I have always had a passing fascination with Russian history, but nothing has ever quite captured my imagination like the enduring mystery of Anastasia Romanov and the tantalising possibility that she might have survived.
It is this blend of history, myth and hope that makes Anastasia the Musical such a compelling story to stage. Sydney’s latest production leans right into that intrigue from the very first moment. With dazzling costumes, phenomenal set designs and a stellar cast, you don’t want to miss seeing this one.
Production images by Jeff Busby
What’s Anastasia the Musical About?
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Anastasia sweeps audiences from the final days of Imperial Russia into the vibrant energy of 1920s Paris. At its heart is Anya, a determined young woman driven to uncover the truth about her past.
As a relentless officer (Gleb) closes in, intent on stopping her, she teams up with a charming conman (Dmitry) and a warm-hearted former aristocrat (Vlad). Together, they set out on a journey filled with danger, discovery and hope, as Anya searches for where she truly belongs, and the family and love she has longed for.
What’s Anastasia the Musical Based On?
Anastasia the Musical is inspired by the beloved Anastasia animated movie that was released way back in 1997, but the stage version takes a more grounded approach to the story.
In the film, the story leans into fantasy through the villainous Rasputin and his supernatural powers. The stage version takes a different path, introducing Gleb, a conflicted Soviet officer. This shift grounds the story in a more realistic historical context, while also adding emotional depth, offering a quiet redemption arc and a reminder that those asked to carry out harsh orders are not always without humanity.
The result is a retelling that still captures the heart and romance of the original, while offering a more nuanced and emotionally layered journey.
Our Review of Anastasia the Musical
I have always been drawn to the story of Anastasia Romanov and the wider Romanov family. Their lives were steeped in extravagance and privilege, yet shadowed by hardship, including Alexei’s battle with haemophilia (Anastasia’s brother), and ultimately swept away by revolution. It is a fascinating, complex chapter of history, and this production leans into that intrigue while still delivering a show that feels warm, entertaining and full of heart.
This musical offers a loose retelling of Russia in the final years of the Romanov dynasty, centring on Anastasia’s story. Visually, it is stunning. The costumes are exquisite, rich in detail and elegance, and the set design moves seamlessly between grand palaces and bustling streets, creating a sense of scale without ever overwhelming the stage.
The casting feels thoughtful and cohesive, with each performer complementing the next. Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily is an undeniable standout. Her smoky, commanding voice fills the theatre, and her comedic timing lands perfectly, drawing generous and well-deserved applause that lingers well beyond her numbers.
Georgina Hopson’s Anya felt like a character stitched together from instinct and hope, with a quiet defiance that gave real weight to every moment of uncertainty. Opposite her, Robert Tripolino’s Dmitry came across as a kind of happy larrikin, full of charm and quick wit, yet always carrying the sense of a trickier past just beneath the surface.
Anya and Dmitry’s chemistry was not built on sweeping romance alone; it was grounded in a shared sense of survival. You could see two people constantly measuring, testing, and almost reluctantly softening toward one another. That push and pull dynamic made their connection feel earned rather than inevitable.
Equally captivating is Gleb, the conflicted Bolshevik officer, played by Joshua Robson. His voice is rich and controlled, and there is a quiet intensity to his performance that makes the character feel layered and compelling. It is easy to imagine him taking on roles like the Phantom in the future.
I will admit, I found myself uneasy with the central premise, two characters operating as grifters, their deception gradually reframed as something tender and redeemable. It is a tricky line and one that could easily feel uncomfortable or unconvincing. But somehow, they made it work. Hopson and Tripolino infused those choices with enough vulnerability and flickers of conscience that I believed not just in their affection, but in their transformation. They did not erase the moral ambiguity; they made you sit with it, and then, almost against your better judgment, feel moved anyway.
Overall, this is a beautifully staged production that balances history, emotion and entertainment with ease. It is engaging without being overwhelming, making it a great option for families, and I would comfortably recommend it for children aged eight and above.
