Alannah Le Cross (née Maher) (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 and incredible way with words leads to enriching reads.

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 or trying to make herself take the odd 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.lecross@timeout.com.

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

Alannah Le Cross

Arts and Culture Editor, Time Out Sydney

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Articles (249)

The best exhibitions to see in Sydney this month

Sydney’s best art galleries and top museums contain treasure troves of inspiration just waiting to be discovered. Better yet, these institutions are also cool places to beat the heat of a belting hot summer day, or to hide away from nasty-looking storm clouds. A few of the city’s blockbuster summer exhibitions are sticking around into March – at the Art Gallery of NSW you can take a surreal, cyber-futuristic journey with the interactive, tentacle-filled world of Cao Fei: My City is Yours (until Apr 13) – which we confess, might just be our favourite exhibition of the summer! If you like the sound of that, then you absolutely do not want to miss White Rabbit Gallery’s current exhibition, XSWL (’til May 18). Taking its name from the Chinese internet slang term for “laughing to death”, this exhibition features four floors of wild contemporary art where silly, harmless fun and jokes are deployed to bypass taboos and tackle politically sensitive topics. Photograph: Supplied | 'Marikit Santiago: Proclaim Your Death!' at Campbelltown Arts Centre There’s some artistic gems to uncover in Sydney’s West, too. Campbelltown Arts Centre presents Marikit Santiago: Proclaim Your Death! (‘til Mar 16) – a major solo exhibition from this Western-Sydney-based Filipina-Australian artist, who won the prestigious La Prairie Art Award in 2024. Renowned for her refined oil paintings and use of reclaimed materials, Santiago invites viewers into an interactive gallery that challenges the Western art

The best shows to see in Sydney this month

Sydney’s huge year of theatre is showing no signs of slowing down in March. The Down Under debut of Hadestown sprung out of the fiery gates at the Theatre Royal last month, and it is quickly becoming the most re-watched musical of the year, with loads of theatregoers immediately booking tickets for their second and third viewings. In more musical madness, the camp shenanigans of Titanique will be cruising Sydney’s waters for a while longer, with the cult-hit parody extending its season (yet again) through to June. Meanwhile over at the Sydney Opera House, the interactive magic of Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern is also kicking its boots up for a longer stay, now through ’til April. A new season of the spectacular Handa Opera on the Harbour also kicks off this month, and this year OA is kickin’ it classic musical style with Guys & Dolls taking to the outdoor stage starring Cody Simpson alongside a stacked cast (from March 21). In the indie theatre realm, you can count on the Old Fitz Theatre for some intriguing offerings, with the return of New Ghosts Theatre Company’s production of Iphigenia in Splott (March 7–22) going back-to-back with Patricia Cornelius’ LOVE in the late night slot (March 11–21). And speaking of underground spaces, Belvoir 25A is hosting the hilariously surreal and tragically true Furious Mattress (March 11-29). That’s all just for starters! Read on for our critics' reviews and more top theatrical picks.

Taylor Swift events and specials in Sydney

Swifties, get that red lip classic thing going on, because the professional lover girl is almost in town and it's time to celebrate. Whether you're one of the lucky bunch who scored tickets to one of Tay Tay's shows or you're looking for other ways to get in on the fun, hit up the town with one of these quirky Taylor Swift-related events on in Sydney. From 'getaway carbs' at bottomless brunch and Taylor-themed jet boat rides around Sydney Harbour, find how you'll be curing your Taylormania with our list below. Want to get your hands on some merch in advance? Check out this how-to for buying The Eras Tour merch before the concert. Make sure you have all the intel on public transport to the Eras Tour at Sydney's Accor Stadium. Here's everything else you need to know about Taylor Swift's Sydney shows: timings, set list and more.

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

The 10 best glamping sites in Sydney and NSW

Are you more a glamper than a camper? If you prefer seeing the great outdoors from a luxury tent complete with bubble baths and fresh French linen, let this list serve as your bible. Our Sydney team – including culture-fiend Alannah Le Cross – have tried and tested the best glamping sites in and around Sydney; from a safari tent at Taronga Zoo's Roar and Snore to the luxe spherical confines of Bubbletent Australia.Each one of these glamping spots have been assessed by our editors based on their luxury, nature immersion and all-round wow factor. Add them to your 2025 holiday wish list for when you want to escape the urban hustle without losing the creature comforts. Your back will thank you. Looking for more travel inspo? Check out the best Sydney camping spots and our top Sydney staycations, and then think about getting there with the best caravans and campervans to hire in NSW. 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.

Where to party in Sydney this Mardi Gras

Sydney’s sparkliest night is just around the corner! The 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is on Saturday, March 1, taking over Oxford Street in all its rainbow glory. Although it's fun to be amongst the parade (and the ultimate kickons at the official Mardi Gras Party) you don’t striclty need to be at the actual parade to get amongst the Mardi magic. The rainbow will be shining all over Sydney, and there are plenty of venues throwing parties where you can watch the ABC’s live parade coverage on a big screen in the evening, and dance away into the small hours with DJs, drag stars and queer performers. Ready to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride? Here's where the best parties are coming out. 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 bars in Darlinghurst. Thesre are our favourite pubs across the city.And these are Sydney's best dancefloors.

