Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour West Side Story
22 March – 21 April 2024
This event takes place off site at Mrs Macquaries Point
Musical Theatre
Join Opera Australia for Sydney’s best night out, with fireworks every night, take your seats under the stars.
Date | Time |
Friday 22 March | 7:30pm |
Saturday 23 March | 7:30pm |
Sunday 24 March | 7:30pm |
Tuesday 26 March | 7:30pm |
Wednesday 27 March | 7:30pm |
Thursday 28 March | 7:30pm |
Saturday 30 March | 7:30pm |
Sunday 31 March | 7:30pm |
Tuesday 2 April | 7:30pm |
Wednesday 3 April | 7:30pm |
Thursday 4 April | 7:30pm |
Friday 5 April - cancelled | 7:30pm |
Saturday 6 April | 7:30pm |
Sunday 7 April (Captioned) | 7:30pm |
Tuesday 9 April | 7:30pm |
Wednesday 10 April | 7:30pm |
Thursday 11 April (Auslan Interpreted) | 7:30pm |
Friday 12 April | 7:30pm |
Saturday 13 April | 7:30pm |
Sunday 14 April | 7:30pm |
Tuesday 16 April | 7:30pm |
Wednesday 17 April (Audio Described) | 7:30pm |
Thursday 18 April | 7:30pm |
Friday 19 April | 7:30pm |
Saturday 20 April | 7:30pm |
Sunday 21 April | 7:30pm |
Sunday to Thursday Performances
Ticket | Price |
---|---|
Premium | $349 |
A Reserve | $299 |
B Reserve | $249 |
C Reserve | $185 |
D Reserve | $115 |
E Reserve | $79 |
Concession Full-time Australian Student Pensioner card holders (Aust. only) | Price |
---|---|
Premium | $314 |
A Reserve | $269 |
B Reserve | $224 |
C Reserve | $166 |
D Reserve | $103 |
E Reserve | $71 |
Children Aged 17 and under | Price |
---|---|
Premium | $314 |
A Reserve | $149 |
B Reserve | $124 |
C Reserve | $92 |
D Reserve | $57 |
E Reserve | $39 |
Friday performances; also Sunday 21 April
Ticket | Price |
---|---|
Premium | $379 |
A Reserve | $329 |
B Reserve | $275 |
C Reserve | $210 |
D Reserve | $135 |
E Reserve | $109 |
Concession Full-time Australian Student Pensioner card holders (Aust. only) | Price |
---|---|
Premium | $341 |
A Reserve | $296 |
B Reserve | $247 |
C Reserve | $189 |
D Reserve | $121 |
E Reserve | $98 |
Children Aged 17 and under | Price |
---|---|
Premium | $341 |
A Reserve | $164 |
B Reserve | $137 |
C Reserve | $105 |
D Reserve | $67 |
E Reserve | $54 |
Saturday Performances
Ticket | Price |
---|---|
Premium | $379 |
A Reserve | $329 |
B Reserve | $275 |
C Reserve | $210 |
D Reserve | $135 |
E Reserve | $109 |
$8.95 booking fee applies per transaction
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
The authorised agencies for this event are Sydney Opera House, Opera Australia, Today Tix and Ticketmaster. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
Sydney Opera House Insiders pre-sale
10am, Thursday 28 September
Become a Sydney Opera House Insider to receive exclusive pre-sale access
What’s On e-newsletter on-sale
11am, Thursday 28 September
General Public tickets on-sale
10am, Thursday 5 October
In English
Wheelchair accessible
There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations available.
To book accessible seating contact Box Office via email or telephone on:
+61 2 9250 7777 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST)
Closed Captions
Sunday 7 April 2024 7:30pm
Captions are text descriptions that display the session's dialogue, identify speakers, and describe other relevant sounds that are otherwise inaccessible to people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Captions will be available via your personal device (phone), to access the captions on your personal device (phone), scan the QR Code on the sign displayed at the entry to the venue.
Audio Described Performance
Wednesday 17 April 2024 7:30pm
An audio description service is offered for select performances of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour. Audio description is a live commentary for people who are blind or have low vision of the visual elements of a performance which is relayed to the patron via a free headset and receiver linked to the FM radio system.
To book an Audio Description headset and seats in the best area to receive the Audio Description transmission, please call (02) 9318 8200
Auslan Interpreted Performance
Thursday 11 April 2024 7:30pm
Auslan interpretation service is provided for audiences who are deaf and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Experienced Auslan interpreters stand to the side of the stage and translate what the speakers are saying into Auslan. A block of seats is reserved for users of this service to ensure a good view of the interpreter and the stage. To book call (02) 9318 8200 or email customerservice@opera.org.au
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House
Content Warnings
This production contains strong language, adult themes and a depiction of sexual violence; not recommended for children under the age of 12.
Run time
This performance will go for 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one interval.
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Age
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
Tonight, tonight the world is wild and bright. Going mad, shooting sparks into space!
