Spend a night at the theatre with some of the best shows across Australia!
December is a great month to enjoy some of the best theatre and musical productions in Australia. From Broadway’s biggest blockbusters to Fringe hits, there is something for everyone in this diverse and exciting lineup of shows.
Whether you are looking for a classic tale, a contemporary comedy, or a thrilling drama, here are the best plays and musicals to watch in Australia this December 2023:
Best Plays and Musicals in Sydney:
Image via Destination NSW.
Beauty and the Beast
The beloved and timeless Disney musical Beauty and the Beast returns to the stage with stunning costumes, sets, and all your favourite songs. Follow the journey of Belle, a young woman who finds herself in a mysterious castle with a cursed prince and his enchanted servants in this classic tale of love. Direct from West End and now playing at Capitol Theatre in Sydney, be a guest at this magical show for the whole family!
Photographed by Joan Marcus. Image via Destination NSW.
Wicked
One of the most famous musicals of all times, Wicked is a sensational production from start to finish. The Broadway hit tells the untold story of the Land of Oz before Dorothy arrived, giving audiences a new side to the Emeral City, Glinda the Good, and the Wicked Witch of the West. Coming to Australia for the first time since 2015 due to popular demand, this show is a magical and enchanting spectacle, playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. With powerful songs, stunning sets, and incredible performances, you’ll be ‘defying gravity’ after a viewing of Wicked!
Best Plays and Musicals in Melbourne:
Photographed by Parkes Elvis Festival. Image via Destination NSW.
Elvis: A Musical Revolution
Celebrate the life and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll with this biographical musical extravaganza. From his humble beginnings to his global fame, this show explores the music and personality of Elvis Presley, playing at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne from late September, as well as the State Theatre in Sydney. Featuring 40 of Elvis’ glittering hits, shake, rattle and roll with Elvis: A Musical Revolution this December!
Image via Destination NSW.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Pop the Champagne, bohemians. After celebrating stellar reviews and a sold-out premiere season in Melbourne, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is back in Melbourne at the iconic Regent Theatre. This jukebox musical carries the frenetic energy and heart of the film onto the stage, with plenty of classic songs from the film as well as new additions from the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna. For one of the most exciting musicals in Melbourne, grab a seat at Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Best Plays and Musicals in Adelaide:
Photographed by Johnny110. Image via Shutterstock.
Seya Moi & Jalali
The very first musical theatre performance in Dari language in Adelaide, Seya Moi & Jalali is one of the most exciting performances in Adelaide this December. Performing for one night only on Saturday 02 December 2023 at the Space Theatre, this two-hour live performance celebrates Afghan community, language and culture, presenting a new perspective on this ancient culture. So, for an entirely new type of musical, make your way down to Seya Moi & Jalali in December.
Best Plays and Musicals in Perth:
Photographed by Osugi. Image via Shutterstock.
Chicago the Musical
One of the most beloved musicals of all time, get your jazz hands ready for the titillating tale of Chicago the Musical. Starting from 21 November, enjoy a glamorous tale of murder, greed, adultery all to some of the greatest showtunes to ever be sung on Broadway. The musical follows Roxie Hart, a wannabe vaudevillian star who kills her lover and goes on a whirlwind adventure through the legal system. Tango on over to the Crown Theatre for this scorching hot masterpiece in Perth.
Photographed by Igor Bulgarin. Image via Shutterstock.
The Nutcracker
One of the most famous ballets of all time, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to start the Christmas season a little early this year. With a remarkable Tchaikovsky score, this magical production of the beloved festive ballet that remains faithful to the 19th-century original and will fill you with the Christmas spirit. Join Clara as she ventures through a winter wonderland and encounters the Nutcracker Soldier, Sugar Plum Fairy and evil Rat King in Perth.
Best Plays and Musicals in Brisbane:
Christmas Carol. Photography by Jacob_09. Image via Shutterstock
A Christmas Carol
This December in Brisbane, celebrate the yule-tide festivities with a night at the sward winning stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his past has been re-invigorated with stunning production design, lavish costumes, and whimsical music. So, bring the whole family this year to QPAC for heart and humour this festive season with A Christmas Carol!
Looking to spend some time at home? Then check out this list of The 15 Best Golden Age Hollywood Classic Movies of All Time. And for those after a great read, bookmark the 10 Best Australian Books to Add to Your 2023 Reading List.
