Athenaeum Theatre
Founded in 1839 the Athenaeum is part of Melbourne’s East End Theatre District, and hosts a range of theatre, comedy and music performances.
Now On Sale
Featured Shows
Live Shows
Coming Up
A Hot Night with Abbie Chatfield
12 to 13 May
Cruel Intentions - The 90s Musical
25 May to 12 June
Eric Bogle - Live in Concert
28 May
Shreklesque
29 June to 2 July
The Gruffalo
7 to 10 July
Swing that Music
12 August
Superwog
18 to 20 August
Shake Rattle ‘N’ Roll
3 September
Ghost Stories
13 September to 22 October
Nish Kumar
28 to 30 November
Cowboy Junkies
3 – 5 February 2023
More shows coming soon...
Subscribe to our newsletter, get great deals on tickets and always be the first to know!
What They Say
Reviews
Vera Booth
04:49 10 May 22
Such a treat to see anything in this wonderfully restored theatre. We saw Moulan Rouge which was outstanding. One of... the very best productions I've ever seen. Will return in 2023 to see it again.read more
Michael Inturrisi
21:26 23 Apr 22
Great historical place to see live entertainment.Famous for hosting many events over the years we visited during the... Melbourne Comedy Festival.read more
88eve88 Scott
10:11 16 Apr 22
Huge thanks to Jake for going above and beyond helping my mum with easy access to her seat on a busy night.Thanks also... to Chloe for assistance before the show, makes going out so much easier with compassionate and accommodating employees.read more
Michael Dooley
10:12 25 Mar 22
Great old place with a real good wine man on the ground floor. Our show was up the top which was fine. But oh boy. I... found the place to dam hot even for late marchread more
Chrissi Gallagher
07:55 25 Mar 22
What a beautiful old venue! Well worth spending some money on some restoration and repairs if they can get it.The... BeeGees tribute show was great as well 🙂read more
Mervyn Robbins
04:47 23 Mar 22
Went to the Athenaeum library today! 📚Lovely place! 👍 Well worth a visit. 😁
Shirley N
11:20 05 Mar 22
I purchased the 2 for 1 ticket offer to see The Best of the Bee Gees this evening. Seating was in the Upper Circle. My... husband and I had to leave at intermission because we couldn't stand the seating any longer. The rows were so close together that we had to keep on the balls of our feet to raise our knees up high enough to prevent them from being bashed each time the person in the row in front leaned back in their seat. The seating is not fit for purpose.read more
Steve Nolan
02:05 11 Feb 22
Library is fantastic.I found the library staff even better.Knowledgable and well informedKeep up the awesome work
Andrew Coulson
11:57 29 Jan 22
Always love coming to shows here. Great old building that should remind us how important it is to not knock everything... down just to build something new.read more
S C
05:53 11 Jan 22
Came here to catch the Candlelight Concert and would recommend it to anyone. Been to 3 already. But regards to the... Athenaeum, amazing venue, we sat up to row M and still had an amazing view. My only criticism is the prices for drinks at the bar can be ridiculous; $14 for cider is insanely expensive.read more
Todd Lucas
03:31 29 Dec 21
Well kept theatre, clean and with all the amenities you'd expect. Good seating pitch and space between.
