Alannah Sue (née Maher, and briefly Le Cross) (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 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.

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, and occaisionally 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.

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

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

Alannah Sue

Arts and Culture Editor, Time Out Sydney

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Articles (255)

The best winter 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 winter. When is the winter school holidays in NSW? The winter school holidays for 2025 run from Monday, July 7 until Friday, July 18 – this applies to both the Eastern and Western divisions of NSW. What to do in Sydney in the school holidays? 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 gay and queer pubs, bars and clubs in Sydney

We'll admit it, Sydney's swathe of queer venues is not as expansive as it once was. (Get your butt to the Bearded Tit while you can, Redfern's quirky lesbian-owned bar is closing for good before the end of 2025; and pour one out for Oxford Street's ARQ, which is looking a lot straighter in its current iteration as 'Aura'.) But, we've still got some fabulous queer spots to get amongst. From a historical drag palace to subterranean dancefloors, we've got you covered for where to go for a gay ol' time. These LGBTQ+ safe spaces welcome queer punters with open arms, thrilling parties and quiet beers amongst community most nights of the week. If you're after some outdoor fun, have a look through our list of gay-friendly beaches. Pop on your ruby slippers and follow us down the yellow brick road, here's where to find rainbow paths and crossings in Sydney.

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. Australia's favourite annual art event is back, and the Art Gallery of NSW has unleashed a fresh suite of famous faces, diverse landscapes and eclectic sculptures with the return of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also opening its exciting major winter show this month – Cerith Wyn Evans .... in light of the visible – the first comprehensive exhibition of the renound Welsh artist in Australia, inviting visitors to stroll through monumental light sculptures (from June 6). Speaking of illuminations, we'd be remiss not to mention that Vivid Sydney is lighting up the city after dark, painting buildings with intricate projections. (You can suss out our team's favourite things to see at Vivid Sydney over here.) We are also counting down the days until Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery re-opens on June 18 with Tender Comrade, an epic new exhibition diving into the queer histories of ancient China. Are you prepared to head outside of the city for an experience where art and nature come together? Down by the bend of the Shoalhaven River, Bundanon's intriguing new exhibition features talking mushrooms and dancing horses; and in the Southern Highlands, Ngununggula has just unveiled a gorgeous showcase of all-women painters. Read on for more of the coolest exhibitions to have a gander at.

The best shows to see in Sydney this month

The colder months are starting to settle in, but Sydney’s huge year of theatre is hot to trot. While Vivid Sydney lights up the city, you have a limited time to catch Bangarra Dance Theatre's irridescent new spectacle, Illume, which is lighting up the Sydney Opera House from within until June 14. Love it or hate it, one of the world's most popular musicals is prowling back onto the Sydney stage this June, with a special 40th anniversary production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats kicking off at Sydney's Theatre Royal from June 17. Speaking of West End hits, you're in for some dramatic laughter when The Play That Goes Wrong kicks off a brand new tour at the Sydney Opera House from June 19. If you're up for some camp comedy or cabaret, Sydney's new Pride Fest is also bringing bucketloads of fun queer shows to Oxford Street this month (check out our top picks). Meanwhile, Bell Shakespeare presents a new take on one of the Bard's most exhilarating works, Coriolanus, from June 20; and we're also keen to see some local indie theatre legends teaming up for the world premiere of Sistren, a comedy about sisterhood starring IRL besties Iolanthe (Seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner) and Janet Anderson (Overflow) from June 26. And if it’s musical madness you’re after, you don't want to miss the chance to laugh your head off at Titanique. After several extensions, this camp cult-hit parody has officially called a closing date in June (and it definitely won't be shipping off to any other

The best nightclubs in Sydney to get on the dance floor

Say what you like, but Sydney sure loves to party. We can find our boogie on the roof, in the basement, by the pool, even every once in a while in a suburban bowling club. But if you're looking for somewhere to "go clubbing", we've got that covered. Yep, the Harbour City is still finding her dancing feet again in the wake of lockout laws and lockdowns. But if you’re after some dancefloor reverie, you just need to know where to look. For example, while Kings Cross has undergone a total vibe shift from its grungier past, Kings Cross Hotel still offers a multi-level dancefloor bonanza. Or, a pub crawl along a funky strip like Newtown’s King Street might be more your speed, and you can cap it off by falling down the rabbit hole at the purple-hued, 4am-licence-having Pleasure Club. Otherwise, the student crowd should be happy to know that your typical “clubbing” experience can still be found at venues like Cargo Bar. Nostalgic elder millienials will also be stoked to know that Chinese Laundry is back to peg you up on the line. If you’re seeking a particular vibe or a niche subculture thing, then it is worth seeking out events run by particular producers and party collectives that can scratch the itch for you – for example, the ultra cool club kids of Angels Only Inc. curate surprisingly-welcoming shindigs and wholesome amateur strip clubs, and Raw Gadigal is one of a handful of spaces for authentic techno rhythms that will see your night melt away. Meanwhile, Sydney’s queer commu

