Guys and Dolls in Sydney Review: Opera Australia’s Performance May Not Be Lucky

There are three real stars in Handa Opera’s production of Guys & Dolls: the twice life-sized New York taxi; the rollicking song Sit down, you’re rockin’ the boat (three encores and counting); and, of course, Sydney Harbour.

But try as they might, it is an uphill battle to turn this 70-year-old story about illegal gambling in the 1950s, with its classic attitudes towards love, marriage and just about everything else, into something that has an emotional connection with an audience in 2025.

Just think about the title. Does anyone call a woman a “doll” anymore?

I’m a big fan of Handa Opera. I’ve seen every one of its amazing shows on the pop-up, outdoor stage straddling the water and set against the backdrop of Sydney’s beautifully lit Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

It has produced some edgy and courageous performances, from a brilliant Carmen to Aida, and from West Side Story to Phantom of the Opera

When the idea was first muted of putting a hugely expensive stage on the water, with a live orchestra and Opera Australia cast, it was greeted with gasps. Backed by the NSW Government and billionaire Japanese businessman Haruhisa Handa, however, it has become a brilliant favourite in the city’s arts calendar.

The setting is stunning, the fireworks just before the interval are spectacular and, if you opt for the Pavillion experience with dinner and interval drinks, it certainly produces an awesome evening of entertainment.

So it’s a puzzle why was this show, a favourite of amateur op and dram societies everywhere, was picked for such a pivotal part of our arts calendar.

The Guys & Dolls cast is excellent, with particular applause for swimmer turned musical star Cody Simpson as hustler Sky Masterson, and Angelina Thomson, who plays Miss Adelaide.

The staging by designers Brian Thomson and Jennifer Irwin is particularly clever, with the giant taxi representing New York, the Hot Box nightclub and a Mission meeting hall. The idea of seeing the orchestra behind a giant One Way road sign above the stage is splendid.

The plot revolvers around a hustler named Nathan Detroit, who runs an illegal crap game which moves location to avoid the police. Desperate to find a $1,000 to secure a new location, Detroit bets Masterson he can’t persuade a local Church Mission leader to go with him to Cuba.

Sky offers the mission one dozen “genuine sinners” to go with him to Havana. Perhaps people were less cynical in the fifties, but she goes, gets drunk and falls in love with Masterson.

Happy ending? You bet. Luck has to be a lady tonight, right?

If the arts were a craps game, Opera Australia would have a lot riding on this show. Staging is expensive and, according to reports in the Australian Financial Review, the company has made losses over the past few years.

There have been well publicised senior management changes and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, a co-production with Adelaide’s GWB Entertainment and starring Lloyd-Webber’s ex-wife Sarah Brightman who appeared for a reported $1 million fee, produced poor ticket sales after bad reviews. You can read our review here.

Will this show turn the corner for the company? We certainly hope so.

The cast and orchestra throw themselves into it, the sets and costume design are gorgeous. Let’s hope there are enough nostalgic theatre goers in Sydney to support a month of this show.

Guys & Dolls featuring Nathan Detroit

Where: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, Mrs Macquarie’s Point
When: March 21–April 20 2025

How much: Tickets from $79

Live it up: HSBC Platinum Club Lounge Pre-performance + Interval: $136 per person or $236 for two course dinner, plus Interval drinks and canapes

The Venue and Experience

The Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour venue offers a unique and unforgettable experience for theatre-goers. Located at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, the venue boasts the iconic Sydney Opera House as a backdrop, creating a breathtaking setting for the performance. The floating stage is a marvel of design, capturing the audience’s attention with its lights, glitz, and glamour. The costumes and stage design are equally impressive, adding to the overall spectacle.

One of the highlights of the venue is the visibility of the orchestra, which performs from a platform above the stage. This not only adds a unique visual element but also allows the audience to appreciate the live music being played. The venue offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge, making it a perfect spot for an evening of entertainment. The fireworks display, a key part of the Handa Opera Sydney Harbour shows, adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

Sydney Travel Insights

If you’re planning to visit Sydney to see Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour, here are some travel insights to keep in mind. The show is playing a limited four-week season until April 20, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. Tickets start at $79+bf and can be purchased online. The show includes a 35-minute interval, so be sure to plan your evening accordingly. The Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour venue is located at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, which is easily accessible by public transportation or on foot. If you’re looking for accommodation in Sydney, there are plenty of options available in the city centre, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Be sure to check out the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge while you’re in town, and take a stroll along the harbour to take in the sights and sounds of the city