The Oscars love her, moviegoers adore her — and no doubt, you do too. Alexandra Keddie certainly does. In fact, she's so fond of the woman widely considered the best actress of her generation that she's written a whole show about her obsession. Of course, the object of Keddie's affection is none other than Meryl Streep, and she's clearly been harbouring her devotion for some time. Set from the perspective of a 17-year-old girl with dreams of following in Streep's footsteps, I See Me & Meryl Streep not only steps through the thespian's celebrated, multifaceted career, but into the shoes of her biggest fan. To the delight of Mamma Mia! aficionados everywhere, ABBA features heavily. This is one of our five top picks from this year's Queensland Cabaret Festival. Read the full list.
Throughout much of Ms Marvel, the 2022 TV series' namesake (debutant Iman Vellani) and massive Marvel Cinematic Universe superfan was thrilled and surprised at everything happening to her. Loving the MCU, going to MCU fan conventions, obsessing over Captain Marvel (Brie Larson, Just Mercy), then learning that you have superpowers just like your heroes: that's enough to leave you perpetually astonished and overjoyed in tandem, an emotional state that Kamala Khan isn't done with in The Marvels. Ms Marvel was always leading up to this big-screen release, with Vellani returning as Kamala, and teaming up not only with Larson as Carol Danvers, but with WandaVision's Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau as well. The 33rd movie in the MCU, arriving in November following fellow 2023 cinema release Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in May, it's also a sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel — and, as the just-dropped first teaser trailer shows, it's making the most of having three caped crusaders in its frames. Meet the MCU's new superhero team, although this all-female trio have a bit of trickiness to overcome before they can work together. The first look starts with Captain Rambeau at Saber Space Station — well, outside it — while working with the upcoming Secret Invasion's Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey). Then she crosses through the space continuum, becomes Ms Marvel, and a whole lot of trading places keeps occurring. From there, when Ms Marvel uses her powers, too, Captain Marvel switches into her spot. The Marvels' first trailer leans into the chaos that causes — plus Kamala's ongoing exuberance about the whole situation. Importantly, Goose the Flerken also shows up. If you're wondering, Carol has her identity back from the Kree and she's taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence; however, that has consequences, and the universe has become destabilised. So, The Marvels need to team up to do the usual MCU thing: save everyone and everything. As well as Larson, Parris, Vellani and Jackson, The Marvels features Zawe Ashton (The Handmaid's Tale) and Park Seo-joon (Parasite). Behind the lens, Candyman's Nia DaCosta directs, and co-wrote the screenplay with Megan McDonnell (WandaVision), Elissa Karasik (Loki) and Zeb Wells (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law). Check out the first trailer for The Marvels below: The Marvels releases in cinemas Down Under on November 9, 2023. Images: Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
Australia's local equivalent of NPR's Tiny Desk concerts has arrived. Store Sessions, hosted and released by Melbourne streetwear brand HoMie, are a new series of recorded gigs starring artists performing inside HoMie's flagship store in Fitzroy. The first-ever store session has already been released, and stars Australia's own Tash Sultana. It marks a return to Australian performances for the multi-instrumentalist, who is the first act in a series that is planned to run indefinitely, as part of HoMie's ongoing mission to support youth in Melbourne and combat issues in housing and employment for young people. [embed]https://youtu.be/-wGQKDE7TOU?feature=shared[/embed] It's a cause that comes with a calling. Sultana said: "I've been following HoMie's journey for a while now and I really love what they stand for, so getting to be involved from a music standpoint makes perfect sense. These store sessions are a really cool concept and I'm happy to be a part of it." That sentiment also runs true for the next artists to follow in the series. Soon to be released, in three-week intervals, will be recorded gigs from Bad//Dreems and local band Big Words. Alex Cameron of Bad//Dreems shared: "We've been admirers of the work HoMie have been doing for some time and are super excited to come in and play!" It's a bold initiative for HoMie, with its store presented as part performance venue, part streetwear store and part creative launchpad — all for an excellent cause. [caption id="attachment_1016400" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Melissa Cowan[/caption] HoMie Co-Founder Marcus Crook has plans for Store Sessions to become a staple series, with the store hosting everything from one-off shows to headline artists touring in Australia. Explaining the vision for the initiative, he said, "Store Sessions is about creating a space where artists from emerging talent to global names can get creative and connect with people in a different way. It's live, it's stripped back, and it's all tied back to our mission at HoMie. Every session supports the work we do at HoMie and brings our community closer through music." You can watch Tash Sultana perform their Store Sessions gig on YouTube now. Follow the HoMie Streetwear channels to catch the next gig when it releases.
Brunch dates, pre-work breakfasts, mid-morning snacks and leisurely lunches at one Brisbane hotel all just got an extra bark, plus something tasty for the cute canine in your life to bite into. Over at The Charles, the cafe and lobby bar at Mary Street's The Westin Brisbane in the CBD, a new 'pupfast' menu is now on offer until 1pm daily, filled with dishes and drinks that'll get your pooch's tale wagging. Adding a dash of fine-dining to your dog's day, the just-unleashed canine culinary range starts with the bibim bark which, yes, gives the Korean rice dish a pupper-friendly spin. Doing just that with familiar meals is the whole focus of the 'pupfast' range, actually. So, with this option, Rex or Max can tuck into a mix of braised barramundi, carrots, peas, pumpkin, spinach, sesame and corn. Also on the menu: woof bowls that feature an array of bone-shaped biscuits, cubes of natural gelatine beef stock and bite-sized beef meatballs seasoned with anchovies. There's the vin de woof, a beef broth that's made from beef bones, carrots, beetroot and celery, as well. And, to sip, you can order your four-legged bestie a woofachino that's whipped up with beef broth and topped with a dog-friendly milk foam. (Just imagine how adorable their cute little nose will look with a dot of foam on top, because you know that's exactly what'll happen.) Unveiling the new menu, The Westin Brisbane Complex General Manager Brad Mercer said that it came about after observing that "dog owners love to take their pets out with them as they dine, but finding an appropriate spot can be challenging, let alone finding a location close to home and the CBD." Yes, if you work in the city and your employer allows it, this also means you've got a new excuse to take your barking companion with you each day. Among the lessons that the last few years have taught us, the joys of spending your working hours with your fluffy BFF — at home or in the office — is right up there. And you just know that your dog loves the company. The Westin Brisbane's pupfast menu is available from The Charles, ground floor, 111 Mary Street, Brisbane from 7am–1pm daily.
At this point, a European summer is practically a rite of passage for Aussie travellers. Every year, as the cold creeps in, we flock to the other side of the world for pebbled beaches, romantic cities, late-night vino and sun-drenched days. But the only thing better than exploring the Italian countryside or biking through Amsterdam's cobbled streets? Doing it with a cheeky 10% off your hotel stay. Thanks to our friends at Visa, you can now score a sizeable discount on some seriously dreamy locations across Europe when you book via our dedicated travel platform: Concrete Playground Trips. From Greek island luxury to the perfect Spanish villa, we've rounded up eight hotels where you'll get the most bang for your buck – and never want to leave. So read through and find your favourite, then simply use your Visa card when booking and the exclusive discount will be yours.
Australia's east coast is cooling down. Winter has arrived. But Western Australia is just sitting over there, still bathed in sunlight (especially the north). Its coastal waters remain warm, the rolling vineyards are pumping out great vinos and the vast national parks and deserts are ripe for exploring. Now is the time to travel to WA. And we have joined forces with an assortment of local tour operators in Broome, Perth, Ningaloo Reef, the Kimberley and Rottnest Island to help you get the most out of your trip out west. Check out these ten exclusive deals that can only be booked through Concrete Playground Trips. MARGARET RIVER GLAMPING ESCAPE This four-day wellness escape kicks off in Perth, where you get picked up by your guide and driven up to the Margaret River glamping site, stopping off for a swim, morning tea, beachside picnic and chocolate tasting along the way. The rest of your holiday consists of hikes led by holistic healers, meditation workshops, yoga classes and a cheeky wine tour. All your meals are also included. Throughout all of this, you'll stay in Fair Harvest Permaculture Farm's comfy glamping tents and mingle with fellow wellness enthusiasts. If you are in great need of a total mind and body refresh, seriously consider this unique Western Australian glamping holiday deal. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_893739" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] THE ULTIMATE PERTH AND ROTTNEST ISLAND GETAWAY To get the most out of a trip to the southern end of Western Australia, we curated this special getaway with the region's top tour operators. First off, we'll put you up in the Duxton Hotel Perth for three nights (where you'll find a complimentary bottle of vino on arrival), located right in the centre of the city. We've then organised a full day of adventuring around Rottnest Island and Perth. You'll go on a Swan River cruise, get return ferry ride tickets to the island and have the option to hire a bike to explore the area at your own pace. We've even added a HALO Rooftop Climbing Tour and zipline experience across Swan River for a little adrenaline rush. BOOK IT NOW. A KICK-ASS KIMBERLEY ADVENTURE This ten-day tour takes you through Australia's Top End. You'll cover a vast distance, travelling from Darwin to Broome, without simply living in a car. So much time is dedicated to swimming within clifftop watering holes, hiking around scenic trails and relaxing at glam accommodation — all the while learning about the millennia-strong First Nations culture that guides any tour through the region. If you've ever wanted to visit this part of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, then check out the full itinerary and nab your spot via the link below. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_887073" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Careless (Unsplash)[/caption] WEST COAST AND NINGALOO REEF TOUR Road-tripping along Western Australia's long coastline is a bucket list travel experience for so many people. We all want to visit the Pink Lake, snorkel around wild turtles and colourful coral in Ningaloo Reef and feed dolphins in Monkey Mia. Some of Australia's best bits are on show up here. And this six-day tour takes you to a bunch of them. Stay in motels, resorts, cabins and lodges to experience some proper rural Australian culture and be taken to all the above Western Australia travel destinations as well as The Pinnacles and Kalbarri National Park. It's the ultimate coral coaster. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_895290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BROOME This trip around Broome will have you staying at the four-star resort Seashells in a one-bedroom apartment for three nights. You can easily spend an entire day dipping in and out of the luxe pool, but you really should check out the local sites in your own time. Moreover, for one of your days in Broome, you'll join a Horizontal Falls adventure, which includes a return seaplane flight, a fast boat ride through the falls, a swim and snorkel afternoon and a scenic cruise around the area. We've sorted it all for you — even the return transfers from the airport — making your Broome holiday totally stress-free. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_890742" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Mentelle Winery by Russell Ord[/caption] MARGARET RIVER BEACHSIDE ESCAPE This is a four-day food- and wine-filled holiday in the lush Margaret River region. Spend your mornings and evenings at Margarets Beach Resort in a studio apartment overlooking the crashing waves of Gas Bay. Then go exploring the region at your own pace. To make that easier, we've also thrown in a five-day car hire. You'll get a suggested itinerary as well as a special one-hour Passel Estate Experience. This includes a special wine tasting that's paired with a series of locally produced craft foods — think chocolates and cheeses. This is great for those who want some things organised ahead of time, but still like the freedom to do their own thing when holidaying. BOOK IT NOW. ESPERANCE WELLNESS AND YOGA RETREAT It's hitting that time of the year when many of us start feeling burnout creeping up. That's when we really need to go on a three-night wellness retreat. For this one, you'll spend a few days at Esperance Island View Apartments enjoying small-group yoga sessions and wellness experiences with sea views. The rest of your time will be spent leisurely exploring this gorgeous part of WA — or simply reading a book on a nearby beach. Throughout this Esperance holiday, all your meals will be included as well as transfers from Perth and extra activities. We've curated this trip so you can just fly in and immediately relax. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_891479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tobias Keller (Unsplash)[/caption] THE PERTH TO MONKEY MIA EXPLORER This Western Australia tour between Perth and Monkey Mia may be short (in distance), but it's big on natural attractions — the kind you expect to see on postcards (or all over Insta). See the limestone pillars of The Pinnacles, the oh-so-blue waters of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, the wild dolphins of Monkey Mia and the ancient gorges of Kalbarri National Park all within five days. That gives you plenty of time to also relax at your premium accommodation, spend days swimming at pristine beaches and discover small rural towns full of charm. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_895302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS ON THIS NINGALOO REEF ADVENTURE Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef should be at the top of every bucket list when visiting Western Australia's Coral Coast. Exmouth is the gateway to the world's largest fringing reef — the Ningaloo — and that's exactly where you're headed on this exclusive three-day adventure. You'll enjoy a full day diving head-first into this pristine aquatic wonderland, which is home to dolphins, manta rays, turtles, Humpback whales and, of course, the much-loved whale sharks. Spend the rest of your days at your own leisure, but we highly recommend hitting up the iconic Cape Range National Park, home to native wildlife and epic walking trails. BOOK IT NOW. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top image: Scenic Eclipse II
Most of us know that bananas are chock-full of goodness, from loads of potassium to energy-boosting carbs primed for when we're getting active. But these yellow wonders can do more than just keep your hunger at bay, as this new nationwide event reveals. This month, Australian Bananas is teaming up with four-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Ariarne Titmus to launch the Banana Swim Pass — your free ticket to 70 participating pools around the country for one day only on Wednesday, January 21. Following October's Banana Gym Pass, this summer-inspired alternative is perfect for those keen to power through a few laps or enjoy a laidback splash about. To score your free dip, simply buy a banana from any local grocer and bring it along to your nearest participating swim centre — head to the website to find yours. "The Banana Swim Pass initiative is a fun way to encourage Australians of all ages to jump in and enjoy the benefits of getting active in the water," says Titmus. "I love that everyone can rock up with a banana and get in for free. Grab a banana, hit the pool, and make your body swim!"
