Contemporary art & theatre in a wonderful setting…read more Went west to catch a highly rated play "Cain & Abel" which whilst disturbing was a revelation. But this isn't a review of the play, the theatre space was fantastic (an aisle on the right of the stage would be handy as you have to hop over other patrons legs), seating a lot but every seat with a view. Stage massive and could suit large productions. Gallery space downstairs fantastic with a number of rooms able to show works by different artists. Again a great use of an old building's space. Bar a little ordinary with one red & 2 whites to choose from & your standard fare, wine only average at $8 a glass. Wonderful space I'll be visiting again.

The substation is an iconic building of Melbourne's west. If you've ever tracked by rail through…read moreNewport, you've seen it. When I was growing up, it was derelict and home to many homeless and winos. And of course the fascination to kids all around. All the "cool kids" would break in to throw rocks at the window, or so my cool older sister would tell me. I was too busy at trombone practice. Newly renovated to resemble a New York loft, the substation is opened for business. Ideal for many functions, current uses are performances, art shows and markets. I do believe they can host wedding, though I'm not sure they have kitchen facilities. All in all, it's a modern building with multiple uses. The only (major) downfall is there is no aircon. Meaning during summer it can and does get extremely hot. And for that reason, it's 3, not 4 stars.

I've only been here once, and that was because there was a show there that I wanted to see…read more Basically it seems to be one of those small time theatre places where small times shows are performed. It wasn't too bad, but as can be expected, there really isn't anything all that flash about it. Still, it was good, and they are licensed, so you can certainly get a drink there before going in to the show. Yeah, not too bad, but it does depend on what is playing there at the time.

After visiting Arc One gallery on the ground floor I went downstairs to see what was being…read moreexhibited at Fortyfive Downstairs. There is a small sign "a not for profit artspace" above their door. Fortyfive Downstairs rents out their gallery space for artists who want an exhibition. And there are different exhibitions here every four or two weeks. Downstairs in the former textiles factory space there are two spaces for exhibitions and a theatre space. I haven't been to the theatre here yet. I must go sometimes as it has regular burlesque shows. Both the very large gallery space and the second smaller space have white walls, high ceilings and wooden floors. The exhibitions in these spaces will have, most likely, changed by the time that you read this so I won't tell you about the art that I saw. And the quality of the next exhibition depends mostly on the artist exhibiting but the gallery is also selective and exhibitions are generally of a high standard.

Did you know there's a cinema hidden away in Southbank/South Melbourne? It was news to me too, but…read moreI went to The Backlot Studios to check it out as an event venue. Backlot is a private cinema, open to groups - think work functions, parties, hens/bucks (apparently you can play games on the big screen too). The cinema fits about 80 people and the chairs are so comfy. Big black leather seats and big double seats in the back. Unlike some smaller/pop-up movie theatres, this place gives you the proper cinema experience - dark, big screen, big sound, no distractions from the outside world. There is a candy bar at the front that will play videos (and logos if you're a business hiring it out). They have catering options or there's a small surcharge per head to bring in food/drink depending on what kind of catering you're looking at. Looking forward to heading back to catch a movie with a friend or 70.

What an evening. This cinema takes intimate seriously and although I got to experience it as part…read moreof an event I would love to find out what it is like as an everyday screening. With only one screening room they managed to really make watching a movie comfortable. Between the giant leather couches, the free private parking, the movie sound which plays in the bathroom so that you don't get left behind and the decor which makes going to the movies more authentic they really did well. To top it off they even have couple's leather chairs so that you can really get up close when your parter gets a fright. I'll make sure to post more in depth once I've experience it for real!

Going to the theatre is expensive in Melbourne. Going to a main stage theatre is super expensive. 4…read moretimes the cost of a movie ticket. MTC, with their fabulous Southbank Theatre, and interesting well produced plays makes that worthwhile, every once in a while. We'll be talking about the Cherry Orchard for easily four times longer than a film. Inspiring, intriguing, interesting.

This is one of the reasons that makes Melbourne so bloody great - we are willing to explore and…read moresupport locally written and directed theatre about... well, anything really and La Mama is often the home of these works. Since 1967 La Mama has been pushing out plays and shows to the locals and beyond and has a rich history behind it having been the birthplace of many of our homegrown acting/writing/directing superstars, and has presented more than 1800 plays in it's time. Check the website to see what is currently playing and keep in mind that La Mama is small, very very small, so you will be pretty much sitting in the actors laps. Thank goodness a place like this exists to further enrich our Melburnian culture and our brains! Thanks Mama!

La Mama is a small theatre house that exhibits some really impressive pieces of theatre (mostly…read morelocally written and produced). The theatre space is intimate to say the least, with the front row of the audience literally on the stage with the performers. It has quite a DIY feel to it, and often times the cast will be offering out tea and coffee to the audience just before they walk on stage to perform. A lot of the performers at La Mama are recognisable faces, if not known names, so it's a good way to spot the talent of the future before they go on to do bigger and more ambitious projects.

Gotta love the brunny! Wednesday night's been a usual spot for me and my mates since we found out…read moreabout open mic night. Last semester a bunch of my international friends would muster up the courage after a few drinks to play but now I just go for the 10 dollar jugs & random acts. I don't come here enough seeing as it's literally only a block away but this will change once exams finish up. I'm super bummed I can't go tonight which is why I've decided to get the word out for any one who may be available. With the ram stop right outside theres no reason for anyone to pass up the opportunity to chill at the brunny. Go grab some cheap beer and head here for a comfy night lounging with live music ASAP! There are always random bands playing from around the area and it's always fun to hear new music. The best part though, yeah you didn't think it could get any better did you? Well, the best part is the beer garden. You know a place has got to be good when they've mastered the layout of each room to suit pretty much anyone and everyone.

My two crazy russian friends had arrived home in Melbourne safely from the adventure around Europe…read moreand were having a 'welcome back' party here. I'd never been before but everyone seemed to think this was a good venue for cheap drinks and relaxed atmosphere. That is exactly the perception i got out of it. You cannot miss that crazy purple sign above the door and once you enter the dimly lit venue has not a lot going for it, but everyone inside is totally chilled giving the place a real laid-back feel. We arrived and they were sitting out back so i ordered a drink and headed out to the large beer garden. There's a large wooden communal table with small slum-couches scattered around. The venue is usually busy but never really feels 'packed out', such a great little place.

I wouldn't necessarily say that this was a random pub that I visited, namely because I knew that it…read morewas here, and I intentionally got off the train to go and check it out. Well, I guess it was a good thing that I did so since I found this place to be quite nice. Actually, they had a pretty large outdoor area as well, though their selection of beers wasn't all that great. Still, it was quite a nice pub.

An inner city pub that hasn't been touched with the wand of gentrification is as rare as hens…read moreteeth. I usually enjoy these dive pubs and can happily sink cheap beer for a few hours. Not so much at Hardimans. I almost immediately screwed up my nose and began to mentally refurbish the decor, which didnt include the ingrained regulars. This place is just a touch too bogan, I get they have their clientele but im just not a fan of footy on the big screen above my mains. Anyway a friend and I were resolute to get the Thursday $12 parma/pot special. The service was fine, cant complain for $12. The parma was massive with a wee side salad and chips, look it was pretty dry but satisfied a baser carnivorous instinct. Theres the front bar/pub/dining space which also has live music occasionally. Out the back is a "fancier" dining space open for lunch and dinner. I cant comment on the other food besides the parma but I would stick to the pub basics. Not rushing back in a hurry.