Number 2: Show at the Sydney Opera House; Number 88: Catch a Sydney Comedian

Visiting the Sydney Opera House is usually completed by newcomers within days (or more likely hours) of their arrival; however, it never ceases to amaze how many people I know who have never seen a performance there.  For those of you who've never been, the Sydney Opera House is not just an opera theatre but a combination of 5 venues: the Concert Hall, the Opera Theatre, the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse, and the Studio.  My first time was actually in 2005 when I saw a variety show by a man named Eddie Perfect.  Eddie has since gained a bit of notoriety for his cheeky performances on stage in shows like Shane Warne the Musical and one where he impersonated the late Steve Irwin not long after his tragic stingray encounter (too soon!).  He now has a supporting role in the Aussie TV show Offspring.  Speaking of which, if you haven't seen it, I recommend catching up online and getting on board, but I digress.

Over the years I have seen a handful of shows underneath the famous sails.  A personal favourite would be the 7.5 hour long performance of F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby read and acted out on stage from cover to cover in a show called Gatz.  The theatre company who put it on is called The Elevator Repair Service.  If you're in the NYC area, check them out.  So with my second tangent in this blog entry, it's obvious that I have had some memorable experiences at the SOH.  This little project of mine just gave me justification for another visit.

To perhaps kill two birds with one stone, I decided to check out a comedy act while I was at it.  Unlike visiting the Opera House, I recommend saving your first Australian comedy experience until you've been in the country for a while.  Not that it won't be funny, but to fully appreciate the timing, turns of phrase, and current references it helps to have been here a bit.  Kitty Flanagan's act is pretty accessible to anyone, but I know I laughed harder than I would have four years ago.  I have become a fan of her's over the last year with her regular appearances on the 7PM Project.  Again, add that one to your television viewing schedule if you're in Australia.

I may, MAY, revisit Number 2: Show at the Opera House before the end of the year as I have yet to actually see a show in one of the bigger two venues (The Concert Hall and Opera Theatre). But watch this space.