phantom

Review: The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour is Intoxicating

The Phantom of the Opera is dazzling audiences across Sydney Harbour. I’ve been a long time fan of the production since I was a child and I first watched The Phantom of the Opera film. I instantly was drawn in by the theatrical drama, the music, the costumes, the enchanting songs and the deeply emotional story. It absolutely drew me in and consumed me.

I watched the film over and over again for more than a decade and was thrilled that I recently had the opportunity to attend the opening night of  The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour. The stunning floating set, miraculous performances, intricate costumes and outdoor experience exceeded my expectations and took my breath away.

I’ve never been so blown away in my life, from the moment the crowd settled in their seats and quieted down for the show to start, to the second the Phantom theme roared from the speakers, I had instantaneous goosebumps and tears filled my eyes. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s luscious melodies, crashing chords and soaring high notes from the dizzying score are positively intoxicating.

There’s something about the Phantom that feels deeply rooted in my childhood and taps into the feeling of nostalgia, and I have a feeling that the same sentiment runs true for so many other millennials who grow up with Phantom,  to then see the production one day live is overwhelming, but in the best way with the electrifying and thundering music.

If I could watch the production a thousand times over again I would. This performance is one not to be missed rain or shine. If you happen to book your tickets on a night that is raining heavily or as a mist, it really just adds to the total experience and the theatrical drama of the Phantom. The stunning set design in the open-air arena with the backdrop of the Sydney harbour is truly magical and not to be missed.

If you have had the opportunity to see the production of The Phantom of the Opera live before, this show is as if you’ve never seen it before. Under the stars, on a floating stage with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline glittering in the background. With fireworks every night and themed pop-up bars and restaurants, it is the most unforgettable evening.

You’re instantly transported into the frame of the story and the mystifying music of creator and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who happened to be there on opening night! A true fangirl moment as I stood next to him in the wonder of this legendary man, composer and lyrical genius.

Watch The Phantom’s extraordinary world unfold before your eyes and come to life, complete with a massive cast of musical theatre and opera’s top talents accompanied by a live orchestra hidden beneath the stage, and the breathtaking view of the Sydney Harbour as the backdrop to the most stunning evening of your lives.

Tickets and Location 

This stunning production runs from Friday 25 March to Sunday 24 April 2022, buy your tickets from $99 here now, for a night you will not forget.

Uncollected tickets will be available from the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour onsite box office on the day of the show – from 4:30pm onwards. Simply bring your identification for collection from the onsite box office.

Getting there

This event takes place outdoors at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie’s Point.

If you plan to arrive via public transport the nearest train station is St James and a short walk to the Domain Car Park where a free pre-performance shuttle service runs from 5:00pm until 7:30pm, looping from the Domain Car Park (departing from Sir John Young Crescent on the ground floor) to the venue entrance.

The post-performance shuttle service runs from 8:40pm until midnight and will stop at both the Art Gallery of NSW and the Domain Car Park.

Images provided by Opera Australia.