Adelaide
Current – Heathers
Adelaide, what is your damage? Heathers: The Musical is taking over Her Majesty’s Theatre from July 16th to 26th, 2026, and trust us, you will want a front-row seat to the chaos. This is not your average high school story. It is packed with killer songs, killer one-liners… and, well, let us just say the body count is higher than the GPA. So, grab your tickets, wear your best scrunchie, and get ready for some Big Fun. Just maybe skip the mysterious blue drinks. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.
Website: https://heathersthemusical.com/australia/
Brisbane
Upcoming – The Book of Mormon
Brisbane, “Hello!” because The Book of Mormon is heading to QPAC from July 31st, 2026. If you already Believe, you know what is coming. If you do not, you are about to discover why audiences have been laughing for years. The jokes are bold, the songs are ridiculously catchy, and before long you will be trying extremely hard not to sing “Turn It Off” in public. This show has more surprises than a doorbell interrupted by two missionaries. So, say “Hello” to one of Broadway’s funniest musicals, book your tickets, and let the good times ring forth.
Website: https://thebookofmormonmusical.com.au/
Melbourne
Current – Pretty Woman
Big mistake. Huge… if you have not booked your tickets yet.
Now dazzling audiences at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, Pretty Woman: The Musical brings the beloved Hollywood romance to life with glamour, laughter, and plenty of heart. Follow Vivian and Edward as an unexpected encounter blossoms into a story filled with unforgettable moments, dazzling fashion, and a little fairy-tale magic. It is the perfect feel-good night at the theatre; proof that sometimes the best things happen when life does not go according to plan. The Melbourne season is now underway, and audiences are already falling in love with this Broadway favourite.
Website: https://prettywomanthemusical.com.au
Current – The Book of Mormon
Melbourne, consider this your official invitation to the congregation of comedy.
Now playing at the Princess Theatre until July 19th, The Book of Mormon is the award-winning Broadway phenomenon that proves musical theatre can be outrageous, fearless, and laugh-out-loud funny. Expect unforgettable songs, brilliantly awkward missionaries, and enough cheeky humour to keep you grinning long after the curtain call. Seats are filling faster than a Sunday service; book yours while you still can.
Website: https://thebookofmormonmusical.com.au/
Current – Waitress the Musical
Last orders!
The bell’s about to ring for the final time. Waitress the Musical is serving its last performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre until July 19th, so if it has been on your theatre wish list, now is the time to pull up a chair. Follow Jenna, a small-town waitress with a remarkable talent for baking pies and an even bigger dream of finding a fresh start. Filled with warmth, humour, heart, and just the right amount of bittersweet emotion, Waitress reminds us that sometimes the best recipes begin with a little courage. Do not leave this one on the menu for “next time”, these final performances are almost sold out.
Website: https://waitressthemusical.com.au/
Upcoming – Ned Kelly: The Musical
Melbourne, lock up your banks- the Kelly Gang is riding back into town. After a critically acclaimed Ballarat season, Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical gallops into the Union Theatre, The University of Melbourne, for a limited season July 24th and 25th. Blending Australian history with powerful music and larger-than-life storytelling, this bold revival asks the question that’s divided Australians for generations: folk hero, outlaw, or both? Expect iconic armour, high-stakes drama, bush ballads, courtroom clashes, and enough theatrical firepower to make even the troopers sit up and pay attention. Only four performances. Do not let this one ride off into the sunset without you.
Website: https://www.victorianopera.com.au/production/reg-livermores-ned-kelly-the-musical-melbourne/
Upcoming – SIX
Rehearsals are on a roll, and these queens are getting ready to rule Melbourne. SIX the Musical opens at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre on July 24th, transforming the six wives of Henry VIII into the hottest pop concert in town. Forget dusty history lessons; these queens have traded corsets for microphones, heartbreak for harmonies, and they are finally telling their side of the story. Packed with powerhouse vocals, dazzling costumes, razor-sharp wit, and enough Tudor sass to fill a palace, SIX proves that history has never sounded this good. Do not lose your head- book your tickets before opening night.
