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

News

Brisbane Festival's loss is Powerhouse's gain – Louise Bezzina changes roles

A changing of the guard in Brisbane's cultural organisations sees the Festival CEO move to the Powerhouse.

Two panels: on the left is a Caucasian woman with shoulder lenghth grey wavy hair and a black blouse, sitting three-quarters on and with arms crossed. On the right is a green book cover with tendrils of pink and yellow flowers down the right and left sides and the word BLOOMER in yellow vertically in the middle. Carol Lefevre. Bloomer.
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Book review: Bloomer, Carol Lefevre

A thoughtful, inspiring and gentle examination of the concept of ageing, seen through the eyes of a woman who loves…

Image is a pink/red background with a tonne weight on it, bearing the inscription Funny Tonne

Funny Tonne – part three, MICF 2025

The third batch of reviews from the Funny Tonne, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's fledgling reviewers for 2025.

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Comedy review: Brown Women Comedy, fortyfivedownstairs, MICF 2025

A smaller, tighter line-up is a smart move for this ongoing comedy collective.

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Comedy review: Reuben Kaye, The Party's Over, Comedy Theatre, MICF 2025

The whirlwind returns, managing to squeeze in another couple of superb shows even while performing in a blockbuster musical down…

Image is a pink/red background with a tonne weight on it, bearing the inscription Funny Tonne

Funny Tonne – part two, MICF 2025

The second batch of reviews from the Funny Tonne, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's fledgling reviewers for 2025.

A four-panel art work of a figure being arrested, sent to prison, committing suicide and being buried. There is an Aboriginal flag in the centre of the panels. Death in Custody. Robert Campbell Jnr.
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Exhibition review: Blak In-Justice, Heide Museum of Modern Art

A powerful and sadly still timely exhibition.

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Comedy review: Wankernomics: Just Touching Base, Athenaeum Theatre, MICF 2025

In the rich comic vein of a Clarke and Dawe or 'Utopia', Wankernomics is balm for the soul for anyone…

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Comedy review: Rhys Darby: The Legend Returns, Athenaeum Theatre, MICF 2025

Have you ever seen a dirty thought cling like a mad monkey to a vocal chord? Rhys Darby offers all…

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Comedy review: Blak Holes, The Greek, Paw Paw Jump, MICF 2025

A new comedy duo with heaps of potential...

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