Comedy - Whats The Show

Steel Magnolias Returns To Stages Across Australia In 2026

25/11/2025 Breaking News🥉

The iconic story that made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with six extraordinary women is back — live on stage in a dazzling new Australian production. Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of STEEL MAGNOLIAS will come alive under the direction of Lee Lewis and a cast of six powerhouse actors. STEEL MAGNOLIAS will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026.

Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.

“Following our recent tours of The Woman in Black, Shirley Valentine and The 39 Steps, we’re thrilled to bring STEEL MAGNOLIAS to Australian audiences,” said producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward. “The fierce, funny and resilient friendships in the story have always inspired us. It’s a privilege to work with Lee Lewis again, whose direction of Shirley Valentine we so admired, and to bring the heart, humour and spirit of STEEL MAGNOLIAS to the stage with a stellar ensemble of Australia’s most exceptional talent.”

STEEL MAGNOLIAS originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988 and toured to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, featuring a cast which included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut. The 2026 Australian tour cast will be announced in coming months.

Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, STEEL MAGNOLIAS delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
By Robert Harling
Director – Lee Lewis
Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins
Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions
By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical
On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company

SEASON DETAILS

BRISBANE
Venue: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
Season: 30 April – 10 May
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: qpac.com.au
Tickets on sale from 9am (Brisbane time) today

SYDNEY
Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Season: 13 – 31 May
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: theatreroyalsydney.com
Tickets on sale now

WOLLONGONG
Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Season: 3 – 11 June
Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: merrigong.com.au
Tickets on sale now

CANBERRA
Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre
Season: 17 – 21 June
Performance Times: Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Presale from 25 November 10am, General Public sale from 26 November 10am

PERTH
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Season: 7 – 18 July
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au
Tickets on sale from 10am (Perth time) today

MELBOURNE
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre
Season: 23 July – 9 August
Performance Times: Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au
Groups 20+ visit ticketmaster.com.au

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Wyrd Sisters – Brisbane Arts Theatre

16/11/2025 Jules Hart🆕

Wyrd Sisters Rating

★★★★★

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Stephen Briggs adaptation of Terry Pratchetts fantasy fiction novel Wyrd sisters, invites the audience into a world of parody in a humorous blend of Monty Python absurdism meets Shakespeare.

Opening with three witches (the Wyrd Sisters) huddled over a cauldron we hear the line: “When shall we three meet again?” and with a deadpan “Well I can do next Tuesday”, the satirical tone is set and we soon realise this play won’t take itself too seriously. Woven into this fantasy adaptation are meddling witches, a scheming duke and duchess, a murdered king’s ghost, a baby heir smuggled into hiding, a travelling troupe of actors and a reluctant fool. Restoring the rightful heir to the throne becomes the witches’ main plight all while challenging the philosophy of whether we control our destiny or it controls us.

Director Sally Daly undoubtedly had a task ahead of her bringing Wyrd Sisters to life and to eager Pratchett fans and non-fans alike. Stephen Briggs script manages to weave wit, fantasy, magic and thought-provoking narratives inside nuanced references to Macbeth. And in playful meta-theatrical style it makes nod to Hamlet and A Midsummer night’s dream.

The Stagehouse theatre, plays host to this production and offers a lovely expansive stage. The tri-level minimalist set relies heavily on the lighting to shape scenes requiring more intimate space. At other times the very large stage wasn’t helpful to the actors and often diminished the actors’ presence and impact.

Sound also proved challenging. Without strong projection or microphones, several lines were lost into the void, extinguishing the punch of some of the sharper comedic beats. This was disappointing for the actors and I noticed more than a few audience members leaning in to hear. Sound projection was an ongoing issue, especially with the Fool (Sam Bentley), whose enthusiastic movement and antics often muffled his dialogue.

Sam Bentley as The Fool embodies the presence and accent reminiscent of Lord Percy in the Black Adder, and is very fitting to this period piece.

Costuming was on point and provided much of the authenticity and atmosphere this farcical period piece demanded. The three witches each had their own distinctive costume style as are their characters. Granny Weatherwax played by Amanda Lay provided a formidable anchor for the two other witches. The junior witch Magrat played by Marisa Bucolo added a youthful energy to her role. Nicky Whichelow as Nanny Ogg is a standout with her delightful contorted facial expressions providing great comic relief.

The Duke (Aodhan Thomas) and Duchess (Jacqueline Ellis) deliver their lines with confidence though there are times when their exchanges lack cohesion and flow. The duke navigates his personal demise and nervous breakdown with great energy again emphasising a nod to Shakespeare.

Nick Daly’s portrayal of the oblivious heir Tomjon shines with his bright upper register voice, conveying the naivety and innocence essential to the character.

Special mention goes to the support actors and ensemble cast who often play more than one role with quick changes. Although the first act suffered with some pacing issues, and tentative delivery of dialogue at times, the second act was a lot stronger. The sound projection had improved, and I’m sure these opening night nerves and tweaks will resolve with future shows.

All things considered, the production’s strong ensemble work and the clever Shakespeare-tinged script make Wyrd Sisters an entertaining show.

Wyrd Sisters is running at StageHouse theatre Stafford for a limited season until the 22nd of November.

For bookings go to: Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters Tickets, Stagehouse Theatre, Stafford | TryBooking Australia

To book tickets to Wyrd Sisters, please visit https://www.artstheatre.com.au/wyrd-sisters/.

