Candide

All’s for the good in the best of all possible worlds.

In 2024, South Australia’s flagship theatre and opera companies will come together for the first time in more than a decade, along with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, to present a spectacular concert version of Leonard Bernstein’s beloved comic operetta and existential vaudeville, Candide.

Based on Voltaire’s 1759 novella, this ever-relevant Broadway hit tells the story of naïve young Candide, facing exile after falling in love with the Baron’s daughter, Cunegonde, and their mutual embarking on an enthralling, lyrical, sobering but hilarious journey across the globe that challenges their optimistic outlooks on life and love.

Voltaire’s characters leap off the page and onto the stage in this major theatrical event, bringing together some of Australia’s most celebrated musical and opera stars, including Alex Lewis (The Merry Widow, Barrie Kosky’s The Nose) as Candide, Annie Aitken (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Cunegonde, John Longmuir (The Pirates of Penzance, The Barber of Seville) and featuring the legendary talents of Adelaide Cabaret Festival Icon Award-winning superstar Hans (Matt Gilbertson) and Australian and West End stage titan Caroline O’Connor (Chicago, Moulin Rouge, 9 to 5 The Musical).

Artistic Director Mitchell Butel will share directing duties with Co-Director and Choreographer, Amy Campbell (A Chorus Line, Once) as well as assuming the roles of our Narrator and Candide’s teacher, Pangloss, in his first stage appearance since The Normal Heart.

Composed by West Side Story and On The Town’s Leonard Bernstein and with lyrics from some of the greatest writers of the 20th century including Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker and Stephen Sondheim, the score sparkles with classic songs including “The Best of All Possible Worlds”, “Glitter and Be Gay”, “Eldorado” and “Make Our Garden Grow”.

Prepare to be swept away, as the history and artistry of State Theatre Company South Australia and State Opera South Australia converge in this epic, mischievous and stirring new production at Adelaide’s glorious Her Majesty’s Theatre.

“Vibrant, fantastical and exhilarating” – ArtsHub

“A rich, riotous and rewarding evening of entertainment, based upon one of the world’s most respected all-time literary classics.” – Stage Whispers

“Its plot is as impudently peripatetic as its protagonists and its wildly eclectic score ranges from bubbling musical comedy charm song to coloratura aria, Spanish dance to Mahlerian cri de couer.” – David Savran, ORC

Content
Contains adult themes and sexual references.

RUN TIME
Approx 2 hours 40 minutes including a 20 minute interval

Single tickets are now on sale! Tickets can also be purchased via Ticketek:

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Single Ticket Prices

ADULT
Premium $159.00
A Reserve $139.00
B Reserve$110.00
C Reserve$75.00

CONCESSION
Premium $143.10
A Reserve $125.10
B Reserve$99.00
C Reserve$67.50

UNDER 30 & FULL TIME STUDENT
All performances $35.00

All bookings incur an $9.25 transaction fee.
Visit the Ticket Price page for the full list of subscription and single ticket prices.

Wheelchair access & Companion Cards
Wheelchair accessible seats, companion cards and other accessible bookings can be made via phone on 08 8415 5353 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm), or via email at tickets@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Visit the Access page for more information on our Access Program.

For more access seats please visit Ticketek:

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Tangent Talk
Get the story behind the story with our Tangent Talk series at the State Library of South Australia. Before you see the show, join us for a drink and panel discussion.
– Monday, 29 April, 5.30pm

Subscriber Briefing
2024 Subscribers are invited to join us for an exclusive Subscriber Briefing to learn more about the creation of the show.
– Monday, 20 May, 6.00pm

This show is being performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote St, Adelaide SA 5000.

Entry to Her Majesty’s Theatre is along Grote Street. There is no drop off area adjacent Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Getting to the Venue

Parking: Her Majesty’s Theatre does not have a car park, however there are many parking options around the Grote Street precinct, including on Pitt St, Adelaide Central Markets and Wilson Parking on Franklin Street (23 Franklin St).

Public Transport: Her Majesty’s Theatre is easily accessible by public transport. Including many buses along the major arterial road, Grote Street, the tram (stop at Victoria Square) and a free bus service that operates on a loop throughout the city and North Adelaide with stops on the corner of Grote Street and Victoria Square.

For more information visit adelaidemetro.com.au

Cycling: the best routes for reaching Her Majesty’s Theatre by bicycle are cycle paths along all major arterial roads, including Grote Street upon which Her Majesty’s is located. City of Adelaide bicycle parking can be found across the street, in front of the Adelaide Central Markets, simply use the traffic-light pedestrian crossing to come on in and enjoy the show!