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Kimberley Hodgson as the titular character in Mackenzie – the costumes evoke the whole early 2000s vibe.

The shows around town everyone’s talking about this week

Our critics take a look at what’s hot – and what’s not – on stages across Sydney.

  • John Shand, Chantal Nguyen, Harriet Cunningham, Peter McCallum, James Jennings, Kate Prendergast and Cindy Yin

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A scene from the work Sheoak, choreographed by Frances Rings.

Bangarra’s next generation arrives in style, plus reviews of other big shows this week

Our critics take a look at what’s hot – and what’s not – on stages across Sydney.

  • James Jennings, Cassie Tongue, Peter McCallum, Chantal Nguyen, Kate Prendergast and John Shand
Daniel Mateo.

When Daniel lost his brother, nobody spoke of it. A new film aims to change that

The 25-year-old describes the work as a “beacon of hope for brown boys” in the Bangarra production Sheltering.

  • Kayla Olaya
Indie-rock star Mitski donne a gothic eccentric look with red stockings and black tulle.

Mitski pushes through fan frenzy and false start, plus reviews of other big shows this week

Our critics take a look at what’s hot – and what’s not – on stages across Sydney.

  • John Shand, Rod Yates, Peter McCallum, Bernard Zuel, Kate Prendergast and Shamim Razavi
Lana Kains at Opera Australia’s headquarters in Sydney.

Lana was not even a teenager when she first sang for Opera Australia. It set her on a lifelong path

The young soprano is one of seven recruits whose talent, commitment and infectious enthusiasm for the artform may excite a new generation of opera-lovers.

  • Matthew Westwood
Lunch with Eddie Izzard keeps you on your toes.

Shakespeare, trans politics and tigers: Lunch with Eddie Izzard is a dizzying business

The British comedian/actor/runner/political aspirant has some left-of-field stories to tell.

  • Nick Galvin
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The sails of the Sydney Opera House as they will be illuminated during the Vivid festival.

He’s never been to Australia, let alone the Opera House. But this is how Yann is lighting its sails

French artist Yann Nguema has yearned to see his work projected on to the iconic building for years – then the Vivid festival got in touch.

  • Kayla Olaya
Paula Arundell takes on every role in The Birds – and does a superb job.

Audience comes close to ducking in virtuosic thriller based on Hitchcock classic

The Birds made for a chilling movie – and it has lost none of its power on stage. Plus, our critics look at performances by Split Enz, the ACO and the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

  • John Shand, Bernard Zuel and Peter McCallum
Peking Duk’s Reuben Styles and Adam Hyde on stage at Hordern Pavilion.

Peking Duk’s energetic party tunes solid but short of spectacular

Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles’ enthusiasm is infectious. But the swelling synths, flashing lights and banging bass got monotonous quickly.

  • Millie Muroi, Daniel Herborn, Kate Prendergast, Peter McCallum, George Palathingal, Nadia Russell, Harriet Cunningham and John Shand
Sonya Voumard

Writers air their anxieties at community centre’s literary festival

Sonya Voumard knows well the crippling feelings of paralysis known as writer’s block. But the cause of her anxiety runs much deeper.

  • Helen Pitt