theatre - Whats The Show

Steel Magnolias Returns To Stages Across Australia In 2026

25/11/2025 Breaking News

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

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

The Vicar of Dibley

25/11/202525/11/2025 Poppy Rogers⭐🦉

The Vicar of Dibley Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

Bringing to life any stage adaptation featuring not only well known, but well-loved characters is no mean feat, but The Limelight Theatre in Wanneroo has taken on the challenge with full force in their November season of The Vicar of Dibley.

Crowds were lined up all the way outside the venue when we arrived, eagerly awaiting this matinee performance on a sunny Sunday. If the front of house volunteers were at all overwhelmed by the rush of people, they didn’t show it, as they scanned tickets and shuffled us all to our seats for the performance to begin.

The hit 90’s show, which this play follows, is set in the small village of Dibley, where, following the death of their long-time vicar, the parish eagerly awaits the arrival of his successor, only to be confronted with a female vicar, ready to challenge the way things are done. Based on the Dawn French led series created by Richard Curtis, the stage play has been adapted by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter.

The production was impeccably cast, with many whispers amongst the packed audience each time a new character appeared. Leisha Fox was unwaveringly spot on in her portrayal of the iconic Geraldine Granger, from the voice to her mannerisms; you could get so caught up in her performance you may forget you weren’t looking at Dawn French. Em Carver’s silly and sweet Alice Tinker was a joy to watch and the chemistry between her and the vicar, as well as with love-struck Hugo (Limelight regular Jason Pearce) made for very convincing performances.

Gordon Park was suitably snobbish as Parish Council Chairman David Horton and there was almost an audible cringe from the crowd each time Chris Juckes’ Owen Newitt spoke, oblivious to his tendency to overshare. Roger Oakes, as fan favourite Jim Trott and Ajay Karia as Frank Pickles made great additions to this strong cast in their supporting roles, and Gwen Browning was subtly wonderful to watch as experimental cook Mrs Cropley.

Director Shelley McGinn also happens to be the group’s Wardrobe Manager, and you can tell, with clear care taken on the details for each character’s costumes, for some of which there were many. The group made clever use of the stage, a split between the parish hall and the vicarage straight down the middle and a small section front of stage for the traditional end-of-episode chats between Alice and Geraldine.

Unlike some stage adaptations of TV shows that are a standalone story, The Vicar of Dibley play is a compilation of episodes of the show bringing familiar moments and jokes to the stage. So well-remembered is this show, I could often hear people around me finishing the lines before the cast had a chance; it was hard to find it anything but charming when I was doing the same in my head.

For those wanting to join in the fun, I am delighted for the group that there are only very limited tickets remaining, so you’ll want to be quick. It’s great to see so many people back out supporting community theatre with shows achieving more than one sell out performance in their run.

To book tickets to The Vicar of Dibley, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/limelight/.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Wyrd Sisters – Brisbane Arts Theatre

16/11/2025 Jules Hart🥉

Wyrd Sisters Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

Stephen Briggs adaptation of Terry Pratchetts fantasy fiction novel Wyrd sisters, invites the audience into a world of parody in a humorous blend of Monty Python absurdism meets Shakespeare.

Opening with three witches (the Wyrd Sisters) huddled over a cauldron we hear the line: “When shall we three meet again?” and with a deadpan “Well I can do next Tuesday”, the satirical tone is set and we soon realise this play won’t take itself too seriously. Woven into this fantasy adaptation are meddling witches, a scheming duke and duchess, a murdered king’s ghost, a baby heir smuggled into hiding, a travelling troupe of actors and a reluctant fool. Restoring the rightful heir to the throne becomes the witches’ main plight all while challenging the philosophy of whether we control our destiny or it controls us.

Director Sally Daly undoubtedly had a task ahead of her bringing Wyrd Sisters to life and to eager Pratchett fans and non-fans alike. Stephen Briggs script manages to weave wit, fantasy, magic and thought-provoking narratives inside nuanced references to Macbeth. And in playful meta-theatrical style it makes nod to Hamlet and A Midsummer night’s dream.

The Stagehouse theatre, plays host to this production and offers a lovely expansive stage. The tri-level minimalist set relies heavily on the lighting to shape scenes requiring more intimate space. At other times the very large stage wasn’t helpful to the actors and often diminished the actors’ presence and impact.

Sound also proved challenging. Without strong projection or microphones, several lines were lost into the void, extinguishing the punch of some of the sharper comedic beats. This was disappointing for the actors and I noticed more than a few audience members leaning in to hear. Sound projection was an ongoing issue, especially with the Fool (Sam Bentley), whose enthusiastic movement and antics often muffled his dialogue.

Sam Bentley as The Fool embodies the presence and accent reminiscent of Lord Percy in the Black Adder, and is very fitting to this period piece.

