Noël Coward’s Private Lives is coming to Sydney

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Posted Jul 01, 2026

Hugh Bonneville and Lisa McCune to star in brand new production of Noël Coward’s comedy masterpiece!

It was announced today that internationally acclaimed British actor Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington) and four-time Gold Logie Award-winning Australian star of stage and screen Lisa McCune (The King and I, South Pacific, Girl from the North Country) are to star together in the classic Noël Coward comedy, Private Lives. This new production will premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney on 6 February 2027 for a strictly limited 5-week season.

Joining them in the cast will be celebrated Australian actors Leon Ford (The Pacific, Elvis), Silver Logie Award-winner Claire van der Boom (Rush, Sisters of War) and multi-Helpmann Award-winner Julie Forsyth (Cloudstreet, Endgame).

“I’m thrilled to be making my Australian stage debut in Private Lives. Noël Coward’s writing remains as sharp, funny and insightful today as ever, and Elyot is a character I’ve always relished the idea of playing. To have the chance to bring this classic comedy to Australian audiences, and to work with such a talented cast is a genuine pleasure. I can't wait to get to Sydney – my first visit to Australia! - and begin rehearsals for this brilliantly funny play."

- Hugh Bonneville

Elyot (Hugh Bonneville) and Amanda (Lisa McCune) thought they had put their disastrous marriage behind them. Divorced for five years and honeymooning with their new spouses, their lives are turned upside down when they discover they are staying right next door to each other. What follows is a deliciously funny clash of egos as old sparks fly, tempers flare and common sense goes out the window.

Packed with razor-sharp one-liners, outrageous behaviour and enough romantic chaos to keep everyone on their toes, Private Lives is one of the funniest plays ever written. Since its sensational 1930 premiere, audiences have fallen in love with Coward’s wicked wit and unforgettable characters, while theatre legends including Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman have all taken on its iconic leading roles.

Featuring Noël Coward’s beloved song Someday I’ll Find You, an enduring classic which has been recorded by some of the greats including Mario Lanza, Doris Day, Perry Como and Julie Andrews.

“We are delighted to present the world premiere of this new Australian production of one of the greatest comedies of all time, Noël Cowards Private Lives, at our own beautiful Theatre Royal Sydney. Starring the incomparable international actor Hugh Bonneville and Australia’s national treasure the magnificent Lisa McCune. For an exclusive 5-week season. A delight for all."

- Sir Howard Panter

Joint CEO and Creative Director, Trafalgar Entertainment

Smart, stylish and irresistibly funny, Private Lives arrives at one of the finest theatres in Australia, Theatre Royal Sydney, this summer.

Priority waitlist now open for access to tickets on Wednesday 15 July. Tickets then go on sale to the public on Thursday 16 July 2027.