Sydneysiders are spoilt for choice at the theatre this autumn. Take a look through this guide and find a show that’s right for you.
These are most of the shows at mainstream theatres across Sydney. Shows are ordered by date.
Cabaret De Paris at State Theatre
This Parisian-themed revue celebrates old-fashioned showgirl glamour combined with the skill of adagio dancers, aerial pole artistry, comedy circus performers, quick change acts, illusionists, and of course the famous French cancan dancers, pictured above.
Tickets from $60 to $229
Friday 22 and Saturday 23 April
Heroes of the Fourth Turning at Seymour Centre
This bold play shines a light on conservative Catholicism and its disciples in the Trump era. It’s written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Will Arbery who was a consultant and producer on HBO’s hit series Succession.
Tickets from $35 to $49
Showing now until Saturday 23 April
The Australian Ballet: Anna Karenina at Sydney Opera House
Leo Tolstoy’s immortal novel comes to life in this epic ballet of cinematic proportions. Heartbreak, tragedy, love, lust and betrayal are at the centre of Anna Karenina’s undoing.
Tickets from $300 to $400
Showing now until Saturday 23 April
White Pearl at Sydney Theatre Company
With razor-sharp dialogue, nail-biting tension, and caustic wit, this rollercoaster of a production takes a nuanced swipe at cancel culture and toxic corporations, exploring intra-Asian politics, 21st century racism and the dark side of going viral.
Tickets from $30 to $74
Until Saturday 23 April
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: The Phantom of the Opera
This is The Phantom of the Opera as you’ve never seen it before. Under the stars, on a floating stage with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline glittering in the background. With fireworks every night and themed pop-up bars and restaurants, this will be an unforgettable evening.
Tickets from $99
Showing now until Sunday 24 April
Brigadoon at Hayes Theatre Co
Neglected Musicals is back with a wonderful Lerner and Loewe classic. Neglected Musicals is a not-for-profit theatre program that presents musicals that have never, or rarely, been seen in Australia. All participants are volunteers and act with scripts in hand and piano accompaniment after only a day’s rehearsal.
Tickets $60
Wednesday 27 April to Sunday 1 May
The Picture of Dorian Gray at Roslyn Packer Theatre
This one-person show by Sydney Theatre Company is described as a monumental work of Australian theatre and an odyssey of theatrical storytelling, featuring an awe-inspiring performance from Eryn Jean Norvill.
Tickets from $60 to $130
Showing now until Saturday 7 May
Blithe Spirit at Sydney Opera House
International drag sensation Courtney Act joins a spectacular cast of Australian comedy legends to bring this wicked and witty classic back to life.
Tickets from $54 to $110
Showing now until Saturday 14 May
An American in Paris at Theatre Royal
Hailed as a tour de force for its stunning choreography, the 4-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical tells the entrancing story of a young American soldier and a beautiful French girl, set against the iconic backdrop of the most romantic city in the world.
Tickets from $70 to $230
Friday 29 April until Sunday 12 June
Still Unqualified at Ensemble Theatre
A sequel to 2018’s hilarious hit comedy sees straight-talking Joanne and perennially optimistic Felicity back on stage. The 2 women live together, work from their home office and tackle jobs that require a far greater degree of expertise – which neither of them have.
Tickets from $38 to $80
Friday 29 April until Saturday 4 June
Shen Yun at Sydney Lyric Theatre
Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life.
Tickets from $115 to $240
Wednesday 6 April to Sunday 17 April
Book ahead for winter
Moulin Rouge the Musical at Capitol Theatre
Winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film will come to life on stage this winter. The new musical mash-up extravaganza features over 70 songs including many of the iconic hits from the movie, as well as additions from Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, Beyonce, Rihanna and more.
From $169 to $259
Saturday 28 May to Sunday 25 September
Becoming Eliza at Sydney Opera House
Australian-grown international star and soprano Anna O’Byrne will reveal the story of working with Dame Julie Andrews and perform Andrews’ iconic songs in the world premiere of Becoming Eliza.
Tickets from $44 to $75
Thursday 9 June to Sunday 12 June
Jagged Little Pill
Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s Grammy Award-winning masterpiece, this electrifying new musical brings to the stage the 'joyful and redemptive story of the Healys'.
From $95 to $195
Saturday 9 July to Sunday 21 August
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Published 29 March 2022, updated 23 May 2022