After an exceptionally wet week, we set out with our rugs and hampers and fingers crossed to ward off rain, for our trip to the Zoo. As it was Mardi Gras Parade the same evening, we detoured round Sydney before entering the Harbour Tunnel.
Upon arrival at the Zoo carpark, we set off loaded up with goodies and joined the other concert-goers for the trek to the concert site next to the elephant house. The gentle grassy slope was already filling up with rugs and folding seats, people, prams, chicken and champagne, in front of the outdoor stage in the centre of the clearing.
As the sun went down, we enjoyed our picnic tea, the stars emerged, the clouds disappeared, and night-time Sydney became a beautiful backdrop for the stage setting. At 7.30 the concert commenced. The singers were Maree Johnson and Donald Cant both renowned for their many stage and TV productions, accompanied by a grand piano and small ensemble.
As the glorious music of Andrew Lloyd Webber soared out over the starry night, our immediate neighbours joined in - the elephants, monkeys and countless birds! After a 15 minute interval, during which we took the opportunity to consume a glass of vino from the kiosk, we settled down to another hour of Webber classics such as Memories, excerpts from Phantom, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and many more.
At 9.30 as the magnificent duo left the stage, we reluctantly packed our picnic things and returned to the carpark, feeling truly moved by a memorable evening of entertainment by both humans and the zoo's inhabitants.