Observer

OBSERVER: Jewel By The Sea

Saturday, June 20, 2026

The Jewel by the Sea returns to 34 Ebden Avenue, Black Rock, for its sixth season from July 9-25, celebrating 170 years since building commenced at Black Rock House, the seaside residence of Victoria’s first Auditor-General, Charles Ebden.The production also celebrates the 175th anniversary of the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office.Written by Cheryl Threadgold and directed by…

OBSERVER: Between The Lines

Directed by Renee Palmer, Between The Lines: The James Joyce/Groucho Marx Letters is a new play by Steve Carey.Scenes alternate between two time periods, giving the play a Stoppardian vibe: one set in 1937, featuring James Joyce (Tref Gare) and Groucho Marx (Scott Middleton); and the other in 1987.In the latter, Seon Williams portrays Pandora,…

OBSERVER: Rabbit and Watson

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Award-winning playwright Shane Woon (A Guide To Being Immortal) continues his exploration of Chinese mythology and Australian culture with an epic love story that transcends space and time.Mixing Chinese fantasy cinema, Boy Love drama and the AFL, his new play is a tender mythic story of love, identity, and the weight of expectation, being presented…

OBSERVER: Opera Australia

It was a celebration of Opera Australia reaching 70 years of performance of a wide ranging repertoire of treasured Operas and many revered theatre musicals.And what better place than the iconic Regent Theatre for a once off celebration performance, accompanied by Orchestra Victoria and sung by a host of Australia’s best and outstanding musical theatre…

OBSERVER: Nordic Film Festival

The 2026 Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival, presented by Palace, will feature the best new cinema from the Nordic region – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.This year’s sensational line up features a host of award-winners, box office hits and new gems from beloved actors and filmmakers, and brilliant newcomers.Palace has announced five of the first…

OBSERVER: Palace of Lost Virtue

If you think of the gold rushes of Australia, you probably picture of a hard-working bloke with a pick and shovel or an alluvial pan, searching for a glint of gold.But there was a lot more to gold rushes than men seeking their fortune – there were also many women on the goldfields, although it’s…

OBSERVER: 42nd Street

Babirra Music Theatre sparkled in its 70th anniversary year with a fabulous interpretation of the classic toe-tapping musical 42nd Street, presented at The Round Theatre, Nunawading,The masterly directorial and choreographic talents of Alan Burrows and Susan Lewis merged for their 13th collaboration and third visit to 42nd Street, creating one of the best versions ever…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsThe 1812 Theatre: The Ladykillers (by Graham Linehan) Unti June 13 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.auThe Basin Theatre Group: The Full Monty (by Simon Beaufoy) June 11 – 21 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Julie Cunningham. Bookings: thebasintheatre.com.auPEP Productions: The Heartbreak…

OBSERVER: G&S Musical Celebration

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Opera Australia, this prolific company has over 700 performances planned throughout the year.I was most fortunate to attend the Opera Australia Gilbert and Sullivan Company’s musical celebration at the majestic Regent Theatre in Melbourne, with an ensemble of eight magnificent Opera Australia principals conducted by UK-born, internationally renowned director…

OBSERVER: Opera Australia’s Gala

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Opera Australia’s 70th Anniversary Gala began with the popular William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini, led by internationally acclaimed conductor Giampaolo Bisanti.Maestro Bisanti was pure joy to watch. His expressive and enthusiastic style had the audience fervently bouncing along with the well-known finale. It was like watching a fine ballet dancer in action.The sumptuous majesty…