Some big-name entertainers have thrown their support behind one of Melbourne’s most loved venues, the Palais Theatre.
The heritage venue is earmarked as part of the St Kilda Triangle Development, which looks to create a massive shopping complex.
The UnChain St Kilda lobby group has devised a plan to remove the theatre from the St Kilda Triangle Development, thus maintaining its integrity. They encourage the theatre’s supporters to sponsor each of the venue’s 2700 seats, at a cost of $5000 a piece. These funds will be used to restore the site.
According to Undercover, local actress turned Hollywood star Rachel Griffiths was amongst the first to show her support.
“If a Palais Foundation were to be established for the purpose of reviving the heritage Palais Theatre as a vibrant and profitable multi-purpose cultural and entertainment venue, leased by an accredited venue operator, I willingly pledge the first $5000 for my favourite seat,” she said. “I always sat in the front row of the dress circle at the ballet when I was growing up”.
Rachel has a vested interest in the venue, which hosted her wedding reception five years ago. Her mother Anna is also a member of UnChain St Kilda.
“I am not an ex-pat Hollywood ring-in called in to save St Kilda,” she declared at a recent rally.
The Rolling Stones played three shows at The Palais on their first Australian tour, and they apparently haven’t forgotten the heritage-listed venue. Australian promoter Paul Dainty has confirmed they’ll also sponsor a seat.
The Palais also left a lasting impression on Bruce Springsteen, who will also sponsor a seat. He played three acoustic shows at The Palais in 1997.
So it looks like the ball is rolling, but there are still plenty of seats to go. It’d be a shame to lose this historic venue, so hopefully the celebrity support will be enough to encourage others to invest their money too.