Alannah Sue (née Maher, and briefly Le Cross) (she/her) is the former Arts & Culture Editor for Time Out Sydney.

Alannah 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 became the Arts & Culture Editor. In this role, she delighted 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 lead to enlightening reading.

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.

Alannah has also been a judge for the Sydney Theatre Awards' Musical Theatre Panel since 2023. 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, and occasionally attempting to force herself take a rare 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.

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

Alannah Sue

Former Arts and Culture Editor

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Articles (249)

The 22 best music festivals in Australia for 2026

2026 means a full calendar year of incredible Aussie festivals. Every corner of our country is slated to come alive with a sparkly array of live music and phenomenal culture-packed moments, with something special happening no matter the season. In this list, Time Out's editors have rounded up the best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under in 2026. Starting with those that are on the earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy to wild light displays in the Outback, rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed. 🎭 The best musicals in Australia🍔 The best food festivals in Australia

The 11 best glamping sites in Sydney and NSW

Camping is truly one of the best ways you can spend a weekend out of Sydney, but if you prefer seeing the great outdoors from a luxury tent complete with bubble bath and high thread-count linen, let this list serve as your bible.Time Out Sydney's team of local outdoors enthusiasts (including Travel and News Editor Winnie Stubbs) have tried and tested the best glamping sites in and around Sydney; from a safari tent at Taronga Zoo to the see-through spherical confines of Bubbletent Australia.Each one of these glamping spots have been assessed by our editors based on their luxury, nature immersion and all-round wow factor. Add them to your 2026 holiday wish list for when you want to escape the urban hustle without losing the creature comforts. Your back will thank you. 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 camping sites near SydneyThese are the best luxury stays around NSWAnd these are the best motels in NSW worth the road trip

The 21 best art galleries to explore in Australia

Australians have a love affair with art, and with incredible galleries dotted across the country, it’s also one of the top reasons we travel interstate. Every year, our nation welcomes blockbuster international exhibitions, along with major showings of our most colourful and creative local talents. Whether it’s contemporary Aboriginal art, delicate glassworks, topical portraits or 21st-century Chinese art, we've rounded up Australia's best art galleries worth visiting. Even better, most offer free entry to the permanent galleries! As a bonus, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has also put together a guide on the best art exhibitions to see in Australia right now. Editor's favourite art galleries in Australia: 🖼️ Best for modern art: White Rabbit Gallery, Sydney 🌱 Best for Aboriginal art: Araluen Art Centre, Alice Springs 🌈 Best for international art: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra 😱 Best for immersive art: MONA, Hobart 🌳 The best tourist attractions in Australia👀 The best museums in Australia

The 20 best museums for history and culture in Australia

When visiting a new city, it’s highly likely that, at some point, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a big and beautiful museum or gallery. Rain, hail or shine, these brilliant buildings are the place to brush up on historical happenings and learn a thing or two about local heritage. Inside the best museums in Australia, you’ll find some of our country’s greatest treasures and a huge diversity of subject matters too – from natural history and cultural artefacts to cutting-edge science and sporting achievements. Whether you’re a culture vulture, history buff or just looking for something fun to do on a rainy day, this ultimate guide to Australia’s best museums has you covered. Editor's favourite museums in Australia: 👀 Best for history: Port Arthur Historic Site, TAS 🔭 Best for science: Questacon, ACT 🏈 Best for sport: Australian Sports Museum, VIC 🖼️ The best art galleries in Australia🎶 The best musicals touring Australia right now

The best outdoor cinemas in Sydney for open-air movies

Sydney is home to some stunning cinemas and beautiful picture houses, but you know what's even better than sitting in a darkened room to watch a movie? Being outside under the stars! Feel like enjoying a film in the great outdoors? From blockbusters to tearjerkers, rom-coms to thrillers, you can catch them all in the open air across the city thanks to a proliferation of popcorn-offering spots across the city. Bring a rug and some snacks (or buy them from handy pop-up eateries) and settle in with the fam, a mate, or a date – some cinemas will even let you bring your dog. 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. While you're planning your summer adventures, organise a trek to these majestic waterfalls near Sydney or on one of the most beautiful walks around Sydney.

The biggest musicals to see in Australia this year

Update Tuesday, February 17: Following a sold-out Australian tour that wrapped up in February 2024, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is set to strut back into Sydney in 2027. The ten-time Tony Award-winning show’s arrival in Australia is a homecoming of sorts; it is of course based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, which was filmed here. There’s never been a quiet year for theatre in Australia. From the bright lights of Broadway and the West End to our very own stages, Australia is lucky to host some of the world’s most spectacular 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 the world’s #1 musical, The Lion King, and the spectacular outdoor harbour production of Phantom of the Opera to the Aussie premieres of Waitress and Anastasia, this year’s theatre line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Here are all the biggest and best musicals to see in Australia, listed in order of what's currently showing/hitting the stage next. 👀 The best art exhibitions in Australia🎉 The most exciting events of 2026

