Meet Grant Street, Southbank’s Latest Revamped Arts Space

Student theatre doesn't have the greatest reputation. When you think back to the dingy confines of your university's theatrical department, the thought is usually haunted by memories of cheesy modern-day remakes of Shakespeare. Unwelcome glimpses of experimental theatre may also come flooding back to you — the invariably gratuitous pieces of violence and unsubtle politics that seem to go hand in hand with a degree in arts or performance. During my undergrad, I saw a play in which a man had his eyes pulled out before eating a baby. It was somehow even worse than it sounds.

Well, naysayers be damned. Student work is starting to look a whole lot more appealing with this exciting, new multi-purpose performance space located right in the heart of the city. Featuring a swanky new bar, a swish new design courtesy of the folks at Six Degrees, and a revamp to the tune of $24 million, Grant Street looks to be a major player on the Southbank arts scene this year — a laid-back alternative to those who feel nervous when dressing to see the latest MTC production next door.

Home to works from the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Grant Street Theatre has already enjoyed a rich history with its students. But after a major funding boost from both the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government, Grant Street is opening its doors to the public. Open from May 23, this new venue will feature a wider program of musical and theatrical events, a refurbished theatre which seats 120 people, an outdoor area for small festivals, and Lionel's — a new bar open 6pm till late on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Putting an end to dodgy baby-eating plays in small, dimly-lit theatres, Grant Street will be a platform for the best of the best. Thursday nights will feature a rotating selection of VCA and MCM performers. Fridays will feature free gigs from the likes of Total Giovanni, Evelyn Morris (aka Pikelet) and Hue Blanes, the keys player for both The Bamboos and The Melodics. Saturdays will be a mixed bag. Get along on May 24 for that variety collective you may have caught at Yah Yah's, The Last Tuesday Society; June 7 will see The Bruise's lead singer Kira Puru take the stage; and the last few weeks include works by some world-renowned performance artists such as London's Theo Adams.

This is definitely not the place you're reluctantly dragged to when you're artsy friend has a new show on. Get ahead of the curve, catch an amazing act for free, and get into what makes this city great — good art, great company, and a stiff drink to warm you up during winter.

Grant Street is located at the VCA on Grant Street, Southbank. It will be open to the public from May 23 and its first program will be running until July 5. For the full list of acts see the Grant Street website. Images courtesy of Black Tape Productions.