How to get the most out of the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

The sparkliest night of the year is almost here! That's right, the 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is right around the corner (Saturday, March 1). With radical beginnings as a street protest in 1978, our city's fabulous LGBTQIA+ pride parade is now a nationally televised extravaganza that attracts 250,000 spectators every year, and it’s also officially recognised as one of the most popular carnivals in the entire world. Planning on heading down to the Pink Mile for the festivities? Step right in. We've covered what you need to know about the event over here; and below, you'll find our ultimate Sydney Mardi Gras Survival Guide. There's a special, exciting energy that takes over the city on parade night – and in the year 2025, we need a great big celebration of queer joy more than ever! However, a night of swarming crowds, closed roads, and sold-out parties can easily turn into a logistical nightmare. But we’re here to help you make a plan. You see, the Time Out team has celebrated many a 'Gay Christmas' on the mean streets of Sydney. So please, allow our most fabulous experiences and most tragic mishaps serve as lessons to you! OUR TOP TIPS FOR DOING SYDNEY MARDI GRAS Arrive on Oxford Street early, and allow plenty of travel time More than 250,000 spectators are expected to flock along Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade to cheer on the colourful procession. That’s a lot of people navigating those barricaded streets, so don’t just assume that

The smash-hit ‘RBG: Of Many, One’ is returning to the Melbourne stage due to popular demand

Following a sold-out national tour in 2024, Sydney Theatre Company’s smash-hit one-woman show RBG: Of Many, One is returning to the Melbourne stage once more in 2025. The brilliant Heather Mitchell will be reviving her award-winning performance as the woman who changed the face of the American legal system, the indomitable Ruth Bader Ginsburg – which Time Out Melbourne’s critic described as an “exemplary performance that is a wonder to behold…so spot on that it feels completely effortless” in our rave four-star review. A great legal mind, feminist icon, and improbable pop culture darling, Ginsburg was a trailblazing figure – and this critically-acclaimed production assembles a trio of powerhouse women that do her legacy justice. Directed by Priscilla Jackman, RBG: Of Many, One comes from the pen of Suzie Miller, the celebrated Australian lawyer-turned-playwright behind international hit Prima Facie (which has also been screening in cinemas around the world, care of the UK’s National Theatre Live, starring Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer). An “unexpectedly funny” and “sweeping but satisfying portrayal…delving into its main subjects with grace and patience” (Time Out Sydney) – this theatrical event will be talked about for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to experience it for yourself. RBG: Of Many, One will return to the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, from March 12–23 as part of the 2025 national tour. Tickets range from $40-$155, and you can book over here.

The best Valentine’s Day events in Sydney

The day of inflated flower prices, oversized plushies and high expectations is almost upon us. However you may feel about Valentine's Day (Hollywood-esque love, deep, anti-capitalist contempt, cold apathy), know that there are plenty of ways you can authentically celebrate love in Sydney right now – whether that's the love you have for your date, a mate, or your own fine self. From singles to coupled-up sweethearts, there’s something delightful for everyone to do in Sydney on February 14 (which falls on a Friday this year), as well as in the lead-up to and fall-out after the big day. Read on for our guide to the best fun (and free) outings, the best first-date bars and sexiest new spots to celebrate romance in all its forms in the Emerald 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. RECOMMENDED:Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And here’s our guide to things to do this February.

Our latest Sydney theatre reviews

There is a lot happening on Sydney's stages each and every month. But how do you even know where to start? Thankfully, our critics are out road-testing musicals, plays, operas, dance, cabaret and more all year round. Here are their recommendations. Want more culture? Check out the best art exhibitions in Sydney.

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 and our Sydney Editor 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 25 most exciting events happening in Australia in 2025

Buckle up, mates! Australia is set to rock 2025 with a jam-packed schedule of music festivals, cultural celebrations, food fiestas and sporting events. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has curated the ultimate list of the best events happening across the country this year. From dazzling winter light displays to sizzling summer food feasts to vibrant spring flower festivals, there’s something worth travelling for in every state and territory. Start submitting those leave requests and planning your next getaway around these key events across Australia in 2025. 😱 Here are the coolest new things to do in 2025✈️ The best places to visit in Australia right now🍽️ All the greatest restaurants in Australia

Listings and reviews (312)

