Observer

OBSERVER: Theatre Works 2026

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

After something of an annus mirabilis in 2025, when the highest box office results were achieved in Theatre Works’ 45-year history, the company finished the year by launching its 2026 season.However, next year will be undoubtedly challenging as its powerhouse executive director/creative producer Dianne Toulsen departs in July.The launch, held at the company’s flagship venue…

OBSERVER: HIT Productions owes $2 mil. in debts

Friday, January 2, 2026

HIT Productions, led by actress Christine Harris (pictured), has gone into liquidation, with debts totalling $1,995,000.Liquidator Timothy Brace says the Men-toner based company owes $567,000 to the Australian Taxation Office.An amount of $91,000 in superannuation remains unpaid, with a further $36,000 owed to actors and creatives.Some 30 regional and suburban venues are listed amongst the…

OBSERVER: Dianne steps down

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Theatre Works Executive Director Dianne Toulson has announced that after eight years of transformative leadership, she will step down from the role in 2026.Dianne’s eight-year tenure has been defined by major achievements across artistic programming, organisational strategy, and precinct development.She joined Theatre Works at a time when the organisation faced significant structural and financial challenges,…

OBSERVER: As You Like It

Saturday, December 6, 2025

The veritable nonsense of As You Like It has been brought to the fore with verve and vigour in the Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s reimagining of the work.The outdoor setting of St Kilda’s Botanic Gardens fits equitably with the conceit of romance triumphant in the face of all adversity which includes the rightful court being banished,…

OBSERVER: Gasworks turns 40

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Located at 21 Graham Street, Albert Park, Gasworks turns 40 in 2026, with a new vision as a home for creativity under new Creative Director and CEO Sam Strong.Complete with park upgrade, a new brand and a renovated foyer, Gasworks will now be curated in quarterly instalments, with the first season of four shows for…

OBSERVER: The Wizard Of Oz

PLOS Musical Productions are preparing for their holiday season musical production of The Wizard of Oz, being presented at the Frankston Arts Centre from December 31 to January 10.Directed and choreographed by Michael Mitchell, with musical direction by Malcom Huddle, The Wizard of Oz not only invites audiences to follow the Yellow Brick Road, but…

OBSERVER: Fine Lines

Some 26 Fine Lines dancers, aged between 45 and 80, will present a new work, Four, in the Sylvia Staehli Theatre in Dancehouse, North Carlton, from December 12 -14.Described as a ‘vibrant and deeply moving new work’, Four is created by Louisa Duckett and Katrina Rank, inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.Four follows the seasons of…

OBSERVER: Peter Pan – A Twinkle In Time

Peter Pan: A Twinkle in Time will be presented as part of the Midsumma Festival from January 20 – 24 at the Theatre Works Explosives Factory.The brainchild of writer and performer Dean Robinson, Peter Pan: A Twinkle in Time follows the well-known character in a whole new context, navigating the world of today, in a…

OIBSERVER: Peninsula Summer Music Festival

The Peninsula Summer Music Festival 2026 will be presented from Saturday January 3 – Sunday January 11 in 18 events across the Mornington Peninsula.Attendees can enjoy a Baroque Opera Gala, The Bamboos, Karin Schaupp, David Greco and Chad Kelly, AYO Young Artist Theonie Wang, Cedar Collective, Ensemble 642, Aaron Wyatt, Ensemble Offspring and more, at…

OBSERVER: Shakespeare’s Best Bits

An Australian Shakespeare Company production, Peter Quince Presents: Shakespeare’s Best Bits, will take the Bard off the school syllabus and let his fun characters run loose in the Royal Botanic Gardens from December 20 – January 17.Led by Peter Quince (the carpenter), the Atheneum Players – Athens’ premium troupe at the time (1595) unleash their…