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Waitlist Now For Anastasia The Musical Coming To The Lyric Theatre Qpac, Brisbane From September 2026

16/02/2026 Breaking News

Feature-Anastasia – The Broadway Musical

Producers John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia are delighted to announce that Broadway musical ANASTASIA will premiere in Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre at QPAC from September 2026. The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre wowing audiences and critics alike. Tickets will go on pre-sale for the Brisbane season to those who have signed up to the waitlist on Monday 2 March and to the general public from Friday 6 March.

Time Out Melbourne called the musical a “charming theatre experience” that was “destined to deliver theatrical magic” while The Music said it was “a theatrical spectacle that dazzles on every front and will leave you spellbound” and Beat Magazine said that the musical’s “dazzling Australian premiere is rich with powerful performances.”

The cast includes Queensland’s own Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as charming con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, the much-loved Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily and theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM in the role of the Dowager Empress.

“As a very proud Queenslander, I just can’t wait to share the magic of ANASTASIA with Brisbane audiences. It’s a beautiful story to be immersed in, accompanied by iconic songs that invoke a nostalgic feeling of our shared childhood including Once Upon a December and Journey to the Past,” said Georgina Hopson, who trained at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. “ANASTASIA’s message is the importance of home, love and family, and to me Queensland represents all of this so I can’t wait to share the story with local audiences,” she added.

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

The ensemble cast members include Sophia Bae, Elliot Baker, Billy Bourchier, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore, Todd Goddard, Stephanie Kurlow, Keian Langdon, Bella Minniti, Nathan Stafford, Alexis Van Maanen, 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.

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

Regent Theatre, Melbourne until 20 February 2026
Crown Theatre Perth from March 2026
Lyric Theatre, Sydney from April 2026
Festival Theatre Adelaide from August 2026
Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane from September 2026

WAITLIST NOW for Brisbane season tickets via www.anastasiathemusical.com.au

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Viva Vicious

16/02/202615/02/2026 Jenni Peters⭐

Viva – Vicious Rating

★★★★★

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VIVA Vicious by VIVA Melbourne is the adults-only experience you need to book for your next date night.

Secretly housed in a beautiful Cabaret room at the top of a warehouse at 64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne, VIVA Vicious and its troupe of amazing singers, dancers and, acrobats, creatively and tastefully capture “The art of suggestion” or, “The art of almost.”

While Marketing ‘Mandate’ Male Revue on King Street in the 90’s, I was safe to visit friends in the adult clubs next door. I noticed the gentlemen who came to see the female strippers were much more well-behaved than the Hen’s night ladies who came to see the males. It was a fun and bawdy time, and absolutely everything was on show.

This is not that.

Viva is the kind of nightclub show couples enjoyed in the 1950’s – dinner, drinks, dancing and, a floor show – only more naughty for the naughties.

Professionally and stylishly choreographed by Karlee Porritt, with a beautifully lit stage and interesting projections, Viva Vicious is both suggestive and sensational.

The show includes aerial acrobatics, popular music, beautiful costumes and humorous skits – males dressed as Nurses and French maids – dappling in virtual reality.

True to the mid-1800’s Burlesque shows, the VIVA men were often the comic relief between the provocative female performers. In this show, they also dance, play the saxophone and, assist in the aerial acrobatics.

Just like with ‘Moulin Rouge’ or ‘Crazy Horse’ in Paris, every performer is extremely fit and stunningly beautiful. Crazy Horse boasts of their show, “an ode to feminine beauty, combining eroticism and sophistication.” Viva in Melbourne certainly lives up to this boast.

The female body is a beautiful thing.

While enjoying VIVA Vicious, I remembered an old life-drawing teacher once told me, “What’s suggested is often more attractive than what is obvious.”

Unlike Moulin Rouge, where you’re practically sitting on the lap of the person next to you, the Viva Cabaret room is plush and comfortable. Couples and friends are seated in pairs at club tables on different levels, so every view is intimate, stimulating and, energetic. Even the opulent rest-rooms were exquisite!

