Beauty and the Beast: Disney’s classic musical to arrive in Perth 30 years after its first Australian show

WA will be the Belle of the ball next year when much-loved Disney favourite Beauty and the Beast takes centre stage for the first time in Perth.

The show will debut in Adelaide in May 2025 before landing at Crown Perth Theatre in July, and is produced by the team behind The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, and Frozen.

Based on the classic 1991 animated film, the Tony Award-winning Broadway adaptation of Beauty and the Beast the Musical debuted in 1994 and ran for an incredible 13 years.

Anne Quart, executive producer at Disney Theatrical Group, is delighted to be bringing the story to new audiences.

“We are thrilled to bring Beauty and the Beast, as reimagined by members of the brilliant original creative team, to Adelaide and Perth for the very first time,” she said.

“This beloved show and Belle herself are somehow as contemporary today as when they were first brought to the stage in 1994.”

Among the crew of creatives recalled include director and choreographer Matt West, Academy Award-winning composer and conductor Alan Menken, and Tony award-winning costume designer Ann Hould-Ward.

Incorporating cutting-edge technology, dazzling sets and compelling costumes, fans can expect to revel in nostalgic song favourites Belle, Gaston, Human Again, and Be Our Guest, brought to life by a live orchestra.

The all-Australian cast will be led by Perth’s Shubshri Kandiah as Belle, Brendan Xavier as Beast, and Rohan Browne in the role of Lumiere.

Debuting in Melbourne in 1995, Australia’s first taste of the musical starred the late Bert Newton as Cogsworth and a fresh-faced Hugh Jackman as the villainous Gaston.

Playing a total of two years on the East Coast, it was awarded the 1996 ARIA Awards for Best Australian Soundtrack, Cast and Show Release respectively.

Perth fans are encouraged to register for priority access ticketing before Friday, November 29, to avoid missing out, with pre-sale to begin on Tuesday, December 3.