Mardi Gras Party

After the last glitter-covered punter has danced their way to the end of the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade route, that big loving energy kicks on at the official Mardi Gras Party. So, slug some Gatorade and get ready to keep on dancing long into the night. Celebrity guests in previous years have included Cher, Dua Lipa, George Michael, Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, Sam Smith and Kylie Minogue (and there are rumours that Kylie might be appearing this year too, with Troye Sivan!). This year’s confirmed entertainers are nothing to sneeze at either – including iconic DJ, producer and fashion icon Honey Dijon, British singer Hayla, British musician, DJ and prominent lesbian Romy, and American singer/songwriter (and sometimes RuPaul’s Drag Race guest) Leland, as well as a bunch of hot local DJs and queer performers spread across multiple party zones for eight hours of debauchery between Hordern Pavilion and the Entertainment Quarter. This adult party playground is taking over Hordern Pavilion and five more surrounding venues at The Entertainment Quarter from 10pm to 6am on Saturday, March 1. Keen? Final tickets for the Mardi Gras Party are on sale now, starting at $229+bf. Find out more and book over here. 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 READS: Here's everything you need to know about the Mardi Gras Parade Hannah Conda chatted with us about being a glo

Queer Art After Hours

It’s time to revel in your rainbow palette, because the respectable Art Gallery of NSW is gonna let her hair down for an all-new edition of Queer Art After Hours. Hosted in collaboration with the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival (in the lead up to the massive annual LGBTQIA+ pride parade) this ever-popular free event promises lots of surprises, with a colourful kaleidoscope of experiences taking over the whole Art Gallery campus on Wednesday, February 26, from 5–10pm. Gear up for an evening filled with performances, DJ sets, fun workshops, and a variety of pop-up bars and food stalls alongside the Art Gallery’s existing restaurants and cafés. (Hot tip: look out for the ‘Queering the collection’ labels that will appear next to historical and contemporary artworks, showcasing the breadth and diversity of queer identity in the gallery’s collection.) You can take part in a drop-in ‘drag and draw’ session over cocktails with Drag Race Down Under icons Etcetera Etcetera and Nikita Iman; slow down and meditate with psychotherapist and healer Faith Agugu; create surreal, dreamlike collages under the guidance of artist Nkosi Ndlovu; and reconnect with your body in a sensuality movement workshop led by Basjia. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for performances throughout the night including an aural history of house music by Nefertiti LaNegra, the self-described ‘Serena Williams of drag’; a ‘sinner’s service for the people’ featuring poetry, song and dance with artists Tommy Misa and Fetu Taku; a

The Alex Theatre

With three distinctive performance spaces inside, this much loved arts venue (and conference centre) took over the former George Cinemas on Fitzroy Street in 2015. Stars including Pia Miranda, Gyton Grantley, Rob Mills and Brian Nankervis have trod the boards here. The Alex Theatre was set to take a final bow at the end of 2024, after owners Susan and Aleksandar Vass OAM put it on the market. However, the St Kilda stalwart was saved at the eleventh hour, partnering with Alex Read Theatre Performances Inc to reopen the theatre in February 2025. With an expanded new focus, the theatre is set to hone in on "the profound impact of technology on the arts and entertainment industry". (You can read more here.)

Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

An electric energy always fills the city on the night of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, the colourful climax of our city’s annual LGBTQIA+ pride festival (or “Gay Christmas”, as some of us say). The streets are packed with bodies, everyone is glittering, the outfits are bold and bright, and there’s a spark of possibility in the air, like we might really be able to party our way into a beautiful utopia where people of all walks of life are safe, accepted and embraced. The 47th Sydney Mardi Gras Parade will take over Oxford Street (in the heart of Sydney’s gay-bourhood) on Saturday, March 1, and shimmy on down to Flinders Street and Anzac Parade. (Gone are the days when the Parade was shifted to a strictly ticketed event at the SCG during the height of the Covid pandemic; it returned to its physical and spiritual home in 2023, right in time for Sydney WorldPride.) As always, the march will be kicked off by the famous rumble of the Dykes on Bikes, making way for over 11,000 marchers and 200 floats. Around 250,000 spectators are expected to gather to watch the colourful procession, which in 2025 is united under the theme FREE TO BE – because, “we’re not free until we’re all free to be”. Nowadays, this nationally televised event is officially one of the most popular carnivals in the entire world. But it all began as a protest in 1978, and we should never forget its radical roots (especially in today's political climate, as the rights of transgender people are thre

Mardi Gras Fair Day

Don we now our sunscreen and our (eco-friendly) glitter – Fair Day is back on, baby! Traditionally, this free community event leads the charge for all the colourful festivities the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is bringing to town in the lead up to the world-famous Parade. More than 70,000 people are expected to rock up when Fair Day returns to Victoria Park on Sunday, February 16 (10am–9pm) in 2025. (This is especially exciting because last year’s Fair Day was derailed by a frankly homophobically-timed asbestos outbreak, and the community scrambled to put on alternative events.) You can expect a fabulously inclusive day out featuring massive Main Stage performances, fun activities, sweaty dancefloors, food trucks, pop-up bars, and a whole bunch of market stalls and info booths where you can connect with LGBTQIA+ community, buy stuff from local queer artists and makers, and start putting together a sparkly parade night outfit with party-ready fashions. If you’re so inclined, you can even try out leather bondage gear, join a new social club, sign a petition – or just gather fistfuls of stickers, condoms and other miscellaneous freebies. Plus, the team from ACON (in partnership with the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care) will be offering free cervical screenings and private consultations with registered family planning nurses. The dynamic First Nations Circle returns this year, as well as the beloved Doggywood pageant alongside newcomers Trans C

