Internationally acclaimed tenor and musical theatre superstar Alfie Boe will make his Adelaide debut, performing a selection of his greatest hits, fan favourites, and songs from his latest album. Joining him is the festival’s glittering 2026 Variety Gala, a red-carpet spectacle promising music, comedy, cabaret, and a night full of surprises. Tickets for both are now on sale.
Alfie Boe makes Adelaide debut
With a celebrated career spanning opera, Broadway, and chart-topping albums, Boe is best known for his legendary portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, including the iconic 25th Anniversary Concert at London’s O2 Arena and the global Arena Spectacular Tour. He recently returned to the role for the sold-out 40th Anniversary Gala, earning rave reviews across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Boe will perform on Monday 15 June 2026 at Festival Theatre, Adelaide, joined by Australian-American soprano Amy Manford, renowned for her captivating portrayal of Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End.
The 2026 Variety Gala: A night of glittering entertainment
The festival officially kicks off with the 2026 Variety Gala on Thursday 4 June 2026 at Festival Theatre, hosted by the charismatic and daring Artistic Director Reuben Kaye. This dazzling red-carpet event promises an unforgettable night of music, comedy, and cabaret, featuring a stellar line-up of local and international talent to be announced soon.
“The gala! Can you believe they’re letting me host THE GALA? And I have to say apart from a few exceptions they’ve been very open to my ideas… they’ve only told me the seats in the front row are definitely not waterproof and the Festival Theatre doesn’t have the ‘infrastructure’ to support livestock,” says Kaye.
He continues: “I can’t begin to describe the joy, the excitement and pure adrenaline of taking the reins of the Festival I love so dearly and to host The 2026 Variety Gala is the cherry on top. The true night of the festival (bar closing night of course!) this year’s gala promises to be a smorgasbord of outlandish talent and a jewel in the crown of Australia’s artistic calendar. And wherever there’s a crown, this queen is ready and waiting.”
Festival-goers can look forward to a free after-party, a piano bar set with Trevor Jones, and a late-night show in the Banquet Room, details of which will be revealed soon.
Key dates and tickets
- 2026 Variety Gala: Thursday 4 June 2026, Festival Theatre
- Alfie Boe: Monday 15 June 2026, Festival Theatre
- Ticket sales: Thursday 30 October 2025 at 10am
- Festival Dates: 4–21 June 2026
- Full program announcement: April 2026
For more information, visit Adelaide Festival Centre
