In wrestling – of the competitive rather than staged variety – combatants trade in proximity, physicality and supremacy. They come in close, sizing up each other’s strengths through grabbing and grappling, and then exploiting weaknesses for their own glory. Sudden moves may be made, but little happens quickly. It takes time to push and shove into positions of power, and to feel out avenues for domination. Telling a tale of violence and sought-after victory that can only be ripped from reality, Foxcatcher mimics the sport at its centre, progressing slowly yet never relenting from its atmosphere of tension. Three men jostle for the spotlight: the Olympic Gold medal-winning Schultz brothers Mark (Channing Tatum) and Dave (Mark Ruffalo), and wealthy and eccentric wrestling aficionado John E. du Pont (Steve Carell). Though both siblings shared success at the Los Angeles games in 1984, the awkward, lonely Mark remains in the shadow of charismatic family man Dave, their training sessions the highlights of his daily routine. Du Pont’s unexpected offer to finance his – and the American wrestling team’s – repeat shot at the top spot is the opportunity Mark has been waiting for, but his second chance serves his benefactor’s ego, not his own dreams. As Dave asks when Mark tries to convince him to come along at du Pont’s urging, “What does he get out of all this?” The outcome is the stuff crime reenactments are made of; however, 2014 Cannes Film Festival best director recipient Bennett Miller heightens the simmering anxiety of clashing personalities and motivations over the sensationalist result. Those familiar with the filmmaker’s previous two efforts, fellow true crime feature Capote and the baseball-oriented Moneyball, will be well versed in his approach. Once more, Miller’s film is studied and sparse on the surface but explosive underneath; inspired by history but unafraid to shape events to fit its own statement on masculinity, capitalism and America; and coloured by the purposefully unsettling shades of a chilly, blue visual look. Patient pacing — particularly in long shots framing each of the trio against the surroundings of busy training room, claustrophobic apartment and expansive country estate — allows the pressure to build, though what really blossoms is the Foxcatcher’s troika of obsession and aggression-laced character studies. Details are drip-fed horror-style, not only in the script’s unraveling of psychological unease, but in the intensity of the performances. With Oscar nominations apiece, Carell and Ruffalo command attention, albeit in vastly different ways. The affectations of the former, perfecting the control of the privileged yet paranoid, clash with the naturalistic caution of the ever-agreeable latter. It is Tatum, however, who steals every scene, lumbering, vulnerable, and always with the air of the loser even when Schultz is winning. His character might be an innocent initially easily manipulated, but his layered, internalised portrayal ascends to the apex of the against-type cast. Perhaps it is fitting that he has been eclipsed in the awards chatter — overlooked once again as life imitates art depicting real-life circumstances.
Britain's two Queen Elizabeths have enjoyed their fair share of film and TV depictions, aided by Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Margot Robbie, Helen Mirren, Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton and more — to name just a few — but they're not the only royals of that first name to grace the screen. While the spelling differs slightly and she's played as more of a Diana-style people's princess in her latest stint in cinemas, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (also Queen of Hungary) has received several celluloid and pixel resurrections of her own. Corsage ranks among the best of them, as famed as Austria's Sissi films from the 50s are and as recently as Netflix's The Empress hit streaming, in no small part due to two other outstanding women. One is Luxembourgish actor Vicky Krieps (Bergman Island), who is shrewd, wry and wily as the Bavarian-born wife to Emperor Franz Joseph I. The other is Austrian writer/director Marie Kreutzer (The Ground Beneath My Feet), whose handsomely staged and smartly anachronistic feature is no mere dutiful biopic. Corsage's lead casting is the dream it instantly seems on paper; if you're wondering why, see: Krieps' scene-stealing work opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in 2017's Phantom Thread. Here, she's been earning deserved awards — the Best Performance prize in the 2022 Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section among them — for a portrayal that never feels like she's stepping into someone else's shoes or jumping back to the past for a part. Krieps is, naturally. Also, given that Sissi lived between 1837–1898, viewers have no way of knowing how close