Category: Reviews
Reviews of teen-friendly experiences, products, and places.
Some theatre entertains. Saplings makes you think long after you have left the auditorium. Presented by the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne, Saplings is an honest, funny and deeply moving collection of stories inspired by the real experiences of young people who have encountered the youth justice system. […]
Uncle Vanya has opened at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, bringing a fresh, funny and emotionally engaging take on Anton Chekhov’s classic play to the stage. Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, with Joanna Murray-Smith‘s adaptation bringing the story into the present through modern language, this production makes the characters and their frustrations feel far more accessible […]
Last night I attended the World Premiere season of STELLA: A New Australian Musical, a new production that brings to life the remarkable story of Australian literary icon Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin. Like many Australians, my understanding of Miles Franklin largely came from her iconic novel My Brilliant Career. However, STELLA: A New Australian […]
Audiences at St Kilda’s Memo Music Hall were treated to a nostalgic journey through some of the most iconic songs of the 1960s and 70s when The Big Chill Out arrived in Melbourne as part of its 2026 Australian tour. Inspired by the 1983 cult film The Big Chill, the live stage production celebrates the […]
Looking for something different to do on a winter night in Melbourne? Lightscape is back at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne from 12 June to 2 August 2026, and after getting a sneak peek of this year’s trail, I can confidently say it’s the best Lightscape yet. The award-winning experience transforms the gardens into a […]
Last night at Hamer Hall in Melbourne, I attended The Royal Family Dance Crew – Defend the Throne as part of the RISING Festival 2026, and it completely redefined what I expect from a live performance in this iconic venue. I’m used to seeing classical concerts and orchestral performances at Hamer Hall, so it was […]
Circus Oz is back in Melbourne for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with an electric, funny and skilful show that feels perfect for teens who enjoy live performance with energy, creativity and a bit of quirkiness. Watching Here, There and Everywhere! reminded me why I’ve always loved Circus Oz and why they remain such an […]
The Phantom of the Opera at Sydney Harbour has returned in spectacular style for 2026, offering teenagers one of the most unforgettable live theatre experiences currently in Australia. Staged at Mrs Macquarie’s Point as part of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, this open-air production transforms one of the world’s most famous musicals into a large-scale […]
My Brilliant Career has returned to Southbank Theatre as part of Melbourne Theatre Company’s 2026 season, following its popular premiere in 2024. This musical adaptation of Miles Franklin’s classic Australian novel turns the coming-of-age story into a modern, easy-to-connect stage production that feels relevant for today’s young adults. Image: Kala Gare Image by Pia Johnson […]
The NGV’s major summer exhibition Westwood | Kawakubo has officially opened at NGV International in Melbourne, bringing together two of the most influential and boundary-breaking designers of the modern fashion era. This world-premiere exhibition pairs British designer Vivienne Westwood (1941–2022) with Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo (b. 1942) of Comme des Garçons for the first time. […]
I’ve always been a fan of AC/DC, but seeing them live for the first time at the MCG on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, was an unforgettable experience. From start to finish, you could feel the energy and realise you were witnessing something truly special. Image: AC/DC Live in Melbourne 2025, credit Yoothz The AC/DC POWER […]
Joanna Murray-Smith’s new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley has arrived at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, giving Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller a sharp, modern edge. Presented by Sydney Theatre Company, this Melbourne season runs until 23 November 2025 and follows a highly praised world premiere in Sydney. This adaptation brings all the […]