A character on stage holds the microphone to his chin, seen with exuberant make up applied to his face and a vintage lamp in the background.

Sydney Festival He’s So Unusual By Salty Brine

  • Cabaret
  • Musical Theatre
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 90 minutes, no interval Subject to change
  • Seating map

Australian Premiere

Ghouls just want to have fun!

Cabaret sensation Salty Brine is ripping the glad rags off New York City’s 1930s drag craze through the songs of Cyndi Lauper’s synth-pop smash She’s So Unusual.

The New York icon’s Living Record Collection specialises in taking unlikely pairings – The Smiths meets Frankenstein, Led Zeppelin and Treasure Island, Radiohead and the Rat Pack – and miraculously twining the narratives into something majestic.

Two “divine deviants” return to life to solve the case that cost them their careers and take you on a murder mystery tour of surprisingly liberal Prohibition-era New York, where the “pansy craze” brought drag queens and gender ambiguity to every hot night spot. Salty Brine spins a tale of queer resistance through the medium of Cyndi Lauper’s irrepressible album, with biting repartee and fabulous vocals. Even from beyond the grave, ghouls just wanna have fun!

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Sydney Festival

Event details

A brilliant night out…five stars for this just aren’t enough.

Theatre and Tonic

Ambition, murder and Cyndi Lauper woven together by the master of musical storytelling… Searingly quick-witted, achingly human.

The Stage

Attending this event

Practical information about this event, ticketing and visiting. If you have questions or need help, see our general terms and conditions for tickets and events or contact us.

Ticket information

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Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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