Observer

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

Friday, April 17, 2026

ShowsThe 1812 Theatre: Summer of the Aliens (by Louis Nowra) Until May 2 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Liam Mitchinson. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au or 9758 3964.Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Two Brothers (by Hannie Rayson) Until May 2 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Ben Crowley. Bookings: Geelong…

OBSERVER: Keys To Life, Two Friends, Two Pianos

Australian-British pianist Jayson Gillham returns to Australian stages, welcoming his close friend and fellow pianist Iyad Sughayer for his Australian recital debut.Keys to Life – Two Friends, Two Pianos brings two world-class pianists to four Australian cities during July in a national recital tour to lift spirits and remind us of our shared humanity.The Melbourne…

OBSERVER: La Traviata

Opera Australia presents a new staging of Verdi’s most famous opera, La Traviata, which will have its Melbourne premiere at the Regent Theatre on May 8 in a season running until May 19.The production, directed by Sarah Giles, brings Violetta’s inner world to the fore in a staging that delves into the heartache behind the…

OBSERVER: Lifetime Achievement Award for Don Bridges

The MEAA Equity Foundation has announced Australian actor Don Bridges as the recipient of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary career and deep commitment to the performing arts community.Don has built an extensive body of work across television, film, and theatre in Australia and the United Kingdom over almost six decades.His…

OBSERVER: Ting Lim – Are You For Real?

You Pho Real?n Ting Lim – Are You Pho Real? – Melbourne Comedy Festival, delivers a tight, detailed, engaging, amusement ride through the lens of cultural differences.Exploration of belonging and inclusion through family, relationships and food to a full house, with her every step.Free association of past traumatic events brought into the light through the…

OBSERVER: Company – A Musical Comedy

Williamstown Musical Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s Company – A Musical Comedy, from May 8-[23 at Altona Theatre.Co-directed by Rachel Rai and Tyson Legg, with musical direction by Ian Nisbet and choreography by Joel Anderson, Company – A Musical Comedy is a winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Lyrics and Best…

OBSERVER: Casey Filips

Casey Filips is a character, in fact, many characters, who love a character especially those who are sitting in his audience.He ferrets them out, feeds off their flaws which he forges into his comedic framework. Result: a unique and a brilliant platform from which to launch a truly great night of spontaneous, hysterical entertainment.He starts…

OBSERVER: Murder Village

Friday, April 10, 2026

Everyone loves a good murder mystery and this one takes place in Melbourne’s Art Centre Members Lounge – of all places.As part of the MICF it was Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit expertly crafted, said to be no performances ever the same. Spanning some 10 years of impressing and exciting audiences around Australia.Led by some…

OBSERVER: Calle Malaga

Veteran Spanish actress Carmen Maura stars in Calle Málaga, a strange, sweet story about a widow, Maria Angeles. Maria lives on Calle Málaga, Tangiers, a rich melting pot of people and food.Maria spends her days browsing the street stalls, talking to the vendors eager to show her what is fresh and in season.Once home, she…

OBSERVER: Life, Oh Life

Gillian Cosgriff is funny, clever, relatable. Her show Life, Oh Life in the Arts Centre basement is therefore a ‘one to see’. There are a number of laughs, yet also many moments of reflection.Cosgriff starts by acknowledging that this very moment in time is unique, the first of many food for thought life observations that…