From John Farnham to The Castle: Australia’s biggest shows

From John Farnham’s greatest hits and the return of the Kerrigan family to Neil Diamond, Mrs Doubtfire and Les Misérables, Australia’s theatres are preparing for a bumper summer and an extraordinary 2027.

If you’ve ever sung along to You’re the Voice, laughed at Darryl Kerrigan’s pursuit of serenity or found yourself humming Sweet Caroline, there’s a good chance you’ll be buying theatre tickets over the coming months.

Some of Australia’s most familiar entertainment favourites are returning in a big way, with John Farnham’s amazing career inspiring a new musical and The Castle celebrating its 30th anniversary with a stage adaptation.

Meanwhile, Robin Williams’ unforgettable Mrs Doubtfire is getting the musical treatment, The Lion King is returning, and a string of Broadway classics are preparing to delight audiences around the country.

There are some familiar television faces heading our way, too.

Whether you’re looking for a night of nostalgia, a good laugh or an excuse for a weekend away, here are the shows worth marking on your calendar.

Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical

Few Australian voices have meant as much to so many people as John Farnham’s.

Now the extraordinary story behind his career comeback is heading to the stage in Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical.

The production focuses on the creation of Farnham’s record-breaking 1986 album, which transformed the former teen idol into one of Australia’s biggest music stars.

Michael Paynter plays Farnham, with Bonnie Anderson and Ben Hall portraying Gaynor and Glenn Wheatley.

Expect the music that defined an era, including the unmistakable anthem You’re the Voice, alongside the story of the people who believed Farnham still had something special to offer.

Where and when: Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney, November 15, 2026 to January 3, 2027.

The Castle

How’s the serenity?

Thirty years after The Castle became one of Australia’s most beloved films, the Kerrigan family is moving from the screen to the stage.

The new theatrical production has been written by the film’s original creators, Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro and Jane Kennedy.

Justin Smith takes on the role of Darryl Kerrigan, originally played by Michael Caton, with Christie Whelan Browne as Sal and Ed Oxenbould as Dale.

The story remains familiar. When the Kerrigans’ treasured family home is threatened, Darryl refuses to give up without a fight.

There’ll be favourite moments from the 1997 film, along with new material written for the stage.

And yes, we’re expecting plenty of references to the pool room.

Where and when: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, from March 23, 2027.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

If the opening notes of Sweet Caroline still have you singing along, this one’s for you.

A Beautiful Noise tells the story of Neil Diamond, from his beginnings as a young songwriter in Brooklyn to becoming one of the world’s biggest recording artists.

The musical explores the man behind the songs, including the relationships and personal struggles that shaped his career.

And what a soundtrack.

Forever in Blue Jeans, America, Cracklin’ Rosie and I Am… I Said are among the favourites that helped make Diamond a household name.

For those who grew up with his music playing on the radio, it’s a chance to revisit some wonderful memories.

Where and when: Sydney Lyric Theatre, from November 14, 2026; Brisbane from March 20 and Adelaide from May 23, 2027.

Mrs Doubtfire: The Musical

More than three decades after Robin Williams introduced audiences to the unforgettable Mrs Doubtfire, the much-loved comedy is finding a new home on stage.

Based on the 1993 film, the musical follows a divorced father who disguises himself as a Scottish nanny to spend more time with his children.

Australian performer Jake Speer takes on the demanding central role, complete with the elaborate disguise and larger-than-life personality that made Williams’ character so memorable.

The production promises plenty of laughs, with the family story at its heart.

Where and when: Melbourne from November 25, 2026; Sydney from March 2027.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

The red windmill is turning again.

Baz Luhrmann’s spectacular world of romance, heartbreak and outrageous entertainment returns to Sydney in 2027.

Erin Clare will play Satine, the role made famous on screen by Nicole Kidman, opposite Nigel Huckle as Christian.

Cabaret favourite Reuben Kaye takes on the flamboyant nightclub owner Harold Zidler, while Tim Omaji, also known as Timomatic, returns as Toulouse-Lautrec.

Based on Luhrmann’s 2001 film, the production features more than 70 songs spanning generations of popular music.

Its previous Australian tour attracted more than a million theatregoers, and the new production promises another feast of elaborate costumes, enormous sets and unforgettable music.

Where and when: Sydney Lyric Theatre, from March 2027.

The Lion King

Few stage productions can match the spectacle of Disney’s The Lion King.

The award-winning musical returns to Australia with its extraordinary puppetry, colourful costumes and the unforgettable music of Elton John and Tim Rice.

From Circle of Life to Can You Feel the Love Tonight, the songs remain instantly recognisable.

The story of Simba’s struggle to reclaim his place in the animal kingdom has entertained generations, making this an appealing outing for grandparents and grandchildren alike.

Where and when: Brisbane from November 2026; Melbourne from March 2027.

Fiddler on the Roof

Tradition!

The beloved musical about Tevye, a Jewish milkman struggling to balance family expectations with a changing world, is returning to Australian stages.