20 tourist attractions in Sydney that don’t suck

As a city bursting with attractions, it’s an unavoidable fact that some of the things in your Sydney guidebook are bound to suck. Long queues, ridiculous prices and crowds of tourists are hardly going to make your trip to Sydney a memorable one – so ditch them all for these top-notch, local-approved sights and activities. Below we’ve laid out a full range of tried-and-tested tourist stops around Sydney that are guaranteed not to be a let-down; they'll see you surfing at Bondi Beach, jetting across the harbour on a speedboat and watching humpback whales in the wild. Read on for our pick of the very best tourist attractions in Australia’s Harbour City. 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. RECOMMENDED:These are the best restaurants in Sydney.These are the city's best bars.And these are the very best places to stay the night. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The best Valentine’s Day events in Sydney

The day of inflated flower prices, oversized plushies and high expectations is almost upon us. However you may feel about Valentine's Day (Hollywood-esque love, deep, anti-capitalist contempt, cold apathy), know that there are plenty of ways you can authentically celebrate love in Sydney right now – whether that's the love you have for your date, a mate, or your own fine self. From singles to coupled-up sweethearts, there’s something delightful for everyone to do in Sydney on February 14 (which falls on a Saturday this year), as well as in the lead-up to and fallout after the big day. We've also rounded up the sexiest date-night spots in Sydney and the best fun (and free) outings – so you're all set for Cupid's Big Day. With love, Time Out Sydney. 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:Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And here’s our guide to things to do this February.

The best museums in Sydney

Sydney is home to some pretty fascinating museums, places where you can learn about ships, time, military history, society, the police force and more. Rain or shine, head out on a journey of discovery at these all-weather-friendly houses of knowledge. You'll learn about fascinating natural histories, scientific endeavours, design innovations and the many surprising stories that have made this city everything it is today. Along the way, you'll discover curious taxidermies, real Egyptian mummies, interactive space shuttles, and a peek into the lives of the real housewives of colonial era Sydney. If your interests are more piqued by the bizarre, be sure to check out these six unusual museums in Sydney. Looking for a different perspective? Check out these Indigenous walks and tours in Sydney.

First Nations organisations and social justice campaigns you can support

First Nations people in Australia have been custodians of this country for more than 50,000 years. The oldest living culture in the world is remarkable for so many reasons, and we celebrate the incredible fortitude and resilience of Australia’s many diverse Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities in the face of centuries of institutional racism, systemic oppression and stark inequality at the hands of white Australia. Today, it is paramount that every modern Australian does their bit to learn, acknowledge and support services that minimise everyday injustices and tear down institutionalised racism in our country, showing respect to the original inhabitants of this land that so many of us love. We’ve gathered together a list of some of the brands, charities and organisations supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices around the nation that you can get involved with. And if you aren’t in a position to help financially, there are still loads of other ways you can show your support. Read on to see our list of the best First Nations organisations you can donate to, support or get involved with across Melbourne and Australia this year. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for other ways to lend a hand? Here's where to volunteer in Melbourne.

Things to do in Sydney on January 26 2026

Here in Australia, January 26 has very different meanings for different people. For First Nations people, the day marks the beginning of colonisation and is sometimes called Invasion Day or Survival Day. For recent migrants, January 26 is the day of many citizenship ceremonies across the country. However you choose to spend it, we've picked out the main events taking place on the public holiday in 2026.Left planning your long weekend trip too late? These are all the public holidays in NSW in 2026, and here's how to maximise your leave.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Want to escape the city? These are the best camping sites near Sydney.These are the best places to camp by the beach in NSW.And these are the best day hikes close to the city.

The 14 best art exhibitions to see in Australia in 2026

Australia is a nation rich with incredible artists and mind-blowing exhibitions. Whether you favour sculpture, painting, photography or textiles, there’s something for every kind of artistic persuasion ready to pop off at Australia’s biggest art exhibitions in 2026. We've rounded up just a few Aussie wonders that have us pre-booking flights in eager anticipation. A summer standout is Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's Presence at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, where huge, shimmering interactive installations reign supreme. We're also excited to peruse a never-seen-before-in-Australia glittering jewel collection from Cartier at the NGV in the winter months, and explore Rememory during the 25th Biennale of Sydney (which Time Out named the world's best exhibition to see this year). Scroll on for our pick of the best art exhibitions in Australia in 2026. Our editors will update this guide as new exhibitions are announced. 🖼️ The best art galleries in Australia👀 The best museums in Australia

Listings and reviews (163)