Wuthering Heights

Charged with all the mystery and moody intrigue of an eerie fog rolling in over the Yorkshire Moors, this critically-acclaimed adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights from groundbreaking British theatre director Emma Rice has arrived at Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre for a strictly limited Australian season (with a cast of impeccable actors from London in tow). If you’re after some light, fluffy entertainment surrounding high society courtships in ye olde England, then you’re probably better off staying home and rewatching Bridgerton. The one and only novel published by the second-youngest Brontë sister, Wuthering Heights is often misunderstood as a romance novel – but this is proper gothic fiction. At the center of the intergenerational drama is the relationship between the wily young Catherine and Heathcliff, an orphaned boy who her father adopts as his own. While there is a shadow of romance that underscores the central relationship; their bond is deeply rooted in hatred, pain, jealousy, isolation, misery, and despair. This adaptation sinks its teeth into these darker elements, and it bites down hard. Rather than labouring over every line of the novel beat-for-beat, Rice uses Brontë’s text as a blueprint, fusing a range of theatrical storytelling devices (from fourth-wall-breaking japery to puppets) into an epic production backed by a moody, haunting score performed by a live on-stage band. The chorus (who represents the living, breathing embodiment of ‘The Moors’)

Peter and the Starcatcher

Following seasons in Melbourne and Adelaide, Peter and the Starcatcher lands on stage at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre filled with twinkling lights, a flurry of colourful puppets, a hardworking cast of twelve, and a promise of whimsy and adventure. But while this over-saturated prequel to the famous story of Peter Pan does offer up some dazzling moments of creative stagecraft, colourful puppetry, and cheerfully comedic performances, it never quite takes flight. This swashbuckling play (that’s right, it’s not a musical, although it does incorporate some lovely live music) offers flashes of theatrical magic and fun – the school of silly, fabulous mermaids who populate the second act are particularly entertaining as they kick and twirl in their silver platform boots adorned with tail fins (they’ve all freshly been magically transformed from fish by the magic of “starstuff”, you see). However, audiences young and old alike may struggle to find a foothold for their sea legs as they attempt to follow along with the baffling and abrasive series of events. All the while, the cast narrates us through this seafaring story as if reciting words out of a book, but that somehow doesn’t help. Originally commissioned and produced by Disney Theatrical Group, Rick Elice (co-writer of Jersey Boys) adapted Starcatcher for the stage from the 2004 novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The show swashbuckles its way to Australian shores after picking up five Tony Awards from its time on Broadway (howe

“What did they tell you?”

A true labour of love and anger, this vibrant group art exhibition showcases the work of 38 women, trans and gender diverse artists who are speaking out on their experiences with medical gaslightlighting and misogyny at Alexandria's UNO Studios. “What did they tell you?” was devised by local Sydney artist Em Hatton after her own challenges navigating the health system, having recently been diagnosed with endometriosis after 20 years of symptoms. Angered by the things that doctors have told her over the years – such as “you should just have a baby to cure your pain” and “you have an undiagnosed pain syndrome” – Em discovered that unfortunately, her experience of medical misogyny seems to be the norm rather than the exception. Hence, she was motivated to rally together with fellow artists and develop this exhibition. From reproductive health issues to chronic illnesses and injuries, the featured artists have channelled their personal experiences with illness and medicalisation into a colourful, vibrant and powerful collection of works across multiple mediums – including painting, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, video and sound. These artists vary in art practice, age, identity, illness and background. But they all have one thing in common – navigating a medical system that overlooks and denies their needs, experiences, pain and symptoms. “Rage? Grief? Acceptance? Dark humour? This exhibition has it all, and it’s time we listen to these stories,” says Hatton. “This exhibition is

Jacky

Every now and then, a play comes along that reminds you of what good theatre is capable of: telling a story that exposes the truths of our society (the good, the bad and the ugly), that helps us to see ourselves and others with greater clarity and compassion and – better yet – keep us on the edge of our seats until the very end. Arriving at Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre following its debut with Melbourne Theatre Company, Declan Furber Gillick’s Jacky is one of those plays. Rumbling with an undercurrent of honesty and authenticity, this unassumingly clever and comedically raw drama will stay with you long after you drift out of the theatre. Guy Simon (Holding the Man) reprises his role as Jacky, a smart young bloke who seems to be really finding his feet amongst the hustle and bustle of city life in Melbourne. As he juggles an internship with the uncertainty of the gig economy, his side-hustle as a sex worker is a pretty unbeatable way to pay the bills, and even get a leg up on the property ladder (and after all, he’s good at it). But when his unemployable younger brother Keith (Danny Howard, who makes an impressive Belvoir debut) arrives in town, Jacky’s worlds collide. Negotiating the boundaries of work life, personal life, politics and culture can be tricky enough – let alone if you’re a (closeted) Queer, Aboriginal man with a loud, nosy sibling crashing on your couch. The cast is rounded out by Greg Stone (August: Osage County) and Mandy McElhinney (Tiny Beautiful Things, S

