Musicals to Watch: Australia’s Must-See Theatre in 2025
Australia’s theatre scene is set to dazzle in 2025 with an exciting array of musicals and stage productions, ranging from blockbuster premieres to beloved classics. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt dramas, family favorites, or big-budget spectacles, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at what to look forward to:
Back to the Future: The Musical
Sydney Lyric, September 2025
Great Scott! The Olivier Award-winning Back to the Future: The Musical makes its Australian debut in Sydney. This high-energy show brings Marty McFly and Doc Brown’s time-traveling adventure to life with electrifying performances and innovative staging. Fans of the classic film won’t want to miss this nostalgic yet futuristic thrill ride.
Back to the Future: The Musical is a stage adaptation of the 1985 film, featuring music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, with a book by Bob Gale. Alongside original songs, the show includes hits from the movie such as ‘The Power of Love,’ ‘Earth Angel,’ ‘Johnny B. Goode,’ and ‘Back in Time.’
Initially planned for a 2015 West End premiere, the production was delayed due to changes in directors. It eventually debuted at the Manchester Opera House in February 2020, before transferring to London’s West End in 2021. The original cast included Olly Dobson as Marty McFly, Roger Bart as ‘Doc’ Brown, and Hugh Coles as George McFly. The production earned widespread acclaim, winning the 2022 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
The musical opened on Broadway in August 2023, with Bart and Coles reprising their roles and Casey Likes as Marty. A North American tour launched in June 2024, continuing the show’s journey of time-traveling success.
Beetlejuice
Regent Theatre, Melbourne, from 7 May 2025
Say his name three times! The hilarious and spooky Beetlejuice finally makes its Australian debut. Packed with catchy songs, quirky humor, and larger-than-life visuals, this hit Broadway musical promises a wild ride into the afterlife.
Beetlejuice The Musical is a stage adaptation of the 1988 film, with music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect and a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King. The story follows a deceased couple who attempt to haunt the new inhabitants of their home with the help of a mischievous bio-exorcist ghost named Betelgeuse, summoned by saying his name three times. Among the new residents is Lydia, a young girl coping with her mother’s death and her distant father.
The musical premiered at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., in October 2018 before opening on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on April 25, 2019. After closing in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it reopened at the Marquis Theatre on April 8, 2022, and ran until January 8, 2023. A U.S. national tour began in December 2022, continuing the show’s spooky and comedic legacy.
Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular
Various Cities, 2025
Cameron Mackintosh’s epic Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular brings Victor Hugo’s iconic story to life like never before. Featuring stunning visuals, a star-studded cast, and the powerful songs that define this timeless musical, it’s a production that promises to leave audiences in awe.
Les Misérables (often called Les Mis or Les Miz) is a sung-through musical with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, and an English libretto by Herbert Kretzmer. Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, the story is set in 19th-century France and follows Jean Valjean, a man seeking redemption after being imprisoned for 19 years for stealing bread. Inspired by an act of mercy from a bishop, Valjean reinvents himself, adopting the orphaned Cosette while evading relentless pursuit by the obsessive Inspector Javert. Against the backdrop of political unrest, their lives intersect with a group of young revolutionaries fighting for freedom at a Paris barricade.
The original French production premiered in Paris in 1980, directed by Robert Hossein. Its English adaptation, produced by Cameron Mackintosh, debuted in London in 1985 and has become the longest-running musical in West End history. Globally, Les Misérables has enjoyed immense success with countless productions and a 2012 film adaptation that brought its powerful story and iconic score to the big screen.
Peter and the Starcatcher
Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Dive into the magical world of Peter and the Starcatcher, a whimsical prequel to Peter Pan. With its clever humour and enchanting storytelling, this production offers a playful and heartwarming experience for audiences of all ages.
Peter and the Starcatcher is a play by Rick Elice, adapted from the 2004 novel Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Serving as a prequel to J.M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy, it provides a backstory for beloved characters such as Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Mrs. Darling, and Captain Hook.
