James Gunn admits Superman confusion was 'unfair' to Henry Cavill
The 42-year-old actor had announced he was set to reprise the role, only to reveal two months later that he wouldn't be part of the new DC Studios co-head's vision for the franchise, and now James has explained he and Peter Safran were taken aback when his return was announced.
Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, James said: 'We were dealing with trying to figure out if we could take the job at DC Studios, and we're talking to David Zaslav and all the legal people there, and figuring out what our deals would be.
'And the day our deal closed, all of a sudden they were announcing that Henry was back.
'I'm like, what is going on? Like, we know what the plan is, the plan was to come in and do Superman.
'That was really unfortunate, I'm like, this poor guy."
The new DC bosses were impressed with how Henry handled the news.
James continued: "And so Peterand I [knew] the right thing to do is to sit down with [Cavill] and talk to him.
'And we sat down, we talked to him, he was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it. He said, 'The only thing I ask is that I'm able to reveal it myself as opposed to it coming from you guys.'
"It was really unfair to him and was a total bummer."
James explained there were external influences who 'wanted to take on what they wanted to do at DC and were trying to force their way and it just was never a part of the equation.'
The filmmaker - who cast David Corenswet in the title role of his Superman movie - was asked if it would be "too confusing" to recast Henry in a different DC Universe role, and he admitted he is keen to work with the Witcher star.
He said: 'No, as another character? Absolutely not. I talked to him about it on that day. I would love to put Henry in something.'
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12 hours ago
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Some of the best concerts, theatre shows not to miss this spring-summer
A-list stars and world-class shows are touring Australia in Spring and Summer. Among the biggest concerts headlining stadiums are AC/DC, Oasis, Metallica and Ed Sheeran, while more intimate venues will host Cliff Richard, Ricky Martin and Human Nature. Exquisite theatre shows include Cats and and Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, while you'll enjoy a singalong and belly laughs with RocKwiz Live 2025. And there's a few special treats worth travelling for, including Back to the Future - The Musical, and The Phantom of the Opera. Enjoy! Read more in The Senior You'll be Thunderstuck to see the legendary rock band when they bring their Power Up tour to Australia. From their first show at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney in 1973, the band has gone on to sell more than 200 million albums, including Highway to Hell, T.N.T., The Razor's Edge, Stiff Upper Lip and their most successful, Back In Black. Among their anthemic tunes are It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), You Shook Me All Night Long and Thundersruck. The band released their last studio album Power Up in 2020. Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young, Matt Laug and Chris Chaney will Shake Your Foundations when they get on stage in November and December. Find out more about the tour here. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are coming Down Under to present their Oasis 25 Live comeback tour. The band's smash 1995 album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? produced hits including Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall. Other anthemic tracks in their catalogue include Stop Crying Your Heart Out, Lyla and Roll With It. The band last toured Australia in 2005 with their Don't Believe the Truth world tour, four years before they broke up and a very public split of the brothers' personal relationship. More information can be found here. The music legend is ready to Move It on stage for fans when he brings his Cliff Richard, 'Can't Stop Me Now' tour to Australia. The prolific musician has made about 50 studio albums and has a string of hits to his name, including Living Doll, Travelling Light and Devil Woman. Sir Richard has toured Australia 11 times since beginning in 1973 and has 131 Aussie shows under his belt. "To please a whole group at once is perfect for me," he said. Speaking with The Senior, he shared a time when Olivia Newton-John gave him a "fabulous birthday present" - a CD of practice vocal exercises made by her vocal coach. He still uses it today before a show. Read Eileen Wood's interview with Sir Cliff Richard here American heavy metal legends Metallica are including Australia as part of their M72 world tour. They've produced a string of albums since their 1983 debut Kill 'Em All, including their self-titled album, plus St Anger and the highly acclaimed Master of Puppets. Among their hit singles in Australia are One, Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Until It Sleeps, and Fuel. This tour is in support of their 11th studio album 72 Seasons. "We are beyond thrilled to have locked down a return to Australia," they said. Find out more about Metallica's tour here. Go Livin' La Vida Loca with the Latin pop king on his national tour in November. Ricky