this characterisation is. But Krieps' fierce, dynamic and layered performance goes far further than easy impersonation, or providing a period-appropriate rendering of the Empress based on how history dictates that women of the era behaved (or what flicks set then or focusing on regal women back then have served up before). Corsage is a portrait of a lady, after all, and not of a time. There's nothing old-fashioned about Sissi in Krieps and Kreutzer's hands, although the predicament she's in when Corsage kicks off wouldn't have been new in her day: approaching a big midlife milestone birthday and feeling agitated about it. "At the age of 40, a person begins to disperse and fade," the Empress herself offers. It's 1877, her then 23-year marriage to Franz Josef (Florian Teichtmeister, Vienna Blood) is no longer lit by sparks, her young daughter Valerie (first-timer Rosa Hajjaj) disapproves of her every move, and much attention — her own and beyond — is upon her appearance. So, she flits restlessly. She can travel, circling around Europe. She can ride, exercise, pal around with friends and reconnect with old lovers. She can enjoy the company of men such as Louis Le Prince (Finnegan Oldfield, Final Cut), who directs his motion-picture camera her way, and horseman Bay Middleton (Colin Morgan, Belfast). She can play the starlet part, but also seethe with frustration about the largely decorative nature of her position. Some of the above genuinely happened. Some of it didn't. The same applies to other aspects of Kreutzer's narrative from start to finish. Fidelity to facts isn't Corsage's primary or even secondary concern, refreshingly so. Also, the film doesn't bother itself with the notorious end to her son's story, with Crown Prince Rudolf taking his own life in a suicide pact. He's still in the movie (as portrayed by Aaron Friesz, Freud), but his tale isn't his mother's. Endeavouring to set a historical figure free from their corset — which is what corsage means in French, not flowers for a formal occasion as the term refers to in English — this flick isn't bound by accuracy or the lives of others. Sissi was bound enough anyway and not just by bodices cinching in her waist down to 19.5-inches and less, as Corsage finds ample ways to make plain. In too many situations and for far too long, to be a woman is to be the subject of scrutiny — and doesn't Corsage know it. Sissi's roles as a wife, mother, Empress and representative of her countries are the source of constant fixation from all and sundry, with nothing ever pleasing everyone or even anyone much. Her exterior earns the same public obsession. The fact that she shares it is both an indictment of the ridiculous pressure she's subjected to and, in the complicated way of disordered eating, a bid for control. Corsage isn't here to simply spin woe, however. It's too playful and subversive for that. What it recognises again and again is how little agency Sissi had, how she was constantly defined by how she looked, and how one might process, cope with and rally against that truth. A haircut isn't just a haircut here, for instance, but an act of release and rebellion that also inspires tears among her attendants. Against restrained period fare and reverent on-screen biographies, Corsage is an act of rebellion, too. It isn't quite Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette nor Pablo Larraín's Spencer, but belongs in the middle of the pair. Accordingly, cue the flouting of 19th-century-only sights and sounds, plus a firm focus on conveying Sissi's inner state with every tool at the picture's disposal. Visually, Kreutzer and cinematographer Judith Kaufmann (The Audition) let modern details remain among the movie's settings — doors, lights, powerpoints, mops and more. On the soundtrack, French singer Camille of 'Ta Douleur' fame gets poppy, and covers of Kris Kristofferson's 'Help Me Make It Through the Night' and The Rolling Stones' 'As Tears Go By' get a workout. This tale is timeless, Kreutzer emphasises. The Empress' stresses, sadness, struggles and spirit are as well, her film continues. Corsage's point of interest is Kreutzer's familiar point of interest: women just wanting to be who they are but constrained by society's rules and expectations. 2019's The Ground Beneath My Feet and 2016's Krieps-starring We Used to Be Cool before that don't toy with real-life figures, but they unpack the same idea. That's an age-old reality, Corsage also reinforces, whether it's sticking close to its star's face, sometimes beneath striking face veils; surveying the punishing act of dressing as an Empress again and again; or stepping back to take in her lavish attire and surroundings, seeing what the world around her sees. Then, when this perceptive treasure comes to its inventive end, it's with an utterly unforgettable reimagining — which, yes, is this feature from the get-go.
