The Local Paper

Observer

OBSERVER: Pirates of Penzance

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Victorian Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s famous comic operetta The Pirates of Penzance until February 6 at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda.Ben Mingay (the Pirate King) and Antoinette Halloran (the long-suffering Ruth) lead the high-seas jinks, joined by theatre veteran Richard Piper as the Major General, and rising stars Nicholas Jones and Nina Korbe as…

Observer

OBSERVER: A Christmas Presence

A Christmas Presence is a show that I would one hundred percent see again.It was a great show that captured all of the events that happened to make Christmas ‘Christmas’.It was an enjoyable script that told the story really well and was executed brilliantly by the cast. You could clearly tell this show was worked…

Observer

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays (by Ken Ludwig) February 12 – 28 at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Lucia Morris. Bookings: 9735 1777 lilydaleatc.comPEP Productions: Ride the Cyclone, February 13 – 21 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director: Daniel Kim; Musical Director: Isaac Stott; Choreographer: Maya Lee….

Emergency Services

NORTH-EAST: 37° in Yea at 7pm

The mercury was still at 37°C at 7pm in Yea on Tuesday (Jan. 27), as temperatures in other parts of the state reached a record high of 48.9°C (120.02°F). Fires in the North-East were reported late this afternoon at Cathkin (Goulburn Valley Hwy), Kilmore (Broadford-Kilomore Rd) Limestone (Monkey Creek Rd and Davies Track), Molesworth (GV…

Emergency Services

VICTORIA: 47° at Mildura at 2pm

Temperatures hit 47 degrees Celsius at 2pm (Tues., Jan. 27), with the thermometer showing 37° at Yea in the state’s north-east. Fires reported to Vic Emergency in the past hour in the north-east have included Cathkin, Ghin Ghin (Switzerland Rd), Highlands (Brigadoon Rd), Ruffy, Whanregarwen (Whanregarwen Rd, Wollert, Yarck (Old Yarck Rd)

Observer

OBSERVER: Vale Patsy King

Australian born actress Patsy King, best remembered for her principal role as Governor Erica Davidson in the iconic television series Prisoner, passed away on Monday, January 19 after a short illness. She was 95 years old.Patsy studied acting at Melbourne’s National Theatre and made her professional stage debut in 1951, playing the juvenile lead in…

Observer

OBSERVER: Theatre Works 2026

After something of an annus mirabilis in 2025, when the highest box office results were achieved in Theatre Works’ 45-year history, the company finished the year by launching its 2026 season.However, next year will be undoubtedly challenging as its powerhouse executive director/creative producer Dianne Toulsen departs in July.The launch, held at the company’s flagship venue…

Observer

OBSERVER: The Arcadians

Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV) presents The Arcadians – outdoors from February 28 to March 9 at The Know, 4 Clarkmont Rd, Sassafras, and indoors at The Round Studio in Nunawading from March 13-15.Directed by Robert Ray and Naomi Tooby, a live quartet will accompany the cast with music specially re-scored by MD Geoffrey…

Observer

OBSERVER: Theatre Works 2026

After something of an annus mirabilis in 2025, when the highest box office results were achieved in Theatre Works’ 45-year history, the company finished the year by launching its 2026 season.However, next year will be undoubtedly challenging as its powerhouse executive director/creative producer Dianne Toulsen departs in July.The launch, held at the company’s flagship venue…

Local People

VICTORIA: Australia Day Honours

Monday, January 26, 2026

Eastern Suburbs EditionMember of the Order of Australia (AM)in the General DivisionThe Honourable Bruce Norman Atkinson, Donvale. For significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and to the region of Nunawading.Member of the Order of Australia (AM)in the General DivisionMrs Andrea Coote. For significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and…