Adelaide Festival 2026 lineup announced: Britpop icons and Squid Game actor
Adelaide Festival 2026 is set to be an electrifying event, showcasing a diverse range of performances and artists that promise to captivate audiences. Under the artistic direction of Matthew Lutton, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of 59 events and 22 exclusives that are sure to appeal to both regular festival-goers and new attendees.
One of the standout events of the festival is a free concert featuring the iconic Britpop band Pulp, fronted by Jarvis Cocker. The concert, which will take place in an open-air setting during the festival’s opening weekend, promises to be a celebration of the band’s popular hits from the 90s, such as ‘Common People’. This high-energy performance is expected to kick off the festival with a sense of excitement and joy.
In addition to the musical extravaganza, the festival will feature a variety of theatrical performances that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Notable among these is a reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s classic play “The Cherry Orchard” by Australian director Simon Stone. Stone’s interpretation relocates the original Russian setting to modern-day South Korea, exploring themes of family and tradition against the backdrop of corporate culture. The production, performed in Korean with English surtitles, promises to be a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience for audiences.
Another highlight of the festival is the return of former festival director Peter Sellars, who will be presenting a reworked version of the John Adams oratorio “El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered”. Sellars, who left the festival under controversial circumstances in 2001, is making a triumphant comeback after more than two decades. His inclusion in the festival lineup adds a sense of nostalgia and excitement for long-time festival attendees.
In addition to these marquee events, the festival will also showcase a diverse range of performances across various genres, including dance, opera, and experimental theater. Audiences can look forward to immersive experiences such as Elevator Repair Service’s “Gatz”, a lengthy adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, and FC Bergman’s “Works and Days”, a wordless performance that explores humanity’s evolution through the ages.
Overall, the 2026 Adelaide Festival promises to be a dynamic and engaging cultural event, featuring a mix of established and emerging artists from around the world. With a focus on quality and innovation, the festival under Matthew Lutton’s direction is sure to provide audiences with a memorable and enriching experience that will resonate long after the final curtain falls.