The List

Theatre and Dance highlights at Adelaide Festival 2025

From age-old classics to searing new ideas, here are a few must-sees this festival season

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Theatre and Dance highlights at Adelaide Festival 2025

The Rite Of Spring
Stravinsky’s music sparked a riot the first time it was played; Taiwan’s celebrated Tussock Dance Theater embodies its themes of fear, resistance and the everlasting cycle between good and evil with power and grace.
Adelaide College Of The Arts, 12–15 March.

Smile: The Story Of Charlie Chaplin
Created and performed by Marcel Cole, there’s no doubting the power and impact of the source material. While Chaplin’s performances still resonate, we’re equally fascinated by the story behind the man.
The Courtyard Of Curiosities At The Migration Museum, 11–23 March.

Confessions Of A Boba Liberalist
What does it feel like to belong? Could it be as simple as not dreading the question ‘where are you from?’ Juanita Navas-Nguyen shares how she’s found connection in a predominantly white society, with bubble tea for all.
The Courtyard Of Curiosities At The Migration Museum, 20 February–2 March.    

Addicted

Bonding
Stephen has always wanted to be James Bond. He’s got a tux and everything! Cyril Blake’s solo show examines masculinity, fatherhood and the enduring appeal of the celluloid hero.
Gluttony – Rymill Park, 21 February–2 March. 

Addicted
This world premiere uses music, mime and dance to explore addiction, stigma, mental health and recovery. It’s a message of hope, resilience and walking (or dancing) a mile in someone else’s shoes.
Various venues, 14–23 March. 

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
This tribute to the BBC sitcom is experiential perfection; in fact, it’s faultless. Audience involvement brings even more anarchy to the antics, and you do actually get fed. If you don’t know the show, check out Confetti & Chaos from the same team.
The Terrace Hotel, 21 February–23 March. 

Woman In The Dunes
Based on the novel by Kobo Abe, eastern dance meets western jazz in Shakti’s provocative performance. The score is composed by Steven Severin, ex of Siouxsie And The Banshees.
The Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall, 21–23 February. 

Plenty Of Fish In The Sea

Booze & The Bard: The Shakespearean Drinking Game
Five actors perform a Shakesperean classic with a twist: one of them is drunk. Chaos ensues. Can’t blame them really, it would certainly have made Friday afternoon English go with a bit more of a swing.
Various venues, 19–23 March. 

Robowrite! The AI Playwright
This’ll have the writers crying into their IPAs. A new cast perform a new version of a classic every night. The twist? The script’s been written by AI. Genuinely intriguing; check socials for a chance to vote on the story in question.
Various venues, 20–23 March. 

The Ceremony
Ben Volchok’s extraordinary skills put the audience firmly in control; he probably won’t say a single word. Always raw and by turns moving, hilarious and provocative, it’s a quintessential fringe experience.
The Courtyard Of Curiosities At The Migration Museum, 20 February–9 March. 

Plenty Of Fish In The Sea
This beautifully performed little fable is a jewel-box of a treat where every detail is pin-sharp and perfect. Joyful and clever, with a multi-layered message, it’s also very funny. Perfection, in fact.
The Courtyard Of Curiosities At The Migration Museum, 4–9 March. 

Death Of The Human Resource

Tracy Crisp’s Six Pack
Fringe stalwart Tracy Crisp has performed a self-penned solo show at Adelaide since 2018. Now she’s bringing every single one of them back for 2025, performing two shows every night so folks can catch up with any they’ve missed, or rewatch their favourites.
Goodwood Theatre And Studios, 28 February–16 March.  

It Is I, Seagull
Lucy Mellors has had enough. But at least she knows the name of the first woman in space. Intertwining her experiences as an opera singer with astronaut Valentina Tereshkova, this show combines opera and comedy with a long hard, look at the patriarchy.
Holden Street Theatres, 11–23 March.

The Art Of Storm-Whistling
‘When I was ten years old, my uncle disappeared at sea.’ It’s an arresting premise for a story about John, who’s kept his uncle’s secret for years before eventually following the maps to find the truth.
The Courtyard Of Curiosities At The Migration Museum, 8–23 March.  

Death Of The Human Resource
The HR department has been murdered… surely an intriguing premise for anyone who’s ever worked in, well, any place. This fast-paced whodunnit will keep you laughing and keep you guessing.
Goodwood Theatre And Studios, 19–23 March. 

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