In The Virgin Suicides, in a role for Sofia Coppola that he'll always be known for, Josh Hartnett played the dreamy high schooler who had Kirsten Dunst swooning. A quarter-century later, as his then-director is fresh from a Priscilla Presley biopic and his former co-star just snapped America's divisiveness at its potential worst as a photojournalist in Civil War, he's now jumped from Trip Fontaine to Trap, still with his appearance and its impact upon others a key factor. Cooper Adams, Hartnett's latest character, likely was a teen heartthrob, too. Now he's a kindly firefighter who dotes on his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue, Wolf Like Me) to the extent that he's her chaperone at the Taylor Swift-esque Lady Raven's (first-timer Saleka Night Shyamalan) Philadelphia concert. His politeness wins over people quickly, such as the merchandise-slinging Jamie (Jonathan Langdon, Run the Burbs), who's soon doing him a favour. But Trip wasn't completely the charmer that he seemed, and Cooper isn't just a nice dad doing parenting well — he's Trap's killer. It was true in The Sixth Sense of Bruce Willis (Assassin), in Unbreakable with Samuel L Jackson (Argylle), of James McAvoy (His Dark Materials) in Split and with Dave Bautista (Dune: Part Two) in Knock at the Cabin: M Night Shyamalan knows how to draw a gripping turn out of his leads. With well-known names in front of his lens, including Hartnett (The Bear), he's just as aware of how to riff on existing audience understanding and expectations. Not everyone who acts for the Glass, The Visit and Old filmmaker receives the same treatment — but when the approach works, it's worth building an entire movie around. Trap is one such flick, clueing viewers in early that Hartnett has taken a Dexter-esque step into a murderer's shoes. Then, it observes the disconnect between the perceptions of everyone around Cooper and his homicidal urges, all as the cops stage a sting at the gig to catch someone they know solely as The Butcher. When he arrives at the stadium with Riley, Cooper has no idea that attempting to capture him will be the real production of the day. He promised his giddily excited kid that she'd see her favourite singer if she earned good grades and he's delivered; that she's fallen out with her friends and needs something a distraction also factors in. Then Shyamalan, who writes and directs, draws attention to the hordes of police filtering in, plus the profiler (Hayley Mills, Death in Paradise) calling the shots. Cooper equally notices. It's all a ploy, Jamie shares without realising who he's talking to, and there's only one route out. Already juggling checking on his current detainee (Mark Bacolcol, Night Is Limpid) via webcam and being drawn into the schoolyard feud by a fellow parent (Marnie McPhail, Dream Scenario) with ensuring that Riley is having the time of her life, he's now desperately trying to stop his normal-guy facade from crumbling. The famously twist-loving Shyamalan isn't bashful about Cooper's lethal tendencies. Accordingly, that isn't among the movie's surprises. As Trap's protagonist endeavours to stay ahead of his pursuers in a cat-and-mouse game — they've no idea what he looks like, which assists immensely — and reassure Riley when she starts thinking that he's acting weird, plot shocks remain in store, but so does convenience. Frequently staring intimately at Harnett's face especially when it's wearing a loaded smile, the film aligns its perspective with Cooper's whatever-it-takes efforts to stay avoid handcuffs, yet luck has as much as sway on his path as smarts. As he does with dad jokes and awkwardness, Harnett sells every clever choice and stroke of fortune alike, and compellingly gets audiences into the killer's head, though, in a standout role for the Penny Dreadful, Wrath of Man, Black Mirror and Oppenheimer actor; Trap would struggle without his transfixing commitment. Even with opportune turns constantly coming Cooper's way, Shyamalan doesn't have a tension problem, in no small part because watching one of his films means inherently being on edge for the next twist, then the next, then the next again — and he gleefully toys with that fact. But he does have a third-act issue, especially when he branches beyond his solid setup. While that choice brings in a welcome supporting performance from Alison Pill (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) as Cooper's wife and Riley's mother Rachel, it plunges the feature into Lord of the Rings-style too-many-endings territory. Also too often, Trap's decisions feel like Shyamalan simply thinking that something would be nifty. Enlisting Mills given her The Parent Trap background, Kid Cudi's (Silent Night) winking cameo, giving Saleka such prominence: some hit the target, others wish they did. What lengths will a dad go to for his daughter? That's one of this picture's threads on- and off-screen. In a year that's seen Trap's filmmaker produce the directorial debut of one of his children, with Ishana Night Shyamalan's The Watchers reaching cinemas mere months before his own latest release, he's now penned and helmed a flick that features another of his kids as a pop sensation and has the real-life singer's own music weaved in prominently. As he has long enjoyed doing in his own movies, the Shyamalan patriarch also pops up on camera, this time to praise Saleka's Lady Raven. He's pitched Trap as a Swift gig meets The Silence of the Lambs, but it's as much about wanting to give your children everything, build them up and, when you've got other demands on your focus, still doing your best to be there for them. Aided by cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom (who shot Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria and Challengers for Luca Guadagnino, plus Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives and Memoria for Apichatpong Weerasethakul) alongside editor Noemi Katharina Preiswerk (Knock at the Cabin, Servant), Shyamalan doesn't take his gift to Saleka lightly. The concert-film elements aren't window dressing. He revels in them, sometimes savvily juxtaposing the show's massive scale with Cooper's life-or-death predicament, sometimes with the indulgence of a dad giving his kid a vehicle for her dreams. The Eras tour boasts many things, a date with screens among them, but it isn't also a psychological thriller; mix that with Grand Piano and Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation's opera scene, and that's Trap's template as well. When Hartnett sings, albeit not literally, so does the film. Donoghue also does her utmost and leaves an impression. But, while engrossing, the picture they're in often plays like a warmup for a big gig that hasn't pulled off everything that it wants to.
Jay-Z and Kanye West, Powderfinger and Silverchair, Papa Vs. Pretty and The Vasco Era. See the trend here? This list might be in order of greatness (and current monetary success), but there's also a recurring theme: double headliners. We all love a 2 for 1 deal, and this week's double whammy at The Zoo is no exception. Both Papa Vs. Pretty and The Vasco Era will play equal-length sets and will both showcase songs from their new albums. Papa Vs. Pretty is a name we've all heard rattling around on the radio waves this past year, not only because Triple J has flogged the shit out of their debut album United in Isolation, but also because they've toured with heavy weights The Vines and The Kaiser Chiefs. In a similar position are The Vasco Era who, for the past year, have been riding on the success of their second album, have also enjoyed Triple J love, as well as sweet spots at nearly every Australian festival. What's more, the two bands are being crushed into one tour bus, so fingers crossed for a duet/mashup at some stage during the night! I can’t promise anything on that one though. Another thing, both bands are pretty attractive, so staring at some eye candy is also a bonus, and if you're a dude, just watch them work their magic on their guitars, mmmk?
Getting out of the city for a weekend is one of our favourite pastimes. Whether it's a beach break, a hinterland escape or a vineyard traipse, we'll take it — so long as there are excellent things to eat and drink, of course. This winter, parts of regional New South Wales will be hosting incredible food and drink events as part of the North Coast Festival of Flavour from Friday, June 3 till Sunday, June 5 — an ideal excuse for a weekend away if you ask us. To help you select where exactly to head to savour flavours at the festival, we've scoured the program to bring you our top picks. From lavish long lunches to decadent dinners and more, here are our festival favourites worthy of a weekend away this winter. BITES AND BREWS — Suz Tucker Mullumbimby is the underrated and somewhat undiscovered gem in the Northern Rivers (which makes me wonder if I should even mention it). But a growing popularity is inevitable because it's got so much going for it — including a genuine originality in its food and booze scene. Case in point: the Wandana Brewing Co, which, according to its website, is the "the only brewery in the world who plays non-stop music to every beer they make the entire time it's in the tank". Apparently it's because of the way yeast cells respond to sound vibrations. I have no idea if the Wandana brewers are trolling me with this, but I do know their beers are bloody great. At the Bites and Brews event happening on Saturday, June 4, Wandana is pouring a lineup of small batch beers, matched with food from a variety of the area's local producers curated by Table Under A Tree — from cheeses to aged charcuterie — and you'll be guided through each mouthful by the winning hosts. NOSE TO TAIL BEEF CELEBRATION AT FRIDA'S FIELD —Nik Addams Growing up, the best family get-togethers were the ones that involved an entire animal slow-roasting over a charcoal spit. I was lucky enough to experience this ritual in my hometown of Melbourne on special occasions, as well as when visiting relatives in Greece and Cyprus. No part of the animal went to waste — the whole thing was there to be enjoyed, and enjoy it we did. And while I don't know that there even is a Greek equivalent of the term 'nose-to-tail', this is an experience I find hard to turn down in any form. That's why I'm so excited about the Nose to Tail Beef Celebration at Frida's Field, a five-course, nose-to-tail long lunch featuring angus-wagyu beef carefully curated by award-winning chef Ally Waddell happening on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4. The dishes will be paired with sides and accompaniments showcasing fresh seasonal produce from the farm and other local growers, and complemented by local bevs. And with a backdrop of the farm's verdant expanses and the Byron Bay hinterland, al fresco lunches don't get much dreamier than this. SANCTUS BREWING CO LONG LUNCH — Melanie Colwell If the hustle and bustle of city life is getting all-consuming, the oft-overlooked yet completely idyllic Clarence Valley region could be just the antidote. The area is home to charming hamlets, picturesque beaches and plenty of walking trails so you can truly feel like you've escaped the rat race. And that feeling will only be amplified when you attend the Sanctus Brewing Co Long Lunch. Over three hours on Saturday, June 4, the Townsend brewery is hosting a decadent five-course feast — and every dish will be prepared over fire in the venue's outdoor kitchen using fresh local produce. Not only will you get to appreciate what this little pocket of northern NSW has to offer, but you'll also get to do it while sipping on Sanctus' range of handcrafted brews and artisanal spirits. Ready to plan a weekend away filled with incredible food and drink? For more information on the North Coast Festival of Flavour and to plan your trip, visit the website.
