Jay Gatsby invites you into the decadent world of The Green Light, nestled inside The Studio theatre of the Sydney Opera House, where the roaring '20s is reborn for an evening of decadence, debauchery and delight. Gatsby at the Green Light is back by popular demand and, with an extended run until March 2026, there’s clearly a demand for cabaret with a touch of elegance and plenty of grandeur.
What type of show is Gatsby at the Green Light?
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic text, The Great Gatsby, director Craig Ilott once more takes audiences into an exploration of the liquor-fuelled parties, yearning and lust of the illusive figure, Jay Gatsby, in an evening of professional cabaret.
Ilott doesn’t so much play out the story of The Great Gatsby, but instead takes the crux of it – one of greed, love, decadence and the unreachable American Dream – to showcase some of the best talents in cabaret, aerial acrobatics, tap and circus. Set inside the fictionalised bar, The Green Light, designer Stuart Couzens creates a world that feels like you’ve stepped back into a speakeasy bar of Fitzgerald’s America.
The three-tiered seating elements of Green Light mean that audiences have the choice of sitting back in the rafters and overseeing the party (much like the host himself) or the middle of the space set far enough back to see all but not be so close as to feel the intimacy of the stage.
Those who want to hear the heartbeat of the waiter-come-dancers around you, feel the heat...
Hello, summer. I don’t often like to play favourites, but December – with its end-of-year parties, festival celebrations, warm water and a well-deserved break around the corner – may just be my favourite month of the year.
Outdoor cinema season has officially kicked off if you’re keen to catch a flick under the stars. Head outside to tackle one of our city’s best running spots before the January heat rolls in. For something more leisurely, work your way through Sydney’s top walking trails, or take a dip in one of the city’s best ocean pools and beaches.
On the culture front, you’ve gotta check out Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It’s a giant interactive playground for the young (and the young at heart). There’s incredible theatre happening this month, too – you can check out our top picks here.
Of course, December is all about letting your hair down. These are Sydney’s best happy hours, here are the city’s finest bars, rooftop haunts and pubs for weekend sessions; and if you wanna dance, we’ve rounded up Sydney’s top clubs here.
Feel like a road trip? Head to 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.
After all of that, you’re sure to be hungry. Sydney’s best restaurants, best new restaurants and ace cheap eats will keep you sorted.
Hope your December is ace. Bring on Christmas, I say.
Scroll on for other fun things to do this month.
