Observer

OBSERVER: Rourke’s Reviews

Friday, February 21, 2025

Longlegs(MA). 101 minutes. Now available on Blu-ray and DVD.With The Monkey now showing in cinemas, it is a good time to revisit the film-maker’s previous hit. Osgood Perkins (son of Anthony, of Psycho fame) returned after a four-year break with his fourth film as director, and like his previous efforts, is an imaginatively crafted mood…

OBSERVER: Spit

Thursday, February 20, 2025

A sequel to the successful 2003 movie Gettin’ Square, the film Spit is a “criminal-with-a-heart-of-gold” story which, while sympathetically portraying the plight of refugees in Australia, suffers from a cliched script and plodding pace.The central character, Johnny (Spit) Spitieri (played by David Wenham), is a small-time criminal who returns from overseas only to find himself…

OBSERVER: Darebin Arts Speakeasy

Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents the new trans thriller Djuna from March 12-23 at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.Produced by the Bullet Heart Club, written by Australian playwright Eva Rees and performed by Jay Gold and Dion Mills, the physiological thriller has been directed by Bullet Heart Club’s Kitan Petkovski, and explores identity, power, and…

OBSERVER: Truth

The digital world of intrigue and subterfuge, the political machinations of those wanting to control the discourse and the geeks hacking the system resonate through Patricia Cornelius’ s play, Truth, about the life of Julian Assange.There are five Assanges on stage, (Emily Havea, Thomas Kantor, James O’Connell, Eva Seymour, Eva Rees) all of whom can…

OBSERVER: MSO at Music Bowl

Whilst the wind brought the rain undercover nothing could dampen the spirit of the audience at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.Presenter Megan Burslem set the scene for a fun, entertaining night of classical music. Dressed to impress she was relatable, down to earth, friendly.Burslem’s warm manner plus the…

OBSERVER: Cancer Card

Comedian Becky Steepe will perform her show Cancer Card at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival as part of her 2025 tour, from March 26 – April 6 (excluding Monday) at The Grace Darling Hotel, Downstairs Theatre in Collingwood.The show is said to combine “side-splitting humor with crucial health information in a hilarious, yet poignant, comedy…

OBSERVER: Three Sisters

Theatre Works presents Three Sisters, reimagined for a contemporary audience, from March 7-22 at Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St KildaDirected by Greg Carroll, this first season in the 2025 by Theatre Works programming is brought to the stage by a dynamic ensemble of local creatives, working together to breathe fresh life into this iconic…

OBSERVER: Perfect Nonsense

Heidelberg Theatre Company opens 2025 with the farcical comedy Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, running until March 1 at Heidelberg Theatre, Rosanna.Inspired by P.G. Wodehouse’s The Code of the Woosters (1938) and written by Robert and David Goodale, this fast-paced, witty show set in the 1930s was winner of the 2014 Olivier Award for…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsGilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria: Fledermaus! March 1, 2 at The Knowe, 4 Clarkmont Rd., Sassafras. March 8, 9 at The Round Studio, Nunawading. April 12 at Moe Plaza. Director: Robert Ray; Musical Director: Geoffrey Urquhart. Bookings: gsov.org.auWilliamstown Little Theatre: Wicked Sisters (by Alma de Groen) Until March 3 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 Albert St.,…

OBSERVER: Crossroads with Rob Foenander

Vinyl ProjectCovering a set list of the best hits from the 50s and 60s with a new modern flair, The Vinyl Project is a fresh three-piece R &R outfit thatis set to take the Australian music scene by storm.Lead guitarist and band spokesman Alex Mignone along with his son AJ (bass guitar) and drummer vocalist…