Website: https://sixthemusical.com.au
Sydney
Current – Anastasia
Playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until July 18th, Anastasia is sweeping audiences into “A Rumor in St. Petersburg” before carrying them through imperial Russia, revolution, mystery, and the glittering streets of 1920s Paris. Inspired by the enduring legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov; the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, whose story sparked decades of speculation. This Broadway adventure follows a young woman searching for home, identity, and belonging. Sydney has it now, but not for long… soon it is heading to Adelaide, so consider this your sign to get “On the Neva Flows” stuck in your head and board the musical theatre train before it leaves the station.
Official Website: https://anastasiathemusical.com.au/
Current – Mackenzie
What if Macbeth was a 13-year-old child star with a prophecy, a stage mum, and absolutely no chill? Enter Mackenzie, a world-premiere Bell Shakespeare production playing at Sydney’s The Neilson Nutshell until July 18th, 2026, before transferring to Arts Centre Melbourne from July 23rd. Created by Yve Blake, the award-winning writer behind FANGIRLS, this camp, dark and deliciously deranged new play with songs reimagines Shakespeare’s blood-soaked tragedy through early-2000s pop culture, child stardom, fame hunger and celebrity obsession. Think less “Is this a dagger which I see before me?” and more “Is this a callback email, a brand deal, and my mum having a breakdown in the green room?” With ambition bubbling like a witches’ cauldron and stage-parent energy that could absolutely unseat a Scottish king, Mackenzie proves that fair is foul, foul is fame, and showbiz may be even more ruthless than medieval Scotland.
Website: https://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/mackenzie
Current – Pride and Prejudice (*sort of)
Mr Darcy has entered the Sydney Opera House… bringing emotional repression, immaculate tailoring, and absolutely no communication skills whatsoever. Now playing at the Sydney Opera House, Pride & Prejudice (*sort of) serves up Jane Austen with a generous helping of karaoke, chaos, comedy, corsets, family drama, and enough witty banter to make even Elizabeth Bennet raise an eyebrow. Whether you are an Austen devotee or just here for the laughs, this wildly inventive West End hit is one proposal you will not want to refuse. Book your tickets before Mr Darcy disappears back to Pemberley.Official
Website: https://prideandprejudicesortof.com.au/
Current – The Lion King
From the moment the sun rises over the savannah, The Lion King at the Capitol Theatre reminds audiences why this Disney Broadway phenomenon has become one of the most beloved theatrical experiences in the world. This is not just a musical; it is a full body goosebump event, where breathtaking puppetry, stunning masks, sweeping choreography and the unforgettable music of Elton John and Tim Rice come together to create something truly spectacular. With songs like “Circle of Life,” “He Lives in You,” “Shadowland,” and “Endless Night,” the production moves from joyful wonder to deep emotion, following Simba’s journey through grief, identity, courage and the difficult but beautiful task of finding his way home. It is grand, moving, visually jaw-dropping, and the kind of show that makes you feel like you are eight years old again, staring at the stage with your mouth open, while also quietly having an emotional crisis about destiny, family and talking lions. A true theatrical roar.
Website: https://thelionkingmusical.com.au/
Current – The Addams Family
They’re creepy, they’re kooky, and they are absolutely coming to dinner. The Addams Family is bringing its delightfully weird, wonderfully macabre musical chaos to Hayes Theatre Co from July 11th to August 9th, 2026, serving up Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday and the whole gloriously odd clan in a night of dark humour, family drama, spooky romance and toe-tapping mayhem. Based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, this fun and freaky musical asks what happens when love, secrets and one very unusual family dinner collide; which, knowing the Addamses, probably means someone is emotionally traumatised, someone is dramatically in love, and someone is enjoying the chaos a little too much. Snap snap.
Website: https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/the-addams-family/
Perth
Current – MJ The Musical
Moonwalking across the boards at Crown Theatre until Sunday, July 19th, MJ The Musical is in Perth for its final Australian tour stop. This explosive Broadway musical celebrates the life, artistry, and iconic moves of Michael Jackson.
