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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Top Arts NGV 2026 exhibition returns for its 32nd year, showcasing some of the most exciting young talent from across Victoria. Held at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, this annual student art exhibition highlights outstanding work from VCE Art and Studio Arts students, offering a snapshot of the creativity shaping the next generation […]
Melbourne Theatre Company’s comedy-drama Shoelace Chaser is a strong, well-balanced production that reflects the company’s consistent reputation for high-quality theatre. Presented at Southbank Theatre’s The Lawler, this heartfelt coming-of-age story blends humour and emotional honesty, creating a production that resonates strongly with teenagers, families and adult audiences. Image: Leigh Lule, Photo by Jacinta Keefe Shoelace […]
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 […]
Last night, the Melbourne Theatre Company presented the world premiere of Do Not Pass Go, a new Australian play by Jean Tong (Heartbreak High, Erotic Stories, Hungry Ghosts). Developed through the company’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program, the production explores modern working life, friendship and the pressure many people feel when reflecting on where they are […]
The Art Gallery of New South Wales presents ARTEXPRESS 2026, the highly anticipated annual exhibition showcasing exceptional artworks created by students who completed the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC) Visual Arts course. Now in its 43rd year at the Gallery, ARTEXPRESS continues to be one of Australia’s most significant exhibitions dedicated to emerging young artists. […]