On sale tomorrow: The Book of Mormon in Sydney

The Book of Mormon tickets go on sale tomorrow March 21
It reopens in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre in July 2025
Five performances have already sold out
READ MORE: We spoke with Cody Simpson about Guys & Dolls

The nine-time Tony Award, four-time Olivier Award and Grammy Award-winning production, The Book of Mormon, is making a long-awaited return to Sydney this winter. It played at Sydney Lyric Theatre in 2018 but is set to run at Capitol Theatre from July, for at least 15 weeks this time around.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone, co-creators of the darkly humorous animated series South Park, wrote the book with Robert Lopez, who is one of the few people to have won an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award). It’s no surprise that this talented trio have created a provocative production that is filled with side-splitting laughs along with gasp-inducing moments.

What is The Book of Mormon about?

For those who don’t yet know the premise, prepare for the unexpected. The story follows two missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham. As they prepare to be sent on their two-year mission, Kevin is convinced that if he prays enough, he will be sent to Orlando, Florida. His plan doesn’t quite pan out that way, though, and he and Arnold—a pop culture-obsessed, compulsive liar—are sent to Uganda instead.

Upon arrival to Uganda, the pair are robbed. And that sets the tone of their rollercoaster ride of a mission.

As they attempt to preach the faith to the locals, they find the villagers are concerned by more pressing issues including HIV/AIDS, famine and a local warlord, among many others. It’s an endless stream of tricky topics that not many are brave enough to tackle on the public stage, but the writers aren’t known for their shy and retiring approach to things.

*See The Book of Mormon in Sydney at Capitol Theatre from July. Image by Paul Coltas London Company.*

Not for the faint-hearted

Those more sensitively inclined should probably give it a miss. But if you’re able to come with a sense of humour, it’s a fantastic show that dances and darts blithely along the line. It’s created to entertain, after all.

It’s certainly crossed the line for many, though, with calls for immediate updates to the production’s representation of Black people coming in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. Changes which were made. But the risqué content is part of the appeal, as theatregoers rarely expect to be stunned by a musical in this way.

Usually it’s the actor’s performances, the costume or set design, or the special effects that earn a gasp from audiences—not the content itself. And for many, the production is a great breath of fresh air, offering something different and edgier than most musicals. A level of tolerance is required though and it’s certainly not one for the whole family to attend.

FAQs

When can I see The Book of Mormon in Sydney?

It opens at the Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket on July 15 and will play until October 26, unless it is extended. Performances take place at 7pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 6.30pm on Sundays. Matinee performances also take place at 2pm on Saturdays and 1pm on Sundays. Though changes to scheduling are possible.

How do I get there?

Capitol Theatre is located in Haymarket and is easily accessible via public transport, taxi or car with ample parking nearby. The nearest train station is Central Station while the Light Rail operates nearby too.