Waterfalls have served as tourist attractions and natural wonders. And thanks to TLC we know we should never chase them. Powerful and beautiful forces of nature, flowing waterfalls can actually freeze whilst falling creating amazing and bizarre shapes. It's one of the most spectacular visuals of something frozen in time, quite literally. Take a look at the photos below to see some of the largest and coolest frozen waterfalls captured on camera.
Were you a little underwhelmed with all the tech news this week? A new iPhone or fandangled watch from the future is great and all, but most of us aren't all that up for throwing another $1000 at Apple. If so, here's a little piece of the tech revolution that won't leave you bankrupt (except maybe morally so). The world is about to get it's very first GIF keyboard for iPhones. The upcoming app PopKey will be available for those using the new iOS 8 and will enable users to save, select and send a variety of GIFs in exactly the way they currently use the emoji keyboard. Just like emojis, the GIFs will be organised into different sections. Categories supposedly include 'LOL', 'shocked', 'facepalm' and 'swag'. Basically, your phone will no longer be a means to communicate and articulate yourself with loved ones, it will be an interactive version of Buzzfeed. We have a lot of feels about this. At first we were nerdily excited. Then we remembered how people over-do it with emojis. GIF onslaughts could be a whole new level of crazy. Finally, we realised there's no other option than deleting our younger siblings numbers from our phones completely. But aside from all that, it's a pretty excellent concept. In addition to the library of GIFs you accumulate yourself, the app will update in realtime with those which are currently trending online. This means you'll be the first to know when Jennifer Lawrence or Tina Fey do something quirky, or the internet goes crazy for whatever this creepy thing with Emma Watson was all about. iOS 8 is set to launch on Wednesday, September 17 and PopKey shouldn't be too far behind it. Soon you can test out the technology for yourself. Give up your beloved red salsa lady emoji for a bit of Queen Bey. Let Emma Stone communicate your approval from here on out. Either that or throw your iPhone off a bridge. This is the way of the world now. Via Mashable.
If breakfast is the most important meal, then Java Lounge is a very important place. Here you will find the remedy to your hangover or the solution to your morning munchies thanks to the cafe's straight forward breakfast menu. Free of bells and whistles and fussy breakfast options, Java Lounge serves up the real deal. When they say it's a 'big breakfast,' they're not kidding. While the food may be straight forward, the cafe's interior is a little less so. Eclectic red chairs and couches are scattered throughout the venue, while bright and bold artworks cover the walls. It's a little bit of a mish-mash but you're not here to take in the scenery, you're here to get your breakfast on. On the menu you can order eggs any way you like them, delicious Bircher muesli, toast any which way, banana bread, pancakes, crispy bacon and gourmet vegetarian options. Java also cook up a mean brekky burger, but in my eyes the Canadian Breakfast, including pancakes with maple syrup, fried eggs and bacon ticks all the boxes. Unsurprisingly, coffee here is also a speciality. The cafe uses local brand Frisky Goat Espresso, and also have a charming selection of tea on offer too. Once you've exhausted the breakfast menu, lunch at Java Lounge is also recommended. On the lunch menu you'll find your typical cafe styled sandwiches and salads – but with a little more love involved.
Perhaps you've always wanted to spend summer enjoying an island getaway, but haven't yet had the chance. Maybe spring to you means checking out Queensland's beaches. Or, you might like to start each new year with a holiday to wherever takes your fancy. Stop dreaming and start planning, because Virgin is doing another big flight sale. This time there's 500,000 cheap fares on offer to both Australian and international locations. Prices start low, at the usual $49, which once again gets you from Sydney to Byron Bay — the normal cheapest fare in any flight sale — and vice versa. From there, the domestic side of the sale spans everywhere from the Gold Coast, Launceston and Darwin through to Hamilton Island and Newcastle. Virgin's Get Set, Jet sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Wednesday, August 2 — unless sold out earlier, with fares to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide also covered. That means paying $69 one-way from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, $79 from Melbourne to Hobart, and $99 for a trip from Brisbane to Cairns or Canberra to the Gold Coast. Or, still on local deals, the specials also cover $69 from Melbourne to Launceston, $109 from Adelaide to Sydney, $169 from Brisbane to Darwin and $209 from Melbourne to Perth. Internationally, trips to Fiji cost $519 from Sydney and $569 from Melbourne. Bali fares come in at $539 from Adelaide, $549 from Brisbane, $559 from the Gold Coast or Sydney, and $599 from Melbourne. And, you can head to Queenstown from Sydney for $269 and from Melbourne from $265. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, the fares cover between October 11, 2023–March 14, 2024, all varying per route. Inclusions also differ depending on your ticket and, as usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick if you're keen to stack the rest of 2023 and the start of 2024 with holidays. Virgin's Get Set, Jet sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Wednesday, August 2 — unless sold out earlier. 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.
It seems as though it were just yesterday that Lambda first debuted as a fresh, exciting weekly addition to enliven our Thursday nights. It wasn’t just yesterday, though - a year has passed since that very first frat party. That’s right, this coming Thursday Lambda is celebrating a year of booze in red Etch-a-Sketch cups as it turns the big One. Lambda’s not going to let you down. To supersede the usual excellent, festive carousing they have fashioned an incredible line-up for the night; Bragging Party have bragging rights to the headline spot. After releasing their Those Girls EP last month, local foursome Millions are also taking to the stage. Gold Coast’s Oceanics round off the live line-up, with Hungry Kids of Hungary and Wolfgang DJs playing guest DJ for the rest of the night. I can say one thing about Lambda: they know how to throw a good party week in, week out. Just imagine what it’s going to be like when their weekly frat party debauchery is fuelled further by the additional element of it being their birthday! The party plans were taken one step further and they even sent Bill Murray an invite. I know where I’ll be Thursday night; maybe I’ll even get to throw back a jagerbomb with Steve Zissou! Image credit: Bear + Mouse
You may know Mike Mills for his music videos, posters, album covers, artist books - he's a man of many pursuits. Having directed his first feature length film Thumbsucker (2005), his new film, Beginners, is a considered and tightly-tuned autobiographical account of love, generation gaps and expectations. Tom Melick meets him in a beige-smothered hotel room. He wears a suit, looks overworked and speaks with a casual generosity. I was wondering, with the disciplines you seem to swim in (graphic design, illustration, music, film, graffiti, photography and so on) do you think of your output as one inter-connected 'total artwork' or are they distinct in your mind? Well, lots of themes and interests run across all the work I do – so in one very important way they are all interrelated – they kind of help each other. I guess I like being busy in my head because I'm happy when I have all these projects running concurrently. So there is definitely cross-pollination going on. Obviously making a film is so different from making a poster or a record cover. Film is such a public thing; you need so many people, you have to source all that money – it's a political affair. So they relate and they totally don't relate. Ok ok, so they sit on a similar conceptual ground but not on a practical one? Yes, my projects are linked through the deeper themes they explore…or just wanting to be creative, or simply wanting to talk to people. I mean the excitement I might have for a poster or a Fellini film is a similar excitement. I'm interested in joining these (not so) different realms. Elvis Costello supposedly said that his songs had to 'work' even when played through the cheapest transistor radio. I thought that a similar want is present in your work, where expressing the idea is paramount, with the medium being a result of the idea. Beginners is a film that contains a lot of other mediums – text, still images of presidents, stars and nature, graffiti, colour that fills the entire screen…does the idea come first for you, followed by the appropriate vehicle? I see. Well, I went to art school and studied with a conceptual artist named Hans Haake, so really I've always thought of myself as a product of those classes because Haake was all about [fingers jumping into action]: 1. That the idea comes first – the idea is primary and; 2. The medium is secondary, or serves the idea. If you think about it this enabled me to construct my own kind of career, giving me permission to do lots of things all at once. Haake was all about how to get out of the verified art world, since it really can be like contained theatre: you can do anything you want but you're not really sure what the impact is. It's exclusive, it's integrated with money – and not just any kind of money – rich people money. So from art school my friends and I looked for other outlets. So is that what drew you to film, in that it's less about speaking to the already converted and more about an immersive engagement? Sure, yeah, definitely. Film offers a much bigger discussion. I mean Beginners isn't exactly a huge blockbuster film but I've already been to many countries, I've been all over America, I'm talking to all kinds of people who may not be ready to see an older gay man on screen for example…people who have never thought about Fellini or the Situationists – so that's really powerful. Film offers an amazing opportunity. In the States when I'm on tour I do a lot of those morning breakfast shows…and I'm really proud that my Dad's story can be relayed via that kind of platform. Even the fact that my film re-looks at the 'all-American' family, or what constitutes a 'normal family', finds an unlikely audience through those shows. This platform is much more interesting for me then presenting the same idea in a museum or gallery. What interested me about Beginners was the father - played excellently by Christopher Plummer - who tells his son (Oliver) he is gay late in life. The father undergoes a kind of re-politicization – where suddenly he is going to gay nightclubs, has a boyfriend and begins writing papers as a gay activist…living a hyper-political life but at the same time nearing death from terminal cancer. Was this mix of politics couched in humour and sadness an intentional strategy, or did it come quite naturally? Hmm…a bit of both actually. I'm interested in asking how we got here. Which is very Marxist in a way. I like the idea of addressing a political position in an entertainment context, accompanied by humor or silliness. Like Situationist graffiti mixed with Groucho Marx. Humor is fantastically subversive, and why not? For me it's an awesome anti-depressant, it's just fun to laugh than to not, you can really undermine and reveal the false stories that we all pretend to believe in. Humour is great way to discuss bigger themes without needing to be explicit – when I show people my films they don't need to know about Guy Debord even though I was thinking of him at times during its making. I like that. I see, it reminds me of Charlie Chaplin's 1940 film The Great Dictator where he simultaneously plays both the lowly Jewish barber as well as a fumbling, insecure version of Hitler himself. Yeah exactly…but even that is more overtly political. I've just been reading about Chaplin actually. There is so much hunger in Chaplin's humor for example. There are so many food gags or just depictions of being hungry, of people trying to find or make food…so there is definitely a class consciousness embedded in Chaplin's humor – he's quite a punk in that way, always a vandal, always in prison, never cooperating. You focus a lot on the distance between generations in the film. We see Oliver [played by Ewan McGregor] dealing with his dying father and trying to understand love at the same time – both in his own life and in his father's. I wondered what you thought about how each generation re-invents what it means to be in a relationship, what it means to be in love at a certain time and so on. As historical beings the personal is political…the genesis of all of this comes from my real Dad having to grapple with social constructions of what constitutes a relationship. Being born in the 1950s meant that he faced certain challenges that no longer seem so ingrained…homophobia, a psychoanalyst telling him he had a mental illness, expectations of a married man and so on. He never really understood my ideas of love, why I was asking for so much, and I never understood his, since I thought he was asking for too little. The fact is that our idea of love is historical and it's codified. And that's really the fulcrum in which the story spans out of. It was me trying to understand my Dad; what was it like to be gay and born at that time? What was it like to marry my Mum in 1955 and be gay? That's when I devised those lyrical essays that you'll notice in the film – it's the voice of Oliver who guides you through the film and its the most 'me' element in the story. You'll find similar strategies are used by artists like Christian Boltanski and Sophie Calle to great effect. That's interesting because there is this literal but personalised tone in the film, where information is delivered flatly and succulently but somehow escapes your regular didacticism. That's a gag I'm fond of. A big influence is Jorgan Leth's 1967 film The Perfect Human. Being so straight that it…[pauses to think] So literal that it manages to go somewhere else… Exactly. I could do that shtick forever. In fact there is a scene where Ewan is dancing at a party and the dance is modeled off the one the man does in The Perfect Human. What about other influences? Big or small, direct or indirect. Tons. I did a blog on the Focus Films site, which lists a bunch of influences for the film, from the Milan Kundera's Unbearable Lightness of Being (the book not the film) to Istvan Szabos' Love Film. One last question. Arthur – Oliver's four-legged companion that he inherits when his father becomes unwell – plays a substantial role in the film. Explain? Arthur (whose real name is Cosmo) is a curious soul and good interlocutor despite being unable to speak. He and Ewan actually developed a great chemistry on screen, where Cosmo would respond to Ewan's gestures and vice versa. On set we'd treat him as though he was an alien visiting earth; he wasn't cute, he didn't speak our language but he was an intelligent being. Dogs have 220 million smell receptors and we have 5 million – who knows what the fuck they're smelling that we're missing. To win one of ten double passes, just make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=KplqiAHYnHo
After a few years off, Groovin the Moo is getting ready to make a grand return in 2026...in a slightly scaled down fashion. Earlier this month when announcing the change to a single stage format, the organisers said "Starting with a single stage and single-day show allows the festival to rebuild with care, while staying true to its regional foundations." Don't let the fact that this year's festival is a one-off gig in Lismore put you off, because the just-released lineup more than makes up for a smaller setting. The legendary Denzel Curry is in the top headliner spot, returning to the Moo after previously headlining in 2023. The hybrid chart-topper artist seemingly can't get enough of his Australian fans. [caption id="attachment_935948" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] Curry is going to lead a killer group of Australian talents, including Ninajirachi, Matt Corby, The Chats, Dope Lemon (Angus Stone), Baker Boy, The Terrys, Tones and I, and up-and-comer Maple's Pet Dinosaur. Lismore locals The Colliflowers and 17-year-old Angel White will also take the stage. Groovin the Moo has also teamed up with local music retailer Planet Music to run a competition for one more artist to get a slot – see here for details. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Groovin the Moo (@groovinthemoo) Groovin the Moo 2026 will take place at Lismore's Oakes Oval, kicking off at 11am and running into the night. The festival is an all-ages event, with tickets going on sale on March 3rd. Lismore locals will have access to the Homegrown Groovers presale at 9am (AEDT), before a wider presale kicks off at 10am (AEDT). General on sale tickets will be available from 12pm (AEDT). Sign up for presale here. Tickets start from $125 (+BF) for 18+, with under 12s free and ages 12-17 just $90 (+BF) when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian. Information regarding camping and shuttle information is also now available – see here. [caption id="attachment_935943" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] Groovin was a highlight of Australia's festival calendar for years, bringing big names to regional towns across the country. Past lineups included Billie Eilish, Angie McMahon, Flight Facilities, The Preatures, Amy Shark, Violent Soho, The Wombats, The Veronicas, WAAX, Gang of Youths, and many more. Traditionally held in March, it has also served as a launchpad for local talent including Confidence Man, Ecca Vandal, Alex Lahey, while being a staple for fans of indie, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and more. The festival is presented by Great Southern Nights, with support from the NSW Government and Destination NSW, in partnership with ARIA. This article first appeared on 'Rolling Stone AU/NZ'
Despite her painting career lasting just eight years, late Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye smashed another art record this week, as her piece Earth's Creation I again fetched the highest price at auction for an Australian female artist. The contemporary piece went under the hammer for a huge $2.1 million, breaking its own 2007 record, having sold back then for $1.05 million. This time, it's been snapped up by art dealer Tim Olsen for his recently opened New York gallery, in an online auction headed up by Sydney's Cooee Art Marketplace and Fine Art Bourse. The sale of the acclaimed work, which has previously been on show at the likes of the National Museum of Art in Osaka, the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria, is also a big win for Australian Indigenous art, with Fine Art Bourse auctioneer Tim Goodman telling SBS: "this sale will go a long way to breathing life back into the Aboriginal art market." Hope you managed to get a look at it while it was in the country. Kngwarreye's painting is also not that far off the auction record for an Aboriginal artist, which was set by a Clifford Possum piece that sold for $2.4 million back in 2007. By contrast, the last known painting by Leonardo di Vinci, Salvator Mundi, just sold at auction for around $AUD590 million — making it history's most expensive artwork by far. Via SBS. Image: Emily Kame Kngwarreye (c.1910–1996) painting Earth's Creation I (1994).