Opera Up Late

Corsets, giant wigs, high drama, and faces painted for the back of the room – these are a few of our favourite things! But wait, are we talking about an opera, or a drag show? Well, both, actually! That’s right, the Sydney Opera House is set for a scandalous night out with the return of Opera Up Late, which is back by popular demand, and once again helmed by the hostess with the mostess: cabaret icon and provocateur Reuben Kaye. “Opera Up Late has become one of my favourite nights of the year,” says Kaye, who is currently starring in Jesus Christ Superstar (we had a chat with him about that too, watch it over here). Premiering at Sydney WorldPride in 2023, Opera Up Late is the one night of the year where Opera Australia’s rabble of classically trained performers lets it all hang out in a cheeky blend of comedy, cabaret and opera with a decidedly Queer lens. In 2025, this includes one of Australia’s most adored sopranos, Emma Matthews (who’s currently starring as the Fairy Godmother in OA’s production of Massenet’s Cinderella) alongside tenors Adam Player and Tomas Dalton, and mezzo soprano Angela Hogan, under the direction of the award-winning Shaun Rennie. Kaye adds: “It has this late-night, dangerous cabaret, licentious feel to it, which is really exciting to bring to an established opera company. It's a moment where you get to say to an opera audience: ‘Hey, here's what's been here all along!’ Because, there's nothing as queer as an opera – opera is drag!” Opera Up Late i

The Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale

Well Frodo, we’re not in The Shire anymore. Sydney is in for a great big year of musical theatre, and it’s already off to an epic start with the Australian debut of The Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale, which seeks to bring the Middle-earth of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series to the State Theatre for one month to rule them all (cough cough) before embarking on a national tour. This tour commemorates the 70th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring hitting the shelves in 1954, which is of course the first book of the trilogy that inspired Peter Jackson’s blockbuster films in the early 2000s. For elder Millennials like me, the franchise conjures memories of a simpler time: a time when movies were treated more like a coveted form of storytelling rather than just another option in an endless barrage of ‘content’ to ‘stream’. A time when I would go to the local cinema to watch each new instalment in the adventures of my favourite beardy boys club with my dad, who even loaded my sister and I into the car for a day trip to Sydney to check out an epic exhibition about how those epic movies were made across the ditch in New Zealand. (So many used prosthetics! So cool!) I believe that there’s elements of LOTR lore that are so inescapable that you need not have watched the movies or read the books to get it. (Am I right, Preciousss?) There have been several attempts to realise the story of Frodo and the One Ring on stage, as musical theatre fanatics and Tolkien die-hards have

All About Women

Okay ladies (and friends), let’s get in formation! The full line-up for All About Women (AAW) is here, and the Sydney Opera House has not come to play in 2025. This annual festival of feminist ideas always marks the weekend of International Women’s Day in March, bringing together more than 50 artists, speakers and storytellers for a binary-smashing bonanza of panels, talks, workshops, stand-up comedy and immersive experiences exploring inclusive ideas on gender, justice and equality. Pick-and-choose your adventure with this spicy program – you can drop in for one or two sessions before debriefing over a vino at Opera Bar, load up your schedule for a full day of educational fun (and peruse the art installations in between), or even stream talks from your couch at home. The House has added a bunch of big names including Silicon Valley's “most feared” and “well-liked” journalist, Kara Swisher (who in a change of routine, will actually be on stage over at the City Recital Hall on Wednesday, March 5); actress and director Rachel House, discussing what it means to be a Māori woman in the spotlight; Jaguar Jonze on the issues that still plague the modern music industry; Grace Tame getting in on the big Feminist roast, and loads more fodder for thought. This lot joins the names that were already announced in November, such as Emmy-nominated comedian, actress and writer Kate Berlant (she/her) and the much-loved winner of Australia’s first season of Alone, Gina Chick (she/her). Known

News (396)

Drake Sydney tour: Everything you need to know

We know when that hotline bling, it can only mean one thing... Canadian artist Drake has confirmed that he’ll be coming to Sydney in 2025, as one of three confirmed stops on his Anita Max Win Tour of Australia. It’s been eight years since the world-famous star has performed on Australian soil, and in true Champagne Papi style, he first teased his return to Oz via a series of cryptic Instagram stories before confirming via live stream. Now, official ticket info and show date details for his visit Down Under have been revealed. Here's all the info Drake fans need... What are the Drake Sydney dates? The Anita Max Win Tour will see Drake take over Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, February 16, Monday, February 17, Wednesday February 19 and Thursday, February 20. Just like Olivia Rodgrigo and Coldplay both did earlier this year, he dropped the third date in response to the high demand. Drake also added a fifth Sydney date for Friday, March 7, which he then went on to cancel. Which Drake Sydney show was cancelled? Drake's fifth Sydney show – due to take place this Friday, March 7, was cancelled. In an official statement, Drake's team explained that they were "actively working on rescheduling these dates along with adding some additional shows." Why did Drake cancel his Sydney show? The exact reason for cancelling the last few dates of his Australia/ New Zealand tour is under some speculation, with Drake citing "scheduling conflict." When do Drake Sydney tickets go on sale? Gene

