Observer

OBSERVER: Palace of Lost Virtue

Sunday, June 7, 2026

If you think of the gold rushes of Australia, you probably picture of a hard-working bloke with a pick and shovel or an alluvial pan, searching for a glint of gold.But there was a lot more to gold rushes than men seeking their fortune – there were also many women on the goldfields, although it’s…

OBSERVER: 42nd Street

Babirra Music Theatre sparkled in its 70th anniversary year with a fabulous interpretation of the classic toe-tapping musical 42nd Street, presented at The Round Theatre, Nunawading,The masterly directorial and choreographic talents of Alan Burrows and Susan Lewis merged for their 13th collaboration and third visit to 42nd Street, creating one of the best versions ever…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsThe 1812 Theatre: The Ladykillers (by Graham Linehan) Unti June 13 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.auThe Basin Theatre Group: The Full Monty (by Simon Beaufoy) June 11 – 21 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Julie Cunningham. Bookings: thebasintheatre.com.auPEP Productions: The Heartbreak…

OBSERVER: G&S Musical Celebration

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Opera Australia, this prolific company has over 700 performances planned throughout the year.I was most fortunate to attend the Opera Australia Gilbert and Sullivan Company’s musical celebration at the majestic Regent Theatre in Melbourne, with an ensemble of eight magnificent Opera Australia principals conducted by UK-born, internationally renowned director…

OBSERVER: Opera Australia’s Gala

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Opera Australia’s 70th Anniversary Gala began with the popular William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini, led by internationally acclaimed conductor Giampaolo Bisanti.Maestro Bisanti was pure joy to watch. His expressive and enthusiastic style had the audience fervently bouncing along with the well-known finale. It was like watching a fine ballet dancer in action.The sumptuous majesty…

OBSERVER: Lazarus, at Theatreworks

In a wonderful production, Lazarus is one man’s heart-rending story of growing up as an indigenous person in Australia.It is a no-holds-barred insight into the injustices and harm done to indigenous Australians, told plainly, simply and mostly without rancour.The play is biographical and based on the life of Taungurung Elder Uncle Larry Walsh.Taken from his…

OBSERVER: The Cottage

What an intriguing web is spun as we delve into a 1923 comedy written by playwright Sandy Rustin, performed by Peridot Theatre.Somewhere in the English countryside is a cottage where three very sexually active couples arrive at various times for a weekend of heterosexual activity.Before we get into who is mugging who, the set is…

OBSERVER: Darebin Speakeasy

Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents In Shadows (Dalam Bayang-Bayang), a haunting new work that reimagines the myth of the pontianak from June 24-28 at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.The pontianak is one of Southeast Asian folklore’s most enduring figures: a spirit born of betrayal, known for her long black hair, haunting laughter, and lingering presence among…

OBSERVER: The Audience

The Audience – National Theatre Live Live theatre performance, historical research and film technology merge brilliantly in the National Theatre Live production The Audience, written by Peter Morgan and starring Dame Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II.Recorded in June 2013 at the John Gielgud Theatre, directed by Stephen Daldry, The Audience returns to cinemas for…

OBSERVER: Murder In Paris

Fans of the late Kerry Greenwood Phryne Fisher series are going to love Kirsty Manning’s (pictured) new novel, Murder in Paris.Whereas Greenwood focused on an elegant, rich single woman detective in the 1920s, Manning’s era is the 1930s, with her dynamic young Australian lead character, Charlotte ‘Charlie’ James.Manning has written historical mystery of murder, fashion,…