Sarah Brightman to Star in Sunset Boulevard in Australia

The Phantom of the Opera‘s Sarah Brightman has just been announced for the role of Norma Desmond in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, which will premiere in Melbourne in May 2024 at the Princess Theatre, before moving to the Sydney Opera House in August. The world-renowned concert artist will lead the cast as Desmond, a silent film star in decline. Additional casting will be announced.

Brightman originated the role of Christine in Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, both in the West End and on Broadway and subsequently appeared in Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love. Since then, she has become the world’s best-selling soprano, with global sales of 30 million, more than 180 gold and platinum awards in over 40 countries, and over 1 billion streams worldwide.

Of her first theatrical role in more than three decades, Brightman said:

“I am so delighted to be returning to Australia after many years, and to be marking my return to the stage in a musical after so long, it is only fitting for it to be with such an exquisite production as Sunset Boulevard. I have always admired Andrew’s work on this musical and I very much look forward to exploring the incredible score and also the iconic character of Norma Desmond. ‘Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close up!'”