Billie Eilish at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena: start time, set list, tickets and everything you need to know

It's been three years since Billie Eilish last toured Melbourne, and since then she's collected multiple Grammy and Academy Awards, dropped her third studio album (Hit Me Hard And Soft) and continued to charm fans across the globe. So, thank goodness, it's finally Melbourne’s turn to see the pop juggernaut as she brings her new world tour to town. After kicking off in North America last year, Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour is playing multiple shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne ahead of dates in Europe, the UK and Ireland. So, who’s hungry for some lunch? If going to see Billie Eilish perform in Melbourne is what you were made for, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know ahead of the shows this week. When is Billie Eilish in Melbourne? After shows in Brisbane and Sydney, Billie is playing a total of four Melbourne dates at Rod Laver Arena on March 4, 5, 7 and 8. Who is Billie Eilish’s support act in Melbourne? Ashnikko is the support act for all of Billie’s Australian shows on this tour. With a distinctive mop of blue hair and a cheeky attitude that could rival the main act, Ashnikko is a rapper and singer who makes genre-bending music infused with hip-hop, electronic and pop sensibilities. Songs like ‘Slumber Party’ are charged with big “steal your girlfriend” energy – so when you combine this with the explicit sapphic yearning of Eilish’s latest songs (like ‘Lunch’), we reckon this means that the queer girlies are in for an excellent time. Ho

Here’s all the info you need for Kylie Minogue’s Tension Tour in Sydney: times, tickets & set list

Calling all the lovers – it's almost time for our favourite showgirl Kylie Minogue to hit Sydney for not one, not two, but three huge arena shows. This will be Kylie's biggest tour since 2011, so you know she's going to be delivering pop anthems, perfectly choreographed dance moves and cheeky banter galore. It’s set to be a great, big huge sparkly weekend for the Harbour City, with Kylie’s shows overlapping with the 47th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, which our Kylie has long been a supporter of. (Hot tip: there’s a rumour that Kylie might kickon at the official Mardi Gras Party, along with Troye Sivan!) So, who's ready to come into her world? Here's everything you need to know about Kylie's shows this week. When are the Kylie Sydney shows? After lighting the fuse for the Tension Tour in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane, Kylie will be rounding out the Aussie leg of her tour at the Qudos Bank Arena, with three gloriously glittery shows on Saturday, March 1 (the same day as the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade); Sunday, March 2; and Monday, March 3. How to get to the Kylie concerts in Sydney? Public transport is usually the best option for getting to Qudos Bank Arena; and that’s not only because the cost of travel on trains, metro, and light rail is included in concert tickets. Olympic Park Station is less than a ten-minute walk from the stadium, and plenty of additional trains and buses will be running for concertgoers – you’ll find more info over here.

Kylie Minogue and Troye Sivan are rumoured to make a surprise appearance at Sydney Mardi Gras

Can you feel the rush? Can you feel the tension?... Sydney is gearing up for a huge and very gay weekend. The marvellous 47th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is taking over Oxford Street on Saturday night (March 1), and it’ll be flanked either side by loads of warm-up events, parties for kick-ons, and recovery sessions. And, the high queen of pop herself, Kylie Minogue is also in town with her Tension World Tour! She’s set to play three huge shows at Qudos Bank Arena over the weekend (March 1–3). As if there isn’t enough going on, a little birdy told us that say Kylie could be “popping up unannounced” at the official Sydney Mardi Gras Party after the parade – along with none other than Australia’s own prince of pop, Troye Sivan (who recently had us swooning at his euphoric Sydney Opera House show. The clash between Kylie’s concerts and the Mardi Gras Parade has not been without controversy. Many local queers felt blindsided when the concert dates were announced, especially as our Kylie has long been an ally to LGBTQIA+ community and a supporter of Sydney’s world famous pride parade. After all, she’s performed for the gays at Sydney Mardi Gras parties on multiple previous occasions (find out more in this video we made with Qtopia Sydney). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Sydney (@timeoutsydney) So, it would make a lot of sense for Kylie to make a surprise appearance at Mardi Gras alongside Troye, the king of the twinks (non-derog

Here’s all the info you need for Billie Eilish’s Sydney shows: set list, travel & more