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Overlooking the Domain parklands and established in 1871, the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) is the state's leading museum of art, as well as one of Australia's foremost cultural institutions. The gallery incorporates two expansive buildings – the original sandstone structure to the south, and the sleek new modern building to the north. Visited by more than one million people every year, it holds significant collections of Australian, European and Asian art, and regularly hosts blockbuster exhibitions featuring famous artists. AGNSW is the home of popular exhibitions like Australia's favourite portrait prize, The Archibald Prize, and also hosts parties and festivals throughout the year, including experimental music fest Volume. What are the Art Gallery of NSW buildings called? In April 2024, the Art Gallery announced new names for both buildings, drawn from the local Aboriginal language. The newer North Building has been given the Aboriginal name Naala Badu, which translates to "seeing waters" in the Sydney language, and the old South Building has been given the name Naala Nura, which means "seeing Country". The Art Gallery engaged extensively with key Aboriginal stakeholders and communities about receiving Aboriginal names for its buildings. "Naala Badu" references both the adjacent waters of Sydney Harbour and those that have always sustained communities throughout the state. Meanwhile, "Naala Nura" acknowledges both Indigenous Country in general and the golden s

Honeycomb Club

The Honeycomb Club (formerly The Bamboozle Room) has been entertaining audiences since 2016 with weekly burlesque, comedy and cabaret dinner shows. Located in the notoriously colourful nightlife district of Kings Cross, above the Potts Point Hotel, the Honeycomb Club will transport you to another time and place. Dinner shows unfold in a cosy, boutique space where every table is close to the action, with food and drinks served throughout. The in-house productions weave together live singing, dance, comedy, acrobatics and theatrical storytelling for a truly immersive, multi-sensory experience. Expect a full sensory night out with cocktails flowing, performers up close and a lively, immersive atmosphere that blends glamour, humour and a touch of mischief. In short: dinner and a show, but dialled all the way up. Risqué business? You bet! There are shows on every week. Get your ticket here. 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: Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend These are the best nightclubs in Sydney Our favourite spots for a late-night feed

Old Fitzroy Theatre

Signalled by a neon-lit Box Office window on the corner of a beloved Woolloomooloo drinking den, you'll find the Old Fitz Theatre below the 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel (winner of two top gongs in Time Out Sydney's 2023 Food & Drink Awards). A bastion of indie theatre for more than 25 years, this 60-seat space is not only the grande dame of Sydney’s (literal) underground theatre scene, but it also happens to be the last-standing pub theatre in all of Australia. The Fitz is your go-to for boundary pushing shows from some of the city's most talented folks. During its heyday under Tamarama Rock Surfers theatre company, it's been a crucible for talent such as Tim Minchin, Brendan Cowell, Toby Schmitz and Kate Mulvany. RELATED READ: The best shows to see in Sydney this month In 2024, the iconic theatre enters a new chapter, led by artistic director Lucy Clements and executive producer Emma Wright from New Ghosts Theatre Company. It's going well, with the duo collaborating with other indie companies and artists to create an eclectic range of work, from new Australian plays to American and British classics and intimate cabarets. The new Late Night Program also takes things further, creating more space to stage indie works and giving audiences the chance to double-dip with two shows in one night. The New Ghosts team extends enormous thanks to the theatre's previous custodians, Red Line Productions, particularly Andrew Henry and Time Out Future Shaper, Dino Dimitriadis, for their

Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

An electric energy always fills the city on the night of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, the colourful climax of our city’s annual LGBTQIA+ pride festival. The streets are packed with glittering bodies, the outfits are bold and bright, and there’s a spark of possibility in the air. It's where people of all walks of life are safe, accepted and embraced. The 48th Sydney Mardi Gras Parade will take over Oxford Street on Saturday, February 28, and shimmy on down to Flinders Street. As always, the march will be kicked off by the famous rumble of the Dykes on Bikes, making way for over 12,000 marchers and 200 floats. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather from Hyde Park to Moore Park to watch the colourful procession, which in 2026 is united under the theme Ecstatica – "a collision of glamour, grit, and raw joy" that focuses on unity and pride. Now, having a good time on Parade night does require some planning. Traditionally, punters start packing out Oxford Street during the day, so it is best to claim a spot early. (It is also tradition to grab a milk crate to stand on, especially if you’re vertically challenged.) It has always been free to gather on the street, however the Sydney Mardi Gras organisation also recently introduced ticketed Parade Viewing Areas. This year, Glitter Club is called Magda’s Glitter Club to honour Magda Szubanski — trailblazing actor and LGBTQIA+ advocate. This premium vantage point in Taylor Square has a viewing deck, bar and foo

The Book of Mormon

Hey Melbourne, the Mormons are back! After wowing audiences in Sydney with plenty of "did they really just say that?” humour, The Book of Mormon is heading to the Princess Theatre from February 6. This somewhat unconventional musical comedy cleaned up at the Tony Awards after it debuted on Broadway in 2011, going on to break box office records and garner near-unanimous critical acclaim when it opened on London’s West End. When tickets for the show’s Australian debut in Melbourne were released in 2015 – nearly a year in advance of opening night – the Princess Theatre recorded its highest pre-sale period of any production in its 159-year history, also going on to win the Helpmann Award for Best Musical. For the uninitiated, The Book of Mormon follows two inept Mormon missionaries from Salt Lake City on their journey to save mortal souls in a corner of Uganda ruled by a one-eyed warlord. It’s the brainchild of South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone – hence, you can expect a lot of explicit language – along with Avenue Q and Frozen co-creator Robert Lopez. So what’s the secret of the show’s success? As Time Out London’s Theatre and Dance Editor Andrzej Lukowski wrote, Mormon was always going to be a hit, but what made it into the Mormania phenomenon is the fact that non-South Park fans love it too. The songs are excellent. Filthy, witty and outrageous, but also sumptuous and note-perfect, they nod to the golden age of the American musical. As for how the show has ag

