Based on the incredible true story of writer Tony Briggs’ mother, The Sapphires follows four Yorta Yorta women who blaze a trail from regional Victoria to the frontlines of Vietnam — entertaining American soldiers, breaking barriers and discovering love along the way.

Featuring ’60s soul classics performed live including Respect, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss), this joyous production transforms the intimate Bille Brown Theatre into an electrifying concert-style celebration — up close, personal and impossible to resist.

For more than 25 years, the multi-award-winning play — and the hit film it inspired — have captivated audiences around the world. At its heart, The Sapphires is a proud story of First Nations women whose talent, humour and resilience lit up a remarkable moment in Australian history — a story that, for many years, remained largely untold.

Now the beloved musical returns in a sparkling new production, with the next generation of First Nations performers stepping into the legacy of the women who inspired the story, led by original director and theatre legend Wesley Enoch.

Big-hearted, infectious and full of soul, this celebration of sisterhood, culture and unforgettable music builds to a roof-raising finale — and promises the feel-good musical night out you’ll love from the very first note.

The Sapphires
28 April – 24 May 2026
Bille Brown Theatre, Brisbane
www,ueenslandtheatre.com.au

This dazzling production, by the Tony Award-winning team Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens and Darko Tresnjak, transports you from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria of 1920s Paris. ANASTASIA follows a brave young woman on a journey to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Rising star Georgina Hopson leads the cast as Anya, alongside international stage sensation Robert Tripolino as Dmitry. They are joined by Joshua Robson as Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, showbiz legend Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily, and Australian theatre royalty Nancye Hayes AM as the Dowager Empress.

With much-loved songs like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December”, ANASTASIA has captivated audiences around the world – hailed as “A MONSTER HIT!” by The New York Times and “Irresistible!” by Variety.

ANASTASIA the Musical
From 16 Sep 2026
Lyric Theatre, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au

Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of Steel Magnolias comes alive under the direction of Lee Lewis featuring an extraordinary ensemble led by Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, Sea Petrol, The 39 Steps), Belinda Giblin (Home & Away, Amadeus, Doubt), Debra Lawrance (Home & Away, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child AU and UK, A Christmas Carol), Mandy Bishop (Wharf Revue, Blue Heelers), Jessica Redmayne (Home & Away, 800 Words, The Great Gatsby) and Lotte Beckett (Julia, The Election Monologues).

Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.

Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, Steel Magnolias delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.

Steel Magnolias
30 April – 10 May 2026
Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au

Running 5 to 21 March 2026, this dynamic interpretation of Sophocles’ timeless tragedy launches the season with raw energy and unflinching urgency, inviting audiences into a world where personal conviction collides with authoritarian power.

Antigone places a fearless young woman at its centre – one who refuses to be sidelined, silenced or intimidated by the structures built to control her – who speaks directly to the fractured realities of the present day.
Opening on the eve of International Women’s Day, the production reverberates with questions of voice and agency while remaining grounded in a profoundly human story.

La Boite Theatre Artistic Director Courtney Stewart co-directs the work with Nigel Poulton and says Antigone is a deliberate and powerful way to begin La Boite’s 2026 season.

“We’re determined to bring audiences bold, urgent theatre that is deeply engaged with the world we’re living in; Antigone sets the tone for exactly that,” Stewart says.

“There’s something both ancient and shockingly current about Antigone. It’s a story that feels alive, following a young woman who chooses to act according to her conscience, even when that choice costs her everything.
“That act of courage continues to resonate, particularly when we’re thinking about whose voices are heard, and whose are expected to stay quiet.”

After Antigone’s brothers Eteocles and Polynices kill each other while on opposing sides of a civil war, King Creon honours Eteocles but leaves Polynices’ body unburied as punishment for attacking Thebes. When Antigone defies the king’s command and buries Polynices herself, she ignites a brutal clash between personal conviction and authoritarian power.

Antigone’s act of resistance sparks questions that burn with urgency today: Who gets to decide what is just? Where should our loyalty lie? What price are we prepared to pay to honour the truth?

Antigone
5 – 21 March 2006
La Boite Theatre, Brisbane
www.laboite.com.au

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is finally coming to QPAC! Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.

This “smart, laugh out loud funny” (Daily Telegraph) show features a string of pop classics including “Young Hearts Run Free”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “You’re So Vain”. Coming to Australia for the first time, five fearless women bring Austen’s world of love, class and chaos to life with heart, humour and unstoppable energy in this modern take on one of the world’s most adapted pieces of literature.

Pride & Prejudice (Sort Of)
Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane
30th September – 11th October 2026
www.qpac.com.au

Welcome to The Jazz Age: a fever dream of dizzying excess where love, lies and liquor are in hot supply. Late to this glittering party arrives Nick Carraway, a blow-in from the mid-West, who’s immediately drawn to the enigmatic playboy next door: Jay Gatsby.

