Observer

OBSERVER: Primetime

Friday, October 23, 2026

(MA). 109 minutes. Opens in cinemas October 29.A fascinating, occasionally frustrating mix of true life drama, atmospheric horror and dark humour, this examination of one of the most controversial TV shows of all-time takes artistic licence to land its punches.Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, who when introduced in the opening scene, appears from nowhere after…

OBSERVER: Operation Orfeo

Arts Centre Melbourne has announced that Operation: Orfeo, a hypnotic depiction of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, will return to the Ian Potter State Theatre in February, 30 years since its premiere Victorian season in the same venue.Part opera, part visual artwork, it takes audiences on a descent into the underworld in a work…

OBSERVER: Golden Boys

Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor leads the cast in Golden Boy, a searing revival of Clifford Odets’ knockout American classic.Set in 1930s New York at the height of the Great Depression, gifted young violinist Joe Bonaparte is lured by the promise of fame and fortune into the brutal world of professional boxing.As his ambitions grow,…

OBSERVER: Fringe Festival Awards

Award winning producern Laura Milke Garner was announced as the 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival Living Legend at a glittering closing night awards ceremony to end Melbourne’s largest celebration of independent arts.Best In Category AwardsBest Cabaret: Dean, Don’t Dance! Created and performed by Dean NashBest Circus: The Resume Gap Performed by Elle DiabloBest Comedy: Nosebleeds. Created…

OBSERVER: Disney In Concert with MSO

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and MM Creative Productions announce the return of Disney in Concert: Live at Arts Centre Melbourne, from March 18 to 21, at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.The MSO and conductor Jessica Gethin will reunite for a celebration of Disney’s music and animated films. An all-star cast of singers will be announced…

OBSERVER: Peridot Theatre

Peridot Theatre presents Love in Translation, featuring three one-act plays, from November 12-15 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St, Clayton.The three one-act plays evolve around one theme: the evolution of courtship, communication, and dating rituals. It is an anthropological journey through how we express love, comparing traditional, quiet devotion with modern, rapid-fire chaos.Love Letters by…

OBSERVER: After The Flood

A major new work of Australian Jewish theatre comes to Melbourne in November, starring singer, songwriter and performer Deborah Conway (Naama) and musician Simon Starr (Noah) from November 4-9.After the Flood is an original contemporary musical that reimagines the biblical story of Noah and the flood through one Melbourne Jewish family confronting a world that…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsMordialloc Theatre Company: Cock (by Mike Bartlett) Until October 31 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Travis Handcock. Bookings: mordialloctheatrecompany.com.auMalvern Theatre Company: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Until November 7 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: malverntheatre.com.auFab Nobs Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar Until November 7 at 33 Industry…

OBSERVER: Swan Lake

For the very first time, Cape Ballet brings Swan Lake to Australia in April, performing in Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from April 21-25.A defining icon of classical ballet, Swan Lake has captivated audiences for generations with its timeless story brought to life through Tchaikovsky’s music and ‘some of the most breathtaking choreography ever created for the…

OBSERVER: Clue: On Stage

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Heidelberg Theatre Company presents Clue: On Stage from November 13-28 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna.Written by Jonathan Lynn, Hunter Foster, Eric Price and Sandy Rustin, HTC’s show is directed by Chris McLean and Justin Stephens.Clue: On Stage is described as ‘an hilarious adaptation of the 1985 movie and classic Cluedo board game.’This madcap farce-meets-murder-mystery with…