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The Shawshank Redemption On Stage Across Australia In 2027

14/07/2026 Breaking News

The celebrated stage adaptation of one of the most popular and enduring films of all time, The Shawshank Redemption, is coming to Australia. Direct from its acclaimed UK tour, The Shawshank Redemption will play in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide from January next year, with other cities to be revealed. Waitlist now at ShawshankLive.com.au to be first in line to purchase tickets and receive the latest news including casting announcements, exclusive behind-the-scenes content and tour updates.

The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful stage production that places you just metres from the action. Raw, intimate and deeply moving, this is theatre at its most compelling – where every moment unfolds live before your eyes. Based on Stephen King’s celebrated novella, this gripping adaptation tells an unforgettable story of hope, friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

Wrongly convicted of the brutal murders of his wife and her lover, Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious Shawshank prison. As he navigates the harsh realities of incarceration, he forms an unlikely friendship with fellow inmate Red, discovering that even in the darkest of places, hope can endure. But when the corrupt Warden seeks to exploit Andy’s talents for his own gain, a quiet and daring plan begins to emerge, one that will challenge the very walls of Shawshank itself.

“Electrifying – it truly is a must see show” – The Observer
“This production has nailed it … Gripping live theatre” – Broadway World

The Shawshank Redemption_10 (c) Jack Merriman.jpg

The Shawshank Redemption_3 (c) Jack Merriman.jpg

“The Shawshank Redemption has captivated audiences around the world because it speaks to something universal, the enduring power of hope. We’re honoured to bring this extraordinary story to Australian stages and share an unforgettable theatrical experience with audiences across the country,” said producer Craig Donnell. “Great theatre doesn’t just entertain; it stays with you long after you’ve left the auditorium. The Shawshank Redemption is one of those rare stories that continues to resonate across generations, a story of hope, courage and perseverance, and I can’t think of a more important story to share with audiences today.”

Adapted for the stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, and directed by David Esbjornson who directed Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones in the Australian tour of Driving Miss Daisy, this acclaimed production captures the emotional power and humanity that have made The Shawshank Redemption one of the world’s most enduring stories.

The 1994 film adaptation, nominated for seven Academy Awards, has become one of cinema’s most beloved classics. Now, experience a story of hope, friendship and redemption brought vividly to life in an unforgettable live theatrical event.

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Adapted for the stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
Directed by David Esbjornson
Produced by Impresario Productions, by arrangement with Bill Kenwright Limited
By arrangement with Knight Hall Agency Ltd in association with Paradigm Talent Agency

SEASON DETAILS
Theatre Royal Sydney – From 2 January 2027
Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne – From 4 February 2027
Regal Theatre, Perth – From 12 March 2027
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide – From 1 April 2027
Other venues still to be announced

Waitlist for all cities now at ShawshankLive.com.au

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Bring It On!

12/07/202612/07/2026 Rebecca Rose⭐🦉

Bring It On: The Musical Rating

★★★★★

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Once again, Theatrical has ‘brought it’ to Melbourne, with another hit musical: Bring It On: The Musical, which opened to a packed theatre on July 11 at the National Theatre in St Kilda.

This Tony-nominated musical, based only loosely on the well-known Bring It On movie from 2000, was reimagined in musical form, with music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and lyrics by Amanda Green and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

We follow two high-school cheerleading teams in their rivalry for the National Championships.

The story closely follows Campbell, who’s rise to the role of cheer captain at Truman High School quickly comes crashing down after a mysterious ‘redistricting’ letter arrives, forcing her into another school and losing her place as Truman High School’s cheer captain.

Campbell then deals with the struggles of starting at Jackson High School; a stark contrast to her previous school.

Without a cheerleading team at the school, she soon makes it her mission to transform the school’s hip-hop dance troupe into a cheer squad, by whatever means she needs to.

And of course, as with all great teenage-focused high-school stories, there is plenty of drama, cliches, and tonnes of comedic moments along the way.

The very talented cast did an amazing job in bringing this high-energy musical to life.

The cheerleading lifts were amazing to watch, as was the dancing and vocal performances.

Emily McDougall took on the lead role of Campbell and was outstanding in her performance; equally well supported by two amazingly talented performers: Elle Fenelon (Kylar), and Cara Mia Honan (Skylar).

The musical numbers were catchy and performed beautifully by the cast, with Alyssa Jandayan (Danielle) really standing out in her vocal performances across the show.

With such a large cast, and so many stand-out performances and characters, the production has really done an amazing job in putting on such a fabulous musical.

