Anastasia the Musical Sydney 2026: Everything You Need to Know

If there’s one show worth rearranging your entire April around, this is probably it.

ANASTASIA follows Anya, a brave young woman with no memory of her past, as she sets off on an epic adventure from the twilight years of Imperial rule across post-revolutionary Russia and into the heart of 1920s Paris. She’s chased by an army officer determined to catch her, Anya enlists the help of a dashing conman she probably shouldn’t trust and a lovable ex-aristocrat who rounds out the trio nicely. It’s a story about identity, survival, and finding your way home, wrapped in one of the most visually spectacular productions Broadway has produced in years.

It’s based on the beloved film and brought to life by a genuinely impressive creative team: Terrence McNally wrote the book, with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, directed by Darko Tresnjak. The New York Times called it “A MONSTER HIT!” and Variety declared it “Irresistible!” and now, it’s coming to Australia for the first time.

Much loved songs by captivated audience include:

• Journey to the Past — the show’s defining power ballad
• Once Upon a December — the haunting, waltz-driven fan favourite
• In My Dreams — a sweeping Act I closer
• Paris Holds the Key (To Your Heart) — a powerful ensemble number
• Everything to Win — the emotional Act II climax

Dates, Tickets, and April 2026 Performances

ANASTASIA opens at Sydney Lyric Theatre on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, with the official Opening Night on Friday, 10 April. The season runs through to 19 July, but April fills fast, especially across the school holiday period, so booking ahead is imperative.

Here is the April 2026 performance schedule:

The runtime for this show is 2 hours and 25 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. There are standard tickets across Stalls, Dress Circle, and Grand Circle. There is also a Lyric Deluxe package, namely a premium option with a special collectible, but that must be purchased in pairs and collected from the dedicated foyer counter from 90 minutes before curtain.

You can book tickets at Ticketmaster

Sydney Lyric: Venue Info and Seating

The Sydney Lyric Theatre, where Anastasia will be played, is inside The Star entertainment complex, one of the best-equipped theatre venues in the country, and a genuinely beautiful space to watch a show, near Sydney’s harbour.

The auditorium has three seating zones: The Stalls, the Dress Circle and the Grand Circle.

• Stalls is ground level, has excellent sightlines and the easiest mobility access with rows F–G that sit at eye level with the stage.
• Dress Circle is the first tier, which naturally requires some stair navigation.
• Grand Circle is the upper tier which has front-row seats that can also have partial sightline obstructions from balcony railings, so check the map before booking.

A full seating chart and virtual 360° tours of all three zones is available on their website. The doors open 30–60 minutes before curtain and latecomers may be held outside until a suitable break in the performance.

Address: Sydney Lyric Theatre — 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009

Getting to Sydney Lyric

The most recommended method to reach the theatre is by light rail. The L1 Dulwich Hill Line stops at The Star and from there it’s a covered, signposted walk directly to the theatre, around 15 minutes from Capitol Square in the CBD.

The bus is also an option, via either the 389 (Bondi Junction to Pyrmont) or the 501 (Parramatta to Central via Pyrmont) which both stop in front of The Star. Depending from where you come, you can also reach it by ferry. The F4 Pyrmont Bay service stops at Pyrmont Bay Wharf, which is a five-minute walk from the theatre.

If you bring your own car, there are two main options for parking:

• Harbourside Car Park (Wilson Parking): Pre-book with the codeword LYRIC for a discounted flat rate of $14. It’s a 5–10-minute walk to the theatre, but not valid for overnight stays.
• The Star Car Park: Entered from Pirrama Road, it’s a 5-minute walk, and has ramp access available for standard rates.

At the Lyric: Amenities and Access

If you haven’t eaten or simply want to indulge a bit before the show, the foyer bars are open before and through the interval. They typically serve wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks and you can take non-glass drinks into the auditorium. 

In terms of luggage, only handbags or satchels smaller than A4 are permitted inside the theatre so there’s a cloakroom in the foyer that handles anything larger than that. 

Accessibility:

• Wheelchair seating in Row P of the Stalls with transfer options in Row Q nearby
• Ramp access via Doors 13 and 18
• Hearing Loop in the Stalls (set hearing aids to “T”) and RF receivers available on request throughout the house
• Accessible bathrooms in both the Stalls and Dress Circle foyers

The booking for accessible seating is available through the Box Office at sydneylyric.com.au/visit/accessibility, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Lyric Deluxe holders should head to the dedicated foyer counter from 90 minutes before showtime with their ticket ready and, ideally, don’t leave it until the last minute.

Pre-Show Dining and Hotels Near Sydney Lyric

If you enjoyed the show and perhaps want to discuss it over dinner, there are plenty of options in the area. Book ahead though, especially across the April school holidays, because restaurants will fill up fast in the area. If you decide to go before the show, aim to finish dining at least 45 minutes before curtain.

Some recommended restaurants are:

• Flying Fish: This is Sydney’s benchmark seafood restaurant, and is steps from the theatre. 
• BLACK Bar & Grill: It’s a premium steakhouse with cuts smoked over cherry wood and grilled over ironbark coals. 
• Cucina Porto: A relaxed Italian diner daily with an Aperitivo Hour from 3:00–5:00 PM. 

If you’re travelling to Sydney for the show and are interested in accommodation, there are some suitable options near the Lyric, such as the The Star Grand Hotel and Residences, which is the the most convenient option by far. 

There is also Hotel Woolstore 1888, Pyrmont, a boutique heritage hotel, 8-minute walk from the capitol theatre and a usualy favourite for theatre weekends. Lastly, you can never go wrong with Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour. It’s a reliable mid-to-upscale option on the waterfront, and it’s also short rideshare from the Lyric.

Audience Tips for Anastasia the Musical

When going to any event like opera, theatre or ballet, the good rule of thumb is to arrive 15–30 minutes before curtain. You have time to grab a drink, check your bag, and find your seat without the stress or disturbing the other guests.

For this show specifically, ANASTASIA uses strobe lights throughout the dazzling production. Patrons with photosensitive epilepsy or sensitivity to strobe effects should factor this in, and may want to consult a doctor before attending.

The show also features sudden gunshot sound effects, theatrical haze, and simulated smoking. This is something worth knowing in advance, particularly for those with auditory sensitivities or young children.

Family Guidance and Age Recommendations

ANASTASIA is recommended for ages 8 and older, so it can easily turn into a family night out with the little ones. Naturally, all persons under 16 must be accompanied by and seated alongside an adult. There are themes of loss, displacement, and simulated violence, which obviously make it less suitable for younger kids.

When booking for mixed groups, make sure companion seats are booked adjacent to each child, not in a separate row or section. Children under 2 may sit on a parent’s lap with a free babe-in-arms ticket from the Box Office on the day, though given the strobe lights and sound effects, the production isn’t really suitable for infants or toddlers.

FAQs