A year filled with catastrophic bushfires, seemingly never-ending Brexit negotiations and a US President that Tweets this, 2019 doesn't particularly inspire the phrase "dependable and stable". But Pantone is hoping 2020 will. Its colour experts have just announced the 2020 Colour of the Year and they're saying (or hoping) it'll signal a "new era" that's a little less shaky. Classic Blue (Pantone 19-4052) is the elegant, simple and enduring colour Pantone has chosen for the turn of the decade. As well as highlighting "our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era", the cooling shade makes us think of summer — well, all those beaches, ocean pools and rivers we'll be jumping into during the warmer months. Speaking of water, hopefully Classic Blue also inspires some more of it to fall down on Australia, parts of which are pushing through a two-year drought. [caption id="attachment_663542" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bilgola Beach by Paros Huckstepp[/caption] According to the Pantone experts, Classic Blue can also do a lot for you mentally — including bringing "a sense of peace and tranquility" and helping concentration, clarity and reflection. So paint your room in it, cover your body in it or just buy some snazzy blue socks — it might help you get through this crazy messed up world in 2020. You can check out all the previous Colours of the Year, head to the Pantone website.
"I find that it takes a while for people to return to themselves after the film." For anyone who's seen The Stranger, writer/director Thomas M Wright's observations might sound like an understatement. For those who haven't yet watched the actor-turned-filmmaker's second feature behind the lens, after 2018's Adam Cullen biopic Acute Misfortune, it may come across the same way. In Australia in particular, the fact that the Joel Edgerton- (Thirteen Lives) and Sean Harris (Spencer)-starring crime-thriller is based on the 2003 abduction and murder of Queensland schoolboy Daniel Morcombe has garnered attention. The Stranger takes its cues from that monstrous real-life case, adapting Kate Kyriacou's non-fiction book The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer; however, it doesn't recreate the crime. It also doesn't depict the victim, or refer to him by name. Everyone has been fictionalised, and there's no violence in the film. Instead, it tracks the enormous police effort to capture a culprit using a criminal gang as a ruse, in what's known as the 'Mr Big' technique. Edgerton plays the incognito cop tasked with befriending the suspect, while Harris is relentlessly perturbing in the latter part. It was Edgerton, also The Stranger's producer, who optioned Kyriacou's text, saw Acute Misfortune and proposed the feature to Wright. The director was initially reluctant, but sticking to the above stipulations was the only way that he could approach the picture, and was willing to. "Those decisions about a complete unwillingness to represent any violence, to represent the victim, to represent those that cared for them — and to centre the film on a fictionalised version of a police operation like the one used in that particular case — those aren't thin acknowledgements," Wright explains. "They're deeply layered considerations that've been placed at the centre of the entire film." In every second, The Stranger feels as carefully and meticulously constructed as Wright's framework suggests — and, by design, dictates. It also feels not just tense but tough, as it should given the story it's interrogating. Debuting at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, the feature received a seven-minute standing ovation. Now, it plays Aussie cinemas from October 6 before reaching audiences globally via Netflix on October 19. "It's an undeniably different experience," Wright notes of watching The Stranger at home versus on the big screen. "It's an intensely discomforting and very powerful film to invite into your home. For the two hours that the film lasts, I think it will take people into a completely different mindset, into a different psychological realm," he continues, while chatting us through making a movie that's both unshakeably potent and personal. ON WORKING OUT THE BEST APPROACH TO A HORRIFIC REAL-LIFE CASE "Kate Kyriacou's book The Sting, which Joel had optioned, is a non-fiction work of investigative journalism about that specific case. It goes into personal details about the victim, those affected, the other suspects — and I felt that I had no right to represent the victim, that any attempt to represent them would only diminish them and all of their infinite possibilities, and that I couldn't presume to know anything about what that family and those who cared for him went through. So early on, the initial terms for me were: there'll be no representation of the victim of any sort, there'll be no representation of the people who cared for them, there'll be no violence whatsoever in this film. There's an unconscionable way of making this film. There's a morally unforgivable way of making this film. It would not be difficult to create tension in a film about the physical vulnerability of a child, and I wasn't interested to use that space, which is sacred to those real people, for the ease of making a film. So I began to think about these strangers, and that stranger of the title could refer to the perpetrator and that archetypal fear of the stranger in our society — but actually we are a society of strangers. It could also refer to the victim, to their family. Or, to that central figure and all those undercover operatives in the film whose real names we never learn. Or, to all those nameless people, the detectives and searchers at the end of the film who provide resolution for those strangers for them, that family and the victims who've they've never met. It clearly became to me this idea of connection as a society, and of empathy, as the gravity that is going to bind film together. At the time that I was writing it, I live in the inner north in Melbourne, it's where I grew up, it's where my family lives, and there were a whole series of murders of women by strangers, by people they've never met. And it shook the entire foundation of the society — and every state and territory has their own version of these cases that totally shift our perception of safety and of the social contract. They make it feel like a lie or something weak, and it had such an effect on the community down there. It was an outpouring of empathy. And these are just the cases also that have created headlines and achieved large police commitments, and where there has been public recognition. There are so many people out there, and so many crimes that take place, where there is none of that. We still have a woman a week dying of incidences of domestic violence in Australia, and many of those victims go unacknowledged. Of course, I'm not setting out to make a public service announcement in this film, but there are individuals who have to be the first person there, and who give years of their lives, and their mental and physical health, to trying to resolve those incidences of violence." ON FINDING PERSONAL REASONS TO MAKE THE FILM "When we began work on the film, I told everybody that I worked with that I wanted them to find their own reason for making this film — and I wanted them to find a personal reason to make this film. I do think it was a very personal film for all of us who worked on it. Joel said the other day that it was the quietest set he has ever worked on. It was a very tense set because of the seriousness of the material that we're dealing with, and the moral responsibility we felt, and the focus it required of us. For me, it absorbed every waking and dreaming moment of my life for three years, and I felt a tremendous moral responsibility to get it right and make something that we could all stand behind — and that didn't let any of my collaborators down. I'm not talking about the Academy Award-winning producers. I'm talking about the sound recordist and production designer and assistant editors, and everyone with whom you make a film. And also because of the presence my son in the film, because I wrote it for my son to portray Joel's son in the film. In the process of filming, Joel found out that he was going to be a father. That made it intensely personal and emotional for him also, and I watched it change him and shift his entire being. Both Joel and Sean were transformed by the process of making this film. Sean's wife actually saw the film after we'd finished and said that there was nothing of him left in that character, that he was completely absent. She didn't recognise him, and I think she found that really overwhelming and very powerful. I can attest to that as the person that was there beside them the entire time — this was a tense, difficult film to make that just took those central cast, and I include here Jada Alberts in particular, into a place where they really weren't their selves anymore." ON MAKING THE FILM PERSONAL FOR AUDIENCES "Cinema has always been a collective experience, and when films really work, we're simultaneously aware that they're a shared experience but they're also deeply personal. This film, for people who respond to it — obviously not for everybody — gets itself into a very personal place. I think it does that by making itself physical and physically felt. That's why breath was such a key part of the film to me. I wanted to begin with something that made an audience active, even in the most subtle, underlying way, because every part of the film asks that the audience be active in that physical, subjective experience of what Mark [Joel Edgerton's character] is going through. You're trying to tune people to the frequency of the film, to the psyche of the people working on this kind of case. There's a hyper-alertness. It's a film partly about trauma more generally — a film about the fact that those of us who reach adulthood, we come into the world and at some point in time we become aware of the darkness and the unknowable things within it. We have to find a way to be able to reconcile that and continue to move forward and find meaning, because the thing about violence is that it threatens to strip things of their meaning. It renders things meaningless. So you're dealing with a hyper-alert psychology. It's certainly something that we were actively trying to encourage in the audience. When you set out to make a film, you are trying to show people something they haven't seen before, to get them to feel something they haven't seen before — and, to relate to the film in a different way while understanding it's part of an impossibly deep lineage of stories, and these kinds of modalities of storytelling that are well-established now in cinema." ON AUSTRALIA'S OBSESSION WITH CRIME STORIES — AND STANDING OUT "Even though the film is part of a strong lineage of Australian crime cinema, I just think it sits outside a lot of that work in its intentions. A lot of these kind of films are more realist depictions of people, and head toward a kind of final emphatic act of violence, which often takes place off-screen. That's certainly the case in Snowtown. It's the case in Nitram. It's the case in a film like The Boys. Even though the reason for The Stranger is violence, it's not its subject… It begins in the aftermath of that violence. It's an attempt to make meaning and to reconcile the after-effects of violence on individuals and by extension on society. I think there's a reason that that this genre and these ideas are so prevalent in Australian thinking. It's certainly not limited to Australian film. When you look at our most prominent authors — Richard Flanagan, Chloe Hooper, Helen Garner, Tim Winton, Patrick White — this is a subject that has been grappled with. And in our visual art, and in our music. We return to it over and over again. I think that has to do with an unreconciled relationship to violence in this country, a landscape that has been marked by violence, and that we know that. We can intuit it, but for the main, we don't have a way to unpack that — and it remains there, unresolved." The Stranger releases in Australian cinemas on October 6, then streams via Netflix from October 19. Read our full review.
Taking its name from the New York street where dimly lit dive bars are a dime a dozen, The Bowery channels the warm and eclectic style of its namesake. Hidden between the flashing lights of surrounding nightclubs in the Valley, The Bowery is a slice of downtown New York waiting to welcome you with a warm hug and a Mojito. It is one of those unassuming bars that can be easily overlooked, but that's the way its regular patrons like it. While the cool and cosy surroundings make for an ideal night out, the real reason people come here is for the cocktails. During the week this is a great place to enjoy a drink and listen to some live jazz bands after work. On the weekends The Bowery buzzes with crowds sipping drinks and dancing to a funky mix of music including live soul bands and mash-up DJs. The bar boasts a slew of awards, so the extensive drink menu aids as good encouragement for patrons to try something different. Take advantage of the wealth of experience behind the bar and have them create a drink for you based on the flavours you like.
Feeling a lust for life, literature fans of Brisbane? If you're not already, you might be when this year's Brisbane Writers Festival rolls around. No stranger to visiting the River City for this book-loving fest, Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh headlines BWF's 2023 lineup. He has a new release, The Long Knives, to talk about; however, given that this year marks a whopping three decades since his Scotland-set debut novel hit shelves, the book that then sparked a Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi)-starring cult-hit movie is also getting its own anniversary session. BWF has plenty more in its catalogue, too, when it unleashes its annual celebration of words and the tales they help tell from Wednesday, May 10–Sunday, May 14 at various venues around Brisbane — and at 150-plus live literary events. The first festival under new Artistic Director Jackie Ryan, this feast for bookworms and literature lovers also spans Booker Prize-winner Shehan Karunatilaka, who emerged victorious in 2022 for The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. Plus, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow's Gabrielle Zevin will be on hand to explore the New York Times bestseller. [caption id="attachment_895237" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bianca Holderness[/caption] Among local names, Stan Grant, Grace Tame, Tim Winton and Kate Morton all feature. Grant has new tome The Queen Is Dead to chat about, Tame will dive into her memoir The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, Winton's TV series Love Letter to Ningaloo is in the spotlight and The Shifting Fog's Morton will explore her latest, Homecoming. Other highlights from the full lineup span First Nations authors such as Lionel Fogarty, Brooke Blurton, Alexis Wright and Lystra Rose — and a big focus on South Korean authors including Bora Chung, Park Sang Young, Krys Lee and Kim Min Jeong. [caption id="attachment_893385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grace Tame by Kishka Jensen[/caption] In a deeply Brisbane inclusion, Regurgitator's Ben Ely also has a 30th anniversary to reflect upon — because that's how long it has been since the Brissie band got together, which he'll dive into with writers Tony Wellington and Andrew Stafford. Elsewhere on the bill, the Blockbuster Crime panel will see Welsh team up with crime-fiction names Tracey Lien, Candice Fox and Garry Disher; Boy Swallows Universe's Trent Dalton will turn his attention to romances; Nat's What I Reckon has a session about being a YouTube hit; and the Literary Death Match, aka a writers' battle royale, returns. [caption id="attachment_895239" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josef Ruckli[/caption] Sessions on democracy, YA, refugee and migrant stories, whodunnits, zines, making the leap from the page to screen, rom-coms, heroes and villains, poetry, Australian gothic, sporting books — they're all on the roster as well, in what's set to be a dazzling five days for word nerds no matter what kind of text you like to devour. [caption id="attachment_895240" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morgan Roberts[/caption] The 2023 Brisbane Writers Festival runs from Wednesday, May 10–Sunday, May 14. To check out the full program and purchase tickets, check out the festival's website. Images: Bianca Holderness, Josef Ruckli and Morgan Roberts.
Freshly minted Modern Australian bistro Marlowe is stepping up its offering, inviting guests to see out the weekend with an unhurried weekly ritual: Sunday Service. Part indulgence, part theatre, guests build their own Bloody Marys from a roaming bar cart, featuring house-made tomato juice, blue cheese liqueur, fresh lemon and a choice of Absolut Vodka or Beefeater Gin. Each drink dovetails with a special bite — in this case, a refined take on the bistro's Ploughman's Gilda. Think a skewer with grilled pickled cocktail onion, a smoked slice of LP's sausage, an olive and a cube of cheddar finished with pickled mustard seeds. Yet there's plenty to come after this tasty morsel. Launching alongside the tableside Bloody Marys is Marlowe's new lunch and bar snack menu, while the full à la carte offering is available if you're feeling extra peckish. Highlights include the Marlowe wagyu cheeseburger, headlined by a 200-gram smoked brisket and aged wagyu patty, or a fancy take on fish and chips, including herb-crumbed sand whiting. Once you're finished dining, guests are invited to continue their long lunch upstairs on the rooftop patio. The ideal spot for a refreshing cocktail, dig into Marlowe's new bar snack lineup, featuring too-tempting-to-resist options like a spiced gingerbread waffle with chicken pâté, and a potato hash with smoked trout.
