The grandest theatre and stage productions hitting Melbourne this month.
The Rocky Horror Show
The show premiered in London in 1973 and has since proven that it is a story that transcends both borders and time. Back by phenomenal demand, The Rocky Horror Show returns to Melbourne after enjoying sell-out performances and rave reviews during the 2023 season of the 50th Anniversary Tour.
Athenaeum Theatre, throughout March.
Groundhog Day the Musical
An unmissable experience for audiences at The Princess Theatre, Groundhog Day the Musical is a gloriously joyful and heart-warming production from the award-winning minds of Australia’s one and only Tim Minchin AM, writer of the iconic 1993 film Danny Rubin and director Matthew Warchus.
Throughout March at The Princess Theatre.
The Sound of Music
A new production of The Sound of Music is coming to National Theatre Melbourne from 2-17 March. The production is the first of three crowd-pleasing new musicals to be staged at the historic 783 seat theatre as part of Theatrical’s 2024 season, with The Boy From Oz premiering in July, and A Chorus Line to grace the St Kilda stage in September.
National Theatre Melbourne from 2-17 March.
The Hate Race
Based on the acclaimed memoir by Caribbean-Australian author Maxine Beneba Clarke, The Hate Race delves into the intricate dynamics of race in Australia and the universal quest for a sense of belonging. Premiering on the Malthouse stage, this compelling narrative features Zahra Newman (known for Wake in Fright) portraying all characters from the book with remarkable authenticity and theatrical prowess.
Malthouse, until March 12.
Much Ado About Nothing
The Australian Shakespeare Company will open the season with a playful rendition of the rom-com classic, Much Ado About Nothing. Following the tale of two entangled love stories, the show is jam-packed with pop and rock music, making for an energetic and raucous romp. Running from February 23 to March 17, there are plenty of chances to catch a show.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne until March 17.
Rent
Following a group of friends living in New York City under the shadow of the AIDS crisis, the musical Rent is heading to Australia. Until March 7, Arts Centre Melbourne will come alive with the electrifying energy of Jonathan Larson’s multi-Tony Award-winning production.
Until March 7, Arts Centre Melbourne.
Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA
Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, LUZIA invites you to an imaginary Mexico, like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul. In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA will take the Australian audiences on a surrealistic journey through a vibrant world filled with wonders, playfulness and striking artistry.
Showing at Flemington Racecourse from March 24.
Grease
It’s one of the world’s most iconic and loved musicals, and nothing beats the feeling you get going back to Rydell High. Danny, Sandy, Kenickie, Rizzo, and the whole gang are back to give you a night out, like only Grease can.
Her Majesty’s Theatre until March 16.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Christopher Wheeldon’s extravagant Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland returns to take audiences back down the rabbit hole in 2024, thanks to The Australian Ballet. Masterfully translated from Lewis Carroll’s beloved book, Wheeldon brings the humour and eccentricities of the original story to the ballet stage in a fantastical tale suitable for the whole family. Watch as The Queen of Hearts rampages around her court, the White Rabbit shimmies his tail and the Caterpillar sparkles in 16 crystal-covered pointe shoes.
Playing at the State Theatre from March 15 – 26.
Wicked
Rejoycify! The producers of the Broadway blockbuster Wicked haveannounced that the musical phenomenon will fly into the Regent Theatre, Melbourne in March 2024.
Almost 20 years since its premiere on Broadway, Wicked remains one of the most successful and popular musicals in the world. Winner of over 100 major awards including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards.
Regent Theatre throughout March.
Gaslight
Gaslight, a modern adaptation of the 1940’s suspenseful thriller by Patrick Hamilton and starring Geraldine Hakewill and Toby Schmitz, is set to tour Australia from February 2024.
It will play at Comedy Theatre from March 6–24.
Chicago The Musical
The longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history, this scorching hot masterpiece includes a glittering score that includes All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and Razzle Dazzle, winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy.
Playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre from March 23.
A Taste of Ireland
Having performed over 300 shows worldwide and being seen by over 150,000 people worldwide, the show has enjoyed sell out seasons in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. The show also features multiple world champion dancers, as well as former stars of Lord of the Dance and Riverdance and is the only Irish dance show that is 100% live tap!
It’s coming to The Palms at Crown on St Patricks Day, Sunday March 17.
Meet Me at Dawn
Two lovers find themselves shipwrecked on a strange shore. As Helen and Robyn slowly piece together the nature of their predicament, what emerges is an unravelling of everything they thought they knew about themselves, each other and the life they’ve created. An extraordinary two-hander starring Sheridan Harbridge (Prima Facie) and Jing-Xuan Chan (SBS’s The Family Law), Meet Me at Dawn is the dramatic collision of delicate love story and philosophical mystery.
At Fairfax Studio until March 16.
Peter Pan: A Neverland Adventure
Are you ready to return to Neverland with J.M Barrie’s classic story about Peter Pan, Wendy, Nana, Tinker Bell, Pirates, Mermaids and a ticking crocodile? Think your happy thoughts and get ready to take the second star to the right and head straight on till morning to ‘A Neverland Adventure’.
At Fairfax Studio from March 29.
The Dictionary of Lost Words
Pip Williams’ award-winning New York Times bestseller and book club favourite, The Dictionary of Lost Words, has been beautifully transformed into a hit new play, coming soon to Melbourne. Directed by Jessica Arthur and adapted for the stage by Verity Laughton, this production from Sydney Theatre Company and State Theatre Company South Australia is overflowing with lush sets, period costumes, and incredible heartfelt performances.
At the Playhouse until March 17.
Circus Oz – Smash It!
Smash it! is Circus Oz as unbelievable as before in resurgent form, stripped back, tent-less, dauntless and daring, where sexagenarians, millennials and gen Z’s unite in chaotic and hilarious harmony.
Fairfax Studio from March 28.
Ruthless The Musical
Follow 8-year-old Tina Denmark’s hilarious journey to stardom, where she’ll stop at nothing to take centre stage. With a catchy score by Marvin Laird and witty lyrics by Joel Paley, this production is a rollicking spoof of classic shows like “Gypsy,” “Mame,” and the iconic thriller “The Bad Seed.” It’s a wild, sidesplitting take on these beloved classics that will have you in stitches.
Playing at The Alex Theatre throughout March.
Yentl
After a triumphant debut in 2022, garnering wide acclaim, four Green Room Awards and numerous five-star reviews—Malthouse is proud to present a return season of Kadimah Yiddish Theatre’s Yentl. This new stage adaptation of Nobel Prize laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer’s iconic short story is the first since the 1975 Broadway play and Barbra Streisand’s iconic 1983 musical film.
Malthouse, until March 17.
The 39 Steps
After record-breaking seasons in the West End and on Broadway, winning two Tony Awards, and the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, The 39 Steps comes to Melbourne for a strictly limited season. Don’t miss this much-loved gem, packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance!
At Chapel Off Chapel from March 8-17.
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The local footy team of this small coastal town have spent so long at the bottom of the ladder they might as well be welded to it. This year a new hope arrives: the Marngrook cousins. Named after the Aboriginal game that inspired AFL, they’re match fit to bring home the team’s first flag in forever. A little sweary and very sweaty, this powerhouse new production featuring a cast of 10 hits just as hard with the laughs as it does its searing social commentary.
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner throughout March.
For the best festivals and major events happening around Melbourne this month, head here.
