DIVA: Internationally Acclaimed Solo Play Makes Australian Premiere in Sydney

DIVA

Sydney theatre audiences will have the opportunity to experience an extraordinary story of music, memory, ambition and loss when Australian-born actress and singer Vivienne Powell brings her acclaimed solo play DIVA to the city in December 2026.

Following critically acclaimed seasons in Los Angeles and at the Edinburgh International Festival, DIVA will make its Australian premiere at Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst from 9 to 20 December 2026.

Directed by Peter Blackburn, this remarkable production combines theatre, music and a powerhouse solo performance to explore the life of a fictional Australian opera star whose extraordinary past refuses to remain forgotten.

A Powerful Story of Music and Memory

DIVA follows Louisa McCrae, a once-celebrated Australian opera star whose memories are unlocked by a suitcase filled with treasured mementos.

As Louisa moves between past and present, audiences are taken into the defining moments of her life, where performances, relationships, triumphs and heartbreak emerge with vivid emotional force.

Powell transforms into Louisa and the characters from her past, demonstrating her versatility as both an accomplished actor and singer.

At the heart of DIVA is the enduring relationship between music and memory. Familiar songs become gateways into Louisa's past, illustrating how music can preserve emotions, experiences and connections even when memories begin to disappear.

Acclaimed International Performances

DIVA

DIVA has already attracted strong reviews during its international seasons.

The Quintessential Review UK described it as "a magnificent piece of musical theatre", while Musical Theatre Review UK awarded the production five stars, praising Powell as a "Master Storyteller" and highlighting her breathtaking singing.

Culture Fix UK described Powell's performance as "vocally stunning" and emotionally resonant, while The Reviews Hub UK called DIVA "an exceptional show".

In Los Angeles, NoHo Arts District praised the production as "a dream of a solo play", describing Powell as a master at transporting audiences into the life of a fading icon.

Vivienne Powell Returns Home

Australian-born and Australian-trained, Vivienne Powell has developed an international career spanning opera, theatre, cabaret, musical theatre, film and television.

Her performance career includes work with Opera Australia and Pacific Opera, alongside extensive stage and screen appearances in Australia and overseas.

Powell received a Broadway World nomination for her performance in Ruben Guthrie with the Australian Theatre Company in Los Angeles. She also received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Le Miroir at the New York/Long Island International Film Festival.

Her screen credits include Shameless and Judd Apatow's Love, as well as films presented at international festivals including Cannes.

DIVA at Eternity Playhouse Sydney

DIVA

For Sydney audiences, DIVA offers the chance to see a highly acclaimed international production in its Australian premiere season.

With its combination of powerful storytelling, live music and an exceptional solo performance, the production promises an intimate theatrical experience exploring universal themes of ageing, love, ambition, memory and loss.

Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst, will host the season from 9 to 20 December 2026.

Showtimes are Tuesday to Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7.30pm, and Sunday at 6pm. Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for concession, plus booking fees.

DIVA

Website: www.divatheplay.com
Instagram: diva.theplay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/DIVA-the-play-61572494594454/
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/https-www-divatheplay-com
Venue: Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst NSW
Season: 9–20 December 2026

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