Happily ever after? Not a chance.
Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s smash-hit production GRIMM: Tales from the Brothers Grimm is set to cast its spell over Melbourne, with the show confirmed for a season at the Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne from 25 August to 12 September 2026.
Within shadowy corridors and haunting landscapes, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and an array of familiar figures emerge to reveal the twisted, unsettling — and often hilarious — truths beneath the fairy tales we thought we knew.
From the acclaimed company behind theatrical triumphs Frankenstein, 1984 and Fantastic Mr Fox, GRIMM reworks these iconic tales into a high-octane stage experience that delights, disturbs and surprises in equal measure.
Dark Truths Rise to the Surface
Shake & Stir Artistic Director Nick Skubij says the success of the production confirmed what the company has long suspected about the enduring power of the Grimm tales.
“These stories have fascinated us for years. Reworked and adapted time and time again, seeing audiences respond so strongly to the original versions’ darkness, humour and complexity has been highly rewarding. They’re stories people think they know, but here, audiences will see something a bit different. Because of this, the morals, the brutality, and the humanity feel startlingly new — and relevant. GRIMM lets some hard truths rise to the surface.”
A Visionary Creative Team
The production is helmed by award-winning writer and director Daniel Evans — currently the Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre Company — whose credits include The Great Gatsby (co-directed with Skubij), A Few Good Men and Vietgone.
“Dan’s ability to balance theatrical grit with emotional clarity is extraordinary,” Skubij said. “His staging of GRIMM pushes expectations and keeps audiences leaning forward and salivating for more. It’s theatre that refuses to sit politely in the dark.”
Adding to the production’s bewitching visual identity are the costumes of celebrated Australian fashion designer and proud Marrithiyal man Paul McCann. Renowned for his high-end, luxe designs worn by celebrities on red carpets around the world and celebrated as one of Australia’s leading First Nations fashion voices, McCann’s costumes bring a fierce, contemporary edge to the Grimm world.
“Paul’s designs don’t just dress the story — they elevate it,” Skubij said. “They’re fearless, glamorous and unforgettable. Seeing his work command the stage has been another great joy of this production.”
Season Details
Venue: Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne
Season: 25 August – 12 September 2026
Tickets from: $49
Book now: artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2026/theatre/grimm
Creatives
Adaptor: Nelle Lee
Director: Daniel Evans
Costume Designer: Paul McCann
Set Designer: Josh McIntosh
Lighting Designer: Trent Suidgeest
Sound Designer / Composer: Guy Webster
Creators: Ross Balbuziente, Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij
Featuring: Aljin Abella, Helen Cassidy, Nelle Lee and Henry Rollo
Presented by Shake & Stir Theatre Co. Age recommendation: 14 years and over.
Content warnings: Adult themes, simulated violence and gore, infrequent coarse language, depiction of alcohol consumption, smoke effects, strobe lighting, and loud sound effects/music.
