Alannah Le Cross (née Maher) (she/her) is obsessed with theatre, art, subversive underground performance culture, and statement earrings. A longstanding theatre critic, arts enthusiast, and writer with a penchant for exploring subcultures and humans in the city; she joined Time Out Sydney in 2019. After beginning as an editorial assistant and telling stories as the resident lifestyle journalist, she is now the arts and culture editor. In this role, she delights in connecting people with cool art and interesting experiences, as well as sharing reviews and insights from a crop of incredible writers whose diverse perspectives and incredible way with words leads to enriching reads.

She studied a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Journalism at Western Sydney University, which included an exchange program at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK. She has written features and reviews for a range of independent and street press publications including The Music, and served as an arts editor for City Hub. Throughout her twenties, Alannah’s arts journalism career was juggled with roles in administration, marketing and publicity in the arts industry, not-for-profit and start-up spaces. Pair that with a past in hospitality, and you could say that she has experience on every side of the coin, and an appreciation for everyone’s hard work.

As of 2023, Alannah is also a judge on the Musical Theatre Panel of the Sydney Theatre Awards. If she’s not out seeing as many shows as humanly possible, you’ll find her down at the Impy, hanging out with drag queens or trying to make herself take the odd break from consuming culture. (But she’ll never be as busy or overcommitted as she was during Sydney WorldPride.)

Growing up regionally in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens (I know, how could she leave the beautiful beaches? The dolphins!? The salty delicacies of Aussie Bob's Fish & Chips!?) she was always drawn to the excitement and culture of the big city. A die-hard Inner Westie and a proud queer woman, Alannah is a shameless Sydney advocate who loves this city full of contradictions and diversity. She is passionate about making the arts more accessible and championing stories that foster our understanding of ourselves and others.

Want to pitch something to Alannah? Chuck her an email at alannah.lecross@timeout.com.

Ps. Alannah rhymes with Hannah. It’s pronounced A-lann-uh, not A-lar-na.

Alannah Le Cross

Arts and Culture Editor, Time Out Sydney

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Articles (253)

The best dancefloors in Sydney

Dancefloors come in all shapes and sizes in Sydney – sticky-floored pubs can double up as heaving rave caves, small bars morph into late-night party dens on sporadic Wednesdays, and on most Friday nights, warehouses across Sydney's Inner West transform into laser-lit super-clubs (though we can't spill too much on that front). Sydney cops a lot of flack for its nightlife, but we think it's all about just looking in the right places. Here are our picks of the most reliable dancefloors to break some shapes in the Harbour City right now. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere more chill to whet your whistle? Here are our favourite hidden bars in the Harbour City.Want a live show? These are the best bars and pubs with live music in Sydney.

The biggest musicals to see in Australia this year

There’s never been a quiet year for theatre in Australia. From the bright lights of Broadway and West End to our very own stages in Australia, we’re lucky to play host to some of the world’s biggest and best musicals. We’re also a hotbed for homegrown gems, with fresh and experimental shows lighting up stages across the country every month. From the grand return of a British “mega-musical” starring cats to the Aussie premiere of a musical based on Pretty Woman, this year’s theatre line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Here are all the biggest musicals currently playing in Australia or headed Down Under in the next year or so. 🖼 The best Australian art galleries🔍 Australia's greatest museums 👀 The best art exhibitions to see in Australia right now

Where to play two-up in Sydney on ANZAC Day 2025

There are many ways that countries around the world honour their veterans and the sacrifices they make as members of the armed forces. One of the ways we do it here in Australia is with the fairly odd, gloriously raucous tradition of ANZAC Day two-up – betting on the flipping of two coins.First, of course, Sydney starts ANZAC Day with the big Dawn Service, which will take place this year at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, commencing at 4.20am. The ANZAC Day March through the Sydney CBD kicks off at 9am and ends with a 12.30pm commemoration service by the Pool of Remembrance at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park. Then, after you've formally paid your respects, it's time for the coin toss. From rooftop parties to coastal rings and a beer garden with a grandstand for big-group viewing, we've scoured Sydney for the best two-up venues in town.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do and travel inspo, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere else to grab a drink? Check out the best bars in Sydney right now, and these are all of our favourite pubs in the city.

The best exhibitions to see in Sydney this month

Rain or shine, Sydney’s best art galleries and top museums contain treasure troves of inspiration just waiting to be discovered. Our favourite exhibition of the summer, the surreal, cyber-futuristic world of Cao Fei: My City is Yours, sadly closes on April 13. But if you like the sound of that, then you absolutely do not want to miss XSWL at White Rabbit Gallery (closes May 18). Taking its name from the Chinese internet slang term for “laughing to death”, this exhibition features four floors of wild contemporary art where silly, harmless fun and jokes are deployed to bypass taboos and tackle politically sensitive topics. Photograph: Supplied | Hamish McIntosh | 'XLSW' at White Rabbit Gallery While the Art Gallery of NSW gets warmed up for its next suite of major exhibitions, there are still plenty of strange and wonderful things to see there. For example, you only have a limited time left to head down into The Tank and allow the rich visual and sonic experience of Angelica Mesiti: The Rites of When to wash over you. Qtopia Sydney also recently unveiled a handful of colourful new exhibitions that dive into LGBTQIA+ culture, including an exploration of a certain Aussie pop star’s deep bond with her LGBTQ+ fanbase in Kylie Minogue & Queer Devotion as well as a fabulous showcase of painstakingly crafted costumes from past Sydney Mardi Gras Parades in BE:DAZZLED Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Costume Extravaganza. Are you prepared to head outside of the city for an experience

