Observer

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…

OBSERVER: Shine

When you think of a list of the best Australian films of all time, Shine, the story of pianist David Helfgott, starring Geoffrey Rush, would be right up there.The man whose vision gave us this film is director Scott Hicks, who has just released his autobiography, appropriately titled Shine: Persistence of Vision.Born in Uganda, raised…

MONASH: Questions after Oakleigh South fire

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Protective Services Officers have arrested a man following a fire in Oakleigh South on Saturday morning (Oct. 10).Emergency services were called to reports of a factory fire on Valley St about 3am.The fire caused minor damage to the property and there were no injuries.A 53-year-old man was arrested at Clayton Railway Station a short time…

OBSERVER: Gugu Dindi Gunyah

After more than two years in limbo, the newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre at the Arts Centre opened with a wonderful night of celebration.The audience experienced a more accessible space, with cherry-stained, blackbutt floors, newly upholstered, raspberry velvet seats, and state-of-the-art acoustics, sound, and climate control.The celebrations opened with Gugu Dindi Gunyah (Many Rivers,…

OBSERVER: La Boheme

Opera Australia presents a new production of Puccini’s opera La Bohème at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from November 7-18.The first new mainstage production of one of the world’s most famous operatic tragedies by OA in 15 years, this production is set in the winter wonderland of 20th century Paris, recreated through the eyes of the…

OBSERVER: La Ronde

Following critically acclaimed seasons across Australia, La Ronde makes its highly anticipated Melbourne debut at Spiegel Haus Melbourne on Wednesday October 21 at 7pm, blending world-class circus, cabaret, comedy, live music, glamour and physical artistry to the heart of the CBD.The Melbourne season follows hot on the heels of an extended 260-show residency in Sydney…

OBSERVER: Comedy Republic

October marks a major milestone for Kyran Nicholson and Alex Dyson as Comedy Republic celebrates its first month ever open every single night of the week. The friends, who met while broadcasting on Triple J, went out on a limb alongside Kyran’s husband and Drag Race Down Under star Rhys Nicholson to open a comedy…

OBSERVER: The Portrait

Physical comedy seems to have become a forgotten art but in The Portrait, Emilie Bloom and Tim Sneddon capture the quintessential humour that can be found in a look or a gesture.Two attendants are monitoring the room where a new portrait is about to be unveiled. A crowd is about to arrive.A simple sign alerts…

OBSERVER: Creating Together

Melbourne based artist and educator Belinda Wilson is inviting adults and young people aged 16+ to explore the art of still life through Creating Together: The Art of Still Life, a new four-week masterclass series to be held at Kingston Arts Centre.Commencing Saturday November 7, the program offers participants the opportunity to draw and paint…

OBSERVER: Cellist Mischa Maisky visits

Friday, October 9, 2026

Castiglione and Greg Hocking Music present Soviet-Israeli cellist Mischa Maisky, joined by his daughter, pianist Lily Maisky in their first Australian tour as a duo in November.The Maisky tour premieres on Friday November 6 at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall.“It simply cannot be missed,” says producer Greg Hocking, who toured Mischa Maisky’s great mentor Mstislav…