The best shows in Brisbane you need to see in 2022
List
By Danielle Reckless
Plunging yourself into Queensland’s cultural waters is easy in Brisbane. The capital plays host to a revolving door of concerts, performances, and festivals year-through.
With stages strewn throughout the city and ranging from theatre to rock concerts to ballet, you’re sure to find something right up your alley. Eager for inspiration? Below you’ll find a highlight of the best shows in Brisbane for 2022.
Open Season
Where: The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre
When: 21 January - 30 March 2022
Cost: Varies per performance
Why go? Brisbane's live music scene is open, with two of the best music venues hosting a curated program of concerts and live performances featuring Aussie artists throughout summer. Open Season welcomes the likes of Julia Jacklin, The Paper Kites, Amyl and The Sniffers, and so many more - see how many you can make it to.
Frozen The Musical
Photo by Lisa Tomasetti
Where: QPAC
When: 10 February – 17 April 2022
Cost: From $49.50 - $220
Why go? Everyone’s favourite Oscar-winning Disney movie has become a worldwide smash-hit musical, and now it’s here to dazzle Brisbane audiences. The heart-warming adaptation brings the wintery magic and huge musical numbers of the movie to life with spectacular sets, costumes and special effects. One for the kids – and the big kids too.
The Long Sunset
Where: Elysian Fields, Canungra, Scenic Rim
When: 12 February 2022
Cost: $53-103
Why go? The Scenic Rim's hot summer nights will get even hotter when The Long Sunset - Australia's newest boutique musical event - rolls into Elysian Fields. Headlined by Angus & Julia Stone and supported by Brisbane's homegrown Ball Park Music plus Babe Rainbow and Hatchie - this is the party you've been waiting for. BYO tent to make a night of it.
Queensland Cabaret Festival
Where: Metro Arts
When: 10 – 12 March 2022
Why go? Celebrate creativity and all things cabaret at this dedicated festival at Metro Arts in Brisbane’s West End. There’s a variety of shows over the weekend – from one-act opera cabarets to raucous singalongs and comedy. If you’ve ever wanted to hear an electro-acoustic interpretation of Beethoven’s Sonata Op.13, this is your chance.
Queensland Theatre's First Casualty
Where: Bille Brown Theatre
When: 12 March – 9 April 2022
Why go? One of the most anticipated plays of Queensland Theatre’s 2022 Season is the debut of First Casualty, an authentic account of the real lives of Aussie troops in Afghanistan. A story that gets to the heart of the human experience – its tragedies and triumphs – this is a moving production well worth catching. Head to Queensland Theatre’s website to check out the entire 2022 line-up, as well as dates for First Casualty’s Auslan Interpreted and Audio Described performances.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Cinematic
Photo by @qsorchestra
Where: QPAC
When: 29 – 30 April 2022
Cost: $49 – 125
Why go? One for the cinephiles, Queensland Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 90th birthday of master composer John Williams with an incredible tribute to the music that made iconic movies so memorable. Over the evening you’ll hear the soundtracks you know and love from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Superman and more.
Brisbane Comedy Festival
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, The Fortitude Music Hall
When: 29 April – 29 May 2022
Why go? A month of laughs comes to the River City as Brisbane Comedy Festival returns, bringing the country’s best comedians to venues across the city – from stand-up to improv, sketch comedy and everything in between. Check out the calendar to find your favourite comedian among greats like Judith Lucy, Ross Noble, Wil Anderson, Nazeem Hussain and Lizzy Hoo.
9 to 5, The Musical
Photo by @9to5au
Where: QPAC
When: 22 May – 5 June 2022
Cost: $69 – 179
Why go? Pour yourself a cup of ambition and nab tickets to Dolly Parton’s joyous smash hit musical 9 to 5. Bringing the memorable movie to the stage with catchy songs written by Dolly herself, it tells the story of three workmates’ outlandish scheme to outsmart their mean-spirited boss, and will have you dancing out of your seat. The stellar cast includes big Aussie names including Marina Prior, Eddie Perfect, Casey Donovan and more.
Opera Queensland’s La Traviata
Where: QPAC
When: 14 – 23 July 2022
Cost: $75 – 185
Why go? If you’re looking for a night at the opera, this is it. Presented by Opera Queensland in association with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, La Traviata transports audiences into a wonderous world of opulence, wild parties and a tragic, forbidden love to the music of one of the world’s greatest composers, Giuseppe Verdi.
Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Terrain
Photo by Daniel Boud
Where: QPAC
When: 5 – 13 August
Cost: $69-88
Why go? Come with us to Country to celebrate Bangarra’s 10th anniversary tour of Australia with Terrain. The nine-part, powerful performance brings to live the spirit of Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre), its significance to both the environment and its cultural connection with the Indigenous people.
Brisbane Festival
Where: Brisbane Festival hosts events across Brisbane city, with the majority hosted among South Bank‘s cultural precinct.
When: September 2022
Cost: You’ll find something for everyone with freebies to some events that require a splurge. Check the schedule for more information.
Why go? Say hello to one of Queensland’s most beloved annual events, a celebration of the River City and its cultural and creative pursuits that’s become one of the best shows in Brisbane. Brisbane Festival is a three-week foray that turns the city into a stage, hosting pop-up events galore for all ages, ranging from circus to Indigenous storytelling, and stage (among much, much more).
BIGSOUND
Where: Venues around Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When: 6 - 9 September 2022
Cost: Varies per performance
Why go? Part music festival, part conference; musicians and industry professionals from around the globe will descend on Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley to showcase and witness the best new Aussie music at BIGSOUND. Celebrating its 21st birthday this year, expect big things at the event that really is the future of music.
Queensland Ballet’s Manon
Where: QPAC
When: 28 September – 8 October 2022
Cost: $60 – 192
Why go? A ballet that has it all: seduction, ambition, greed and love. The story of Manon has been captivating audiences for more than two centuries, and Queensland Ballet's production is sure to captivate you too. Journey from decadent 18th century Paris to sultry New Orleans, following the story of a young French girl trying to break free from poverty.
Queensland Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Photo by David Kelly
Where: QPAC
When: 2 - 23 December 2022
Cost: $110 - 180
Why go? Treat yourself to a Christmas present like no other with one of the most beloved ballets of all time. On the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, little Clara finds herself whisked away to the enchanting Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum fairy. This ballet is now in its ninth consecutive season, partnering Ben Stevenson’s choreography with Tchaikovsky’s melodies for an enchanting event.
Opera Australia’s The Ring Cycle
Where: QPAC
When: 1 - 21 December 2023
Cost: $380 - $2,200. Consisting of four separate operas within one epic journey, this special event sells each of the quartet’s tickets separately.
Why go? This performance is a non-negotiable for true fans of opera who find themselves in the Queensland capital. The Ring Cycle is an epic 15-hour story shared over the course of four nights, a production by Shi-Zheng Chen interweaves the themes of power, greed, violence, heaven and earth. Exclusive to Queensland Performing Arts Centre you won’t be given another chance to experience its wonder.
Looking for other ways to spend your time in Brisbane? You’ve come to the right place. Here are the best rooftop bars, restaurants and fresh digs to stay while you're here.
