The Wizard Of Oz At The Regal Theatre This Xmas Dec 12th – 24th

Feature-The Wizard of Oz

Zealous Productions proudly returns for its fifth consecutive year of delivering festive theatre magic to Perth families. This year, the company unveils a brand new Christmas pantomime, The Wizard of Oz, opening 12 December and running until 24 December at the Regal Theatre. Over the last five years, Zealous Productions has created a cherished Christmas tradition for audiences, presenting a fresh and uplifting production each season. Since launching its annual pantomime series, Zealous Productions has welcomed tens of thousands of families through the doors of the Regal Theatre, offering joyful, memorable theatrical experiences that signal the beginning of the festive season for many. The Wizard of Oz continues this tradition with vibrant performances, playful comedy, engaging storytelling and music that fills the theatre with Christmas spirit.

At the helm of the creative team is director Brendan Hanson, who captains a group of leading Western Australian artists and designers. Brendan brings heartfelt storytelling, warmth and a strong focus on character to the production, shaping the overall tone and guiding the entire creative vision. Working alongside him is musical director Joshua James Webb, creating a rich and uplifting musical landscape, and choreographer Allen Blachford, whose energetic, character driven movement fills the stage with charm, personality and visual impact.

Brendan leads a wider creative team that includes costume designer Katie Williams, whose detailed and expressive costumes bring the world of Oz and its characters to life, sound designer Dave Keys, shaping the audio experience for both music and effects, and lighting designer Ciaran Russel, crafting atmosphere, colour and focus throughout the production. Together, this team ensures that every element supports the story, the humour and the heart of the pantomime.

At the heart of Zealous Productions is a culture grounded in respect, love and genuine care for every member of the company. Producer Dixie Farinosi places strong emphasis on nurturing an environment where artists, technicians and creatives feel valued, supported and heard. This sense of connection and kindness underpins the way Zealous works and is reflected in the warmth and generosity audiences experience on stage.

“Creating a place for families to return to year after year has become one of the most rewarding parts of our work,” Farinosi said. “We love seeing children come back with their families, building memories around our pantomimes. The Wizard of Oz is filled with heart, humour and wonderful moments that keep this tradition thriving, and our company culture is the foundation that allows us to create with confidence and joy.”

Audiences will travel with Dorothy as she journeys through the magical world of Oz, meeting colourful characters, clever twists and lively musical moments along the way. With local humour, warm storytelling and strong ensemble work, this production promises an unforgettable festive outing for the whole family.

SHOW DETAILS. https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=OZXMAS25 Venue Regal Theatre, Subiaco Dates 12 December to 24 December 2025

 

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Waitress Is Coming To Melbourne Next Year

Feature-WAITRESS

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today announced that Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS will be baking its way to Melbourne in 2026. The inspiring musical from pop sensation Sara Bareilles will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in May, prior to a season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from August 2026. Waitlist now to be first in line to buy tickets for the Melbourne season at WaitresstheMusical.com.au.

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.

“It’s been a dream of mine to see WAITRESS (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal, and so timely. Over the years we have witnessed such an incredible embrace of this show, and I’m so proud to be a part of the team that is bringing you something so full of heart and soul. I’m so excited for Melbourne and Sydney audiences to experience WAITRESS.”

“I’m thrilled to be this original and inspiring production to Australia,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “WAITRESS became a massive hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, receiving four Tony nominations and six Drama Desk nominations, as well as many other awards and nominations. It had a return season on Broadway, played the West End from 2019, toured the US three times, and was a huge hit in many countries across the world. WAITRESS has become a ‘must see’ musical, with its memorable music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience.”

