Sydney Lyric Theatre
Sydney Lyric Theatre
4.5
About
Australian family owned & operated by Foundation Theatres, the Sydney Lyric is the place to experience musicals, theatre, concerts & live entertainment. Tickets are sold via Ticketmaster, please check our website for the current show schedule.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- 4boysdadTownsville, Australia144 contributionsAmazing musical night outWe saw AND JULIETt at this theatre on our 3 day short stay holiday to Sydney and it was by far the highlight of the trip! The Lyric is located inside the STAR complex at Darling Harbour and is surrounded by food outlets and bars for a preshow dinner or drink. Inside the auditorum can only be described as lush with comfortable seats and spectacalur interior. Now to the show. WOW. We are lovers of live theatre and travel interstate frequently to see shows in Melbourne and Sydney. I think that this musical is one of the best I have seen in recent years. The costumes, setting, music and dancing all combine to produce a toe tapping joyous night of theatre. The cast has so much energy and we can see their pleasure of performing this show on their faces throught the musical. Songs for the show are from the work of Max Martin spanning decades from the 1990's to the 2020's - something for everyone! Originally performed by well known singers and bands they are melded into the story with ease and humour. Leads in the show are amazing and play their parts with ease and at a high professional standard, while the ensemble support them maginificently and no one misses a beat. This was a highly enjoyable show and had my wife and I talking about it all the way back to our hotel and then some. If in Sydney with a spare night do yourself a favour and go see AND JULIET - you wont regret it and the kids will love you for it if travelling as a family.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2024
- Kensington2594 contributionsAmazing Experience Following a Bad one.In early March a wrote about a horrible experience with a drunk and abusive couple sitting next to is at a special Mardi Gras performance of & Juliet. I wish to write that following my complaint the theatre has redeemed itself. I received a full apology from the CEO and was offered complimentary tickets. My partner and I had a beautiful evening and we felt so welcome. We are very appreciative and thankful. The CEO and head of ticketing handled our complaint brilliant. That’s what I call great service and a fantastic night out. Thank you xVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 August 2024
- Lucy CMittagong, Australia6 contributionsFAVE THEATRESaw Wicked and &Juliet here. I thought this theatre was beautiful. It's very modern which I love. The seats are probably the most comfortable I've ever sat in to watch a musical. I am planning on watching Hamilton here soon!!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
486 reviews
Excellent
306
Very good
131
Average
24
Poor
15
Terrible
10
Lisa
Oyster Bay, Australia3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
I went to the matinee session of Hamilton on 4/4. I was booked into the Royal Box, as I am recovering from surgery I contacted Ticketmaster and they informed me there were only a few stairs down to the seat we proceeded. We got to the theatre where we spoke to an attendant who advised that we would have at least 50 stairs. He immediately took us into the Ticketmaster desk and the lovely girl managed to get us better tickets. After having lunch we returned to the theatre and we were treated like royalty we were met at the front door shown where everything was and told to let them know when we are ready to enter the theatre. They seated us and made sure my wheelchair and crutches were stored. They came and saw me at intermission and asked if I wanted my crutches or wheelchair. They even volunteered to wheel me to the toilet when my daughter had gone to get merch. All in all every staff member was a credit to the theatre - we’ll done and thank you. Lisa
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Lisa. We are happy you had such a nice experience at our theatre and were looked after by our team. Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We are ready and waiting to welcome you back to the theatre again soon. – Sydney Lyric Team
Written 15 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Averil C
6 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We are visiting Sydney and after reading a review of Cinderella decided to go to the early Sunday show. It was our first visit to the theatre since my husband has started to use a walker due to ill health and I was nervous. When I saw the previous review about poor service it encouraged me to write about the incredibly wonderful service we received at the Lyric from the minute we stepped inside the door. What a wonderful bunch of staff. We went to the box office to enquire about the storage of the walker. They recommended a change of seat that would suit us better, collected our pre ordered food for us, made sure we had our drinks and helped us to our seats. Our walker was stored outside for us and delivered to us at the end of the show. Thank you to all for helping to make this a really fun night. Everyone smiled a rare treat these days! We now have the confidence to return to the theatre again. Thank you.
Written 22 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geoffdemanser
Warrnambool, Australia748 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
This is incredible! Hamilton ticks every box there is in terms of entertainment and spectacular song / choreography / acting / set / costume.
Just brilliant.
Thanks Lyric for keeping Covid precautions active and for setting us up in the theatre in a safe and responsible environment.
Amazing show.
Just brilliant.
