Melbourne shines with new ECHO at Malthouse Theatre
Straight from its celebrated run at London’s Royal Court Theatre, Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour’s latest creation promises a transcendent and unpredictable experience.
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Tag: melbourne theatre
See Les Misérables Arena Spectacular while you can in Melbourne
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.”
Les Misérables does arena spectacular in Melbourne
The world’s most iconic musical is gearing up for an unforgettable Australian tour.
Review: A Very Naughty Christmas at the Alex Theatre
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
Reimagine history with the voices of strong women in SIX
Divorced, bearded, slayed! SIX the musical is on in Melbourne and must not be missed.
Sweeney Todd on stage in Melbourne this September
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
Bell Shakespeare presents King Lear, starring Robert Menzies
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.
Theatre review: Sunset Boulevard, Melbourne
The latest production of Sunset Boulevard at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre is a mixed bag, encapsulating both the brilliance and pitfalls of adapting a classic film into a stage musical. The much-anticipated lavish new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece, SUNSET BOULEVARD, starring musical theatre and international superstar Sarah Brightman, is now playing in Melbourne. Audiences have been offering standing ovations for the spectacular show, currently gracing the stage at the Princess Theatre. A season at the Sydney Opera House will follow from August 28. Tickets are on sale at sunsetmusical.com.au. Marking her return to the theatre after more than three decades, Sarah Brightman stars as Norma Desmond, the iconic role that catapulted Glenn Close to Broadway stardom and recently earned Nicole Scherzinger an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in the West End. Alongside her will be critically acclaimed Australian actor and performer Tim Draxl in the role of Joe Gillis, a role last played on stage in Australia by Hugh Jackman in 1996. Joining Sarah and Tim on stage in the role of Max Von Mayerling is stage and screen veteran Robert Grubb, with the role of Betty Schaefer brought to life by emerging leading lady Ashleigh Rubenach. Musical theatre performer Jarrod Draper takes on the role of Artie Green, while established theatre actors Paul Hanlon and Troy Sussman play the roles of Cecil B. DeMille and Sheldrake, respectively. At select performances, the remarkable Silvie Paladino will assume the role of Norma Desmond. The extremely talented ensemble cast includes… Read More
More shows for WICKED in Melbourne
Since its grand opening on 2 March, the resplendent Regent Theatre has been graced by the enchanting presence of “Broadway’s Biggest Blockbuster,” WICKED. To cater to the overwhelming demand and keep the magic alive, new performances have been released for sale until 28 July. Presales commence today, with general public tickets available from 12 April. The Mesmerizing Tale of WICKED The theatrical phenomenon that is WICKED has captured the hearts of critics and audiences in Melbourne, earning five-star reviews and effusive praise across social media platforms. Here’s what the critics have to say: A Worldwide Sensation Celebrating over two decades since its Broadway premiere, WICKED stands as one of the most successful and beloved musicals globally. With an audience of over 65 million people worldwide, it proudly holds the title of the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history. Accolades and Legacy Winner of over 100 major awards, including the Grammy Award, Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards®, and six Drama Desk Awards, WICKED continues to enthrall audiences with its originality and depth. As proclaimed by USA Today, WICKED is “A complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry and think.” Captivating Performances Under the guidance of a stellar Australian cast, led by Courtney Monsma as Glinda and Sheridan Adams as Elphaba, the musical unfolds the captivating journey of two extraordinary women in the land of Oz. The ensemble cast, with their exceptional talent and dedication, brings this timeless tale to life with every note and step. Unravel the Origins of… Read More
Melbourne Theatre Company’s new show: The Almighty Sometimes
Kendall Feaver’s illuminating portrait of a mother-daughter relationship, The Almighty Sometimes, will grace the stage of Southbank Theatre, with previews beginning on 15 April. This piece unfurls with biting humour and fierce honesty, a poignant coming-of-age story that meticulously explores the tribulations of adolescence entwined with the complexities of growing up under the shadow of mental illness. Authored by the talented Australian playwright Kendall Feaver, the play has received acclaim and recognition, winning the Judges Award at the 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting – Europe’s premier playwriting competition. It has also secured both the Victorian and New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards, earmarking Feaver as a distinguished voice in contemporary theatre. In a new production helmed by Hannah Goodwin, audiences will see Nadine Garner (known for ABC’s Savage River) and Max McKenna (Muriel’s Wedding The Musical) bringing to life the roles of Renee and Anna, the mother-daughter duo at the heart of this narrative. They are joined by Louisa Mignone (The Twelve) and Karl Richmond (The Inheritance), adding to the play’s dynamic ensemble. The narrative arcs around 18-year-old Anna, who discovers her old stories, unveiling a vibrant imagination that seems alien yet thrilling. This discovery becomes the catalyst for Anna’s quest to redefine her identity beyond the mental health label that has dominated her life. Yet, this quest is met with resistance from her mother, her boyfriend, and even her therapist, setting the stage for intense familial and personal conflict. Feaver’s script resonates with the ongoing discussions surrounding mental health, capturing the heart of these… Read More