Martin won Australians over with hits including She Bangs, Maria and The Cup of Life, and has gone on to sell more than 95 million albums worldwide. Ricky Martin Live 2025 will feature his greatest hits and other tracks, wrapped in an electrifying and energetic show with dancers, a live band, and strong visuals. Visit for tickets. The singer-songwriter's upcoming Loop Tour dates have been perfectly timed for Australia's summer. Ed Sheeran will visit Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide between January and March 2026, following the release of his album Play in September 2025. He has amassed hit after hit since his first single The A Team, with further smashes including Thinking Out Loud, Shape of You, Perfect, Shivers, Bad Habits and Eyes Closed. Visit for more information. People get ready for home-grown talent Human Nature as they take their MTWN20 Regional Tour across Australia. School friends Phil Burton, Toby Allen and Andrew and Michael Tierney made a name for themselves in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits including Wishes, He Don't Love You, People Get Ready and a duet with John Farnham, Every Time You Cry. But it was when they released Reach Out: The Motown Record, featuring their versions of classics including You Keep Me Hanging On and My Girl that their careers soared to new heights. It's that very album they're celebrating with this tour. The band had hit the road earlier in 2025 to mark its 20th anniversary, but due to popular demand, have created this regional tour. Read Rowan Cowley's interview with Phil Burton here. September 2025: 24, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre; 26, Townsville Entertainment Centre; 27, Cairns Performing Arts Centre; 30, Gladstone Entertainment Centre. October 2025: 1, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg; 2, The Events Centre, Caloundra; 3, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough; 4 and 5, Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads; 7 and 8, Glasshouse Port Macquarie; 9 and 10, The Art House, Wyong; 12, Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree; 14 and 15, Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre; 16, Griffith Regional Theatre; 17, Llewellyn Hall, Canberra; 18, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra. February 2026: 27 and 28, State Theatre, Sydney March 2026: 3 and 4, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre; 6, The Capital, Bendigo; 7 and 8, Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre; 10, Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton; 11, Horsham Town Hall; 13 and 14, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; 15, Geelong Arts Centre; 17 and 18, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre; 19 Frankston Arts Centre; 21 Her Majesty's Ballarat; 22, Mildura Arts Centre; 24 and 25, Albury Entertainment Centre; 27, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; 28, Anita's Theatre Thirroul; 29, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Comedy and acrobatics come together in one of Cirque Du Soleil's most beloved shows. Corteo is a festive parade imagined by Mauro the clown, who pictures his own funeral happening in a carnival atmosphere while angels watch over. The audience is taken into a fun, spontaneous and comedic world somewhere between heaven and earth in the production. Premiering in Montreal in 2005, the show has since been seen by 12 million people across 30 countries. Visit for more information. Cats, which tells the story of the Jellicle cat tribe, who gather for the Jellicle Ball on one special night every year, opened in London in 1981. It ran for a record-breaking 21 years on the West End and 18 years on Broadway, winning best musical at both the Olivier and Tony Awards. The show has been garnering praise, with Lisa Edser describing Todd McKenney's portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) as "hilarious" and Axel Alvarez as Mr Mistoffelees "mesmerising". CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Read Lisa Edser's review here and Rowan Cowley's interview with Todd McKenney here. See Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis and Dugald as they hit the road for RocKwiz Live. Accompanied by the legendary RocKwiz OrKestra, big names and emerging stars, this unique music quiz show will have audiences laughing and racking their brains. There will be sing-alongs, audience members sharing the stage, mayhem and madness as live music, spontaneous comedy and a love of music combine. Ms Zemiro said the RocKwiz family adored performing live. "If you want to be uplifted, if you want to be moved by incredible musicians at the top of their game and also laugh til you cry, this is the show for you," she said. Full show list: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Frankston Performing Arts Centre; Thursday the 6th, Costa Hall, Geelong; Friday the 7th, Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat; Saturday the 8th, Bunjil Place Narre Warren; Sunday the 9th, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo; Wednesday the 12th, Canberra Theatre; Thursday the 13th, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; Saturday the 15th, State Theatre, Sydney; Sunday the 16th, Anita's Theatre, Thirroul; Friday