West Side Story exploded onto Broadway in 1957 in a sensational storm of exuberant dance and wistful romance. It was a phenomenon that never faded, “an incandescent piece of work” (The New York Times).
In 2024, this musical masterpiece returns to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour in an electrifying, larger-than-life staging. Experience the greatest score ever written for musical theatre, dynamic dance numbers that soar through the open air, and a love story for the ages.
It’s war on New York’s Upper West Side, and the Jets and the Sharks are locked in a fierce turf battle. But as the two teen gangs hurtle down a dangerous path, Tony and Maria cross enemy lines, dreaming of a time and place where they can love freely.
Leonard Bernstein’s score is punctuated with hits: ‘America’, ‘Tonight’, ‘Maria’, ‘I Feel Pretty’, and the enduring ‘Somewhere’.
Opera and musical theatre great Francesca Zambello directs a production that revels in all that’s beautiful about West Side Story, with designers Brian Thomson and Jennifer Irwin transforming Sydney into a slice of New York.
See why this staging became the highest selling ever on the harbour-top stage, delighting audiences and critics.
If you’ve never been to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, prepare for a remarkable night out. Arrive early to enjoy the sun setting over Sydney Harbour as you raise a glass and drink in the view at one of the five pop-up bars and restaurants on site. Then take your place in the grandstand by the water to enjoy the enthralling show, complete with live orchestra hidden beneath the dramatic stage and fireworks in the balmy night air.
Presented by Opera Australia
LimelightA wonderful production that uses the large, outdoor space cleverly, thrills with its electrifying choreography and catchy, complex score.
Artist Information
CAST
Tony Billy Bourchier
Maria Nina Korbe
CREATIVES
Director Francesca Zambello
Musical Director Guy Simpson
Associate Director Eric Sean Fogel
Revival Choreographer Kiira Schmidt Carper
Set Design Brian Thomson
Costume Design Jennifer Irwin
Lighting Design John Rayment
Sound Design Des O’Neill
Season 2024
Opera Australia
More stories. More sensational music. More of what makes opera magical. The excitement begins long before the first note. The date in your calendar. The glitter of the harbour. The magnificent sails. And then, the singing: unamplified, unfiltered, unbelievable.
Plan your visit
Venue information
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is an open-air and all-weather event
The venue, audience seating, and the stage are completely uncovered. The event is an all-weather experience and we’re committed to going ahead with a performance of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour even in doubtful or unfavourable weather conditions. Please come prepared so that you are as comfortable as possible, and ready to support the performers, who will carry on singing and dancing in the rain.
Performance pauses and cancellations
We will only cancel a performance during electrical storms (within 10km radius) or during times of extremely high winds and/or rain. We will not cancel a performance until 7.30pm or later. We may decide to cancel a performance once the show is underway. Please plan to travel to the venue for a 7.30pm performance start time even in unfavourable weather conditions.
In some weather conditions, we may delay the start time of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour or pause for up to 50 minutes at any point throughout the performance.
Auxiliary expenses including travel, accommodation or hospitality which you have arranged in conjunction with the performance are at your own risk and Opera Australia cannot refund these.
Getting here
Mrs Macquaries Road, leading into the venue, is likely to experience traffic congestion. We highly recommend avoiding this road by catching public transport or parking in surrounding car parks and then catching our free shuttle bus.
Public transport
When walking from the train/bus remember that access to the venue via the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is only possible prior to 6pm. After this time, the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is closed from all entrances and not possible to walk through.
The nearest train stations are:
St James: approximately a 16-minute walk* (1.3 km)
Martin Place: approximately an 18-minute walk* (1.5 km)
Circular Quay: approximately a 29-minute walk* (2.3 km)
*These linked maps and estimated walk times use routes outside of The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. If you're walking before the Garden gates close (prior to 6.30pm in March and 6pm in April), using a route through the Garden will save time.
Bus route 200 stops on Macquarie Street.
All schedules, times and dates can be viewed at the transportnsw.info.
Water taxi
Water taxis run a special service during the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour performance season.
Water taxis will depart regularly from Man O’War Jetty (near the Sydney Opera House) from 5pm until 7.30pm* and drop off at The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool wharf in Woolloomooloo Bay, which is a 3-minute walk to the venue. Please note there is a number of stairs leading up from the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool wharf to the performance venue.
After the performance, taxis will recommence for the return trip and make a drop-off stop only at Circular Quay. Tickets are $15 one way or $30 return.
* This is a latecomers service and will get you to the venue AFTER the start of the performance. Note that patrons arriving late will not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. This break may not be until interval. Patrons who are late may not be seated in their allocated seat.
Parking
The Domain Car Park is the closest car park. From 4:30pm, a flat rate of $10 applies. The carpark will be open until 1am during the performance season. A free shuttle bus is available to guests who park in the Domain Car Park (see details below). Parking spots for those with disability parking permits are located at the northern end of the ground floor.
