A multi-sensory journey of ancestral discovery by Sydney-born, Wollongong-raised theatre-maker Joshua Hinton, A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen (or How to Make the Perfect One-Pot Chicken Curry) comes to the Sydney Opera House Studio from 14 – 17 October 2026.
Blending storytelling, music and live cooking, this warm and playful show, created and performed by Hinton with his brother Dominic, explores identity, migration and the cultural histories that shape who we are.
Inspired by the story of their grandparents, the work traces the many threads of Hinton’s heritage – from Persian and Indian to South African, Jewish and Baháʼí, while celebrating the resilience, traditions and memories passed down through generations. In doing so, it explores the question, “Where are you really from?”
Drawing on the legacy of the family’s long-running Indian restaurant in Brisbane, a chicken curry recipe by Hinton’s grandmother is cooked live on stage each night, filling the theatre with its aroma before audiences are invited to share a bowl as they leave.
Set against the backdrop of suburban Australia, A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen reflects on the global events that shaped Hinton’s family’s journey, honours the generations that came before him and celebrates the power of shared meals and storytelling to bring people together across cultures.
“A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen is a joyful and moving piece of theatre that reminds us of the extraordinary connections forged around the dinner table,” said Brenna Hobson, Sydney Opera House Director, Programming.
“There is so much to this work – family stories, learning to embrace your full self, a bit of sibling banter, heartfelt humour and live cooking. Joshua’s deceptively simple work transforms a shared meal into a moment of connection – bringing together friends, family and strangers alike through food, stories and shared experiences,” said Hobson.
“I’m so excited to be bringing my show A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen to the Sydney Opera House. The show is filled with stories about tradition, culture and family, themes that are universally shared. Which is really what I love so much about performing the show – everyone can find a bit of themselves within it,” said Joshua Hinton.
“To be able to perform in Sydney’s rich multicultural space, means so many will identify with the themes of the show, and of course, there’s a great curry at the end for all to enjoy. I can’t wait for audiences each night to share a family favourite.”
“…the perfect recipe for a wonderful night out… this touching story of belonging and connecting with culture can’t be missed.” – The Scoop
Director and Production Designer: Leland Kean | Featuring: Joshua Hinton, Dominic Hinton | Vision and Sound Design: Dominic Hinton | Dramaturgy and additional writing: Simon Hinton | Lighting Designer: Jasmine Rizk | Writer: Joshua Hinton
A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen (or How to Make the Perfect One-Pot Chicken Curry)
Studio – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 14 – 17 October 2026
Information and Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Image: Joshua Hinton (supplied)