2026 Main Stage

Live theatre has a unique power. It brings us together — to laugh, to think, to be surprised, and to see the world from a different point of view. It’s a shared experience that stays with us long after the curtain falls, and it’s at the heart of everything we do here.

Our Main Stage program for 2026 is a season that is bold, entertaining and rich in storytelling, with something to intrigue, delight and challenge every audience member.

We begin with a much loved favourite, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. This annual highlight delivers a sparkling night of standup, satire and sheer silliness, bringing together some of the best established and emerging comedians from across the country. It’s fast, funny and always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Next, we invite you to step into the world of mystery and intrigue with Cluedunnit – Murder Mystery Dinner: Murders on the Nile. Equal parts theatre, suspense and immersive fun, this unique event transforms an evening out, into a thrilling whodunnit, where secrets unfold, suspects abound, and the audience is right in the middle of the action. Expect twists, turns, a delicious dinner — and perhaps a little misdirection.

From mystery we move into a darker, more fantastical world with GRIMM, presented by the acclaimed Shake & Stir Theatre Company. This bold and inventive re‑imagining of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales is clever, fast‑paced and visually striking. It’s a theatrical rollercoaster that is as thrilling as it is witty, offering a fresh take on stories we think we know — but perhaps don’t.

We are also proud to present Rachael Beck – In Their Own Words, a powerful and deeply human work that gives voice to lived experience. Through compelling storytelling and remarkable performance, this production invites us to listen closely, reflect deeply and connect with stories that resonate long after the final moment on stage.

Our Main Stage season culminates with one of the great works of dramatic literature — Bell Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This gripping tragedy of ambition, power and consequence is brought to life by one of Australia’s most respected theatre companies. With its intensity, psychological depth and unforgettable language, Macbeth remains as urgent and relevant today as ever.

Together, these productions form a Main Stage season that celebrates the full breadth of live performance — from laughter and spectacle to mystery, imagination and profound storytelling.

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