blonde' and 'Tarzan', comedy shows, and other theatrical productions.
Yes, reviews indicate that the seats are comfortable with good rise, providing excellent stage visibility.
While the theatre is beautiful, some reviews mention that the restroom facilities can be limited, especially for a large number of patrons.
Yes, the theatre has an upstairs bar and relaxation zone with ample seating, perfect for pre-show or interval enjoyment.
The National Theatre is a beautiful old theatre with stunning architectural details, adding to the overall ambiance of the experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there's an upstairs bar area for drinks and relaxation, dedicated dining options within the theatre itself are limited. It's more of a place to grab a drink.
St Kilda offers a vibrant dining scene. For a pre or post-show meal with great views, consider Captain Baxter, located nearby.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the theatre auditorium. It's best to consume them before entering or during the interval at designated areas.
Yes, the surrounding St Kilda area is filled with cafes and restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets, perfect for a pre-theatre meal.
Yes, the National Theatre features an upstairs bar area where you can purchase drinks before the show or during intermission.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography are generally not allowed inside the auditorium during performances to avoid disturbing the audience and performers. Check with venue staff for specific policies.
The theatre's beautiful architecture offers some great photo opportunities, especially in the foyer and exterior (when not under construction). Capture the ambiance before or after the show.
Consider taking photos of the exterior during daylight hours, or capture the interior ambiance before the show begins. Be mindful of any ongoing construction.
No, flash photography and recording during performances are strictly prohibited to ensure the best experience for everyone.
The theatre boasts stunning architectural details. Look out for unique design elements in the foyer and seating areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, consider the show's suitability for their age group. While 'Legally Blonde' and 'Avenue Q' are popular, they might be more geared towards older audiences due to mature themes or humor. Always check the show's description and recommended age range. The comfortable seating and good stage visibility are also a plus for keeping younger audience members engaged.
🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts
Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming shows and consider subscribing to their newsletter or following their social media to stay updated on new announcements. The theatre's historic ambiance combined with modern productions provides a unique and enriching experience for any theatre aficionado.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into the National Theatre's History
Over the years, the theatre has undergone renovations and adaptations to maintain its relevance and functionality. Despite facing challenges, it continues to be a significant player in Melbourne's theatre scene, hosting a diverse array of shows from musicals like 'Legally Blonde' and 'Tarzan' to comedy festivals and more intimate performances. The venue's commitment to showcasing both established and emerging artists ensures its continued importance.
Visitors often remark on the theatre's beautiful old-world charm and the quality of the productions staged within its walls. While some aspects, like restroom facilities, might be a point of minor critique, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the comfortable seating and excellent stage visibility. The National Theatre remains a cherished destination for theatre lovers seeking quality entertainment in a historic setting.
Navigating the National Theatre: Practical Tips
Seating within the theatre is generally considered comfortable, with a good rise that ensures clear views of the stage, even if someone taller is seated in front of you. However, the number of restrooms, particularly for women, can be a point of congestion during busy periods, so factor in extra time if you need to use facilities. The theatre also boasts an upstairs bar and lounge area, offering a pleasant space to relax before a show or during intermission.
For those attending a performance, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular shows like 'Legally Blonde' or 'Avenue Q', as they tend to sell out quickly. Checking the theatre's official website or authorized ticketing partners like booktickets.com.au will ensure you secure your spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit