The stylish Glasshouse theatre recently opened in Southbank Brisbane, to form part of the QPAC precinct (Queensland Performing Arts Centre). A world class 1,500 seat theatre, Glasshouse adds to the city’s cultural development plan for exceptional art experiences ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Kicking off with stellar shows and performances from the likes of music icons Sting and Shaggy in ‘The Last Ship- lyrics and music are written by Sting. The heartfelt musical tells the tale of Stings upbringing in Wallsend, Northeast England. Following the real-life trials and tribulations of a small shipping town, from economic hardship to the light after the darkness.
‘The Last Ship’ is exclusive to Brisbane after lauded shows in Paris and Amsterdam. The musical takes you on a journey into the souls of a community connected by the shipyard, with standout performances and a set like no other, such as the commanding ship backdrop and the magnificent state of the art LED screen.
“This 1,500-seat theatre gives us greater capacity to attract world-class talent and Australian exclusives to Queensland – such as global music icon Sting in The Last Ship – and forges our reputation as one of Australia’s biggest and busiest cultural precincts as we move towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.’ said Minister for the Arts, the Honourable John-Paul Langbroek.
The addition of the Glasshouse Theatre to QPAC has made the precinct the biggest performing arts centre under one roof in Australia. Designed and executed by Brisbane-based architects Blight Rayner in collaboration with Snøhetta (Oslo). The contemporary build is an architectural masterpiece, with interiors that bring the outside in. Gold carpet and sand coloured concrete blend seamlessly with locally sourced ironbark timber and rich green auditorium carpet- an ode to Queensland’s pristine beaches and lush rainforests.
The theatres opening season includes national and international shows and comprises Queensland Ballet’s Messa da Requiem (27 March to 4 April); the Australian exclusive season of The Last Ship, composed by and starring Sting (9 April to 3 May); and the world premiere of The Drover’s Wife – The Opera (13 to 22 May), directed by Leah Purcell, composed by George Palmer with libretto by Leah Purcell with George Palmer.
The Glasshouse theatre adjoins QPAC and flows seamlessly into the foyers of the Playhouse and Lyric Theatre- where MJ the Musical is currently playing for a limited season after sell-out shows in Melbourne and Sydney.
MJ the Musical is both electrifying and exceptional, the talented cast of actors and dancers are next level. On stage for just under three hours, the production is high energy, whilst carefully considering Michael’s whole life. From young Michael in the Jackson Five to the teenage star (played by Brisbane local Liam Damons) to adult Michael (played by lead IIario Grant) who convinces you Micheal is in da house.
Touching on themes of family trauma, childhood stardom and addiction, at the heart of the Musical is the man and the music, asking the audience to heal the world, to look in the mirror and to make the change. From the epic opening of ‘Beat it’ to the carefully considered finale of ‘Black or White’, the crowd dances their way out of theatre to ‘Wanna Be Starting Something ‘as the cast takes their final bow.
www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/mj-the-musical
