Subject: Uncover the Magic: Sydney Festival 2024

Discover Sydney Festival 2024

The Sydney Festival 2024 is a celebration of creativity and diversity, showcasing a wide array of world-class performances, art installations, and cultural events. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and discover new artistic expressions.

If you haven't finished your Christmas shopping, then why not give somebody an amazing gift of tickets to one of these incredible events.

Lisa O'Neill

Ireland’s Lisa O’Neill is one of the most striking folk singers performing today. Transcendent and original, her inimitable voice is raw, evocative and laden with emotion.

O’Neill’s pure song writing and organic music – she plays the guitar and banjo – alight in songs that reach the soul. She’s built a reputation as a modern artist tapped into the ancient, whose voice pulls at the heart and harkens to different worlds. Her live sets are a striking mix of originals and interpretations – the music stark and cerebral, the voice singular and personal, and stage presence charismatic.

When: Friday 19 January

Where: City Recital Hall

BACH AKADEMIE AUSTRALIA:
JS BACH – A LIFE IN MUSIC

In just a few years, Sydney’s Bach Akademie Australia has established itself as the leading ensemble dedicated to performing the works of JS Bach. Under violinist and founder Madeleine Easton, the ensemble's focus on mastery, authenticity and originality of interpretation makes it the ideal companion for the journey of Bach’s remarkable life, from beginning to end. 

When: 23 & 24 January

Where: ACO, The Neilson (The Thirsty Mile) Pier 2/3 Suite 3, 13A Hickson Rd Walsh Bay

SPIN


In 2017, Australian Deaf dance artist and performer, now based in London, Anna Seymour was at the after-party of the International Deaf Dance Festival in San Francisco. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before. Everyone there was Deaf, including the DJ. The dance floor was heaving. Deaf people were guiding each other through a series of popular dance routines. It was a feverish, exhilarating and empowering moment.  
Determined to bring that sense of joy and affirmation back to Australia, Seymour came home and created SPIN.


When: 17 - 22 January

Where: Moonshine Bar (The Thirsty Mile) Pier 2/3, 15 Hickson Road Walsh Bay

David Keenan - An Irish Songman with a Poet's Soul


Keenan's work exists outside of the mainstream. His lyrics are steeped in poetic shapes and forms, matched by a musical rawness that serves a visceral and deeply emotive live approach. He has a way of connecting people in story and song with an inimitable emotional depth that is rarely found.

 “The epic sweep of Van Morrison, the high notes of Tim Buckley, and the soul of Samuel Beckett.” – Michael Mann, The Guardian


When: 19 & 20 January

Where: ACO, The Neilson (The Thirsty Mile) Pier 2/3 Suite 3, 13A Hickson Rd Walsh Bay

Saplings


Young peoples’ struggles with our youth and justice system are brought to vivid life in Saplings by Hannah Belanszky. 


Would you risk breaking bail for a packet of Mi Goreng? Or snitch on a mate to save your own skin? Saplings is a collection of hilarious and heartbreaking stories born from workshops with young people in conflict the youth justice system, from Marrickville to Moree. Set to a hip-hop soundtrack, Saplings gives an honest look into the adult consequences faced by some of our most vulnerable young people.


When: 24 January - 4 February

Where: ATYP, The Rebel Theatre (The Thirsty Mile) Pier 2/3, 13A Hickson Road Walsh Bay

THE LISTIES: Make Some Noise!


A hilarious mixtape of silly songs, zany sketches and classic clowning. For over a decade the award-winning Listies have toured the world doing shows for literally gazillions of kidults (that’s kids and their adults). Now it’s your turn.

As part of the Sydney Festival, Make Some Noise! is a comedy concert for humans aged four to 400. Join the maestros of mirth, Rich and Matt, as they belt out a bunch of songs with the LOLs turned up to 11. Will they be in tune? Almost. In time? Not quite. In order? Definitely. Can Rich dance? Let’s find out.

Hilarious, fabulous fun for the whole family.


When: 3 - 13 January

Where: Bondi Pavilion Queen Elizabeth Drive Bondi Beach

Overflow


From internationally acclaimed writer and one of the UK's most prominent trans voices, Travis Alabanza (Burgerz), this "future classic" returns to Sydney after a rave-reviewed 2022 Australian premiere season at Darlinghurst Theatre Company, directed by Dino Dimitriadis. 
"Club toilets have taught me more about sisterhood than any book." 
Cornered into a flooding toilet cubicle and determined not to be rescued again, Rosie distracts herself with memories of bathroom encounters. Drunken heart-to-hearts by dirty sinks, friendships forged in front of crowded mirrors, and hiding together from trouble. 


When: 17 - 27 January

Where: Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst