25 Mar 2026
The Phantom of the Opera still breaking records 40 years on from West End debut
Ahead of its opening this Friday night, Opera Australia (OA) today announced that The Phantom of the Opera has become its most successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production, already breaking its own previous box-office record as the highest grossing season of the annual harbourside event.
In 2026 The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour has sold more tickets than any other year in the event’s 15-year history, with more than 70,000 tickets booked and many performances of the extended five-week season already sold-out.
OA CEO Alex Budd said, “Forty years on, The Phantom of the Opera continues to pull audiences that most productions never attain. We’re thrilled to be a part of this 40th Anniversary global celebration with our Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour season.
“Supercharged by our unique outdoor setting on the shores of Sydney Harbour, there’s nowhere else in the world to see a Phantom like this.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “It’s wonderful to welcome one of the world’s most beloved musicals back to the Harbour City for its 40th anniversary. Staged on the harbour under the stars with Sydney’s iconic city skyline in the background, this is a truly world-class experience not found anywhere else.
“Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour showcases our city’s unique combination of cultural vibrancy and natural wonder, highlighting Sydney’s position as one of the world’s premier destinations for unforgettable cultural experiences.”
This epic outdoor production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical will be the first in a year-long program of international events to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The story of the mysterious Phantom and his ingénue Christine Daaè set in a Paris opera house continues to enthral audiences around the world, having played to more than 160 million people in 205 cities across 58 territories, and in 21 languages.
Starring newcomer Jake Lyle, making his musical theatre debut as The Phantom, soprano Amy Manford in her highly acclaimed signature role of Christine and rising musical theatre star Jarrod Draper as Raoul, alongside a brilliant cast of some of Australia’s best singers, dancers and musicians, this production is overflowing with local talent.
With Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s stunning views, live orchestra, fireworks every night and popup restaurants and bars, it is a guaranteed night to remember. The Phantom of the Opera is a strictly limited season and must close on Sunday 3 May.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is supported by the NSW Government, via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, and through the International Foundation for Arts and Culture as Naming Rights Partner, Dr Haruhisa Handa OA’s Patron in Chief, and OA’s Principal Partner HSBC.
Fleet Steps,
Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
Rehearsal Images + Video available: Opera Australia Media Centre
Media enquiries
Caitlin Eames | Publicist | +61 433 746 644 | caitlin@cepr.com.au
Janet Glover | Communications Manager | +61 412 601 816 | janet.glover@opera.org.au