The Rise and Fall of Saint George
PAST EVENT
The Rise and Fall of Saint George
PAST EVENT
15 JANUARY
The Rise and Fall of Saint George
$25 + BF
PAST EVENT
★★★★
“expertly conceived and brilliantly delivered ….”
– Time Out

The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve is an all-weather venue and Sydney Festival is committed to going ahead with performances come rain or shine. Please come prepared. Venue seatmap -->

PAUL MAC & LACHLAN PHILPOTT | PERFORMING LINES

Following the death of queer icon George Michael, Paul Mac and Jonny Seymour commissioned a mural by artist Scott Marsh on the exterior of their home. Draped in a rainbow stole with a spliff in hand and a sacrosanct bottle of poppers in the other, Saint George’s eyes watched over the suburb and he winked at commuters through the windows of passing trains. He became a landmark, a local shrine, and was adored by all. 

But the vivid life of Newtown’s patron saint of queer communion was cut short. Hours after the nation said 'YES' to the postal plebiscite on Marriage Equality, the mural was destroyed by a group of young men who claimed it violated their Christian faith. 

Leading queer artists, pop icon Paul Mac and playwright Lachlan Philpott, have collaborated to create an immersive and highly personal music experience that is a unique reminder of a tough chapter of our history that shouldn’t be forgotten. Directed by Kate Champion, Mac communes on stage with this city’s finest singers. With the backing of a giant choir, this is a work of resilience and hope. 

A love letter to Sydney’s fluid queer audacity, The Rise and Fall of Saint George connects us to a shared need to be a part of a community, explores finding solidarity in bleak times. It is an urgent call to arms to not let hard-won rights and freedoms be taken for granted. 

Runtime: 65 mins

The Rise and Fall of Saint George will be available to watch via livestream as part of SydFest at Home.

Venue
Performance Times

Fri 15 Jan at 8.30pm

Ticketing and Pricing
  • General Admission Full Price – $25
    General Admission Concession – $22
    + booking fee

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
The only entrance to The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve is via The Cutaway. Care Park operate a car park beneath the Reserve, accessed via Towns Place, which provides eight accessible parking spaces on level B1. A lift from this car park opens to the entrance to The Headland. 

Important Info

Warning – this performance contains adult themes, swearing, smoke & haze effects 

Recommended for ages 14+

Face masks are mandatory at all Sydney Festival events for all patrons 13 years and older, in line with NSW Government regulations. A face mask is required at all times while inside foyers, theatres and outdoor venues, including during performances. Children 12 and under are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.

All festival patrons will be seated in line with current NSW Public Health regulations. The current regulations allow patrons to be seated alongside each other.

Q. What time should I arrive?
Gates open at 7pm and the performance will begin at 8.30pm. Bars and food trucks will be available prior to the performance as you settle into your seats. 

Q. How do I enter The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve?
Entry to the venue is through The Cutaway, via Hickson Road. The Merriman Street and Munns Reserve entrances will be closed on the night. If you enter via Towns Place, The Cutaway entry is an 800m walk through Barangaroo Reserve. 

On arrival you will be required to check-in by scanning a QR code through the Service NSW app. To avoid congestion, please ensure that the app is downloaded on your phone prior to arrival.

Q. How will the audience be seated?
Chairs will be provided at Barangaroo Reserve, and audiences must remain seated during the performance. Please do not move the chair from its position. 

Q. Can I bring my own chair?
No, you will not be allowed to bring your own chair inside Barangaroo Reserve. Chairs will already be provided.

Q. Can I sit anywhere?
On your ticket you will find an allocated colour section (pink, red, blue etc.) that will indicate where you will be seated. Check the site map here.

Once you are checked in you will be given a coloured wristband and directed to your section. Please follow instructions from the Sydney Festival team. Seats in your section are general admission, and it is advised to arrive early to secure your preferred seat.

Q. Can I move around the site?
Audience members must remain seated while at Barangaroo Reserve, unless you are utilising the food trucks, bars, or toilet facilities. Dancing or mingling during the performance is prohibited, in line with NSW Health advice.

Q. Can I buy food and drinks onsite?
Yes, food trucks and a bar will be open from 7pm and will close shortly before the end of each performance. 

Q. Can I pay with cash?
No, food trucks and bars will be strictly card only.

Q. Is there free drinking water available?
Yes, free drinking water will be available from the bar.

Q. What steps are being taken to keep these performances COVID Safe? 
The health and safety of Sydney Festival audience members is our highest priority in 2021. To ensure the wellbeing of yourself and others, the following measures have been put in place for performances at the Headland at Barangaroo Reserve:

• Hand sanitiser will be provided at entry and throughout the site
• Chairs will be provided and patrons must be seated at all
• All audience members must check in to the venue using the Services NSW app
• Cash will not be accepted at any on-site food trucks or bars. Cashless payments only
• The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve will be deep cleaned prior to each performance. Please be mindful of your surroundings and keep touching to a minimum

As Government recommendations evolve, we will continue to update information about Festival attendance. COVID Safe messages may be delivered before, during and after events. Listen out for information and follow the directions.

Please follow any COVID related directions from Sydney Festival staff and remain home if you are feeling unwell. With your trust and patience, we can make An Evening at the Headland a fun and safe night for everyone. 

Q. What if it rains?
The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve is an outdoor, all-weather venue and Sydney Festival is committed to going ahead with performances come rain or shine. Please come prepared for all weather conditions.

Q. Is there first aid at The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve?
In case of an emergency, please see security or a staff member.

Q. Are there cloaking facilities on site?
There is no cloaking room at the Headland. Do not bring any large items into the venue.

Q. Are there toilets at The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve?
Yes, toilet facilities will be available on the Stargazer lawn. 

Q. Can visitors with accessibility requirements visit The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve?
Entrance to The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve is via The Cutaway. Care Park operate a car park beneath the Reserve, accessed via Towns Place. A lift from this car park opens to the entrance to The Headland. The pathway from the lift to the designated accessible seating area is 225m on a sealed pathway. 

If you have further questions about accessibility at The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve, please email access@sydneyfestival.org.au.

Q. Do I need to wear a face mask?
Masks are required at all times for patrons 13 years and older.

Q. What items are not allowed to be brought in?
In the interest of public safety, these items are not permitted at the event and will need to be surrendered on entry.

• Chairs (seating is provided)
• Candles, fireworks or sparklers
• Tarps, tents or share structures
• Barbeques or cooking equipment
• Tables
• Weapons
• Alcohol or illicit substances
• Prams

Q. How do I get to The Headland?
Barangaroo Reserve is an approximate 1km walk from Wynyard and Circular Quay stations. Bus routs 311, 324 and 325 all stop directly at Barangaroo Reserve. And the F3 and F4 ferry services stop at Barangaroo Wharf, which is a 10-minute walk to Barangaroo Reserve. 

Parking is available at Barangaroo Point car park at 25B Hickson Road. For those arriving by taxi, there is a dedicated drop-off zone at the Nawi Cove entrance. 

Q. Any other questions?
If you have additional questions, please email us at mail@sydneyfestival.org.au.

Government Partners
Create NSW Barangaroo Destination NSW NBN
PARTNERS
James Squire Alpha Box & Dice

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