For more than a decade, Brisbanites have flocked to South Bank for Regional Flavours, the inner city precinct's signature food and wine festival. To the delight of hungry stomachs across town, the popular event is returning in 2021 — and, while hosting one big food fest is all well and good, this year three separate weekend-long festivals are on the agenda. So, if you haven't made it along in the past, you'll have multiple chances in multiple months to rectify that situation this year. Local providers will be in focus between June 18–20, feasting through international dishes is on the bill from August 20–22, and pairing wine, cheese and chocolate is in the spotlight across October 15–17. The first event, called Grazed and Grown, is all about Australian makers and chefs — and the Aussie landscape. You'll be able to shop through a range of wares from local producers and artisans, with everything on offer hailing from 250 kilometres of Brisbane City. The lineup will also feature cooking demonstrations, talks with industry leaders, live music, craft brews and cocktails, all by the river at South Bank. And, there'll be a series of signature events within the mini fest, which'll showcase different Aussie talents. At the second event, which has been dubbed Global Fiesta, multicultural cuisine will take pride of place. That'll span South Bank's eateries, as well as a marketplace showcasing international foods. Plus, you'll be able to check out roving performances, hit up a street party and take a spice tour through South Bank's Epicurious Garden. Last but by no means least, Providore Park is all about vino, dairy and cocoa. Wine tasting, cheese masterclasses and sessions about pairing drops are all on the bill, as is a market on South Bank's lawn, live music throughout the day and DJs once evening hits. Tickets for each Regional Flavours event will become available separately, starting with Grazed and Grown from Friday, April 23. And yes, that means you can now lock in your plans for three food-filled weekends across the year. Regional Flavours returns to South Bank between June and October 2021, hosting Grazed and Grown from June 18–20, Global Fiesta from August 20–22 and Providore Park from October 15–17. For further details, or to get tickets for Grazed and Grown from Friday, April 23, head to the event's website. First top image: Kiri Zweck
Awareness of one's surroundings is paramount while bike riding or jogging. With Chilli Technology's new headphones, you can maintain this awareness while simultaneously listening to music. Conventional headphones project sound directly into the ear by creating air pressure waves, but these "bone conduction" headphones use the cheekbone to transfer auditory signals to the ear. Thus, the ear is left uncovered and susceptible to passing sound. Even amidst traffic, music is still audible. The controls, which contain a volume button as well as an of-and-off button, can be clipped onto clothes. The speakers may be placed over the ears when not riding or running, although the original design does allow for ear comfort and less impact on ear drums. You no longer have to sacrifice your music for safety's sake. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MHkqyGLmhAk [via PSFK]
Your next Australian streaming obsession is on its way — and it's set to tell a story so wild that it can only be true. The tale of Australian cult The Family always falls into that category, as seen in the excellent and supremely creepy 2016 documentary that shares the cult's name, plus the 2019 series The Cult of the Family, both by filmmaker Rosie Jones. Now, the sinister Aussie sect is also providing inspiration for Disney+'s new eight-part series The Clearing, which will hit the service globally in May. First announced in 2022, this new show is a drama and based on a novel — but The Family is clearly an influence. If you're new to these details, then strap yourself in for quite the story. The Family was very real, forming in the 1960s around Melbourne, with charismatic yoga teacher Anne Hamilton-Byrne at its head. A cult run by a woman is already extremely rare, but this tale also includes adopting kids who looked identical, dressing them in matching clothing, claiming that Hamilton-Byrne was a living god and, because that's not enough, a lot of LSD. Police raided the sect's Lake Eildon compound back in 1987, all those children were removed from the property, and Hamilton-Byrne and her husband fled Australia, but were arrested in the US in 1993. There's more to this story, which inspired JP Pomare's book In the Clearing alongside other cults around the world — and that's what The Clearing adapts. The show steps into the fictionalised but still chaotic details by following a woman who starts to confront her nightmarish past to stop a secret cult that's gathering up children to serve its master plan. Unsurprisingly, the mood is tense in the psychological thriller's just-dropped first teaser trailer, which arrives ahead of the series premiering its first two episodes on Wednesday, May 24. Cast-wise, almost every famous Aussie acting name possible is involved, or so it seems, including Teresa Palmer (Ride Like a Girl), Miranda Otto (Wellmania) and Guy Pearce (Mare of Easttown), as well as Claudia Karvan (Bump) and Mark Coles-Smith (Mystery Road: Origin). Also set to appear on-screen: Hazem Shammas (The Twelve), Kate Mulvany (Hunters), Xavier Samuel (Elvis), Anna Lise Phillips (Fires), Harry Greenwood (Wakefield) Erroll Shand (The Justice of Bunny King), Doris Younane (Five Bedrooms), Miah Madden (Dive Club), Julia Savage (Blaze), Gary Sweet (Wentworth), Alicia Gardiner (Offspring), Matt Okine (The Other Guy) and Jeremy Blewitt (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart), plus Lily La Torre (Run Rabbit Run) and Ras-Samuel Welda'abzgi (Neighbours). We told you it was a hefty list. Behind the lens, Jeffrey Walker (Lambs of God) and Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) are on directing duties, with Elise McCredie (Stateless) and Matt Cameron (Jack Irish) creating and writing The Clearing — with help from co-writer Osamah Sami (Ali's Wedding). And if all of the above information doesn't have you ready to watch ASAP, the trailer will — complete with blonde-haired kids everywhere, Otto at her most unnerving, Palmer looking frantic and a police investigation heating up. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Clearing below: The Clearing will stream via Disney+ from Wednesday, May 24.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COrqRKMZ2KM&feature=emb_logo EMA Before 2021 comes to an end, Pablo Larraín will have given the world Spencer, a new biopic about Princess Diana featuring Kristen Stewart as the royal figure. Also on his hit list this year: Lisey's Story, a Julianne Moore-starring TV adaptation of a Stephen King book that has been scripted for the screen by the author himself. But with the release of Ema in Australian cinemas, he's already gifting viewers something exceptional. A new project by Larraín is always cause for excitement, and this drama about a reggaeton dancer's crumbling marriage, personal and professional curiosities, and determined quest to become a mother rewards that enthusiasm spectacularly. In fact, it's a stunning piece of cinema, and one that stands out even among the Chilean director's already impressive resume. He's the filmmaker behind stirring political drama No, exacting religious interrogation The Club, poetic biopic Neruda and the astonishing, Natalie Portman-starring Jackie — to name just a few of his movies — so that's no minor feat. For the first time in his career, Larraín peers at life in his homeland today, rather than in the past. And, with his now six-time cinematographer Sergio Armstrong (Tony Manero, Post Mortem), he gazes as intently as he can. Faces and bodies fill Ema's frames, a comment that's true of most movies; however, in both the probing patience it directs its protagonist's way and the kinetic fluidity of its dance sequences, this feature equally stares and surveys. Here, Larraín hones in on the dancer (Mariana Di Girólamo, Much Ado About Nothing) who gives the feature its name. After adopting a child with her choreographer partner Gastón (Gael García Bernal, Mozart in the Jungle), something other than domestic bliss has followed. Following a traumatic incident, and the just as stressful decision to relinquish their boy back to the state's custody, Ema is not only trying but struggling to cope in the aftermath. This isn't a situation she's simply willing to accept, though. Ema, the movie, is many things — and, most potently, it's a portrait of a woman who is willing to make whatever move she needs to, both on the dance floor and in life, to rally against an unforgiving world, grasp her idea of freedom and seize exactly what she wants. Di Girólamo is magnetic, whether she's dancing against a vivid backdrop, staring pensively at the camera or being soaked in neon light. Bernal, one of the director's regulars, perfects a thorny role that ties into the film's interrogation of Chile's class and cultural divides. And Larraín's skill as both a visual- and emotion-driven filmmaker is never in doubt. Indeed, this film's imagery isn't easily forgotten, and neither is its mood, ideas, inimitable protagonist, or stirring exploration of trauma, shock and their impact. Ema opens in Sydney and Melbourne cinemas on May 13, and in Brisbane on May 20. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV6VNNjBkcE THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD A smokejumper stationed to a Montana watchtower, plagued by past traumas and forced to help a teenage boy evade hired killers, Those Who Wish Me Dead's Hannah Faber actually first debuted on the page. Watching Angelina Jolie bring the whisky-swilling, no-nonsense, one of the boys-type figure to the screen, it's easy to assume otherwise. The part doesn't quite feel as if it was written specifically for the smouldering movie star, though. Rather, it seems like the kind of role that might've been penned with Liam Neeson or Denzel Washington in mind — see: this year's The Marksman for the former, and 2004's Man on Fire for the latter — then flipped, gender-wise, to gift Jolie a new star vehicle. On the one hand, let's be thankful that that's not how this character came about. Kudos to author Michael Koryta, who also co-writes the screenplay here based on his 2016 novel, for conjuring up Hannah to begin with. But on the other hand, it's never a great sign when a female protagonist plays like a grab bag of stock-standard macho hero traits, just dressed up in a shapelier guise. It has been six years since Jolie has stepped into a mere mortal's shoes — since 2015's By the Sea, which she wrote and directed — and she leaves no doubt that Hannah is flesh and blood. There's still an iciness to the firefighter, and she still has the actor's cheekbones and pout, but Maleficent, she isn't. She's bruised, internally, by a fire that got away and left a body count. After hanging out with her colleagues, parachuting out of cars and brooding in her tower, she's soon physically in harm's way as well. As Those Who Wish Me Dead's plot gets her to this juncture, it also cuts back and forth between forensic accountant Owen Casserly (Jake Weber, Midway) and his son Connor (Finn Little, Angel of Mine), plus assassins Patrick and Jack (The Great's Nicholas Hoult and Game of Thrones' Aiden Gillen). Thanks to a treasure trove of incriminating evidence against important people that no one was ever supposed to find, these two duos are on a collision course. When they do cross paths — while Owen is trying to take Connor to stay with Ethan (Jon Bernthal, The Peanut Butter Falcon), his brother-in-law, a sheriff's deputy and one of Hannah's colleagues — it also nudges the boy into the smokejumper's orbit. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuINvoFAnng&t=3s SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW With Spiral: From the Book of Saw, what came first: the decision to call its protagonist Ezekiel, or the casting of Samuel L Jackson as said character's father? Either way, the film's creative team must've felt mighty pleased with themselves; getting the Pulp Fiction actor to utter the name that's been synonymous with his bible-quoting, Quentin Tarantino-penned monologue for more than a quarter-century doesn't happen by accident. What now four-time franchise director Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, Saw III and Saw IV) and Jigsaw screenwriters Josh Stolberg and Pete Goldfinger mightn't have realised, though, is just how clumsily this choice comes across. The Saw series has made almost a billion dollars at the worldwide box office, but now it's resorting to winking and nodding to one of its latest stars' past movies. Perhaps Bousman and company didn't notice because almost everything about Spiral feels that forced, awkward, clunky and badly thought-out. Jackson and Chris Rock might gift the long-running franchise a couple of high-profile new faces; however, this ostensible reboot is exactly as derivative as you'd expect of the ninth instalment in a 17-year-old shock- and gore-driven saga. Focusing on a wisecracking, gung-ho, about-to-be-divorced police detective known for exposing his dirty colleagues, Spiral tries to coil the series in a different direction, at least superficially — and pretends to have meaty matters on its mind. Ezekiel 'Zeke' Banks (Rock, The Witches) has been crusading for honesty, integrity, fairness and honour in law enforcement for years. Starting back when his now-retired dad Marcus (Jackson, Death to 2020) was the precinct's chief, he's been vilified by his peers for his efforts. When a killer appears to be targeting rotten cops, too, Zeke is desperate to lead the case. Initially, he just wants to avenge the death of the first victim, one of the only co-workers he called a friend, but he's soon trying to track down a murderer that seems to be following in franchise villain Jigsaw's footsteps. A lone wolf-type not by choice but necessity, Banks also happens to be saddled with a rookie partner (Max Minghella, The Handmaid's Tale) as he attempts to stop the bodies from piling up. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBFvpz_Tlrs&feature=youtu.be THE MAN IN THE HAT Throughout his four-decade-plus career, Ciarán Hinds has appeared in everything from Excalibur and The Phantom of the Opera to There Will Be Blood and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 — and in Game of Thrones and First Man as well. But his expressive face never been put to as a great use as it is in The Man in the Hat, which tasks the Irish actor with staying silent for its duration, save for a rare word here and there. As the titular figure, he potters around France in a small Fiat 500. What might've been a leisurely journey just because (its purpose is never explained) becomes somewhat frantic when a car filled with five bald men starts following his every move. The headwear-donning protagonist witnesses them up to no good, drives off quickly and attempts to take the scenic route, but wherever he goes, his pursuers cross his path eventually. That doesn't stop either the eponymous man from whiling away the time on his travels, whether dropping into cafes, helping the people he meets along the way, seeing the sights, having a swim or flirting with a red dress-wearing, bike-riding woman (Sasha Hails, Quiz). Often, the man in the hat simply listens to his short-term companions, including a fellow lonely soul (Stephen Dillane, Mary Shelley) initially spending his time under a bridge and a biker (Maïwenn, DNA) at a makeshift campsite. Written and directed by Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love composer Stephen Warbeck with TV travelogue veteran John-Paul Davidson (Stephen Fry in America, Brazil with Michael Palin), The Man in the Hat is undeniably slight. It's also doused in the same type of Gallic whimsy that made Amelie a delight to some and an utter chore for others. And, with its jaunty score, episodic antics, smatterings of slapstick, and gorgeous small-town and countryside backdrop, it can play like a fever dream you might have after eating too much cheese, pairing it with a few healthy glasses of wine, making European holiday plans and falling asleep watching great silent comedians from decades ago. None of the above is a bad thing, however, if you're on the film's wavelength. Indeed, surrendering to The Man in the Hat's charms — and appreciating its exacting staging and choreography — happens both quickly and easily. It wouldn't be the same feature without Hinds, though, who adds an enchanting wordless performance that owes a clear debt to Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Marcel Marceau and Jacques Tati, but is never an act of miming mimicry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-d92kJUisU CARMILLA Premiering at the Edinburgh International Film Festival back in 2019, Carmilla first reached the screen shortly after Portrait of a Lady on Fire made its maiden appearance at Cannes. It debuted more than 14 months before Ammonite, the other big lesbian period romance of the past two years. But this gothic novella adaptation will always be seen as the lesser of the three recent films. Inspired by Sheridan Le Fanu's 1872 text, Carmilla is indeed another tale of love, lust, repression and the roles that have been enforced upon women for far too long. It takes the restraint that its characters are tasked with displaying a little too firmly to heart, though. While handsomely shot with a keen eye for vivid detail, moody in tone from start to finish, and eagerly savaging society's judgement of female sexual awakening and of sapphic desire, its often feels stilted rather than filled with yearning — and frequently seems as if it's holding a little too much back. Also, although its source material is one of the first works of vampire fiction, hitting the page nearly three decades before Bram Stoker's Dracula, first-time solo writer/director Emily Harris doesn't heartily sink its teeth into that genre, either. There's absolutely nothing wrong with eschewing the supernatural, of course, but a few especially striking images aside, Carmilla's pulse rarely quickens. What this story of passion, seduction, persecution and flouting strict norms does unshakeably possess, however, is memorable and committed performances by its key female cast members — all of whom do their utmost at every turn. Hannah Rae (Fighting with My Family) plays Lara, the cooped-up, constantly lonely daughter of the distant Mr Bauer (Greg Wise, The Crown). When the film commences, she's giddy with excitement about the impending arrival of a fellow teen from a neighbouring town, who's set to join their household for a prolonged sojourn. It'll give her a much-needed reprieve from her stern governess, Miss Fontaine (Jessica Raine, Patrick Melrose), who usually dictates every aspect of her daily routine. The tutor is even determined to train her left-handed pupil to favour her other appendage, all in the name of curing her of her sins. But, when their planned visitor doesn't make the trip, mysterious newcomer Carmilla (Devrim Lingnau, Immortality) earns everyone's attention instead. A victim of a carriage accident with no memory of who she is or why she's in the area, she's like a beacon in the night to the curious and isolated Lara, even as Miss Fontaine endeavours to maintain a close watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uiCkL26zfQ FINDING YOU When aspiring violinist Finley Sinclair (Rose Reid, The World We Make) meets acting superstar Beckett Rush (Jedidiah Goodacre, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) by falling asleep on his shoulder during a flight from New York to Ireland, she definitely isn't just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her. The college exchange student thinks the cinema world's biggest current heartthrob is arrogant, in fact, and likely wouldn't have given him another thought if they didn't end up staying at the same small-town bed and breakfast thanks to pure rom-com logic. No, Finding You doesn't try to hide its Notting Hill-esque concept. Based on the young adult novel There You'll Find Me, it's quite eager to nod in its fellow romantic comedy's direction — and towards as many of the genre's other cliches and tropes as it can find. Even its setting sticks to recent convention; however, it's never as grating and inane as the Scotland-set Then Came You, and doesn't feature a twist as ridiculous as Wild Mountain Thyme. Everything about Finley and Beckett's will-they, won't-they romance plays out as expected, though, other than one key factor. Writer/director Brian Baugh (I'm Not Ashamed) hasn't met a pointless plot development he doesn't need to work into his movie, it seems, so the path to true love here definitely doesn't run smooth. Finley heads to Ireland seeking a change of scenery and a new source of inspiration after failing a big audition, while Beckett makes the trip to shoot the latest instalment of a big blockbuster franchise he's no longer that interested in being in. As they work out their individual issues and inch closer together, the script also tasks her with becoming his acting coach, and sightseeing with him in an attempt to track down a cross sketched by her brother. She also learns a few musical tricks from the boozy town expert (Patrick Bergin, The South Westerlies), and gets caught up in a decades-long scandal surrounding an elderly and cantankerous woman (Vanessa Redgrave, Mrs Lowry and Son) she's assigned to visit for class — while Beckett battles with his manager dad (Tom Everett Scott, 13 Reasons Why) about his future, the tabloid attention and the fake love affair he's supposed to be in with his co-star (Katherine McNamara, The Stand). When Finding You lets its two leads simply spend time together, it benefits from their warm rapport. When it bundles in every complication it can think of, it veers from being blandly predictable to needlessly contrived and convoluted. For whatever misguided reason, Baugh favours the latter over the former, all served up with a soundtrack that couldn't be more stereotypical if it just repeated the word "Ireland" over and over again. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on January 1, January 7, January 14, January 21 and January 28; February 4, February 11, February 18 and February 25; March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25; and April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22 and April 29; and May 6. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman, Summerland, Ammonite, The Dig, The White Tiger, Only the Animals, Malcolm & Marie, News of the World, High Ground, Earwig and the Witch, The Nest, Assassins, Synchronic, Another Round, Minari, Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, The Truffle Hunters, The Little Things, Chaos Walking, Raya and the Last Dragon, Max Richter's Sleep, Judas and the Black Messiah, Girls Can't Surf, French Exit, Saint Maud, Godzilla vs Kong, The Painter and the Thief, Nobody, The Father, Willy's Wonderland, Collective, Voyagers, Gunda, Supernova, The Dissident, The United States vs Billie Holiday, First Cow, Wrath of Man, Locked Down and The Perfect Candidate.