the 21st, Live At The Gardens, Melbourne; Friday the 28th, Events Centre, Caloundra; Saturday the 29th, 2025, Twin Towns, Tweed Heads; Sunday the 30th, Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane; Saturday, December 6, Barossa Arts Centre, Tanunda; Sunday the 7th, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide. Visit for details. Enjoy a breathtaking performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's magnificent production on Sydney Harbour. It's been 40 years since The Phantom of the Opera debuted on the West End, and this production will play out on a stage built over the water. The story follows the Phantom, a mysterious man who lives under the Paris Opera House, becomes obsessed and falls in love with his protege, young soprano Christine Daae. Among the score's hits are The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade, and the title song. Complementing the evening are themed popup bars and dining, fireworks, and a live orchestra under the stage, making for a beautiful evening. It's on at the Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney, from March 27-April 26. Visit for details. Go back to 1985 and don an iconic puffer vest in the Australian production of Back to the Future - The Musical. Adapted from the films, teen Marty McFly (played by Axel Duffy) accidentally changes the course of history when he finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Roger Bart). Packed with heart and humour, the show made its debut in Manchester in 2020 before moving to the West End and Broadway, and has won an Olivier Award for best new musical. The show is on at Sydney's Lyric Theatre from September 26-December 28, 2025. Visit for details. The side-splitting musical comedy follows Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they travel to a remote town in Uganda to preach. But as they discover, it's them who have lessons to learn. Robert Lopez, who wrote songs for Disney's Frozen plus South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker are among the creatives behind the show, which has won Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards since its debut in 2011. Among The Book of Mormon's songs are I Am Africa, Tomorrow is a Latter Day, and Turn It Off. The production, only in Sydney, is on now at the Capitol Theatre, Haymarket, until December 31, 2025. Visit for details. Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Musical has been touring Australia to rave reviews. The timeless story is showing at the Crown Theatre Perth until October 12, before it moves to Singapore. A-list stars and world-class shows are touring Australia in Spring and Summer. Among the biggest concerts headlining stadiums are AC/DC, Oasis, Metallica and Ed Sheeran, while more intimate venues will host Cliff Richard, Ricky Martin and Human Nature. Exquisite theatre shows include Cats and and Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, while you'll enjoy a singalong and belly laughs with RocKwiz Live 2025. And there's a few special treats worth travelling for, including Back to the Future - The Musical, and The Phantom of the Opera. Enjoy! Read more in The Senior You'll be Thunderstuck to see the legendary rock band when they bring their Power Up tour to Australia. From their first show at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney in 1973, the band has gone on to sell more than 200 million albums, including Highway to Hell, T.N.T., The Razor's Edge, Stiff Upper Lip and their most successful, Back In Black. Among their anthemic tunes are It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), You Shook Me All Night Long and Thundersruck. The band released their last studio album Power Up in 2020. Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young, Matt Laug and Chris Chaney will Shake Your Foundations when they get on stage in November and December. Find out more about the tour here. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are coming Down Under to present their Oasis 25 Live comeback tour. The band's smash 1995 album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? produced hits including Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall. Other anthemic tracks in their catalogue include Stop Crying Your Heart Out, Lyla and Roll With It. The band last toured Australia in 2005 with their Don't Believe the Truth world tour, four years before they broke up and a very public split of the brothers' personal relationship. More information can be found here. The music legend is ready to Move It on stage for fans when he brings his Cliff Richard, 'Can't Stop Me Now' tour to Australia. The prolific musician has made about 50 studio albums and has a string of hits to his name, including Living Doll, Travelling Light and Devil Woman. Sir Richard has toured Australia 11 times since beginning in 1973 and has 131 Aussie shows under his belt. "To please a whole group at once is perfect for me," he said. Speaking with The Senior, he shared a time when Olivia Newton-John gave him a "fabulous birthday present" - a CD of practice vocal exercises made by her vocal coach. He still uses it today before a show. Read Eileen Wood's interview with Sir Cliff Richard here American heavy metal legends Metallica are including Australia as