Observer

OBSERVER: A Christmas Presence

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

A Christmas Presence is a show that I would one hundred percent see again.It was a great show that captured all of the events that happened to make Christmas ‘Christmas’.It was an enjoyable script that told the story really well and was executed brilliantly by the cast. You could clearly tell this show was worked…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays (by Ken Ludwig) February 12 – 28 at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Lucia Morris. Bookings: 9735 1777 lilydaleatc.comPEP Productions: Ride the Cyclone, February 13 – 21 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director: Daniel Kim; Musical Director: Isaac Stott; Choreographer: Maya Lee….

OBSERVER: Vale Patsy King

Australian born actress Patsy King, best remembered for her principal role as Governor Erica Davidson in the iconic television series Prisoner, passed away on Monday, January 19 after a short illness. She was 95 years old.Patsy studied acting at Melbourne’s National Theatre and made her professional stage debut in 1951, playing the juvenile lead in…

OBSERVER: Theatre Works 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: The Arcadians

Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV) presents The Arcadians – outdoors from February 28 to March 9 at The Know, 4 Clarkmont Rd, Sassafras, and indoors at The Round Studio in Nunawading from March 13-15.Directed by Robert Ray and Naomi Tooby, a live quartet will accompany the cast with music specially re-scored by MD Geoffrey…

OBSERVER: Theatre Works 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…