Each Cabaret table is big enough to place two side plates and two sumptuous cocktails the Viva wait staff bring to you shortly after you’ve ordered. We tried the Chicken Karaage and the Salmon Sashimi. Both were visually pleasing, fresh and delicious.

The first performer on stage set the scene in a long sequined evening dress singing a Whitney Houston ballad, with precision. Now we find we’re in for Cabaret and, Burlesque.

She was followed by a Britney Spears number with many dancers in full-body tiger print outfits, topless.

A songstress mixes things up, singing a 50’s number sporting her Marilyn Monroe style dress.

There’s a Western number backed by the classic Ennio Morricone soundtrack, and plenty of ‘Honey Birdette’ designed lingerie.

Michael Jackson’s ‘Dirty Diana’ and Annie Lennox’s Sweet dreams perfectly back a sensual bed scene.

Things are spicy but never confronting.

Throughout, there were a few aerial acrobat spots, one with a spiral from the ceiling, another with silks, always with such skill. Loved the sexy Medusa track.

During a most enjoyable two-hour show, there are two Intermissions where you can go to the bar or, partake in a caviar bump and a vodka shot with a passing sexy server, to prepare you for the next show.

The troupe encourage you to hit the dance floor after the show.

Viva means “Long Live” in Italian and Spanish. I think we’ll return.

Viva Melbourne – Level 2, 64-90 Sutton Street, North Melbourne
Booking: https://vivamelbourne.com.au/events/

To book tickets to Viva – Vicious, please visit https://vivamelbourne.com.au/.

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Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike

15/02/2026 Isobel Knight⭐🎭

Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike Rating

★★★★★

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Cheryl Butler has directed Christopher Durang’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” excellently, delivering a night of theatre from Arts Theatre Cronulla that is both funny and sweet. A family (and the people in their orbit) descend on a Pennsylvania farmhouse over a weekend, and end up exploring the frustrations and search for meaning that aging in our rapidly-paced world induces. The play is littered with Chekov references, but even for a Chekov novice like this reviewer, there were things to connect to and laughs to be had. To draw humanity from characters making what are (often, throughout the show) dubious or childish decisions, takes a skilful hand, and Butler has done it with aplomb.

The ensemble cast are a delight, with each finding the light and shade in their characters. Michael Barlow gives Vanya a still and quiet depth, which gives real weight to moments where he voices his frustrations and desires. The excellent hair and makeup to turn Barlow into a believable 57 year old is paired with subtle physical choices that mean his struggle feels very real, and his grumbling is forgiven.

The high points of emotional investment from the audience came from across the cast, but the one that drew out audible exclamations was Lynda Leavers’ Sonia alone onstage taking a phone call; all the squabbling and self-doubt and tension that Sonia has been part of until that point is honoured and explored, and we saw Sonia begin a new chapter of her life in that moment. Leavers did an excellent job throughout.

Suzy Wilds as Masha is the energetic core of the show; Masha is a bit of a whirlwind of both personality and emotion, and Wilds’ performance means you also care about her, even with her strops and vanity. Masha’s physical presence in the farmhouse and in relation to the others shifts the air around her; a lot of great comedy and genuine regret and longing are brought into the open through the magnet of Wilds’ Masha.

Angela Gibson, who is consistently excellent in ATC productions, imbues Cassandra, the witchy fortune-telling house keeper, with flowing movement. Her timing made for some of the comic highlights of the show. Tamara O’Rourke gives the plucky girl next door Nina a real heart, and makes it clear how smart this character is from the start. The voice she gives Nina is wise beyond its years, which gives real comedy to the interactions with Samuel Chapman’s bouncy and oblivious Spike. Spike has some of the most out and out gags, and Chapman does well to give hints of the additional layers (good and otherwise) of the pretty-faced boy Masha brings to the house.

