Announcing Melbourne’s all new Christmas Showtime Festival with the Australian premiere of Love Actually? The Musical Parody

This festive season, Melbourne is set to sparkle with the arrival of an all-new Christmas Showtime Festival.

Running from 6 – 23 December at The Athenaeum Theatre, the festival features an incredible lineup of live entertainment for all ages, including the Australian premiere of the Off-Broadway hit Love Actually? The Musical Parody, from the minds behind Friends! The Musical Parody. 

Other crowd-pleasing hits that round out the season of fun are Merry Swiftmas – The Ultimate Christmas Tribute, and the Christmas Magic Spectacular – Santa’s Grand Arrival to Melbourne, which is inspired by London’s famous Pantomimes featuring an international award-winning magician and his mischievous elves – perfect for the whole family.

“We are thrilled to be presenting a fun, affordable and uniquely entertaining mix of modern Christmas shows for Melbourne audiences,” says festival promoter Fred Porter.

“There is nothing quite like the message of Love Actually to celebrate the festive spirit, magicians are more popular than ever (thanks to TikTok), and we know the Swifties will be out in full force for Merry Swiftmas.”

Tickets are already selling fast via christmasshowtimefestival.com, so don’t miss your chance to join the fun and create wonderful Christmas memories with your family and friends.

Love Actually? The Musical Parody – Tickets from $69*

From the comedic minds behind Friends! The Musical Parody, this hilarious new musical brings the romantic rom-com and Christmas classic Love Actually to life in a whole new way.

Following nine quirky couples seeking love across the pond, this cheeky show delivers all the awkward meet-cutes, over-the-top grand gestures, and laugh-out-loud moments that fans crave.

Even 16 years after the movie premiere, we still ask ourselves these questions every Christmas – Is love… Falling for your secretary when you are Prime Minster? Falling for your secretary when you are married to Emma Thompson? Falling for the maid after your wife cheats on you? Falling for your best friend’s wife and showing up with poster boards?

Love Actually? The Musical Parody taps into the nostalgia of the beloved film while humorously commenting on love, relationships, and the holiday spirit through a contemporary lens. With original songs like ‘He’s The Prime Minister Of Rom Coms’ and ‘Keira Knightley Actually,’ the musical honours and playfully critiques the film’s most memorable moments.

“Love Actually has become an iconic Christmas film that is loved by many around the world. We can’t wait to share this incredible production with Australian audiences to spread Christmas cheer and joy. It’s the perfect way to make memories with family and friends at the most wonderful time of the year – there is something for everyone.” says festival promoter Fred Porter.

Offering a unique take on the classic film with a diverse cast that brings fresh perspectives to the story, Love Actually? The Musical Parody is a fun experience, and the perfect holiday outing for families, friends, and couples (suited to ages 8+).

Love Actually? The Musical Parody promises to be an unforgettable evening that celebrates love, laughter, and the spirit of the season. Whether you love Love Actually, love to hate it, or have never even seen it, you will actually LOVE this musical!

Merry Swiftmas – Tickets from $69*

The ultimate Taylor Swift Christmas Tribute Concert arrives on 14 and 15 December with three shows only. This all-ages event is set to be a festive celebration like no other, blending Taylor’s biggest hits with holiday magic.

Prepare for an unforgettable evening as Australia’s top singers and musicians pay tribute to Taylor Swift, performing timeless anthems like ‘Love Story’ and ‘Shake It Off’ alongside festive favorites like ‘Christmas Tree Farm’ and ‘Last Christmas.’ The show will be headlined by Emily Joy from the Shake It Of Show, one of Australia’s most sought-after Taylor Swift tribute artists, known for performing to sold-out audiences nationwide.

Grab your friends, put on your best Taylor-inspired outfit (with competitions for the most creative looks!) and get ready to sing along, dance in your seat, and feel all the festive joy.

Christmas Magic Spectacular – Tickets from $39*

Join an international, award-winning magician and his mischievous Christmas elves as they bring Santa’s workshop to life with jaw-dropping magic and thrilling illusions on 7 and 8 December. But there’s a catch – Santa has mysteriously disappeared!

In this fun-filled holiday show, you’ll be enchanted by astonishing illusions, dazzling tricks, and plenty of Christmas cheer as you help unravel the mystery of Santa’s whereabouts. Will you and the elves save the day and bring Santa back in time for Christmas? Featuring Christmas songs, dancing, magic, and more – perfect for the whole family!

WHAT: Christmas Showtime Festival

WHEN: 6 – 23 December

TICKETS: Prices start at $39 for the Christmas Magic and Illusion Spectacular and $69 for Love Actually? The Musical Parody and Merry Swiftmas

BOOKINGS: https://christmasshowtimefestival.com/