Melbourne theatre explodes to life in August. Our what's on guide includes the latest plays, stage performances, live shows and more.
From Arts Centre Melbourne to the Regent Theatre, wedding cellists to award-winning comedians, we’ve handpicked the following 20 Melbourne theatre shows, comedy performances and stage productions to catch this August.
It’s hard to believe we’ve already made our way to August, it felt like yesterday we were still watching things on demand and baking sourdough. Yet, as we continue to hurtle through the year, it seems more and more amazing shows are making their way to Melbourne stages.
There’s everything from coveted comedians to slap subjects and musical premieres to a show created by hearing-impaired performers. The show must go on, so let’s dive into what’s on this month.
Check out Melbourne’s latest stage shows and theatrical events here.
Arts Centre Melbourne
Hannah Gadsby
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We haven’t had a comedic export as big as Hannah Gadsby in a long time. Her unique brand of stand-up has made her a staple of the US tv and live circuit, popping up on late night and many popular podcasts. She’ll be returning to home soil this August with her Body of Work tour, written during lockdown. You can catch her at the Hamer Hall, grab your tickets here.
Heart is a Wasteland
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ILBIJERRI Theatre Company brings Heart Is a Wasteland to the Fairfax Studio stage, a First Nations story that mixes romance with music. It’s about country music performer Raye, who travels from pub to pub across Australia, where she meets someone special along the way. The play features all original music, penned by Worimi musician Lydia Farhall. Check out some more info on the latest Melbourne theatre production here.
‘Heart is a Wasteland’ coming to Arts Centre: ‘It’s one of those stories we never get to see’
Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Sheku Kannah-Mason is perhaps best known for his performance at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back in 2018, the cellist being the first to reach the album charts in the UK. He’ll be bringing his family down to Melbourne for their first tour, his brothers and sisters ranging in age from 12 – 25, each talented classical performers. Check out some more info and book it in here.
Regent Theatre Melbourne
Hairspray
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The multiple Tony award-winning musical is perhaps one of the most feel-good Broadway shows over the last few years, and after a bunch of revivals across the biggest stages, it’ll be hitting the Regent Theatre this August. It’s a bit of a star-studded affair too, you’ll be able to catch Rob Mills, Todd McKenney, Rhonda Burchmore, Asabi Goodman and the legendary Shane Jacobson starring as lead character Tracy Turnblad’s mother, Edna.
Palais Theatre
Il Mago di Oz
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It’s not too often Melbourne theatre stages are graced with high class opera performances, but this August, Melbourne is getting a re-imagines version of The Wizard of Oz, told in operatic form. Coming to the Palais Theatre with the Victorian Opera, il Mago di Oz brings some stunning music to the story we all know and love. Check out more info and grab your tickets here.
Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne
Hamilton
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The Lin Manuel Miranda penned extravaganza has sold out stages in London, New York, Puerto Rico and Sydney, audiences in awe of the show’s unique musical styling and intriguing story behind the founding father. It’s happening at Her Majesty’s Theatre, check out more info and book it in here.
Princess Theatre Melbourne
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
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It’s been a staple of our theatre scene for years now, a number of different versions hitting stages with different cast members. Perhaps one of the most memorable elements of the show was its split-staging across two parts, often seen hours after one another, leading many to possibly be turned away from the original production. But now the team are back with a new format, all the magic and moments you love cut down into one portion, and it’s still just as long as any other stage show you’ll have ever seen.
State Theatre Melbourne
9 to 5
After successful runs in Brisbane and Sydney, the musical based on the music of Dolly Parton is finally joining the Melbourne theatre landscape. You’ll be able to singalong to all your favourite Dolly Parton hits like ‘Backwoods Barbie’, ‘Here for You’, and of course ‘9 to 5’. The musical has a star-studded cast, you’ll be able to catch Marina Prior, Casey Donovan, Erin Clare, Eddie Perfect, and Caroline O’Connor in top roles. Grab your tickets here.
Comedy Theatre Melbourne
Come From Away
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Come from Away is arguably one of the best Melbourne theatre productions of recent years, and after an insanely successful run across Australia, it’s returning to Melbourne. The show had a massive here pre-lockdown, but after increased fan pressure, we’ll get to experience it all again. Come From Away is about the misdirected planes during the events of 9/11. It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, but you’ll leave feeling good.
