The opening note of ‘The Circle of Life’ may just be one of the most recognisable in a Disney musical. If you don’t agree, then you may have to convince the entire theatre-going audience who were at Disney’s The Lion King on opening night. The full house’s roars could be heard all the way out of the Capitol Theatre’s front doors as the king of musicals triumphantly returns to Sydney – the first time in more than a decade.
What type of show is The Lion King?
It’s called The King of Musicals for a reason. If it’s not Elton John’s iconically recognisable music, or Tim Rice’s lyrics you’ve sung over a late-night karaoke session, then its Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi’s book featuring the characters you love, the characters you hate, and the ones you undoubtedly cry over – tears were definitely still shed during that scene.
What’s so beautiful about The Lion King is the blurring of worlds and culture that merges in between all of these. Julie Taymor’s directorial conception blends African culture, language, movement and costume underneath masks and puppetry of the animal characters.
Mufasa’s “crown” is a stoic, strong and towering headdress. The elegant lionesses soar and leap through the sky through Garth Fagan’s choreography as wing-like gowns flow behind them. The animals of Pride Rock are adorned with larger-than-life puppets of intricate designs and architecture: a re-engineered bicycle becomes leaping antelope, birds fly above the crowd on poles manipulated by performers,...
Fresh autumnal mornings. Warm ocean temperatures. And three public holidays. There’s a lot to like about April.
Feel like getting out of the city? Consider a trip to the eucalyptus-cloaked Blue Mountains – and be sure to visit Scenic World at the Three Sisters in Katoomba. It’s home to fun mountain adventures ranging from an exhilarating railway ride to a butterfly-inducing aerial cable car that lets you appreciate the beauty – and scale! – of the heritage-listed national park.
The beloved Sydney Royal Easter Show is back at Sydney Showground from April 2-13, and the Ingenia Holiday Parks Sydney Family Show is lighting up the Entertainment Quarter from April 2-19. Bring on endless snacks, rides and baby animals. We've also rounded up the best hot cross buns and Easter treats.
It’s no secret that the news is a little dire at the moment – so the annual Sydney Comedy Festival, which kicks off on April 13, couldn’t come at a better time. The schedule is bloody packed with laughs – there are more than 400 shows! – so you can go to town.
ANZAC Day is also on this morning. We’ll be updating our guide to where to play two-up in Sydney soon. Hopefully you have better luck than me.
Culture-wise, you need to check out My Brilliant Career, on now at STC’s Roslyn Packer Theatre. It is bloody brilliant. And if you’re after a spectacle, The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour is delighting audiences (though tickets are expensive).
Plus, make a booking at one of Sydney’s best restaurants, check out the hottest new bars and restaurants, and eat well for less with our guide to Sydney’s best affordable eats.
If you need to keep the little ones entertained these school holidays, we’ve rounded up fun things to do here.
Craving a nature hit before winter sets in? These are the best camping sites close to Sydney, and these are the best day hikes near the city.
Need a reset? We hear you. You'll find our guide to the city's best spas and bathhouses over here. Hot tip: Nature's Energy is offering free rosemary-infused Oil Garden head massages with every weekday bathhouse booking from now until April 27.
Scroll on for the best things to do in Sydney this April. Hope you have a hoppy Easter and a cracking month.
