Rehearsals have begun for the spectacular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of The Phantom of the Opera, which makes its highly anticipated return to Mrs Macquaries Point from 27 March to 3 May.
Cast are perfecting some of the most famous moments in musical theatre, including the hauntingly beautiful tunes “The Music of the Night” and ‘All I ask of You’ as well as the spectacular ensemble piece ‘Masquerade’, which all plays out across a 6 metre high staircase set against the glittering city lights.
With a stage that’s two and half times bigger than a regular theatre, an Olympic-sized rehearsal venue is required to prepare performers for the sheer scale of the work, so they will spend 4 weeks in a huge gymnasium space at Homebush before relocating to Mrs Macquaries Point to rehearse on the purpose-built outdoor stage.
Director Simon Phillips is back to lead the new cast through his epic production of the mega musical.
“It is an absolute thrill to again be immersed in the world of The Phantom of the Opera. It is a magnificent work and the grand scale to which we can stage it at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour transforms it from a classic piece of theatre into something new again.” Phillips said.
Queensland newcomer Jake Lyle is preparing for his “dream-come-true” musical theatre debut as The Phantom, the 22-year-old Lyle from Gladstone, Queensland was discovered during ensemble auditions.
Although this is the fourth time playing the role of Christine for celebrated Australian soprano Amy Manford, this will be her first time performing on the Sydney Harbour stage, requiring additional preparation for performing out in the elements. Her onstage character’s counterpart, Raoul will be played by proud Wiradjuri man Jarrod Draper, who has stepped straight off the stage in another Lloyd Webber hit, Cats, to join Lyle and Manford, along with an ensemble of some of Australia’s best singers and dancers.
Combined with the jaw-dropping setting, the entire team, including Musical Supervisor Guy Simpson, Set & Costume Designer Gabriela Tylesova, Choreographer & Associate Director Simone Sault, Lighting Designer Nick Schlieper, and Sound Designer Shelly Lee, is working hard to bring a whole new level of spectacle to this musical masterpiece.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is supported by the NSW Government, via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, and through the International Foundation for Arts and Culture as Naming Rights Partner, Dr Haruhisa Handa OA’s Patron in Chief, and OA’s Principal Partner HSBC.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – The Phantom of the Opera
Friday 27 March – 3 May 2026
Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
Bookings: +61 2 9318 8200 | opera.org.au/harbour