Andrew Seeger
13:24 17 Dec 21
Went to see the Michael Jackson Tribute show. Great to be back here after a long, long time. Great buildings dont... change. See has the same feel as it did 15 years ago.read more
Chelsea De Paulo
07:00 15 Dec 21
We went through ticketek to get tickets for Ross noble. We tried contacting ticketek for two months for new tickets but... when we got our tickets, we got tickets in the back when we paid for tickets in the front. I called Athenaeum Theatre and I spoke to Michael who told me that if I came in half an hour before the show he would try his best to get us better tickets. We ended up coming right before the show as there was traffic and Michael still honoured his promise in getting us better tickets. We ended up getting great tickets with heaps of leg room and we were able to see Ross clearly! Thank you so much Michael!read more
Rebecca Harrsion
06:30 12 Dec 21
This place is screaming for love, compare to the other melbourne theatre this place is waiting patiently for a... makeover.Has great bones, but is looking very tired indeed. Please restore herread more
Stephen Maude
21:11 04 Dec 21
Ripper theatre... and an awesome show... the first show since covid... it was a great venue... great staff and... magnificant show! Shame about the bar prices!read more
Seb Macca
01:16 02 Dec 21
Saw Matador at the Athenaeum. The show was incredible, the crowd was electric, and the physical space was a pleasure to... be in!Bar service was smooth and the seats small but comfortable. Had an amazing night, cannot recommend enough 🙂read more
Michelle Bone
00:28 05 Nov 21
When do we get our refund for wedding Singer no heard a thing after multiple emails
rose cloud
04:55 31 May 21
The wedding singer was fantastic. The cast looked like they were having lots of fun performing. Lots of energy. We... really loved it. Only down side was one male staff member was very rude on two occasions. All other staff members were very helpful and friendly over all a great job done by all.read more
Thomas Waters
20:22 19 May 21
Intimate surrounding with a great atmosphere. Tiny theatre which misses out of a visible pit, but it goes above and... beyond on providing an experience bigger than its size. One of or the best place to see small shows or comedy. Does need more female toilets, our show had a queue most of the way to the front door.read more
Nellerichal Sreeju
09:30 16 May 21
It is a beautiful of building. Worth a visit for architecture from the past. I wish they maintained it in the pristine... conditions though. Went to see the wedding singer, which was a reasonably good show. We were in the upper level which is what have me the impression that they could maintain this building better. The seats were numbered and comfortable enough. It is amazing how many people out could fit in here with all the 3 levels! A unique stage. I feel like one should go to shoes on all levels to be making an informed review. Shows can be good or bad but the venue certainly is worth the visit - no doubt💕💕read more
Nat B
23:53 09 May 21
As always an absolute pleasure. We regularly go with a ton of kids to enjoy all the great productions here. It's easy... to access, kids love it and staff are lovely.read more
Robert Remeeus
09:03 28 Apr 21
The theatre itself is a lovely historical part of Melbourne. Absolutely stunning. The performance by Akmal at the... recent comedy festival, not so muchread more
Maria Helguera
01:31 24 Apr 21
Good location, just average venue (sort of down-at-heel). No numbered seats as far I remember, so everyone chose where... to seat which was a bit unorganised but not chaotic. Happy to have the comedy festival back! I enjoyed the functionread more
Ed Truong
21:08 15 Apr 21
Went here for the comedy festival. The inside is mostly dated back in the very old days so it does have that historical... feel. It did house quite a few people in the theatre. There was the lower level and upper level. The seats were nice and comfortable as well. Definitely a venue that still can host great events in Melbourne.read more
Crystal Wong
05:21 10 Apr 21
Cosy small theatre. Great seats wherever you’re seated. Toilets are really busy just prior to starting the show.
Dave Peacock
01:32 09 Apr 21
Nice old school theatre that hosts many of the Melbourne comedy festival events. Yes the seats are old yet still... comfortable. And yes you are packed in tight. No social distancing. But a great atmosphere. Totally recommend this place.read more
Maryan Valverde
23:50 02 Apr 21
Nice venue and very convenient location. The staff is very helpful and friendly. There's room for improvement at the... bar but the actual theatre is great!read more
Adrian Curtis
10:10 01 Apr 21
Seats could be slightly larger, but I'm a bigger guy. Was down in third row. So stage seemed huge. But walking into the... stalls section I don't think there would have been a single seat that would have made it hard to see the stage.read more
Lory Calipari
12:43 23 Mar 21
Lots of charm. Seats were original haha, good bar, more than 3 toilets in the ladies! Can tell it hasnt been used for a... year though, needs a bit of life!read more
Linda Powell
06:29 08 Mar 21
Always love the experience at the Athenaeum. Listening to Beethoven's music with a beautiful serene setting of candles... surrounding the grand Piano was pure bliss.read more
Tracy Gilson
21:54 05 Mar 21
Saw the travelling wilburys sessions it was amazing Great Artist the six of themIt was fantastic to see Lindsey... Fields up frontA must see show if you haven't been yetread more
Rebecca Caldwell
09:27 11 Feb 21
Lovely old building. Have been to many a comedy night here but Tuesdays candlelight Chopin was a highlight.
