From world-class tennis to Formula 1 and major football finals, here’s your guide to the biggest events coming to Melbourne - and surrounds - across 2025 and 2026.
Entertainment
Annie
Rebecca
CATS
My Brilliant Career
Cluedo
Julius Caesar
Mackenzie
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Opera Australia
The Australian Ballet
Best new musicals and theatre shows coming to Melbourne in 2025 and 2026
Put on your finest costume, and get ready for curtain-up at the best musicals, theatre shows and live entertainment experiences playing in Melbourne in 2025 and 2026.
As one of the most famous theatre cities in the world, there’s plenty to see and enjoy in Melbourne in 2025 and 2026, from fabulous theatre shows and musicals to great eateries around the city's theatres where you can dine or have a drink before or after the theatre.
RACV's partnership with Ticketek and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra means RACV Members can enjoy a range of benefits to shows across Melbourne, including exclusive offers, upgrades and special live entertainment experiences. RACV Members can also save on movie tickets year round.
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For the most up-to-date information on showtimes, prices and dates, please visit the show website.
The best Melbourne musicals, theatre shows and stage productions in 2025
Annie
Until 12 October 2025, Princess Theatre
Annie is a beloved musical that celebrates hope, family and friendship. It’s one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time. Its iconic score features classics like It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow. This small but mighty young girl has returned to stick out her chin and grin once more at the Princess Theatre from July 2025.
Annie focuses on young orphan Annie, a charming and sunny girl despite her rough start at the New York City Orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan in the 1930s. Annie is determined to find her parents, come what may!
The 39 Steps
Until 4 October 2025, Comedy Theatre
What do you get when you mix Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy thriller with Monty Python-style chaos and humour? The 39 Steps: an Olivier- and Tony Award-winning smash hit theatre show. With just four actors playing 130 characters, The 39 Steps offers 100 minutes of non-stop comedic action.
Join Richard Hannay, who finds himself framed for murder and tangled in a web of spies, secrets and seductive strangers. To clear his name, he must outrun the law, outwit international agents, and survive a string of increasingly absurd adventures.
The 39 Steps remixes the Alfred Hitchcock movie into a comedic theatre show.
Here You Come Again
23 October - 15 November 2025, Comedy Theatre
Can't get enough of Dolly Parton? Here You Come Again brings Dolly's songs to life in an all-new musical comedy, full of hits like Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You. The show comes to Melbourne after sold-out seasons across the US and UK, so get your tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.
Here You Come Again follows a diehard Dolly Parton fan (played by Australian Dash Kruck) who receives life lessons from a fantasy version of Dolly (played by musical co-creator Tricia Paoluccio), learning about life, love and how to rise above life's challenges. Complete with an all-Australian ensemble and live band, Here You Come Again is sure to be great fun for everyone.
MJ the Musical
Until 14 December 2025, Her Majesty's Theatre
Everyone knows Michael Jackson: the iconic American singer dubbed the 'King of Pop'. Follow the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour in MJ the Musical, which has won multiple Tony Awards.
You won't just hear Michael's incredible songs live; you'll also get a rare look into his creative mind and collaborative spirit.
Rebecca
30 September - 5 November 2025, Southbank Theatre
Whether you've read Daphne du Maurier's classic 1938 novel Rebecca or not, you'll be swept away by the Melbourne Theatre Company's theatrical rendition.
In this haunting Gothic romance, a young woman marries the dashing, wealthy widower Maxim de Winter in a whirlwind romance and moves to his beautiful estate Manderley. But the new Mrs de Winter is confronted by the suspiciou circumstances of Maxim's first wife Rebecca around every shadowy corner - and the housekeeper Mrs Danvers seems determined to undermine her at every turn.
This is a true thriller for the stage. If you like, you can prep for the show by watching the 1940 or 2020 version of the film Rebecca - or go in blind to enjoy the mystery.
The Talented Mr Ripley
28 October - 23 November 2025, Playhouse Theatre
Savour the captivating tale of Tom Ripley, orphan pauper turned master deceiver in 1950s New York, in this adaptation from page to stage. The Talented Mr Ripley was originally a 1955 psychological thriller novel by Patricia Highsmith, and has enjoyed numerous film and television adaptations since.