Thanks Lyric for keeping Covid precautions active and for setting us up in the theatre in a safe and responsible environment.
Amazing show.
Written 7 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Geoff. Thank you for leaving your review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your visit and agree that HAMILTON ticks every box! We look forward to welcoming you back. - Sydney Lyric Team
Written 15 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kensington25
London94 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
On Friday March 1 my partner and I attended the special Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras performance of my favourite musical & Juliet. It was my third time seeing the show (I previously saw it in London and Melbourne) and we were so looking forward to seeing it again at the Sydney Lyric. It was to be one of the highlights of our Mardi Gras season. We were sitting in seats R27 and R28 in the stalls.
Sadly, our whole experience was utterly marred by the man and woman sitting next to us in seats R25 and R26 whose behaviour was both drunk and obnoxious. They chatted throughout much of the performance and giggled among themselves. They also stank of alcohol. They clearly had no interest in the performance or being there. They made it difficult and unpleasant for those around them and their behaviour was not only rude, disrespectful and inconsiderate to other patrons but also to the performers and all those who have worked hard to make the show such a success.
It was clear they were drunk and I was dismayed to see that they had drinks in their hands when they came back after the interval. I was under the impression that drunks were not supposed to be served alcohol which is most concerning. It simply aggravated their behaviour. My partner spoke with a female usher during the interval to alert her to their behaviour. All she said was she would get a colleague to monitor them. We saw no evidence of this, and nobody said anything to them despite the fact that their disgraceful behaviour continued.
When my partner asked them to be quiet they became aggressive and abusive. Again staff did nothing. During the show the man in R26 would also giggle inappropriately at the non-binary character of May as if mocking them which as members of the LGBTQIA+ community made us feel increasingly uncomfortable and unsafe during what should have been an evening where our community felt welcome. We felt so uncomfortable that we almost left and would have done so if we were not sitting in the centre of the row. At the end of the performance the man and woman yelled abuse at us which made us feel even more unsafe.
At the end of the performance we spoke with the same staff to say how disappointed and upset we were that nobody did anything to assist us. She contacted a more senior member of staff who sympathised and apologised to us but only suggested we contact the theatre after we asked what further steps we could take to escalate our complaint. We would like more than a simple verbal apology after what we experienced.
The whole evening should have been a highlight of the Mardi Gras season but more importantly the theatre should have been a safe and welcoming space for our LGBTQIA/queer community. Instead we felt unsafe, uncomfortable and unwelcome. We also felt unsupported by staff to whom we had alerted the appalling behaviour of the man and woman in the seats next to us.
We feel the staff had a duty of care and failed in this towards us. It has also tarnished my feelings towards our favourite musical. We left the theatre feeling anxious and upset. I am a regular theatre goer and this is the first time in 40 years or so of theatre going that I have written a complaint and it is not one I make lightly. It will be some time before we feel confidant and comfortable visiting the Sydney Lyric again.
Sadly, our whole experience was utterly marred by the man and woman sitting next to us in seats R25 and R26 whose behaviour was both drunk and obnoxious. They chatted throughout much of the performance and giggled among themselves. They also stank of alcohol. They clearly had no interest in the performance or being there. They made it difficult and unpleasant for those around them and their behaviour was not only rude, disrespectful and inconsiderate to other patrons but also to the performers and all those who have worked hard to make the show such a success.
It was clear they were drunk and I was dismayed to see that they had drinks in their hands when they came back after the interval. I was under the impression that drunks were not supposed to be served alcohol which is most concerning. It simply aggravated their behaviour. My partner spoke with a female usher during the interval to alert her to their behaviour. All she said was she would get a colleague to monitor them. We saw no evidence of this, and nobody said anything to them despite the fact that their disgraceful behaviour continued.
When my partner asked them to be quiet they became aggressive and abusive. Again staff did nothing. During the show the man in R26 would also giggle inappropriately at the non-binary character of May as if mocking them which as members of the LGBTQIA+ community made us feel increasingly uncomfortable and unsafe during what should have been an evening where our community felt welcome. We felt so uncomfortable that we almost left and would have done so if we were not sitting in the centre of the row. At the end of the performance the man and woman yelled abuse at us which made us feel even more unsafe.
At the end of the performance we spoke with the same staff to say how disappointed and upset we were that nobody did anything to assist us. She contacted a more senior member of staff who sympathised and apologised to us but only suggested we contact the theatre after we asked what further steps we could take to escalate our complaint. We would like more than a simple verbal apology after what we experienced.
