Athenaeum Theatre

It's been almost 27 years since a certain bespectacled boy came out from under the stairs and learnt of his snake-conversing, broomstick-flying, billions-making powers. And he's as popular now as ever, spawning films, spin-off films, toys, games, apps and multiple stage adaptations – only one of which is, well, actually authorised. Whether you missed Melbourne’s record-breaking four-year run of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, or you’re just looking to fill the void, Potterheads are in for a treat. Who wants to sit through six hours of theatre anyway? Potted Potter – the hilarious show that condenses the entirety of the Harry Potter series into a tight 70 minutes – is ready to reunite Aussie audiences with the antics of Harry, Ron and Hermione. (We are assuming show creators Daniel Clarkson and Jeff Turner glide over a lot of the endless camping that takes up an enormous amount of Deathly Hallows.)  The show has been touring for more than 15 years, and has even played Off Broadway and on the West End. Now, Potted Potter is returning to Australia for the fifth time with a stint at Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre from April 24–May 5. So go on, relive Harry's days at Hogwarts. Although the show wasn't written by You Know Who, what it lacks in intellectual property compliance it more than makes up for in laughs. We're pretty sure Fred and George Weasley would approve. Tickets range from $69 to $89.95 and times vary, book yours here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out

If you’re the type of theatregoer who likes to be kept on the edge of your seat, we’ve got delightfully terrifying news for you. Susan Hill’s much-loved fearsome story The Woman in Black is returning to Melbourne, just in time to match the energy of our chilling winter. Stephen Mallatratt’s stage adaptation will demonstrate the power of illusion, atmosphere and controlled horror for Melbourne audiences via the Athenaeum Theatre stage from June 14, 2024. The acclaimed show holds the honour of being the second-longest running play in West End history, bested only by Agatha Christie’s classic murder-mystery, The Mousetrap. You might also know The Woman in Black from the 2012 film adaptation starring Daniel Radcliffe. Two of Australia’s most esteemed actors will star in the hair-raising play: Daniel Macpherson and John Waters. Macpherson rose to fame on Neighbours, before conquering the stage, screen and film worlds internationally. Recently, he primed his spooky skills in 2: 22 – A Ghost Story. Waters is known for his impressive 20-year run on Play School, alongside a host of stage and screen credits. He also starred in the 2006 Aussie production of The Woman in Black opposite Brett Tucker.  There’s no question that Melburnians love a good supernatural thriller. Coming fresh off the back of 2022’s Ghost Stories and last year’s 2: 22 – A Ghost Story, this eerie play will make for the third ghostly tale to spook our city in as many years. Producer Alex Woodward says he knew he had