The Olivier Award-winning musical The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is set to make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Opera House, playing the Drama Theatre from 16 July to 29 August 2027.
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic short story, the musical reimagines the tale as a sweeping Cornish-set love story about a man who lives his life in reverse. The production won three Olivier Awards in 2025, including Best New Musical, and has since continued its international success with a run at New York’s Public Theater.
Written by Jethro Compton and Darren Clark, the musical is performed by a company of 15 actor-musicians playing 30 instruments. The story follows Benjamin Button in a small Cornish village as he navigates love, loss and the passage of time in reverse.
The Sydney season will launch a new Australian and New Zealand production from GMG Productions and Stoddart Entertainment Group, which will subsequently tour across Australia following its New Zealand premiere.
Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance Harry Prouse said: “Romantic and emotionally captivating, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a heartwarming piece of storytelling that will feel right at home in our Drama Theatre. Anyone with a curiosity about life will find something to love in this uplifting production that celebrates the magic that’s found in making the most of time. I challenge anyone to see it and not be won over by its joy and humanity.”
Jethro Compton, writer, director and designer of the original West End production, added: “It’s so fitting to begin our Australian adventure at the Sydney Opera House, right in the heart of the harbour, as the connection to the sea is such a core part of this story. The show has had such an incredible journey so far, and we’re excited to bring it to Australian shores.”
Following its Sydney engagement, the production will continue to Melbourne’s Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse from 3 September to 2 October 2027, before playing Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre Playhouse from 7 to 31 October 2027.
Widely acclaimed by critics, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has been hailed by WhatsOnStage as “The best British musical in decades”.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