All the elements of this production are skilfully done. The set design from Cheryl Butler and Michael Gooley is full of clever details; a glimpse of the cherry orchard through the window, and a calm green-walled setting for the meditative moments and playfulness this play contains. The set construction team has done an excellent job at transforming the space, setting us believeably in a rural setting, assisted by Craig Oberg’s lighting design. The stage management and changes are all done smoothly and imperceptibly, which is a credit to the work of stage hand Kathryn Bray and stage managers Michele Potter and Ann Sayegh. Gary Clark’s sound design is similarly subtle and lovely, and timing is perfect for any moments that come to the fore as part of scenes.

Costuming was excellent in this show – whether its Nina’s consistent palette of white and blue carrying into her fancy dress or Sonia’s transformation from wallflower to movie star in a scene, Carol Smith and Lesley Tinker have nailed the characters’ energy in the choices they’ve made about their clothes. Masha’s floaty caftans contrast with Spike’s sneakers and constant stripping to his underwear in a way that underscores their dynamic perfectly, and the pyjama-clad dynamic between Vanya and Sonia that begins the play sets the tone of the whole piece; homely, thoughtful and sweet.

This is another strong production from Arts Theatre Cronulla, who seem to have a knack for picking interesting work and creating productions that are dripping with both heart and humour, delivered with skill and verve.

To book tickets to Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike, please visit https://www.artstheatrecronulla.com.au/vsms.

Photographer: Mark Phillips

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The Comedy of Errors

13/02/2026 Paige Jenkins🥈🦉🎭

Comedy of Errors Rating

★★★★★

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Merrrigong Theatre Company’s Theatre Under the Stars presenting Sport for Jove’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ opening night was a smash hit.

Outdoor theatre is always a good idea, and this performance showed exactly why. The staging, the technical elements, the beautiful lighting and abundance of excitement from the crowd (despite the high temperatures) created the most perfect atmosphere for an unconventional night at the theatre. Paper fans were provided by the staff to keep everyone cool and in high spirits until the sun set, which was a lovely and considerate touch. I’d recommend some sunscreen if you burn easily, as the seating area is uncovered, but the sunset is the perfect background as the plot begins to pick up and the lighting comes alive.

There was a lot to love about this show. As one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most fast-paced plays, ‘The Comedy of Errors’ is often not what first comes to mind when Shakespeare is brought up. This modern interpretation is the perfect blend of traditional and current humour and faux pas. It’s very easy to do Shakespeare badly, and incorporate too much or too little modernity, but Sport for Jove’s found that perfect balance that left the audience captivated and enjoying every minute.

The stunning voice of Naomi Belet has to be talked about. Her performance, whilst not a lead character, was an absolute standout. Her presence was abundant and whether she was in the background or centre stage, she was something to watch. She deserves all the applause, accolades and opportunities in her career.

The cast as a whole, were energetic and switched on, which makes any performance, but especially a comedy, just so much fun. Whether it was physical comedy or Shakesperean humour, or modern humour, it was just genuinely funny and not forced. It’s so easy to push the audience away with a comedy, and exasperate them with miscommunications and over-done jokes, but this was just perfect. You didn’t want to look away in case you missed anything as there were subtleties from supporting characters as well as the main action. They pushed through minor technical issues that made little impact as they could be heard from the back without their microphones on the odd occasion.

For those who describe themselves as “not Shakespeare” people, but enjoy a fun night out and a laugh, I would highly recommend this play. This is such peak Shakespeare in the way that you don’t need to understand every word to be able to follow along and enjoy the performance. It is such an accessible presentation that I urge everyone to buy a ticket and come alone. It is the least intimidating Shakespearean adaptation I’ve seen (and I have seen a lot of Shakespeare in my time) and it just opens up this little slice of history for anyone and everyone.

In all honesty, I think this may be one of, if not, the best, performance I have had the pleasure to review. I cannot recommend this enough to everyone. It would be a shame to miss this, so make sure you grab a ticket, bring a picnic, check the weather and plan accordingly, and have an amazing night out! ‘The Comedy of Errors’ runs until the 22nd of February at the University of Wollongong’s Koolobong Oval.

To book tickets to Comedy of Errors, please visit https://www.sportforjove.com.au/the-comedy-of-errors-2025.

Photographer: Grant Leslie

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