Marriner Theatres - Melbourne's most unique and spectacular venues
SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGES & CORPORATE HOSPITALITY
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.
Read More

The Forum Theatre
Click on the images to enlarge
Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge
WHAT'S ON AT THE FORUM THEATRE - FORUM I - DOWNSTAIRS AUDITORIUM

Yo La Tengo
12-02-2010
One night only
Forum Theatre

Click here to read more about the show/artist


Yo La Tengo

Already announced as special guests of the Perth International Arts Festival, Feel Presents are now proud to announce a full national tour for US indie-rock pioneers Yo La Tengo. Ira, Georgia and James will land in Australia mid-February performing in all major cities - including their first ever visit to Hobart - drawing on material from their latest album Popular Songs, as well as selections from one of indie-rock’s most critically lauded back catalogues.

It's the new album, though, that is creating all the recent interest and little wonder as Popular Songs finds Yo La Tengo in a particularly ebullient mood and the result is the most concise and rewarding album the New Jersey trio have produced since their breakthrough effort And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out almost 10 years ago.

Popular Songs is as essential as anything Yo La Tengo have ever released, and perhaps even more so — an album that looks back at where they’ve been, smiles, and stares resolutely forward to what will come next. It also makes a pretty solid starting point for anyone who hasn’t yet been seduced by their considerable charms. - DROWNED IN SOUND.

Yo La Tengo are not afraid. they walk bravely forward, into the unknown, hand in hand. and 12 (or 14) albums in, they may just be hitting their stride. - NME

Recent live performances have seen Yo La Tengo in peak form too. ... over the course of two remarkable hours, Kaplan, McNew and Hubley owned it, killed it, burned it down, built it back up, then burned it down again. It was immediately recognizable as a momentous show, in every respect—one of those evenings that blows the curve for every other live performance you’re likely going to see. - MAGNET Sep 24 2009

In addition to the full rock experience, fans in Sydney & Melbourne will have the opportunity to witness the 'Freewheelin' Yo La Tengo Show' - an intimate affair with the band play semi-acoustic, off the cuff, performing and discussing your requests. It's a first for Australian audiences but has toured in both Europe and the USA before. Read on...

The esteemed trio from Hoboken took their places, seated on the altar, and delivered a performance that turned out to be stripped-down, completely captivating and freewheeling indeed. The performance acquired the format of storytelling sessions and song requests interspersed with a smattering of songs from the band’s comprehensive collection. According to guitarist Ira Kaplan, the premise of this tour is to “do stuff one night and never do it again.” And while the no-two-shows-alike concept is certainly inventive, it’s the intimacy and personal narrative of Kaplan, Hubley and Mcnew that made The Freewheeling Yo La Tengo such a satisfying experience. Get the picture?

Don't miss what will be one of this summer’s most talked about events.

Amanda Palmer
26-02-2010
One night only
Forum Theatre

Click here to read more about the show/artist


Amanda Palmer

Much-loved and lauded performer Amanda Palmer is returning to Australia in February and March to wow fans in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Byron Bay and Brisbane.

A musician, artist, writer and political activist all rolled into one, Amanda is a favourite with Aussie audiences with her creative, boundary-pushing shows selling out time and time again.

Make sure you see her at her finest in 2010.

The Polyphonic Spree
27-02-2010
One night only
Forum Theatre

Click here to read more about the show/artist


The Polyphonic Spree

SoCo Carnivale is a confetti drenched; royal encounter of bee bop, honkey tonk and Cajun thunder that blows like a 50 billion watt circuit cable straight into insert venue and date featuring the mammoth behemoth known simply as The Polyphonic Spree. Also joining this fancy dress French jazz parade is the The New Orleans Bingo! Show direct from New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Southern Comfort presents a unique homage to its birthplace, New Orleans, with a fancy dress party inspired by the spirit of New Orleans Carnivale.

Here's what the press are saying:

"..a famously unparalleled stage show of epic proportions... Brilliant musicianship, copious charisma and inspiring subject matter ensure that the 'Spree remain serious players in the international music scene. - Faster Louder

"The Polyphonic Spree are nothing short of a phenomenon." - The Vine

"You couldn't help but be charmed by the Spree's infectious feel-good vibe and carnivalesque visuals... So much colour, so much fun..." - The Age

Southern Comfort: Unique like New Orleans.

Franz Ferdinand
03-03-2010
One night only
Forum Theatre

Click here to read more about the show/artist


Franz Ferdinand

As Australia's favourite annual celebration of all things eclectic and electric, The Future Music Festival, quickly reaches 'sold out' status yet again; Future Entertainment is pleased to announce that Scottish mega-band and FMF 2010 headliner, Franz Ferdinand, will be treating fans of their Grammy-nominated sounds to exclusive FMF side shows …

With a Grammy Award nomination and a myriad of top ten singles to their credit, it's little wonder that Scotland's Franz Ferdinand are widely regarded as one of the hottest live dance rock bands in the world today. Featuring the talents of Alex Kapranos, Nicholas McCarthy, Robert Hardy and Paul Thomson, this indie rock, dance punk phenomenon have released three stunning albums ('Franz Ferdinand', 'You Could Have It So Much Better' and 2009's 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand') and are renowned for sending main stage festival crowds into sheer pandemonium.

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

Click here to read more about the show/artist


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!

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

Click here to read more about the show/artist


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

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

Click here to read more about the show/artist


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.

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

Click here to read more about the show/artist


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
Shows to be announced soon
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)

gf
Venue Hire,Corporate Events, Weddings, Conferences, Gala Dinners, Cocktail Parties, Product Launches etc.
Site Designed by Wind Media
© 2008 Marriner Theatres Pty Ltd