Princess Theatre
Princess Theatre
4
About
Melbourne’s iconic Princess Theatre is regarded by many as Melbourne’s most spectacular landmark. Dating back as far as 1854, the theatre was purchased by Marriner Theatres in 1986 and plans were immediately put in place for its total refurbishment to ensure its future viability as a live theatre venue. The Princess Theatre reopened in 1989 with the musical ‘Les Miserables’ followed by ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ which established a new record for the longest-running show ever staged in Victoria. Today, it continues to host some of the world’s most renowned theatre productions.
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Neighbourhood: Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
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4.0
529 reviews
Excellent
243
Very good
178
Average
72
Poor
18
Terrible
18
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
Dec 2020
The Princess Theatre opened in 1854, at the height of the Great Australian Goldrush; it is the oldest continuously operating theatrical venue in Australia. Its future looked grim until David Mariner purchased it in 1986 and refurbished the property. Since then, it has hosted many top box-office musicals most recently Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the first time the show opened outside of London or New York. The Princess is a Second Empire structure, and it is an integral element of the Spring St streetscape, opposite Parliament House. The Princess is on the Victorian Historical Register and listed by the National Trust.
Written 7 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
Nov 2021
The Princess Theatre is reopening after the lockdown, with a extended season of the Harry Potter saga. The Princess Theatre has been in business since 1854, when the Great Australian Gold Rush was in full swing -- it's one of Australia's oldest entertainment venues. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child will run for several months, followed by another edition. I have seen several shows at the Princess Theatre, the venue is always magnificent, as is the staging,
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise
4 contributions
Mar 2021
WOW how can I tell you my experience without spoiling it for you This theatre and the play on now Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a bucket list event for everyone. Even if you are not a Harry Potter Fan the theatrics in this play is exceptional and will leave you in disbelief . Although the theatre was full it was not claustrophobic nor was it hot, any discomfort you may feel will certainly be dispelled by the show. Absolutely amazed no green screen nor CGI and this show is exceptional. So Lucky to have seen it. Thank you Cast and Crew
Written 19 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
Feb 2020
The Princess Theatre is one of Australia's top theatrial venues. Various theatres have occupied the site since Gold Rush days in the 1850s.. Now it's in the hands of David Marriner, who spent a small fortune restoring the theatre to its former glory. The Princess Theatre reflects the Victorian era Parliament of Victoria, which is just across the road. The Princess Theatre is easy to get to; Parliament Metro station is close by, and the tram stops within walking distance.
Written 22 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AliBla
Brisbane, Australia256 contributions
Oct 2022
I was worried our delayed flight was not going to get us to the Princess Theatre in time to see The Cursed Child at the Princess Theatre.
Attention to detail was very apparent to host this play. The Theatre is beautiful
We paid for seats in the 3rd row from the stage, and it was worth every cent. If you are a HP fan, or even just a fan of plays in general, you must go to the Princess Theatre.
You have to do it, it truly is magical!!
Attention to detail was very apparent to host this play. The Theatre is beautiful
We paid for seats in the 3rd row from the stage, and it was worth every cent. If you are a HP fan, or even just a fan of plays in general, you must go to the Princess Theatre.
You have to do it, it truly is magical!!
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary-Anne B
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
My family and I attended the Princess Theatre to watch Mamma Mia on the evening of the 24th November, there were 4 of us in total. Our seating arrangement was T15, 16, 17 & 18. I sat in the aisle seat, the worst seat. I was glad my family was able to enjoy the show. I had a miserable time and if it wasn't for my family I would have left. We were all so excited and could not wait to see the show, I spent just under $700 in total for the 4 tickets, assuming we had good seats, after my experience I would not take my seat if it was offered to me for free. People would be laughing, I could not see what was funny, I mostly just got to see the back of the girls head in front of me and a males head two rows in front of me.
Upon leaving the theatre, the female who sat in front of me was standing next to me, she was only my height, no taller than me, average height. The flooring is flat, and seats are arranged directly behind one another. An absolutely terrible experience, so disappointing, needless to say I will not be returning to the Princess Theatre.
