Stage Briefs

Opera Australia's New Leading Lady

Gilbert and Sullivan could be back on the menu for Opera Australia following the appointment of UK director Jo Davies as Artistic Director. She’s set to take over from Lyndon Terracini at a time when the company is facing intense financial pressures.

Alexa Turn on the Lights, in Perth

Perth, you are invited to come and meet Alexa as you’ve never seen her before!

One of the most recognised voices in the world will together with show creator Jacob Watton have a conversation about how our world has been deeply changed by technology.  What better way to explore this change than through a conversation with technology herself.

Jacob Watton and Cluster Arts present Alexa Turn on the Lights as part of Perth’s Fringe World Festival, from February 2 – 12, 2023.

Grassroots Comedy at Convenients for Fringe World

WA-based Grassroots Comedy brings the best of the fest to the bar behind the fridge door, Convenients, in Northbridge for Perth Fringe World 2023. From Friday, 20th January to Sunday, 19th February 2023, the Grassroots Comedy Fridge Hub is the one-stop-shop for laughs from local and international acts, some experimental formats and ye olde faithful standup. With every genre and style available, there's no need to go anywhere else at this Perth Fringe Festival. 

Brass Monkeys

The creators of Children are Stinky are bringing an action-packed, super exciting circus spectacular to Perth’s Fringe World from January 20 to February 5, 2023.

Brass Monkeys celebrates kids who march to the beat of their own drum and have the world at their dancing feet.

Bursting with high calibre acrobatics, a ton of comedy, live music and high-flying tricks, this show is perfect for little kids and grown-ups who like a big brass belly laugh!

Assume People Like You

Perth audiences looking for a unique and touching experience will be able to enjoy Brisbane based circus artist Melon the Human's show Assume People Like You during its Western Australian debut at The Parlour, Perth Cultural Centre.

Disney Announces Gaston, Le Fou and Maurice

The Walt Disney Company has announced the performers that have been cast in the roles of Gaston, Maurice and Le Fou when Beauty and the Beast opens at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in June 2023.

Andy Cook will step into the role of Gaston, Le Fou will be played by Nick Cox and Rodney Dobson will play Belle’s father, Maurice.

Beauty and the Beast will be produced in Australia by The Walt Disney Company and Disney Theatrical Productions, under the supervision of Thomas Schumacher.

Heart of Surry Hills

Crime and cocktails tour.

There was a time when inner Sydney was ruled by crime gangs led by two women, and now a night tour of notorious locales is bringing their escapades back to life, mixed with pitstops at drink stops and eateries.

The Local Sauce tour run by Justin Steele commences at Sydney’s famous Taylor Square on Oxford Street, with members of the group handed a postcard of a crime figure of the 1920s and 30s.

Mamma Mia! returns to Sydney in May 2023

Mamma Mia! returns to the Sydney Lyric from May 2023 for a strictly limited season, featuring 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen”, “Voulez Vous”, “S.O.S.” and “Take a Chance On Me”.

2023 Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund Grant Recipients

The 2023 Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund Grant Recipients have been announced with a significant number of grants allocated to emerging and First Nations artists.

This year’s Artist Fund has been fuelled by donations to the Adelaide Fringe Foundation, including funds raised by the Adelaide Fringe Donor Circle and increased support from the State Government following an election commitment by the Malinauskas Government.

El Diablo at The Butterfly Club

The multi-award-winning comedy El Diablo hits Melbourne’s Butterfly Club, after touring across the state performing at Victorian Drama League One Act Play Festivals. The hilarious show, which is part satire, part observational comedy with a twist of social commentary, won multiple Best Production, Ensemble and Acting Awards.