For almost 50 years, The National Theatre has hosted hundreds of performances and community events annually, from performing arts school shows and student productions, to an eclectic array of international artists, local musical theatre productions, comedy and our own productions from The National Drama School and Ballet School.
Currently, we are an inaccessible venue for wheelchair users until a replacement for our stairclimber is installed. Our Auditorium is only accessible via 20 stairs.
We have a staff-operated lift connecting Ground Level to the Mezzanine Level. Please seek assistance from a staff member for service lift access. The lift journey takes approximately 2 minutes each way and has a maximum capacity of 350 kg.
There is one accessible toilet available on the Mezzanine Level; however, there are no designated accessible toilets on the Auditorium level or the Ground floor.
Please let a member of staff know if you need assistance.
The most accessible seating in The National Auditorium is located along Row J, which is a flat floor (after 20 steps).
There is varied street parking available around The National. Please view our map for recommended parking options. Please always check signage.
The National Theatre is located at 20 Carlisle St (corner of Carlisle and Barkly St), St Kilda 3182.
View detailed parking map
TRAVEL BY TRAM
Tram No. 16 and 3a stop out the front of the Theatre at stop 33.
The No. 96 tram stops at Luna Park which is a 350 metre walk to the Theatre.
TRAVEL BY TRAIN
Balaclava Station is a 15-minute walk (1200 metres) from the Theatre.
Access to the first floor is via our grand staircase or a staff-operated lift, the second level into the auditorium is via a staircase (20 steps). This means unfortunately at the moment we are not wheelchair accessible.
If you require specific seats due to accessibility requirements, for any questions around access, to indicate any requirements around a booking already made or to enquire about companion card bookings please contact the box office.
Please note if the event you are attending is ticketed externally your first instance should be to contact that supplier for booking enquiries, as the venue we may not have access to your tickets or be able to sell, refund, exchange or re-issue them, however we can provide information about the venue
For all internally ticketed events, the National Theatre accepts companion card bookings.
These can be made online, over-the-phone or on the day of the performance. For online bookings, click on the “Companion Card” button next to “Book Now.”
Companion card purchases online will be arranged for Box Office Collection. Please ensure you bring your companion card to collect your tickets on the day of the performance.
External ticketing providers have different arrangements for both accessibility and companion card bookings. There will be a link to further information by the ticketing provider next to the book now button if this is the case.
Guide and Support dogs are more than welcome at The National Theatre. We recommend booking your seats in Row J for extra room and a flat floor. If you require assistance or information prior to your attendance please contact the Box Office.
LIGHTING
Our auditorium, Studio 2 and other events have low lighting levels as needed for performances. If you require assistance please contact our box office prior to your attendance.
HEARING AID FREQUENCY
The National Theatre offers a Hearing Assistance System that allows patrons who use hearing aids to tune into the frequency of the venue.
These are available upon request at the box office.
LOCATIONS
We have two food and drink bars available at The National Theatre.
One is located on the ground floor and the other is located on the upper mezzanine – Gertrudes Lounge.
The ground floor candy bar is the most accessible for patrons who may need assistance or use a wheelchair.
Drinks Menu Snack menuLocated on the ground floor, the Male toilets are situated to the right of the main staircase, opposite side to the candy bar.
Female toilet stalls are located further down from the Men’s following through the double doors to the right hand side, there is a foyer with seating and mirrors.
We have adjacent male and female toilets stalls located on the upper mezzanine level (In Gertrude’s Lounge located in the upper mezzanine).
There is one accessible toilet available on the mezzanine located next to the staff operated lift.
At The National Theatre, we are committed to improving every moment of our visitor experience and to ensuring all members of the community feel welcome, safe, respected and valued.
The Rainbow Relief Fund will help us to bring our historic restrooms into the 21st Century with more toilets, new basins, a gender neutral bathroom, new tiles and a fresh coat of paint.
At this time, the cloak room services are not available, however any bulky items including prams can be left at the box office and can be collected at the end of the performance.
