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Newcastle-born performer Ben Mingay is bringing his powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence back home for Superstars: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains in Concert, produced by Stoddart Entertainment Group in March 2026.
With a career spanning television, film, and theatre, Mingay has become one of Australia’s most dynamic performers. Hailing from Newcastle, his journey into performance was anything but conventional. Before his rise to the stage and screen, Mingay worked as a construction worker in Newcastle – a life he remembers fondly.
“Life was a lot simpler back then. You wake up in the dark, get on the tools, then get home in the dark, with a slab and some beef jerky. Then you’d hang out with your mates on the weekend,” he recalls. “The work ethic I gained from those early days in construction has served me better than any other formal training could have.”
A dare from his mates led Mingay to audition for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he won a scholarship to study classical voice – a pivotal moment that launched him into a remarkable career. On screen, he has appeared in Frayed (ABC/Sky UK/HBO Max), Hacksaw Ridge, House of Bond, Amazing Grace, The Twelve, Home and Away, Packed to the Rafters, and three seasons of Wonderland.
On stage, Mingay’s leading roles are equally impressive, including Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd, Papageno in The Magic Flute, The Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance, and Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys. He originated the role of Billy Kostecki in Dirty Dancing, performing it worldwide for six years across the West End, the US, and Canada.
When asked about his personal musical theatre heroes, Mingay cites Jessie Mueller, Warlow, and Quast for their emotion and stage presence.
“Villains are captivating if you can find the light and shade of the character,” he adds. “They need to be dangerous and mysterious. But also have some redeeming quality like the character of Sweeney Todd. Never have I had such a deep connection with a role. Not that I wanna go cutting anyone’s throat…yet.”
Fans of Mingay can expect a thrilling evening at Superstars, where the cast performs a diverse selection of beloved musical theatre songs.
“I think audiences are going to absolutely love it. It’ll be like going to a concert of your very favourite songs from a diverse range of shows, sung by the best in the biz,” he promises. “And well, it’s in my hometown…and I’ve only ever done TWO gigs here. I’m so excited to entertain the home crowd, not to mention performing with the awesome cast and music.”
With his classical training, raw talent, and charismatic storytelling, Ben Mingay remains a leading force in Australian entertainment. Now, Newcastle audiences have the chance to witness him live on stage once again – this time celebrating the heroes and villains of musical theatre in concert.