Entertainment (Commonwealth Union) _ Every year is a good year for theater lovers in Australia. Hosting some of the world’s best and biggest international musicals, Australia is also quite capable of showing off its homegrown talent. Here is a list of 7 musicals gracing 2025’s Australian stages.
- Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular
Les Mis is collectively considered one of the most iconic musicals ever produced and is currently going on its 40th record-breaking year, with theaters packed to the brim. The musical completed its course, performing in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane in April and May, featuring its spectacular scores and songs, including I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, and One Day More. It’s alright if you missed it this year… There are plenty more musicals this year for you to enjoy!
- And Then There Were None
Adapted from Agatha Christie’s thriller, this highly anticipated new production features Jack Bannister as Anthony Marston, Brendan Ewing as Rogers, Nicholas Hammond as General Mackenzie, Jennifer Flowers as Emily Brent, Christen O’Leary as Mrs. Rogers, Chris Parker as Fred Narracott, and Anthony Phelan as Sir Lawrence Wargrave. Following a story of 10 people who are called to visit a mansion on a solitary island, this musical is being performed in several locations in Australia from February to August.
- Jesus Christ Superstar
A retelling of Jesus Christ’s final weeks through the eyes of Judas, this musical is known for its Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock bangers. Co-produced by John Frost, this production stars Michael Paynter in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane and Robert Tripolino in Perth as Jesus alongside a fabulous cast. The shows began in February and will be running until July 27th. You might still be on time to get some tickets.
- Annie
Anthony Warlow, reprising his role as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks in Annie, is generating significant buzz these days. Following the iconic redhead as she tries to find her parents, the musical also features Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan, Keanu Gonzalez as “Rooster” Hannigan, Amanda Lea LaVergne as Grace Farrell, and Mackenzie Dunn as Lily St. Regis. The shows are running till August 3; this is your sign to watch the orphans wreaking havoc from right inside the theater.
- MJ the Musical
This one hardly needs convincing. The musical portrayed The King of Pop’s creative mind and dedicated spirit along with glimpses at his life and also showed images taken by a journalist who was invited inside Michael Jackson’ rehearsal room back in 1992. Roman Banks, playing the singer, showcased several hit songs from the music legend. The show finished its Sydney run back in May, but if you didn’t get to see it, you’ve now been alerted to keep your eyes open for it next time.
- Wicked
We’ve all seen Wicked now, and everyone is raving about Cynthia Erivo’s top-class performance. But watching it live is definitely a whole different experience. This year, Australia produced a fantastic performance in February starring Sheridan Adams as Elphaba and the iconic Courtney Monsma as Glinda. If you missed it, that’s okay. Wicked is a timeless musical that no one gets tired of. We will remain vigilant and inform you about the upcoming production!
- Cinderella
This production of Cinderella, directed by Laurent Pelly, is like taking a glimpse inside the pages of an old storybook. Featuring an almost all-female cast, this production of Massenet’s Cinderella is charmed by 18th-century costumes with notes of modern haute couture. The show finished its Sydney Opera House run this March. But now you can watch out for next year’s performance by North Carolina and even fly out to see it.
