Cancelled performance: Tuesday 1 March

It’s with deep sadness that we must cancel tonight’s performance of The Who’s Tommy due to COVID related issues.

We have done our best to ensure the season continues despite extremely challenging circumstances, but unfortunately, we are placed in an impossible situation and the Tuesday 1 March performance has been cancelled.

We would like to thank everyone involved in the production for their tireless work, and we appreciate your understanding in these very difficult times for the arts sector.

An electrifying fusion of theatre and rock ’n’ roll, the Australian premiere of The Who's Tommy is set to blow the roof off Melbourne's rock 'n' roll stomping ground, St Kilda's Palais Theatre.

In 1969, The Who's rock opera concept album, Tommy, was a groundbreaking success that sold over 20 million copies and revolutionised how rock'n'roll fused with theatrical works like film, opera and musicals.

The story of Tommy follows our hero's traumatic childhood which leaves his senses paralysed but with a bewildering gift at pinball wizardry. It's this talent that catapults him to international superstardom in an inspiring story of hope, healing, and triumph over adversity.  

The Who's Tommy is a multi-award-winning musical of raw energy and smash hits. Featuring a powerhouse soundtrack with music and lyrics by The Who’s guitarist and vocalist Pete Townshend, get ready to rock with numbers like ‘Pinball Wizard’, ‘I’m Free’ and ‘Acid Queen’. 

Be one of the first to experience this true sensation!  

MUSICAL – NEW PRODUCTION

Palais Theatre, St Kilda

2022 Dates:

Tuesday 22 February, 7:30pm
Wednesday 23 February, 7:30pm
Thursday 24 February, 7:30pm
Friday 25 February, 7:30pm
Saturday 26 February, 1:00pm *
Saturday 26 February, 7:30pm
Monday 28 February, 7:30pm
Tuesday 1 March, 7:30pm

Running time is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including one interval
Sung in English, no surtitles

Suitable for ages 15+

* Audio Description available. If you've already booked and require a a wireless receiver pack and ear piece, you can email your request directly to our Ticketing team.

Warning: This production contains strong language, adult themes (including murder, child abuse, and drug use), imitation firearms, haze, loud music, strobe, and flashing lights.

Listen Now

Get to know the sound of The Who's Tommy with our Spotify playlist.

Keeping you safe

The safety of our audience and team is paramount. COVID-safe procedures will be adhered to for every performance. Our venue partner, Palais Theatre, has worked diligently to develop their COVIDSafe Venue Plan.

If you or a member of your household is unwell or displaying COVID-19 symptoms before a performance, please stay home. To exchange or refund your tickets due to feeling unwell, simply contact us prior to the scheduled performance. You can reach our ticketing team at ticketing@victorianopera.com.au or phone (03) 9001 6412 (Monday to Friday, 10 am - 5 pm). We are here to assist you.

Music and Lyrics by PETE TOWNSHEND
Book by PETE TOWNSHEND & DES MCANUFF

Additional Music and Lyrics by JOHN ENTWISTLE and KEITH MOON
Originally Produced on Broadway by Pace Theatrical Group and Dodger Productions with Kardana Productions

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

Creatives 

Musical Director Jack Earle
Associate Musical Director Phoebe Briggs
Director Roger Hodgman
Set Designer Christina Smith
Costume Designer Isaac Lummis
Lighting Designer Matt Scott
Choreographer Dana Jolly
Sound Designer Peter Grubb
Video Designer Jamie Clennett

Cast

Narrator / Tommy Mat Verevis
Captain Walker Matt Hetherington
Mrs. Walker Amy Lehpamer 
Cousin Kevin Vincent Hooper
Uncle Ernie Kanen Breen 
The Gypsy (Acid Queen) Paul Capsis 

Featured Ensemble

Mark Doggett, Mark Hill, Nicole Melloy, John O'Hara

Ensemble 

Darcey Eagle, Joshua Gordon, David Hammond, Shaelyn Hughes, Jane Kingsford, Savannah Lind, Anna Mallows, Adam Noviello, John Reed, Jack Saunders, Dean Schulz, Darren Tyler, Stephanie Wall, Jun Woodfield

Young Tommy

Olivia Annetta, Hamilton Binnie Garcia, Elijah Slavinskis, Will Wiseman