Boasting more than 40 events over five days, the Australian Musical Theatre Festival returns to Launceston. Carmel Dean’s Well Behaved Women, which shines a light on some of history’s trailblazing women, launches the festival, while the Opening Night Gala features a cast led by Jarrod Draper. The centrepiece is a production of The Frogs by Stephen Sondheim, Burt Shevelove and Nathan Lane. In another highlight, Delia Hannah reflects on her life in Seeing Is Believing, in which she is joined by the festival’s Artistic Director Tyran Parke. Following a sold-out performance last year, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra returns for the concert Broadway Showstoppers with singers Draper, Hannah, Lisa Crosato, Nadine Garner, Rob Mallett and Lorinda May Merrypor.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Australian theatre-maker Carmel Dean’s vibrant new musical Well Behaved Women opens the 2026 Australian Musical Theatre Festival. A boldly uplifting work that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary women who refused to stay silent, Well Behaved Women tells the story of trailblazers in politics, culture, art, sport and everyday life.

With a powerhouse ensemble accompanied by a live band, this 75-minute work weaves personal triumphs and cultural milestones into a sweeping celebration of shared stories about female resilience. From concert hall to protest banner, boardroom to battleground, meet the women who changed the course of history and celebrate their stories through song.