Featuring classics including If I Were a Rich Man, Sunrise, Sunset and Matchmaker, Fiddler on the Roof remains one of musical theatre’s great achievements.

Set in a small village in Imperial Russia, the story follows Tevye and his daughters as they confront questions of marriage, family and tradition.

It’s funny, moving and filled with songs that have stayed with audiences for decades.

Where and when: Melbourne from October 31, 2026; Perth from January 2027.

Les Misérables

Forty years after its Australian premiere, Les Misérables is returning to Sydney.

The celebrated musical follows former prisoner Jean Valjean as he attempts to rebuild his life while being pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert.

Its extraordinary score includes I Dreamed a Dream, Bring Him Home, On My Own and One Day More.

For anyone who remembers the excitement of the original Australian production in 1987, the anniversary offers a particularly good reason to return.

Where and when: Sydney Opera House, from August 27, 2027.

Crocodile Dundee in Concert

Forty years after Paul Hogan became an international star, Crocodile Dundee is receiving an orchestral birthday celebration.

The 1986 Australian blockbuster will be screened in 4K while a live orchestra performs Peter Best’s original score in time with the action.

Audiences can revisit Mick Dundee’s adventures, from the Australian outback to New York, while enjoying the music that helped make the film a worldwide hit.

For anyone who saw the original at the cinema, this promises a terrific dose of nostalgia.

Where and when: Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney, February 5–6, 2027.

Private Lives

Downton Abbey favourite Hugh Bonneville is joining Australian television star Lisa McCune in a new production of Noël Coward’s celebrated comedy.

Private Lives follows a divorced couple who unexpectedly discover they’re honeymooning with their new partners in adjoining hotel rooms.

Old passions and arguments quickly return, with predictably hilarious consequences.

With two familiar performers leading the cast, this could be one of the year’s most appealing comedies.

Where and when: Sydney from February 2027; Melbourne from March 18.

The Shawshank Redemption

The prison drama that became one of cinema’s most enduring favourites is coming to Australian stages.

Based on Stephen King’s novella, The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy Dufresne, a banker imprisoned for murders he insists he did not commit.

Inside Shawshank prison, he develops an unlikely friendship with fellow inmate Red.

The stage adaptation brings the story’s powerful themes of friendship and hope to life, offering an alternative for audiences who prefer drama to musicals.

Where and when: Sydney from January 2; Melbourne from February 3; Perth from March 12; Adelaide from April 1; Brisbane from April 28, 2027.

An Evening with Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul

Fans of Breaking Bad are in for a treat.

Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, who played Walter White and Jesse Pinkman in the acclaimed television drama, are heading to Australia for a series of live conversations.

The pair will revisit their years making the series, share behind-the-scenes stories and discuss the friendship that developed during filming.

It’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from two actors whose performances helped make Breaking Bad a television phenomenon.

Where and when: Brisbane, January 15; Perth, January 18; Melbourne, January 22; Sydney, January 25, 2027.

An Audience with Sir Tony Robinson

For millions of viewers, he’ll always be Baldrick from Blackadder.

But Sir Tony Robinson has enjoyed an extraordinary career beyond the much-loved British comedy, particularly as the enthusiastic presenter of Time Team.

His Australian stage appearances promise stories from his television career, memories of working alongside Rowan Atkinson and plenty about his lifelong fascination with history.

Where and when: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat, December 6, 2026.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Imagine being born an old man and growing younger with every passing year.

That’s the unusual premise behind The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the acclaimed musical making its Australian debut in 2027.

Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, the production takes audiences to a Cornish fishing village, where Benjamin’s remarkable life unfolds in reverse.

Unlike the 2008 film starring Brad Pitt, the stage adaptation features actor-musicians who perform the music live.

The production won three Olivier Awards in 2025, including Best New Musical.

Where and when: Sydney from July 16; Melbourne from September 3; Brisbane from October 8, 2027.

More big shows to watch

And that’s far from the end of the entertainment calendar.

Opera Australia is bringing My Fair Lady to Melbourne from November 14, with its glorious collection of songs including I Could Have Danced All Night and Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?

The Pirates of Penzance returns to the Sydney Opera House in July, while Mozart’s The Magic Flute offers another opportunity to enjoy one of opera’s most recognisable scores.

For something on a grander scale, Aida on Sydney Harbour will combine Verdi’s famous music with enormous sets and fireworks against the Sydney skyline from March 27.

There are more family favourites on the way, too.

Paddington The Musical is scheduled for Sydney in September 2027, while Matilda The Musical returns to Melbourne in October.

Australian audiences can also look forward to a new stage celebration of legendary racehorse Phar Lap, along with a cabaret tribute to Peter Allen.

And for those who enjoy a little more spectacle, Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza and Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular are among the productions bringing acrobatics and music to stages around the country.

With more announcements expected throughout the coming months, there’s plenty of reason to start planning a night out.

And if your favourite production isn’t coming to your city, perhaps it’s time to organise that weekend away.

From John Farnham and The Castle to Neil Diamond, Mrs Doubtfire and Les Misérables, discover Australia’s biggest theatre shows for 2026 and 2027.

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