part of their M72 world tour. They've produced a string of albums since their 1983 debut Kill 'Em All, including their self-titled album, plus St Anger and the highly acclaimed Master of Puppets. Among their hit singles in Australia are One, Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Until It Sleeps, and Fuel. This tour is in support of their 11th studio album 72 Seasons. "We are beyond thrilled to have locked down a return to Australia," they said. Find out more about Metallica's tour here. Go Livin' La Vida Loca with the Latin pop king on his national tour in November. Ricky Martin won Australians over with hits including She Bangs, Maria and The Cup of Life, and has gone on to sell more than 95 million albums worldwide. Ricky Martin Live 2025 will feature his greatest hits and other tracks, wrapped in an electrifying and energetic show with dancers, a live band, and strong visuals. Visit for tickets. The singer-songwriter's upcoming Loop Tour dates have been perfectly timed for Australia's summer. Ed Sheeran will visit Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide between January and March 2026, following the release of his album Play in September 2025. He has amassed hit after hit since his first single The A Team, with further smashes including Thinking Out Loud, Shape of You, Perfect, Shivers, Bad Habits and Eyes Closed. Visit for more information. People get ready for home-grown talent Human Nature as they take their MTWN20 Regional Tour across Australia. School friends Phil Burton, Toby Allen and Andrew and Michael Tierney made a name for themselves in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits including Wishes, He Don't Love You, People Get Ready and a duet with John Farnham, Every Time You Cry. But it was when they released Reach Out: The Motown Record, featuring their versions of classics including You Keep Me Hanging On and My Girl that their careers soared to new heights. It's that very album they're celebrating with this tour. The band had hit the road earlier in 2025 to mark its 20th anniversary, but due to popular demand, have created this regional tour. Read Rowan Cowley's interview with Phil Burton here. September 2025: 24, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre; 26, Townsville Entertainment Centre; 27, Cairns Performing Arts Centre; 30, Gladstone Entertainment Centre. October 2025: 1, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg; 2, The Events Centre, Caloundra; 3, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough; 4 and 5, Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads; 7 and 8, Glasshouse Port Macquarie; 9 and 10, The Art House, Wyong; 12, Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree; 14 and 15, Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre; 16, Griffith Regional Theatre; 17, Llewellyn Hall, Canberra; 18, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra. February 2026: 27 and 28, State Theatre, Sydney March 2026: 3 and 4, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre; 6, The Capital, Bendigo; 7 and 8, Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre; 10, Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton; 11, Horsham Town Hall; 13 and 14, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; 15, Geelong Arts Centre; 17 and 18, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre; 19 Frankston Arts Centre; 21 Her Majesty's Ballarat; 22, Mildura Arts Centre; 24 and 25, Albury Entertainment Centre; 27, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; 28, Anita's Theatre Thirroul; 29, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Comedy and acrobatics come together in one of Cirque Du Soleil's most beloved shows. Corteo is a festive parade imagined by Mauro the clown, who pictures his own funeral happening in a carnival atmosphere while angels watch over. The audience is taken into a fun, spontaneous and comedic world somewhere between heaven and earth in the production. Premiering in Montreal in 2005, the show has since been seen by 12 million people across 30 countries. Visit for more information. Cats, which tells the story of the Jellicle cat tribe, who gather for the Jellicle Ball on one special night every year, opened in London in 1981. It ran for a record-breaking 21 years on the West End and 18 years on Broadway, winning best musical at both the Olivier and Tony Awards. The show has been garnering praise, with Lisa Edser describing Todd McKenney's portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) as "hilarious" and Axel Alvarez as Mr Mistoffelees "mesmerising". CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Read Lisa Edser's review here and Rowan Cowley's interview with Todd McKenney here. See Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis and Dugald as they hit the road for RocKwiz Live. Accompanied by the legendary RocKwiz OrKestra, big names and emerging stars, this unique music quiz show will have audiences laughing and racking their brains. There will be sing-alongs, audience members sharing the stage, mayhem and madness as live music, spontaneous comedy and a love of music combine. Ms Zemiro said the RocKwiz family adored performing live. "If you want to be uplifted, if you want to be moved by incredible musicians at the top of their game and