Sunday Arts Magazine

Director Kitan Petkovski and actor Aya Taur discuss Savager by Patricia Cornelius, a blistering and provocative work that tears into the rituals of mateship, violence and power. Their production at Theatre Works in St Kilda brings the intensity of Cornelius's writing to the stage with sharp focus. Savager runs from 2 to 12 September. The post Kitan Petkovski and Aya Taur – August 30th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Alana Seal, co curator of Quiet Corners, explores the art of Ame Bale and the exhibition's celebration of a pioneering Australian painter. The show highlights Bale's sensitivity to place and atmosphere, drawing attention to quieter moments within the visual field. Quiet Corners is on at Town Hall Gallery, Boroondara Arts in Hawthorn, until 17 October. The post Alana Seal – August 30th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Roslyn Oades introduces The Enormous Radio, a concept driven performance in which a constellation of radios sparks an uncanny encounter with the animal world. Presented by Substation and Chamber Made as part of the Fringe Festival, the work invites audiences into a sonic landscape that blurs the familiar and the strange. It runs at Substation, Newport, from 30 September to 10 October. The post Roslyn Oades – August 30th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Andrew Chapman shares the story behind Green Bus, a fifty five year photographic journey through the streets of Melbourne. His exhibition charts decades of change, character and community across the city, offering a long view of urban life. The work is on display at City Gallery, Melbourne Town Hall, from 3 September to 19 February 2027. The post Andrew Chapman – August 30th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Kate Yaxley and Christian Gillett from Soundworks Productions discuss their staging of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Their production brings the dark humour, tension and theatricality of the piece into sharp focus at Chapel Off Chapel, where it runs from 11 to 20 September. The post Kate Yaxley and Christian Gillett – August 30th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Andrew Delaney reflects on the Gender Bender Exhibition, a showcase shaped by the fourteen artists who influenced him while growing up in the country. Grace Jones, David Bowie, Annie Lennox and Divine were among the figures who helped form his creative imagination, and the exhibition traces how those early inspirations continue to echo through his visual practice. The show opens this Wednesday, 2 September, from 6 to 8pm at Dawn and Mable wine bar, 83 Acland Street, St Kilda. The post Andrew Delaney – August 30th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Todd McKenney reflects on a career that spans more than a thousand performances in The Boy from Oz, a long list of major musicals and his widely recognised role on Dancing with the Stars. He speaks about the discipline behind longevity, the joy of reinvention and the evolving landscape of Australian performance. Audiences can look forward to a conversation with one of the country's most enduring and versatile stage and screen artists. The post Todd McKenney – August 23rd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Award‑winning songwriter, singer, comedian and actor Geraldine Quinn dives into the creation of Campervan: An Ozploitation Horror Musical, a Fringe Festival offering that blends cult‑cinema homage with theatrical mischief. She talks about the show's musical style, its tongue‑in‑cheek horror elements and the thrill of building a new work for Fringe audiences. Campervan will be performed at the Fringe Hub, Trades Hall, from Wednesday 7 October to Sunday 11 October, with shows at 6pm on 7–10 October and at 5pm on 11 October. The post Geraldine Quinn – August 23rd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Vincent Alessi, CEO and Artistic Director of Linden New Art, outlines the current suite of exhibitions featured in Juncture 2026, including Gian Manik's Fantasy Chamber, Sarah Crow's one thing comes of another, and Natascha Stellmach's The Letting Go. He reflects on Linden's role in championing contemporary artists and the conversations these works spark within the community. All three exhibitions continue at Linden New Art on Acland Street in St Kilda until 8 November. He also previews Back the Future, the organisation's 40th anniversary fundraiser happening on Saturday 12 September. The post Vincent Alessi – August 23rd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Visual artist Barton Price discusses Thin Places, his exhibition that delves into the emotional resonance of landscapes and the subtle thresholds between the seen and the sensed. He speaks about the materials, textures and quiet interventions that define his practice, and how viewers often discover new layers on repeat