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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

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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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Due To Overwhelming Demand, The 8-time Tony Award Winning Musical Once Extends Run Before Opening This Week!

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The smash hit Irish musical Once, opening in Melbourne this week at Chapel Off Chapel, has announced an extension to its strictly limited season until June 6th, following phenomenal demand at the box office. This highly anticipated production is helmed by the critically acclaimed new Melbourne theatre company, AG Theatre, and renowned Melbourne director Pip Mushin. AG Theatre has quickly established itself in the Melbourne theatre scene, enjoying a stellar 18 months of sell-out successes, including Avenue Q 2025 and Mamma Mia 2026. Dedicated to nurturing and promoting new Melbourne talent both on and off stage, AG Theatre is known for its innovative approach to classic and contemporary works, promising to captivate audiences again with a fresh, intimate, deeply moving, and cleverly reimagined take on this eight-time Tony Award-winning musical.

The show evolved from Irish filmmaker John Carney’s low budget indie film in 2007, into a critically acclaimed global stage production that has captivated theatregoers worldwide – solidifying its distinguished position within the history of Western musical theatre. Its popularity is deeply rooted in its refreshingly grounded approach, focusing on two ordinary people – a busker and an immigrant who connect through music in the grimy streets of Northside Dublin.

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The production also showcases the spell-binding score composed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, which notably features the Oscar-winning song, “Falling Slowly.” Once possesses the unique distinction of being the sole Broadway production whose musical composition has garnered the Academy Award, Grammy Award, Olivier Award, and Tony Award.

The production boasts a stellar cast, featuring Green Room Award-nominated creative Mark Taylor in the lead role of Guy. Sharing the stage with him in the role of Girl is the phenomenally talented Sian Fuller, a semi finalist from the 2021 season of The Voice. Playing alongside Mark and Sian is the highly respected performer, Donald Bridges as Da. The production also stars Frazer Shephardson as Billy; Rose Chambers as Reza; James Frampton as Andrej; John Yanko as Svec; William Lopez as the Bank Manager; Misha Gordon as Ex-Girlfriend; Bridget a’Beckett as Baruska; Felix Star as Eamon; Lila Colombi, Imogen Young and Emersyn Orchard as Ivonka. The rest of this cast includes Kaiyeesha Kim Tambakau (Kye Tamm) as Emcee; and Jackson Cross and Belinda Jenkin as swings.

WHEN:
Previews Thursday May 8
Official red carpet opening May 13
Extension to June 6th
Chapel Off Chapel – The Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran, 3181
Once The Musical will play at Chapel Off Chapel from Wednesday to Sunday from May 8th, 2026 until May 30th, 2026.
Tickets are available for purchase now at https://booktickets.com.au/

 

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Theatre Royal Sydney Celebrates 50 Years

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This year, Theatre Royal Sydney proudly marks the 50th anniversary of the current building on King Street, a milestone that honours a legacy of performance, architecture and community in the heart of the city.

The theatre opened in January 1976, designed by eminent architect Harry Seidler, and has since been a landmark cultural venue in Sydney.

Many leading Australian and international performers have graced the Theatre Royal Sydney stage, from Jacki Weaver and John Waters in the 1980 production of They’re Playing Our Song, to Reg Livermore and Russell Crowe starring in productions of The Rocky Horror Show in 1984 and 1987, respectively. Other artists to have trod the boards are Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones in Driving Miss Daisy, Geraldine Turner and Nancye Hayes in Chicago, Ruth Cracknell, Warren Mitchell and Gordon Chater in The Dresser, Mel Gibson and Noni Hazlehurst in No Names .. No Pack Drill, Gwen Plumb and Amanda Muggleton in Steaming, and Todd McKenney, Georgie Parker and Sheila Bradley in Crazy For You.

The stage has housed some of the biggest musicals in the world, including the Australian Premiere of CATS in 1985 for a two-year season, and a three-year season from 1993 of The Phantom of the Opera starring the legendary Rob Guest, seen by over 1.5 million people, the longest running musical ever staged at Theatre Royal Sydney.

Tim McFarlane (Executive Chairman, Trafalgar Entertainment Asia-Pacific) said “Reaching the 50-year mark is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the vision, perseverance and creativity of everyone who has engaged with Theatre Royal Sydney. We stand on the shoulders of dramas, musicals and audiences which have walked through its doors. Our goal is to ensure this venue continues to thrive and deliver world-class performance for decades to come.

Geraldine Turner, Emily Hinwood, Tim McFarlane (c) Elise Dumpleton.jpg

“As Theatre Royal Sydney enters its next 50 years, our focus remains on delivering the finest live performance – musicals, drama, dance, comedy and more – while honouring the heritage of the building and its place in Sydney’s cultural fabric. We invite audiences, artists, producers and partners to join us in celebrating this milestone year, to reflect on the past and to look ahead to new stories, new voices and new experiences that will define the next era of this iconic stage.”

One of Australia’s oldest theatrical institutions, originating in 1832, the current Theatre Royal Sydney was built in 1976 on the same site as the original theatre, designed by acclaimed architect Harry Seidler, offering a broad range of entertainment including dramas, comedy and musicals.

Under the stewardship of premium international live entertainment business Trafalgar Entertainment, co-founded by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire, the historic theatre re-opened in 2021 after a major two-year redevelopment. This included new seating and staging in the auditorium, designed to an international standard to house world class productions from Australia and around the world. Trafalgar’s redesign of the theatre added one extra row of seats and increased the capacity to 1200. Importantly, under the new two-tiered design, no seat within the auditorium is more than 23 metres from the stage.

Since its reopening in 2021, Theatre Royal Sydney has played host to many incredible productions, including the Australian premieres of Jagged Little Pill, Girl From The North Country and National Theatre’s The Lehman Trilogy. For nine months, the theatre was home to TINA – The Tina Turner Musical which played 301 performances to over 300,000 audience members, marking an epic coup for the Sydney theatre scene.

2025 saw a number of thrilling productions take place at Theatre Royal Sydney including Bluey’s Big Play, the Australian premiere of the Tony and Grammy award-winning musical Hadestown, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, the 40th anniversary production of CATS and the new Australian musical The Lovers.

2026 sees Pretty Woman: The Musical continuing its four-month residency followed by Cluedo in April, Steel Magnolias in May, the classic rock musical Hair in June, Fiddler on The Roof in August and SIX the Musical from October. Next month, Theatre Royal Sydney will also release an exclusive merchandise line to celebrate the anniversary.

 

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