The 11 best hair salons in Sydney in 2025

In the words of Time Out Sydney Arts and Culture Editor Alannah Sue, hair is a religion, and choosing the right salon for you is an undeniably sacred act. To help you find the best people to entrust with your crowning glory, we’ve rounded up the very best hair salons in Sydney – from celeb-approved spots in the Inner City to an award-winning sustainable salon on the Northern Beaches. Read on for our top picks of the very best hair salons in the Harbour City. 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. Need some me-time? These are the best day spas in the Harbour City.And these are the best facials in Sydney.

The best exhibitions to see in Sydney this week

Whether you're after outdoor art or something in the gallery, Sydney will have you sorted, both during the day and after dark. Take a deeper dive with our editor's guide to the best exhibitions to see in Sydney this month, and suss out some top art exhibitions and events happening over the next seven days below. RECOMMENDED: Where to find Sydney's best street art.

The best theatre to see in Sydney this week

There are always a lot of wonderful things to do in Sydney. But whether it's an evening filled with razzle dazzle or cheeky matinee, there is something extra special about going to the theatre. You can take a deeper dive by with our guide to the best of Sydney's stages this month. For now, here's our picks of the best shows to see this week.

The 52 best things to do in Sydney in 2025

We might be a little biased, but in our humble opinion, Sydney's got it all. Can you think of many other cities in the world that rival its natural beauty, rich heritage and history that dates back thousands of years, and its creative, culinary and cultural offerings by world-class pros. In fact, there's so much to see, do, sip and ponder here, you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Worry not, dear reader – we're making it simple for you. Our team (including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, Lifestyle Writer Winnie Stubbs and Editor in Chief Alice Ellis) sifted through every good time the Big Smoke has to offer and put together a Sydney bucket list for the ages. The activities we've chosen will give you a super varied experience of the city – everything from the tourist attractions that are actually worth your time to secret swimming spots that locals know and love.Whether you're a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, this 2025 Time Out Sydney round-up of the city's must-do activities will help you experience Sydney from every angle. After all those great activities you're bound to be thirsty. We suggest you head to one of the best pubs in Sydney right now. Need somewhere to stay? Check in to one of Sydney's best hotels or Airbnbs. 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.

The 28 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 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

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.

Listings and reviews (284)

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

Henry Jones Art Hotel

When it comes to picturesque destinations that are rich in art, history and intriguing discoveries, Tasmania’s capital really has the market nailed. There’s a reason that the country’s most boundary-pushing art gallery, MONA, is located here. But beyond that, Hobart is home to a rich artistic community, and the area’s history is always close to the surface. The good, the spooky, and the quirky – this place wears it all on its sleeve. Located on Hobart’s historic waterfront, the Henry Jones Art Hotel exemplifies everything that’s unique about Australia’s southernmost city, and wraps it up in sophisticated boutique accommodation, to boot. The hotel opened in 2004 following an extensive refurbishment led by architect Robert Morris-Nunn and his architectural firm Circa, but the building’s storied past stretches back much further – right back to early settlement – and the hotel pays homage to all of it. The IXL Jam Factory operated at the site up until the early 1970s (on a warm day, you can still smell the scents of sugar, berry and spice exuding from the walls), and much of the original construction has been preserved. Before the Henry Jones became a hub for art, local students from the nearby Tasmanian School of Creative Arts were known to party in the dilapidated building – and before the hotel’s construction, students were invited to walk through the building and create art based on what they saw. This became the first art displayed in the hallways upon opening. Truly, no st

