The best new musicals coming to Melbourne in 2024

A Christmas Carol

12 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

“Bah! Humbug!”

Winner of five Tony Awards, this classic musical is back for another holiday season.

Bringing Charles Dickens’ famed novel to life, the immersive show tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who gets a timely visit from the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. 

Kinky Boots

1 December 2023 to 17 December 2023, Chapel off Chapel

“Wear your heart on your heels.”

From a family shoe factory to the stylish runways of Milan, Kinky Boots is a story full of energy, heart, and what can happen when you follow your dreams.

With an energetic songbook by Cyndi Lauper, toe-tapping choreography by Tony-Award winner Jerry Mitchell, and enough sparkling boots and costumes to fill a museum, get ready to laugh, dance and sing along to the show that’s based on a true story.

Grease the Musical

31 December 2023 to 12 May 2024, Her Majesty's Theatre

"Grease is the word..."

It's time for Grease lightning! The motion picture that became a cult classic and catapulted Australia's Olivia Newton-John to fame is back, this time in a multi-million-dollar production hip-thrusting into Melbourne on New Year's Eve.

Get ready to sing along to the hits you know and love, as Danny, Sandy, the T- Birds, Pink Ladies, and the iconic White Lightning troupe perform in this energetic musical spectacular. 

Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox

13 January 2024 to 21 January 2024, Comedy Theatre

“No one outfoxes a fox!”

After being adapted to the screen in 2009, the famed children’s story makes its way from the page to the Melbourne stage. 

Live actors and modern animations combine to bring Roald Dahl’s story of a fox looking for a way to save his family and friends to life. 

Dog Man - The Musical

17 January 2024 to 28 January 2024, Athenaeum Theatre

“Will Dog Man save the day?” 

Based on characters from the acclaimed children’s book series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man – The Musical is a show the whole family can enjoy. 

Billed as a ‘performance adventure’, the story follows two schoolkids who write a musical about a crime-fighting character that is ‘part dog, part man, and full hero’ that is out to save the city.

Melbourne's Regent Theatre will be home to a host of musicals in 2024, including Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Wicked the Musical. Image: Supplied

Groundhog Day the Musical

24 January 2024 to 21 April 2024, Princess Theatre

“Get ready to experience Groundhog Day all over again… and again… and again!”

Based on the hit film of the same name, the story follows Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman who find himself stuck in a time loop, in which he is forced to live the same day over and over. Will he be able to figure out how to get back to the real world?  

With music and lyrics by Australia’s Tim Minchin, and following rave reviews in London, get ready for a story full of laughs, heart, magic and self-discovery.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

9 February 2024 to 10 March 2024, Athenaeum Theatre

“It’s just a jump to the left…”

It’s time to do the time warp again. After celebrating 50 years of rocking around the world, Frank-N-Furter and the gang are back for another round of the musical sensation that promises not to be child friendly. 

Become one of the millions of audience members who have joined the fun by singing and dancing along to the hits and dressing up in costume for a raging night out on the town.

Rent

17 February 2024 to 7 March 2024, The Arts Centre

“525,600 minutes…”

Jonathan Larson’s famed '90s musical sings its way back into Melbourne in 2024, giving fans the chance to revel in the magnificent score featuring hits like Out Tonight, La Vie Boheme and, of course, Seasons of Love.  

Following a group of struggling artists trying to make it in a world of creativity, competition, a health epidemic and heartbreak in New York City, see why it became one of the longest-ever running shows on Broadway.

The Sound of Music

1 March 2024 to 17 March 2024, National Theatre

“The hills are alive!”

Based on a true story and made famous by Julie Andrews in the film of the same name, The Sound of Music is a timeless classic for all ages. 

Following a nun who becomes a governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven children as the threat of World War II intensifies in Austria, listen to the beloved melodies from Sixteen Going on Seventeen to Edelweiss and Climb Ev’ry Mountain in this cherished musical performance.

The stunning Princess Theatre will feature the Melbourne premiere of Groundhog Day the Musical. Image: Supplied

Wicked the Musical

6 March 2024 - no end date announced, Regent Theatre

“I want to be pop-u-lar!”

The Wizard of Oz fans rejoice, for the prequel telling the origin story of The Wicked Witch of the West is back once more. 

With modern classics like Defying Gravity and Popular, an impressive production design and iconic stage costuming, discover what really happened in the Land of Oz before Dorothy ever said, “There’s no place like home.”

Chicago

23 March 2024 to 21 April 2024, Her Majesty’s Theatre

“If you can’t be famous, be infamous.”

Straight from the cell block of the Cook Country Jail, prepare to be razzle-dazzled as two murderesses compete for fame and acquittals in a glittering tale of lust, crime, fame, and what ‘justice’ really means in the minds of the media in 1920s Chicago.

With roaring choreography, smash hit tunes like All That Jazz, I Can’t Do It Alone and When You’re Good to Mama, see why it’s the hit with more than 10,000 performances on Broadway – and counting.

SIX the Musical

August 2024 - no end date announced, Comedy Theatre

"Get Down.”

After a successful run in 2022, SIX the Musical returns to Melbourne, in a 75 minute musical extravangaza about the wives of Henry VIII. In this modern re-telling, the six Tudor queens give us their story in a colourful explosion on song, dance, neon, glitter and confetti. 

Beauty and The Beast

6 June 2024 - no end date announced, Her Majesty’s Theatre

“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.”

Not seen on Australian shores since 1995, this enchanting Disney classic makes its triumphant return to Melbourne in 2024.

Based on the Oscar-winning animation film of the same name, families will delight in ‘being the guest’ of beloved characters like Belle, Mrs Pots, Lumiere and Cogsworth in this impressive stage performance of a tale as old as time.

TINA, the Tina Turner Musical

24 September 2024 to 3 November 2024, Princess Theatre

"What's Love Got to Do with It?"

A jukebox musical based on the life, times, and songs of the iconic singer, follow Tina’s journey from the church choir of Tennessee to global superstar as the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. 

Featuring some of her best-loved hits, including River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary, and Nutbush City Limits, her life story is one of determination, passion, music, and overcoming life’s obstacles on the path to becoming a worldwide star.

The MSO dazzles with a series of performances throughout the year. Image: Supplied

Australian Ballet Company, various performances

Various dates during the 2023 and 2024 season, State Theatre, Melbourne

"To surrender my dreams... this may be madness."

The Australian Ballet Company is back with a new season of emotional and captivating performances.

From the tragedy of Swan Lake to the whimsy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland or the classic beauty ofThe Nutcracker,  there’s something for everyone as The Australian Ballet company brings these famed stories of passion, love, and loss to life through dance. 

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, various performances

Various dates and locations during the 2023 and 2024 season

" Enriching lives through music.”

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has another spectacular year of performances to add to your music roster.

Whether it's taking the family to a Classic Kids session, watching your favourite film set to live music, or following the string instrument events throughout the season, there's an event for all music lovers, classical or otherwise, throughout the season. 

RACV Members can save 10 per cent on a range of MSO tickets.