Website: https://mjthemusical.com.au/
Treading the Boards…
Adelaide finds their Little Anastasias
The palace doors have opened… and Adelaide has found its Little Anastasias!
Congratulations to Isla Bahrami, Audrey Burnett, Daisy Goodall, and Aria Piteo, who will share the role of Little Anastasia when Anastasia opens at Adelaide’s Festival Theatre next month. The four talented young performers are making their professional musical theatre debut and will join the Australian cast in bringing the beloved story to life.
Meanwhile, the search is on in Brisbane! Auditions are underway to find the young performers who will take on the roles of Little Anastasia and Alexei for the Queensland season at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre, opening in September. From Adelaide to Brisbane, a new generation of royalty is ready to step into history.
Website: https://anastasiathemusical.com.au/
Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical
You’re the Voice… and now you’re the musical.
Australia’s music legend is taking centre stage as Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical makes its world premiere at Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre from November 15th, 2026, to January 3rd, 2027. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Whispering Jack album, this brand-new Australian musical tells the remarkable true story of John Farnham’s extraordinary comeback. Follow his journey from a struggling former teen idol in the mid-1980s to becoming the voice of a generation, as he and manager Glenn Wheatley risk everything to create the album that changed Australian music forever. Starring Michael Paynter as John Farnham, alongside Ben Hall as Glenn Wheatley and Bonnie Anderson as Gaynor Wheatley, the production features the unforgettable songs that made Farnham a household name; including the anthem “You’re the Voice.”
Do not wait for the chorus – tickets are on sale now for this strictly limited world premiere season.
Website: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/2026/productions/whispering-jack
The Lion King Announces Brisbane Leg
The Pride Lands are coming home to Brisbane.
From November 15th, 2026, Disney’s The Lion King will make its long-awaited return to QPAC’s Lyric Theatre for a strictly limited season. More than a musical, it is a breathtaking theatrical spectacle where giraffes stride through the aisles, birds soar overhead, gazelles leap across the stage, and the unforgettable opening notes of “Circle of Life” transform the theatre before your eyes. Whether it is your first journey to Pride Rock or your tenth, this award-winning production continues to captivate audiences with its stunning puppetry, iconic music, and timeless story of family, courage and finding your place in the Circle of Life.
Hakuna Matata – but do not leave booking your tickets worry-free for too long. Tickets go on sale July 23rd, at https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/the-lion-king
The Buzz… Recently Announced Shows
Sweeney Todd
The razors are sharpened, the ovens are warming, and Fleet Street is officially open for business. The cast has been revealed for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with Aidan Niarros taking on the title role alongside Kate Yaxley as the delightfully devious Mrs Lovett. Joining them are Ashley Garner (Anthony), Annabelle Rosewarne (Johanna), Christian Gillett (Judge Turpin), Brendan Matthews (Tobias), Teddy Burgess (Pirelli/Jonas Fogg), Amy McMillan (Beggar Woman), Daniel Hillman (Beadle), and a talented ensemble ready to bring the streets of Victorian London to life.
Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical thriller serves up a deliciously dark blend of revenge, obsession, razor-sharp wit, and pies with a filling that’s… best not asked about. If you have been dying to see this classic, now is the perfect time to secure your seat. Book your tickets before they are gone in the blink of an eye.
Website: https://www.sweeneytodd.com.au
Aussies Abroad
Ainsley Melham
Australian musical theatre star Ainsley Melham is heading back to Shakespeare, joining the cast of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at The Old Globe in San Diego this August. Best known to Australian audiences for Aladdin, Wicked, Cinderella, and Broadway’s BOOP! The Musical, Melham will take on the role of Count Claudio in the acclaimed theatre’s annual Summer Shakespeare Festival. Directed by Barry Edelstein, the production stars Eden Espinosa as Beatrice and Tally Sessions as Benedick, with performances running August 2nd to 30th, 2026 in the iconic Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, Much Ado About Nothing is packed with romance, mistaken identities, witty banter, and enough matchmaking schemes to keep everyone guessing.