Award-winning musical ‘Come From Away’ is coming to Melbourne
Athenaeum Theatre Melbourne
Wil Anderson
He’s been a staple of the TV world and stand-up circuit for years, his brand of stand up finding many loyal fans across the country. His 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival show Wilogical will be making a return this August for one show only, grab your tickets here.
Review: Wil Anderson is ‘Wil-Informed’ at his 23rd Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Shane Gillis
He mightn’t be a household name just yet, but this comedian is definitely worth seeing. He’s been on stages across the world and found many fans with his laid-back approach to stand up. He’s also been a staple of the podcast space, with his own show, and regular appearances on the popular Joe Rogan Experience. You can grab your tickets for his August 13 show here.
Shane Gillis announces second Melbourne show at Athenaeum Theatre
Superwog
There’s no doubt you’ve scrolled through a couple of their videos on social media and had a bit of a chuckle, now you’re able to experience Superwog’s comedic prowess in real life with his acclaimed live show. Check out some more info and grab your tickets here.
The Butterfly Club
Minuscule Musical
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This show is a stage version of Simon Hall’s podcast of the same name. You may know Simon Hall (Yon) as a founding member of musical comedy troupe Tripod, this podcast sitting in a similar space, each episode featuring the creation of a comedic ‘miniscule musical’. On August 6, Yon will be joined by Gillian Cosgriff and Sammy J, for a recording of a live podcast. You can check out more info and book it in here.
Southbank Theatre
Laurinda
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Making its way to the Melbourne Theatre Company stage this August is Laurinda, popular writer Diane Nguyen’s stage adaptation of a bestselling Alice Pung book. The show centres around Lucy Lam and her journey throughout high school, battling with bullies and trying to find herself and her place in the world. The show will feature the acting talents of Fiona Choi, Gemma Chua-Tran, Ngoc Phan, among many more. You can book it in here.
A Vietnamese Australian adaptation of ‘Laurinda’ is coming to the MTC
Rise & Fall
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Dance students from the Albert Park College will be bringing a dance show to the Southbank Theatre, inspired by the journey many of them went throughout the last few years. You can check out more info and book it in here.
Margaret Court Arena
Chris Rock
There’s no question that Chris Rock may be the biggest stand-up comedian at the current time, and he’ll be hitting our shores very soon. Ahead of his noteworthy moment at the 2022 Oscars, the Saturday Night Live, Grown Ups, and comedy icon will be bringing his Ego Death tour to the Margaret Court Arena. The comic isn’t afraid to get a little bit heavy in his stand-up, so the faint of heart may need to stay home.
Arts House Melbourne
More Than Words Can Say
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Storytelling can be an interesting thing. We hear them every day, but what if their telling was turned on its head? More Than Words Can Say brings signed stories to the front and centre and allows deaf artists to have a platform. The show is also set to feature an in-depth discussion of where deaf theatre is set to go from here. It’s happening at North Melbourne’s Arts House, grab your tickets here.
Scream Star
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This show mixes the world of screen and percussion, how the sounds we hear impact the scenes we see. Scream Star will be coming to life from the team at Speak Percussion. You can check out some info and book in your tickets to Scream Star here.
La Mama
Amleth: No-Lander Mark
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August is a month for some interesting original works in Melbourne theatre that really sit apart from the pack, one of them being Amleth: No Lander Mark. If the name isn’t familiar, Amleth is the name of a legend in Scandinavian folklore, who was the direct inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This show is directed and performed by Elnaz Sheshgelani, a talented creative who will be an interesting spin to this story. Amleth: No-Lander Mark only goes for 25 minutes, so you know you’ll only be getting the good stuff.
Melbourne Recital Centre
MCO’s Four Seasons
Especially right now, Melbourne’s pretty familiar with seeing four seasons in one day. But this show has nothing to do with weather, the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will be performing Antonio Vivaldi’s popular violin concerto of the same name. Nothing can really compare to getting dressed up and immersing yourself in the beautiful music of the orchestra.
Grab your tickets here.
