ACO Families: The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee)
13 – 20 July 2025
Kids & Families
There is the fairytale you know and love… but what isn’t known is why our brave princess was out in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a night, at the end of an adventure. This is that story.
Please note: this event is not held at the Sydney Opera House.
Tickets are no longer on sale with Sydney Opera House but can be purchased with Australian Chamber Orchestra.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Sunday 13 July 2025 | 10:30am, 12:00pm |
| Tuesday 15 July 2025 | 10:30am, 12:00pm* |
| Wednesday 16 July 2025 | 10:30am, 12:00pm |
| Thursday 17 July 2025 | 10:30am, 12:00pm |
| Friday 18 July 2025 | 10:30am, 12:00pm |
| Saturday 19 July 2025 | 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm |
| Sunday 20 July 2025 | 10:30am, 12:00pm |
*Relaxed Performance
| Ticket | Price |
| Adult + Babes in Arms | $39.00 |
| Standard Additional adult or child | $39.00 |
Children under 2 years are free on a parent's lap.
$8.95 booking fee applies per transaction
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.
The only authorised ticket agency for this event is Sydney Opera House and Australian Chamber Orchestra. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
ACO Relaxed Performance: The performance on Tue 15 Jul, 12pm is an ACO Relaxed Performance, with a dedicated quiet space. All are welcome to attend this performance, which will simply have a dedicated quiet space, additional support for patrons with access needs, and some increased noise levels likely.
Wheelchair accessible:
There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations in our theatres. To book accessible seating contact Box Office:
Telephone
+61 2 9250 7777
(Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST)
Email bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
Run time
This event runs for approximately 45 minutes, including a post-show 'meet the musicians' session.
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Age
Recommended for ages 3 - 10 years and their families. Children under 2 years are free on a parent's lap.
Audiences are invited to stay after the performance for a chance to meet the musicians and learn more about their instruments. Plus, enjoy free creative play activities in the foyer before and after the performance!
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy(link is external, opens in new tab or window).
Theatre TravelsA magically beautiful story and show, warming the heart as we see a heroine save marine life and live her life the way she wants.
Useful information:
ACO Families: The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee)
Isabella was born with everything. Daughter of the grandest king, surrounded by the greatest wealth, held in the highest castle. Her life was big, bold and brash, but Isabella notices the small, beautiful things… from the way frogs hold their breath in the pond, to how sand feels between her toes at the beach. Her life is easy, but Isabella is not content, and dreams of escaping palace life.
One day, in the midst of a storm, when everyone is looking elsewhere, she finds her chance. With all the courage she can muster, she sets out to uncover the magic the world holds. Her amazing super senses guide her on a journey filled with daring feats and surprising friendships.
This stunning theatrical production comes alive with classical music performed live by ACO musicians. It’s perfect for audiences of all ages who need a reminder that they can be brave, even if they feel scared of the unknown.
Written by award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer (Magic Beach, Are We There Yet?), with an original score by Bryony Marks (Barracuda, Summer Heights High), and directed by Tim McGarry (There’s a Sea in My Bedroom, Boy Swallows Universe), The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee) is an exciting new ACO Families production that will ignite your imagination and heart.
“Hans Christian Andersen’s original tale is famously about a small element having a large impact. And excitingly working on this project feels like an extension of the same idea. Each artist backstage and musician onstage contributing their small individual offering – and the cumulative results being something big enough to make you think, or feel, or laugh or rouse you from a dream or lead you gently into one.” - Finegan Kruckemeyer, Writer
Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra
Artist information
Written by Finegan Kruckemeyer
Original music by Bryony Marks
Directed by Tim McGarry
Production Design by Melanie Liertz
Lighting Design Ryan McDonald
Vision Design Laura Turner
Company Stage Manager Cally Bartley
Performed by Micaela Ellis and an ACO quartet.
Plan your visit
Venue information
Please note: this event is not held at the Sydney Opera House.
The Neilson, Pier 2/3 is located at 13a Hickson Road, Dawes Point NSW 2000 (just opposite the crushed car artwork).
The Neilson is situated on Level 1, and the entrance is located midway down Pier 2/3. Follow the signage for performance spaces.
Getting to Pier 2/3
Pier 2/3 is a brisk 15 - 20 minute walk from Circular Quay and Wynyard transport hubs. Hickson Road is serviced by the 324 and 325 bus service or the 311 to Millers Point. Pedestrian and cycle paths service Walsh Bay Arts Precinct from Barangaroo to Circular Quay. Metered parking is available on Hickson Road and paid off-street parking can be found at 26 Hickson Road (Interpark) and at the corner of Towns Place and Hickson Road (Wilsons).
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