Observer

OBSERVER: Ode To A Grape

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Poor Johann is a failure as a poet which is just as well for the audience at this Fringe Festival diversion because laughter and amusement was the consequence.Em Barrett had her alter ego toying with the audience soliciting input for the next poem only to reject offerings out of hand.That ability to play with the…

OBSERVER: Opening Night

Most people who have been involved in the world of theatre would recognise the challenges faced by actors when trying to stage a production; cast members dropping out, an uncoordinated technical crew, and a desperate need for funding.Lucy Rees plays the director, producer and, ultimately, the only actor in a rehearsal that has gone wrong….

OBSERVER: Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds is an indulgent mix of absurd situations and scenarios with extreme and ridiculous characters.Holly Bohmer, Mario Hannah and Taylor Griffiths play multiple characters with associated voices and actions, by simply changing a hat or cape or scarf.A séance is where the show begins and ends but in between, we come across the best of…

OBSERVER: Come From Away

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Following a successful 2024season, Come From Away returns to the CLOC stage with the original 2024 cast and creative team to share a story of extraordinary generosity, human connection and community.The production will run from October 9-24 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.Based on the true story of what happened in the days following September…

OBSERVER: Daddy Daycare

Steph Crothers brings her solo comedy show Daddy Daycare to Melbourne Fringe for a second season, from October 5-11 at the Motley Bauhaus at 9.50pm.Directed by Sophie Power, the show imagines a daycare for grown men who must earn their ‘Working with Women Check’. Steph has drawn on her years of working as both a…

OBSERVER: Ghar (Home): Location Not Found

Multilingual storyteller, poet and artist Jasmine Babbar presents her storytelling and poetry show Ghar (Home): Location Not Found from October 10-18 at the Speakeasy Theatre: The Vault, 522 Flinders St, Melbourne.Produced by Alisha Puri, this show is described as “araw, intimate and unexpectedly funny story about leaving home, losing it, and looking for it in…

OIBSERVER: MTC 2027 Season

Melbourne Theatre Company Artistic Director and CEO Anne-Louise Sarks has revealed the ambitious 2027 season – 11 productions spanning bold new Australian work,sharp provocations on classics, compelling dramas and international hits.“Our new season highlights who we are: a company that backs Australian artists, commissions new Australian work and gives artists the support to continue making…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

Shows CPP Players: Shrek the Musical September 25 – October 3 at the Rowville Performing Arts Centre, Humphreys Way, Rowville. Bookings: cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/shrek/Frankston Theatre Group: As You Like it (by William Shakespeare) Until October 4 at Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre, 97 Foote St., Frankston. Director: Ruth Gilmour. Bookings: Trybooking.The 1812 Theatre: Switzerland (by Joanna…

OBSERVER: Flicker

Pilot Comedy presents Flicker as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 12 -18 at 7.10pm at the Motley Bauhaus Theatrette in Carlton.Flicker is described as ‘a modern-day sex farce that blazes a trail for authentic obsessive-compulsive disorder representation onstage – A Young(ish) Perspective.’After seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre, London, this…

OBSERVER: Triptych

World renowned, Australian choreographer and director, Lewis Major, presents a stunning Contemporary dance, lighting and sound fusion to delight audiences at the Fairfax Studio in the Arts Centre, Melbourne. Triptych consists of three short works – Prologue, Unfolding and Epilogue.This production is a perfect meld of modern technical effects and elite precision dance which enthrall…