Top 5 Sydney Theatre Shows to Get Excited About in 2025
Image: & JULIET at Sydney Lyric theatre. Image: Sydney Lyric
As 2025 unfolds, the Sydney theatre scene promises a stellar lineup of captivating shows. From internationally acclaimed musicals to thought-provoking local dramas, this year’s calendar showcases a dynamic mix of storytelling, ingenuity, and what’ll be unforgettable performances.
Whether you’re a seasoned theatre enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these five productions guarantee you the best time.
Sydney Theatre Calendar 2025:
1. Dark Noon
Kicking off the year, Dark Noon delivers one of the Sydney Festival’s most audacious highlights.
Directed by Tue Biering with choreography by Nhlanhla Mahlangu, this deliciously daring production reimagines the Great Wild (Wild) West—cowboy hats, saloons, and dusty landscapes—with a devious twist, offering sharp commentary on Hollywood’s tropes. Praised as “outrageously entertaining” by TimeOut New York, it blends slapstick humor with biting satire, ensuring a night that’s both thought-provoking and wildly entertaining.
Fans of Blazing Saddles or Jojo Rabbit will love the layered storytelling and darkly comedic edge.
This is a must-see for those seeking unexpected surprises and challenging stories.
When: 9–23 January
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Tickets: $80–$119
2. Hadestown
In February, the mythical epic Hadestown descends onto Sydney’s Theatre Royal stage, bringing its award-winning magic to Australian audiences.
Created by Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, this reimagining of Orpheus and Eurydice’s tragic love story blends jazz, folk, and Broadway spectacle. With Tony and Grammy accolades and The New York Times hailing it as “spellbinding,” Hadestown captures the heart with haunting melodies and breathtaking visuals.
Featuring Christine Anu and Sydney-born Abigail Adriano, it’s perfect for fans of Les Misérables or Hamilton.
Expect a transformative evening of music and myth for all lovers of immersive, emotional theatre.
When: February–April
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney
Tickets: $75–$250
3. Back to the Future: The Musical
Great Scott! Travel back in time as 80’s nostalgia takes center stage this September with Back to the Future: The Musical at Sydney Lyric Theatre.
Adapted from the beloved 1985 film, this high-energy production follows Marty McFly’s chaotic journey to save his existence by ensuring his parents fall in love.
Co-written by original screenwriter Bob Gale and featuring music by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, it brings cinematic spectacle to life. Winner of the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical, it’s a fun, family-friendly adventure that has thrilled audiences across the world.
When: From September
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Tickets: Waitlist open now
4. Congratulations, Get Rich!
This November, Merlynn Tong’s Congratulations, Get Rich! lights up the Wharf 1 Theatre with a vibrant mix of humor, music, and family drama.
Directed by Courtney Stewart, the show follows Mandy as her farewell karaoke bar night spirals into chaos when her mother and grandmother’s ghosts crash the party.
Featuring a talented cast including Zac Boulton, Kimie Tsukakoshi, and Seong Hui Xuan, the play combines heartfelt storytelling with lively musical numbers.
For fans of Crazy Rich Asians or The Farewell, this supernatural comedy-musical is a joyous exploration of family ties, cultural heritage, and personal ambition.
When: 21 November–14 December
Where: Wharf 1 Theatre
Tickets: $40–$115
5. Whitefella Yella Tree
Closing the year’s theatrical highlights, Whitefella Yella Tree returns with its tender tale of first love amid colonial upheaval.
Written by Palawa playwright Dylan Van Den Berg, this poignant drama tells the story of Ty and Neddy, two Aboriginal boys discovering love under a lemon tree as their world changes.
Directed by Declan Greene and Amy Sole and starring Joseph Althouse, this award-winning production balances hope, heartbreak, and resilience.
A must-see for anyone drawn to intimate, provoking theatre, Whitefella Yella Tree invites audiences to reflect on love, identity, and cultural survival in the face of change.
When: 19 September–18 October
Where: Wharf 1 Theatre
Tickets: $90–$115
With a wide selection of shows, Sydney’s 2025 theatre season promises to captivate audiences of all kinds. Whether through boundary-pushing narratives or grand musical spectacles, these productions are sure to leave a lasting impression, so book your tickets now!
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