Palais Theatre

The grand old dame of St Kilda. A stunning venue that has seen so many things…
Imagine if the Palais was a person, what a fascinating person she’d be. Those tired walls would have so many stories of debauchery.
Anyway, the Palais is an incredible venue for music, comedy or any other kind of performance; for the performer.
For the punter, those seats may just kill you, with their springs and general «uncomfortableness». For a performance under an hour, you’ll be fine; anything else, bring a cushion. Your bot bot will say thank you.
Otherwise two thumbs up.

Tired but iconic exterior with a stunning and beautiful domed interior, The Palais is rightly respected as a premier venue in town, their bill always full of big-​name and interesting local and overseas acts.
The bitter winter winds may sweep in off the water chilling us to the bone outside, but inside we are greeted with heated foot-​rests which mean we’re soon de-​layering down to t-​shirts. Nice.
For mine, the first four rows in the balcony lounge are where it’s at, giving you perfect elevated viewing while still being nice and close. First half of the stalls are also a great spot. Sound is pretty uniformly excellent no matter where you sit.
That all said, I still sometimes swear under my breath when I see my favourite acts listed to play here on their tours.
Firstly, just because of old fashioned north-​side river bias — the public transport from St Kilda to where I live is pretty average late at night after gigs, which means we have to drive, which often means tackling Punt Rd in peak times, which is balls. So far, so petty, I know.
Secondly, no drinks allowed inside kind of sucks. We’re a seated grown-​up adult audience, and most every other theatre around towns allows this. (Kind of amusing to see that whole second level of punters scull their drinks at once when the warning bell sounds though.)
Thirdly, the top tier just goes back wayyyy too far. I’ve seen a few things in those very back seats and it’s BYO binoculars to make out anything, especially if seeing a solo act. These seats really should be sold at half-​price.
Other than those small gripes, it’s still an iconic majestic music venue in a music-​mad city that sadly seems to lose one of those every other year.

It’s really hard to rate a complex in which does not offer a service so to speak. The actual theatre itself nice. A little run down outside, but OMG the seating sucks! The disgusting plastic seating at the Australian Open is more comfortable than this!
The Palais only received stars for the acts it brings in. Other than that, it needs some SERIOUS work done to it.

In my opinion this is Melbourne’s best live music venue. It’s in a great location for dinner and drinks before or after a show; the actual building is beautiful; it’s steeped in history; the seats are comfortable; you get a decent view from most seats; and, the sound is amazing!
We’ve seen quite a few shows here from big names to the lesser known. The acoustics means that even the most stripped back show still has a great sound.

«The last time I came here was for a Ben Fold’s Five concert» I said to my companion as we arrived. I was showing my age, and also the fact that I no longer attend gigs as much as I’d like to. See, when you get older you have less patience for standing in long lines, hot rooms, overpriced drinks and lack of personal space.
Fortunately the Palais is a pretty good venue and none of these things are apparent. There’s seating (which can sometimes be a bad thing depending on the gig), the sound is great and the bar snacks and drinks are reasonably priced. $ 4 for Maltesers was an absolute steal, so I had to get them and scoff them during the first handful of songs.

I really love seeing some of my favourite acts here. In fact, I saw Paul Kelly here a year or two back.
As has been noted, it’s a beautiful old building, a reminder of times long past. A bit of a touch up would not go astray, and it does feel a bit aged, but in many ways, that’s part of its charm. Like that old pair of boots that are past their prime, but oh so comfortable when you put them on.
The acts that this place attracts are many and varied. As I said, the last gig I went to here was Paul Kelly, and it was a great night. The only downer was the idiot behind me who decided that singing along with Paul Kelly to the point where he could no longer be heard over this incessant whining and out of tune voice, but this is true of many places I suppose.

The Palais Theatre still stands majestic on the Esplanade in St Kilda, complete with castle like turrets that rise high on either side of the building. Even despite the local council and State Government letting this architectural masterpiece keep slipping further and further maintenance wise. Lets just hope they do not let it get to a state of disrepair.
The Palais is legendary, and if you’re just visiting this grand olé’ town do try to catch a gig here. Despite the more modern and spacious venues such as Rod Laver and Etihad, the Palais still ranks as one of the best spots to go to catch live International, homegrown and up and coming acts.
In fact, John Farnham is playing this November, and my fave 90’s band Salt n Pepper in December.
A proud icon not only of St Kilda, but of the whole city of Melbourne. It’s a shame on all levels of Government for allowing the Palais to be in such poor condition, but regardless the timeless architectural magnificence and historical significance of this ‘palace’ remains in tact.

The Palais Theatre is an icon of St. Kilda sitting grand and beautiful across the road from the picturesque St. Kilda beach.
Many great concerts have been performed at this lovely venue where it’s kept a lot of its rustic charm but it is like any aging facility, it needs a little makeover. It’s getting to the point where it’s getting a little worn and tattered where the place needs a burst of love.
I’ve always liked how the book acts of all shapes and sizes from the Ballet, to stand-​up comedy, to old school rockers and John Farnham. Always John Farnham…
Anyway, this facility should have many more good years to come and it would be a shame if it didn’t get a little refurbishing as I think it has deserved it.

The Palais is a beautiful old venue right in the art of St Kilda. Considered to be one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Melbourne, it has had a long and illustrious past.
Playing host to a diverse range of acts, the spectacular confines only add to the atmosphere of whatever show you may be viewing.
Opened way back in 1927, The Palais now rightfully holds it’s place on the Victorian Heritage Register. However, as Alexander R has mentioned it is in need of a bit of a face-​lift.