The best Easter school holiday activities in Sydney

Believe it or not, another school holiday is just about to begin in NSW. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two weeks sends you into a spiral, we have you covered – with the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this Easter. There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini-athletes, the musical prodigies and just about everyone in between. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

The best shows to see on Sydney stages this week

There is an overwhelming number of things to do in Sydney on any given week – let alone when it comes to theatre. You can dive deeper with our more comprehensive guide to what's on Sydney's stages this month. For now, here's our picks of the best shows to see this week.

The best shows to see in Sydney this month

Summer might be behind us, but Sydney’s huge year of theatre is treading hot across the boards this April. The Down Under debut of genre-defying sensation Hadestown is still holding a steady flame – and we believe it could be the most re-watched musical of the year, with loads of theatregoers booking tickets for their second and third viewings (catch it before it closes on April 26). The arrival of autumn also means that it’s time for one of Opera Australia’s epic outdoor shows on Sydney Harbour, and this year’s fresh take on musical comedy classic Guys & Dolls is a spectacle that’s definitely worth rolling the dice on (closes April 20) – and we've prepared a handy guide for your visit to Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour over here. Speaking of the classics, the all-new Aussie tour of Annie opening at the gorgeous Capitol Theatre is sure to be fun for the whole family (playing ’til June 21). Tickets for the Hayes Theatre Co's new production of The Producers are hot property, having sold out before the season even opened! (But you do have a shot to see it when it ships over to Riverside Theatres from May 15–18, tickets here.) We’re also keen on the Sydney premiere of Bloom (playing ’til May 11), a brand-new Australian musical comedy from one of the brains behind The Castle. And if it’s musical madness you’re after, you’ll laugh your head off at Titanique, which will be cruising Sydney’s waters for a while longer – the cult-hit parody has extended (yet again) through to June. If

The 27 best hotels in Sydney

The Emerald City is peppered with a whole host of dreamy stays – from boutique boltholes with rooftop pools overlooking trendy city suburbs to sky-high towers with uninterrupted views of the Opera House. To help you choose which is right for you, our team of writers (including Lifestyle Writer Winnie Stubbs and Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley) have shared their top picks for the best places to stay in Sydney – along with tips on how to make the most of your stay. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spots for a weekend away if you’re keen to get out of town. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The best caravans and campervans to hire in NSW

Does the idea of a road trip summon nostalgia for childhood summers spent in a caravan by the sea, or the fantasy of hitting the wide-open road in an all-in-one van and getting a break from it all with that nomad lifestyle? You can try life-on-the-road on for size without spending your life savings by renting a reliable road vessel from Camplify. It’s kind of like Airbnb but for campervans, caravans and trailers. It allows the people who have invested in all the van-life bits and bobs to share their gear instead of it just being parked in the driveway when they're at home. Looking for a caravan to clap on to the back of your own valiant steed (car) and hit the wide open road? Or an all-in-one van that will allow you to wake up to the sound of ocean waves lapping on the shore? Check out these top ten suggestions for options to pick up in Sydney for your next road trip, or opt to have a caravan set up in a dreamy location of your own choosing. All have been lovingly restored to their vintage glory or transformed from scratch into the ultimate self-sufficient travel companion.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Wondering where to visit? Here are our favourite road trips in NSW and these are the best road trips in the state according to a travel industry expert.

The 16 best wellness retreats in Australia

Sometimes you just need to take a time out – and here at Time Out Australia, we’re the experts at doing just that. We’ve scoped out the very best wellness retreats around Australia, where you can soak away your worries and be pampered like absolute royalty. From an award-winning natural hot spring with 50 bathing experiences to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spa with one of only two Somadome meditation pods in Australia, these places will cater to all your relaxing desires. Make a day trip of it or sneak off for a dedicated week-long detox – whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling like a whole new person. These are the best wellness retreats in Australia right now. ✨ The top luxury hotels in Australia🌳 Australia's most magical rainforests🥾 The most epic hikes to do in Australia

The 20 best day spas in Australia

You know what’s finally trending in 2025? Self-care. While a warm bubble bath or 15-minute face mask is a nice pick-me-up, nothing beats a full-on pamper session at the spa. And boy does Australia have some pretty phenomenal pamper palaces that’ll leave you glowing from head to toe. Whether you’re treating yourself to a five-star massage while on holiday or searching for a local bathhouse to add to your weekly routine, we think you should add these day spas to the top of your to-do list. Here are the best and most luxurious day spas in Australia right now. ⭐️ Australia's best health and wellness retreats🌳 Here are all the best things to do in Australia🖼️ Art exhibitions you need to see this year

The smash-hit ‘RBG: Of Many, One’ is returning to the Sydney stage due to popular demand

