An imposing landmark Melbourne building, the 1488-seat Princess Theatre on Spring St dates from the mid-1880s — the second Melbourne theatre to bear that name.
Melbourne's first Princess Theatre was built in 1854 on the present theatre site and opened as the Astley Amphitheatre with a central ring for equestrian entertainment and a stage for dramatic performances. When it was renovated in 1857, it reopened as the Princess Theatre.
Extensive renovation
Having then changed ownership, the theatre underwent extensive renovation in what is known as the Second Empire style — in the process acquiring the world's first sliding or retractable roof — and reopened in 1886 with a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado.
The Princess Theatre's foyer and marble staircase were compared at the time to those of the Paris Opera, setting of the book and stage musical The Phantom of the Opera — and the Australian premiere of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical did in fact take place at the Princess in 1990. Interestingly, the theatre is reputed to have its own resident phantom.
Where is it?
The Princess Theatre is at 163 Spring St on the eastern edge of Melbourne's central business district and lies on the Spring St tram line.
Box office enquiries
Information on tickets and performance times are available on 03-9299-9800 (international 613-9299-9800) Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. All-hours bookings may be made at ticketek.com.au.