visits. Thin Places is showing at Red Gallery, 157 St Georges Rd in Fitzroy North, through to 30 August. The post Barton Price – August 23rd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Performer QiQi Lu shares the creative energy behind Homophonic's Respect, reflecting on the ensemble's commitment to adventurous queer‑led music and the joy of shaping new work with collaborators. She offers insight into how the piece has evolved and what audiences can expect from this year's program. Respect will be presented at Hawthorn Arts Centre on Saturday 29 August. The post QiQi Lu – August 23rd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Actor Akina Edmonds steps into the role of Cleopatra in Melbourne Shakespeare Company's Cleopatra & Antoni, a fresh adaptation staged at FortyFive Downstairs. The production runs from 20 August to 13 September, offering a contemporary lens on power, desire and political intrigue. Edmonds' performance anchors a cast bringing renewed vitality to one of history's most enduring stories. The post Akina Edmonds – August 16th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Rowland Thomson from Hares & Hyenas returns with a trio of new literary recommendations from the Pride Centre. He reviews The Slip by Lucas Schaefer, a novel exploring queer identity through sharp humour; Better Than Revenge by Bea Fitzgerald, a contemporary reimagining of myth with a feminist edge; and The Queer Bookshelf: A Reader's Guide to by Layla McCay, an accessible companion for anyone expanding their LGBTQIA+ reading list. All titles are available through Hares & Hyenas at the Victorian Pride Centre. The post Rowland Thomson – August 16th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Writer‑performer Mark Wilson brings Till the Day I Die to this year's Melbourne Fringe Festival, a politically charged work staged unconventionally from the back of a truck at the Trades Hall car park. Running 1-4 October, the piece continues Wilson's reputation for bold, socially incisive theatre that meets audiences where they are – literally and thematically. The post Mark Wilson – August 16th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Anthony Hamilton, artistic director of Chunky Move, discusses Time Remaining, the company's latest work blending contemporary dance with immersive staging. The production examines urgency, resilience and collective momentum, and arrives at Melbourne Town Hall for performances on 19 and 20 August. The season offers audiences a chance to experience one of Australia's leading dance companies in a historic civic venue. The post Anthony Hamilton – August 16th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Creative producer Simon Patterson previews this year's Victorian State Schools Spectacular, This Is Me, a large‑scale celebration of student talent spanning music, dance and circus arts. The 2026 edition brings thousands of young performers together at John Cain Arena on Saturday 29 August, showcasing the breadth of creativity emerging from Victorian government schools. The post Simon Patterson – August 16th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Artist Thomas Burge presents new work at Storehouse Gallery, 1-3 Inkerman Street, St Kilda. His current exhibition continues his exploration of layered texture and urban abstraction, inviting visitors into a space where materiality and memory intersect. The gallery is open throughout August, with pieces on display during regular afternoon sessions. The post Thomas Burge – August 16th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Barry Creyton, remembered fondly by Baby Boomers for his sharp wit on The Mavis Bramston Show, returns to the spotlight with the release of his new memoir Beyond Togetherness – A Life. The book traces his expansive career as an actor, television personality, satirist, playwright, director and author, offering candid reflections on six decades in the arts. Audiences can explore his story now through the newly published memoir, available nationally. The post Barry Creyton – August 16th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Soprano Amanda Windred appears in Melbourne Opera's centenary tribute to Dame Joan Sutherland with Verdi's Il Trovatore at the Athenaeum Theatre. Performing the role of Ines, she joins an acclaimed cast in a production honouring Sutherland's legacy and her celebrated history with the opera. Performances run on 23, 26, 28 and 30 August, offering audiences a chance to experience one of Verdi's most dramatic works in a staging shaped by director Matthew Barclay and conductor Raymond Lawrence. https://scenestr.com.au/arts/melbourne-opera-presents-il-trovatore-in-celebration-of-dame-joan-sutherland-s-centenary-20260803 https://www.broadwayworld.com/australia-melbourne/regional/Il-Trovatore-4396482 The post Amanda Windred – August 9th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Creative