the malthouse and environs

(tt ) The other high profile subsidised  theatre in Melbourne is The Malthouse, a development of the Playbox which had its home originally in the city.

Once a house policy of Australian works only was in force but thank heavens that silly idea has finally been jettisoned. Marion Potts, an ex student of mine, is the Artistic director. I have worked here once in a touring production of Henry IV for Bell Shakespeare in which I gave my usual variety of grotesques. The two interesting aspects of the production are the wonderful cast including Joel Edgerton as Hal and Richard Piper as  King Henry and the fact that we all got shin splints and back problems from the fucking rake!!  But it was a great gig and the play sat very well in the Malthouse's Merlin Theatre.

Had lunch here with Jane Menelaus and Mitchell Butel who is rehearsing a version of "The Little Match Girl" with Melissa Madden Grey (aka Miaow Miaow)  Here he is louching.

The rusty adjunct is a museum of contemporary art

The weather wasn't really that hot today but touching the wall was quite a blast. At the height of summer you could lose your skin.

And right next to the gallery this sculpture has found its perfect home

Created in 1978 by John Robertson-Swann it was derided by the press and given the name "The Yellow Peril". It was moved around the city at least five times. In the stark area in front of the rust-coloured wall it has found a perfect home. And kids still run up it and leave black scuff marks.

Here is the headquarters of the Police mounted horses

Factories and warehouses like the above have given way to apartments and offices

This building fronts St Kilda Rd, once lined with Victorian mansions, only a few of which remain. I will amble along that boulevard at a later date.

This the facade of the Victorian School of the Arts housing acting, music and dance departments. Once an independent college it has been taken over by the University of Melbourne, downsized and much of its property sold to developers.