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,...
Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.
There are some awesome dining deals in Sydney this month, including $3 oysters at all Boathouse venues all day, every day. I also love the sound of Cantina OK!’s mezcal offer – they’re serving tasting flights with three $10 pours available all month long.
Heaps Normal has re-released its award-winning Special Release Jazz Stout – named Australia’s best non-alc beer at the 2025 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Awards. To celebrate, they’re throwing a party this Friday, May 8 at the Heaps Normal Health Club (2/10 Brompton St, Marrickville) with live jazz, DJs, drinks and food.
The Lion King has landed in Sydney – and it's as moving and spectacular as you’d expect. Check out the best shows to see in Sydney this month here.
Hendrick’s Gin is teaming up with Australian artist Rone for Another Time, a two-day takeover at Marrickville’s COMA Gallery on May 8-9. Expect to see a reimagining of Rone’s Backstage installation, plus enjoy a complimentary Another Hendrick’s Spritz and orange-chocolate popcorn. Entry is free, but you’ll need to register your name here.
Sydney Comedy Fest is still on – but not for long. I’ve bought a bunch of tickets! If you’re overwhelmed by how many shows are on, this cracking round-up may help.
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.
The Biennale of Sydney – Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival – is back for its 25th edition, and it’s completely free. 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 Fri night? Get tickets to Art After Dark.
Hungry? Burwood Chinatown Night Market runs Thursday to Sunday from 5-10pm, and it's always a delicious, fun time.
For a culture hit, head to the Art Gallery of New South Wales and check out Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat – a giant interactive playground for the young (and young at heart). It’s free – bring your swimmers.
Booking a catch-up? Sydney's best restaurants and best new restaurants are a good place to start. Or, head to one of Sydney's best bars.
Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week.
Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