Director and acting CEO of Melbourne Fringe, Danny Delahunty leads the 2026 festival running from 29 September to 18 October. This year's program encourages audiences to “Turn Towards the Heat,” spotlighting experimental works across Deadly Fringe, Radical Access, Passport, XS, and Design Fringe, which marks its 40th year. The Opening Night Gala at the Capitol Theatre sets the tone with high‑energy performances and a preview of the season ahead. Festival hubs at Trades Hall and Meat Market will once again anchor the citywide celebration, with additional installations and regional programming expanding the festival's reach. https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/ https://scenestr.com.au/arts/melbourne-fringe-2026-programme-20260807 Turn Towards the Heat – Melbourne Fringe Festival reveals 2026 Program The post Danny Delahunty – August 9th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

As a key figure behind The Pride Fund, Mark Debeljak helps steer initiatives that build long-term financial sustainability and legacy for LGBTIQ+ communities. His collaboration with the Melba Opera Trust brings operatic excellence to the Victorian Pride Centre, where a special fundraising concert takes place on 27 August. This evening of performances supports the Pride Fund's Rooftop Pavilion Campaign and showcases emerging opera talent nurtured under the Melba Opera Trust, an organisation carrying forward Dame Nellie Melba's vision for developing exceptional Australian singers. Audiences can attend the event at the Pride Centre's Forum space in St Kilda. https://events.humanitix.com/melba-opera-vpc-aug-26 About Us The post Mark Debeljak – August 9th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Marnie Mills brings her monthly comedy-and-conversation format to Pride of Footscray with On the Couch with Marnie Mills. The night blends stand-up sets from three guest comedians followed by an informal interview segment, all staged within one of Melbourne's most celebrated queer performance venues. The next edition takes place on 21 August, offering audiences a lively mix of humour, personality, and community connection. https://prideofourfootscray.bar/events The post Marnie Mills – August 9th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Francois Jacobs joins Sunday Arts to reflect on discovering the show, the path that led him to packaging the weekly episodes for the podcast, and why the work resonates so strongly with him and the queer community. He speaks about the excitement of stepping into roles that amplify community voices and strengthen accessibility. His conversation highlights how the podcast became both a creative outlet and a connective thread within Melbourne's arts and queer circles, underscoring the value of inclusive storytelling. Audiences can follow Francois’s advocacy work through Blind Citizens Australia. https://www.linkedin.com/in/francois-jacobs/ The post Francois Jacobs – August 2nd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Visual artist Jo Lane shares the story behind About Face, her master's presentation first shown in London and now exhibited in Melbourne for the very first time. Opening Wednesday 5 August and continuing through the end of the month, the exhibition finds its home at Dawn & Mabel's wine bar, 83 Acland Street, St Kilda. Lane's broader practice has recently included works exploring desire, botanical forms, and the tension between natural environments and domestic spaces, reflecting her ongoing interest in female artists across eras and the fragility of biodiversity. Visitors can experience About Face in an intimate setting that has become known for hosting art, music and community‑driven cultural events. https://jolane.com/ The post Jo Lane – August 2nd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Writer and director Stuart Bruce guides listeners into the world of The Sacrifice of Farinelli, Subverse Theatre's immersive new production inspired by the extraordinary life of Carlo Broschi, better known as Farinelli. Running 13–29 August at Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray, the premiere season blends baroque music, contemporary sound design, live violin, physical theatre and cutting‑edge immersive technology. Bruce's vision invites audiences to confront themes of ambition, identity and the cost of artistic perfection. With evening performances Wednesday to Saturday and matinees on select Sundays, this three‑week season offers Melbourne audiences a rare chance to experience a richly imagined 18th‑century opera world reinterpreted for today. [Broadway World]( https://www.broadwayworld.com/australia-melbourne/article/THE-SACRIFICE-OF-FARINELLI-to-Make-World-Premiere-With-Subverse-Theatre-in-Melbourne-20260708 The post Stuart Bruce – August 2nd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Show host David Hunt opens the program with a look at the newly