Tickets are on sale now for Deep-Heat Rivalry, Trevor Ashley’s gleefully filthy musical parody of hockey romance phenomenon Heated Rivalry, ahead of its Australian premiere next year.
The 18+ comedy will play Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel from January 21 to 31, 2027, before skating into the Foundry Theatre in Sydney, from March 2 to 14.
The timing is no accident. The Melbourne season lands during Midsumma Festival, while the Sydney dates run through the peak of Mardi Gras celebrations.
The Australian run comes direct from London, where the show played The Other Palace from September 11 to October 11 and left critics clutching their pearls in the best possible way.
“This adults-only panto is a riotous night, with joy (and filth) at its core,” London Theatre critic Emily Godwin wrote in her review.
READ MORE: Review: ‘Deep-Heat Rivalry’ is Trevor Ashley’s funniest panto yet
For the uninitiated, Deep-Heat Rivalry (also searched as Deep Heat Rivalry) follows sworn enemies Shane Hollandaise and Ilya Stroganoff, two absurdly talented hockey superstars whose legendary on-ice feud hides the fact they are hopelessly in love.
If those names ring a bell, that is the joke. The production bills itself as “loosely inspired by a certain hit TV series (and we mean very loosely)”, and fans of a certain Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov will clock every reference.
The source material needs no introduction for romance readers, with Rachel Reid’s BookTok-beloved novel spawning the TV adaptation that turned the fandom into a global obsession.
READ MORE: ‘Heated Rivalry’ season two: the new cast additions
Expect parody songs that swing from power ballad to party pop, locker-room drama and emotional meltdowns conducted in very small towels.
Ashley wrote the show with long-time collaborator Phil Scott, co-creator of the Wharf Revue, with choreography by Mitchell Harper and costume design by Angie White.
Ashley is no stranger to Australian audiences thanks to cult pantos including Fat Swan and Moulin Scrooge!, and was recently nominated for best actor in a supporting role in a musical at the 2026 Olivier Awards for playing Roger De Bris in the West End production of The Producers.
READ MORE: ‘This was always my dream’ - Trevor Ashley
And yes, the nudity is making the trip. Both venues recommend the show for ages 18 and over, with content warnings covering strong language, adult themes, drug and e-cigarette use and nudity; Melbourne also flags audience participation, so choose your seat accordingly.
Melbourne tickets are $59, or $69 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances, with the show running two hours and 30 minutes including a 20-minute interval.
Sydney performances run Tuesday to Sunday at the Foundry, with tickets sold through Ticketmaster.
Deep-Heat Rivalry plays Chapel Off Chapel, Melbourne, from January 21 to 31 and the Foundry Theatre, Sydney, from March 2 to 14, 2027. Tickets are on sale now through the venues.
Quick answers
When is Deep-Heat Rivalry playing in Melbourne?
January 21 to 31, 2027, at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, with 8pm evening shows and weekend matinees.
When is Deep-Heat Rivalry playing in Sydney?
March 2 to 14, 2027, at the Foundry Theatre in Pyrmont.
How much are Deep-Heat Rivalry tickets?
Melbourne tickets are $59 to $69 through Chapel Off Chapel. Sydney tickets are sold through the Foundry Theatre website.
Is Deep-Heat Rivalry OK for kids?
Absolutely not. The show is recommended for ages 18 and over and contains nudity, strong language and adult themes.
Review: 'Deep-Heat Rivalry' is Trevor Ashley's funniest panto yet and it's coming to Australia
I’ve seen almost every Trevor Ashley panto, from Fat Swan to The Lyin’ Queen to The White Mermaid, and Deep-Heat Rivalry is one of the best.