Talk and Tease: Comedy Burlesque

Located in the notoriously colourful and historic nightlife district of Kings Cross, the Honeycomb Club will transport you to another time and place. Get a taste of risqué vintage glamour at this hidden gem with weekly burlesque, comedy and cabaret dinner shows. The Honeycomb Club is an entire fantasy of its own with ritzy flapper energy and Great Gatsby-esque style. The immersive charm is switched on from the moment you enter. You’ll feel like you've stepped back into a bygone era – just ignore the fact that you received a text with directions to the location earlier that day, and there’s a QR code to scan on the table to keep the drinks flowing. Currently on show every Friday, Saturday and select Sunday nights is Talk and Tease: Comedy Burlesque, a light-hearted variety show that's a bit risqué with plenty of laughs thrown in. The night features a mixture of cheeky and unique burlesque solo acts and stand-up comedy, all presented by a quirky MC. The atmosphere is ripped straight from the KitKatClub or Weimar era Berlin as you sip, nibble, giggle and blush your way through the evening. Throughout the night, you’ll be kept fed and watered, with a light and tasty à la carte two-course menu (don’t expect stodgy chips and pub grub, although there’s a pub downstairs) and an extensive drinks list with some cocktails curated with specific era-appropriate flair. Talk and Tease runs every Friday and Saturday and most Sunday nights, doors at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. Dinner and show

Westpac OpenAir Cinema

Somebody pop the Champagne, because the world's most beautiful outdoor cinema will be back by the harbourside, running over 47 nights from January 9 to February 24 – and tickets are now on sale. Westpac OpenAir will once again take over Mrs Macquaries Point this summer, with panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as its staggering backdrop. The line-up features everything from old-school hits to cult classics and brand-new Aussie debuts, including films like Dirty Dancing, Marty Supreme, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Hamnet and 10 Things I Hate About You. You can check out the full program here. Meanwhile, there’s more than just iconic views and the latest blockbusters in store, with a bunch of excellent food and drink offerings available for every budget. Think fresh seafood and Spritzes at The Chandon Garden, a lush waterfront restaurant by acclaimed chef Danielle Alvarez called Summer House Dining, and a classy dining terrace for Westpac customers. A heads-up that you’ll need to book your spot in advance.Just after a sundowner? Then order a beer (or an entire bottle of Champagne, ice bucket and all) and settle in for a film screening projected on the huge 350-square-metre, three-storey-high screen that lights up as night falls over the harbour. If you really want a run-up for the view, take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens on your way to the cinema (but word to the wise, don't leave it too late, lest you be caught wa

Song Hotel Sydney

Centrally located, affordable and friendly, and a free hot breakfast to boot – the Song Hotel is an easy choice the next time you’re looking for a hotel in central Sydney. But the thing that makes this budget four-star stay really special – aside from the unique themed rooms – is that it’s a booking you can feel good about. The Song Hotel is Australia's first and only profit-for-purpose hotel, where proceeds are reinvested and contribute to the work of the YWCA Australia. This means that 25 cents out of every dollar the hotel earns goes towards providing housing and assistance for at-risk women and children in the community. Why stay at the Song Hotel in Sydney? Located just off Oxford Street (literally, we had a clear view of The Burdekin’s rainbow facade), rooms at the Song Hotel start at $200 per night. This place has all the basics you’ll need, whether you’re in Sydney for work, a family trip, or a weekend away with friends for a special event. For the most part, the hotel’s tastefully simple decor can be described as “no frills”. Save for some colourful flourishes like the odd disco ball, or the rainbow progress pride flag design that appears in the window box (these are nods to the neighbourhood’s queer history, and cute signifiers that this business is a safe space for LGBTQ+ community). You’ll also find the hotel’s most unique feature on the fourth floor: a hall dedicated to ‘Singing the Praises of Inspirational Women’. From the likes of Tina Arena to Deborah Mailma

Hayes Theatre Co

Congratulations to Hayes Theatre Co, which took out the Critics' Choice Impact Award at the 2025 Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Awards, presented in partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Our Impact Award recognises the efforts of groups and organisations that are raising the bar for Sydney’s arts industry, and also making an impact that reverberates much further than that. Hayes Theatre Co has been an essential space for Australia’s musical theatre theatre industry since it was founded in 2012. From holding open auditions to working with various independent producers, this company has established itself as the beating heart of Australia’s musical theatre industry – presenting everything from neglected classics to brand new Australian shows, cabarets, and works-in-progress from diverse voices, always impressing audiences and critics alike with what can be achieved in such a small space. Under the guidance of the current leadership team, including co-artistic directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer, we’ve seen this company go from strength to strength. ***** Named after Australian musical theatre legend Nancye Hayes OAM, this demure little theatre just off the main drag of Kings Cross is the beating heart of Sydney’s musical theatre and cabaret community. Yeah, the Hayes Theatre Co is pretty much our local answer to Off-Broadway. Brand new Aussie musicals (like the inaugural Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Award-winner Zombie! The Musical) cut their teeth here

