Theatre & Dance
Latest Melbourne theatre and dance reviews and previews
Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical is returning to Oz
If you can't get enough of '90s Australiana, then it's a great time to be alive. In 2014, there was the diamante-studded Strictly Ballroom the Musical. Later this year, Sydney Theatre Company will bring Porpoise Spit to the stage with a musical version of Muriel's Wedding. And in January next year, Priscilla Queen of the Desert will sashay into Melbourne's Regent Theatre, then make its way to Sydney's Capitol Theatre in May, Adelaide in August and Brisbane in September. Why is it back now, you ask? The musical adaptation of Stephan Elliot's 1994 camp classic – which starred Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp as drag queens – premiered in Sydney in 2006. Since then it has travelled the world, picking up a Tony and an Olivier award, plus a swag of other accolades, along the way. Finally, Priscilla will return to her homeland 10 years after the musical closed in Australia back in 2008, with the show's original director (and doyen of Australian theatre) Simon Phillips at the helm (who most recently directed the MTC's Macbeth). "It's a joy to be back in the driver's seat for the homecoming of this bona fide national treasure," says Simon Phillips. "Behind the sparkles, feathers and camp feel-good factor is a story that remains as relevant as it did when the film was released 20-odd years ago with a message of hope, tolerance and acceptance." Photograph: Supplied If you've never seen the film, then a) get on that ASAP; and b) slip on your best sequinned outfit
Theatre, dance, musicals and opera on now in Melbourne
A guide to Melbourne's theatre scene
Latest theatre reviews
The Merchant Of Venice
The battle between tolerance and bigotry will be brought to the fore in Bell Shakespeare’s new production starring Mitchell Butel and Jessica Tovey
Noises Off
Sam Strong directs Michael Frayn's peerless farce for Melbourne Theatre Company
My Fair Lady
Dame Julie Andrews has created a 60th anniversary production of the Tony Award-winning musical that feels trapped in amber – for better or worse
Aladdin
Disney's cartoon-to-stage Broadway hit about a boy, an uncorked spirit and an aerodynamic rug comes to Melbourne
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Little Creatures Live
You might already enjoy their beer – including Pale Ale, Rogers' and Dog Days – but did you know there's a way to take your Little Creatures love a little deeper? This year the brewery is taking their show on the road with a series of parties that feature live performance art, food and beer at various on-premise locations and festivals across Australia. They're calling it Little Creatures Live – inspired by the original moniker of their very first Pale Ale, brewed their own way with fresh hops flowers and live yeast. Little Creatures Live will be back in Melbourne very soon. Curious as to what to expect? Check out our recaps below. Or if you can't wait, why not pay a visit to Little Creatures' Geelong or Fremantle breweries?
The Perth Hitlist: What to do and where to go on a three or five day stay
It’s the only capital city in Australia where you can watch the sun set over the ocean, but that’s not the only reason Perth is now one of the coolest places to visit. Once known only for its pristine beaches, Perth’s love of food and culture is capturing the attention of tastemakers. Blame it on Instagram or the perfect weather – no one can explain how WA’s capital city made its way onto the international radar – but the latest frenzy of new hotel openings, a statewide culinary scene that is booming and a string of new urban projects may provide some clues. Stay a little longer and you can explore ancient caves and award winning wineries just three hours ‘down south’ around Margaret River. // var axel = Math.random() + ""; var a = axel * 10000000000000; document.write(''); //
13 things we love about winter in Melbourne
When winter's chill sets in, it can be tempting to hibernate. Our advice: don't. As a city that takes pride in its top-notch food and drink culture, arts, festivals and fashion, Melbourne comes into its own in winter – and we're here to help you make the most of it. Never have a boring winter's day again with these 14 rainy day activities in Melbourne; and stay toasty with our list of 21 ways to beat the cold. If all else fails, grab a seat next to the fireplace at one of these cosy pubs.
Taste your way around Melbourne at this new Southbank eatery
There’s something so intrinsically Melbourne about Bombini Buzz, Arts Centre Melbourne’s newest eatery. Part café and part bar, you can seamlessly transition from morning to night here without even having to leave its prime river’s edge location. The best part? Bombini Buzz put the focus on Melbourne makers – everything from the coffee to the Melbourne inspired tarts sold in store are locally made, so you’re supporting local suppliers while you dine. Keen to have a perfect Melbourne experience featuring goods from Bombini Buzz? Here’s a little itinerary we prepared earlier. 9am: Start your day with a micro-roasted coffee from Seven Seeds coffee brewed fresh by Bombini Buzz’s talented baristas. Take a sip alongside one of BB’s house made pastries – these specially made tarts are inspired by the streets and laneways of Melbourne. Our pick? The Queensberry Street tart, a chocolate cake with raspberry curd and coconut mousse. 10am: Next, take a short walk over to the Royal Botanic Gardens. If there’s anywhere you can escape the madness of the city CBD without actually leaving it, this is the place. Home to a cool 8,500 plant species, zen lakes and lush lawns, visitors can take part in workshops, tours, walks and talks that showcase the intricacies of the gardens. 12pm: Time for a gelato! Try some natural gelato and sorbet from Billy van Creamy, served fresh and ice cold at Bombini Buzz. While it’s locally produced in Fitzroy North, Bombini Buzz has a range of their most po