Sydney Open: my behind-the-scenes architecture adventures in Sydney last Sunday

Here I am, standing backstage at the prestigious Sydney Theatre in Walsh Bay, looking at the production team putting the finishing touches to the set of the much anticipated 'Uncle Vanya' by Chekhov, starring Australia's very own acting legends Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, John Bell and Richard Roxburgh. 

I'm extremely impressed by the sheer scale of the wings area. The ceiling must be at least 10 meter high and there's a gigantic set of doors right in front of me, used for the delivery of unusually big pieces of equipment on stage.

Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay. The entrance of the main performance hall is lined with recycled timber from the wharf - really beautiful.

I'm surrounded by kilometers of meticulously labelled cables and plugs, a mountain of half-empty paint tins, a random collection of stage props, and roll after roll of plastic films in every colour in the rainbow (the films are used as filters for the on-stage lights).

As I'm shown the way to the make-up and dressing rooms for an exclusive 'behind-the-scenes' sneak peek, I feel like pinching myself - how lucky am I to be here?! 

The beautiful Walsh Bay area and its heritage-listed timber wharfs

Well actually, everyone was invited along to the party - courtesy of the 2010 Sydney Open (Nov 6-7).

Every two years, Sydney Open - which is part of the Sydney Architecture Festival - celebrates Sydney's rich architectural heritage, with a $40 "City Pass" giving you access to over 50 buildings and sites normally off-limits.

The Grace Hotel; skyscrapers in the CBD

From architectural icons to hidden places, award-winning contemporary designs to much-loved heritage buildings, Sydney Open is a fantastic opportunity to re-discover Sydney's iconic buildings and get a fresh perspective on your own city - becoming a tourist in your hometown for a whole weekend (something that's very dear to my heart).

In addition to the very environment-friendly Sydney Theatre, some of my favourite visits last Sunday included the Sydney Harbour YHA youth hostel in The Rocks (the hostel is built above ‘The Big Dig’, the largest archaeological urban development ever completed in Australia); the beautiful Art Deco State Theatre and the Great Synagogue on Elizabeth Street. 

The Art Deco State Theatre on Market St

I also really liked the funky American Express building and 30 The Bond near Darling Harbour, and office building precinct that set the standard for environmental design in Australia and encompasses three heritage buildings, the earliest dating from the 1840s. 

The Macquarie Bank building; 30 The Pond

Coming up: if you've missed out on the Sydney Open this year, you can still get some of the behind-the-scenes action at the fabulous "Open Day at the Wharf" on Sunday, December 5th.

Some of Australia's leading art companies will be throwing open their doors to the public with free forums and acting / singing / dancing workshops, rehearsals and behind-the-scenes tours. The event is FREE but bookings are essential. The full program is available online.

So tell me dear readers, which are your favourite buildings in Sydney - apart from the iconic Opera House of course?

Comments

[Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella]

How faaabulous! Oooh tough question about favourite building! I like the old banks in the middle of the city :)

[Anna Johnston]

J'adore State theatre... Here in the 'Berra' (Canberra) our architecture is a smidge ordinary. Boxy and no real theme! Sydney is magical with it's heritage and old world feel. Love the pics! :)

[Myriam]

Thank you for your kind comments, Anna! The State Theatre is quite stunning indeed ;-)

And thank you Lorraine! These old banks are really gorgeous - which reminds me of this mazing dinner you went to one day, sitting next to Sean Connelly from Astral, in an old vault. It was stunning.

[Linda ~ Journey Jottings]

What a great round up of buildings you wouldn't at first glance think of going to visit behind the scenes Myriam!

I went to look around the YHA in the Rocks when I was down in Sydney last month and was fascinated how the whole building is up on pillars about a metre off the ground (that were all hand dug with an archeologist present) to leave this historical site unscathed by todays development

[Myriam]

Thank you Linda!! Isn't that site fascinating? It's really great that they decided to build the YHA in a way that would preserve and showcase all these unique architectural findings...

[Pond Kits]

These banks are breathtaking old - that reminds me of this mazing went to dinner one day, sitting next to Sean Connelly of Astral, in the previous time. E 'was great.