New and upcoming musicals in Melbourne

Matilda the Musical – based on the beloved children's book by Roald Dahl – is coming to Melbourne after more than a decade. The award-winning show, written by Dennis Kelly and with music and lyrics by Australia's own Tim Minchin, will open at the Princess Theatre in October 2027. If you're not familiar with the story of Matilda (which was also adapted into a film version in 1996 directed by Danny DeVito), it tells the tale of an extraordinary young girl with an incredible imagination and some newly discovered telekinetic powers who stands up to injustice. Loaded with heart, humour and featuring themes of bravery, courage and kindness, it's a timeless narrative that the whole family can enjoy.

After playing to delighted audiences in Sydney since April, and following the announcement it was heading to Brisbane this November, the world's number one musical will return to Melbourne in March 2027. The iconic stage production – which has been seen by more than 124 million people worldwide – had its Melbourne premiere in 2005, and was last in town in 2015. Now that's a long time between Hakuna Matatas. This time around, it will take up residency at the Regent Theatre from March 25, 2027, with tickets set to go on sale on October 15.

Hold onto your saucepan lids, dearies – the musical adaptation of Mrs Doubtfire is coming to Melbourne after spreading joy to audiences overseas. Based on the 1993 cinematic masterpiece starring Robin Williams and Sally Field, this warm, hilarious and high energy live show is directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks. Opening at the Princess Theatre in November, Mrs Doubtfire is an epic, family-friendly musical that's rooted in the movie we all know and love, but with a few extra surprises that are tailor-made for the live stage (think catchy songs, dazzling dance sequences and plenty of goofy gags).

Broadway smash-hit A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is making its Aussie debut at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre this August. It’s not too early to start warming up those vocal cords, because this energetic theatrical memoir is full of classic tunes (think ‘Sweet Caroline’) that are sure to have audiences singing along. Told through a series of fictional therapy sessions, A Beautiful Noise shares the untold true story of award-winning American rocker Neil Diamond. Created in collaboration with the man himself, the uplifting memoir traces his journey from a humble Brooklyn kid to a showstopping performer who’s sold more than 140 million albums worldwide.

Is Elf starring Will Ferrell your go-to Christmas movie? Then here's some news to put a smile on your dial. Elf the Musical is heading to Melbourne for the very first time, bringing plenty of holiday cheer to the brand-new Crown Live Theatre from November 27. The Broadway production arrives in Melbourne with oversized candy canes, toe-tapping tunes and laugh-out-loud moments. The story follows Buddy, a human who was raised by Santa's elves at the North Pole. When he discovers the truth about where he came from, Buddy travels to New York to find his father, spreading the Christmas spirit wherever he goes.

It's time to don your sharpest business suit once again, because American Psycho – The Musical is back. After a sell-out 2025 season, this blood-spattered cult hit returns to Chapel Off Chapel from October 29, inviting audiences into the twisted mind of Patrick Bateman – the Wall Street golden boy who's as obsessed with status as he is with murder.

We could have danced all night when we heard the news that one of the most beloved musicals of all time is heading back to Melbourne. That's right, a new production of My Fair Lady opens at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s Ian Potter State Theatre this November, celebrating 70 years since its Broadway debut. The upcoming production is based on the lavish 2016 revival, directed by the one and only Julie Andrews, who famously took on the role of Eliza Doolittle at just 20. The cast includes industry heavyweights such as Reg Livermore, Robyn Nevin and Tony Llewllyn–Jones, alongside a full ensemble and a debut from Freddy Hellier. The lead roles of Eliza and Henry are still under wraps, but we'll keep you posted as we know more.

Melburnians, this news is Big. Huge. Pretty Woman: The Musical is coming to town. The beloved Broadway and West End hit will land at the Regent Theatre from July. 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, joined by Michelle Brasier and Tim Omaji in key roles.

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, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr take the mic, wowing you with their power ballads and rock anthems.