Following a sold-out national tour in 2024, Sydney Theatre Company’s smash-hit one-woman show RBG: Of Many, One is returning to the Sydney Opera House stage once more in 2025. The brilliant Heather Mitchell will be reviving her award-winning performance as the woman who changed the face of the American legal system, the indomitable Ruth Bader Ginsburg – which Time Out Melbourne’s critic described as an “exemplary performance that is a wonder to behold…so spot on that it feels completely effortless” in their rave four-star review. A great legal mind, feminist icon, and improbable pop culture darling, Ginsburg was a trailblazing figure – and this critically-acclaimed production assembles a trio of powerhouse women that do her legacy justice. Directed by Priscilla Jackman, RBG: Of Many, One comes from the pen of Suzie Miller, the celebrated Australian lawyer-turned-playwright behind international hit Prima Facie (which has also been screening in cinemas around the world, care of the UK’s National Theatre Live, starring Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer). An “unexpectedly funny” and “sweeping but satisfying portrayal…delving into its main subjects with grace and patience” (Time Out Sydney) – this theatrical event will be talked about for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to experience it for yourself. RBG: Of Many, One will return to the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, from April 11 to May 17 as part of the 2025 national tour. You can book your tickets over here.

Listings and reviews (298)

The Wrong Gods

Following the runaway success of theatrical epics Counting and Cracking and The Jungle and the Sea, Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre presents the world premiere of S. Shakthidharan’s brand new play, The Wrong Gods (May 3 – June 1). Taking an interesting detour from the huge scale of the critically-acclaimed playwright’s previous hits, this gripping tale of local justice and global power unfolds over a short, sharp 90 minutes with an all-star cast of four. In a valley in India, paintings on a cave wall bear testimony to the presence of people – and their gods – for fifty-thousand years. Close by, Nirmala farms the soil as her ancestors did, but her daughter Isha wants something more – a city education, and the opportunity it promises. And there are outsiders in the valley now, bringing new crops, new technologies, new visions of the future. There are new gods loose in the valley. But they are asking Nirmala and her people to pay a heavy price. Co-directed by S. Shakthidharan and Belvoir’s Resident Director Hannah Goodwin (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Never Closer), The Wrong Gods features Manali Datar (Fangirls), Nadie Kammallaweera (Counting and Cracking), Radhika Mudaliyar (Counting and Cracking), and Vaishnavi Suryaprakash (Counting and Cracking, Nayika: A Dancing Girl), with set and costume design by Keerthi Subramanyam (Never Closer) and original music by Hindustani musician Sabyasachi (Rahul) Bhattacharya. Filled with hope, betrayal, tradition and self

And Then There Were None

Would-be detectives, riddle me this: do you think you can guess which novel penned by British crime writer extraordinaire Agatha Christie is her best seller? If you’re thinking of a tale featuring Miss Marple or Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot, then you need to revisit your list of clues. In fact, of all 66 novels attributed to Christie, her most popular title is actually And Then There Were None. (And trust us, do not look up the original title.) It’s one of only a handful of Christie’s novels that features no recurring characters – and that’s because there aren’t many left standing after a group of ten perfect strangers are summoned to a mysterious, storm-lashed island and promptly accused of murder most horrid. As gripping a whodunnit as it’s possible to be, the tightly-plotted head-scratcher has long captivated readers the world over. Unsurprisingly, it’s been adapted oodles of times, including multiple films, radio and TV shows, including being spoofed on Family Guy. Well, hold on to your alibis, because the producers of the recent huge national tour of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap are bringing a brand-new production of And Then There Were None to Sydney’s Theatre Royal, following its premiere season in Melbourne. Stage and screen luminary Robyn Nevin is back in the director’s chair, with a stacked cast featuring Mia Morrissey (Deadloch), Nicholas Hammond (The Sound of Music), Tom Stokes (Death of a Salesman), Jack Bannister (The Mousetrap), who pops up in Aussie horr

The Other Art Fair

Get ready to raise a glass to curious encounters and immerse yourself in a colourful world of art, because The Other Art Fair is landing back in Sydney from May 8–11, and it’s once again taking over the cavernous White Bay Cruise Terminal in Balmain. Cast aside your preconceptions – this global event is a place where barriers are broken and the usual art-world rules don’t apply. You have the chance to connect with more than 100 independent artists; get hands-on with immersive installations; witness unexpected performances; and discover artwork that makes you stop, think, and maybe even laugh out loud. With live DJs on the decks and a buzzing bar serving up refreshments, you can also expect the return of fair favourites like live Art Battles and fine line tattoos from local stick-and-poke artists – and yes, that ink is permanent, we have road tested getting tattooed at the fair (refer to the video below). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Sydney (@timeoutsydney) This time around, you can also take a chance on a Blind Date With An Artwork (for $200) and check out James Patrick’s Art Vending Machine filled with one-of-a-kind, entirely human-made miniature artworks. The May fair is also all fired up for The Ceramics Edit, which puts the incredible work of Australian ceramicists in the spotlight. And the matriarchs haven’t been forgotten either, on Sunday (May 11) the fair becomes “The Mother Art Fair” – a special Mother’s Day transformation,

