TINSEL and TAP SHOES

Review: ‘The Homecoming’ at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre 2 (2026)

The Homecoming is playing at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre 2 until October 3rd. More information and tickets via shakespeareaustralia.com.au

News: More Cast Revealed For ‘The Shawshank Redemption’

As final performances for the Sydney and Melbourne seasons for the Australian tour of The Shawshank Redemption go on sale today, additional cast members were revealed.

The stage adaptation of one of the most popular and enduring films of all times, The Shawshank Redemption will play in Sydney from 2-31 January 2027 and Melbourne from 3 February to 7 March, before moving to Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

Melbourne Fringe Festival Interview: Em Barrett on ‘Ode to a Grape’ (2026)

Em Barrett is a versatile, award-winning New Zealand performer and writer about to debut at the Melbourne Fringe Festival with her unhinged new show, Ode to a Grape, in which she takes on the role of her comedic alter-ego Johann.

Ahead of the show’s run at this year’s Fringe, we sat down with Em to discuss the inspiration behind the show, what inspires her as a performer, and, given the show’s title, exactly what her favourite fruit is.

Melbourne Fringe Festival Interview: Holly Bohmer, Mario Hannah and Taylor Griffiths on ‘Nosebleeds’ (2026)

Ahead of the 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival, Holly Bohmer, Mario Hannah and Taylor Griffiths sat down with me to discuss Nosebleeds, a show the hilarious trio describe as “a sketch comedy descent into vintage horror”, which is playing at The Improv Conspiracy during the festival from October 1-18.

News: Arts Centre Melbourne to present landmark visual opera ‘OPERATION:ORFEO’

Arts Centre Melbourne has announced that OPERATION:ORFEO, a hypnotic depiction of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, will return to the Ian Potter State Theatre in February 2027, 30 years since its premiere Victorian season in the same venue. Part opera, part visual artwork, it takes audiences on a descent into the underworld in a work of astonishing precision and beauty.

News: ‘The Songs Of John Farnham’ Goes Live On The Big Screen, Only At Hoyts

More fans will now have the chance to be part of one of the most significant celebrations in Australian music history, with The Songs Of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert broadcasting live into HOYTS cinemas nationwide on Sunday 20 September.

Interview: Country-Rock Powerhouse Jayne Denham

Country rock singer-songwriter, Jayne Denham is gearing up for the release of her seventh studio album. Working with legendary producer Marti Frederiksen and acclaimed songwriter Kylie Sackley across three sessions in Nashville, Denham says the forthcoming release is built on faith, redemption, resilience, and the belief that even life’s darkest seasons can lead to healing.

Three songs have been released so far: Hillbilly Halo – a loud, high-octane party anthem; Preacher’s Song – a cheeky song inspired by her first boyfriend; and Angel Of Mercy – born from hitting rock bottom during her marriage breakdown. The fourth track is about holding onto hope during tough times and trusting that better days are ahead. Written by Buck Johnson, James Dean Hicks and Charlie Midnight, Gotta Believe It is due for release September 4.

News: ‘La Ronde’ And The Return Of ‘Briefs: The Works’ Among First Shows Announced For Season Two Of Spiegel Haus Melbourne

After a triumphant inaugural season, Spiegel Haus Melbourne returns to the CBD from 23 September, unveiling its first programming for season two with highlights including Briefs: The Works and La Ronde plus family shows, jazz, burlesque and comedy events.

News: ‘Matilda The Musical’ To Open in Melbourne in October 2027

Marking over a decade since Australian audiences first fell in love with the remarkable production, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, will open at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from October 2027, before travelling to the Sydney Lyric and QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane.