Observer

OBSERVER: Carmen

Friday, November 21, 2025

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…

OBSERVER: Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s new family musical brings mystery, music and magic to the St Kilda Botanical Gardens with The Teddy Bears’ Picnic being presented from December 6-21.Melbourne families are invited to pack their picnic baskets and enjoy this unique, interactive theatrical adventure designed especially for children aged 3 to 10.Unlike a traditional theatre show, The…

OBSERVER: Adrift – liberated, not lost

The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) presents the graduate showcase, titled Adrift. Curated by Tegan Carmichael and devised by NICA’s third-year students, from December 9-13 at the NICA National Circus Centre in Prahran.To be cast adrift is not to be lost, but to be liberated. It is an allegory for the end of one…

OBSERVER: Phryne Fisher

The literary world in Melbourne and across the world went into collective mourning with the death of the beloved creator of the Phryne Fisher stories, Kerry Greenwood.But even as the multitude of Greenwood fans mourned, they were grateful that Kerry managed to finish one last book before she left them, and her partner, David Greagg,…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsThe 1812 Theatre: Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, Until December 6 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Chris and Libby Procter. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au 9758 3964.Heidelberg Theatre Company: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Until November 29 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: htc.org.auFrankston Theatre Group: The…

OBSERVER: La Mama Theatre in 2026

Returning in 2026 after lying fallow in 2025, La Mama Theatre’s season next year has an exciting new structure consisting of three themes introduced at the season’s launch by Caitlin Dullard, La Mama’s CEO and Artistic Director.All three themes seek to embody La Mama’s key principles of community, freedom, pathways and new Australian work.The first…