Winter theatre guide: Whispering Jack musical and Mrs Doubtfire arrive

From Anthony Lapaglia in Death of a Salesman to Noni Hazelhurst in Lark, Lisa McCune and Debra Lawrance in Steel Magnolias to vocal powerhouse Michael Paynter in the John Farnham biopic Whispering Jack - your calendar will be filling up fast.

Here are some of the greatest theatre moments to catch between now and summer time.

On now: Adelaide; Brisbane; Canberra; Newcastle; Perth; Sydney; Melbourne.

Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes because Footloose The Musical is officially touring Australia in 2026! Following a massive sold-out season in Melbourne, this high-energy production-featuring hits like "Holding Out for a Hero" and "Let's Hear It for the Boy"-is hitting several major cities and regional hubs. The tour officially kicked off in Adelaide this April and is currently moving through an extensive national schedule. The production has indicated that more regional stops are being added to the schedule for the second half of the year (July through November). Newcastle is a major regional highlight on the current calendar, and fans in other regional areas are encouraged to join the "Waitlist" on the official site to be notified when further local dates are unlocked. Website:https://footloosethemusical.com

On now: Brisbane; Sydney; Wollongong; Canberra; Perth; Melbourne.

The hairspray and the Southern charm are coming to Australia in 2026 with a brand-new, star-studded production of Steel Magnolias. Directed by Lee Lewis, this version features a "who's who" of Australian screen and stage talent, including Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Jessica Redmayne, and Lotte Beckett. The tour kicks off in Brisbane before making its way through several capital cities and a key regional stop in Wollongong, promising all the laughter, tears, and unbreakable friendship found within the walls of Truvy's beauty salon.

Official Website: https://www.steelmagnoliasplay.com/

On no: Melbourne; then on to Brisbane; Perth; Adelaide.

The missionaries have officially returned! The Book of Mormon is currently in the middle of its 2026 Australian tour. This outrageous, nine-time Tony Award-winning comedy from the creators of South Park is now back at its original Australian home-the Princess Theatre in Melbourne-where it is playing a blockbuster residency through July. From there, the mission heads north to Brisbane before making long-awaited return trips to Perth and Adelaide to round out the year.

Website:https://thebookofmormonmusical.com.au

On now: Melbourne; Adelaide.

The wait is over for Melbourne theatregoers! Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman, and Toby Schmitz are currently starring in the sharp, award-winning comedy ART at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre. This high-stakes production follows three lifelong friends whose relationship is thrown into chaos after one of them purchases a purely white, incredibly expensive painting. The Melbourne season is playing for a strictly limited time from 22 April to 17 May 2026, before the trio heads to Adelaide on May 20 to wrap up their national tour. Melbourne tickets are available now via https://premier.ticketek.com.au/

Adelaide : https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on

On now: Sydney

The wait is over-the world's #1 musical has officially returned to the Pride Lands of Australia! Disney Presents The Lion King is currently playing a blockbuster residency at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, having just roared onto the stage in mid-April 2026. This landmark production, celebrated for its ground-breaking puppetry and breathtaking score by Elton John and Tim Rice, is scheduled to run in Sydney until August 30, 2026. While the show is presently exclusive to Sydney, past tours suggest it may move to other capital cities like Melbourne or Brisbane in late 2026 or early 2027.

Website: https://thelionkingmusical.com.au

On now: Sydney; Adelaide; Brisbane

The spectacular Broadway musical Anastasia has officially arrived for its Australian premiere tour in 2026. Inspired by the beloved 1997 film, the production features a star-studded cast including Georgina Hopson as Anya, Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily, and theatre legend Nancye Hayes AM as the Dowager Empress. The show is currently playing its strictly limited residency at the Sydney Lyric Theatre through July, before continuing its royal journey to Adelaide and Brisbane later in the year.

