Hansel & Gretel at Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Nibble, nibble, little mouse, who’s that nibbling at my house? I’ll lure them in with sweets to eat, a child is a witch’s favourite treat!

Deep in the dark woods, Hansel and Gretel are hungry and looking for home. Just when it all seems hopeless, they stumble upon a spun-sugar house and an eccentric woman, who’s not as sweet as she seems. Will the plucky siblings outwit the wicked witch?

This whimsical production is a classic from acclaimed director Elijah Moshinsky, with plenty of humour and heart to balance the dark undertones of the Grimms’ fairytale. Familiar characters roam a surreal storybook world, with larger-than-life sets and costumes by Mark Thompson. An all-star Australian cast features Margaret Plummer and Stacey Alleaume as the clever kids. Jane Ede is a delight in the role of the witch with Helen Sherman and Andrew Moran as the youngsters’ parents.

Tahu Matheson conducts Humperdinck’s magical score, which is filled with German folk tunes and luscious orchestration. Performed in English, Hansel & Gretel is an enchanting first opera for newcomers, and a nostalgic treat for opera fans.