The Enmore Theatre

Congratulations to the Enmore Theatre, which took out the People's Choice Favourite Live Music Venue Award at the 2025 Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Awards, presented in partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. ***** If you’ve ever been to a show at the Enmore, you’ve unwittingly become part of Sydney history. Originally opened to the public in 1912, this 1,600-seat Art Deco palace is the longest-running live entertainment venue in the city. Nowadays, it's an enviable venue for touring bands, comedians, and live podcast shows in the funky heart of Newtown. Seriously, for a lot of Aussie acts, booking a gig at the Enmore means you’ve "made it". Many fond memories have been forged here, from sweaty hardcore mosh pits to rib-tickling Sydney Comedy Festival galas. Not even a neon-lit refurbishment in 2021 (or that time the floor collapsed five minutes into a concert in 2022) could dull the slightly-grimy allure of a show here. After you catch a show here, spill out onto Enmore Road to refuel at some of the best restaurants in one of Sydney's coolest neighbourhoods, and wash it all down at one of the best bars in Enmore. How to get to Enmore Theatre If you're catching the train, the Enmore is about six-minutes' walk from Newtown Station. If arriving by bus, the 355, 423, 426, 428, M30 services all stop out front of the theatre. Driving isn't recommended, as parking options are limited. Find out more about visiting the Enmore, including accessibility, over here. Stay in

The Lost Things

Forget what you think you know about magic. In an Australian exclusive, internationally acclaimed mentalist Scott Silven brings his brand new show to the Sydney Opera House for its world premiere season this June. Inspired by a childhood event, The Lost Things transforms the Playhouse stage into a magical woodland realm. You're in for a theatrical exploration of wonder and memory, showcasing the mind-bending magic of mentalism up close, combined with astounding illusions and Silven’s signature storytelling – and yes, he might just read your mind. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Sydney (@timeoutsydney) If you think that you don’t like magic shows, think again. The same goes for diehard mentalism sceptics. The Lost Things is unlike anything else. It's an immersive, goosebump-raising, theatrical journey where memory twists, time folds, and the impossible becomes intimately real. As the audience watches and participates in the unfolding story, Silven’s breathtaking mastery over mentalism uncovers the invisible threads that connect us to one another. This is a transformative experience that moves beyond the stage to sit with you long after the lights go down. The Lost Things is playing at Sydney Opera House until June 29, 2025. Find out more and book your tickets at sydneyoperahouse.com. 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: Tim

Dollie & Stella

Many of us would agree that there's something undeniably sacred about choosing a hair salon. Hair is extremely personal, and there is a great level of trust involved in handing over the creative control of your crowning glory – especially if you’re going for a bold look or a drastic change. For those of us who lean towards more 'unconventional' styles – think dramatic colours, artsy mullets, or the perfect shag – discovering the right hairdresser (let alone one with any space for new clients) can feel as perilous a task as finding a needle in a haystack. But maybe, you’ve just been waiting to find Dollie & Stella? I know that I certainly was. I don’t think that I’m overstating it when I say that hair is a religion for me. When I first started experimenting with ‘alternative’ colours and cuts as an angsty adolescent, a passion was unlocked. Even now, as I find myself firmly in my thirties (not sure how that happened, honestly), customising my follicles is a practice of spiritual significance. On a particularly dreary day, getting a cute new fringe has the power to turn around my entire self-esteem. And as apparent grown adults with free will, it is our prerogative to seek a suitable house of worship (i.e. a hair salon) where miracles can happen (i.e. a really cool new hairstyle). We don't believe that hair has a gender, so it's just about giving someone the best haircut for them... A welcoming Inner West salon with funky decor, Dollie & Stella is a dream destination for an

News (424)

Disney’s The Lion King is returning to the Sydney stage this year – and the cast has been announced

The world’s #1 musical is heading back Down Under, with Disney Theatrical Group announcing that an all new Australian staging of Disney’s The Lion King will premiere in Sydney from April this year – and it's safe to say we're pretty excited to witness those iconic enormous giraffe puppets strut out onto the stage at the gorgeous Capitol Theatre. Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King has been seen by over 112-million people worldwide, and continues to ascend as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. It has been more than a decade since The Lion King’s last Australian tour – and this epic show has captivated nearly four-million audience members during its two previous tours Down Under. The new Sydney season of this beloved musical is an exciting opportunity for loyal fans to reconnect and to spark a new wave of excitement in the next generation. Also, it will be a huge employment opportunity for a bunch of local theatrical talent, on-stage and off-stage. “We are thrilled to welcome The Lion King back to Sydney, the place where it all began in Australia over 20 years ago. The Walt Disney Company ANZ is proud to be one of only three places in the world where, alongside Broadway and The West End, we self-produce musicals, directly employing hundreds of Australian theatre professionals,” said Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand. Photograph: Disney Theatrical Group/Mat

