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Film, music, television, arts and cultural events shaping Australian entertainment and media. Summaries updated every two hours.
Australian entertainment and culture, from film and music to television, streaming, arts festivals and the creative industries. This section covers local productions, international releases making waves in Australia, award ceremonies, touring acts, and the media landscape. Whether it is a new Australian film at the box office, a music festival announcement, or changes at a major broadcaster, our summaries keep you in the loop.
Evil Dead the Musical features a unique 'splatter zone' for audience members, with ponchos provided for those in the first three rows to protect against the show's gory scenes. The production combines fun and horror, offering a distinctive experience for theatre-goers.
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Salvage crews are working to prevent an oil spill after the Fiji Princess cruise ship ran aground off Monuriki Island, known for being the filming location of the 2000 film Cast Away. The incident occurred on Saturday, according to Fiji’s maritime rescue agency.
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The Testaments, a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, features a standout performance by Chase Infiniti and centres on the teenage daughters of Gilead. This week’s streaming recommendations also include five additional titles for viewers to consider.
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Comedian Lloyd Langford shares his experiences of performing to empty venues, highlighting the challenges of his career. He reflects on how a haircut during a show led him into comedy, a passion that now runs in his family. Langford continues to navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.
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Australia's producers and performers consider cancelling or delaying regional tours as Live Performance Australia requests COVID-like financial support. The entertainment industry faces challenges with low ticket sales and audience attendance, reminiscent of the pandemic's impact.
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Comedian Lloyd Langford shares his experiences of performing to empty venues, highlighting his worst gigs. He reflects on how a haircut on stage led him to a career in comedy, which has become a family tradition. Langford continues to navigate the ups and downs of the comedy scene.
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Australia's entertainment industry faces challenges similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, with producers and performers considering the cancellation or delay of regional tours. Live Performance Australia is urging the government for assistance akin to that provided during the pandemic to support the struggling sector.
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Pepsi has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Wireless Festival, which is set to be headlined by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. This decision follows UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressing deep concern over Ye's booking as the main act. The festival is scheduled to take place over three days.
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Pepsi withdraws its sponsorship of the Wireless Festival, which features Ye as the headliner, following UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's concerns about the rapper's booking. The decision comes just hours after Sunak expressed his disapproval of Ye's participation in the three-day music event.
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Kim Novak criticises the casting of Sydney Sweeney to portray her in an upcoming drama about her romance with Sammy Davis Jr. The film will explore the scandalous aspects of Novak's life, particularly her relationship with the iconic entertainer.
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Kim Novak criticises the upcoming drama about her romance with Sammy Davis Jr, expressing discontent over Sydney Sweeney portraying her. The film aims to explore the scandalous aspects of Novak's life, particularly her relationship with the famous entertainer. Novak's comments highlight her concerns about the accuracy of the portrayal.
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Australia's game industry is experiencing a resurgence, with independent studios achieving significant success despite previous challenges. The sector has rebounded from near total collapse, showcasing resilience and innovation. This turnaround highlights the growing recognition and support for local game developers.
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Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi, discusses his new novel Son of Nobody, a retelling of the Iliad from the perspective of an unknown soldier. The narrative intertwines the Trojan War with the contemporary life of researcher Harlow Donne, exploring themes of personal struggle and family dynamics. Martel's work aims to resonate in today's political climate, particularly against the backdrop of the Trump era.
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All the President’s Men, a landmark film about the Watergate scandal, celebrates its 50th anniversary since its premiere in April 1976. Cast members and journalists reflect on its impact, with Jane Alexander recalling the intense filming atmosphere and the meticulous attention to detail from the crew. The film is widely regarded as a classic in journalism cinema.
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Literary critics review the latest book releases, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of this year's titles. The reviews cover a range of genres, offering insights into what readers can expect from new literature. Key recommendations and critiques aim to guide readers in their book choices.
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Literary reviews highlight the best and worst books of 2026, offering insights into notable titles across various genres. Critics evaluate both popular and lesser-known works, providing readers with guidance on what to read this year. The reviews aim to inform and engage literature enthusiasts.
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Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz expresses his excitement about returning to Australia, reflecting on his growth and experiences over the years. He embraces his unique personality and continues to connect with fans through his music. Duritz's visit marks a significant moment in his career as he shares his journey with audiences.
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Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz expresses his excitement about returning to Australia, reflecting on his growth and experiences over the years. He embraces his unique personality while continuing to connect with fans through his music. Duritz's visit marks a significant moment for both him and his Australian audience.
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A new family drama in the UK captivates audiences with its fierce and humorous take on contemporary issues, drawing uncomfortable parallels to Australian politics, particularly referencing Hanson. Critics highlight its sharp writing and relatable themes, making it a must-see show this week.
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A new family drama from the UK, noted for its fierce and humorous elements, is highlighted in this week's theatre review. The play resonates with contemporary issues, drawing uncomfortable parallels to Australian political figures like Hanson. It is part of a broader wrap-up of significant shows currently on stage.
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Recent discussions challenge the notion that screen time negatively impacts children, suggesting instead that movies and digital experiences can enhance empathy and social understanding. Experts argue that these viewing experiences play a significant role in shaping young minds positively.
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Recent discussions highlight that screen time, often viewed negatively, can positively influence children's development. Experts argue that movies and digital content can enhance empathy and social skills, suggesting that these experiences shape young minds rather than harm them. This perspective challenges traditional views on screen time's impact on youth.
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Matthew Macfadyen stars in the upcoming black comedy drama 'The Miniature Wife', following his success in 'Succession'. Known for his ability to deliver cold, hard laughs, Macfadyen's choice reflects his established status in the industry. The film showcases his versatility as an actor.
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Matthew Macfadyen stars in the upcoming black comedy drama 'The Miniature Wife', following his success in 'Succession'. Known for his ability to deliver cold, hard laughs, Macfadyen's role showcases his versatility as an actor. The film promises to highlight his comedic talents in a unique narrative.
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The SBS documentary explores the contentious renovation of the Australian War Memorial, aimed at creating space to acknowledge the loss and ongoing impacts of war on veterans. The upgrade has sparked debate among the public and stakeholders regarding its significance and execution.
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A new SBS documentary explores the contentious renovation of the Australian War Memorial, aimed at creating space to acknowledge the loss and ongoing impacts of war on veterans. The upgrade has sparked debate among the public and stakeholders regarding its significance and execution.
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Authorities investigate the discovery of 21 dead dogs on Guemes Island, Washington, found between March 26 and April 4. The Skagit County sheriff's office reports that the canines appear to be of similar size, raising concerns among locals about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
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April features a selection of new music from Australian artists, highlighting standout albums, EPs, singles, and videos. This month's spotlight includes works from various genres, showcasing the diversity and talent within the local music scene.
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OK Day celebrates the history and evolution of the term 'OK', tracing its origins and usage over time. The term has become a global expression of agreement and affirmation, with various theories regarding its beginnings. This year, the day highlights its significance in modern communication.
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On April 3, 2026, OK Day celebrates the history and significance of the term 'OK'. The article explores its origins and evolution, tracing how it became a universally recognised expression of agreement and affirmation.
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