Observer

OBSERVER: Rourke’s Reviews

Friday, November 21, 2025

Horse Girl (MA). 103 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.Bolstered by a superb central performance, Horse Girl, like Daniel Isn’t Real, deals with the issue of mental illness, and while it doesn’t become as wildly fantastical like the latter, this expertly crafted film does present its story in a way that tries to keep the viewer…

OBSERVER: Guewel

Seven years in the making, Guewel was a landmark collaboration between Arts House, 13.12 and the National Theatre of Senegal. The show had a well-deserved standing ovation at its premiere in Melbourne.Non-linear in narrative form, the play consisted of a series of tableaux involving song, dance, music and ritual that together portrayed an ancient African…

OBSERVER: Rhys and Joel’s Family Christmas

Rhys Nicholson and Joel Creasey have reunited to return to Melbourne for a one night variety-style celebration, Rhys and Joel’s Family Christmas, at The Capitol, Swanston St., Melbourne on December 6.Their 2023 tour sold out across the country and became a Foxtel/Binge Christmas special. After taking last year off, they’re returning with new stories, surprise…

OBSERVER: From Fields of Stone

A large crowd comprising family, friends and book lovers attended the launch of Isabel de la Rambelya’s historical novel From Fields of Stone at the Beaumaris Bowling Club.For the past 20 years, inspired by her mother Olive’s stories of family history, Isabel has explored and recorded the life of her great-great grandmother, Nappy King.Nappy was…

OBSERVER: Red Stitch 2026

Melbourne’s Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre has unveiled its 2026 season, marking the company’s 25th anniversary with a program that reflects its ‘legacy of risk-taking, excellence and artist-led storytelling.’Anchored by a landmark revival of Ray Lawler’s The Doll Trilogy, the season also features new international works, and a world premiere as part of Red Stitch’s INK…

OBSERVER: Carmen

Opera Australia’s Carmen is a sultry, sensual and passionate production.I was both excited and privileged to attend the opening night of Opera Australia’s shiny, new, freshly updated production of Bizet’s Carmen at the majestic Regent Theatre in Melbourne.The Regent was the most perfect venue for this sumptuous evening of spectacular singing, clever sets, splendid costuming…

OBSERVER: German-Australia Opera Grant Final

Overlooking the banks of the Yarra, this year’s German-Australia Opera Grant Final was held in The Edge Auditorium at Federation Square but the eyes of the contestants were firmly set upon the Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden where the winner would take up a year’s long contract to develop their craft as an opera singer.Baritones Ziggy…

OBSERVER: Harry Potter Exhibition

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is inviting its adult fans to experience the world-renowned exhibition in a new way with the launch of After Hours, an exclusive 18+ event on December 8 at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, Brunswick, 6pm-9pm.After Hours offers a relaxed experience that blends social connection with exploration. Guests can enjoy a…

OBSERVER: Come from Away

OSMaD presents the musical Come From Away, with performances from December 4 – 13 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Hawthorn.Come From Away tells the true story of how the town of Gander, in Newfoundland, Canada, became the unexpected host to thousands of stranded passengers on September 11, 2001.After 38 planes were diverted to Gander’s airstrip,…

OBSERVER: Morning Melodies

Arts Centre Melbourne has announced the program for Morning Melodies 26.The 2026 season will run from February through to December, and shows will feature Caroline O’Connor, Silvie Paladino, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Georgia Wilkinson, Denis Walter and Claire Lyon who are among the star-studded line-up set to perform at Hamer Hall as part of the 2026…