Sydney Reviews

If you’re looking for an evening of mirth and merriment with a large dose of interactive storytelling, then Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern at the Sydney Opera House has everything you could want. This highly immersive show delivers an unforgettable night of fun and frivolity.

As a novice to Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) I was nervous that this show would go over my head; that I would miss out or disengage. I need not have worried – whether yee be a novice or a master at D&D, there is joy in it for all.  

For those who do not need a brief definition of what D&D is, skip this paragraph. D&D is a live-action role-playing game that is normally played around a tabletop. In a typical game one player takes on the role of Dungeon Master (DM). The DM sets the scene and ensures that the story unfolds. They also fill-in to play bit-parts of additional characters. Other players become a character of their choice and use the persona throughout the game as they traverse a fictional world, overcome obstacles, defeat enemies and move through the story. Dice are used to dictate the success or failure of a spell or how much damage is done in an altercation. If that still leaves your feeling lost or bewildered then buy a ticket anyway and see for yourself the fun that D&D can be. 

As you enter the Studio at the Sydney Opera House the stage is set and the cast are roaming around engaging with the audience in playful and friendly ways. Some of the audience are die-hard fans and have come in costume and know the lingo to add to friendly banter. The stage has a large digital screen and props litter the stage. 

As the game begins you are instructed to sign into the D&D WiFi. This gives you access to the voting and decision making that is used throughout the game. I was worried that this use of technology would distract me from the stage but it was the exact opposite. Once I had selected my choice I instantly returned to the action to see what others chose and finally what impact our voting had on the character’s story. It was a clever way to build the audience participation and build collaboration between audience members as we had to click collectively to reach a specific goal. It was thrilling and had us all on the edge of our seats. 

Audience members were also asked to suggest names for characters, play small parts in scenes and on their own volition more confident members reminded the cast of rules that had to be adhered to. The participation of the crowd really made the experience unique. You felt like you, as an audience, were the only ones in the world to have this particular experience.

All of this is wonderful but it is really the cast that make this such a stand out show. Improvisation is an art that, when performed skillfully, seems effortless, and this ensemble delivers. William Kasper, as the Dungeon Master, and Zoë Harlen, as the Tavern Keeper, are exceptional at steering the chaos while keeping the narrative engaging. They strike a perfect balance, explaining the game mechanics clearly for D&D novices while providing enough depth and humour to delight seasoned fans.

The trio of Eleanor Stankiewicz (Spell Caster), Atlas Adams (Warrior), and Trubie-Dylan Smith (Trickster) showcase incredible creativity and courage. They begin with archetypal characters, which are shaped by audience votes into specific personalities. From there, they fully inhabit their roles, adapting to the unpredictable twists dictated by audience decisions and dice rolls. The actors’ ability to stay in character while reacting to spontaneous developments is nothing short of wizardry.

Take a friend and roll the dice on this thoroughly enjoyable evening.