Summer Spectacular Hook’s Neverland Sails Into The Concert Hall

Feature-Hook's Neverland

A thrilling new adventure from the minds behind GATSBY at The Green Light

The swashbuckling spectacular Hook’s Neverland sails into the Concert Hall this summer for its world premiere, with the irrepressible Captain James Hook at its helm. Forget the boy who wouldn’t grow up: this tale is all Hook’s as he flips that well-trod legend of villainy and introduces a world filled with reverie and wonderment. With his right-hand man Smee, and a maverick Tinkerbell causing trouble along the way, Hook guides audiences through an unforgettable journey filled with circus, illusions, humour and tomfoolery. A raucous carnival of extraordinary performers will astonish and delight in this voyage across the realms of Neverland, from the waters of Mermaid Lagoon to the decks of the Jolly Roger.

Captain Hook and his motley crew cast off into the high seas, juggling and teetering towards a luminous Fairyland, where soaring aerials ignite mischief and whimsy. Tripping into the Lost Boys Hideout, they find themselves in a riotous underground world, with high-energy acrobatics echoing the thrumming chaos of childhood, before diving into an underwater paradise filled with sirens and suspense. In Skull Rock, Hook weaves his way across a knife-edge of danger as he tries to evade the relentless crocodile.

Shaped by the imaginations of Craig Ilott, Stuart Couzens (GATSBY at The Green Light and L’Hotel) with Neil Dorward – known for directing theatrical extravaganzas (Circus1903, The Illusionists and Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple) – this bold and enchanting production will thrill the young and the young at heart. The show will be brought to life by an exhilarating, cinematic score from Evan Duffy, composer for Cirque Du Soleil’s Auana as well as film franchises such as Now You See Me.

Director Neil Dorward says: “What excites me about Hook’s Neverland is taking a world we all think we know and completely turning it on its head. We’re bringing together an outstanding international cast of entertainers in circus, magic, comedy and variety, alongside dazzling visual effects, to create a Neverland full of danger, mischief, adventure and possibility. I’m incredibly excited to return to the Sydney Opera House with a brand-new production, and I can’t wait for audiences to step into our Neverland for the first time.”

Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance Harry Prouse says: “Every year, we look for remarkable, large-scale work that matches the daring of the Opera House itself, and Hook’s Neverland is exactly that. This circus of the imagination – led by a cunning, scene-stealing Hook – brings together a first-rate line-up of acrobats, high-flyers and illusionists to transform our Concert Hall into Neverland itself. From the creative minds behind some of the world’s most breathtaking theatrical productions, it’s the perfect addition to our summer program, and a chance for audiences of every age to experience childlike wonder under our Sails.”

KEY INFORMATION
WHAT: Hook’s Neverland
WHEN: 9 January – 17 January 2027
WHERE: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
FOR: Ages 8+
PRICES: From $74.90 plus $8.95 booking fee
PRE SALE: 9am, Tuesday 1 September
WHAT’S ON: 9am, Wednesday 2 September
GENERAL PUBLIC: 9am, Friday 4 September

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Sydney Lyric Transforms Into Wonderland For The Exclusive Season Of Cirque Alice

Feature-Cirque Alice

”Breathtaking. Captivating. Spectacular. A wondrous evening filled to overflowing with incredible memories that will last a lifetime!” – Arts Review

Venture down the rabbit hole for the exclusive 2026 Sydney season of Cirque Alice, an epic new show from the creators of Cirque Du Soleil’s Mad Apple and the international smash hits The Illusionists, Le Noir, Circus 1903 and Now You See Me Live, that will transform Sydney Lyric Theatre from 25 September to 11 October. Tickets are on sale from 10am today at ticketmaster.com.au

Produced by Tim Lawson and Simon Painter, Cirque Alice reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic adventure and bring to life everyone’s favourite characters with extraordinary acts from some of the greatest performers around the globe.

Lawson and Painter have created a unique circus show that celebrates one of the most recognisable fantasy worlds of all time, with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland a ‘curiouser and curiouser’ source of inspiration for all ages.

Creative Producer Simon Painter said he was incredibly excited to bring Cirque Alice to Sydney. “The tales of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland provide the perfect backdrop to create a magical narrative about a cirque show. Filled with some of the most eccentric and larger-than-life characters and creations, the original stories have provided such amazing inspiration for this groundbreaking new production,” Painter said.

Producer Tim Lawson added, “This is the perfect show for everyone – whether you’re on a date night or you want to bring the whole family along – do not miss this performance of jaw dropping acts set around one of the world’s most magical stories.”

Cirque Alice will entice audiences down the rabbit hole, with an awe-inspiring set and an enthralling soundtrack featuring newly arranged contemporary renditions of some of the world’s favourite classical hits. The show will feature a line-up of the greatest acrobatic performers from around the globe, mesmerising aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry and dancers, special musical guest, comedic artists and more.

Immerse yourself and get lost in Cirque Alice, a captivating two-hour show for all ages. cirquealice.com

CIRQUE ALICE
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: 25 September – 11 October
Performance Times: Wed – Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm, Matinees Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 1pm
Prices: From $69 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 795 267

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The Grand Electric What’s Coming Up

Feature-The Grand Electric

The Grand Electric has quickly established itself as one of Sydney’s most exciting entertainment destinations, and now with the launch of an expanded weekend program will offer audiences even more reasons to visit.