Should I Take My Kids to Anastasia the Musical?
If you are weighing up whether to take your kids to Anastasia the Musical, the short answer is yes. However, you must have some context to make the right decision for you and your kids. I personally would recommend this musical for kids aged 8+.
Anastasia the Musical Run Time
This musical runs for around 2 hours and 25 minutes, which includes the interval. It will be important to gauge your kidlets’ attention span before buying tickets.
If You Have Already Watched the Animated Movie
If your kids know Anastasia the Movie, it’s worth giving them a quick heads-up that the stage version is a little more serious and less fantastical. That small bit of context can make a big difference to how much they enjoy it.
Is Anastasia Scary?
When I write reviews, our readers often ask me if the production might be scary for kids. In some ways, Anastasia the Musical is less scary than the animated movie. There’s no Rasputin or dark magic. However, the musical does reference revolution, danger and the Romanov family’s fate. You see a gun, and the show alludes to executions. The kids will hear and see gunshot sound effects, strobe lighting and darker moments.
Anastasia also suffers from nightmares where her family is being removed from their home and possibly executed. Although mainly alluded to, some children will understand and may find this confronting depending on their sensibilities.
History and Anastasia the Musical – Is it Accurate?
As a history lover, I need to note that Anastasia the Musical is a fascinating watch, not because it is accurate, but because of how it reshapes real events into something more hopeful, romantic and theatrical. The real story of Anastasia Romanov and the fall of the Romanov family is far more complex and, ultimately, far more tragic.
One of the most noticeable historical liberties is the portrayal of the Dowager Empress. In the musical, she is living in Paris, which helps drive the narrative forward and gives Anya a clear destination. In reality, Maria Feodorovna did not settle in France. After escaping Russia, she returned to her homeland of Denmark, where she lived out the rest of her life. This shift to Paris is less about accuracy and more about capturing the glamour and optimism of post-war Europe.
The character of Gleb is another major departure from history. While he is a compelling figure on stage, there is no direct historical counterpart. Instead, he represents the broader tensions of the time, particularly the rise of the Bolsheviks following the Russian Revolution. His internal conflict reflects a more modern perspective, exploring the idea that individuals within oppressive systems may still grapple with morality and conscience.
Of course, the biggest historical inaccuracy lies at the heart of the story itself. The musical leans into the long-standing myth that Anastasia may have survived the execution of her family. In reality, historians now widely agree that Anastasia and her family were executed in 1918. The mystery persisted for decades, fuelled by impostors such as Anna Anderson, but modern DNA testing has confirmed that none of the Romanov children survived.
The musical also softens the broader historical context. The fall of Imperial Russia was not simply a backdrop for adventure, but a period marked by deep social unrest, poverty and political upheaval. Figures like Vladimir Lenin and the rise of Bolshevism are central to this era, yet the show understandably simplifies these complexities to keep the focus on character and story.
Even the tone is a departure from reality. The real events surrounding the Romanovs were abrupt and devastating, whereas the musical offers resolution, romance and a sense of closure. It trades historical precision for emotional storytelling, which is ultimately what makes it so appealing to audiences.
In the end, Anastasia the Musical is best viewed as a reimagining rather than a retelling. It borrows just enough from history to ground the story, then layers it with imagination, music and heart to create something entirely its own.
Where to See Anastasia the Musical
Anastasia the Musical is currently playing at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre until 18 July 2026.
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 7 April | Performance Times: Tuesday – Thursday at 7.00 pm | Friday – Saturday at 7:30pm | Wednesday 1pm | Saturday 2pm | Sunday 1pm, 3 pm or 6 pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: anastasiathemusical.com.au or 136 100 | Groups 8+ email [email protected]
Adelaide
Anastasia the Musical opens in Adelaide in August at the Festival Theatre.
Brisbane
Anastasia the Musical opens in Brisbane in September at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC.