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, we have been looking back at some of the shows that stood out this year.
This next instalment is an eclectic mix of our favourite Festival and Fringe shows, favourite Circus and Circus Cabaret shows, and favourite Concerts.
It feels like there’s been an explosion of shows in the Circus Cabaret genre in recent times, and perhaps it’s because this type of hedonistic escapism is just what we need right now. Many of our favourites in this genre are still running somewhere, so be sure to take our reviewers’ advice and check them out!
So without further ado, let’s take a look at some more of The Scoop’s Favourite Show of 2025, in no particular order, starting with Favourite Festival and Fringe Shows.
Favourite Festival and Fringe Shows
The Lovers
Shake & Stir Theatre Co and QPAC in association with Brisbane Festival
Written and composed by Laura Murphy, The Lovers offered a fresh, high-energy reimagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. After its Sydney premiere in 2023, this thrilling new production made its Queensland debut at Brisbane Festival, and followed with a tour to Sydney.
What we said at the time:
“Laura Murphy’s writing is what makes The Lovers click. The songs are catchy and sharp, and the jokes feel organic rather than forced. At its heart, it’s still Shakespeare, but Murphy twists it just enough to make it feel cheeky, current, and unmistakably Australian.”
“The Lovers is a pop-fuelled triumph that proves Australian theatre can shine just as brightly as Broadway or the West End.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
No, this one was a two city season tour in Brisbane and Sydney only. Keep an eye on Laura Murphy’s socials to see what she’s up to next.
Elements of Freestyle
ISH Dance Collective, Brisbane Festival
Elements of Freestyle, from Dutch physical theatre innovators ISH Dance Collective, exploded into the Brisbane Powerhouse with a mash-up of extreme sports, dance and sound. The show was a jaw-dropping spectacle that defied categorisation, and a love letter to urban expression and youth culture.
What we said at the time:
“Elements of Freestyle is an unmissable masterpiece where dance meets extreme urban sports. This adrenaline-fuelled production pushes the boundaries of performance.”
“Fusing breakdance, inline skating, skateboarding, freestyle basketball, BMX, and parkour with exhilarating live musicianship, the result is an explosive vision which leaves the audiences gasping at every turn, flip and beat.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
This was a Brisbane Festival exclusive season. Follow ISH on the socials to see where in the world they will be performing next.
Milestone
William Yang, Brisbane Festival
William Yang, one of Australia’s most revered visual and performance artists, reflected on his remarkable life in his show Milestone. Drawing on his vast collection of documentary photographs and poignant personal reminiscences, Yang weaved together themes of family, cultural, and sexual identity with his signature blend of warmth, disarming humour, and total candour.
What we said at the time:
“In Milestone, Yang looks back on 80 years of his life through an extensive catalogue of photos that capture more than a moment in time. It shows Australia’s history and the changes in the country’s culture.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
It doesn’t appear so. Keep an eye on William Yang’s socials to see what he will be up to next.
Mummy, I’m Scared!
Qtopia, Sydney Fringe Festival
Devised and performed by Fia Morrison, Georgia Condon, and Alison Cooper, Mummy, I’m Scared! has its roots in the traditions of absurdism, camp melodrama, and devised performance. Developed under the mentorship of performance maker Mish Grigor, the show was first presented earlier this year as part of ArtsLab: Reverb, a program from Shopfront Arts that showcases the talents of emerging artists. It then ran for a short season at Sydney Fringe Festival.
What we said at the time:
“What really sells the show is the writing. It’s fast-paced, gloriously meta, and unafraid to acknowledge its own ridiculousness. Morrison, Cooper, and Condon clearly trust one another on stage, and that ensemble synergy is the engine of the performance.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
It doesn’t appear so. Keep an eye on Fia Morrison’s socials to see what is next in store.
Sugar
Tomáš Kantor, Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Theatrical, outrageous, silly and sexy, Tomáš Kantor’s award-winning debut is about Sugar – a radiantly-beautiful gender-fluid twink who discovers that there’s money to be made from ‘transactional relationships’ (though their primary source of information is Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman). What could go wrong? Tomáš veritably shimmers with charisma, and reveals their talent not only as a storyteller, but a multi-instrumentalist and a superstar-in-the-making.
What we said at the time:
“Rightly so, Sugar is on its way to the Edinburgh Fringe, where it will no doubt make waves overseas. Australia, do yourselves a favour and make sure you see it now before it soars into its well-deserved international success. You’ll be treated to a deliciously unhinged blend of pop-culture fantasy and theatrical honesty in a show that satisfies your sweet tooth and then some.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! Sugar is on this January at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of Midsumma Festival. Get tickets here.