Sydney Mardi Gras reveals its massive 2026 festival program

The city’s most fabulous annual celebration, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, has just dropped its massive 2026 program – and there’s a lot to look forward to. Come February, we’ll have an extraordinary celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, culture, community – and great, big, ridiculous parties to dive into. ‘Ecstatica’ is this year’s theme – evoking a world where joy becomes movement and celebration becomes power. Photograph: Jordan Munns “Ecstatica is about euphoria as resistance,” says Jesse Matheson, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. “The idea that our joy is powerful, political and unstoppable. This year’s festival celebrates connection in all its forms: from streets to screens, from protest to party, and from one another to the world. It’s a celebration of who we are, what we’ve built, and the future we’re creating together.” “Sydney truly comes alive during Mardi Gras,” says Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO. “Our city sparkles with diversity, inclusion and love proudly on show. The City of Sydney is proud to support this globally significant celebration that brings our streets and our communities together. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Oxford Street to celebrate a festival that stands for joy, equality and belonging.” What are the Sydney Mardi Gras dates? The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival returns from February 13 to March 1, 2026. The jewel in the Mardi Gras crown, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, will once agai

An honest review of Dark Mofo: I screamed into the abyss, and I’d do it again

Where do we draw the line between art that is dark, provocative and challenging, and that which is outright tasteless, excessive, and wrong? Dark Mofo specialises in dancing ferociously on this tenuous edge. The Hobart festival just wrapped up its fiery 2025 return with the customary procession and burning of the Ogoh-Ogoh – a giant totem-like effigy crafted by Balinese artists – and it appears that leaning into the provocative has once again (mostly) paid off. (The Mercury is reporting that the festival’s return has been an economic success, drawing in more than $50-million dollars in tourist revenue.) Drawing inspiration from pagan solstice rituals, the midwinter festival is all about embracing the blackness of winter, leaning into mischief and debauchery (a suitable theme for a festival spearheaded by MONA, the equally-divisive gallery that put Hobart on the map). Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to finally pop my Dark Mofo cherry this year. And while some detractors are theorising that Dark Mofo has “lost its edge”, what I discovered was a town painted red by a new-age “Goth Christmas” – and I learned that when you embrace the dark, you might just find the light. A virgin no more: the most visceral things I saw (and survived) at my first Dark Mofo Took a knee and screamed into the abyss I was greeted by a discordant chorus of screams as I trudged along Hobart’s old industrial waterfront towards Dark Park (a family-friendly festival precinct marked by massive art

Sydney Film Festival breaks records as defiant Iranian director Jafar Panahi takes top prize

Following 12 days of packed cinemas, more than 150 sold-out sessions and record-breaking box office revenue, the 72nd Sydney Film Festival wrapped overnight with a moving awards ceremony at the State Theatre. The prestigious Sydney Film Prize this year went to acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for his reimagined thriller, It Was Just an Accident. The announcement was made ahead of the Australian Premiere screening of Michael Angelo Covino’s comedy Splitsville, capping off the highest selling festival in Sydney Film Festival’s history. The Sydney Film Prize is a $60,000 cash prize for an “audacious, cutting-edge and courageous” film, selected by a prestigious international jury headed by acclaimed Australian director, writer and producer Justin Kurzel. In a rare and significant appearance, Panahi was in Sydney to accept the award in person. Panahi was announced at SFF’s opening night, fresh from winning the Palme d’Or, the major prize at the Cannes Film Festival. One of the most celebrated figures in contemporary world cinema, Panahi has spent the past three decades creating boundary-pushing films about the lived realities of people in Iran, made in defiance of restrictions and censorship by the Iranian government. As well as screening It Was Just an Accident in competition, the 72nd Sydney Film Festival also featured a retrospective of all 10 of Panahi’s feature films. Since he has been in Sydney, Panahi has stepped back from attending screenings to stay in touch with

A striking new 5.5-metre sculpture celebrating First Nations women is coming to Sydney's harbourside

The Sydney landscape is dotted with some pretty iconic public art, like that crushed car in the middle of a roundabout in Walsh Bay, or that six-metre-tall marble fishing hook overlooking the sculptural sails of the Sydney Opera House. But when it comes to our city’s statues and the historical figures they commemorate, the spread is somewhat embarrassingly skewed to colonial and patriarchal figures. However, an ambitious new permanent public artwork coming to Circular Quay is set to shake up the status quo. Titled ‘Badjgama Ngunda Whuliwulawala (Black Women Rising)’, the 5.5-metre-high cast bronze sculpture is the creation of Dharawal and Yuin artist Alison Page, developed in consultation with the Sydney Coastal Aboriginal Women’s Group and the Gujaga Foundation. The sculpture depicts an Aboriginal woman rising powerfully from a body of water. Part woman and part whale, the figure represents the deep connection Aboriginal people have to Country and serves as an invitation for all women and all people to connect with her strength and resilience. Photograph: Supplied | Artist impression of new sculpture ‘Badjgama Ngunda Whuliwulawala (Black Women Rising)’ Speaking on the artwork, the artist said: “‘Badjgama Ngunda Whuliwulawala (Black Women Rising)’ emerges from the water below the city, a place of spiritual potency for Dharawal women. She is the mixing of the salt water and the fresh water, her energy and essence lives within the Aboriginal women of Sydney today. She is ev

