The iconic story of a Hollywood legend - Musical theatre and international recording superstar Sarah Brightman stars as the immortal Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece.
Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Having been discarded by Hollywood with the advent of “talkies”, legendary silent movie star Norma Desmond is tortured by her longing for a return to the big screen. When she meets struggling Hollywood screenwriter Joe Gillis in a dramatic chance encounter, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion.
Norma Desmond is one of musical theatre’s greatest roles and it requires a true legend to fill her shoes. Sarah Brightman is the iconic artist who originated the role of Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera both in the West End and on Broadway. Since then, she has become the world’s best-selling soprano, topping the charts across the world.
This historic theatre event marks her first theatrical role in almost three decades.
This brand-new production features stunning sets and costumes, evoking the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood. The thrillingly atmospheric score features the hits ‘With One Look’, ‘The Perfect Year’, and the anthemic ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’.
Sunset Boulevard is the musical theatre event of the year. Don’t miss this strictly limited season at Sydney Opera House from August 2024.
Please note
Sarah Brightman will not be appearing on Tuesday evenings or Wednesday matinee performances.
The appearance of any artist cannot be guaranteed as it is always subject to illness and leave arrangements.
Run time
This show runs for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including one interval.
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Age
Recommended for ages 14+
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
Joan Sutherland Theatre
The home of Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet, the Joan Sutherland Theatre is the second largest indoor venue in the Opera House with a seated capacity for up to 1507. It features an extensive fly system and flexible staging and is suitable for all genres. Up to 70 musicians can be accommodated in the orchestra pit.
Our foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars. Please remember to maintain physical distancing whilst consuming drinks in our foyers.
All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer consistent with COVID-safe rules.