Breaking News - Whats The Show

Mi Todo Productions In Association With Qtopia Presents Casey And Diana

19/06/2026 Breaking News

October 1991. Inside Toronto’s Casey House hospice, Thomas has been asking himself questions like – why hasn’t his roommate seen Steel Magnolias? And how did that diner get these eggs to smell like cat food? But now… he’s asking himself the most important question of all: what is the perfect ice-breaking question to ask a Princess?

Casey and Diana, by award-winning playwright Nick Green, was inspired by Princess Diana’s real visit to Casey House on 25 October 1991, 35 years ago this year. Since its 2023 Stratford festival premiere Casey and Diana has continued on to sold-out seasons across Canada and the US.

This award-winning play (Best New Canadian Play, Toronto Theatre Critics’ Awards (2024); Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for Outstanding New Play (2024); Heritage Toronto Award (2024)) explores the extraordinary capacity of people to care – and how through compassion and forgiveness this capacity can grow. It’s an intimate and unexpectedly uplifting countdown to Princess Diana’s arrival – where empathy triumphed over stigma.

Darkly humorous and unflinchingly honest, the play honours caregivers and patients whose small, everyday acts of love built courage in the face of loss.

“Believe the hype, ‘Casey and Diana’ is stellar” Now Magazine
“A moving celebration of women who choose compassion over fear” Globe and Mail
“Breathtaking and poignant” Broadway World

Mi Todo Productions (Mary Jane, ★★★★.5 – John Shand, SMH, Es & Flo,★★★★ – Suzy Goes See) is proud to present the Australian premiere of this award-winning and moving play. Nancy Denis (Ma’p Boulé, ★★★★ – SMH) directs her first full-scale production with a stellar cast, featuring Chad Traupmann (Foam, ★★★★.5 – Sydney Arts Guide), Lucy Miller (Heaven, ★★★★ – Sydney Arts Guide), Gabriel Alvarado (Clyde’s, ★★★★ – SMH), Linda Nicholls-Gidley (Monster, ★★★★.5 – SMH), Isabel Burton (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bell Shakespeare) returning to Mi Todo Productions after her acclaimed performance in Mary Jane, and Lib Campbell (Cluedo, ★★★★.5 – Limelight) as Princess Diana in a show that transforms history into a living act of remembrance – a luminous story about dignity, care, and the sound of hope.

DATES: Wednesday 22nd July – Saturday 8th August
TIMES: Tuesday – Saturday at 7pm
LOCATION: Qtopia, The Loading Dock Theatre
BOOKINGS: https://tickets.qtopiasydney.com.au/Events/Casey-and-Diana/

TICKETS: From $29

WRITER Nick Green
DIRECTOR Nancy Denis
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Chad Traupmann
PRODUCER Sasha Lian
STAGE MANAGER Alexis Worthing
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Maitê Inaê
COSTUME DESIGNER Laura Mazikana
MARKETING Maddy Withington
DIALECT COACH Linda Nicholls-Gidley
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Zakk Allen and Attu Ngor

CAST Gabriel Alvarado, Isabel Burton, Lib Campbell, Lucy Miller, Linda Nicholls-Gidley, Chad Traupmann

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Ilbijerri Theare Company Presents – Gunawarra Re-creation: Re-imagining A Living Story

16/06/2026 Breaking News

Gunawarra Re-Creation, scripted by proud Taun Wurrung playwright Isobel Morphy-Walsh, is a contemporary play grounded in an uninterrupted ancestral storyline, expressed through memory, song and dance, where past and present collide.

Drawing from the traditional Kulin story of Gunawarra — the black swan and how it came to have black feathers — the work follows three generations of women reconnecting on Taungurung Country after significant life disruptions. “Growing up, my sister and I listened to our father telling creation stories, continuing rich oral traditions around fires, at bedtime, at community gatherings, and as part of ceremony. He told these stories to respond to life events,” explains Isobel.

From an early age, Isobel learnt that creation stories are living and breathing narratives, handed down through generations, and shared as frameworks for both the storyteller and listener to interpret through their own lived experiences. “Being one of many Gunawarra, Black Swan, woman, I was inspired to share a version of Gunawarra’s creation and how that connects to my family and I, in my first written play.”

