Mainstage Theatre

Read all our latest reviews from the Mainstage Theatre scene. Below you'll find the latest Musical, Play, Dance and Opera reviews. If you enjoy a review, leave a testimonial for our writers, or donate a $5 coffee to help support independent writers.

Musicals

From Moulin Rouge, to Hamilton, Come From Away, to SIX, read what our writers love when it comes to a toe tapping night at the theatre.

& Juliet - Regent Theatre, Melbourne (VIC)

Annika Loci

Mar 11
4 min

& Juliet - Regent Theatre, Melbourne (VIC)

& Juliet brings an iconic character back from the dead to give her a fitting and empowered remix to dance to. 4.5 STARS

Hairspray the Musical - Sydney Lyric Theatre (NSW)

Justin Clarke

Feb 27
4 min

Hairspray the Musical - Sydney Lyric Theatre (NSW)

You can't stop the beat of Hairspray with its charm and insanely high energy. 4 STARS

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Hayes Theatre Co (NSW)

Justin Clarke

Feb 25
4 min

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Hayes Theatre Co (NSW)

Led by its superbs leads, this production is worth your time just to listen to its diamond encrusted hit song. 3.5 STARS

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Sydney Theatre Royal (NSW)

Justin Clarke

Feb 19
5 min

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Sydney Theatre Royal (NSW)

After 50 years, Rocky Horror is still sexy and funny as ever, making for more than a fun night at the theatre. 4 STARS

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Capitol Theatre (NSW)

Justin Clarke

Feb 18
4 min

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Capitol Theatre (NSW)

A kaleidoscope of colour and fun awaits you at Joseph, if you can look past its questionable choices. 3 STARS

Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical - Riverside Theatres (NSW)

Kat Pech

Feb 6
3 min

Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical - Riverside Theatres (NSW)

- Cruel Intentions: The 90's Musical is perfect for fans, newbies and lovers of questionable 90's taste -

Plays

The latest offerings coming from Australian writers are magical. See what is making waves in the Australian theatre scene now.

Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica - Ensemble Theatre

Mary Anne Reid

5 days ago
3 min

Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica - Ensemble Theatre

Art and music combine in this updated production of Williamson's two-hander. 4 STARS

Bernhardt/Hamlet – Southbank Theatre (VIC)

Martha "MJ" Latham

Mar 13
2 min

Bernhardt/Hamlet – Southbank Theatre (VIC)

A witty, poignant masterpiece that delves into the complexities of gender and art. 5 STARS

Blessed Union - Belvoir St Theatre (NSW)

Justin Clarke

Feb 26
4 min

Blessed Union - Belvoir St Theatre (NSW)

'Blessed Union' is incredibly modern with a poignantly real script full of heart, humour and sharp social commentary. 5 STARS

Choir Boy - Riverside Theatres Parramatta (NSW)

Justin Clarke

Feb 18
4 min

Choir Boy - Riverside Theatres Parramatta (NSW)

Handled with a balanced weight from its directing duo, Choir Boy is a must see this World Pride. 4.5 STARS

Theatre Thoughts

Feb 10
2 min

Colleen McCullough's TIM goes on tour

Adapted for the stage by acclaimed playwright Tim McGarry, will commence a tour of eight NSW venues.

A Broadcast Coup - Ensemble Theatre (NSW)

Juliana Payne

Feb 3
3 min

A Broadcast Coup - Ensemble Theatre (NSW)

Broadcast Coup is a tale that shouldn't have to be told, but packs a darkly rueful comic punch. 3.5 STARS

Opera

One of the oldest form of storytelling, Opera has been around for centuries. Read the latest offerings of those gut belting tunes now.

Juliana Payne

Feb 22
3 min

Adriana Lecouvreur - Sydney Opera House (NSW)

Opera Australia's 'Adirana Lecouvreur' raises the age-old dilemma - can the artist really have it all? 4 STARS

Justin Clarke

Nov 26, 2022
4 min

Carmen – Cockatoo Island (NSW)

Opera Australia's latest spectacular venture, 'Carmen' plays in an outdoor venue. Read Justin's full theatre thoughts now.

Juliana Payne

Jul 19, 2022
3 min

IL TROVATORE - Opera Australia (NSW)

Created by Giuseppe Verdi, Directed by Davide Livermore Reviewed by Juliana Payne Murder, deceit, suicide, lust, superstition and a fair...

La Traviata – Arts Centre Melbourne (VIC)

Saskia Johnson

May 7, 2022
3 min

La Traviata – Arts Centre Melbourne (VIC)

Overflowing with exceptional talent and visual splendour, La Traviata is an experience not to be missed.

Dance

Movers and shakers, ballet leaps and gliders, disco moves and jazz hands. What is the best dance on offer in the theatre world?

MATADOR - Riverside Theatre, Parramatta (NSW)

Juliana Payne

Feb 19
2 min

MATADOR - Riverside Theatre, Parramatta (NSW)

Matador is colour, sexy and energetic, making for a perfect way to celebrate Sydney WorldPride. 3 STARS

Tessa Miles

Feb 14
2 min

The Mirror - Sydney Opera House (NSW)

The Mirror is risky, sexy, and cheeky in all the right ways. 4.5 STARS

Velvet Rewired – Sydney Opera House (NSW)

Tessa Miles

Dec 24, 2022
3 min

Velvet Rewired – Sydney Opera House (NSW)

Presented by Sydney Opera House in association with Peter Rix. Reviewed by Tessa Miles Rating: 5 out of 5. 22nd December – 11th February...

Swan Lake – Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC (NSW)

Juliana Payne

Nov 4, 2022
3 min

Swan Lake – Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC (NSW)

Performed by The United Ukrainian Ballet Reviewed by Juliana Payne Rating: 4 out of 5. Friday 28 – Saturday 5 November 2022 Tickets:...