National Theatre
20 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182
The National Theatre conversion set a benchmark in the world for conversion from cinema to live a theatre venue and was written up in several major international journals. John Cargher AM, then General Manager of the National, was principally responsible for the redesign, and only recently has the Regent Theatre (built 1928) followed this form of redevelopment. The design of the theatre provides excellent sightlines for all 783 seats and suits all styles of production from full-scale musicals, dance and opera to intimate one person performances. Major dance events, concerts, dramatic productions and festivals are held in the venue, which still maintains its dual function as a cinema.
The Main stage offers both a spacious orchestra pit and functional fly tower dating from the 1972-3 renovation, while the seating is of the older (and larger) style popular in cinemas of the period. The seating is on a single rake (no upstairs balcony) while the ambience of the foyer and auditorium have maintained their 1928 charm.
The majority of the dance schools in metropolitan Melbourne also use the National as their base for public performance; not the least of which is our National Theatre Ballet School .
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.au/
