A vibrant mix of joy, wonder, and surprises awaits audiences this summer at the Sydney Opera House
This summer, the Sydney Opera House is offering a dazzling program designed to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. From beloved holiday classics to newly discovered theatre hits, the season promises something for everyone. Ebony Bott, Head of Contemporary Performance at the Opera House, shared her insights into curating this eclectic mix of theatre, providing audiences with a “celebratory and joyful” experience.
“I’ve programmed a mix of shows where you can laugh, gasp, and feel a sense of wonder,” Ebony said. “This season is about filling people up with the brightness of summer, creating really great nights out at the theatre.”
Highlights of the Season
Dungeons & Dragons: A Live Adventure
This interactive show brings the wildly popular tabletop role-playing game to life. Guided by expert storytelling and seamless technology, audiences become part of the action from the safety of their seats. Ebony described it as “a sporting event for theatre lovers,” emphasizing the dynamic energy and audience engagement. “Even for someone who’s not a D&D fan, it’s incredibly entertaining,” she said of the production. “I loved it when I saw it in New York,” she continued, “what we’ve really captured with this gorgeous Australian cast is that same energy where in the room of a night, anything can happen and the audience are that beautiful, essential ingredient”.
Elf the Musical
A heartwarming holiday classic, Elf: The Musical bursts onto the stage with infectious cheer. Ebony referred to it as a “joy bomb of a show,” ideal for families and audiences looking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit. “You can’t help but smile and really feel the warmth in the room. So I really hope that people are filled up with just the brightness of summer and something that is really celebratory.”
Penn & Teller
Legendary magicians Penn & Teller will grace the Opera House in January, bringing their unique blend of wonder and humour to the stage. “Magic is such a populist art form,” Ebony noted. “It’s one of those universal experiences that appeals to audiences across generations.”
Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen
For those seeking intimate and innovative theatre, this gem from the producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer is a must-see. Described by Ebony as “one of those sleeper hits that will catch fire,” the one-person show offers humour and raw vulnerability. “It was a real hit at the Edinburgh Fringe a few years ago, much like where Fleabag started, and that’s where Baby Reindeer came from also. So it’s got that real exciting flavour to it. Edinburgh Fringe is a really great place to find those hidden gems as well.”
The Opera House’s summer program was carefully crafted to cater to diverse tastes while welcoming new audiences. Ebony emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for people who might not typically visit the Opera House. “Dungeons and Dragons fans, for example, might not think of the Opera House as their space—but it is,” she said.
Additionally, the mix of international hits and local talent reflects a global perspective while supporting Australia’s creative community. “It’s about showcasing the best of the best while also championing local voices,” Ebony explained. ” I think about it a lot when programming. We know we have a lot of people coming into town to come to the Opera House. So there’s a really broad audience that comes in terms of the general public as well. There’ll be people who will want to go to Sydney Festival shows [in January] that have maybe got a bit more of a festival appeal. So I do really lean into the summer season and consider what are those high populist art forms – like magic and musical theatre and comedy.”
Why This Season Stands Out
The common thread tying these productions together is their ability to foster connection and delight amongst audiences. Whether it’s the laugh-out-loud antics of Buddy the Elf, the edge-of-your-seat excitement of Dungeons & Dragons, or the profound storytelling in Feeling Afraid, there’s something to ignite the imagination of every audience member.
This summer, let the Sydney Opera House surprise and delight you. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss the opportunity to experience the joy of live performance in one of the world’s most iconic venues. Visit Sydney Opera House to secure your seats.