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The Five-star Musical Comedy Sensation Pride And Prejudice* (*sort Of) To Tour Australia In 2026

29/10/2025 Breaking News🥉

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is heading Down Under. The 2026 Australian tour will play at Melbourne’s Atheneum Theatre from 18 June, Sydney Opera House from 16 July, IPAC Wollongong from 2 September, Canberra Theatre Centre from 16 September and QPAC, Brisbane from 30 September. Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Men, money and microphones are fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. This “smart, laugh out loud funny” (Daily Telegraph) show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain. Coming to Australia for the first time, five fearless women bring Austen’s world of love, class and chaos to life with heart, humour and unstoppable energy in this modern take on one of the world’s most adapted pieces of literature.

Producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward said, “We both saw Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) in London. It opened in the West End not long after Covid had ravaged the arts, and it was a hilarious little joy-bomb that we all badly needed to bring us back to theatres. It is clever, funny and quirky, and allows a cast of amazing female actors, comediennes and singers to showcase all of their skills. We can’t wait to bring the show to Australia for the first time… and to reveal the amazing performers who will bring the show to life!”

★★★★★ “Faithful to the book, it’s also a raucously irreverent romp” – Daily Mail
★★★★★ “Riotously funny… gloriously entertaining… frankly sensational” – Variety
★★★★★ “Layer and layer of brilliance” – The Scotsman

www.prideandprejudicesortof.com.au

Pride and Prejudice (sort of) (c) Mihaela Bodlovicast 5.jpg

Pride and Prejudice (sort of) (c) Mihaela Bodlovicast 3.jpg

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*sort of)
By Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen
Original production directed by Isobel McArthur
Co-Director Simon Harvey
Produced by Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions by arrangement with David Pugh Limited

SEASON DETAILS

MELBOURNE
Venue: Atheneum Theatre
Season: 18 June – 12 July
Performance Times: Tues-Wed 7pm, Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm
Prices: From $65 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au

SYDNEY
Presented by Sydney Opera House
Venue: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Season: 16 July – 30 August
Performance Times: Tues-Sun 7pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 1 or 2pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $69 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/theatre/pride-prejudice-sort-of
Presales from 28 October, General Public sale from 31 October

WOLLONGONG
Presented by Merrigong Theatre Company
Venue: IMB Theatre, IPAC
Season: 2-13 September
Performance Times: Tue 6.30pm, Wed-Thurs 6:30 or 7:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 11am, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $84 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: merrigong.com.au
Tickets on sale from 4 November

CANBERRA
Venue: Canberra Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre
Season: 16-27 September
Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Sat & Sun 1:30pm, Sun 6:30pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $65.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Presales from 29 October, General Public sale from 30 October

BRISBANE
Venue: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
Season: 30 September – 18 October
Performance Times: Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $65 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: qpac.com.au

Waitlist now at www.prideandprejudicesortof.com.au

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Rising From The Ashes Of Bazball: Cricket The Musical To Tour Australia This Summer

29/10/2025 Breaking News🥉

By overwhelming demand, the wickedly funny singer, songwriter and satirist Denis Carnahan is making a triumphant return to the stage this summer with his hilarious one-man cult hit musical comedy show, Cricket The Musical. Playing in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney from November 2025 through to January 2026, Cricket The Musical will follow the English Cricket Team’s tour of Australia. “The 2025/26 cricket season is destined to be filled with controversy and pantomime, from the World Test Championship to the West Indies series, followed by the always hilarious touring English Cricketers. They’re still smarting from the Farce of the Wandering Bairstow, and sure to bring the slapstick of Bazball,” said Carnahan. “Add to that the drama of last season’s Indian shoulder charges and send offs and the burlesque of the Big Bash, and you have more comic narratives than any music theatre librettist could ever dream of! So I can’t think of a better time to tour Cricket The Musical and bring people together around their shared love of the game than while the energy is high and the crowds are buzzing around the country this summer.”

“Cricket The Musical is a delight” – The Age
“Great show… really enjoyed it” – Ian Chappell (if you don’t know who he is, this might not be the show for you)
“Hilarious. My favourite musical – even better than The Lion King” – Ryan, aged 14
“…takes you through the eras with song, laughter and characters. Great fun performed by a mad genius” – Andrew Moore – ABC Sport commentator

Australia’s hardest working musical sports satirist will use his unique satirical spin to review all the standout moments of the summer’s cricket, along with the game’s history of treachery, villainy, facial hair, and illegal abrasives. For almost two decades, Carnahan has been producing songs and parodies about the many colourful characters and controversies Australian sport produces. They go to air weekly on the ABC, and have previously featured on The Footy Show, Fox Sports, Triple M and many more. His songs about Stuart Broad’s sportsmanship, MCC selection policies, Mitchell Johnson’s moustache and other sports have had millions of hits on YouTube. So prepare yourself to boo the villains and cheer the heroes as Cricket The Musical brings songs to life on stage, with videos, sketches and caricatures celebrating the many controversies of this summer’s matches. Tickets are now on sale available at cricketthemusical.com.au

CRICKET THE MUSICAL:
Perth – Nov 19, 20, Studio Underground, State Theatre
Brisbane – Dec 2, The Old Museum, Bowen Hills
Adelaide – Dec 14, Lion Arts Factory, CBD
Melbourne – Dec 27, 28, The Show Room, Arts Centre Melbourne
Sydney – Jan 3, 4, 9 & 10 – The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
TICKETS: cricketthemusical.com.au.

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