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.

Curator Anita Kirpalani from the National Gallery of Victoria joins us to discuss Mercy, a major new exhibition by acclaimed Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson. Known for his expansive video installations, durational performance works and looping musical compositions, Kjartansson uses repetition, melancholy and humour to probe the emotional undercurrents of contemporary life. Mercy brings together recent and newly commissioned works that explore longing, devotion and the fragile beauty found in endurance. Presented at the NGV and running until 4 October. The post Anita Kirpalani – July 5th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Playwright Shane Woon joins us to explore Rabbit & Watson, his inventive new work premiering at Darebin Arts Speakeasy. Staged at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High Street, Northcote, and running 15–26 July , the play brings together Rabbit — a Chinese deity — and Watson, an AFL player, in an unexpected meeting that cracks open questions of masculinity, sporting culture and the complexities of coming out. Blending myth, humour and emotional truth, Rabbit & Watson uses the collision of these two worlds to examine how identity is shaped, hidden and revealed. The post Shane Woon – July 5th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Curator Sophie Prince from the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) joins us to unpack I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, a resonant group exhibition that reframes loneliness not as a private emotion but as one of the defining experiences of contemporary life. From social fragmentation to the quiet spaces where connection falters, Sophie guides us through the artists, ideas and curatorial threads shaping this timely exhibition, on at 111 Sturt Street, Southbank until 30 August. The post Sophie Prince – July 5th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

In this episode, we catch up with Ruby Boukabou — journalist, author, tour guide, performer and photographer — for a lively phone interview about her new exhibition based on her book, The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris which will be at Dawn & Mabel's wine bar at 83 Acland Street, St Kilda. Ruby shares stories of Parisian culture, romance, wanderlust and the art of guiding travellers through the city's hidden corners. The exhibition opens on Wednesday 8 July for a four‑week season. The post Ruby Boukabou – July 5th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Melbourne Arts Precinct curator Julia Murphy joins us to explore The Measured Garden, a new exhibition at the Ian Potter Museum of Art in Parkville that brings art, ecology and science into vivid conversation. Featuring works by Keg de Souza and Francis Camody, the exhibition examines how we measure, map and make meaning from the living world around us. The exhibition runs 10 July – 6 September. The post Julia Murphy – July 5th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Anne Murphy is back with her fortnightly movie reviews. This week she reviews The Last Resort, The Invite, and First Light. The post Anne Murphy film reviews – July 5th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

The team chats with Miranda Hill, founder and artistic director of Homophonic!, a vibrant collective of chamber musicians and queer artists dedicated to showcasing new Australian music. Joining her is Niki Johnson, an acclaimed percussionist known for her boundary‑pushing performance practice and deep commitment to commissioning new work. They dive into the Homophonic Pride Prize — a groundbreaking initiative inviting LGBTQIA+ Australian composers to create a brand‑new piece written specifically for Niki. The post Miranda Hill & Niki Johnson – June 28th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

The team chats with producer Andrew G about his latest show called Bring it On…the musical. It will be on at the National Theatre St Kilda from 11 to 26 July. Tickets at booktickets.com.au Andrew G (born Andrew Gyopar) is a Melbourne-based theatre producer, creative director, and promoter. He is the founder of AG Theatre and Theatrical Inc, and also hosts the industry podcast SHOWTIME with Andrew G. The post Andrew G – June 28th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

In this episode, the team sits down with Mario Maccarone, co-owner of the iconic Mario's Café, and Andrew Browne, renowned artist and curator of the exhibition 40 Artists 40 Years. Together, they explore the café's deep roots in Fitzroy's creative scene, the stories behind the new exhibition, and how four decades of art, culture, and community have shaped one of Melbourne's most beloved neighbourhood institutions. Venue: Mario's Café — 303 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy On now until 20 July. The post Mario Maccarone & Andrew Browne – June 28th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Ruth Oakley is the head of programming at the Monash Uni Performing Arts Centre She chats with the team about the Family Fiesta, a 4-day children’s festival that runs every year over the June-July school holiday. This year’s edition is on at the Monash Uni Clayton campus 1-4 July, and full program details are available at https://mpac.monash.edu/name – The post Ruth Oakley – June 28th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Mitchell — Artistic Director and Producer at Spiegel Haus — and Henry Fosters Purcell, a proud Narungga, Wotjobaluk and Barkindji creative, cultural producer and community advocate. Together, they're shaping Ganawarra: Deep Winter Rooftop Gathering, a free NAIDOC Week celebration bringing music, art and community to the heart of Melbourne. They walk us through the vision behind Ganawarra — an immersive evening of live music, DJs, visual art and projection installations — all while raising funds for the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA). The celebration begins with the NAIDOC march at 5pm on Friday, July 10th, before everyone heads to the Golden Square Car Park rooftop on Lonsdale Street for a night of culture, connection and winter warmth. The post Chris Mitchell and Henry Fosters Purcell – June 28th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