We haven’t been able to stop humming the infectious tune of ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’ since Billie Eilish dropped her third studio album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, in May last year. Clearly, we’re not the only ones – it was the third most highly streamed song on Spotify in 2024. So, thank goodness, it's finally Sydney’s turn to see the pop juggernaut sing it live (along with a bunch of her other bangers, new and old) when ol’ ocean eyes brings her new world tour to town. After kicking off in North America in September 2024, Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour is playing multiple shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in February ahead of dates in Europe, the UK, and Ireland. So, who’s hungry for some lunch? If going to see Billie Eilish perform in Sydney is what you were made for, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know ahead of the shows this week. When is Billie Eilish in Sydney? After kicking off in Brisbane and before she heads to Melbourne, Billie is playing a total of four dates at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on February 24, 25, 27 and 28. Who is Billie Eilish’s support act in Sydney? Ashnikko is the support act for all of Billie’s Australian shows on this tour. With a distinctive mop of blue hair and a cheeky attitude that could rival the main act, Ashnikko is a rapper and singer who makes genre-bending music infused with hip-hop, electronic and pop sensibilities. Songs like ‘Slumber Party’ are charged with big “steal your girlfriend” energy – so when you c

Screw romance, here’s why I think you should marry your friends

Friends – true, hardcore, steeped in your bones friends – are the only legit ‘ride or dies’ in a lifetime. Relationships with blood family can be complex, to say the least. As much as we crack pained jokes about having to sit next to a problematic relative at Christmas (hi, Uncle Rod*) and what it is to disassociate during long drives with our ageing parents, it’s more often than not our friends who show up for us in genuinely significant and life-altering ways. The house move, the airport run, the heartbreak so paralysing we forget to wear pants and literally walk into our local 7-Eleven to buy a box of Barbecue Shapes sobbing with our vagina on full display. Like a living lockbox, our friends hold the secret shames of our shared past – the ill-advised haircuts, the NYE liaison with a fire-twirler named Denim, or the fact we auditioned to get on Love Island at least three times. Romantic partners come and go too, but when you dare to glance back down the undulating and occasionally lightly traumatic timeline of your past, I bet certain platonic faces keep appearing. Whether they be someone you bonded with as a nipper hiding out in the school library during lunch breaks (introverts represent), or a delightful later-in-life surprise mortal that you stumbled upon during the school run, or via mutuals in a bar, or after running them over with your electric scooter (cute!), those human bollards gently anchoring our chaotic path are almost certainly the reason we’re still a

Step aside, Putricia: a second Corpse Flower bloomed in Sydney over the weekend

It has been a little over two weeks since the momentous blooming of Putricia the Corpse Flower at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney – a rare natural event that enraptured thousands of Sydneysiders (more than 27,000 of whom lined up for hours to catch a glimpse) as well as many more around the world, with over 1.3-million people tuning into the livestream that started in the lead up to her brief (and incredibly smelly) 24-hour inflorescence. Putricia was the first Corpse Flower (or ‘Amorphophallus titanum’ or ‘Titan Arum’) to bloom in Sydney in 15 years, and many of her loyal fans and followers have been at a loss since the retirement of their stinky queen. However, in a rare botanical double-act, we can report that a second Corpse Flower bloomed at the Botanic Gardens over the weekend. Nicknamed ‘Stink’ by staff, this flower is one of Putricia’s sisters (a genetic clone, actually). This second inflorescence wasn’t about to live in her famous sibling’s shadow, either – she’s much smaller in size, but packs a much more powerful stench. Professor Brett Summerell AM, Chief Scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, described Stink’s stench as a combination of “fishy, dead mouse and dead possum.” Photograph: Supplied/RBG&DT | Stink the Corpse Flower undergoes various scientific tests The Corpse Flower is the biggest and smelliest unbranched inflorescence in the world, only blooming once every few years for just 24-48 hours. (Fun fact: the foul stench is for the purpose of

Charli xcx has landed in Australia, so here’s how to live your best brat summer

The 365 party girl herself, Charli xcx must have made a beeline straight for the airport, the airport after she pulled up and cleaned up at the Grammys. Because now she’s Down Under with Laneway Festival, and after kicking off in Auckland on February 7, she’s gonna be turning up the club classics across five Aussie capital cities – Brisbane (Feb 8), Sydney (Feb 9), Melbourne (Feb 14), Adelaide (Feb 15) and Perth (Feb 16). After watching the chaotic fun of brat summer from afar, it’s finally your turn to party with Charli. But does trying to figure out the meaning of brat summer just make you go “girl, so confusing!?” It’s ok babe, we’re here to help with our ultimate guide to channelling brat energy at Laneway. (Plus, we reckon we have a good idea of what Charli will be getting up to in ‘Straya.) The do’s and don'ts of brat behaviour, Laneway edition Wear a strappy white singlet, no bra, and speed dealer sunnies As a style, brat is the antithesis of the clean girl aesthetic. Be gone, polished Barbie girls, it's time to go feral! When speaking on the brat look, Charli herself has described it as: “Just, like, a pack of cigs, and, like, a Bic lighter, and, like, a strappy white top. With no bra. That's, like, kind of all you need.” (Anything leather is also very brat, but a biker jacket probably isn’t an advisable choice in the Aussie summer heat.) Embrace messy hair, smudged eyeliner and Y2K lipgloss Brat is not about keeping it prim and proper, so don’t hold back. Mosh your

