Culture
Live reviews
The gripes stand, but there’s undeniable magic: Empire of the Sun are back
Over-the top but utterly spellbinding, attending an Empire of the Sun show in 2024 feels like both stepping back and forward in time.
- by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen and Jessica Nicholas
Latest
★★★★★
Melbourne live reviews
Cold Chisel at 50 show why they’re one of the world’s great rock bands
Jimmy Barnes sang with every atom of his visibly scarred body. Pianist Don Walker, guitarist Ian Moss, bassist Phil Small and drummer Charley Drayton played like their lives were on the line.
- by Michael Dwyer
Check out the alien eggs, moonscapes and bonsai – the music’s not bad, either
Our reviewers catch up with all the latest shows around town.
- by John Shand and Michael Ruffles
★★★★★
Melbourne live reviews
Christie Whelan Browne’s hilarious cabaret serves up rare authenticity
The zany, raw, warts-and-all Life in Plastic follows Whelan Browne’s own journey from the irrepressible awkwardness of girlhood to stardom.
- by Andrew Fuhrmann, Will Cox, Cameron Woodhead and Barney Zwartz
Melbourne Fringe
Melbourne live reviews
The best, the weirdest and the most risky of the final Fringe weekend
A performance at a mystery location and a show that takes true crime to its limits – read our ever-growing list of reviews here.
- by Cameron Woodhead, Cher Tan, Donna Demaio, Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Hannah Francis, Sonia Nair, John Bailey, Tyson Wray, Andrew Fuhrmann and Vyshnavee Wijekumar
★★★
Review
You may never have heard of the composer, but her work is thrilling
Our critics take a look at the latest shows around town.
- by Shamim Razavi, John Shand, Kate Prendergast, Frances Howe and Peter McCallum
Melbourne Fringe
Melbourne live reviews
Fun, subversive, and occasionally kinky: Here’s what not to miss at Fringe
From a dinner party with a difference to a cup of tea with a stranger, this year’s Fringe is in full swing. Read our ever-growing list of reviews here.
- by Andrew Fuhrmann, Cameron Woodhead, Cher Tan, Guy Webster, Hannah Francis, Sonia Nair, Tyson Wray and Vyshnavee Wijekumar
Catharsis and high kicks: Olivia Rodrigo’s first Melbourne show is a hit
To say Rodrigo’s first Australian tour was anticipated is an understatement: some eager fans had been camping out at Rod Laver Arena since the weekend.
- by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Barney Zwartz, Andrew Fuhrmann, Tony Way and Will Cox
Melbourne Fringe
Melbourne live reviews
The best (and the weirdest) of the Fringe Festival so far
From a live soap opera complete with snacks to a celebration of tomatoes, this year’s Fringe is in full swing. Read our ever-growing list of reviews here.
- by Andrew Fuhrmann, Cameron Woodhead, Cher Tan, Donna Demaio, Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Guy Webster, Hannah Francis, John Bailey, Sonia Nair, Tyson Wray and Vyshnavee Wijekumar
★★★★½
Review
An all-but-perfect masterclass from this restless 84-year-old genius
Our critics give their verdict on the latest shows around town.
- by Peter McCallum, John Shand, Penry Buckley, Cassie Tongue and Frances Howe
★★★★★
Melbourne live reviews
I’ve seen them all, and this jukebox musical is simply the best
Ruva Ngwenya’s powerful performance as Tina Turner must be seen – and heard – to be believed.
- by Cameron Woodhead