From Brisbane Festival's free program comes A Force, an interactive, immersive installation from artists Hiromi Tango and Craig Walsh. Taking over Flowstate between Monday, September 10 and Sunday, October 14, it'll evolve and change over the course of its stay — adding materials, responding to ideas and capturing memories. This part of the festival isn't just something to look at, however. If you have a spare morning between Tuesday, September 11 and Friday, September 14, you can also participate. In sessions facilitated by Queensland College of Art students, you'll learn about transforming materials such as cables and wires into a piece of art, contemplate the connectivity that they represent and think about linking up with the world beyond the confines of a digital device. The workshops are also free, but you'll need to register to attend. Image: Simon Hewson.
Pizza lovers of Melbourne, this is all the news you need to justify tucking into a slice today. Fans of the Italian staple elsewhere around Australia, here's a reminder to add a delicious destination to your next Victorian trip. For the third year in a row, 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar has been recognised as one of the Asia Pacific region's best pizzerias — and Australia's number-one standout — as decided by the experts at the 2023 50 Top Pizza awards. The Melbourne pizzeria with outposts in South Yarra, Elsternwick and Spotswood is no stranger to international praise, having claimed the title of Best Pizzeria in Oceania in 2021's 50 Top Pizza awards, then coming out on top in the entire Asia Pacific in 2022. It was also crowned #1 Pizza in Australia at the Pizza World Championships in 2019. For the 2023 50 Top Pizza accolades, it placed fourth in the Asia Pacific, which also means that it also came first in Australia for the third year in a row. This year's best pizzerias were named at a ceremony at the Italian Institute of Culture in Tokyo, ahead of worldwide rankings being unveiled in September. Last year, 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar came in 13th globally, a placing that it's hoping to beat in 2023. Running for the last six years, the 50 Top Pizza awards are chosen by around 1000 experts across the globe, who visit the pizzerias anonymously to judge and rank their offerings. The annual international pizzeria guide names its top 50 Asia Pacific picks based not just on the merit of their slices, but on each pizzeria as a whole, rating the food, drinks, service and overall ambiance. In top spot in the Asia Pacific this year: The Pizza Bar on 38th in Tokyo. In second came Bottega in Beijing, then another Tokyo eatery, Pizzeria Peppe – Napoli sta' ca", ranked third. And, Hong Kong's Fiata by Salvatore Fiata rounded out the top five. A handful of other Aussie venues were also named in this year's Asia Pacific top 50 best pizzerias, including Sydney's Al Taglio (11), Pizza Madre (24), Lil Franki Pizzeria (28), Queen Margherita of Savoy (32) and Gigi's Pizza in Balmain (33); fellow Melburnians +39 Pizzeria (34), Shop225 (37) and Il Caminetto (41); and Maestro Sourdough Pizza in Perth (46). Find 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar at 373 Malvern Road, South Yarra; 15 Gordon Street, Elsternwick; and Grazeland, Spotswood. For the full 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific awards list, jump over to the website. Craving a slice, Melburnians? Check out our top picks for pizza in Melbourne. Top image: Hi Sylvia.
When JK Rowling sat in an Edinburgh cafe and jotted down the first Harry Potter book more than two decades ago, she couldn't have guessed just how magical her life would become — or how she'd escape from her ordinary existence. We can't all follow in her literary footsteps, but we can now try to escape HP-style. No, not into the novels or movies. No, not via broomstick, portkey, apparating or the floo network. Rather, if you're in Melbourne, you can attempt to find your way out of a Harry Potter-inspired escape room. Let's be honest: it sounds like the kind of place you don't want to escape from, doesn't it? While getting out is the aim of the game at Trapt's new Alchemy rooms, enjoying the experience is too. Here, you'll "practise spells and enchantments and test your magical skills," according to the website, aiming to "discover the mythical substance and Elixir of Life, the Philosopher's Stone, before time runs out." Trapt is also quick to state that this isn't an official HP offering, but you can't bring up spells, wizarding and the title of the first Boy Who Lived book without nodding to the room's obvious inspiration. Make that rooms, with two identical spaces available — to meet demand, because you know there'll be more than a little. In addition, the Lonsdale Street establishment is also serving up an appropriate array of beverages at the bar — both alcoholic and non-boozy, including Flying Cauldron butterscotch beer, the blueberry and cardamom-flavoured Exhibito Noctis, and Potion of Fire spiced rum. And if you're after a journey into more than one themed realm while you're there, there's also a spy room, a prohibition-set offering that's all about bootlegging and moonshine, and an Alice in Wonderland space as well. It's not the first time an Australian escape room has tried to give muggles a magical experience, with Sydney's Break the Code announcing its own back in 2016. Alas, at present, it's still listed as coming soon on the site's website, although it does boast Indiana Jones, Avatar and Lost-themed rooms. Find Alchemy at Trapt, The Basement, 377 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, or visit the venue's website for further details.
We've all been there: watching our favourite Studio Ghibli movies, seeing how closely they combine wondrous fantasies and reality, and finding ourselves wondering what things would be like if life actually was that darn magical. Let this cute little clip help satisfy your imagination. Made by Kojer, aka a director in South Korea, it takes all of the Ghibli characters that you know and love, and places them in real-life settings. Think Spirited Away's Chihiro and No-Face on an actual train, My Neighbour Totoro's cute creature in the greenery of a real park, the abode that gives Howl's Moving Castle its name flying above cities, and the titular character from Kiki's Delivery Service floating through non-animated clouds. And yes, it really is as delightful as it sounds. In the absence of any new Studio Ghibli films on the horizon any time soon (although we're still crossing our fingers that their TV show will make it to Australia), it's just the dose of animated enchantment everyone needs. Plus, those keen on seeing just how it was done can also watch two behind-the-scenes videos, one stepping through the techniques used, and the other detailing the actual locations.
When summer holidays seem like a depressingly distant memory, nothing recharges the soul quite like a couple of days spent exploring the very best of a city — especially when that city is considered the world's most liveable city at that. So, we've teamed up with the folks at DoubleTree by Hilton to curate your ultimate Melbourne weekend getaway. Boasting a top-notch Flinders Street location, right in the heart of all the action, the Melbourne hotel is primed for that hard-earned city escape you've been planning — plus, they'll always welcome you back with a nice, warm 'welcome cookie'. Lose yourself down laneways, feast your way through the city's many multicultural offerings and shop till you're ready to drop, knowing you've got a comfortable home away from home to land yourself at the end of the day — with a spot for a nightcap, if you should feel so inclined, at the hotel's Platform 270. Here's our guide to a cracking Melbourne weekend. START THE DAY AT HIGHER GROUND, CBD As much a feast for the eyes as for the belly, CBD cafe Higher Ground makes its home within a gorgeous, lofty space that once housed the Little Bourke Street power station. Here, award-winning designer touches and exposed brick walls create an elegant backdrop for the kitchen's forward-thinking, artfully designed fare. Pop in for breakfast and a specialty coffee to kick-start a big day of exploring, or swing by after dark to road-test the chic dinner menu on offer Thursday through Sunday. GET YOUR ART FIX AT ROSE STREET MARKETS, FITZROY Each weekend, Fitzroy's Rose Street becomes a shopping hot-spot, playing host to two vibrant weekly markets. On Saturdays and Sundays, hit the Rose Street Artists' Market to find a stellar lineup of local makers showcasing an array of art, fashion, homewares, jewellery and photography, plus an onsite cafe primed for caffeine pit-stops and brunch feeds. Just a few metres down the street there's yet more shopping goodness in store for you at Saturday's Fitzroy Mills Market. This one's got a health and wellness focus, sourcing top produce from local makers and growers — expect treats like quality fruit and veg, desserts, artisan bread, vegan eats and even fare for your four-legged friends. GO FULL MELBOURNE AT WHITEHART, CBD Tucked down a laneway, surrounded by lively street art and crafted from a couple of upcycled shipping containers, Whitehart is unmistakably Melbourne. The industrial-inspired bar slings a top-notch booze lineup of clever cocktails, boutique wines and craft brews, while food comes courtesy of a rotation of visiting food trucks. Also impressive is the soundtrack, as the decks play host to a dance-worthy mix of resident DJs and guest artists from across the world. Swing by for a sunny afternoon session, or after dark to soak up those late-night Melbourne vibes. WANDER THE NICHOLAS BUILDING, CBD A veritable treasure trove of fashion and design, art deco stunner The Nicholas Building is home to a diverse mix of studios, boutiques and galleries. Drool over beautiful heritage features like the leadlight dome above the arcade while you get some retail therapy. Highlights include a huge selection of pre-loved threads at Australia's largest vintage store Retrostar, perfume from The Powder Room, Kimono House's Japanese crafts and textiles, jewellery designs from Victoria Mason and women's fashion from the likes of Obus and Kuwaii. DIG INTO SUPERNORMAL, CBD At the sleek Asian-accented Supernormal, acclaimed Melbourne chef Andrew McConnell delivers some very memorable eats, drawing on a range of influences and serving it all with a healthy side of fun. Here, classic flavours from across Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China are reworked into a menu of modern delights and matched with a contemporary drinks offering of sake, local wines and intriguing cocktails. Just remember, McConnell's cult classic lobster roll is a must and, when opting for the banquet menu, it pays to be within rolling distance of where you're staying. [caption id="attachment_659089" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Gollings.[/caption] EXPLORE THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, SOUTHBANK Delivering a diverse program of bold exhibitions, performances, talks and events, the Australian Centre For Contemporary Art is a hotbed of creativity and a must for any visiting art aficionado. Boasting an award-winning building set among the arty offerings of Southbank, it features thought-provoking works from big-name artists the world over, in addition to commissioned pieces designed to change the way the world sees contemporary art. Cruise the current exhibitions at your own pace, or jump on one of the free public tours, held each Sunday during exhibition periods. CATCH SOME VIEWS AT ROOFTOP BAR, CBD An astro-turfed, open-air space perched at the very top of Swanston Street's Curtin House, Melbourne's original rooftop bar is a year-round favourite, thanks to its laidback feel and those sprawling city skyline vistas. Venture up for brews with a view and eats from The Rooftop Burger Shack, while getting acquainted with one of Melbourne's most iconic drinking spots. During the warmer months, you can even catch a flick on the outdoor big screen for the legendary Rooftop Cinema. PICNIC IN THE SUN AT ABBOTSFORD CONVENT, ABBOTSFORD Set among picturesque grounds in Melbourne's inner north, multi-arts precinct the Abbotsford Convent has a little something for everyone. Once operating as a convent and one of Australia's largest Catholic complexes, the heritage-listed, 16-acre site now boasts a colourful assortment of galleries, studios and green space — not to mention a stack of architectural gems to marvel at. Lose a day happily exploring the current offerings, from exhibitions and talks to markets and performances. Social history tours are run every Sunday afternoon, and there's a plethora of great onsite eateries to choose from come lunchtime. [caption id="attachment_649405" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jamie Durrant.[/caption] EAT TAPAS AND MONTADITOS AT BAR TINI, CBD Having won hearts across the country with his stable of MoVida restaurants, Frank Camorra's latest project is another Spanish-inspired charmer — this time, a cosy laneway haunt called Bar Tini. With its warm red accents and cheery decor, this one's a nod to the bodegas of Spain, its menu a cracking lineup of imported tinned seafood, flavour-packed tapas and montaditos, and open sandwiches. Snack your way through, while sipping vermouth on tap and revamped classic cocktails. Pop in for a daytime visit and you'll even be able to check out the iconic street art of Hosier Lane outside the front door. [caption id="attachment_658995" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stano Murin.[/caption] LAUGH IT OUT AT THE BUTTERFLY CLUB, CBD If a culture fix is on the cards, you can bank on finding a ripper program of happenings at The Butterfly Club. The laneway theatre hosts a diverse lineup of over 1100 performances each year, from cabaret acts to side-splitting stand-up shows. You'll also find a solid mix of regular events, including Tuesday night's burlesque life drawing sessions and Friday's long-running improv comedy show, The Big Hoo Haa. The Butterfly Club's two bars make for charming pit-stops in themselves, decked out with lots of kitsch touches and slinging an oft-changing lineup of themed cocktails. Spend your weekend exploring some of the very best things around Melbourne, and when you need a place to recoup, find your home away from home at DoubleTree by Hilton on Flinders Street.
If you visited a supermarket on the weekend, you would've encountered mayhem: long lines, empty shelves, people battling over the last packets of beans. Many Australians are panic-buying in case they need to self-isolate because of COVID-19, and it's causing chaos at shops across the country. To help some of society's more vulnerable groups get the groceries and essentials they need, Woolworths has launched a dedicated shopping hour for the elderly and people with disability. Running from 7–8am from Tuesday, March 17 to at least Friday, March 20, stores nationwide will open exclusively to concession card-carrying people in these communities. The Woolworths stores will then open to the general public from 8am. https://twitter.com/woolworths/status/1239273390382276610 Woolworths says the decision was made after many elderly customers failed to purchase the items they needed. "While we'll continue to do our very best to restock our stores during this period of unprecedented demand, we know many of our elderly customers have been missing out on essential items when they shop," Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said in a statement. "This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before our stores officially open - helping them obtain the essential items they need most in a less crowded environment." For now, the dedicated hour is only in place until this Friday, but Woolworths says it will "review opening arrangements" at this point. If you're unable to leave your house, Deliveroo has just added kitchen and household products to its remit and has implemented a 'no-contact' drop-off service, too. For more information about Woolworths' dedicated hour for elderly and people with disability, head to the Woolworths website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Whether you dread that early morning alarm or jump out of bed excited for each day, chances are you need (and deserve) a break — because everyone does every now and again. We understand annual leave is precious and it can be easy to fall into the trap of packing your itinerary full of non-stop adventures. But there's no shame in the relaxation game if that's what you're really craving. So we've gone on a hunt for the top experiences around New South Wales that'll leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated — from quick (but effective) outdoor yoga classes to multi-day rainforest retreats.
Most food festivals offer a variety of dishes, ranging from snacks to mains to treats. Sweet As, Brisbane's returning dessert fest, will too — as long as you're fine with meringues, marshmallows and macarons as appetisers, cakes and doughnuts for a hearty meal, and ice cream, sorbet, gelato and dessert cocktails to wrap it all up. That's just our suggested order. With all of the above on offer — plus everything from brownies and waffles to cheese and chocolate — there's no right or wrong way to work your way through the menu. All of the treats will be served up by a range of the city's best dessert-makers, with The World Food Markets overseeing the event. And while Brisbane is no stranger to sweet-filled festivals, it really is a situation where the more, the merrier applies. With the festival running from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 at Musgrave Park, that means dessert is on the menu for a late brunch, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea — and if you opt for to stick around for a few of those meals, there'll be no judgement. You can also pretend it's breakfast with Gelato Messina's special festival menu item, a sundae that combines fior di latte gelato, housemade milo cake, salted caramel chantilly, chocolate-covered coco pops and dulce de leche sauce. For those with dietary requirements, there'll be lactose-free, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan options across the board as well. Yep, that truly is sweet as. Also on offer: non-sugary street food, pop-up bars, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment. Just nab your $5 (plus booking fee) early bird ticket in advance, as they're likely to get snapped up fast. Afterwards, entry will cost $10 online and $15 at the gate. Updated September 12.