Time flies when you're slurping up mussels and listening to the sounds of jazz, as the folks at South Melbourne Market well and truly know. The Coventry and Cecil corner mainstay has been celebrating both for seven years now at its annual festival. The latest will take place on March 7 and 8, with the Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival returning to serve up a mollusc-focused street party. Oh, and more than six tonnes of mussels. It's free, it'll fill your stomach with locally sourced seafood, and it'll offer up a feast of other treats, including sweets, tipples and dance-worthy tunes. When it comes to enjoying the tasty sea creatures, Claypots, Köy, Paco y Lola, Simply Spanish and Bambu are just some of the eateries popping up — and whipping up an array of different mussel dishes. Seafood lovers will be able to dive into everything from mussel paella to wok-cooked drunken mussels. And you'll be eating for a good cause. The shells will be collected by Shuck Don't Chuck and used to help restore Port Phillip Bay's shellfish reefs. Taking care of the entertainment are local singer Loretta Miller, Alma Zygier, La Nuit Blanche, Margie Lou Dyer and a New Orleans-inspired seven-piece called the Horns of Leroy. Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival runs from 12–10pm on Saturday and 12–8pm on Sunday. Image: Simon Shiff.
Is it classical music? Is it something you'd hear in a club? No, it's something somewhere in between. Dots + Loops have been blurring the lines between conservatory and underground music for a few years now, and now they're bringing their blend to Cupa for a two-day festival. Post-genre is the term they use; however, whatever you want to call it, it's not going to be what you expect. Taking place over September 8 and 9, the fest features two shows jam-packed with talent. Head along on Friday to catch Bach Unwound by the Sleeping Giant composer collective and Bang on a Can cellist Ashley Bathgate, as well as an Airport DJ set. Saturday brings Kupka's Piano performing "Hout" by Louis Andriessen, and Rosa Guitar Trio unleashing two new works by Chris Perren and Brechtje. Plus, if you're after some career advice fun in the middle Make it Happen is the festival's seminar on following your creative dream. Held in conjunction with Rehearsal Magazine, it'll also be live-streamed if you can't catch the real thing.
If you're one to track down wholesome treats on Instagram — particularly sweet bites of the vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free variety — then you've probably come across Ines Scholtes's feed. But sharing an image of an aesthetically advanced dish is one thing — whipping them up everyday and selling them in a cafe is quite another. But with Mylk + Ko, Scholtes is setting out to do just that. The New Farm cafe opens its doors on Sunday, February 5, and aims to bring the aspiring pastry chef-turned-lawyer-turned cafe owner's nourishing, dietary requirement-friendly fare to the hungry Merthyr Road masses. That includes caramel slices, cookies, cakes and more in a significant range of raw, vegan and gluten-free varieties. Snickers mousse, anyone? How about Nutella cake, or raw peanut butter and jelly cheesecake? Red velvet waffles? "You should be able to nourish your body and make your tastebuds dance at the same time," says Scholtes of Mylk + Ko's menu, which also features its namesake mylkshakes, using almond and soy milk, plus other non-dairy alternatives. Allpress coffees, smoothies and fresh cold-pressed juices help round out the selection, making the cafe a daytime pit-stop dream for anyone after something indulgent but healthy. Plus, consider Mylk + Ko's initial offerings just the beginning of a broader range of all-round goodness. In the future, Scholtes plans to add cooking classes and talks to the eatery's array of delights, plus something to satisfy sweet cravings when evening hits: a nighttime dessert bar. Mylk + Ko opens on Sunday, February 5 at 1/148 Merthyr Road, New Farm. Keep an eye on their website and Instagram feed for further details.
A short walk from the Walkabout Creek Information Centre, you'll find the ever-popular, heritage-listed swimming area, Enoggera Reservoir. Here, swimmers and nature-lovers converge where green, gently sloping banks meet the cool waters. If you fancy a bit of exploration beyond the barriers, hire a canoe or paddleboat from Walkabout Creek Adventures. There are no tables, barbecues or covered areas at this spot, but the lawn is just begging for your finest picnic spread. What the native canopies lack in shade, they more than make up for in wildlife, especially rare birds. The carpark fills up fast on weekends, so arrive early. Or, you can reach it by bus if you don't mind a bit of a walk. Image: JulieMay54, Wikimedia Commons
The Box has flaunted it’s ability to draw a crowd and groom them into the friendly Box family from its inception. From art exhibitions, to joy-filled gigs, The Box has hosted some of Brisbane and Australia’s most brilliant minds, and that more than enough reason to jump on the 199, pop off at Stop 9 and celebrate. Art and music is what The Box does best, so they’ll be pulling together some of the best, to put on a celebration that might just be Brisbane’s best. Mossy Antlers, Rachel Bartram, Peter Berg and Sonja Carmichael are just a handful of the artists who’ll be displaying arty things, probably art. Autumn, Ella Fence and Mamachair will be providing some sweet, sweet tunes to match, making for a fusion that’s going to blow the Box lid off. It’s BYO so bring along your favourite brewski or pick up a cheap bottle of red, and enter a drunken daze of art, music and West End enchantment.
With a host of restaurants and eateries making a beeline for Bowen Hills, King Street has fast become Brisbane's biggest new foodie precincts. Until summer hits, it'll boast another reason to stop by: an outdoor garden dedicated to end-of-week banquets. Celebrating the warmer weather with al fresco dining in greenery-filled surroundings, King Street's Spring Garden will start blossoming on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from October 5, right through until November 25. Amidst the flora, visitors will find private booths that can seat two to 12 people, plus a menu that'll take your outdoor eating experience to the next level. Three King Street residents — Il Verde, Fat Dumpling, and The George Bar & Bistro — have whipped up three different banquet packages, each spanning multiple courses and including a cocktail on arrival. Go Italian with an antipasto platter, pizza and Nutella-filled cannoli for $69, or opt for a dumpling taster pack, crispy chicken curry or sweet soy pork belly, and peach spring rolls for $45. A charcuterie board, followed by a pick of lemon and rosemary slow-roasted lamb shoulder or fennel and citrus-roasted salmon fillet is also on offer for $55. Two sessions will be run each evening in two-hour blocks starting at 5.30pm and 8pm. Bookings are required in advance, as is payment for your chosen banquet, but additional drinks can be purchased to suit your thirst on the night. King Street's Spring Garden pops up at King Street, Bowen Hills from October 5 to November 25. For more information, visit the King Street website. Image: Fat Dumping / Linglin Zhu Photography.
It's not every festival feels like a country weekend fete that just happens to be headlined by say, The Shins. Fairgrounds, Australia's country boutique camping festival descends on the small NSW town of Berry each December. Taking over the local Berry Showgrounds, Fairgrounds boasts all the trimmings of a major music festival with the essence of a local fair. And this December, it's back for another two-day round. Running over December 8 and 9, the two-day festival is making a triumphant return. In a huge coup for the small festival in its third year, they've secured big time festival favourites The Shins and Future Islands to headline, alongside local legends Client Liaison, D.D Dumbo, Holly Throsby, Jen Cloher, Royal Headache's Shogun and more. Oh, and casual founding Pavement member Spiral Stairs. With a strong focus on the local NSW South Coast area, Fairgrounds isn't just about the tunes. Last year local nosh, market stalls and the local swimming pool played equally starring roles at this multifaceted festival — something we're sure made Berry residents pretty happy. Between dips in Berry's local pool (within the festival grounds), punters feasted on local delights, including fresh rock oysters harvested less than half an hour from the festival site. But we know what you're here for. Here's the full lineup. FAIRGROUNDS 2017 LINEUP: Aldous Harding Client Liaison D.D Dumbo Future Islands Hockey Dad Holly Throsby Japanese Breakfast Jen Cloher Marlon Williams Noname The Shins The Teskey Brothers You Am I Jess Locke Leah Senior Press Club Shogun (Royal Headache) Spiral Stairs (Pavement) Fairgrounds runs December 8–9 at Berry Showgrounds, NSW. Tickets on sale from Moshtix at 9am, Tuesday, August 22 (presale Thursday, August 18 — sign up to the newsletter for this). Festival entry is $160, with camping $220, with shuttle $198. Kids under 12 attend free with an adult. Image: Andy Fraser.
Whichever pop culture phenomenon, figure, show, movie or bad takes your fancy, odds are there's a cookbook devoted to it. Breaking Bad, Brad Pitt's eating habits, Morrissey and Nick Cave-inspired vegan recipes, Twin Peaks pies (and doughnuts and coffee, obviously) — the list goes on. If you're keen to pair a heap of your faves with some joke-tastic dishes, however, then Pun Pantry's kitchen tome is for you. Among their recipes: 'Chicken Kebob Dylan', 'Fleetwood Mac & Cheese', 'Gin Diesel' cocktails (yes, Coronas are among the ingredients) and 'Wu-Tang Clam Chowder', plus 'The Fresh Prince of Eclaires', 'Pumpking Kong Pie', 'Cream Puff Daddy', 'Frying Nemo' and 'Obi-Wan Cannolis'. If some of them sound familiar, that's because Pun Pantry have been selling themed merchandise and showcasing their wares online for a couple of years. Now, they're running a Kickstarter campaign to put their comedic cooking creations into print. Featuring more than 20 recipes, Pun Pantry contend that the book won't just include steps for serving up hilarious and tasty dishes, but will be "an homage to pop culture, filled with stories, interactive material and original comedic flavour". The fundraising drive will also help them attend the America's Mart Novelty Gift Show in January — and with eight days left to go at the time of writing, they're nearly a third of the way to their US$10,000 goal. Via Food & Wine. Image: Pun Pantry / Nude Dude Food.
