Great little theatre for live performance, not too big, not too small…read more Love the restored front facade to this place

The Clocktower Centre has stood as a space for the community from its humble origins as Essendon…read moretown hall, to its current use as a space for the performing arts, local events and ceremonies. Predominantly used as a theatre and concert space, the Clocktower is used by schools, local amateur groups and professional productions.It was also used for my highschool grauation ceremony. Its great to have such a multifunctional space in the area that can really be useful to the local community Its well kept, modern and i a real asset to the area. Check their website for upcoming productions.

Small time gallery space in Richmond - close enough to be across the road from the train station -…read moreis nearly on the corner yet feels tucked away. The single black painted room will house a variety of shows - from illustrations and books to drama pieces to paintings. Opening nights for events see the place fill to the brim with people, and these are often catered well with local brews and single snack pieces made warm through the kitchen out the back. This is a great place to start a Thursday or Friday night, and being so close to the train station you can be back in the city or away again at a moments notice.

The Blue Tile Lounge probably would be considered a dive bar. First and foremost though it is a…read morevenue all about live music with bands or some kind of live entertainment every night of the week. The bar itself is very narrow and long with the central focus being on the stage. The decor is pretty cool with a range of impressive street art on the walls. They range of events is really impressive with art exhibitions, open mic nights, comedy nights and lots and lots of live music. We saw a night of bands headlined by the Buzzards, the atmosphere was relaxed and good times were had all around. They have happy hours beers every night of the week from 5-7pm and the drinks prices are pretty good all night long. Check out their website and you'll get a great feel for what this place is all about.

I'm not sure who added blue tile lounge to Yelp.com but there's no way anyone would classify their…read morecounter top as a "full bar". A few weeks ago, I dragged my house mates out to see my mate's band, The Wolfs play before some random American DJ. It was rainy and gross out so we had to hop in a cab which sucked but it was worth it once we arrived at this little venue. The place was packed and the sound was quality! All in all great vibes other then my bar complaints, I loved this place maybe because of the FREE live music. Be sure to check out the bathroom. I'd love to know who the artist was because the graffiti is really sweet. There was also a lounge area closer to the back a bit away from the music which would be good for people who want to talk inside. Though it's right on the street there are a few chairs and tables out front for smokers but it's a bit of a squeeze since there's not much walking room in between the front door, the smoking area, and the street.

The North Melbourne Arts House is home to a number of small theatres and performance spaces that…read moreare used for various festivals, including: the Melbourne Arts Festival, the Fringe Festival, the Comedy Festival, etc. There's a paired back, no-frills intimacy about these performance spaces that give them the potential for a really immersive experience (because the closeness to the stage gives you the sense that you are literally inside the performance space). That can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the quality of the performance that you're watching. On two occasions, I've had to endure some seriously agonising performances (one with a comedian who had a penchant for audience interaction, and another watching the most painful piece of theatre imaginable - in a non-cathartic way). But that's not to say that the Arts House doesn't exhibit quality work. On the contrary, it seems to have a constant supply of really interesting programs on offer, showcasing some highly impressive talent from home and abroad.

Pretty good for gigs and comedy festival shows, and the like... Nice and close to the tram stop so…read moreit's super convenient to get to from the city after work.

To put it simply, one hundredth gallery is special…read more Not special in a short-school-bus / wears-a-helmet-when-not-engaged-in-dangerous-activities sort of way, but special in a you-won't-find-another-like-it kind of way. Opened not so very long ago in May 2011, one hundredth gallery exhibits artists that other galleries are too scared to go near - the emerging, new, aspiring and unknown. The gallery isn't shy about supporting an enormous array of styles and media, from abstract paintings to expressionist sculptors, experimental film to fictional photographers... this gallery covers it all. Centred around the belief that art doesn't have to be highbrow and can just be about what you enjoy, curator Charles lets you wander at your leisure, can show you pieces that are hidden away and brew you a cup of tea. With the vast majority of pieces for sale under $2,000, it's arguably Melbourne's year-round Affordable Art Fair.

I love the rotating exhibitions at one hundredth gallery. There's always something new to look at,…read morelust over or ponder and there's a big focus on emerging artists and those I'm not too familiar with. The opening nights are a great way to meet fellow art lovers, sip a glass of bubbles and get a chance to buy the art (sometimes at reduced prices) before the public sets their peepers on them. Signing up to the mailing list is the way to go as you then get early notice of new exhibits and opening nights.

Contemporary art & theatre in a wonderful setting…read more Went west to catch a highly rated play "Cain & Abel" which whilst disturbing was a revelation. But this isn't a review of the play, the theatre space was fantastic (an aisle on the right of the stage would be handy as you have to hop over other patrons legs), seating a lot but every seat with a view. Stage massive and could suit large productions. Gallery space downstairs fantastic with a number of rooms able to show works by different artists. Again a great use of an old building's space. Bar a little ordinary with one red & 2 whites to choose from & your standard fare, wine only average at $8 a glass. Wonderful space I'll be visiting again.

The substation is an iconic building of Melbourne's west. If you've ever tracked by rail through…read moreNewport, you've seen it. When I was growing up, it was derelict and home to many homeless and winos. And of course the fascination to kids all around. All the "cool kids" would break in to throw rocks at the window, or so my cool older sister would tell me. I was too busy at trombone practice. Newly renovated to resemble a New York loft, the substation is opened for business. Ideal for many functions, current uses are performances, art shows and markets. I do believe they can host wedding, though I'm not sure they have kitchen facilities. All in all, it's a modern building with multiple uses. The only (major) downfall is there is no aircon. Meaning during summer it can and does get extremely hot. And for that reason, it's 3, not 4 stars.

Collingwood Gallery is great art space in the centre of the large Collingwood art scene…read more The rental space is over 120 square meteres and has been host to some amazing art exhibitions. My friends and I were lucky enough to attend 'HELM2', and Portrait exhibition from Benjamin F Guy. It was a real eye-opening exhibition, we loved the spacious area of the gallery and afterwards enjoyed a drink and meal in one of the many great pubs in the area.

I was walking along Smith St. and to a look inside Collingwood Gallery. I've seen some excellent…read moreexhibition here in the past and I've seen some truly awful exhibitions here. This time the art is all right, it is not amazing but it was worth a look. In another two weeks there will be a different exhibition from who ever rents the space. This is basically a kind of grungy empty shop space available for rent for short-term art exhibitions. There is a partition wall somewhat dividing the space and not much else to it. The gallery's opening hours depends on who is running the exhibition.

This gem of a performance space is nestled on a lot in Carlton. The Melba Spiegeltent (literally…read moremeaning 'mirrored tent') is beautiful. It was originally built 100 years ago in Germany. Mirrors adorn the wood posts and coloured glass fills the windows. There are cosy booths circling the back. But I prefer a seat out on the floor where my view isn't obstructed by those pesky (but pretty) mirrored posts. There is also a basic bar at the back with beer and wine to quench your thirst during performances. The venue is home to Circus Oz, but truth be told, I've only seen one-off performances by other artists here. The programming seems to lean towards the safe side - with cabarets where your work colleagues or mother could join you for a show. I recommend the Spiegeltent for an atmospheric night of theatre.