The “world’s greatest pub” is finally opening its doors in Queensland.
Brisbane Festival organizers today gave a rousing first look at the 2026 announcing that the Olivier Award-nominated West End sensation, The Choir of Man, will make its long-awaited Queensland premiere this September.
The production, which has sold out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and across the globe, was originally slated for a 2020 Brisbane debut before being sidelined by the pandemic. Now, six years later, it returns to anchor a brand-new festival hub at the South Bank Cultural Forecourt.
The Return of the Spiegeltent
In a major win for fans of the city’s Fringe-style roots, the iconic Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent will return to Brisbane after a six-year hiatus. The tent will serve as the centerpiece of the “Festival Village,” a reimagined social heart for the city.
The UK touring company of The Choir of Man will transform the Spiegeltent into a high-energy tavern, complete with:
A working on-stage bar with flowing beer for the audience.
A powerhouse cast of nine singers, instrumentalists, and poets.
A setlist of hits from artists including Queen, Adele, Sia, Paul Simon, and Guns N’ Roses.
A New Vision for the City
This year marks the debut program for the festival’s new Artistic Director, Ebony Bott, who envisions a festival that “moves with the rhythm of the city.”
“Bringing the Festival back to the Cultural Forecourt allows us to establish a true civic heart,” Bott said. “The Choir of Man leads the program because it captures that spirit so completely… it transforms the venue into something shared, like a neighbourhood local lifted to a world-class stage.”
The move is backed by the state government as part of the Queensland’s Time to Shine arts strategy. Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek noted the event is a key milestone as the city prepares for the global spotlight of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Economic and Tourism Boost
The festival’s return to a centralized hub is expected to be a massive drawcard for the region. Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell highlighted the economic impact, noting that the festival expects over 23,000 visitors and nearly 120,000 visitor nights.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner praised the announcement, stating that world-class acts like this help cement Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s “lifestyle capital.”
Key Information for Fans
Show Dates: 3 – 13 September 2026
Venue: Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, South Bank Cultural Forecourt
Tickets: General public tickets go on sale April 24 via QTIX.
Full Program: The complete Brisbane Festival 2026 lineup will be revealed in June.
The broader Brisbane Festival will run from 4 – 26 September 2026, promising a full month of programming from “first light to after dark.” For more information, visit brisbanefestival.com.au.