Boasting first-class wineries, coastline, bushland and surf beaches, Margaret River has more than earned its reputation as one of Australia's most beautiful places to explore. It's a region where you can go mountain biking along twisty old logging tracks, seek out Australia's megafauna fossils at Mammoth Cave and visit Busselton's eight-metre-deep Underwater Observatory — all in one action-packed day, should you choose. If it gets too much or you're due a little 'me time', Margaret River has just as much to offer those who want to wind down and experience some of the finer things in life. From sampling wines at one of the oldest wineries in the area to sitting in natural spas or simply watching a beautiful sunset over the ocean, the region has no shortage of bounties in the self-care department. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are some restrictions on where you can go on a holiday. But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_720253" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] WATCH THE SUNSET AT SURFERS POINT A ten-minute drive from the main town of Margaret River, Surfers Point in Prevelly is one of the best surf beaches in Australia. But it's not only the waves that draw people to its white shores; well equipped with viewing platforms and benches, Surfers Point is also one of the best spots around for admiring the stunning pinks, oranges and reds of a sunset over the ocean. For those who want next-level sensory delights, pack a picnic basket with local wine and cheese to enjoy while you take in the views. Trust us, you won't regret it. [caption id="attachment_720296" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jarrad Seng[/caption] VISIT THE INJIDUP NATURAL SPA Nothing says serenity more than a secret natural spa. Found at the end of an unmarked gravel path, near the car park at the end of Wyadup Road in Yallingup, Injidup (or Wyadup) Spa is a natural rock pool with amazingly clear water that bubbles up like a jacuzzi as waves from the ocean are pushed through the crevasse. Now that the word is out, it's not quite the secluded spot it used to be, but if laying your tired body against warm rocks while water foams and flows around you is appealing, it's worth a visit. TREAT YOURSELF TO A MASSAGE AT BODHI J Nestled in the cliffs above Injidup Beach and offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean is Bodhi J at Injidup Spa Retreat. Treatments range from body wraps to mineral facials and spa baths, but the Li'Tya Marta Kodo rock massage is a signature. Inspired by Aboriginal Australian techniques for realigning energy flow, the massage includes applying hot stones to your body's pressure points in a rhythmic massage that'll have you feeling so boneless you'll be floating on air long after it's over. STAY IN A LUXURY VILLA WITH YOUR OWN PRIVATE SPA AT THE LOSARI RETREAT Fancy being surrounded by 100-year-old peppermint trees while you sip champagne in a hot tub overlooking a pristine lake? Then the Losari Retreat is the place for you. Set on 26 hectares of lush greenery, the boutique hotel is only an eight-minute drive from the Margaret River town centre but makes you feel transported to a secret country escape much farther away. The four limestone villas each have their own private outdoor spaces with spa baths, as well as cosy lounge areas and fireplaces that are perfect for when the weather gets a little cooler. And, as if that wasn't enough, there are also in-villa spa treatments and massages for when you really need pampering. HIKE A PORTION OF THE FAMOUS CAPE TO CAPE TRACK White sand beaches, clear blue waters, rugged cliffs — Margaret River is filled with show-stopping scenery, and there's no better way to enjoy it than by hiking a portion of the famous Cape to Cape Track on one of Walk into Luxury's guided tours. Along the way, you'll explore the likes of surfer favourite Redgate Beach, bash through Boranup Karri Forest bush and witness spectacular ocean views at Canal Rocks. Once you've satisfied your sense of adventure, it's time to do the same for your appetite, via gourmet platters, lunch hampers and a particularly indulgent midday meal at Vasse Felix, Margaret River's first vineyard and winery. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Injidup Spa Retreat.