When 2023 sweeps in, it will have been two decades since composer Stephen Schwartz and playwright Winnie Holzman took a book inspired by The Wizard of Oz, put it to music and turned it into one of Broadway's biggest hits of the 21st century. When next year arrives, it'll also mark Australian musical theatre fans' latest chance to see that very show right here at home — because Wicked is flying into Sydney next August. Even if you haven't seen the blockbuster show before, including on its past Aussie run from 2008–11, then you've likely heard of it. Following the Land of Oz's witches — telling their untold true tale is the musical's whole angle, in fact — Wicked has notched up more awards than you can fit in a hefty cauldron over the years. That includes three Tonys from ten nominations, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and six Drama Desk Awards. Also huge: its worldwide footprint, playing in 16 countries around the world since its 2003 debut. And, when it makes its way to Sydney Lyric for its latest Aussie run, it'll do so after enchanting itself into fourth place in the list of longest-running Broadway shows ever — even surpassing Cats. Story-wise, Wicked starts before The Wizard of Oz and continues its narrative after Dorothy Gale lands, adapting Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The text itself has sold 5.5 million copies, including five million since the musical first opened. Here, before Dorothy blows in, two other women meet in the Land of Oz: Elphaba and Galinda. One will later be known as the Wicked Witch of the West, while the other will become Glinda the Good Witch. Exactly why that happens, and how, and the pair's relationship from rivals to unlikely friends to grappling with their new labels, fuels the show's tale. Wicked is being brought to Australia by John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia, Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B Platt and David Stone — and will also take to the stage again before the in-the-works two-part film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo (Pinocchio) as Elphaba and Ariana Grande (Don't Look Up) as Galinda, and directed by Jon M Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians), is due to start reaching cinemas in 2024. Back to the stage show, it's too early for cast announcements — and so far, only a Sydney season has been locked in. Pop on your ruby slippers and click your heels three times in hope that Wicked will tour the country — and defy gravity in Melbourne, Brisbane and more — afterwards. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WICKED in Australia & NZ (@wickedinoz) Wicked will play Sydney Lyric from August 2023, with exact dates yet to be announced. We'll update you with further details when they're revealed. For more information or to join the ticket waitlist ahead of sales starting sometime in November, head to the production's website. Images: Joan Marcus.
Venturing to the Eagle Street side of Brisbane's CBD has long meant being dwarfed by gleaming skyscrapers, but also spotting the building that predates them all. On Felix Street, Naldham House stands out with its white facade. Although the year listed above its entrance is from four decades back, the structure was first built 140 years ago. This site began its life as a shipping office, then underwent major renovations in 1988. From there, it became the Brisbane Polo Club from 1994–2015. Now, from Thursday, July 18, 2024, it's the River City's newest drinking and dining destination — still under the name Naldham House. In June, the venue's new guise was announced, with DAP & Co revealing that the heritage-listed spot is becoming a three-venues-in-one hub. The hospitality group co-owned by Andrew Baturo, Denis Sheahan and Paul Piticco, which is also behind The Gresham, Popolo Italian and Walter's Steakhouse and Wine Bar, is launching the first two of those venues together, with the other to come in spring. So, while you'll be waiting to hit up the site's third level, you'll still be hanging out at Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace on the ground floor, plus supper club-style cocktail bar and lounge Club Felix on the second storey. Part of the Waterfront Brisbane project that's revamping this area of town, the new Naldham House is a project four years in the making. DAP & Co can't be accused of holding back, be it on ambition for the site, on multiple experiences at one address or on colour in the fitout by interior designer Anna Spiro. While the facade retains its pale hue, of course, the aesthetic heroes jewel tones inside, with the venue featuring 1110 different colours to give each level its own look and feel. At Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace, those tones help animate a space that takes its cues from both European brasseries and grand hotel lobbies around the globe. If you can't be elsewhere, pretend, basically. The markedly old-school vibe extends to the pianist playing the grand, and also the service, whether you're among the 95 people that the venue can cater to inside or the 120 outside on the terrace with its own bar. Meal options in the brasserie include hand-cut beef tartare, chicken liver parfait and a beetroot tart among the snacks, then oxtail ragu pasta, crumbed rock flathead and noisettes of lamb from the mains. You can also share a pork tomahawk, the market fish or rib steak, then finish up with a berry mille-feuille — aka a vanilla slice — plus crème caramel, three cheeses and a chocolate Paris-Brest. Outside, the terrace menu sports the likes of crispy chicken skin with whipped cod roe and caviar, smoked mortadella and potato croquettes, steak frites, a wagyu cheeseburger and a king salmon gravlax sandwich. Whether you choose to get comfortable indoors or out, a 28-page drinks list awaits, filled with European and Australian wines both by the glass and the bottle, beers both local and international, and a hefty array of spirits. The cocktail selection hops from spritzes to signatures, and then from classics to zero-alcohol sips. A mandarin spritz might take your fancy, or a Yuzito made with gin, orange curacao and yuzu soda — or perhaps a negroni or the non-boozy Watermelon Sugar. Head upstairs after 5pm Wednesday–Saturday for Club Felix and you'll be greeted by an oak timber bar that DAP & Co inherited with the building, a big focus on blue, a French-heavy menu, a covetable champagne list, and capacity for 150 standing and 110 seated. While the aim is for Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace to become an after-work hangout for both dinner and drinks, Club Felix is taking the fun into the night with a 2am closing time — and the space can also be used for weddings and parties. Here, small plates and charcuterie accompany the libations, so snacking on salumi with gnocco fritto, a jamon and comte toastie, fried whiting sandwich fingers, salted cod and potato croquettes, and caramel profiteroles will line your stomach. Then, beverage-wise, expect rich tastes from the cognac- and Madeira-based Brulee Flip with chocolate bitters and grated chocolate, and from the Raspberry Tea Julep with black tea-infused bourbon — among other cocktails. French wines, including dessert tipples, are also a drawcard. As well as Baturo, Sheahan and Piticco, Naldham House boasts Executive Chef Douglas Keyte (ex-Grill Americano in Melbourne), General Manager Christian Green (ex-Rockpool, The Botanical, Aria, Chin Chin, and Longrain) and Restaurant Manager Steven Ham (ex-Soho House Group in London) at its first two venues. "A grand city like Brisbane deserves a grand monument like Naldham House that aligns with Brisbane becoming a true international city," said Baturo. "One of the things we do really well as a hospitality group is provide transportive experiences — we want our guests to escape their daily routine, even if it's just for a few hours. We are also really excited to reinvigorate and attract more people to this beautiful and unique area of the city — the architecture, the leafy streets and the heritage buildings have a real Euro quaintness, which we know people will fall in love with." Find Naldham House at 33 Felix Street, Brisbane City, with Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace and Club Felix opening on Thursday, July 18, 2024. Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace's brasserie will operate from 11.30am–3pm and 5–10pm Monday–Saturday, and its terrace from 11.30am–11pm Monday–Saturday. Club Felix will trade from 5pm–2pm Wednesday–Saturday. Head to the Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace website and Club Felix website for more information. Images: Dexter Kim.
So many films, such little spare cash. Know the feeling? Going to the movies isn't a particularly cheap night out, especially if you're fond of popcorn and choc tops while you watch. Even if you're an avid film buff, you can probably empathise. For one week between Thursday, August 29 and Wednesday, September 4, Five Star Cinemas is here to help. If the independent chain's name doesn't sound familiar, then New Farm Cinemas and The Elizabeth Picture Theatre will. Head into either spot during the aforementioned dates, and you can see any movie you like for $6. And, if you'd like to get cosy in either the venue's premium cinemas, that'll cost you $12. Flick-wise, there's plenty to see, whether Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, stirring documentary The Australian Dream, gorgeous Japanese animation Weathering with You, or unsettling horror movie Midsommar takes your fancy. If you're more of a drive-in fan, you can also zip down to Yatala, too. Sit in your car, watch The Lion King or Fast & Furious: Hobbs and Shaw and pay $35 for a carload of up to six people.
