Thursday, 5 February 2026

Hansel & Gretel at Sydney Opera House: A Magical Family Night Out in 2026

Hansel & Gretel
Sydney knows how to do summer evenings, and few experiences feel as memorable as stepping into the Sydney Opera House for a performance that brings storybook wonder to life. From 30 January to 28 February 2026, Opera Australia presents Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, a whimsical opera filled with humour, heart and just the right touch of fairytale darkness.

Perfect for families, first-time opera-goers and travellers looking to add something truly special to their Sydney itinerary, this production promises a night of music, imagination and iconic Sydney atmosphere.

A Classic Fairytale Comes Alive in the Dark Woods

The story begins with a familiar question that instantly sets the mood: “Nibble, nibble, little mouse, who’s that nibbling at my house?”

Deep in the dark woods, Hansel and Gretel are hungry, lost and searching for their way home. Just when hope feels out of reach, they discover a spun-sugar house and meet an eccentric woman who is not as sweet as she seems. What follows is a thrilling tale of courage, cleverness and the fight to outwit a wicked witch.

It’s a story many travellers grew up with, but seeing it unfold live on stage at Sydney Opera House adds a new sense of scale, drama and magic.

Why This Opera Is Perfect for First-Timers and Families

Hansel & Gretel
Hansel & Gretel is often recommended as a wonderful first opera, and for good reason. It’s performed in English, easy to follow, and filled with moments that delight all ages. While the Grimms’ fairytale undertones add suspense, the production balances the darker themes with warmth and playful humour.

If you’re visiting Sydney with children, teenagers, or relatives who have never been to the opera, this is one of the best introductions you could choose. It delivers spectacle without feeling intimidating, and it offers the kind of shared experience that becomes a highlight of the trip.

A Whimsical Production with Larger-Than-Life Sets and Costumes

This classic staging from acclaimed director Elijah Moshinsky transforms the stage into a surreal storybook world. Expect bold visual storytelling, larger-than-life sets, and costumes that bring familiar characters to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully strange.

It’s the kind of production that makes you feel like you’ve stepped inside an illustrated fairytale, where every scene reveals something new to discover.

An All-Star Australian Cast and a Witch You Won’t Forget

Hansel & Gretel
Opera Australia’s cast brings the story to life with energy and charm. Margaret Plummer and Stacey Alleaume star as the clever, plucky siblings, capturing the spirit of Hansel and Gretel with both innocence and grit.

The witch is a standout role, and Jane Ede is a delight, delivering a performance that is equal parts entertaining and deliciously wicked. For audiences, it’s the kind of character portrayal that becomes the most talked-about moment of the night.

Humperdinck’s Magical Score: Folk Tunes and Lush Orchestration

Conducted by Tahu Matheson, Humperdinck’s score is one of the great treasures of the operatic repertoire. It is filled with German folk tunes, sweeping melodies and rich orchestration that creates a sense of wonder from the very first notes.

The music feels cinematic and immersive, carrying audiences through the forest, the mystery and the magic, while keeping the heart of the story front and centre.

Plan Your Visit: Dates, Venue and Run Time

Hansel & Gretel
Hansel & Gretel runs from 30 January to 28 February 2026 at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.

The run time is approximately 125 minutes, including one interval, making it a comfortable evening out for families and travellers. As always, times and details are subject to change, so it’s worth checking ahead before you book.

If you’re planning a Sydney holiday in early 2026, this is an excellent event to build into your itinerary, especially if you want to experience the Opera House beyond sightseeing photos.

Make It a Sydney Night to Remember

Sydney Opera House is more than a landmark, it’s one of the world’s great cultural destinations. Pairing a harbour-side evening with a performance like Hansel & Gretel is one of the best ways to experience the city’s creative spirit and its unforgettable sense of place.

For visitors, it’s a chance to create a travel memory that feels both uniquely Sydney and beautifully timeless.

Web contact details:
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/
https://opera.org.au/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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