If you’re still recovering from Nobody (2021), Nobody 2 is a bruising encore that doubles down on the absurd. Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) returns as Hutch Mansell, the unassuming suburban dad with a lethal past, now hauling his family off on a long-overdue vacation. But, of course, it swiftly unravels into chaos. What he thought would be a peaceful getaway morphs into full-on mayhem when their trip hits a corrupt tourist trap run by a crooked sheriff and crime boss Lendina (Sharon Stone). Director Timo Tjahjanto delivers tightly choreographed carnage – chaos in a water park, a trap-laden finale and savage…
Author: Caroline Duncan
Lin Manuel Miranda’s breakout musical In the Heights is lighting up the Comedy Theatre with a burst of rhythm, colour and utter joy while also offering a sizzling hot antidote to Melbourne’s winter. Set in New York’s underprivileged Washington Heights, the story follows Usnavi, a charismatic bodega owner torn between chasing his dreams and staying loyal to his tight-knit community. Romance, gentrification, rent stress, and a stifling heatwave ripple through the storyline, but at its core, In the Heights is a love letter to place, culture and those little dreams that define us all. Ryan González wears the heart of Usnavi like second…
Vogue is one of two new productions currently on offer at North Melbourne cabaret venue Viva, This cabaret meets cirque performance blends high fashion, fierce choreography, and jaw-dropping acrobatics in a show that’s as glamorous as it is bold, and also just a bit cheeky. Viva has rapidly become North Melbourne’s nightlife standout, drawing comparisons to Berlin’s underground clubs and New York’s avant-garde scene. At its heart, Vogue is a stylish explosion of faux couture, wit and energy. The performers glide across the stage with effortless swagger, shifting from sleek dancers to gravity-defying cirque acts in a heartbeat. And while it ventures…
This body-horror romance from Michael Shanks stars real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a long-term couple relocating to the country in hopes of reviving their relationship. But when a freak incident in a cave messes with their bodies—and by extension, their minds—the move is the beginning of the couple’s nightmare. The movie was filmed locally in the Dandenong Ranges and at Melbourne’s Docklands Studios, which becomes distracting when you know what you’re looking at (V-Line train cameo; the school Millie is teaching at is clearly an Aussie primary school and looks nothing like an elementary…
Bloomshed’s production of Pride and Prejudice has landed at the Darebin Arts Centre with an ingenious and irreverent take on the Jane Austen classic. Set through the lens of today’s housing crisis, this revival swaps Regency ballrooms for biting satire and a potted monstera as Mr. Bennet, delivering a highly entertaining romp from start to finish. Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a witty romantic novel set in rural England during the early 1800s. It centres on Elizabeth Bennet, the intelligent and independent second eldest of five daughters, as she navigates love, social expectations, and family pressures. When the proud and wealthy Mr Darcy arrives…
Here You Come Again is livening up the Comedy Theatre with a joyous, glittering celebration of Dolly Parton’s music and legend, for a strictly limited run. The story centres on Kevin who has moved from Melbourne back home to the Bendigo attic of his parents’ home during COVID-19 lockdowns. Here he revisits the devotion to Dolly Parton from his youth, which transports him into a whimsical dream world where Dolly offers counsel through song, humour and sage advice. What might sound like a basic premise blooms into something touching and hilarious, as Kevin confronts personal heartbreak and self-doubt with Dolly…
As a longtime admirer of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s groundbreaking 2002 film 28 Days Later, I approached the news of a third instalment of the trilogy – 28 Years Later – with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Could it possibly live up to its predecessors? After experiencing this cinematic journey, I can confidently say the answer is yes – earning a well-deserved seven stars in my book. This third instalment in the 28 Days trilogy follows 28 Weeks Later (2007), which I rewatched in anticipation of the new film. Set in a post-apocalyptic UK still under international quarantine, the film explores the aftermath of…
There’s something magical about witnessing a band that defined a generation return to the stage with the same ferocity that first catapulted them to fame. On a freezing Melbourne night, The Superjesus proved they’re not just a relic of the ’90s alt-rock boom but a still-vital force, delivering a powerhouse performance at Richmond’s iconic Corner Hotel. From the moment Sarah McLeod strode onstage- wielding her guitar like a weapon and flashing her signature grin – the crowd was hers. The band did not disappoint, offering a setlist that spanned their storied career and introduced fresh material from their new self-titled…
Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena was a dazzling spectacle that reaffirmed her status as pop royalty. Over four sold-out nights, Perry delivered a high-energy performance that blended her iconic hits with a futuristic stage design, captivating fans across generations. While she’s been a somewhat frequent visitor to Melbourne over the years, this marked Perry’s first proper stadium tour here since the 2018 Witness tour. (She’s done other gigs, like performing at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020 and the 2024 AFL Grand Final, and at least one private show for a billionaire). The concert was…
The Lemonheads took a trip down memory road as they delivered a nostalgia filled performance at Melbourne’s Croxton Bandroom on Friday 16 May 2025, celebrating the 30th anniversaries of their seminal albums It’s a Shame About Ray and Come On Feel the Lemonheads. The sold-out show was part of their Australian tour, which included multiple dates at the Croxton due to high demand. In the 1990s, The Lemonheads carved out a unique place in pop culture, particularly among Gen X audiences navigating a post-grunge, alternative-rock landscape. Fronted by the charismatic Evan Dando, the band blended catchy pop melodies with a slacker ethos that…
Controversy has erupted over a large Ralph Lauren billboard installed at Melbourne’s heritage-listed Federation Square. The advertisement, prominently displayed on the façade of the square’s main building, has sparked public outcry and debate about the commercialisation of one of the city’s most iconic public spaces. Critics argue that the billboard undermines the cultural and architectural significance of Federation Square, which was granted heritage status in 2019 to preserve its unique design and civic purpose. Many Melburnians have taken to social media to express their disapproval, describing the advertisement as “jarring” and “out of place” in a space meant for public gatherings…
A mural in a Fitzroy laneway depicting a bound and gagged woman has caused a major controversy over the past few days. Titled Kinbakubi , the artwork was painted by Los Angeles-based queer artist Lauren YS and is said to be inspired by Japanese shibari rope art. It was commissioned by a local photographer specializing in queer and sex worker-safe content. Lauren YS, who uses they/them pronouns, described the piece as a celebration of queer identity and empowerment, noting that it was installed in a low-traffic area with tenant approval. However, the mural has drawn more than 1,000 complaints to the…