We’re back in Sydney after a six week Europe trip and what better way to celebrate than with a magical Saturday evening spent at the Opera House? Sunset Boulevard, an Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece, just premiered at the iconic Australian landmark, and we were lucky enough to head along and experience the evening for ourselves.
This brand-new production of Sunset Boulevard brings the Golden Age of Hollywood to Sydney, telling the story of Norma Desmond, a once-great silent film star, as she longs to return to the big screen after the talkies came in and swept her out of the spotlight. A chance encounter with a young, struggling screenwriter leads to the two teaming up in a passionate and volatile relationship that ends in tragedy.
Soprano superstar Sarah Brightman brings the role of Norma Desmond to life. No stranger to Webber’s spectacular productions, Brightman was the original Christine in Phantom of the Opera on West End and Broadway, making this production incredibly special. I’m a huge fan of Phantom of the Opera and have seen Brightman’s Christine on TikTok, so I was really excited to see her in another lavish role.
She absolutely sparkled as Norma Desmond, giving life to the character’s unfulfilled ambitions marked by a fracturing mental state in an incredibly convincing performance. It’s her first theatrical role in nearly three decades (she’s also a recording artist), and needless to say, she’s flawless. No notes.
The rest of the cast were absolutely spectacular as well. Tim Draxl sent us on an emotional rollercoaster as Joe Gillis, our hearts wept for Robert Grubb as Max Von Mayerling and we couldn’t help but fall in love with Ashleigh Rubenach as the bubbly and bright Betty Shaefer.
It would be a crime not to mention the sparkling costumes and the detailed set. Norma Desmond’s house is rendered in such detail we could’ve spent the entire performance simply marvelling at that. The set transitions between a two-story mansion and the elaborate Paramount Studios were also flawless, it was very easy to lose ourselves in the spectacle of the production.
Sunset Boulevard will be performed at the Opera House until 1st Nov 2024. Book in for a pre-theatre dinner at one of the Opera House’s prestigious restaurants, grab a glass of champagne in the foyer and treat yourself to a truly glamorous, Old Hollywood-style evening.
Images: Supplied, shot by Daniel Boud