You are cordially invited to Relief on the Runway, where fashion meets charity. In celebration of Glory Box’s first birthday, they will be hosting a fashion parade with all proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery. Hitting the runway will be some of Glory Box’s finest garments, artwork from local artists up for sale, burlesque performances and live music. Glory Box is an independent seller of new and vintage fashions, so you can do your part for charity while also planning your next fashion fix. Tickets include entry into a prize draw and a night filled with entertainment, a licensed bar and dumplings. However, if you cannot attend but would still like to contribute, you can do so via the charity website. Remember: all ticket purchases and donations are tax deductible.
Home, sweet tiny home. James Galletly (known locally as The Upcyclist) and the Bower Reuse and Repair Centre have teamed up to support the Tiny Houses Australia momentous architectural movement. The concept is simple: small, eco-friendly and sustainable living spaces that challenge the way you think of home. It's "guilt free living", as James puts it. The Bower, a Co-Op in the Addison Road Community Centre, has a commitment to waste reduction that is in line with the carpenter's background in Environmental Science and the project mantra: "less house, more living". Part backyard retreat, part child's dream home, The Upcyclist made this project "it's own tiny goal". He re-envisioned a 6 x 8 box trailer into a one-bedroom abode using 95 percent salvaged, recycled and donated materials. The structure is 100% waterproof and insulated for outdoor use. Galletly and his team of volunteers built all fold-up furniture, including a wooden table, crate chairs and a single, hand-painted bed, which allows the room to act as both a sitting area and bedroom. With the solar powered electrical system and gorgeously restored red cedar, double glass windows and doors, the room offers comfort even as a miniature. The size is charming to adults and children alike, and has been the interest of both architects and artists as a creative space. With this project, Galletly hopes to "re-empower people to shelter themselves", and to open minds to alternative living options that don't include "constantly maintaining your house". While it is technically a house on wheels, it is not a replacement caravan, but is a statement piece for the dangers of consumerism. "I want to ensure The Tiny will not become another consumable item and instead be the answer to a problem". This converted space will act as a prototype for the tiny house business Galletly will fund with the auction proceeds, with his future endeavors to include a kitchen and bathroom. 'The Tiny' will be auctioned off on Saturday, September 20, as part of the Bower's 15th Anniversary Event. Don't worry if you're not prepared to offer the starting bid of $10,000–$15,000, the full-day celebration is open to all and will include a BBQ, artisanal market and demonstration workshops within the Community Centre. The tiny houses concept originated in the USA but has been gaining traction in Australia and become a movement that is championed by architects, designers and engineers. The idea is broad enough to include a small, community project like 'The Tiny' as well as larger, million-dollar project such as one featured on Grand Designs Australia. Environmental and minimalist minds unite for this cause, proving that good things really do come in small packages. 'The Tiny' House Auction is on Saturday, September 20, from 12pm-1pm at The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre, Addison Road Community Centre; 34/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. For more info on the project, head here. Images: Alicia Fox.
A person walking into a bar. The words "sent from my iPhone". A comedian pouring their experiences into a one-performer play. A twisty true-crime tale making the leap to the screen. All four either feature in, inspired or describe Baby Reindeer. All four are inescapably familiar, too, but the same can't be said about this seven-part Netflix series. Streaming since Thursday, April 11, written by and starring Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, and also based on his real-life experiences, this is a gripping, bleak, brave, revelatory, devastating and unforgettable psychological thriller. It does indeed begin with someone stepping inside a pub — and while Gadd plays a comedian on-screen as well, don't go waiting for a punchline. When Martha (Jessica Gunning, The Outlaws) enters The Heart in Camden, London in 2015, Donny Dunn (Gadd, Wedding Season) is behind the counter. "I felt sorry for her. That's the first feeling I felt. It's a patronising, arrogant feeling, feeling sorry for someone you've only just laid eyes on, but I did," the latter explains via voiceover. Perched awkwardly on a stool at the bar, her teary eyes downcast, Martha is whimpering to herself. She says that she can't afford to buy a drink, even a cup of tea. Donny takes pity, offering her one for free — and her face instantly lights up. That's the fateful moment, one of sorrow met with kindness, that ignites Baby Reindeer's narrative and changes Donny's life. After that warm beverage, The Heart instantly has a new regular. Sipping Diet Cokes from then on (still on the house), Martha is full of stories about all of the high-profile people that she knows and her high-flying lawyer job. But despite insisting that she's constantly busy, she's also always at the bar when Donny is at work, sticking around for his whole shifts. She chats incessantly about herself, folks that he doesn't know and while directing compliments Donny's way. He's in his twenties, she's in her early forties — and he can see that she's smitten, letting her flirt. He notices her laugh. He likes the attention, not to mention getting his ego stroked. While he doesn't reciprocate her feelings, he's friendly. She isn't just an infatuated fantasist, however; she's chillingly obsessed to an unstable degree. She finds his email address, then starts messaging him non-stop when she's not nattering at his workplace. (IRL, Gadd received more than 40,000 emails.) Two early details in Baby Reindeer speak to the level of revealing specificity that Gadd has layered into the script; names are changed, clearly, but there's no doubting that this is a personal work that's adapted carefully and probingly from reality. Firstly, Donny spies that "sent from my iPhone" text at the bottom of Martha's endless array of emails, which'd be innocuous in almost every other situation — but he also knows that she doesn't have an iPhone. Secondly, he still accepts her Facebook friend request as his inbox overflows with her often-incoherent thoughts sporting that fake iPhone claim (which is sometimes misspelled, too), Martha's behaviour towards him can't be mistaken for anything but that of a stalker and he finally types her name into Google to discover that she has a history. Martha's harassment spans years, expanding to impact Donny's ex-girlfriend Keeley (Shalom Brune-Franklin, Love Me); her mother Liz (Nina Sosanya, Good Omens), who Donny lives with; therapist and trans woman Teri (Nava Mau, Generation), who he's been dating; and his parents (The Way's Mark Lewis Jones and The Sixth Commandment's Amanda Root) in Fife. About six months in, when he initially reports it to the police in an anxious state — the scene that opens the Netflix show — he hardly receives a helpful response, as part of Baby Reindeer's digging into expectations around masculinity. Donny's own actions, his missteps included, are as much under the microscope as Martha's. So is trauma, dating back long before the show's title was constantly uttered and emailed his way as his unwanted admirer's pet name for him. It was in 2019 that Gadd premiered the stage version of Baby Reindeer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a setting that's also pivotal to the TV iteration. Six years prior, Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) did the same with Fleabag, which wrapped up its television run mere months before Baby Reindeer's stage debut. Gleaning that shared path can't prepare audiences for Gadd's tale, though, which reaches further than the mental illness of his indefatigable pursuer, and into abuse, shame and self-loathing. Accordingly, it's worth recalling that I May Destroy You also charted the path from Edinburgh to television, as inspired by a lecture that Michaela Coel (Mr & Mrs Smith) gave at the city's television festival that touched upon her own experiences. Also telling: the fact that Baby Reindeer is shot like it's a horror film (and paced as such). From off-kilter angles and vantages to unnerving closeness, directors Weronika Tofilska (His Dark Materials, and also the co-writer of Love Lies Bleeding) and Josephine Bornebusch (Bad Sisters), plus cinematographers Krzysztof Trojnar (Foresight) and Annika Summerson (Censor), don't let viewers get comfortable for a second. Watching is compelling — compulsive, in fact — but never easy, as befits the story that's being relayed. Unlike most scary movies, this isn't a clearcut tale of an attacker and a victim, at least when it comes to Martha and Donny. Gadd is unsparing in unpacking what motivates Donny's reactions, heart-wrenchingly so, and his regrets. When he asks "why did I freeze?" and "why did I just let it happen?" about a specific incident with Martha, he's also posing questions that beat at the heart of the entire miniseries. As he reckons with himself, doing so with vulnerability and nuance but never holding back, Gadd turns in a remarkably raw performance that feels as emotionally uncomfortable for him, understandably, as it is for the audience to witness. Baby Reindeer's candour extends in all directions, Donny's flailing early comedy shows — anti-humour and props are his thing — and the shattering time spent with an older mentor (Tom Goodman-Hill, Anne) among them, with Gadd brilliant at every turn. Gunning is equally outstanding. The sheer depth of the intricacies to Martha, some sparking terror, others sympathy and more still eliciting everything in-between, are stunningly drawn both in the writing and in Gunning's portrayal. Pressing play on Baby Reindeer means not being able to stop thinking about Gadd, Gunning, Donny and Martha from that second onwards, or about this profoundly and piercingly honest show. Check out the trailer for Baby Reindeer below: Baby Reindeer streams via Netflix.
The April holidays are nearly upon us. And with the Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day landing on consecutive weeks this year, there's no better time to book a trip out of town. Might we suggest you land on Sydney? The city has so much going on this autumn, including highly lauded markets, blockbuster performances, massive new exhibitions and brand new venues to discover, plus all of the Easter treats and ANZAC Day specials in between. Here's our guide on how to make the most of your holidays this season in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_698137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Grounds of Alexandria.[/caption] HUNT FOR EXCELLENT EASTER TREATS Throughout the month of April, Sydney's best chocolatiers turn out some delectable, hard-to-pass-up Easter treats. These include a larger-than-life Easter egg at The Grounds of Alexandria, which annually constructs a three-metre-tall egg stuffed with over 500 kilograms of chocolate. The 'community cracking' takes place on Easter Sunday — and there are no bookings, pre-orders or payments necessary to participate. There's also a sweets-filled family high tea and a free Easter egg hunt on the Saturday. For some over-the-top treats, head to Gelato Messina for a very indulgent Easter dessert. This year, expect the Hot Cross Bun Egg — that's hot cross bun gelato mixed with toasted hot cross bun pieces and an oozing dulce de leche 'yolk', all with a milk chocolate coating. The Messina concoctions sell out each year, so sign up here to be the first to order. Darlinghurst's Kakawa is across Easter, too, offering more hot cross bun-flavoured chocolates, chocolate-filled eggs and bunny pops. Other sweets to hunt down include the raw vegan choc eggs at Alexandria's Pana Chocolate and the range of luxe Easter treats at Haigh's in the CBD. [caption id="attachment_708768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eliza Food and Wine.[/caption] VISIT ONE OF SYDNEY'S NEWEST VENUES While you're in town for a visit, be sure to check out a few of Sydney's newest openings. For a top-notch bar, head to the city's first dedicated mezcal bar, Cantina OK. The 20-person venue can be found hidden down a laneway in the heart of the CBD. But if Sydney's sunny skies are calling you outdoors, it's Chippendale's new rooftop Spritz Bar you should consider. It offers a whole menu of spritzes, along with Sicilian-style bar snacks and Mediterranean vibes. And for a real locals' haunt, make tracks to Newton to sip Scandinavian aquavit cocktails in the courtyard at the Danish-influenced Tandem Bar. For eats, check out RaRa Ramen, Redfern's new izakaya-style joint that's slinging some seriously authentic bowls of ramen, including a regularly sold-out vegan version. Finer fare can be found at Darlinghurst's Eliza Food and Wine, an eatery focused on local produce and brought to you by Michelin-trained chef Jeremy Bentley. And for a bit of both, don't look past the drinks and eats at Pyrmont's new natural wine bar and European-style eatery Bar Clementine — it's slinging funky drops, aperitif-style cocktails and European share plates to boot. [caption id="attachment_664206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australian Heritage Hotel.[/caption] GO FOR $5 ON HEADS AT A GAME OF TWO-UP If you're in Sydney over ANZAC Day, it's a given to take advantage of this beloved 'sport' — especially if you've never played before (we're looking at you Melbourne). What is it? A betting game of heads or tails that was played by the ANZACs during WWI. How should you prep? Take some cash out so you have notes (you'll want some fivers unless you're planning to play hard) and find a good pub where you can watch those sacred two-up coins fall. While there are many venues to choose from, hitting up one of Sydney's best pubs ensures a spirited crowd — and often discounted brews. Our go-to is The Bank in Newtown, where the sunken beer garden is transformed for the occasion with stadium seating, a tinny bar and pub grub — and it's all hosted by legendary local drag queen Tora Hymen. More wild two-up rings pop-up nearby in the leafy beer garden at The Courthouse and in the massive dining room at Darlinghurst's Dolphin Hotel. We also dig the Australiana-vibes at Paddington's The Unicorn and the historic feels at The Rocks' Australian Heritage Hotel. [caption id="attachment_712879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lu Yang: Electromagnetic Brainology.[/caption] HOP THROUGH THESE NEW ART EXHIBITIONS Sydney has a lot of must-see exhibitions on during April. There's the massive The National 2019, a huge exhibition that features work from 65 contemporary Australian artists and spans the Art Gallery NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Carriageworks. Also showing at the MCA is Janet Lawrence: After Nature — the first exhibition chronicling the Sydney-based artist's 30-year career. It explores 'the link between all living creatures' and includes environmentally charged sculpture, installation, photography and video. Another show-stopping exhibition on at the moment is Hot Blood at Chippendale's free White Rabbit gallery. Expect a showcase of emerging, post-'Great Firewall' Chinese artists who are out to disable our idea of traditional Chinese art. And if you are after traditional Chinese art, then kick on post-The National viewing at AGNSW for Heaven and Earth in Chinese Art. The exhibition features treasures from Taipei's National Palace Museum on display in the southern hemisphere for the first time. It features 87 masterworks, including a jasper stone that resembles a juicy piece of pork belly. VISIT SOME OF THE CITY'S FAVOURITE MARKETS If you're looking to hit the market scene, you can't go past one of Sydney's most lauded farmer's market, which takes place every Saturday within Carriageworks. Over 70 stallholders join forces to offer some of the city's best produce, and it's all curated by acclaimed chef Mike McEnearney. Located on the other side of Sydney's inner west is Tramsheds, a former tram depot-turned-shopping precinct, which holds a Growers Market every Sunday from 8am–2pm, including on Easter Sunday. Expect sustainably grown produce alongside workshops, masterclasses and live entertainment. Plus, heaps of the precinct's eateries will be open throughout the Easter long weekend and on ANZAC Day — including Spanish-style tapas bar Bodega 1904, fresh pasta spot Flour Eggs Water and Egyptian diner Bekya. If you're in town earlier in April, catch the monthly Brewery Markets at Yulli's Brews vegan taproom on Sunday, April 14. There'll be indoor plants, eco-friendly clothing and jarred preserves up for grabs, along with craft brews and restaurant signatures. [caption id="attachment_714401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera: West Side Story. Photo by Hamilton Lund.[/caption] CATCH A LIVE SHOW From Broadway hits and Opera House exclusives to local gigs and free jazz, Sydney has it all. One of the most impressive shows on at the moment is West Side Story, which is performed on a floating stage on Sydney Harbour and backdropped by some of the city's most impressive views. Within the Opera House, you'll find Basement Jaxx Vs The Metropolitan Orchestra, which will see the famed British electronic music duo perform with a live orchestra. And for something more specific to the Easter theme, there's the musical production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on at the Capitol Theatre till Sunday, April 14. And for more local (and budget-friendly) options, you can catch multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Little Green's jazz, folk and blues for just $15 on Friday, April 26 at 107 Projects. And, for a real bargain, there's free jazz at legendary Venue 505 every Monday through Wednesday. Plus, you can catch Drag and Dine at Priscillas any night of the week from 7.30pm. Forgo the tourist traps and traverse the great City of Sydney like a local instead. Discover more around the city here.