announced expanded editions of The Beatles' Rubber Soul, arriving 2 October 2026. The release brings fresh stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes, the original mono master, the Capitol US album version, and a wealth of previously unreleased session recordings and home demos. Fans can expect formats ranging from single‑disc editions to 4CD and 5LP super deluxe sets, each accompanied by an 88‑page hardbound book. It's a momentous revisit of a landmark 1965 album, offering listeners a deeper window into the band's creative evolution. Audiences can explore the full suite of formats when they become available for pre‑order and later in stores on 2 October. The Beatles announce Rubber Soul expanded reissues The post David Hunt – August 2nd, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Producer Anton Berezin, director Therèsa Borg and actor Julian Weeks are among the creative forces behind the world premiere of The Ballad of Dan O'Malley, a gripping new Australian play staged at Theatre Works' Explosives Factory in St Kilda. Running from 12 to 22 August, the production dives into the true‑to‑life football scandal that shook the AFL, with Weeks appearing in a strong ensemble cast. Audiences can experience this premiere season at the Explosives Factory, rear 67 Inkerman Street, during its ten‑day run. Cast announced for the world premiere season of The Ballad of Dan O'Malley: A Football Tragedy The post Anton Berezin, Theresa Borg and Julian Weeks – July 26th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

The transcendent vocalist Mama Alto joins Moira Finucane's Dance Palace, the month‑long celebration reopening Luna Park's restored Luna Palace. Running from 20 August to 12 September, the festival brings together more than 30 artists across cabaret, music, burlesque and live art. Mama Alto's luminous presence forms part of this exuberant program, with performances unfolding every Thursday to Saturday inside the newly revitalised Luna Palace at Luna Park Melbourne. Dance Palace The post Mama Alto – July 26th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Artistic director and producer Dianne Toulson prepares to farewell Theatre Works after eight transformative years at the helm. Her leadership has reshaped the organisation into a thriving multi‑venue precinct, delivering record box‑office results and expansive programming. As she steps down in July 2026, this moment marks a heartfelt thank‑you to her stewardship and the community she has championed. Audiences can continue to experience her final curated season across Theatre Works' venues throughout 2026. https://www.broadwayworld.com/australia-melbourne/article/Theatre-Works-Executive-Director-Dianne-Toulson-Announces-Planned-Departure-20251207 The post Dianne Toulson – July 26th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Creator, performer and producer Syd Brisbane joins Bloomshed's re‑imagining of George Orwell's Animal Farm, a sharply satirical and high‑energy adaptation landing at Arts Centre Melbourne's Fairfax Studio from 12 to 22 August. Brisbane appears as part of the ensemble bringing this politically charged, confetti‑strewn rework to life, with the production reframing Orwell's allegory through an Australian lens. Audiences can catch the show at the Fairfax Studio during its limited August run. https://www.bloomshed.org/animal-farm-1 The post Syd Brisbane – July 26th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

As resident director of SIX the Musical, Sharon Millerchip guides the Australian company through its latest Melbourne season, now in full swing at the Comedy Theatre. The production has returned with a refreshed cast and a surge of audience enthusiasm, following its official opening this week and continuing through to 4 October. Audiences can experience the pop‑powered retelling of the six wives of Henry VIII at the Comedy Theatre before the show heads to Sydney and Brisbane later in the year. https://www.aussietheatre.com.au/news/six-the-musical-has-arrived-in-melbourne/ The post Sharon Millerchip – July 26th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Conductor Simon Holt discusses Victorian Opera's revival of Reg Livermore's Ned Kelly: The Musical, a work returning to the stage with refreshed orchestrations and a contemporary staging approach. He reflects on bringing new musical detail to a long‑dormant Australian story. The production is presented at Union Theatre, University of Melbourne, on 24 and 25 July. The post Simon Holt – July 19th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

The team chats with Hayden Green, founder and creative director of Hear My Eyes, and Michael Cavanagh, musician. They preview their re‑scoring of Christopher Nolan's Memento, presenting a newly composed percussive interpretation performed live with the film. Their collaboration has generated strong interest, particularly among audiences who follow Hear My Eyes' inventive film‑music projects. This event is scheduled for Hamer Hall on 8 and 9 August as part of MIFF. The post Hayden Green & Michael Cavanagh – July 19th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

