Observer

OBSERVER: One for the Record Books

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

A fascination with the Guinness Book of World Records exposed Julian O’Shea to many of the world’s quirky and weirdest world records. And so he questioned the provenance of these records. Will they ever be broken and what do you do to become a record breaker?His desideratum to break a world record all started as…

OBSERVER: Casey Filips, Virtuoso

Virtuoso stars Casey Filips as the pompous and pretentious British actor, Tobias Finley-Fraser, in this solo comedy master class of a show.Co-opted as casting directors, the audience reserves its collective judgement on auditionee number 86, Finley-Fraser.A classically-trained actor and veteran, Finley-Fraser reveals, of 300 similar cattle call auditions.Like the legendary Alexander Dane from the iconic…

OBSERVER: Dalin Oliver, 90-Day Comedian

Dalin Oliver is a South African comedian, making his debut performance at the MICF.He has performed his show in 18 cities and in seven countries including Australia, Netherlands, England, France, Spain and Germany.Dalin has boundless energy and enthusiasm for the diversity of his native South Africa.He enthuses about his native city of Cape Town and…

OBSERVER: How Revolting! Sorry To Offend

“You have been watching Milo Edwards,” reads the headline of a card listing a glossary of British terms and references, laying on the seat of each audience member. Claiming that the show was the most ‘British’ show that he has ever written, it provided an insight into the many eccentricities and foibles of British life.A…

OBSERVER: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Friday, April 11, 2025

Heidelberg Theatre Company presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time from April 25 to May 10 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna.The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel by Mark Haddon.The story tells of Christopher Boone, an extremely clever and intelligent young man,…

OBSERVER: Throuple The Musical

Following a sellout season at Grouse Melbourne in 2024, Bree Carroll, Ava Grayland and Kadee Axiak present Throuple the Musical until April 20 at The Grace Darling Hotel in the Band Room.This jukebox parody follows Kadee and Bree as they decide to bring a third person into their relationship after a failed proposal.Enter Ava, who…

OBSERVER: The Florentine Quilt

Congratulations to Victorian writer Chrissie Bellbrae (pictured) on releasing her debut novel The Florentine Quilt.While working in education, Chrissie undertook a Fiona McIntosh Masterclass and completed her first manuscript. She says she hasn’t stopped writing since.The novel is inspired by Chrissie’s life-long interest in art and fabric, stories her grandmother told her, and remarkable women…

OBSERVER: The Jane Austen Experience

Now in its 32nd year, Theatre of the Winged Unicorn presents The Jane Austen Experience from May 2-18 at the historic Ceres Hall in the Barrabool Hills, just eight kilometres from Geelong.Devised and directed by Elaine Mitchell, The Jane Austen Experience will feature an ensemble of 10 actors who will perform a number of favourite…

OBSERVER: Comedy Roulette

Hosted by comedian Kru Harale, Comedy Roulette is a fun, mostly improvised piece showcasing seven comedians in one hour.Each show plays host to a different line up though some artists may be invited back. This is a great way to see a variety of talent in one place.The format as explained by Harale is for…

OBSERVER: Train Cake

Plot by Heather Valentine and the support of Carl Whitside, Train Cake is set in the sexy world of the 1980’s Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake. How often has one wrestled with simple instructions of a children’s birthday cake recipe only to end up with an embarrassing cake fail?Opening night at the Meat Market…