Tender

Ngununggula, for the uninitiated, is a gorgeous little gem of a gallery residing in a repurposed dairy shed near Bowral, a chilled 90-minute drive from Sydney. The latest exhibition to take over the walls is Tender (April 12 – June 15), an all-women showcase of seven leading Australian painters exploring the sensitive yet provocative concept of “tenderness”. Through new and existing work, artists Sally Anderson, Sarah Drinan, Laura Jones, India Mark, Dionisia Salas, Julia Trybala and Amber Wallis urge audiences to explore tenderness as a multifaceted human experience; and challenge the gendered associations of this term, which is often associated with notions of care and femininity. Tender follows the popular 2024 exhibition Once More With Feeling, and is part of the gallery’s annual program committed to showcasing the work of Australian women artists. This colourful, defiant and emotionally charged exhibition is the only excuse you need to gather up your coven for a drive to the Southern Highlands. But if you need any more encouragement – aside from free entry – Ngununggula also features Hearth by Moonacres, a flavour driven farm-to-table café, and the whole lot is surrounded by landscaped gardens and green fields. A perfect place to catch your breath, if you ask us. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news and things to do, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The best exhibitions to see in Sydney Here’s the best theatre to see in Syd

Thinking together: Exchanges with the natural world

When it comes to regional art galleries, Bundanon is top tier. But it’s difficult to convey the magic of this place if you haven’t experienced it for yourself. Hidden within a nature reserve and perched between a snaking bend of the mighty Shoalhaven River and the foot of a mountain, it's a special place to unplug and connect with art and nature. Hence, the latest exhibition to take up residence in the Art Museum, which encourages new ways of thinking through collaborations between humans and non-human worlds, is a natural fit. From large-scale paintings in traditional Indigenous art styles to experimental technologies, Thinking together: Exchanges with the natural world features new major commissions from contemporary artists and collectives that take a range of unexpected forms and unusual perspectives. For example, Greek-Australian artist and performer Tina Stefanou has been “collaborating” with retired horses for almost a decade, and these equine beauties are now the stars of ‘Horse Power’ (2019) – a video work in which we see them dressed in costumes festooned with jangling keys, creating freestyle percussion as they graze nonchalantly. Meanwhile, music-making mushrooms are the heroes of ‘Growth in the shadows’, a living artwork from Sydney-based interdisciplinary artist Keg de Souza – and that’s not a euphemism. Working with ecologists and Bundanon’s natural resources team, de Souza has “borrowed” live mycelium and fungi samples from the landscape and housed them in W

Sydney Comedy Festival

So, who else could use a laugh? Good news for us, the Sydney Comedy Festival is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary with its biggest program ever in 2025 (from April 21 to May 18). With brand-new experiences and more than 350 acts from near and far to get around, it’s time for you to prepare yourself for some next-level laughs and silly shenanigans. We’re particularly keen on the brand-new Sydney Comedy Festival Comedy Crawl that will come to life amongst the top-notch bars in the YCK Laneways precinct in the CBD. Led by a host, you can join a group of punters and take a chance on a surprise line-up in surprise venues, moving from bar-to-bar for each comedy set. The Festival’s inaugural ‘One Night Stand’ will also bring Daniel Sloss to town (with some friends) for an Australian exclusive performance at the Sydney Opera House for one night only on April 24, marking the beginning of annual Sydney-only shows. (That’s right, he’s not even going to MICF this year!) Sloss joins a colossal list of big names appearing in the Festival, including Aussie comedy legend Rhys Nicholson (Drag Race Down Under), Guy Montgomery, Jimeoin, Arj Barker, Melanie Bracewell, Nazeem Hussain, Becky Lucas, Joel Creasey, Rhys Darby and Steph Broadbridge – whose brand new Raygun-inspired show Breaking the Musical has already made quite a bit of noise. You can find also check out our list of 14 top shows to see at Sydney Comedy Festival in 2025 for more inspo. Another Festival first is Break

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

If you've always dreamed a dream of seeing the musical Les Misérables live in a spectacular arena setting, now's your chance. The beloved production is officially marching towards Melbourne for the Australian leg of a massive world tour, following rave reviews and sold-out crowds across the UK and major European cities. Describing itself as “the most spectacular arena production of a musical ever staged”, this epic tour is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the world’s longest-running musical, the record-breaking London production of Les Mis, which is still playing to sell-out audiences today. Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will arrive at Rod Laver Arena on May 14 for a 15-show run. Super-producer Cameron Mackintosh has assembled a world class creative team, with the exciting new production design being specifically created for each venue – and the international cast is also absolutely top tier. Australia’s leading lady, Marina Prior, is playing Madame Thénardier. Maria is certified musical theatre royalty – before she blew everyone away as the original Christine Daaé in the Australian premiere of The Phantom of the Opera in the early ’90s, she also played Cosette in the original Australian production of Les Misérables. Highly recognisable British comedian, actor and author Matt Lucas (best known for Little Britain) is also reprising the role of Thénardier. He first triumphed in the role in the 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2 in London, and later in the production

