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THE Forum THEATRE
Corner Russell & Flinders Streets
Melbourne, 3000
Melways: Map 1A K11
Theatre Style Seating Plan (PDF 76.8kb)
Full Table Seating Plan (PDF 82.3kb)

FORUM II seating plan (PDF 138kb)

Forum Christmas Events - Click here for more information

Beneath the sky-blue ceiling and before the eyes of the surrounding Romanesque statues and gargoyles, the Forum Theatre, with its outdoor amphitheatre setting, has come a long way from the first “talkies” that played here in 1929.  After which talkies came the Christian Revivalists.  Today, the Forum lends itself to the people of Melbourne as one of the most unique, and undoubtedly best venues, magnificent in its scope and mesmerising in its architecture. 

The Forum has been described as the utopia of live band venues, and bands to have played its stage include Midnight Oil, Tim Finn, Sir Bob Geldof, Powderfinger,   The large downstairs venue is ideal for Corporate Launches, and Cocktail Receptions and upstairs, one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets, a 520 seat theatre, small thrust stage and large theatre screen, ideal for a conference, cinema screening or comedy night.

HISTORY
At the first Melbourne land auction in 1837, the site where the Forum (Old State Theatre) now stands was sold to William Rutledge of Parramatta, for £153.
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The Forum Theatre
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WHAT'S ON AT THE FORUM THEATRE - FORUM I - DOWNSTAIRS AUDITORIUM

The Dead Weather
19-03-2010
One night only
Forum Theatre

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The Dead Weather

Presented by: The Frontier Touring Company

Birthed from a collision of some of the greatest musicians in the genre, The Dead Weather includes Alison Mosshart of The Kills on lead vocals, Jack White, originally of The White Stripes on drums, White's Raconteur bandmate Jack Lawrence on bass and former Raconteur Dean Fertita, also of Queens of the Stone Age, on guitar.

"The tracks — a sludgy, bluesy blend of psych-rock guitar, alternately stark and explosive rhythms and Mosshart's sultry-to-siren vocal — take relatively logical leaps from the members' other bands, White's groove-heavy drumming elevating the Dead Weather's Stripes-esque blues-rock moods and Fertita and Mosshart pulling in atmosphere and disaffected cool, respectively" – Rolling Stone

Horehound, the band's debut LP, was released earlier this year and features a hybrid of styles with each member's distinct contributions creating a sound like no other. Their onstage presence reflects the raw energy sparking from their collaborative talent and is a performance certainly not to be missed!

Reginald D. Hunter
25-03-2010 to 18-04-2010
Forum Theatre

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Reginald D. Hunter

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010

With a commanding Alabaman drawl and a mischief-making sense of fun, the defiant Reginald D Hunter returns to Melbourne with a hailstorm of 'did he just say that' moments. Think you've heard it all before? Think again. In this new show, Reginald's got the stuff that would make Vin Diesel blush like Princess Diana.

The Guardian said, "He makes James Earl Jones sound like Frank Spencer." With cojones like that, 'Danger' really must be his middle name.

Warning: This show is not for the easily offended - please do not attempt to repeat Reginald's routine in case of severe retribution.

"Hunter is one of those rare comics to deliver astute, philosophical musings through cover-your-mouth filthiness." - The Sunday Age

"A masterful, playful comic... Gets more ideas into 50 minutes than some comics in a career." - The Times, UK

"While you're laughing, your self-image is being knocked around inside your head." - The Sunday Herald UK

Frank Woodley: Bewilderbeest
25-03-2010 to 18-04-2010
Forum Theatre

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Frank Woodley: Bewilderbeest

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010

As seen on Spicks and Specks, Thank God You’re Here, and Good News Week.

Life is bewildering. Injustice. Unrequited love. Grapefruit.

One of Australia’s favourite comedians, Frank brings a brand new hour of stand-up, physical comedy and songs to the Comedy Festival.

Since Lano & Woodley, Frank has been flat out – touring (nationally and internationally) with his smash-hit show Possessed, creating an award-winning animated short film (Chicken of God) and even receiving a coveted Herald Angel award at the Edinburgh Fringe for his role of Candide in Optimisim.

Whether his bendy brain is musing or his liquid limbs are flowing, an evening with Frank Woodley will send you away feeling tingly.

“You must leap out of your chair and sacrifice life and limb to buy a ticket.” Sunday Herald Sun

“One of our most naturally gifted comedians.” The Age

"*****" The Scotsman

Peter Helliar's Dreamboat Tour
25-03-2010 to 17-04-2010
Forum Theatre

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Peter Helliar's Dreamboat Tour

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010

Peter Helliar is one of Australia’s best loved stand-up comedians.

