By Billie Eder and Thomas Mitchell
Sydney is full of culture, art and live performances in March.Credit:SMH/Universal Music/AP/Supplied
With World Pride still partying on and the warm weather hovering about, Sydney is providing a long list of festivals, theatre, and live music for everyone to enjoy.
There are still many exhibitions and performances to see from Sydney WorldPride, while a raft of international and domestic artists are playing at a range of venues across many price points.
There’s something for everyone in Sydney this month, but here are some of our highlights.
Joke Lab
March 2 – 23 / Factory Theatre / Tickets $10
A weekly workshop where comedians get to try out new material and work on their jokes, Joke Lab is a hilarious and engaging experience for audience members and performers alike. A new pack of comedians will feature each Thursday night in March, and tickets include a free drink on arrival.
Ascent
March 15-26 / Sydney Opera House / Tickets from $35
Co-commissioned by Canberra Theatre Centre and brought to life by Sydney Dance Company, Ascent is a triple-bill featuring I Am-ness, Forever and Ever, and The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird. With intense physicality and an electric ensemble Ascent showcases contemporary dance and its ability to excite and inspire an audience.
Rob Brydon: A night of songs and laughter
March 17-19 / State Theatre / Tickets from $79.90
Award-winning comedian Rob Brydon is heading down under for his first Australian tour since 2019, with a show which, for the first time, includes songs and music alongside comedy. Brydon, the well-known host of UK comedy show Would I Lie To You, will be performing a two-hour set filled with warmth and humour where audiences can expect some of his famous gallery of voices.
Rob Brydon will be performing at the State Theatre on March 17, 18 and 19.
Hairspray
On now / Sydney Lyric / Tickets from $65
The much-loved Broadway hit Hairspray returns to Sydney with well-known Australians taking on the iconic roles.
You’ll catch Shane Jacobson as Edna Turnblad (the role that John Travolta played in the 2007 movie), and Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad, while Carmel Rodrigues is stepping into the role of the musical’s lead, Tracy Turnblad, who dreams to dance on The Corny Collins Show.
Shane Jacobson and Todd McKenney star in Hairspray The MusicalCredit:Jeff Busby
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Until 26 March / Hayes Theatre / Tickets from $79
It’s the tale that made Marilyn Monroe a household name after the release of the 1953 film. Now the legendary story returns to the stage with Georgina Hopson playing Lorelei Lee and Emily Havea taking on the role of Dorothy Shaw. Together the pair breathe new life as two smart, young, single women with a burning desire for experiences that aren’t supposed to be available to them within the laws and conventions of the 1920s.
The Rocky Horror Show
On now / Theatre Royal Sydney / Tickets from $69.90
Let’s do the Time Warp, and head out to the Theatre Royal for the new Australian production of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show. A must-see for musical enthusiasts and first-timers alike, it has a bunch of local stars in the show, including Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter and Myf Warhurst as the narrator.
Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter in the new Australian production of Rocky Horror Show.Credit:Nikki Short
Absolutely Queer
Until December 2023 / Powerhouse Ultimo / Free
Starting during the Sydney WorldPride festivities, Absolutely Queer is a celebration of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ history.
The exhibition includes works from queer creatives such as social justice activist and cartoonist Norrie and Mardi Gras costume designer Renè Rivas. Complimented by audio clips for each piece, it is a comprehensive, colourful and compelling exhibition.
Artists Maurice Goldberg and Matthew Aberline artwork ‘Fabulous: Acts of Protest and Celebration’ is at the entrance of the Powerhouse exhibition.Credit:Janie Barrett
MCA Collection: Eight Artists
March 17 – August 20 / Museum of Contemporary Art / Free
Showcasing some of the museum’s recent acquisitions, MCA Collection: Eight Artists is a compelling display from Australian artists. Drawing upon diverse cultural narratives, the exhibition is made up of works from the past two decades and many of the works are influenced by cultural knowledge. The artists included in the exhibition are Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori, Raelene Kerinauia Lampuwatu, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Naminapu Maymuru-White, Sandra Selig, Esme Timbery, Judith Wright and Gulumbu Yunupiŋu.
