Cartoonist Oslo Davis makes like Mr Squiggle in live story book with puppets
Things have come a long way since Mr Squiggle but using live pictures to tell stories is as magical as it ever was.
Stage
Remembering Pirates review: Unlikely twist dents darkly intriguing Peter Pan tale
"Technical issues" kept me from reviewing this production of Christopher Harley's new play until now. Watching what is a low-key, well-made staging, I found myself wondering what those issues could have been.
Australian World Orchestra review: Gathering of the great a memorable evening
The annual gathering of Australia's musical diaspora that is the Australian World Orchestra no doubt recaptures the fond, careless raptures of a youth music camp for its players, as well as kindling cultural pride in the rest of us.
Theatre
Feelgood and sexy old-world charm
Mama Alto's memorable show-tunes and 1950s nostalgia ensure a real good time.
Mother at the Q is Noni Hazlehurst's one-woman triumph
Daniel Keene's intensely moving play was written for its solo actor who is magnificent.
Black is the Colour review: interpreting dark themes
A new theatre troupe's use of deaf actors and Auslan with English surtitles is both frustrating and intriguing no non-Auslan audience members.
Dance
Australian Ballet launches 2017 season with three iconic roles for women
"It's a big year for the ladies," says the Australian Ballet's artistic director David McAllister. "Our program really reflects the strength of our women and not just in the principal ranks."
Coppelia a beloved Australian Ballet production for a reason
The Australian Ballet has dug into its archives to present Coppelia.
Guerin dances through light and shade
The latest work from renowned Melbourne choreographer Lucy Guerin makes its international premiere at Melbourne Festival next week.
Musicals
Review: Extraordinary story of conjoined twins falls flat in Side Show
The story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton was a less than modest success on Broadway when it debuted in 1997. This production directed by Richard Carroll throws light why Side Show never really hooked a wide audience.
Why Kinky Boots star hid in toilet
Minutes after Cyndi Lauper praised Callum Francis, he locked himself in the bathroom
Free Rain's Wicked musical launch defies the rain
The Canberra premiere of the musical presenting an alternative take on a famous story has some experienced talent for the lead roles.
Opera
Victorian Opera takes Gertrude Stein to a new dimension
You can't help but think that if Gertrude Stein were alive, she'd give the Victorian Opera's new production of Four Saints in Three Acts two thumbs up.
Our Man in Havana Review: swaying and singing with élan
On Saturday, after half a century of neglect, came the big thaw.
Pecan Summer review: Deborah Cheetham leads strong cast in epic stolen generations story
The stolen generations has become a central story in contemporary Australia and this telling, by a member of that generation, goes to the heart of our sense of self.
Comedy
Neal Portenza review: An exhilirating night of off-script comedy
Returning from Edinburgh to an audience of nine, Joshua Ladgrove decides to improvise, to hilarious effect.
A tragicomedy wrapped up in song
Wes Snelling's affecting vocals amp up the pathos for a singer who has seen better days.
The Bard rewritten to uproarious effect
The actors' fast wit and familiarity with the bard will please fans of Shakespeare and philistines alike.