Exciting and new. Come aboard, he’s expecting you.**

It’s been two years since he hit the stage with a solo show and he’s doing it in style this Comedy Festival.

Best known for his ten years on Rove, Pete has also penned a book, worked on radio with the likes of Judith Lucy and Myf Warhurst and has his first feature due for release in 2010.

Don’t miss this chance to see Peter Helliar’s dreamy new show.

“One of the nations favourite comedians.” Sunday Mail

"Peter Helliar makes the difficult business of being funny look dead easy." Adelaide Advertiser

"Wonderful." The Age

**That’s a reference to The Love Boat, but please note that you don’t need to be an expert on The Love Boat to appreciate Pete’s comedy stylings.

Paul Dempsey
24-04-2010
One night only
Forum Theatre

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Paul Dempsey

Presented by: Street Press Australia & Faster Louder

Paul Dempsey announces “Burning Leaves” national tour April 2010 and new single "Bats".

With very special guests Dan Kelly and his Dream Band.

Paul Dempsey is delighted to announce that he and his band will embark upon their “Burning Leaves” national tour throughout April. This will be Paul’s one and only Australian headline tour for 2010 before relocating to New York City for the remainder of the year.

2009 was a watershed year for Dempsey. With his first solo album “Everything Is True” debuting at # 5 on the ARIA chart and garnering rave reviews across the board, it confirmed him as one of this country’s finest and most original songwriters and musicians.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival
02-05-2010 to 07-05-2010
Forum Theatre

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Melbourne International Jazz Festival

The universal language of jazz has flourished over more than one hundred years, shifting into a diverse spectrum of new styles and sounds. The spirit of improvisation in jazz has emerged as a common chord that binds diverse communities around the world. As we move further into a new century marked by developments in technology and innovation, the common chord that defines this age of jazz creativity will be explored over the eight days of the 2010 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

During the first week of May, the iconic spaces of Melbourne will be transformed as its streets, concert halls, clubs, bars and galleries play host to the world’s leading modern masters of jazz. A rich multi-layered program of music events will be presented in the city centre, also incorporating film, visual art, public art installations and forums. For absolutely all lovers of music, this is a time to be entertained, to discover, to be inspired and most importantly to participate.

Wilco
05-05-2010 to 06-05-2010
Forum Theatre

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Wilco

Ladies and gentlemen, please prepare yourselves for the welcome return of Wilco to our shores in 2010. Set to perform in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the Chicago Sextet make their fourth journey to Australia for a series of intimate theatre-style shows along the east coast.

Heralded by critics everywhere as "the world's most exciting rock band", their live set clocks in at over 2 hours and is a spell-binding journey through their rich and inspiring catalogue of tunes. With seven studio albums to their credit Wilco will present a selection from their familiar past, as well as songs from this years outstanding self- titled release Wilco.

Tegan & Sara
11-05-2010 to 12-05-2010
Forum Theatre

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Tegan & Sara

Canadian twins Tegan and Sara return to Australia in May for a national tour, following the release of their new album 'Sainthood' (Warner) last year. 'Sainthood' was lavished with acclaim from fans and critics a-like, the first single 'Hell' gathering radio spins from alternate and commercial radio around the country.

After years of selling out headline tours and their recent experience in joining the summer festival circuit, which saw them playing to thousands at the Falls Festivals, Southbound and Sunset Sounds in 2008, Tegan and Sara tours have become one of the most anticipated live shows among Aussie music lovers. Their on stage chemistry, incredible musical abilities, infectious pop sensibilities and direct connection with their fans has won hearts all over the world.

In 2010 the girls return with a show full of new songs off 'Sainthood', as well as a few crowd favourites.

Tame Impala
21-05-2010
One night only
Forum Theatre

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ON SALE
18-03-2010


Tame Impala

TAME IMPALA 'INNERSPEAKER' ALBUM TOUR 2010
Perth group Tame Impala are a rainbow sandstorm of stoned riffage, mind bending melody and blissed out adventurism from the most isolated city in the world. Formed in 2007 and signed to Modular Recordings in 2008, the band are set to release their debut album, 'InnerSpeaker' this coming May. The resultant record will first be unveiled with the single, 'Solitude Is Bliss', a joyous summertime romp through fields of honeyed harmony and crispy good times. It's just the very tip of the amorphous cosmos that is 'InnerSpeaker'.

Lisa Mitchell
28-05-2010
One night only
Forum Theatre

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ON SALE
19-03-2010


Lisa Mitchell

With Special Guests: Boy and Bear and Georgia Fair.

