Agatha Christie’s Classic Mystery Comes To Australia In 2027

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Following acclaimed Australian tours of The Mousetrap and And Then There Were None, leading theatre producer John Frost will bring another Agatha Christie classic to the stage in 2027. Presented in association with Fiery Angel and Agatha Christie Limited, Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS will open at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre in June 2027, following a successful tour of the UK, Ireland and Mainland China.

Join the waitlist now for priority ticket access at murderontheorientexpress.com.au. General public tickets go on sale 12 November.

One of Agatha Christie’s most celebrated mysteries, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is renowned for its ingenious plot and unforgettable final twist. Full of suspense, wit and intrigue, this lavish new stage production promises a thrilling journey that will keep audiences guessing until the very last stop.

John Frost said, “Agatha Christie is one of the greatest writers of all time, and I’m thrilled to present this wonderful stage adaptation of one of her most celebrated works, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Stylish, fast-paced and darkly witty, Lucy Bailey’s production blends the intrigue of a classic whodunit with sparkling humour. With brilliant direction, stunning design and opulent costumes, it promises to be the must-see theatrical event of 2027. I challenge audiences to unravel this seemingly impossible murder before Poirot does!”

Winter, 1934. An avalanche brings the Orient Express to a standstill. An American tycoon is found dead in his locked compartment, stabbed eight times. Stranded in the snow with a killer among them, the passengers turn to the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot. Can he solve the impossible crime before the journey resumes?

★ ★ ★ ★ “This memorable Orient Express ride is certainly one train journey worth taking” – The Telegraph
★ ★ ★ ★ “Stylish and suspenseful” – The Stage
★ ★ ★ ★ “First class. Beautifully done.” – Daily Mail
★ ★ ★ ★ “Highly enjoyable. It will delight die-hard Poirot aficionados and classic whodunit fans alike” – The Telegraph

James Prichard of Agatha Christie Limited said, “We’re excited to bring Ken Ludwig’s magnificent adaptation of one of my great grandmother’s most atmospheric and ingenious stories to Australia, working with John Frost, the team at Fiery Angel and director Lucy Bailey.”

Acclaimed British theatre director Lucy Bailey is celebrated for her imaginative, atmospheric approach to classic thrillers, balancing gripping suspense with flashes of dark humour. Having directed several of Agatha Christie’s mysteries for the stage, including the West End hit Witness for the Prosecution, Lucy Bailey brings her distinctive theatrical vision to MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Bailey said, “MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is fast, funny almost farcical at times but with a dark undercurrent of loss and revenge… A train stuck in a snow drift. The holed-up passengers all suspected of murder – what fun to be had!”

Bringing this spectacular production to life is an exceptional creative team, including Set and Costume Designer Mike Britton, Lighting Designer Oliver Fenwick, Movement Director Leah Hausman, Sound Designer Mic Pool and Video Designer Ian William Galloway. Together, they create a visually stunning and atmospheric theatrical experience that captures the glamour, intrigue and suspense of Agatha Christie’s iconic mystery.

Further tour venues and casting will be announced in early 2027.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Venue: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
Season: From June 2027
Pre-sales from 9 November, GP sales 12 November
WAITLIST NOW AT murderontheorientexpress.com.au

Photography: UK & Ireland Cast (c) Manuel Harlan

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$49 Tickets For Under 35s To Opera Australia’s La Bohème

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Under 35s can dip their toe into the world of opera with major ticket discounts and a sneak peek behind the curtain at Opera Australia’s (OA) new production of La Bohème when it premieres at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne this November.

Members of OA’s Under 35s program can enter a ballot for tickets starting at $49 and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour for an exciting window into the costumes, sets and preparation needed to get a grand scale opera up on stage each night.

Since the program began in 2024, more than 10,000 members have signed up for access to discounted tickets and exclusive events, giving the opera curious an opportunity to learn more about the artform and the company.

OA’s Director of Opera Amy Lane said “One of the most exciting and important parts of my role at Opera Australia, is helping to create opportunities for new audiences to discover the magic of opera. This production of La Bohème is a brilliant example of how spell-binding and all-encompassing opera can be – from the sublime music performed by some of our finest singers and musicians to the stunning design of its hand-crafted sets, prop and costumes.

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“It’s imperative to make this experience more accessible to young audiences and it is always such a joy to be able to share this incredible artform with people for the first time.”

La Bohème is one of the world’s most famous operas and this brand-new production by visionary Australian director Constantine Costi is a luscious, painting inspired work, set in a snow-kissed Paris where one of the great tragic love stories unfolds amongst beautifully crafted costumes, hand-painted set pieces and performed by some of OA’s finest singers.

The ballot is open until Wednesday 21 October with 100 discounted tickets and behind-the-scenes experiences up for grabs. A-reserve tickets available at $99 with B, C and D-reserve $49 each.

La Bohème premieres at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from 7-18 November.

Sign up for Opera Australia’s Under 35s program at opera.org.au/buy/special-offers/under35s/

Under 35s La Bohème Performance Information
Regent Theatre, Melbourne
10 & 11 November, 6pm
$49 B to D Reserve
$99 Premium and A Reserve
Tickets available via ballot for members of the Opera Australia Under 35s program.
Ballot closes Wednesday 21 October.

