In a stark change in programming, the Capitol Theatre has welcomed The Book of Mormon back to Sydney for the first time since 2018 and it’s as shocking as ever – but we can’t get enough.
Crowds assembled at the Capitol Theatre last night for the opening gala night of The Book of Mormon, thecontroversial musical that last played in Sydney in 2018. It’s by the writers of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who are making headlines across the Pacific this week.
They’ve reignited controversy with a scathing portrayal of Donald Trump, filled with deepfakes and demonic hallucinations. Proof, if it were needed, that Parker and Stone still aim to provoke. That same fearlessness runs through The Book of Mormon, which, over a decade since its debut, still manages to shock.
The last time I was at the Capitol Theatre was to watch Annie. The biggest surprise in that production was the real-life dog running across the stage. At The Book of Mormon, however, the shocks don’t stop.
The Capitol has gone from adorable child and dog actors to talk of female genital mutilation, AIDS and famine. Talk about a change in programming. But we’re here for it.

Satirical saints
True to style, The Book of Mormon doesn’t hold back. It’s gleefully profane, packed with f-bombs, blasphemies and wildly inappropriate jokes about AIDS, warlords and repressed homosexuality, all delivered through catchy show tunes.
It constantly walks a fine line between mocking religion and celebrating human belief; landing punchlines that carry equal amounts of humour and cringe-worthy offensiveness.
In 2011, the production made its world debut on Broadway – the stakes have always been high. It’s always torn opinion, too, with Vogue calling it “the filthiest, most offensive and – surprise – sweetest thing” and “quite possibly the funniest musical ever”.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints didn’t agree though. They issued a statement in 2012, stating: “The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people’s lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ.”
But it’s that stark contrast, between sacred religion and outrageous satire, that gives the show its enduring bite. It’s controversial and that’s exactly why audiences keep coming back for more.
The cast that carries the chaos
At the heart of the story are Elder Price (Sean Johnston) and Elder Cunningham (Nick Cox), two fresh-faced missionaries embarking on their first assignment. We meet them as they finish their training with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, just as their companion and mission location is assigned.
Price and Cunningham’s? Uganda. Not quite the magical wonderland of Orlando, Florida that Elder Price had in mind.
Nick Cox, Boston-born and soon-to-be dual citizen, steals scene after scene as the awkward, overeager but clueless Arnold Cunningham. Cox delivers comedic gold, unexpected twerking and a touching solo in I Am Here for You. He’s a standout in a show that thrives on big personalities.
The ensemble cast is just as magnetic. We have to give a particular shoutout to Oscar Bridges and Tom Struik, though, who bring an infectious charisma to every scene they’re in and often stole our attention. Bridges gives his all to every dance move, performed to absolute precision with a beaming grin throughout. Struik, meanwhile, plays district leader Elder McKinley, whose storyline of repressed homosexuality leads to one of our favourite (and the funniest) songs of the show, in Turn It Off.
It’s not just the acting that’s impressive; the set becomes a part of the performance on several occasions. Early on in act one, the scenery walls literally shut Elder Cunningham out, swallowing him up. It’s simple (though I’m sure the technicalities aren’t) but so effective, both in terms of the storyline and its comedic effect.
The stark contrast between the missionaries in their neatly buttoned up shirts and the surrounding scenery of Uganda also keeps the various contradictions front and centre.
The verdict
I wanted to see The Book of Mormon for years, so was excited to finally get the chance. I’d heard a lot about it: several people recommended it when I was in London, and a friend has seen it four times. So expectations were high – and it didn’t disappoint.
Combining true world-class talents with catchy songs and fearless satire, it’s a guaranteed good time for seasoned theatregoers and curious first-timers alike. Just bring your sense of humour and be prepared to wince a few times. It’s worth it.
The Book of Mormon
When: Now booking to Sunday, November 30, 2025. Shows take place on most Tuesdays–Thursdays 7pm, Fridays 7:30pm, Saturdays 2pm & 7:30pm, Sundays 1pm & 6:30pm.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
To book tickets for The Book of Mormon visit thebookofmormonmusical.com.au