The play premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in California before moving Off-Broadway in 2011. It opened on Broadway on April 15, 2012, where it ran until January 20, 2013. It later returned Off-Broadway at New World Stages from March 2013 to January 2014, delighting audiences with its inventive storytelling and imaginative staging.
MJ: The Musical
Sydney Lyric, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, Sydney
Experience the life and music of the King of Pop in MJ: The Musical. This critically acclaimed production delivers electrifying performances of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, paired with a compelling narrative of his legendary career.
MJ the Musical is a jukebox musical that delves into the life and creative process of Michael Jackson, focusing on his preparations for the Dangerous World Tour. Featuring Jackson’s iconic music, the show has a book by Lynn Nottage and direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
Originally slated for a mid-2020 Broadway premiere, MJ was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Myles Frost eventually stepped into the lead role, and the production began previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on December 6, 2021, officially opening on February 1, 2022. The musical expanded internationally, debuting in London’s West End in 2024.
While receiving mixed critical reviews, MJ has been a commercial success, grossing over $230 million by late 2024. It earned 10 Tony Award nominations, winning four, including Best Actor for Frost and awards for choreography, lighting design, and sound design. The original cast recording was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, cementing MJ as one of the highest-grossing musical theater productions of all time.
Annie
Capitol Theatre, Sydney
The sun will come out tomorrow as Annie returns to the stage. This timeless family favourite, with its heartwarming story and unforgettable songs, is a must-see for audiences young and old.
Annie is a musical with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. Based on the 1924 comic strip Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray, which was inspired by James Whitcomb Riley’s poem Little Orphant Annie, the show tells the heartwarming story of a plucky orphan’s journey to find a family.
The original Broadway production premiered in 1977 at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre) and ran for nearly six years, setting a record for the venue. Annie won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has since been performed worldwide in countless productions and tours. Iconic songs like ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’ remain beloved classics.
Cats
Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King Street, Sydney
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats claws its way back to the stage, bringing its iconic score and mesmerizing choreography. Whether it’s your first time or a nostalgic revisit, this show remains a theatrical gem.
Cats is a sung-through musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on T. S. Eliot’s 1939 poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. It follows the Jellicle Cats as they gather to make the ‘Jellicle choice,’ deciding which among them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn. As of 2024, Cats is the fifth-longest-running Broadway show and the eighth-longest-running West End show.
Lloyd Webber began composing music for Eliot’s poems in 1977, initially presenting the work as a song cycle in 1980. Producer Cameron Mackintosh brought on director Trevor Nunn and choreographer Gillian Lynne to transform it into a full musical. Cats premiered in the West End in 1981 to critical acclaim and opened on Broadway in 1982, receiving mixed reviews but winning major awards, including Best Musical at both the Olivier and Tony Awards.
The London production ran for 21 years (8,949 performances), and the Broadway production ran for 18 years (7,485 performances), setting records in both theatre districts. Cats has been revived multiple times in the West End and on Broadway, translated into numerous languages, and performed worldwide. Notable long-running productions include a 15-year run in Hamburg with over 6,100 performances and a still-ongoing run in Japan, where it has exceeded 10,000 performances since 1983.
Cats revolutionized musical theatre, starting the ‘megamusical’ trend and shaping the industry with its focus on big-budget blockbusters and family-friendly appeal. Its influence extended to aesthetics, technology, and marketing. The musical was adapted into a 1998 direct-to-video film and a 2019 feature film. Despite its unconventional premise, Cats became a global phenomenon, grossing over $3.5 billion by 2012.
The Book of Mormon
Capitol Theatre, Sydney
From the creators of South Park comes the irreverent and hilarious The Book of Mormon. Known for its witty satire and toe-tapping songs, this global phenomenon promises big laughs and unforgettable moments.
The Book of Mormon is a musical comedy by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone, creators of South Park. The story follows two earnest Mormon missionaries sent to a remote Ugandan village to spread their faith. Their efforts are met with indifference from locals facing severe challenges, including HIV/AIDS, famine, female genital mutilation, child abuse, and a tyrannical warlord.