also laugh til you cry, this is the show for you," she said. Full show list: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Frankston Performing Arts Centre; Thursday the 6th, Costa Hall, Geelong; Friday the 7th, Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat; Saturday the 8th, Bunjil Place Narre Warren; Sunday the 9th, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo; Wednesday the 12th, Canberra Theatre; Thursday the 13th, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; Saturday the 15th, State Theatre, Sydney; Sunday the 16th, Anita's Theatre, Thirroul; Friday the 21st, Live At The Gardens, Melbourne; Friday the 28th, Events Centre, Caloundra; Saturday the 29th, 2025, Twin Towns, Tweed Heads; Sunday the 30th, Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane; Saturday, December 6, Barossa Arts Centre, Tanunda; Sunday the 7th, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide. Visit for details. Enjoy a breathtaking performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's magnificent production on Sydney Harbour. It's been 40 years since The Phantom of the Opera debuted on the West End, and this production will play out on a stage built over the water. The story follows the Phantom, a mysterious man who lives under the Paris Opera House, becomes obsessed and falls in love with his protege, young soprano Christine Daae. Among the score's hits are The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade, and the title song. Complementing the evening are themed popup bars and dining, fireworks, and a live orchestra under the stage, making for a beautiful evening. It's on at the Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney, from March 27-April 26. Visit for details. Go back to 1985 and don an iconic puffer vest in the Australian production of Back to the Future - The Musical. Adapted from the films, teen Marty McFly (played by Axel Duffy) accidentally changes the course of history when he finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Roger Bart). Packed with heart and humour, the show made its debut in Manchester in 2020 before moving to the West End and Broadway, and has won an Olivier Award for best new musical. The show is on at Sydney's Lyric Theatre from September 26-December 28, 2025. Visit for details. The side-splitting musical comedy follows Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they travel to a remote town in Uganda to preach. But as they discover, it's them who have lessons to learn. Robert Lopez, who wrote songs for Disney's Frozen plus South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker are among the creatives behind the show, which has won Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards since its debut in 2011. Among The Book of Mormon's songs are I Am Africa, Tomorrow is a Latter Day, and Turn It Off. The production, only in Sydney, is on now at the Capitol Theatre, Haymarket, until December 31, 2025. Visit for details. Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Musical has been touring Australia to rave reviews. The timeless story is showing at the Crown Theatre Perth until October 12, before it moves to Singapore. A-list stars and world-class shows are touring Australia in Spring and Summer. Among the biggest concerts headlining stadiums are AC/DC, Oasis, Metallica and Ed Sheeran, while more intimate venues will host Cliff Richard, Ricky Martin and Human Nature. Exquisite theatre shows include Cats and and Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, while you'll enjoy a singalong and belly laughs with RocKwiz Live 2025. And there's a few special treats worth travelling for, including Back to the Future - The Musical, and The Phantom of the Opera. Enjoy! Read more in The Senior You'll be Thunderstuck to see the legendary rock band when they bring their Power Up tour to Australia. From their first show at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney in 1973, the band has gone on to sell more than 200 million albums, including Highway to Hell, T.N.T., The Razor's Edge, Stiff Upper Lip and their most successful, Back In Black. Among their anthemic tunes are It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), You Shook Me All Night Long and Thundersruck. The band released their last studio album Power Up in 2020. Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young, Matt Laug and Chris Chaney will Shake Your Foundations when they get on stage in November and December. Find out more about the tour here. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are coming Down Under to present their Oasis 25 Live comeback tour. The band's smash 1995 album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? produced hits including Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall. Other anthemic tracks in their catalogue include Stop Crying Your Heart Out, Lyla and Roll With It. The band last toured Australia in 2005 with their Don't Believe the Truth world tour, four years before they broke up and a very public split of the brothers' personal relationship. More information can be found here. The music legend is ready to Move It on stage for fans when he brings his Cliff Richard, 'Can't Stop Me Now' tour to Australia. The prolific musician has made about 50 studio albums and has a string of hits to his name, including Living Doll, Travelling Light and Devil Woman. Sir Richard has toured Australia 11 times since beginning in 1973 and has 131 Aussie shows under his belt. "To please a whole group at once is perfect for me," he said. Speaking with The Senior, he shared a time when Olivia Newton-John gave him a "fabulous birthday present" - a CD of practice vocal exercises made by her vocal coach. He still uses it today before a show. Read Eileen Wood's interview with Sir Cliff Richard here American heavy metal legends Metallica are including Australia as part of their M72 world tour. They've produced a string of albums since their 1983 debut Kill 'Em All, including their self-titled album, plus St Anger and the highly acclaimed Master of Puppets. Among their hit singles in Australia are One, Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Until It Sleeps, and Fuel. This tour is in support of their 11th studio album 72 Seasons. "We are beyond thrilled to have locked down a return to Australia," they said. Find out more about Metallica's tour here. Go Livin' La Vida Loca with the Latin pop king on his national tour in November. Ricky Martin won Australians over with hits including She Bangs, Maria and The Cup of Life, and has gone on to sell more than 95 million albums worldwide. Ricky Martin Live 2025 will feature his greatest hits and other tracks, wrapped in an electrifying and energetic show with dancers, a live band, and strong visuals. Visit for tickets. The singer-songwriter's upcoming Loop Tour dates have been perfectly timed for Australia's summer. Ed Sheeran will visit Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide between January and March 2026, following the release of his album Play in September 2025. He has amassed hit after hit since his first single The A Team, with further smashes including Thinking Out Loud, Shape of You, Perfect, Shivers, Bad Habits and Eyes Closed. Visit for more information. People get ready for home-grown talent Human Nature as they take their MTWN20 Regional Tour across Australia. School friends Phil Burton, Toby Allen and Andrew and Michael Tierney made a name for themselves in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits including Wishes, He Don't Love You, People Get Ready and a duet with John Farnham, Every Time You Cry. But it was when they released Reach Out: The Motown Record, featuring their versions of classics including You Keep Me Hanging On and My Girl that their careers soared to new heights. It's that very album they're celebrating with this tour. The band had hit the road earlier in 2025 to mark its 20th anniversary, but due to popular demand, have created this regional tour. Read Rowan Cowley's interview with Phil Burton here. September 2025: 24, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre; 26, Townsville Entertainment Centre; 27, Cairns Performing Arts Centre; 30, Gladstone Entertainment Centre. October 2025: 1, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg; 2, The Events Centre, Caloundra; 3, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough; 4 and 5, Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads; 7 and 8, Glasshouse Port Macquarie; 9 and 10, The Art House, Wyong; 12, Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree; 14 and 15, Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre; 16, Griffith Regional Theatre; 17, Llewellyn Hall, Canberra; 18, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra. February 2026: 27 and 28, State Theatre, Sydney March 2026: 3 and 4, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre; 6, The Capital, Bendigo; 7 and 8, Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre; 10, Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton; 11, Horsham Town Hall; 13 and 14, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; 15, Geelong Arts Centre; 17 and 18, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre; 19 Frankston Arts Centre; 21 Her Majesty's Ballarat; 22, Mildura Arts Centre; 24 and 25, Albury Entertainment Centre; 27, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; 28, Anita's Theatre Thirroul; 29, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Comedy and acrobatics come together in one of Cirque Du Soleil's most beloved shows. Corteo is a festive parade imagined by Mauro the clown, who pictures his own funeral happening in a carnival atmosphere while angels watch over. The audience is taken into a fun, spontaneous and comedic world somewhere between heaven and earth in the production. Premiering in Montreal in 2005, the show has since been seen by 12 million people across 30 countries. Visit for more information. Cats, which tells the story of the Jellicle cat tribe, who gather for the Jellicle Ball on one special night every year, opened in London in 1981. It ran for a record-breaking 21 years on the West End and 18 years on Broadway, winning best musical at both the Olivier and Tony Awards. The show has been garnering praise, with Lisa Edser describing Todd McKenney's portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) as "hilarious" and Axel Alvarez as Mr Mistoffelees "mesmerising". CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Read Lisa Edser's review here and Rowan Cowley's interview with Todd McKenney