Night Night
The Last Great Hunt, Perth Festival
Making its world premiere as part of Perth Festival, the newest creation from the WA company tells the tale of Pip, a downtrodden Antarctic scientist on a quest to discover the origin of life. As her world unravels, Pip must team up with a mysterious, glowing entity to reveal the threads that bind life, death and the universe.
Blending puppets, animation, and DIY digital magic, Night Night took audiences on an extraordinary adventure as they witnessed the onscreen story while experiencing the behind-the-scenes artistry as a theatrical film was created live.
What we said at the time:
“Night Night tells a story (using an) incredibly elaborate and effective craft. The audience sees exactly how this sausage is made, and it is a wondrous thing to witness as it all comes together.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Not at this time, but the company are back in 2026 with one of their most requested shows, Lé Nør [the rain], for Perth Festival in February. Get tickets here.
Favourite Circus / Circus Cabaret Shows
Cirque Alice
TML Enterprises
What do you get when you mix an operatic Alice, a Mad Hatter magician, and a White Rabbit who shreds the violin? You get Cirque Alice, a bold new spectacle from The Illusionists creators Tim Lawson and Simon Painter. Blending classical music favourites, circus spectacle, opera and magic, this is a circus show worth stepping right up for.
What we said at the time:
“The soundtrack remixes classical favourites. The music isn’t listed (sorry, music nerds!) so bring your ears and sharp memory. You’ll hear ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ from Peer Gynt and ‘The Swan Theme’ from Swan Lake… if you’re paying attention.”
“In the role of Alice is Layla Schillert. She doesn’t speak, she sings opera. Her soaring renditions of the ‘Flower Duet’ and ‘Ave Maria’ are stunning. And she flies high above the stage while she sings.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! Cirque Alice is currently in Sydney and makes its way to Adelaide and Canberra in 2026. Get tickets here.
Gatsby At The Green Light
Brisbane Festival in association with Blackbird Brisbane and Twelfth Night Theatre
We celebrated the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby and partied like it was 1925 in a new age of old-world splendour. Co-created by Craig Ilott and Stuart Couzens, Gatsby At The Green Light saw Brisbane’s beloved Twelfth Night Theatre reawakened and reinvigorated as a jazz age club fit for Fitzgerald and Gatsby alike.
What we said at the time:
“Renier Jansen van Vuuren’s set design sees the venue dressed up like a 1920s speakeasy with roaming stage lights, dancing waiters, a juggling bartender, and an effervescent hostess. It’s hard not to feel like a part of the performance.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! Gatsby At The Green Light is on right now at the Sydney Opera House and is running to 28 March. Get tickets here.
Blanc De Blanc Encore
Strut & Fret, Spiegel Haus Melbourne
Blanc de Blanc Encore is a champagne-soaked playground of cheeky comedy, dazzling cabaret, and unapologetic fun. World-class acrobats, dancers, and aerialists deliver high-energy performances in an immersive, up-close setting where the crowd becomes part of the spectacle. Bold, flirty, and strictly adults-only, it’s a playful night out that refuses to behave.
What we said at the time:
“There’s flying grapes, shocking contortion, feathers and bubbles, pillow throwing and addictive champagne. Legs, arms, and faces are all twisted and swung in high flight, with confetti sprays, water shooting and sexy silhouettes.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! Blanc De Blanc Encore has just announced a season extension in Melbourne and runs to 22 March. Get tickets here. The show is also running in Brisbane at The West End Electric and is taking bookings to mid March. Get tickets here.
LIMBO: The Return
Strut & Fret, Adelaide Fringe
Set somewhere between heaven and hell, LIMBO combines a fresh and intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus and acrobatics, all set to the beat of New York composer Sxip Shirey’s ecstatic heart-pounding live music.
What we said at the time:
“The music in this show alone needs a special mention! It’s surprising, lively and deliberately unsettling at times, used to complement the action on stage or create suspense as the performers transitioned between acts.”
“Adelaide, you better strap yourself onto the edge of your seat because LIMBO: The Return is this season’s Fringe bucket list show!”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
No, the show won’t be back for the 2026 Adelaide Fringe but Strut & Fret’s newest show, La Ronde will be there. Get your tickets here. Keep an eye on LIMBO’s socials to see where they will pop up next.
MARVELous A Risqué Parody
Samwise Holmes, Adelaide Fringe
MARVELous is an outrageously hilarious parody show for adults, reimagining Marvel heroes with aerials, live vocals, stunts, and a risqué twist. With Deadpool as your unhinged narrator, iconic Marvel scenes are transformed into wild, unexpected spectacles — all set to a rock-infused soundtrack and stunning stage design.
