Review
A critic’s view on Melbourne theatre in 2024
From a theatre company that keeps raising the bar, to an awkward return, to shows that punch above their weight, it’s been an interesting year on our stages.
- by Cameron Woodhead
Latest
Torben was studying to be a physio. He quit – and became the biggest name in musical theatre
The mystery man behind Scrooge, Matilda and Norma Desmond is finally ready for his close-up.
- by Cassidy Knowlton
With an ode to artistic burnout, La Mama says goodbye (for now)
In a send-off celebration before temporarily closing in 2025, La Mama hosted an all-day performance event created with the rebellious collective, Pony Cam.
- by Cameron Woodhead
Jack White returns to the grimy intimacy of the Melbourne venue where he wrote one of his hits
Jack White, rock and roll royalty, could fill a much bigger venue than the Corner Hotel several times over – but this grimy intimacy is what he prefers.
- by Will Cox, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Cameron Woodhead, Andrew Fuhrmann and Tony Way
Updated
Melbourne live reviews
Trump in a dumpster plus a little bit of opera? This is a Christmas show with a difference
F Christmas is a holiday variety special that delivers wildly defiant joys with a dose of reality.
- by Cameron Woodhead, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Andrew Fuhrmann, Cher Tan and Tony Way
Twist on Frankenstein transports the classic to London under Thatcher
Cruel Britannia’s atmosphere of uncanniness and threat created by gender conformity resonates with deeper truths that a more straightforward retelling might miss.
- by Cameron Woodhead, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Will Cox and Nell Geraets
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
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
★★★★½
Arts
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
Escalate Juggling Trio perform on stage
Byron Hutton, Richard Sullivan and Samuel Kreusler perform juggling act Escalate.
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
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/topic/theatre-reviews-jp6