Dinushka Fry
08:33 10 Feb 21
Went for the fever candlelight concert held here. Venue changed without notice and so we turned up for the concert only... to find a crowd of upset people out front. New venue was too far to get to in time.read more
Leonie Moss
10:19 08 Feb 21
Very basic venue however was impressive with candles for a night of Vivaldi by Candlelight
Christine Elhakim
22:56 28 Jan 21
One of the of the best places to see a productions, if you want to make the most of it pay for the closer seats or... front balcony seats,But no matter where your sitting it's an amazing atmosphere to enjoy a showread more
Lorraine Mace
07:54 22 Jan 21
Nice old theatre but unfortunately it's getting a bit tired looking. Maybe we need some funding done for a refurb
maxine chrystie
04:29 20 Jan 21
We saw Alice in Wonderland with the kids. Space between each family, great interaction between the cast and audience.... They loved it .read more
Natsu Milk
23:55 11 Jan 21
Vintage building.Sound system was surprisingly pleasant.Didn't see any concession stands, so plus point.
Nadin Oku
11:40 18 Dec 20
18.12.20 we was on show in this theater. It was no place to sit. And we didn’t have any choice, and sit on chairs,... which was closed about COVID restrictions.We bought flowers, and my daughter wanted to present it to singer after the concert. And stuff didn’t let us do it. Not about COVID. Just didn’t. They couldn’t explain me the reason. And before pandemic, I was there too. And same story happened. And I bring flowers to home.It kill all mood of evening. To present flowers for artists it’s an old tradition. Can’t understand, why it’s not possible to do it here.I will not come in this place again.read more
Fred Porter
23:17 11 Dec 20
I love this place. Can't wait to visit again and see a show next time I'm in Melbourne.
Agent Digital
23:15 11 Dec 20
Stunning Melbourne venue, in the heart of the city offering patrons a traditional theatre experience. A must see!
Ruby Faith
05:32 16 Mar 20
Just great to be in an original style theatre. Beautiful and the performance was top class
Khalil Wade
05:09 03 Mar 20
The atmosphere in this theatre is great. Spacious and cool. Small but sweet. Totally recommend
benew productions
02:57 09 Feb 20
Flight Centre Travel Expo was absolutely spectacular. I met so many interesting people who all were looking to explore... the world. I love learning from fellow explorers. Oh the places you'll go. The world is waiting!!! Explore!!!read more
Renee N
05:35 17 Dec 19
Could do with a bit of an update. I love this old theatre, but the seats really need replacing, they’re old (not in a... good way) and feel a little sticky. Aside from that the atmosphere here is great and the staff were wonderful.read more
Shelley Henley
12:42 17 Sep 19
I really like this theatre. It is not large but it does have pretty good site lines everywhere, and well designed raked... seating in the upper levels, and comfortable seats all round. It has a shabby elegance about it as the original plaster work and decorative elements remain unchanged.Probably one of my all time favourite theatres. I just hope that it remains independent, and does not get modernised or developed.Currently it is owned by the Athenaeum Library which is located at the front of the building on the first floor, immediately above the attached ground floor restaurant. (Which is also great.) The Library is the oldest private library still operating in Australia. You can purchase a library membership and have access to some seriously good books as often as you like.Last time I was here I saw Tex Perkins in The Man in Black and it was just excellent. The theatre enhanced the show as the acoustics and the view were great, and the show itself entertaining. Perkins has a wonderful voice and good stage presence.They always have a terrific lineup of shows at this theatre, so when next you go spare a moment before the lights go down to check out the theatre itself. It is worth the look.read more
Hao Dao
20:38 12 Aug 19
Just personal opinion, I don't really enjoy the Bring It On here but appreciate good effort of young team.
Brigida Veritas
12:10 06 Apr 19
It's wonderful that Melbourne retains done historic venues still being used for their original purpose. The seating may... not be super plush but an event feels special if it's held here.read more
Christina P
01:14 29 Mar 19
Great place to see comedy acts during the comedy festival. There is a wide variety of talent here so there is... something for everyone. Numerous theatres also means that more than one act can perform each night. There is bar facilities on site if you would like a drink before or during the show which make it handy.read more
Subscribe
Get every theatre update in your inbox.
Box Office
Phone: 03 9650 1500
For all ticket enquries, please contact Ticketek.
Address
188 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia