Inside The Sydney Opera House Premieres Sunday 23 October on ABC TV

The Sydney Opera House has allowed cameras behind the scenes for the first time in its history to show what it takes to run one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world.

Inside the Sydney Opera House, narrated by Marta Düsseldorp, sheds light on those working behind the scenes and shares an unexpected tale of what it takes to bring the famous structure to life.

Throughout the series, we get to know CEO Louise Herron AM and the many colourful characters who go above and beyond to put on thousands of performances and experiences for the annual influx of millions of spectators and guests to the Opera House.

Viewers will have front-row seats as the staff battles daily deadlines and goes above and beyond to make the magic happen. Staff members include theatre directors, organ tuners, ballerinas, musicians, dancers, and opera singers, as well as stage and prop designers, ushers, production crews, and building maintenance experts.

This is the inside story of how the Opera House emerged from lockdowns to the triumphant reopening of its largest venue, the Concert Hall, after the venue had been closed for two and a half years as it underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation. It was filmed over the past year during one of its most difficult periods.

The series takes viewers behind-the-scenes for a dramatic look at preparations for New Year’s Eve, Australia Day, and VIVID Live, as well as staging everything from ballet, opera, and First Nations dance to rap and children’s shows, as the Opera House approaches its 50th anniversary year in 2023.

Principal production investment from Screen Australia and Screen NSW. A Barking Mad Productions and Fremantle production for ABC. Executive Producer, Steve Bibb. Series Producer, Ronan Sharkey. ABC Commissioning Editor, Kalita Corrigan. ABC Acting Head of Factual & Culture, Richard Huddleston. Narrated by Marta Dusseldorp.

Airdate: Sunday 23 October 2022 at 7.30pm on ABC TV.

Season 1 Episode 1