Observer

OBSERVER: German Film Festival

Friday, April 11, 2025

Palace in collaboration with German Films will present the HSBC German Film Festival in Melbourne from April 30-May 28 at Palace Cinemas, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas.The 2025 line-up features a selection of twenty films, including six films direct from the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), compelling biopics and documentaries that delve into the…

OBSERVER: Stella Shortlist

For the first time in history, all writers on the 2025 Stella Prize shortlist are women of colour.The six works chosen for the shortlist by the Stella judges are described as “conspicuous for their integrity, compassion and fearlessness”.Miles Franklin winner Michelle de Kretser’s Theory and Practice, a meld of fiction and memory allowing for “formlessness…

OBSERVER: Nice Work If You Can Get It

CLOC Musical Theatre presents the razzle-dazzle musical comedy Nice Work If You Can Get It from May 16-31 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.Set in the roaring 1920s, with toe-tapping tunes, romance and zany bootleggers, the timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin includes hits like Someone to Watch Over Me, Let’s Call The Whole…

OBSERVER: Fool Me Once

The 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival is blessed with having a conjurer extraordinaire in Josh Staley, performing his one-man show at Brewmanity and Askal.Josh’s showmanship, confidence and personable manner shines throughout his one-hour performance.He amazed with disappearing bottles, coins and cards sleight of hand, mind-reading and predictive tricks, including a pre-show post prediction on his…

OBSERVER: King of Kings

Thursday, April 10, 2025

King of Kings is an intriguing new take on the 2000-year-old story of Jesus Christ, from birth to death to resurrection.And it’s written by….Charles Dickens. Yes, THAT Charles Dickens who wrote A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist and many other novels that have stood the test of time.King of Kings is based on Charles…

OBSERVER: Roses to Poison

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…