Nightlife & the Arts in Sydney

The Arts

Nothing illustrates the dynamism of Sydney's arts scene better than its live theater. Some of the hottest names in Hollywood received their first taste of stardom in Sydney: Nicole Kidman got her first onstage kiss here; Guy Pearce rocked out in Grease; and Russell Crowe notched up a total of 416 Sydney performances in the Rocky Horror Show—including the role of Dr. Frank N. Furter. At the root of these successes is a powerful, pithy theatrical tradition that has produced many talented Australian writers, directors, and performers. And though Sydney's contemporary theater pays tribute to the giants of drama, it's also driven by distinctly Australian themes: multiculturalism, relating to the troubled relations between Aboriginal and white Australia, and the search for national identity, characterized by the famous Australian irreverence.

Dance, music, and the visual arts are celebrated with equal enthusiasm. At their best, Sydney's artists and performers bring a new slant to the arts, one that reflects the unique qualities of their homeland and the city itself. Standouts on the Sydney arts scene include the Sydney Dance Company, the Museum of Contemporary Arts, the Sydney Opera House, and Belvoir Street Theatre. The most comprehensive listing of upcoming events is in the Metro section of the Sydney Morning Herald, published on Friday. On other days, browse through the entertainment section of the paper.

Nightlife

"Satan made Sydney," wrote Mark Twain, quoting a citizen of the city, and to some there can be no doubt that Satan was the principal architect behind Kings Cross. Strictly speaking, Kings Cross refers to the intersection of Victoria Street and Darlinghurst Road, although the name "The Cross" applies to a much wider area. Essentially, it is a ½-km (¼-mi) stretch of trendy bars and clubs, seedy sports bars, betting venues, strip clubs, and massage parlors. The area is buzzing with backpackers checking in and out of hostels and checking their e-mail for most of the day, while farther down Bayswater Road and Victoria Street, urban hipsters lounge at classy cafés on tree-lined streets. The real action starts at 10 PM, and runs hot for most of the night.

Sydneysiders in search of late-night action are more likely to head for Oxford Street, between Hyde Park and Taylor Square, where the choice ranges from pubs to the hottest dance clubs in town. Oxford Street is also the nighttime focus for Sydney's large gay scene. Another nightlife district runs along Cockle Bay Wharf in Darling Harbour; the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs here are especially popular during the summer months. Nightlife in the Rocks is focused on the pubs along George Street, which attract a boisterous crowd. Several Spanish restaurants along the west side of Liverpool Street, just before Darling Harbour, serve delicious food and stay open late for salsa dancing.

The Sydney Morning Herald's daily entertainment section is the most informative guide to the city's pubs and clubs. For club-scene coverage—who's been seen where and what they were wearing—pick up a free copy of Beat, available at just about any Oxford Street café or via the Internet (www.beat.com.au). The CitySearch Web site (www.sydney.citysearch.com.au) is another weekly source of entertainment information.

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