Fantastic shows and performances are one part of MELT, Brisbane Powerhouse's annual queer arts and culture festival. Vibrant and diverse art is another. Simply take a look at the the venue's walls until Sunday, June 13 and you'll understand — with the venue decked out with a showcase of MELT creativity for the duration of the fest, and also for a few weeks after the main event ends. As it does every year, the annual MELT Portrait Prize celebrates LGBTIQ+ heroes. Paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and digital images are all in the running, with submitted works competing for the judge's choice and people's choice prizes (and for a highly commended slot as well). This exhibition displays the shortlisted works, so you'll be seeing the best of the best as you wander through Powerhouse's Turbine Foyer. Just make sure you don't drop by too early in the week to check out the free showcase — because the MELT Portrait Prize is on display from 11.30am–5.30pm Wednesday–Sunday. Top image: MELT Portrait Prize 2019 People's Choice Winner — Tim Wang 'Becalmed'.
The new year always begins with excitement about a fresh start, new challenges and intended achievements. This is generally closely followed by a hangover and the sad reality that nothing has really changed, and life is to carry on as usual. It's hard not to feel a bit sad once the week of Christmas and New Year have come to an end, and especially when friends have decided to give up drinking as a new year resolution. Here at Concrete Playground we are keen to keep the festive buzz going for as long as possible, so we have sought out the five perfect places to do so in Brisbane. = Riverbar & Kitchen If you're already thinking about where you're going to have a drink after work on Friday, look no further than the Brisbane city boardwalk's latest hot spot, Riverbar & Kitchen. The cocktails can be bought in jug size and are perfect to share with colleagues on a hot summer's evening. Enjoy classics like Pimms and Rum Punch or try something new such as the Pomegranate and Basil Margarita or the White Peach Sangria. After a couple of jugs of these you'll be feeling festive and footloose. Promenade level, 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane City; 07 3211 9020; riverbarandkitchen.com.au Lock 'n' Load There is nothing better than an ice cold beer on a hot summer day. Actually, there's one thing that is better, and that is an ice cold 3 litre beer tower to share with your mates on a hot summer day. Settle in for a chilled afternoon at Lock 'n' Load with beer towers being the shout of choice. Beers you can get in the tower( which has an ice core) are Coopers Pale Ale, Rogers by Little Creatures, Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and Tiger (which is going at $20 a tower on Sundays). You can also get Monteith's Apple Cider. Not a bad way to spend the day. 142 Boundary St, West End; 07 3844 0142; www.locknloadbistro.com.au White Lightning Tiki Bar (Alfred & Constance) Still buzzing since they opened in November, Alfred and Constance's White Lightning Tiki Bar is continuing to be a big hit with Brisbane's party crowd. With great music, stoked staff, leis and novelty cocktails it's hard not to feel festive every time you step foot into the Tiki Bar. It's the perfect place to party and bond with new friends over your delicious pina coladas. Cnr Alfred and Constance Streets, Fortitude Valley; 07 3251 6500; www.alfredandconstance.com.au Lady Lamington Opening again this Thursday after a holiday break, Lady Lamington on Brunswick Street is an ideal spot for soaking in the sun and enjoying Queensland weather. The rooftop terrace looks over Fortitude Valley and offers a comfortable spot in the shade under their large yellow umbrellas. Specialising in all things lovely, Lady Lamington has a wonderful list of French champagnes as well as champagne-based cocktails of which you can choose either Veuve Clicquot or Teusner Sparkling. They have all classic cocktails as well as jugs to be shared, so leave your car at home, you will not want to be driving. 483 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley; 3358 6568; www.ladylamington.com.au The Lark For those who are after top quality alcohol, The Lark has got it. The cocktails are second-to-none made by devoted and highly skilled bar staff. The Strummer, their most well-known cocktail, is a delicious blend of Absolut Vodka, falernum syrup, passionfruit, lime and ginger beer topped with aromatic bitters. The Peroni is real Peroni imported from Italy, and the wines are handpicked from some of Australia's and the world's best vineyards. For a top shelf night with top shelf service with a totally relaxed vibe, The Lark is the place to go. 1/267 Given Terrace, Paddington; 07 3369 1299; www.thelark.com.au
While many of you will be taking the long weekend as an opportunity to head to the coast, others will be taking the opportunity to ruin their lawns with blow-up pools, sweating Esky's and a lot of dancing. For the folks who want to head out for Australia Day and come home to a clean house, we've got options. Whether you're after the whole shebang with the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown, or if you simply want some barbecued meat or a bucket of prawns, Concrete Playground has sourced the best five places to celebrate Australia Day this weekend in Brisbane. Jubilee Hotel For Brisbane's official Triple J Hottest 100 party then you must head one of Brisbane's greatest pubs, the Jubilee Hotel, affectionately known as, The Jube. Triple J hosts Maggie Collins and Sarah Howells will be hitting the decks after the countdown from 100 to 1 of the best songs of 2012 voted by the public. Entry is free and the Jube will have a $1 BBQ on offer, which means that it's practically free. Once the countdown is over Maggie and Sarah will continue spinning tunes or for the house music lovers head upstairs for DJ Kuhl Shrank and Let's Get Minimal. 470 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley; (07) 3252 4508; http://www.jubileehotel.com.au The Point Bistro and Bar For those wanting to celebrate Australia Day all weekend, The Point has some wonderfully patriotic special dishes on offer. To start why not try the flash fried salt and pepper crocodile and a schooner of Mooloolaba prawns, closely followed by a Riverland rib eye. For dessert, enjoy the mango and pineapple pavlova salad or the golden syrup dumplings with Bushell's tea ice cream. Shop 15, Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane; 07 3846 5555; http://www.thepointbistro.com.au Next Door For a good ol' fashioned Aussie barbecue (that you don't have to cook), then you must head to Next Door in South Bank for their Sidewalk BBQ running from 11am-3.30pm. They will be serving up gourmet lamb sausages with tomato chutney, lamb 'n' rosemary rissoles and warm damper. They will indeed be chucking shrimp prawns on the barbie and for for dessert, which can be accompanied by icy cold ginger beer. For dessert enjoy beautiful, soft lamingtons. Shop B11, Little Stanley Street, South Bank; 07 3846 6678; http://www.nextdoorkitchenbar.com.au/ Bavarian Bier Cafe For Australia day with a German twist, head to the Great Bier Sausage Sizzle at the Bavarian Bier Cafe. Enjoy the panoramic river views while enjoying some ice cold pure bier and a variety of hot dogs including a sausage made with the oldest sausage recipe in the world and a sausage made using Franziskaner Weisse bier. Sausage and beers mate, it doesn't get much better than that. Available from noon until sold out, you better make sure you get in quick! Eagle Street Pier, 45 Eagle Street; 07 3015 0555; http://www.bavarianbiercafe.com Cove Bar and Dining For those looking for a civilised way to spend the afternoon, Cove has one of Australia's favourite double acts - the bucket of beer and bucket of prawns special going for $55 - a pretty great deal. Celebrating down on the river and amongst the South Bank action you will be able to enjoy this day of patriotism in style. River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank; 07 3844 3993; www.covebardining.com.au
The newest initiative from Metro Arts proves once and for all that it was the egg that came before the chicken, at least when it comes to performance anyway. FreeRange allows the perfect incubation space for artists whose voices demand to be heard, from laying down the ideas and nurturing them into fruition in the spirit of creative exchange. The resulting work to be hatched out of this four-week process is fresh, fast and fearless – and Metro Arts FreeRange wants to share the finished product with you over CROSS-STITCH, a two-night event curated by emerging Artistic Director Steven Mitchell Wright. One of the FreeRange(rs) showing is David M. Thomas, showcasing his work ‘Artists Gamble with Time/Portrait of Clint Doyle, An expanded portrait of Everyone’, a performance piece based on over 10 years of correspondence between Thomas and his friend Clint, who lives in a remote location. Artists Gamble with Time is a culmination of performance, music, photography, interviews, installation, video and paintings that Thomas has used to explore the construction and maintenance of one’s self. Put all your eggs into one basket this Monday and Tuesday, but without the guilt of cage-laid ideas – remember: it’s all FreeRange. Image credit: Interviewer (2010) by David M. Thomas
The 1962 novel, by Ken Kesey, is considered one of literature’s greatest, as well as one of its most frequently banned. The 1975 film, directed by Milos Forman, won five Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor for Jack Nicholson. Now One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest treads the boards, with a new stage production bringing the classic to Brisbane Arts Theatre. Adapted by Dale Wasserman, and featuring a cast of up-and-coming performers, the play once more delves into the hierarchy of a mental institution. Randle P. McMurphy is a charming rogue who has chosen a stint in the asylum over a prison sentence, but his brand of rebellion clashes with the icy efficiency of Nurse Ratched. The penultimate work in Brisbane Arts Theatre’s 2014 season, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest caps a great year for screen-to-stage offerings after successful productions of The Breakfast Club and The Addams Family.
Fee-fi-fo-fum, Hollywood's sure giving our childhood a run. In the last two years alone we've had Mirror Mirror, Snow White & the Huntsman, Oz the Great and Powerful, Alice in Wonderland and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. Now it's Jack and the Beanstalk's turn, with Valkyrie director Bryan Singer giving the beloved English folktale the full-blown 3D treatment in Jack the Giant Slayer (not to be confused with 'Jack the giant SLAYER', telling the story of an aspiring thrash guitarist from the '80s). The plot here is much as you'd remember it: Jack (Nicholas Hoult) is a kind but naive farm boy who sells his horse in exchange for some magic beans. Those beans rapidly pullulate and explode towards the heavens with tremendous force, launching both Jack's house and its precious royal inhabitant high into the sky where the fabled giants reside. A rescue mission ensues under the leadership of the fearless Elmont (Ewan McGregor), during which Jack must conquer his fear of heights and overcome the giants in order to save his earthly kingdom and its beautiful princess (Eleanor Tomlinson). Hoult makes a likeable Jack, and Tomlinson is sufficiently Brave-esque in her portrayal of the rebellious and reluctant royal prone to assertions like "a princess is such a useless thing". Ian McShane makes for an endearing king, whereas Stanley Tucci rather phones in his performance as the machiavellian Lord Roderick and Bill Nighy is entirely unrecognisable as Fallon, the leader of the giants. The clear standout performance belongs to McGregor, whose valorous royal guardsman is as engaging as he is disappointingly underused. One scene in particular, during which he's trapped inside a giant pastry fold, captures all the magic, drama and tension we've come to expect from an entire Pixar movie but that here merely represents the best of a precious few moments. Overall it's far more 'kids movie' than either adult or hybrid, although several of the giants' scenes will doubtless leave more than a few children diving for cover behind their hands. It's fun enough throughout to maintain at least some level of interest, and the third act certainly provides some excellent action pieces; however, an excessive reliance upon CGI and not enough time spent on the script leaves Jack the Giant Slayer something of a charmless picture. Suffice to say, the book was most certainly better.
