Press Release - Whats The Show

Celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday With The Australian Museum

05/05/2026 Breaking News

The Australian Museum (AM) is marking the 100th birthday of its beloved Lifetime Patron, Sir David Attenborough, by offering free entry to the latest exhibition Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires across this weekend, from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May 2026.

In 2017, the Australian Museum awarded Attenborough its Lifetime Patron honour in recognition of his remarkable contributions to scientific communication and advocacy. He has supported the AM for more than 40 years, including touring the AM’s fossil collections, giving lectures to AM members and featuring the AM’s Lizard Island Research Station in his Great Barrier Reef documentary. In 2017, AM scientists also named the newly identified Tasmanian semi slug after him, Attenborougharion rubicundus, which he said might be the “most beautiful slug in the world”.

Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, Kim McKay AO said Sir David Attenborough had enjoyed a long career of sparking curiosity and awe in the natural world and revolutionised the public’s relationship with nature.

“Sir David Attenborough has spent his lifetime reminding us that our fate is tied to the fate of every creature on Earth, and he encourages us to understand just how remarkable the planet is. What better way to celebrate his 100th birthday than by making it possible for everyone to experience that same kind of wonder at the Australian Museum.

“Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires is exactly the kind of exhibition Attenborough would love, it’s surprising, scientifically rich, and full of creatures most people overlook and underestimate, and this weekend, it’s free,” McKay said.

The AM is also asking visitors to share their best wishes to one of the world’s most important environmental advocates either online via the AM’s website or in person with activity stations set up in the main hall for letter writing and picture drawing. The messages will be gathered up and set to him to enjoy.

Currently showing at the AM, Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires is a deep dive into the creatures that have fascinated and inspired humans for centuries. From vampire bats and leeches to mosquitoes and ticks, the exhibition explores the biology, folklore and ecological importance of animals that feed on blood, precisely the kind of encounter with the natural world that Sir David has championed throughout his extraordinary career.

Free entry to Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires runs from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May 2026. Visitors are encouraged to book online to secure their preferred timeslot. Bookings are available via the Australian Museum website.

Bookings are available via the https://australian.museum/exhibition/bloodsuckers/

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The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift- New Tickets On Sale For Anastasia!

05/05/2026 Breaking News

Just in time for Mother’s Day, new seats for the much-loved hit Broadway musical ANASTASIA, which premieres in Brisbane in September, go on sale this week. Tickets for performances from 7 – 18 October can be purchased by those who have signed up to the waitlist through the ANASTASIA website today (Tuesday 5 May) and to the general public on Friday 8 May from 10am. The Sydney Morning Herald declared that ”the Australian incarnation of this international phenomenon is hard to fault” and that it is “Frozen, Les Mis and Ragtime, all in one” while the Sunday Telegraph declared it “lavish, theatrical and dropping in old-world glamour” and The Plus Ones said that ANASTASIA is “lavish musical theatre at its finest: rich, romantic and gloriously performed”.

The cast for this charming modern fairytale and much-loved musical includes Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as the charismatic con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, the universally adored Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily and theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM in the role of the Dowager Empress.

The ensemble cast includes Sophia Bae, Elliot Baker, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore, Todd Goddard, Stephanie Kurlow, Keian Langdon, Bella Minniti, Nathan Stafford, Alexis Van Maanen, Patrick Volpe, Annie Wilson, Deone Zanotto and Andrea Zappacosta with the Swings team featuring Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Iosefa Laga’aia, Nathan Pinnell and Emma Russell.

Inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution, and the 1997 Oscar nominated animated film of the same name, ANASTASIA has been brought to life on the stage by the Tony Award-winning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

1023 (sml) - Eleanor Flynn and Nancye Hayes in ANASTASIA. Photo by Jeff Busby.jpg

ANASTASIA is a lavish musical for all ages, transporting audiences from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria and exuberance of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman named Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, she enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Directed by Tony Award winning director Darko Tresnjak, ANASTASIA premiered on Broadway in March 2017. It received a Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a Musical and won more than 15 major international awards including Best Musical awards in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

The book for ANASTASIA was written by the late five time Tony Award winning writer Terrence McNally, whose credits include Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime.

Music and lyrics for ANASTASIA were written by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history.” (Chicago Tribune).

“Fantastical, intelligent, well-crafted, and exhilarating, ANASTASIA deserves a coronation!” – The Wall Street Journal
“Captivating, beautifully staged and emotionally vital. ANASTASIA hits the sweet spot!” – The Hollywood Reporter
“One of the most gorgeous shows in years! Luscious, lavish, and a joy that leaves you cheering. This is a grandiloquent feast for the senses you won’t soon forget.” – The New York Observer

ANASTASIA – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia in special collaboration with Stage Entertainment Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold and Dan Hinde

Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane from September 2026

Visit www.anastasiathemusical.com.au

Australian production images by Jeff Busby

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Waitress Australian Premiere In Melbourne This Week

04/05/2026 Breaking News

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 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!

04/05/2026 Breaking News

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.

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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