Dobell Drawing Prize

The $30,000 Dobell Drawing Prize has a rich history of celebrating some of Australia’s most renowned artists, and you don’t have to hand over a cent to head down to the gorgeous gallery inside the sandstone walls of the National Art School to check out all of this year’s finalists. Curated by Lucy Latella, the exhibition features 56 artworks from an exciting cross-section of established, mid-career and early-career artists, selected from 965 nationwide entries. Now in its 24th year, this biennial art prize celebrates the enduring importance of drawing in contemporary art practice, with a focus on technique, innovation and expanded approaches. The selected works span various media – from coloured pencil, charcoal, chalk and watercolour to clay, human hair, aluminium, LED, and video – and consider a range of themes including domesticity and social dynamics, environmental care, and impacts of climate change and colonisation. NAS alumna Rosemary Lee took out the prize this year – her winning work ‘24-1’ depicts an urban landscape in Sydney’s Inner West, and the judging panel praised her work for the way it “observes tonal and compositional profundity in everyday life”. The judges also said: “We were most impressed by the level of visual intensity the artist has achieved in this complex work, both through its vibrant colour and in the extraordinary detail of the composition. The artwork’s exploration of the urban landscape and gentrification of the Sydney suburbs of Ashfield and S

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

Perched on Circular Quay and open six days a week, the MCA (or the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, if you're to use its formal name) is Sydney's year-round destination for new-age and left-of-centre art. Opened in 1991, the MCA's harbourside home was once the administration offices of the Maritime Services Board. The building was overhauled head to toe (well, almost) with light, airy, uncluttered interiors, more floor space, and a boxy new facade. Thankfully, they kept the building clad with sandstone that was long ago quarried at Maroubra. Inside, the gallery spaces themselves are clean, logical and open – with long vistas to entice and draw you in further. While the design of the exterior is about drawing attention, the opposite is the case for the interior – the look and feel is simple, so the art can shine. Where to eat at the MCA, Sydney In late 2024, the rooftop café was transformed into Canvas. A swish new fine diner that’s actually reasonably affordable, it features a new chef every six months, and, of course, those unbeatable views which take in the Sydney Opera House on the other side of the harbour. If you’re peckish for something a little less fancy, the gallery's ground-floor café is now twice the size. How much does entry cost at the MCA? For 25 years, the MCA was free to visit (with exception of major ticketed exhibitions). However, the museum introduced a General Admission fee at the start of 2025, citing crippling financial issues and a lack of govern

Warraba Weatherall: Shadow and Substance

Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) presents the first solo museum exhibition by Kamilaroi artist Warraba Weatherall, whose work has been exhibited widely nationally and internationally over the past decade. Through a dynamic combination of installation, sculpture and video works, Shadow and Substance turns a critical eye to the colonial record – reframing existing narratives about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture found within archival and museum collections. Drawing on his own family’s experiences, Weatherall’s work draws attention to the ethics of how Indigenous property, cultural information and materials have been historically acquired and displayed. A refined display that invites contemplation, this exhibition curated by MCA Australia Curator Megan Robson premieres several brand new artworks, including ‘Trace’ (2025) a major new co-commission between the MCA and the Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025, which resembles a giant spinning toy. ‘Dirge’ (2023) is a particularly fascinating piece, which draws attention to the ways in which information is “translated and transmitted”. Weatherall has created a large-scale, custom-built polyphon – a disc-operated mechanical music box – and the score it plays is a Braille translation of a colonial document relating to Aboriginal land rights found in an Australian museum. Running until September 21, Shadow and Substance is part of the MCA’s autumn 2025 exhibition program. You can spend up to an hour inspecting an

Big Girls Don’t Cry

Friendship is at the heart of Big Girls Don’t Cry, a gorgeous slice-of-life drama that takes us back to 1960s Redfern, where three young Aboriginal women are gearing up for the biggest night of the year – the Deb Ball. Playwright and star Dalara Williams balances the bitter and the sweet in this engaging rom-com-inflected drama. As Cheryl (Williams), Queenie (Megan Wilding) and Lulu (Stephanie Somerville) navigate life’s ups and downs, audiences at Belvoir St Theatre are gifted with an all-too-rarely seen window into Blak sisterhood. While for these women, injustice may tarnish everything from going to work to walking the streets, where racist cops roam – nothing in the world can shake the sacred joy of a trio of girlfriends gathered in a bedroom and getting ready for a night out, tearing through outfit options and gossiping. Not even Cheryl’s concern for her beloved Michael (Mathew Cooper), who’s serving in Vietnam. However, could the distracting pull of the charming Milo (Nic English) be strong enough to tear her away from re-reading the same old love letters? Inspired by her grandmothers’ stories and snapshots of history found in family photo albums, Williams has crafted an uplifting and entertaining drama that also doesn’t shy away from the violence and injustices of our all-too-recent history, and prompts us to question how much has really changed. Big Girls is not necessarily ground-breaking in its form, and it needn’t be, especially with a cast this good. Dalara Will

Titanic. The Human Story

More than a century after the Titanic sank into the icy depths of the North Atlantic Ocean, claiming the lives of 1,496 people, the legend continues to captivate us. Sydneysiders can take a deep dive into the stories of the people on board and explore detailed, life-size recreations of the ship’s interiors when Titanic. The Human Story opens this May at the historic Pier 2/3 in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Created by award-winning exhibitions producer Musealia alongside one of the world’s foremost experts on the Titanic, renound Swedish historian and author Claes-Göran Wetterholm, the exhibition will feature a selection of around 200 never-before-seen objects and personal artefacts that unveil touching human stories of the ship’s passengers and crew. Far more than just a display of historic items, Titanic. The Human Story is a unique narrative experience, sharing tales of the people aboard history’s most legendary ship on its maiden and final journey. The experience encourages guests to travel back in time through photographs, handwritten letters, cherished keepsakes, and other personal belongings. Having captivated audiences with previous iterations across America and the UK, this exhibition welcomed more than 146,000 visitors during its Australian debut in Brisbane in 2024. (Not to be confused with the similarly immersive Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition in Melbourne.) If you’re keen on some more deep sea exploration, we also recommend swimming over to the Australian Natio

