Ultimate nostalgia trip: Debauched European tours for the middle-aged
That's not such an anomaly, either, because there are plenty of artists and bands who enjoyed a brief rush of fame in the '90s or 2000s still touring the world, still playing to adoring audiences of parents who have left their kids with a babysitter for the evening.
The Waifs are playing wineries. The Offspring are doing arena tours. Salt-N-Pepa are on the festival circuit. Hanson are still a going concern. Frenzal Rhomb are coming to an RSL near you. (No shade, I love Frenzal Rhomb.)
I saw '90s skate-punk band Pennywise play recently, and a friend pointed out that everyone who raised their phone in the air to take a video had a photo of their kids as their wallpaper.
All of this points to a peculiarity among Gen X and Millennials. There's a hunger among this ageing cohort for throwback experiences, for blasts from an increasingly distant past. We're still cool, right? We still do all the same things?
That's why we can go to Ministry of Sound gigs that begin at 4pm. We can still play Mario Kart on a new Nintendo. We still consider Back to the Future a good movie.
So … how about we all go on Contiki again?
Hear me out here because this might just be the ultimate revival experience. Gen X-ers and Millennials love reliving moments from their past, so how about an ultra-budget three-week jaunt around Europe to really tap that nostalgia vein?
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Some of the best concerts, theatre shows not to miss this spring-summer
A-list stars and world-class shows are touring Australia in Spring and Summer. Among the biggest concerts headlining stadiums are AC/DC, Oasis, Metallica and Ed Sheeran, while more intimate venues will host Cliff Richard, Ricky Martin and Human Nature. Exquisite theatre shows include Cats and and Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, while you'll enjoy a singalong and belly laughs with RocKwiz Live 2025. And there's a few special treats worth travelling for, including Back to the Future - The Musical, and The Phantom of the Opera. Enjoy! Read more in The Senior You'll be Thunderstuck to see the legendary rock band when they bring their Power Up tour to Australia. From their first show at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney in 1973, the band has gone on to sell more than 200 million albums, including Highway to Hell, T.N.T., The Razor's Edge, Stiff Upper Lip and their most successful, Back In Black. Among their anthemic tunes are It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), You Shook Me All Night Long and Thundersruck. The band released their last studio album Power Up in 2020. Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young, Matt Laug and Chris Chaney will Shake Your Foundations when they get on stage in November and December. Find out more about the tour here. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are coming Down Under to present their Oasis 25 Live comeback tour. The band's smash 1995 album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? produced hits including Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall. Other anthemic tracks in their catalogue include Stop Crying Your Heart Out, Lyla and Roll With It. The band last toured Australia in 2005 with their Don't Believe the Truth world tour, four years before they broke up and a very public split of the brothers' personal relationship. More information can be found here. The music legend is ready to Move It on stage for fans when he brings his Cliff Richard, 'Can't Stop Me Now' tour to Australia. The prolific musician has made about 50 studio albums and has a string of hits to his name, including Living Doll, Travelling Light and Devil Woman. Sir Richard has toured Australia 11 times since beginning in 1973 and has 131 Aussie shows under his belt. "To please a whole group at once is perfect for me," he said. Speaking with The Senior, he shared a time when Olivia Newton-John gave him a "fabulous birthday present" - a CD of practice vocal exercises made by her vocal coach. He still uses it today before a show. Read Eileen Wood's interview with Sir Cliff Richard here American heavy metal legends Metallica are including Australia as part of their M72 world tour. They've produced a string of albums since their 1983 debut Kill 'Em All, including their self-titled album, plus St Anger and the highly acclaimed Master of Puppets. Among their hit singles in Australia are One, Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Until It Sleeps, and Fuel. This tour is in support of their 11th studio album 72 Seasons. "We are beyond thrilled to have locked down a return to Australia," they said. Find out more about Metallica's tour here. Go Livin' La Vida Loca with the Latin pop king on his national tour in November. Ricky Martin won Australians over with hits including She Bangs, Maria and The Cup of Life, and has gone on to sell more than 95 million albums worldwide. Ricky Martin Live 2025 will feature his greatest hits and other tracks, wrapped in an electrifying and energetic show with dancers, a live band, and strong visuals. Visit for tickets. The singer-songwriter's upcoming Loop Tour dates have been perfectly timed for Australia's summer. Ed Sheeran will visit Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide between January