Want a front row seat to some of the best musicals and stage productions coming down under? Not to worry, Brisbane has a few of the most popular productions on offer this theatre season and they are definitely not to miss.
We’ve got a stacked lineup of the upcoming theatre shows Brisbane is scoring this year and next year that’ll have you snapping up tickets, from iconic musicals to world-renowned plays. So book in that early bird pre-show dinner and prepare to be entertained.
If you're willing to travel for a good show, check out what's playing in Sydney and Melbourne.
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Shake & Stir Frankenstein
The monsters are moving from under the bed to the Playhouse at QPAC this May. Shake & Stir are bringing their powerful reimagination of the famous Frankenstein story to Brisbane after playing to packed houses in Melbourne and Sydney. Art meets science fiction on stage as Nick Skubij, Director, brings together “140sqm of immersive video surfaces, state of the art automation, pyrotechnics and a sweeping cinematic score” to tell the story of Victor Frankenstein and the consequences of meddling with life and death. A performance that will entice theatre nerds and newcomers alike, it will play for a limited season from 24 May to 8 June. To see innovative production elements injected into an age old story, you can get your tickets .
The Details
Jesus Christ Superstar
Image credit: Jesus Christ Superstar | Supplied
It has officially been 50 years since Jesus Christ Superstar rocked the world, and what better way to celebrate than to do it all again, but bigger and better? The show has won not only the praise of many, but also some of the biggest accolades in the theatre world. With lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, you just know it’s going to be good. The 50th Anniversary tour will feature Australian recording artist Michael Paynter as Jesus, Javon King as Judas, and Mahalia Barnes as Mary. Brisbane tickets aren’t available yet, but make sure to join the waitlist to be alerted when they are.
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Calamity Jane
Full of grit, wit and a whole lotta unruliness is Calamity Jane, the beloved Western story set to be held at Bille Brown Theatre next year. Be prepared to be transported to the wild Deadwood, where a bold frontierswoman with an adventurous spirit took the world by a storm. Naomi Price will play the role of Calamity Jane in a rowdy, unpredictable reimagining of the classic tale. Filled with the revered piano numbers of “Secret Love” and “The Black Hills of Dakota,” this fresh take trades Doris Day’s charm for raw edge and side-splitting humour—you can get your tickets .
The Details
Seussical The Musical
Image Credit: Seussical | Supplied
Fans of Dr. Seuss, musical theatre, and good ol’ family fun are in for a treat because Stage School Australia is making its highly anticipated return to the Brisbane stage with Seussical. Bringing to life beloved stories like Horton Hears A Who!, The Cat In The Hat, and Green Eggs And Ham, the dazzling production will delight audiences over the April school holidays with colourful costumes, enchanting musical numbers, and a host of hilarious characters. Following the sell-out success of Stage School Australia’s The Wizard of Oz in September last year, the nationally renowned performing arts school will be showcasing the next generation of Queensland stars in this high-energy extravaganza. Grab your tickets .
The Details
When: 15-17 April
Where: Draney Theatre, Ashgrove
Find out more .
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular
Image credit: Danny Kaan | Supplied
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular is touching down in Brisbane this May with a show that's garnered fans all around the globe. Part musical theatre, part rock and roll concert, this adaption of the world-renowned musical spectacular is especially designed for larger venues, featuring an extended cast and an orchestra of over 65—so it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable night. With a stellar cast that includes Les Mis’ veterans and stage legends like Michael Ball, Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly, the world tour will definitely be a fan favourite with additional performances added to its Australian leg due to phenomenal demand. Simply put, you don't want to miss this absolute blockbuster. Grab your tickets .
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The Dictionary of Lost Words
From multiple-award-winning novel to popular stage adaptation, The Dictionary of Lost Words is hitting Brisbane early next year as a part of QPAC’s 40th anniversary. Set during the height of women’s suffrage and at the start of WWI, this show will tug at your heartstrings while telling the coming-of-age story of Esme Nicoll and her creation of a magical dictionary of discarded words during the compilation of the first Oxford English Dictionary. Adapted for the stage by Verity Laughton, starring Arkia Ashraf, Rachel Burke and more, this show will be a hard one to miss. The season will include Auslan-interpreted and audio-described shows, as well as a tactile tour of props and costumes for those who are blind or have low vision. Tickets are now available .
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Pretty Woman The Musical
Image credit: Pretty Woman The Musical | Supplied
Baby, this musical is going to treat you so nice, you’re not gonna wanna miss it. Forgive the corniness, but it is true—Pretty Woman: The Musical is coming to QPAC in October, and it is a production you definitely want to note in the calendar. Even if you’ve never seen the movie, you can’t go wrong with the musical, featuring a powerhouse combination of direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell, and an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. An iconic romantic comedy, the performance blends Hollywood, Broadway and legends of music to bring the story of Vivian and Edward to the stage. One for the hopeless romantics, while tickets aren't on sale just yet, you can sign up to the waitlist .
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A Few Good Men
You know the movie—now watch the play it was based on, which dominated Broadway back in 1989. A thrilling story inspired by the events at Guantanamo Bay in 1986, A Few Good Men follows the death of a US marine and the conspiracies that follow, shedding a light on the toxic internal culture of the United States military. Donned by the New York Daily News as a ‘Enormously Entertaining’, this thrilling tale of justice, power, and accountability is a powerful addition to Brisbane's theatre scene—and it goes without saying, a must watch.
The Details
Annie
It’s a hard knock life but Brisbane has plenty of reasons to celebrate with a season of the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie coming to town. The nationwide tour will be taking over QPAC’s Lyric Theatre this December with a star-studded cast proving exactly why Annie is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time. From Broadway talent Anthony Warlow returning as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks to the original Yellow Wiggle Greg Page in his first musical theatre role as President Roosevelt, Annie is a surefire hit the whole family will love. Tickets are on sale from 6 May—sign up for the waitlist .
The Details
When: From December
Where: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Find out more .
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Image credit: Pride & Predjudice | Supplied