FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
The internationally acclaimed play AFTERGLOW by S. Asher Gelman is set to make its highly anticipated Australian debut, bringing its raw, funny, and sensual exploration of modern love to Melbourne and Sydney audiences.
Malthouse Theatre has unveiled its bold and diverse 2026 program, offering a lineup of productions that promise to captivate, challenge, and entertain. From contemporary drama and iconic adaptations to riotous comedy and world-class cabaret, the season is packed with unforgettable live experiences. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on and why you should add these shows to your calendar. February–March: Black Light March–April: Malthouse Comedy May: Game. Set. Match. May: Pride and Prejudice June: HOUSE OF ROT: GREY GARDENS July: Vista August: Break of Day August: The Nightline September–October: Koreaboo October: Ritual Ritual Ritual November–December: All About Eve Special Events and Touring Productions With such a dynamic and diverse program, Malthouse Theatre’s 2026 season offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to intimate dramas, bold reimaginings, or laugh-out-loud comedies, this lineup is sure to inspire and entertain. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss your chance to experience the best of live theatre. Feature: Christie Whelan Browne stars as both Margo and Eve in All About Eve
The stage is set at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre for an epic and unforgettable theatrical experience. Rehearsals are officially underway for Troy, the latest production from acclaimed playwright Tom Wright, directed by Ian Michael. Opening next month at the Merlyn Theatre, this bold reimagining of the Trojan War is a contemporary exploration of ancient mythology, brought to life by a powerhouse cast and visionary creative team. Running from 4-25 September 2025, this ambitious production promises to transport audiences into a world where gods and mortals collide, battles rage on both physical and emotional fronts, and cycles of violence reverberate through generations. Tickets are already on sale, and the anticipation is palpable. A Cast Made for Legends The ensemble cast of Troy features some of Australia’s most exceptional stage talent, breathing fresh life into iconic figures from the Trojan legend. Each performer takes on multiple roles, offering a dynamic portrayal of the myth’s complexity and human depth. Leading the cast is Paula Arundell, whose commanding performances in The Birds and Harry Potter & the Cursed Child have earned widespread acclaim. Arundell steps into the role of Hecuba, the fierce and grieving Queen of Troy. Joining her is Elizabeth Blackmore (Death of a Salesman), taking on the role of Cassandra, the doomed prophetess cursed never to have her truths believed. Rising talent Ciline Ajobong, celebrated for their role in Mustangs FC, makes their mainstage debut portraying Cressida, navigating a story of love and betrayal, and Iphigenia, the innocent daughter sacrificed to appease the gods. Danny Ball (Loaded) adds… Read More
Straight from its celebrated run at London’s Royal Court Theatre, Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour’s latest creation promises a transcendent and unpredictable experience.
With the arrival of Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular in Melbourne, audiences are being treated to a reimagined, colossal celebration of this beloved musical. Hosted at Rod Laver Arena, this extraordinary adaptation lives up to its title, delivering a theatrical experience that truly feels “spectacular.”
The world’s most iconic musical is gearing up for an unforgettable Australian tour.
For those craving a cheeky, laughter-filled escape from the usual sentimental holiday fare, A Very Naughty Christmas at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda is just the ticket. Melbourne’s favourite adults-only Christmas tradition has returned in spectacular form, delivering a festive bonanza of burlesque, parody, and unabashed irreverence. Produced by Woodward Productions, this saucy variety show has been delighting audiences since 2017, and its 2024 season proves the naughty charm is far from wearing off. A Festive Show with a Wink and a Wiggle Set against the cosy backdrop of the Alex Theatre, A Very Naughty Christmas is a raunchy, high-energy exploration of the more ‘mature’ side of the holiday season. From sharp comedy skits to hilariously reimagined Christmas carols, the show takes everything you thought you knew about the festive period and flips it on its sequinned, slightly scandalous head. With its potent mix of stand-up, singing, and burlesque-tinged dance numbers, this production is a bold, unapologetic celebration of the Christmas spirit—though not as your grandmother remembers it. Director and choreographer Dan Venz orchestrates the chaos masterfully, crafting a fast-paced programme that caters to all manner of tastes (provided those tastes lean towards the naughty). This year’s lineup retains the show’s quirky humour while polishing its choreography and musicality, ensuring a mix of fresh surprises and time-tested comic gold. Standout Performances That Light Up the Stage Leading the sleigh this season is the wonderfully wicked Tim Paige as “Bad Santa.” A seasoned performer known for his work with Pop-Up Globe, Paige brings devilish charm,… Read More
Divorced, bearded, slayed! SIX the musical is on in Melbourne and must not be missed.
Following critical acclaim across the country, Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical thriller is coming to Melbourne this Spring with Victorian Opera’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street A Musical Thriller. The performances will take place at the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse from 14-21 September, with an extra show on the 16th just added. Sweeney Todd tells the gruesome story of a man living life by the razor’s edge. This spine-chilling musical thriller will transport audiences to the dark heart of London’s Fleet Street, where betrayal, vengeance and dark comedy intertwine. Starring Ben Mingay (Shrek the Musical, Frayed, Pirates of Penzance, Packed to the Rafters) and Antoinette Halloran (Mary and Max, Macbeth, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll), and directed by celebrated Australian opera and musical theatre director Stuart Maunder AM, this is a masterpiece of musical theatre not to be missed. Once, there was a barber who had it all — a happy life, a beautiful wife. But it all ended in a savage act of betrayal. Enter Sweeney Todd. From the haunting melodies of Stephen Sondheim to the chilling narrative crafted by Hugh Wheeler, this production explores the transformation of a once-content barber into the infamous “demon barber”, a suave and perilous figure with a rising desire for vengeance. Alongside the beguiling and eccentric Mrs Lovett, they hatch a twisted plan — equal parts genius and ghastly. Mrs Lovett’s reputation for serving the best pies in town may be short-lived as Sweeney’s thirst for vengeance teeters on the knife’s edge. From Stuart… Read More
For the first time since 2010, Bell Shakespeare presents King Lear, starring veteran stage actor Robert Menzies in the titular role. The production stages Shakespeare’s epic of the imagination in an intimate setting as Australian audiences won’t have seen it before.
