The Phantom of the Opera's Sarah Brightman, as previously reported, will star in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, which will premiere in Melbourne in May 2024 at the Princess Theatre followed by an engagement at the Sydney Opera House in August.

In her first theatrical role in more than three decades, the internationally acclaimed concert artist will head the cast as faded silent screen star Norma Desmond. Watch Brightman in a photo shoot for the upcoming production in the video above.

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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 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.

"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!'," Brightman said in an earlier statement.

Additional casting for the Australian staging will be announced at a later date.

The Australian production will be directed by Paul Warwick Griffin with set and costume design by Morgan Large, choreography by Ashley Wallen, and musical supervision by Kristen Blodgette.

A London revival, starring Nicole Scherzinger, is currently playing the Savoy. Jamie Lloyd directs.

Sunset will be presented in Australia by GWB Entertainment and Opera Australia by arrangement with The Really Useful Group.