If you’re still scrambling for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, you can’t go wrong with an evening at the theatre. Flowers are just going to wilt, and you’ve never quite nailed down her taste in jewelry. All she really wants is to spend some quality time with you – especially if it means getting to see a good show.

If you’re not sure which kind of show she’ll like, don’t worry we got you. With so much incredible theatre going on, there’s a show out there for even the pickiest of mums.

If your mum is into: having a laugh
Go see “The Temple”

Playing now at the iconic Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne, “The Temple” is all about escape — escaping the boring daily routine, escaping the confines of tradition, and escaping being yourself! Your mum has to be a mum 24/7. The perfect gift you can give her is the well-deserved chance to take a break with some belly laughs!

If your mum is into: nostalgia
Show: “Così”

First performed almost thirty years ago, “Così” is warming hearts again in this stellar production at the Melbourne Theatre Company. If your mum loves the iconic ’90s film of the same name, this is the masterful stage version. Set in the ’70s and filled with laughter and joy, your mum will be transported back to simpler, sweeter days.

If your mum is into: celebrating life
Show: “Wakey, Wakey”

If your mum enjoys things that are a little offbeat, but distinctly joyous and profound then “Wakey Wakey” is the show for her. In its Australian premiere at the Red Stitch Actors Theatre in Melbourne, this moving production eschews all the traditional theatre norms and ultimately reminds you to celebrate every moment – and your loved ones.

If your mum is into: arts and culture
Show: “plenty serious TALK TALK”

If you’re trying to impress your mum with your cultured sensibility, this show ticks all the boxes: theatre, art, dance, and nuanced politics. Currently playing at North Melbourne Town Hall, “plenty serious TALK TALK” is an engaging, multidisciplinary play laced with sharp moments of humour and wit. Make sure to snag your tickets before the show closes on Mother’s Day!

If your mum is into: exploring other cultures
Show: “The Honouring”

This poignant, thought-provoking solo dance piece, performed at Melbourne’s La Mama Courthouse, is an illuminating and heart-wrenching portrayal of the transition from life to death. Using the customs and philosophies of the Indigenous people, Kurtjar dancer Jack Sheppard traces the depths of trauma and explores the topic of suicide within in the community.

If your mum is into: sticking it to the man
Show: “Bitch on Heat”

If you have the sort of anarchist mum who still revels in her activist youth, this raunchy, irreverent romp will take her right back to the glory days of fighting the patriarchy. Currently running at Melbourne’s Theatre Works, “Bitch on Heat” doesn’t have time for comfort zones so prepare to bond with your mum in a way you never have before.

If your mum is into: recognizable classics
Show: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”

Tennessee Williams isn’t considered one of the greatest playwrights of the last century for no reason, so If your mum is the type of person who likes the best of the best, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is a great ticket. Perhaps she already loves the iconic ’50s film adaptation with Elizabeth Taylor, so tickets to this stellar production by the Sydney Theatre Company will be a guaranteed hit for Mother’s Day.

If your mum is into: dark comedy
Show: “Alice in Slasherland”

If your mum doesn’t mind a bit of gore, this wildly funny new play puts the “laughter” in “slaughter.” Now playing at the Old Fitz Theatre in Sydney, “Alice in Slasherland” follows one boy’s desperate attempt to win over the girl he loves… while also fighting the demons he unleashed when he accidentally opened a gateway to Hell.

If your mum is into: traditional fine arts
Show: “English Baroque with Circa”

In this harmonious combination of centuries-old English orchestral music and contemporary circus, Sydney’s renowned Australian Brandenburg Orchestra performs in tandem with the breathtaking acrobatics of Circa. This captivating, one-of-a-kind performance is sure to dazzle and give her a Mother’s Day to remember.

If your mum is into: feel-good stories
Show: “Winyanboga Yurringa”

A quintessential Mother’s Day play, “Winyanboga Yurringa” is all about the community women form and the stories they carry. In this moving play running at Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre, six Indigenous women from all walks of life reunite for a camping trip, but they find themselves exploring much more than the outdoors.

If your mum is into: timeless ballet
Show: “Giselle”

A beautiful ballet at the Sydney Opera house? There’s no part of this your mum won’t love. After all her hard work, she deserves to be treated to a gorgeous evening of classic, moving ballet in a historic venue. Treat her to “Giselle,” a timeless story told through dance about a young girl’s love conquering all the odds.

If your mum is into: live music
Show: “Yulianna Avdeeva Performs Chopin”

Acclaimed Russian pianist Yulianna Avdeeva sold out her Sydney debut concert last year and for good reason. Her unparalleled talent has to be experienced to be believed, and now’s your chance to hear for yourself. Don’t let your mum miss Avdeeva’s brilliant interpretation of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.1, one-weekend only (15-18 May) at the Sydney Opera House.

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