Martha Marcy May Marlene is a moving psychological thriller detailing the plight of Martha (Elizabeth Olson), who has recently spent two years living with an abusive cult and its deceivingly charming leader (John Hawkes). After her escape, she reunites with her sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy). She attempts to mould her life back to routine, yet is unwilling to divulge details of her mysterious and lengthy disappearance. Despite her family's concerns and inquiries, Martha's history is still kept hidden in darkness and the film pivots around the haunting memories of her ordeal. When such memories begin to fuel her paranoia and the fear that she may be recaptured, Martha becomes a victim of her past as her concept of reality becomes distorted with immense vigour. A dark and magnetic exploration of human consciousness, Martha Marcy May Marlene exposes the unturned side of humanity that we fear to recognise. The film is directed and written by Sean Durkin, who won the esteemed award for "Best Director" at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011, and opens in cinemas February 2. Courtesy of Fox Searchlight, Concrete Playground has twenty double passes to giveaway. To win tickets to Martha Marcy May Marlene, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au by 5pm on Friday, January 21. https://youtube.com/watch?v=KFu-zcQ7Mh4
A decade ago, the co-founders of The Commons co-working space, Cliff Ho and Tom Ye, saw the writing on the wall. The way we worked was changing. From tech start-ups scaling with nimble teams to the beginnings of the booming content creation industry, the 2020s have revealed that more people are craving autonomy over their work days. Fast forward to 2026, and The Commons isn't just a co-working space with 19 locations, but a representation of the way we work today. From exercise and wellbeing to aligned work and socialising with ease, The Commons helps to blend it all seamlessly. At the two new Melbourne health clubs in Richmond and South Yarra, members can enjoy yoga and reformer pilates at 7am, a warm-down in the Bathhouse, followed by a 9am meeting in the cafe over coffee (or a healthy smoothie), and work in The Commons' meeting rooms. Other locations, such as The Commons in Martin Place and Collins Street offer a wine bar that pours signature cocktails and local drops, making it easy to transition from work to off-the-clock socialising. "People aren't coming in five days a week, and they're not coming in just to sit at a desk. They're using the space more intentionally, for collaboration, for connection, for meetings, and for moments where being around others adds real value," says The Commons' Head of Marketing Angelique Musico. The collaboration doesn't only exist through work but also The Commons' weekly events planned by the staff. This includes meditation, spritz afternoons, and team coffee runs to a local cafe. Each fosters a sense of community and a broader shift in the way people want to work in the 2020s and beyond. [caption id="attachment_1087710" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Commons Castlereagh[/caption] Design-Forward Spaces As more people start their own businesses or work for themselves, it's easy to simply log in from the comfort of your home. But, The Commons' spaces are also focused on design. "Design underpins everything," says Angelique. The locations across Melbourne and Sydney take inspiration from the places people already love but may not associate with the traditional office. "The Commons atmosphere is inspired by places you'd naturally want to spend time in outside of work, like your local cafe, wine bar, bookstore or art gallery. It's a design intent that really resonates with creatives and start-ups." [caption id="attachment_1087711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Commons Martin Place[/caption] The brand also works with the existing elements of a space's legacy. For example, in Collins Street, the former ANZ bank vault has been transformed into a sensory meditation space, complete with the building's metal door. The team has worked with renowned local design studios, including Flack Studio, DesignOffice, and Foolscap, to ensure each space has its own identity. "We believe workspaces should feel closer to hospitality environments: beautifully designed, welcoming and social," says Angelique. "When people enjoy being somewhere, the quality of work and collaboration naturally improve." This is also reflected in the spaces "third spaces", AKA, golf simulators, bowling alleys and massage chairs. Beyond the atmosphere and interior design, the spaces are literally designed for collaborative work. "The spaces are designed for people who value a workplace they can identify with and feel energised in, spaces where you can quickly jump on a large comfy couch for a brainstorm or step out for a coffee meeting at a moment's notice." Ultimately, The Commons' success lies in its holistic experience that reflects how people and businesses are working and building through the late 2020s. [caption id="attachment_1087708" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Commons Collins Street[/caption] The Natural Evolution The Commons recently stepped into a new era. Inspired by the post-COVID wellness and bathhouse movements, The Commons Health Clubs in Melbourne's Richmond and South Yarra are a natural extension of the company's holistic experience. Featuring a state-of-the-art gym, studio classes including reformer pilates, and a luxe bathhouse, sauna and red light therapy room, The Commons Health Club is redefining wellness and work in Australia. It was also born from being highly tuned to what its members needed day-to-day. "Many members were leaving the building to go to the gym or attend fitness classes. Work and wellness were already part of the same daily routine, they were just happening in different places," says Angelique. [caption id="attachment_1079582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Commons Health Club Richmond[/caption] The question became: what if the building supported that rhythm instead of interrupting it? "Our first integrated health club in Richmond, and our upcoming second health club in South Yarra, bring wellbeing into the everyday experience of work, creating a more complete routine where work sits alongside life. It's based on our belief that we do our best work when we're well." [caption id="attachment_1073141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Commons Health Club Richmond[/caption] As our idea of work and work-life balance continues to evolve, The Commons aims to push beyond traditional (and often rigid) boundaries. From design-forward layouts, central locations, useful amenities, and an atmosphere that fosters a sense of community, The Commons' success comes down to creating spaces where work, connection and wellbeing coexist with ease. Schedule a tour to experience The Commons Health Club.
