The Ring: Siegfried review
That anyone can sing Siegfried, the title role in Wagner's third Ring opera, is surprising, so challenging is the role. That anyone can sing it like Stefan Vinke is astounding.
Stage
Wagner's Ring: opera stretches to seven hours after 'technical difficulties'
It's a marathon even when things go according to plan, but opera-goers stayed till after midnight to hear Ride of the Valkyries in Die Walkure.
Sad songs say so much
Paul Kelly and Charlie Owen have performed at funerals over the year, which comprise their new album, Death's Dateless Night✓.
Theatre
Antony Sher's King Lear fascinates with dark lunacy and mastery of language
Antony Sher is a haunted tree of a Lear, tangled up in uncomprehended intensities and with a jagged unlovely beauty in his mastery of the language.
Canberra production of Vinegar Tom highlights gender inequality
A 1970s British play about 17th century witches is still relevant today when it comes to gender inequality.
Mack and Mabel doesn't run smoothly as a star vehicle for fine actress
Angelique Cassimatis is a star to watch even if her talent are wasted in Mack and Mabel.
Dance
Queensland Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Canberra Theatre is heartwarming
This production of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet is full of charming and memorable moments.
New dance show examines what makes us nervous
Canberra's recently established contemporary dance company, Australian Dance Party, will present its latest evening-length show, Nervous.
Woden Valley Youth Choir artistic director named artist of the year
Alpha Gregory's many years maintaining the high standards of the choir have been recognised by the Canberra Critics' Circle.
Musicals
Hamilton actor says 'there's nothing to apologise for' over Pence speech
The Hamilton actor who delivered the Broadway show's viral message to Vice President-elect Mike Pence after a performance Friday said there is "nothing to apologise for" in response to President-elect Donald Trump's many tweets demanding one from what he deemed a "very rude" cast of an "overrated" show.
Woden Valley Youth Choir artistic director named artist of the year
Alpha Gregory's many years maintaining the high standards of the choir have been recognised by the Canberra Critics' Circle.
Cyndi Lauper on what goes wrong for so many parents
Cyndi Lauper may have learned the secret to sons but says she's a terrible parent.
Opera
The Ring: Siegfried review
That anyone can sing Siegfried, the title role in Wagner's third Ring opera, is surprising, so challenging is the role. That anyone can sing it like Stefan Vinke is astounding.
Wagner's Ring: opera stretches to seven hours after 'technical difficulties'
It's a marathon even when things go according to plan, but opera-goers stayed till after midnight to hear Ride of the Valkyries in Die Walkure.
Beauty and dramatic power superbly realised
Lise Lindstrom as Brunnhilde was a particular delight, while the surprise of the night, almost but not quite eclipsing her, was Amber Wagner as Sieglinde.
Comedy
Stand-up comedy career adds up
Dilruk Jayasinha left the heady heights of accountancy for sweaty live comedy.
Why You Need To See ... Nath Valvo
Nath Valvo tickles with spiky wit.
Bill Bailey: bird loving joker at the peak of his career
There are no hecklers in the audience anymore for one of the world's most loved comedians who is on his way to Sydney.