Print is dead, or so we've been told for the past few years. Newspaper sales are down, Borders and Angus & Robertson stores are closing their doors and our attention shifts more and more to computer monitors. But is it a full stop or just another stage in the cycle? The nature of books is changing. They are moving online but aren't remaining stagnant in their form. A more discerning palette for information is leading readers to different forms of consumption. The same person might skim through the paper online, read a Kindle Single (a digital book a seventh the size of a regular book) during their lunch-break, flick through a broadsheet on the train home and indulge in a traditional hardcover before bed. The prophecies that people aren't reading anymore are unfounded. Readers are just diversifying their source. With traditional bookstores feeling the backlash from this new plethora of information outlets, unconventional ventures could prove the way forward. Ed's Martian Book is the creation of author Andrew Kessler, and sells over three thousand books. Well three thousand copies of the one book. His book. Although not the most financially sound move, Kessler freely admitting "I'm not a very good businessperson." He has sold a few hundred copies but at least his book is getting some attention in this store. Instead of ruthlessly vying for the attention of customers with displays and discounts, in his store he is guaranteed an audience. The current state of affairs in publishing has been reached through the advance of technology but it wasn't a march towards an ideal, but rather a winding road of adaptation. Visual Loop recently teamed up with Brazilian designer, Flavia Marinho, to cover the history of printing. What it reveals is the rise of the book, the rise of the newspaper, the fall of the book, the rise of the novel, the collapse of newspapers, the rise of the magazine, the resurrection of the newspaper and so on. Overall it shows a trend of peaks and troughs, it has happened before, it is happening now and it is going to happen again. Whether tablet PCs will destroy print media is yet to be seen, but there's something to be said about the smell of a new book, the feel of paper between your fingers and the satisfaction from a finished book on the nightstand that can't be mimicked by a computer. Well not yet at least.
Illustration and photography collide to unlock new perspectives in a stunning series by Belgian-based artist Ben Heine. Heine's Pencil vs. Camera project began in 2010. Recent new additions displayed here were created for Art Official Concept, an art gallery in Cape Verde, West Africa. Heine portrays an overwhelming sense of hope in these pictures of daily life in the Republic of Cape Verde. Vibrant colours from the real world unite with inspirational ideas flowing from Heine's pencil. [Via Flavorwire]
Lewis Hamilton has called F1 "the most-authentic racing film you will ever experience in a cinema". "Audiences around the globe are going to feel like they're on the track and in the driver's seat," the superstar driver — who is one of the film's producers — has also advised. Director Joseph Kosinski, who knows a thing or two about making immersive high-octane movies thanks to 2022 smash Top Gun: Maverick, has talked about his determination "to make it authentic" and to represent the sport "in the absolute best way we could", including via collaborating with Hamilton and other Formula 1 insiders. F1 shot on real Formula 1 race weekends. Stars Brad Pitt (Wolfs) and Damson Idris (Snowfall) do their own driving, too. The world will discover how the end result turns out in cinemas Down Under from Thursday, June 26, 2025 — but if you'd like a taste of the flick's commitment to authenticity and immersion in advance, Apple's new haptic trailer will do the trick. Across the past few months, F1 has dropped multiple trailers, but its latest sneak peek is different — because it isn't just about watching. If you have an iPhone, Apple wants you to feel this glimpse at the film. It means that literally. That's where the haptics come in, with your iPhone vibrating as engines rev and roar throughout the trailer. Why Apple? Because, although F1 definitely has a date with cinemas and has been made for the big screen, the technology company's Apple Original Films is behind it. Accordingly, eventually it'll join Apple TV+'s catalogue — but long after it speeds into cinemas. This Formula 1 racing thriller tasks Pitt with feeling the need for speed as a former driver who returns to the track. Fictional team APXGP is at its centre, with Pitt as Sonny Hayes and Idris as his colleague Joshua Pearce — and reaching the sport's heights is their aim. Also featuring on-screen: Kerry Condon (Skeleton Crew) and Javier Bardem (Dune: Part Two), giving the movie a recent Oscar-nominee (for The Banshees of Inisherin), plus another winner (for No Country for Old Men) alongside Pitt. Tobias Menzies (Manhunt), Sarah Niles (Fallen), Kim Bodnia (Nefarious) and Samson Kayo (House of the Dragon) co-star as well. Hamilton's involvement comes courtesy of his Dawn Apollo Films production company. The feature is also being badged as a collaboration with the Formula 1 community, spanning its teams, drivers and promoters. Check out the regular trailers for F1 below — and hit up Apple's website via an iPhone for the haptic trailer. F1 releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Check out the haptic trailer via Apple — and read what Joseph Kosinski and Lewis Hamilton told us about the film.
The 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade is fast approaching, with Darlinghurst's Oxford Street set to erupt in a colourful celebration of LGBTQI+ culture and communities, as it has for more than four decades. But Australia is home to more than one Oxford Street — and, this year, seven other roadways with the same moniker are getting into the Mardi Gras spirit, all thanks to a series of glorious rainbow sculptures. In the New South Wales town of Mittagong, Deep Lead in Victoria, Rockhampton in Queensland, East Bunbury in Western Australia, Port Pirie in South Australia, Berry Springs in the Northern Territory and East Launceston in Tasmania, eye-catching new Oxford Street signs have popped up. Each bears the street's name, of course; however the designs vary otherwise. A rainbow branching out of a puddle, a giant heart pierced by an arrow, a pink-frosted cupcake, twin flamingos, a unicorn and a giant stiletto all feature across the bespoke signs, as does a cockatoo and akubra-adorned clothes line named 'I'm Spinning Around' after the Kylie Minogue song you now have stuck in your head. The overall exhibition has been dubbed Signs of Love, and it's spearheaded by ANZ as part of their ongoing association with Mardi Gras. For those who'd like to take a gander at the installations but won't find themselves in their vicinity, they'll also be available to view on Google Street View from Wednesday, February 27. While only seven Oxford Streets around the country have had a makeover, an eighth sculpture is also on display at Bondi Beach in Sydney. And while it isn't as brightly coloured as its counterparts, it points to 123 Oxford Streets across the nation. Oxford Street sign titles and locations: New South Wales – 'Signs of Love', Bondi Park, Campbell Parade, Bondi. New South Wales – 'Eternal Flame', Oxford Street (corner Bourne Close), Mittagong. Victoria – 'Coming Out', Oxford Street (corner Battery Rd), Deep Lead. Queensland – 'Pink FlaminGo-Go', Oxford Street (corner Talford Street), Rockhampton. Tasmania – 'Love is Love', Oxford Street (corner Abbott Street), East Launceston. Western Australia – 'I'm Spinning Around', Oxford Street (Austral Parade), East Bunbury. South Australia – 'Turn the Party', Port Pirie Regional Tourism and Arts Centre. Northern Territory – 'We're Not in Sydney Toto', Oxford Road (corner Cox Peninsula Road), Berry Springs. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade takes place on Saturday, March 2 in Oxford Street and surrounding areas, Darlinghurst.
Today the Sydney Opera House has launched its Own Our House campaign, inviting Australians and international admirers of the World Heritage-listed building to support its renewal by purchasing one of 125,000 tiles from its tallest sail. If you're looking for a unique Christmas present idea, this might be for you. Just $100 buys you the shiny 'Ice' tile, or if you’re feeling flush, $400 gets you the apparently rare 'Snow' tile, which has a matte finish. Choose your tile and then it's yours to play with online. You can visit your tile, check out the view, personalise it with a photo and short message, and share it on social media with your friends and family. The money raised by the campaign will go towards the renewal of the 40-year-old building, while also aiming to increase public access to the Opera House in the future with new education initiatives and more free events. Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM says, "The Opera House belongs to everyone. This campaign gives people a really tangible, practical way of showing how much they care."
UPDATE, Friday, July 26, 2024: Rivermakers Farmers and Artisan Markets are now occurring monthly, not weekly as first planned. This article has been updated to reflect that change. Since 2021, maybe you've made the trip to Colmslie Road in Morningside to enjoy a drink at Revel Brewing Co's second site. Or, you could've headed to the waterside Rivermarkers precinct in Brisbane's inner southeast for spirits at Bavay Distillery, a ceramics workshop at Mas & Miek or barbecued meat from Low & Slow Meat Co. A couple of times over the past few years, markets might've also beckoned — and if it's shopping at stalls that gets you excited, you'll soon have a monthly reason to visit. On Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Rivermakers Farmers and Artisan Markets will debut. On the third Sunday of each month afterwards, the markets will return. In the process, Goodwill Projects adds another site to its hefty range of pop-up browsing and buying spots around Brisbane. It's also behind the Brisbane City Markets, Milton Markets, Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets, West End Markets and Westoria. Nundah Farmers Markets is on its list, too, as is Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets. Out of town, Goodwill Projects also puts on the Kuraby Farmers Markets, Beenleigh Night Markets, HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets, and Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. So yes, it knows a thing or two about bringing stallholders together — especially growers and makers slinging their wares. In Morningside, the company will set up shop from 7am–1pm monthly, welcoming 150-plus vendors such as Lunar Farms Organics, Good Growin' Gourmet Mushrooms and Bellmere Honey. That's your organic zucchinis, capsicums and tomatoes covered, plus everything from oyster to shiitake mushrooms — and the tastiest bee product there is as well. Other stalls at the dog-friendly markets will serve up deli goods, fresh seafood, preserves and handmade pasta — and also designer garments and jewellery. Entry will be free, as will parking in the 450 spaces. And once you're wandering around with a basket in your hand, you'll be getting your groceries and other items with the Brisbane River providing a view. The full Rivermakers precinct sprawls across a patch of land at the end of Junction Road that first housed a lime factory back in 1917. Since then, it's been used for alcohol distillation, radio broadcasting, naval barracks and a migrant hostel, and as the base for Hans Continental Smallgoods. Now, the 30-hectare heritage-listed spot is about to become your new monthly market go-to. Rivermakers Farmers and Artisan Markets will run from 7am–1pm on the third Sunday of every month from Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Rivermakers, 82 Colmslie Road, Morningside — head to the markets' website and Facebook page for more details.
UPDATE Thursday, June 17: Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are various interstate border restrictions in place. Check out the latest information regarding travel to Tasmania over at the Tasmanian Government's website. Melbourne's current 25-kilometre travel cap lifts at 11.59pm tonight, June 17. Victorians can find information on local restrictions over on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website. Of course, even border closures don't mean you can't start dreaming — bookmark this for when you can explore freely once again. Winter is an area where Tasmania truly excels. While the rest of the country might shiver through a mild chill or a few rainy, foggy months, the island has the full snow-and-frost experience, the kind you can properly bundle up for in your thickest of woollen socks and jumpers. Enjoy the clear, sharp bite of winter on your skin during a brisk walk with soul-stirring views then thaw by a crackling fireplace with a dram of whisky in hand — Tassie is the perfect spot for getting toasty. So, we've compiled a guide for making your southern winter jaunt a heart-warming and cosy one. There's something for everyone — from the irrepressibly outdoorsy to the decidedly indoorsy folks who crave the convivial warmth of a great big gathering. Whether you prefer to get rosy-cheeked by getting your blood pumping or rely on good old fashioned firewater to do the job, Tasmania is an island of winter-warming opportunities. [caption id="attachment_721394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eagles Nest Retreat and Summer Rain Photography.[/caption] STAY SOMEWHERE WITH AN OUTDOOR HOT TUB Stripping down to your birthday suit in the great outdoors may not sound like an ideal way to get warm, but hear us out. You can luxuriate comfortably in an openair spa bath at your own private retreat while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. A steaming, saltwater timber hot tub on the wilderness deck at Aerie Retreat offers a secluded view over Bruny Island and Storm Bay — perfect for eagle-spotting — plus, sauna and a firepit. Those looking for a little luxury (and seclusion) will find it at Thalia Haven, which has outdoor bathtubs overlooking Great Oyster Bay. If you yearn for mountain vistas instead, book one of the 'nests' at Eagles Nest Retreat near Cradle Mountain or head to Pumphouse Point, an adults-only wilderness retreat nearby. (Re)treat yourself this winter and make your hot-tubbing a little wilder. [caption id="attachment_619649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo festival.[/caption] PARTY AT A WINTER FESTIVAL Nothing's warmer than the collective heat of an enthusiastic crowd, so get yourself to one of Tasmania's great winter festivals. First up is Dark Mofo (June 16–22), the annual revelry of fire, feasting, music and challenging new art that takes over MONA and the city of Hobart is making its triumphant post-pandemic return. Catch world-class performers and avante garde acts or brave the naked solstice swim. The Festival of Voices (June 30–July 11) in Hobart is Australia's most significant choral festival, complete with performances, workshops and a huge bonfire sing-along in Salamanca. Plus in July, there's the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest, celebrating the depths of winter with costumes, warm apple cider and plenty of convivial gatherings. And finally, for lovers of firewater, Tasmanian Whisky Week (August 9–15) gives you a behind-the-scenes look, with distilleries opening their doors for tours and events, sharing their stories and offering exclusive tastings. [caption id="attachment_719392" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rocky Cape Circuit Track, Rocky Cape National Park by Jess Bonde.[/caption] HIKE YOUR WAY WARM IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS If you can't sit still inside and need to sweat out the cabin fever, there are winter-appropriate walking routes throughout Tasmania. The Three Capes Track is a three-day journey with well-appointed, insulated shared cabins along the way, so you don't have to haul along all your camping gear. Guided track walks can also take in the Port Arthur Historic Site, while Rocky Cape National Park has a number of short walks with varying levels of difficulty, taking you along the majestic, sweeping coastline overlooking Bass Strait. For Hobart daytrippers, it's worth heading to the Hastings Caves State Reserve to experience the misty winter forest, bathe in natural thermal springs and explore dolomite caves for a different adventure out of the weather. Because of the pandemic, some of the tracks require bookings, so check the website before you head out. HEAD INDOORS FOR A COCKTAIL OR WINE One of the special joys of winter is getting properly toasty, cosy and rugged up and popping into bars for a soul-warming cocktail or wine. And, happily, Tasmania has plenty of them. In Hobart, you can pop into Tom McHugo's for fun things (like confit albacore and zucchini) on toast and a locally made beer, to Dier Makr or sibling bar Lucinda for minimal intervention wines and to Sonny for a bowl of prawn paccheri and acoustic entertainment in the form of spinning vinyls. Just out of the city in New Norfolk, you'll find some of the country's best potato cakes (or scallops, if that's your preferred name for them) and a menu of other delicious locally grown produce, plus plenty of wine, at The Agrarian Kitchen. Over in Launceston, we suggest you head straight for Geromino and order a plate of cacio e pepe croquettes and a warming cherry-tinted manhattan. [caption id="attachment_719391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shene Estate and Distillery's roadside stall by Samuel Shelley.[/caption] STOP BY A DISTILLERY FOR A TIPPLE TO SIP LATER Nothing puts a fire in your belly quite like a dram, and when it comes to spirituous liquors, Tasmania has some of the finest. The historic Shene Estate may channel old-world aristocracy with neo-gothic architecture and polo games, but it also welcomes visitors for tours and tastings of its award-winning spirits — including Poltergeist gin and Mackey single malt whisky. Southern Wild Distillery produces Dasher + Fisher gin from the snowmelt rivers that pass by to create their Mountain, Meadow and Ocean varieties with uniquely local flavours. For some country-style cooking to go with your whisky, head to Old Kempton Distillery for a cellar door experience in a heritage 19th-century coaching inn. Top image: Dark Mofo's Winter Feast, shot by Rémi Chauvin.
