Madeleine Swain

Madeleine Swain is ArtsHub’s managing editor. Originally from England where she trained as an actor, she has over 30 years’ experience as a writer, editor and film reviewer in print, television, radio and online. She is also currently President of JOY Media and Chair of the Board.

Madeleine Swain's Latest Articles

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Performance review: The Act, RISING, Chunky Move Studios

A movement/theatre hybrid delving into the parallels and disconnections between dance and sex work.

A man in a white T shirt and jeans and a woman in a lilac jacket stand on stage with drinks
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Theatre review: Heartbreak Hotel, RISING, The Showroom Arts Centre Melbourne

'You'll be so lonely, baby...' New Zealand's EBKM brings a show about heartbreak to this year's RISING.

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Exhibition review: French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, NGV International

The NGV's Winter Masterpieces exhibition brings beloved old masters to Melbourne.

a young man with Down syndrome wears a yellow t shirt and a crown and sits on a blue chair in front of a screen showing many other actors who have played Hamlet.
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Theatre review: Hamlet, RISING, Union Theatre, University of Melbourne

It's 'Hamlet', but not 'that' one. No, this version has dancing, rap and a beautifully conceived and executed message behind…

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King's Birthday Honours List 2025

A beloved broadcaster and columnist, a Nobel Prize-winning author and Australia's highest-profile filmmaking couple are among this year's honourees.

a group of naked female dancers in red wigs, with one at the front leaning back with her arms behind her. Kill Me RISING 2025
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Performance review: Kill Me, RISING, Sumner Theatre

Raw, howling and yearning to be seen, Marina Otero's new work takes the white gloves off and puts the boxing…

A young girl likes on her back on the floor with a movie camera above her. POV
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Theatre review: POV, RISING, Showroom Arts Centre Melbourne

When you take two unrehearsed actors and a child telling them what to do, where to stand and what to…

Flinders Street Railway Station in Melbourne - an Edwardian railway station with a dome as part of the city skyline at dusk. Across the front is a blue rectangular sign promoting the RISING arts festival.
Features

RISING 2025 reviews and coverage

All reviews and coverage of Melbourne's flagship arts and culture event in the one spot...

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Music review: Beth Gibbons, RISING, Hamer Hall

The celestial vocal stylings of Portishead's lead singer shone in a concert drawn from her first solo album.

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Trashing a treasure – re-elected government called on to act quickly to save Murujuga

Campaigners say time is running out to save irreplaceable rock art in the Pilbara.

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