The Lost King : A movie review by Alex First

Philippa Langley (Sally Hawkins) is a quirky, intelligent, divorced mother who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome. Read more

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (M): A movie review by Alex First

The tumultuous life of the world’s most awarded female vocalist is put under the spotlight in I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Read more

Triangle of Sadness (M): a movie review by Alex First

A black comedy focusing on beauty, influencers, ostentatiousness, excess, pretension and power, Triangle of Sadness unfolds in three parts. Read more

The Banshees of Inisherin (M): a movie review by Alex First

What does it take to ruin a friendship? Read more

Moulin Rouge! The Musical: A Sydney theatre review by Alex First

Polished performances, magnificent mashups, elegant and evocative sets, colourful and creative costumes, and charismatic choreography are the highlights of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. A striking spectacle. Read more

Avatar: The Way of Water (M): a movie review by Alex First

Avatar’s magnificent journey continues with awe-inspired distinction in The Way of Water. Read more

Monsters: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

As children, what did we fear the most? That the boogie man will get us. Read more

Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat: A Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

Straight from the West End, the new, reimagined production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat is a delightful, fun, engaging and dynamic family musical. Read more

The Phantom of the Opera: Alex First reviews the Melbourne production

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterful work The Phantom of the Opera sizzles. Read more

Sunshine Super Girl: a theatre review by Alex First

Respectful, determined and humble. That is the picture that emerges of Australian tennis great Evonne Goolagong Cawley in the Melbourne Theatre Company’s Sunshine Super Girl, a moniker given to her by the British press. Read more

Gundog (Three Fates Theatre) reviewed by Alex First

The rough lot of an impoverished farming clan is front and centre in Gundog, a dramatic and confronting play with lashes of humour. Read more

Urinetown: The Musical – Melbourne review by Alex First

A 20-year drought has led to the blatant exploitation of the underprivileged. Read more

DanceX Part III, at Arts Centre Melbourne: reviewed by Alex First

A proud, potent and poignant piece of artistry that combines dance, song, monologue and athleticism with projections is the highlight of DanceX Part III. Read more

Girls & Boys: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

A sharp and witty British woman unpicks her life before our eyes and what a life it has been. Read more

DanceX Part II: reviewed by Alex First

The Australian premiere of Johan Inger’s comic, romantic dance theatre piece I New Then, set to songs by Van Morrison, is superb. Read more

Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett, in the Magic Mirror Spiegeltent: a review by Alex First

Risqué and ribald, the R-rated treat that is Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett features an astounding cavalcade of talent. Read more

Antisemitism and racism capture attention in Armageddon Time

A new, sensitive, coming-of-age story highlighting the African American and Jewish experience is a vehicle to propel two bright young actors onto the world stage. They talk with J-Wire. Read more

Armageddon Time: a movie review by Alex First

It is 1980 in Queens, New York City. Read more

Alex First reviews Romeo and Juliet performed by the Australian Ballet

 After a 19-year hiatus, the emotion-charged, highly acclaimed production of Romeo and Juliet by choreographer John Cranko takes centre stage at Arts Centre Melbourne. Read more

The Meeting: a theatre review by Alex First

A secret imaginary rendezvous between two towering but polar opposite African American leaders plays out in The Meeting. Read more

Ghost Stories: a theatre review by Alex First

An engaging professor of parapsychology talks us through the history of ghost stories – how they came to be and how they have evolved over time. Read more

Cyrano: a theatre review by Alex First

A massive triumph. The MTC production of the season. A talented cast, headlined by writer and star Virginia Gay proves that the pen is mightier than the sword. Read more

Instruments of Dance (The Australian Ballet): reviewed by Alex First

The second line of Peter Allen’s iconic anthem, I Still Call Australia Home, contains the words “From New York to Rio and old London Town”. Read more

Come From Away: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

I have seen it three times now, and on each occasion, I exit the theatre in awe of what I have just witnessed. Read more

Shake Rattle ‘N’ Roll: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

A cavalcade of song, movement and colour, Shake Rattle ‘N’ Roll breathes new life into the sounds of the ‘50s and ’60s with entertainment aplenty. Read more

Lucrezia Borgia: an opera review by Alex First

Soaring vocals and a bravura performance by soprano Helena Dix are among the many highlights of Lucrezia Borgia, in which subterfuge and skulduggery abound. Read more

Anna K: A Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

By their very nature, human relationships are often messy. The vast majority don’t hit the headlines, but public figures are considered “fair game”. Read more

Hairspray: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

The spark burns brightly in Hairspray, a delightfully breezy musical with discrimination as its theme. Read more

Laurinda: A Melbourne Theatre Company production reviewed by Alex First

Bullying and racism are not acceptable in any environment and yet the schoolyard can be a hotbed of discontent. Read more

I am Emilia Bassano: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

What’s the truism? Behind every great man, there is a woman. Read more

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