Reviews

West Gate

By Dennis McIntosh. Presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, directed by Iain Sinclair. Southbank Theatre, The Sumner 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank, Melbourne. 10 March — 18 April 2026

At 11.50 am on 15 October 1970, the West Gate bridge collapsed while under construction killing 35 workers. Despite being an historically well-documented event this tragedy has often been buried in the Australian and Victorian psyche. 

Exit Laughing

By Paul Elliott. Hunters Hill Theatre. Club Ryde Ex. Mar 6 – 29, 2026

Exit Laughing is a hilariously engaging production with a unique blend of humour and heart, exploring themes of friendship, grief, and the meaning of celebrating life, even in the face of loss.

The ensemble cast, led by Phillipa Coleman as Connie, delivers sensational performances that breathe life into the complex relationships at the table. 

Sing Sing Sing

Hosted by Jason Barry-Smith. Presented by Opera Queensland. Opera Queensland Studio, 14 March, 2026

Opera Queensland’s Sing Sing Sing continues to prove that participation can be every bit as artistically satisfying as observation. This is not opera as a museum piece, preserved behind glass and admired in silence. It’s opera with its collar unbuttoned a little, handed back to the room, and all the better for it. Always well attended, and clearly building a loyal following, the event has found a sweet spot between musical substance and social ease.

The Riddle of Washpool Gully

Written, Directed and Designed by David Moreton. Presented by QPAC and Dead Puppet Society. Cremorne Theatre, QPAC. 10 – 21 March, 2026

Dead Puppet Society’s The Riddle of Washpool Gully is a gentle, imaginative piece of theatre that reminds us how powerful simple storytelling can be when it is placed in the hands of skilled theatre makers. Presented in the intimate Cremorne Theatre at QPAC, this revival of David Morton’s work unfolds like a story discovered in the pages of a beloved Australian picture book, quietly inviting the audience into a world where forgotten landscapes and mythical creatures still hold their secrets.

Riot City Wrestling

Presented by Riot City Wrestling. Adelaide Fringe at The Peacock at Gluttony. 7 March – 21 March 2026.

Amid the vibrant chaos of the Adelaide Festival Fringe, where comedy, cabaret and circus usually dominate the program, Riot City Wrestling delivers something altogether different! An adrenaline-charged night of theatrical combat turned The Peacock at Gluttony into a roaring wrestling arena.

Both Sides: Phil Collins and Genesis celebrated

Presented by Night Owl Shows. Adelaide Fringe. Gluttony - Rymill Park - The May Wirth. 13-15 March, 2026

Night Owl Shows is a UK company presenting a suite of shows depicting the lives of some of the most influential singer songwriters of the 20th Century. Described as immersive productions, note, not tribute shows; this Fringe, they are presenting Phil Collins and Genesis, Fleetwood Mac, Amy Winehouse and Queen shows. 

Torch The Place

By Benjamin Law. Queensland Theatre Company, Brisbane. 10 to 29 March 2026

Torch The Place is an energetic production of many ‘firsts’ – first-time playwright, first-time main-stage director, performers making their Queensland Theatre stage debuts – which adds a freshness that audiences will feel from the outset.

Peace in Our Time

By Noël Coward. Presented by Stirling Players. Stirling Community Theatre, SA. 13-28 March 2026

The Shy Gazelle is a bustling pub just off Sloane Square in central London – old-time tavern, so the décor is varnished wood and nicotine-stained wallpaper. The beer is hand-pulled by Fred, a cardigan-wearing landlord, his daughter Doris chats to gentlemen through the serving hatch, and his wife cleans glasses and makes conversation with those sitting at the bar.

Bogan Shakespeare Presents: Macbeth

Produced by BS Productions. Adelaide Fringe. Tandanya Theatre at Gluttony. March 10th-15th, 2026

I often lament that Shakespeare is no longer prescribed curriculum learning and accept the palatability of it for modern audiences, but BS (actually could have a double meaning) have nailed a totally irreverent re-telling of the bard’s 1606 classic, Macbeth.

Into the Woods Jnr

Book: James Lapine. Music and lyrics: Stephen Sondheim. Miranda Musical Theatre Company. Sutherland Arts Theatre. March 13 – 22, 2026

Some say never work with children – though those voices clearly haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the incredible emerging talent Miranda Musical Theatre Company has to showcase. Into the Woods Jr., with book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, which marks Miranda Musical Theatre’s first full foray into a junior musical. The production has been thoughtfully crafted as an opportunity not only for its young performers, but also for members of the creative team who have enthusiastically stepped forward to lead the production.

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