The funniest things I saw at Sydney Comedy Festival – Plus, the encore shows you can still catch

Sydney’s biggest annual comedy event just wrapped for another year, and I want to give a nod to some of the most hilarious, off-the-wall, and delightful shows I managed to catch during Sydney Comedy Festival’s huge 20th anniversary year. Plus, hot tip: the laughs aren’t over! There is an assortment of encore performances coming up for some of the festival’s most popular shows. This includes the winner of the Best of the Fest Award, Dan Rath’s Tropical Depression – a razor-sharp offbeat observational show offering Rath’s fresh take on a broad range of topics from Uber rides to moving to Korea, chatbots and more. (Tropical Depression is playing an encore at the Comedy Store on Friday, August 8. You can book tickets here.) Highlights of Sydney Comedy Festival 2025 Photograph: Supplied/SCF Ruby Teys – Cherry Vinyl: Coober Pedy’s Last Show Girl ★★★★★ Ruby Teys’ cabaret-esque style is the very definition of prawn cocktail comedy: delicious, decadent, somewhat perplexing, and always existing one minor but dangerous temperature change away from turning your stomach. The ingredients probably shouldn’t work together, and yet, she tosses them together with a dash of showgirl chutzpah and mad genius, leaving audiences rolling in regular roars of laughter – satiated, but always hungry for more. Much like a prawn, the body horror also makes it even better (The Substance’s special effects team simply can’t compete with what happens to a Gold Coast showgirl after a few too many komodo dra

The Biennale of Sydney is expanding out west, but a major Sydney gallery is missing out

The Biennale of Sydney has today announced the curatorial vision, first wave of 37 artists and collectives, and exhibition locations for the 25th edition, which will be titled Rememory. The largest contemporary art event of its kind in Australia, the festival will be open free to the public from March 14 to June 14 in 2026, presented in various locations across Sydney. The Biennale will be heading to Penrith for the first time in the new year, with Penrith Regional Gallery joining the fold amid a fresh push to reach new audiences in Sydney’s west. The gallery will be featured alongside returning venues including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney (which was recently named in Time Out’s list of the world’s most underrated museums), and the iconic restored White Bay Power Station, which the Biennale launched as the city’s new major arts venue for it’s 2024 edition. However, one major gallery has been passed over as an exhibition venue, with the Museum of Contemporary Art missing out for the first time since 1998. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Biennale’s new Artistic Director, Hoor Al Qasimi, said that the decision came down to curatorial priorities. She told the SMH’s Linda Morris: “The MCA is a great space, but it’s not location wise. It’s not something that fits into what I want to do. I’m always interested in people who maybe don’t realise that the Biennale is free, and it’s for the

Mariah Carey and Pitbull are coming to Sydney with a stacked Fridayz Live line-up

It's time to live out your musical fantasy, folks – because Fridayz Live has just announced its huge 2025 line-up and it's loaded with so many R'n'B legends and massive hip-hop stars that you may want to sit down and fire up the group chat immediately. Leading the charge is none other than the queen of the whistle note, five-time Grammy Award winner and certified diva, Mariah Carey. It's been 11 years since Mimi last performed in Australia, and you bet we've had 'We Belong Together' on repeat since this news dropped. Joining her is Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Known for his d-floor smash-hits (including 'Hotel Room Service', 'On The Floor' and 'Give Me Everything') and epic collabs, we recommend sourcing your bald cap and suit sooner, rather than later (IYKYK). But wait, there's more! Also scheduled to appear is Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa (hands up if 'See You Again' still makes you shed a tear); crunk and club superstar Lil Jon; powerhouse rap icon Eve; UK pop and hip-hop artist Tinie Tempah; and former American Idol winner turned chart-topping vocalist Jordin Sparks. Phew, talk about stars in our eyes. If this news didn't blow ya mind or make you feel young, wild and free, we're not sure what will. Check out everything you need to know about the Fridayz Live announcement below. When is Fridayz Live happening in Sydney? Fridayz Live is heading to Sydney Showground's main stadium, ENGIE Stadium. The one-night-only event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. And

