Review: ALL THE SEX I'VE EVER HAD is as Grand as it Gets at Arts Centre Melbourne

The saying goes there's nothing more like fantasy than reality, and the Melbourne premiere of All the Sex I Ever Had serves that idiom with gusto and sincerity. There's only so much that can be shared in this review, as the reviewer took an oath to discretion, but suffice for me to say that having seen the production's Sydney run, I can unquestionably say this offering by Melbourne Festival cannot be missed. Buy tickets. Seriously. now. You can read this later it'll still be here.

Six seniors sit on a panel, and year-by-year divulge their phenomenal stories of growing up through mid-twentieth century Australia to now, and all the sexual and romantic escapades along the way. The premise seems over-simplified; reductive, even- but what it gives rise to is a thoroughly genuine and accessible modality through which authentic voices can be delivered. What we're here to see isn't a performance, it is life. And it is fantastic.

Hearing the differences in expat experiences compared with locals, and adventuring into the audience for depth of personal prose ensured something truly unique for ticketholders. Be prepared for the fourth-wall to go up and down, which jarred at points, as did the insistence of musical interludes, but this also formed part of the relatability for the audience. Mammalian Diving Reflex have for some time now been making waves with their crossover productions between theatre and community activation. This cunningly crafted, heart-warmingly delivered and unashamedly seductive share-all is sizzling theatre. Take your gran.

Tickets available here.
Photo by Jim Lee.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lead Performer in a Play - Top 3

1. Daniel Radcliffe - Every Brilliant Thing

27.6% of votes

2. Nathan Lane - Death of a Salesman

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3. John Lithgow - Giant

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