By David Jones | Public Affairs and Policy Manager, Business Sydney | Mob: 0448 285 996

As Theatre Royal Sydney celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, Business Sydney today hailed its artistic and economic contribution to Sydney and its featuring of Australia’s most famous performers. 

Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said the theatre’s stage had been home to household names including Russell Crowe, Jacki Weaver, Anthony Warlow, Marina Prior, Normie Rowe, Mel Gibson and Natalie Bassingthwaighte. 

“In addition to being one of Australia’s great theatres with enormous artistic appeal, Theatre Royal Sydney is an economic powerhouse,” Mr Nicolaou said. 

“Since 2021 when the theatre reopened after an extensive refurbishment, it has welcomed 1.1 million patrons. 

“This accounts for more than $120 million in ticket sales alone plus food and beverage and merchandise, and multiplier effect spending at local restaurants, carparks, and hotels. 

“A third of the patrons since 2021 — more than 309,000 — attended the stunning NSW premiere season of TINA the Tina Turner Musical in 2023. 

“Theatre Royal Sydney is a jewel in our wonderful city’s live theatre crown and Business Sydney offers its gratitude and best wishes to Trafalgar Entertainment and everyone associated with this much loved venue.” 

Theatre Royal Sydney’s notable productions include: 

  • They're Playing Our Song (1980, Jacki Weaver, John Waters) - Australian Premiere
  • CATS the Musical (1985-1987, John Wood, Marina Prior, Debbie Byrne) - Australian Premier
  • Les Misérables (1987-1989, Normie Rowe, Debbie Byrne, Simon Burke, Anthony Warlow) - Australian Premiere
  • Chess (1990, John Wood, Jodie Gillies) - Australian Premiere
  • Aspects of Love (1992, Peter Cousens, Jodie Gillies) - Australian Premiere
  • The Phantom of the Opera (1993-1996, Rob Guest, Marina Prior) - Sydney Premiere (opened first in Melb)
  • RENT (1998, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Rodger Corser, Christine Anu) - Australian Premiere
  • Dirty Dancing (2004-2005) - World Premiere
  • Jersey Boys (2010-2011) - Sydney premiere (opened in Melb)
  • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2013, Tony Sheldon, John Wood) - Australian Premiere
  • Jagged Little Pill (2021, 2022, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Tim Draxl) - Australian Premiere
  • Girl From The North Country (2022, Lisa McCune, Peter Carroll) - Australian Premiere
  • TINA - The Tina Turner Musical (2023-2024, Tim Omaji, Ruva Ngwenya) - Australian Premiere
  • The Lehman Trilogy (2024) - Australian Premiere
  • Hadestown (2024, Christine Anu) - Australian Premiere
  • Les Misérables (1997) - 10th Anniversary Production
  • The Mousetrap (2022) - 70th Anniversary Production
  • The Rocky Horror Show (2023) - 50th Anniversary Production
  • CATS the Musical (2025) - 40th Anniversary Production

Sydney has had a Theatre Royal since 1833. Its current incarnation opened in January 1976 on the way to becoming a landmark cultural venue in Sydney.

Many leading Australian and international performers have graced the Theatre Royal Sydney stage including Jacki Weaver and John Waters in the 1980 production of They’re Playing Our Song, to Reg Livermore and Russell Crowe starring in productions of The Rocky Horror Show in 1984 and 1987 respectively.

Other artists who have appeared there include:

  • Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones in Driving Miss Daisy
  • Geraldine Turner and Nancye Hayes in Chicago
  • Ruth Cracknell, Warren Mitchell and Gordon Chater in The Dresser
  • Mel Gibson and Noni Hazlehurst in No Names No Pack Drill
  • Gwen Plumb and Amanda Muggleton in Steaming
  • Todd McKenney, Georgie Parker and Sheila Bradley in Crazy For You.

The theatre has also hosted some of the world’s biggest musicals such as the Australian premiere of CATS in 1985 for a two-year season.

An epic three-year season from 1993 of The Phantom of the Opera starring the legendary Rob Guest.

The production was enjoyed by 1.5 million patrons on the way to becoming the longest running musical ever staged at Theatre Royal Sydney.

“Over half a century, Theatre Royal Sydney has been the beacon of live theatre right in the heart of our wonderful city,” Mr Nicolaou said. 

“It has been the catalyst for so many productions with, during extended periods, every theatre stage in our city hosting live productions. 

“This just couldn’t have happened without Theatre Royal Sydney showing the way in making such an immense contribution to Australia’s cultural life. 

“Imagine for a moment, a production featuring all of the stars who have graced this iconic stage. It reads like a who’s who of international and Australian entertainment.”

2026 is also proving to be a signature year for Theatre Royal Sydney with Pretty Woman: The Musical continuing its four-month residency followed by Cluedo this month, Steel Magnolias in May, the classic rock musical Hair in June, Fiddler on The Roof in August and SIX the Musical from October.

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David Jones --- Public Affairs Manager | 0448 285 996

David is a Walkley Award-winning journalist with a distinguished career spanning more than half a century in print, television and radio journalism, political and corporate affairs and high-level media relations including incident and issues management. Media Enquiries - David Jones M: 0448 285 996