The right hotel can elevate a holiday, while the wrong one can leave you wishing you'd done your due diligence. From location and comfort to warm hospitality, your stay sets the tone for the entire trip. And anyone who travels often will tell you the same thing: there's a bit of an art to booking hotels. It's not always about spending the most money or booking the penthouse suite. Instead, it's about gathering an arsenal of tips over the years that make each stay more rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or are trying to find ways to upgrade without dropping a whole pay cheque, we've collated some pearls of wisdom to help you get the most out of every stay. Research Reviews Here at Concrete Playground, we love spotlighting the best new hotels and chicly designed lobbies, but not all accommodations are made equally. Expert traveller, Rachel Choy, recommends researching reviews as closely as your travel insurance. "I once left my husband in charge of booking accommodation, and he almost booked a shack with no running water or electricity. I looked at reviews and realised pretty quickly that this was definitely not the place for us. So if you're trying to find the cheapest deal, cross-check with reviews to make sure it's clean, convenient and safe." [caption id="attachment_1090770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands[/caption] Take Advantage of Hotel Memberships There's a perception that hotel memberships are complicated or there'll be a catch that has you out on the street, luggage-laden, before your dinner reservation. In reality, many hotel memberships are easy to maintain and offer a wide range of benefits. Marriott Bonvoy, for example, is the world's largest hotel loyalty program and offers exclusive member rates when you sign up. You'll earn points by checking in to over 30 of Marriott Bonvoy's brands that are located in over 10,000 destinations. You can then use these points to redeem free nights. By earning more nights, you'll reach different membership tiers. For example, Gold members can enjoy a complimentary 2pm late checkout, which could come in handy for a slow and easy morning before heading to the airport. Your staycays across the year could quickly add up. There's actually not been a better time to consider hotel membership, as Marriott Bonvoy currently has an offer to help you earn even more from each trip. Registered Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 2,500* bonus points on each stay and one bonus Elite night credit for each hotel brand they try, helping travellers achieve rewards and higher membership status. Registration is open now through to Sunday, April 26, with eligible stays occurring between now and Sunday, May 10. Membership is free to join and takes a couple of minutes to set up. Plus, it gets even more rewarding, as members can save 10 percent on stays in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Book now for trips between April 1 and June 30**. So, if you're searching for a city break, a long weekend across the ditch, or a tropical escape, consider becoming a member and receive instant discounts and rewards. Book With a Credit Card Once you've found a hotel that fits your criteria, the next step is locking it in. Booking your stay with a credit card can unlock a surprising range of extra benefits that many travellers overlook. Depending on the card, this can include complimentary travel insurance, bonus points on accommodation purchases and even hotel room upgrades or late checkout. It also adds a layer of protection if plans change or you need a refund. For seasoned travellers, booking hotels with a rewards credit card can quickly add up points and benefits. Keep in mind this isn't financial advice, so be sure you know the pros and cons of owning a credit card before taking the plunge. Book Direct While third-party booking platforms can be useful for browsing, booking directly with a hotel often comes with advantages. Many hotels reserve their best prices, flexible cancellation policies and loyalty benefits for guests who book through their own websites. Booking directly also makes it easier to request small room changes. For example, if you need a solid night's sleep or want to roll the dice for a better view, ask the hotel if you can have a room away from the elevator. Requesting a corner or end room, if possible, is another way to try to book a larger room for the same price. Plus, don't forget, if it's around your birthday or an anniversary, make it known to hotel staff when booking. We won't tell if it's a little white lie. And who knows, you may end up with a small surprise in your room. Travel During Shoulder Season If you want better rooms and better value, plan strategically. Travelling during shoulder seasons (the period just before or after peak travel months) often means lower rates, fewer crowds and more availability. Hotels are more likely to have spare rooms during these windows, increasing your chances of scoring an upgrade or a better rate. In Australia, autumn and early winter are particularly good times to find great deals on city stays and coastal escapes. Hotel travel doesn't have to be overwhelming or complicated. With a few small habits like booking smart, joining hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, and keeping an eye on promotions, you can make every trip (and hotel stay) go that little bit further. * T&Cs apply. Earn 2,500 bonus points per stay, with registration by 26 April to register, visit Marriott Bonvoy ** T&Cs apply. Save 10 percent on stays from April 1–30 June 2026. For more details, visit Marriott Bonvoy Image Credit: Supplied
Your phone doesn't always need to be glued to your hand, but that's often easier said than done. Your nights out don't need photographic evidence to prove that they occurred, but that's also rarely the case anymore. This Never Happened is rallying against that status quo, however, via the Lane 8's record label's dance parties. The distraction-free This Never Happens Presents gigs first arrived in Australia in 2023 — and in 2025, they're returning for two more evenings of shenanigans without phones and cameras. Pics or it didn't happen? Not here. You won't have a screen in your hand — or face. You won't be swiping, texting or doing anything else with the gadget that we're all addicted to, either. Attendees will have their phones taped upon arrival, because these dance music get-togethers are all about connecting IRL and in the moment. [caption id="attachment_979217" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Megan Burch[/caption] French house producer Massane and Dublin-based DJ EMBRZ are headlining the two parties, with support from Samantha Loveridge — following in the footsteps of Le Youth, Sultan & Shepard and PARIS in 2023. Whatever their sets bring, you'll just have to rely upon your noggin to remember all of the highlights afterwards. This Never Happens Presents' 2025 shindigs will first hit 170 Russell in Melbourne on Friday, January 17, then move to Sydney's Liberty Hall on Saturday, January 18. While Brisbane was included in 2023, that's sadly not the case this time around. When it last made the trip Down Under, This Never Happened held its first shows in this part of the world, after launching in 2016, signing artists who've toured with producer and DJ Lane 8, and initially hosting parties in 2017 and 2019 elsewhere around the globe. Clearly, its Aussie visit was a hit, hence the return tour. In 2025, Massane and Embrz will also be making their Australian debuts. This Never Happened Presents 2025 Dates Friday, January 17 — 170 Russell, Melbourne Saturday, January 18 — Liberty Hall, Sydney This Never Happened Presents 2025 Lineup Massane EMBRZ Samantha Loveridge This Never Happened Presents hits Melbourne and Sydney in January 2025, with ticket pre-sales from 11am AEDT on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 and general sales from 11am AEDT on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Megan Burch.
If you're heading to the South Island of New Zealand for a vacay, people are going to have some questions for you. "Was it gorgeous?" Duh. "Was it cold?" Only a little. "Do you now have a whole album of photos of you standing in front of crystal lakes, rugged mountain ranges and glorious plains that you'll cherish until the end of time?". Well, obviously. They'll also expect you to have visited vineyards and know your way around a bottle of wine. So you can study up, we've collated a list of the absolute best wineries on the South Island. Hit them up if you want to learn a thing to two about your pinots and rieslings. TERRACE EDGE WINERIES, WAIPARA Once you touch down in Christchurch, there are a few great reasons to head north first. Mostly wine. Head up the scenic coast and only an hour out of Christchurch you'll find Waipara, which is home to many iconic wineries. We recommend Terrace Edge. They won Vineyard of the Year at the NZ Organic Wine Awards 2018, so you can go ahead and raise your expectations sky high. Head to the tasting rooms and try some of their famous pinot noir and riesling. Hot tip: make sure you phone ahead so they know you're coming. They're a small, family-owned and -run establishment and can give you tiptop service and tasting notes if you only give them some notice. Near the tasting room, their picnic tables overlook the lush vineyards and, with the mountain backdrop, are the perfect place to enjoy a glass or two. While you're there, grab a bottle of their olive oil; they make it from olives grown on the site. FRAMINGHAM WINES, RENWICK While you're in the north, set your sights on Renwick, a little town east of Blenheim in the Marlborough region of the island. Here you'll find Framingham, a winery that does away with snootiness and replaces it with live music and good times. You won't find any winery cliches here — except for the views, of course. Plan ahead so you can enjoy the spectacular panoramas before dusk (they are particularly glorious in autumn when the first snows start to dust the distant mountains) and grab a glass while watching a local band. They have some of the oldest riesling vines in Marlborough so we definitely recommend tasting what they produce, as well as the Sauvignon Blanc. The other interesting thing about Framingham is they are accredited as environmentally sustainable and practice organic estate viticulture, which is the future of winemaking. Snaps for Framingham. SAINT CLAIR FAMILY ESTATE, BLENHEIM While you're in the region, you'd be a fool to miss Saint Clair Family Estate, one of the north's best wineries. This winery is a little more what you're used to — a classic set-up with stunning views, a tasting parlour, grounds aplenty and a menu that will make your mouth water. Their staff will talk you through their best drops. We recommend trying a sauvignon blanc, pinot gris or chardonnay as, in a line-up of many (and we mean many) award-winning wines, these varieties boast the most awards. If you're peckish, grab a table among the vines and order one of the local plates. Options include fresh produce from the sea, land or from their winery gardens. From land to plate, right before your eyes — what could be better? RIPPON VINEYARD, WANAKA Once you've made your way back down south, Rippon Vineyard is only a short drive west of Lake Wanaka (another must-do on your NZ itinerary) and boasts spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The grounds are steep and, in spring and summer, blooming with glorious wildflowers. You can partake of generous tastings in the parlour or enjoy a glass on the lawn overlooking the grapevines and catch a glimpse of Ruby Island in the middle of the lake. Rippon doesn't charge a tasting fee, but they do take donations for a Habitat Restoration programme so if you have a taste, give generously. If you're a larger group (seven or more), you can book in a private tasting with a knowledgeable host to educate you on half a dozen wines. And if you get a moment, take a looky-loo around the building itself. It's a gorgeous old space with high ceilings and abundant fireplaces. CHARD FARM, OTAGO While you're in Otago, head south from Wanaka to Chard Farm, just east of Queenstown. The drive along Lake Dunstan is pretty special, and you'll be rewarded with one of the most rustic wineries you ever did see. Chard Farm is nestled at the base of a gentle mountain and alongside the deep trench of Kawarau River. In winter it's covered in snow, but the rest of the year, the blocky, peach buildings are surrounded by wildflowers and shockingly lush vineyards. It's run by a sweet family and their cellar door is open seven days a week. We recommend the pinot noir (their speciality), but the riesling and pinot gris are also great. If you're a larger party, six or more, be sure to call ahead so they can accommodate you. Otherwise, just turn up and enjoy a quality drop while overlooking the pretty countryside. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
With COVID-19 restrictions easing, Brisbane is starting to awaken from its pandemic-induced slumber. At Ivory Tusk, that's cause for celebration. And, with International Tequila Day popping up in July, too, the Fortitude Valley is hosting a very appropriate festival to mark both occasions. That'd be Margarita Fest. Yes, you know what you'll be drinking here. Taking place from 8pm on Friday, July 24, it'll feature plenty of tequila, lime and salt — with five different varieties of margs on offer. There'll also be canapes to help line your stomach, plus DJs and live entertainment. Two types of tickets are available, to suit both your budget and your thirst. Nab a 'lime and salt' ticket for $19, and you'll get a margarita on arrival and access to the food. Level up to the 'tuskarita' package for $85, and you'll sip your way through three hours of bottomless margs, plus tuck into more than a few bites to eat. Tickets are on sale now, but it's worth noting that capacity is limited — life isn't quite back to normal just yet. So, if you're keep to spend a night downing margaritas, you'll want to get in quick smart. Margarita Fest takes place from 8pm on Friday, July 24 at Ivory Tusk.
Overwater dining, meals and sips with a waterside view, taking dinner and drinks up a few levels: around Brisbane, none of these are new experiences. That said, grabbing a bite or a beverage at a restaurant that's not only perched over the water — ten metres above the Brisbane River, in fact — but is also part of one of the city's bridges is something that the Queensland capital hadn't seen before until Stilts opened on the Kangaroo Point Bridge. The modern-Australian eatery is not just Brisbane's first-ever restaurant on a bridge, but also Queensland's first of its kind — even if it's the second that hospitality company Tassis Group has launched with ties to the River city's newest river crossing. Mulga Bill's Kitchen & Bar, which is sat at the foot of the structure on the Alice Street side, opened before it. Where that venue is a casual all-day diner, Stilts is all about an elevated experience (including literally) in unique surroundings. If the 100-seater restaurant's design looks familiar, that's because it takes inspiration from a Sunshine State staple: Queenslander homes. Of course, most such structures around Brisbane don't boast a 180-degree vantage peering out over the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, including through floor-to-ceiling windows. Also key elements of Stilts: an alfresco balcony, a casual bar area and an indoor dining room that allows ample light in, as well as a 12-person private dining room. Under Head Chef Dan Hernandez (formerly of fellow Tassis venture Fosh, and also ex-Restaurant Dan Arnold and Agnes), the Queensland-focused menu starts with beef tartare in cannelloni shells and potato pavé, serves up caviar three ways — in blinis and beef tartlets among them — and then spans everything from Australian wagyu dumplings and Moreton Bay bug linguine to pistachio gelato and yuzu curd. If you're keen on a surf-and-turf option, Stilts' version features 28-day aged sirloin and swordfish steak, and will set you back $135. Diners can also treat themselves to angus and wagyu steaks from the grill, charcoal or miso-yuzo glazed lobster, and a wagyu tasting experience with three cuts of meat. For those feeling spoiled for choice, three different banquets will make your picks for you, ranging from $155–240 in price — the latter with the three caviar options. Drinks-wise, more than 180 drops are on the wine list, alongside beer, spirits and non-boozy sips. Images: Allo Creative / Markus Ravik.
Mona has never shirked attention. Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art has welcomed it, in fact, whether it's bringing in 80 tonnes of sand, is allowing music fans listen to the sole copy of Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon a Time in Shaolin or is part of a TV show about potentially eating Australia's invasive animal species — and that's just in the past year. Also part of the venue's story over the past 12 months or so: the legal proceedings around Ladies Lounge, the feminist installation created by artist and curator Kirsha Kaechele, which was taken to court due to an anti-discrimination complaint. Two big developments impacted Ladies Lounge in 2024: first, in April, the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled that it must start letting men enter; then, a September decision by the state's Supreme Court upheld Mona's appeal, permitting it to reopen for women only to continue to make its statement about the lack of opportunity historically offered to ladies by such spaces. Kaechele did indeed relaunch the installation, but only briefly, while flagging that it could go on tour. So, after ending its run at its original home in January 2025, Ladies Lounge is now headed to the Gold Coast. Each year, the coastal Sunshine State spot turns over much of the city to Bleach*, its annual arts festival. This year, Ladies Lounge is on its lineup. This is the first time that it will pop up beyond Mona, and therefore also beyond Tasmania, with the Gold Coast's HOTA, Home of the Arts playing host to the feminist space. "Yes, some boys may be allowed in for domestic arts lessons and reparations," the fest advises. Bleach* 2025 runs from Thursday, July 31–Sunday, August 10, also covering music, opera, drama, food and more, all at festival hubs a HOTA, Kurrawa Park and Emerald Lakes. It has more big art names attached, too. Australian visual artist Michael Zavros is the festival's guest Artistic Director for the year, curating a program that spans 100-plus events. Among them, Patricia Piccinini's Skywhale and Skywhalepapa are on the lineup, and will float through the Gold Coast's skies. That's how Bleach* will kick off at sunrise on its first 2025 day. "It's such a thrill to come on board as guest Artistic Director and launch Bleach* 2025. We've been shaping this festival for some time now, and it's incredibly rewarding to see the program come to life and finally share it with our audiences," said Zavros, announcing this year's bill. "We've dreamed big this year — pushing for bold, ambitious moments — and it's exciting to see those ideas realised in such powerful ways. Bleach* continues to play a vital role in the Gold Coast's arts and culture scene, and this year's program is a true reflection of the city's creative spirit and growing artistic ambition." Among the festival's three world premieres of works created on the Gold Coast, plus five Queensland premieres and plenty of other must-sees, other highlights include opera, classical music and dancing horses taking over Kurrawa Beach; artist Jeff Koons getting chatting at an exclusive in-conversation event; and Selve's new album Breaking Into Heaven performed in full with lasers, Karul Projects dancers and the Australian Session Orchestra outdoors at HOTA. Or, there's also Drum As You Are, a family-friendly Nirvana tribute — one of the iconic band's albums is called Bleach, after all — that'll feature both professional and community drummers. Unsurprisingly given that he's steering this year's festival, you can also see Zavros' Drowned Mercedes, the sculpture that was first unveiled in Brisbane in 2023 and, yes, features a 1990s Mercedes-Benz SL convertible filled with water. Zavros is also taking part in life-drawing sessions, Melissa Spratt and Tal Fitzpatrick are teaming up to showcase how textiles can be comforting in public space, and Josh Cohen's Radiohead for Solo Piano II will be in the spotlight. Bleach* 2025 runs from Thursday, July 31–Sunday, August 10 at various locations around the Gold Coast. For further information, head to the festival website.
