The ultimate theatre guide to Melbourne

See blockbuster musicals and shows, catch a comedy set or head along to hidden venues for something unique.

The exterior of a city theatre lit up pink at night.

Unmissable theatre events

Leonard Cohen wearing a hat, with a background painting of a man standing under a street lamp in the rain with city buildings in the background.

Cohen Noir

An all-star line-up celebrates the timeless music, words and wisdom of Leonard Cohen.

Dark image of a Dracula figure lit with red light on stage.
–

Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest

A bold, cinematic reimagining of the gothic classic.

King Arthur and knights standing on stage in medieval dress.
–

Monty Python's Spamalot

A riotous retelling of the adventures of King Arthur and his loyal Knights.

Two actors wearing formal clothes in a spotlight on a theatre stage during a performance of Pretty Woman: The Musical.
Until

Pretty Woman: The Musical

A dazzling stage adaptation of one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time.

Six female performers on a purple lit stage in costumes and striking poses, all singing into microphones they hold in their hands.
Until

SIX the Musical

SIX the Musical makes its royal stage return to Melbourne's Comedy Theatre.

Singers and dancers on a theatre stage in a scene from A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, with spotlights and stage sets.
Until

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

An inspiring, exhilarating, energetic musical memoir.

Visitors enjoying an evening event at the National Gallery of Victoria, seated on stools under shadowy lighting.
Until

NGV Friday Nights: Cartier

NGV Friday Nights shine with Cartier, featuring live music, flims, food and drinks.

A young person with long blonde hair, wearing a green satin top and making an animated, expressive gesture with hands up near their face against a solid olive-green background.
–

Tegan Higginbotham: Follow That Turtle!

Award-winning comedian Tegan Higginbotham is back with an unmissable hour of stand-up gold.

A woman with theatrical witch makeup and an elaborate, tall gray hairstyle intertwined with dark green foliage poses against a solid light green background.
–

Pulse

Pulse is a love song to a bleeding ocean created by Susan Bamford Caleo and Elissa Goodrich.

A yellow vintage phone on a wooden table illuminated by a desk lamp, part of an interactive theatre installation at the Malthouse Theatre.
Until

The Nightline

A crafted theatrical audio-installation experience inspired by late-night anonymous voice messages.

A person with long brown hair tied back, wearing a black blazer and sunglasses, leans forward to kiss a person wearing a rubber bald head face mask, in a grey pinstripe suit and sunglasses, set against a solid bright green background.
–

Cold War 2.0

An experimental punk show from the twilight of a global crisis by Doppelgangster.

Portrait of Australian musical theatre star Silvie Paladino as she stands with her hands on her hips in a formal gown, in front of bright stage lighting.

Morning Melodies: Silvie Paladino – A Life on Stage

Australian musical theatre star Silvie Paladino reflects on her remarkable journey in the spotlight.

Two performers on a stage, a man dressed in a suit, looking at a man with his arms outstretched suspended by an aerial rope above a low pool of water.
–

Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan

A dazzling new operatic work by some of Australia’s most acclaimed creative talents.

A man and a woman lean forward with wide, surprised facial expressions and open mouths, both extend their hands toward the camera with fingers spread wide in a playful, startled gesture.
–

Cobble Creek Rangers

Nick and Jesi will teach you how to save the planet...sort of.

Illustration of a white swan, a trumpet and a yellow sun, all superimposed on top of each other, against a pale background.
–

The Trumpet of the Swan

An adaptation of E.B. White’s gorgeous novel The Trumpet of the Swan for orchestra and actors.

Three classical musicians surrounded by glittering scolls and stars.

The Wagner Gala Concert

A landmark, one-night-only musical event to mark the reopening of the Ian Potter State Theatre.

Find more theatre shows

Kid's theatre and family shows

Man wearing a tuxedo performing sleight of hands tricks with a glass in front of a seated audience.
Until

Melbourne Magic Show

Enjoy a theatrical magic experience like no other.

A drawing of five colorful sheep (purple, blue, yellow, orange, and red) walking on a green grassy hill with small flowers.
–

Where is the Green Sheep?

A wild and woolly adventure to find that elusive green sheep.

A dancer wears a vibrant green, light-up ballerina-style tutu dress with a matching crown, and large, glowing translucent fairy wings spread out behind her, standing against a dark background.
–

Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Peter Pan lights up Neverland in a dazzling dance spectacle.

