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

Dark image of a Dracula figure lit with red light on stage.
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Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest

A bold, cinematic reimagining of the gothic classic.

King Arthur and knights standing on stage in medieval dress.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

An inspiring, exhilarating, energetic musical memoir.

A performer wearing a white trench coat and a pig's snout nose, carrying a chicken head mask under one arm, her other arm raised above her head, standing on a stage in front of a yellow curtain.
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Animal Farm

George Orwell’s classic allegory is unleashed - this isn’t the farm you thought you knew.

Visitors enjoying an evening event at the National Gallery of Victoria, seated on stools under shadowy lighting.
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NGV Friday Nights: Cartier

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

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

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

Two faces superimposed onto an artwork of a rearing horse.
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Ubu Roi

The play that inspired the Theatre of the Absurd, Dadaism and Surrealism.

Two impro actors playing paper, scissors, rock either side of a pretend referee in a black and white striped shirt who holds a whistle.
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Theatresports

Melbourne's longest running improvised comedy show returns for 2026 at the Impro Melbourne Theatre.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River

Twisted Tales and Petrifying Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

A presentation of works by Edgar Allan Poe read by Connor Gale.

Close-up portrait of a woman with short, curly brown hair. She is wearing heavy, dark eye makeup.

La Caduta: Live Play Reading

Live play reading, in both English and Italian.

Ensemble cast of performers on stage, all wearing white t-shirts, blue trousers and braces, with their arms raised in the air, improvising in front of an audience.
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Defrost Festival

Showcasing over 50 unique events dedicated to improv and sketch comedy.

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.
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Cold War 2.0

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

Historic Supreme Court Library interior with red carpet, arched mezzanine story, domed ceiling, stacks of library shelves and portraits.
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Shakespeare in the Supreme

Hear scenes from Shakespeare performed in the historic Supreme Court Library.

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.
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Melbourne Magic Show

Enjoy a theatrical magic experience like no other.

Characters from the PAW Patrol TV series performing live on a theatre stage, with streamers in the air above them and a large audience watching them.
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PAW Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue

The beloved pups of PAW Patrol hit the stage in this interactive live show.

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

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

Find more comedy

Dance, circus and magic shows

Dancers in a studio space, some with strings on them looking like marionettes.
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Time Remaining: Chunky Move

Kinetic lasers and light scan bodies in an atmospheric dance, mesmerising and menacing.

Three ballerinas on a darkened stage in glowing tutu dresses.
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Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show

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

Magician balancing one finger on a globe, suspended updside down, wearing a white suit and hat.
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Piccolo Teatro: Magic Theatre

Specialising in astonishing magic shows and immersive live entertainment.

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

Person behind patterned glass panel.

St Martins Youth Arts Centre

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

Tiered seating and red plush stage curtain.

Her Majesty's Theatre

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

Paintings on the wall of gallery.

fortyfivedownstairs

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