liveperformance

Sydney Lyric Transforms Into Wonderland For The Exclusive Season Of Cirque Alice

Feature-Cirque Alice

”Breathtaking. Captivating. Spectacular. A wondrous evening filled to overflowing with incredible memories that will last a lifetime!” – Arts Review

Venture down the rabbit hole for the exclusive 2026 Sydney season of Cirque Alice, an epic new show from the creators of Cirque Du Soleil’s Mad Apple and the international smash hits The Illusionists, Le Noir, Circus 1903 and Now You See Me Live, that will transform Sydney Lyric Theatre from 25 September to 11 October. Tickets are on sale from 10am today at ticketmaster.com.au

Produced by Tim Lawson and Simon Painter, Cirque Alice reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic adventure and bring to life everyone’s favourite characters with extraordinary acts from some of the greatest performers around the globe.

Lawson and Painter have created a unique circus show that celebrates one of the most recognisable fantasy worlds of all time, with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland a ‘curiouser and curiouser’ source of inspiration for all ages.

CirqueAlice-71 (c) Peter Wallis.jpg
Staged check mate (c) Base Entertainment Asia.jpg

Creative Producer Simon Painter said he was incredibly excited to bring Cirque Alice to Sydney. “The tales of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland provide the perfect backdrop to create a magical narrative about a cirque show. Filled with some of the most eccentric and larger-than-life characters and creations, the original stories have provided such amazing inspiration for this groundbreaking new production,” Painter said.

Producer Tim Lawson added, “This is the perfect show for everyone – whether you’re on a date night or you want to bring the whole family along – do not miss this performance of jaw dropping acts set around one of the world’s most magical stories.”

Cirque Alice will entice audiences down the rabbit hole, with an awe-inspiring set and an enthralling soundtrack featuring newly arranged contemporary renditions of some of the world’s favourite classical hits. The show will feature a line-up of the greatest acrobatic performers from around the globe, mesmerising aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry and dancers, special musical guest, comedic artists and more.

Immerse yourself and get lost in Cirque Alice, a captivating two-hour show for all ages. cirquealice.com

CIRQUE ALICE
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: 25 September – 11 October
Performance Times: Wed – Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm, Matinees Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 1pm
Prices: From $69 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 795 267

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Melbourne’s Feel-good Musical Of The Season Must Close 19 July

Feature-WAITRESS

Producers have just released the final week of performances for Melbourne’s feel-good musical of the season – WAITRESS. Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS must close at Her Majesty’s Theatre on 19 July. Audiences and critics alike have been effusive in their praise of the show, with heart-felt standing ovations. Tickets are now on sale for the final performances at waitressthemusical.com.au

“A recipe for perfection” – The Music
“One of the finest Australian casts ever assembled.” – Stage Whispers
“A delicious score… Plenty of energetic comedy.” – The Age
“A genuine crowd-pleaser… There’s no denying Bassingthwaighte’s star power.” – Time Out

Leading the cast as Jenna is Natalie Bassingthwaighte, while Gabriyel Thomas and Mackenzie Dunn play Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s coworkers at the diner. Charismatic star of stage and screen Rob Mills is Dr Pomatter, and legendary actor John Waters plays Joe, the owner of the diner. Keanu Gonzalez is Earl, Gareth Isaac plays the role of Ogie, John Xintavelonis plays Cal, and Annie Aitken is the Jenna Alternate.

The ensemble and swing cast comprises Cameron Boxall, Alexandra Cashmere, Ethan Jones, Dwayne P. Mitchell, Joseph Naim, Conor Neylon, Belle Parkinson, Emily Robinson, Elandrah Tavares, Bree Tipoki and Stephanie Wall. Lulu is played by Stevie Denton, Lola Inman, Ruby Marshall and Evie Papas.

“Melbourne has fallen in love with this moving and original musical. Get your tickets now before it leaves town,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “With its inspiring music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience, WAITRESS has fast become a massive hit worldwide, and the sensational Australian cast has been praised by critics and audiences.”

Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna in WAITRESS (c) Jeff Busby_3066.jpg

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing female-led creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.

This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.

“Treat yourself to a slice of 5 Star musical pie” – The Times
“Sweet, sassy, passionate & delightful!” – New York Magazine
“Simply delightful! A glorious reminder that life is messy and wondrous!” – The Washington Post

WAITRESS made history on Broadway with the four top creative spots in a show being filled by women – Sara Bareilles (music and lyrics), Jessie Nelson (book), Lorin Latarro (choreography) and Diane Paulus (direction). It opened on Broadway in April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until January 2020. WAITRESS was originally produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick.

Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, WAITRESS is “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly) and “made from the finest ingredients” (Time Out). It’s a feel-good celebration of second chances, and the magic of a well-made pie. Everyone deserves a slice of happiness!

WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU

MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: To 19 July
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: waitressthemusical.com.au or phone 13 28 49
Groups 8+ call (03) 9662 9571

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 1 August
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: waitressthemusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

 

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Steel Magnolias Opens In Sydney Tomorrow

Feature-Steel Magnolias

After a hugely successful Brisbane season, the play that inspired the iconic film, Steel Magnolias opens at Theatre Royal Sydney tomorrow. This beloved Southern classic features an extraordinary line up of Australian TV royalty starring Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Jessica Redmayne and Lotte Beckett. Tickets are now available from steelmagnoliasplay.com. “A Heartwarming Star-Studded Triumph” – The Scoop “Unforgettable. When Australian theatre gets the casting right, trusts the material and lets the performances breathe, it doesn’t need gimmicks.” – The Courier Mail “A Joy to Behold”- Stage Whispers “Six Actresses at the Peak of their Powers”- Absolute Theatre Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of Steel Magnolias opens at Theatre Royal Sydney from 13 May 2026, before heading to Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026. Tickets are on sale now from steelmagnoliasplay.com.

In the role of M’Lynn is Gold Logie winner and leading lady of stage and screen Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, The 39 Steps) joined by Home and Away icons, Belinda Giblin (Amadeus, Doubt) as Ouiser and Debra Lawrance (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child AU and UK, A Christmas Carol) as Clairee. Acclaimed performer Mandy Bishop (Wharf Revue, Blue Heelers) plays Truvy while current Home and Away star Jessica Redmayne (800 Words, The Great Gatsby) plays Shelby. Newcomer Lotte Beckett (Julia, The Election Monologues) joins this elite line up in the role of Annelle.

Jessica Redmayne, Belinda Giblin, Lisa McCune, Mandy Bishop, Lotte Beckett, Debra Lawrance SteelMagnolias_Production_PhotoBrettBoardman_007566 LR.jpg

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.

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.

Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, Steel Magnolias delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart. www.steelmagnoliasplay.com.au

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

SEASON DETAILS
SYDNEY
Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Season: 13 – 30 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 or 1300 163 808

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 or (02) 4224 5999
Groups 8+ call (02) 4224 5999

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 or (02) 6275 2700
Groups 8+ call (02) 6275 2727

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 or (08) 6212 9292
Groups 8+ call (08) 6212 9291 or email groups@artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au

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 or phone (03) 9650 1500
Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au
Groups 20+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

 

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Waitress Australian Premiere In Melbourne This Week

Feature-WAITRESS

Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS has its Australian Premiere on Thursday night, 7 May at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne. Preview audiences have been effusive in their praise of the show, with heart-felt standing ovations each performance.

Tickets are on sale for both the Melbourne and Sydney seasons at waitressthemusical.com.au

“This inspiring show was a massive hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, and was a huge success in the West End and across the world. And now WAITRESS has arrived in Australia,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “With its inspiring music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience, WAITRESS has fast become a ‘must see’ musical. We have a sensational Australian cast, led by Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Rob Mills, John Waters, Gabriyel Thomas and Mackenzie Dunn, and preview audiences are loving this moving and original musical. Get your tickets now while you can.”

Leading the cast as Jenna is Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Chicago, Shirley Valentine), while Gabriyel Thomas (Cats, Sister Act) and Mackenzie Dunn (Grease, Annie) play Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s coworkers at the diner. Charismatic star of stage and screen Rob Mills (& Juliet, Wicked) is Dr Pomatter, and legendary actor John Waters (Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver!) plays Joe, the owner of the diner. Keanu Gonzalez (Annie, West Side Story) is Earl, Gareth Isaac (Elf the Musical, Mary Poppins) plays the role of Ogie, John Xintavelonis (The Wizard of Oz, The Lion King) plays Cal, and Annie Aitken (Guys & Dolls, The Sound of Music) is the Jenna Alternate.

Gabriyel Thomas, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Mackenzie Dunn in WAITRESS (c) Jeff Busby_3079_V2.jpg
Rob Mills and Natalie Bassingthwaighte in WAITRESS (c) Jeff Busby_1182.jpg
The cast of WAITRESS (c) Jeff Busby_1043.jpg

The ensemble and swing cast comprises Cameron Boxall, Alexandra Cashmere, Ethan Jones, Dwayne P. Mitchell, Joseph Naim, Conor Neylon, Belle Parkinson, Emily Robinson, Elandrah Tavares, Bree Tipoki and Stephanie Wall. Lulu is played by Stevie Denton (5 years old, from North Warrandyte), Lola Inman (5, from Langwarrin), Ruby Marshall (5, from Port Melbourne) and Evie Papas (6, from Templestowe).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing female-led creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.

This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.

“Treat yourself to a slice of 5 Star musical pie” – The Times
“Sweet, sassy, passionate & delightful!” – New York Magazine
“Simply delightful! A glorious reminder that life is messy and wondrous!” – The Washington Post

WAITRESS made history on Broadway with the four top creative spots in a show being filled by women – Sara Bareilles (music and lyrics), Jessie Nelson (book), Lorin Latarro (choreography) and Diane Paulus (direction). It opened on Broadway in April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until January 2020. WAITRESS was originally produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick.

Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, WAITRESS is “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly) and “made from the finest ingredients” (Time Out). It’s a feel-good celebration of second chances, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Everyone deserves a slice of happiness!

MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: To 19 July
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: waitressthemusical.com.au or phone 13 28 49
Groups 8+ call (03) 9662 9571

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 1 August
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: waitressthemusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

 

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