A shiny gold $2 coin doesn't buy much in 2024, but it'll get you a day of splashing around, cooling down and enjoying a swim when summer arrives in Brisbane. From December 2023–February 2024, Brisbane City Council introduced the $2 Summer Dips initiative, which cut the entry cost into the River City's public pools to a discounted price. As promised earlier this year, the scheme is returning for the summer of 2024–25. In a sultry locale such as Brisbane, a place where winter weather lasts for approximately a week each year, letting everyone take a soak in public pools for less than the cost of a coffee — less than the cost of almost everything — was always going to be a success. During $2 Summer Dips' debut season, more than 660,000 Brisbanites took advantage of it, with over 88,000 of those folks heading to Newmarket's pool alone — increasing its summer attendance by 85 percent from 2022–23. [caption id="attachment_943868" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cieran Murphy[/caption] The initiative will again run for the entire three months of summer, so from Sunday, December 1, 2024–Friday, February 28, 2025, slashing the entry fee at all 22 of Brisbane City Council's public pools. Love swimming laps? Prefer a leisurely wade as your favourite way to cool down? Does nothing could say summer to you quite like hanging out poolside? Whichever category fits, you'll be able to live the pool life for cheap once more. And yes, having a splash will only cost you $2, with that discounted price applying to everyone, adults and kids alike. The reduced rate covers every single day across the period, including all of the Christmas and New Year public holidays. [caption id="attachment_904761" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] There's no other catches — including no limit on how many times you can take advantage of the deal. Fancy going for a swim at your local every day during summer? Working your way around Brisbane's public pools, diving into a different one daily? Both are options. Across the summer of 2023–24, Jindalee, Carole Park and the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre also saw a doubling of attendance rates — and entry numbers across the full 22 pools overall doubled in the month of December alone. [caption id="attachment_904760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] Brisbane City Council's public pools include Centenary Pool, Spring Hill Baths and the Valley Pool, plus Musgrave Park Swimming Centre, the Colmslie Aquatic Centre in Morningside, Ithaca Pool in Paddington, Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool in Corinda and Hibiscus Sports Complex Pool in Upper Mount Gravatt. Chermside Pool, Bellbowrie Pool and Manly Pool are all covered as well, as are Yeronga Park Memorial Swimming Pool, Mt Gravatt East Swimming Pool and Sandgate Aquatic Centre — and more. [caption id="attachment_973605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Robert McPherson_Wikimedia Commons[/caption] [caption id="attachment_777649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] [caption id="attachment_741063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cieran Murphy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_777652" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] [caption id="attachment_777650" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] Brisbane City Council's $2 Summer Dips program returns from Sunday, December 1, 2024–Friday, February 28, 2025. To find out more, head to the council website — and to find your closest public pool, also head to the council website. Check out our list of the best outdoor swimming pools in Brisbane for 2024.
Socials have been abuzz for the past couple of weeks with the news that KFC, one of the most hallowed fast food institutions, is hosting an 11-course degustation dinner in collaboration with Surry Hills fine diner Nel. In the two weeks after the news broke, more than 24,000 hungry and curious Sydneysiders added their name to a lottery, in the hopes of scoring an elusive seat at the three-night dinner series. I was lucky enough to score an invite to the media preview for a first peek at the mad scientist-like creations of celebrated chef Nelly Robinson. Here's everything that happened. THE VIBE The dinner takes place in an airy warehouse space at the end of an unmarked Alexandria alleyway, at the entrance to which lies the most unobtrusive of red carpets. Already this isn't feeling like a typical dinner. Once inside, there's free-flowing pre-dinner sparkling in a staging area that is dominated by what your correspondent thought was a fluffy cloud hanging over the bar. Then it's pointed out to me that I'm looking at it from the wrong angle. It turns out that the focal point of the room is, in fact, an illuminated cloud that takes the unmistakable form of a KFC drumstick, because of course it is. We soon move into the spacious, elegant dining room, which is all dark tones and understated pendant lighting. Once seated, a candle is brought to the table, lit and glasses are topped up. It's showtime. THE FOOD Eleven courses of KFC with a wine pairing to boot? Challenge accepted. Course One: You Call That a Burger? This KFC burger-inspired take on Nel's signature savoury marshmallow is a mind-boggling delight. It's light, it's fluffy, it nearly falls apart in your fingers and immediately disintegrates on contact with your tongue — but it also hits the sweet, salty, umami notes of a burger. Course Two: Zinger Katsu Who would have ever thought that a micro Zinger could be so satisfying? But enough about my last Grindr date. Course two of this KFC feast is an immediate hit at the table, a two-bite appetiser featuring a finger-sized Zinger patty on a pillowy oblong of deep-fried