On stage, watch as Tom Ripley becomes obsessed with the wealthy life of shipping magnate's son Dickie Greenleaf. Starting to imitate Dickie's every move - his clothes, his mannerisms - it isn't long until Ripley takes dark new steps to live the life he craves. Follow his story along the hedonistic Italian Riviera at the Arts Centre's Playhouse Theatre this year.
The Talented Mr Ripley is a psychological thriller for the ages. Image: Derek Henderson
Much Ado About Nothing
14 November - 19 December 2025, Southbank Theatre
Strap in for a modern rendition of Shakespeare's beloved Much Ado About Nothing, a classic enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy. Beatrice and Benedick love to hate each other, but their friends know they're perfect for each other.
This play is packed with intrigue, drama and romance - plus a second romance plot between Claudio and Hero, which is threatened by the villainous Don John. But it's Beatrice and Benedick who shine in Much Ado About Nothing thanks to their sharp, witty banter.
Love, Actually? Musical Parody
6 - 23 December 2025, Athenaeum Theatre
Whether you love, hate or have never seen the popular Christmas rom-com film Love, Actually, you'll be smiling and laughing your way through this off-Broadway sendup. Follow nine quirky (and questionable) couples looking for love in London is a hilarious tale of finding love at the happiest time of the year.
Watch nine strange and delightful tales of romance at Love, Actually? Musical Parody.
The Nutcracker
11 - 23 December 2025, Princess Theatre
Relive one of ballet's most iconic stories this Christmas by watching The Nutcracker in theatre. Presented by the BIG Live ballet company and their world-class dancers from around the globe, The Nutcracker is sure to delight the whole family with its captivating story, music and dancing.
The Nutcracker is a classical ballet by Tchaikovsky that's set on Christmas Eve. A young girl's wooden nutcracker doll comes to life and leads the girl into a lovely adventure full of gingerbread men, snowflakes and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy.
ANASTASIA The Broadway Musical
20 December 2025 - 1 February 2026, Regent Theatre
Do you remember the hit 1997 animated film by the name of Anastasia, that followed the amnesiac Anastasia (Anya) Romanov as she journeyed to discover her past? Whether you fondly remember the musical movie or not, Anastasia The Broadway Musical is sure to delight both young and old with is romantic, adventure-filled story.
This dazzling production is coming to Australia for the first time, featuring beloved songs like Once Upon a December and Journey to the Past. Journey from the twilight years of the Imperial rule in Russia to the euphoric 1920s Paris with a brave young woman, a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat as they help Anya find her family.
You might remember first watching Anastasia as the 1997 animated musical film.
CATS
From 21 December 2025, Hamer Hall
Book in now to see the musical CATS on the 40th Australian anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's sparkling feline musical.
Adapted from T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this groundbreaking musical tells the story of the Jellicle Ball. At this ball, which takes place just one night a year, the Jellicle cats meet to see who will be chosen by Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, to go up to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.
Shrek the Musical
7 - 10 January 2026, Playhouse Theatre
Experience a topsy-turvy fairytale in a kingdom far, far away (also known as the Playhouse): Shrek the Musical is coming to town! This limited season has all your favourite characters: Shrek the grumpy ogre, talkative Donkey, feisty Princess Fiona, ruthless Lord Farquaad and fearsome (and lovely) Dragon. Don't miss out!
The wait is almost ogre for Shrek the Musical.
My Brilliant Career
23 January - 28 February 2026, Southbank Theatre
Back by popular demand, the smash-hit musical My Brilliant Career returns to demonstrate once again that you don't keep a fierce woman down. Watch singer-songwriter Sybylla Melvyn reject the future that 1890s Australian society expects of her, instead challenging class, gender and family to find her own voice. Enjoy a powerhouse score full of pop, rock and bush ballads.
My Brilliant Career is headlined by the formidable Kala Gare.
Cluedo
From February 2026, Comedy Theatre
Six guests gather at Boddy Manor - but who is the murderer? Inspired by the classis Hasbro board game, Cluedo is a comedy-drama that'll keep you guessing whodunnit right to the end. Was it Professor Plum in the billiards room with the candlestick? Or was it Mrs Peacock in the library with the knife?
Find out whodunnit in Cluedo.
Julius Caesar
23 April - 10 May 2026, Fairfax Studio
Shakespeare's political masterpiece Julius Caesar comes to life with Peter Evans' thrilling new production. Senators Brutus and Cassius are growing nervous at Caesar's growing power in the Roman Republic, which hasn't had a king for four centuries. Discover the conspiracy that led to Caesar's famous assassination, and the storm of civil war that followed.