and March 2026, following the release of his album Play in September 2025. He has amassed hit after hit since his first single The A Team, with further smashes including Thinking Out Loud, Shape of You, Perfect, Shivers, Bad Habits and Eyes Closed. Visit for more information. People get ready for home-grown talent Human Nature as they take their MTWN20 Regional Tour across Australia. School friends Phil Burton, Toby Allen and Andrew and Michael Tierney made a name for themselves in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits including Wishes, He Don't Love You, People Get Ready and a duet with John Farnham, Every Time You Cry. But it was when they released Reach Out: The Motown Record, featuring their versions of classics including You Keep Me Hanging On and My Girl that their careers soared to new heights. It's that very album they're celebrating with this tour. The band had hit the road earlier in 2025 to mark its 20th anniversary, but due to popular demand, have created this regional tour. Read Rowan Cowley's interview with Phil Burton here. September 2025: 24, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre; 26, Townsville Entertainment Centre; 27, Cairns Performing Arts Centre; 30, Gladstone Entertainment Centre. October 2025: 1, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg; 2, The Events Centre, Caloundra; 3, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough; 4 and 5, Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads; 7 and 8, Glasshouse Port Macquarie; 9 and 10, The Art House, Wyong; 12, Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree; 14 and 15, Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre; 16, Griffith Regional Theatre; 17, Llewellyn Hall, Canberra; 18, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra. February 2026: 27 and 28, State Theatre, Sydney March 2026: 3 and 4, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre; 6, The Capital, Bendigo; 7 and 8, Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre; 10, Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton; 11, Horsham Town Hall; 13 and 14, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; 15, Geelong Arts Centre; 17 and 18, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre; 19 Frankston Arts Centre; 21 Her Majesty's Ballarat; 22, Mildura Arts Centre; 24 and 25, Albury Entertainment Centre; 27, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; 28, Anita's Theatre Thirroul; 29, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Comedy and acrobatics come together in one of Cirque Du Soleil's most beloved shows. Corteo is a festive parade imagined by Mauro the clown, who pictures his own funeral happening in a carnival atmosphere while angels watch over. The audience is taken into a fun, spontaneous and comedic world somewhere between heaven and earth in the production. Premiering in Montreal in 2005, the show has since been seen by 12 million people across 30 countries. Visit for more information. Cats, which tells the story of the Jellicle cat tribe, who gather for the Jellicle Ball on one special night every year, opened in London in 1981. It ran for a record-breaking 21 years on the West End and 18 years on Broadway, winning best musical at both the Olivier and Tony Awards. The show has been garnering praise, with Lisa Edser describing Todd McKenney's portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) as "hilarious" and Axel Alvarez as Mr Mistoffelees "mesmerising". CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Read Lisa Edser's review here and Rowan Cowley's interview with Todd McKenney here. See Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis and Dugald as they hit the road for RocKwiz Live. Accompanied by the legendary RocKwiz OrKestra, big names and emerging stars, this unique music quiz show will have audiences laughing and racking their brains. There will be sing-alongs, audience members sharing the stage, mayhem and madness as live music, spontaneous comedy and a love of music combine. Ms Zemiro said the RocKwiz family adored performing live. "If you want to be uplifted, if you want to be moved by incredible musicians at the top of their game and also laugh til you cry, this is the show for you," she said. 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The story follows the Phantom, a mysterious man who lives under the Paris Opera House, becomes obsessed and falls in love with his protege, young soprano Christine Daae. Among the score's hits are The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade, and the title song. Complementing the evening are themed popup bars and dining, fireworks, and a live orchestra under the stage, making for a beautiful evening. It's on at the Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney, from March 27-April 26. Visit for details. Go back to 1985 and don an iconic puffer vest in the Australian production of Back to the Future - The Musical. Adapted from the films, teen Marty McFly (played by Axel Duffy) accidentally changes the course of history when he finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Roger Bart). Packed with heart and humour, the show made its debut in Manchester in 2020 before moving to the West End and Broadway, and has won an Olivier Award for best new musical. The show is on at Sydney's Lyric Theatre from September 26-December 28, 2025. Visit for details. The side-splitting musical comedy follows Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they travel to a remote town in Uganda to preach. But as they discover, it's them who have lessons to learn. Robert Lopez, who wrote songs for Disney's Frozen plus South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker are among the creatives behind the show, which has won Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards since its debut in 2011. Among The Book of Mormon's songs are I Am Africa, Tomorrow is a Latter Day, and Turn It Off. The production, only in Sydney, is on now at the Capitol Theatre, Haymarket, until December 31, 2025. Visit for details. Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Musical has been touring Australia to rave reviews. The timeless story is showing at the Crown Theatre Perth until October 12, before it moves to Singapore. A-list stars and world-class shows are touring Australia in Spring and Summer. Among the biggest concerts headlining stadiums are AC/DC, Oasis, Metallica and Ed Sheeran, while more intimate venues will host Cliff Richard, Ricky Martin and Human Nature. Exquisite theatre shows include Cats and and Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, while you'll enjoy a singalong and belly laughs with RocKwiz Live 2025. And there's a few special treats worth travelling for, including Back to the Future - The Musical, and The Phantom of the Opera. Enjoy! Read more in The Senior You'll be Thunderstuck to see the legendary rock band when they bring their Power Up tour to Australia. From their first show at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney in 1973, the band has gone on to sell more than 200 million albums, including Highway to Hell, T.N.T., The Razor's Edge, Stiff Upper Lip and their most successful, Back In Black. Among their anthemic tunes are It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), You Shook Me All Night Long and Thundersruck. The band released their last studio album Power Up in 2020. Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young, Matt Laug and Chris Chaney will Shake Your Foundations when they get on stage in November and December. Find out more about the tour here. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are coming Down Under to present their Oasis 25 Live comeback tour. The band's smash 1995 album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? produced hits including Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall. Other anthemic tracks in their catalogue include Stop Crying Your Heart Out, Lyla and Roll With It. The band last toured Australia in 2005 with their Don't Believe the Truth world tour, four years before they broke up and a very public split of the brothers' personal relationship. More information can be found here. The music legend is ready to Move It on stage for fans when he brings his Cliff Richard, 'Can't Stop Me Now' tour to Australia. The prolific musician has made about 50 studio albums and has a string of hits to his name, including Living Doll, Travelling Light and Devil Woman. Sir Richard has toured Australia 11 times since beginning in 1973 and has 131 Aussie shows under his belt. "To please a whole group at once is perfect for me," he said. Speaking with The Senior, he shared a time when Olivia Newton-John gave him a "fabulous birthday present" - a CD of practice vocal exercises made by her vocal coach. He still uses it today before a show. Read Eileen Wood's interview with Sir Cliff Richard here American heavy metal legends Metallica are including Australia as part of their M72 world tour. They've produced a string of albums since their 1983 debut Kill 'Em All, including their self-titled album, plus St Anger and the highly acclaimed Master of Puppets. Among their hit singles in Australia are One, Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Until It Sleeps, and Fuel. This tour is in support of their 11th studio album 72 Seasons. "We are beyond thrilled to have locked down a return to Australia," they said. Find out more about Metallica's tour here. Go Livin' La Vida Loca with the Latin pop king on his national tour in November. Ricky Martin won Australians over with hits including She Bangs, Maria and The Cup of Life, and has gone on to sell more than 95 million albums worldwide. Ricky Martin Live 2025 will feature his greatest hits and other tracks, wrapped in an electrifying and energetic show with dancers, a live band, and strong visuals. Visit for tickets. The singer-songwriter's upcoming Loop Tour dates have been perfectly timed for Australia's summer. Ed Sheeran will visit Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide between January and March 2026, following the release of his album Play in September 2025. He has amassed hit after hit since his first single The A Team, with further smashes including Thinking Out Loud, Shape of You, Perfect, Shivers, Bad Habits and Eyes Closed. Visit for more information. People get ready for home-grown talent Human Nature as they take their MTWN20 Regional Tour across Australia. School friends Phil Burton, Toby Allen and Andrew and Michael Tierney made a name for themselves in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits including Wishes, He Don't Love You, People Get Ready and a duet with John Farnham, Every Time You