Discover the next generation of Japan’s thriving jazz scene with Japan Jazz Nights, a touring jazz program that will take place in seven Australian cities in October 2026. Touring Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, this exciting lineup features four groundbreaking Japanese artists at the forefront of the contemporary jazz scene: BIGYUKI, STEREO CHAMP, Tenors In Chaos and Misaki UMEI.
While Japanese jazz has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity worldwide, the current generation of contemporary Japanese jazz artists remain largely undiscovered by global audiences.
Featuring solo shows, group performances, collaborations with local Australian artists and more, Japan Jazz Nights gives Australians the rare chance to experience firsthand the creativity, diversity and vitality of Japan’s contemporary jazz scene.
Presented by The Japan Foundation (JF), Japan Jazz Nights is being held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia. Through the universal language of music, this initiative aims to foster meaningful connections between Japan and Australia and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
For both longtime jazz lovers and newcomers to the genre, Japan Jazz Nights is an unmissable opportunity to experience these musical icons, as they showcase the beauty of their craft and shape the future sound of modern jazz.
Further performance details to be announced mid-August.
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.
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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