Observer

OBSERVER: Roses to Poison

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Melbourne French Theatre presents a rehearsed and costumed reading of From Roses to Poison/Après les Roses, le Poison, from April 30 to May 3 at La Maison de Maitre Building, 203-205 Canning St, Carlton.Written by Marijke Eysbertse-van Schaik, directed by Donald McManus and produced by Michael (Michel) Bula, the story tells of the French Emperor…

OBSERVER: Vale Kerry Greenwood

Sisters in Crime is mourning the death in Melbourne of Kerry Greenwood, founding member and beloved friend and author, at the age of 70.Kerry died on March 26. Her funeral was held last week in Yarraville with a wake in nearby Seddon.Her coffin was draped with native flowers and a Bulldogs scarf. Kerry was not…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Project

SHOWSThe 1812 Theatre: The Thrill of Love (by Amanda Whittington) Until May 3 at The Bakery, The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au or 9758 3964Williamstown Little Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) April 23 – May 10 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4…

OBSERVER: Birrarangga

Sunday, April 6, 2025

The 2025 Birrarangga Film Festival has cemented its place as Australia’s premier First Nations-led film festival, delivering its most successful edition to date.With ticket sales tripling since its last event, BFF has set a new benchmark for film festivals nationwide, showcasing a powerful and diverse lineup of Indigenous storytelling from around the world.Over six days,…

OBSERVER: 60 years service

Melbourne Observer reviewer Graeme McCoubrie has been presented with his 60-year Membership Jewel of Freemasonry as a member, particularly with the Baden-Powell Lodge No. 488 where he has been a member since 1964.Graeme’s award was presented by Worshipful Brother Bob Evans, who delivered a citation of Graeme’s life achievements, both in Freemasonry and the community.The…

OBSERVER: Okay, Wow

The title of Luke McGregor’s routine at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Okay, Wow, encapsulates both the ordinary and the sensational and sums up his routine.The topics he addresses are almost mundane but broach, at times, the extraordinary and that which is taboo.Challenging those convinced the earth is flat speaks to the divide in the…

OBSERVER: Rising Damp

When Melbourne based comedian, actor, and writer Nicolette Minster takes the stage at The Westin for her sarcastic, reflective, and often investigative show Rising Damp, her undeniably strong theatrical stage presence welcomes you to feel like you are listening to a sister vent over the phone, or nostalgically laughing until your ribs are sore with…

OBSERVER: Fresh New Worries

If you are a fan of musical storytelling, then Gillian Cosgriff’s show Fresh New Worries is definitely a must-see at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.Using original stories, music, prop gags, Cosgriff (pictured) entertains seamlessly for the full 50 minutes, displaying a wealth of talent in both acting, story telling, writing , singing, piano playing plus,…

OBSERVER: Blak Holes

Dane Simpson and Isaac Compton have teamed for Blak Holes in what is billed as ‘ the maddest show of the festival. Standup, musical comedy, sketches and a whole lot of horsing around’.Dane Simpson, aka the King Of Wagga Wagga, is known for multiple appearances on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, The Opening Night…

STONNINGTON: Man charged with murder

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Detectives from the Homicide Squad have charged a man as part of their investigation into the 2023 fatal shooting of Mohammed Keshtiar in South Yarra. A 23-year-old Narre Warren man was arrested in Dandenong on Friday afternoon (Apr. 4) with assistance from the Special Operations Group. The arrest follows the death of Keshtiar in South…