It's October and you know what that means: Fringe is about to take over our theatres, big stages and black boxes.
This month may very well be the busiest for stage shows. With a couple of blockbusters and hundreds – yes, hundreds – of smaller shows on, the stages will be crowded with circus, cabaret, comedy, one-man shows, musicals and everything in between!
So to give you a hand unpacking it all, we’ve curated a list of some of the most exciting shows on the calendar. We recommend booking your tickets soon – some of these are going to get snatched up fast.
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
SIX the Musical
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- Comedy Theatre
- Until 20 October
This smash-hit musical turns history on its head as the six wives of Henry VIII take the stage to reclaim their stories. A fun, empowering and infectious pop musical, SIX is packed with catchy tunes and fierce performances, blending history with contemporary girl power.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
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- Princess Theatre
- Throughout October
This electrifying musical tells the life story of the legendary Tina Turner, from her humble beginnings to becoming the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Featuring her most iconic hits, this production is a joyous celebration of resilience, strength and unforgettable music.
The Rockstar and the Krill
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- Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter, State Library Victoria
- 1 October
Dive into a whimsical underwater adventure where a misbehaving rockstar and a tap-dancing krill find themselves trapped inside a whale. This lively, music-filled performance explores themes of friendship, rebellion and the power of small creatures. Perfect for children aged 5-12, this free show is an unforgettable oceanic journey.
The Greatest Magic Show
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- Athenaeum Theatre
- 1 October
Back by popular demand, this family-friendly magic show promises jaw-dropping illusions and endless surprises. Starring internationally acclaimed magicians Sam and Justin, the show will captivate both kids and adults alike, with each child receiving a free magic wand as they enter. Prepare to be amazed by brand-new tricks straight from Las Vegas.
No Show
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- The Motley Bauhaus
- 1-6 October
In this experimental comedy, the comedian is a no-show and chaos ensues. With an overworked tech and a relentless heckler, the audience is in for a wild ride as they watch a show unravel and rebuild itself. It’s an inventive, meta-theatrical comedy experience full of unpredictable laughs.
Sh*tbag
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- Trades Hall: Archive Room
- 2-6 October
In this bold solo debut, Hayley Edwards combines dark humour and raw honesty to tackle themes of chronic illness, mental health and sexuality.
Black Girl Rising
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- La Mama Courthouse
- 2-6 October
This one-woman show fearlessly explores racism and mental health through a mix of stand-up, spoken word and storytelling. Engaging and hard-hitting, the performance dismantles stereotypes while making you laugh and reflect. A powerful production that sparks important conversations.
Temple of Desire: The Party
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- Malthouse Theatre
- 4 & 5 October
A visually stunning dance-theatre piece, Temple of Desire revives a pre-colonial world where divine beauty and sensuality were celebrated as paths to spiritual liberation. 16 dancers, trained in classical Indian Bharatanātyam, create a mesmerising fusion of traditional and modern storytelling.
I Hope This Means Something
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- Chapel Off Chapel
- 2-13 October
This world premiere explores the fragile psyche of an activist overcome by the enormity of the climate crisis. As their mental health deteriorates, the play navigates the fine line between sanity and madness, fact and fiction, in a powerful, provocative narrative.
Peter and the Starcatcher
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- Playhouse Theatre
- From 8 October
Discover the untold prequel to Peter Pan in this enchanting theatrical production. Featuring a stellar cast, including Peter Helliar and Colin Lane, this magical adventure takes audiences through a whirlwind of unforgettable characters and fantastical creatures.
Bianka Ismailovski: Working Girl
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- Museum of Chinese Australian History
- 8-12 October
Bianka Ismailovski returns with her hilarious one-woman stand-up show, Working Girl, where she shares candid, laugh-out-loud stories from her life in sex work.
After Rebecca
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- La Mama HQ
- 9-13 October
In this intense psychological thriller, an unnamed woman recounts her unsettling journey after running away with a millionaire reality TV star. Set in the isolated Australian outback, this play explores themes of gaslighting, power dynamics and hidden violence, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
House With A Sunken Garden
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- The Motley Bauhaus
- 14-20 October
This intimate, one-person show invites audiences on a sensory journey through vivid memories and poetic reflections. Writer and performer Olive Weeks creates an emotional landscape that encourages viewers to find beauty in everyday moments, combining spoken word and movement in this immersive experience.
I Watched Someone Die on TikTok
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- La Mama HQ
- 15-20 October
This darkly comedic and chaotic play delves into the unsettling nature of social media consumption. Following a young woman’s experience of witnessing disturbing content online, it explores how the digital world can warp reality and desensitise its users.
Golden Blood
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- Fairfax Studio
- From 25 October
Set in Singapore’s criminal underworld, Golden Blood tells the gripping story of two orphaned siblings who turn to gangster life for survival. This fast-paced drama combines violence, glamour, and familial loyalty, leading to an emotionally charged and unforgettable conclusion.
For more on Melbourne stage shows this October, head here.
