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OUT NOW: Wed., Aug. 26, 2026 – Latest Edition

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

The Regional Edition of this week’s Local Paper/Melbourne Observer is published online.

Observer

OBSERVER: The Nightline

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

n Never having rung in to a nightline, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.From the first steps via an exterior four level set of stairs, after cold, firm instructions from a sort of strict principal “concierge”, door entry permitted full viewing of a space with 40 separate round tables.Each had its own tightly focussed…

Community News

MELBOURNE: Backpack Bed for Homeless

Backpack Bed for Homeless will launch GoodNight Melbourne on Thursday (Aug. 7) at 10 am at Bolton Clarke, Port Melbourne, to fight back and keep rough sleepers alive.Research shows that in one night in inner city Melbourne, over 300 people will sleep on the streets, and 1022 Victorians sleep rough on any given night.Dubbed the…

Observer

OBSERVER: Opera Australia 2027

Opera Australia has announced that its 2027 Melbourne season will return to full repertory programming in the newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne.OA’s Director of Planning and Programming, Ruth Thomas said: “We’re really excited to be back in the Ian Potter State Theatre for our 2027 season – presenting a program…

Observer

OBSERVER: Wyndham play reading

While Wyndham Theatre Company awaits completion of essential maintenance works at their theatre, they will be hosting play readings and theatre workshops.These sessions are regarded as a relaxed and enjoyable way to stay connected, meet other members, develop new skills and experience the creative side of community theatre. All are welcome to attend, whether a…

Observer

OBSERVER: Burn The Floor

More performances have been released for the return of Burn the Floor with Luminous at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne from September 11-19.This ‘spectacular collision of Ballroom, Latin and Contemporary dance’ will feature champion dancers selected from around the world, with live musicians and singers.At the helm is Jason Gilkison, the creative force who has…

Observer

OBSERVER: Ballad of Dan O’Malley

Paul Mitchell’s The Ballad of Dan O’Malley: A Football Tragedy is based on the actual events surrounding the Melbourne Demons tanking scandal.In 2009, allegations erupted that the Demons intentionally lost matches to secure top draft picks for the club. The club was eventually hit with sanctions and a hefty penalty for bringing the game into…

Observer

OBSERVER: Crimes Of The Heart

Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the tragicomedy Crimes of the Heart from September 4-19 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna.Written by Beth Henley and directed by James Antonas, Crimes of the Heart is described as ‘laughter-laced with heartache in the Deep South.’In Hazlehurst, Mississippi, the three eccentric Magrath sisters reunite under one roof: Babe has just shot…

Observer

OBSERVER: The Sacrifice of Farinelli

Having its Australian premiere, the play The Sacrifice of Farinelli is a bold undertaking by Subverse Theatre which asks the question “What price the pursuit of perfection?”Set in the 18th century, two Italian brothers who live for music are Riccardo and Carlo Broschi.Riccardo is a composer while Carlo, a singer with a heavenly falsetto voice,…

Observer

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

The 1812 Theatre: Treasure Island (by Ken Ludwig) Until August 29 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Erin O’Hare. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au24th South Gippsland One Act Play Festival (FAMDA – Foster Arts Music and Drama Association) August 29-30Details and tickets: vdl.org.au/vdl-event/24th-south-gippsland-one-act-play-festival/Brighton Theatre Company: The Trouble with Harry (by Lachlan Philpott) Until August 29 at the Bayside…