here. See Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis and Dugald as they hit the road for RocKwiz Live. Accompanied by the legendary RocKwiz OrKestra, big names and emerging stars, this unique music quiz show will have audiences laughing and racking their brains. There will be sing-alongs, audience members sharing the stage, mayhem and madness as live music, spontaneous comedy and a love of music combine. Ms Zemiro said the RocKwiz family adored performing live. "If you want to be uplifted, if you want to be moved by incredible musicians at the top of their game and also laugh til you cry, this is the show for you," she said. Full show list: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Frankston Performing Arts Centre; Thursday the 6th, Costa Hall, Geelong; Friday the 7th, Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat; Saturday the 8th, Bunjil Place Narre Warren; Sunday the 9th, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo; Wednesday the 12th, Canberra Theatre; Thursday the 13th, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra; Saturday the 15th, State Theatre, Sydney; Sunday the 16th, Anita's Theatre, Thirroul; Friday the 21st, Live At The Gardens, Melbourne; Friday the 28th, Events Centre, Caloundra; Saturday the 29th, 2025, Twin Towns, Tweed Heads; Sunday the 30th, Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane; Saturday, December 6, Barossa Arts Centre, Tanunda; Sunday the 7th, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide. Visit for details. Enjoy a breathtaking performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's magnificent production on Sydney Harbour. It's been 40 years since The Phantom of the Opera debuted on the West End, and this production will play out on a stage built over the water. The story follows the Phantom, a mysterious man who lives under the Paris Opera House, becomes obsessed and falls in love with his protege, young soprano Christine Daae. Among the score's hits are The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade, and the title song. Complementing the evening are themed popup bars and dining, fireworks, and a live orchestra under the stage, making for a beautiful evening. It's on at the Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney, from March 27-April 26. Visit for details. Go back to 1985 and don an iconic puffer vest in the Australian production of Back to the Future - The Musical. Adapted from the films, teen Marty McFly (played by Axel Duffy) accidentally changes the course of history when he finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Roger Bart). Packed with heart and humour, the show made its debut in Manchester in 2020 before moving to the West End and Broadway, and has won an Olivier Award for best new musical. The show is on at Sydney's Lyric Theatre from September 26-December 28, 2025. Visit for details. The side-splitting musical comedy follows Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they travel to a remote town in Uganda to preach. But as they discover, it's them who have lessons to learn. Robert Lopez, who wrote songs for Disney's Frozen plus South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker are among the creatives behind the show, which has won Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards since its debut in 2011. Among The Book of Mormon's songs are I Am Africa, Tomorrow is a Latter Day, and Turn It Off. The production, only in Sydney, is on now at the Capitol Theatre, Haymarket, until December 31, 2025. Visit for details. Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Musical has been touring Australia to rave reviews. The timeless story is showing at the Crown Theatre Perth until October 12, before it moves to Singapore.
ABC News
16 hours ago
- ABC News
Country town residents relive AC/DC, Sherbet tours of the 1970s
Brent Ladyman remembers seeing AC/DC perform for just $3.20 like it was yesterday. He not only saw the rock band play live, but went to the local pub with the band members afterwards. But laughing together and clinking glasses in the dimly lit pub in 1975, he could not have predicted their mammoth international success. The now multi-platinum rock band toured Australia in 1975 and visited regional towns such as Katanning, nearly 300 kilometres south-east of Perth, where Mr Ladyman worked at the local radio station. "They were a new band and like all the bands … they needed to be promoted, so the way to do it was to contact the local radio station," he said. Now a retired farmer, Mr Ladyman said there was an obvious "buzz" around town as locals waited in anticipation to see the band perform. "It was huge. It was in the Katanning Town Hall. I think the hall held about 600 people," he said. "We promoted it as part of the radio station, so [the space] was full. "It was pretty rowdy, and I just remember when we arrived and met the band, the instruction for me was to stand by the stairs at the stage and not to let any girls on the stage, which I thought was a bit odd but there you go." Mr Ladyman said after the gig, he and the band, including Bon Scott, headed to the pub together. "Don't remember too much really," he laughed. "It was late in the night, I think there were some card games that were going at the time … I remember