The set was kept to a minimum to ensure enough space on the stage for the show-stopping cheer and dance choreography, but it did not take away from any of the story.

The entire creative team has really outdone themselves.

Special mention to Tahra Cannon (director), Claire Gurrin (musical director), Louise Panagiotidis (choreographer), and Andrew Gyopar (executive producer) for putting together such a great production.

When the audience is onboard from the opening moments, with cheers and laughter throughout the entire show, you know you are onto a good thing!

This high-energy, light-hearted musical is not to be missed.

Bring It On is playing at the National Theatre, St Kilda, until July 26, so make sure to book your ticket.

To book tickets to Bring It On: The Musical, please visit https://theatrical.com.au/bringiton/.

Photographer: Natalie Edge Photography

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The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical

05/07/202605/07/2026 Debra Campbell🥇🔥🦉🎭🎶

The Lightning Thief Rating

★★★★★

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Though we are sadly seeing multiple professional city shows close early in Melbourne in the current economic climate, Community Theatre in Cranbourne right now is absolutely thriving!

A fantastic cast of young people have just opened “The Lightning Thief” The Percy Jackson Musical, produced by Peoples Playhouse, and it’s a massive hit!

I knew absolutely nothing about this show prior to going on the sold out opening night and only learned this is also a series of very popular books from the friend I took along, who hadn’t seen the actual show either and equally enjoyed it. As “theatre mums” we love love love to sit back and feast on a bright new energy level. This show is full of action from the get go and it never ceases to amaze me what storytellers can weave in their imaginations.

A plot of wayward demigod teenager, Percy Jackson, the son of Ancient Greek God Poseidon, finding his purpose via a quest with other children of Gods to discover his father’s reason for not being present in Percy’s life is also a journey of bravery and self discovery. This musical, loaded with both catchy dance tunes and meaningful lyric songs, has everything in it to pack a punch with a young audience especially; the cheers didn’t stop from start to finish.

Playing ‘Percy’ is Isaac Lane from Nida Open in a huge role he handled like a pro, accompanied by Olivia Woodhouse, growing up in ballet and then discovering her love for musical theatre, she is a super strong ‘Annabeth’, and Jack Thompson studying full time at Showfit, is a true champion player in his role as Percy’s best friend ‘Grover’.

The flashbacks of the three mains as their younger selves by 11year old Jasper Sage, 11year old Ayda Melody Hendricks and 12year old Matthew Theoclitou were all well played with a lot of emotion from these experienced theatre youngsters.

The use of spotlights in this show is very effective; something I constantly noticed as enhancing what was happening on stage and there’s a LOT happening! Demon teachers, cute squirrels, frozen statues and very inventive props including the funniest tractor scene, you won’t ever guess what’s coming up next.

All the cast work exceptionally well together in the little details and the choreography is fun and energetic with some cleverly rehearsed fights and battles. Great job everyone, you were so fun to watch.

It’s always interesting to observe the versatility of cast members you’ve seen before in other shows and I was pleased to see Matthew Berend step out on stage tonight as ‘Mr.Brunner’ (aka Chiron & Ares) with his usual larger than life personality and in this show, half horse body 🙂

Christine Ferra was wonderful as Percy’s mum ‘Sally’ with such warmth in one of my favourite songs ‘Strong’ sung with Percy. Parent / Child moments in any show always get me.

A confident Alex Sabljak rocked as ‘Luke’ and Lucas Battey as ‘Mr.D’ (aka Dionysus & Hades) convincing in every role, as were Tyrah Pocock-Davies as Clarisse, Michaela Fitzpatrick as Charon, Jeanne Carlos as Medusa, Lore Burns as Poseidon and Penny Norris as The Oracle was superb.

A highly talented bunch of young ensemble members completed this show perfectly and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more!

Congratulations to Sarah Jeffs (Director), Drew Lane (Musical Director) and Sarah Hayes (Choreographer), what a triple threat trio you make!

You must all be so proud, congrats to EVERYONE, including those amazing set builders, costume gurus and organising / creative teams behind the scenes with Production Managers David Krause and Heather Rose and Peoples Playhouse President Michelle Thomas. Bravo!!!

Ticket link:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1570412

More info:
https://www.peoplesplayhouse.com

To book tickets to The Lightning Thief, please visit https://www.peoplesplayhouse.com/whats-on.

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Theatrical Inc’s Bring It On The Musical To Open At The National Theatre In July!