Bookings
Opera Australia Box Office
(03) 9685 3700
www.opera.org.au

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After The Flood Starring Deborah Conway

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This November, a major new work of Australian Jewish theatre comes to Melbourne. After the Flood is an original contemporary musical that reimagines the biblical story of Noah and the flood through one Melbourne Jewish family confronting a world that can no longer be recovered.

As the waters approach, old wounds rise to the surface. A family gathered around a Shabbat table must confront questions of faith, inheritance, grief and love – and decide what they will carry with them into whatever comes next.

With music and lyrics by Melbourne composer and theatre-maker Ari Jacob and a book by Jacob and Josh Gurgiel, After the Flood brings together an all-Jewish cast and creative team for an ambitious new work of Australian musical theatre. The production stars acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer Deborah Conway as Naama, alongside Simon Starr as Noah. Rounding out the cast of five are Michelle Swersky, Eli Faraday and Amira Cherrie.

We are introduced to the family as they gather around the Shabbat table. There, brimming strife and turmoil threaten the family’s unity. Eventually, Noah has a vision of a catastrophic flood and this is dismissed by the family as the product of an overactive imagination. But as rain begins to fall and an Ark takes shape, the family is forced to reckon with the fractures that have quietly been growing between them.

Deborah Conway & Simon Starr in AFTER THE FLOOD.png

Noah’s three children are each facing their own questions about identity, faith, love and the future. As the world they know begins to disappear, the family must decide whether they can let go of the inherited beliefs and burdens that keep them apart – and make a new promise to remain connected.

At its heart, After the Flood is a story about mourning: mourning the people, places and worlds we have lost, while facing the possibility that something new might emerge from their ruins.

Jacob’s score will be performed live by a ten-piece band. It includes traditional oud and kamancheh played by two Iranian musicians Jacob connected with during the recent war – bringing sounds and musical influences from across the region into the production.

Deborah Conway remarked “I am fortunate that I have been presented the opportunity to play in these themes, a sweet, idyllic calm in amongst the tempestuous times.”

The production is directed by Rebecca Skovron, with movement direction by Yakira Abraham and musical direction by Adam Starr. Together with Jacob and co-writer Josh Gurgiel, they lead a wider creative team of Jewish Australian artists working across theatre, music, movement, design and production.

After the Flood was commissioned with support from the Victorian Government’s Connecting Cultures program, with additional support from the Pratt Foundation, the Liberman Foundation, the Victor Smorgon Group and the Dindas Charitable Fund.

At a time when Jewish artists are navigating an increasingly difficult cultural landscape, After the Flood is an act of Jewish artistic creation in Melbourne: an ancient story retold by Jewish artists, for a contemporary audience, on a major Melbourne stage.

The strictly limited season runs for six performances from 4-9 November 2026 in Melbourne. Venue details will be provided to ticket holders 24 hours before each performance.
Website for further information & tickets: afterthefloodmusical.com

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Blanc De Blanc Returns To The Grand Electric

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The champagne is back on ice and Sydney is invited to indulge as the five-star BLANC DE BLANC returns by popular demand, opening 28 October 2026 at one of Sydney’s hottest destinations for live entertainment, The Grand Electric, Surry Hills.

Celebrating 10 years since BLANC DE BLANC first burst onto the stage at the Sydney Opera House in 2016, this dazzling new season brings together the very best in its most ambitious Sydney staging yet.

A heady cocktail of high-energy performances from world-class acrobats, dancers and aerialists, cheeky comedy, cabaret, burlesque and vintage glamour, BLANC DE BLANC has seduced audiences from London’s West End to Las Vegas with its intoxicating blend of high-energy entertainment and sophisticated mischief.

Producer Jess Copas said, “This remount will be one of our most ambitious stagings of the production yet and will herald many new theatrical surprises and will bring back some beloved classics including a rather infamous hot-tub scene!”

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The all-new cast includes your charismatic host, Alex Makardish (USA) direct from extended seasons in London and Melbourne alongside world champion contortionist Misha Makarov. Joining them are award-winning aerialists − Duo Coco & Marie, Marie Lebot (France) and Corentin Lemaitre Auger (Canada). This will be the first time all four performers have appeared on a Sydney stage.

Previous Sydney seasons have won over audiences and critics alike:
“Awe-inspiring and fun.” Megaphone Oz
“A scintillating night of entertainment.” Scenestr
“A deliciously hedonistic evening of escapism.” Broadway World
“Delightfully decadent” Theatre People
“Spectacular” The AU Review
“Flawless, and it’s a toast to the boundless creativity and joy that cabaret brings” Stage Whispers

Provocative, playful and deliciously decadent, BLANC DE BLANC is an invitation to leave everyday at the door, pop the cork and surrender to a night of champagne-fuelled revelry.

Venue: The Grand Electric, 199 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills
Season: From 28 October 2026
Showtimes: Wed to Fri 7pm; Sat 4pm & 7pm; Sun 5pm
Tickets: From $75 to $449 for a Möet Chandon Champagne table for two
Bookings: https://blancdeblancshow.com/sydney

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