Sitting down to high tea can feel like being swept off to another world. A relaxed couple of hours spent eating and drinking? Most days for most of us, that's pure fantasy. So it fits that W Brisbane, one of the River City's go-to places for the indulgent spread, has teamed up with the Gallery of Modern Art to theme its latest high tea after Brissie's current Fairy Tales exhibition. This enchanting excuse to kick back over small bites and hot beverages — plus a cocktail or some champagne if you like — has been dubbed the Ever After High Tea, and is on offer every Friday–Sunday till Wednesday, April 24. Forget lunch, because you'll need to head by between 11am–3pm, getting cosy in Living Room Bar like you're in a pumpkin carriage. The most magical of vegetables, at least where fairy tales are involved, does indeed feature on the menu. Among the sweets, you'll be looking out for the Princess Midnight Pumpkin Surprise with mango and vanilla mouse, which comes uncannily looking like the real thing. Savoury-wise, pumpkin tarts with freeze-dried goats cheese are also on offer. Strawberry macaron clocks, Queen of Hearts chocolate and hazelnut cakes, raspberry and cranberry scones, forest mushrooms, chicken pies, cheese and herb bites, cured salmon crostini: they'll delight your tastebuds once upon a time (or as many times as you can fit in during the event's run) as well. So will a dish called Snow White's Bittersweet Poisoned Apple Mousse — which obviously isn't toxic, just cheekily named. The two jewels in the high tea's crown? A fairy tale cookie cake book that you can paint before you eat — because playing with your food is encouraged here — and a glittery signature Love Is Blind cocktail made with vanilla vodka, mango lassi, activated charcoal, lemon juice and aquafaba. You'll pay $79 per person for the food, plus endless tea and barista-made coffee. Add a cocktail and the price is $99. For a glass of champers instead, it's $109. And there's a $45 version for kids, which features bottomless juice, tea, babycinos and hot chocolates.
Everyone in Brisbane has been to Straddie at least once — and everyone has been to the Straddie pub, too. There's a reason for that. When it comes to classic southeast Queensland experiences that involve ocean views and a cold drink in hand, it really doesn't get much better. Now, North Stradbroke Island's much-loved watering hole is back, reopening as The Straddie Hotel after a thoughtful redevelopment that brings the venue into a new era without losing its soul. Set on the headland just steps from the ocean, the refreshed hotel still leans into surf culture and that unmistakably laidback island energy, just with a few more modern comforts. New and reworked spaces include a breezy upper deck, an expanded all-weather deck complete with an operable roof, a reimagined bistro and main bar, plus a second bar in the thick of the action — all designed to keep the focus firmly on the sweeping views of Cylinder Beach and the Coral Sea beyond. The kitchen delivers generous pub classics with a coastal twist: alongside island-sourced oysters, fish tacos, prawn and bug cocktails, and fish and chips, the menu includes staples like schnitties, hand-stretched pizzas and grill items like a Black Angus rump. At the bar, you'll find local beers from Straddie Brewing Co., easy-drinking wines and beach-ready signature cocktails like the Straddie Island Iced Tea, Coco Margarita and a rotating slushie of the month. Early risers in the summer months will also be rewarded with breakfast bites and coffee from a grab-and-go kiosk. Beyond the food, the refreshed Straddie Hotel also offers family-friendly spaces, a regular program of live music and a renewed focus on local culture and community — cementing its place as one of southeast Queensland's great island institutions.
Brisbane's pub scene has always been one of the city's great social anchors. From historic riverfront institutions to polished neighbourhood locals and new-school venues reinventing the category, the best pubs combine good food, cold drinks and the kind of atmosphere that encourages people to settle in and stay a while. This round-up spans some of Brisbane's most beloved drinking spots – places for Sunday roasts, steak dinners, long lunches by the water and lively nights with friends. Some lean proudly traditional, others bring a more modern approach, but each offers its own take on what makes a great pub.
Bali is bursting with all kinds of romantic accommodations, be they hidden up in the jungle surrounded by rice terraces or an oceanfront spot down on one of the region's countless beaches. It offers an embarrassment of riches for those looking to honeymoon, pop the big question or just run away with their special someone. Stay in a treehouse overlooking the Indian Ocean, take part in a small wellness retreat, find your own patch of paradise in luxury bamboo homes or go all out and really spoil yourselves at the most luxurious of resorts. The options are endless — and stupid-beautiful. Camaya Bali, Sideman Romance is built into every part of Camaya Bali. They have a series of private villas dotted throughout the property, each with its own unique design (made for taking advantage of the view across open planes and rice fields). They can come with pools of varying sizes and shapes as well as those netted hammocks you see all over Instagram. Thankfully, even if this place is flooded with influencers you won't see them – each villa offers absolute seclusion for guests. You can wander the grounds as much as you'd like, or let their team organise a whole host of activities for you. There are nearby whitewater rafting tours, temples and palaces, yoga centres and small villages to explore. If you're after a Big Moment, you can take a hike up into the jungle and rice fields to find the perfect proposal vista. The Korowai, Uluwatu Each of Korowai's wood-framed rooms are carved into the limestone cliff overlooking Bali's famous Impossible Beach (known for surfing, not partying). Marvel at the ridiculous uninterrupted 180-degree views across the ocean from the privacy of your own little balcony adorned with traditional Balinese décor. It's romantic and unpretentious. The glitz and glam of other Uluwatu resorts doesn't exist here. Instead, you and your partner will feel as if you've found your own hidden oasis. But, when or if you do want to get into town, the hospitable resort staff will rent you a scooter or organise a taxi ride. Plus, there are a few walkable restaurants nearby if you somehow get tired of dining at their restaurant overlooking the beach. Hangin Gardens of Bali, Payangan The Hanging Gardens of Bali sits far away from the crowds, up in the lush rainforest surrounded by local wildlife and charming rice terraces. The luxury resort has also won so many international accommodation awards thanks to the breathtaking views, super luxurious villas and warm service. Staying here, it's obvious to see why the island is at the top of so many people's travel bucket list destinations. Take the private villas for example. This high-end resort has 44 of them, each perched high atop wooden pillars overlooking the private valley below. Wake up and enjoy this view from your extra-large canopy bed before rolling out into your own private plunge pool — it's paradise on stilts. And each villa is full of character. Couples can also lean into the romantic vibes with massages, private dining experiences in the valley and breakfast served on a floating wooden boat in your own plunge pool. Desa Eko, Munduk Sometimes, a romantic getaway doesn't mean spending the entire week alone as a couple. Desa Eko is the place to come and feel a part of something bigger than yourself. It's a wellness retreat made for nature lovers, located in what the owners describe as 'the village above the clouds'. It's set in stunningly serene surrounds. You can book huts up in the trees, tents on stilted platforms or opt for the more conventional studio accommodation. But, as oasis-like as these rooms are, you will be drawn away for yoga by the river, dinners at their bamboo-clad restaurant and group hangs and hikes throughout the rainforest. It's a bit hippie. And we are all for it. Padma Resort Legian, Kuta If you're wanting a romantic place to stay in Bali, but want to be closer to the action, then the five-star Padma Resort Legian is for you. It's located near Kuta, a notorious party town with stacks of bustling beaches and places to shop — but it's far enough away that you can easily escape it all. Like Hannah Montana, you'll get the best of both worlds. Spend the day jumping from pool to pool (there are four here) and sipping on cocktails made at one of the seven bars. It's a huge resort, meaning you can carve out your own patch of tropical calm in countless nooks. You're also right on the beach. Cross the hotel lawns and set up home on this quiet sandy shore. You can do a bit of everything from here. Amarta Pesagi Retreat, Tabanan This is your quintessential romantic remote Bali accommodation. Small multi-level bamboo villas are located amongst within the jungle, surrounded by rice fields and all manners of wildlife. You feel cut off from the rest of the world, in all the best ways. Sit out on your private balcony looking into the wilderness while your partner swims in your own plunge pool below. Slide on some sandals and make your way to the restaurant for lunch or dinner. And, if you dare leave this paradise, you actually aren't that far from the outside world. Taman Ayun Temple and local villages are just a short bike ride away — and the Amarta Pesagi Retreat team will help you get there so there's no chance of getting lost in the jungle Six Senses, Uluwatu This is the place to go if you have a large budget and want a holiday where you can live in total luxury. This impressively sustainable resort is located at the southernmost tip of Bali (where you'll find most of the more high-end resorts), looking out over the ocean. The Six Senses rooms are just about as glam as you could imagine but it's the extras that make this spot even more romantic. The staff will organise floating breakfasts in your private plunge pool, quaint cinema nights under the stars, dinner for two on the beach, couples' massages, cooking classes and private tours to anywhere on the island your heart desires. Expect a superb level of service to match the views and incredible lodgings. Segara Village Hotel, Sanur This luxury hotel is set in the quiet beach town of Sanur. Head to the pool surrounded by palm trees and overgrown gardens for some solitude (or to hit up the swim-up bar. Or walk down to the beach and nab yourself one of the hotel's lounge chairs and spend the day hanging out on the beach with your loved one. The nearby town is also full of things to do — without being overly populated by swarms of tourists. Spend your days wandering along Sanur's restaurant-lined boardwalk, stopping off for a bite to eat and a cocktail (or two) and soaking up the laid-back island atmosphere before returning to Segara Village Hotel. Now you can book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips, and discover inspiring deals on flights, stays and experiences. Top image credit: Desa Eko
Cheap eats don't come so easily these days. Yet the Sunnybank Food Trail is here to help, celebrating a decade of accessible, affordable bites that won't weigh heavily on your wallet. Running from 2pm–8pm on Saturday, June 28, across Sunnybank Plaza and Sunny Park, this jam-packed event is holding nothing back for its tenth edition. The lineup of food vendors is simply massive, with a record-breaking 53 restaurants and vendors getting involved in 2025. Serving a staggering 173 dishes, from sizzling skewers and barbecue pork buns to bubble tea, this is your chance to empty your spare change jar. Each plate is priced between $2 and $5, with 34 dishes available on the low end. Whether you're a regular attendee or this is your first visit, an incredible array of flavours is freshly served. There are even nine new venues making their Sunnybank Food Trail debut, with Charcoal BBQ House, Roro Restaurant and BiteJoy ready to impress. Meanwhile, returning favourites include Udonya Tokoton, Hot Cake House, Chatime and Landmark. If you're too full for even one more bite, the trail comes to life with lion dancing at 2pm and 6pm, while live music will keep the mood lively throughout the day. Plus, two dedicated family zones include face painting, balloon twisting and pop-up surprises, meaning there's no shortage of cuisine and entertainment on offer.