Disney’s The Lion King is returning to the Sydney stage in 2026

We’re already having a huge year for musicals in Australia – but now, the world’s #1 musical is heading back Down Under, with Disney Theatrical Group announcing that an all new Australian staging of Disney’s The Lion King will premiere in Sydney from April next year – and we are excited to witness those iconic enormous giraffe puppets strut out onto the stage at the gorgeous Capitol Theatre. Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King has been seen by over 112-million people worldwide, and continues to ascend as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. It has been more than a decade since The Lion King’s last Australian tour – and this epic show has captivated nearly four-million audience members during its two previous tours Down Under. The new Sydney season of this beloved musical is an exciting opportunity for loyal fans to reconnect and to spark a new wave of excitement in the next generation. Also, it will be a huge employment opportunity for a bunch of local theatrical talent, on-stage and off-stage. “We are thrilled to welcome The Lion King back to Sydney, the place where it all began in Australia over 20 years ago. The Walt Disney Company ANZ is proud to be one of only three places in the world where, alongside Broadway and The West End, we self-produce musicals, directly employing hundreds of Australian theatre professionals,” said Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zea

Introducing Australia’s “strange and unusual” star of Beetlejuice the Musical, Karis Oka

Australia is diving head-first into a massive year for musical theatre in 2025. In addition to garden variety revivals and grassroots local stuff, Aussie audiences are also finally going to have the chance to experience two fresh, edgy Broadway blockbusters that haven’t been seen Down Under before now. In Sydney, that’s the February debut of Hadestown, while Melbourne is busting out the ghost with the most in Beetlejuice the Musical in May – the hair-raising musical comedy inspired by the cult 1988 film directed by Tim Burton. (Not to be confused with the 2024 movie sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which is another great addition to the fantastically twisted fictional universe, just saying.) Beetlejuice’s summoning to the local stage is a spooky dream come true for Melbourne-based triple-threat Karis Oka, who has just been announced as Australia’s own Lydia Deetz – the quick-witted teenage outcast who finds herself befriending the dead couple who haunts her family’s new home. Portrayed by Winona Ryder on the big screen, the character is considered a goth icon. As she explains it to Time Out, on the day her casting was announced, Oka “felt like my brain and my heart was just going so fast all day!”. It's a dream role for the Japanese-Australian actress, and even a passing glance at the comment section on her Instagram page (a space where off-beat shots of taxidermied creatures, tarot cards and mystic paraphernalia intermingle with backstage moments from her latest acting gigs

A rare giant ‘Corpse Flower’ is about to bloom at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens

UPDATE, THURS JAN 23: Putricia has finally started to bloom! She's been holding out on us for more than a week, but the people's smelly queen – who has so far inspired an official Spotify playlist, a fan page on Facebook, and more than 500,000 viewers of her livestream – is now tentatively opening up. Once the spathe starts to open, it does so rapidly over a four-to-six hour period, and the bloom will last just 24 hours in total. From today, the Botanic Gardens will be open to visitors until midnight for the duration of the bloom (queue will close earlier, once at capacity). Read on for more info. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alannah Le Cross (nèe Maher) (@alannurgh) It’s not every day that a Corpse Flower (also known as ‘Amorphophallus titanum’, or ‘Bunga Bangkai’ in Indonesian) blooms. In fact, this momentous natural phenomenon hasn’t happened in the Harbour City for some 15 years. But that’s about to change, with the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney announcing that they have one that’s about to do the thing! So, why does the blooming of a random flower have so many Sydneysiders on the edge of their seats? Well, aside from the fact that the Corpse Flower is bloody massive (it can grow up to three metres tall and weigh over 50 kilograms), and that they’re only supposed to bloom once every few years, the plant only flowers for just 24 hours – that’s not a very large window for a sticky-beek! Oh yeah, and as the name might suggest, these stran

Aussie director behind ‘Rocky Horror’ honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Sydney

Hot patootie, bless our souls! Sydney’s theatre community gathered at a star-studded ceremony overnight for the annual Sydney Theatre Awards, hosted by actress and cabaret legend Marney McQueen (who is currently starring as “Céline Dion” in Sydney’s exclusive season of Titanique). A total of 28 awards were presented, shared between 16 productions that played on Sydney’s stages during 2024 (more on those below). In addition to this, the highly anticipated Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to a true veteran of theatre and opera, director Jim Sharman, as around 500 people cheered on in the Seymour Centre’s York Theatre. Jim Sharman honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award Since graduating from NIDA in 1966, Sharman has racked up more than 70 productions to his credit. He made his mark on the world with his direction of three revolutionary rock musicals, including Hair in 1969 (Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Boston) – Sharman was just 25-years-old when he was handed full creative control of the production, and its success was such that it was seen by more than 1.5-million people during a five-and-a-half year run in Sydney, and thrust future stars Marcia Hines and Reg Livermore into the spotlight. Meanwhile, his bold take on Jesus Christ Superstar in 1972 (Australia, London) was the first successful staging of the concept album by Tim Rice and Andrew Llyod Webber, and went on to shape the now-famous rock opera globally. Photograph: Jeff Busby/Crossroads Live | The 2024/25 Sydn