The National Theatre Melbourne

About The National Theatre

The National Theatre Melbourne 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.

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:–

• cosmopolitan cafes, delis, cake shops, upmarket restaurants and everything between to suit any taste, budget and waistline
• beaches, piers and a magnificent esplanade with exquisite sunsets and views along a stunning foreshore
• shopping (famous strips include Carlisle, Fitzroy and Acland Sts) – quirky and funky shops for clothing, homewares, collectables and gifts, retro and op shops, designer boutiques and markets (including the famous Sunday Arts and Craft Market along the foreshore)
• art galleries and museums
• performing arts spaces – theatres (Palais, National, Theatreworks, Red Stitch), and cinemas (The Astor, the George)
• special events and festivals
• parks and gardens (including the St Kilda Botanical Gardens and the Catani Gardens)
• sporting and recreational facilities, including the iconic St Kilda Sea Baths
• historic buildings and architecture (including the St Kilda Town Hall, the Palais and National Theatres)
• Luna Park – a renowned Melbourne landmark

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

Public Transport

The National Theatre Melbourne and St Kilda are extremely well serviced by Public Transport with both Trams and Buses stopping within a short walk of the theatre and linking with Train Stations on most lines.
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Using the map below for directions you can get all your public transport options in one place, just click on Directions and then select the Public Transport icon.

Seating Plan

Useful Links

National Theatre Location Map

St Kilda Restaurants

St Kilda Cafes

St Kilda Esplanade Market

National Theatre Web Site

St Kilda Parks & Gardens

St Kilda Village

Luna Park

City of Port Phillip - Discover

Travel Victoria - St Kilda

St Kilda Historical Society

Parking

COVID SAFETY @ THE NATIONAL

For up to date information on The National Theatre's COVID Safe plan please visit: https://nationaltheatre.org.au/covidsafe

DISABLED ACCESS TO THE THEATRE

Two disabled car parks are located directly outside the The National Theatre Melbourne 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.