Talented pooches have been barking their way to big-screen stardom since the birth of the medium, and Cannes Film Festival even gives out awards for ace pupper performances. In Australia for a few years now, we also celebrate the intersection of canines and cinema — via our very own dog-themed movie showcase. At the Top Dog Film Festival, doggos and puppers cement their status as humanity's favourite film stars in a touring program of pooch-centric shorts. For a couple of hours, dogs will leap across screens in a curated selection of heartwarming flicks about humanity's best friend. Over the last few years, the lineup has included films about dog-powered sports, dogs in space, dogs hiking through the desert, senior dogs and more — and also dolphin-spotting dogs, animal actors and mountain pups. In 2025, the festival hits Brisbane Powerhouse at 2pm on Saturday, August 23 — and rushing after tickets the way your best four-legged friend rushes after a frisbee is recommended. Given how much we all love watching dog videos online, not to mention attending pupper-centric shindigs in general, this event is certain to be popular. You'd be barking mad to miss it, obviously.
As played as an unrelenting force by Mia Goth (Infinity Pool), even when slasher killers have other plans, Maxine Minx was always going to go big and never go home. To wrap up the horror trilogy with the ambitious actor at its centre (when Goth hasn't also been playing Pearl, its other protagonist, as both an elderly and a younger woman), MaXXXine shoots for the stars as well, including in shifting to new surroundings. Gone is the New Zealand-standing-in-for-Texas production base of X and its prequel Pearl. Absent is the claustrophobic feel of mainly making one spot the franchise's location, whether it was taking place in the 70s in its first entry or in the 1910s in its second. This Los Angeles-set leap to 1985 sparkles with the same scorching drive and determination as its titular figure — and Minx, Goth, writer/director Ti West (Them) and MaXXXine alike won't accept a life, or a swansong instalment in one of the best sagas in the genre in the 2020s, that they do not deserve. From its debut with 2022's X, which turned a porn shoot in a remote farmhouse into a bloody stalking ground, West's big-screen series has always understood that sex and violence so often intersect in the arena that it's paying tribute to: moving pictures. X, Pearl and now MaXXXine also see how censors and the pearl-clutching equate one with the other. Equally, these pictures glean how a woman with a libidinous appetite — or simply the craving to succeed and the unwillingness to settle — can be deemed a larger threat to morality than a murderer. They also spy what a battle it too frequently is for women to chart their own path free of society's expectations, no matter their aspirations. West not only continues splattering these ideas through MaXXXine, but layering them, plus stacking his latest unpackings of them with X and Pearl. The true target in his current sights, however: what it just might cost to make it in a realm as ruthless and ravenous as stardom. The wannabe adult-film performer of X circa 1979 is now the hottest name in skin flicks six years later, a status that matches the sleazy gleam that West and cinematographer Eliot Rockett — who also returns from X and Pearl, and lensed the filmmaker's The House of the Devil, Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever and The Innkeepers before that — afford everything in sight in her new Hollywood life. Minx's existence and career is glowing, but she wants it to shine far and wide beyond porn's shadows, not to mention brighter. Only mainstream stardom will do, albeit with her attempts to break into legit on-camera work squeezed between her usual shoots and doing nights at a peep show. She's certain that she'll get there, though. After striding out of an audition early in the movie, Minx tells the long parade of other actors lining to be seen not to bother trying to walk in her footsteps. That quest to secure the lead in The Puritan 2, which British filmmaker Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown) is directing, is a helluva early character-defining moment — and moment in general. It's also cannily juxtaposed with a glimpse of Maxine's pre-X background, when she was a kid (Charley Rowan McCain, SWAT) in the 50s that Pearl cribbed its style and cinematic influences from, as seen on a TV set as black-and-white home-movie footage. Not giving up has been her mantra for decades, West makes plain. As Bender looks on with a steely stare, 80s-era Maxine performs her monologue with not just precision but conviction that's clearly been forged since her youngest days. She snaps into it instantly, summons tears just as commandingly, then switches back to her regular self as quickly. Digging into trauma is that easy for her. So is agreeing to the next audition request: baring her breasts. Booking the gig makes Minx a kindred spirit to Bender, in a way: both see MaXXXine's film within a film as a springboard to broader credibility, which is no straightforward task given the period or industry. But The Puritan 2's lead is also a woman haunted, though not in the soul-shaking sense, as X established isn't in this character's wheelhouse. Rather, her past keeps making its presence felt, especially via shady private detective John Labat (Kevin Bacon, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F) and his mysterious employer, who know what Maxine did a few years prior to last summer. Additional torment comes via mounting deaths around her, which are chalked up by some to the Night Stalker — aka Richard Ramirez, the IRL serial killer who terrorised mid-80s LA — yet not by persistent detectives Williams (Michelle Monaghan, The Family Plan) and Torres (Bobby Cannavale, Bupkis). Also backdropped by the real-life campaign against purportedly inappropriate pop culture, such as the Parents Music Resource Center's "Filthy Fifteen" songs (tracks by Prince, Madonna, AC/DC, Cyndi Lauper, Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard all featured), MaXXXine might involve a realm that's all about money shots, but it's a neon-lit movie to scour while savouring the moment, not to watch waiting for the climax. That's no knock on the picture's finale, which knows how to deliver. Instead, it's recognition that West is having fun overall, and in slipping in nods to the film's predecessors, getting meta with his casting and riffing with screen history — all smartly and entertainingly. Putting Bacon, who is visibly having a ball, in an 80s-set horror flick while also winking to Footloose is the franchise's second-best use of talent since choosing Goth as its centre. Literally wandering around Tinseltown's past on the Universal lot, including the slasher ground zero that is the Bates Motel set, brings mood, meaning and more musings. The latter also gets a-layering itself, operating as an acknowledgement of how the work of Brian De Palma, whose four-decades-back releases Dressed to Kill and Body Double are clearly influences here, itself owed a debt to Alfred Hitchcock. For even more company for Goth, West finds space for Giancarlo Esposito (The Boys) as Maxine's agent and lawyer, Lily Collins (Emily in Paris) as a fellow actor, Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) as an FX artist, and Halsey (Americana) and Moses Sumney (The Idol) as friends, too. With its roster of talent, MaXXXine also goes big. Still, it knows its star. Goth is the sun in this franchise, to be accurate, whether she's busting balls — which isn't a metaphor on every occasion — or stopping at nothing to be in the world that she so deeply and feverishly covets. There's wit, insight, gore, and both horror and cinema affection galore across X, Pearl and MaXXXine, and West gives it his all, but Goth's efforts over and over have sent this saga soaring. No viewer can doubt that as Maxine here and in X, as Pearl in X and the character's own eponymous flick, and as Mia after prior parts in Nymphomaniac: Vol II, A Cure for Wellness, Suspiria, High Life and Emma, that she would ever tolerate a single thing that she doesn't feel that she's earned and is entitled to.
Cake sadly can't fix all the world's troubles, but it can provide a mighty fine temporary dose of sweetness. And if you like your baked treats by the jarful, for free, and part of a city-wide art installation and scavenger hunt — as inspired by Banksy, too — then The Mason Baker has just the thing for you across the rest of October. The Brisbane-based company is known for its mason jars filled with cakes, including salted caramel, strawberries and cream, blueberry and lemons, chocolate ganache and sticky date pudding varieties. For the rest of the month, though, it isn't just selling them and delivering them to your door — it's popping emergency cake boxes around the city, all filled with free desserts. The boxes are bright red, stuck to walls around town and look just like normal emergency points. But, in great news for your tastebuds, they come with jars of cake instead of fire extinguishers. Hunting them down is part of the fun, with the boxes placed in different spots around Brisbane, ready to be broken open. For hints about their whereabouts, you'll need to keep an eye on The Mason Baker's Instagram each day. Explaining the cake-fueled activation — not that anyone really needs an excuse to give away cake — The Mason Baker owner and founder James Willis said that he's aiming to brighten up this chaotic year. "Our gourmet jarcakes were designed to be the perfect gift to send to someone whether they have had a bad day, are celebrating something exciting, as an 'I love you' or as a 'just because'," Willis said in a statement. "I think the people of Brisbane definitely deserve a pick-me-up after the year we've all been through." For more details about The Mason Baker's emergency cake boxes, keep an eye on its Instagram feed.