News (410)

‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ is bringing glam-rock glory to Carriageworks this July

Sydney, it’s time to put on some makeup and pull the wig down from the shelf – because Hedwig has finally announced plans to head on over to our wicked little town. Following a smash-hit season with Adelaide Festival, GWB Entertainment and Andrew Henry Presents have confirmed that Hedwig and the Angry Inch will unleash its raw energy at Sydney’s Carriageworks from July 17. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the best rock musical ever” and featuring a razor-sharp catalogue of songs including ‘The Origin of Love’, ‘Midnight Radio’ and ‘Sugar Daddy’, Hedwig and the Angry Inch holds a special place for many queer people and rock music devotees. The world needs the wisdom of John Cameron Mitchell’s cult masterpiece of gender-fuckery more than ever – and an arguably perfect team of local queer talents have come together to create this original Australian production. (I was lucky enough to head over to the country’s festival capital for the premiere in February, and it was every bit as gloriously gritty, grungy, hilarious and heart-wrenching as I hoped it would be!) Seann Miley Moore stars as the hedonistic anti-heroine herself, Hedwig. Moore took out the critics’ choice award for Best Performance in a Musical in the inaugural Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Awards with their acclaimed take on the Engineer (or, as Moore describes them, the ‘Engin-Queer’) in Miss Saigon, and this wild, rock-fuelled role is your chance to see them like you’ve never seen them before. Along a live rock band, Se

Funny You Should Ask: 14 top picks to see at Sydney Comedy Festival in 2025

The Sydney Comedy Festival is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary by unleashing a bigger program than the city has ever seen before in 2025 (running from April 21 to May 18). So, with more than 350 funny folks from near and far hopping up on stages across the city, where do you get started? Right here. I’ve teased out a list of the acts that I’m most excited about down below (from Local Legends to International Icons). Another top tip is to check out a Sydney Comedy Festival Gala or a Best of The Fest showcase, where you’ll be introduced to a mixed lineup of a dozen or more acts in one go (usually including some big names!) who will all have their own solo shows too. This year, we’re also keen on the brand-new Comedy Bar Crawl that will come to life amongst the top-notch bars in the YCK Laneways precinct in the CBD. Led by a host, you can join a group of punters and take a chance on a surprise line-up in surprise venues, moving from bar-to-bar for each comedy set. LOCAL LEGENDS TO SEE AT SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL Photograph: Supplied/Jax Moussa Reuben Kaye – The Party’s Over From cancellation to resurrection, we will always worship at the altar of this razor-tongued prince whenever he crawls out of the Kaye Hole. Taking time out from his musical theatre debut in Jesus Christ Superstar, join Reuben Kaye and his band for a hilarious set of new songs and musings on the state of the world, with a sprinkling of his greatest hits reimagined for 2025. When & Where: April 24. Enmo

The hit Broadway musical 'Anastasia' is coming to Melbourne this year

Just when we thought the line-up of musicals coming to Melbourne this year couldn't be more exciting, it's been revealed that the Broadway hit Anastasia will be making its Australian debut in our city this year. This rave-reviewed musical is inspired by the beloved 1997 animated feature from 20th Century Fox (which we’d argue is one of the best non-Disney princess movies ever) and, of course, the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution. A lavish musical for the whole family with opulent settings and dazzling costumes, Anastasia premiered on Broadway in 2017 and played to sold-out audiences for three years before several international productions were mounted around the world, as well as two North American tours. Photograph: Supplied | The US touring production of 'Anastasia' Music and lyrics are by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the same pair behind the movie’s score, who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history”. Naturally, the musical includes all the beautiful songs from the animated film, including ‘Journey to the Past’ and ‘Once Upon a December’. The Australian premiere of Anastasia is presented by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia. It will open once upon a December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in 2025, before touring to Perth’s Crown Theatre in March 2026, and will finally land at Sydney’s Lyric Theatr

Weather, bats, party boats: the unique challenges of staging a musical on Sydney Harbour

When it comes to staging a performance of any live musical (or an opera, for arguments’ sake), there are a whole lot of moving parts that must come together. The pitch-perfect live orchestra, the actors emerging from quick costume changes, leaping straight into painstakingly blocked choreography, delivering carefully memorised lines and lyrics *with conviction* as a whole squadron of unseen people steer all of the technical elements to keep the train on the track – when you witness all of these pieces come together in real time, there really is nothing else quite like it. So what happens when you take all of the delicate elements of live theatre, and up the stakes by thrusting it onto an outdoor stage the size of “a football field” suspended over Sydney Harbour, and top it off with a big smattering of fireworks? That’s what you get at Handa Opera on the Harbour (HOSH), and this year’s bombastic take on the musical comedy classic, Guys & Dolls, which director Shaun Rennie describes as “one of the best musicals ever written”. “It's a unique beast, that's for sure,” says Rennie, who is also Opera Australia’s associate director. “It's part spectacle, part musical theatre – and yet, there are logistics that you wouldn’t even think about. Like the wigs, if it rains, all have to be reset – and there’s literally not enough time to reset them all.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Sydney (@timeoutsydney) According to Rennie, the “genius people

