The Shadow Electric courtyard is where you drink, eat, play table tennis, absorb music and watch films made by people like Wes Anderson, Pedro Almodovar, David Cronenberg, RZA and Billy Wilder.
Located in the grounds of the historic Abbotsford Convent, the space features a large outdoor courtyard and undercover bar. Our films are projected via top end 2K Digital onto a huge 9m glass matte cinema screen. Dolby 7.1 digital surround sound is pumped through a 15 000 Watt Funktion One soundsystem.
The bar is open more than it’s closed. Have a drink, sample the food, soak up the courtyard. After work, after dinner, after noon.
The Shadow Electric Bar is open from the 1st of November until April. Wednesday to Sunday, noon until late. Happy hour 3-6pm everyday.
Food and film at The Shadow Electric. Join us in the courtyard for savoury and sweet crêpes, snacks, desserts and coffee.
The Capital City cycling and walking path passes the convent site. The St Heliers St turn-off is opposite the entrance to the Collingwood Childrens Farm. Bicycle racks are located onsite between Gate 1 and 3MBS radio station. Additional bicycle hoops are located on the northern side of the Rosina Building, near Lentil as Anything.
Victoria Park station on the Epping and Hurstbridge lines is the closest railway station. It approx. a 10 minute walk to the Abbotsford Convent. (Please note that some services run express past Victoria Park station)
Catch any tram (109, 24, 42) down Victoria St towards Abbotsford/Richmond and get off at Nicholson St, Abbotsford (or Lennox St Richmond). It is a 20 minute walk from here to the convent. Alternatively, you can catch the 86, with a 15-20 minute walk from Smith/Johnston Street.
The 200, 201 and 207 depart from Lonsdale St in the city and run along Johnston St. The 205 departs from Melbourne University. Alight at Clarke Street bus stop (before Johnston Street crosses the Yarra).
For further public transport information please call Ventura Buses on (03) 9488 2100, or Metlink on 131 638 or visit them here.
The Abbotsford Convent is located at the end of St. Heliers St, Abbotsford. The easiest way to get here is via Johnston St then onto Clarke St then into St Heliers St (See MELWAYS Ref 44 G5).
All day parking is available in the carpark opposite the site on St Heliers St for $6 (gold coins are required). There is also a limited amount of 15 minute parking spaces on the street. Parking in the neighbouring streets is mainly residential permit only on weekends. There is absolutely no vehicular access on the Abbotsford Convent site.
Join our mailing list at the top of the Home page for updates on screenings, new programs, live bands and free stuff. Your email address will be safe with us.
We’re located in the grounds of The Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Victoria.
For further information please see our Venue page.
Adult and Concession gift vouchers are available online and at the venue. We also have multi-pass options.
Please make sure that Concession gift voucher recipients have a valid concession card to present upon entry to the cinema.
You will be emailed a Gift Voucher/Promotional code. Enter the code when purchasing your tickets online.
The Shadow Electric Bar and courtyard is open Wednesday to Sunday 12pm – late. Films commence at sundown.
The Sunday Electric is your hair of the dog destination. Get on your bike and head down for DJ’s, table tennis, food and non-stop $5 Moritz beers in the courtyard from 12pm each Sunday.
Sundown. This is usually around 8:30pm.
Yes. This year we are launching Long Shorts, a night of rarely seen works from Australian and international directors. It screens Wednesday, February 27.
Sometimes, but we highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Ticket holders are first in the door at 6pm. Individual tickets not sold prior to the event will be available at the door, but there are no guarantees.
Tickets are non refundable and non transferable. Only if a session is cancelled due to bad weather will your tickets be transferable for another night in the season.
Positioning is on a first come, first served basis. So come down early, tuck into a savoury crepe and have a drink at the bar.
Melbourne can have four seasons in one day, so pack a warm jumper. Even if it’s hot when you leave the house it can cool off in the evenings. Feel free to bring a blanket.
No need – we are a fully seated outdoor venue.
Come in and try our new savoury and sweet crêpes, snacks, desserts and coffee.
Sure is. The space features a custom-designed courtyard and walk in bar, housed within the rustic walls of the Industrial School. Join us in the courtyard for savoury and sweet crêpes, snacks, desserts and coffee.
We will also be serving up Jonathon’s favourite summer cocktails, wine, beer, cider and soft drinks.
In designated smoking areas, but please dispose of your butts with respect to nature.
All best efforts will be made to screen every film but if it’s totally washed out (as determined by us) you’ll be able to transfer your ticket for another screening. In times of light intermittent rain we may choose to pause the screening and take cover in our large bar area whilst we assess the situation. The Shadow Electric reserves the right to cancel any film in the case of bad weather. This not only applies to heavy rain but also high wind situations that may damage our beautiful screen.
If a film is to be cancelled ahead of the screening, the homepage of this website will show a Twitter notification (this will be done by 6:00pm on the night of the screening). Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook pages for updates. An automated message will also be available from The Shadow Electric Ticket line. For further info, please refer to our terms and conditions concerning rainouts.
In the case of a cancelled screening – please contact raincheck@shadowelectric.com.au
Sorry, no pets allowed.
Our screenings are generally geared towards adults but children are welcome. The Shadow Electric follows the Australian Classification Boards ratings and guidelines. Please check movie content before bringing children. As we are a licensed venue, a responsible adult or guardian must accompany all minors.
If you are the primary carer of someone with a disability and you’re attending a screening with him or her, show your companion card and you’ll be admitted for free. Any concerns please contact us and we will make any necessary arrangements.
Our films are projected via top end 2K Digital onto a huge 9m glass matte cinema screen. Dolby 7.1 digital surround sound is pumped through a 15 000 Watt Funktion One soundsystem.
The screen is 28 ft x 15.75 ft. Films should be presented with a level of respect for the art form. Our screen is covered in tiny glass beads like most indoor cinema screens that you are used to.
Email us at people@shadowelectric.com.au
Please contact the Bar Manager before you leave the cinema to report any lost items and leave your details with them. If you realise you have lost something after you have left the cinema, please contact info@shadowelectric.com.au
Sign up to The Shadow Electric mailing list to be kept informed on upcoming films, events, drink specials and all things TSE!
