Image: Bette & Joan. Jeanette Cronin as Bette Davis and Lucia Mastrantone as Joan Crawford.
Ensemble Theatre has announced its 2026 season, featuring fresh Australian voices, the international plays and new and returning Ensemble faces across 10 plays and one special event.
Opera Australia has unveiled its 70th anniversary season for 2026. Acting CEO Simon Militano said Opera Australia’s 70th anniversary season honours the talented creators, performers, loyal supporters and audiences who have shaped the company’s legacy across seven decades.
“We’re proud to present a season of extraordinary productions that revive some operatic masterpieces and crowd favourites and invest in new productions that shine a light on emerging talent and stories that reflect the diversity of Australian communities.
Star of stage and screen Ben Hall will be joining Samantha Jade in the cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical, which makes its debut at QPAC Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane in October before debuting at Theatre Royal Sydney from November.
Based on the iconic film, Ben will play the role of Edward Lewis, famously played by Richard Gere and is joining Samantha Jade, who will play the role made famous across the globe by the much-loved Julia Roberts.
Samantha Jade will star as Vivian in the upcoming Broadway and West End musical PRETTY WOMAN: The Musical, which makes its debut at QPAC Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane in October before debuting at Theatre Royal Sydney from November.
Based on the iconic film, Samantha will play the role made famous worldwide by the much-loved Julia Roberts.
For one week from 22 to 27 September 2025, Undercover Artist Festival (UAF) will take over Queensland Theatre’s (QT’s) stages. Festival Director, Maddie Little, launched her PUSH IT! program with a packed studio of fans and followers at QT’s Diane Cilento Studio on 19 June.
Adelaide Festival Centre has announced multi-award-winning Australian comedian, singer, and writer Reuben Kaye will take on the role of Artistic Director for the 2026 Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
During the final weekend of the cabaret festival, current Artistic Director Virginia Gay handed over the reins to Reuben Kaye at the sold-out 25th Birthday Party in the Banquet Room.
