The Happy Prince

7–22 May 2027 The Round, Darebin Arts Centre, Bunjil Place, Online

Oscar Wilde’s charming story of kindness and compassion comes to the stage in a magical new production for kids and families.

→The Round (03) 9262 6555→

→Darebin Arts Centre (03) 8470 8280→

→Bunjil Place (03) 9709 9700→

→Online only→

Details About The Show Creatives & Cast Ticket Information

The enduring charm of Oscar Wilde’s storytelling comes to the stage in The Happy Prince, adapted by celebrated Australian composer Malcolm Williamson.

High above the town stands a magnificent golden statue of a prince, glittering with jewels and admired by all who pass below. But beneath his dazzling exterior lies a heart heavy with sadness. Looking out across the town, the Happy Prince sees the hardship faced by its people. When a Swallow stops to rest at the statue’s feet, an unexpected friendship forms. Together, they set out to help those in need by sharing the Prince’s precious jewels.

As they bring comfort and kindness to others, the Prince and the Swallow discover that true riches are found not in gold or gems, but in compassion, generosity and selflessness. Filled with warmth, humour and heart, The Happy Prince is a moving tale of friendship and sacrifice reminding us that true beauty comes from caring for others.

Director Elizabeth Hill-Cooper and conductor Simon Bruckard weave theatrical magic through this delightful Australian work, creating the perfect first opera for the young people in your life.

→The Round (03) 9262 6555→

→Darebin Arts Centre (03) 8470 8280→

→Bunjil Place (03) 9709 9700→

→Online only→

EDUCATION SHOW

Learn more about Access All Areas 2027.

Find details of our Family performances here.

Dates & Info

In-theatre tickets
$16 per student with 1 free teacher per group of 10

Online only
Free to all Victorian schools with primary aged students

All bookings include access to streamed Access All Areas program.

The Round, Nunawading
Friday 7 May, 10:30am & 1:00pm*^

Darebin Arts Centre
Friday 14 May, 6:30pm

Frankston Arts Centre
Friday 21 May, 10:30am & 1:00pm*

Streamed online from Friday 21 May, 10:30am via Access All Areas.

Duration
60 minutes (approximately)

Language
Sung in English

Age Recommendation
Prep to Year 6

* Relaxed performance
^ Audio Description

Presenting Partners

Generously supported by
The Robert Salzer Foundation

Relaxed performance is supported by
Marian & E H Flack Trust
William Angliss Charitable Trust
Besen Family Foundation

Production Patron
We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Jane Hemstritch AO

Open young minds to a new experience

Victorian Opera’s Access All Areas in 2027. It offers a chance for primary school students to not only watch a performance, but also to understand how it was made, who made it, and ask questions.

Presented across four 25-minute streamed workshops, each workshop showcases a different aspect of staging an opera. Access All Areas concludes with watching The Happy Prince in theatre, streamed live and on-demand. All content is easily accessed via a dedicated portal and available on demand for six months, to better suit individual school timetabling.

Starting from mid-April, four interactive workshops are live-streamed direct to classrooms across Victoria. The workshops allow students to:

Explore the world
Learn about the process of designing and creating the world of the production through costumes, sets and lighting,
Meet and hear the opera singers starring in the production
Discover how the director shapes the action on stage
Observe an orchestral rehearsal.

Take advantage of this four-week program by watching the free workshops and then attending a performance live on stage in Nunawading, Preston and Narre Warren for only $16 per student. Can’t make it to the theatre? All Victorian schools with primary aged students can take part in Access All Areas with our online only programme at no cost, regardless of location.