Oscar Wilde to wild one Chrissy Amphlett, the stage is set for some serious theatre this month

Pleasure and pain, tragedies underscored by pop songs, and a rodent returning for 25 year celebrations.

Prepare for an electrifying year of art, music, and theatre across regional Victoria. From the unforgettable rock energy of Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett to the soulful jazz transcendence of Ganavya, this is a season packed with unforgettable performances. Whether you’re craving a cabaret-style tribute to an iconic rock legend, a feel-good jukebox musical, or a world-class symphony, the diverse programming across towns like Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo offers something for every cultural palate. Here’s your guide to the top upcoming events in the region this February and into the start of March.

Keep up to date with all things arts, exhibitions and stage here.

Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett

When: 12 & 13 FEB

Where: Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong

A Geelong Arts Centre supported production, Amplified is a live-wire cabaret journey through the words and music of Divinyls icon Chrissy Amphlett. Written and performed by Sheridan Harbridge and co-created with Sarah Goodes and Glenn Moorhouse, it captures Amphlett’s fierce sexuality, vulnerability and rebel spirit — from pub stages to pop history.

&Juliet

When: 26 FEB – 08 MAR

Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat

From the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek, & Juliet flips Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy into a pop-powered celebration of choice, independence and second chances. Packed with Max Martin hitmakers from Britney to Katy Perry, this Olivier and Tony-nominated jukebox musical imagines Juliet’s life beyond Romeo — bold, funny and bursting with empowerment. Coming to Ballarat with Ballarat Lyric Theatre, February 2026.

Fanfare

When: 22 FEB

Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo

The Bendigo Symphony Orchestra launches its 2026 season with FANFARE, a bold celebration of brass, identity and symphonic power. Featuring the world premiere of Emma Gregan’s BSO Fanfare, Schumann’s virtuosic Konzertstück for four horns, and Copland’s monumental Symphony No. 3, this opening concert honours tradition while sounding confidently into the future.

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

When: SUN 15 FEB

Where: Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool

Experience the magic of Britain’s stage with this National Theatre live screening, presented by Lighthouse Theatre. Three-time Olivier winner Sharon D Clarke joins Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) in a joyous, witty reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy. Directed by Max Webster, this live-filmed production brims with mistaken identities, romance, and laughter straight from London’s National Theatre.

Ben Lee: On Tour Always

When: SAT 28 FEB

Where: The Potato Shed, Drysdale

Following the sold-out Awake Is the New Sleep 20th Anniversary Tour, Ben Lee returns in 2026 with On Tour Always, hitting 40 regional dates nationwide. Fans can expect the heartfelt songwriting, charm, and playful energy that made him a beloved figure in Australian music, with support from rising act The Tryouts.

The Umbilical Brothers – Speedmouse

When: WED 11 FEB

Where: Horsham Town Hall Theatre

Legendary, live, and back by popular demand! Dave, Shane, and their mysterious Roadie celebrate 25 years of Speedmouse with a limited theatrical run. This fast-paced, frame-by-frame comedy adventure turns microphones into impossibilities, earning five-star reviews, awards, and a place in Australian comedy history. Prepare to laugh, marvel, and wonder how they get away with it.

Ganavya

When: 1 MAR

Where: Platform Arts, Geelong

Ganavya blends spiritual jazz, Indian devotional traditions, and ambient textures to create a transcendent sound that lifts audiences to a higher state while moving them to tears. Her latest album, Nilam (2025), co-produced by Nils Frahm, continues to showcase her as one of modern music’s most compelling vocalists, weaving communal harmony and emotional depth into every note.

 

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