There is metered parking along Mrs Macquaries Road, Hospital Road and Macquarie Street. Meters accept cash, credit card or payment by mobile phone. You need to register to pay with your mobile phone at https://parknpay.nsw.gov.au.
Art Gallery Road, leading into the venue, is likely to experience traffic congestion. We highly recommend arranging an alternative drop off/meeting point.
Shuttle bus
The pre-performance shuttle service starts at 4:30pm and runs on a loop from the Domain Car Park (departing from Sir John Young Crescent on the ground floor) to the venue entrance on Mrs Macquaries Road. The shuttle ride takes approximately 5 minutes, depending on traffic.
The post-performance shuttle service starts from 10:15pm and runs until midnight, or until the last patron has left, and stops at both the Art Gallery of NSW and the Domain Car Park.
Download shuttle bus drop-off and pick-up points (PDF)
Download shuttle pick-up point at the Domain Car Park (PDF)
The Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour shuttle bus departs from the ground floor of the Domain Car Park and is wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is an open-air and all-weather event.
The venue, audience seating, and the stage are completely uncovered. The event is an all-weather experience and we’re committed to going ahead with a performance of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour even in doubtful or unfavourable weather conditions. Please come prepared so that you are as comfortable as possible, and ready to support the performers, who will carry on singing and dancing in the rain.
Bring warm and waterproof clothing
Sydney weather is full of surprises so we recommend that you dress with this in mind and bring warm, weatherproof clothing. Please note that although umbrellas can be brought to the venue, out of consideration for other members of the audience they cannot be used during the performance.
Ponchos
Ponchos will be available to purchase at the event for $5. We'll be selling the Biowear Eco Poncho. Made of corn, soy, and sunflower starches, these ponchos are biodegradable. Once disposed of, the poncho takes about a year to break down and become a protein of the ecosystem. We'll be donating any profit from the sale of ponchos to Clean Up Australia.
Performance pauses and cancellations
We will only cancel a performance during electrical storms (within 10km radius) or during times of extremely high winds and/or rain. We will not cancel a performance until 7.30pm or later. We may decide to cancel a performance once the show is underway. Please plan to travel to the venue for a 7.30pm performance start time even in unfavourable weather conditions.
In some weather conditions, we may delay the start time of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour or pause for up to 50 minutes at any point throughout the performance.
Auxiliary expenses including travel, accommodation or hospitality which you have arranged in conjunction with the performance are at your own risk and Opera Australia cannot refund these.
Yes! You can exchange your tickets up to two working days before the performance you hold tickets to. To arrange an exchange please contact the Box Office on +61 2 9250 7777 (Monday to Sunday 9am – 5pm).
It’s a great idea to arrive early, grab a drink and soak up the view. The venue opens at 5.30pm every evening.
If you are collecting your tickets from the on-site box office on Mrs Macquaries Road at Fleet Steps, we recommend doing this at least 1 hour before the event starts. If you have already received your tickets, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the event to give you time to find your seats.
If you are late, we will seat you as soon as possible, but please be aware that some events have lock out periods where late comers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Occasionally this is not until the interval, or if there is no interval, late comers may not be admitted at all. Latecomers may not be admitted to their allocated seats. Details of our right to refuse admission can be found in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Events.
Handa Opera in Sydney Harbour has wheelchair locations, companion seats and level access seats available.
Wheelchair accessible seats
Customers requiring wheelchair and/or companion seating should contact the Ticketing Services Office on +61 2 9318 8200, Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm. Wheelchair locations and companion seats are in sections F, G and H, Row JJ.
Level access seats
The best seats for mobility impaired audience members (who are not bound to a wheelchair) are in the first 5 rows of sections A-E. The path to these seats is downhill to seats in row 1 and then up a few stairs to seats in higher rows. On the way out, the path is back uphill and mobility impaired patrons should consider requesting the use of a wheelchair (subject to availability) and assistance in exiting the venue.
Please also note that whilst Front-of-House do their very best to move patrons promptly, patrons requiring assistance exiting the venue may experience delays.
You’re welcome to take photos of the site and venue before and after the performance, however, no photography is permitted during the performance.
Plan to arrive early and savour a drink and something delicious while you watch the sun set over the harbour. Five different restaurant and bar areas on site serve a range of foods to suit every appetite and budget.
Please don't bring a picnic. Only food and beverages purchased on site can be consumed within the venue.
Sorry, you can't bring your own food or drink into this event.
The authorised agencies for this event are Sydney Opera House, Opera Australia, Today Tix, TIX and Ticketmaster.
Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable.
The Sydney Opera House is the only authorised ticket seller for Events at the Sydney Opera House, unless we specify on our website that there are other authorised ticket sellers for a specific event.
Tickets purchased from Ticketmaster Resale, Viagogo, Ticketbis, eBay, Gumtree, Tickets Australia or any other unauthorised re-seller may be cancelled without notice and/or the holder may be refused admission to the event.
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