Cry. But it was when they released Reach Out: The Motown Record, featuring their versions of classics including You Keep Me Hanging On and My Girl that their careers soared to new heights. It's that very album they're celebrating with this tour. The band had hit the road earlier in 2025 to mark its 20th anniversary, but due to popular demand, have created this regional tour. Read Rowan Cowley's interview with Phil Burton here. September 2025: 24, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre; 26, Townsville Entertainment Centre; 27, Cairns Performing Arts Centre; 30, Gladstone Entertainment Centre. October 2025: 1, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg; 2, The Events Centre, Caloundra; 3, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough; 4 and 5, Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads; 7 and 8, Glasshouse Port Macquarie; 9 and 10, The Art House, Wyong; 12, Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree; 14 and 15, Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre; 16, Griffith Regional Theatre; 17, Llewellyn Hall, Canberra; 18, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra. February 2026: 27 and 28, State Theatre, Sydney March 2026: 3 and 4, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre; 6, The Capital, Bendigo; 7 and 8, Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre; 10, Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton; 11, Horsham Town Hall; 13 and 14, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; 15, Geelong Arts Centre; 17 and 18, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre; 19 Frankston Arts Centre; 21 Her Majesty's Ballarat; 22, Mildura Arts Centre; 24 and 25, Albury Entertainment Centre; 27, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; 28, Anita's Theatre Thirroul; 29, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Comedy and acrobatics come together in one of Cirque Du Soleil's most beloved shows. Corteo is a festive parade imagined by Mauro the clown, who pictures his own funeral happening in a carnival atmosphere while angels watch over. The audience is taken into a fun, spontaneous and comedic world somewhere between heaven and earth in the production. Premiering in Montreal in 2005, the show has since been seen by 12 million people across 30 countries. Visit for more information. Cats, which tells the story of the Jellicle cat tribe, who gather for the Jellicle Ball on one special night every year, opened in London in 1981. It ran for a record-breaking 21 years on the West End and 18 years on Broadway, winning best musical at both the Olivier and Tony Awards. The show has been garnering praise, with Lisa Edser describing Todd McKenney's portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) as "hilarious" and Axel Alvarez as Mr Mistoffelees "mesmerising". CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Read Lisa Edser's review here and Rowan Cowley's interview with Todd McKenney here. See Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis and Dugald as they hit the road for RocKwiz Live. Accompanied by the legendary RocKwiz OrKestra, big names and emerging stars, this unique music quiz show will have audiences laughing and racking their brains. There will be sing-alongs, audience members sharing the stage, mayhem and madness as live music, spontaneous comedy and a love of music combine. Ms Zemiro said the RocKwiz family adored performing live. "If you want to be uplifted, if you want to be moved by incredible musicians at the top of their game and also laugh til you cry, this is the show for you," she said. Full show list: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Frankston Performing Arts Centre; Thursday the 6th, Costa Hall, Geelong; Friday the 7th, Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat; Saturday the 8th, Bunjil Place Narre Warren; Sunday the 9th, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo; Wednesday the 12th, Canberra Theatre; Thursday the 13th, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; Saturday the 15th, State Theatre, Sydney; Sunday the 16th, Anita's Theatre, Thirroul; Friday the 21st, Live At The Gardens, Melbourne; Friday the 28th, Events Centre, Caloundra; Saturday the 29th, 2025, Twin Towns, Tweed Heads; Sunday the 30th, Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane; Saturday, December 6, Barossa Arts Centre, Tanunda; Sunday the 7th, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide. Visit for details. Enjoy a breathtaking performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's magnificent production on Sydney Harbour. It's been 40 years since The Phantom of the Opera debuted on the West End, and this production will play out on a stage built over the water. The story follows the Phantom, a mysterious man who lives under the Paris Opera House, becomes obsessed and falls in love with his protege, young soprano Christine Daae. Among the score's hits are The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade, and the title song. Complementing the evening are themed popup bars and dining, fireworks, and a live orchestra under the stage, making for a beautiful evening. It's on at the Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney, from March 27-April 26. Visit for details. Go back to 1985 and don an iconic puffer vest in the Australian production of Back to the Future - The Musical. Adapted from the films, teen Marty McFly (played by Axel Duffy) accidentally changes the course of history when he finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Roger Bart). Packed with heart and humour, the show made its debut in Manchester in 2020 before moving to the West End and Broadway, and has won an Olivier Award for best new musical. The show is on at Sydney's Lyric Theatre from September 26-December 28, 2025. Visit for details. The side-splitting musical comedy follows Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they travel to a remote town in Uganda to preach. But as they discover, it's them who have lessons to learn. Robert Lopez, who wrote songs for Disney's Frozen plus South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker are among the creatives behind the show, which has won Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards since its debut in 2011. Among The Book of Mormon's songs are I Am Africa, Tomorrow is a Latter Day, and Turn It Off. The production, only in Sydney, is on now at the Capitol Theatre, Haymarket, until December 31, 2025. Visit for details. Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Musical has been touring Australia to rave reviews. The timeless story is showing at the Crown Theatre Perth until October 12, before it moves to Singapore. A-list stars and world-class shows are touring Australia in Spring and Summer. Among the biggest concerts headlining stadiums are AC/DC, Oasis, Metallica and Ed Sheeran, while more intimate venues will host Cliff Richard, Ricky Martin and Human Nature. Exquisite theatre shows include Cats and and Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, while you'll enjoy a singalong and belly laughs with RocKwiz Live 2025. And there's a few special treats worth travelling for, including Back to the Future - The Musical, and The Phantom of the Opera. Enjoy! Read more in The Senior You'll be Thunderstuck to see the legendary rock band when they bring their Power Up tour to Australia. From their first show at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney in 1973, the band has gone on to sell more than 200 million albums, including Highway to Hell, T.N.T., The Razor's Edge, Stiff Upper Lip and their most successful, Back In Black. Among their anthemic tunes are It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), You Shook Me All Night Long and Thundersruck. The band released their last studio album Power Up in 2020. Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young, Matt Laug and Chris Chaney will Shake Your Foundations when they get on stage in November and December. Find out more about the tour here. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are coming Down Under to present their Oasis 25 Live comeback tour. The band's smash 1995 album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? produced hits including Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall. Other anthemic tracks in their catalogue include Stop Crying Your Heart Out, Lyla and Roll With It. The band last toured Australia in 2005 with their Don't Believe the Truth world tour, four years before they broke up and a very public split of the brothers' personal relationship. More information can be found here. The music legend is ready to Move It on stage for fans when he brings his Cliff Richard, 'Can't Stop Me Now' tour to Australia. The prolific musician has made about 50 studio albums and has a string of hits to his name, including Living Doll, Travelling Light and Devil Woman. Sir Richard has toured Australia 11 times since beginning in 1973 and has 131 Aussie shows under his belt. "To please a whole group at once is perfect for me," he said. Speaking with The Senior, he shared a time when Olivia Newton-John gave him a "fabulous birthday present" - a CD of practice vocal exercises made by her vocal coach. He still uses it today before a show. Read Eileen Wood's interview with Sir Cliff Richard here American heavy metal legends Metallica are including Australia as part of their M72 world tour. They've produced a string of albums since their 1983 debut Kill 'Em All, including their self-titled album, plus St Anger and the highly acclaimed Master of Puppets. Among their hit singles in Australia are One, Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Until It Sleeps, and Fuel. This tour is in support of their 11th studio album 72 Seasons. "We are beyond thrilled to have locked down a return to Australia," they said. Find out more about Metallica's tour here. Go Livin' La Vida Loca with the Latin pop king on his national tour in November. Ricky Martin won Australians over with hits including She Bangs, Maria and The Cup of Life, and has gone on to sell more than 95 million albums worldwide. Ricky Martin Live 2025 will feature his greatest hits and other tracks, wrapped in an electrifying and energetic show with dancers, a live band, and strong visuals. Visit for tickets. The singer-songwriter's upcoming Loop Tour dates have been perfectly timed for Australia's summer. Ed Sheeran will visit Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide between January and March 2026, following the release of his album Play in September 2025. He has amassed hit after hit since his first single The A Team, with further smashes including Thinking Out