Avid Theatre and The 1812 Theatre are presenting Patrick Marber's drama Closer as a co-production at bakery@1812 in Upper Ferntree Gully. The play runs from October 28 to November 7. It follows four strangers whose lives collide amid attraction, desire, betrayal and honesty, as each character confronts uncomfortable truths about themselves and others. An original soundtrack features independent artists Freya Magee, Lollxy and Timby. Bookings are available through the 1812 Theatre website.
A run of community theatre productions across Melbourne's south-east and surrounds is listed through to early 2027. Shows include Cock at the Shirley Burke Theatre in Parkdale until October 31, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Malvern Theatre until November 7. Titanic the Musical is staged at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College, Hawthorn, from December 3 to 12. Several groups are also holding auditions, including Essendon Theatre Company's Seventeen and The Basin Theatre's Midnight Murder at Hamlington Hall. Tickets and bookings are handled by each individual company.
Veteran radio host Ewan Dixon has died in hospital, months after he was seriously injured in a horse riding accident near Melbourne. He died at Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully on September 24. His death was only recently made public by his care worker, Jason Davis. Former colleague Gavin Wood shared the news on Facebook, saying Dixon had fought hard to recover but his injuries were too severe. Born in Toowoomba, Dixon worked as an announcer on radio stations in Brisbane and Melbourne, including B105, Gold 104.3 and Triple M Melbourne.
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The Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre marked 50 years of operation with a free open day, featuring cake, coffee, and pickleball. Local officials and residents celebrated the milestone, while the facility's manager highlighted its role in fostering social connections. The centre's future is uncertain, with calls for a $15 million federal grant to fund redevelopment as the ageing building struggles to meet modern standards.
