What’s On: The Best Musicals in Australia
Fancy seeing a live performance? These are the best musicals in Australia that you can book tickets to see right now or look forward to attending in a few months.
Whether you’re travelling interstate or looking for something exciting to do in your city, musicals offer the perfect chance to escape and immerse yourself in a fantasy world. From Disney fairytales to biographical retellings of iconic celebrities’ journeys to fame, there’s a live show to captivate everyone—all radiating the same inspiring magic.
Planning to book in a musical for a special occasion? Or simply feeling spontaneous? Here are the best musicals in Australia showing now and in the coming months.
Best Musicals Australia: Sydney
MJ the Musical
The four-time Tony Award-winning MJ the Musical lands in Sydney at the end of February. Michael Jackson, best known as the ‘King of Pop,’ was one of the most iconic and influential artists of all time. This musical explores his unparalleled rise to stardom and the tribulations that came with it in an utterly electrifying performance. Centred around the making of his Dangerous World Tour in 1992, the show offers a glimpse into the mind and spirit of the late pop icon.
Secure tickets here
26th February to 22nd July
Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pyrmont
Annie
Annie is a beloved musical that has captured the hearts of theatregoers worldwide for decades, and we’re thrilled that this inspiring tale is returning to Sydney! Kicking off in March, the red, curly-haired orphan and her friends will take the stage at Capitol Theatre, delighting audiences of all generations. Starring the legendary Anthony Warlow as ‘Daddy’ Warbucks, Debora Krizak as the iconic Miss Hannigan, and Mackenzie Dunn as Lily St. Regis, this stellar cast is guaranteed to captivate.
Make a night out of it and go all out with dinner, show and a stay. Kimpton Margot Sydney has partnered with Annie the Musical to create a wholesome, luxurious experience for theatregoers. Stay in a spacious room that even Daddy Warbucks’ will be impressed by, sip on Annie-inspired cocktails at Wilmot Bar and a special two-course pre-theatre dinner at Luke’s Kitchen.
Secure tickets here
Until 8th June
Capitol Theatre, Sydney
What to Look Forward to:
- CATS the Musical – opens June
- The Book of Mormon – opens July
- Back to the Future – opens September
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Best Musicals Australia: Melbourne
Jesus Christ Superstar
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar is a groundbreaking rock opera that reimagines the final days of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Set to an electrifying rock score, the musical explores themes of faith, betrayal, and power, bringing biblical history to life with a contemporary edge. First staged in 1971, this iconic production is now showing in Perth until early March–don’t miss it.
Secure tickets here
Until 22nd June
Princess Theatre, Melbourne
The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale
Lord of the Rings fans and newcomers alike will be swept up in the shiny production of Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale. Held at the Perth Theatre, this critically acclaimed live stage production brings J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic story to life in a way you’ve never seen before. With captivating performances, stunning visuals, and an unforgettable score, Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale immerses audiences in Middle-earth like never before.
Secure tickets here
Until 8th June
Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
HADESTOWN
From the moment the curtain rises at the Theatre Royal, HADESTOWN will transport you back in time. One of the best musicals in Australia right now, it weaves an epic, mythical love story like no other—following young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as King Hades and Persephone.
With a star-studded cast, including multi-ARIA Award-winning artist Christine Anu as Hermes, Abigail Adriano as Eurydice, Noah Mullins as Orpheus, Elenoa Rokobaro as Persephone, and Adrian Tamburini as Hades, this original production is not to be missed.
Secure tickets here
Opens 8th May
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne
Beetlejuice the Musical
Beetlejuice the Musical is opening in Melbourne this May! Based off the cult-favourite Tim Burton film, the story of Beetlejuice follows a peculiar teenager whose life changes forever when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With a stellar cast, incredible set design and a remarkable story about life, death, and everything in between, Beetlejuice the Musical promises a night of chaotic fun and heartfelt moments. Known for its witty humor, dazzling visuals, and catchy songs, this Broadway hit is sure to enchant Melbourne audiences. Don’t miss your chance to experience the strange and unusual when it hits the stage this May!
Secure tickets here
Opens 7th May
Regent Theatre, Melbourne
1984
Big Brother is watching—and he’s heading to Melbourne. Shake & Stir Theatre Co is bringing George Orwell’s 1984 to the Comedy Theatre for a strictly limited season (1st to 6th July). Don’t worry, this is anything but an English class reenactment from high school. Think towering screens, unrelenting tension, and a theatrical experience so gripping it teeters on horror. With reality and nightmare blurring in Oceania’s totalitarian state, this bold adaptation promises to leave audiences breathless. Melbourne, are you ready to defy Big Brother? Catch it while you can—before history is rewritten.
Secure tickets here
1st to 6th July, 2025
Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
What to Look Forward to:
- Annie – opens July
- In the Heights – opens August
- CATS the Musical – opens December
Best Musicals Australia: Adelaide
Beauty and the Beast
Disney’s stunning new production of Beauty and the Beast is finally heading to Adelaide after wrapping up its long season in Melbourne! And after selling over 900,000 tickets, this musical is a must-watch.
This timeless tale is reimagined on stage in a breathtaking production that will captivate audiences like never before. The original creative team reunites to bring this enchanting musical to life, featuring all the spellbinding songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, including “Belle,” “Gaston,” “Human Again,” and “Be Our Guest.” A much-loved classic, this tale as old as time will enchant a new generation, filling hearts with magic and wonder.
Secure tickets here
Opens 8th May
Festival Theatre, Adelaide
What to Look Forward to:
- CATS – opens September
Best Musicals Australia: Brisbane
The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo is returning to the Queensland performing Arts Centre after sell-out shows on Broadway and London’s West End! In this musical adaptation of the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, join Mouse as she takes a stroll through the deep, dark wood and cleverly outwits a host of hungry predators—including the fearsome Gruffalo himself! Packed with catchy songs, lively storytelling, and plenty of laughs, The Gruffalo is the perfect introduction to theatre for young audiences and a delight for the whole family. Don’t miss this magical adventure when it returns to QPAC!
Secure tickets here
17th to 22nd June
Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
- CATS the Musical – opens September
What to Look Forward to:
- The Gruffalo – opens June
- Jesus Christ Superstar – opens June
Best Musicals Australia: Perth
Sister Act
Sister Act has officially debuted in Australia! After a smash-hit run in the UK, this comedic musical is now touring down under, and is currently showing in theatres in Perth until the end of May. Disco diva Deloris’ life takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses a murder and is placed under protective custody. Hidden in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent—Deloris helps the struggling choir and her fellow sisters find their true voices while rediscovering her own.
Heartwarming and hilarious, this is a must-see show!
Secure tickets here
Until 25th May
Crown Theatre, Perth
What to Look Forward to:
- Beauty and the Beast – opens July
Enjoyed reading about the best musicals in Australia right now? Why not slurp on an oyster pre-show at these oyster bars in Melbourne? Or, check out the latest music news to stay up-to-date in the industry.