See Julius Caesar brought to life in a thrilling new production.
Mackenzie
24 June - 9 August 2026, Fairfax Studio
Mackenzie is the Bell Shakespeare theatre company's latest reimagining: this time, a twisted and deeply camp version of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
It charts 13-year-old Mackenzie's rise to pop artist fame, fuelled by a cutthroat stage mum who'll stop at nothing to make her daughter a star. Set in the early 2000s, expect a wild ride that'll leave you both laughing and disturbed.
Prepare for a macabre yet funny play (with songs) when you go to see Mackenzie.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Various locations and dates
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 or Jams for Juniors session, watching your favourite film set to live music, or following the major orchestral events throughout the season, there's an event for all music lovers, classical or otherwise, throughout the season.
Some sure-to-sell-out events include:
- Marvel Studios' Infinity Saga Concert Experience (16 - 18 October 2025) - this film concert features heroic scenes and live music from the twenty-three Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, featuring MCU heroes like Iron Man, Thor, Captian America, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, the Guardians of the Galaxy and more.
- The Music of Joe Hisashi (6 - 8 November 2025) - Studio Ghibli classics like My Neighbour Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Spirited Away.
- Art of the Score: James Horner (27 - 28 March 2026) - iconic scores like Braveheart, Apollo 13, Titanic and Aliens.
- Disney's Beauty and the Beast in Concert (10 - 11 April 2026) - take the kids to this film screening with Alan Menken's iconic score performed live by the MSO.
- Jurassic Park in Concert (23 - 26 April 2026) - John Williams' Jurassic Park score is one of his most famous; hear it live as the movie plays on the big screen.
RACV Members can save 10 per cent on a range of MSO tickets.
The MSO dazzles with a series of performances throughout the year.
Opera Australia
Various dates, Regent Theatre
Carmen (15 - 25 November 2025) is a smouldering, passionate story of a woman who won't give up her freedom, and a man (Don José) who won't give up his woman. Follow the iconic femme fatale as her dance with destiny ends in disaster.
The Barber of Seville (31 October - 5 November 2025) is a playful operatic comedy that follows young lovers Count Almaviva and Rosina as they struggle to be together and defy greedy Bartolo, Rosina's guardian, with the help of town barber Figaro.
Orpheus & Eurydice (2 - 5 December 2025) blends opera and acrobatics to tell the tragic story of Orpheus, who must venture into Hades (Hell) to rescue his beloved Eurydice. This production is in association with Circa, a showstopping circus artist company.
La Traviata (8 - 16 May 2026) is a fresh rendition of the classic opera about the coveted Parisian courtesan Violetta, who dreams to break free of her past when she meets the young bourgeois Alfredo.
La Bohème (7 - 15 November 2026) tells the story of young artists in 1830s Paris who love fiercely but struggle to make ends meet. Both beautiful and sad, La Bohème is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide.
The Australian Ballet
Various dates, Regent Theatre
Prism (25 September – 4 October 2025) is a contemporary triple bill full of raw intensity and revolutionary design from three of the world’s most inspired choreographers: William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins and Stephanie Lake.
Manon (10 – 22 October 2025) is a devastating love story of desire and greed based on Abbé Prévost’s 1731 novel. From high society 18th-century Paris to the gritty streets of New Orleans, Manon tells a story of a young girl desperate to rise above her lowly origins and forced to choose between her true love or a life of lavish splendour.
Flora (12 - 21 March 2026) is a bold new collaboration between the Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre. This dance explores the evolution of Australian flora through the lens of major historic and environmental events.
Romeo and Juliet (6 - 16 June 2026) is a shining new interpretation of the world's most famous love story. Choreographer John Cranko has transformed the Shakespearan play into acompelling classical ballet to the sound of Sergei Prokofiev's dramatic score. Enjoy this timeless tale of forbidden love in medieval Verona.
The Sleeping Beauty (9 - 28 October 2026) showcases Germany's premier ballet company, The Stuttgart Ballet, performing Marcia Haydée's The Sleeping Beauty in a Melbourne-exclusive season presented by The Australian Ballet. This beautiful fairytale is dramatic and dark, with a grand battle between the wicked Carabosse and the pure Lilac Fairy.
