Joyful Noise
9 - 19 September 20262026 season
Joyful Noise
by Tim Slover
A devious bishop, dualling divas and a sex scandal. Is this a soap opera or the true backstory of the struggles George Frideric Handel had to get the Messiah onto the London stage?
This play has the feel of a juicy soap opera, with dueling diva sopranos, a plot combining religious protest, political alienation, social humiliation, and a sex scandal. Based on actual historical facts, George Frideric Handel is in trouble: his last opera flopped, he is no longer in favor with King George II and preachers are raging that his latest work is blasphemous.Handel’s travails are linked with those of his leading soprano. Forced into retirement because of a scandal, she is slated to make her comeback in his new masterpiece but fears a nasty reception. Her rival is waiting in the wings to replace her. A devious bishop and Handel’s pretentious librettist add to the conflict in this true story of the politics and passion that nearly prevented “Messiah” from ever being performed.
Handel’s London. 1741.
King George II is on the throne and desperate to radiate legitimacy for the House of Hanover.
The town’s theatre scene has just been rocked by a salacious scandal that left once angelic leading lady Sussanah Cibber in ruins.
Handel’s latest opera is a flop.
In this messy world where political tensions are simmering, the clergy are scheming and the audiences are fickle, it seems it may take a miracle to get his work ‘Messiah’ on stage.
PERFORMANCES
| Wednesday 9 September | 7:30pm | Preview Evening Performance |
| Thursday 10 September | 7:30pm | Opening Night Performance |
| Friday 11`September | 7:30pm | Evening Performance |
| Saturday 12 September | 2:00pm | Matinee Performance |
| Saturday 12 September | 7:30pm | Evening Performance |
| Wednesday 16 September | 7:30pm | Evening Performance |
| Thursday 17 September | 7:30pm | Evening Performance |
| Friday 18 September | 7:30pm | Evening Performance |
| Saturday 19 September | 2:00pm | Matinee Performance |
| Saturday 19 September | 7:30pm | Evening Performance |
CAST & CREATIVES
The Greek Theatre, Marrickville
Location: Hellenic Art Theatre (The Greek Theatre), 36/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville
Ample FREE parking is available at The Greek Hellenic Art Theatre. You’ll need to enter the driveway entrance at 142 Addison Road. Follow the long driveway into the free car park. It is just a very short stroll to the theatre entrance.
The address for your device search is: Building 36/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.
Whilst we do love a late night catch up and look forward to seeing you after the show we do have to let you know that the car park is locked at 10.15pm Sunday – Thursday and 11.45pm Friday & Saturday.
