The live version of Trainspotting ... with flying poo
The acclaimed Scottish play is grittier than the film versions and audiences are warned not to wear their best clothing, due to flying faeces.
Stage
The stuff of teachers' nightmares
A blackboard jungle drama tackles issues of sexual consent, ethics and power in unapologetic, in-your-face style.
My Fair Lady has more to offer than just Julie Andrews
Until now, the talk about Opera Australia's production of My Fair Lady has centered so firmly on Dame Julie Andrews you'd swear she was playing not only Eliza Doolittle but Mrs Higgins as well.
Theatre
The stuff of teachers' nightmares
A blackboard jungle drama tackles issues of sexual consent, ethics and power in unapologetic, in-your-face style.
Vintage American tragicomedy a simple theatrical pleasure
American writer Beth Henley's play is the story of three small-town sisters reuniting in unhappy circumstances
How do you solve a problem like trying to address Julie Andrews?
She's Mary Poppins, she's Maria von Trapp, but Julie Andrews answers to a more familial pet name while in Brisbane.
Dance
Faster review: Challenging triple bill for dancers
The Australian Ballet's modern ballet program, Faster, presents works by three male choreographers. The works are designed to showcase the body in high-speed motion, with a focus on heightened physicality, hyper-extended limbs, and contemporary sound and design.
Wayne McGregor and Max Richter: fusing music, dance and tech
The Royal Ballet's choreographer Wayne McGregor, and composer Max Richter fuse music, dance and technology to create narrative wonders, as will be seen when two of their collaborations are performed in Australia.
Toned and terrific: Ballet gets a sporty makeover
''Faster'' is a modern ballet that plays out like an MGM musical with a Hitchcockian soundtrack.
Musicals
Chicago full of power and drive
This production of the dark, cynical Kander and Ebb musical is energetic and hard to resist.
Canberra Philharmic Society presents Chicago, a musical for our time
This production of the classic Bob Fosse musical aims to get back to its vaudeville roots while emphasising its sharp satirical edge.
Ladies In Black review: Feminist fairytale a Cinderella story of the Australian stage
An effervescent blend of workplace soap, rom-com and coming-of-age story.
Opera
Shipshape rendition of Gilbert & Sullivan classic
Melbourne Opera delivers a fine production of HMS Pinafore but it's almost too energetic for its own good.
Sex, jealousy, murder: Opera's feistiest females
As Opera Australia bumps in its spectacular restaging of Carmen outdoors on Sydney Harbour, we look at the feistiest women in the repertoire.
Sleeping Beauty review: Marvellously energetic and often hilarious performance
Joyous is the only word necessary to summarise Victoria Opera's marvellously energetic and often hilarious performance of Ottorino Respighi's 1922 opera.
Comedy
Daniel Kitson: the world's most elusive comedy genius
He is considered the greatest English comedian and storyteller of his generation, but hecklers at his gigs should watch out.
Guffaw. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing. Do it again
Like voice itself, human laughter is endlessly, subtly, distinctive.
Chris Rock to tour Australia for first time in nine years
The actor, comedian, writer, director and producer is heading to Australia in June as part of his world stand-up tour