The fifth annual Australian Musical Theatre Festival has been announced – 19 events over five days that will throw a handful of glitter over the city of Launceston from 15-19 May.

Musical theatre lovers will experience their beloved artform in the most unlikely of places, ranging from from Launceston’s picturesque Cataract Gorge to a pub bar.

Josh Piterman as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. Photo © boya_wu1129

This year, Artistic Director Tyran Parke will present three headlining musicals: It’s Only Life, starring its co-creator, Broadway songwriter and performer John Bucchino; Marry Me a Little (featuring material by Stephen Sondheim that didn’t make it into his greatest shows), and Nine The Musical (Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit’s Tony Award-winning adaptation of Fellini’s classic film 8/12), performed at Launceston’s Princess Theatre.

Limelight’s Editor Jo Litson attended the Festival last year and was impressed by its accessibility and community feel.

“Launceston may not be the first place to spring to mind for an Australian Musical Theatre Festival, but it works a treat as a festival centre. It’s a...