Upon leaving the theatre, the female who sat in front of me was standing next to me, she was only my height, no taller than me, average height. The flooring is flat, and seats are arranged directly behind one another. An absolutely terrible experience, so disappointing, needless to say I will not be returning to the Princess Theatre.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ree_Views1
Goulburn, Australia1,468 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Visited for Harry Potter. The theatre is well located, tram stop out the front.
It is a beautiful theatre, it’s old world charm preserved but also made you feel like you were at Hogwarts. The staff had everyone organised.
Our only complaint was trying to get a bottle of water from our seats upstairs was a challenge. It took us so long to get to the bar the bell rang to go back in. I would hate to try and get out of here in a hurry. Food and drinks are very over priced as is often the case in places like this.
It was a great show and we enjoyed the theatre.
It is a beautiful theatre, it’s old world charm preserved but also made you feel like you were at Hogwarts. The staff had everyone organised.
Our only complaint was trying to get a bottle of water from our seats upstairs was a challenge. It took us so long to get to the bar the bell rang to go back in. I would hate to try and get out of here in a hurry. Food and drinks are very over priced as is often the case in places like this.
It was a great show and we enjoyed the theatre.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia51,799 contributions
Apr 2021
Princess Theatre is one of the oldest theatres. It dates back to 1854, and many famous productions have been staged here over the years. Some of the more well known ones have been The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. It is one of Melbourne's magnificent landmarks and is a must see sight.
Written 30 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob
Tamworth, Australia13 contributions
May 2021
Really great show. Some parts are a bit scary for kids. The queue for drinks was far too long. One thing that really did annoy me was that fact that none of the bars displayed prices for drinks. The prices were excessive and perhaps the reason why. This is why I’m reducing my review score from5 to 3. I think it is very poor form.
Written 7 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoolGuy
Singapore, Singapore694 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We came here after our lunch at nearby The Paramount Centre Food court. The theatre box office guy is extremely patient n friendly in explaining the different classes of tickets for "Harry Potter & the Curses Child" & asurance the "good seat". We bought A$75 tickets and the seats has good view n show is very good n spectacular with effects! The theatre provides authentic atmosphere
We enjoyed it very much!
We enjoyed it very much!
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn D
Burwood East, Australia
Looking for advice regarding closest parking to the theatre please
Written 8 December 2024
How is the temperature inside the theatre when full? We've never been and are planning how to dress for evening shows this week. Weather forecast is cool and rainy. We prefer to avoid checking any coats/jackets. TA
Written 15 October 2019
Hi
We found it to be pleasant and enjoyed our show, we where casually dresses with a light jumper. Being a night show for departure in Melbourne a jumper/coat is recommended
Cheers
Written 17 October 2019
Im attending Harry Potter in December and am wondering how is the view from stalls row F/G seat 34? Will there be any restrictions since it is at the extreme right end of the theatre?
Written 2 August 2019
I would not worry about it. Relax and enjoy.
Written 2 August 2019
Im attending Harry Potter in October and our seats are stalls row B are these ok seats?
Written 19 July 2019
There is a copy of the seating layout if you go to the Princess Theatre or harrypottertheplay on line
Follow the links
It shows everything you need to know
Written 2 August 2019
If your not happy with the seating are you able to get your money back.
Written 13 April 2019
Hi we are going to the Harry Potter show. Have tickets in the stalls row D. Seats 24 to 27. Have read some reviews about seating. Am abit worried. Has anyone sat here before. Is the view great. And I will be taking a 10yr old will she be able to see. Hope to hear from someone as I have spent a lot money so I do wish to see the show with a great view. Thank you
Written 13 April 2019
The floor of the stalls is loped so seats rise as you move back from the stage. By row D you should be close to having your head at stage level and a 10 year old should be able to see fine - nothing interesting happens on the floor until the very end and if your 10 year old stands up for those couple seconds I'm sure no-one will mind ... no I am not telling what happens. Have a GREAT time.
Written 14 April 2019
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