The Lido, 184 Russell Street, C.1965

The Lido, 184 Russell Street, C.1965

The Lido theatre restaurant, which opened in 1965, was in the basement level of the Total Car Park complex, at the corner of Russell and Little Bourke Streets. The nightclub was a venture by David H McIlwraith. The opulent interior was designed by architects Frederick Morsby and Stanley McConnell; and stage sets and decor by Angus Winneke, formerly of the Tivoli Theatre. Entertainment at the Lido included showgirls, some nude, and local and international acts.

It was claimed around the time of its opening, that the Lido was "the brightest entertainment spot in the Southern Hemisphere, with its million dollar decor, dining delights and spectacular stage productions". Sadly, the theatre restaurant closed within five years; and in the 1970s it was remodelled as another nightclub, the El Toro Espana. Later, it became the Total Theatre (cinema). Since 1980 it has been Billboard, continuing a long and interesting history as a Melbourne entertainment venue.