Website:https://anastasiathemusical.com.au

On now: Brisbane; Canberra

The sequins and soul are back! The Sapphires, the iconic Australian musical by Tony Briggs, is returning to the stage in a vibrant new production for 2026. Directed by original director and theatre legend Wesley Enoch, this staging features a brand-new generation of First Nations talent, including Ruby Henaway and Aurora Liddle-Christie. The show follows the true story of four Yorta Yorta women who form a girl group in 1969 and travel to Vietnam to entertain the troops. Expect a live band belting out classics like "Respect" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" in a production that celebrates sisterhood and resilience.

Starting May: Hobart

An extraordinary autobiographical odyssey, Lose to Win is making its way to Hobart this May. Written and performed by Mandela Mathia and directed by Jessica Arthur, this powerful solo show (presented by Belvoir St Theatre) chronicles Mandela's real-life journey as a refugee-fleeing the civil war in South Sudan, traveling through Egypt, and eventually finding his home and voice on the Australian stage. It is a celebratory story of resilience and imagination that has garnered critical acclaim for its warmth and gripping storytelling.

Tickets for this strictly limited two-performance run are currently available.

Official Website:https://www.theatreroyal.com.au/shows/lose-win

On now: Perth then on to Adelaide; Melbourne.

This hit has finally made its way south! Pretty Woman: The Musical is currently in the middle of its 2026 Australian tour, bringing the iconic 1990 rom-com to life with a score by rock legend Bryan Adams. The production stars ARIA Award-winner Samantha Jade as Vivian Ward and Ben Hall as Edward Lewis. Having just wrapped up its Sydney residency in late March, the tour is now heading to Adelaide for a winter season before taking over the historic Regent Theatre in Melbourne from July.

Website: https://prettywomanthemusical.com.au

On now: Brisbane then on to Perth

The Moonwalk has landed in Queensland! MJ the Musical is currently electrifying audiences at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC in Brisbane. Centered around the making of Michael Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this multi-Tony Award-winning production features over 25 of his biggest hits and a high-octane cast led by Roman Banks. The Brisbane season is now playing through the end of May, before the production packs up the "Dangerous" set and heads west for its final Australian stop in Perth.

Website: https://mjthemusical.com.au

Starting May: Perth; Sydney; Melbourne

Sinking its teeth into the 2026 season, the hauntingly beautiful Dracula is touring Australia with two distinct productions. The West Australian Ballet's critically acclaimed version, choreographed by Krzysztof Pastor, is heading home to Perth in May. Later in the year, the "BIG Live" production-a high-drama retelling featuring the music of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov-will take over major stages in Sydney and Melbourne as part of an international tour.

Starting May: Melbourne; Sydney.

Sugar, butter, and flour! The Tony-nominated Broadway smash Waitress is finally making its Australian debut in 2026. Featuring a score by Grammy-winner Sara Bareilles, this "little slice of heaven" stars Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna, a pie-maker looking for a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. The production kicks off its national tour with a strictly limited premiere season in Melbourne this May, before moving to Sydney for the spring.

Website: https://waitressthemusical.com.au

Starting June: Perth; Adelaide; Brisbane; Melbourne; Newcastle; Sydney.

The magic is returning to Australia in 2026 with the brand-new production, Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars. This year's tour is set to be one of the most expansive yet, featuring favourite characters from Frozen 2, Moana, Aladdin, and The Princess and the Frog, along with the Australian debut of Raya and the Last Dragon. The tour will kick off in Perth from June 12-14, followed by Adelaide (June 19-21), Brisbane (June 26-29), Melbourne (July 2-6), Newcastle (July 9-12), and finally Sydney (July 15-19).

For the most up-to-date schedule and to purchase tickets, you should visit the official website:

https://www.disneyonice.com/en-au

Starting July: Hobart; Brisbane; Sydney; Melbourne.

The pups are back! PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue" is hitting Australian shores in July and August 2026 for a special 10th-anniversary tour. This Broadway-style production features all the favorites-Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma, Skye, and Everest-as they work together to save Mayor Goodway and the Great Adventure Bay Race.