Running between South Brisbane's Grey and Manning streets, Fish Lane is the city's little roadway with a big impact. Everything from wine bars, beer cafes and rib shacks to hawker-style Asian restaurants, retro fish 'n' chipperies and famous gelato joints can be found along its expanse — and they've just scored four new neighbours. Now welcoming customers is Grassfed, which ranks among the street's most exciting new inclusions. A collaboration between ex-Urbane chef Alejandro Cancino and Brisbane Vegan Markets' Jonny Garrison, it's a vegan burger bar that takes the meat out of everyone's favourite bread-based meal, but keeps plenty of flavour. Think mock pork, chicken and beef, as well as stacked veggie burgs, plant-based sides, cold Young Henry's beers, vegan shakes topped with soy spray cream and four varieties of vegan ice cream. Grassfed joins the already-trading Next Episode, aka Fish Lane's first spot to combine getting a haircut with having a few beverages. The hip hop-themed spot is both a barbershop and a speakeasy — and to find the latter, you'll need to enter the main area, pick up the red phone on the wall and ask to be let in. Once inside, cocktails await, all with names to suit the venue's soundtrack and graffiti-style artwork. Gin and juice is one of them, and so is the vodka-fuelled 'I Got 99 Problems But a Drink Ain't One', the juniper tipple that is 'Hendrick's Lamar', and a bourbon and pear liqueur blend called 'Purple Drank'. Additional locations for both Kiss the Berry and DA'Burger round out Fish Lane's fresh class of newcomers, one slinging acai bowl and smoothies, and the other combining meaty burgs with 12 beers on tap. DA'Burger has expanded its range for its new store, too, adding vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Find Grassfed, Next Episode, Kiss the Berry and DA'Burger on Fish Lane, South Brisbane.
Taking control of a party iPod without permission is one of the biggest breaches of trusts known to man. Unless you're going to put on some vintage All Saints or Go West, the simple rule is, stay away from the speakers. Though, if there's one band in Brisbane we might trust to do the ol' iPod switcheroo, it's Screamfeeder — they know what's best to dance to, and they've been proving it for years. Now, in conjunction with new Brisbane music venue The Triffid, these iconic grunge rockers are throwing a G20 public holiday party for the ages. Kicking off at 4pm this Friday, Dance to Guitars will feature local bands such as Babaganouj, Sounds like Sunset, Tape/Off, The Cathars, and of course Screamfeeder. If you're drawing a blank on that name, they're one of Brisbane's most iconic grunge bands who've been compared to The Who, The Jam and Huska Ru. They've even toured with Sonic Youth, Rollins Band and Pavement. Take advantage of the public holiday, and have a well deserved dance! Grab your tickets here.
If you're going to set up a rooftop beach club anywhere in southeast Queensland, then the Gold Coast is certainly the place for it. And, as first announced in 2020, the sunny tourist spot did indeed become home to once such sprawling venue in 2021. But what happens when things get wintry, even in a city known for its warm climes? From Friday, June 24 through till the end of August, the snow — and a brand-new alpine makeover — will set in at Cali Beach instead. Yes, the 5000-square-metre space venue on a fourth-floor rooftop on Surfers Paradise Boulevard is being transformed into a rooftop lodge. It's renaming itself The Rooftop Lodge, in fact. And, it's taking the concept seriously, with more than 60 snow-topped trees, fire pits and even fake snow falling across the site. Expect big alpine energy as you wander through a snowy forest the size of a tennis court, complete with a toboggan slide — and when you hit up the huge dome igloo bar within it. The winter oasis will also turn its Saké Sisters restaurant into an après-ski lodge, spanning both its fitout and its menu. As for the Cali shop, it'll become a chalet bar with fire pits and blankets. And, instead of hopping in the pool, you'll take a splash in two hot tubs. Between dips, there'll be ice hockey as well — because why not? Cali Beach's VIP cabanas are all being decked out as luxury alpine lodges, too, with facades that look the part, more fire pits and ski village-style cosy furniture. So, gathering the gang and hanging out in your own space is still on the agenda — just in a frosty-themed setup, rather than going beachy. Food-wise, the menu will include plenty of winter go-tos, such as charcuterie boards, fondue and marshmallows that you can roast by the fire. Or, sip wintry cocktails and indulge in a shotski, which'll see you downing shots off of a snow ski. The venue's entertainment lineup will also switch to fit the pop-up, including winter costumes — and entry will be free, although you'll be paying to eat and drink.
If you live in Brisbane and rum is mentioned, everyone's minds jump to one particular tipple: Bundaberg Rum. But it isn't the only variety of boozy sugar cane juice on offer — not by far. Fancy widening your rum repertoire? Feel like experimenting? Keen to learn more about this molasses-based liquor? Enter Brisbane Rum Revolution, a returning one-day festival that'll have you sipping and tasting not just one rum, or a few, but more than 100 different rums from its hefty menu. Running across two sessions from 11.30am–3pm and 4–7.30pm on Saturday, November 11 at Brisbane Showgrounds (and calling itself Australia's biggest rum festival), the event is playing host to 30-plus rum distilleries. It's also showcasing rums from South America, the Caribbean, the UK and locally, so prepared to be spoiled for choice. That lineup includes brand new tipples, as well as Brisbane Rum Revolution exclusives that you won't find elsewhere. All tastings are included in your $70.14 ticket — and the event also includes live music, pop-up bars and food, as well as cocktails galore. And, of course, saying cheers with a rum in your hand again and again. Fancy sticking around for both sessions? There's a $117.79 ticket for that.
Peace, love and homegrown goodness will be in full swing when The Babe Rainbow take to the stage of Black Bear Lodge. They are a salute to the 60's with golden surf guitars and catchy lines full of warmth, connecting itself to the universe from within. They might do things a little left of centre, but The Babe Rainbow will take you on a journey upwards and outwards towards the full spectrum of greater musical understanding and appreciation. They find inspiration to everything around them, and are connected to the earth. Take this snippet for example: “I was daydreaming while planting purple sprouted broccoli in Johnny’s garden, and spirit dog was howling at the moon. You know the only thing that being in love and howling at the moon have in common is everything.” They are joined by Brisbane honeys The Furrs and The Family Jordan. Be sure to get in early and indulge tasty bargains in Black Bear Lodge’s infamous Hunting Hour, and see through the night with the house DJs to keep the good vibes going.
Since arriving in town a few years back, Salt Meats Cheese has been giving Brisbanites a pizza-filled treat. And, as part of its lineup of Italian eats, it's been known to give the city's residents plenty of specials in its time — including the return of its $25 all-you-can-eat pizza nights every Monday at its Newstead store. "Does this look like someone who's had all they can eat?" isn't something you'll be saying when you devour as many slices as your stomach can handle in 90 minutes, so calm your inner Homer Simpson. The main catch is that you'll have to buy a drink as well, but you can choose from both boozy and non-alcoholic options. Available from 5pm, this hefty feast serves up multiple options, too. You can stick with the $25 pizza-focused option, or add any pasta from the menu to your all-you-can-eat dinner for an extra $5. And if you're vegan or eat a gluten free diet, those can also be catered for for another $5. You do need to finish each serving of pizza or pasta before ordering your next, but that's hardly a tough rule.
Space travel made headlines in 2021 when several billionaires battled to be the first to exit the Earth's atmosphere. But thankfully, you don't have to be mega rich to get your intergalactic fix in Brisbane. Instead, you just need to head to huge space exploration exhibition Neighbourhood Earth. Arriving three years after Queensland Museum paid tribute to all things NASA, this award-winning showcase brings together science and cutting-edge technology to create an unforgettable outer space experience. Inside the exhibition, which is setting up at Queens Plaza in the CBD, you and your crew can immerse yourselves in the solar system and humanity's place in it — and check out a full-size replica of a section of the International Space Station, plus a prototype Z-2 Spacesuit that's designed to be worn on future missions to Mars. Expect illuminated screens, spectacular surround sound and a giant projection-mapped show combining to deliver a multi-sensory, panoramic cinematic adventure, too. Fancy seeing a double sunrise on Mercury, lightning on equatorial Venus, a blue Martian sunset or descending into Jupiter's Great Red Spot? That's also part of Neighbourhood Earth. There'll be museum-quality models, spacecrafts and tools as well, showcasing facts and stories about space exploration. Plus, the touch-respondent projections and holographics are bound to leave you mesmerised. Neighbourhood Earth comes to Brisbane from Saturday, November 5, 2022–Sunday, February 5, 2023, for a hefty summer run bookending the Christmas holidays — and expect space devotees of all ages to attend the family-friendly event. Split across three zones, the exhibition is presented by entertainment platform Fever, and comes to Brisbane after stints in Sydney and Melbourne. There's some big brains behind the project — it was dreamed up by the teams at the US Space & Rocket Centre and NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Centre in conjunction with integrated production company Toto Creative — so be ready to have your own mind expanded.
If you live in Brisbane, you likely love a burger, given that there seems to be a new joint slinging the savoury meat-and-bun combination on every corner. And if you live in Brisbane and love burgers, you're probably more than a little fond of Ben's. It didn't become the city's favourite laneway hangout in just over a year of operation without good reason. Prepare to be excited then, Winn Lane-venturing American-style burger fans, about West End's newest eatery. Though every addition to the vibrant area (and fresh excuse to eat, drink and be merry) provides ample cause for celebration, only The Bleachers comes with Ben's menu — plus a few extra additions. On the burger front, expect to find their small in number but big in taste offerings on Boundary Street, including the three regular choices that comprise their lunch and dinner lineup. Whether the classic, the special or the mushroom-focused vegetarian burger gets your tastebuds tingling, or perhaps the chilli fries as a sizeable accompaniment, you'll now be able to devour them on the other side of the inner city. When it comes to finding the cherry on top of what already sounds like a certain West End hotspot, look no further than the broader seasonal menu. Well, actually, look to The Bleachers' option for dessert, because it's certain to satisfy your sweet tooth. Who doesn't want to pair their burger or other scrumptious meal with the cold, swirled, sugary goodness that is soft serve ice cream fresh out of the machine? The Bleachers is coming soon to Boundary Street, West End. Keep an eye on their website for more information, or check out Ben's Burgers on Facebook.
Forget about decking the halls with boughs of holly. That's all well and good and festive, but when it comes to filling your house with greenery, why stop there? Adding to the seasonal shopping bonanza that's taking over every corner of the city, or so it seems, VEND Marketplace's Greenhouse is hosting a one-day Christmas Plant Sale. Earlier this year, the northside spot added the Greenhouse as a new space dedicated to plants. Since then, it has been trying to help you fill your home with all types of green goodies. 'Tis the time for giving, so now it's helping you fill your loved ones' houses with leafy beauties as well. The all-day sale is upping the ante from 8am–4pm on Saturday, December 14. That's when the 250-square-metre indoor garden will be slinging hundreds of its green babies while feeling festive — and yes, there'll be succulents, cacti, indoor plants, hanging plants, outdoor plants, pots and more. Plenty of plants will be on sale for less than $12, and there'll also be juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, beer and wine to drink. Plus, if you can find a hidden jungle animal, you'll nab yourself a free piece of greenery. Image: VEND Marketplace.
