Harry Potter is a global cultural phenomenon. It started with what became the most successful book series in history (more than 600 million sold). Then, it transformed into one of the highest grossing film franchises (with a take of upwards of 12.75 billion Australian dollars for the eight movies). Further, the theatrical production Harry Potter…
Frequently politically incorrect, Jordan Barr revels in pushing the boundaries in a show that stirs the pot. Many are in the firing line of this quick-witted comedian, who maintains a fast tempo, with plenty of asides (quick quips). Complete with PowerPoint, a couple of jazz stings and a musical in memoriam with a decided twist,…
Lightscape (Friday, 20th June – Sunday, 10th August, 2025) has become an annual, must-see cavalcade of illuminated wonder at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Now, for the first time, the concept has been extended to Melbourne’s outer southeast, specifically to Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. It is titled Lightfall: Nature After Dark and is an April school…
It has the look and feel of a silly student production. It marks the first fully written play and directorial debut of Oscar O’Brien. The concept – pinch the brilliance of Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton and make it about ants. I kid you not. And the vast majority of the protagonists in the work…
A horrendous sound mix – it was too loud and distorting – ruined what could have been one of the best shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. More is the pity, because the star of the piece is clever, highly creative, funny and musically dexetrous, and the fix would have been so damn easy….
With charming characters and impressive special effects, the reimagined Snow White is delightful. The original 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, helped established Disney as an animation powerhouse. Based on the classic fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, the movie introduced the iconic characters of Snow White, the Evil Queen and the…
Oh, Canada is a confessional … a reckoning for a dying man. Writer and director Paul Schrader collaborated with actor Richard Gere 45 years ago on American Gigolo and it has taken them this long to reunite. Gere plays feted Canadian documentary filmmaker Leonard Fife at the end of his life, while Jacob Elordi is…
As her show reveals, Gillian Cosgriff is a born worrier who Googles just about everything. But, of course, she is not the only stress head, which makes her immediately relatable. Before we enter The Show Room at Arts Centre Melbourne, we are invited to note what we are worried about on a small slip of…
There is nothing comedian Geraldine Hickey likes more to clear her mind than a bit of a wander – a walk or a run – or so she tells us. Against a backdrop of six bush panels, that reminded me of Frederick McCubbin paintings, she opens up about some of her experiences. She starts by…
He’s quick-witted, natural, easy going and self-deprecating. He’s playful and he’s funny. Luke McGregor speaks openly about his autism, his looks, his marriage and his children. After thanking everyone for coming several times, he tells us that he arrived at the theatre late because he feared he had left the iron on … only to…
