Review: Forum Melbourne

Set the scene (or the stage, if you will).
You’ll get a sense of grandeur as you approach this theater and live music venue in the CBD (Central Business District)—which was built in 1929 and meticulously restored in 2017—minarets and a clock tower are just part of the Moorish Revival exterior. But when you present your ticket and enter the auditorium, you'll inevitably gasp. Grecian-style statues flank the stages, balconies (accessible by VIPs only) overlook the dance floor, and decorative features imitate a walled garden. Look up and you’ll see the domed ceiling, painted a deep blue and dotted with lights to resemble the night sky.

Who's on stage?
Many Australian bands have hit the big time play here, as have international acts that aren’t quite ready for stadiums. Past performers have included Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Katy Perry, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The Forum also is an important venue for the Melbourne Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival; there's a smaller upstairs theater that's used during the Melbourne International Film Festival.

Fun! What's the seating like? And the sightlines?
Seats fill the venue during festivals; for gigs, they’re cleared out. There are some tiered booths toward the back, but you have to arrive right when the doors open to stake your claim. The stage is high and it's rare the venue is at capacity (2,000 people), so you can usually snag a good spot.

Anything in particular that makes this place special?
During Melbourne’s White Night in February, Forum Melbourne is one of the many Flinders Street venues whose exteriors are illuminated by artistic projections.

What's your best advice?
If you have even the slightest inclination to see an act here, do so without hesitation. Experiencing a great band here can be an almost transcendental experience.