Experiencing The Phantom of the Opera at Sydney Harbour – Review

Director Simon Phillips and designer Gabriela Tylesova have reimagined the classic production for the harbour stage with impressive scale and creativity. A dramatic gold staircase dominates the floating set, while the Phantom’s lair, mirrored illusions and the famous chandelier are cleverly adapted for the outdoor environment. A revolving platform allows seamless scene transitions, and a gondola gliding across the stage surrounded by fire effects adds a gothic cinematic feel.

The production’s technical design enhances the experience further. Lighting designer Nick Schlieper uses moody tones that work beautifully against the night sky, while sound designer Shelly Lee creates an immersive surround effect that allows voices and music to travel across the audience, an especially effective feature in an open-air venue. Hidden beneath the stage, a full live orchestra conducted by Guy Simpson delivers the score with remarkable clarity across the harbour.