Phantom of the Opera Returns to Sydney Harbour for Its 40th Anniversary

Andrew Lloyd Webber's most iconic musical is coming back — and this time it's floating on Sydney Harbour. The Phantom of the Opera is Opera Australia's 2026 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production, performed on the enormous custom-built overwater stage in the harbour with the Sydney skyline and Opera House as the backdrop. The run kicks off a global celebration of Phantom's 40th anniversary.

Handa Opera has become one of the most spectacular staged performances in the world — every night closes with fireworks over the harbour, and the stage setup makes use of every square meter of the water. This year's Phantom production features full orchestration, a rotating cast drawn from Australian and international opera leads, and the kind of costume and lighting design that the format requires.

If you're going: the floating stage is at Mrs Macquarie's Point, accessible by foot from Circular Quay. Performances begin at dusk. Bring a light jacket and check the weather — Handa Opera runs rain or shine, but ponchos are provided on heavy nights.

Sources: Opera Australia, ArtsHub