Victoria Beal

Returning to Melbourne for the first time since 1996, Beauty and the Beast is a magical tale that will delight fans of the 1991 Disney animated film.

What did our critic think of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at State Theatre?

What did our critic think of 9 TO 5 at Arts Centre Melbourne? From the second the first few notes of the iconic anthem to working life hit our ears, the audience at the Melbourne opening of 9 to 5: The Musical knew they were in for a fabulously fun night. Written and presented by the one and only Dolly Parton, this show is as camp, energetic and sparkly as one would expect.

Entering the theatre, we see nought but a lone piano on the stage. This unassuming opening to An American in Paris could lead an unknowing audience member to think they were about to see a lean and understated production - but oh how wrong they would be. This musical is a veritable smorgasbord of colour, joy and movement. This reviewer spent the entire show with wide eyes, a beaming smile, and a full heart.

Ahead of his Australian season, we had a chat with Robert Fairchild - a former principal dancer with the New York Ballet who made his debut as Jerry in An American in Paris on Broadway and then reprised it for London's West End.

20 years after a?oeWho's Afraid of the Working Class?a?? premiered at the Melbourne Workers Theatre, the same group of exceptional writers have come back together to hold the mirror back up to our country with Anthem. Shining the light once again on every day acts of defiance and resilience, their new work gives deserved spotlight to real stories of identity and ownership in a time when the nation refuses to recognise either.

The Beautiful Game presented by Manilla Street Productions showcases a brilliant cast whose stellar performances are a true highlight of the evening.

The original telling of the tale of PT Barnum has hit the stage in Melbourne in the wake of The Greatest Showman's box office success. With Todd McKenney in the titular role, the musical tells the tale of Barnum's rise from penniless sideshow operator to great impresario. With each triumph comes tragedy in the book by Mark Bramble but unfortunately in this production, we don't quite feel the tragedy.

BWW Interview: Justin Hamilton of THE BALLAD OF JOHN TILT ANIMUS at Melbourne International Comedy Festival

This year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Tom Ballard (Tonightly, three-time pretend Tony Jones) presents #KWANDA, a satirical play with a very cheeky resemblance to ABC's Q&A. It's a show so entertaining and so funny, you might even #tweet about it.

I grew up listening to West Side Story, studying its iconic choreography and performing these numbers myself in community theatre shows as young musical enthusiast. It was a dream to finally see this show performed in a professional capacity by an Australian cast and let me tell you, it was well worth the wait.

BWW Review: MURIEL'S WEDDING THE MUSICAL is a triumph in Melbourne - a show that everyone will love!

Briefs returns to Arts Centre Melbourne for Close Encounters

BWW Review: LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST - Melbourne Shakespeare Company

BWW Review: THE MISS BEHAVE GAMESHOW at Arts Centre Melbourne

I can tell you with every fibre of my being that you will never truly experience a show like this. You'll completely lose the plot, quite literally and figuratively. Briefs Factory and Auspicious Projects presents this weird, wacky and wonderful rock cabaret that pokes fun of the political, social and environmental messes of today's world. Leave reality at the door because you're about to be taken on a wild, nonsensical ride.

BWW Interview with the creative team of MAD WORLD, the immersive theatrical experience returning in 2019 for a limited season in Melbourne.

Evita is a night of theatre not to be missed. Seeing Tina Arena perform such an iconic role in her home town is an event that people will be talking about for years to come.

BWW Review: RENT at Chapel Off Chapel