Why Watch Hansel and Gretel?
- A classic Grimm fairytale springs to life through Humperdinck’s lush score and Elijah Moshinsky’s whimsical staging, offering a perfect mix of humour, suspense, and enchantment.
- Opera Australia brings together an acclaimed creative team including conductor Tahu Matheson, direction by the late Elijah Moshinsky and set and costume design by Mark Thompson.
- Larger-than-life sets and surreal storybook costumes transform the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage into a fantastical forest, a sugar-coated house, and a witch’s lair that spark wonder and chills.
- Returning to the Joan Sutherland Theater for a limited run, this beloved production remains a highlight of Opera Australia’s repertoire. Book your tickets to Hansel and Gretel in Sydney now!
Hansel and Gretel blends the dark charm of the Brothers Grimm tale with Engelbert Humperdinck’s romantic, folk-inspired score to create a uniquely enchanting opera experience. First staged by Opera Australia under Elijah Moshinsky’s direction, this revival brings back his signature surreal, storybook world, enhanced by Mark Thompson’s imaginative sets and costumes and Nigel Levings’ evocative lighting.
An accomplished Australian cast leads the production, with Margaret Plummer (Hansel) and Stacey Alleaume (Gretel) bringing warmth and wit to the siblings, while Jane Ede delighting as the wicked Witch. Tahu Matheson conducts the Opera Australia Orchestra, drawing out the work’s rich orchestrations and lyrical beauty. Performed in English, this is a charming entry point for families and newcomers, as well as a nostalgic treat for opera lovers.
Storyline
Deep in the woods, siblings Hansel and Gretel wander far from home in search of food. As night falls, their hunger and fear grow, until a house made of sweets appears, along with a seemingly kind old woman. But this fairytale quickly turns dangerous when the siblings discover her true intentions. What follows is a test of courage and cleverness in a world where danger hides behind sugar-coated walls. Book your Hansel and Gretel Sydney tickets to find out if they can outwit the witch.
Show timings
Show timings for Hansel and Gretel may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from AU$98.75 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The opera does not have a strict age limit. It is suitable for all ages.
The show is playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater inside the Sydney Opera House.
The opera follows siblings Hansel and Gretel, who wander into the forest and encounter a magical gingerbread house, and a witch who isn’t as sweet as she seems.
The running time is 2 hours and 5 minutes with one intermission.
The main stars of the opera are Margaret Plummer as Hansel, Stacey Alleaume as Gretel, Helen Sherman as Gertrude, Andrew Moran as Peter, Jane Ede as The Witch, Kathryn Williams as Dew Fairy and Shikara Ringdahl as Sandman.
The score was composed by Engelbert Humperdinck. It’s famous for weaving German folk tunes into a lush romantic orchestration.
Yes. English surtitles are displayed throughout, even though the performance is in English, ensuring all lyrics are clear to the audience.
