2027 ballet season embraces Evita, Hamlet and INXS

Dona Peron
The Australian premiere of Dona Peron will be a highlight of the Queensland Ballet calendar. | Photo: Queensland Ballet

Queensland Ballet has announced the line-up for its 2027 season, including the Australian premiere of Doña Perón: The Story of Evita.

Other highlights include Hamlet, Elegantly Wasted (set to the music of INXS), a new production of The Little Prince (narrated by actor David Wenham) and a reimagined Strictly Gershwin.

The season, developed under Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega, was announced today to coincide with the October 6, 2026 Queensland Ballet Day, which combines the season launch and Annual Giving Day.

The program reflects the commitment to take ballet beyond Brisbane.

Productions and touring performances will also happen in Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Bundaberg, Redcliffe and Maryborough.

Mr Gil-Ortega said Queensland Ballet believed that the arts were essential to the human experience.

“They move people, bring communities together and help shape a stronger future,” he said.

“In 2027, we are quite literally sharing the stage, taking the dancers and productions to more Queensland communities, opening our doors to new audiences and collaborating with partners across the state.

“Queensland is our home, and Queensland Ballet should belong to  Queenslander, whether they live in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast or in one of our regional communities.”

2027 SEASON OVERVIEW

HAMLET

Following its 2026 Brisbane premiere, Queensland Ballet will open its 2027 season in Toowoomba with Hamlet by Croatian choreographer Leo Mujić.

19 – 20 February 2027, Empire Theatre, Toowoomba

ICONS

Queensland Ballet will celebrate the virtuosity, athleticism and versatility of its dancers with ICONS, a snapshot of ballet’s ‘top hits’, from some of the most famous ballets. From the grandeur and precision of Swan Lake to the drama and romance that have made works such as Don Quixote, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet audience favourites.

4 March 2027, Stanthorpe Civic Centre, Stanthorpe

6 March 2027, Goondiwindi Waggamba Community Cultural Centre,

10 March 2027, The Events Centre, Caloundra

13 March 2027, The Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg

17 – 18 March 2027, The Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Redcliffe

16 – 17 April 2027, Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland,

22 April, Brolga Theatre, Maryborough

14 – 22 May 2027, Talbot Theatre, Brisbane

ELEGANTLY WASTED featuring the songs of INXS.

After a triumphant world premiere on the Gold Coast, Queensland Ballet’s Elegantly Wasted brings its electrifying fusion of ballet and the iconic music of INXS to Brisbane in 2027.

Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s new work “pulses with energy, athleticism and rock ’n’ roll swagger”.

8 April – 8 May, 2027, Talbot Theatre

SOIRÉE featuring the works of Margaret Olley.

Soirée returns in 2027 exploring the world of Margaret Olley, one of Australia’s most beloved artists.  Queensland Ballet once again partners with Philip Bacon Galleries and Camerata, Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, and Queensland Ballet’s Jette Parker Young Artists and dancers from the Academy of Queensland Ballet’s Clark Graduate Program.

21 – 24 April 2027, Talbot Theatre

THE LITTLE PRINCE

Queensland Ballet’s popular “My First Ballet” series returns in 2027 with The Little Prince, narrated by award winning actor, David Wenham. Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved story, The Little Prince follows an extraordinary journey through distant worlds and unexpected friendships, exploring love, loss, curiosity and what it means to see the world with an open heart.

2 – 10 July, 2027, Talbot Theatre.

DOÑA PERÓN:The Story of Evita. Australian Premiere

Doña Perón explores Eva Peron’s journey from illegitimate daughter to dancehall performer, acclaimed radio personality to Argentina’s First Lady, and her untimely death in her early thirties from cancer. Choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, who created the highly successful Elegantly Wasted and Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon.

30 July – 28 August, 2027, Talbot Theatre

ACADEMY GALA

The Academy Gala celebrates the extraordinary talent, dedication and artistry emerging through the Academy of Queensland Ballet. Featuring dancers from all levels of the Academy, this inspiring performance showcases a dynamic program of classical, neo-classical and contemporary works.

4 – 7 August, 2027, Talbot Theatre

STRICTLY GERSHWIN

Derek Deane’s Strictly Gershwin, is a glamorous celebration of George and Ira Gershwin and the golden age of song and dance.

Created by internationally renowned choreographer Derek Deane, who is currently creating Queensland Ballet’s new production of The Nutcracker, Strictly Gershwin brings together ballet, ballroom, tap and musical theatre in a sweeping tribute to some of the twentieth century’s most enduring music.

9 – 23 October, 2027, Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC

THE NUTCRACKER

Choreographed by internationally acclaimed dance-maker Derek Deane, this lavish production was specially commissioned and created for Queensland Ballet for the 2026 season. Deane has reimagined the treasured story, creating several new characters and subtle plot twists that promise to surprise and delight.

 

QLD BAQld BAllet Hamlet Georgia Swan as Gertrude, Joseph Moss as Claudius. Photo David Kelly small
Hamlet with Georgia Swan as Gertrude and Joseph Moss as Claudius. | Photo: David Kelly, Queensland Ballet