Theatre and Shows in Sydney

From iconic venues to cosy playhouses, there are thousands of theatre performances and shows to see in Sydney each year.

Sydney Opera House  and Sydney Harbour

Sydney’s most iconic venue stages more than 1,600 performances each year, including a wide range of plays and shows. Opera Bar is a great spot for pre or post-theatre refreshments, with stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Every year in March and April Sydney Opera House, along with the Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, form the nightly backdrop for your favourite classics in the outdoor extravaganza, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. It’s an unforgettable experience. 

Sydney Theatre Company

Established in 1978, Sydney Theatre Company presents an annual season of diverse productions at its own venues at The Wharf in Walsh Bay, which is currently closed undergoing renovations, and at the nearby Roslyn Packer Theatre. It is also the resident theatre company of the Sydney Opera House.

The company has helped launch and nurture the careers of many of Australia’s internationally renowned artists including Hugo Weaving and Rose Byrne, who are both returning to the stage in the 2020 season. The former in Wonnangatta in October and the latter alongside her husband, Bobby Cannavale in A View From The Bridge in December.

Inner City Theatres

The Sydney Lyric is part of the Star complex in Pyrmont. The theatre will host a number of internationally acclaimed musicals and plays in 2020, including the National Theatre of Great Britain’s Tony Award®-winning production of War Horse.

Ensemble Theatre is based in Kirribilli and is the longest continuously running professional theatre in Australia. The 2020 season will include Black Cockatoo, a play inspired by the true story of legendary First Nations cricketer Johnny Mullagh.

In 1984 a group of 600 theatre-lovers purchased Belvoir St Theatre in Surry Hills to save it from becoming an apartment block. The 2020 season at the much-loved theatre will include A Room of One’s Own - an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s famous feminist essay.

The Seymour Centre is located in the University of Sydney in Chippendale, featuring an array of performances from theatre and concerts to film festivals. 2020 will see performances of Macbeth, The Tempest and Crucible.  

The Griffin Theatre Company perform in the historic SBW Stables Theatre in Kings Cross. The tiny theatre has seats for just 105 people, providing an intimate experience. 2020 is the SBW Stables 50th birthday, and they will be celebrating with a range of special programs.

Outer City Theatres 

Located on the banks of the Parramatta River, Riverside Theatre puts on approximately 2000 performances each year. Parramatta’s famous ‘eat street’ is moments away for a pre-show meal. In Castle Cove, Puppeteria Theatre is Sydney’s only permanent professional puppet theatre.

In Campbelltown, Town Hall Theatre occupies two heritage buildings, which were once the town hall and fire station. It's home to the Campbelltown Theatre Group who put on regular plays and musicals, including the Arthur Miller classic - Death of a Salesman in May 2020.