It seems that across time, the pursuit of creative expression has often been, in itself, an act of rebellion and self-sacrifice. Writers and artists rarely live lives of stability or wealth, and yet, in humanity’s most uncertain and desperate moments, it is to poetry, theatre and art that we turn to make sense of the world. The relentless act of writing, of shaping and sharing one’s perspective on life, still carries a quiet defiance, even in a technological age where everyone has a keyboard and an opinion.
It is perhaps for this reason that My Brilliant Career continues to resonate today. Since its publication in 1901, the novel has been adapted across multiple forms, including film and stage, with a television adaptation currently in development by Netflix. Now, it’s on at Sydney Theatre Company’s Roslyn Packer Theatre.
What is the premise of My Brilliant Career?
This award-winning iteration of My Brilliant Career, which debuted at Melbourne Theatre Company in 2024, is a musical theatre adaptation with a book by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant, music by Mathew Frank, and lyrics by Bryant.
It follows Sybylla Melvyn (Kala Gare, SIX the musical), a fiercely independent young woman growing up in rural Australia in the 1800s. Chafing against the limitations placed on her as a woman – particularly the expectation that she should marry for security – Sybylla dreams instead of becoming a writer and forging a life of her own making.
As she navigates family hardship, social...
How good are long weekends? You don’t need to answer that – we already know: 11/10 good. Let’s get into the fun happening in Sydney!
Saturday is ANZAC Day. Sydney starts the day with a Dawn Service, which will take place this year at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, commencing at 4.20am (with many others held all over Sydney).
Then, after you’ve formally paid your respects, it’s time for the coin toss. From rooftop parties to coastal rings and a beer garden with grandstand viewing, we’ve scoured Sydney for the best two-up venues in town. Good luck! Personally, I always lose money, so I’m heading out on a bush walk — you can check out some of our faves here.
Sydney Comedy Festival is in full swing if you're in need of a big ol’ belly laugh. There are literally hundreds of shows to choose from – but if you need help, this handy round-up may do the trick.
Petrol may be expensive, but dining out doesn't have to be. I've rounded up 11 of the best restaurant and bar deals in Sydney worth knowing about right now. From $1 gyoza to $5 bubbles – dining on a shoestring never looked so good.
A new Banksy exhibition has landed in Sydney, featuring more than 250 provocative works by the world-famous elusive street artist – and it looks very cool.
There are some excellent shows on in Sydney right now, including The Lion King, My Brilliant Career and Gutenberg! The Musical!. Check out the best shows to see in Sydney this month here.
The 25th Biennale of Sydney (named among the best exhibitions in the world for 2026) is back. There’s a lot to see and experience – and the best part is that it’s here for two months, so you don’t need to tackle it all in one day. Free Friday night? Art After Dark is going down at White Bay Power Station – one of Syd's coolest venues – with gigs, art and food.
Plus, take a dip at one of Sydney’s best beaches, enjoy some fish and chips and make the most of the air con at an exhibition. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat at the AGNSW is my pick.
If you're up for a road trip, you can also cool off with our guide to the most magical swimming holes in NSW. Or clock a few saltwater laps with our guide to Sydney's best ocean pools.
And if you want more boozy fun, you can work your way through Sydney's best bars here. Oh, and you can suss Sydney’s best restaurants and best affordable eats too.
Hope you have a cracking weekend.
Weather not looking so hot? Check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Sydney.
