Amanda is a Melbourne based writer and photographer that has a passion for theatre, arts and music. She loves living in Melbourne where the arts scene is vibrant and diverse and loves to support Australian artists.
Melbourne Comic Jeremy Dooley brings his debut show Daddy Cool to Richmond for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
In an attic on Bridge Road, an intimate crowd gathers for Dooley’s stand up show. The lights are dim and the atmosphere is relaxed for this evening’s show.
Warming up the crowd is Canadian Richard Meneses who cracks jokes about being a backpacker, having left Canada to find himself. It’s a funny set that packs in a lot of laughs in a short time. Having cut his teeth on the Open Mic circuit Richard delivers a great set and performance that is memorable.
Lightly jogging onto the stage is the main act Jeremy Dooley, whose jokes are relatable and delivered perfectly with each punchline landing. He invites the audience to participate, which creates some very funny moments and makes for some great banter.
Being that this is a debut show, one could be mistaken for thinking Dooley has done the act before. He is comfortable being on stage, laughter comes easily, and he’s relaxed.
Dooley presents an hour of great storytelling, with some laugh-out-loud moments that captivate the audience. As the show winds up, Dooley has given the audience a solid hour of laughter and endearing moments that make for a fantastic show.
LET THE FUN BE-GIN AT MELBOURNE GIN FESTIVAL THIS MARCH Rating
★★★★★
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The Melbourne Gin Festival was a paradise for gin lovers, showcasing an impressive lineup of Australian distilleries, each offering unique and innovative spirits. Crowds of people flocked to The Timberyard to gather and taste their favourite gins from all over the country. From Tasmanian gins to all the way from Darwin there was a broad representation.
The atmosphere was lively, with passionate distillers sharing their craft, and plenty of opportunities to taste some truly exceptional gins.
One of the most eye-catching products was Gingle Bells by Wild Hibiscus Flower Co. Their beautifully designed gin-filled baubles added a festive touch, and the botanical-infused flavours were both vibrant and well-balanced—perfect for gifting or enjoying over the holidays.
Noble Bootleggers impressed with their smooth, well-crafted gins that highlighted locally sourced botanicals, while Just B Distillery from Tasmania showcased their dedication to quality with gins that delivered a clean, crisp taste with a hint of wilderness.
Happenstance Distillery stood out with its trio of offerings—Fireside Gin, a smoky and warming delight; Fiesta Gin, bursting with citrus and spice; and Gin Noir, which had a deep, complex profile that was perfect for a sophisticated cocktail.
Teddy & The Fox from Bellarine presented a bright and refreshing gin with a coastal twist, ideal for summer sipping. Meanwhile, Naught Distilling wowed the crowd with their Sangiovese Gin, a rich, fruit-forward spirit that blended wine and gin beautifully.
The festival was a fantastic celebration of Australia’s gin scene, with something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or a newcomer, this event was the perfect place to explore, taste, and discover new favourites.
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
Christmas has come early to Caulfield with Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland.
Walking into the Big Top, Christmas lights adorn the enclosure. There is a lot to see and do, and the first stop is the Frosty the Snowman jumping castle.
It’s then onto the Ball Pit before a ride on Rudolf’s train.
At 8:15 pm, we are invited into the Big Top for a circus show with Mrs. Claus and the Elves. We are delighted by acrobatics and aerial artists. Mrs. Claus narrates a Christmas story while we witness thrilling stunts.
Then it’s over to decorate elk antlers with festive stickers before visiting Mrs Clause’s Bakery to decorate gingerbread men’s cookies. It’s a simple yet fun activity for the whole family.
In a separate tent, we meet Santa and his Elves and pose for photos. Photo packages start at reasonable prices, and each visit comes with a surprise present from Santa.
Just outside Santa’s workshop is plaster statue painting, a fun activity for everyone. Paint a Santa, penguin or Christmas tree to take home and keep.
Every part of the experience is immersive, and Christmas has been magically brought to life under the Big Top with all your favourite Christmas characters.
The Christmas Wonderland is a fun experience for adults and children with plenty of activities. Whether it’s photo opportunities in Santa’s workshop with shiny baubles or roller skating, there is something for everyone.
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is returning to Caulfield Racecourse from November 29th to December 24th, 2024. It is advised for children 10 and under.
Since first published in 1843, Charles Dickens ‘ A Christmas Carol’ has captivated audiences.
As the audience enters the theatre, a dimly lit stage with minimal set design greets them, and the sound of carols echos the room.
We meet Ebenezer Scrooge ( Erik Thomson), who we soon learn is a joyless, loveless, grumpy old man.
Life has a way of teaching us lessons, and as Ebenezer soon learns via a series of ghost visits, he has lived his life in a way that will lead him to isolation and loneliness.
The Ghost of Christmas Past (Alison Whyte) takes him on a journey to discover how the choices he made in his youth shaped the course of his future.
As painful as it is, he must learn that every action he took has led him to where he is and given him insights into how his mistakes changed him. As he meets The Ghost of Christmas Present ( Samantha Morely), he learns that the man he has become has consequences for not only himself but also his family and his employees. His selfish, avaricious ways have caused him to have blood on his hands.
Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Presents itself in the form of his sister Little Fan (Aisha Aidara), who shows him the consequences of his mistakes should he continue on his current path.
Through the process, Ebenezer has a revelation. He awakens from the loveless life he has carved out for himself, all in the name of greed. It is with this awakening that he is transformed, and his life changes forever.
A Christmas Carol is a formulaic story, and as it is well known, we all know what happens. However, the performances of the cast and the incredible stage design make this production something special.
With scenic and costume design by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell, music and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Christopher Nightingale, and lighting design by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone, the minimal set comes alive with breathtaking lighting and effects, making viewers believe that they truly are in London, snow and all.
Erik Thompson gave an exceptional performance, and his supporting cast was equally talented. The use of light and sound, whilst minimalistic, is impressive and effective.
Towards the end of the story, the audience is invited to participate, and the laughter from the crowd is infectious. The snow falling on the front rows and on stage is breathtaking and perfectly captures the atmosphere.
The story might be over 180 years old, but its predictable and transformative character story makes it a much-loved tale.
A Christmas Carol is, in some ways, a love story of sorts—it’s the story of an old man falling in love with life again, reinvigorated, and transformed into a better person. With that love comes redemption and happiness for all who come into contact with the new and improved version of Scrooge.
Jack Thorpe’s adaptation is nothing short of a fantastic telling of a much-loved story. It is a delightful production that is sure to leave audiences with a sense of wonder and excitement.
An Old Vic Production A CHRISTMAS CAROL A version by Jack Thorne Conceived and Directed by Matthew Warchus Presented by GWB Entertainment At the Comedy Theatre from 22 November to 29 December.
