New and upcoming musicals in Melbourne

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.

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.

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.

Directed by Andy Fickman with musical direction from Martine Wengrow, Heathers the Musical may be cheesier than the goofy yet undeniably brutal movie, but the slushy-driven “teen-angst bullshit” spirit of the Westerberg High cohort is still present and incorrect. Wrongness is in the story’s soon-to-be-buried-highschooler bones, after all. Refusing to shy away from the murderous mayhem that ensues at Westerberg High, the bitter realities of teenagers constantly assaulted by peer pressuring bullies who feel just as out of place ring true. If you like your musicals on the more maniacal side, then the satirically sharp Heathers the Musical will work its dark magic for fans of the film or those coming fresh to this twisted story.

Hey Melbourne, the Mormons are back! After wowing audiences in Sydney with plenty of "did they really just say that?” humour, The Book of Mormon is heading to the Princess Theatre from February 6, 2026. The Australian cast features Sean Johnston (Hairspray) as the charmingly self-important Elder Price, Nick Cox (Beauty and the Beast) as geeky, show-stealing Elder Cunningham, and Paris Leveque who is making her professional debut as Nabulungi.