When I was at school I wore out my tape of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

But I never mentioned to many pals that I liked musicals.

They were rather daggy back then. Something that only old people and geeky, spectacle-wearing kids who played the violin (like me) went to see.

But now musicals are, dare I say it, hip.

The Wicked film took over the world (no-one had heard of it when I saw it on Broadway 20 years ago and burned a copy of my friend's CD).

My colleague's kids' know all the words to Hamilton. And even big stars like Nick Jonas, and Nicole Scherzinger are starring in musicals on stage.

Snow White is also the latest Disney musical to get a revamp.

If you want to get in on the trend, here are the best shows worth travelling to see across Australia , as recommended by this musical geek.

Already a hit on Broadway and in the West End, Brisbane is getting to see this new show first.

It's dubbed 'a dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages."

Pop king Bryan Adams co-wrote the stage version based on the beloved film.

We reckon it's going to be a top one to see with your girlfriends.

Brisbane from October 2025. Join the wait list here.

A musical based on the Titanic movie, with the songs of Celine Dion is an unlikely combination.

But trust me when I say this is one of the best nights out in Sydney right now, musical or otherwise. Even better is it's on in a small, cabaret-style venue.

Sydney until June 1. Book here.

A huge hit on Broadway and in the West End, this Michael Jackson biopic is on in Australia for the first time.

9Travel went to the Sydney opening and can confirm it's an epic, must-see,

It takes the audience back to 1992 and inside the creation of the iconic Dangerous World Tour, and has all the Jacko hits, done in spectacular style.

Sydney now. Book here.

Another classic you can never see too many times (in my opinion) big names Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will appear at some performances of this epic.

This is the new 'arena spectacular' version, rather than the theatre production, which can only mean it's bigger and better (if that's possible).

Sydney from April 30, 2025, Melbourne from May 14, 2025, Brisbane from May 28, 2025. Book here.

Great Scott! The film that made Michael J Fox famous has had a musical spin.

After being a big hit on Broadway and in the West End it's coming to Australia.

9Travel saw it London, and the special effects alone left us open mouthed in awe.

Sydney from September 2025. Join the waiting list for tickets here.

Described as a "big hearted, home-grown theatre romp," this new musical is by co-creator of Aussie classics The Castle, The Dish and Utopia, Tom Gleisner.

Christine Whelan-Browne is Mrs MacIntyre, the greedy owner of Pine Grove Aged Care who thinks she's struck gold when she comes up with a plan to cut costs: offering free room and board to students in exchange for unofficial shifts as care workers.

We can only assume it doesn't go to plan...

Sydney until May 11. Buy tickets here.

This quirky musical is about the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and King Hades and Persephone.

It blends folky tunes with an unusual story and is like nothing you'll have seen before. I saw it on Broadway and can't wait to catch it with an Aussie cast.

Sydney now, Melbourne from May. Book here.

Another rather unlikely musical theme, the six wives of Henry VIII, this concert-style show has become a global cult hit.

Combining dazzling voices with witty songs, it is a perfect one for a girl's night out.

Newcastle from April 2025. Book here

The annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour show atop the water this year is this classic. Former pop star and swimmer Cody Simpson stars, but let's face it, you're going for the setting as much as the show .

Sydney until 20 April 2025, Book here.

It might have been released in the 1970s, but this show still packs an incredible punch today.

This version, complete with a baseball cap-clad Jesus stars Jimmy Barnes' daughter, Mahalia.

But it was Javon King as Judas who stole the show for us.

: Melbourne now, Brisbane from June 29, 2025. Book here.