Polite Society’s Social Diary - January & February

He dazzled as an energetic young Henry V in Bell Shakespeare’s production last year and now JK Kazzi is back on stage, as volatile loner Danny in John Patrick Shanley explosive drama, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. Set in the Bronx in the 1980s, this two-hander (with another rising star, Jacqui Purves) explores the chance meeting of two damaged people in a backstreet bar and their attempts to find a way towards a more hopeful future. Only a few tickets remain and it has been well-reviewed, so act fast… The Old Fitz Theatre, Sydney, until February 1

If you’ve watched any TV or Tiktok over the past 20 years, chances are that you’ve heard the music of Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi – he’s the world’s most streamed classical artist. Australia can claim some credit for his latest album, Summer Portraits, which was partly composed during his last tour here, when he visited his grandfather’s home at Rose Bay. Einaudi will be playing this newer work alongside classics from his repertoire in what will surely be some memorable evenings. Sydney Opera House, until January 29; Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl, February 4

Author Bill Bryson’s grandfatherly exterior, all twinkling eyes and greying beard, belies one of the sharpest and funniest minds around, which makes his ‘Best of Bill Bryson’ tour an absolute must-see. He’ll be sharing the stories behind A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0, the updated version of his bestseller, plus anecdotes from his 21 non-fiction books (our favourites being his hilarious travelogues). Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, February 20; Sydney’s State Theatre, February 24 

Billed as a party disguised as an art fair, the Melbourne Art Fair is one of the more unexpectedly idiosyncratic events on the creative calendar. It’s held at the Convention Centre – not the most inspiring venue – but makes up for the grey with a kaleidoscopic list of events. As well as the art, the series of talks and workshops is one of the most inventive we’ve seen for a while: Collecting with Conscience(February 20) promises a fascinating look at the ethics of collecting, while emerging artist Joanne Nethercote (whose subject matter is strictly cats) is running a hands-on embroidery class to create participants’ own ‘pussycat patches’ (February 22). Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 19-22 February

Dangerously Modern is an exhibition of 50 female artists who left Australia at the turn of the 20^th century to study and work overseas. This was a brave, unorthodox move at a time when women’s roles were still constrained by the expectation of marriage and children, but it produced some brilliant work – and in some cases changed the course of Australian art. There are more than 200 works here by big names such as Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, as well as many lesser known figures. See them before the show closes this month.Art Gallery of New South Wales, until February 15

The tale of Turandot – the ice-cold princess who torments, then executes her suitors – has everything an opera needs: melodramatic storyline, a death for love and at least one standout aria (in this case, Nessum Dorma). This new production promises monumental sets and stellar performances from two of Australia’s most accomplished sopranos, Rebecca Nash and Anna-Louise Cole. Sydney Opera House, Joan Sutherland Theatre, January 15-March 27

We defy anyone to resist Ed Sheeran’s earworm tunes, so it’s Perfect to know that he’ll be sending Shivers down the spines of Australian fans once again. Last here in 2023 with his Mathematics Tour (surely the least rock and roll title ever), this time his Loop Tour celebrates the release of new album Play. He’s playing in his signature live looping style — building layers of vocals and guitar in real time – and if anyone can pull this off in a cavernous stadium, it’s Ed. Various venues, from February 13