Melbourne Entertainment

  1. Australian Ballet

    Based in Melbourne and now more than 40 years old, the Australian Ballet performs traditional and new works at the Victorian Arts Centre. See, or visit the website for an extensive history as well as pending performances.

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  2. Bar Open

    Come to Bar Open with an open mind and you could discover the joys of experimental jazz improve, be moved by poetry readings or by a swinging big band; they, and many more, all perform in a not-so-big space upstairs. Downstairs, pull up a beer keg or slouch on a grubby couch and peer through the dimness to check out regularly changing exhibits. Bar Open is mostly free, always entertaining and usually stays open later than most.

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  3. Butterfly Club

    This eccentric little place remains largely undiscovered; it's where acts that aren't really theatre, aren't quite straight comedy but contain a bit of music take shelter. The teeny rooms display an almost eerie collection of kitsch, which adds to the anticipation of never knowing what this place will serve up.

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  4. Greyhound Hotel

    This small, sweaty hotel holds absolutely no pretensions. It's one of the few Melbourne pubs that hasn't been refurbished, and is an original all right, doing drag on Saturday night, karaoke on Sunday and bands from Thursday to Saturday.

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  5. Half-Tix

    If you're after cheap tickets, visit the Half-Tix counter, which sells half-price tickets to shows and concerts on the day of the performance. Half-Tix accepts cash payments only.

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  7. Kage Physical Theatre

    This modern dance company explores the nexus between theatre and dance. Narrative is played out without dialogue, using music, design and movement to tell the story. This is witty and innovative stuff, well worth a look. Check the website for performance details.

    Read more about Kage Physical Theatre

  8. The Greville

    Time can easily melt away when you're ensconced in the surrealist décor of the Greville (formerly known as the Candy Bar), that harks back to Greville St's halcyon clubland heyday. A café by day, the DJs and drag queens move in of an evening - come watch the balls drop at drag bingo on a Monday night.

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  9. Ticketek

    Ticketek is a ticket agency representing some headline acts, sporting events and big productions. It takes phone bookings, with credit-card payment. You can also book over the Internet, or visit a street outlet, including Rod Laver Arena (Batman Avenue) and the Princess Theatre (Spring Street) during office hours.

    Read more about Ticketek

  10. Ticketmaster7

    This is the main booking agency for major theatre and sports events, as well as headline concerts. Besides taking bookings by phone and over the Internet, Ticketmaster7 has a number of city outlets open during office hours, including Myer (275 Lonsdale St) and Telstra Dome (Gate 2, Bourke St), with entry via Spencer St.

    Read more about Ticketmaster7

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