To secure your seats or check for added showtimes, visit the official website at: https://pawpatrollive.com.au

Starting November: Melbourne

The "poppet" is finally making her way Down Under! Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical is officially set to make its Australian premiere in November 2026. Based on the beloved Robin Williams film, this hilarious and heartwarming production features all the iconic moments. The show will take up residency at the historic Princess Theatre in Melbourne, which will serve as the exclusive home for the production's debut season before any potential move to other major cities or regional hubs. Official Website: https://mrsdoubtfiremusical.com.au

Starting November: Sydney

This world premiere production by the Sydney Theatre Company (STC) is set to debut in late 2026. The musical stars vocal powerhouse Michael Paynter, highly acclaimed for his recent role in Jesus Christ Superstar, as the legendary John Farnham. Directed by Mitchell Butel, the show follows Farnham's 1986 journey from a struggling artist recording in a suburban garage to the creation of Whispering Jack, the highest-selling Australian album of all time. Produced in association with the Michael Cassel Group and Gaynor Wheatley, the production promises a nostalgic and high-energy celebration of Farnham's iconic hits, including "You're the Voice" and "Pressure Down."

Visit the Sydney Theatre Company page: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/2026/productions/whispering-jack

Starting July: Sydney; Brisbane; Melbourne; Perth.

The West End's multi-Olivier Award-winning revival of Fiddler on the Roof is making its highly anticipated Australian premiere in 2026. This critically acclaimed production, which broke box office records at London's Barbican Theatre, will bring the timeless story of Tevye and the village of Anatevka to life with a powerhouse creative team. The tour officially kicks off in Sydney at the Theatre Royal on 31 July 2026 for a strictly limited season through October, before heading to Brisbane at QPAC from 8 October 2026. The celebration continues later in the year with the Melbourne season opening at Her Majesty's Theatre on 31 October 2026, with Perth dates expected to be announced shortly.

Official Website: https://fiddlerontherooftour.com

Starting July: Melbourne; Sydney; Brisbane in 2027.

The Queens are back and ready to remix history! SIX the Musical is making its highly anticipated "royal return" to Australia in 2026. This 80-minute pop-concert phenomenon, which tells the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII, will kick off its new Australian reign in Melbourne this July., Sydney in October and Brisbane in 2027.

Official Website: https://sixthemusical.com.au

Starting June: Melbourne, Sydney

The smash-hit Olivier Award-winning comedy Pride and Prejudice (sort of) is making its Australian debut in 2026! This irreverent, karaoke-fueled reimagining of Jane Austen's classic features a cast of five fearless women-including musical theatre stars like Amy Lehpamer and Zoe Ioannou-playing every role while belting out pop hits like "Young Hearts Run Free" and "You're So Vain." The tour kicks off in Melbourne in June before traveling to Sydney and several key regional and capital city hubs.

Official Website: https://prideandprejudicesortof.com.au

Starting June: Sydney

The Australian Shakespeare Company is bringing HAIR, the tribal Love-Rock Musical to Sydney in June 2026. Directed by Glenn Elston OAM, this immersive new production celebrates the 1960s counterculture with a raw, authentic energy, featuring a live band and a sensational cast including Maxwell Simon and Alex Cooper. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the show remains a fearless exploration of peace, love, and rebellion, complete with the iconic Grammy-winning score that defined a generation.

Website: https://hairthemusical.com.au

Starting July: Melbourne

Nearly 50 years after its original premiere, the legendary Reg Livermore AO has returned to the stage with a re imagined production of Reg Livermore's Ned Kelly: The Musical. This "labour of love," presented by Victorian Opera this July, features Livermore himself in a special cameo role as Mr. Tarleton, the Bank Manager. The musical, which blends rock opera, vaudeville, and folk to explore the life of Australia's most famous outlaw, is directed by Stuart Maunder AM and features a score revised and orchestrated by Simon Holt.