One of The Grand Electric’s best-selling and most critically acclaimed shows La Ronde has now been performed more than 200 times. This incredible show has featured 25 extraordinary circus and cabaret performers from across the world but must close on 20 September 2026.

Venue Manager Brian Robertson said, “With our expanded weekend program, we’ve curated a diverse line-up that invites audiences of all ages to experience The Grand Electric in different ways. From the audience participation and laughter of Trevor Jones’ Sing It! to the exquisite vocals of Les Femmes, the indulgent fun of SMASHED! and the launch of Club Flamingo – Australia’s family ‘nightclub’, every performance offers something unique. Then, as the sun goes down, Late Night Vice transforms the venue into an electrifying late-night destination. Whether you’re spending time with family, looking for an afternoon of entertainment with friends or an unforgettable night out, The Grand Electric has your weekend covered.”

SING IT!
Monthly on Sundays from 16 Aug
Sing along to the top 10 songs of all time – as chosen by YOU!
Get ready for the wildest, most interactive singalong of your life with Australia’s favourite piano man, Dr Trevor Jones. This is no ordinary piano bar – you decide what gets played!

Then in the second half, it’s the final countdown! Trevor reveals and performs the top 10 songs as voted by the audience in a high-energy showdown. With a different theme each week, no two shows are the same.

LES FEMMES
Sunday 9 August, Sunday 18 Oct, Sunday 29 Nov at 3pm
Les Femmes is a live music experience that takes songs by male artists and reinvents them with fierce femininity, sophistication, and undeniable allure seamlessly blending rock edge, pop glamour, and smooth R&B.

LA RONDE
Now Playing until 20 September
Delivers a world of dazzling feats, funky beats in a lavish cocktail of circus, cabaret, and comedy in a bold, breathtaking and utterly hypnotic show.

LATE NIGHT VICE
Now Playing Friday & Saturday nights
Nudity. Profanity. Strobe effects. A throbbing soundtrack. Pyrotechnics. Acrobatics, and Explosions of confetti (and quite possibly your mind) when bold performers, cheeky surprises, and high-voltage spectacle reign supreme

SMASHED THE BRUNCH PARTY
1 August, 5 September, 26 September, 24 October, 21 November
A fabulous, femme-tastic brunch extravaganza
Fresh, fierce and fancy as hell! Grab the hottest ticket in town for a celebrated smorgasbord of hot cabaret, exquisite drag and jaw-dropping circus.
The perfect way to start your day… or continue the night before! Mimosa, anyone?
“Camp, sass and a whole lot of a**” Theatre Travels

CLUB FLAMINGO
Saturday afternoons from 5 September.
Resident DJ The Flamingo and her wonderfully chaotic sidekick The March Hare throw the ultimate club party for kids and their grownups.
Expect giant dance-offs, world-class guest circus artists, outrageous games, confetti, bubbles and big main-character energy. Every week brings new guest performers, fresh surprises and another unforgettable party on the dance floor.

LOOKING AHEAD…
And there’s even more to come. As Sydney heads into the warmer months, The Grand Electric has announced the return of one of its biggest audience favourites. The internationally acclaimed Blanc de Blanc will return later this year promising another intoxicating blend of world-class acrobatics, cabaret, comedy and champagne-fuelled glamour.
Full details, including performance dates and ticket information, will be announced soon.

Details & bookings https://strutnfret.com/venues/the-grand-electric/

 

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Pay No Attention

Pay No Attention

Pay No Attention Rating

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This show is perfect for children and adults of a certain age! It is true physical theatre and demanding whilst being inspirational at the same time. The Flying Fruit Fly Circus, Australia’s only full-time training circus for young people, started in 1979 and it is still going with amazing results.

One artist opened the show with a thought provoking view on growing up and the need to pay attention to young people find out what really happens. Then with bright coloured costumes, fun lighting and a circus style set, the audience was ready for a fun hour of kaleidoscope trapeze artists, dancers providing strength-testing and comic acting. At times, the acts produced tension as young people performed from heights with no safety harness but all of the props were carefully managed with trainers standing by. It was still thrilling to watch as the artists with great stamina and strength and depending on the act, with elegance, performed to great applause and wonder.

One artist ascended a pole and gracefully demonstrated her flexibility and style. Two other female performers worked with high wire aerial silks and perfect timing as they whirled and twirled within the silk. There was a wonderful hula hoop performer showing her dexterity. The audience watched a strong young man holding up three people, with breath held hoping they were all balanced.

 

 

Music played a part with fun Spanish and Italian music matching the rhythm of the act. An elegant classical waltz had couples dancing as if at a Victorian ball and then two of the young men presented a wonderful act on two separate poles, running up and down them in time and then quickly falling to an inch of their noses. All with a balletic turn.

Two young women presented a kind of friendship, twirling with ropes and blending with each other in time to the music with a gentle flow. The two youngest members provided some comedy with classic circus moments including a tricycle and other fun circus style props. The finale was an ensemble piece with careful choreography, balletic grace and lots of balance and strength. The audience was enthralled.

It is a joy to watch a young ensemble supporting and working together with such professionalism, determination and style. There was obviously a range of ages with older members supporting young members when needed. It brought to mind the dream that many young people have, to run away to the circus!

To book tickets to Pay No Attention, please visit https://fruitflycircus.com.au/performance/pay-no-attention/.

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