The Edwardian era’s most successful Musical Comedy: the My Fair Lady of its day!

A London restaurateur crash lands his plane in Arcadia and is transformed from a wicked man to a guileless youth by the innocent rural idyll of the locals. Horrified by the idea of city life, the magical Arcadians travel to London to convert the miserable city-dwellers.

Premiering in 1909, The Arcadians was so delightfully entertaining that it ran for more than two years in London’s Westend. In 2010, GSOV commissioned a new book from Australian playwright, Melvyn Morrow, whose most recent hits include SHOUT! and Dusty – The Original Pop Diva. Director Robert Ray’s production premiered in Melbourne and toured to the UK, where it was hailed the hit of The International G&S Festival for its stunning settings, costumes, movement and performances.

In 2026, the creative team from the sold out season of Fledermaus! (2025), directors Robert Ray and Naomi Tooby, restage this little seen gem with fresh new talent accompanied by a live quartet, with music specially re-scored by MD Geoffrey Urquhart and new gowns from Helen Ebsworthy.

There are two opportunities to see this wonderful production in Melbourne. The first is 5 matinees in the beautiful shady garden setting of The Knowe, an historic cottage in Sassafras (28 Feb, 1, 7, 8, 9 March). Tickets for this theatrical immersion are strictly limited and this summer presentation always sells out. The second is the thoroughly modern The Round Studio (Nunawading) with matinees on Saturday and Sunday and evening shows on Friday and Saturday (14-16 March).

“The hit of the Festival”, The International G&S Festival, Buxton (2011)

Music by Lionel Monckton and Howard Talbot
Lyrics by Arthur Wimperis

New Book by Melvyn Morrow

Choreographer and Director – Robert Ray

Director – Naomi Tooby

Musical Director – Geoffrey Urquhart

Choreographer – Robert Ray

ARCADIANS

LONDONERS

The Knowe Venue Details

The Knowe pricing includes a welcome drink on arrival,
unlimited tea and coffee and a programme.

Additional drinks available for purchase at the bar.

The Knowe garden is open for picnics from 1pm.
There is strictly no admittance before this time.

The Knowe is an outdoor experience.
Refund conditions are available on the ticketing site
(as well as in the post-booking letter).
We provide detailed advice for your
best experience in the post-booking letter.

The following The Arcadians performances are part of our Melbourne, and Queenscliff 2026 Subscription offers.

• The Round Studio, Nunawading – Purchase Melbourne Subscriptions here, 3 options available until 1 February.
• Queenscliff Town Hall – Purchase Queenscliff Subscriptions here, available until 22 March.

General Ticketing Terms and Conditions – Document Link

The Arcadians Previews:

27/01/2026 – The Local Paper (Link), (Screenshot)