Theatre coming to you, Melbourne!

While headline shows like Beetlejuice and In The Heights wrap up, new theatre is hitting Melbourne's stages soon, Genevieve Spiteri reports.

While many of Melbourne's headline acts are wrapping up for the winter, exciting new acts are arriving across the CBD and inner-suburbs. Check below for new acts and where to find them!

Illume - Until 13 September.  

Bangarra’s latest production explores light and its shadows as a fundamental element of the universe through the lens of the Australian First Nations peoples. Bangarra’s theatrical performances are always an engaging and captivating experience for all ages, so be sure to check this one out while it is still at the Arts Centre.  

Tarzan - The Stage Musical - Until 14 September.  

An adaptation of the 1999 Disney classic animated film, Tarzan combines the beloved music by Phil Collins and aerial choreography. It is playing at the National Theatre and is sure to be a charming journey into the jungle.  

The Play That Goes Wrong - Until 28 September.  

The Play That Goes Wrong is celebrating its 10th Anniversary Tour and is playing at the Athenaeum Theatre. If you are a fan of British comedy, and especially The Goes Wrong Show, this meta-play is sure to fill the theatre with constant laughter.  

Annie - Until 9 November.  

If you are looking for a delightful, simple comedy with an emotional core, this musical brings incredibly popular songs like ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘It’s A Hard Knock Life’ and fabulously choreographed dancing together to create a wonderful experience. (If you are a fan of The Wiggles, you will probably recognise Greg Page, the original Yellow Wiggle, playing President Franklin D. Roosevelt). Playing at the Princess Theatre, Annie is sure to be a great first musical to introduce little ones to the magic of the theatre.  

MJ The Musical - From 9 September until 14 December.  

A biographical musical about the life and music of international superstar Michael Jackson, this show goes beyond MJ’s public appearances and dives into his musical journey and collaborative efforts. It opens tomorrow (9 September) at Her Majesty’s Theatre and will have a long run, but be sure to grab your tickets soon!  

Be sure to keep your eye out for our review coming out in the next couple of weeks! 

The 39 Steps - From 10 September until 4 October.  

Based on the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, The 39 Steps is on a national tour, with an amazing Australian cast of Lisa McCune, Ian Stenlake and the Umbilical Brothers. The four play 130 characters between them in 120 minutes, this play is sure to be a whirlwind of chaotic, hilarious fun at the Comedy Theatre.  

Hair: The Tribal Love Rock Musical - From 24 October until 23 November. 

A musical all about the counterculture in 1960s America, the Tony-Award Award-winning Hair: The Tribal Love Rock Musical (or more simply titled: Hair) is an enjoyable contemporary piece that has aged beautifully as a retrospective look into the past. Also playing at the Athenaeum Theatre, this musical should be a treat to watch with incredibly relevant political themes.  

Anastasia the Musical - From 20 December until 1 February.  

A delightful adaptation of the 1997 Disney classic, Anastasia the Musical is a ‘Journey to the Past’ that captures 20^th century Paris for a gorgeous, opulent and enjoyable event for all ages. Playing at the gorgeous Regent Theatre, Anastasia the Musical will be a memorable experience for all.  

Cats - From 21 December 2025 until 25 January 2026.  

 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mega-musical Cats will be touring Australia from 20 September and will be opening in Melbourne at Hamer Hall in December. Most people know this musical because of its disastrous 2019 film adaptation, but the musical is an international smash hit and will be a delightful experience for all ages.  

Duck Pond - From 14 January 2026 until 25 January 2026.  

(Image: Supplied)

A circus adaptation of classic fairy tales, Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling, Duck Pond will grace the Princess Theatre next year. This show was created by Circa, an internationally recognised dance company that combines circus, acrobatics and creative dance together to tell stories in unique ways. This show will have a short run at the Princess Theatre but will be a brilliant showcase of Australian circus talent.  

Heathers - From April 2026.

(Image: Supplied)

A production of the award-winning musical Heathers has been announced for April next year. While the cast and theatre have not been announced, this production is sure to be a stunning rendition of the 1989 cult-classic film that will leave audiences stunned.  

If you cannot wait until April next year (I know I can’t), a pro-shot of the 2022 London cast is playing in Australian theatres now for a limited time only. How very!