Some actors possess voices that could narrate almost anything, and Willem Dafoe is one of them. Move over Morgan Freeman: when Dafoe speaks, his dulcet vocals echoing atop gorgeous imagery of the world's waterways as happens in River, being entranced by the sound is the only natural response. He's tasked with uttering quite the elegiac prose in this striking documentary, and he gives all that musing about tributaries and creeks — the planet's arteries, he calls them at one point — a particularly resonant and enthralling tone. Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom (Sherpa) knew he would, of course. She enlisted his talents on her last documentary, Mountain, as well. Both films pick one of the earth's crucial natural features, lens them in all their glory at multiple spots around the globe, and wax lyrical about their importance. Both make for quite the beguiling viewing experience. Thanks to writer Robert Macfarlane, Dafoe has been given much to opine in River — and what he's asked to say is obviously even more crucial than the fact that it's the Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Card Counter, The French Dispatch and Nightmare Alley star expressing it. The subject is right there in the title, but the film's aims are as big and broad as an ocean, covering the history of these snaking streams from the planet's creation up until today. "Humans have long loved rivers," Dafoe announces, which seems like a self-evident statement; however, not one to trade in generalisations without evidence, River then unpacks exactly what that means. It also uses that idea as a foundation, but paired with another, which Dafoe also gives voice to — this time as a question: "as we have learned to harness their power, have we also forgotten to revere them?". The answer is blatant, lapping away at the souls of everyone who lives in a river city and passes their central watercourse daily without giving it a second thought. Indeed, that plain-as-day response ripples with even more force to anyone who has been struck by the waterways' power when natural disasters strike, a fact that hits close to home after Australia's disastrously flooded summer across Queensland and New South Wales — timing that the movie isn't overtly trying to capitalise upon, given it first started doing the rounds of film festivals in 2021, and has had its March 2022 date with Aussie cinemas booked in for months. A documentary doesn't have to tell viewers something wholly new to evoke wonder, though. Conveying well-known truths in unforgettable and affecting ways has always been one of cinema's key skills, whether working in fact or fiction. River's sentiments won't come as a surprise, but it still feels like a fresh splash of water upon a parched face. Dafoe's narration and the film in general hone in on the importance of rivers to human civilisation since its very beginnings, starting with the unshakeable reality that rivers have made much in our evolution possible. Also just as pivotal: the devastation we've wrought in response since we learned to harness all that water for our own purposes, irrigate the land far and wide, and take an abundance of H2O for granted, which River doesn't ebb away from. The prose is flowery, but never overdone; its eager quest for potent poetry, or to be mentioned in the same breath as Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life, always feels attuned to the awe it holds for its eponymous streams. It's also on par with Dafoe, Peedom and Macfarlane's work back in 2017 on Mountain, which was similarly hypnotic — and became the highest-grossing non-IMAX Australian documentary ever made, a claim to fame it still holds today. This time joined by co-director/co-scribe and feature debutant Joseph Nizeti, River's veteran trio don't simply paddle into familiar waters like they've easily charted this course — or climbed this peak — before, however. They repeat much of what they did last time, including pairing dazzling sights with a score by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, but it's fitting that there's a keen flow to this film that makes it an especially majestic and moving watch. It's there in the pace of the cinematography, as lensed by a five-strong team that includes Sherpa and Mountain's Renan Ozturk. It's evident in the rhythms of the feature's editing, too, with The Babadook, Spear, Martha: A Picture Story and The Nightingale's Simon Njoo doing the honours. As fast as a cascading waterfall at times, and as patient as a barely babbling brook at others, River couldn't take the job of honouring its subject in as many ways as it can more seriously. Thanks to those arresting visuals — spectacular footage that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible — and the accompanying score, River was always going to earn flowery terms slung its own way. The vision is that remarkable as it soars high and wide across 39 countries, and peers down with the utmost appreciation. The swirling orchestral music, which includes everything from Bach to Radiohead, adds amply to the journey as well (even if it does occasionally leave viewers yearning for sounds as natural the movie's sights). Here, a picture truly is worth a thousand of those Dafoe-uttered words, but the combination of both is something exceptionally special. It's interesting, then, that River is the achievement it is thanks to all of its moving parts coming together so fluidly, but its imagery is also always second to none. While the combination mesmerises, only the film's visuals could tell the same tale alone — and what a story they tell. There's a cohort of documentaries that have attempted the same observational feat without any sense of spoken narrative, an approach seen at its best in the Qatsi trilogy of Koyaanisqatsi, Powaqqatsi and Naqoyqatsi, also in Baraka and Samsara, and even in recent Oscar-nominee Ascension; River reaches the same immersive and insightful levels. What a joy it is to be the film that doesn't need Willem Dafoe's narration, but is all the better for it. Even better: what a joy it is to watch that movie. And, in just-as-fantastic news, Peedom sees River as the second part of a trilogy. Top image: Pete McBride.
"The grid. A digital frontier. I tried to picture clusters of information as they moved through the computer. What did they look like? Ships? Motorcycles? Were the circuits like freeways? I kept dreaming of a world I thought I'd never see. And then one day, I got in." If you've watched 1982's TRON and its 28-years-later sequel TRON: Legacy in 2010, or listened to the latter's sublime Daft Punk-scored soundtrack, then you've heard those words. But what if everything that Jeff Bridges (The Old Man) describes as Kevin Flynn wasn't relegated to the virtual realm? In TRON: Ares, viewers will watch what happens when the program that shares the movie's moniker makes the jump from the digital space to the real world, giving humanity its first encounter with AI beings. Indeed, amid its heavy lashings of laser-red hues, the just-dropped first trailer for the feature has a monster-movie vibe when worlds start to collide. Flesh-and-blood folks such as Greta Lee (The Studio) stare up, then start fleeing. While things happen quickly in the digital realm, films about it clearly don't always earn the same description, given that it has now been over four decades since the first TRON film made its way to cinemas, and 15 years since its first sequel. A third movie was announced the very same year that TRON: Legacy released, in fact, but TRON: Ares has taken time to return cinemagoers to the grid. For much of the past decade and a half, it's been one of those pictures in the "I'll believe it when I'm actually sitting in a theatre watching it with my own eyes" category, until Disney not only announced that the feature had a date with picture palaces in 2025, but also dropped a first image from it. The date that you can see the next TRON on the big screen: Thursday, October 9, 2025 Down Under. Cast-wise, Jared Leto (Haunted Mansion) plays Ares, aka the threatening face of AI. Bridges is also back as the software-company employee who first found himself in the digital world in the initial flick. Evan Peters (Agatha All Along), Hasan Minhaj (It Ends with Us), Jodie Turner-Smith (The Agency), Arturo Castro (The Vince Staples Show), Cameron Monaghan (Shameless) and Gillian Anderson (Sex Education) co-star in TRON: Ares, while Joachim Rønning (Young Woman and the Sea) directs. Following on from Daft Punk's masterpiece of a score for TRON: Legacy was always going to be a tough feat, but TRON: Ares isn't skimping on musical talent. Doing the honours, as heard in the feature's first trailer: Nine Inch Nails, adding to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' run of film work (see also: Soul, Mank, Bones and All, Empire of Light, The Killer, Challengers, Queer and The Franchise just in the 2020s alone). Check out the first trailer for TRON: Ares below: TRON: Ares releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Images: courtesy of DIsney. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No one alive today was living and breathing during Leonardo da Vinci's lifetime in the 15th and 16th centuries; however, Melbourne's The Lume is doing its best to help its patrons experience the Italian Renaissance-era great's existence. Opening on Saturday, March 16, Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius sees the venue — which is Australia's first permanent digital-only art gallery — devote its surfaces to stepping into the artist and inventor's tale. His paintings grace the walls. His machines are dotted around its halls. Even original sheets from his notebooks, that boast his writing and sketches, are on display. Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius was first announced in 2023, and is understandably The Lume's major 2024 exhibition, alongside a massive reason for folks living outside of Melbourne to head to the Victorian capital this year. Back in February, the venue also revealed that pages from da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus feature, displaying in Australia for the first time ever. Add them to the must-see list next to the world's most-famous enigmatic smile, The Last Supper, the artist's anatomical drawings and more. Attendees at the Grande Experiences-run Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre site can see what The Lume is calling its "most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking yet". That's quite the claim for a collection that follows a van Gogh celebration, a focus on Monet and his contemporaries and the First Nations-centric Connection. Given everything that's a part of Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius, though, that statement also isn't surprising. No one will forget the Mona Lisa after heading to the exhibition. The artwork is almost everywhere within the 3000-square-metre space, and in a larger-than-life fashion — because that's how Grande Experiences' whole setup works. The iconic piece also links in with the segment of the showcase that's all about French optical engineer Pascal Cotte, who invented a multispectral camera and has peeled back the artwork's layers using his research. So, get excited about Mona Lisa Revealed, which includes an exact 360-degree replica — the only one in the world — as created thanks to Cotte's 240,000,000-pixel multispectral camera. The Last Supper also enjoys the spotlight in a big way, with emphasis on the 'big'. Similarly among Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius' highlights: 40 of da Vinci's machine inventions, which are on loan from the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome. Leonardo is just as well-known for his flying machine concepts, with his 15th-century vision of human flight scoring The Lume's attention. This part of the exhibition heroes recreations made in Italy from the artist and inventor's sketches, and also uses the materials and techniques that he would've at the time. Letting visitors check out pages from Codex Atlanticus is a huge coup. The 12-volume set is filled with da Vinci's drawings and writings, detailing his thoughts and featuring his sketches on a wide array of topics. It's priceless. It includes entries from its author from between 1478–1519, dating up to the year of his death. Since 1637, it has called Milan's Biblioteca Ambrosiana home — and it's thanks to a relationship between it and Grande Experiences, which is also behind Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci, that some of its sheets can display Down Under. Stepping through da Vinci's journey at Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius also spans recreations of Florence's streets, Venice's canals and Milan — as brought to life via sight, sound, scent, touch and taste. Flying over Florence using virtual reality, dining at a Renaissance-themed experience where The Last Supper provides the backdrop, being turned into a da Vinci sketch thanks to AI, seeing how you align with the artist's Vitruvian Man drawing: that's all on offer, too. That said, Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius isn't solely about its namesake's well-known works, with the 3000-square-metre multi-sensory gallery also exploring his inspirations and those creating their own masterpieces at the same time. Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and works by Caravaggio can all be sighted, for instance. In Queensland, at HOTA, Home of the Arts, Grande Experiences's Italian Renaissance Alive will also take a broader look at the Italian Renaissance period from late March — but anyone wanting to be steeped in da Vinci's works in particular will need to head to Melbourne. Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius opens at The Lume, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne, from Saturday, March 16, 2024 — head to the venue's website for tickets and further information. Images: Alicia Taylor.
Every two years, in July, Brisbane comes alive with the sound of music. Actually, the entire state does. That's when Queensland Music Festival rolls around — and, in its latest event, it's doing so with style. For QMF's 2017 outing, and the first under new artistic director Katie Noonan, expect an array of events that'll keep ears buzzing, toes tapping and everyone just appreciating music in general. A tribute to a Brisbane band so beloved that we named a bridge after them, a cheeky musical about a former premier, concerts in the Spring Hill Reservoir and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, free Friday afternoon tunes, and lost Indigenous songs and stories revived — you'll find them all on the bill. In a lineup that features over 100 performances in 45 towns, cities and regions across the state over three weeks, there'll also be female singer-songwriters sharing the songs that define the city, music turned into sketches, a classic radio play brought to life and an interactive video game complete with a live score by an on-site orchestra, lest you think this year's program doesn't bubble over with variety. An immersion series lets music aficionados get up close and personal with talented folks, while pop-up choirs will croon tunes at South Bank. And if the latter doesn't sound like your kind of thing, you might change you mind when you find out that the day-long singing fiesta is a choral outcry against domestic violence ending with a huge group rendition of John Farnham's 'You're the Voice'. Image: QPAC Green Jam.
If you were planning on murdering some dancefloors this spring, here's some news that definitely won't kill the groove: UK pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor is coming to Brisbane. She'll headline this year's Melt Festival, aka Brisbane Powerhouse's annual LGBTIQA+ celebration, playing a Queensland-exclusive show on the event's second evening. Melt 2022 will run from Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 27, with Ellis-Bextor doing the honours on Friday, November 11. And yes, you should now have her hit 'Murder on the Dancefloor' stuck in your head — and Spiller's 'Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)' as well. DJ, gonna burn this goddamn house right down indeed. That DJ will be Jodie Harsh, in fact, who'll be taking to the decks at the same gig. While most of the lineup compiled by festival curator — and writer, director and producer — Daniel Evans won't be announced until Tuesday, August 30, a few other big names have been revealed. Also heading to Melt is New Orleans' Big Freedia, who you'll know from Beyoncé's 'Formation' and 'Break My Soul'. In another Queensland-exclusive, she'll open this year's Melt on Thursday, November 10, with Kinder in support. Jesswar and JessB also headline one of the fest's big nights as well, teaming up on Friday, November 18. As for the rest of the program, Evans has teased neon chapels, dance halls, secret cinemas and making use of Brisbane Powerhouse's new Pleasuredome, an outdoor venue that's set to join the New Farm site. "MELT 2022 is an unabashed celebration where queer art, artists, allies, icons and ideas — drawn from throughout Brisbane, around the country and across the globe — congregate and combust in an abrupt explosion of joy, volition, love and (be)longing," said Evans. "From thumping club nights with global icons to tiny shimmering spectacles and crowd-sourced come-togethers, MELT 2022 continues Brisbane Powerhouse's legacy of curating surprising, radical and disruptive experiences." Melt Festival 2022 will run from Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 27 at Brisbane Powerhouse. First tickets are on sale via the fest's website now, with the full lineup to come on Tuesday, August 30 — we'll update you with the whole rundown then. Top image: Laura Lewis.
The beer world is filled with big names, heavy hitters and brands that you'll find almost anywhere around the globe. They're all well and good (and tasty), and everyone has heard of them. But, whether you're having a cold one after work or throwing back a few tins on a weekend, there's nothing quite like supporting a top-notch local brew. Perhaps it's the fact that the beer you're enjoying was made so close to home. Maybe it's the feeling of knowing that you're showing some love to folks in your own community. We think it's both, actually — because sipping and celebrating a top homegrown brew is one of life's small but still significant pleasures. As everyone across the state is well aware, Queensland has a healthy beer scene — and we're sure you're knocking back local brews rather often. Still, if you need a few pointers, or you're just keen to support nearby breweries every chance you get, we're here to help. We've teamed up with our pals at BWS to highlight five Queensland-based up-and-comers you should add to your must-drink list. And whether you already know and love them, or you're discovering them for the first time, you can also throw some extra support their way by voting for them to be stocked in more BWS stores across the state.