potato finished in katsu jus, and then topped with a drizzle of curry mayo and a dusting of dill. I would very much like this in burger form. Course Three: Supercharged Wings Wicked wings, but light them on fire. Perfectly crunchy and juicy wings are presented on a bed of charcoal sticks that are lit on fire at the table — because who doesn't love dinner and a show — which makes them about 15 percent better than a normal KFC wing. Course Four: Potato and Gravy Remember that candle I mentioned earlier? By the time our beautifully brown, perfectly spherical potato buns are placed on the table after the amuses-bouche are cleared, the candle has melted. No, it's not a cheapo that couldn't even last until mains, but in fact made of KFC chicken fat (what else) which, now completely liquefied, is garnished at the table with a couple of rounds of gravy and into which the potato buns can be dipped. And they are. Liberally. Course Five: Zinger Kingfish The first of the mains is, in the very best way, an absolute mindfuck. Slightly torched kingfish is coated in a crumb of the eleven secret herbs and spices and served on a bed of ever-so-smoky yoghurt slaw — itself an elegant take on the classic KFC side. Though it could have very well been actual KFC coleslaw. At this stage up was down and left was right. In introducing the dish, Robinson told us that there was some resistance from team KFC around putting fish on the menu, but he stuck to his guns and the menu is all the better for him having done so. Course Six: Tongue Twister/Twister Sister I still remember when the Twister was launched. Wraps were having a moment thanks to the Atkins diet and variations incarnations thereof (the 90s were truly wild) and it was like Christmas had come early for this chunky, primary school-aged kid who could not get enough fried chicken. Any excitement I might have had about lower-carb KFC was quickly dashed, however, when my first (and to-date only) Twister led to a bout of gastro... So when I discover that the second main course of the evening was a two-part take on the KFC wrap, I'm a little sceptical. That is, until I see the Colonel's face on a plate — or at least a colourful interpretation of it made of emulsified fried chicken, lettuce, tomato and pepper mayo. Our task: pick up the plate and lick the Colonel right off it. Not in a million years did I ever think I'd be tonguing old mate Sanders, but now that I've had a chicken fat candle and KF-fish, I guess the rulebook is out the window. To accompany this surprisingly sensuous dish comes a jazzed-up take on a Twister in the form of a fried chicken taco on a soft spinach tortilla and finished with lettuce, pearl barley risotto, sundried tomato, pepper mayo and an edible flower. It's very, very good. Course Seven: Popcorn Chicken You know what's better than popcorn chicken? Popcorn chicken in a creamy celeriac and mushroom soup with fresh gnocchi and fragrant basil oil. Says my dining companion: "Next time I get popcorn chicken, I'm going to buy a tin of Campbell's cream of mushroom to go with it." Sure, it's a cheat version of this silky, umami-laden dish, but I suggest you consider doing the same. Course Eight: La Di Da Drumstick AKA Fried Gold A dramatic hush suddenly descends upon the room. From the moment the first tall, glass, smoke-filled cloche enters the dining room for the final savoury course, the anticipation for what we know is coming is truly palpable. Underneath, revealed in a hypnotically synchronised flourish, lies a single KFC drumstick. But, reader, this is no ordinary drumstick. This is a gently smoke-infused piece of original recipe resting on a bed of black garlic and cauliflower purée, quinoa and edible gold, and looked like something out of a fairy tale. It tasted as good as it looked. Course Nine: Chips for Dessert Facts: fries dipped in ice cream is a god-tier pairing. For me, this is usually happening when coming out of a drive-through with one hand trying to get my soft serve-to-chip ratio just right, while the other hand is actually trying to drive. No such theatrics are needed for this first of three desserts, however, as I practically inhale this delightful dish of a single dehydrated, de-starched potato chip with wattleseed ice cream and burnt pineapple and mead purée. Course Ten: Our Chocolate Mousse Here, generous nugget-sized serves of light and airy chocolate mousse are dipped in liquid nitrogen and topped with popping candy. I've never eaten chocolate mousse — or any mousse, for that matter — with my hands, but this is so finger lickin' good (you know I had to) that all decorum flew the coop (I'll stop now). Course Eleven: Petit Krusher This is a creative take on an after-dinner mint inspired by the gone-but-not-forgotten KFC Krusher. I'd tell you what this tasted like but, despite being told to have this truffle ball-looking morsel in one bite, I somehow forgot how to eat and ended up inelegantly spraying most of this all over the table. But after all, what's KFC without a bit of mess? THE VERDICT This dinner series might begin on April Fool's Day, but it's no joke. It's a clever, creative menu that serves as both a love letter to KFC and a truly fascinating exploration of the possibilities of fried chicken. A wanky take? Perhaps. But when I'm eating KFC with knives and forks and liquid nitrogen and, it must be said, an excellent wine pairing, the least I can do is get a bit extra with a review. I was asked by a colleague if the meal is as good as big bucket of KFC, and the answer is both yes and no. This dinner doesn't hit the same spot that only a Family Feast can, but that's not the point. It's pure escapism — fun for the sake of fun, an opportunity to just enjoy what's in front of you. And these days, who can argue with that?