A tribute to the world’s longest-running musical ‘Les Misérables’ is touring Australia next month

When a musical has been witnessed by more than 130 million people around the world, you know it’s going to be good – and that show needs no introduction. Les Misérables is arguably one of the greatest musicals of all time and the longest-running in history, celebrating its 40th revolutionary year in 2025 with a global arena tour. After sell-out shows in 53 countries, the record-breaking London production of Les Misérables is headed to Australia this April and March. Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will arrive at the ICC Sydney Theatre on April 30 for 15 performances, followed by 15 dates at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena from May 14, and seven shows at Brisbane Entertainment Centre from May 28. Super-producer Cameron Mackintosh has assembled a world-class creative team, with the exciting new production design being specifically created for each venue – and the international cast is also absolutely top tier. Australia’s leading lady, Marina Prior, is playing Madame Thénardier. Maria is certified musical theatre royalty – before she blew everyone away as the original Christine Daaé in the Australian premiere of The Phantom of the Opera in the early ’90s, she also played Cosette in the original Australian production of Les Misérables. Photograph: Supplied | Matt Crockett | Matt Lucas & Marina Prior Highly recognisable British comedian, actor and author Matt Lucas (best known for Little Britain) is also reprising the role of Thénardier. He first triumphed in the role in the

London’s epic ‘Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular’ is about to arrive in Sydney

Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men?... Well, that might be the sound of the spectacular, star-studded arena production of Les Misérables that is marching towards Sydney for the Australian leg of a massive world tour, following rave reviews and sold-out crowds across the UK and major European cities. Describing itself as “the most spectacular arena production of a musical ever staged”, this epic tour is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the world’s longest running musical, the record-breaking London production of Les Mis, which is still playing to sell out audiences today. Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will arrive at the ICC Sydney Theatre on April 30 for 15 performances (including extra shows added to meet the demand), followed by dates at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Super-producer Cameron Mackintosh has assembled a world class creative team, with the exciting new production design being specifically created for each venue – and the international cast is also absolutely top tier. Photograph: Supplied | Marina Prior and Matt Lucas star in ‘Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular’ Australia’s leading lady, Marina Prior, is playing Madame Thénardier. Maria is certified musical theatre royalty – before she blew everyone away as the original Christine Daaé in the Australian premiere of The Phantom of the Opera in the early ’90s, she also played Cosette in the original Australian production of Les Misérables. Hi

Hold onto your cowboy boots! The Dolly Parton inspired musical ‘Here You Come Again’ is making its Aussie debut

Here we go again... or here we come again! Australia’s bumper line-up of musicals just keeps getting bigger and better! Only weeks after the news that Pretty Woman: The Musical is headed Down Under for its Aussie debut, another Broadway smash hit is set to make its mark in 2025. That's right, the Dolly-Parton-approved musical comedy Here You Come Again will be gracing Australian stages this July. Packed with all of Dolly’s most iconic songs – including ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, ‘Islands in the Stream’, and ‘I Will Always Love You’ – this heart-warming and hilarious show will tour Australia this year following sold-out seasons across the US and UK. The Aussie tour will kick off at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from July 12, before promenading over to Sydney’s Theatre Royal on September 12. It will then stop at Perth's Regal Theatre from August 22, Civic Theatre Newcastle from November 20, Canberra Theatre Centre from November 27 and Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide from December 6. Photograph: Supplied | Hugo Glendinning | The UK cast of 'Here You Come Again' Not to be confused with 9 to 5 the Musical, which made its Australian debut a few years ago, or Hello, I’m Dolly, the bio-musical co-created by Dolly herself, which is set to open on Broadway in 2026 – Here You Come Again channels the spirit of the universally-loved country queen’s heartfelt and sassy style to tell the story of a diehard fan, whose fantasy version of Dolly Parton helps him navigate life's toughest challenges.

The hit Broadway musical ‘Anastasia’ is finally coming to Australia in 2025

It’s been a whopper year for musicals in Australia, and the excitement keeps growing with the news that the Broadway hit Anastasia will premiere Down Under in 2025. This rave-reviewed musical is inspired by the beloved 1997 animated feature from 20th Century Fox (which, we’d argue is one of the best non-Disney princes movies of all time, alongside The Swan Princess, right!?) and, of course, the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution. A lavish musical for the whole family with opulent settings and dazzling costumes, Anastasia premiered on Broadway in 2017 and played to sold-out audiences for three years before several international productions were mounted around the world, as well as two North American tours. Photograph: Supplied | The US touring production of 'Anastasia' Music and lyrics are by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the same pair behind the movie’s score, who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history”. Naturally, the musical includes total bangers from the animated film, including ‘Journey to the Past’ and ‘Once Upon a December’. The Australian premiere of Anastasia is presented by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia. It will open once upon a December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in 2025, before touring to Perth’s Crown Theatre in March 2026, and will finally land at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in April 20