National Indigenous Art Fair

The National Indigenous Art Fair is returning to the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks this winter, kicking off the opening weekend of NAIDOC Week over two big days on July 5 and 6. Now in its sixth year, this annual event attracts over 10,000 visitors. This is your invitation to explore a vibrant ethical marketplace featuring more than 30 remote art centres and almost 100 First Nations artists from across the country. Visitors can purchase original artworks, textiles, fashion, ceramics, homewares, jewellery and more — all created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists using techniques and materials grounded in culture and Country. Plus, you can also check out hands-on workshops, live music, traditional dance, weaving circles, bush food tastings, and a new addition for fashion lovers, highlighting wearable art from designers from across Australia. Among the standout names in this year’s line-up is Regina Pilawuk Wilson, the internationally recognised Ngan’gikurrungurr artist and cultural leader behind Durrmu Arts in the Northern Territory. Known for her intricate, hypnotic paintings based on weaving traditions, Regina’s work is held in major collections all over the world. (And, she will also be hosting a hands-on weaving masterclass at the Art Fair.) Returning in an expanded creative leadership role is Miah Madden, a proud Bundjalung woman, actor and curator. In 2025, Madden has overseen the development of the Heart in Art professional development program

World Press Photo

One of the biggest visitor drawcards for the gorgeous State Library of NSW, the World Press Photo exhibition is back in Sydney for its most powerful year yet, with more award-winning photographers and unforgettable images that shook and shocked the world. From war zones to the climate crisis, gender politics to migration, this stunning annual exhibition showcases the most astonishing, thought-provoking, and often beautiful images published by photojournalists in the past twelve months. Run by the World Press Photo Foundation, this year’s exhibition drew in a whopping 59,320 entries captured by 3,778 photographers from 141 countries, with 42 finalists selected by an independent jury. World Press Photo is just one of seven free exhibitions on now at the Library. From Monday to Thursday, the exhibition is open 'til 8pm; plus, for three Friday nights during Vivid Sydney (May 30, June 6 and 13) the Library will be open for rare after-hours viewings from 6–9 pm. On Thursday, June 5, the Library is also teaming up with Fujifilm Australia for a special event with award-winning Australian photojournalist Dr. Michael Coyne, as part of the State Library Unplugged series. The Fujifilm Light and Lens Photowalk and Talk starts off with an immersive photo walk around the city, taking in the sights of Vivid Sydney, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Coyne, drawing on his 40-year career documenting international events. (Find out more about the event over here.) The 68th World Press Pho

Qtopia Pride Fest

You can celebrate Pride Month in Sydney with this month-long celebration of identity, creativity and inclusion at Qtopia Sydney. Pride Fest is rounding up more than 150 events and over 400 participating artists with a colourful program spanning theatre, cabaret, visual art, music, comedy, drag, literature, burlesque and more. In Sydney, we have long celebrated LGBTQIA+ pride earlier in the year with the world-famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade during the final weeks of our summer, and this often means that International Pride Month in June can be a little glossed over down here. However, Qtopia Sydney wants to change this. Now in its second year, Pride Fest is designed to reflect Qtopia’s standing as a world-class cultural institution and a hub for the LGBTQIA+ community. We reckon more rainbow gatherings throughout the year can only be a good thing, especially when queer rights are under attack internationally. (Not to mention, the first ever Sydney Mardi Gras – a radical protest – was held in June, commemorating the Stonewall Uprising.) Pride Fest is packed with opportunities for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies to connect, celebrate and learn together. In addition to shows and exhibitions, the festival’s program includes a literary salon series in collaboration with The Bookshop Darlinghurst, film nights, live podcast recordings, and workshops. To get the most out of your queer outing, we recommend booking in for a couple of back-to-back events that perk your interest (perhaps a

Rent

A season of love is about to rock the Sydney Opera House, with an exciting cast announced for the Harbour City’s brand new production of the musical that changed the course of Broadway as we know it – Jonathan Larson’s RENT. A celebration of love, life, art and the resilience of the human spirit, RENT takes audiences to the vibrant streets of New York City’s East Village in the early ’90s, where young people navigate poignant social issues and dreams are born, friendships are tested, and the power of love prevails against all odds. Fresh from his celebrated production of Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour, director Shaun Rennie has assembled some of Australia’s finest performers for this critically lauded production from Opera Australia and LPD Productions, which will make its debut in the Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre from September 27. Henry Rollo (The Rocky Horror Show) plays Mark, a struggling documentary filmmaker and best friend of Roger, an HIV-positive musician recovering from heroin addiction, who will be played by Harry Targett (Dear Evan Hansen). Kristin Paulse (Tina - The Tina Turner Musical) is Mimi, a reckless and passionate exotic dancer who lives only for today. The Voice finalist Calista Nelmes (Jesus Christ Superstar) reprises her award-winning performance of the spirited Maureen, current girlfriend of Joanne, a tough, headstrong Harvard-educated lawyer played by Imani Williams (Hadestown). Philosophy teacher Collins, father figure and friend, is played