30/06/2026 Breaking News

Bring It On The Musical has firmly established itself as a contemporary classic since its premiere in 2011. In July, Melbourne’s beloved independent theatre group, Theatrical Inc will bring Bring It On’s renowned athleticism and high energy to The National Theatre in St Kilda from July 11th to July 26th.

Based on the beloved hit film franchise, Bring it On this award-winning musical follows the journey of Cameron, champion teen cheerleader Campbell, who finds herself at a crossroads when she is redistricted from her affluent high school to the rival high school, Jackson High. In a bid for victory, she joins forces with their fearless dance crew to compete against her old squad at the Cheerleading Nationals. The clever story highlights the clash between these two social worlds, bringing to the stage diverse perspectives that brought depth and comedy to the universal high school experience well ahead of its time in the early 2000s.

Boasting a prestigious creative lineage of Broadway’s finest, the show features a high-energy score collaboration between Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, In The Heights) and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tom Kitt (American Idiot, Jagged Little Pill) – and a witty book by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q). This powerhouse creative team led the original Broadway production to earn 2013 Tony Award nominations for both Best Musical and Best Choreography.

Director Tahra Cannon said, “We’re incredibly excited by the progress of Bring It On: The Musical. Every rehearsal continues to showcase the exceptional talent, dedication and versatility within this cast. The energy, athleticism and commitment these performers bring to the production is truly impressive, and it’s been exciting to watch the show grow week by week. Audiences can expect a vibrant, high-energy production filled with outstanding performances and plenty of heart.”

Bring It On The Musical continues the film’s legacy, centering on the idea that genuine friendship and personal identity are more significant than winning championships and navigating high school social order. The story celebrates its diverse teen characters, including Broadway’s first openly transgender high school character, as they learn to embrace their authentic selves, reject cliques, and value integrity and teamwork – over prioritizing oneself over others.

Choreographer Louise Panagiotidis said, “It’s been so exciting to watch the choreography come to life in Bring It On rehearsals. We have such a talented cast who are bringing so much passion to every number, and I can’t wait to share all of their hard work with audiences soon!”

Bring It On The Musical is bold, explosive and unapologetically fun, a full throttle celebration of ambition, identity and finding your crew. Get ready to feel the beat, raise the stakes and bring it!

Bring It On The Musical will play for a limited season at The National Theatre in St Kilda from July 11 to July 26. Tickets are now on sale at booktickets.com.au

PERFORMANCE DATES
Saturday July 11 – 1.30pm (Preview)
Saturday July 11 – 7.30pm (Opening Night)
Sunday July 12 – 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Thursday July 16 – 7.30pm
Friday July 17 – 7.30pm
Saturday July 18 – 1.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday July 19 – 6.30pm
Wednesday July 22 – 7.30pm
Thursday July 23 – 7.30pm
Friday July 24 – 7.30pm
Saturday July 25 – 1.30pm
Saturday July 25 – 7.30pm
Sunday July 26 – 1.30pm
Sunday July 26 – 6.30pm

TICKETS
booktickets.com.au
Preview (July 11) – $65
Premium – $119
A Reserve – $65

PRODUCTION TEAM:
Executive Producer: Andrew Gyopar
Director: Tahra Cannon
Musical Director: Claire Gurrin
Choreographer: Louise Panagiotidis

CAST LIST:
Emily McDougall – Campbell
Jenna Mole – Bridget
Taylor-Anne Bright – Eva
Cara Mia Honan – Skylar
Elle Fenelon – Kylar | featured dancer
Fergus Rann – Steven
Alyssa Jandayan – Danielle
Yurina Kutsukake – Nautica
Ari Rego – La Cieniga
Flynn Hunter – Randall
Zade Nabole – Twig
Sho Tochigi – Cameron
Gemma Rushton – Ensemble
Emma Pervan – Ensemble
Sahana Paine – Ensemble
Melissa Pritsis – Ensemble
Hayley Fields – Ensemble
Hugo Barbey – Ensemble
Lucy Kitching – Ensemble
Victoria Pickard – Ensemble
Alyson King – Ensemble
Taliyah Radio – Ensemble | Featured Dancer
Imogene White – Ensemble
Trinity Kelly – Ensemble
Erin Davis – Ensemble
Georgia Kemp – Ensemble | Featured Dancer
Maria Ospina – Cheer Leader
Abbey Duckworth – Cheer Leader
Shari Pieris – Cheer Leader
Vini Ramesh – Ensemble | Danielle Cover

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