Upcoming plays, musicals and comedy shows in Dubai

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A number of great shows have been announced in Dubai and if you can’t keep track, don’t worry! We’ve done it for you and have rounded up all the must-see musicals, theatre performances, comedy shows and more taking place in Dubai until the end of the year.

Here are all the amazing shows you need to add to your diary right now! 

August

Ballet: Cinderella

When: August 19
Where: The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates

Both, adults and children alike, love the classic tale of Cinderella. And if you love watching the Walt Disney story unfold on your screen, then you’ll certainly love this Moscow City Ballet production of the tale. The classic tale follows a girl named Cinderella who is enslaved by her wicked stepmother and two jealous stepsisters. With the help of her fairy godmother and some ‘bippity boppity boo’, Cinderella is able to attend a royal ball and enchant the handsome Prince Charming. Does she go back to her suppressed life when the spell wears off at midnight, or will her Prince Charming come looking for her? The unique and exciting production includes colourful costumes, beautiful sets and dynamic lighting to create a magical world. Ticket prices start from Dhs100.

The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. @eventactix malloftheemirates.com 

Concert: DJ Paul Van Dyk

When: August 19
Where: Coca-Cola Arena

Legendary DJ Paul Van Dyk will be jetting over to Dubai and bringing his famed Shine event to Coca-Cola Arena. Accompanied by Egyptian DJs and producers Aly & Fila, Paul Van Dyk will be dropping a host of incredible house anthems at this one-off event.  Take note as everyone in attendance must be double vaccinated and must either show their printed Dubai Health Authority vaccination certificate, Al Hosn app, or DHA app at the entrance.

Theatre: The Heart of the Matter

When: August 19 to 21
Where: The Junction

This play weaves together different stories in four different languages, all connected by one theme – the heart. Based in London, audience members will witness four different stories: a couple looking back on their marriage, a man who speaks about the surprising consequence of losing a loved one, a child following his controversial passion and a group of women speaking about the different ways one man has impacted their lives. Get your tickets here before they are all gone.

The Heart of the Matter, The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 338 8525. @junctiondubai

September

Comedy: Wayne Brady! Comedy Night in Dubai

When: September 3
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai

Award-winning Wayne Brady is heading to the Coca-Cola Arena in September. Known for his comedic antics on the hit improv show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? Brady is packed with unmistakable charm, a killer smile, quick wit and impeccable timing – all the essential components needed for a night packed with laughter. Tickets start from Dhs150 and you can purchase them here.

Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. Tel: (800) 223 388. coca-cola-arena.com

Theatre: Every Brilliant Thing

When: September 2 to 4
Where: The Junction

A one-of-a-kind theatrical experience and Off-Broadway hit titled ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ is being performed at The Junction. The show is about a boy’s list of things that make life worth living. The witty one-man show shines a compassionate light on the impact of suicide and reminds us of all the things that make life brilliant. Get your tickets here.

Every Brilliant Thing, The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 338 8525. @junctiondubai

Theatre: The Wolves

When: September 9 to 11
Where: The Junction

If there’s one theatre performance you have to see, this is the one. This all-women play follows 11 young girls who are a part of a soccer club called The Wolves as they discuss poignant topics over football rehearsals. Tickets for this show are available here.

The Wolves, The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 338 8525. @junctiondubai

Concert: No Mercy

When: September 10
Where: Dubai Opera

Marty Cintron, founder and lead singer of American pop band ‘No Mercy’ is performing at Dubai Opera in September. Martin will play his popular music that combines pop, soul, Latin rhythms, R&B, and the Mediterranean effect of the Spanish guitar, creating a groove of dancing and singing to the mix of upbeat and slow songs.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Performance: MAMMA MIA!

When: September 13 to 22
Where: Dubai Opera

A performance Abba fans don’t want to miss. MAMMA MIA! is coming to the Dubai Opera this September as part of a UK & International Tour. Expect a truly heart-warming story paired with the wonderful music of ABBA. Tickets start from Dhs295 and can be bought here.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Theatre: Shakespeare in Love

When: September 23 to 25
Where: The Junction

The play follows a young Will Shakespeare and he has writer’s block. It happens to the best of us, but unfortunately, the deadline for his new play is fast approaching but he’s in desperate need of inspiration. He meets his muse, a beautiful young woman named Viola who is also one of Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms and inspires him to write his greatest masterpiece, Romeo & Juliet.

The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 338 8525. @junctiondubai

Performance: The Queen Experience

When: September 23 and 24
Where: Theatre by QE2

Freddie Mercury fans, take note. On September 23 and 24 the QE2 will be rocking to life with two hours of music by the legendary rock group Queen. Expect hits such as We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want to Break Free, I Want it All, Killer Queen, Another One Bites the Dust, The Show Must Go On and much more. Ticket prices start from Dhs150 and can be bought on Platinumlist. 

Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai. Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com 

Comedy: Russell Kane

When: September 29
Where: Dubai Opera

British comedian Russell Kane is returning to the city for a headline show at Dubai Opera. The funnyman is known for his appearances on Live At Apollo, Celebrity Juice and I Am Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now. Guests are guaranteed unlimited laughs throughout the show, and we imagine after a year of not being able to get up on stage, Russell will be on top form by the time he touches down in Dubai. Tickets are available on dubaiopera.com, Platinum List and all UAE Virgin Megastores.

