Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a heritage-listed historic theatre at 191 Collins Street in central Melbourne, Victoria. Opened in 1929 as a lavish picture palace, it is noted for its ornate Gothic Revival and Baroque interior, including vaulted ceilings and elaborate plasterwork. After fire damage in 1945 and decades of disuse, it was restored and reopened in 1996. It now operates as a major commercial venue for large-scale musicals and live performances.

Visitors can expect a grand, ornately decorated auditorium with tiered seating for approximately 2,100 people, featuring detailed plasterwork, chandeliers, marble staircases and a restored foyer. The theatre is located in the central business district on Collins Street. Access is primarily for ticketed musical theatre and live shows; the interior is viewed during performances and occasional guided tours. Facilities include bars, toilets and cloakroom, with a historic atmosphere reflecting its 1920s cinema-palace design.

Designed by architect Cedric H. Ballantyne for Hoyts and opened on 15 March 1929 as a 3,250-seat picture palace. Severely damaged by fire on 29 April 1945, leaving only the foyer and auditorium shell. Remained largely derelict for decades. Acquired and restored by entrepreneur David Marriner between 1993 and 1996, reopening in 1996 as a live theatre. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its architectural and historical significance as an interwar cinema palace.

A prominent example of 1920s cinema-palace architecture in Australia and a leading venue for commercial musical theatre in Melbourne. Its restoration is regarded as a significant heritage conservation project, preserving ornate interwar theatre design and continuing its role as a major cultural venue in the city's theatre precinct.