Victorian Opera is bringing its adored adaptation of Norman Lindsay’s classic The Magic Pudding back to the stage for an unmissable return season. Running from 15 – 30 May, performances will be presented across metropolitan Melbourne at The Round, Darebin Arts Centre and Bunjil Place, as well as available to livestream on-demand in late May.
Lindsay’s classic Australian children’s book has enchanted generations with its much-loved cast of characters: Albert the Pudding – a magical yet cantankerous pudding that can change flavours and never runs out, the adventurous koala Bunyip Bluegum, gruff sailor Bill Barnacle, steadfast emperor penguin Sam Sawnoff, and the mischievous pudding thieves Patrick the Possum and Watkin Wombat.
Victorian Opera’s production adds a measure of musical magic, deliciously playful costumes and a hearty helping of theatrical charm to help bring Lindsay’s larrikinism to life on stage. Composed by Calvin Bowman and written by Anna Goldsworthy, The Magic Pudding: The Opera is a dinky-di delight. The opera originally premiered in 2013 and now returns for a third season.
Director Elizabeth Hill-Cooper lovingly realises the production which stars a cast of exciting operatic talent and students from Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. Victorian Opera’s Head of Music Phoebe Briggs conducts a live chamber orchestra of 11 players.
Described by the Herald Sun as “an absolute joy,” the production runs for 60-minutes and is perfect for pudding-lovers of all ages.
The Magic Pudding: The Opera will be presented at The Round, Nunawading (15* & 16 May), Darebin Arts Centre (22 May), Bunjil Place, Narre Warren ( 29* & 30 May) and will be available to stream online from 29 May 2026. For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: The Magic Pudding: The Opera – photo by Charlie Kinross
Note: (*) Relaxed Performance