Your 2023 guide to the best events and shows in NSW
From winter school holiday entertainment to New Year’s Eve events, check out this extensive guide to What’s On in NSW.
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From winter school holiday entertainment to spring racing and all the way through to Christmas and New Year’s Eve events, we’ve got you covered.
Disney Theatrical Productions Australia presents a new production of Beauty and the Beast, bringing the classic film to life on stage. Be immersed in this timeless romance as Shubshri Kandiah, Brendan Xavier and Andy Cook step into the roles of Belle, Beast and Gaston. The production features brand new sets, costume designs and state-of-the-art technology as well as the much-loved songs and score from the animated musical. Now on at Capitol Theatre, Sydney for a strictly limited season.
Take a culinary trip through some of Disney’s classic stories with the Nel. Once Upon A Time (chapter 4) menu. Paying homage to films such as Ratatouille, Alice in Wonderland and Winnie the Pooh, the menu features an array of dishes created to tell a story. Until August 12, 75 Wentworth Ave, Sydney. From $185.
Stuart Maunder’s celebrated production of the classic gothic musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is making its Sydney premiere. Starring Ben Mingay as Sweeney and Antoinette Halloran as Mrs Lovett, this is a spine-chilling tale of a barber driven to madness, fuelled by a consuming desire for revenge. July 22-August 27, Sydney Opera House. From $59.
The Simon and Garfunkel Story tells the tale of how two young boys from Queens, New York went on to become the most successful music duo of all time, taking audiences through the songs and stories that shaped them.August 16, Enmore Theatre, Enmore; August 19, Riverside Theatre, Parramatta; August 23, The Concourse, Chatswood.
The Broadway blockbuster musical Wicked is returning to Australia. The story takes place in the land of Oz, long before Dorothy dropped in. The cast is led by Courtney Monsma as the bubbly, popular Glinda the Good, and Sheridan Adams as Elphaba, the girl born with emerald-green skin who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. From August 25, Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star. From $79.
Bringing the circus arts to the ice for the very first time, Cirque Du Soleil: Crystal melds gravity-defying circus disciplines with figure skating and extreme skating. Artists skilfully manoeuvre backflips, leaps and vaults — all on ice. August 3-13, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park.
The Sydney Fringe Festival is back with a program spanning theatre, music, comedy, visual art and more. Highlights include The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical and comedy-acrobatic show GODZ, plus it all kicks off with an opening night party. September 1-30, various locations.
The Presets are taking off on their “20 nights of DJ sets” tour, playing at small clubs and bars around Australia. They’re coming to the northern beaches for one night only. September 2, Dee Why RSL, Dee Why.
The Sydney Spring Racing Carnival kicks off in September with DJs, live music, rooftop bars and eight weeks of world-class race days. The $20m TAB Everest will take place at Royal Randwick and the $10m Golden Eagle will be held at Rosehill Gardens. September 16-November 7, Royal Randwick Racecourse and Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.
The international cricket season will be kicked off by Australia’s women’s team in the first CommBank T20 International against West Indies, with the first two matches in North Sydney. October 1-2, North Sydney Oval.
The Whitlams are heading off on their national tour Early Years ’93-’97 Double Bass Classics. The four-piece is joined by Scott Owen from The Living End to recreate the rollicking energy of its first three albums. October 7, Enmore Theatre, Enmore. $80.
Mosman OctoberFeast Night Market
Enjoy a glass of wine or beer in the licenced area while experiencing an array of gourmet foods. There will be kids’ activities and live entertainment by Dom Diaz, The Sauerkrauts and St. Raphaels German Folk Dancing Group. October 26, Mosman Square and Village Green, Spit Junction.
The 2023 ISPS HANDA Australian Open will unveil its new mixed gender format, together with the inspiring All Abilities Championship in Sydney for the very first time. Fans will have the chance to see some of the best male and female golfers playing for different titles on the same course, at the same time. November 30-December 3, The Australian Golf Club, Rosebery.
The Good Food and Wine Show Christmas Market
The Good Food and Wine Show Christmas Market will feature a wide range of hand-picked local producers offering the best artisan food and wine. There will also be curated products for gifting and styling. November 17-19, Carriageworks, Eveleigh.
Soprano and tenor powerhouse legends of musical theatre and opera, Marina Prior and David Hobson embark on a tour of their hit show, The 2 Of Us. Accompanied by pianist David Cameron, they will perform classics from productions such as The Phantom of The Opera, Cats and Evita, as well as favourites from their albums. November 24, Norths, Cammeray. $55.
Swan Lake is a classic and enduring love story that has now been reinvented by The Australian Ballet’s artistic director, David Hallberg. Exploring the ballet’s themes of yearning, betrayal and love through a new lens, this adaptation will embody the beauty and power of the art form and honour The Australian Ballet’s commitment to classical repertoire. December 1-20, Sydney Opera House. $66-$378.
Get in the festive spirit at Taronga Zoo’s Christmas Concert. Sing along to your favourite carols and keep your eyes peeled for a very special guest, all the way from the North Pole. December 16-17, Taronga Zoo, Mosman. $24-$29.
Join Clara in an enchanted dreamland as she befriends the Nutcracker and goes on a magical Christmas Eve journey in this exciting new ACO Families production. This clever adaptation brings together music, dance and theatre in an immersive experience for the festive season. December 16-22, Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. $35.
Award-winning director Sarah Giles’ acclaimed production of Verdi’s La Traviata brings a fresh new perspective to this opera classic, performed by Opera Australia. While the production officially kicks off in January, Opera Australia is hosting a special New Year’s Eve performance. December 31, Sydney Opera House. From $199.
Ray’s townhouse is talk of the neighbourhood
Ray Hadley and his wife Sophie have listed their Bella Vista townhouse as they will be mostly dividing their initial retirement between the NSW Central Coast and Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Changes needed after 2yo’s dog attack death
A young boy who died in a horrific dog attack in rural NSW has sparked an inquest into what needs to change. Here’s what the court found.