REVEALED: New public art installations for the $836-million Sydney Fish Market

Anticipation for the new and improved Sydney Fish Market has been building up ever since the site’s multi-million-dollar makeover was green-lit in 2020, and while it has not all been smooth sailing, the mission to transform it into the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere is forging on full speed ahead. However, the development is not only looking towards the future, but also paying tribute to the past. A series of art installations have been commissioned for the new precinct, which will honour Blackwattle Bay’s First Nations and maritime histories. Visitors to the new Sydney Fish Market will be able to learn about the history of the area through five permanent installations that celebrate the site as a community gathering place. The first three sculptures were revealed today, each created by Aboriginal Australian artists who have designed works which pay respect to the continued presence of local Aboriginal people, and reference traditional cultural practices of the First Nations communities connected to the new Sydney Fish Market site. Photograph: Supplied | Artist Uncle Steven Russell and team working on 'The Nawi' Grouped under the title Saltwater People Stories, the three installations include ‘The Nawi’, a depiction of a traditional nawi (fishing canoe) by Bidjigal elder Uncle Steven Russell; ‘Birrang Narrami (Star Net)’, a traditional woven fishing net by Wiradjuri, Yuin and Gadigal multi-disciplinary artist and master weaver Nadeena Dixon; and ‘The Call o

Cynthia Erivo to star in West End premiere of Sydney Theatre Company’s DRACULA

Producers Michael Cassel and Adam Kenwright today announced that Sydney Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of Dracula, adapted and directed by visionary theatre-maker Kip Williams, will premiere at London’s prestigious Noël Coward Theatre in February 2026. Three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo (who caught the world’s attention starring opposite Ariana Grande in part one of the blockbuster film adaptation of Wicked) will return to the stage for the first time in nearly a decade for the production, starring in this bold, one-actor reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel. Photograph: Supplied/Sonna Studios | Cynthia Erivo at the Sydney premiere of 'Wicked' Following the global release of Wicked: For Good this November – one of the most eagerly anticipated cinematic events of the decade – Erivo’s next move will be into rehearsals for Dracula. Her return to the stage marks a landmark moment in contemporary theatre: a rare opportunity for West End audiences to witness one of the world’s most extraordinary talents at the height of her powers, in a daring and intimate performance unlike anything she has undertaken before. In this radical interpretation, Erivo will embody all 23 characters in Stoker’s iconic tale – from the naïve solicitor Jonathan Harker and his fiancée Mina Murray to confidante Lucy Westenra, her suitors, and the formidable vampire hunter Van Helsing – as well as the infamous Count Dracula themself. The performance was originated on the Sydney st

Virginia Gay is bringing back Calamity Jane for an exclusive run at Sydney Opera House

If you had the good fortune of seeing theatremaker and all-out triple-threat Virginia Gay kick down the saloon doors and tear up the stage as Calamity Jane, then you’ll immediately understand two things. Firstly, why Gay’s gender-bending turn as the iconic frontierswoman is so joyously unforgettable. And secondly, you’ll get why we’re losing our minds over the announcement that Calamity Jane is coming back this October. That’s right, Gay is teaming back up with director Richard Carroll (co-artistic director of the much-loved Hayes Theatre Co) for an all-new immersive staging of Calamity Jane in The Studio at the Sydney Opera House, no less. “I love the show, and I love what it does to people,” said Gay, speaking exclusively with Time Out about this exciting announcement. Audiences never stop asking for it – and sometimes, apparently, you should give an audience what they want!? Packed with spontaneity and joy (and a load more queer subtext than you might expect from a show based on a real-life person who lived in America’s Wild West era) this witty show sold out multiple seasons in Sydney, Melbourne and on tour after opening in 2017. The role also earned Gay the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actress, enchanting audiences and critics alike – but stepping back into Calamity’s cowboy boots is not something that she ever expected to do again. However, it was last year, when she was rehearsing a special one-off reprisal of the character for a fundraiser to celebrate ten years of

This stunning portrait of artist Justene Williams just won the Archibald Prize 2025

The face that stops the nation has landed. This morning, the Art Gallery of New South Wales announced Brisbane-based artist Julie Fragar as the winner of the 2025 Archibald Prize, for her portrait of fellow Brissy artist and colleague Justene Williams. The highly detailed black and white painting, titled ‘Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)’, depicts Williams as an “active master of a multiverse of characters and events”. Fragar is a four-time Archibald Prize finalist, and this is the first time she has won the $100,000 prize. The artist broke into tears when the Art Gallery of NSW’s recently appointed director, Maud Page, phoned this morning to deliver the news that her work had been selected as the winner from the 57 finalist works. This is the 15th time in Archie history that the prize has been awarded to a woman, and Fragar is the 13th woman to win since its inception in 1921. Fragar and Williams work together at the Queensland College of Art and Design, where Fragar is the head of painting and Williams is the head of sculpture. Photograph: Alannah Le Cross | Julie Fragar with her winning portrait at the 2025 Archibald Prize announcement Responding to the win, Fragar said: “You work your whole career imagining this might happen one day. Thinking back to myself as a 17-year-old showing up at the Sydney College of the Arts – a kid from country New South Wales – it’s incredible to think I have won the Archibald Prize. Portrait painting wasn’t taken as seriously in the 1