Zampatti Powerhouse
Until June 11 / Powerhouse Ultimo / Free
The first retrospective exhibition of renowned Australian designer Carla Zampatti, Zampatti Powerhouse encapsulates the creative’s trailblazing career. Featuring 100 outfits, including personal items from Zampatti’s estate, the exhibition is an extensive display of Zampatti’s world. There is a number of audio and video interactive, including interviews with people who lent their clothing such as Ita Buttrose AC OBE, Gladys Berejiklian and Christine Holgate.
Macbeth
Until April 2 / Sydney Opera House / Tickets from $45
One of Shakespeare’s most haunting thrillers, Macbeth, returns to the stage with the Bell Shakespeare this month with Logie Award-winning Australian actor Hazem Shammas in the role of the Scottish general. This classic tale of tragedy and loyalty, directed by Peter Evans, will take its audience on an intense and reflective journey.
Hazem Shammas as Macbeth.Credit:Louise Kennerley
On A Clear Day You Can See Forever
March 17-April 15 / Seymour Centre / Tickets from $69
A wonderful mix of quirky, romantic and supernatural, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever has an additional queer twist for 2023. This hilarious comedy of errors from Squabbalogic explores modern tales of sexuality, gender and ethics while mixing in songs from Alan Jay Lerner and Burton Lane.
Sex Magick
Until March 25 / Griffin Theatre Company / Tickets from $38
An exploration of queerness, masculinity and South Asian-Australian identity, Sex Magick is from playwright Nicholas Brown and stars Raj Labade. After a workplace indiscretion shatters Ard’s dream of an elite footy physiotherapy career, he finds himself selling green juices to yummy mummies in Bondi. A hilarious concept brought to life on stage, you won’t regret buying a ticket for this rollercoaster ride.
Catherine Văn-Davies and Raj Labade star in the epic Sex Magick.Credit:Brett Boardman
Lorde
March 13 and 14 / Aware Super Theatre / Tickets from $79
Lorde returns to our shores for the first time in six tears as part of her global Solar Power World Tour. Produced by pop powerhouse Jack Antonoff, Lorde’s latest album Solar Power was packed with hits that Australian audiences have yet to see performed live. Expect plenty of her previous classics too.
Kiwi singer Lorde.Credit:Don Arnold/Getty
Florence + The Machine
March 13 / Qudos Bank Arena / Tickets from $119.90
Fifth time is a charm for Florence + The Machine as the band head to Qudos Bank Arena in anticipation of their fifth studio album Dance Fever (out here in May). Perhaps it’s no surprise given the records’ name, but the album is heavy with upbeat anthems to get you moving, including My Love, Free and Heaven is Here. Prepare to see one of pop’s most polished groups at the top of their game.
Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine performing during the High As Hope Tour in Chicago in 2018.Credit:AP
My Chemical Romance
March 19 and 20 / Qudos Bank Arena / Tickets from $122.15
Bust out the hair straightener, liberally apply some eyeliner and firmly fix your heart to your sleeve because My Chemical Romance (aka your favourite band from high school) are returning to Australia for the first time in more than ten years. Supported by Jimmy Eat World, the band will be dipping into their back catalogue, playing tracks from Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, The Black Parade and Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
Ice Cube
March 26 / Qudos Bank Arena / Tickets from $129
Today was a good day. Why? Because you discovered Ice Cube will be back in town. The rapper, actor and filmmaker made music history as part of the supergroup N.W.A before establishing himself as a solo artist. His solo albums AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, Death Certificate, and The Predator gained critical and commercial success, cementing Ice Cube as one of the most influential artists in the game. Joining Ice Cube are fellow hip-hop pioneers Cypress Hill and rapper The Game.
Rod Stewart
March 29 / Qudos Bank Arena / Tickets from $89.90
He is one of the best-selling artists in history, with an estimated 250 million records and singles sold worldwide, but more impressive than that is the fact Sir Rod Stewart shows no signs of letting up, despite a career spanning more than 50 years. The 78-year-old will be joined by Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning icon Cyndi Lauper.
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