What's On

Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical
 

The musical that stops the nation

WORLD PREMIERE

Directed by Sheridan Harbridge

Not just another absurdist, electro-swing musical comedy about a thoroughbred racehorse, Phar Lap is a rags-to-riches story with a big heart. If you’re thinking elaborate life-size puppetry and dazzling special effects, you couldn’t be more wrong (we don’t have the budget). Suspend your disbelief as an actor swaps his horseshoes for tap shoes to play one of Australia’s most beloved icons.


When an awkward, gangly horse from New Zealand meets a hapless, down-on-his-luck, trainer, they embark on a classic underdog story to win the Melbourne Cup, and Australians’ hearts and minds. The road isn’t easy – there are gambling scandals, double-crosses, an attempted shooting, and a career-threatening addiction to sugar. It’s high stakes, high drama, and highly historically accurate.


Phar Lap boasts an irresistible electro-swing score, with inspirations from Duke Ellington to Daft Punk. Brassy, lively and retro – these songs will take you from the race course to the rave hall.


Pop the champagne, harness up, and get ready for a wild ride.

 

Event details

Venue: Hayes Theatre
Bookings: https://boxoffice.hayestheatre.com.au/WEBPAGES/EntaWebShow/ShowPerformance.aspx
Start Date: Monday 27 October 2025

Prices
Previews
Adult $69
Concession/Group (8+) $64
Under 35 $55
Mid-Week Matinees
Adult $79
Concession/Group (8+) $69
Under 35 $60
Weeknights & Saturday Matinees
Adult $84
Concession/Group (8+) $74
Under 35 $65
Friday & Saturday Evenings
Adult $89
Concession/Group (8+) $79
*Concession prices apply to Seniors, Pensioners, Students and MEAA members.

Times
Monday 6:30pm
Tuesday – Saturday 7:30pm
Thursday 1:00pm
Saturday 2:00pm
*No matinee performance on Sat 18 Oct
*No matinee performance on Thu 23 Oct
*Post show Q&A on Mon 27 Oct
*Captioned performance on Wed 5 Nov

Running Time
Approx. 90 minutes – no interval

Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Captioned Performance - WED 5 NOV

 

Find more events in Sydney»

Disclaimer: Australian Stage takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided in event listings. You are advised to confirm performance dates/times with the company and/or venue before purchasing tickets.

Most read reviews

  • MJ the Musical
    MJ the Musical
    MJ the Musical takes you on an immersive experience, like a montage of Michael’s memories and influences leading up to his ‘Dangerous’ tour.
  • A Mirror | Belvoir
    A Mirror | Belvoir
    Steeped in meta-theatricality, A Mirror prompts us to reflect on the status of storytelling, of its place in creating a culture, its manipulation into myth, its power to prick and to prod.
  • Mary said what she said | 2026 Adelaide Festival
    Mary said what she said | 2026 Adelaide Festival
    Going from that show to Mary said what she said was like going from a Mozart piano concerto to one of the more repetitive pieces by Philip Glass.
  • West Gate | Melbourne Theatre Company
    West Gate | Melbourne Theatre Company
    At 11.50am on October 15 1970, 35 men fell to their death as their place of work gave way from under them.
  • Stage Kiss | New Theatre
    Stage Kiss | New Theatre
    There’s a palpable playfulness to these performances, disciplined, drilled and delightful. There’s fire, bite and fun and lots of kissing.