We spoke with Cody Simpson about his role in Handa Opera On Sydney Harbour: Guys & Dolls

• Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Guys & Dolls opens on Friday March 21
• Australian singer and actor Cody Simpson stars as Sky Masterson
• Annie Aitken, Bobby Fox and Angelina Thomson also star in the new revival

The most unique theatre experience in all of Sydney, Opera Australia’s waterside—or on-the-harbour, rather—stage has arisen once again, in preparation for Friday’s first performance of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Guys & Dolls.

One of the most successful Broadway shows of all time, Guys & Dolls is beloved by audiences across the world. The larger-than-life world of Manhattan’s gangsters and showgirls will be set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sydney’s glittering harbour and skyline in this star-studded revival. Read on to find out what Cody Simpson has to say about this brand-new revival of the fan favourite.

Cody Simpson stars in Guys & Dolls

Australian-born singer, competitive swimmer and actor, Cody Simpson, has an almost unbelievable list of successes to his name. Already an international singer, five years ago he played his final performance in the Broadway production of Anastasia. After that, he pursued a career in swimming and went on to win gold and silver as part of the Australian Swim Team in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Simpson seemingly never slows down, because he’s getting ready to star in Opera Australia’s Guys & Dolls for just over four weeks.

Sharing the news online at the end of November 2024, Simpson said:

I’m returning to the stage to pursue one of my dream roles in an iconic production of one of the world’s greatest musicals (and my personal favourite) — Guys and Dolls. This soundtrack, this story and this film ignited my love for musical theatre 10 years ago. And there’s no better place to land the opportunity to play this character than on the waters of Sydney Harbour at Handa Opera.

He takes one of the lead roles, starring as Sky Masterson, the suave and smart high-stakes gambler whose luck never seems to run out. It’s a role previously played by Marlon Brando in the 1955 film adaptation, which is one of Simpson’s favourites, he tells us. In fact, he has long admired both Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando’s performances in the movie.

It’s quite a funny full circle moment, to be doing this in this show [when it] was the seed that first sparked my interest in this kind of performing

Simpson is joined on stage by theatre superstars Annie Aitken (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Candide) as his love interest Sarah Brown, Bobby Fox (Jersey Boys) as Nathan Detroit, Angelina Thomson (Home and Away, West Side Story) as Miss Adelaide, and Jason Arrow (Hamilton) as Nicely Nicely Johnson. Along with the ensemble cast, energetic staging by Shaun Rennie, magnificent stage design by Tony Award-winner Brian Thomson, and even a fireworks display as part of the production, it’s set to blow Sydney’s socks off. And that’s without even mentioning the city’s spectacular skyline as the backdrop.

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What is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour?

One of Sydney’s more impressive arts events each year, Handa Opera has entertained theatregoers since 2012. It is funded by Japanese businessman and philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, and created in partnership with Opera Australia.

The stage is set on top of the harbour, seemingly floating above the water’s surface at Mrs Macquaries Point, overlooking Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. It really is quite special.

You would think that any production that takes to this stage has quite a challenge, competing with such a sweeping view of the world-famous landmarks.

But previous performances have managed supremely well, with memorable productions including La Traviata, which featured a nine-meter and 3.5-tonne chandelier at its centre; West Side Story, which was the first musical to be performed on the stage in 2019 and that returned last year (Angelina Thomson starred as Consuelo in the 2019 run); and the 2022 revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, which had its first major outdoor staging at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.

Without the usual logistical restrictions of an “normal” theatre, creative teams are able to exercise all their wildest dreams with fireworks, larger-than-life set designs and ginormous snow machines (hello, La Bohème) all coming into play in previous years.

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FAQs

When can I see Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Guys & Dolls?

The production opens on Friday, March 21, and plays until Sunday, April 20 2025. Performances take place Tuesday-Sunday each week, at 7:30pm.

Please note, there will be no performance on Friday, April 18.

How can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available to purchase at opera.org.au.

How do I get to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour?

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is located at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney.

Public transport: The nearest stations are St James (1.3km), Martin Place (1.5km) and Circular Quay (2.3km).

Access to the venue via the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, is only possible prior to 6:30pm in March and 6pm in April. After this time, the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is closed from all entrances and not possible to walk through.

Bus route 200 stops on Macquarie Street. 

Car: The Domain Car Park is the closest car park and is open 24 hours. A free shuttle bus is available to guests who park in the Domain Car Park. There is metered parking along Mrs Macquaries Road, Hospital Road and Macquarie Street. Meters accept credit card or payment by mobile phone.

Complimentary Shuttle Bus: The pre-performance shuttle service operates from 4:30pm until 7:30pm. It departs from Sir John Young Crescent and runs to the venue entrance on Mrs Macquaries Road. It takes approximately 5 minutes, depending on traffic. The post-performance shuttle service starts from 8:45pm and runs until midnight, or until the last patron has left, and stops at the Domain Car Park. Neither shuttle buses stop at the Art Gallery of NSW.

What happens if it rains?

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is an open-air and all-weather event and the team are committed to going ahead, come rain or shine. Go prepared for the weather and ready to support the performers, who will carry on singing in the rain! Performances will only be cancelled during electrical storms or during extreme weather conditions.

Performances will not be cancelled until 7:30pm or later.

You may request a ticket exchance up to two working days before the events by calling the box office on +61 2 9318 8200. You can also exchange your tickets online, or receive a credit voucher for the value of your tickets, right up until the start of the performance.

For more information, visit opera.org.au.

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