Observer

OBSERVER: The Force Awakens

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

The Force Awakens, sequel to The Return of the Jedi and the first of the three Star Wars films in the sequel trilogy, is said to be the most expensive film ever made.It is fitting, therefore, that the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra turned its immense talent to performing John Williams’ Grammy Award-winning score live for an…

OBSERVER: Conversations

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler will present Conversations Live on stages around Australia to celebrate the program\’s 20th anniversary.Melbourne’s show will be on Monday, August 18 at 7.30pm at Arts Centre Melbourne.Sarah and Richard will take audiences behind the scenes and share the untold stories and moments that stayed with them long after the mic…

OBSERVER: Footloose

The Melbourne season for Footloose: the Musical now playing at the Athenaeum Theatre with some performances sold out, is extending across July and August, with national tour dates set to be announced soon.Based on the film starring Kevin Bacon, the musical tells a powerful story of youth, freedom and the unifying power of music and…

OBSERVER: Davitt Awards Long List

This year, Sisters in Crime’s Davitt Awards for the best crime and mystery books by Australian women celebrate their 25th anniversary.Award-winning crime short story writer, Ruth Wykes, is again the Judges’ Coordinator, and said Australian women’s crime writing is riding a huge wave that has left our shores and is now sweeping around the world.“This…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsThe 1812 Theatre: The Housekeeper (by James Prideaux) Until June 14 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Keith Hutton. Bookings:  9758 3964 or 1812theatre.com.auStrathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): A Winter’s Tale (by William Shakespeare) Until June 7 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Bookings: stagtheatre.orgBrighton Theatre…

OBSERVER: Crossroads with Rob Foenander

Friday, May 23, 2025

Enchanted Allure• Step into the world of Asola Allure where her music, passion and artistry collide.Hailed as a rising star, the local entertainer promises a night filled with original songs, captivating choreography, and pure allure, says this mesmerizing artist’smedia release.Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran. PM, Saturday, June 7. Tickets at Chapel Off Chapel. Let’s Get Crazy•…

OBSERVER: The Birds

Thursday, May 22, 2025

This production of Daphne du Maurier’s classic, gothic horror The Birds, is craftily adapted for stage by Louise Fox and Director Matthew Lutton.On each seat is placed a set of headphones to be worn by audience members for the entirety of the show.Testing instructions are clear and are repeated when the headsets are first put…

OBSERVER: Femme Play

The Butterfly Club is the atmospheric venue for feminist writer Judy Doubas’s latest work, Femme Play (ungrateful slut) playing until May 31 as part of the Drama Queen Festival.Well-directed by Susan Rundle, Femme Play is a modern-day exploration of female identity vs. the patriarchy – by socially conscious Al (a delightful performance from Gabby Llewelyn),…

OBSERVER: The Creation

Mention the name Haydn to a lover of classical music and they are likely to smile and sigh with happiness.Haydn was equally adept at creating instrumental and choral masterpieces, and one of his greatest pieces of music is the oratorio The Creation, which is being performed by Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra and soloists…

OBSERVER: Away

When you first step into the MUST space at the Monash Clayton Campus, you are met with an overwhelming sense of community, passion, and joy.And, as the curtain rises for act one of Away, that feeling of excitement and enthusiasm within the cast, crew and company only grows.Away by Michael Gow is a play about…