Sneak peek at Her Maj’s program

THE new year ahead is looking bright for lovers of live acts.

Giving a sneak peak into what’s in store for 2026, Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat has seven regional exclusives lined up among the genre-diverse program of live theatre treats it’s curated to keep those hungry for live shows feeling well fed.

“In 2026 we have no less than seven regional exclusives, meaning you won’t be able to see them anywhere in regional Victoria but here at Her Maj,” a spokesperson said.

Live comedy, music, theatre and dance all feature with early bird ticketing already open for a range of shows on the schedule.

Comedy fans can look forward to the likes of Danny Bhoy, Jimmy Carr, Ross Noble, Jimmy Oein, Marty Sheargold and Nazeem Hussain among acts on the schedule.

For dance devotees the program for the new year features the Victorian State Ballet with Swan Lake in March and The Little Mermaid in April, and The Australian Ballet with The Nutcracker Act II and Other Works in July.

For music lovers the year’s programming traverses a wide variety of genres including classical, rock, country, orchestral and operatic.

Offerings range from the Victorian Opera presenting Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly The Musical, to Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen, to Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett coming up on 11 February – to give just a small sample.

There’s also a lot of live theatre in the mix, alongside plenty of programming especially for children, and even some mystery and illusion.

“We know we have a stunning theatre steeped in heritage, but we also have a colourful community hungry for shows that strengthen their love of the stage,” the spokesperson said. “We’ve searched for productions that spark joy, challenge perspectives, and bring people together. That’s the magic of this place, sharing an experience with others.

“When we stay home and stare at screens, nothing changes. But when we gather in Her Maj, everything does.

“We laugh louder, gasp harder, and feel the thrill of being swept up in the story, not sitting alone, but alongside others.

“That’s the power of live performance and the driving force behind what we do.”