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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Entertainment
Cassie Tongue, Sian Cain, Tim Byrne, Jared Richards, Monique Ross, Jane Howard, Steve Dow, Dee Jefferson Steph Harmon, Walter Marsh and Jason Blake

The 20 best theatre, musicals, dance and opera shows in Australia in 2025

An William Yang Eddie Perfect Guardian Australia Melbourne Betelgeuse Dean Bryant Hedwig Simon Phillips Sydney
Beetlejuice, Jesus Christ Superstar and the Talented Mr Ripley.
Beetlejuice, Jesus Christ Superstar and the Talented Mr Ripley were among Guardian Australia’s best stage shows of 2025. Composite: Guardian Design

Guardian Australia’s staff and reviewers spent many hours in the dark this year and have re-emerged with a recap of the best theatre, musicals, dance and comedy of 2025. From Eddie Perfect’s blockbuster Beetlejuice and a talent-stacked new take on Jesus Christ Superstar, to adaptations of modern literary classics Picnic at Hanging Rock and The Talented Mr Ripley, and comedian Garry Starr’s nude show about books – these are the gems that brightened Australian stages this year.

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