First look: The Choir of Man bound for Brisbane Festival
It’s been a hit around the world and now The Choir of Man is finally coming to Brisbane as one of the star turns at this year’s Brisbane Festival.
Brisbane Festival has offered its first glimpse of what is to come in 2026, announcing the runaway West End hit and Olivier Award-nominee The Choir of Man as one of its centrepieces.
This show will bring its irresistible roof-raising celebration of community and music to the South Bank Cultural Forecourt from September 3 to 13 for its Queensland premiere.
The Choir of Man will play in the iconic Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, which returns to Brisbane after a six-year hiatus. The Choir of Man UK touring company will transform the iconic pop-up venue into the world’s greatest pub, complete with a working on-stage bar and plenty of flowing beer.
Brisbane Festival artistic director Ebony Bott shared a sneak peek of her vision for this year’s festival, designed to take the city from first light to after dark.
“Brisbane Festival 2026 moves with the rhythm of the city – from first light to late night – creating space for people to gather, connect and revel,” Bott says. “Bringing the festival back to the Cultural Forecourt allows us to establish a true civic heart, and with the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent at its centre we are building a high-energy Festival Village that will feel intimate, generous and alive.
“The Choir of Man leads the program because it captures that spirit so completely. It is exceptional, full of drive and vitality, and will transform the venue into something shared, like a neighbourhood local lifted to a world-class stage.”
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Created by Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson, The Choir of Man first premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017 then enjoyed five years on London’s West End and later touring the globe, including seasons in Chicago and three sold-out seasons at Sydney Opera House. More than three million people worldwide have experienced the uplifting celebration of community and song.
roof-raising interpretations of hits spanning Queen, Adele, Sia, Paul Simon … and Katy Perry
Since its Australian debut in 2019, The Choir of Man has played in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. The hit show was originally set to open in Brisbane in April 2020 but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic just days before its first performance.
Now, the global sensation will have its long-awaited Queensland premiere, with six extraordinarily talented singers, instrumentalists and wordsmiths delivering roof-raising interpretations of hits spanning Queen, Adele, Sia, Paul Simon, Luther Vandross, Guns N’ Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry.
Moving between hair-raising harmonies, foot-stomping singalongs and tender moments of connection, The Choir of Man has cemented itself as a bonafide crowd pleaser.
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Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek congratulated Ebony Bott on this announcement, which will form part of her first Brisbane Festival program.
“The (State) Government proudly supports the Brisbane Festival in bringing the internationally acclaimed The Choir of Man to our state, marking its Queensland debut in the iconic Spiegeltent,” says Langbroek.
“Major events like this reinforce Queensland’s growing reputation as a vibrant arts destination, preparing us for the global spotlight of Brisbane 2032 and its important role in shaping our cultural legacy and creative economy. Brisbane Festival is a highlight on the state’s cultural calendar.”
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell says Brisbane Festival is a major driver of visitation and economic activity for Queensland.
“Events like Brisbane Festival are exactly what makes Queensland an events capital, bringing thousands of visitors into our cities and supporting local jobs and businesses,” says Powell.
“With more than 23,000 visitors and almost 120,000 visitor nights expected, the announcement of The Choir of Man gives travellers another reason to book a trip to Brisbane ahead of the full program reveal.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the popular show is the perfect way to kick off Brisbane Festival.
“The Choir of Man taps right into the sense of community and togetherness that makes our city so special,” says Schrinner.
The Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent will form the centrepiece of a reimagined South Bank Cultural Forecourt hub – Festival Village, offering programming from first light to after dark throughout September.
A gathering place for eating, drinking, discovering and lingering, Festival Village will have multiple venues, indoor and outdoor performance spaces, hospitality options and areas to play, dance and dine.
Brisbane Festival runs September 4 to 26. Tickets for The Choir of Man are on sale from April 24. The full Brisbane Festival program will be announced in June.
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