From Beetlejuice to Les Mis and Annie: A Big-Ticket Guide to Melbourne's Shows
Melbourne is set to experience a thrilling year for theatre enthusiasts, featuring a variety of big-name productions, exciting shows, and unexpected surprises. Below is an overview of the major theatre events scheduled for 2025 that are sure to captivate audiences.
HADESTOWN
The critically acclaimed musical Hadestown, created by Anaïs Mitchell, is making its way to Melbourne. This musical, which won eight Tony Awards in 2019, presents a captivating blend of jazz and folk music as it retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Audiences can expect to be enchanted by an extraordinary cast, including Christine Anu and Adrian Tamburini. This epic musical will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre on May 8.
BEETLEJUICE
Local talent Eddie Perfect returns to Melbourne to play Beetlejuice, a character he also wrote music and lyrics for in the Broadway adaptation. This comedic musical captures the quirky essence of the original film, offering a witty exploration of life and death. With a blend of chaotic energy and emotional depth, audiences can catch Perfect performing at the Regent Theatre from May 7.
LES MISÉRABLES: THE ARENA SPECTACULAR
Rod Laver Arena will host the beloved classic Les Misérables in May, featuring a star-studded international cast including Alfie Boe and Michael Ball. This arena version promises a grand celebration of the timeless story of love and redemption. Show dates begin on May 14.
LORD OF THE RINGS
The adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's cherished tale, Lord of the Rings, is making its way to the stage at Comedy Theatre starting April 26. With original music and spectacular visuals, this production aims to bring the enchanting world of Middle-Earth to life.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
March marks the arrival of the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar at the Princess Theatre. Featuring a strong vocal cast, including Michael Paynter and Mahalia Barnes, it promises to be a powerful rendition of this classic. The show starts on March 16.
ANNIE
The optimistic tale of the orphan Annie will take the stage at Princess Theatre starting July 10. Anthony Warlow will reprise his role as Daddy Warbucks, and auditions for the young cast will be held in April, providing opportunities for aspiring performers.
TROY
Upcoming in September is Troy, an adaptation by Tom Wright that brings the legendary story of the Trojan War to life on stage. Directed by Matthew Lutton, this drama will highlight human experiences against a backdrop of mythic history from September 4 to 25.
THE WRONG GODS
Another intriguing production, The Wrong Gods, will showcase an intergenerational story set in a village in India, exploring cultural continuity and independence. The run is slated from June 6 to July 12 at the Melbourne Theatre Company.
OTHER EXCITING SHOWS
Melbourne audiences can also look forward to adaptations of classic thrillers such as The Birds and Rebecca, as well as farces like The Play that Goes Wrong and musicals like Kimberly Akimbo. Additionally, there are rumors of popular shows like In the Heights and Cats making their way to Melbourne in the future.
This is a fantastic year for theatre in Melbourne, filled with big names, dramatic performances, and exciting surprises that theater-goers will not want to miss.
theatre, musical, Melbourne, shows