Musical -
Theatre -
Lovers.

Brush up your humming for these stage spectaculars

BILLY BOY

The highly successful Billy Elliot the Musical finally makes its première in Australia on 13 December: its first stop outside of London’s West End. Adapted for the stage by the creative team behind the hit movie Billy Elliot, it’s directed by Stephen Daldry, with a score composed by Elton John. Four Australian kids have been cast for the title role of Billy, a boy growing up in a mining town and battling against the odds to do what he loves best – dance. Tickets for shows at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre go on sale on 16 July, and there’s already a waiting list! Accor Hotel & Show packages for two people, with Premium A-Reserve tickets, start at AU$185. Tel: 1300 734 108 within Australia. For all your travel choices, go to www.jetstar.com.

BOLLYWOOD-ORAMA

Bollywood is so hot right now. While Sydney celebrates the première of the filmed-in-Sydney Bollywood blockbuster Heyy Babyy with yoga and veggie cooking classes, Melbourne sees the start of a new season of home-grown play The Perfume Garden, by playwright Raj Moodley. Set in suburban Melbourne, this Indian drama revolves around a family’s attempts to get its elder son to settle down with a nice Indian girl and take over the family business. You’ll love the riotous colour and over-the-top song and dance routines! Go the full monty with a show and Indian banquet package for AU$59.50. 26 July to 11 August; Gasworks Theatre, cnr Graham and Pickles sts, Albert Park, Melbourne, tel: +61 (3) 9699 3253.

SONDHEIM SONGFEST

A musical penned by the master himself, Stephen Sondheim, Tony-Award-winner Company is still fresh more than three decades after its first Broadway run in 1970. Based on the book by George Furth, it takes an honest look at adult relationships in an urban context through the life of Bobby – just turned 35 and tired of his dating life – who looks to his coupled-up best friends for inspiration. It’s being staged by the Kookaburra – The National Music Theatre Company, and stars David Campbell and Tamsin Carroll. Until 4 August at the Theatre Royal, 108 Spring St, Sydney. Book at Ticketek, tel: 1300 795 012 within Australia.

NIGHT MUSIC

We think the real star of the world’s longest-running Broadway musical – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera – is the spectacular chandelier. A replica of the Paris Opera House light, it’s made of 6,000 beads and weighs a ton! In this classic show’s Melbourne season, Anthony Warlow returns to the role of the Phantom opposite Ana Marina’s Christine. Starts 19 July, Princess Theatre, 163 Spring St, Melbourne. Book at Ticketek, tel: 132 849 within Australia.