Here's an excuse to roll out of bed early, then start your day with a cinema date: on Sunday mornings, Hoyts is slashing its standard ticket prices to $10 before midday at its cinemas across Australia, including in Brisbane. Head to one of chain's picture palaces and pick whichever film that's playing, as long as it's an early session that begins prior 12.01pm, to score a bargain movie date to kick off winter. Sure, Sunday mornings are prime sleep-in time, but this is a hard deal to pass off if you're a cinephile, on a budget, like spending the colder months indoors, are looking for a cheap date idea or all of the above. Initially, the special was only running for June, but now it has been extended for the foreseeable future, with no end date locked in. Movie-wise, there are plenty of titles to choose from, whether you're keen on the Austin Butler-starring motorcycle drama The Bikeriders, the horror thrills of A Quiet Place: Day One, or getting animated with Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4. You can also catch Twisters and Deadpool & Wolverine, which release in July. You don't need to be a Hoyts member to score the discount; however, there are some caveats. The $10 tickets are only available on Sundays; can be booked online, via the Hoyts app or in-person at the cinema; and will attract a booking fee for everything but physical purchases. And again, the deal applies just to standard sessions, not HOYTS LUX and special events — but you can pay extra to sit in a D-BOX motion recliner or get the Xtremescreen experience. Updated Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
Unroll your posters, dust-off that secret diary and get ready to rock your body right: the Backstreet Boys are bringing their latest world tour Down Under. Get ready for another hefty dose of 90s nostalgia, too, given that you can now see the huge boy band at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, March 8. Backstreet's back — alright. Get ready to belt out the lyrics to 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)', 'As Long As You Love Me', 'I Want It That Way', 'Larger Than Life' and 'Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely' when the famous five — aka AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson — head our way for a very nostalgic arena tour. The Backstreet Boys will also be performing songs off their 2019 album DNA, which debuted at number one on the charts when it was released and features Grammy-nominated single 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'. Fingers crossed that they also break out tracks from their new festive record A Very Backstreet Christmas, even though it won't quite be the season. Either way, we know you'll most likely be there for the 90s and early 00s goodness — and to break out your 'Everybody' moves.
Among the array of difficult decisions that shape each and every movie, structure — that is, how directors and screenwriters choose to order and relay their on-screen stories — ranks among the most pivotal. Many filmmakers prefer the scaffolding of their films to remain invisible, so their features flow seamlessly from beginning to middle to end without anyone noticing the wheels turning, and that's perfectly fine. Indeed, it suits plenty of cinematic tales. But when someone like acclaimed French auteur François Ozon calls attention to exactly how he's organising and doling out his narrative, he does so with a definite purpose. Actually, in his latest drama By the Grace of God, he does so to make a statement. This Berlinale Silver Bear-winner explores sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, diving into its tough subject matter by not only charting the paths of three men who were all molested by the same priest as children, but by dedicating roughly a third of its running time to each of them. This move, made by Ozon as both a writer and director, is also equally sensible and natural. By the Grace of God meets its trio of protagonists as adults, as lawyer Alexandre Guérin (Melvil Poupaud), then atheist François Debord (Denis Ménochet), and then the younger and more visibly troubled Emmanuel Thomassin (Swann Arlaud) all face their ordeals decades earlier at the hands of Father Preynat (Bernard Verley). When Alexandre, who remains a church-goer and now has his own young children, discovers that the Lyon priest is still allowed to work with kids, he makes a complaint to Cardinal Philippe Barbarin (François Marthouret). Later, Police Chief Courteau (Frédéric Pierrot) begins investigating as well. Slowly, both François and Emmanuel are drawn into these enquires, with the narrative shifting its focus accordingly. Although there's no literal baton-passing, that's the overall effect. By arranging the movie in this fashion, Ozon gives himself the space to tell three very distinctive (yet still related) stories. As is to be expected, Alexandre, François and Emmanuel's shared traumatic childhood experiences have affected them in completely different ways, and conveying this is crucial. Beyond that, however — and perhaps more importantly than that — Ozon's tripartite structure shows how something this insidious and atrocious causes ripples that don't ever end. Reflecting the reality of such cases, By the Grace of God could've included five, ten or vastly more main characters, relaying the torch from one to the other. As the news keep reminding us, tales like these aren't fictional or isolated. Ultimately, the film hones in on just three men and their encounters with one priest, but it wholeheartedly highlights the devastating scope of sexual abuse in religious institutions, both in terms of the number of victims and the unshakeable pain that follows them throughout their lives. The details at the centre of By the Grace of God are, as with excellent Best Picture Oscar winner Spotlight, actually based on truth. Here, the film's ripped-from-the-headlines storyline caused two of the figures portrayed within its frames take legal action to — unsuccessfully — attempt to block its release. While he's known for working in fiction across everything from the comedy (In the House) to psychosexual thriller (Double Lover) genres, Ozon reportedly originally considered turning this story into a documentary. Sticking with an appropriately beige-hued drama instead, he more than does it justice. This is a sensitive and sobering picture, with Ozon in a far more restrained mode than evidenced in previous efforts such as Swimming Pool and Young & Beautiful. The use of letters read via voice-over to provide viewers with swathes of information doesn't always work as well as intended, but that By the Grace of God sparks a wealth of anger, dismay and empathy while watching should surprise no one — nor that it does so in a measured and careful manner. It seems a sad fact of life that, in most corners of the world, movies like this are always going to be topical and timely. In Australia, in a year that's seen a landmark case taken through Victoria's courts, the film lands at a particularly significant moment. As a result, it's fitting that Ozon's thoughtful feature apes a fundamental tenet of legal action in such heartbreaking circumstances. By telling this tale, it gives victims a voice. Poupaud, Ménochet and Arlaud are each superb as men forever changed by their tainted youth — Poupaud in a grounded way, Ménochet playing lively and impassioned (and proving worlds away from his menacing turn in last year's Custody), and Arlaud serving up a simply haunting performance. By virtue of its savvy structure, By the Grace of God pushes this top trio and their real-life characters to the fore, ensuring that the consequences of letting abuse get swept under the pulpit are not just on display for all to see, but are thoroughly inescapable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kwXK-SS3U
The seventh season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is currently dropping new episodes weekly via SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand — which means you're either eagerly catching each fresh instalment every Friday, or you've got some catch-up binging to do. Either way, if you've been watching and rewatching the hit cop sitcom since it first premiered back in 2013, then you also have something else to pop in your calendar: Isolation Trivia's upcoming B99-themed online quiz evening. How long did Charles Boyle spend dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? And which one of the latter duo has a twin? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's kids, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're set for this trivia night. And, because these fictional TV cops wouldn't want you breaking Australia's current social-distancing guidelines, it's all taking place virtually. Live-streaming from 6.30pm AEST (7.30pm AEDT) on Thursday, April 2, this online trivia contest is completely devoted to the show that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours, then was renewed for an eighth season before its seventh one even aired, and features more Die Hard references than you'd think possible in one sitcom. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night. If you're as keen to take part as Terry is about a tub of yoghurt, you just need to head to the Isolation Trivia Facebook page, click 'get reminder' and clear out your Thursday night. That'll be your time to shine (and that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). Images: SBS
The single greatest cult film this side of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is coming back to Brisbane for a timely Friday night engagement. With The Disaster Artist heading to Australian cinemas at the end of November — telling the tale behind the big screen tale — it's time for The Room once again. Described by critics as "the Citizen Kane of Bad Movies", with one critic comparing the film to "being stabbed in the head", Tommy Wiseau's The Room is an indescribable mess of plot holes, non-sequiturs, blurry camerawork and soft-core sex scenes, topped off by some of worst performances ever put to film. So naturally, we're recommending you go and see it. Of course, the truth is that no one really sees this movie. Rather, they experience it. Screenings of The Room are fully interactive, with audience members screaming lines of dialogue, dressing up like their favourite characters and hurling plastic spoons at the screen. This behaviour is actively encouraged by screening organiser Kristian Fletcher — in fact, he'll even be providing cutlery at the door. The cinema bar will be open ahead of the screening, something you should probably take full advantage of.
In an age when most of us carry our entire digital worlds on a device as small as a pack of playing cards, there is no question that technology has become so thoroughly ingrained in our everyday lives that we barely notice it’s there. While technological progress is generally considered beneficial to the majority, our increasing reliance on it is worth examining critically. Through Subvert Systems, multimedia artist Warren Handley raises questions about consumers’ passive acceptance of everyday technologies by altering the intended function of those technologies. He interrupts flatbed scanners, twisting the resulting imagery into visual representations of the theoretical distortions and ‘information holograms’ left when matter passes through black holes. The exhibition will feature the artist’s digital collages and experimental videos. Subvert Systems is the debut exhibition for new gallery This Must be the Place, recently opened in the Bakery Lane development. An opening night event will be held on Friday 25 September, with the exhibition continuing to 23 October. Image: Warren Handley, Magnetic Field Collapse, 2015, Digital collage/manipulation
Melbourne is back in lockdown, so Melbourne's Sea Life Aquarium is back live-streaming playtime and feeding time with some of its cutest and scariest sea critters. At 5pm AEST on Friday, June 4, you can get up close and personal with the gentoo and king penguins as they slide around their icy home and gobble many fish. From there, the streams will return daily at the same time, running until Friday, June 11. Also on the bill: sneaking a peek at the aquarium's swarms of jellyfish, so you can learn the ins and outs of their luminous lives. As for which other critters will turn up, being surprised each day is part of the fun. To tune in, head head to Sea Life Melbourne's Facebook page. And, because this isn't the aquarium's only dive into digital content, you can also check out soothing watery sights aplenty via its mindfulness and slow TV hub.
