Entertainment in Sydney

Entertainment in Sydney Australia. Buying Tickets popular operas, shows, plays ballets, things to do in each season in Sydney are described.

Buying Tickets

Some of the popular operas, shows, plays and ballets in Sydney are sold out months in advance. While it is better to book ahead, many theatres do set aside tickets to be sold at the door on the night. You can buy tickets from the box office or by telephone.

Some orchestral performances do not admit children under seven, so check with the box office before buying. If you make a phone booking using a credit card, the tickets can be mailed to you. Alternatively, tickets can be collected from the box office half an hour before the show. The major agencies will take overseas bookings. If you are desperate to see a sold-out rock concert, there may be touts selling tickets outside, but often at hugely inflated prices. If all else fails, hotel concierges have a reputation for being able to secure hard-to-get tickets.

Booking Agencies

Sydney has two main ticket agencies: Ticketek and Ticketmaster. They represent all major entertainment and sporting events. Ticketek has more than 50 outlets throughout the state, open from 9am to 5pm Weekdays, and Saturdays from noon to 4pm. Telephone bookings can be made from 8:30am-9pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am-7pm Sunday. Overseas bookings can be faxed or booked online. The Ticketmaster office is open Monday to Friday, from 9am-6pm. Other offices are open from 10am-9pm and can be found at the State Theatre, Theatre Royal and the Capitol Theatre. However, you don’t have to wait for a ticket office to open if you book via a website.

Ticket agencies usually accept traveler’s cheques, bank cheques, cash, VISA, MasterCard (Access) and American Express. However, some agencies do not accept Diners Club. A booking fee applies, with postage and handling charge also added if tickets are mailed out. There are generally no refunds (unless a show is cancelled) or exchanges available.

If one agency has sold out its allocation for a show, it is worth checking to see if the other agency still has tickets.

Discount Tickets

When a show isn’t sold out, Halftix offers half-price tickets (plus a small booking fee) for the theatre, concerts, opera and ballet on the day of the performance only (except for matinées and Sunday performances, tickets to which can be bought the day before). Bus tour, theatre restaurant, boat cruise, art gallery and film tickets are

also available at half price.

There is no limit on the number of tickets you can buy. You can ring Halftix from 11am for recorded information on discounts available, and the office is open from noon until 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday. Arrive early to avoid queues during the Sydney Festival. Halftix is also a Ticketek agency for advance sales.

Mainstream cinemas sell a book of ten tickets at reduced rates, as well as lower priced tickets on Tuesdays. Some independent cinemas also have special mid-week prices. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Opera Australia offer a special Student Rush price to students under 28 years old only when surplus tickets are available. These can only be bought on the day of the performance. A student card must be shown.

Choosing Seats

If booking in person at either the venue or the agency, you will be able to look at a seating plan. Be aware that in the State Theatre, row A is the back row. In Sydney, there is little difference in price between stalls and dress circle. If booking by phone with Ticketek, you will only be able to get a rough idea of where your seats are. The computer will pick the “best” tickets available.

Disabled Visitors

Many older venues were not designed with the disabled visitor in mind, but this has been redressed in most new buildings. It is best to phone the box office beforehand to request special requirements. Ask about the best street entrance. Sydney Town Hall has a wheelchair entrance in Druitt St and the Opera House has disabled parking, wheelchair access and a loop system in the Concert Hall for the hearing impaired. Ideas Incorporated has a list of Sydney’s most wheelchair friendly venues.