Theatre and shows

The ultimate theatre guide to Melbourne

What's on in Melbourne's theatres, clubs, cabaret bars and comedy spots.

Until 29 Dec

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

The inspiring life story of the Queen of Rock, who didn’t just break the rules – she rewrote them.

Until 23 Dec

Love Actually? The Musical Parody

An unforgettable show that celebrates love, laughter and the spirit of the season.

9 – 12 Jan

The Australian Ballet: Storytime Ballet

Be enchanted by The Sleeping Beauty, a Storytime Ballet for kids aged three years and up.

11 reasons to leave work on time

Get the best happy hour deals, cheap tickets to amazing shows and more.

Until 29 Dec

Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical

Experience Disney's new enchanting musical, Beauty and the Beast.

13 Dec – 16 Feb

Darkfield

Be immersed in an audio experience inside a shipping container when Darkfled returns for the summer.

16 Feb – 16 Mar

And Then There Were None

A brand-new production of the bestselling crime novel of all time.

26 Mar – 20 Apr

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Get ready to giggle at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival!

Melbourne's essential night-time events

From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.

Arts House

Contemporary arts space presenting performances, exhibitions and community projects.

Until 14 Dec

Carnival of Karactors

A monthly cabaret show featuring sexy and silly circus artists, comedians and burlesque performers.

27 – 28 Feb

The Female Pope

Witness Rakini Devi's powerful transformative durational performance as part of Asia TOPA.

Until 23 Feb

Sunday Night Stand Up Comedy Show

A mix of comics from the TV and radio, alongside some future stars.

6 – 8 Mar

Sauniga

Join for a work-in-progress sharing by the internationally acclaimed FAFSWAG.

16 – 25 Jan

The Twits

Roald Dahl’s gruesome twosome The Twits return this January.

21 – 23 Feb

Tiny, Fluffy, Sweet

Ultra-cute content steals the spotlight in this endearing new performance premiere.

Comedy Theatre

The historic Comedy Theatre hosts musicals, drama and yes, comedies.

Trades Hall

Home of the Victorian trade union movement and a vibrant arts and theatre venue.

13 – 14 Dec

Lucy Best's Disgraceful Christmas

A naughty and nice one-woman comedy cabaret christmas show, performed by heathen and elf, Lucy Best.

Until 14 Dec

Circus Arcana

A tarot themed circus show

Until 14 Dec

Hänsel und Gretel

Experience a performance of the opera Hänsel und Gretel.

18 – 21 Dec

Christmas Actually

Enjoy the music of Love Actually live onstage.

Hamer Hall

This multi-level concert hall is the largest venue at the Arts Centre.

27 Dec

The Migration Office: A Variety Hour Comedy Show

Bringing rich cultural experiences to the table for an hour of stand-up, clowning and improv.

19 – 20 Dec

The Nutcracker

Journey to the Land of Sweets and create lasting memories with this Christmas ballet favourite.

16 Mar – 11 May

Jesus Christ Superstar

Experience a revived production of this iconic and unmissable musical.

30 – 31 Dec

New Year's Eve (& The Day Before) Gala Concerts

These gala concerts are Melbourne’s favourite way to ring in the new year.

8 – 9 Mar

Gabby's Dollhouse Live

See the world premiere of the preschool sensation, Gabby's Dollhouse Live.

21 Dec – 25 Jan

The Merry Wives of Windsor

A vibrant and eclectic adaption of the great Sir John Fallstaff’s last stand.

28 Feb – 10 Mar

Asia TOPA: Bread, Circuses and Home

An installation and performance series about migration by Delhi-based artist duo Thukral and Tagra.

15 – 17 Jan

Alice in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic is returning to Melbourne for a limited season at the Athenaeum.

13 Dec – 16 Feb

Dear Evan Hansen

Enjoy this brand new production of the Broadway smash-hit musical.

The Comics Lounge Comedy Club

Enjoy a night of laughs, cocktails, food and friends with stand-up comedy acts.

The Improv Conspiracy

Theatre and training centre with four weekly comedy nights and public workshops on improvisation.

21 Dec

Hufflepoof

Join the magical mayhem as a gay Hufflepuff helps Cedric in a spellbinding journey.

Club Voltaire

Intimate theatre space in North Melbourne hosting a variety of shows and entertainment.

Southbank Theatre

Performance space and home of the Melbourne Theatre Company.

21 Dec – 25 Jan

The Wind in the Willows

Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank is brought to life.

Until 29 Dec

A Christmas Carol

A big-hearted, smash-hit production of one man's transformation from resentment to redemption.

Fairfax Studio

An intimate theatre presenting smaller-scale and experimental productions.

La Mama Courthouse

One of the great independent theatres of the city with a focus on diversity and inclusivity.

Speakeasy Theatre

A vaudeville theatre presenting burlesque and cabaret shows, as well as comedy and circus acts.

The Butterfly Club

An intimate theatre hosting quirky performances and serving cocktails in bars with kitsch decor.