It's been 14 years since Iron Man first soared onto cinema screens, started a huge film and TV franchise, and sparked popular culture's biggest current behemoth — and, 29 movies, a heap of streaming shows and oh-so-much success later, is there any realm that the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn't conquered? It's the main reason that plenty of people go to the movies. It keeps pumping out new Disney+ shows every few months, too. All things Marvel were already a hit on the page, obviously, before the comic book company's wares became box-office catnip. And Marvel-themed events, including exhibitions, keep popping up as well. Back in Brisbane in 2017, the Gallery of Modern Art played host to a huge showcase of Marvel costumes and props, in fact — and while that was a one-city, once-off affair, Marvel fans can now take a gander at a new batch of MCU paraphernalia. Fancy getting a close look at mjolnir, stormbreaker, the necrosword, Zeus' lightning bolt, and Valkyrie's dagger and sword? Then you've clearly seen Thor: Love and Thunder, and you'll now want to make a date with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne. The Federation Square venue has welcomed in a selection of items from the fourth Thor flick, including all of the aforementioned weaponry — which plays a significant part in the Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit)-directed feature. Also on display: outfits by costume designer Mayes Rubeo (an Emmy-winner for WandaVision and Oscar-nominee for Jojo Rabbit), including those worn by Chris Hemsworth (Spiderhead) as Thor and Natalie Portman (Vox Lux) as Jane/The Mighty Thor. ACMI's new Thor: Love and Thunder showcase includes pieces donned by Christian Bale (Ford v Ferrari) as galactic killer Gorr the God Butcher as well, and by Tessa Thompson (Passing) as King Valkyrie. And yes, clothing that decked out Russell Crowe (Unhinged) as a tutu-wearing, lightning bolt-flinging Zeus is also now in the museum's range. The Marvel costumes and props have joined the centre's centrepiece exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image, which is free to view — but they'll only be on display until July 28, 2023. And no, there are no screaming goats on offer, sadly — but if you've seen the movie, you probably still have that sound stuck in your head. The Thor: Love and Thunder costumes and props are on display at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne, as part of free centrepiece exhibition The Story of the Moving Image, until July 28, 2023. Read our full Thor: Love and Thunder review. Thor: Love and Thunder image: Jasin Boland. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved. Exhibition images: courtesy Marvel Studios, Peter Tarasiuk Photography.
This year, due to Australia's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Sydneysiders won't be heading to the now-cancelled Sydney Royal Easter Show. Brisbanites won't be heading to the Ekka, either, or Melburnians to the Royal Melbourne Show, with both of those events cancelled, too. But no matter where in Australia you're located, you can now order showbags online and get them delivered to your home. After the Sydney show's scrapping for 2020, showbag company Chicane Showbags is moving most of its range into a web store that's fittingly called Showbag Shop. Whether you can't get enough Bertie Beetles, have a hankering for a bag filled with KitKats, or would prefer pop culture-themed merchandise (think: The Simpsons, Star Wars and The Beatles), you'll find bags filled with your favourite items here. At the time of writing, only a small variety of bags are available; however Chicane Showbags is aiming to have the majority of its bags in its online store in the coming weeks. We mentioned Bertie Beetles first, of course, because they've become such a show favourite — and to reflect that fact, there are ten different options available. These self-isolating, stay-at-home, generally restricted times might go smoother with a big stash of insect-themed chocolates, after all, with three showbags available for $8, a huge 80-Bertie Beetle bag on offer for $29 and a box of 350 Bertie Beetles (with your choice of a Bertie Beetle mug or a Bertie Beetle plush toy) costing $99. [caption id="attachment_765741" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Chicane Showbags[/caption] Other items currently available include Smarties, Wonka and Snakes Alive bags stuff with lollies; Captain America and Black Panther bags filled with Marvel merchandise; Stella Athletic bags with sporty fashion items and Coast to Coast Skincare bags featuring the obvious. Bags ship Australia-wide, arriving in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane within one to three business days — and in Perth in around five to seven. There is a weight limit on each purchase, though, if you're currently thinking of filling your cupboards with showbags, with only 40 kilograms available per order. Chicane Showbags is now selling showbags online via the Showbag Shop — visit the store's website for further details. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Romance. Kidnapping. A farm girl called Buttercup. A scheming prince. A swashbuckling saviour. A giant. When William Goldman threw them all together, The Princess Bride was the end result — first in his 1973 novel, and then in the 1987 film that the late, great writer also penned. For more than three and a half decades, viewers have watched Fred Savage (The Afterparty) hear the world's best bedtime story, Robin Wright (Land) and Cary Elwes (Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One) frolic in fields, and Andre the Giant tower over everyone around, with The Princess Bride one of those beloved 80s flicks that never gets old. That said, if you've ever found yourself enjoying all of the above and dreaming that its soundtrack could fill the room around you while being played live by an orchestra, then you're about to be in luck. Despite what outlaw boss Vizzini (Wallace Shawn, Evil) might exclaim, The Princess Bride in Concert definitely isn't inconceivable. Instead, this tour is channelling another famous The Princess Bride line: as you wish. This delightful movie-and-music combo will hit Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, April 13, 2024. If you need a refresher on all things The Princess Bride, the comedy-romance-adventure flick follows farmhand Westley (Elwes) on a rescue mission to save his true love Princess Buttercup (Wright) — and also features Mandy Patinkin (Wonder), Billy Crystal (Monsters at Work) and Christopher Guest (Mascots). Being performed live: the entire score, as written by Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler — and with Slava Grigoryan and the Queensland Pops Orchestra doing the honours. Wondering how many times someone will say "anybody want a peanut?" in the audience before and after the movie? The answer: plenty.
Australia's first Mondrian Hotel has arrived on Burleigh Heads' iconic beachfront. Mondrian Gold Coast blends high-end design with laidback, sun-washed beach culture across its 208 rooms, suites, beach houses and residences. Just steps from the sand, the hotel is housed in a pair of sleek resort-style towers by renowned architects Fraser & Partners. It's the legendary hospitality brand's first foray down under, joining a global stable that includes properties in cities like Miami, Cannes, Seoul and Ibiza. The interiors, designed by California-based Studio Carter, are unapologetically spacious. That's not just a trick of the eye — while the palette is anchored in calming neutral tones and plenty of natural light, rooms here are twice the size of the national average and offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, hinterland and headland beyond. For longer stays, the hotel's ten two- and three-bedroom homes boast their own kitchens and laundry facilities, while the two private beach houses feature plunge pools and flexible layouts. Up top, the 24th-floor Sky House sets a new benchmark in beachfront luxury with five-metre-high windows, a full chef's kitchen and cinematic coastal views. [caption id="attachment_1010414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Justin Nicholas[/caption] On the food and drink front, LiTO brings Italian summer vibes to Burleigh's relaxed shores. From morning espresso to woodfired breads, house-made pasta and tableside tiramisu, the all-day menu is easy-going and elegant. Upstairs, the third-floor Haven is a more refined — but by no means stuffy — affair, just as suited to long lunches and poolside sundowners as it is for a nightcap with a spot of live music. The seasonal menu here champions seafood, woodfire cooking and local produce, while a dedicated agave menu, premium wines and champagne enhance the experience. Wellness is also central to the guest experience. The 24-hour gym is kitted out with Technogym equipment, while magnesium plunge pools help fight off the DOMS. Those after something a little more restorative can make a booking at CIEL Spa, which offers a wide range of bio-wellness therapies. The hotel also hosts weddings, corporate retreats and creative gatherings across four levels of event spaces, from sunlit ballrooms to intimate beachfront residences. With an evolving calendar of cultural programming, from music showcases to artist collaborations, Mondrian's first Australian outpost is as much an artistic statement as it is a place to stay — and a bold debut for a forward-thinking brand. [caption id="attachment_1010411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Justin Nicholas[/caption] Top images: Justin Nicholas (interior shots); Content Lion (exterior shots).
Need a bit of extra motivation to exercise while you're spending more time at home? Would the chance to dress up and step back in time make you more eager to burn some calories? If so, hop to Retrosweat VHS Workout Club — an online series of themed workouts inspired by 80s and led by Shannon Dooley of Physique Aerobics, who's 'saving the world one grapevine at a time' and injecting a lot more fun (and eye shadow) into exercising. Her usual Sydney classes celebrate the glorious music and dance moves of the 80s — think Prince and Madonna — and now she's bringing it all to your living room. Best of all, it's free. Sessions are about an hour long and all experience levels are welcome, so don't rule yourself out if you think you have two left feet. Pop on your finest g-string leotard, pull back your teased hair with a scrunchy and pull up those leg warmers because it's time to shvitz. To join the club, just head here and enter your details. Classes are added weekly and each will have a different theme such as Palm Springs pool party and #SynthWaveSweat, too, to keep things interesting. While you can get your buns burning for free, donations are encouraged to make sure the fun-fuelled workouts keep coming. https://youtu.be/6cuVw89shw0
More than a quarter-century ago, a TV sitcom about six New Yorkers made audiences a promise: that it'd be there for us. And, as well as making stars out of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer, the hit series has done just that. Sure, Friends wrapped up its ten-season run in 2004, but the show has lived on — on streaming platforms, by sending an orange couch around Australia, by screening anniversary marathons in cinemas and in upcoming boozy brunch parties. In news that was bound to happen someday — no pop culture entity truly comes to an end in these reboot, remake, revival and spinoff-heavy times — Friends is going to live on in a much more literal sense, too. First hinted at last year, and now officially confirmed, the show is coming back for a reunion special on HBO's new streaming platform HBO Max. Naturally, all of the gang will be involved. Yep, it's 'The One Where They Got Back Together', although it doesn't actually have a title as yet. And it's worth noting that the special will be unscripted, which does mean that Aniston and company aren't literally stepping back into Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe and Ross's shoes. Instead, the actors behind the characters will chat about their experiences on the show — all on the same soundstage where Friends was originally shot. And, let's face it, the fact that they'll all be on-screen at the same time in the same place celebrating the series that so many folks love is probably enough for fans. Friends creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman are also slated to join the reunion special. And if you're wondering when it's happening, the special is due to arrive in May. That's when HBO Max launches in the US — and it's clearly aiming to kick things off in a big way. For folks Down Under, there doesn't seem to be a current plan to bring the streaming platform to our shores. Instead, the company appears to be continuing to focus on its existing arrangements with local channels and streamers for the time being. HBO Max's Friends reunion special will be available to stream in the US at a yet-to-be-revealed date in May. It doesn't currently have an air date or streaming date Down Under — we'll update you if and when one is announced.
Digital art is taking over the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in a huge way in 2024. The Melbourne venue might be known for its cinemas, as well as past exhibitions about Martin Scorsese, David Bowie, Disney animation and women in Hollywood, but it doesn't just celebrate movies and television. If it can grace screens, it can feature here — including at the Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature showcase that displayed until April, and then at fellow world-premiere Beings from Wednesday, May 22–Sunday, September 29. Interactive pieces using innovative technology firmly fit ACMI's remit, which is exactly what its big winter exhibition is about. The playful event explores the work of art and design collective Universal Everything, featuring 13 pieces from its 20-year career. And the experience that you have while walking through Beings won't be the same as anyone else's. This new reason to head to ACMI wants attendees to not merely look at, but also move and dance in front of its large-scale screens and projected artworks. Beings' pieces respond differently to each visitor, using evolving algorithms and generative technology. That makes you part of the art as well. [caption id="attachment_944198" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Into the Sun' by Universal Everything, installation view, Lifeforms exhibition, 180 Studios, photo by Jack Hems.[/caption] Founded in 2004, Universal Everything began in a garden studio in Sheffield, England, which is where Creative Director Matt Pyke initially set up shop. Now, the collective — which includes animators, architects, cinematographers, designers, developers, engineers and musicians — works globally. Its creations display around the world, too, with stints in London, Seoul, Paris, Istanbul and New York before its upcoming Melbourne exhibition. Beings' pieces — four of which will be brand-new world-premiere artworks themselves — frequently use the kind of tech that Hollywood studios and video-game makers deploy. Expect to peer at and play with an assortment of characters, and to feel like you've stepped into a movie or a game as well. The exhibition unravels Universal Everything's creative process, including via hand-drawn sketches that'll be seen by the public for the first time. Top image: Future You' by Universal Everything, installation view, Digital Impact, Barcelona, Spain, photo by Eva Caraso.
Around Christmas time, stories of goodwill and kind deeds seem to pop up more frequently, giving you that fuzzy feeling that humanity does indeed exist in our society. One of these stories came to Concrete Playground’s attention, and we thought we should spread the Christmas cheer. A bunch of Sydneysiders have got together and created the organisation The Philanthropic Foodie, a demiurgic thinktank that come up with ideas that marry Sydney’s love of fine food and worthwhile charities. These two elements suit each other better than Tim Tams and early gray on a rainy, summer day. Now you can indulge in your weakness for pricey jars of green olives or $9 bottles of San Pellegrino without getting that guilty twinge from thinking of the price of the equivalent product at Woolworths. Their first project is a gourmet hamper, with contributions from Simon Johnson, Campos coffee, Christine Manfield (Universal), Bourke Street Bakery and Gelato Messina, to name a few, as well as a Danks Street Depot cookbook and a Future Classics CD so you can get your groove on while you chop and stir. There are three different sized hampers at varying prices, with all profits going to charity Youth Off The Streets. Relax into a foodie coma knowing you’ve done a good deed - a pretty good deal if you ask me. Gourmet Hampers Sydney
One of the world's top chefs is opening a new restaurant in Sydney later this year. But unlike the many (many) upscale restaurants coming and going in our city, this latest project by Massimo Bottura — the culinary powerhouse and chef behind the world's best restaurant, Osteria Francescana — is not for those with big budgets, but rather for the less affluent. The restaurant, which will be run in collaboration with Australian food rescue charity OzHarvest, was announced at an on-stage conversation Bottura held at the State Theatre last night. The event was largely a platform to promote the chef's charitable Food for Soul project which, akin to Sydney-based not-for-profit OzHarvest, seeks to promote awareness about food wastage and hunger. And it won't be the first time Bottura has worked with OzHarvest and its Founder Ronni Kahn, either. The pair partnered up for a one-off charitable dinner back in 2017, raising money for both OzHarvest and Food for Soul. Kahn says the restaurant — or refettorio, a communal kitchens for socially vulnerable groups — came as a natural progression of this. "I first met Massimo in 2016 — it was like meeting a kindred spirit that I had known all my life," said Kahn in a statement. "We share the same passion, values and vision to create a better world…I'm excited and privileged to be able to bring his refettorio to life in Australia." [caption id="attachment_715651" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Massimo Bottura, Ronni Kahn and the team behind 2017's Cooking with a Conscience dinner. Image: Nikki To[/caption] The restaurant will be Bottura's fifth refettorio with the other venues located in Milan, Rio de Janeiro, London and Paris. At all of his kitchens, Bottura uses rescued food to create the meals — and often teams up with the city's best chefs to do so — for homeless communities and those living in poverty. Currently scoping out potential locations, Kahn and Bottura are hopeful the restaurant will open sometime this year. It will be run by both chefs and volunteers — expect to see some of the faces above in the kitchen — and might expand beyond the current refettorio model of serving vulnerable people to offer meals for the whole community. So, by the end of the year, you might be eating Bottura's food right here in Sydney. The Sydney refettorio is slated to open by the end of the year. We'll update you as soon as we know more.
Movie lovers of Brisbane, get excited: you can spend the last two days of June catching up on your must-see list on the big screen for cheap. Across Saturday, June 29–Sunday, June 30, Palace Cinemas is giving film fans a present. It's not just the gift of great flicks — that is, its daily bread and butter — but the gift of discounted great flicks. Head to one of the chain's locations across the weekend in question, and any movie at any time will only cost you $8. Want to check out George Miller's Anya Taylor-Joy- and Chris Hemsworth-starring Furiosa: A Mad Max Story, horror prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, Pixar sequel Inside Out 2 or the Mads Mikkelsen-led The Promised Land? They're just some of your choices. Booking in advance is highly recommended, given how much everyone loves going to the flicks for little more than the price of movie snacks. If you do nab your tickets online, you will have to add a transaction fee to the cost. The deal is running at all standard Palace locations nationwide, but there are a few caveats. You can't redeem the cheap price for film festivals, for instance, or for platinum screenings, special events and alternate content. You also can't bundle the $8 seats with other offers, such as two-for-one tickets.