Lisa Mitchell today announces the exciting details of her huge National Theatre Tour to support the release of her brand new single 'Oh Hark!'.

Having spent the last few months promoting the album in Europe, Lisa is returning to Australia in April to kick off her massive Oh Hark! National Theatre Tour. Taking in major capital cities and regional centers across Australia, Lisa is set to play to over 18,000 fans in shows over a four week period including appearances at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney and the Forum in Melbourne. Joining Lisa on the road will be folk n' slide favorites Boy and Bear and Georgia Fair.

'It excites me to remember that I will be embarking on a tour of the gorgeous Australian theatres in May after the sure-to-be raucous, Groovin' the Moo festival. It will be lovely to be touring around my beautiful Australia' said Lisa of the forthcoming tour.

2009 was a remarkable year for Lisa: her debut album 'Wonder' debuted at 6 on the ARIA charts, she earned 3 ARIA nominations, signed a huge record deal in the UK with Sony Music, scored album of the week in the UK's prestigious Sunday Times, toured Australia and the UK nationally twice over and finished a magical year with number 7 spot on the Hottest100 with her global smash 'Coin Laundry'.

2010 is set to get even bigger. This week Lisa's brand new single '0h Hark!' is serviced nationally to radio in Australia and the UK and is expected to be her biggest hit yet. With a brand a new radio edit, bonus tracks including an 'Ou Est Le Swimming Pool' remix and Lisa's stunning version of 'Romeo and Juliet' first performed on Triple j, expect to hear 'Oh Hark!' all over the airwaves in 2010.

Ronnie Johns Half Hour Show
29-05-2010 to 30-05-2010
Forum Theatre

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Ronnie Johns Half Hour Show

Well, shunt me in the gunt and call me a munt-funter - The Ronnie Johns Good Times Campfire Jamboree Half Hour Show: Now on Television is now a 1 hour show live on stage!

For the first time on stage, The 3rd Degree - Felicity Ward, Heath Franklin, Jordan Raskopoulos and James Pender - reunite to perform all your favourite characters, including Chopper, Jesus, Poppy, Paulie, The Germans, Mlak Mlak and many more from the Logie-nominated Australian TV cult sketch show, The Ronnie Johns Half Hour.

Since Ronnie Johns last sat in the saddle of the Good Taste Pony, Heath Franklin has taken Chopper around the world, Jordan has rocked audiences with Axis of Awesome, Felicity Ward has become one of the hottest female comics in Australia and James has had a real job, working as a lawyer for the UN.

Come back to where it all began as the guys present the best old bits, some juicy new bits, all your favourite characters live and close enough to throw fruit at. Too big for the box, too rude for broadcast, leave your kids at home or prepare to have them messed up for life.

It's guaranteed to light a campfire in your pants!

WHAT'S ON AT THE FORUM THEATRE - FORUM II - UPSTAIRS AUDITORIUM

David O'Doherty: David O'Doh-Party
25-03-2010 to 18-04-2010
Forum Theatre II

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David O'Doherty: David O'Doh-Party

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010

Winner Edinburgh Comedy Award 2008
Nominee Barry Award 2007

Throw up your hands and lower your expectations for the David O'Doh-Party. He's not afraid to underwhelm you with his sub-sonic analogue pulsations. Before you know it, you'll be letting loose with this 'comedy colonic'.

Star of 'A Film with Me in It' alongside his brother, Mark, and Dylan Moran, and author of a book on pandas featuring some impressive graphs.

"A tiny keyboard and a giant talent." - The List, UK

"The king of creative novelty...We barely had time to close our mouths before we were laughing again." - The Age

"It's hard not to be hopelessly charmed by David O’Doherty." - Herald Sun

"A masterclass hour of comedy." - The Stage, UK

Tripod Versus The Dragon
25-03-2010 to 18-04-2010
Forum Theatre II

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Tripod Versus The Dragon

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010

Directed by: Neill Gladwin

For thousands of millennia, award-winning musical idiots Tripod have wowed audiences in Australia and abroad with their trademark blend of gorgeous harmonies and dysfunctional relationships.

In their latest opus: Scod, Yon and Gatesy strap on their scabbards to embark on a musical theatre work of exquisite sophistication and hilarity that delves deep into the terrifying, tantalising, geektastic world of D&D.

Tripod versus the Dragon combines classic old-school character comedy and a bunch of great songs with liberal references to the great operas, the bible (all three testaments: old, new and Superstar) and the other bible: the D&D Player's Handbook.

It's the Ring Cycle meets the Three Stooges meets stats.

