General News
7 November, 2026
City finds Nemo
DISNEY and Pixar’s ‘Finding Nemo: A 60-Minute Family Musical’ will make its Australian premiere in Queensland next year, with Cairns hosting a season at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre from 15 to 17 July 2027.
The production will open at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane on 23 June, running until 11 July before heading north to Cairns.
Supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, the production will feature handcrafted puppets, an eight-member cast and music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the award-winning songwriting team behind Frozen.
The musical follows young clownfish Nemo, his father Marlin and their friend Dory on an underwater adventure inspired by the Academy Award-winning animated film.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said bringing the production to the region was a natural fit.
“For local families, it’s an opportunity to experience a world-class production in a world-class facility, right here in Cairns. For visitors, it’s a chance to experience the magic of the stage and the natural wonder that inspired it,” she said.
“Our Cairns Performing Arts Centre was built to attract productions of this calibre and this is exactly the kind of opportunity that investment makes possible.”
Barron River MP Bree James said the production would benefit local businesses and tourism operators. “This Australian premiere will bring more visitors into local hotels, restaurants and attractions, while showcasing everything Tropical North Queensland has to offer.”
