Observer

OBSERVER: Twinkle Town

Thursday, April 9, 2026

With expectations of a large stage and big ensemble with orchestra, that was not to be, as Twinkle Town was played out in a small intimate space at the Motley Wherehaus, in Melbourne’s CBD as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.Two well-seasoned and travelled actors played out multiple roles in quick fire diverse scenarios.With…

OBSERVER: Comedy Is Best Medicine

Beyond Blue and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival collaborated for the first time to present a special comedy showcase highlighting the power of laughter to build connection and mental wellbeing.Best Medicine was presented in the Supper Room at the Melbourne Town Hall, hosted by award-winning British comedian Carl Donnelly and featuring six celebrated festival comedians.Beyond…

OBSERVER: Con Courtis’s Joke Protocol

A master of technology, pre-recordings and taping of audience’s responses with incredible sound effects is Con Coutis’s Joke Protocol performance at Paul’s Place, Melbourne Town Hall as part of the MICF.His performance would have to rank amongst the top tier of the many comedy offerings in the MICF stable, with nonstop physical mobility, rapid dialogue…

OBSERVER: Hunchback of Notre Dame

The bells are ringing in Notre Dame – Quasimodo is out of the shadows and taking centre stage in CLOC Musical Theatre’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, being presented May 15-30 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.High above the streets of Paris, Quasimodo wat-ches the world below in a city divided by power,…

OBSERVER: The 60 Four

The 60 Four will bring the biggest hits of the ’60s and ’70s to life in a Vegas-style show in Morning Melodies at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne on Monday April 27 at 11am and 1.30pm.Backed by a ‘powerhouse’ live band, The 60 Four jump between evocative ballads and high-energy classics — from the groove…

OBSERVER: German Film Festival

The 2026 German Film Festival, Aust-ralia’s only dedicated celebration of German language cinema, is screening nationally from May 8-27 at Palace Cinemas, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas.Presented by Palace and German Films, this year’s line-up of contemporary German cinema includes powerful dramas, insightful true-life stories, comedy and family films.Festival Centrepiece is Amrum, the celebrated…

OBSERVER: The Girl On The Train

Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the thriller The Girl on the Train from April 24 to May 9 at 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna.Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and the film by DreamWorks, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, Heidelberg Theatre Company’s production is directed by Deborah Fabbro.The story tells of Rachel Watson…

OBSERVER: Full of Grace

Italian clown Andrea Barello (pictured) presents his newest comedic adventure titled Full of Grace as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 18 at 10.30pm at Bard’s Apothecary.Full of Grace follows Father Andrea, a peculiar clergyman as he administers a very peculiar worship service.With hoses-down of holy water, bizarre exorcisms, and parishioners caught…

OBSERVER: Sisters In Crime

Sisters in Crime presents Journalist Sleuths at 8pm on Friday, April 24 at the Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan St, South Melbourne. Dinner from 6.30pm.Christine Gregory (The Informant), Madeleine Cleary (The Butterfly Women) and Laraine Stephens (The White Feather Murders) talk about why and how journalists make such superlative investigators when it comes to crime…

OBSERVER: Anna Lapwood

Friday, March 20, 2026

The Melbourne Town Hall organ is Australia’s largest romantic pipe organ, meaning it can be used for symphonic works.To Anna Lapwood, the official organist of the Royal Albert Hall, it also has a personality and presence.Together they revealed the capabilities and temperament of such an instrument that ranges from delicate chimes to waves of sound…