The rain in Spain might stay mainly on the plain, but the spotlight is headed firmly for the Joan Sutherland Theatre and the Ian Potter State Theatre. Producers Opera Australia and John Frost for Crossroads Live have officially pulled back the curtain on the cast for the 70th Anniversary season of the “perfect musical”, My Fair Lady.
2026 marks a rare double-platinum milestone, as Opera Australia also celebrates its own 70th anniversary this year, making this lavish production a massive double celebration.
A Cast of Icons and Emerging Stars
While we wait for the announcement of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins in the coming months, the supporting cast is already a “who’s who” of Australian stage royalty.
The production sees the return of several icons to these beloved roles:
- Reg Livermore steps back into the shoes of the rascally Alfred P. Doolittle.
- Robyn Nevin returns as the formidable Mrs Higgins.
- Tony Llewellyn-Jones reprises his role as Colonel Hugh Pickering.
- Anne Wood joins the fray as Mrs Pearce.
- Freddy Hellier makes his highly anticipated mainstage musical theatre debut as Freddy Eynsford-Hill.
Breaking Records and Refurbished Stages
This production has a serious pedigree, based on the 2016 Australian production, which was directed by the legendary Julie Andrews. That previous run famously broke box office records when it premiered at the Sydney Opera House for its 60th anniversary.
Melbourne fans have an extra reason to celebrate: My Fair Lady will be the first major musical to perform at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre when the season opens there in November.
From the sharp wit of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion to the unforgettable score featuring ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’, this anniversary season is set to be “miraculous” and “ridiculously beautiful”.
Season Details
Sydney Season
- Venue: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
- Dates: From September 2026
Melbourne Season
- Venue: Ian Potter State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne
- Dates: From November 2026
Tickets & Info: myfairladythemusical.com.au
