Category: Reviews
Reviews of teen-friendly experiences, products, and places.
You don’t need to know much about Australian politics to enjoy The Gospel According to Paul: The Second Coming, playing at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, until 1 November 2026. Even if Paul Keating was before your time, this 90-minute play is genuinely funny and well worth seeing for his famously cutting wit. You will […]
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival kicked off at Sidney Myer Music Bowl with Jazz at the Bowl, headlined by Australian band The Teskey Brothers. Celebrating 10 years of their breakthrough debut album Half Mile Harvest, the band delivered an evening of blues, soul and familiar favourites, with new music offering a glimpse of what might […]
Two years after celebrating the 25th anniversary of her debut album, On How Life Is, Macy Gray has returned to the beautiful Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of her biggest-ever Australian and New Zealand tour. After her previously scheduled performance was cancelled due to industrial action, I’m so grateful she was able […]
Alex Warren brought plenty of emotion, energy and humour to Rod Laver Arena on the second night of his Finding Family on the Road tour in Melbourne. The concert went beyond the music, with Alex opening up about his life and sharing the stories behind some of his songs. Image: Alex Warren, Finding Family on […]
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 […]