New and upcoming musicals in Melbourne

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.

Broadway smash-hit musical Waitress is making its Melbourne (and Australian) debut in 2026, blending sweetness, sass and soulful songs in one heartwarming show. The Tony-nominated production is set to premiere at Her Majesty's Theatre in May 2026 for an exciting, month-long run. As the name suggests, the story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and seasoned pie maker who dreams of escaping her rocky marriage and starting fresh. When a baking contest and an unexpected new romance give her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she thought.

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.

The 1989 cult film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater has long been beloved for its jet-black humour and anarchic take on the trials and tribulations of being a teenager – and now it’s a full-throttle musical with a soundtrack to boot. After blockbuster seasons across the UK, Ireland and the US, Heathers The Musical finally hits Australian stages, with Melbourne as its first stop. Running from April 8 to May 3, this high-octane, rock musical delivers killer one-liners, scrunchie-spangled nostalgia and all the charm of the original film, now reimagined with a full Australasian cast and a catchy score.

Whether you’re a child of the ‘90s who grew up on a diet of animated films or simply a fan of feel-good musicals the whole family can enjoy, Anastasia makes for a charming theatre experience. And while some of the historical references (however glossed over they may be) will probably go right over the heads of any little ones, it won’t distract from magic of this captivating tale.

Due to popular demand, Melbourne Theatre Company's rip-roaring musical adaptation of My Brilliant Career is returning for a limited five-week run in 2026. This incredible production takes one of the best-known early Australian novels, the 1901 book of the same name by Miles Franklin, and twists it into a musical for a new generation. Six star Kala Gare is reprising her role as Sybylla Melvyn, with much of the original ensemble of actor-musicians also coming back.

It's been seen by more than a million people on Broadway and many more on the West End, and now the Tony Award-winning MJ the Musical is heading to Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne. Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ the Musical features more than 25 of Michael Jackon’s biggest pop hits set to show-stopping dance numbers, including ‘Beat It’, ‘Smooth Criminal’, ‘Man In The Mirror’ and ‘Thriller’. It's show at Her Majesty's Theatre until December 14.