Costuming was on point and provided much of the authenticity and atmosphere this farcical period piece demanded. The three witches each had their own distinctive costume style as are their characters. Granny Weatherwax played by Amanda Lay provided a formidable anchor for the two other witches. The junior witch Magrat played by Marisa Bucolo added a youthful energy to her role. Nicky Whichelow as Nanny Ogg is a standout with her delightful contorted facial expressions providing great comic relief.

The Duke (Aodhan Thomas) and Duchess (Jacqueline Ellis) deliver their lines with confidence though there are times when their exchanges lack cohesion and flow. The duke navigates his personal demise and nervous breakdown with great energy again emphasising a nod to Shakespeare.

Nick Daly’s portrayal of the oblivious heir Tomjon shines with his bright upper register voice, conveying the naivety and innocence essential to the character.

Special mention goes to the support actors and ensemble cast who often play more than one role with quick changes. Although the first act suffered with some pacing issues, and tentative delivery of dialogue at times, the second act was a lot stronger. The sound projection had improved, and I’m sure these opening night nerves and tweaks will resolve with future shows.

All things considered, the production’s strong ensemble work and the clever Shakespeare-tinged script make Wyrd Sisters an entertaining show.

Wyrd Sisters is running at StageHouse theatre Stafford for a limited season until the 22nd of November.

For bookings go to: Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters Tickets, Stagehouse Theatre, Stafford | TryBooking Australia

To book tickets to Wyrd Sisters, please visit https://www.artstheatre.com.au/wyrd-sisters/.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

It’s A Wonderful Life

16/11/202516/11/2025 Cherelle Flemming🥈🦉🎭🎶

It’s A Wonderful Life Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

As I walked into the Genesian Theatre, I was greeted with dazzling Christmas decorations and the soundtrack of ‘White Christmas.’ The festive mood spirited the eager audience into the magical world of Christmas, ready to feast upon The Genesian Theatre Company’s stage adaptation of the classic movie It’s A Wonderful Life.

In addition to the sparkling Christmas atmosphere, the theatre is absolutely gorgeous. After residing in their premises at Kent Street Sydney CBD for 70 years, the Genesian Theatre Company relocated to Rozelle in 2025. They have spectacularly renovated a 120-year-old heritage building with state of the art sound and lighting equipment and very comfortable seats (which were much appreciated.)

The story of It’s A Wonderful Life spans over three decades from the 1910s to 1945, depicting flashbacks of the main character George Bailey, presented by Oliver Macfadyen. Macfadyen is a brilliant lead, showing the greatest sincerity and humanity in his character. George is watched over by his guardian angel Clarissa, who is delightfully played by Natasha Todd. Todd was utterly angelic as she guided George Bailey into realising how meaningful and important his existence is, and that it truly is ‘A Wonderful Life.‘ Also faithfully by George’s side, is his adoring wife Mary Bailey, played by Amahlia Day. Day oozes poise and grace into her role and is a picture-perfect image of a 1940s housewife.

Working alongside George in his family loan business ‘Bailey Building and Loan’ is his Aunt Dilly. Aunt Dilly was presented by Karen Firmstone. Firmstone generated a heartfelt rendition and a highly enjoyable performance.

Paul Adderley excelled in his complex task of presenting two very contrasting characters: the first, Mr Gower, who is supportive and kind to George; and the other Mr Potter, a shrewd, heartless business who nearly causes the demise of our beloved George.

Dimitri Poulos and Genevieve Sky play the other angels who are guiding Clarissa on her own path to gain her wings. Their performances were steadfast, and yes, angelic and they showed great talent in portraying multiple characters throughout the play. Werrdan Khoury was another admirable actor who showed great diversity and comedy skill in his portrayal of multiple roles, the main role being Sam, the longstanding friend of George Bailey.

The staging was cleverly designed to immerse the audience into George Bailey’s business premises. Allocated entries and exits for his business effectively created its own world and space. Ethan Chan’s lighting design was flawless and atmospheric. His techniques were intuitive to the action and cleverly created a movie-like illusion. The music and sound effects were both flawless throughout the performance. Michael Schell utilised panning effects and clearly demonstrated the theatre’s quality sound equipment.

The 1946 Hollywood Christmas classic remains just as charming nearly 80 years later and the Genesian Theatre Company has honoured its long lineage. The director, Kathy Petrakis, has delivered a spectacular rendition of It’s A Wonderful Life and injected the hearts of the audience with love and Christmas cheer. I encourage you to step into the festive season and embrace this timeless, heartwarming classic. It’s a perfect way to kick off your Christmas festivities and will definitely fill your cup with warmth and Christmas spirit.

To book tickets to It’s A Wonderful Life , please visit https://genesiantheatre.com.au/events/its-a-wonderful-life/.

Photographer: HomePix

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Subscribe to What's The Show

Connect Online