Princess Theatre
Princess Theatre
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Princess Theatre and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: 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.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,824 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,453 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
527 reviews
Excellent
243
Very good
177
Average
71
Poor
18
Terrible
18
lkamphuis
Gold Coast, Australia1,462 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Came here to see Groundhog Day and it is such a beautiful theatre - I always love coming here
I wish the seats were more comfortable for two hours but I don’t want them modernised either - perhaps a cushion option would be good
Beautiful old theatre
I wish the seats were more comfortable for two hours but I don’t want them modernised either - perhaps a cushion option would be good
Beautiful old theatre
Written February 4, 2024
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 December 10, 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Princess Theatre is a stalwart of Melbourne's East-End theatre district. It's in Spring St, facing the Parliament of Victoria. Princes Theatre is a veteran of the stage, but it remains comfortable. Access through the Loop or tram is convenient.
Written November 21, 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.
colleen danaher
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
A real pleasure to see Mamma Mia the Musical Friday 20 October, seated Row A Dress Circle. The show, music and cast was an absolute delight. Thoroughly recommend.
Written October 21, 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.
Liz C
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Princess Theatre, which was spectacular. I can see why everyone raves about it. Luckily we had tickets for just before the show closes on 9 July.
Written June 30, 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.
Ken
Port Macquarie, Australia32 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Saw Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.
Clever magic on stage! Have no idea how they did the amazing tricks. Great story line.
Clever magic on stage! Have no idea how they did the amazing tricks. Great story line.
Written May 2, 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.
CoolGuy
Singapore, Singapore711 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 February 14, 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
Nov 2022
The historic Princess' Theatre is a stalwart of Melbourne's theatrical scene. It has the atmosphere of days gone by, when going to the theatre was a grand event. The box office is currently selling tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the season will run until at least run until April 2023. Book early, Harry Potter is very popular.
Written November 29, 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.
C...
Victoria, Australia65,001 contributions
Nov 2022
Rebuilt in 1886 (established in 1884) to a design by noted Melbourne architect William Pitt. It is the oldest surviving entertainment site on mainland Australia. It is an elaborate Second Empire style, it reflects the opulence of the "Marvellous Melbourne" boom period.
The theatre truly is stunning... opulent came to mind both inside and out. But I digress... to the point now... my sister and I went to see Harry Potter and absolutely LOVED it. There were so many parts that we loved that it was hard to identify the top few-
* LOVED Moaning Myrtle
* Ronald Weasley was quite handsome in this production AND so funny!
*The dementors rocked
* Snape! What a surprise!
*The sets - the way they evolved - magic!
But really the cast were amazing, the story line was great... we absolutely adored our trip to the theatre.
I called my mother to tell her about the show and she asked if we had seen the ghost. I asked, "What ghost?". She tells me that the theatre has a resident ghost that shows when the show is going to do well. Seriously... how would we see a ghost when there are wizards, dementors and Moaning Myrtle!!
The theatre truly is stunning... opulent came to mind both inside and out. But I digress... to the point now... my sister and I went to see Harry Potter and absolutely LOVED it. There were so many parts that we loved that it was hard to identify the top few-
* LOVED Moaning Myrtle
* Ronald Weasley was quite handsome in this production AND so funny!
*The dementors rocked
* Snape! What a surprise!
*The sets - the way they evolved - magic!
But really the cast were amazing, the story line was great... we absolutely adored our trip to the theatre.
I called my mother to tell her about the show and she asked if we had seen the ghost. I asked, "What ghost?". She tells me that the theatre has a resident ghost that shows when the show is going to do well. Seriously... how would we see a ghost when there are wizards, dementors and Moaning Myrtle!!
Written November 29, 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.
Kimberley H
Adelaide, Australia98 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
I came here to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Staff were friendly and helpful if you didn’t know where you were going.
I found the seating themselves a bit rubbish. You are sitting directly behind the person in front of you rather than the in between gaps, so I found I was actually having to lean to the side to be able to see the stage better, thankfully I had an aisle seat otherwise I’m not sure how much I would’ve been able to see.
Otherwise it was a lovely looking theatre, and I hope to go back for more trips.
Staff were friendly and helpful if you didn’t know where you were going.
I found the seating themselves a bit rubbish. You are sitting directly behind the person in front of you rather than the in between gaps, so I found I was actually having to lean to the side to be able to see the stage better, thankfully I had an aisle seat otherwise I’m not sure how much I would’ve been able to see.
Otherwise it was a lovely looking theatre, and I hope to go back for more trips.
Written November 18, 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.
Can you take snacks / food into the Theatre?
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
You can buy snacks, but you cannot take your own food into the theatre. There is a coffee shop adjoining the foyer where you can get food and drinks.
trishw
Sydney, Australia89 contributions
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
Darrin R
Newcastle, Australia1,025 contributions
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
Belindagch
Singapore1 contribution
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?
Doreen P
Box Hill, Australia48 contributions
I would not worry about it. Relax and enjoy.
Im attending Harry Potter in October and our seats are stalls row B are these ok seats?
Msbaba
Point Vernon, Australia56 contributions
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
Margaret S
Cooran, Australia1 contribution
If your not happy with the seating are you able to get your money back.
Margaret S
Cooran, Australia1 contribution
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
DESmond_is
Coffs Harbour, Australia47 contributions
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.
Jan D
Gold Coast, Australia42 contributions
We are going to Harry Potter next year
I have booked seats in the Stalls Row U seats 13/14/15/16
Are they restricted at all.
Will we be able to see the play
Thanks
Jan
christine m
Sydney, Australia138 contributions
Hi, we were in row t. The upper balcony was a bit of a nuisance with some of the special effects but otherwise not a problem and enjoyed it immensly. Others in our party were in row s obstructed and this was a bit of a problem. However talking to them it appears it was ok once used to it. You are going to love it. I am planning a second trip to see it.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingPRINCESS THEATRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Princess Theatre
- Hotels near Princess Theatre:
- (0.15 km) Lancemore Crossley St.
- (0.07 km) Laneways By Ovolo
- (0.07 km) City Limits Hotel
- (0.19 km) Rydges Melbourne
- (0.17 km) The Hotel Windsor
- Restaurants near Princess Theatre:
- (0.02 km) Federici Cafe
- (0.02 km) Pepper Chilli
- (0.02 km) Dansk at Denmark House
- (0.03 km) The European
- (0.03 km) Siglo
- Attractions near Princess Theatre:
- (0.01 km) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- (0.02 km) Le beau Monde
- (0.03 km) Melbourne Supper Club
- (0.06 km) Tianjin Gardens
- (0.10 km) Parliament House of Victoria