Review
Here’s looking at you, Kid
The Kid Laroi first show in his home town since becoming a global superstar was an emotional victory lap.
- by Michael Bailey
Latest
Nils Frahm’s music: a mind-altering beat or a mind-calming tone?
After eight years since his first run of sold-out shows at the Sydney Opera House, Nils Frahm returns to the building, to soothe Sydney audiences.
- by Bernard Zuel
Slow moments of stillness that lacked luminosity
The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra’s latest performance of Eybler’s String Quintet in D major has lightness but lacked light.
- by Peter McCallum
Perfume Genius review: Charismatic showman comes up smelling of roses
Seattle’s Michael Hadreas has fully transformed from intimate piano man to bona fide rock star, and the new approach has been worth the wait.
- by James Jennings
★★★★
Rising Festival
Manifesto: when high-concept contemporary dance meets cheerleading
This dancing manifesto created by Melbourne-based choreographer Stephanie Lake is a call for more flash and more sizzle. And it’s thumping good fun.
- by Emma Sullivan, Carla Jaeger, Andrew Fuhrmann and Cameron Woodhead
★★★★
Live music
The Wombats review: The Wombats’ formula burrows into hearts
The Liverpool trio had the template to get a sold-out Hordern Pavilion jumping, and were happy to repeat it. Meanwhile, Perfume Genius showed off a decades-long transformation in his Vivid show.
- by Michael Bailey
The Kid Laroi proves again to be the voice of a generation
The Kid Laroi oozed charisma, inspiring an arena full of people to recite every syllable of his multi-billion streamed emo-rap compositions.
- by Brenton Harris
★★★½
What’s on
Hermitude dance the fine line between genius and generic
The Blue Mountains duo return, ostensibly launching their new album, but that’s the least exciting thing about their show.
- by George Palathingal
★★★★
Arts
Four stars for a lavish, lovely, chocolate box Cinderella with gowns to die for
No expense was spared to make this musical as spectacular as possible, with opulent sets, magical transformations and a flying fairy godmother.
- by Jesse Lane, Cameron Woodhead and Tony Way
★★★★
Music
Sampa the Great takes full control in Vivid show
It’s no small miracle when several songs into Sampa the Great’s high-energy show, the crowd are not only sticking around during a new, untitled song, but they’re on their feet and dancing ecstatically.
- by James Jennings
★★★★
Music
Paul Kelly explores idea of time and tide at Vivid
Paul Kelly’s ongoing attempt to answer questions about the weight and meaning of time is at the centre of his latest show.
- by Bernard Zuel