Reviews

ART

By Yasmina Reza. Translated by Christopher Hampton. Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney, Opening Night 17 February, 2026 then touring to Brisbane’s QPAC from 11 March, Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 24 April and Adelaide’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from 20 May.

Art is about three blokes, friends for years, arguing angrily about one purchasing an all-white modernist painting, but that’s just the trigger.  Extensively translated and staged around the world since it’s Paris premiere in 1994, it’s astonishing that Yasmina Reza‘s play is still so popular and her male trio so convincing across so many borders.

La Ronde

Strut & Fret. Adelaide Fringe. The Spiegeltent at The Garden of Unearthly Delights. Rundle Road, Adelaide Feb 13 – March 22, 2026

La Ronde is the most unique display of circus skills I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a few! Upon entering, our eyes are drawn to an immense mirror ball lit in red, hovering over a circular stage lined with mirrors. Lights are flashing, music is throbbing, and we know we are in for something special.

Featuring acts from all over the world La Ronde stands out because it combines cheeky cabaret with high level circus skills and clever audience participation.

Do Not Pass Go

By Jean Tong. Presented by Melbourne Theatre Company. Directed by Katy Maudlin. Southbank Theatre, The Lawler, 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank, Melbourne.14 February — 28 March 2026.

The title of this play cleverly references a famous board game and immediately conjures up the idea of not being able to get ahead in life. This is a theme that resonates strongly with contemporary audiences who are experiencing some of the most difficult and bizarre socio-political and economic circumstances seen in recent history.

Under Milkwood

By Dylan Thomas. Hobart Repertory Theatre Company. The Playhouse Hobart. 18-28 February 2026

Listen. Listen! Let the words wash over you. Be cradled on lilting rhythms, softly buffeted by alliteration. Waken gently to the onomatopoeia of beast and fowl. Let warmth and light seep into your soul and stay a while amongst the queer folk of Llareggub. But, above all, listen.

The words are glorious. There is a consistency of accent in the compelling production that is rarely achieved. It is all audible and clear. But it requires concentration.

Black Light

Written and directed by Jada Alberts. Presented by Malthouse Theatre. Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank,13 February – 17 March 2026.

This is a new play by award winning writer Jada Alberts. This text gives a very strong, beautiful and affirmative voice to Indigenous women and culture and involves a powerhouse of Indigenous women performers: real life sisters Rachael Maza (Aunty) and Lisa Maza (Mum), Tahlee Fereday (Bub) and Trisha Morton-Thomas (Nan). The story is set in Larrakia country (Darwin, NT) where Alberts was born and raised.

the worst of us.

By Emmett Aster (Creator/Performer). perhaps, theatre. Adelaide Fringe. Goodwood Theatre & Studios, Adelaide. 19 February – 08 March 2026.

the worst of us. is an intimate, tender tapestry wrapped around three stories founded in the human experience; it gently asks the audience to face their own imperfections and their own humanness through a lens of love and forgiveness.

The Soaking Of Vera Shrimp

By Alison Carr. Australian Premiere presented by Patch of Blue, Verse Unbound and Joanne Hartstone. Adelaide Fringe 2026. Judy’s, Holden Street Theatres. 17th February to 22nd March, 2026

Stepping through the door into Judy’s, the audience is immediately met by the star and the show has already begun before we take our seats. A modest sized room, filled only with a single wall of bookcases, jam-packed with office and scientific paraphernalia, and simple seating around the other walls comprises the very intimate performance space. There is no fourth wall in this solo show and the minimal audience is immediately drawn into the proceedings and continually encouraged to interact throughout the show.

George Orwell’s Animal Farm

By Van Badham. Conundrum Theatre Company. Directed by Claire Glenn. The Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall, Adelaide. 18 February – 22 February 2026

With their home in Singapore, Conundrum Theatre’s vibrant production of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, part of the Adelaide Festival Fringe, was full of energy, heart and creativity. Adapted by Van Badham and directed and designed by Ruby Award winners Claire Glenn and Anthony Kelly, this 90-minute production, presented at The Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall, provided the audience with the essence of Orwell’s political fable but propelled into the modern age with a sense of playfulness and potency.

Tonsils + Tweezers

By Will O’Mahony. Sharehouse Production Company. Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo NSW. Feb 17 – 27, 2026

Have you ever wanted to kill someone?

This unsettling question sets the tone for a soul-searching analysis that leaves audiences questioning their own values and the nature of human darkness. Tonsils + Tweezers, by playwright Will O’Mahony, blends sharp humour with emotional depth in a surreal black-comedy about friendship and the lingering impact of the past.

An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi: Crowd Pleaser

Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane. 17 February 2026

FANE Australia’s slogan – ‘Live. On Stage. Unforgettable.’ – sums up the evening they presented with Yotam Ottolenghi at QPAC’s Concert Hall. This was a great example of celebrity audience engagement, the popular type of ‘stage show’ that this month also sees similar tours by other British-based celebrities such as Kevin McCloud and Sir Tony Robinson – perhaps our summer is their winter escape.

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