LIPSYNCH

January 11-12, 15, 17-18

Theatre visionary Robert Lepage returns with his much anticipated new ensemble work. Visually and aurally spectacular, and imbued with a rare emotional wisdom, Lipsynch is theatre for the 21st century and a chance to see a great artist in full flight.

FAITH HEALER

January 15-18, 22, 25, 27-28, 30-31, February 1

Arguably Brian Friel's greatest play, Faith Healer influenced a generation of Irish writing for the theatre. A faith healer accepts that he must return home to Ireland, a destiny he can no longer postpone. The narrative makes up a mosaic that is both seductive and terrifying.

AFTERPLAY

January 23-26, 29-31

In Afterplay, Brian Friel brings together two of Chekhov's lost souls: Sonya, Uncle Vanya's devoted niece, and Andrey, the three sisters' henpecked brother. Afterplay catches an intimate, fragile moment set against the backdrop of a shattered world.

THE YALTA GAME

January 19, 20-21, 25-26, 27, 29, 31

The Yalta Game is based on a theme in one of the greatest short stories ever written, Chekhov's The Lady with the Lapdog. Brian Friel unravels a thread of Chekhov's original and weaves it into a startling tapestry of longings and resolutions.

THE WAR OF THE ROSES - PART 1

January 10 - February 14

The Sydney Theatre Company Actors Company presents The War Of The Roses, an audacious epic of language and history. Joining the cast is STC Co-Artistic Director Cate Blanchett, on stage in Australia for the first time in almost five years.

THE WAR OF THE ROSES - PART 2

January 10 - February 14

The Sydney Theatre Company Actors Company presents The War Of The Roses, an audacious epic of language and history. Joining the cast is STC Co-Artistic Director Cate Blanchett, on stage in Australia for the first time in almost five years.

IVANOV

January 22-27

Budapest's Katona József Theatre presents their acclaimed production of Chekhov's early masterpiece. This remarkable acting ensemble works together like an orchestra, delivering an unsettling and poetic performance about human failing and the unfathomable vanity of a man incapable of love.

THE TELL-TALE HEART

January 18-22

Together with Austrian actor and angelic singer Martin Niedermair, Barrie Kosky creates a thrilling voyage into the morbid and fascinating world of the Master of Horror" with a performance that is sharpened to steely perfection - straight to the heart.

THE PIANIST

January 16-18, 20-25, 27

Acclaimed concert pianist Mikhail Rudy read Szpilman's memoir, The Pianist, and dreamt up a dramatic retelling of his journey. The Pianist is a duet for two Szpilmans: Rudy on piano and a solo actor recounting the story.

BEING HAROLD PINTER

January 14-17

Q THEATRE: Wild, anarchic theatre at its purest. Scenes from Pinter's plays and extracts from his Nobel Prize speech transform into a harrowing account of real life in Europe's last dictatorship. Performed at Q Theatre Penrith.

BEING HAROLD PINTER

January 6-10, 11, 28-31, February 1

BELVOIR STREET THEATRE: Wild, anarchic theatre at its purest. Scenes from Pinter's plays and extracts from his Nobel Prize speech transform into a harrowing account of real life in Europe's last dictatorship.

NO DICE

January 11-12, 14-16

Seven fearless souls take 100 hours of taped phone conversations and transform them into a mighty, sweaty and exhilarating celebration of the struggle of daily life.

THE SMILE OFF YOUR FACE

January 14 - February 1

Sit in a wheelchair, put on a blindfold and indulge your imagination, as Ontroerend Goed digs into your pleasures, fears, desires and memories.

REGGIE WATTS

January 20-25, 27-31

Reggie Watts shakes new meaning into what you can do with a microphone and a loop machine. Exploiting a jaw-dropping ten-octave vocal range, he creates funky bass lines and soulful diva-esque vocals to underpin hilarious, off-the cuff riffs.

LA CLIQUE

January 6 - February 1

An inspired melange of cabaret, new burlesque, circus and contemporary vaudeville, La Clique is sexy, funny and dangerous.

KRISTIN HERSH - PARADOXICAL UNDRESSING

January 17-18, 20-25

Lead singer for Throwing Muses, Kristin Hersh's solo spoken word performance is funny, sad and candid. This wry and vivid work characterises Hersh as a shy artist who is simultaneously recognised for her brutal honesty in the spotlight.

FLUFF

January 20-24

In a fantasy world of odd-sized boxes, night-lights and handmade gingham costumes and curtains, three intriguing characters make a home for lost toys.

THE TRAGICAL LIFE OF CHEESEBOY

January 11-15

This quirky, beautiful, dark and very funny theatre show will transport you to a fantastical world of loss, trickery, gypsies, discovery and, of course, cheese.

THE NARGUN AND THE STARS

January 15-18, 20-21

Combining visual spectacle with warmth and humour, this is a story not only of adventure and discovery, but also of respect for indigenous culture, land and folklore. A stunning visual feast, featuring large scale puppets, live actors and digital animation.

THE PROMISE

January 28-31

Dazzling, enchanting and magically captivating, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus tumble, twist and spring back into Sydney with their brand new show.

DESERT ISLAND DANCES

January 11-18

Inspired by the popular BBC Radio program, Desert Island Discs, this work incorporates dance and spoken word into a warm-hearted and often funny exploration.

SAMSUNG MOBILE FESTIVAL GARDEN

Join us in The Famous Spiegeltent for La Clique, Eat Drink Talk Art, Kids in the Garden, a fantastic line-up of music early in the evening and late night at the Spiegel after dark. The gorgeous Bosco Theater also plays host to the Samsung Mobile Secret Shows.

FESTIVAL KIDS AT PARRAMATTA

Sydney Festival presents a special season of theatre and music especially for the young. Exclusive to Riverside Theatres, Festival Kids at Parramatta will delight and enthrall everyone in the family. All tickets $25.