UPDATE, September 19, 2020: RBG is available to stream via DocPlay, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. It's hard to pick just which moment is more endearing: seeing US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lifting weights in the gym wearing a 'super diva!' jumper, or seeing women six decades her junior plaster her glasses-rimmed face across their t-shirts, bags and even skin. Actually, RBG is filled with scenes that top both. Whenever the octogenarian is spied doing what she does best — fighting for women's rights and progressive ideals, first as a lawyer and then as a judge — this documentary lights up. Still, if there's anything that beats just simply witnessing Ginsburg in action, it's watching as she howls with laughter after seeing Kate McKinnon's Saturday Night Live impersonation of her for the first time. That's the kind of film that RBG is — jam-packed with segments that equally inform and entertain, well aware of what Ginsburg stands for, and unashamedly celebratory about her impact and achievements. Co-directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West had each separately interviewed the justice previously, and felt that the time was right for a documentary paying tribute to her life's work. They couldn't have been more accurate, astute or ahead of the curve. Consider the end result not just an ode to an American icon, but a reminder that change is possible, that battling for it is worthwhile, and that both remain the case in today's fraught and fractured US political climate. If you've missed the Notorious RBG memes, the aforementioned SNL skits, and both the praise and vitriol slung Ginsburg's way (including some of the latter from America's tweeter-in-chief), don't worry. RBG fills in the gaps, and doesn't assume that viewers have an intricate knowledge of the US judicial system or the movie's central figure. Rather, it tackles Ginsburg's tale from two angles. As a birth-to-present day chronicle, the film steps through her childhood and her opposites-attract college romance with husband Marty, as well as her determination to juggle law school with motherhood and everything that has come since. As an exploration of her specific legal influence, it delves into several cases in detail, focusing on those that she argued in front of the Supreme Court prior to joining its ranks. Ginsburg's biography, her legal contribution and each of the individual cases featured could easily furnish their own documentaries, but Cohen and West know how to balance these various components. More than that, they know how to insert Ginsburg's personality into the film, and shape it with her drive and spirit. Given that the justice is known for being reserved and serious (when she's not living her lifelong dream of starring in an opera), that might sound easier said than done. But there's humour, heart and a big helping of grit to this highly accessible movie, even when it's largely assembled through talking heads, archival footage and snippets of Ginsburg's recent speaking appearances. Indeed, RBG mimics its eponymous figure in several ways. Like the justice, it's small, smart and striving; thorough and proficient; and eager to make the world a better place than it currently is. The documentary is also a testament to something that isn't always championed quite so enthusiastically: simply working hard, getting things done and not worrying about any fanfare. With the #MeToo movement and the current recognition that gender equality is in a much worse state than it should be, the film couldn't come at a better moment, but capitalising upon the present mood is purely a stroke of good fortune. While Cohen and West knew Ginsburg was gaining a cult following when they first conceived of their project five years ago, they couldn't foresee they world they'd release their film into. Doing what's necessary and right just because there's a need for it — well, that couldn't be a more Ginsburg-esque move. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TnaEg91qIA
Before 27 Florence Street became the creative haven that is Love Love, the hundred-year-old Teneriffe house had a death metal room, a resident squatter, junk and crayon everywhere. In 2008 Andy Harwood and Matt Johnson cleared it out and transformed it into the artist run initiative it is today: two large gallery spaces, a dance room, a bar area, several studios for artists to do as they so desire, a skateboard shop and a ramp is currently in construction in the back yard. A far cry from its somewhat morose beginnings, Love Love has dance and pilates classes several times a week, stocks anything skateboarders need in it’s Small Room skateboard shop, and hosts exhibitions every month. This month’s featured Love Love artists are Timothy Lovett, Tommy Cole and Juliet in Six Of One Half A Dozen Of The Other. In Six Of One Half A Dozen Of The Other the three emerging artists approach the topic of déjà vu through a variety of mediums: video, wall drawing, painting and audio. Following Six Of One’s opening night, Love Love is open from Thursday to Friday, 6pm-9pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am-4pm or by appointment. Image credit: Courtesy of Love Love Studios
Are you a budding artist? Keen to hone your skills and meet other artists and cultural practitioners? Then come along to the Backbone 2High Festival at the Powerhouse. The 2High festival is all about celebrating the incredible efforts of young Australians as artists and produces. Each year a team is selected to organise and coordinate the event, so it really is a festival for artists, by artists. Whether you come for the whole day, or just a portion, you'll be pleased by the raw talent onstage as 2High shines the spotlight on the stars of tomorrow. The program is filled to the brim with exciting bands, inspiring actors, visual artists, circus performers and many more talented youngsters. For more information, check out the promo video.
When Danish director Lars von Trier turned a disposition of great sorrow into a film with 2011’s Melancholia, he followed in the footsteps of a long line of artists channelling despondency into their work. It is the manifestation of a mood of gloom that the UQ Art Museum celebrates, in an exhibition charting the depiction of wistful unhappiness since the Renaissance. Marking the 500th anniversary of Albrecht Dürer’s engraving Melencolia I, the aptly titled Five Centuries of Melancholia features 46 works by 33 artists, all invoking melancholia as a condition, perspective or tone through figures, objects and landscapes. Australians feature prominently, including the Queensland-born Tracey Moffat and William Yang. More than just a carefully curated collection of creative sadness, the exhibition is accompanied by monthly lectures that provide an intellectual insight into the works and term. Fittingly, the program also features a screening of Melancholia on October 7.
Some bands are so influential, so pioneering and so ahead of their time that they change the course of music history. Electro trailblazers Kraftwerk are one such group. Forming in Düsseldorf in 1970, they quickly segued from krautrock to diving into the electronic scene — and imagining the future, including experimenting with robotics, in the process. The song 'Computer Love'? Back in the 80s, it foresaw internet dating. Unsurprisingly, Kraftwerk have left their mark on everything from their chosen genre and techno to synth pop and hip hop since. Also, more than five decades later, the German outfit is still touring. Kraftwerk's live shows are an experience, combining the band's electronic music computer animations and performance art. Take note, Brisbanites, because the group is heading your way in December as part of an Australian and New Zealand tour. The multi-media project founded by Ralf Huetter and Florian Schneider, and that aims to create "gesamtkunstwerk — a total work of art" — in each gig, will play Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday, December 4. Expect synthetic voices and computerised rhythms aplenty — it is what Kraftwerk's music is known for, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for — plus a visual show that ponders man and machine to match. Kraftwerk's latest visit Down Under comes after the band played Vivid in 2015, as part of 3D Kraftwerk — The Catalogue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, which saw them perform eight albums from 1974's Autobahn through to 2003's Tour de France over four nights at the Sydney Opera House. Since starting their retrospective gigs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2012, they've hit up everywhere from London's Tate Modern and Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum to Tokyo's Akasaka Blitz and Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Been meaning to plan a Sydney jaunt? Time your visit to coincide with Vivid Sydney and thank us later. Not only will you get to see those classic Sydney structures, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you'll get to see them up in lights. And they're not the only icons getting a bedazzle during the festival. Also set for a makeover is the legendary Luna Park face, as Samsung joins in the fun with an epic light and sound experience dubbed The Night. Reimagined. Running throughout Vivid Sydney, from Friday, May 25, until June 16, the immersive installation will pop-up on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. The impressive two-storey, 90-metre labyrinth, with two kilometres of LED lighting, will be split into two pathways — and two very different journeys. Take the first path and you'll become the new face of Luna Park. You'll be able to create an augmented reality selfie using the AR Emoji function on Samsung's new Galaxy S9 and S9+ phone, which will then be projected via live feed onto the Luna Park entrance. There'll also be a viewing platform, where you can watch your animated face from across the Harbour. You'll need to get in early, though, as there are limited spots for the AR projection and, naturally, high demand is expected. On the first path, you'll also experience slow motion at its best in the Super Slow-Mo booth. Here, you can capture mesmerising shots of yourself frolicking among a bunch of chrome-plated balls. Or, you can take the second path, and you'll be taken on an immersive audio light and soundscape experience, transporting you through the night and beyond. Samsung's The Night. Reimagined. will pop-up on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt from May 25–June 16. To learn more, head to the website.
Gear up for a feast beneath the trees as Providore Park returns for another stellar edition. Launched in 2023, this two-day culinary event brings abundant gourmet experiences to Roma Street Parklands, with curated bites and sips making it one of the tastiest weekend encounters throughout the year. Held across Saturday, August 30–Sunday, August 31, entry to this lush 16-acre oasis is free, while there are numerous paid experiences to explore. At the heart of it all is The Village — a picturesque hub featuring over 40 stallholders and producers. Brimming with artisan flavours, catch the likes of Lune Croissanterie, Blackbird Bar & Grill and Easy Times Brewing Co slinging their delicious wares. And while you're roaming from stall to stall looking for the perfect thing to munch on, don't be afraid to spark a conversation with the folks behind these tantalising creations. Alongside this inviting marketplace, Providore Park features a stacked program of ticketed experiences. 'Let's Lunch' showcases a three-course menu created by the Ghanem Group, with twice-daily sessions serving a European-influenced menu or Asian-inspired fare. There's also the 'Bubbles & Bites Tasting', where Kenmore's Good Grace offers macaroons, finger sandwiches and cakes paired with refreshing Drop of Sunshine prosecco. With any luck, the weather will be sunny, ensuring Peach Pit's cocktails and premium wines attract a crowd. Seabourne Distillery is behind the bar's creative concoctions, while DJs on the decks will keep the atmosphere bright and bubbly. Yet if dancing is high on your agenda, the Main Stage is the place to be. Here, local acts like SCAT and the Jason McGregor Trio will make sunning it up on your picnic blanket especially serene. Tickets for Providore Park's paid experiences are on sale from Thursday, July 31.