Relics: A New World Rises

A nostalgic, playful and curiously futuristic world will rise at the Australian Museum this winter when this imaginative exhibition for the whole family lands in Sydney for the very first time. Combining intricate, large-scale LEGO creations with reclaimed vintage treasures, Relics: A New World Rises comes from the workshop of two veritable brick masterminds, Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler (the winners of the second season of Channel 9's LEGO Masters). Set in the year 2530, this retro-futuristic spectacle imagines a whimsical post-human world where tiny LEGO people have risen from the ashes to craft their civilisations inside forgotten human objects – from under the hood of a genuine old-school Volkswagen Beetle, to a jukebox, a grandfather clock, arcade game machines, and an old piano. Visitors will wander in awe through entire, highly-detailed miniature brick cities, but beyond the spectacle, there is a message about sustainability at the heart of the exhibition. More than a metric tonne of LEGO bricks have gone into this exhibition, most of which have been painstakingly sourced from the vast second-hand LEGO marketplace, in addition to vintage objects sourced from far and wide. Relics opens on August 16, and the waitlist for early access tickets is now open over here, where you can secure first-in-line access. The Australian Museum is also offering free exhibitions, events, and school holiday workshops during the winter months – this includes the recently opened Tails from

L’Hôtel

It’s time to ring that bell and check in for an intoxicating blend of Parisian cabaret, dazzling aerial artistry and breathtaking burlesque. Following sold-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, L’Hôtel returns to Sydney this winter, taking over the brand new Foundry Theatre from May 24 to July 6. Sydney’s own enfant terrible prince of pop Brendan Maclean takes centre stage, causing mischief alongside acting legend John Waters (Offspring, All Saints, Bloom) as L’Hôtel’s devoted hotelier, as well as a jaw-dropping cast of multi-talented entertainers. The creation of visionary director Craig Ilott (Gatsby at the Green Light, Amadeus) and designer Stuart Couzens, this fresh twist on L’Hôtel promises to be more extravagant than ever. The pair describe the show as a world where temptation lurks in every shadow: “L’Hôtel is where elegance meets mischief, where stolen glances turn into whispered confessions, and every doorway leads to desire. It’s transportative, intoxicating, and unlike anything else in Sydney right now. Prepare to check in.” More than a show, L’Hôtel is a feast for the senses. If you choose to level up to the VIP experience, the night begins with a chilled glass of French Champagne, paired with a curated cheese board featuring the finest French selections. As the drama unfolds, guests will savour delicate éclairs and enjoy dedicated table service – fully immersing them in the seductive world of L’Hôtel from the best seats in the

Vivid Music

Vivid Sydney is back in action, but it’s not just the sparkly lights and foodie offerings (including a flame-fuelled market) that have caught our attention. The Vivid Music program is back with a vengeance, and between free outdoor concerts, exclusive gigs, sweaty dance parties, iconic international acts and local legends, there’s a whole lot of noise to get around. We've done the browse work for you and unearthed the acts, venues and big nights out you should put your coin behind (or even enjoy for nix). Take your pick, and light up your winter with one of these bespoke gigs going down between May 23 and June 14. Photograph: Anna Kucera | Ayesha Madon Tumbalong Nights will return to Darling Harbour, with free entertainment hitting the outdoor stage every night. DJs will keep the party going from Sunday to Wednesday, while live music starts at 7.30pm every Thursday to Saturday (plus Sunday 8 and Monday 9 June for the long weekend), with kids’ shows from 5–6pm on Saturdays. Rising star and Time Out Sydney cover girl Ayesha Madon will kick things off, sharing a double bill with fellow Sydney pop singer Charley (Fri, May 23). The free concert series also features local surf-rock darlings Winston Surfshirt, Sydney rockers Body Type, V-Pop sensations Mỹ Anh and Chi Xê, Grammy-winning African artist Dobet Gnahoré, Stella Jang from Korea, India’s Zaeden and former bass player for Prince, MonoNeon. (Check out all the acts and dates over here.) Photograph: SOH/Dean Tirkot | Lady Fur