The whole evening should have been a highlight of the Mardi Gras season but more importantly the theatre should have been a safe and welcoming space for our LGBTQIA/queer community. Instead we felt unsafe, uncomfortable and unwelcome. We also felt unsupported by staff to whom we had alerted the appalling behaviour of the man and woman in the seats next to us.
We feel the staff had a duty of care and failed in this towards us. It has also tarnished my feelings towards our favourite musical. We left the theatre feeling anxious and upset. I am a regular theatre goer and this is the first time in 40 years or so of theatre going that I have written a complaint and it is not one I make lightly. It will be some time before we feel confidant and comfortable visiting the Sydney Lyric again.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah W
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
So pumped to watch Wicked The Musical. From less than five minutes in I wondered why I hadn’t opted for a frontal lobotomy rather than endure this horrific, never ending show!
20 years in theatre and I fail to understand why it hadn’t been cancelled. It was tortuous - nonsensical, screeching performers, over the top amateur dramatic chaos 🙄
Nothing short of horrific. I’d have taken a snooze but the decibels are still penetrating my brain!
20 years in theatre and I fail to understand why it hadn’t been cancelled. It was tortuous - nonsensical, screeching performers, over the top amateur dramatic chaos 🙄
Nothing short of horrific. I’d have taken a snooze but the decibels are still penetrating my brain!
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann B
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Apr 2022
We went to see SHEN YUN in Sydney Lyric Theatre . What you see in the advertisement is NOT what you get. During the whole show the most you see is 12 dancers on the stage. Not even close to spectacular show they promote in their trailers !
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dennis19462018
Sydney, Australia30 contributions
Feb 2020
Went with wife Julie to see War Horse.
Very theatrical, great script,puppetry extraordinary, scenery movement very clever.
A magnificent experience pulled together by first class, friendly staff to direct you to your seating, feed you at intermission and bid you a fond farewell when the show was over.
Very theatrical, great script,puppetry extraordinary, scenery movement very clever.
A magnificent experience pulled together by first class, friendly staff to direct you to your seating, feed you at intermission and bid you a fond farewell when the show was over.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PM
1 contribution
June 2022 • Couples
Some of the staff who work here are extremely rude. There is this manager (not sure but think his name might be Ashley) who walks around like a princess when the shows are on and no use to customers. I thought he was the rudest there until we went to show and met a usher named “Skye”. What a horrible person she is! Wouldn’t show us where are seats were and just walked away. We thought it was something wrong with us and felt sad but during the interval we saw her not help a woman who could barely walk asking for assistance at the show.
The entertainment industry is something we should value and support. Sadly individuals like these are brining the value of Lyric Theatre down.
The entertainment industry is something we should value and support. Sadly individuals like these are brining the value of Lyric Theatre down.
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4boysdad
Townsville, Australia144 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We saw AND JULIETt at this theatre on our 3 day short stay holiday to Sydney and it was by far the highlight of the trip!
The Lyric is located inside the STAR complex at Darling Harbour and is surrounded by food outlets and bars for a preshow dinner or drink. Inside the auditorum can only be described as lush with comfortable seats and spectacalur interior.
Now to the show. WOW. We are lovers of live theatre and travel interstate frequently to see shows in Melbourne and Sydney. I think that this musical is one of the best I have seen in recent years. The costumes, setting, music and dancing all combine to produce a toe tapping joyous night of theatre. The cast has so much energy and we can see their pleasure of performing this show on their faces throught the musical.
Songs for the show are from the work of Max Martin spanning decades from the 1990's to the 2020's - something for everyone! Originally performed by well known singers and bands they are melded into the story with ease and humour.
Leads in the show are amazing and play their parts with ease and at a high professional standard, while the ensemble support them maginificently and no one misses a beat.
This was a highly enjoyable show and had my wife and I talking about it all the way back to our hotel and then some. If in Sydney with a spare night do yourself a favour and go see AND JULIET - you wont regret it and the kids will love you for it if travelling as a family.
The Lyric is located inside the STAR complex at Darling Harbour and is surrounded by food outlets and bars for a preshow dinner or drink. Inside the auditorum can only be described as lush with comfortable seats and spectacalur interior.
Now to the show. WOW. We are lovers of live theatre and travel interstate frequently to see shows in Melbourne and Sydney. I think that this musical is one of the best I have seen in recent years. The costumes, setting, music and dancing all combine to produce a toe tapping joyous night of theatre. The cast has so much energy and we can see their pleasure of performing this show on their faces throught the musical.
Songs for the show are from the work of Max Martin spanning decades from the 1990's to the 2020's - something for everyone! Originally performed by well known singers and bands they are melded into the story with ease and humour.
