Sydney Festival 2010's Optimism continues at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House until 20 February.

Turning a quizzical eye to the woes of the heart, and reeking with scandal and scurrilous vice, this production transforms Voltaire’s classic satire of enlightened insanity, Candide, into a cutting commentary on the 'no-worries' bravura of the Australian swagger.

Directed by Michael Kantor, the irresistible Frank Woodley leads a wonderful bunch of clowns on a road trip like no other. Our hero's resolve never waivers as he travels across continents in search of his beloved. Join the criminally cheerful Candide for a journey to Utopia and back again.

For more information and tickets to the final performances of Optimism, click here.

"Heading a strong cast, Woodley is perfect as Candide.... he brings a delightful, touching, bewildered innocence to the role" The Sunday Telegraph
 
"* * * * a big bold brash updating of the French writer’s provocative 18th century novel of ideas… a rollicking good night out." - The Glasgow Herald