The Princess Theatre in Melbourne is a grand Victorian theatre with a rich and mysterious history.
With a façade as magnificent as any in the world, its domed mansard roofs, cast iron filigree marble staircase and foyer, The Princess Theatre remains an imposing Melbourne landmark.
The first incarnation of the 1488 seat theatre on 163 Spring Street on the eastern edge of the central business district was built in the 1880′s.
Melbourne’s fist Princess Theatre was built in 1854 on the present site and opened as the Astley Amphitheatre with a central ring for equestrian entertainment and a stage for drama. It was renovated in 1857 in the 2nd Empire style of architecture. It had the world’s first gliding or retractable roof and re-opened in 1886 with a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. It also featured electrical stage lighting.
The foyer and marble staircase have been compared to the Paris Opera and provide a perfect environment for operas and musicals. Further renovations were completed in 1922 and the theatre was reopened with a performance of The O’Brien Girl.
In 1987 David Marriner purchased The Princes Theatre. The theatre is now one of four in the Marriner stable along with The Regent, The Forum and The Comedy theatre.
In 1989 The Princess reopened with a Cameron Mackintosh production of Les Miserables which ran for 9 months.
The Australian premiere of The Phantom of The Opera took place in the theatre in 1990. It was the longest running show ever to be staged in Victoria. The Phantom of the Opera ran for 2 ½ years and broke all previous Australian box office records.
Along with a host of musicals, ballets and theatrical productions, The Princess Theatre is one of the venues used in The Melbourne Comedy Festival.
To make an evening to remember theatre guests can dine in the Melba or Marriner rooms before attending an international performance at the theatre.