California's rich migrant history, sunny climate and abundance of world-class ingredients ensure restaurants, wineries, breweries, and food trucks deliver mouthwatering experiences. Dining should always be a major focus when exploring the globe, but California's sheer diversity in flavour and experience makes it the ideal choice for a food-focused road trip. With the help of Visit California, we've pulled together a list of top-notch venues across the state that are worth planning your trip around. [caption id="attachment_960067" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Morro Bay Harbour, credit Nature, food, landscape, travel via iStock[/caption] Fresh Seafood Galore in Northern California SeaQuake Brewing, Crescent City Drawing inspiration from Northern California's towering redwood forests and pristine coastline, SeaQuake Brewing in Crescent City, about 25 minutes south of the state line, showcases what the region's cuisine is all about. Alongside tasty options like woodfired pizza and grass-fed burgers, the brewery has a bunch of seafood to sample. Dive into the decadent mac 'n' cheese topped with blackened shrimp or see how US fish 'n' chips measures up — this version features local rockfish coated in blonde ale panko crumb, . Deciding on the perfect beverage can be a challenge with innovative brews and non-alcoholic kombuchas on offer — the latter has up to 14 rotating flavours, including chai, tart cherry and blood orange. [caption id="attachment_962314" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Larry Myhre via Flickr[/caption] Tavern 1888, Eureka Just over two hours south of Crescent City is Eureka, a port city renowned for its Victorian-era architecture. Here, you'll find Tavern 1888, a renowned restaurant near the waterfront named after the historic building it occupies. Despite this, the cuisine takes a forward-thinking perspective with Southern hints while a vibrant cocktail menu gives the place a dynamic lift. Uniting top-notch ingredients from across the region, the Humboldt Bay oysters and the seared scallops with pea puree highlight the quality of the nearby waters. Once dinner is complete, step into the Phatsy Kline's Parlor Lounge for colourful cocktails and live tunes. [caption id="attachment_961516" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dave Franklin via Flickr[/caption] The Wharf, Fort Bragg Three hours down the coast, perched on the edge of Noyo Harbour, The Wharf is a historic spot for lunch or dinner in Fort Bragg. Opened in the early 1950s as a coffee shop, it was the go-to spot for local anglers needing a caffeinated pick-me-up during a hard day's work. Today, not-too-different fishing vessels keep the restaurant topped up with fresh salmon, sea urchins, crabs and more. Swing by for tasty clam chowder or cioppino – a fish stew originating in San Francisco – accompanied by stellar views. [caption id="attachment_960345" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit California[/caption] Explore Californian Wine Country Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyard, Santa Barbara California is the home of winemaking in America, with the state responsible for more than 80 percent of the country's production. Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyard is an outstanding example of the state's expertise, based in the Santa Rosa Hills of Santa Barbara (two hours north of LA). There's a clear focus on pinot noir and chardonnay alongside syrah and grenache varieties. With a cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean sweeping through the surrounding mountains, Alma Rosa produces carefully balanced wines that reflect the mild climate and limits its releases to 300 or fewer cases. To sample some of these rare drops, catch an intimate on-site tasting in the estate's private ranch house. [caption id="attachment_961513" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Courtesy of Presqu'ile Winery[/caption] Presqu'ile Winery, Santa Maria Valley Thirty minutes away, immersed in the beautiful Santa Maria Valley, Presqu'ile Winery is a family-owned affair dedicated to cool-climate wines, such as pinot noir, chardonnay and syrah, with charming vines stretching across the bucolic property. Picture-perfect by design, the property was carefully conceived as a "tapestry of blocks", allowing for fascinating experimentation. Featuring modern-rustic architecture, the impressive on-site tasting room is complemented by experiences across the estate that range from bocce to horseback riding. [caption id="attachment_962584" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Vineyard & Winery[/caption] Jordan Winery, Healdsburg Founded in 1972, Jordan Winery's reputation has steadily grown to become one of the top wineries in California. And it's no surprise when you consider the scale and splendour of the place. Set on 1200 acres of picturesque rolling hills in Sonoma County (one hour north of San Francisco), around three-quarters of the property is dedicated to supporting natural habitats. This ecological philosophy extends to the winemaking operation with significant renewable energy and biodiversity efforts elevating the class-leading cabernet sauvignon and Burgundian-style chardonnay. [caption id="attachment_961520" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Theleming via Flickr[/caption] Try Top-Notch Cuisine in Southern California Cielito Lindo, Los Angeles Mexican roots run deep in California, and Cielito Lindo is central to bringing tacos to the US. This laid-back taco stand has been serving customers simple but delicious creations for generations, having occupied the same spot on Olvera Street in Downtown LA since it was first established by Aurora Guerrero in 1934. Times have changed, but the venue remains true to its humble origins, striving to keep prices low for its long-standing customers. Today, you can still get two beef taquitos with guacamole sauce for $6.50. Add sides like tamale and chile relleno to make each bite that much more special. [caption id="attachment_962709" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Courtesy of Visit Carlsbad[/caption] Campfire, Carlsbad Campfire brings all the smoke, warmth and good times from a weekend in the wilderness into the confines of an upscale restaurant in the coastal town of Carlsbad, near San Diego. The location tells the story — a wooden hut and a corrugated iron Quonset transformed into a contemporary eatery, where a hearty menu recalls the best of California's spirited terrain. The menu changes with the seasons, but almost every dish is woodfired or cooked over an open flame. Expect charred, seared and fermented creations alongside a surprising selection of vegan-friendly options. Close your eyes and you can just about hear and smell the campfire crackling in the night. [caption id="attachment_962295" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Courtesy of Lucha Libre Tacos[/caption] Lucha Libre Taco Shop, San Diego The love for lucha libre, aka Mexican wrestling, is obvious across southern California, with street corners adorned with colourful murals featuring masked wrestlers and arenas filled with fans for sold-out events. Founded in 2008 by brothers who grew up watching the sport, Lucha Libre Taco Shop pays homage to this vibrant culture across three San Diego locations — Mission Hills, North Park and Pacific Beach. The delicious tacos and burritos taste even better when surrounded by the over-the-top decor. Take things to the next level by booking the Champions Booth – a kitschy gold-plated corner – or wear a luchador mask to get a discount on your feast. Start planning your tour of California, America's ultimate playground, today. Header image: Visit California
"I'm still a flight attendant, and I've been making better choices." In the just-dropped trailer for The Flight Attendant's second season, they're some of the first words that Cassie Bowden (The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco) utters — at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Los Angeles, where she's moved after the dramas we all watched back in 2020. But no one ever thought that this pulpy thriller would come back and just give its protagonist a normal, average, uneventful life, so those opening moments of calm are short-lived, naturally. Cassie has picked up a part-time job, which she also tells her sober pals in LA about — but she doesn't mention that she's now moonlighting for the CIA. Yes, in its second batch of episodes, this airport novel-to-screen series is going full chaotic international espionage thriller. Expect to spy plenty of Berlin in the first sneak peek, too. This time around, Cassie is doing great things at both of her jobs — booze-free things, too — when she inadvertently witnesses a murder while on assignment for her side hustle overseas. Cue more country-hopping intrigue, with the show also filming in Reykjavik. Cue more of Cassie's inner monologues as well, even if she thinks she's seen the last of them with her last drink. Coming to Binge in Australia and streaming via Neon in NZ, The Flight Attendant has also unveiled its return date: in Australia, you can mark Thursday, April 21 in your diaries. Also new: cast members Mo McRae (Big Little Lies), Callie Hernandez (Under the Silver Lake), JJ Soria (Gentefied), Alanna Ubach (Euphoria), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Jessie Ennis (Mythic Quest), Mae Martin (Feel Good), Margaret Cho (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens), Santiago Cabrera (Ema), Sharon Stone (Ratched) and Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Expanse). They'll join Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominee Cuoco, obviously, plus returning co-stars Zosia Mamet (Girls), Griffin Matthews (Dear White People), Deniz Akdeniz (The High Note) and Rosie Perez (The Last Thing He Wanted). And if you're new to this small-screen adaptation of Chris Bohjalian's 2018 novel of the same name, the first season unravelled quite the twisty tale — starting high in the sky, bouncing around the globe and delivering a hectic murder-mystery. Quickly addictive, filled with sudden revelations and reversals, multiple points of interest playing out across a split-screen setup, and also sporting cliffhangers to end every episode, the slick, swift-moving series knew exactly the kind of story it was telling and went for broke. More is coming in season two, clearly. Check out the trailer for The Flight Attendant's second season below: The Flight Attendant's second season will be available to stream via Binge in Australia from Thursday, April 21 — and is headed to Neon in New Zealand. Read our full review of season one. Top image: HBO Max / Binge.
Everyone has something they collect – be it records, retro video games or vintage typewriters. For Brisbane resident Nicholas Inglis, his area of fascination is Hollywood memorabilia. Over nearly two decades, he has amassed an array of coveted items spanning from the 1920s to the 1960s. Now he's sharing them with the city. Inglis' extensive range includes movie costumes and associated paraphernalia worn by a parade of famous name including Julie Andrews, Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, Judy Garland, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Lana Turner and Barbra Streisand. Indeed, his collection is so large that the Museum of Brisbane’s Costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood exhibition is sourced solely from his private stores. In a Brisbane exclusive, the finery of film history is on display in Australia for the first time. Stepping into a time of unparalleled glitz and glamour, this sartorial celebration presents a carefully curated selection of nearly 70 costumes, dozens of accessories and props, and hundreds of photographs.
Every Brisbanite has spent a Sunday afternoon at Gerard's Bar at least once, sitting in the James Street spot's outdoor area and knocking back a few wines, beers or cocktails. So, no one really needs a new reason to repeat the feat; however, a Sunday shawarma party is as good an excuse as any. Kicking off at 2pm on Sunday, June 6, the event will feature a different type of shawarma each week — as paired with sumac spiced chips with tahini mayo. That combo will set you back $20. If you'd like to choose something from the limited meze lineup, and from the drinks menu as well, that'll cost you extra. Wondering what kinds of shawarma you might be tucking into? It's a sizeable list. Gerard's is planning to work through everything from brisket with muhammara pickled chilli and Hawaii chicken with toum and red onion to harissa pork neck with cabbage and labne to machoui lamb neck with cucumber and tabouli — and they're just some of the combos your tastebuds can look forward to.
Don't just smile and wave, musical fans. If you're fond of films turned into stage shows — animated hits making that leap, to be specific — then you'll want to scramble into the theatre to see the next smash-hit making its way around Australia. This time, a group of animals escape from their home in New York's Central Park Zoo, then find themselves washed ashore an island after a series of misadventures. Yes, it can only be Madagascar the Musical. Adapted from the 2005 DreamWorks animated movie, this production will start doing the rounds from December 2022 with all the bells and whistles of the international touring production. After runs in the UK and New Zealand, the show will bring the screen-to-stage story to life, supported by a lavish set, world-class puppets and colourful costumes. This'll be Madagascar the Musical's Australian debut, enjoying a two-week run from Friday, December 16–Sunday, January 1 at Sydney Coliseum Theatre to kick things off. Melbourne's Comedy Theatre will next do the honours from Wednesday, January 4–Sunday, January 15, 2023, then the Crown Theatre in Perth from Thursday, January 19–Thursday, January 26, 2023. Brisbane and Adelaide residents, fingers crossed it's your turn after that. If you've seen the film, which also sparked 2008 sequel Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, 2012's Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted and 2014 spinoff Penguins of Madagascar — as well as various TV shows and shorts, then this musical since 2018 — then you'l know the story. At the show's centre sits Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, Gloria the hippo and a gang of penguins, who find their zoo routines shaken up and then some. As set to an upbeat score featuring hits 'Copacabana', 'I Like to Move It', 'Best Friends' and 'Boogie Wonderland', this crew of critters leaves its comfortable zoo life behind, exploring the eponymous island ruled by King Julien. Hijinks ensue, as brought to the stage in the musical's Aussie run by a cast that includes Andrew Papas (ex-Titanium) as Alex the lion, Joe Kalou (The Book of Mormon, In the Heights, Wolf Like Me) as Marty, Moniquewa Williams as Gloria, Devon Neiman (The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil) as Melman and Jonathan Martin (the Pop Up Globe stage) as King Julien. MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL 2022–2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Friday, December 16, 2022–Sunday, January 1, 2023 — Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Sydney Wednesday, January 4–Sunday, January 15, 2023 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne Thursday, January 19–Thursday, January 26, 2023 — Crown Theatre, Perth Madagascar the Musical tours Australia from December 2022. For more information and tickets, head to the musical's website. Images: LK Creative.
There's never a bad time to drink gin. If you're a fan of juniper spirits, any day ending in 'y' is a great day for your favourite tipple. But Brisbane's annual Ginuary Festival picks one date on the calendar, pours plenty of the beverage in the spotlight and turns it into a celebration. In 2025, all that gin sipping is happening on Sunday, January 26. We recommend that you arrive thirsty, as always — and that you prepare for plenty of company. This shindig goes gin crazy and attracts a crowd. Covent Garden in West End is behind it, which is where the fest is being held this time around. Prepare to sip your way around eight gin degustation stations, at your choice of two sessions: from 12–3pm and 5–8pm. All samples are included in your ticket price, as are three hours of drinks, gluten-free canapes and live tunes. Also, you have options ticket-wise. A regular pass costs $99 and gets you access to the gin stations and their tastings. Or, go VIP from $119 for early entry (from either 11am or 4pm). While any fest can say cheers to gin just because, Ginuary is also counting down 2024's Hottest 100 Gins, as it does every year. Accordingly, whichever ticket you go for, you'll still get to enjoy the best juniper-fuelled Australian and New Zealand tipples. You can vote online in advance, then revel in the results live on the day.
