Theatre in Sydney is coming out swinging this September, with excellent stage shows featuring heavy-hitters like Andrew Loyd Webber, Shaun Tan and Kip Williams.

From psychological thrillers to sing-a-long cabarets, Sydney’s stages are curtain-to-cutrain with killer performances and twisty storylines. Here are our top six shows in Sydney this September.

1. Gaslight

Before it was just the no. 2 accusation to fling at your toxic ex-partner (no.1, of course, is being a narcissist), Gaslighting’s origin story started life as a stage play in 1938. Adapted by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson, this reimagined version has Geraldine Hakewill (from Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries) in the lead role of Bella Manningham.

Atmospheric Victorian England is the backdrop to Bella’s slippery-slide into madness. The gas lamps in her home flicker mysteriously, eerie noises echo at night, and her once-loving husband Jack is growing more suspicious by the day. With brilliant set dressing and an expert cast, Gaslight is a thriller that lives up to its title by having you second-guessing absolutely everything.

Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre; 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000
When: Final performance September 8
Tickets: roslynpackertheatre.com.au

2. Sunset Boulevard

High glamour and a glimpse at the Golden Age of Hollywood: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard is the big ticket production in Sydney from now until November.

This lavish new production has Sarah Brightman return to the stage as Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star longing to reclaim her spotlight. A passionate encounter with down and out screenwriter Joe Gillis leads to a haunting, but highly aesthetic, conclusion.

Featuring timeless numbers like “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” stunning costumes and evocative sets, the grandeur of old Hollywood is brought vividly back to life on our own Opera House stage.

Where: Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: August 28 – November 1
Tickets: sunsetmusical.com.au

3. An Ambivalent Woman of 37

Not your typical theatre experience, An Ambivalent Woman of 37 invites audiences into an intimate cabaret-style performance that wrestles with one of life’s biggest questions: do I want children? Inspired by Sheila Heti’s acclaimed book Motherhood, this cabaret uses music, movement, and dark humour to tackle the uncertainties of motherhood.

Emma Sandall brings her personal spin to this dilemma, drawing inspiration from everything from silent films to Monty Python. With music composed by Elena Kats-Chernin and piano by Yanghee Kim, this show blends thought-provoking insight with playfulness.

With over 400 shows, performances, activations and events throughout September, the annual Sydney Fringe Festival is gearing up for its most successful year since the event was founded in 2010.

Where: Flight Path Theatre; 9b/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
When: September 10-14
Tickets: sydneyfringe.com

4. Purple Plastic Maori

This year the festival also opens its first Queer Hub at Qtopia Sydney in Darlinghurst for a celebration of the unique histories and lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here musical comedian and self described ‘plastic Maori’, Shalom Kaa will be taking audiences on a trip from the sheep farms of rural NZ to the sweaty climes of Darwin, through artistic, cultural and sexual identity.

Shalom’s autobiographical cabaret won People’s Choice Award and Best Producer to a sell-out Darwin Fringe Festival season. Purple Plastic Maori has since enjoyed two seasons at Adelaide Fringe Festival to critical acclaim, expertly weaving together comedy, song and storytelling.

Where: Qtopia; 301 Forbes St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
When: September 17-21
Tickets: sydneyfringe.com

5. Gilgamesh

Opera Australia has joined forces with Sydney Chamber Opera for the world premiere of Gilgamesh, the first English-language opera based on the oldest written story in history. The legendary tale follows a young king on his journey through love, loss, and self-discovery as he befriends a wild man and encounters realms beyond comprehension.

Set within Carriageworks’ expansive space, Jack Symonds’ composition and Kip Williams’ visionary direction bring a contemporary twist to this ancient Mesopotamian epic for a dazzling fusion of myth and modernity.

Where: Bay 17, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
When: September 26 – October 5
Tickets: carriageworks.com.au

6. CICADA

For a family-friendly event that’ll resonate with both kids and adults, Shaun Tan’s CICADA will be brought to life at Sydney Theatre Company in a delightful puppet show.

Adapted from the beloved picture book by Australian artist and Academy Award winner, the story follows a tiny office drone, Cicada, who toils away unnoticed and undervalued until a magical epiphany on his office rooftop changes everything.

CICADA is all about resilience and self-discovery, and brought to life by Barking Gecko Theatre and a talented team of Australian creatives. Book early so you don’t miss out on this small but mighty tale.

Where: Sydney Theatre Company (Wharf 2 Theatre); The Wharf, 15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000
When: September 29
Tickets: sydneytheatre.com.au