Observer

OBSERVER: Darebin Speakeasy

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents In Shadows (Dalam Bayang-Bayang), a haunting new work that reimagines the myth of the pontianak from June 24-28 at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.The pontianak is one of Southeast Asian folklore’s most enduring figures: a spirit born of betrayal, known for her long black hair, haunting laughter, and lingering presence among…

Observer

OBSERVER: The Audience

The Audience – National Theatre Live Live theatre performance, historical research and film technology merge brilliantly in the National Theatre Live production The Audience, written by Peter Morgan and starring Dame Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II.Recorded in June 2013 at the John Gielgud Theatre, directed by Stephen Daldry, The Audience returns to cinemas for…

Observer

OBSERVER: Murder In Paris

Fans of the late Kerry Greenwood Phryne Fisher series are going to love Kirsty Manning’s (pictured) new novel, Murder in Paris.Whereas Greenwood focused on an elegant, rich single woman detective in the 1920s, Manning’s era is the 1930s, with her dynamic young Australian lead character, Charlotte ‘Charlie’ James.Manning has written historical mystery of murder, fashion,…

Observer

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsBeaumaris Theatre: Two Ladies (Nancy Harris) Until June 6 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Adam Rafferty. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.auStrathmore Theatrical Arts Group: Kimberly Akimbo (by David Lindsay Abaire) Until June 6 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Bookings: stagtheatre@outlook.com or 0419505231Babirra Music Theatre: 42nd Street, Until June 6…

Observer

OBSERVER: The Songs of John Farnham

Terms such as ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ are overused these days. However both epithets fittingly apply when describing the Australian singer John Farnham.Timely then that a benefit concert The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend has been announced.A launch announcing the September 20 concert event was held in the foyer of Rod Laver Arena where…

Observer

OBSERVER: Mr Big

Monday, June 1, 2026

The Tayo Tayo Collective and fortyfivedownstairs present Mr Big: aka Tatay, a Trans Woman and that Tiring Tune written by Dax Carnay-Hanrahan from June 24-July 5 at fortyfive-downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.Set between 1990s Manila and contemporary Melbourne, Mr Big follows Diana, a trans Filipina woman juggling her upcoming wedding and the funeral of her…

Observer

OBSERVER: From All Sides

The conventional view of life in Western Sydney as boring and suburban was given a shake-up by the low-budget independent feature From All Sides with its portrayal of a multiracial sexually liberated family living there.Unfortunately the film’s promising premise was only partially realised as direction, editing, script and acting all suffered from shortcomings.A married multi-racial…

Observer

OBSERVER: The Forest – Lucy Guerin Inc.

The Forest by Lucy Guerin Inc. will be presented by Rising with University of Melbourne Arts and Culture from June 4 – 7 at the Union Theatre, University of Melbourne, Carlton.The new dance work reflects the many identities that forests hold in the human imagination.Our deep connection to trees has existed throughout history, alongside the…