Review

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Luke Gabbedy as Marcello, Rachelle Durkin as Musetta, David Parkin as Colline, Olivia Cranwell as Mimì, Kang Wang as Rodolfo, Shane Lowrencev as Schaunard and the Opera Australia Chorus.

Like cashmere and silk: These two singers turn this classic opera into a must-see

Our reviewers give their verdicts on all the latest shows around town.

  • Millie Muroi, Chantal Nguyen, Peter McCallum and John Shand

Latest

In the Heights has arrived in Melbourne.

Before Hamilton there was In the Heights. Here’s why you can’t miss it

Smaller in scope but bigger in heart, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first musical made its debut on Broadway in 2008 before it was given the silver screen treatment in 2021.

  • Sonia Nair, Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Kosa Monteith, Andrew Fuhrmann, Cameron Woodhead and Jessica Nicholas
Kyle Stegall (Belmonte) and Cleo Lee-McGowan (Konstanze) in Abduction by Victorian Opera.

Mozart’s ‘Abduction’ gets a wildly modern makeover

Abduction by Victorian Opera is entirely rewritten for modern sensibilities, and its wit and self-parody clearly struck a chord with the audience.

  • Barney Zwartz, Tony Way, Marcus Teague and Andrew Fuhrmann
The Wiggles performed a free set - for adults, mostly - at Old Mates Pub in New York City following their US tour.
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The sounds of home

The Wiggles performed a free set - for adults, mostly - at Old Mates Pub in New York City following their US tour.

Bloc Party recreated Silent Alarm with renewed energy.

Bloc Party rediscover their fire in the grimy darkness of the Hordern

Our reviewers check out the latest shows around town.

  • Nadia Russell, Peter McCallum, Kate Prendergast, Shamim Razavi and John Shand
Toby Schmitz is crucified on a grief-wreathed cross by the sudden death of his wife.

I’d give this stunning show a galaxy of stars if I could

Our reviewers give their verdicts on the latest shows around town.

  • Cassie Tongue, James Jennings, John Shand and Joyce Morgan
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The Hives perform at Forum Melbourne, July 19, 2025.

One of the best live bands in the world is finally back in Melbourne

To attend a concert by The Hives is to be inducted into a sweaty, euphoric cult for just over an hour of frenetic power.

  • Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Jessica Nicholas, Tony Way and Cameron Woodhead
Tricia Paoluccio channels Dolly Parton’s vocal mannerisms and expressions impressively.

This Dolly Parton musical has a wafer-thin plot – but who cares when the music’s this good?

You’ll have a much better time if you go in expecting a tribute concert over a fully integrated musical.

  • Cameron Woodhead, Vyshnavee Wijekumar and Tony Way
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath delighted tens of thousands of fans in an emotional farewell gig in Birmingham on Saturday
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Ozzy Osbourne's last show

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath delighted tens of thousands of fans in an emotional farewell gig in Birmingham on Saturday

Michael Whalley as Winston Smith and Chloe Bayliss as Julia in Shake & Stir’s production of 1984.

George Orwell intended 1984 to be a satire, but this play shows it’s close to the truth

While the design is impeccable, the slow creeping unease of the text doesn’t translate as easily to stage.

  • Cameron Woodhead, Tony Way, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Michael Dwyer and Sonia Nair