Stage and screen legend Dame Julie Andrews will direct a brand new production of Lerner and Loewe's masterpiece My Fair Lady, which will premiere in Sydney next year.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the announcement reinforces Sydney as Australia's live performance capital.

“This landmark production of My Fair Lady is expected to bring more than 19,000 overnight visitors to the harbour city, injecting an estimated $7 million into the NSW economy,” Mr Ayres said.

“Presented by John Frost and Opera Australia, 60 years on, this is My Fair Lady for a new generation of audiences.”

The premiere has been secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

John Frost AM, Managing Director Gordon Frost Organisation, said, “To think that Broadway's original Eliza Doolittle, Julie Andrews, will direct our new production at the Sydney Opera House 60 years later will, I'm sure, excite both Australian and international audiences.”

On her appointment as Director, Dame Julie Andrews, said, “I am thrilled to have been asked to direct My Fair Lady at the Sydney Opera House in August 2016. I look forward to coming to Sydney this November to cast the production and begin the process of bringing this great musical to life once again.”

Lyndon Terracini AM, Artistic Director Opera Australia, said, “I can't think of a more fitting musical to present with John Frost in Opera Australia's 60th birthday year. I am delighted and it is indeed a privilege to work with Dame Julie Andrews as she creates a new My Fair Lady that will capture the magic of the world's greatest musical for a new generation of classic musical lovers.” 

My Fair Lady will open at the Sydney Opera House in August 2016. For more information visit www.myfairladymusical.com.au.