Sundays were made for the finer things in life, like lazing around on the grass, spending time with your nearest and dearest, checking out a great view and listening to a cruisy soundtrack. That's exactly what's on the agenda at Sunday Social on the Green, which turns the last part of your weekend into a chilled waterside hangout session. Make the most of one of Brisbane's prime patches of riverside greenery at River Quay Green, listen to free live music and even play lawn bowls, all while gazing out over at the CBD. It all takes place from 2–5pm each week, and we hope you like trios, with the tunes lineup featuring Birdman Trio, Cleon Trio, Sjaz Brookts Trio and Romy Trio — plus twosome Chris Ah Gee and Jazzela. Food-wise, you can bring your own picnic — or if that sounds like too much effort for your blissful day out, then you can also order a hamper from one of South Bank's eateries. Aquitaine do gourmet picnic options, Popolo will treat you to Italian eats and River Quay Fish has a special Sunday Social takeaway menu.
When it was announced back in 2016 that Moulin Rouge! was being turned into a stage musical, fans around the world thought the same thing in unison: the show must go on. Since then, the lavish production premiered in the US in 2018, then hit Broadway in 2019, and also announced that it'd head Down Under in 2021 — and if you're an Aussie wondering when the latter would actually happen after all the chaos of the past two years, the same mantra thankfully applies to its upcoming Melbourne season. Originally set to debut in August — a date that was obviously delayed due to lockdown — Moulin Rouge! The Musical will now make its Australian debut at Melbourne's revamped Regent Theatre on Friday, November 12. It'll do so as a newly minted Tony-winner, too, after picking up ten awards earlier in October, and also becoming the first-ever Aussie-produced show to win the Tony for Best Musical. Based on Baz Luhrmann's award-winning, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor-starring movie — which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year — the stage musical brings to life the famed Belle Époque tale of young composer Christian and his heady romance with Satine, actress and star of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret. Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, the film is known for its soundtrack, celebrating iconic tunes from across the past five decades. The stage version carries on the legacy, backing those favourites with even more hit songs that have been released in the two decades since the movie premiered. The musical is heading to Melbourne in the hands of production company Global Creatures, along with the Victorian Government. The Government is also a big player behind the Regent's upgrade works, having dropped a cool $14.5 million towards the $19.4 million project. It co-owns the site, along with the City of Melbourne. Moulin Rouge! The Musical's spectacular spectacular Melbourne season is set to stick around for a while, with tickets currently on sale until April 29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihH1VttqMzc&feature=emb_logo Updated October 26, 2021. Moulin Rouge! The Musical image: Matthew Murphy.
No matter when your birthday is, you're getting a present this week — as long as you're keen on booking a getaway and you get in quick. Jetstar turns 21 this year, and the Australian airline is celebrating. First, it announced a LARPing tournament in Melbourne with $50,000 in flights up for grabs. Next comes the latest return of its always-popular return-for-free sale. Your dream vacation plans can now include jetting off to Tokyo, Seoul, Phuket, Bali, Singapore and more, then flying home for free — or holidaying in Australia while scoring the same deal for getaways to Cairns, the Gold Coast, Byron Bay and other locations. Here's how it works, if you're new to the concept: you buy a ticket to your chosen destination across more than 80 routes, with 95,000-plus fares available, then the carrier covers the cost of you coming home. For free flights back to Australia from international spots, Osaka and Vanuatu are also on the list. Sticking with Down Under destinations, so are Hobart, Margaret River, Adelaide and Perth. Wherever you'd like to venture, the key part of this sale is making your way back without paying for the return flight, which'll also make your holiday oh-so-much cheaper. The special runs from 12am AEST on Wednesday, May 7–11.59pm AEST on Thursday, May 8, 2025 or until sold out if that happens earlier — with Jetstar members getting an extra 12 hours to access the sale from 12pm AEST on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. And yes, it really is as straightforward as it sounds. Whatever flights you opt for as part of the sale, you'll get the return fare for nothing. Prices obviously vary depending on where you're flying from and to, but some include Brisbane to Tokyo from $373, Cairns to Osaka from $285, Melbourne to Singapore from $209, Perth to Bali from $154, Sydney to Port Vila from $209, Sydney to Phuket from $299 and Brisbane to Seoul from $309. Domestic fares span deals such as Sydney to Ballina/Byron from $38, Newcastle to the Gold Coast from $59, Melbourne to Hobart from $69 and Cairns to Brisbane from $89. You'll be travelling within Australia from September 2025–March 2026, and from late-May 2025 to late-March 2026 if you're going global. The caveats that are always in place with this Jetstar deal remain this around. So, you need to book an outbound fare, then you'll get the return fare for free — and the deal only applies to Starter fares, and only on selected flights. Also, checked baggage is not included, so you'll want to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase. Plus, you have to use the same arrival and departure ports for your flights — which means that you can go from Brisbane to Tokyo and back, for instance, but can't return via another place or to another city. Jetstar's 21st birthday 'return for free' sale runs from 12am AEST on Wednesday, May 7–11.59pm AEST on Thursday, May 8, 2025 — or until sold out if prior. Jetstar members get an extra 12 hours access to the sale from 12pm AEST on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Ah, the joy of gift-giving. And by 'joy,' we mean the stressful task of finding the perfect present for your loved ones who seem to have it all. But fear not, fellow gift-giver, we've got a guide that's as picky as your loved ones. Together with House of Suntory, we've put together this handy guide so you can find something perfect, no matter how niche. FOR LOVERS OF JAPANESE CRAFT SPIRITS There are scotch buffs and bourbon fans, but nobody is more discerning than a Japanese whisky enthusiast. People who have great respect for Japanese culture can be pretty specific when it comes to their spirit preferences. Nothing says "I appreciate your refined taste", like a bottle of Toki Whisky from House of Suntory. Toki means time, and this dram aims to combine different eras in one effortless blend. It combines whisky from three Japanese distilleries: Chita, Hakushu and Yamazaki. The palate is brimming with grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint and thyme with a subtle sweet and spicy finish with hints of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger. It's ideal in a classic highball. Want to go all out with craft spirits? Suntory has just released its Hibiki Japanese Harmony 100th-anniversary edition. It's a delicate blend of malt and grain whiskies that promises a honeylike sweetness of candied orange peel and white chocolate on the palate and a nose bursting with rose, lychee, rosemary and sandalwood. FOR THE ONE WHO DOESN'T HAVE ANY PROPER GLASSWARE There's no point gifting an awesome whisky if they are just going to sip it out of some crappy mug they got for free at a festival three years ago. Level up their glassware with some luxury high-ball super-thin (but durable) glasses, like these Usuhari High-Ball Glass Set from Bokksu. Made in Japan and sent in a classy wooden case, they are a perfect gift for the whisky-lover who desperately needs some high-quality glassware. FOR YOUR MATE WHOSE VINYL COLLECTION IS TAKING OVER THEIR HOME Vinyl collectors are on another level and living in another era. Given the heaving shelves in their living room, there's little point trying to source their next favourite vinyl — because, likely, they already have that planned out. Instead, think outside the box for something that showcases their love for vinyl but is also useful, like Vinyl Coasters. It is ideal for the vinyl-lover who loves coffee or whisky and cares about protecting their coffee table. There are many options out there, but these novelty nostalgia ones from Retro Room have titles on the vinyls like Tea Time (Don't Spill This) and Topo Hot To Handle by The Nostaligics. Want to go further? Get them a vintage-inspired suitcase record player from Crosley to add some retro charm to their place. FOR THE FASHIONISTA WHO ALWAYS DRESSES THEIR BEST We all have that one friend who looks effortlessly fabulous. Who buys high-end wardrobe staples and with the addition of classic accessories like a silk scarf, stunning jewellery, or even on-point makeup can elevate even the most relaxed sweatpants look. If your fashion-forward bestie is in need of classic footwear, look no further than Onitsuka Tiger, currently having something of a resurgence in the fashion world. And what's a completed outfit without a signature fragrance? Check out Comme des Garçons (CDG) unisex scents, the brainchild of Japanese fashion rebel Rei Kawakubo. The range is inspired by 'anti-perfumes', like the scent of gunpowder or laundry — we're partial to the concrete fragrance. FOR SCREEN BUFFS WHO LOVE A TIPPLE WITH THEIR FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW Lights, camera, action...and a good cocktail. If your mate can't go five minutes without referencing a movie or television show, then Cocktails of the Movies and Cheers to TV are two deep cuts to gift them. These books are the perfect blend of screen magic and mixology, ensuring your friend's movie night is Oscar-worthy, even if their cocktail skills are still in the supporting actor category. The movie book includes iconic cocktail recipes from Marilyn's Manhattan in Some Like It Hot to The Dude's white russian in The Big Lebowski, whereas the television version includes cocktails inspired by Game of Thrones, Fleabag and Jerry Seinfeld. They're the ultimate pop-culture accessory and make for excellent coffee table books, with each cocktail accompanied by a history of the beverage, some movie or television show insight and original artwork. [caption id="attachment_862472" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble (Unsplash)[/caption] FOR THE PLANT PARENT WHO HAS COVERED EVERY SURFACE Normal planters are so last season, and your green-thumbed friend has probably used up all their surfaces with devil's ivy vines and monstera cuttings. Help them spruce up their home and their plant collection with a hanging disco ball planter. Now your friend can turn their house into a disco jungle, where even the plants groove to the beat of the water droplets. FOR THE TRAVELLER WHO IS PROBABLY ALREADY ON THEIR NEXT ADVENTURE If your mate returns from one adventure only to start planning the next one, their passport probably needs some protection. And what better way to keep their most treasured item than by gifting a luxe leather passport holder embossed with their initials? Perfect for the seasoned globetrotter, it's like a first-class ticket for their travel documents. Toki Whisky is available from all premium liquor outlets. For more information, check out the website.
The hole in the ozone layer might be smaller than it used to be, but that doesn't mean we're winning the war. According to this 2017–18 report, the national plastics recycling rate is about 9.4 percent. We clearly still have a way to go and everyone needs to do their share — but, the good news is that it's never been easier. Awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, and doing your part at home really couldn't be more simple. Not sure where to start? Eager to build upon your environmentally friendly choices so far? We're here to help. We've teamed up with Glad and its new Glad to be Green range to outline a list of changes that we can all make to be more eco-conscious — and, together, to do our bit to make our world just that little bit greener. BREW YOUR OWN MORNING CUPPA WITH A SIMPLE COFFEE MAKER With Australians going through over a billion takeaway coffee cups a year, the need to switch to a more sustainable alternative is urgent. Many people now take their own reusable cups to their favourite cafe, but there are a range of easy-to-use coffee makers that can give you that sweet java hit in your own home (and save you some coin, too). The classic option: the french press. Or, you could add a V60 or Aeropress to your kitchen — the latter brewing method is so popular, it even has its own world championships. For added eco-friendly points, make sure to buy your beans from a vendor that ethically supports growers. Also, those old coffee grounds make for great fertiliser or even a body scrub. KEEP YOUR LEFTOVERS IN REUSABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS Whether intentionally or not, we all cook more food than we need to from time to time. So, when you do have leftovers for lunch tomorrow, you'll want to store them in an eco-friendly way. There are a raft of green alternatives that are better for the planet, including Glad to be Green's range includes snack and sandwich resealable bags, which are 50 percent plant-based; have a lower carbon footprint; and, if you rinse them out, can be reused. Lunchboxes and tupperware are obvious choices, too, but many are still made of plastic, so make the choice to hunt down metal, glass or long-lasting silicon substitutes. WHIP UP SOME COOKIES ON COMPOSTABLE BAKING PAPER Considering the shape that the environment is currently in, it's important to try to maximise your green efforts wherever possible — even in areas that may seem relatively harmless. Everyone has a roll of baking paper in their kitchen drawer, and chances are that after you rip some off and use it, it then gets thrown into the bin. Enter Glad to be Green's new baking paper, which is compostable. So, once you're done cooking your chicken nuggets, chips, cookies, banana bread or whatever else you're putting in the oven, the non-stick paper can then go straight into the compost. START COMPOSTING YOUR FOOD WASTE Speaking of compost, do you have a compost bin? Gone are the days when all of our household waste went straight into landfill, thankfully. You might've been recycling for a long time, but your green and compostable waste could also benefit the environment by providing plant life with nutrient-rich soil. Better yet, so you're not stuck cleaning decomposing organic matter off of the inside of your bin, you could make use of a Glad to Be Green Compostable Kitchen Caddy Liner. That way, there's no mess to clear up — and the entire contents of the bin, bag and all, can then happily go onto the compost heap. WASH YOUR DISHES WITH ECO-FRIENDLY DISH SOAP Traditional dish soaps can contain a number of nasties, from ingredients that can encourage algal bloom and pollute waterways to chemicals linked to skin irritation. In short, your dishes may be clean, but they ain't green. Luckily, a range of eco-friendly alternatives have hit the shelves in recent years. You'll have seen them in your local supermarket, no doubt, so it's not hard to browse the aisles to find the bottle that's best for you, and the world around you. If you want to go the full nine yards, you can even find instructions online to make your own sustainable dish soap at home. MAKE YOUR OWN FIZZY DRINKS WITH A SODASTREAM Good news: the ultimate wishlist item from your childhood is actually great for the environment. When you were a kid, you probably just wanted to drink free soda whenever you like — as it turns out, you were way ahead of your time. Instead of buying mass-produced drinks in single-use plastic bottles, having a Sodastream in your kitchen means there's no need for water to be carbonated on an industrial scale. Let's not forget the environmental impact of transporting a product that's largely tap water, too. On top of all that, the carbon dioxide canisters Sodastreams use can be exchanged when empty, then cleaned and refilled for the next happy customer. And yes, being able to whip up your own soft drinks — or cocktails — at the literal touch of a button is mighty handy. PACK YOUR SHOPPING INTO REUSABLE BAGS When it comes to single-use plastic bags, state and federal governments as well as large retailers, like Woolworths and Coles, have started to do their bit (although there is still a way to go). So, many of us have already made the shift to using reuseable bags for our weekly grocery run. And, it's a habit that's worth getting into. Single-use plastic bags aren't exactly the most eco-conscious option. So, pick a sturdy, tote bag with a fun design, head down to the organic market and wear your self-satisfaction with pride — you're doing your bit to save the planet. Go green and visit the Glad website for more tips and tricks.
For the next month, expect the sound of music to echo across Brisbane's public spaces — through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, King Street at Bowen Hills, Sunnybank Plaza, Fairfield Gardens, Brisbane Powerhouse and even the Shorncliffe Pier, just to name a few places. Melodic notes will ring out over Gasworks, Northey Street City Farm, Eagle Street Pier and the end of Logan Road at Woolloongabba as well. Yes, the list goes on. In total, 20 pianos will be scattered around town, all as part of Play Me, I'm Yours. You might've heard of the international artwork before, given that it has been touring the globe since 2008. Over that time, it has placed more than 1900 street pianos in over 60 cities. Now, it's Brisbane's turn to join in the musical fun, all as part of this year's Queensland Music Festival. If you come across an instrument between Friday, July 5 and Sunday, July 28, between the hours of 7am–10pm, the instructions are simple. Just start playing. It's free, and that's all you need to do. Sticking with the concept initially devised by British artist Luke Jerram, each of the pianos has been artfully decorated — so you won't miss them. Image: Play Me, I'm Yours.
