Sydney is home to the internationally recognised NIDA drama school, boasting international celebrity alumni such as Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman and Sarah Snook.
It should come as no surprise that Sydney has a local theatre scene that produces international quality productions that are well worth a visit for both tourists and locals alike.
One of my favourite rituals of a night at the theatre is a pre- or post-show bite to eat or drink to de-brief about the show. For that reason, I’ve also included a couple of food and drink recommendations nearby the theatres.
Sydney Theatre Company
For high-end, big-budget, and celebrity-cast theatre shows, the Sydney Theatre Company is the place to go. Regular performers include international celebrities such as Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving.
Shows are spread across three theatres: the Opera House Drama Theatre, the Roslyn Packer Theatre, and the Wharf Theatre. Successful shows such as The Picture of Dorian Grey have been transferred to Broadway in New York and London’s West End following their Sydney premiere.
Where to get a bite to eat before or after?
Visit Ventuno for Italian with water views, Bund for Shanghai Chinese dumplings, or The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf for modern Australian classics such as steak frites or fish and chips.
Bangarra Dance Theatre
A contemporary Australian Indigenous dance company that is Indigenous-owned and cast.
Bangarra Dance Theatre usually performs at the Opera House or the nearby Wharf Theatres. It offers a uniquely Australian contemporary professional dance performance experience and a vibrant and engaging way of telling the stories of Indigenous Australians.
Where to get a bite to eat before or after?
Sydney’s Quay Quarter has restaurants for a range of tastes and budgets. Visit Mary’s Circular Quay for burgers and rock music, Grana for Italian with an Asian twist, or Penelope’s for modern Australian share plates.
Capitol Theatre
An opulent European-style theatre and home of big-name musicals. Recent musicals hosted at the Capitol Theatre include Moulin Rouge, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Disney’s Frozen.
Where to get a bite to eat before or after?
The theatre is in the heart of Sydney’s Thai Town; nearby Chat Thai or Boon Cafe are especially great.
Enmore Theatre
A live music and comedy-focused theatre, Enmore Theatre is where you will find international performers like Lily Allen, Bob Dylan, and the Dandy Warhols, as well as local acts including Pete Murray, Amy Shark, and Yothu Yindi.
In May, it is a hub for the Sydney Comedy Festival with local and international acts performing every night of the week.
Where to get a bite to eat before or after?
On Enmore Road, there are restaurants with cuisine from around the world including Colombo Social for Sri Lankan, Little Lagos for Nigerian, Cairo Takeaway for Egyptian, or Osteria di Russo and Russo for upmarket Italian.
Belvoir St Theatre
An intimate theatre space performing more experimental shows and featuring up-and-coming actors and directors. Belvoir St Theatre alumni include actors such as Toby Schmitz, Pamela Rabe, and Geoffrey Rush, and shows such as an adaptation of Ibsen’s The Wild Duck have been transferred internationally to London.
Where to get a bite to eat before or after?
Around the corner on Cleveland Street, there are several great local Lebanese restaurants, including Fatima’s Lebanese and The Prophet, which is my favourite.