Website: https://victorianopera.com.au

Starting June: Adelaide; Gold Coast; Wollongong; Hobart; Sydney; Melbourne; Brisbane

The incomparable Noni Hazlehurst returns to the stage in 2026 with her critically acclaimed one-woman show, The Lark. Written by Daniel Keene and directed by Matt Scholten (the duo behind the award-winning Mother), this powerful play follows Rose Grey, a woman in her seventies, as she says a final, haunting goodbye to her family's inner-city Melbourne pub before it is demolished. Following a sell-out premiere season, the 2026 tour will bring Noni's masterclass performance to Adelaide (June), Hobart (Aug), Parramatta (Sept) and Brisbane (Oct), offering audiences a moving meditation on memory, loss, and the courage required to let go of the past.

Where to Buy Tickets

Starting September: Sydney.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of its Broadway debut, My Fair Lady is returning to the Sydney Opera House in September 2026. This lavish production by Opera Australia is based on the 2016 recreation directed by Julie Andrews. The cast is already boasting major Australian theatre royalty, including Reg Livermore AO returning to his award-winning role as Alfred P. Doolittle, Robyn Nevin AO as Mrs. Higgins, and Tony Llewellyn-Jones as Colonel Pickering. The production will feature a massive 28-strong ensemble and a full orchestra at the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

Website: https://opera.org.au/productions/my-fair-lady-sydney/

Starting July: Sydney

The glamour of Paris arrives at the Sydney Opera House this July with Opera Australia's sparkling production of The Merry Widow. This "shimmering, Broadway-style" operetta, directed and choreographed by the legendary Graeme Murphy, tells the story of the wealthy widow Hanna Glavari and the frantic attempts to find her a husband to save her home country from bankruptcy. The 2026 season features international star Emma Pearson and fan-favorite Julie Lea Goodwin sharing the title role, supported by Alexander Lewis as the dashing Count Danilo. With its iconic waltzes and opulent Art Deco sets, this production is designed to appeal as much to musical theatre fans as it does to opera lovers.

Website: https://opera.org.au/productions/the-merry-widow-sydney/

Starting August: Melbourne, Brisbane

Anthony LaPaglia delivers a powerhouse performance as the tragic Willy Loman, a role that feels like a natural culmination of his storied career. Moving away from the slicker personas of his Hollywood past, LaPaglia portrays Loman as a man crumbling under the weight of the "American Dream," capturing the character's desperate delusions and explosive vulnerability with a raw, heartbreaking authenticity.If you missed it the first time around, it's a rare chance to see a Tony Award-winner tackle one of the "Mount Everest" roles of theatre right here in Australia.

https://salesmanaustralia.com.au/

Starting August; Melbourne

"Good times never seemed so good!" The smash-hit Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is making its exclusive Australian premiere at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne this winter. Created in collaboration with Diamond himself, the show charts his journey from a Brooklyn kid to a global icon, featuring a setlist of over 30 hits including "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie," and "I'm a Believer." The Melbourne season officially opens on August 5, 2026, and due to record-breaking pre-sales, the season has already been extended through to October 11, 2026.

Website: https://theneildiamondmusical.com.au

Starting June: Brisbane; Perth.

It's showtime! The ghost-with-the-most has officially made his way to Australia, with a score by our very own Eddie Perfect. After a massive, sold-out premiere season in Melbourne, Beetlejuice The Musical is currently preparing to haunt the rest of the country. The production features the same high-energy chaos and "demented" visuals that made it a Broadway cult favourite, including the giant sand worm and plenty of Netherworld pandemonium.

Website: https://beetlejuicethemusical.com.au

Starting July: Hobart

Based on the classic 1980 film and featuring an infectious score by the legendary Dolly Parton, the show follows three unlikely friends-Violet, Doralee, and Judy-as they join forces to take down their "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" of a boss. This high-energy production is directed by Karen Kluss and features a live 12-piece band accompanying a talented local cast of 23 performers. It's a bold, sharp, and hilarious celebration of female empowerment and friendship that proves there's more to life than just "pouring yourself a cup of ambition." At the Playhouse Theatre Hobart from July 30 to August 8, 2026.

Website: https://playhouse.org.au/shows/9-5/