Melbourne theatre and musicals in January

At a time when it feels more important than ever to encourage people to get out and support the local arts industry, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical arrives at the Princess Theatre full of an abundance of infectious energy. For longtime Neil Diamond fans, it's a no-brainer – this is a dazzling blockbuster of a show that honours the singer-songwriter’s career and legacy. But with stellar performances, slick production elements and that extensive setlist of hits, it seems inevitable that this particular jukebox musical will earn plenty of new fans in Melbourne, too.  

Fans of strong emotional drama with political heart, shows with enough laughter to dull the pain of bitter truths, and anyone with discernment who wouldn’t pass up a chance to see Kat Stewart flex her theatrical muscles on a jaw-dropping set need to see Malthouse Theatre's Break of Day. As directed with urgent authority by Sarah Goodes, Stewart’s an empathy machine you can’t take your eyes or ears off. But the rest of the cast – including Sherry-Lee Watson, Theo Clarke, Richard Piper and Chum Ehelepola – also shine.

This astonishing new work from S Shakthidharan and Eamon Flack at MTC's Southbank Theatre will bowl you over. That they can still locate such luminosity in the darkest paces of this unrelenting horror is both testament to their artistry and the indomitable nature of humanity. Both Australian and Sri Lankan, The Jungle and the Sea is vital theatre. A call for peace, love, unity and understanding, it’s a cry in the endless night of war, beseeching it to end and never begin again. We are all the better for it.

Melburnians, this news is Big. Huge. Pretty Woman: The Musical is coming to the Regent Theatre. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray), with music by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, this adaptation of the iconic Julia Roberts–Richard Gere romance brings Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis to life on stage. Aussie singer, songwriter and actress Samantha Jade will star as Vivian while Ben Hall (Neighbours, Better Man) will be Edward. There's wit, there's glamour and there's all the unforgettable lines you know and love. 

If you thought history class was boring, Six the Musical is here to change your mind. Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this high-energy musical returns to Australia and will be at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from July 24. In this foot-tapping show, the six wives of King Henry VIII are reimagined as modern-day pop stars out to reclaim their stories. One by one, Catherine of Aragon (Sarah Murr), Anne Boleyn (Mia Paris Scalise), Jane Seymour (Cara Bessey), Anna of Cleves (Kadesa Honeyhill), Katherine Howard (Angela Brischetto) and Catherine Parr (Lorinda May Merrypor) take the mic, wowing you with their power ballads and rock anthems.