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Acland Precinct Purpose-Built Music and Performance Venues
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Acland Precinct is alive with music and entertainment, with three historic venues, purpose-built in the
1920s, still going strong today.
MEMO Music Hall
MEMO Music Hall is a beloved St Kilda live music venue, housed in the 100-year-old RSL Art Deco building located in the heart of Acland Precinct.
The Memorial Hall opened in 1924 as a dance hall, to raise money for distressed soldiers and their families. Capital to purchase the land and erect the building was raised entirely by the St Kilda residents and council.
Following the rise in popularity of cinema, it transformed into The Memorial Picture Theatre from 1927 to 1958, when it became affectionately known as ‘The MEMO’. The venue transformed again in the 1960s to become the home of TELEFIL recording and film studios, under the supervision of legendary sound engineer Bill Armstrong. In the 1980s and early 1990s Pan Pacific films were based at MEMO where it was used for filming and as a rehearsal space. The 2003 film ‘Ned Kelly’ starring Heath Ledger was rehearsed here. MEMO continues the tradition of being home to rehearsals, recording and live performances.
MEMO was revitalized again in 2015 when music loving Peter Foley (Caravan Music Club) and Richard Mitchell (a freelance producer well known in the performing arts sector for his innovative touring and artist development programs), led the resurgence. Musician James Black advised on the acoustic
treatment of the ceiling, to ensure superb sound quality.
MEMO Music Hall went dark during the COVID years but is back under the co management of Simon Myers (RSL) and Leticia Maher (MEMO) and offering a full program of musical entertainment– all with wonderful acoustics!
To find out more, visit: www.memomusichall.com.au
Memo Music Hall 1920s
Memo Music Hall Today
Memo Music Hall Today
The Palais Theatre
The Palais Theatre was constructed in 1927 as Palais Pictures, to a design by prominent Sydney-based theatre and cinema architect, Henry E. White. It was built on leased Crown land for the American entrepreneurs, Herman, Harold and Leon Phillips, who had previously established Luna Park (1912) and the Palais de Danse (1913) in St Kilda.
After World War II some alterations were made to the building to enable large live performances. The Palais Theatre became home to the Elizabethan Theatre Trust’s ballet and opera seasons, and home to the Melbourne Film Festival from 1962 to 1981. Affected by the opening of the Arts Centre theatres in the 1980s, the use of the Palais Theatre became sporadic, and it has been used largely as a live music venue ever since. By the 70s, the Palais was the only venue to accommodate audiences large enough to pay for international stars such as the Rolling Stones and Lou Reed. It was also frequently the venue of the Melbourne International Film Festival, which it still hosts to this day.
In 1982, the Victorian Arts Centre theatres, replaced the Palais for opera and ballet performance. Once the Princess and Regent Theatres were refurbished in the early 1990s most of the big musicals were also attracted to the newer venues. The theatre is now used as a venue for international performers and rock groups.
Between 2007 and 2016 the venue was managed by Palais Theatre Management Pty Ltd, a body set up by the local City of Port Phillip. In 2016 a new 30-year lease was granted to events management company Live Nation, an American events promoter and venue operator, while the then state government and City of Port Phillip announced a A$20-million restoration.
The renovated theatre, with updated electrical systems, improved fire protection and upgrades for disabled access and facilities, was repainted in its original sand colour after decades as off-white, and reopened in May 2017.
To find out what’s coming up at The Palais, check: www.palaistheatre.com.au
Photo Courtesy of National Library of Australia
Palais Theatre Today
Palais Theatre Today
National Theatre St Kilda
One of Australia’s oldest working theatres, the iconic National Theatre Melbourne has been a vital part of our arts and cultural landscape for more than 100 years. Over the decades the building has undergone several carefully planned renovations to adapt to new forms of entertainment, whilst maintaining the integrity of its striking Beaux-Arts architectural style.
Originally built in 1921 as the Victory Cinema and with a capacity of up to 3,000 seats, the building was one of Melbourne’s largest cinemas.
In 1935, Australian soprano Gertrude Johnson established The National Theatre Movement to ensure training and performance opportunities for young artists in Australia. The National Theatre is home to Australia’s oldest drama school (established in 1936) and the oldest ballet school (dating from 1939).
In the early 1970s, The National was transformed into a live theatre venue with 783 seats. During this major reconstruction, the former dress circle was adapted to become the auditorium, while the stalls were converted into studios and rehearsal spaces.
The National recently celebrated 100 years of operation and secured funding from the state and local governments and philanthropic donations for the renovation of the foyer and exterior.
As well as training and nurturing Australia’s talented dancers and actors, The National Theatre hosts hundreds of performances and community events every year, providing an ever-changing program of musical theatre, dance, comedy, drama and music.
To find out more visit: www.nationaltheatre.org.au
The National somewhere between 1927 and 1971 pre-renovation
The National Theatre Today
The National Theatre Today
About the Author: Fiona Drury is a corporate writer and editor who has lived, worked and shopped (almost exclusively) in St Kilda since emigrating from England in 1988.
About the Photographer: Trudy Kelder is a commercial photographer and St Kilda local who works with some of Australia’s leading brands, creative services and arts organisations. For more information, visit: trudyphotography.com