What we said at the time:
“Whether you are a Marvel Universe expert or only vaguely familiar with the characters, MARVELous the Show has a glorious mix of parodies and pop culture references that will leave any Fringe-goer in stitches.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! MARVELous is heading to Fringe World Perth in from 27 January 2026. Get tickets here. It’s coming to Brisbane from 18 – 29 March. Get tickets here.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
Meat Market, Melbourne
Bernie and her menagerie of misfits and mischief-makers celebrate non-conformity with an electrifying fusion of music, performance, and pure unadulterated joy! Bernie’s unique brand of risqué humour combines original songs, bold covers and a dizzying collection of the most exceptional artists in the world.
What we said at the time:
“In a world that too often capitalises on fear of difference, shows like Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett feel vital. Diversity, in all its dazzling, defiant forms, isn’t just a strength; it’s the beauty that binds us.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is heading to the Garden of Unearthly Delights for 2026 Adelaide Fringe in February. Get tickets here.
LASSÙ Cosmic Cabaret
Ashton Legacy Productions
LASSÙ is seventh-generation circus performer Merrik Ashton’s debut show as a producer. With creative direction by Mitchell Woodcock, the cosmic cabaret has taken the country by storm.
What we said at the time:
“LASSÙ doesn’t deal in smoke and mirrors or Cirque du Soleil–style pageantry. This is a different beast entirely. It’s a steely, space-cowboy kind of circus that rides on strength, balance, comedy, and daring precision. It’s got grit, it’s got soul, and once the lights hit the ring, you’re strapped in whether you like it or not.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! LASSÙ: Cosmic Cabaret is heading to Hobart for a 2 week season in January. Get tickets here. It will then be to the 2026 Adelaide Fringe in February. Get tickets here.
Favourite Concerts
Art of the Score: The Music of Hans Zimmer
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Not everyone was able to catch the man himself on his live, comeback tour of Australia, so Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Art of the Score: The Music of Hans Zimmer was the next best thing.
Hans Zimmer has scored more than 500 projects across all mediums, with highlights including Dune: Part One and Part Two, The Lion King, Inception, Interstellar and the list goes on.
What we said at the time:
“The more than 80 members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra fill the stage to capacity. Their flawless synchronicity while playing is incredible to watch and even better to listen to.”
“Hosted by the talented crew from the Art of the Score podcast, Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding, this performance is more than a concert. Be prepared to learn and laugh as they guide audiences through Zimmer’s life and work.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
The season was short, but keep an eye on the 2026 offerings from Queensland Symphony Orchestra, including The Music of John Williams, coming in February. Get tickets here.
INXS Reimagined
Perth Symphony Orchestra
INXS holds a deep and lasting place in Australia’s music history with all six original band members, including brothers Andrew, Jon, and Tim Farriss, born in Perth. This special, one night only concert from Perth Symphony reimagined the hits that defined a generation.
What was said at the time:
“This show brings new layers. Soaring highs, intimate lows, playful choir moments, and a few surprises along the way. It all builds to a big, joyful finish that will transport people back to a place of pure nostalgia.”
Read our interview with Creative Director Fiona Campbell here.
Can I still see the show?
This was a one off concert, but Perth Symphony are back on 13 February for Perth Festival 2026 with Rebel Rebel, reimagining the music of David Bowie. Get tickets here.
enGORGEd
Reuben Kaye, Melt Festival Brisbane
(This Editor’s pick could have sat under any of these categories, but to pad out the Concert section, we’ve put it here.)
The gift that keeps on taking returned to Brisbane for one night only with his show enGORGEd. Accompanied by his five-piece band, three-piece vocal ensemble and ten-piece orchestra courtesy of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, enGORGEd was Reuben’s most ambitious show to date.
What we said at the time:
“While enGORGEd is billed as a cabaret show, Reuben could have stood up there ad-libbing for two hours, and I’m sure the crowd would have been equally as mesmerised.”
“What you see on the stage is what you get. Reuben is charming, quick-witted and a little risqué. His energy and joy are infectious. He leaves you feeling energised.”
Read the full review here.
Can I still see the show?
Yes! It is running on 16 January as part of 2026 Sydney Festival. Get tickets here. Or get tickets to Reuben’s new show, Hard To Swallow, touring in 2026, starting with Perth on 28 January. Details here.
And that concludes another long list of favourite shows! Stay tuned for our final instalment – Favourite Shows of 2025 Part Four: Dance.
Hero image: Cirque Alice world premiere, image supplied by QPAC.
