Melbourne theatre audiences are about to get a much darker take on classic fairytales, with the acclaimed stage production GRIMM arriving at Arts Centre Melbourne in August 2026.
Running from 25 August to 12 September at the Fairfax Studio, the smash-hit production reimagines the stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and other iconic Brothers Grimm characters through a sharp, unsettling and often darkly funny lens.
Created by the award-winning team behind Frankenstein, 1984 and Fantastic Mr Fox, GRIMM transforms the familiar childhood tales into a visually striking theatrical experience packed with gothic imagery, humour and chaos.
Within eerie forests and shadowy hallways, the production digs beneath the surface of the original stories to uncover themes of brutality, morality and survival that still resonate today.
Shake & Stir Artistic Director Nick Skubij said audiences had connected strongly with the darker edge of the original Grimm stories.
“These stories have fascinated us for years. Reworked and adapted time and time again, seeing audiences respond so strongly to the original versions’ darkness, humour and complexity has been highly rewarding.
They’re stories people think they know, but here, audience will see something a bit different. Because of this, the morals, the brutality, and the humanity feel startlingly new – and relevant. GRIMM lets some hard truths rise to the surface.”
The production is directed by Daniel Evans, Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre Company, whose previous credits include The Great Gatsby, A Few Good Men and Vietgone.
Costumes for the production have been designed by celebrated Australian fashion designer Paul McCann, whose theatrical and high-fashion creations bring a modern edge to the twisted fairytale world.
“Paul’s designs don’t just dress the story – they elevate it. They’re fearless, glamorous and unforgettable. Seeing his work command the stage has been another great joy of this production,” Skubij said.
Expect haunting visuals, surreal storytelling and a fairytale experience far removed from the bedtime versions.
Tickets and show information are available via Arts Centre Melbourne