Featuring special guest - genre-busting singer and Triple J Next Crop artist - ELANA STONE as 'the Dragon'

"*****Sometimes five stars just aren't enough" - The Scotsman

"These guys are jaw-hang-wide-open,-drool-slowly-drip-out brilliant" - Herald Sun

Forum Theatre Capacities
Concert
Banquet
Cocktail
Dinner Dance
Conference/ Presentation
boardroom
Forum I - Main Auditorium
1500 (standing)
-
1000
-
800
-
FoForum I - Main Auditorium
Venue Description
The Forum is one of the most unique, and undoubtedly best venues, magnificent in its scope and mesmerising in its architecture. The Forum has been described as the utopia of live band venues, and bands to have played its stage include Midnight Oil, Tim Finn, Sir Bob Geldof, Powderfinger, The large downstairs venue is ideal for Corporate Launches, and Cocktail Receptions.
Forum II - Upstairs theatre
520 (seated)
-
-
-
520
-
Forum II - Upstairs theatre
Venue Description
This smaller venue is located on the third level and provides theatre-style seating. With in-house film projectors and surround sound system it is an ideal venue for film screenings. The venue offers a wonderful ambience for more intimate music or comedy performances.
Mezzanine and foyer area
-
-
250
-
-
-
Forum 1 - Auditorium
Venue Description
Benefiting from natural light during the day, and the view of Federation Square at night, this space is split over 2 levels at the Forum Theatre.  Popular for a presentation on the lower level, with a cocktail reception upstairs afterwards, or a breakfast, lunch or dinner split over 2 levels, this venue offers a combination totally unique to Melbourne.
GEneral information
Nearby Bars Nearby Restaurants

Movidas - 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Ph: (03) 9663 3038
Website: Click Here

Caboose - 4 City Sq, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Tel: (03) 9663 4448

Yak Bar and Food - 150 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Tel: (03) 9654-6699
Website: Click Here

Ezard
187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000.
Tel: (03) 9639 6811
Website: Click Here
Offers pre theatre and a la carte dining options.

Yak Bar and Food - 150 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Tel: (03) 9654-6699
Website: Click Here

Misty Place - 3-5 Hosier Lane Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: (03) 9663 9202

Phoenix - 82 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Ph: 9650 4976

Locality Information Nearby Parking

TRAM
Any tram via Flinders Street.

TRAIN
Flinders St Train Station.

Secure Parking
Flinders Gate, 172 Flinders Street
(Alternate access via 195 Flinders Lane)
Open 24 hours
1075 Bays
Disabled Bays and Wheelchair Access available
Maximum Vehicle Height: 2 metres

Validate your parking ticket at the venue to avail of preferred car parking rates for Marriner Theatres clients and patrons.

A designated accessible bay is located in Flinders Lane, near the corner of Russell Street. It is also possible to drop passengers off in Russell Street.

PHYSICAL ACCESS

The Flinders Street entrance has one small step up to a line of double doors. A ramp is positioned here during performances. The entrance opens on to the foyer. The Box Office is situated to the right of the entrance doors. Two large railed staircases line the walls and lead to an upstairs foyer containing a bar and refreshment area.

Forum I: Cabaret Room
The large auditorium on the ground floor has been remodelled into a cabaret style venue, seating 800 (cabaret style), and standing 1500 (concert style). There are flat entrances from the foyer to Forum I. A sloped floor leads to seating in booths and tables. For most seating, one or two steps must be scaled. Forum I also has a licensed bar. Enquiries regarding wheelchair access should be directed to the Princess Theatre Box Office.

Forum II: Upstairs Auditorium
An intimate space seating 540-590 patrons. Access from Flinders Street is via the large railed staircases to the left and right of the foyer. Alternative access is via the side entrance in Russell Street. Again, there is a large staircase. The Auditorium is quite steeply raked and has no handrails.

TOILETS

General
Toilets are situated at the rear of the Forum I, near the Russell Street exit, and also in the upstairs foyer next to the bar.

Accessible
A unisex accessible toilet is situated at the rear of Forum I, near the Russell Street exit.

FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS
It is advisable to book wheelchair seating direct with the Princess Theatre Box Office. (03 9299 9800

FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH SIGHT IMPAIRMENTS
Seats close to the stage can be requested when booking tickets for either the Forum I or Forum II.

THEATRE TECHNICAL Information

FORUM I
Standing room (bands): 1500
Seating capacity (cabaret style): 800
Sound desk position is centre of the auditorium, behind the first row of booths.
Theatre Style Seating Plan (PDF 76.8kb)
Full Table Seating Plan (PDF 82.3kb)

SPECIFICATIONS AND FACILITIES
Dimensions and specifications and Facilities

FORUM II
Theatre Style seating: 540
View seating plan (PDF 138kb)

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