One year and a day after The Curious Case of Benjamin Button took its final bow in London’s West End, the Olivier Award-winning musical hit is set to begin a new chapter on the other side of the world – with its Australian premiere announced for July 2027.
Presented by GMG Productions and Stoddart Entertainment Group, the tour will begin in New Zealand in May before heading to the Sydney Opera House, with seasons to follow in Melbourne and Brisbane, marking the first time the musical has been staged outside London and New York.
Benjamin Button musical Down Under – quick links
Epic scale meets an intimate, ensemble-driven approach
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1922 short story of the same name (which, yes, also inspired the 2008 film starring Brad Pitt) the musical follows a man who lives his life in reverse – he is born old and grows younger each day.
Relocating the story from 1800s Baltimore to a small Cornish fishing village, this ‘life-affirming adventure’ explores themes of love, belonging, and the challenge of making the most of a life lived against the clock.
Created by British playwright, director, and producer Jethro Compton and New Zealand-born composer and lyricist Darren Clark, the musical won three Olivier Awards in 2025, including Best New Musical and Outstanding Musical Contribution for Clark’s music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements.
The production combines a sweeping live score with an ensemble of 15 actor-musicians playing 30 instruments, blending the epic scale of a mainstage musical with an intimate, ensemble-driven approach to storytelling.
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Following its acclaimed West End season, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has continued its international journey with a new production currently playing to sold-out houses at New York’s Public Theater.
Benjamin Button finds a fitting Australian home
Jethro Compton, who wrote, directed and designed the original West End production, said the Sydney Opera House was a fitting place to begin the musical’s Australian chapter.
‘It’s so fitting to begin our Australian adventure at the Sydney Opera House, right in the heart of the harbour, as the connection to the sea is such a core part of this story. The show has had such an incredible journey so far, and we’re excited to bring it to Australian shores,’ said Compton.
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Sydney Opera House’s Head of Contemporary Performance, Harry Prouse, said the production would be a natural fit.
‘Romantic and emotionally captivating, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a heartwarming piece of storytelling that will feel right at home in our Drama Theatre,’ said Prouse.
‘Anyone with a curiosity about life will find something to love in this uplifting production that celebrates the magic that’s found in making the most of time. I challenge anyone to see it and not be won over by its joy and humanity.’
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Australia and NZ tour dates
The production will tour New Zealand and Australia in 2027, with dates at the following venues:
- Wellington: 14–22 May, St James Theatre
- Christchurch: 27 May–6 June, Isaac Theatre Royal
- Auckland: 11–27 June, ASB Waterfront Theatre
- Sydney: 16 July–29 August, Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre
- Melbourne: 3 September–2 October, Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse
- Brisbane: 7–31 October, Queensland Performing Arts Centre Playhouse
The cast for the Australasian tour is yet to be announced, and the on-sale date for tickets is also yet to be confirmed.
You can sign up for the waitlist and check for updates at benjaminbuttonmusical.com.au.
