It’s been one year since The Scoop was created, and the first feature published was my personal list of Favourite Shows of the year. As 2025 comes to a close, The Scoop is now made up of a beautiful team of writers from around the country. We have a busy reviews schedule on the horizon for early 2026, and feel so rewarded to support an industry we care about.
It’s time, though, to take a look at some of the shows that stood out in 2025. Our writers have nominated their favourite shows across multiple categories. The lists are so long we will be spreading them out over several articles.
First up, it’s musicals.
The Scoop’s readers love their musicals. Our top, most read reviews of the year were the Brisbane and Sydney seasons of Les Misérables: An Arena Spectacular.
Our top, most read news article was the Heathers The Musical 2026 tour announcement. And our top feature articles were our interviews with Karis Oka and Axel Duffy, stars of Beetlejuice and Back to the Future.
That love of musical theatre extends to our social pages too, where our top Instagram post was the Tarzan the Musical on stage photos, with 350K views! Our top TikTok post was the Annie the Musical bows video, with 600K views.
The Scoop will be ending 2025 with a review of the Australian premiere of Anastasia the Musical, and starting 2026 with a review of CATS in Melbourne.
It’s all about musicals, baby.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at which musicals stood out to our reviewers in 2025, in no particular order.
Favourite Mainstage Musical
Back to the Future
Starting with the Editor’s pick. While I didn’t get to see some of the other, highly anticipated musicals of 2025 (that’s what having a team is for), this was my pick of the year.
What I said at the time:
“As someone who grew up with the films, I’ll admit I arrived with a healthy dose of hesitation. Could any stage version ever match the magic of the original? To my surprise, this production not only lived up to expectations but surpassed them, staking its claim as the best musical I’ve seen this year.“
“The DeLorean sequences alone are a theatrical thrill…The climactic clock tower lightning scene is simply incredible and had the entire audience transfixed. Back To The Future is one ride you do not want to miss. It’s 1.21 gigawatts of pure theatrical joy.“
Read the full review here.
Can I still see this show?
Not for much longer, but yes! Back To The Future runs in Sydney until 25 January 2026.
Get tickets here.
Hadestown
This one topped a few of our reviewer’s favourite lists, and also holds a special place for The Scoop, with a quote from the Melbourne season appearing on the flyer.
What we said at the time:
Sydney premiere season review:
“My heart was aching for a show like this to come along. In a time that feels as if the ground could fall out from underneath us, in all the darkness and fear, Hadestown will hold you and guide you in a different way forward. You need to feel it for yourself. The hum, the rumble, the stirring.”
Melbourne season review:
“The show’s themes of love in the face of adversity, the struggle against oppressive systems, and the cost of hope resonate deeply today, now more than ever.”
“Wait For Me is the most powerful song to hit the Australian stage since Defying Gravity. Huge call, I know. But I challenge you to prove me wrong.“
Can I still see this show?
Short answer, no. If you missed Hadestown, you missed out.
Beetlejuice
What started as a Melbourne only exclusive season has since become one of Brisbane’s most eagerly anticipated musicals of 2026, with a return season announced for June.
What we said at the time:
“You don’t need to be a fan of the movies to enjoy the Beetlejuice the Musical. But if you are, it’s a bonus. Go for the fun and the laughter, bring your friends, and buckle in for a wild, ghostly ride packed with adrenaline and heart. Sometimes, in the weirdest of places, we find home. In chaos, we discover where we belong.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! As stated, the musical returns to Brisbane from 7 June at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC with Andy Karl in the title role.
Get tickets here.
Sister Act
In her first starring role, Casey Donovan joined theatre veterans Rhonda Burchmore and Genevieve Lemon alongside a terrifically talented cast. In 2025, the musical toured to Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth after seasons in Sydney and Melbourne.
What we said at the time:
“Sister Act is everything you want from a feel-good musical. Big voices, big laughs, and a whole lot of heart. If you’re after a night of uplifting, high-energy entertainment, this is one show you won’t want to miss.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
This one has long since ended its national tour.
Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
One of the first musicals to kick off 2025, The Scoop saw Lord of the Rings in all four cities it was toured in. Our Melbourne reviewer loved this one so much, she went back a second time and brought her children.