Loud, Shape of You, Perfect, Shivers, Bad Habits and Eyes Closed. Visit for more information. People get ready for home-grown talent Human Nature as they take their MTWN20 Regional Tour across Australia. School friends Phil Burton, Toby Allen and Andrew and Michael Tierney made a name for themselves in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits including Wishes, He Don't Love You, People Get Ready and a duet with John Farnham, Every Time You Cry. But it was when they released Reach Out: The Motown Record, featuring their versions of classics including You Keep Me Hanging On and My Girl that their careers soared to new heights. It's that very album they're celebrating with this tour. The band had hit the road earlier in 2025 to mark its 20th anniversary, but due to popular demand, have created this regional tour. Read Rowan Cowley's interview with Phil Burton here. September 2025: 24, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre; 26, Townsville Entertainment Centre; 27, Cairns Performing Arts Centre; 30, Gladstone Entertainment Centre. October 2025: 1, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg; 2, The Events Centre, Caloundra; 3, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough; 4 and 5, Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads; 7 and 8, Glasshouse Port Macquarie; 9 and 10, The Art House, Wyong; 12, Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree; 14 and 15, Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre; 16, Griffith Regional Theatre; 17, Llewellyn Hall, Canberra; 18, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra. February 2026: 27 and 28, State Theatre, Sydney March 2026: 3 and 4, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre; 6, The Capital, Bendigo; 7 and 8, Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre; 10, Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton; 11, Horsham Town Hall; 13 and 14, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; 15, Geelong Arts Centre; 17 and 18, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre; 19 Frankston Arts Centre; 21 Her Majesty's Ballarat; 22, Mildura Arts Centre; 24 and 25, Albury Entertainment Centre; 27, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; 28, Anita's Theatre Thirroul; 29, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Comedy and acrobatics come together in one of Cirque Du Soleil's most beloved shows. Corteo is a festive parade imagined by Mauro the clown, who pictures his own funeral happening in a carnival atmosphere while angels watch over. The audience is taken into a fun, spontaneous and comedic world somewhere between heaven and earth in the production. Premiering in Montreal in 2005, the show has since been seen by 12 million people across 30 countries. Visit for more information. Cats, which tells the story of the Jellicle cat tribe, who gather for the Jellicle Ball on one special night every year, opened in London in 1981. It ran for a record-breaking 21 years on the West End and 18 years on Broadway, winning best musical at both the Olivier and Tony Awards. The show has been garnering praise, with Lisa Edser describing Todd McKenney's portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) as "hilarious" and Axel Alvarez as Mr Mistoffelees "mesmerising". CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Read Lisa Edser's review here and Rowan Cowley's interview with Todd McKenney here. See Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis and Dugald as they hit the road for RocKwiz Live. Accompanied by the legendary RocKwiz OrKestra, big names and emerging stars, this unique music quiz show will have audiences laughing and racking their brains. There will be sing-alongs, audience members sharing the stage, mayhem and madness as live music, spontaneous comedy and a love of music combine. Ms Zemiro said the RocKwiz family adored performing live. "If you want to be uplifted, if you want to be moved by incredible musicians at the top of their game and also laugh til you cry, this is the show for you," she said. Full show list: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Frankston Performing Arts Centre; Thursday the 6th, Costa Hall, Geelong; Friday the 7th, Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat; Saturday the 8th, Bunjil Place Narre Warren; Sunday the 9th, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo; Wednesday the 12th, Canberra Theatre; Thursday the 13th, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; Saturday the 15th, State Theatre, Sydney; Sunday the 16th, Anita's Theatre, Thirroul; Friday the 21st, Live At The Gardens, Melbourne; Friday the 28th, Events Centre, Caloundra; Saturday the 29th, 2025, Twin Towns, Tweed Heads; Sunday the 30th, Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane; Saturday, December 6, Barossa Arts Centre, Tanunda; Sunday the 7th, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide. Visit for details. Enjoy a breathtaking performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's magnificent production on Sydney Harbour. It's been 40 years since The Phantom of the Opera debuted on the West End, and this production will play out on a stage built over the water. The story follows the Phantom, a mysterious man who lives under the Paris Opera House, becomes obsessed and falls in love with his protege, young soprano