Observer

OBSERVER: Australian Open

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Playwright Angus Cameron examines gender and societal expectations around relationships in a manner that is humorous, disarming but unerringly accurate.A somewhat narcissistic tennis ace, Lucas (Eddie Orton) is in a relationship with a less secure Felix (Sebastian Li).They are contemplating an open marriage to the chagrin of Felix’s parents, the deferential Peter (Alec Gilbert) and…

Observer

OBSERVER: Piper’s Playhouse

The launch of Piper’s Playhouse at Crown Casino brings a new daring, flamboyant venue to Melbourne with all the intimacy of cabaret in its purist form.Hints of illusion beckoned as we were ushered into the rich red velvet nightclub and seated at a ringside table.The mystery continued when a creature’s paw parted curtains serving our…

Observer

OBSERVER: Wind In The Willows

There were no willow trees and no wind, but the setting for the Australian Shakespeare Company’s Wind in the Willows was as perfect as you could ever imagine.With more than 100 audience members in attendance at our session, and the sun beating down just a little too fiercely, we were lucky to score a seat…

Observer

OBSERVER: John’s Pops Were Tops

It was Christmas time and the once a year time for John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra to perform a mix of their various Christmas and New Year themed recitals as part of their regular 10-day Holiday Concerts. Something they have specialised in for many years.Whether it be at Hamer Hall, the Melbourne Recital Centre or…

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OBSERVER: City Gallery

City Gallery announces On The Street Where I Live: Viva Gibb’s portrait of North and West Melbourne, a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of Melbourne artist and social documentary photographer Viva Jillian Gibb (1945–2017).Opening March 12, this exhibition, curated by Savannah Smith of the City of Melbourne’s Art and Heritage Collection team, marks the largest…

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OBSERVER: Teddy Bear’s Picnic

During early summer there was an air of mystery hanging over the St Kilda Botanical Gardens as parents and little ones were challenged with solving who had kidnapped Bobby the Bear.The Melbourne Shakespeare Company brought the Annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic to the historic gardens with a talented cast of five each playing various characters, as…

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OBSERVER: Written On Stone

What would you expect to see on a gravestone? Perhaps a heartfelt message of love for the deceased, along with the usual dates and names.Queensland author Julie Holland (pictured) has a different take on gravestones, having discovered the American tradition of gravestone recipes, and that tradition takes centre stage in her latest novel, Written On…

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OBSERVER: Drawing Program

Artist and educator Belinda Wilson is inviting adults to explore the art of life drawing through Drawing Together, an eight-week program designed to foster creativity and social connection.Commencing Wednesday, February 11, at Kingston Arts Centre, the program offers participants the opportunity to work from a professional live model in a relaxed studio environment.All skill levels…

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OBSERVER: Bek’s belated award

Musical theatre performer Bek Chapman was thrilled to be nominated for Best Supporting Performer in a Female Presenting Role by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria, for her role as Magda in Beaumaris Theatre’s production of Ladies in Black.Unfortunately, Bek became ill and could not attend the special MTGV gala event held at Camberwell Grammar…

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OBSERVER: Love, Lies and What I Wore

Heidelberg Theatre Company presents Love, Loss and What I Wore from February 13 – 28 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna.Written by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron from the book by Ilene Beckerman, Heidelberg Theatre Company’s production is directed by Catherine Christensen.Love, Loss, and What I Wore is described as ‘a heartfelt celebration of…