Anastasia at the Sydney Lyric is one of those shows that sweeps you up before you even realise it’s happening. The moment the orchestra starts and the curtains rise, you’re pulled into this beautifully crafted world that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The production has that perfect mix of fairytale sparkle and emotional depth — the kind of story that lets you forget about real life for a while and just enjoy being somewhere magical.
The staging is genuinely stunning. The use of projections and moving sets creates these seamless transitions from imperial Russia to bustling Paris, and it all feels so cinematic. Every scene has its own atmosphere — soft, snowy streets; grand palaces; warm Parisian cafés — and the visuals make it incredibly easy to get lost in the story.
The costumes are gorgeous too. Rich fabrics, beautiful colours, and so much detail that you find yourself noticing something new every time someone walks on stage. It’s a very pretty show, but not in a shallow way — everything feels thoughtfully designed to support the story.
The cast is strong across the board, each bringing something different to the stage.
- Georgina Hopson (Anya) delivers a heartfelt performance with vocals that soar. She captures that mix of uncertainty and inner strength beautifully.
- Robert Tripolino (Dmitry) brings charm and a bit of cheekiness, and his chemistry with Anya grows naturally throughout the show.
- Rodney Dobson (Vlad) adds warmth and humour, grounding the story with a lovely, familiar energy.
- Rhonda Burchmore (Countess Lily) is a burst of fun every time she appears — playful, glamorous, and clearly having the time of her life.
- Nancye Hayes (Dowager Empress) brings a quiet emotional weight that gives the story its heart.
The performance that really stayed with me was Joshua Robson as Gleb. He brings such intensity to the role — a mix of duty, conflict, and vulnerability that makes him far more compelling than you might expect. His voice is powerful and rich, and every time he stepped on stage, the atmosphere shifted. There’s a depth to his performance that adds real emotional texture to the show. For me, he was the standout of the entire cast.
The score is lush and sweeping, with those big emotional numbers that stay in your head long after you leave the theatre. Journey to the Past is a clear highlight, but there are plenty of quieter moments that land just as strongly. The ensemble work is tight, energetic, and beautifully choreographed.
Anastasia is a gorgeous night out — warm, heartfelt, visually stunning, and full of memorable performances. It’s the kind of show that leaves you feeling uplifted, a little dreamy, and very glad you made the time to go. Whether you’re going with friends, a partner, or older kids, it’s a beautiful experience that’s absolutely worth seeing.
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