Comedy, cabaret and burlesque

The lobby of a comedy venue, with a blue velvet couch and red curtains.
Until

Sunday Night Stand Up Comedy Show

See some of Melbourne's best stand-up comedy, every Sunday night.

Performer breathing fire with head tilted at an angle.
Until

The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque

Experience Melbourne's most intimate variety show in a hidden gem of the city.

Comedian Ross Noble performing stand-up at a small venue with a brick wall background.

Basement Comedy Club

Basement Comedy Club is the hottest underground comedy club around, with big names guaranteed.

Two people on a stage giving each other a high five, one also holding a microphone.
Until

Comedy at the Coopers Inn

A comedy club featuring the best local, interstate and international stand-up comedians.

Stand-up comedian Tommy Little on stage in front of Spleen neon sign, holding microphone and smiling.
Until

Comedy at Spleen

Come along to the city's longest-running comedy night.

Find more comedy

Dance, circus and magic shows

Magician balancing one finger on a globe, suspended updside down, wearing a white suit and hat.
Until

Piccolo Teatro: Magic Theatre

Specialising in astonishing magic shows and immersive live entertainment.

Three ballerinas on a darkened stage in glowing tutu dresses.
Until

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show

The classic fairytale is reimagined with glow-in-the-dark costumes and luminous staging.

Dark image of a Dracula figure lit with red light on stage.
–

Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest

A bold, cinematic reimagining of the gothic classic.

A young girl stands on stage with fallen ballerinas all around her in a production of The Nutcracker.
–

The Australian Ballet: The Nutcracker

Rediscover the childlike joys of the holiday season with the magic of The Nutcracker ballet.

Pre- and post-theatre dining in Melbourne

A table with plates of food and cocktails, and a menu.

The George on Collins

An up-market basement venue and eatery within the historic Georges building.

Table lamp with roses in an upmarket restaurant.

Bistrot d'Orsay

Dark, moody and romantic best describe this authentic, high end French bistro.

Exterior of Supernormal restaurant on a winter's night, with pedestrians walking past, the view though the window is of a warm inviting space.

Supernormal

Asian-inspired dishes alongside delicious wines, sake, whisky and cocktails.

High-backed green stools at a restaurant bar with wine bottles and glasses on display.

Farmer's Daughters

A three-storey farm-to-table venue from Alejandro Saravia, celebrating the Gippsland region.

People standing at the bar or seated at small tables enjoying drinks and snacks.

Bodega Underground

Bodega is a late night taqueria and underground mezcaleria in the basement of the Crossley Hotel.

Terrace with set tables, bathed in red; river to left.

La Camera

Classic Italian food overlooking the river at Southbank.

Moody neon-lit entry to Miss Pearl Bar on Southbank.

Miss Pearl Bar + Dining

Experience modern Asian dining in the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

Range of Japanese dishes, viewed from above, and hands using chopsticks to select food items.

Sake Restaurant & Bar

This luxurious dining space at Hamer Hall offers premium Japanese dishes and sake.

Two friends are leaving a theatre.

The best pre- and post-theatre dining in Melbourne

Fuel up before a big show or extend your city visit at these local eateries.

More to explore

A performer on stage wearing an extravagant, feathery costume.

Theatre and shows

Discover Melbourne's hit musicals, cutting-edge theatre and late-night cabaret shows.

Two friends are leaving a theatre.

The best pre- and post-theatre dining in Melbourne

Fuel up before a big show or extend your city visit at these local eateries.

A fine dining restaurant with a swirling metal light fixture.

Best pre-theatre dining deals

The ultimate pre-theatre dining deals. From quick bites to feasts, here's the best for all budgets.

A spired building on a sunny day

The best kid's theatre shows on in Melbourne

Featuring musical theatre, magic shows and more.

Last updated on Fri 14 Aug 2026

Only In The City

Winter Only in the City - Checkout the cold list

Discover more

Rows of red seats in the historic Princess Theatre.

Princess Theatre

Melbourne’s iconic Princess Theatre is regarded by many as Melbourne’s most spectacular landmark.

Tiered seating and red plush stage curtain.

Her Majesty's Theatre

This heritage-listed theatre has provided entertainment for Melbourne since 1886.

Person behind patterned glass panel.

St Martins Youth Arts Centre

Bold and disruptive theatre made with children and teenagers for adult audiences.

Paintings on the wall of gallery.

fortyfivedownstairs

A not-for-profit arts space with two galleries and a theatre.