being in the bar and drinking beer with these guys." The Sydney-formed rock band were not the only artists to visit the Katanning community. Katanning Travel Centre owner Andrew Pritchard recalled playing cards with Daryl Braithwaite, when he was the lead singer of Sherbet. "In the '70s and '80s there was just live music everywhere … but no-one ever imagined that they were going to be world-stage and as big as they were." Mr Pritchard said the local shire tried to get INXS to perform at the new recreation centre in 1997. "When they did actually approach the management of INXS, they said they'd need $100,000 as a starting point and we sort of thought, 'Gosh what would we have to charge ticket-wise?'" Mr Pritchard said while they were not able to get INXS to play, he had countless fond memories of Australian artists trekking out to his country town. Mr Ladyman said it was a pity that bands and festivals "barely made it to Perth" these days, let alone the regions. "It would be nice to get back to the old days, but I just can't see it happening because it's just a numbers thing," he said. Regional Sounds arts development officer Sarah Hinton said travel logistics were a barrier to getting acts out of the bigger cities. "The cost of travel, the accessibility to flights, and then how are you going to cart all your equipment around?" she said. Despite this, Ms Hinton said the economic and social impacts of a music festival were "just massive". "At a live music event, you get great entertainment, but then there's also food-truck vendors … the small businesses that provide the fencing, toilets … tents, there's the hire cars that help get the artists around, there's hotels," she said. "We will always say that the government can subsidise us, but we will provide a huge return on that investment." Ms Hinton said work was being done to get more concerts to regional WA, and triple j's Hottest 100 countdown was a good way to get people to talk about music. "It's been so nice listening to all these songs on the radio … and then hearing people call in and talk about their memories," she said.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Bon Scott debate between Perth suburbs reaches high voltage
The flannel has been thrown down in the battle to be named the home of Bon Scott, in the debate that has hit Perth like TNT. City of Melville deputy mayor Karen Wheatland fired the first power chord last week when she convinced her council to look at how it could celebrate the legendary AC/DC's lead singer's roots with their district. But the mayor of the neighbouring City of Fremantle, Hannah Fitzhardinge, fired back with her own riff on the famous frontman's legacy, saying Fremantle is Scott's spiritual home. The two faced off in a not-so-serious encounter at Scott's final resting place this week. Ms Firzhardinge said although it was technically in the City of Melville, it is called Fremantle Cemetery. 'After moving here from Scotland as a child, Bon learned his craft by joining the Fremantle Scots Pipe Band, playing the drums. He attended North Fremantle Primary School and later John Curtin Senior High School (now John Curtin College of the Arts), both within the City of Fremantle,' she said. 'He even did a short stint in Fremantle Prison's assessment centre after a run in with the law. 'If Melville think they can claim Bon, they're going to get ''S hot Down in Flames'!' Melville Deputy Mayor Karen Wheatland and Freo Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge at Bon Scott Memorial Gates Fremantle Cemetery Andrew Ritchie Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian But Cr Wheatland believes Scott's story started within Melville's boundaries and the city is now looking for suitable locations for a permanent tribute, such as naming a landmark after him — which could include a 'Bon Scott Boulevard' — as part of its tourism plan. AC/DC and its management will also be invited to visit the City of Melville during its tour later this year. Cr Wheatland said while people may debate where Scott called home, there was no disputing that he was laid to rest in the City of Melville. 'We are not disputing he had a strong connection to Fremantle and sure they have a statue, but to say it's his spiritual home is a little over the top,' she said. 'After all Melville has the bulk of the Canning Highway — the actual 'Highway to Hell' from the anthem song made famous by the band. 'That song is testament to the connection Bon had with the City of Melville and it runs right through the heart of Melville, from the Leopold Hotel to the Raffles, icons of the local music scene. 'So we're not rewriting history — we're just reclaiming it.' She said it was also an opportunity to acknowledge Melville's role in WA's music scene. On a serious note, Ms Fitzhardinge said there was more than enough of Scott's legacy to go around. 'We understand that people in WA and from all around the world want to celebrate his life and connection to places and we support that,' she said. The two cities worked with Perth Festival and the Town of East Fremantle for the Highway to Hell event in March 2020, which turned 10km of Canning Highway from Canning Bridge to the Fremantle Traffic Bridge into the world's longest stage to mark the 40th anniversary of Scott's death.