“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. If only life were as easy as pie…

MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: From May 2026
TICKETS ON SALE 8 DECEMBER – WAITLIST NOW AT WaitresstheMusical.com.au

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 1 August 2026
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

 

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Steel Magnolias Returns To Stages Across Australia In 2026

Feature-STEEL MAGNOLIAS

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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On This Sunday! Sydney Writers’ Festival Family Day At The State Library Of Nsw

Feature-Sydney Writers’ Festival Family Day

Sydney Writers’ Festival will present its first Family Day as part of the new year-round program at the State Library of NSW on Sunday 23 November 2025. Part of the Festival’s landmark partnership with the State Library of NSW and supported by the NSW Government, Family Day will transform the Library into a hub of storytelling, creativity and play. With a mix of free sessions and low-cost workshops, the program invites children to read, write, draw, sing and imagine alongside some of Australia’s most loved storytellers and illustrators, making it the ideal day out for families. “Family Day is all about celebrating the joy of stories and sparking kids’ imaginations,” said Sydney Writers’ Festival Manager of Children’s & YA Programs, Nathan Luff. “We want to give children the chance to laugh, sing, read, write and create alongside their families – and discover that books and storytelling can be playful, exciting and fun.”

Young creatives can book into special workshops to sharpen their storytelling skills. Budding authors will learn how to turn real life into fiction in a Writing Workshop with Deb Fitzpatrick, while comic lovers can step into the world of characters and cliffhangers in a Graphic Novel Workshop with Andrew Cranna. For crafty minds, the Pop-Up Book Workshop with Freda Chiu shows kids how to design their own fantastical three-dimensional creations to take home. These ticketed sessions have limited places and are recommended for ages 7 and up.

The day also bursts with big free events for families to enjoy together. Storytime Spectacular kicks things off with a lively mix of readings, music and drawing that will have kids singing and dancing along. Animal lovers can meet Dozer the golden retriever live on stage in Storytime with Nagi Maehashi, Adam Simpson & Dozer, celebrating the playful picture book Row, Row, Row Your Boat (with Monsters). Fans of feathered heroes won’t want to miss Real Pigeons Bin Baddies, as the creators of the hit series reveal the secret life of crime-fighting pigeons. Adventure awaits at Seafaring with Amelia Mellor, a pirate-themed session filled with tall tales, sea shanties and games. And to close out the day, The Totally Epic Kids Book Gameshow takes storytelling, drawing and spelling to chaotic new heights – with the kids in the audience helping to decide who wins.

For those who like to get hands on, Craft Stations will run all day with drop-in activities where kids can cut, colour and create their own story-inspired artworks. And out the front of the Library, Russ the Story Bus will be open for curious readers to climb aboard, pick a book from his jam-packed shelves and cosy up in his colourful mobile library.

Family Day underscores the Festival’s commitment to making reading and writing part of Sydney’s everyday life. Registration is required for most free sessions and places are limited for workshops. The full Sydney Writers’ Festival 2025 Family Day program can be found online at swf.org.au. Tickets are available via presale on Wednesday, 24 September and on sale to the general public on Thursday, 25 September. Book-loving families are encouraged to sign up to the SWF eNews for exclusive presale ticket access.

What to Expect:
Storytime Spectacular: A joyful opening session featuring live readings, music and drawing with Jazz Money, Jason Phu, Stephen Michael King and Josh Pyke, sharing The Frog’s First Song and Some Days You’ll Have Days Like These.

Workshops for Young Creatives: Writing Workshop with Deb Fitzpatrick – Learn to turn real life into fiction. Graphic Novel Workshop with Andrew Cranna – Interactive “choose your own” storytelling adventure. Pop-Up Book Workshop with Freda Chiu – Craft fantastical 3D creations to take home.

Live Story Sessions: Storytime with Nagi Maehashi, Adam Simpson & Dozer – Featuring the picture book Row, Row, Row Your Boat (with Monsters) and an appearance from Dozer the golden retriever. Real Pigeons Bin Baddies – Meet the creators of the bestselling Real Pigeons series in a fun-filled, feathered crime-fighting session. Seafaring with Amelia Mellor – Pirate tales, sea shanties and games inspired by Oceanforged.

The Totally Epic Kids Book Gameshow: A live, chaotic competition between bestselling creators Eva Amores, Matt Cosgrove, Jol Temple and Kate Temple, hosted by Nathan Luff, with kids helping decide who wins.
All-Day Activities: Craft Stations – Drop-in creativity with story-inspired crafts led by authors Amanda Lieber and Jo Staker. Russ the Story Bus – mobile library.

 

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