Every Saturday night New York’s Flappers, Freeloaders and Pleasure Seekers swill from Gatsby’s generosity while rumours swirl about their mysterious host. Is he a racketeer? A mobster? A bootlegger? A saint? Nick soon discovers the forlorn Gatsby is a man who has everything he wants – except the only woman he’s ever loved … Daisy.

Considered one of the greatest novels ever written, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece comes roaring to the stage in a stylish and scintillating adaptation where dreams shimmer then shatter, hearts beat achingly out of time and everyone’s chasing their own green light.

Queensland Theatre Company and our nationally-acclaimed homegrown heroes Shake & Stir Theatre Co spirit you away to that elusive gin-soaked Summer of 1922, where love and longing is served on the rocks. From the creative teams that brought you Pride & Prejudice, Frankenstein, A Christmas Carol and GRIMM, alongside a cast of rising stars, this Gatsby is shaken, not stirred.

The Great Gatsby
12 Februray – 8 March
Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane
www.queenslandtheatre.com.au

STEEL MAGNOLIAS will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026.

Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.

“Following our recent tours of The Woman in Black, Shirley Valentine and The 39 Steps, we’re thrilled to bring STEEL MAGNOLIAS to Australian audiences,” said producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward. “The fierce, funny and resilient friendships in the story have always inspired us. It’s a privilege to work with Lee Lewis again, whose direction of Shirley Valentine we so admired, and to bring the heart, humour and spirit of STEEL MAGNOLIAS to the stage with a stellar ensemble of Australia’s most exceptional talent.”

STEEL MAGNOLIAS originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988 and toured to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, featuring a cast which included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut. The 2026 Australian tour cast will be announced in coming months.

Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, STEEL MAGNOLIAS delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.
www.steelmagnoliasplay.com.au

BRISBANE
Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
30 April – 10 May 2026
www.qpac.com.au

SYDNEY
Theatre Royal Sydney
13 – 31 May 2026
www.theatreroyalsydney.com

WOLLONGONG
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
3 – 11 June 2026
www. merrigong.com.au

CANBERRA
Canberra Theatre Centre
17 – 21 June 2026
www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

PERTH
His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
7 – 18 July 2026
www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au

MELBOURNE
Athenaeum Theatre
23 July – 9 August 2026
www.ticketmaster.com.au

The Countdown Is On!

In just a few weeks, A Very Naughty Christmas returns to light up Brisbane with a night of festive fun that’s anything but ordinary.

Think Christmas classics with a twist, big laughs, and big decked the halls energy! It’s the kind of show that makes you forget about gift lists and family dinners… at least for one glorious night.

Join us for a holiday celebration that’s naughty and nice.

A Very Naughty Christmas
Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane
11–21 December – 10 Naughty Nights Only
www.averynaughtychristmas.com/

Australia’s favourite Christmas tradition returns!

Now in its eighth sparkling year, Christmas Actually is the ultimate silly-season starter, bursting with nativity lobsters, cinnamon sticks and endless fun!

Relive the magic musical moments from beloved holiday classic Love Actually including songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, brought to life by a rockstar band of Australia’s top musicians and vocalists.

Starring award-winning cabaret queens Naomi Price and Libby O’Donovan OAM with an all-star cast of music theatre sweethearts, Christmas Actually will deliver all the hits from your favourite festive soundtrack, wrapped up with a sprig of holly and bucketloads of comedy and charm.

Don’t miss this absolute (Christmas) cracker of a show!

Christmas Actually
2 to 14 December 2025
Brisbane Powerhouse
www.thelittleredcompany.com

Long before Hollywood, this sizzling legal drama from the masterful Aaron Sorkin dominated Broadway, and now court is in session in the Playhouse for QPAC’s 40th Birthday celebrations. One misfit US Marine is dead, two others stand accused of killing him, and the whole corps is on trial as a team of young military lawyers uncover a sinister conspiracy in this gripping judicial thriller.

Inspired by actual events at Guantanamo Bay in 1986, this “brilliant, intelligent, cutting, shivering and even nasty script” (The Independent) sparkles with the signature quickfire repartee of Sorkin’s screen hits The West Wing, The Newsroom and The Social Network.

Turning a spotlight on the toxic internal culture of the United States military, A Few Good Men interrogates the idea that instilling unquestioning loyalty in a soldier has dark and terrible consequences, and that patriotism is the virtue of the vicious. Helmed by three-time Matilda Award-winning director Daniel Evans, a cast of rising stars go head-to-head with a swathe of stage legends in this courtroom tour-de-force.

Can you handle the truth?

A Few Good Men
22 November – 7 December 2025
Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane
www.queenslandtheatre.com.au