https://joy.org.au/sundayarts/wp-content/uploads/sites/276/2026/07/Andrew-G-–-July-19th-2026.mp3 Andrew G examines the shifting identity of Melbourne's independent theatre scene, expanding on his view that “Indie Theatre Is No Longer Just for Theatre People.” Drawing on recent discussions from his Showtime podcast, he highlights the creators redefining the city's cultural landscape. Andrew G is a theatre producer with AG Theatre and the host of Showtime podcast. New episodes of Showtime are released weekly across major podcast platforms. https://joy.org.au/sundayarts/wp-content/uploads/sites/276/2026/07/Andrew-G-–-July-19th-2026.mp3 The post Andrew G – July 19th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Playwright Joanna Murray‑Smith shares insights into her new adaptation of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya for Melbourne Theatre Company. She speaks about re‑shaping the emotional core of the play for contemporary audiences and working with a strong ensemble cast. Performances commence at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, from 25 July and continue through August. The post Joanna Murray‑Smith – July 19th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Actor Terence Crawford reflects on portraying “Neil Diamond – Now” in the Australian debut of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. He discusses stepping into the life of a music icon and bringing the show's Broadway momentum to Melbourne. The production begins its Australian run at the Princess Theatre from 5 August. The post Terence Crawford – July 19th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Anne Murphy explores three titles shaping mid‑year cinema conversations: the expansive Odyssey, the character‑centred biopic Tenor: My Name is Pati, and the intimate drama The Birthday Trip. She highlights how each film has been landing with audiences and why these stories have stood out in recent months. The post Anne Murphy film reviews – July 19th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Performance icon Moira Finucane returns with Dance Palace, a gloriously chaotic celebration promising “hot divas, hot chips, all sauce.” Moira talks about the show's playful spirit, its connection to St Kilda's performance history, and the immersive, joy‑driven experience she's crafting for audiences. The Palace opens its doors at Linda Park, St Kilda, with performances running 6–29 August 2026. The post Moira Finicane – – July 12th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Choreographer Stephanie Lake joins us to discuss VISTA, her striking new collaboration with fashion label Alpha60. She shares how movement and design intertwine in this project, and how the partnership has shaped a work that blurs the line between dance performance and sculptural fashion. VISTA premieres at Malthouse Theatre and will be running from 22 July to 1 August 2026. The post Stephanie Lake – July 12th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Director Tyran Parke and actor Helen Dallimore sit down with us to unpack their upcoming staging of Grey Gardens at Forty Five Downstairs. They delve into the eccentric world of the Beales, the show's cult legacy, and the creative challenge of balancing humour, tragedy and spectacle in this beloved musical. Audiences can step into the world of Little Edie and Big Edie at Forty Five Downstairs from 17 July to 2 August 2026. The post Tyran Parke director & Helen Dallimore actor – July 12th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Musical theatre dynamo Bobby Fox drops in to share the energy behind Jersey Forever, his new celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Bobby reflects on his long history with Jersey Boys, the vocal demands of the catalogue, and why audiences never tire of these harmonies. Fans can catch Jersey Forever when it hits the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, for one night only on 7 August 2026. The post Bobby Fox – July 12th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Artist Lisa Anderson joins us to talk about Shared Ground, the expansive survey exhibition featuring 15 Shakespeare Grove artists‑in‑residence. She walks us through her own practice and the creative ecosystem that thrives inside the St Kilda studios — a mix of painting, sculpture, installation, ceramics, digital media, fashion and jewellery that reflects the diversity of Melbourne's independent arts scene. The exhibition is currently on display at Carlisle Street Arts Space, 99a Carlisle St, St Kilda, and runs through 24 July 2026 The post Lisa Anderson – July 12th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.