The Forum Theatre was built in 1929 in the Moorish Revival style, something of an adjunct to the Art Deco style of the time, as an ornate theatre with a gorgeous interior replete with Graco-Roman d'cor and statues, enchantingly lit in red and gold with a deep blue background, creating a magical, sublime ambience.

It changed from a theatre to a Greater Union cinema in 1963 until 1985. Somewhat alarmingly, it was then bought by a Christian Revival group and used for their services and then fell into disrepair until it was restored to its former glory, principally as a live music venue, but also Melbourne Comedy Festival performances, in 1995.

It has since been host to numerous musical legends such as Morrissey, Suede, Alex Lloyd, Client Liaison and Oasis and during the comedy festival has been a long term home to Irish star Jason Byrne and Peter Helliar as well as Joel Creasey.