Broadway's hit ‘Anastasia’ musical will premiere in Australia this year

Australia’s massive year for musicals just keeps on giving, with news breaking that the Broadway hit Anastasia will premiere Down Under in 2025. This rave-reviewed musical is inspired by the beloved 1997 animated feature from 20th Century Fox (which, we’d argue is one of the best non-Disney princes movies of all time, alongside The Swan Princess, right!?) and, of course, the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution. A lavish musical for the whole family with opulent settings and dazzling costumes, Anastasia premiered on Broadway in 2017 and played to sold-out audiences for three years before several international productions were mounted around the world, as well as two North American tours. Photograph: Supplied | The US touring production of 'Anastasia' Music and lyrics are by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the same pair behind the movie’s score, who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history”. Naturally, the musical includes total bangers from the animated film, including ‘Journey to the Past’ and ‘Once Upon a December’. The Australian premiere of Anastasia is presented by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia. It will open once upon a December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in 2025, before touring to Perth’s Crown Theatre in March 2026, and will finally land at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in April 2026. Casting details

The Biennale of Sydney is returning to White Bay Power Station

When the Biennale of Sydney took over the heritage White Bay Power Station with awe-inspiring art installations last year – inviting the public to explore inside the freshly restored, formerly abandoned industrial monolith for the first time in over 100 years – it was arguably one of the coolest things to happen in the city in 2024. (And considering that the Biennale took out both the Critic’s Choice Award and People’s Choice Award for Best Art Exhibition in Time Out Sydney’s inaugural Arts & Culture Awards, we’d say that’s a pretty fair call.) As such, we’re pretty stoked to let you know that the Biennale of Sydney has announced White Bay Power Station as the first venue confirmed for its 25th edition in 2026. Photograph: Biennale of Sydney/Daniel Boud | Artist Andrew Thomas Huang at White Bay Power Station (2024) The Biennale welcomed more than 777,000 visitors across six venues in 2024, with the Power Station alone welcoming approximately 174,000 visitors, making it the most attended non-museum site in the history of the Biennale (this includes our original favourite Biennale spot, Cockatoo Island). Mark your calendars: the next Biennale of Sydney will take place from March 14 to June 14, 2026 – and as always, entry to the Biennale will be free. It will be led by new Artistic Director, Hoor Al Qasimi. The President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation in the UAE, Al Qasimi is one of the most influential curators in the world right now, and was also recently named as t

You can win tickets to party with us at our exclusive Great Gatsby inspired soirée

When you need an escape from the daily grind, there are only two things that will do – a holiday to an incredible place, or a truly fabulous party. At the top of our wishlist? Running away to the excitement of New York State, and partying all night at a Jazz Era style soirée so ritzy that it would make Jay Gatsby himself blush – think a grand Champagne tower, good conversation, a dance floor where you can cut a rug, and all of the sparkles. The 1920s are so hot right now, and with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel now celebrating its 100th anniversary, we couldn’t think of a better time to take a leaf out of The Great Gatsby playbook and throw a swinging shindig. So, we at Time Out have partnered up with I LOVE NY, the official tourism office for New York State, to put on a glamorous evening inspired by 1920s New York. Photograph: Supplied/ILNY | Long Island's Oheka Castle was a source of inspiration for 'The Great Gatsby' Here in Sydney, we like our slice of New York served as a speakeasy, so this opulent invite-only affair will be taking over a secret underground location in the city on Wednesday, April 9. Oh, and we’re not just telling you about it to make you jealous, we want you to come party with us! We’re inviting 15 lucky readers (and their plus ones) to come party with us and our other VIP guests. All you need to do is take a New York minute to enter our competition by filling out the form over here before March 30, and cross those little fingers. An evening to

Yeehaw! A new musical featuring Dolly Parton's hit songs is coming to Melbourne

Melbourne's stacked program of stage shows is showing no signs of slowing down, with a heartwarming hit arriving in our city soon. It’s time to pull on your cowboy boots, tumble out of bed and stumble to the theatre, because the hit Dolly Parton inspired musical comedy Here You Come Again is about to be unleashed on Aussie audiences. With a stamp of approval from the country queen herself, the musical is packed with all of Dolly’s most iconic songs – including ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, ‘Islands in the Stream’, and ‘I Will Always Love You’ – this hilarious show will play in Melbourne as part of an Australian tour this year, following sold-out seasons across the US and UK. Photograph: Supplied/Hugo Glendinning | The UK cast of 'Here You Come Again' The tour will kick off at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from July 12, before promenading over to Sydney’s Theatre Royal September 12. Dates and venues for Perth, Canberra, Newcastle and Adelaide will also be announced soon. Not to be confused with 9 to 5 the Musical, which made its Australian debut a few years ago, or Hello, I’m Dolly, the bio-musical co-created by Dolly herself, which is set to open on Broadway in 2026 – Here You Come Again channels the spirit of the universally-loved country queen’s heartfelt and sassy style to tell the story of a diehard fan, whose fantasy version of Dolly Parton helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. This dazzling production will land in Australia with an all-star cast, including co-creator