Leading this new season of Gunawarra Re-Creation is award-winning Artistic Director Andrea James, a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai woman, marking her directorial debut with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company. Andrea follows in the footsteps of the company’s former Artistic Director, Dr Rachael Maza AM – a proud Yidinji, Meriam and Dutch woman – who originally premiered the play with Melbourne Theatre Company in 2024. “We so rarely get the chance to remount new work in Australia, especially a play that is so generously gifted and richly layered,” says Andrea. This new season has created space to delve deeper into the script and connect more profoundly with Country, uncovering further layers of cultural and spiritual healing. “Collaborating with new actors alongside original cast members and drawing on what each artist emotionally brings, the new work production has renewed energy. I have a play that truly flexes artistic muscle.”

For First Nations audiences, the production invites people to find and carry their own version of ‘Gunawarra’ as they navigate life within our current world. For non-Indigenous audiences, the play offers an opportunity to experience how First Peoples’ stories remain alive and how ancestral narratives impart lessons that resonate within contemporary life. As the play unfolds, audiences are imparted with a powerful sense of the strength, authority and wisdom carried by Blak women, and their extraordinary capacity to heal.

Content warning: Gunawarra Re-Creation references rape, sexual assault, violence, forced removal of children and genocide.

Gunawarra Re-Creation was developed through the ILBIJERRI Blackwrights Program with the support of City of Melbourne, Bowden Marstan Foundation, Equity Trustees and InPlace. Gunawarra Re-creation was originally co-produced with Melbourne Theatre Company as part of Blak in the Room 2024.

CAST:
Gunawarra – Hannah Morphy-Walsh (Taun Wurrung)
Aunty Aggie – Lisa Maza (Yidinji, Meriam)
Roo – Melodie Reynolds-Diarra (Wongutha, Nadju, Mirning)
Murrun – Miela Anich (Badu/Kala Lagaw Ya)

CREATIVES:
Writer – Isobel Morphy-Walsh (Taun Wurrung)
Director (Remounted Production) – Andrea James (Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai)
Director (Premiere Production) – Dr Rachael Maza AM (Yidinji, Meriam)
Dramaturg – Amy Sole (Wiradjurri, Worimi)
Set & Costume Designer – Dann Barber
Associate Set & Costume – Emma Salmon (Nyikina)
Lighting Designer – Katie Sfetkidis
Sound Designer/Composer – James Henry (Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, Yorta Yorta, Yuin)
Movement Consultant – Zoë Brown-Holten ((Th)Dunghutti, Gomeroi)
Stage Manager – Natasha Marich
Production Manager – Jess Maguire
Producer – Phoebe Watson (Gunditjmara)
Photography – Tiffany Garvie (Gunggari)

2026 TOUR:
SOUTH BANK THEATRE – NAIDOC WEEK – 50 YEARS OF DEADLY – Wednesday 8 July to Saturday 11 July 2026
GEELONG ARTS CENTRE – Friday 17 July to Saturday 18 July 2026
QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (QPAC) – CLANCESTRY – Wednesday 5 August to Saturday 8 August 2026

TICKET PURCHASE: https://www.ilbijerri.com.au/event/gunawarra-re-creation/

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Monty Python’s Spamalot Is Bound For Australia!

14/06/2026 Breaking News

THE SHOW THAT SET BROADWAY BACK 1,000 YEARS IS BOUND FOR AUSTRALIA! THE TONY AWARD–WINNING BEST MUSICAL COMEDY – LOVINGLY RIPPED OFF FROM THE MOTION PICTURE MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL

The legendary search for the Holy Grail is officially headed for Australia! After a spectacular season at Perth’s Planet Royale in May, Drew Anthony Creative has today announced that the Tony Award–winning Best Musical, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, will gallop into Melbourne and Sydney for a limited engagement during September and October this year.

This riotous retelling of the adventures of King Arthur and his loyal Knights features a book and lyrics by Monty Python’s very own Eric Idle, with a celebrated score by John Du Prez and Idle. The hilarious and clever production ruthlessly—and affectionately—parodies the staples of musical theatre, showcasing a truly unique blend of powerful Broadway-style vocals, tap-dancing knights, and even the occasional flying cow!

