Matilda Joins Melbourne's Show-Stopping Theatre Line Up
- Written by Jacqui Loftus-Hills
Visitors will be flocking to Melbourne over the coming months as a show-stopping line up of musicals, operas, plays and ballets is confirmed for Australia's theatre capital.
Announced this week, Matilda The Musical, Tim Minchin's multi-award winning musical inspired by the Roald Dahl book of the same name, will arrive at Melbourne's Princess Theatre in March. Having played to full houses on the West End and Broadway, the production is be sure to captivate the imaginations of children and adults alike.
It is just one amongst a stellar line up of productions set to waltz into town over the coming months. Other upcoming shows include:
November
City of Angels (5 – 8 November, 2015)
City of Angels is a wickedly funny celebration of the 1940's film noir genre and dark detective fiction which takes place in two worlds. Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. Ph: +61 1300 182 183
The Marriage of Figaro (12 – 28 November, 2015)
Mozart's classic comic opera has been entertaining crowds for centuries, with its witty, fast-moving libretto and melodic, charming ensemble writing. State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
Jerry's Girls (21 November – 6 December, 2015)
Starring some of Australia's leading ladies including Rhonda Burchmore, Nancye Hayes, Silvie Paladino and Christie Whelan Browne, Jerry's Girls features a collection of some of the composers greatest hits, including Hello, Dolly!, I Am What I Am and Time Heals Everything. Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
December
Cats (From December 18)
Following its triumphant return to London's West End, the acclaimed revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary musical Cats is set to have audiences purring with pleasure when it returns to Melbourne. Starring Melbourne's own Delta Goodrum as Grizabella. Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, Melbourne, +61 1300 111 011
Georgy Girl - The Seekers Musical (From December 15, 2015)
Celebrating one of Australia's most loved groups, Georgy Girl - The Seekers Musical will tell the story of legendary pop group The Seekers, the first Australian band to achieve international success. Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, +61 13 28 49
Fiddler on the Roof (From December 29, 2015)
Direct from Broadway, Australian superstar Anthony Warlow returns to Melbourne to star in a brand new production of one of the greatest and most loved musicals of all time.Fiddler On The Roof follows the heart-warming journey of a family whose lives are turned upside down as the modern world starts to impact on life in their idyllic village. Princess Theatre, 163 Spring St, Melbourne, +61 1300 111 011
January
The Pianist (12 – 17 January, 2016)
Centered on, in, under, and around one of the most magnificent of all musical instruments - the grand piano, The Pianist is a charming piece of comedy about the lure of luxury. Accompanying this elegant apparatus is Monckton as the poised pianist himself. Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
Pennsylvania Avenue (21 January – 14 February, 2016)
Playwright Joanna Murray-Smith penned one-woman show Pennsylvania Avenue specifically with the amazing talents of Bernadette Robinson in mind. The show combines a seamless narrative with music that blends show business and the political history of the White House. Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
North by Northwest (29 January – 10 February, 2016)
After resounding box office success for Melbourne Theatre Company in 2015, the clever stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest returns in 2016. Combining the magic of film and theatre, this version of the production also features some new cast members, including musical theatre and comedy superstar Gina Riley (Kath and Kim). State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
February
Ghost The Musical (From 5 February, 2016)
Based on the film of the same name, Ghost is the story of Sam and Molly, a young couple whose relationship takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Featuring The Righteous Brothers' iconic song Unchained Melody, this is the first time this show has been staged in Melbourne. Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, Melbourne, +61 1300 111 011
At Last – The Etta James Story (16 – 21 February, 2016)
Vika Bull stars as soul legend Etta James in this two-hour narrative concert, which tells the story of soul legend Etta James' turbulent life. James' best-loved songs will be featured, including Tell Mama, Something's Got A Hold On Me, Sugar On The Floor, the heart rending I'd Rather Go Blind and her iconic signature song At Last. Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
March
The Secret River (10 – 19 March, 2016)
A stirring and ambitious adaptation of Kate Grenville's award-winning novel, The Secret River is a story of two families divided by culture and land. The play has won six Helpmann Awards, including Best Play, Best Direction and Best New Australian Work. Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
Matilda The Musical (From 13 March, 2016)
Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the genius of Roald Dahl. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin. Matilda The Musical arrives at the Princess Theatre from March 2016. Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, Melbourne, +61 9299 9800
May
La Bohème (3 – 28 May, 2016)
Puccini's unforgettable tale of love, youth, and tragic loss returns to Melbourne, telling the story of six impoverished young bohemians, surviving only on laughter and the promise of love. State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
Singin' in the Rain (7 May – 7 June, 2016)
Following a sell-out West End season and with four Olivier Award nominations under its belt, a revised production of Singin' In the Rain will splash down in Melbourne in May. Playing the role of Don Lockwood, originally made famous by Gene Kelly, is Adam Garcia, of Tap Dogs fame. Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, +61 13 28 49
The Sound of Music (From 13 May, 2016)
Following its record-breaking run at the London Palladium, one of the world's best-loved musicals, The Sound Of Music, will hit Melbourne in May. Starring Cameron Daddo as Captain von Trapp and newcomer Amy Lehpamer as Maria. Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, Melbourne, +61 1300 111 011
The Pearlfishers (7 – 28 May, 2016)
Georges Bizet's gorgeous opera of lust and longing is set in the Far East and explores the timeless themes of pure love, betrayal, and vengeance. State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne,: +61 1300 182 183
Double Indemnity (30 May – 2 July, 2016)
James M Cain's sensational thriller was famously adapted for the screen, and Tom Holloway's stage adaptation now breathes new life into one of the greatest crime narratives of our times. Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, +61 1300 182 183
And beyond….
Swan Lake (7 – 18 June, 2016)
Romeo & Juliet (30 June, 2016 – 9 July, 2016)
Disgraced (19 August – 1 October, 2016)
We Will Rock You (From August 30, 2016)
Nijinsky (7 – 17 September, 2016)
Coppélia (23 September – 1 October, 2016)
Kinky Boots (October 2016)
The Ring Cycle (21 November – 16 December, 2016)
Book of Mormon (January 2017)
