Immersive ‘Romeo + Juliet’ brings live choir to Melbourne’s Astor Theatre in September

Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film Romeo + Juliet will screen at The Astor Theatre with a live choir and band next month, in a limited run from 23 to 28 September. Presented by Sony Music Australia, the event pairs the movie with live performances to amplify its era-defining soundtrack. Tickets are on sale now.

The experience has been a long-running hit in the UK, where Backyard Cinema has staged the format for more than a decade. Melbourne marks the production’s Australian debut, bringing the concept to one of the city’s most iconic single-screen cinemas.

Audiences can expect live renditions of key tracks associated with the film, including Young Hearts, Everybody’s Free, Kissing You and When Doves Cry. The choir and band perform around the screening, creating an enveloping concert-cinema hybrid inside the historic venue.

Luhrmann’s film relocates Shakespeare’s tragedy to the neon-lit Verona Beach and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the star-crossed lovers. The Astor’s listing confirms the week-long season in St Kilda, with sessions across the six days.

Tickets are available via Ticketek. Early demand has been strong, so organisers advise booking ahead.

Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, The Astor Theatre, 23 to 28 September. Tickets via Ticketek.