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!

2023 they had a stage in the middle area which was fantastic for the kids and adults, 2024 they…read moremoved the stage indoors, this reduced how enjoyable it was and the entertainment was less enjoyable, but still good. 2025, no stage with general entertainment, far less entertaining as an over all event. Food is still expensive, but that's what your expect at these things, so that hasn't influenced the low rating. Something just seems to be missing from the whole place this year.

I brought my son and a friend's son to the show and the staff from Chant company special mention to…read moreSarah who was very kind and patient to our boys went above and beyond to ensure that they enjoy themselves. Thank you again for making the small childrens' day amazing !

This place would probably be best described as a licensed video game parlour as opposed to a bar…read more Mind you, it is one of those retro gaming bars that you see popping up everywhere, but rather it is sort of like one of those places that happens to be full of games that one wouldn't be able to put on a computer. Yeah, it does have an outdoor balcony, which is nice, but honestly, it isn't anything that I would make an effort to visit a second time.

Palace Cinema in Westgarth is centrally located with easy PT options and street parking available…read more The actual building is beautiful and the restorations have really done it justice. They serve all of the usual treats you need with the added bonus of barista coffee and alcoholic beverages that can be taken into the cinema. Plus the popcorn is healthy!! They don't tend to show all of the blockbusters but they do show a wide range of films including some art house and foreign films.

They changed the program with no advance notice, and it's a long way out of town on the tram so…read moreit's problematic to find out that the film that was advertised isn't being shown after getting there. To add insult to injury, the guy at the box office said we must have misread the ad. I pulled it up on the Internet, and I had not misread it, but showing the box office staff didn't get any apology for their assumption that the customers don't know what they're doing.

This was the first Pleasure Garden event. I'd say the first of many. I was attracted by just one of…read morethe bands, Cat Empire. I was not disappointed. But I spent most of the day here and enjoyed all the bands. It ran from 12 till 10.30pm. There were two stages so we had choice and we did wander between them. The space was large enough that we could wander about without feeling crowded. Maybe in future years it will get more popular and start feeling crowded but not this year. There were a number of food vans with enough variety to satisfy most, plus two bars. There was a little market which I didn't really check out but I saw others were. The organisers did a fantastic job. There were cute fun 'lady bugs' on stilts dancing around and a group of wise elder types dressed in white and glowing floating through the audience near the stages and around the venue. There were beach balls bouncing around the audience and at one stage later in the evening a number of lovely people with huge platters of cut fruit floated through the audience. What a great touch! The atmosphere was fun and friendly. Such a great vibe! It was located in a park in central St Kilda. Easy to get to and on closing it was orderly. Actually the whole event was peaceful and cruisy. The only thing that concerned me was the toilets. I admit it, I can be a princess. But these were clean and plentiful. Overall a well organised fun event that I'm hoping to go back to next year.

This place a great. The shows are top notch, staff are super friendly and well worth a trip to St…read moreKilda to see an amazing show. Check out the season, you will be surprised how many well know faces are floating about.

Revolt art space is a wonderful, amazing venue located in the suburb of Kensington, which is about…read more10 minutes away from the CBD. When I first came here it was to see one of my favorite bands (Bonjah) play on Australia day 2010. I was blown away. The huge 'factory' is abundant with art. It's visual candy - everywhere. There are separate rooms with couches filled with sculptures and paintings. It has a main stage with with ample room for standing to watch a band or performer. Performers vary from dancers to mimes to comedians to actors. Revolt is open most days - it has a chill atmosphere you can just call in have a coffee and read a book or attend one of the many events which can be found on their website. The staff at Revolt are a family - literally. They took lease of the space in 2009 and have worked hard to make it what it is today. I was lucky enough to volunteer during the 2011 Fringe Festival which was a great experience. I encourage you all to call into Revolt & check it out, if only for the visual experience. You will be amazed at this place & wonder why you have never visited there before. They serve alcohol & have bar food. http://www.revoltproductions.com/home/

Revolt is a secret pirate cave of wonderment. I want to say more, but I don't think I could capture…read morethe excitement of the first time I entered and wandered around the many rooms and spaces that have amassed in this new performing arts centre in Kensington. It's a maze, designed with both performers and audience in mind. The crew make sure you're getting a truly unique experience by either attending or using Revolt to stage your event. What's more (and the bit I think I like the most) is their philosophy of supporting new artists. For someone with a great idea but not a big plan on how to market that idea, this is possibly the place to approach to stage it. It's a bit of a secret, really, tucked down a back street in an unassuming warehouse district, but not one that should stay so.