It was a grey evening but there was no shortage of colour at the glitzy opening of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical in Sydney.

The director made a red carpet entrance with his wife, Oscar winning designer Catherine Martin, who brought her signature pizazz to the costumes and set of the stage version of Luhrmann’s hit 1992 film.

Martin said it was bittersweet to finally see the show in production.

“It’s bittersweet – you’re sad to let your baby out into the world,” she said before the show.

I think it’s just the beginning, it’s been with me and my life since I was a child

“It’s like taking your baby to preschool – you’re sad and happy at the same time.”

Luhrmann said the opening of the show was a significant moment for him.

“I think it’s just the beginning, it’s been with me and my life since I was a child,” he said.

The star-studded opening night guest list included Joel Edgerton, Rachel Griffiths, Jack Thompson and star of the original film Barry Otto.

Newcomers Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos, who starred as Scott Hastings and Fran in the theatrical version of Strictly Ballroom in front of an all singing, all dancing cast of 42, earned a standing ovation at the end of the show as tinsel rained down on the audience.