In 2019, a horrible goose wandered around a quiet village, then chaos ensued — and instigating it became one of the most-entertaining ways to mash buttons. Untitled Goose Game first released in September that year. By the time 2020 hit, more than a million copies had been sold, getting folks controlling a pesky waterfowl with a penchant for trouble. That's honking phenomenal for an indie game out of Melbourne, and it's a feat that the city's Australian Centre for the Moving Image keeps celebrating. After giving Untitled Goose Game the live orchestral treatment back in 2022, the Aussie screen museum is now hosting a world-premiere exhibition dedicated to the title. Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition features different versions of the game from its various development stages that you can play, plus sketches, concept art and design material for attendees to check out. It's going to be a lovely five months in Federation Square from Tuesday, September 17, 2024–Sunday, February 16, 2025, and you'll be an adoring Untitled Goose Game fan. Sorry Mario Kart. Move over Tetris. Forget Wii Sports, Pokémon Go, Street Fighter or whatever other title first springs to mind whenever you think about video games. They're all well and good, but they aren't taking over ACMI like this homegrown hit from House House. If you're new to Untitled Goose Game, it's a puzzle game — and, yes, it's about a goose. You play as the bird, and your aim is to move objects and other characters, and just generally cause mayhem in a small village. No description can really do it justice, though; you just need to play it. While the game has filled oh-so-many hours over the past few years, and gotten its ARIA-nominated original soundtrack by Dan Golding stuck in everyone's heads, Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition isn't just for diehard gamers. No matter if you know every inch of the game or you're only hearing about it now, you'll be plunged into its world in an interactive showcase that's designed to get you playing. How slapstick factors in, plus the form of comedy's history, is also a big feature. We don't expect that running off with keys, socks, glasses, radios and the like will be a part of it, however.
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — The Foundry's Christmas shindig will indulge both your retro and your festive urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion: expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s Xmas Party from 11.30pm on Saturday, December 21. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of things is covered, and to get into the spirit of the season. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect Mimi's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' to get a whirl, obviously, but expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. Entry costs $10 on the door, with the fun running through until 3am.
Brisbane, it's time to get the word "Jellicle" stuck in your head — again. To mark 40 years since it first hit the stage in Australia, Cats announced in 2024 that it would perform a new season Down Under from 2025. Originally the show was just headed to Sydney, but the feline-fancying experience has been adding stops elsewhere around the country. After it stops in Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne, then, it'll make its way to Brisbane. Back in July 1985, Aussie audiences initially experienced Andrew Lloyd Webber's acclaimed production, which turned a tale inspired by poems from TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats into an award-winning theatre hit. The place: Sydney, aka where Cats is playing again from June 2025. Brisbane's turn comes from February 2026, at QPAC's Lyric Theatre. "Cats is a legendary show that I've admired for over 40 years. A sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse, it was revolutionary when it first opened and enticed new audiences into the world of musical theatre," said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live about the new Aussie performances. "I'm thrilled to bring the original production of Cats back to Australia to celebrate its 40th anniversary, and I know Brisbane audiences will love to revisit one of their favourite shows. Australia has an enduring love for Cats and it's time to let the memory live again." If you're new to Cats, it spends its time with the Jellicle cat tribe on the night of the Jellicle Ball. That's the evening each year when their leader Old Deuteronomy picks who'll be reborn into a new Jellicle life by making the Jellicle choice. And yes, "Jellicle" is uttered frequently. Of late, audiences might be more familiar with Cats as a movie. In 2019, the musical made the leap from stage to screen with a star-studded cast including Idris Elba (Hijack), Taylor Swift (Amsterdam), Judi Dench (Belfast), Ian McKellen, (The Critic) James Corden, (Mammals) Jennifer Hudson (Respect), Jason Derulo (Lethal Weapon), Ray Winstone (Damsel) and Rebel Wilson (The Almond and the Seahorse) playing singing, scurrying street mousers. If you ever wanted to see Swift pouring cat nip on a crowd of cats from a suspended gold moon, or were keen to soothe your disappointment over the fact that Elba hasn't yet been James Bond by spotting him with whiskers, fur and a tail, this was your chance. For its efforts, the Tom Hooper (The Danish Girl)-directed film picked up six Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture. But while the movie clearly didn't hit the mark, you can see why this feline-fancying musical has been such a huge theatre hit when it makes its Brisbane stage comeback. Cats 2025–26 Australian Tour From Tuesday, June 17, 2025 — Theatre Royal Sydney From Saturday, September 20, 2025 — Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide From Saturday, November 8, 2025 — Crown Theatre, Perth From Sunday, December 21, 2025 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne From February 2026 — Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane Cats is touring Australia from June 2025, with its Brisbane season kicking off in February 2026. Head to the musical's website to further details and to sign up for the Brisbane ticket waitlist. Images: Alessandro Pinna / international tour company in Xiadong.
When Meryl Streep joined the cast of Only Murders in the Building, whether she'd prove a hit in the murder-mystery comedy was hardly a puzzle to solve. Indeed, the acclaimed actor slipped right into the show's third season like she'd always been there. And, she's coming back in season four to do it all again. Only Murders in the Building was renewed for its fourth season back in late 2023, and now casting details are being revealed. Yes, Selena Gomez (The Dead Don't Die) is back as Mabel Mora, as are Martin Short (Schmigadoon!) as Oliver Putnam and Steve Martin (It's Complicated) as Charles-Haden Savage. As just announced, so is Streep (Don't Look Up), while Saturday Night Live great Molly Shannon is also joining the series as well. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Streep and Shannon will have recurring roles in the new season, which will start with its main trio enjoying a trip to Los Angeles. But they're not leaving The Arconia, the show's main setting, behind. There's already been a fourth murder there at the end of last batch of episodes, giving the crew something to investigate after 2021's season one (aka one of the best new shows of that year), 2022's season two (aka one of the best returning shows of that year, too) and 2023's season three (again, one of that year's best returning efforts). The series started with three residents of the same New York apartment building crossing paths after a murder in their building — hence the title — then bonding over true-crime podcasts. Next, they did what everyone that's jumped on that bandwagon knows they would if they were ever in the same situation, starting their own audio series that's also called Only Murders in the Building. That's how season one kicked off — and continued, proving a warm, funny, smart and savvy series at every step along the way. In the show's second season, another death needed looking into. That time, it was someone the main trio were all known not to be that fond of, so suspicions kept pointing in their direction. Indeed, every season, another death has given aspiring artist Mabel, Broadway producer Oliver and actor Charles-Haden another case to dive into. In season three, that involved discovering who caused actor Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem) to shuffle off this mortal coil at the opening night of Oliver's latest show. Streep plays Loretta Durkin, another thespian, who scored her big theatre break in the same production in season three — and became a love interest for Oliver. Shannon (The Other Two) will play an LA businesswoman who gets drawn into season four's mystery, Variety reports. There's no sneak peek at season four as yet, but you can check out the full trailer for Only Murders in the Building season three below: Only Murders in the Building streams Down Under via Star on Disney+. Read our reviews of season one, season two and season three. Images: Hulu. Via The Hollywood Reporter / Variety.
Prepare to feel stressed, movie lovers. Prepare to be plunged into an on-screen nightmare, too. That's Ari Aster's gambit, as the US filmmaker demonstrated with two of the eeriest, creepiest movies of the past five years: 2018's Hereditary and 2019's Midsommar. So, of course the trailer for his long-awaited new flick Beau Is Afraid is unsettling. In fact, it'd probably be even more distressing if it wasn't. Move over Toni Collette and Florence Pugh — this time, Joaquin Phoenix is getting the disquieting works thrown at him, in the actor's second film since picking up an Oscar for Joker. He plays the eponymous Beau, who just wants to go home to see his mother when the just-dropped trailer for the April-releasing movie starts. Then he gets run over by a woman and shackled with an ankle monitor by a doctor (aka Only Murders in the Building costars Amy Ryan and Nathan Lane). The latest US release by adored studio A24, which is currently even more abuzz after Everything Everywhere All At Once's Golden Globes wins, Beau Is Afraid doesn't saddle its namesake with hauntings and cults. Its trailer isn't as grimly dark as Hereditary, either, or a sunshine-filled daylight horror show like Midsommar. But it does paint a picture of Beau as a lonely, paranoid man — his phone's recent-call list is heavy on chats with his mum, therapist, landlady and pharmacy — dreaming about past family holidays, popping medication, and eating Hawaiian and Ireland-themed TV dinners before he ends up being held hostage. Once again, Aster writes and directs, with viewers able to see the end result in April — with the US getting an April 21 release date, and Down Under distributor Roadshow locking in an April 20 date. Also part of Beau Is Afraid's first trailer: an epic journey, multiple versions of Beau, whimsical dreamscapes and Beau not having any idea what's going on. And, also among the cast: Patti LuPone (American Horror Story), Denis Ménochet (The French Dispatch), Kylie Rogers (Yellowstone), Parker Posey (The Staircase), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Causeway), Hayley Squires (The Essex Serpent), Michael Gandolfini (The Many Saints of Newark), Zoe Lister-Jones (How It Ends) and Richard Kind (The Watcher). Check out the trailer for Beau Is Afraid below: Beau Is Afraid opens in cinemas Down Under on April 20.
The eye and the brain are incredibly powerful organs through which humans receive and process a large proportion of their sensory information. What we see every second of everyday helps shapes our understanding of almost every aspect of our lives. And our brains develop certain expectations about objects based on a long history of experience. However, sometimes optical illusions can challenge our pre-conceived ideas of structures and confound both our eyes and brains. Through clever deceptive techniques, artists and architects can create buildings that elude our basic understanding of how constructions are made and what they include. Here are nine bewildering optical illusions sure to confuse and amaze and challenge your conceptions of architecture. Warped Building This apartment building is your average apartment block...with a twist. A fairly large, warped twist. The unique structure is situated in the Czech Republic's capital city, Prague, and has picturesque views overlooking the River Vitara. El Grifo Magico Appearing to defy gravity and perform some magical feat, this 'floating tap' seems to be pouring an endless supply of water from its vantage point of mid-air suspension. Even though a magician should never reveal their secrets (and stop reading now if you would like the magic to remain), it has been revealed that a pipe hidden by the water actually holds the structure up. Upside Down House Spider-man? Gravity-defying shoes? Talented acrobats? No, it's another awe-inspiring architectural design that tricks and boggles the mind. This unorthodox house has everything upside down and back to front - literally. Trompe-l'eoil Ever after looking at this image several times, it is still impossible to fathom the appearance of this melting building, closer resembling a time warp than an apartment block. In actual fact, this image actually depicts a painting, but even then it succeeds in confounding the brain.The image uses the french art technique of tromp-l'eoil, which attempts to make 2D images appear like 3D optical illusions that really exist. One-walled House History has taught us to understand a house as a building comprising of at least four walls, a roof and a door. However, in Odessa, Ukraine, they have challenges this perception by creating a disconcerting house, which from the front appears orthodox, but when viewed from the side reveals only a single walled-building. Cafe Wall Illusion In 1979 a cafe was erected in Bristol, England, with a perplexing exterior that confused and bemused, and which continues to do so into the present day. A variant of the Münsterberg shifted chessboard illusion, this tessellating pattern uses light and alternating bricks of black and white to make the parallel and even lines appear to be sloped. All the line are actually horizontal and all the levels of the building perfectly equal in size. Bâtiment Another building which seems to flout all logical laws of gravity is the artist Leandro Ehrlich's mirrored art installation for the 'In Perceptions' exhibition in Paris. Whilst people appear to be casually hanging from 3-storey balconies or chilling whilst suspended horizontally to the wall, this trickery is actually a result of a mirrored painting of a building on the ground. 3D Lichtenstein House The top image gives the impression of a quaint and colourful little house that would be fitting within the setting of a fairytale story. The second picture, however, reveals its highly deceptive nature. Cleverly using only two walls placed at specific angles, when viewed at from a particular viewpoint, this house appears to be a complete 4-walled building. Sinking House Another sneaky illusion using angles, the top picture of this house depicts a building seemingly falling into the depths of the Earth. Yet when righted, the correct angle of the house demonstrates a perfectly average home located on the slope of a hill.
Two super-talented ladies are putting on a pretty spectacular show this Thursday at Jamie's Espresso Bar. Kool Thing and Junky have combined their artistic powers to create their first ever joint exhibition. The girls have both left the daily grind of the 9-5 in favour of a paint brush and the art scene couldn't be happier. While they both favour colour and vivid imagery, their styles are worlds apart. Junky's sass oozes onto her artwork and her bold cartoon-esque style is full of life. Kool Thing has a thing for pet portraits and one of her dreamy mural's is also featured on the wall of South Brisbane cafe, Two Trees. Both girls have their work splashed across cafe walls, galleries, bars and brightening up people's homes. Become lost in the colour and surprise of their world. In the mean time, whet your appetite with a taste of Kool Thing and Junky's styles.