In this episode, artists Dr Paola Balla and Rosie Kalina explore A Bit Thing, a deeply personal work in which art, family, culture, and daily life merge seamlessly. They discuss how the exhibition transforms the home into the exhibition space, inviting audiences to step inside an intimate, living environment. A Bit Thing is presented at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall until the 18th of July. The post Dr Paola Balla and Rosie Kalina – June 21st, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Humphrey Clegg, Director and CEO of Geelong Gallery, joins the team to discuss the Gallery's current exhibition, Discovering the Impressionists. The exhibition explores the pivotal role of art dealer Paul Durand‑Ruel and uncovers the untold story behind the world's most beloved art movement. On display until 11 October. The post Humphrey Clegg – June 21st, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Ruth Picker is the composer of the song Tailors. In this episode, Ruth joins the team to talk about her new single, Fall From Grace, featuring Canadian vocalist Liam Isaac. The post Ruth Picker – June 21st, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

The team chats with Anna Cordingley set & costume designer for Victorian Opera's The Coronation of Pooea, It’s on at Palais Theatre in St Kilda until 4 July. The post Anna Cordingley – June 21st, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

The team chats with Xanthea O'Connor about the Next Chapter program at the Wheeler Centre. It’s a landmark writing programme which elevates untold stories & with 10 writers each winning $15,000.00, applications close 31 July. The post Xanthea O'Connor – June 21st, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Ana Corbett is the producer & co-founder of the UPU Collective. The team speaks with Ana about the upcoming performance on the 4th of September as part of the inaugural Kindred People First Nations Festival at the Monash University performing arts centre. The post Ana Corbett – June 21st, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

Anne Murphy is back with her fortnightly movie reviews. This week she reviews The Musicians, Toy Story 5, and Disclosure Day. The post Anne Murphy Movie Reviews – June 21st, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

This week's episode is our special Radiothon edition, featuring four influential voices from across the arts — each reflecting on the role of art, community, and why Sunday Arts Magazine remains a vital platform for Australia's creative sector. Joanna Murray‑Smith AM — Internationally acclaimed playwright, screenwriter, novelist, librettist and columnist. Myles Russell‑Cook — Artistic Director & CEO of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA). Dianne Toulson — Arts producer and cultural leader with more than 30 years' experience across major organisations and festivals. Gerard O'Connor — Melbourne‑based fine art photographer and filmmaker, renowned for his highly detailed, constructed photographic tableaux and long‑standing creative partnership with stylist and set designer Marc Wasiak. The post Radiothon Panel Show – June 14th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

David chats with Dinno Dimitriadis, co-creator & director of House of Rot, starring Paul Capsis & Adam Noviello. This theatrical cabaret is playing in the Merlyn at Malthouse theatre from 18-20 June. The post Dinno Dimitriadis – June 7th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

David chats with Dax Carnay-Hanrahan about their show called MR BIG aka Tatay, A Transwoman and That Tiring Tune! FortyFive Downstairs. It will be on from 24 June to 5 July. The post Dax Carnay-Hanrahan – June 7th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

David chats with Renee Palmer, director & Christina Corrigan actor about the upcoming season of Between The Lines – The James Joyce/Groucho Marx Letters at fortyfivedownstairs. Running for five performances only, 17-21 June, the 2026 Bloomsday in Melbourne season is directed by Renee Palmer and features an ensemble of much-lauded local talent, including Seon Williams, Christina Costigan, Scott Middleton, Tref Gare, and Shannon Woollard. Further information and media resources are available online at: www.sassyred.com.au/media-resources/between-the-lines-the-james-joyce-groucho-marx-letters-bloomsday-in-melbourne/ The ticketing link is: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/between-the-lines-the-james-joyce-groucho-marx-letters/ The post Renee Palmer & Christina Corrigan – June 7th, 2026 appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.