A new era of musicals is about to hit Sydney’s biggest and best theatres. Here are the shows we think you should book.
2025 saw a huge roster of blockbuster musicals dazzle audiences across the city. We laughed until our stomachs ached at The Book of Mormon, wiped away tears at the Sydney Opera House during Rent, and were hit with intense nostalgia at Les Misérables: Arena Spectacular when the original cast flooded the stage to perform a rendition of One Day More.
February marked a dry spell for blockbuster Sydney musicals, after The Book of Mormon finished its long stint at the Capitol Theatre and Back to the Future: The Musical had a disappointing tour cancellation and average reviews.
The good news? April is ushering in a blockbuster month of internationally acclaimed musicals, with more to come as 2026 continues, and we’re here to help you decide which ones are worth booking.
Which musicals are coming to Sydney?
Anastasia: April 7
Anastasia has played to sold-out audiences on Broadway since its premiere in 2017, and has appeared across Europe, Latin America, Japan and North America. More than 15 major international awards later, it’s finally coming to Down Under, set to transform the Lyric Theatre from April 7.
The story follows Anya, a resilient young woman on a journey to uncover the mystery of her past as she is pursued by an army officer determined to silence her. Centred on themes of romance, family and home, the production is based on the wildly popular animated film, which was released in 1997.
Rising star Georgina Hopson will lead the cast as Anya, alongside international stage sensation Robert Tripolino as Dmitry. Showbiz legend Rhonda Burchmore will take to the stage as Countess Lily, with Australian theatre royalty Nancye Hayes AM as the Dowager Empress.
Between the palace in Russia and the 1920s Parisian streets, the musical is laden with opulence, from the set design to dazzling costumes. The score is impressive and catchy, too, thanks to epic songs like Journey to the Past and Once Upon a December.
The Lion King: April 18
At the top of most Sydney musical lovers’ wish-list is the stunning The Lion King, which comes roaring back to Sydney this April 18, running for a strictly limited season until August 9. Haymarket’s Capitol Theatre will host the legendary stage show.
This will be the third local tour for the highly acclaimed production, which over its previous two seasons has played to almost four million Australian audience members. Now set for a new staging, thirteen years after the musical’s most recent Australian run, Disney hopes The Lion King will capture new audiences and add to its impressive total of 120 million tickets sold.
The full cast list was recently announced and features Australian actor Daniel Frederiksen, who has worked in television, film, and live theatre, as the famous villain, Scar, South African actor Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba and Nick Afoa as Mufasa (who played the role of Simba in the 2013 production).
Buyi Zama will reprise the role of Rafiki for the third time, having performed the part in both the 2003 and 2013 Sydney productions.
Fiddler on the Roof: July 31
The beloved 1964 musical will have its inaugural Australian Premiere at Theatre Royal this July, running until October 3. This follows the musical’s sold-out season in London, breaking the record for the best-selling musical of all time at the Barbican Theatre, and winning three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
The story is set in the tiny village of Anatevka in 1905, where milkman Tevye lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, this means a visit from the matchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, Tevye struggles to embrace the unfamiliar as anti-semitic pressures increase in the region.
The musical has already been extended “due to phenomenal demand” However, the full cast is yet to be released, and not much else is known about the upcoming production.
Waitress: August 1
Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS will make its long-awaited Australian debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in Auguts 2026.
Centred on themes of resilience, friendship and hope, WAITRESS has garnered international acclaim, including four Tony Award nominations and two Olivier Award nominations. It also won the 2017 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album thanks to an original, uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, who stated, “It’s been a dream of mine to see WAITRESS (finally) find its way to Australia.”
The heartwarming musical follows the life of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a local pie-baking contest gives her a glimmer of hope, Jenna realises her dream of a better life might finally be within reach.
Jenna will be played by singer and actress Nathalie Bassingthwaighte, who’s known for her roles in Chicago and Shirley Valentine, as well as her television stints on Neighbours and So You Think You Can Dance Australia.
What should you book?
If you love spectacular stagecraft and stunning visuals, see The Lion King
I’ll never forget the moment I was sitting in an aisle seat in London’s Lyceum Theatre when a huge hyena snarled at me and nearly made me fall out of my chair. Not only does The Lion King have a stunning (and very recognisable) score, from The Circle of Life to I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, it also has some of the most remarkable sets and costumes you’ll ever see.
The epic musical is a must-see for families and kids, but honestly, audiences of all ages are sure to be captivated. This show has unbeatable high production value, and is at the top of my list out of all the upcoming 2026 Sydney musicals. That being said, it is also the priciest option out of all the upcoming musicals, so if you’re not willing to spend upwards of $150, you might have to miss out.
You can book your tickets here, from $165.
If you love quirky romance and strong female leads, see Waitress
A night out seeing Waitress is the perfect girls’ night out if you love a strong female lead (enter Nathalie Bassingthwaighte), contemporary romance and heartfelt stories. Although it deals with heavy subject matters, including an unhappy and abusive marriage, the romantic comedy includes plenty of uplifting and empowering moments.
The musical features a modern pop soundtrack, with catchy hits like “Opening Up” and the deeply moving ballad “She Used to Be Mine.” For theatre lovers who enjoy contemporary pop and energetic, current tracks, Waitress is a great choice.
You can book your tickets here, from $69.90.
If you love fairytale-style adventure and romance, see Anastasia
Any romantics who love magical, grand musicals with sweeping numbers should book to see Anastasia. With plenty of fairytale moments, this musical is great for teens and adults, but young kids might struggle to keep up with some of the more political elements of the storyline. Let’s just say, it’s not a Disney show, and there are themes of historical tragedy scattered through the musical.
Those who grew up with the animated movie will enjoy the stage show; however, they should note that it’s not a completely loyal movie adaptation, with some musical numbers and fantasy elements removed.
You can book your tickets here, from $69.90.
If you love classic musicals and historical but timeless stories, see Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof isn’t for everyone, and I’d argue that older audiences who love classic Broadway storytelling and memorable scores will enjoy this production. The combination of heartbreak and hilarity reigns supreme in this musical, so if you’re ready to be moved (but also confronted by more serious and moving scenes), Fiddler on the Roof is a great choice.
Culture enthusiasts won’t want to miss this Australian premiere, which explores the rich traditions of the Jewish immigrant experience and life in 19th-century Russia. With many themes still resonating today, it will be fascinating to see how the Sydney production interprets the story: whether staying true to the original or offering fresh takes on its settings and narrative.
You can book your tickets here, from $69.