Since its 2005 Broadway debut, where it garnered 14 Tony Award nominations and secured three wins including Best Musical, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT has established itself as a landmark of contemporary musical theatre. Renowned for its anarchic comedic style and sharp absurdity, the production features a legendary score with infectious classics such as “Find Your Grail,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” and the iconic “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”.

This highly anticipated run will commence at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre before travelling to Sydney for performances at the Sydney Event Centre and the Sydney Coliseum Theatre.

“After celebrating 20 years since the original production last year, it is a great honour to restore MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT’s place on Australian shores for fans who have longed for its return and for new audiences to meet the Knights of the Round Table for the first time,” said producer Drew Anthony. “I’m thrilled to bring this hilarious show to audiences at a time when we all need to look on the bright side of life!”

“Camp, comical, and bursting with talent, this is a show not to be missed.” Out in Perth

“It’s a very entertaining night out whatever your favourite flavour of theatre.” Broadway World

“Monty Python devotees will undoubtedly love Spamalot and have a joyous time reliving the hilarious and timeless scenes from the movie.” Australian Arts Review

“Lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 cinematic masterpiece Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the award winning musical offers everything a theatregoer could desire – French taunters, killer rabbits, fish slapping, and the magnificent Lady of the Lake.

While casting and further creative details are to be shared at a later date, the arrival of this beloved classic promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for east coast audiences.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from 16 September until 11 October. The show will play at the Sydney Event Centre from 15 – 18 October, before transferring to Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill where it will play from 22 – 25 Oct 2026.

Audiences can sign up for the waitlist for both Melbourne and Sydney here.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public for Melbourne on Friday 19 June and for Sydney on Monday 29 June via www.ticketmaster.com.au. This production is recommended for audiences 12 years +.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Mj The Michael Jackson Musical Opens In Perth

11/06/2026 Breaking News

MJ THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL has opened in Perth at Crown Theatre, with the official Opening Night tomorrow evening, Wednesday 10 June. After an incredible national tour thrilling more than 750,000 Australians in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Perth is the final stop and the last opportunity to see the show in Australia! The stellar Australian principal cast is led by Broadway Star Ilario Grant as MJ and Australian performer Liam Damons as Michael in his teenage years. Rounding out the principal cast is Albany born and raised Tim Wright as Dave; original Broadway company member Oyoyo Joi as Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson/Kate; Conlon Bonner as the dual roles of Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones; J. Daughtry as Michael’s father, Joseph, and his tour director, Rob; and Yashith Fernando as Alejandro. Joining the Perth cast are Kyle Lamar Mitchell as Berry Gordy and Nick, and Sarah Morrison as MTV journalist Rachel.

MJ The Musical - Illario Grant_credit_Daniel Boud_800_HEBE.jpg

MJ The Musical_Sydney Lyric_credit_Daniel Boud_692 Si.jpg

FACTS AND FIGURES
More than 7 million people worldwide have seen MJ.
Winner of four Tony Awards® for Best Choreography for the show’s Director and Choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon; Best Actor in a Musical for the show’s original Broadway star, Myles Frost; Best Lighting Design of a Musical; and Best Sound Design of a Musical.
Since its Broadway debut in February 2022, MJ has become a global sensation, with acclaimed productions staged in London, Germany and across the U.S.

Set in 1992, the musical offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s iconic Dangerous World Tour. The production goes far beyond the signature moves and global hits, inviting audiences to share in the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. Set over 3 days in the rehearsal room, the smash hit show is brought to life through the lens of an MTV journalist granted rare rehearsal-room access. The production features more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits – including Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Man in The Mirror and Thriller.

Brought to Australia by leading producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, the Australian production of MJ premiered at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre on Saturday 8 March 2025 to roaring acclaim.

The internationally renowned creative team includes Tony Award winning choreography by Christopher Wheeldon OBE, Scenic Design by Tony Award and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award winner Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by Tony Award and Olivier Award winning Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe (The Color Purple) and Make-up Design by Joe Dulude II. Musical Supervision is by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple).

All Perth performances are on sale now until 19 July 2026 and selling quickly! So book your tickets now as you won’t want to miss the final chance in Australia to see MJ THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL.

Tickets available from Ticketmaster and mjthemusical.com.au.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Subscribe to What's The Show

Connect Online