Another day, another reason to peer upwards. If it feels like the heavens are putting on a show more often than not at the moment, well, they are. On Thursday, August 11, staring upwards meant looking at the supermoon. Over Friday, August 12–Saturday, August 13, it means catching the Perseids meteor shower at its peak, too. It's been a busy few weeks, with three other meteor showers — the Southern Delta Aquariids, Alpha Capricornids and Piscis Austrinids — also peaking in late July. The entire trio are also still visible right now, in fact. Yes, if you have a telescope at hand, it's clearly a great time to put it to use. Back to the Perseids — aka the spectacular sight brightening up your Friday and Saturday night, and also sticking around until Wednesday, August 24. If you're eager to catch a glimpse, even from just your backyard or balcony, here's how. [caption id="attachment_864940" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brocken Inaglory via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] WHAT IS IT The Perseids meteor shower is actually a stream of debris called the Perseid cloud — and it's found in the orbit of the Swift–Tuttle comet. The latter was discovered in July 1862 by two separate people, spotting it independently from each other, hence the name, and then made a return appearance in 1992. The comet has a 133-year orbital period — but the Perseids are visible every year. So, from July 17–August 24, you might spot it if you are indeed peering up and towards the north. This one is generally best seen in the northern hemisphere, but that doesn't mean you can't spot it in the southern hemisphere. And, it's considered particularly impressive, with up to 100 meteors per hour. [caption id="attachment_864942" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Flannery via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] WHEN TO SEE IT The shower will reach a peak overnight between Friday, August 12–Saturday, August 13, but will still be able to be seen until Wednesday, August 24. The best time to catch an eyeful is around 5am AEST, although the end of the supermoon might affect conditions during its peak. Still, you'll be in the running to see meteors moving at about 58 kilometres per second, and shining brightly. NASA has called the Perseids "one of the most vivid annual meteor showers visible in Earth's night sky" — but also notes that this year's full moon will likely reduce the peak "to 10–20 per hour at best". [caption id="attachment_864941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA/Bill Ingalls via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] HOW TO SEE IT Whenever a meteor shower lights up the sky, a trusty piece of advice applies to city-dwellers: get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the best view. If you can't venture out of town, you can still take a gander from your backyard or balcony. To help locate the shower, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also has a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Perseids. It has been updating this daily. The weather might get in the way of your viewing, though, depending on where you live. On Friday, August 12, Sydney is set for rain at times, Melbourne for a few showers, Brisbane for possible showers and Adelaide for showers. In Perth, however, sunny conditions await. Top images: NASA/Bill Ingalls via Wikimedia Commons.
When the middle of any and every year approaches, we all yearn for a holiday. Summer feels forever ago, for starters. Months of life's chaos always spark getaway cravings. A change of scenery starts calling, too. With May more than halfway through and winter almost upon us for 2024, cue the ideal timing for Virgin's midyear sale on international flights. Return fares are a focus in this excuse to pack your suitcase — so whether you're keen on a trip to Tokyo, Bali, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu or Queenstown, you'll get discounts on the legs both there and back. And while the sale includes fares from Saturday, June 1, 2024, you can plan a trip as far away as autumn 2025, with Friday, April 11, 2025 the last date covered. Return flights start at $315, which'll get you from Melbourne to Queenstown and back. Sydneysiders will pay $365 and Brisbanites $425. If Fiji awaits you, return fares begin at $449 from Sydney. Bali flights start at $499 from the Gold Coast, while Vanuatu flights kick off at $579 and Samoa trips from $599, both out of Brisbane. And Tokyo fares come in at $675 to begin, which is out of Cairns. If you're only looking to make the trip to Queenstown without heading back, that's the only destination where you can choose between a one-way and a return option. The sale prices are for economy light fares — and, as usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's discounted fares are now on offer until midnight on Friday, May 24 or sold out, whichever arrives first. Some legs do have the pick of a choice fare as well, at a more expensive — but still on sale — price. Virgin's 2024 midyear international sale runs until midnight AEST on Friday, May 24 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
You've listened your way through multiple seasons of Serial. You've tuned your ears to plenty of other similar podcasts, too. And, when you've been sat on your couch, you've watched your way through the seemingly non-stop array of shows about real-life cases as well — whether you're more interested in lurid stories such as Tiger King, or shows with a more personal focus like I'll Be Gone in the Dark. If all of the above applies to you, you're clearly a fan of true-crime tales. It's a great time to be interested in the subject, because more and more cases gone by keep getting the podcast or small-screen treatment. Dropping on Stan on Sunday, November 29, After the Night is the latest. And, if you feel like you've already seen and heard every story there is — especially regarding US crimes — this one focuses on an Australian serial killer. Known as 'The Night Caller', Eric Edgar Cooke terrorised Perth in the early 1960s. He's known to have murdered eight people, and he also assaulted and tried to kill many more, but local police took their time in connecting him to his horrendous acts. As created and directed by Perth-born filmmaker Thomas Meadmore (The Spy Who Fell to Earth), After The Night explores the details across a four-part series — spanning Meadmore's own return to Perth and also featuring interviews, including with two men wrongly convicted of Cooke's crimes. Viewers can expect a true-crime investigation with plenty of twists and turns — which is exactly what the genre always promises, of course. Here, though, you'll also watch your way through a series that ponders not only Cooke's heinous deeds, but the quest for justice they inspired and the impact the whole ordeal has left on the local community. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqQSfltwvuk&feature=youtu.be After the Night will be available to stream via Stan from Sunday, November 29.
A terrific talent begetting another terrific talent: that's the Kurt and Wyatt Russell story. An on-screen presence since the 1960s, the elder Russell has basically done it all, from being a child actor to becoming a Hollywood legend. Since the early 2010s, the younger Russell keeps proving one of film and television's must-watch stars. Both weaved sports careers — Kurt with baseball, Wyatt with hockey — between their early acting credits. The physical family resemblance is also unmistakable. The father-son duo now play the same role in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, the initial giant step into television by the Monsterverse, the franchise that's sprung up around the recent American-made Godzilla and King Kong movies (2014's Godzilla, 2017's Kong: Skull Island, 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters and 2021's Godzilla vs Kong, with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire on the way in 2024). When we say that Kurt has virtually done it all, we mean it. He kicked Elvis Presley in the leg in his uncredited debut (It Happened at the World's Fair), became a Disney teen star (The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Now You See Him, Now You Don't and The Strongest Man in the World) and played Elvis in his first collaboration with John Carpenter. He kept working with the director (Escape From New York, The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China and Escape From LA), and acted opposite partner Goldie Hawn multiple times (Swing Shift, Overboard), including while playing Santa (The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel). He's stepped into Wyatt Earp's shoes, toyed around with Stargate, featured in Quentin Tarantino movies (Death Proof, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), and made both Marvel (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) and Fast and Furious (Furious 7, The Fate of the Furious and Fast and Furious 9) appearances. Entering the kaiju realm is a first, however, although sharing the same part with the Black Mirror-, Ingrid Goes West-, Lodge 49- and Under the Banner of Heaven-starring Wyatt is not. It was back in 1998 that Wyatt earned his first-ever screen credit, not by booting a music icon but as the younger version of his dad's character in Soldier. Twenty-five years later, the same dynamic exists in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which flits between time periods to deploy both Russells as Lee Shaw. In the 1950s, Wyatt plays him as another soldier, a colonel who helps found the titular Monarch with scientist Keiko Miura (Mari Yamamoto, Pachinko) and cryptozoologist Bill Randa (Anders Holm, Inventing Anna). Kurt follows in his son's footsteps this time, playing the elder version of Shaw in the 2010s, when the world knows about Godzilla but the titular government monster-hunting outfit is conflicted about how to handle it and its fellow titans — and about its history with Shaw, Miura and Randa. If making the two Russells its biggest stars — well, its biggest human stars — doesn't immediately give it away, then getting mere minutes into Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' ten-episode first season does: this is a kaiju tale where people matter. That hasn't always been able to be said about the Monsterverse, and both series itself and the saga overall is all the better for the new show's approach. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters also happily nods to Kurt's past when it gets him battling creatures in icy surrounds, which took him back into The Thing territory. "Very much so. We flew up every day in a helicopter. And, you know, you put it all together — the helicopter, whiteout, ice, glacier — it took me back 40 years, 40 years plus, something like that," Kurt explains. It might seem like an obvious choice to enlist the Russells to share the role of Shaw. It's certainly dream casting for viewers, and it's impossible to imagine Monarch: Legacy of Monsters with anyone but them in the part. But despite previous attempts to get them to work together again since Soldier, collaborating here — working together again at all, in fact — was a matter of being pitched something different. With Monarch: Legacy of Monsters currently screening its debut season on Apple TV+ — premiering in mid-November and running through until mid-January — we chatted with Kurt and Russell about only reteaming because the right project came up and getting into the same headspace. Also included in the round-table conversation: the opportunity to do something special, what they've learned from each other and their pre-Monsterverse experiences with the monster to end all monsters, aka Godzilla. ON SHARING A PART AGAIN, THIS TIME WTH ADDED GODZILLA Wyatt: "It was the right project coming up. It wasn't ever something we looked for or actively sought out. It was the idea that came from Ronna Kress, who is the casting director of Monarch, and Matt Fraction and Chris Black [who developed Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and also co-wrote and executive produced]. They came up with the great casting idea, but we had never really actively looked to work together." Kurt: "In fact, when we'd been asked that, we said nobody's done it before. Well, we had and we forgot about it. We forgot that we've done it before." ON EMBRACING A GREAT CASTING IDEA AND SEIZING AN INTERESTING OPPORTUNITY Kurt: "It was a chance to really do something special, and do something that had really never been done: two known actors that were father and son playing the same character. We actually recently just looked around about that — it had never been done. But we didn't even think about that. It was just like 'oh, this is an interesting opportunity and maybe we'll never get this opportunity again'. So we really wanted to go hard and try to make it work, because we didn't want to do something that we felt wasn't going to be at least as good or better than the idea itself of us playing the same person." ON EARLY MEMORIES OF GODZILLA, AND THE EXPERIENCE OF JOINING THE MONSTERVERSE Wyatt: "My earliest memories of Godzilla would have been when I was probably really young and I saw some Godzilla stuff on TV. I grew up in the 90s. I was thinking of this yesterday — I was a child of the 90s and I don't remember very many Godzilla things being around then. They didn't really start making Godzilla movies — somebody will say I'm wrong and they'll be right — but they weren't big in [US] movie theatres until a little later. I just didn't grow up with it. So this is my first real introduction to to Godzilla. I obviously knew who he was. Then joining it, we wanted to make something that was more character-based than what had been previously done, and previously the stories that have been told. Because it was a ten-part series, you could dive into characters, and that was relatively more interesting than just watching the monsters for for us. So I think that was a big, big reason." Kurt: "I was young kid, probably six or seven. First monster I remember. There was also The Blob, which was truly terrifying to me. Godzilla was just kind of like 'that's awesome, he's cool'. Then throughout the years, Godzilla was always around and stuff, but like Wyatt, I wasn't waiting for the next Godzilla movie to come out. I didn't really know much about it. I don't know much about the Godzilla lore — I learned more on this. So this was really more of understanding that with Godzilla, it was going to be a big plate. It was going to be a backdrop. And we had the sense from talking to the guys that Apple was very, very much behind it, and all that stuff was going to be great. But what we needed to do was make sure that over the ten-hour period, the people that you were watching dealing with these monsters were as compelling a story as just watching the monsters themselves in terms of entertainment." ON BOTH LEARNING FROM AND TEACHING EACH OTHER Kurt: "He has a very, very — I was always natural, but I was natural in my own way. Then when I wanted to play different characters, I would just invent them in my head, or maybe it was drawn off a little bit of somebody I'd seen or knew. Wyatt is naturally extremely real. He's just extremely real. I think that's a great quality in an actor to be able to do that. It isn't necessarily yourself, it might be a different character, but to be real in that character, it's really fun to watch Wyatt do that. I think I've learned that. Also patience. I watch Wyatt deal with certain things in a more patient fashion than generally have. In our family when I grew up, it was baseball that was the focus. And as Wyatt was growing up, hockey was his focus. And therefore our business was sort of how we made our money to run the family. Obviously Goldie and the kids all had to deal with the notoriety and whatnot. But Goldie, both Goldie and I, that wasn't a part of our home life. Wyatt didn't grow up in that kind of thing. So I tried to, I suppose, show him a world that naturally, to me, was a real one. I didn't really pass anything down to Wyatt in terms of specific knowledge or direction, and we never had any conversation in our family like that. It just wasn't the way our family was. We were just a family living our life. And yeah, we did something that people would recognise us from, but the importance of that was given very little — in fact, most of the importance of that came from the fact that we just sort of dealt with it. Sometimes, it was kind of in the way too much. Other times, you just avoided it. Other times, you understand you have to, it's time to go to work. You accept it. I guess you guys saw all of that. I mean, that's all I tried to pass — I didn't pass anything on Wyatt. Wyatt was Wyatt. He was always just Wyatt. I don't know how to say it other than that, he was just who he is. It's pretty much the same thing [now] with a beard — a five-year-old with a beard." Wyatt: "I like my dad more so as a parent, nothing with acting specifically. He's just a good, great dad and I love being around him, and we have a great time together — and we got to spend a lot of time together, more than most dads probably, because when he was working I could go to set, and when he wasn't working he was just around all the time. So yeah, it's like 'be a good person' and 'say please and thank you', and hopefully, you know, just being a good person. That's what I learned from my dad and my mum." ON GETTING INTO THE SAME HEADSPACE Wyatt: "Everything that we do is uniquely its own, and so drawing on characters of the past, at least for me, was not going to help this character. Although I guess I did characters that were similar in certain ways, but I don't think I really referenced them." Kurt: "I think that the obvious truth is you'd have to be pretending not to have seen things. You know what I mean? So I've seen a lot of what Wyatt's done, and vice versa. And so therefore, there's some things in our minds. We do know kind of where we are — I'll call them strengths. We also know our weakness. And what we wanted to do here, being in a Godzilla gigantic landscape, we didn't want to misuse that. We wanted to use it properly. So that was a focus of ours in co-creating the character, I guess you'd say, with the writer, head writer and the showrunner, Chris Black and Matt Fraction." Monarch: Legacy of Monsters streams via Apple TV+. Read our review.
Usually when we all encounter fog, it's hanging there in the sky, misting things up and reducing visibility. But when London-based, world-renowned food artists and multi-sensory design studio Bompas & Parr head Down Under for their first-ever Australian sensory installation, the fog will be considerably different. This mist will be fruit-flavoured, for starters, and it'll be edible. If you're intrigued by weird, wonderful, creative and inventive experiments with food — and with the senses in general — then Bompas & Parr's name should be familiar. Sam Bompas and Harry Parr first garnered attention with their jellies, and then whipped up a 200-course dinner party, unleashed an edible fireworks display, barbecued using real molten lava and served up anatomical whisky tastings. Also on their resume: bespoke cocktails based on your DNA, a feast where diners had to kill their own meal and non-melting icy poles. Yes, tastebud-friendly mist mist fits right in. [caption id="attachment_851679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ann Charlott Ommedal[/caption] We've all heard of pea soup fog, of course — but no, that won't be what you're tasting at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren in Melbourne. Rather, the consumable mist will form part of a flavoured fruit weather installation, and will swirl around oversized food sculptures laid out in a garden. And, there'll be three different varieties seeping through the air each and every day. The aim: to unleash some 'fruit weather' upon the Victorian capital, and to highlight the City of Casey's food heritage. When you're not thinking about horror movies like The Fog and The Mist, you're bound to be contemplating food while you're wandering around these giant versions of it, all with mist seeping out of the bottom. Well, we expect so at least, given that the flavoured fog is a world-first. Everyone keen to experience this hopefully delicious haze will find it lurking around Bunjil Place thanks to a free event called Casey Cornucopia, which'll run from June 24–July 17. Over that 24-day period, there'll be tours explaining how the garden installation came about, too — because it is really is the kind of thing that'll leave you with questions — plus parties, dinners and art. You'll also be able to hit up a food hub that brings together local farmers, growers, artisans, sustainability gurus and artists for a series of daily talks, demonstrations, samples and workshops. Casey Cornucopia will pop up at Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren, Victoria, from June 24–July 17. Images: supplied by Bunjil Place and Bompas & Parr.
