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NATIONAL THEATRE - ST KILDA

The National Theatre is located on the corner of Carlisle and Barkly Streets, St Kilda (Melways Reference Map 58 B10) – 5 kms from the Melbourne CBD, 150 metres from the St Kilda foreshore and 5 minutes walk from a wide range of interesting and delicious dining in Acland, Fitzroy or Carlisle Streets – very handy for pre or post theatre dining or for a great coffee, cake or gelati.

HISTORY

In a suburb bursting with eclectic cultural icons, The ‘Nash’ proudly holds its place as one of St Kilda’s most beloved social, theatrical and architectural landmarks with a history worthy of its special status.

Originally opening in 1921 as the 3,000 seat Victory Cinema, the largest in Melbourne at the time, the cinema also boasted space for a full size resident orchestra, which became quite renowned – The Victory Concert Orchestra. Over the next fifty years, several renovations saw facilities improve to convert the cinema to show talking pictures, and through several incarnations, to make the theatre more luxurious for patrons.

From 1972-4, the theatre underwent a major reconstruction, and reopened in 1974 as The National Theatre, a 783 seat live theatre venue using the former Dress Circle as the auditorium and with ballet and drama schools and studios occupying what was once the Stalls.

There have been several refurbishments since, to improve both technical and backstage facilities as well as audience comfort. These include disabled access and modern airconditioning, a spacious orchestra pit and functional fly tower, and large seats on a single rake (no upstairs balcony) with good sightlines for the 783 patrons. Through all the renovations, the art deco external façade and internal period architecture of the building have been retained, so that entering the theatre and ascending the grand marble staircase is a special feeling which gives patrons a sense of wonder and awe at the history and majesty of the venue and locale.

A FEAST FOR ALL SENSES

Being centrally located in cosmopolitan St Kilda, we will now also be able to cater to your every culinary appetite, budget and waistline. Whatever your taste, we have it, to make your trip a complete feast for all your senses:

• A candy bar and a licensed snack bar in the upstairs and downstairs theatre foyers.
• Acland Street, Fitzroy Street and the newest epicurean haven Carlisle Street, all walking distance from the theatre and teeming with cosmopolitan cafes, delis, cake shops, coffee shops, upmarket restaurants and everything between – you name it, you will find it.
• For those attending the Sunday matinees, why not have a day’s outing by attending the famous Sunday morning St Kilda Esplanade Art and Craft market, then leisurely strolling to Acland Street for a delicious coffee and one of those oversized mouth-watering pastries, before heading to the theatre.
• And of course, as usual, CLOC will be providing complimentary suppers after the first two performances.

We are committed to providing an extraordinarily memorable experience every time you come to see a CLOC show. Now, as well as leaving you artistically satisfied, we can also appeal to the gourmet in you via that special pre/post show event which awaits you just around the corner from the theatre. We hope you will come with us on our exciting journey to our new venue, as we commence this new chapter in the life of CLOC. We look forward to your continued support as we launch our 47th year and our 92nd production.

ST KILDA

St Kilda – a world famous suburb that is a tourist attraction in itself. Centrally located only 5 kms from Melbourne’s CBD, and serviced by a wide range of public transport, St Kilda is a melting pot of cultural and lifestyle diversity featuring:–

CLOC is thrilled to be joining this eclectic list of St Kilda attractions and adding to its vibrant arts and cultural scene.

DISABLED ACCESS

Two disabled car parks are located directly outside the National Theatre in Barkly Street, with a modified footpath to accommodate wheelchairs. There is also a disabled car park located diagonally opposite the theatre in Carlisle Street.

Disabled access to the theatre is available via a vertical lift located in the lower foyer (just past the ladies toilets) to the mezzanine level foyer. There are two stair climbers available to take either a standard wheelchair or mobility impaired patrons up to the auditorium or bar areas. The stair climbers have a maximum load of 225 kgs and are designed for standard (non-motorised) wheelchairs. Their base dimensions are 77cm (wide) by 100cm (long). Equipment outside these limits cannot be safely accommodated. Please discuss your needs when booking your tickets.

A hearing loop is available to be turned on if prior warning is received by the theatre management. Either a headphone or neck loop is available from the box office upon request when booking your tickets.

St Kilda - Melbourne Skyline
St Kilda Beach - Melbourne Skyline

National Theatre
National Theatre - Cnr Barkly & Carlisle Streets St Kilda

Acland Street
Acland Street, St Kilda

Catani Gardens
Catani Gardens - St kilda

Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens - St Kilda

Luna Park
Luna Park - St Kilda

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