Sweeney Todd

Transport yourself to the bloody streets of London and revisit the twisted characters of Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett in WA Opera’s production of Sondheim’s famous musical-horror. Make sure you check out special offers through Mary Street Bakery and a pop-up street barber in the lead up. Featuring Ben Mingay in the lead role, this bloody melodrama is a fest for the senses in more ways than one!

Dates: 13 – 20 July
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre
Book your tickets here. 

Lumious

ACO’s 2005 collaboration with artist Bill Henson, Luminous, was a ground-breaking, cross-genre musical and visual feast. Celebrating 10 years since their last performance of Luminous, they’re bringing it back, revived and refreshed, with indie Israeli-Australian singer-songwriter Lior.

Dates: 14 August
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Book your tickets here

The Botanical: Beauty and Peril

This major exhibition explores the abundant beauty of the botanical world and the threats that assail it. The Botanical: Beauty and Peril draws from the renowned Janet Holmes à Court Collection and the AGWA Collection to present a vivid, involving and sometimes disturbing journey through the diverse representation by Australian artists of the glorious kingdom of plants.

Dates: 6 July – 4 November
Venue: Art Gallery of WA

Bangarra: 30 Years Of Sixty Five Thousand

This diverse program of three contemporary works displays the passionate storytelling, rich artistry and deep community connections that have made Bangarra the premiere Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company in Australia.

Dates: 31 July – 3 August
Venue: State Theatre Centre, Heath Ledger Theatre

Hugh Jackman's The Man. The Music. The Show.

The tour will see Jackman perform a new show with hit songs from The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables and more, accompanied by a live orchestra. Along with special guest, Keala Settle, this is sure to be his greatest show yet!

Dates: 21, 23 & 24 August
Venue: RAC Arena
Book your tickets here. 

Bring It On – The Musical

Admit it, those lyrics are still in your head (Brr – it’s cold in here!). The early 2000’s cult-classic is now a hit Broadway show featuring music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton). Who would have thought it! The hit musical-comedy is headed to Perth for a two-week run at His Majesty’s Theatre. Catchy songs and terrific choreography are guaranteed.

Dates: 8 -18 August
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre
Book your tickets here. 

Perth Poetry Festival

Perth Poetry Festival is an annual festival for local and international poets to share their work with the general public. The programming is impressively diverse this year with events showcasing the LGBTQI+ community and multicultural poets. There’s also an Anti-Slam, where the best ‘worst’ performance wins, and a number of open mic sessions, panels and workshops. 

Dates: 9 – 18 August
Venue: Various
Learn more about the Perth Poetry Festival here. 

HAIR

Fifty years since HAIR first put hippie counterculture and sexual revolution on stage, the musical shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Hugh Sheridan and Paulini leads the cast in this contemporary take that asks just how far we’ve really come. There’s sure to be a lot of peace, love and rock.

Dates: 22 Aug – 1 September
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre
Book your tickets here. 

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

The force is strong with West Australian Symphony Orchestra and their successful series of movie concerts. The concept is simple: play a movie on the big screen with the musical score played live by the orchestra. It’s a must-do for any Star Wars fans and a great way to experience a live orchestra if you’ve never been (and yes, people have been known to come dressed in costume!).

If Star Wars isn’t your thing but disco is, WASO are also planning a Disco Wonderland evening in November!

Dates: 6-7 September
Venue: Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre
Get your tickets to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back here. 

Fully Sikh

This collaboration between Black Swan State Theatre Company and Barking Gecko Theatre is a cultural celebration suitable for the whole family. Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa shot to fame around the world with her poetry on Australia’s Got Talent. Fully Sikh is a hilarious and heartfelt look at Sukhjit’s life, family and religion told with her trademark lyrical flow a featuring live cooking, dance and music on stage. This is one show everyone will be talking about.

Dates: 10 – 27 October
Venue: State Theatre Centre of WA
Book your tickets here. 

The Lester Prize

The popular Black Swan Portraiture Prize is back with a new name. What hasn’t changed is a commitment to showcasing the best new portrait works. The Lester Prize is one of the richest portraiture prizes in Australia with a massive $70,000 awarded, including a People’s Choice Award. Get involved by voting for your favourite or attend one of the pop-up workshops, tours and painting demonstrations.

Dates: 9 November – 9 December
Venue: Art Gallery WA and others
Learn more about The Lester Prize here. 

Alice (in Wonderland)

WA Ballet will present the Australian Premiere of this magical story which has played to sold-out audiences in Hong Kong. The production promises magnificent sets, dazzling costumes and a giddy, over-the-top retelling of the Lewis Carroll classic. It doesn’t hurt either that WA Ballet’s dancers are some of the best in the country. Round out your year with this family-friend fun.

Dates: 21 November – 15 December
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre
Book your tickets here. 

Live Music!

Looking for more things to do in the City while you're here? Why not check out some of the best underground bars for a late night beverage after a show.