October

Music: The Sound of Sinatra

When: October 2
Where: Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera Big Band is hitting the stage yet again, this time performing the extraordinary musical contribution of the legendary Frank Sinatra. Book your tickets and catch some of the iconic hits by the legend such as Come Fly With Me, Lady Is A Tramp, I’ve Got You Under My Skin and more. There are two shows on the day 2pm and 8pm. Ticket prices start from Dhs145.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Performance: Alice in Wonderland

When: October 7 to 9
Where: Theatre by QE2

Join Alice as she follows the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole on board the QE2 in October. All the characters are there too including the Mad Hatter, Tweedledum and Tweedledee and of course the evil Queen of Hearts. Expect a fantastical tale of riddles and rhymes and of course, adventure. Prices start from Dhs96.

Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai. Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com 

Ballet: Rock the Ballet

When: October 8 and 9
Where: Dubai Opera

Pop and ballet are two genres that you would assume can’t share the stage. But at this dance performance, the two are thrown together resulting in a unique display. The young artists have performed on Broadway, starred in films and even performed on So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars, so they may look familiar. Ticket prices start from Dhs300 and are available here.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com 

Theatre: Rigoletto

When: October 11 and 12
Where: Dubai Opera

The Saint Petersburg Chamber Opera production of ‘Rigoletto’ delivers a different take on this psychological drama, where instead of being a hunchback, the court jester is a sarcastic, witty, and angry man, and not old at all. His hump and mask are nothing but a clownish appearance that he wears only at the Duke’s court. Ticket prices start from Dhs300 and are available here.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Comedy: Rob Beckett

When: October 28
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre

English funnyman Rob Beckett is heading to Dubai for this first-ever show this October. Best known for his appearances on British TV shows such as Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Mock The Week, Rob Beckett also has a love for live stand-up comedy. Tickets are priced from Dhs195 per person, with a variety of seating options available. Do note, tickets will only be available in groups of two, three, four or six people, across all seating categories.

Performance: Meet The Beatles

When: October 28 and 29
Where: Theatre by QE2

This authentic tour brings The Beatles to life with classic hits like She Loves You, Can’t Buy Me Love, A Hard Day’s Night, Help! and so many more. Special attention has been paid to the musical instruments, costumes and even Lennon and McCartney’s on-stage banter to make it all come together. Ticket prices start from Dhs135 and can be bought on Platinumlist. 

Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai. Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com 

November

Performance: Abba Reunion

When: November 10 to 13
Where: Theatre by QE2

A huge ABBA Reunion show is coming to Dubai taking place onboard the QE2 ship. Fans of the four-piece Euro-pop group are invited to glam up in their best disco wear and throw it back to the 1970s and 1980s for an evening of ABBA’s greatest hits. Smash hits such as Mamma Mia, Waterloo and Dancing Queen will have you singing and dancing along as you get taken on a trip down memory lane. Tickets are priced from Dhs135 and are available on Platinumlist.

Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai. Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com

Theatre: Dial M for Murder

When: November 22 and 13
Where: Theatre by QE2

Dial M for Murder is a 1954 American crime mystery thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and it is coming to the stage at Dubai Opera in November. Tony Wendice is a jaded ex-tennis pro who has given it all up for his wife Margot. However, when he discovers she has been unfaithful his mind turns to revenge and he goes on the pursuit of the ‘perfect crime’. Expect plenty of suspense and drama as Tony finds himself tangled in the web of his own making. Ticket prices start from Dhs200 and are available here. 

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com 

Performance: MJ History – The Greatest Hits of Michael Jackson

When: November 25 and 26
Where: Theatre by QE2

Love Michael Jackson? MJ History is coming to the QE2 in November and it encapsulates the magic of Michael Jackson. The show will be packed with live vocals, costumes, classic Michael Jackson choreography paired with projections and special effects. Expect some of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits including I’ll Be There, Can You Feel It, Bad and The Way You Make Me Feel and more. Tickets are priced from Dhs135 and are available on Platinumlist.

Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai. Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com

December

Performance: Anna Karenina

When: December 2 to 4
Where: Dubai Opera

This performance portrays the drama of a woman being reborn through the art of dance. Based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy with a focus on the love triangle between Anna, Karenin and Vronsky. Tickets start from Dhs340 and can be bought here.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com 

Ballet: The Nutcracker

When: December 23 to 25
Where: Dubai Opera

Returning to the Dubai Opera this December is an all-time Christmas favourite – The Nutcracker featuring the beauty of Russian ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s splendid score. The story takes place during a Christmas Eve party where a young Clara Stahlbaum receives a nutcracker from her mysterious Godfather Drosselmeyer. Come midnight, enchantment envelopes the household as the Nutcracker springs to life to battle the Rat King and his evil curse. Finally free, the Nutcracker transforms into a prince and invites Clara on a dreamlike journey to a Land of Enchantment. Expect familiar tunes such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Prices start from Dhs300.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com 

Dates to be confirmed

Ballet: Daughters of the Wind

When: Autumn
Where: Dubai Opera

Daughters of the Wind’ by Pietra and Ella Theatre Production Shows UAE and Sisters Grimm is coming to the UAE this autumn. Pietra will be performing as the protagonist as an Emirati woman and the show will recount the story of a land which though transformed by industry, is instilled by inspiration from the natural surroundings and brings people together to embrace a future of collaboration and community.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Images: social and supplied