The Australian Musical Theatre Festival will present a spectacular line-up of artists, performances and special events in Launceston in May, 2026.
Following an electrifying debut in 2025, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is returning for another show-stopping collaboration. They’ll join a stellar ensemble of local and visiting talents, 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,” Artistic Director Tyran Parke says.
“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.”
Festival highlights include ‘Well Behaved Women’, an Australian musical by Carmel Dean celebrating trailblazing women who refused to stay silent. Plus, the Opening Night Gala will feature performances from an extraordinary cast of festival guests.
Each evening of the festival will conclude inside the shimmering, late-night hub The Diva Den. It’s a space for spontaneous performances, original songs, unforgettable encores and unexpected magic.
Foyer Door Concert is a free, high-energy showcase of contemporary musical theatre performed by the festival’s emerging artists. . . While Festival Patron Nancye Hayes AM streams live from Melbourne (where she’s appearing in Broadway musical ‘Anastasia’) for an intimate conversation hosted at The Dill Pickle Club.
Now in its sixth year, Buskers Alley will transform a charming Launceston laneway into a bustling, Broadway-style street stage led by Rod Anderson and featuring some stand-out, emerging talents.
The festival will once again reunite with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra for a symphonic celebration of the biggest ‘Broadway Showstoppers’, in a one-night-only event of orchestral brilliance and musical theatre power.
Homegrown star Rob Mallett will share the stories, songs and milestones which carried him from Tasmania to stages across the world, in ‘Made In Tasmania’.
“The 2025 Festival reminded me why I fell in love with musical theatre,” Nancye Hayes AM says. “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 is on in Launceston from 20-24 May, 2026.
