The Australian Musical Theatre Festival has unveiled its 2026 program, with Artistic Director Tyran Parke announcing a spectacular line-up of artists, performances and special events set to transform Launceston from 20 – 24 May 2026.
Following an electrifying debut in 2025, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra will return for another showstopping collaboration – joining a stellar ensemble of local and visiting talent performing across the newly refurbished Albert Hall and surrounding venues.
“The Australian Musical Theatre Festival continues to evolve and expand, and, in 2026, we take up residence in the Albert Hall, fresh from a $20 million refurbishment,” said Tyran Parke. “Brilliantly located and offering multiple spaces for unexpected performances, it’s the perfect place to welcome so many stars to Launceston in May.
“International leading lady Delia Hannah, much-loved screen and stage star Nadine Garner, rising talent Annie Aitken, local favourite Rob Mallett, the irrepressible Jack Lark and many more join us for concerts, cabaret, conversations and musical theatre delights set against the beauty of Tasmania.”
In a major announcement, Parke also revealed that Australia’s leading lady, Nancye Hayes AM, has been appointed Patron of the festival. “The 2025 Festival reminded me why I fell in love with musical theatre…” said Hayes.
“I left feeling inspired, uplifted and deeply proud. It is a privilege to be Patron of a Festival that champions excellence while nurturing emerging talent, and I am delighted to be part of its future.”
Australian Musical Theatre Festival Highlights:
WELL BEHAVED WOMEN
Carmel Dean’s acclaimed new musical opens the 2026 Festival – a vibrant, 75-minute celebration of the trailblazing women who refused to stay silent. With a powerhouse ensemble and live band, Well Behaved Women honours the pioneers who reshaped politics, culture, art, sport and everyday life. Praised as “a roof-raising celebration of female resilience” (Playbill), this work is bold, uplifting and unmissable.
OPENING NIGHT GALA
Celebrate the first night of the festival inside the magnificently refurbished Albert Hall. Featuring performances from an extraordinary cast of Festival guests, this hour-long showcase sets the tone for five glittering days of music, storytelling and connection.
THE DIVA DEN
Each evening concludes inside the festival’s shimmering late-night hub, The Diva Den – a space for spontaneous performances, original songs, unforgettable encores and unexpected magic shared by audiences and artists alike.
CHOIR IN THE PUB
A beloved Festival tradition returns! Join Launceston’s piano man Travis Hennessy for a night of joyful, unrestrained singing where everyone becomes the star of the show.
SEEING IS BELIEVING
An intimate evening of story and song tracing the remarkable career of Delia Hannah, joined on stage by Tyran Parke. Inspired by the fan letters young Tyran once sent to his musical hero, this moving cabaret celebrates connection, mentorship and the artists who inspire us.
FOYER DOOR CONCERT
Discover What’s Next in Musical Theatre – a free, high-energy showcase of contemporary musical theatre performed by the festival’s emerging artists. Hear the songs shaping Broadway before they hit Australian stages.
A MUSICAL THEATRE MIX-UP: THE RECORDS THAT SHAPED A LEGEND
Festival Patron Nancye Hayes AM streams live from Melbourne, where she is appearing in the Broadway musical, Anastasia, for an intimate conversation hosted at The Dill Pickle Club. Part storytelling, part listening party, this unique event celebrates the recordings and artists that shaped her extraordinary career.
THE FROGS
Sondheim’s splashiest, silliest musical – a witty, absurd romp featuring battling playwrights, opinionated frogs and a journey to the underworld. A joyful, tuneful production with a message about the importance of the arts.
BUSKERS ALLEY
Now in its sixth year, Buskers Alley transforms a charming Launceston laneway into a bustling Broadway-style street stage led by Rod Anderson and featuring standout emerging talent.
YOUTH KARAOKE
Hosted in the Diva Den, this lively event invites young performers to take the mic and belt their favourite showtunes to an enthusiastic crowd.
BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS
Following a sold-out performance in 2025, the festival reunites with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra for a symphonic celebration of the biggest hits from Rodgers & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Gershwins and more. A one-night-only event of orchestral brilliance and musical theatre power.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – An Adaptation in Words and Music
Starring Nadine Garner in a masterful solo performance set within the historic Clarendon Estate, this evocative production combines Jane Austen’s text with Carl Davis’s beloved score for an unforgettable evening of romance and elegance.
MADE IN TASMANIA – Rob Mallett: Stories & Songs
Homegrown star Rob Mallett shares the songs, stories and milestones that carried him from Tasmania to stages across the world – an inspiring tribute to local talent and global ambition.
JACK ‘N’ GIN
Back by popular demand, this Festival finale pairs Jack Lark’s soaring vocals with Tasmania’s finest gins for a uniquely Tasmanian celebration of song, flavour and storytelling at Clarendon Estate.
The Australian Musical Theatre Festival takes place in Launceston from 20 – 24 May 2026. For more information, visit: www.amtf.org.au for details.
Image: Nancye Hayes AM (supplied)