When Harvest Rock announced that it was making a comeback for 2025, it locked in a big return for a music festival that's boasted killer lineups on its two past spins: for its debut in 2022 and its second spin in 2023. This year's roster of acts for the two-day Adelaide music festival is again a list to get excited about. There's no "someday" about when The Strokes will next be in Australia: headlining Harvest Rock and doing an Aussie-exclusive show, they're the main event on Saturday, October 25. Also taking to the stage on the fest's first 2025 day are The War on Drugs, also doing an Australian-exclusive gig. Vance Joy, M.I.A., Lime Cordiale and Genesis Owusu will be wowing Saturday crowds as well, as will The Presets, The Jungle Giants, Cloud Control, Bag Raiders and more. If you're a fan of Wolfmother's self-titled debut album, you're also in luck: the Australian band will play it in full. Harvest Rock's Sunday, October 26 lineup boasts Jelly Roll as its headliner, followed by Royel Otis, Groove Armada doing a DJ set, Shaboozey, PNAU, Lauren Spencer Smith, Ruel and Sneaky Sound System — and others. The fest's second day is also scoring the Ministry of Sound Classical treatment, aka dance music hits played live by an orchestra. The venue: Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina. When the event was first born, hailing from the Secret Sounds crew — who were also behind Splendour in the Grass — it not only aimed to get everyone dancing in a park in Adelaide each spring, but also delivered a weekend-long blend of music, food and wine. That's once more the setup. Accordingly, the festival also spans Adelaide's top restaurants and eateries serving up dishes, a culinary-focused stage and wine tastings. In 2025, the Amuse-Bouche Stage is part of the lineup, for instance, bringing together culinary figures, podcasters and comedians — with Ben Harvey and Belle Jackson, Nat's What I Reckon, the Marmalade trio and folks from the music bill also featuring. For a bite and a sip, Wildwoods & Cellar Door by Duncan Welgemoed & Nick Stock, Denny Bradden's Dirty Doris Diner, Regent Thai, Africola Canteen, Anchovy Bandit and Gang Gang are among your options. And, label-wise from the vino selection, so are Ochota Barrels, Yangarra, Basket Range Wines, Murdoch Hill, Grant Nash, Sherrah, S.C.Pannell / Protero, Shaw + Smith / Other Wine Co, Henschke, Les Fruits / Parley, Bloomfield, Stoke Wines, Worlds Apart, Koerner, First Drop, Torbreck, Adelina and Champagne Taittinger. Harvest Rock 2025 Lineup Saturday, October 25: The Strokes The War on Drugs Vance Joy M.I.A. Lime Cordiale Wolfmother The Presets Skream & Benga Genesis Owusu The Jungle Giants Cloud Control Vacations Bag Raiders (live) Teenage Joans Divebar Youth Sunsick Daisy Oscar The Wild Any Young Mechanic
When Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi invited the world to experience the vampire sharehouse mockumentary genre, one of the best comedies of the decade wasn't the only result. Every film seems to spawn sequels, remakes, spinoffs and the like these days, but no one's complaining about spending more time in the What We Do in the Shadows universe. A follow-up, We're Wolves, is in the works, focusing on the undead bloodsuckers' Rhys Darby-led lycanthrope enemies. And six-episode television spinoff Wellington Paranormal, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural, is now streaming on SBS On Demand. Add a US TV remake of the original flick to the pile as well, but withhold any "do we really need a remake?" judgement. First revealed by Waititi last year, given a pilot order earlier in 2018 and now officially moving ahead with a ten-episode first season, the American version will be written by Clement and directed by Waititi, The Hollywood Reporter notes — and will see a documentary crew follow three vampire flatmates living in New York City, according to Variety. The series will star Toast of London's Matt Berry, Four Lions' Kayvan Novak, British stand-up comedian Natasia Demetriou and The Magicians' Harvey Guillen. It's unknown whether Clement and Waititi will reprise their on-screen roles in a guest capacity, but you can watch the first two (very brief) teasers here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLdeHQ_0nts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0idSAp9HRk With What We Do in the Shadows actually starting its life as a short back in 2005, the concept of flatting members of the undead arguing about bloody dishes has taken quite the journey since those early beginnings. If any idea was going to come back in multiple guises, it's this one. Of course, so have Clement and Waititi. Clement has a new Flight of the Conchords TV special airing on HBO this month, while Waititi two post-Thor: Ragnarok flicks in the works — a stop-motion animated effort called Bubbles, about Michael Jackson's chimp, and another by the name of Jojo Rabbit, set during World War II and starring Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell. The US remake isn't set to air in America until early-to-mid 2019. Via The Hollywood Reporter / Variety. Image: Kane Skennar.
Move over, all of those famous teenage sweethearts that have graced the stage, page and screen. Yep, Romeo and Juliet, you've got competition. Blue Bones shares the darker tone of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, and its focus on teenage lovers; however, from there, Merlynn Tong heads off in her own direction. Her one-woman play is based on a true story, telling the tale of a woman who can't escape the imprint her ex-boyfriend has left upon her. It's a narrative of turbulence, both in conveying the lead character's current state, and exploring how she got there. Showing at Brisbane Powerhouse from May 4 to 13, it's an effort that will transport Brisbane audiences to Singapore in its setting, but aims to stir up something up close and personal within their souls. Tong has earned plenty of praise in her career to date, and here, both writing and performing, that looks set to continue.
Right at the heart of Fortitude Valley is The Prince Consort, the classic pub that's had a decadent revamp. Hardwood timber floors, emerald green accents and brass finishings form a chic backdrop to your celebratory weekend antics. A sun-drenched afternoon in the expansive Garden Bar or a long lunch in the English-style bistro is the perfect way to lean in to the good vibes. This March, The Prince Consort is joining forces with White Claw to deliver an epic live music event — think killer tunes in an easy-breezy location on a bright Brisbane Sunday. On Sunday, March 27, you can get yourself to the corner of Wickham and Brunswick Streets for a burger or classic parmy — and a few cans of your favourite White Claw hard seltzer — before the beat drops at 2pm and you can boogie on down into the night. There's an all-star lineup of homegrown artists just waiting to sweeten your weekend. And with Bag Raiders headlining at 5pm, bringing their iconic electronic dance beats with them, there will be no regrets — despite sore feet or heads — on Monday. Here's the full lineup: 2–3pm: Zedena 3.30–5pm: Kessin 5–7pm: Bag Raiders (headline set) 7–9pm: DJ Toushay Yep, Sunday sessions and live music are well and truly back and we're here for it. To top it off, you'll be sipping refreshing White Claws while you listen. And best of all? This gig is completely free to attend. For more information on White Claw Weekend at The Prince Consort, head to the White Claw website.
Ignore the heat, swerve the swooping magpies and pop some telfast, and you’ll find spring is undoubtedly the most joyous of seasons. The sweet smells of flowers, long days and warm nights make it the perfect season for Winn Lane’s turn at hosting the Spring Twilight Bazaar. With a wondrous selection of music, food and stalls, it’s your average Bazaar with a bit Winn Lane pizazz. Local musos Major Leagues will be pop-fighting against Twin Haus in a totally hypothetical battle rink for the title of which band is cooler than cool – expect some ice cold sounds. Pre or post boogie, work your way to Flamingo Café, then convince yourself there’s room for a Wicked Cupcake, iced tea and a steamed dumpling or two. You’d be happy but foolish to leave straight after your music and munchies fill, so splurge on some late night shopping, with one-night-only offers and discounts and a Spring/Summer pop-up parade featuring new season looks from Sunday Social, Haute Boheme, Popup Kult and more! It’s all happening at Winn Lane October 4th from 5pm – you miss it, you mess up.
It has been 22 years since the Valley Fiesta first turned Fortitude Valley's live music scene into a weekend-long street party — and when it returns for its annual spin in 2018, it'll be bigger (and possibly better) than ever. Taking over every space it can around Brunswick, Wickham and Ann streets, as well as the Chinatown mall, this year's Fiesta will feature live music, theatre and arts from August 29 to September 2. If that sounds longer than normal, that's because the event will enjoy an extended run across five days. While the actual lineup is set to be announced in the coming weeks, Brisbanites can look forward to plenty of local and Australian bands playing plenty of tunes, as part of a program of both free and ticketed events in the Valley's various venues, laneways and shops. That includes outdoor gigs — there's nothing like seeing half of Brisbane descend upon one of the area's streets, after all — plus a huge art showcase that'll involve lighting, projections, installations and themed decor. There'll also be a special focus on active activities designed to get punters moving beyond making shapes and tapping their toes. Announcing the expanded event, Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk noted that Valley Fiesta will "provide a fantastic platform for our city's emerging musical and creative talent, with a packed program of performers." As far as the packed part of that statement goes, the Valley is certain to be busy regardless of the lineup — up to 65,000 attendees are expected over the five days. The 2018 Valley Fiesta will run from August 29 to September 2 — keep an eye on the festival website for more details.
Openair Cinemas is back for another yearly stint of outdoor movie-going, and they're doing so with balloons and scares. While the annual event's season kicks off with Logan Lucky on October 6, their Halloween session is certain to attract interest. Think creepy clowns, frights and the kind of scream-inducing fun that'll come from a screening of IT at South Bank's Rainforest Green (likely with folks wearing costumes, let's face it). Those keen on more thrills, this time of the mind-melting kind, can follow it up with Darren Aronofsky's must-be-seen-to-be-believed mother! the following evening; however there's plenty of other movie magic on offer for the six weeks up until November 19. Atomic Blonde's action antics, Kingsman: The Golden Circle's irreverent look at espionage, and Blade Runner 2049's sci-fi sequel spectacle join the classic likes of Grease in sing-along mode and perennial fave Dirty Dancing. The 27-movie lineup goes on, and so does the rest of the fun, with alternative entertainment, live music and DJ performances also on the bill. As always, there'll be food and drinks available on-site — and not just popcorn and choc tops — and you can also bring your own booze-free picnic.
