Culture
Live reviews
★★★★★
Review
This three-way bet on the loopy power of opera is a five-star triumph
Our reviewers cast a critical eye over this week’s big shows.
- by Joyce Morgan, John Shand and Harriet Cunningham
Latest
Defiance and risk collide in a gig that leaves a lasting impression
In their first Australian tour, Iniko is taking a risk by performing unreleased music – but their fans have nothing but cheers and encouragement for them.
- by Vyshnavee Wijekumar
It might be a tale as old as time, but this musical is pure delight
Musical theatre lovers with fond memories of seeing Beauty and the Beast as children will find them refreshed in this production (and kids will love it too).
- by Cameron Woodhead, Tony Way and Jessica Nicholas
★★★★½
Sydney live reviews
Torture, murder, lust and lies: Don’t miss this thrilling Tosca
Puccini’s masterpiece becomes a gripping, visually captivating game of cat-and-mouse in this new production.
- by Chantal Nguyen
★★★★★
Melbourne live reviews
The ghostly theatre classic you should see at least once in your life
Daniel MacPherson and John Waters star in The Woman in Black – the second-longest running play in London, after Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.
- by Cameron Woodhead, Nadia Bailey and Andrew McClelland
★★★★½
Sydney live reviews
This whip-smart satire puts a bomb under faux feminists
Our critics take a look at the latest shows around town.
- by Peter McCallum, Joyce Morgan, John Shand, Michael Bailey and Kate Prendergast
Has Melbourne’s biggest arts festival finally taken off?
With a beefed-up performing arts program, this was the first year of Rising that felt like more than a poor shadow of an international arts festival.
- by Cameron Woodhead
★★★★½
Review
This feast for the eyes is one of the best dance works you’ll see this year
Our reviewers give their verdict on the latest shows around town, including Chicago and gigs from Pond, Bangarra Dance Theatre. Opera Australia and 5 Seconds of Summer’s Luke Hemmings.
- by John Shand, James Jennings, Millie Muroi, Chantal Nguyen and Peter McCallum
★★★★
Melbourne live reviews
This moving and vibrant Rising show is a must-watch
Gurr Era Op, a beautifully composed dance theatre piece, is like a sea breeze: it blows strong and tastes fresh.
- by Andrew Fuhrmann, Cameron Woodhead, Tony Way and Vyshnavee Wijekumar
★★★★
Sydney live reviews
Actor, rapper, activist, comedian: This artist has got the lot
Our reviewers give their verdict on the latest shows around town, including Yasiin Bey’s two Vivid gigs and the STC’s Stolen.
- by John Shand and James Jennings
★★★★★
Melbourne live reviews
One of Melbourne’s most underrated bands return home and blow off the roof
At first, indie duo Good Morning and the Melbourne Recital Centre seemed like an unusual match. But then the music started.
- by Will Cox, Andrew Fuhrmann and Brodie Lancaster