Christine Daae. Among the score's hits are The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade, and the title song. Complementing the evening are themed popup bars and dining, fireworks, and a live orchestra under the stage, making for a beautiful evening. It's on at the Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney, from March 27-April 26. Visit for details. Go back to 1985 and don an iconic puffer vest in the Australian production of Back to the Future - The Musical. Adapted from the films, teen Marty McFly (played by Axel Duffy) accidentally changes the course of history when he finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Roger Bart). Packed with heart and humour, the show made its debut in Manchester in 2020 before moving to the West End and Broadway, and has won an Olivier Award for best new musical. The show is on at Sydney's Lyric Theatre from September 26-December 28, 2025. Visit for details. The side-splitting musical comedy follows Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they travel to a remote town in Uganda to preach. But as they discover, it's them who have lessons to learn. Robert Lopez, who wrote songs for Disney's Frozen plus South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker are among the creatives behind the show, which has won Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards since its debut in 2011. Among The Book of Mormon's songs are I Am Africa, Tomorrow is a Latter Day, and Turn It Off. The production, only in Sydney, is on now at the Capitol Theatre, Haymarket, until December 31, 2025. Visit for details. Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Musical has been touring Australia to rave reviews. The timeless story is showing at the Crown Theatre Perth until October 12, before it moves to Singapore.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Perth Now
Sydney Sweeney feels 'confident and comfortable' in jeans
Sydney Sweeney has declared she feels "confident and comfortable" in jeans after signing up as the new face of American Eagle Outfitters. The 27-year-old actress stars in the brand's new denim campaign which will feature the slogan "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans" when it launches later this year - and Sydney has admitted it suits her laidback style. She explained in a statement: "There is something so effortless about American Eagle - it's the perfect balance of being put-together but still feeling like yourself. "Their commitment to creating pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin is something that resonates with me. "It's rare to find a brand that grows with you, the way American Eagle has for generations. They have literally been there with me through every version of myself." Craig Brommers, chief marketing officer for American Eagle Outfitters, admitted signing up Sydney was a a huge deal for the company because the actress is the "It girl of the moment". He told WWD: "I think this is potentially one of the biggest gets in American Eagle histor. "Sydney Sweeney is the It girl of the moment, and she is helping us create the It jeans campaign of the season. Sydney really encapsulates American Eagle. "She is the girl who can play the red carpet but she's also the girl next door, and that duality really defines Gen Z and Millennials." Brommers revealed that Sydney made it clear she "legitimately loves our jeans", adding: "I think she just has this magnetism that everyone, women and men, are drawn to." The news comes after it was reported that Sydney is branching out into fashion herself by launching a lingerie line with backing from Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and his new wife, Lauren Sanchez, who have "invested" in her project. A source told Us Weekly that Sydney's new lingerie line is launching "very soon" but she has actually been working on the lingerie line for "for the last year" and it's now close to launching. The insider explained: "This has been a huge project for her and something she's been working on for the last year."
Sky News AU
18-07-2025
- Sky News AU
Social media users have shown their anger as Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo is cast to play Jesus
Social media has sounded off over the 'woke' casting of Cynthia Ervio as Jesus in a live performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. The cast, which also features Queen frontman Adam Lambert as Judas and Josh Gad as King Herod, has sent social media into meltdown amid accusations that the cast was woke. One commenter said, 'Jesus was not a woman', with another agreeing, saying 'Am I the only person that thinks Jesus being played by a woman is just a bridge too far?' Another fan wrote "This is beyond woke." The criticism seems to stem that for the first time in the history of the production, Jesus won't be played by a man. Miss Everio told Billboard that she wasn't going to please everyone. 'Why not? You can't please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off. So hopefully they will come and realise, 'Oh, it's a musical, the gayest place on Earth," she told Billboard. Miss Erivo, who lives in London identifies as queer and bisexual is in a relationship with a woman. She is set to reprise her role as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, which is due in cinemas in November this year.