What we said at the time:
Melbourne season review:
“It’s rare to sit transfixed in awe for a three-hour-long show from start to finish. But this brilliant performance will have you on the edge of your seat and wanting more!”
“It cannot be overstated that the performers in this production are absolutely outstanding. Their incredible talents lie not just in their singing, dancing and acting, but their musicality in the instruments played.”
Sydney season review:
“The standout song, ‘Now and For Always,’ performed as a duet between Sam and Frodo, was a touchingly quiet moment amidst the chaos. It realised a real cathartic poignancy. You could hear a pin, or a tear, drop. Here, the show nailed its brief – the importance of the friendships and music that sustain us.”
Can I still see the show?
Sadly, it was announced in September that LORStage Asia Pacific Pty Ltd entered voluntary administration.
Kimberly Akimbo
A co-production between Melbourne Theatre Company and State Theatre Company South Australia, the Australian premiere of Kimberly Akimbo was highly anticipated. Set in 1999, Marina Prior starred as Kimberly Levaco, not quite 16 years old and suffering from a rare genetic disease that ages her about four times the normal rate.
What we said at the time:
“Kimberly Akimbo is an absurd comedy, a caper-heist, and a heartfelt celebration of growing up all in one. It reminds us that life is short, but it can still be weird, wonderful, and worth singing about. It is a gift for audiences, offering laugh-out-loud moments, tearful truths, and a reminder to cherish the time we have.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see this show?
No. This musical was a 2025 season production only.
Bright Star
Sport For Jove teamed up with Hayes Theatre Co to present Bright Star, a bluegrass musical written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.
What we said at the time:
“The musical catches the grandeur and the desperation of America’s deep south with a story that’s part biography, part whimsy, awfully human, and entirely bursting with the consolations of bluegrass.”
“To be so close to something so incongruous, so beautiful and unpredictable is immediately transportive. From the first twang to the final clang, the predominant sensation from three metres away is wonder.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see this show?
No. This one was a Sydney only season at the Hayes.
Phar Lap
Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical is another notable inclusion from Hayes Theatre Co. This world premiere featured an irresistible electro-swing score, with inspirations from Duke Ellington to Daft Punk. Our reviewer described writer Steven Kramer’s first major work as “truly iconic.”
What we said at the time:
“Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical is a delightful homage to an icon of Australian history. This tale is told in the only way we can truthfully represent it, through irreverent humour, witty one-liners and an energy that reflects the true heart and soul of Australian culture.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see this show?
No. This one was a Sydney only season at the Hayes, but watch this space for future productions!
No Love Songs
Starring Lucy Maunder and Keegan Joyce, No Love Songs was inspired by Kyle Falconer’s real-life experiences with his partner Laura Wilde. Songs from Falconer’s second solo album, No Love Songs for Laura, were reimagined for the stage in a musical which premiered in 2023.
What we said at the time:
“There are no filters, no touch-ups, no carefully curated story, and no artificial glitz. Just two beautiful humans who, just like us, are only trying to figure life out, hoping not to turn into monsters in the process. The result is theatre at its best. No Love Songs is a refreshing and poignant story that reminds us of the power of genuine connections.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see this show?
No Love Songs toured Sydney’s Foundry Theatre early in the year, but sadly, plans for a national tour were cancelled.
Honourable Mentions
A few of us couldn’t just nominate one musical, so below are our Honourable Mentions.
CATS
Fortunately, CATS is still on tour, opening in Melbourne tomorrow! It then moves to Brisbane in February for a limited season.
What we said at the time:
“…presented with such brilliance and incredible talent, and with such unwavering respect and admiration for its enduring material, this latest production offers not just a homage, but a compelling invitation to fall in love with this legendary phenomenon all over again.”
Read the full review here.
Annie
The hard-knock life musical Annie opens in Brisbane next week from 27 December as its final stop on the national tour.
What we said at the time:
“In 2025, Annie’s anthem, ‘Tomorrow,’ takes on a whole new meaning. Its sweet optimism reminds us that, even in the darkest times, faith, hope, and the human spirit can see us through. Cos you gotta hang on til tomorrow, come what may…”
Read the full review here.