Congratulations to Ainsley on another exciting international role, it is always wonderful to see Australian performers making their mark on the world stage.
In the Green Room with … ANTHONY GARCIA
I first met Anthony Garcia during The Addams Family, where he spent much of the show being “tortured” by his big sister, played by a dear friend of mine; which was probably a slightly awkward way to meet someone. Since surviving the Addams household, Anthony has gone on to appear in productions including The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale and Sweet Charity and is now preparing to perform in My Fair Lady. From musical theatre torture victim to Middle-earth and now the elegant world of Lerner and Loewe, Anthony’s career has certainly taken him on quite the journey.
What is your name?
My name is Anthony Garcia.
What do you do in musical theatre?
I’m a performer. I sing, dance, act, tumble, and salsa dance. I love being as versatile as possible and embracing every aspect of performance. At the moment, I work mostly in ensemble roles, but I am working towards playing featured roles in the future.
What is one thing about you that people often misunderstand?
I get incredibly immersed in music. If I am walking down the street with music playing, I’m usually choreographing or dancing along in my head. Without even realising it, that starts to come through in little movements and rhythms as I walk. From the outside it looks a bit unusual, but really, I am just responding to the music. Ironically, my attempts to be subtle usually make me stand out even more!
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you?
Just breathe. Breathing is one of the most powerful tools you have. Nothing works well if you approach it with stress or tension. When you take a moment to breathe, your body naturally settles and finds the right path forward.
What is one thing from musical theatre that everyone should try at least once?
For people outside the industry, I would recommend taking a dance class. It is such a fun way to move, enjoy great music, and express yourself. That is one of the things I love most about musical theatre; it gives people permission to be expressive.
For people already in musical theatre, my answer is easy: try salsa dancing! It is incredibly fun, musical, and rhythmic, and it teaches partner work in a way that we do not often get to practise in musical theatre training.
What is your go-to beverage, and what does it say about you?
Water- always. I rarely drink alcohol because it does not make me feel my best, especially when I am performing, and performing is my priority. If I do have a drink, it is usually a rum and Coke.
After a big rehearsal week or production, how do you unwind without still thinking about theatre?
To be honest, I am almost always thinking about theatre. The adrenaline can stick around long after rehearsals or performances finish, so it can be difficult to switch off. Spending time with my family and friends helps, as does going to the gym. But my favourite way to unwind is still dancing; especially salsa. It might sound funny to relax by dancing after performing all day, but it is something I genuinely love.
What is your dream role or dream job?
I’d love to play a true triple-threat role that really showcases singing, dancing, and acting equally. I feel like there are a lot of contemporary tenor roles that focus heavily on powerful vocals, and while those are great, I miss the classic performers who did everything. Roles like Don Lockwood or Cosmo Brown from Singing in the Rain, or characters from On the Town, really appeal to me. Performers like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire embodied that complete skill set, and I would love to see more roles like that return.
How do you prepare for the physical and emotional demands of a show?
I start by reading the script carefully and understanding what is required of the character and the story. Then, when it comes time to perform, I focus on breathing and staying present. If you decide in advance exactly how you are going to feel, you are not really reacting truthfully. A well-written scene will naturally take you where you need to go if you stay connected to your scene partner and respond honestly in the moment.
What message do you hope audiences take away from your performances?
I hope people leave smiling. If audiences have had an exciting time and walk away feeling happier than when they arrived, then I have done my job.
WRITER
Stage Door Matters is written by Nic Conolly (she/they) for Theatre Matters, an Australian-based theatre publication. By day, Nic works as a Teacher Aide; by night, they can usually be found loitering in a theatre foyer, pretending this is a personality trait and not a lifestyle choice. Nic’s background includes performing in a travelling Australian circus, teaching circus arts, and being involved in local productions- which explains the dramatic flair and lack of inside voice. They saw their first show, Cats under the Big Top, and have been in a committed relationship with theatre ever since.