The show premiered on Broadway at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in March 2011, starring Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad. It received widespread critical acclaim, set ticket sales records, and won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Its success led to productions worldwide, including a long-running West End staging and multiple U.S. tours.
With over $800 million in gross revenue, The Book of Mormon is one of the most successful musicals ever. As of November 2024, it ranks as Broadway’s 12th longest-running show, with over 5,000 performances.
Guys & Dolls
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, opening 21 March 2025
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Guys & Dolls is a must-see spectacle. This classic tale of gamblers and showgirls gets the full operatic treatment, combining timeless music with breathtaking scenery.
Guys and Dolls is a classic Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Based on Damon Runyon’s short stories The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown and Blood Pressure, it also incorporates characters and elements from other Runyon tales, such as Pick the Winner.
The musical premiered on Broadway on November 24, 1950, running for 1,200 performances and winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. It has since enjoyed numerous Broadway and London revivals and was adapted into a 1955 film starring Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, and Vivian Blaine, who reprised her Broadway role as Adelaide.
Regarded as one of the greatest Broadway musicals, Guys and Dolls earned a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, recognizing the original cast album featuring Vivian Blaine, Sam Levene, Robert Alda, and Isabel Bigley.
Shirley Valentine
Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, from 30 January 2025
Starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, this joyful one-woman comedy takes audiences on a delightful journey of self-discovery and adventure. With its heartfelt humour and relatable themes, Shirley Valentine is the perfect escape. Shirley Valentine is a one-woman play by Willy Russell. Presented as a monologue, it tells the story of a middle-aged, working-class Liverpool housewife reflecting on her life before and after a life-changing holiday abroad.
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
Step into Middle-earth with The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale. This stage adaptation of Tolkien’s epic trilogy promises stunning visuals, a sweeping score, and a cast bringing Frodo’s journey to life in a whole new way.
The Lord of the Rings is a stage musical based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic novel, featuring music by A. R. Rahman, Värttinä, and Christopher Nightingale, with lyrics and a book by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus. Set in the mythical world of Middle-earth, the story follows a humble hobbit on a perilous quest to destroy a powerful, evil ring while resisting its corrupting influence.
The musical debuted in 2006 at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, followed by a West End run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from June 2007 to July 2008. After a 15-year hiatus, it was revived in 2023 at the Watermill Theatre in Berkshire, UK, earning Best Regional Production at the WhatsOnStage Awards in 2024. Subsequent performances included a summer 2024 run at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and a November 2024 season at The Civic Theatre in Auckland, New Zealand.
In 2025, the musical will tour Australia, starting at Sydney’s State Theatre in January, with additional runs at the Crown Theatre in Perth and the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. A UK return is planned for October 2025 at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, before embarking on a European tour.
Hadestown
Theatre Royal Sydney, from 10 February 2025
Dive into the depths of the underworld with Hadestown, the Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. With its mesmerizing score and hauntingly beautiful storytelling, this is a must-see for lovers of modern theatre.
Hadestown is a musical by Anaïs Mitchell, reimagining the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In this version, Eurydice, struggling with hunger and poverty, seeks refuge in a harsh industrial underworld, while Orpheus, her musician lover, embarks on a perilous journey to save her.
The musical began as a sung-through production in Vermont in 2006, followed by a tour in 2007. Uncertain of its future, Mitchell adapted the work into a 2010 concept album. In 2012, she collaborated with director Rachel Chavkin to expand and refine the stage version, adding new songs and dialogue.
The reworked Hadestown premiered off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop in 2016, followed by productions in Edmonton and London. Its Broadway debut in 2019 earned widespread acclaim, receiving 14 Tony Award nominations and winning eight, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, solidifying its place as a modern theatrical masterpiece.
Get Ready for a Show-Stopping Year
Australia’s 2025 theatre calendar is packed with world-class productions and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering something new, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the magic of live theatre. Book your tickets now and get ready for a year of show-stopping performances!