The Book Of Mormon
The Mormons are back! The Book Of Mormon is on right now in Sydney and runs until 25 January. It then opens in Melbourne from February and in Brisbane at the new Glasshouse Theatre QPAC from July.
What we said at the time:
“Iconically, this is my fifth time seeing the show. It still holds strong contention in my top five favourite musicals of all time; a testament to the sheer genius of a script that balances profanity and profundity with effortless precision. It remains as sharp, shocking, and side-splittingly hilarious as ever.”
Read the full review here.
Favourite Indie Musical
A Chorus Line
Willoughby Theatre Company, Sydney
What we said at the time:
“The themes of ambition, identity, and vulnerability are just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. With no traditional set, no star and no traditional plot, this bold and honest production revolutionised my understanding of musical theatre.”
Read the full review here.
Gypsy
North Shore Theatre Company, Sydney
What we said at the time:
“That is what I love about community theatre: it brings people together. It is such a tremendous celebration of the talent and passion of the many people who come together to produce the show. North Shore Theatre Company have developed a beautiful supportive community, and that is apparent in every moment of the experience as an audience member.”
Read the full review here.
Ride The Cyclone
Sydney Musical Theatre
What we said at the time:
“If you want to laugh, to cry or to simply bask in the incredible wonder of being alive, race over to see this phenomenal production. Enjoy the ride!”
Read the full review here.
American Psycho
See You Sunday, Melbourne
What we said at the time:
“American Psycho: A Musical Thriller is chilling, unsettling, and witty. It holds a mirror up to our obsession with image, wealth, and power, daring us to confront what lurks beneath those Burberry raincoats.”
Read the full review here.
Ride The Cyclone
Vox Theatre Arts in association with Phoenix After Dark, Brisbane
What we said at the time:
Buckle in and hold on tight for the Queensland premiere of Ride the Cyclone, an exhilarating, energetic and existential musical showcase! Prepare to go full speed ahead through the highs and lows of life in this loopy performance.
Read the full review here.
Come From Away
Therry Theatre, Adelaide
What we said at the time:
“Come From Away is a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for compassion in the face of crisis. Therry Theatre’s production is a shining example of community theatre at its best. It delivers a heartfelt, immersive experience that brings raw, human stories to life and leaves audiences with a lasting sense of unity and hope.”
Read the full review here.
Urinetown
Western Sky Projects, Perth
What we said at the time:
“In a time when satire feels more vital than ever, Urinetown delivers a hilarious, high-octane punch to the status quo. With its fearless ensemble and infectious energy, this production is a must-see for lovers of bold, intelligent theatre. Don’t let the title fool you — Urinetown is pure gold.”
Read the full review here.
Favourite Student Production
Tivoli Lovely
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Perth
A brand new musical by Eddie Perfect, Tivoli Lovely was created with the students at WAAPA in a three year development, made possible by the support and investment of the Minderoo Foundation.
The musical is set in both the present time and in 1954, the golden age of the Tivoli, a popular circuit of Australian theatres staging variety shows.
Performed by WAAPA’s 2nd and 3rd Year Music Theatre students alongside the Music students, it was designed, built and crewed by Production and Design staff and students.
What we said at the time:
“The production stands as an example of how song and dance can enhance the emotional resonance of a story, whilst celebrating the power and positive reception of distinctly Australian narratives. Judging by the audience’s response, it is clear there is a desire for more local stories like this on stage.”
Read our full review here.
A Chorus Line
Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre (QAEMT), Brisbane
What we said at the time:
“The awe-inspiring choreography is best seen in the exciting and mesmerising group dances, such as the show’s opening, I Hope I Get It. And in the finale, One, where dozens of dancers come together in perfect synchronicity and are all granted their time in the spotlight.”
Read the full review here.
Into The Woods
Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre (ECMT), Adelaide
What we said at the time:
“While it may be a student production on paper, what’s delivered on stage is nothing short of professional. With its clever Australian twist and polished performances, this is a magical night out. And proves that the future of Australian musical theatre is in seriously good hands.”
Read the full review here.
And that concludes an incredibly long list of musicals! Be sure to check out our next instalment – Favourite Shows of 2025 Part Two: Plays.
Hero image photo credit: Javon King and the cast of Back To The Future. Photo by Daniel Boud