Amongst the clouds

As the distinctions between the digital and the material worlds become increasingly blurred, the way we think about art, society and technology is radically shifting. In the latest exhibition at Artspace, Amongst the clouds (digital materialities in the 21st century), we see a group of six artists exploring new ways that art and technology can work together to shape our physical and digital worlds. The result is an intriguing collection of work that proves that, while new technologies are worth exploring as part of creative practice, human intervention is essential for creating inspired and interesting art. Bombay-based artist Archana Hande’s immersive installation ‘Weaving Light’ transforms an entire room – a warm source of light permeates from a central column of Jacquard loom punch cards, casting intricate patterns in the shadows and onto viewers themselves (referencing Ada Lovelace, the artist explores the changing nature of industrialisation in a postcolonial world). On the other end of the spectrum, London-based artist Lawrence Lek’s ‘Guanyin (Confessions of a Former Carebot)’ invites us to play a videogame featuring a cyborg therapist; and local Sydney artist Sophie Penkethman-Young’s ‘Robot // Dog’ is a kaleidoscopic video essay on human relationships with programmable beings – from service robots, to pedigree dogs – that might affect the way you look at your four-legged friend. As you enter the busiest space of the exhibition, the soundscape grows more noisy, more

Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes

Australia’s most popular arts event is back in action for 2025, with the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes bringing a fresh batch of painterly expressions to the walls of the Art Gallery of NSW from May 10 to August 17. They call it “the face that stops the nation”, and the Archibald Prize has indeed been courting controversy and conversation for more than a century now. This popular portrait prize is always filled with famous faces, with artists from all over Australia (and also New Zealand) capturing the spirit of the times through paintings that capture the likeness of the personalities that define their communities. Julie Fragar is the winner of the 2025 Archibald Prize – she won over the judges with a stunning portrait of fellow artist Justene Williams (read more). RECOMMENDED: A beginner's guide to the Archibald Prize. The winner of the 2025 Packing Room Prize was announced a week earlier, with the Packing Room Pickers (a.k.a. the Art Gallery staff who receive, unpack and hang the entries) selecting Abdul Abdullah's striking painting of fellow finalist Jason Phu as their favourite Archibald portrait this year (read more here). Meanwhile, the Wynne Prize awards the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figurative sculpture, and the Sulman is awarded to the best genre painting, subject painting or mural project. (Find out more about the 2025 winners over here.) The annual finalists exhibition is a real must-see, with each prize attracting diverse entries that

News (424)

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

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally will make an exclusive appearance at Vivid Sydney 2025

If you thought that Vivid Sydney’s new and improved program was already sounding too dishy to handle – with icons Martha Stewart and Nigella Lawson both set to make appearances – then think again. The hottest couple in comedy, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are confirmed to appear on stage and in-conversation together for the very first time in Australia, closing out the final night of the 2025 festival. Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally will see the immensely talented husband-and-wife duo grace the stage of the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) on Saturday, June 14. Mullally, best known as Will & Grace’s Karen Walker, and Offerman, best known as Parks and Recreation’s Ron Swanson, have forged a creative partnership that spans film, television, podcasting and co-authorship over their quarter of a century as a couple. However, they have never appeared in a live-onstage in-conversation before now. “Megan and I are powerfully chuffed to get back to town for Vivid Sydney, but also to reprise our lovemaking session atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” Offerman said in an official statement. He continued: “Once we have recharged those particular batteries, we’ll be thrilled to transfer our slatternly energies to the Vivid Sydney audience. Come for the anecdotes and the burlesque lust in our every turn of phrase, then get stretched out before you get home, because there’s gonna be some canoodlin’”. In this playful conversation moderated by

All aboard! Titanique has finally called a closing date for record-breaking Sydney run

After more than 300 Céline-belting, wig-snatching, laugh-out-loud performances, Titanique is preparing to leave the dock one last time. This June, the outrageous and award-winning musical parody will unberth from Sydney’s Art-Deco-style cabaret den, The Grand Electric, sailing off into the sunset — never to return to Australian shores (unless, of course, an iceberg demands an encore). Since Titanique opened in October, this Harbour City exclusive has become one of the hottest tickets in town, with our critic saying that this “completely unserious” sequin-filled extravaganza will “have you laughing so hard your cheeks hurt” in a rave five-star review. But unlike Céline’s eternal ballad, this show will not go on. After several sold-out season extensions, the final performance has finally been called for June 22, 2025. So it’s time to hit up your girls, gays, theys, and enthusiastic straight men, because you have a limited time left to experience this cult musical phenomenon before it sails away forever. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alannah Le Cross (nèe Maher) (@alannurgh) For the uninitiated, this off-Broadway splash-hit is a gloriously camp, spectacularly unhinged Olivier Award-winning send-up of James Cameron’s cinematic juggernaut that rewrites the tragic tale of Jack and Rose, putting none other than the Queen of Power Ballads herself – Céline Dion – at the helm. With cabaret icon Marney McQueen leading the Aussie cast as Céline Dion, thi