Leads in the show are amazing and play their parts with ease and at a high professional standard, while the ensemble support them maginificently and no one misses a beat.
This was a highly enjoyable show and had my wife and I talking about it all the way back to our hotel and then some. If in Sydney with a spare night do yourself a favour and go see AND JULIET - you wont regret it and the kids will love you for it if travelling as a family.
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laz S
Ettalong Beach, Australia48 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
We visited the Lyric this week to see Hamilton. When I booked the tickets my mother didn’t need the support of a wheelchair but things changed and I was a little concerned as we headed off. In the end there was no need. We were met by Dimetri who helped us into the theatre, showed us where to pick up the premium packs and took us to our seats.
After the show another team member brought back our chair and helped us out again.
Thanks for making our night flow so we could just enjoy the fantastic show.
After the show another team member brought back our chair and helped us out again.
Thanks for making our night flow so we could just enjoy the fantastic show.
Written 25 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your support of live entertainment and coming to see Hamilton at our theatre. We are happy to hear you were well looked after by Dimetri on your visit and appreciate you taking the time to leave this nice feedback. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Written 20 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Looking at booking tickets for Mary Poppins. Is AA (the very front row) too close for musicals? Does the ochestra distract you? Thanks
Written 7 July 2022
Are seats 45&46 in Row K in Dress Circle obstructed by the Grand Circle overhang? I'm worried the view of the top of the stage will be blocked by the overhang. Thanks in advance!
Written 28 April 2021
I booked tickets to see Hamilton next year (YAY!) but we couldnt choose our seat allocation, just 'best available'. We ended up with STALLS , Row D, Seats 36 to 37. Are these good seats or too close to the front?
Written 24 August 2020
Yes and no. I’ve been blessed to see it 13 times across the US and London. 😊 Twice I have sat in Row C. Hamilton has a lot going in what they call “The Surround” which is the upper level of the set. You will miss some action there. But, the incredible thing is the actors are right there. A fair amount of the action takes place at the front of the stage. So, you hear them actually singing rather than just through the sound system. Plus, the exquisite choreography comes right at you. If you can afford to see it again from further back I would—totally different experience. Enjoy!
Written 29 August 2020
Hi. I hope to book 2 seats at a matinee at the end of the season, maybe the last session. We had seats booked at the beginning of the season but my companion broke her hip so we had to cancel. She is now recovering from the surgery so I will try to get seats close to the aisle. We prefer the stalls but I'd try to minimise the amount of walking to the section. I'm thinking about row R might be suitable. Would you please give me your advice. Thank you.
Written 28 July 2019
Foundation Theatres
Sydney, Australia
Hi. Stalls Q would probably be best for easiest access and no stairs.
Written 29 July 2019
We have a group of 6, the only seats together are in Stalls Rows R & S, are these good seats????
Written 16 May 2019
i would say too far back. would suggest splitting up the group to gain much better seats closer to the stage.
Written 22 May 2019
You're in Australia - people get married in shorts!
Written 27 January 2019
Hi does anyone know if the railing in front of row A of the dress circle (first level up) at the lyric theatre obstructs your view of the stage. Thank you
Written 17 December 2018
Foundation Theatres
Sydney, Australia
Hi Lauren. The railing in the Dress Circle Row A does not generally cause obstructions of the stage however could be an issue for short statured people or younger children. If you are concerned you could always book Row B in the Dress Circle which also has a wonderful view of the stage.
Written 18 December 2018
Hi Stephen, we've just booked centre row R at Lyric and then I saw your comment! What do you mean about there being seats in row R that block viewing? Were these seats not always there, ie, Row Q?
We have two rows of seats in R and S, and your comment makes me a little worried about visibility.
Cheers
Amanda
Written 17 December 2018
We have booked seats centre of row R in stalls. It is hard to tell from the seating plan how far back from the stage these seats actually are, although I can see they are three rows from the back, Would these be better than seats on the side but much closer to the stage, eg, row H?
Written 17 December 2018
You will see the show, just lots of seats in front of you.
I prefer being in the middle of any row so that you can see the show better. All shows revolve around the centre.
Written 7 June 2019
hi Richard,
Which seating did you have on the Book of Mormon ?
Thanks a lot
Claire
Written 29 November 2018
Hi Claire.
We were lucky to win tickets 4 rows from the front and I think seats 6 & 7.
When picking seats for this show Rey to stay away from the edges as you would a have a restricted view of the sets.
Written 3 December 2018
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