Spent the weekend walking around the beach in St Kilda, and stopped by Astor Theatre to watch a movie. Unexpectedly, compared to the story on the screen, the cinema itself was even more fascinating.
The Astor Theatre is the last single-screen cinema in Melbourne, opened in 1936, and has been heritage-listed. It still largely preserves its original interior and continues to screen films.
Apart from Hoyts, Melbourne actually has many interesting cinemas like this one. Astor is the only single-screen cinema in Melbourne, and every corner feels like authentic Hollywood style. Walking in feels like time has frozen in the last century. There are different films every week, including both current releases and classic old films.
The theatre only screens about four sessions a day. Walking in feels like entering a dream from another era, even the air seems to slow down. The cinema is like a traditional theatre, with two levels of seating. You can imagine how lively it must have been when it was full, but when we went it was almost empty and very quiet.
There are snacks like beer, ice cream and popcorn sold in the lobby, and there is also a café next door, so drinks and food can be brought into the cinema.
Walking up to the second floor, you enter a vintage-style oval foyer, with old sofas and slightly faded posters, like a snapshot of Hollywood’s golden age, very photogenic.
The auditorium feels like an old theatre, with two levels and even box seating. Wooden and leather seats are quietly arranged under the lights.
The most charming part is the golden curtain in front of the big screen. Before the movie starts, it slowly opens under golden lighting, paired with the cinema’s own intro, making it feel like stepping into the past.
After the movie ends and all the credits finish, there is a small exclusive ending, then the curtain slowly closes and the chandelier lights up. Stepping back out onto Chapel Street feels a bit surreal.
We went to watch a new film by Hayao Miyazaki. When buying tickets, we could hear piano music by Joe Hisaishi softly playing, which felt very fitting.
Because we were a bit late, the staff told us not to miss the opening and suggested we go in first to sit downstairs. Later they even brought our drinks in and kindly reminded us we could move upstairs for better seats.
The staff at the bar mentioned that there used to be a neon sign on top of the theatre, but it was blown away by a strong wind in 1950, which feels very Melbourne.
You can buy tickets online or at the venue. Since there are no assigned seats, it’s best to arrive early.
Astor Theatre
Address – 1 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182