Observer

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

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

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

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

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

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…