Unofficial Bridgerton balls have already popped up in Australia, but now it's time for the real thing: The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, which comes with the backing of Netflix and Shondaland. After bringing regency-era vibes to Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver and New York in the US, and also to Toronto and Montreal in Canada, the event is finally letting Down Under fans unleash their inner duke and duchess. For a month between Friday, May 24–Sunday, June 23, Melbourne will be doubling for London high society in the early 1800s, in The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience's exclusive Aussie stop. Step inside Fever Exhibitions Hall on Dawson Street in Brunswick and you'll feel like you're stepping back in time — or into the huge Netflix hit series, at least. Lady Whistledown aficionados will be able to head along every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening to promenade around an immersive setup where a string quartet will be playing live tunes inspired by the show, dancers will accompany the music and live theatrical performances will keep you entertained. You'll also go for a spin in the ballroom yourself at the afterparty. Before then, you'll also hit up Madame Delacroix's modiste and an underground painting studio, then visit with the queen. Actors in period costumes will be wandering around, helping to set the mood — and yes, if you'd like to dress to fit the occasion, and the series, that's obviously heartily encouraged. The drinks list, including cocktails, will be Bridgerton-themed. While your sips aren't included in your ticket, a full bar will be available, as will snacks such as chips and lollies to purchase. Tickets for The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience will be available via presales from 6pm AEST on Monday, April 29 and general sales from 6pm AEST on Tuesday, April 30. The event unleashes its lavishness just after the show's third season arrives, with the first four episodes dropping on Thursday, May 16, then the next four on Thursday, June 13.
Fancy a pre-Christmas getaway to Tokyo? Keen to visit Osaka sometime between January–September 2025? Always wanted to head to Japan during cherry blossom season? Start making plans ASAP. As the end of 2024 approaches, flight sales keep dropping — and the latest will take you on a Japanese holiday. If you were gearing up to vacation somewhere else over the next 12 months, scrap that idea, then start thinking about everything that you want to do and see in Japan (here's two ideas: teamLab's stunning digital art gallery and Studio Ghibli's very own theme park). That's the only way to react to yet another Jetstar's flight sale on fares to both Tokyo and Osaka. This isn't one of the airline's return-for-free sales, but there are 25,000-plus discounted flights on offer with prices starting at $249 one-way. Accordingly, whichever of the two cities that you decide to fly into, the Australian carrier's new special will take you there while being nicer to your bank balance. As always, you'll want to get in quickly, with the cheap fares on offer until 11.59pm AEDT on Friday, November 1, 2024, unless sold out earlier. The sale covers direct flights from Cairns, Brisbane or Sydney, plus connecting flights out of Melbourne (Tullamarine), Gold Coast and Adelaide. The cheapest price will get you from Cairns to Osaka, while Cairns to Tokyo costs $269. Brisbane fares start at $357 to Osaka and $377 to Tokyo, while Sydney's are $368 and $388 to the same cities, and Melbourne's prices are $382 and $402. The normal caveat applies, as well as the standard advice to pack light: as is usually the case with Jetstar, checked baggage is not included. Jetstar's Japan sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Friday, November 1, 2024 — unless it's 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 might highlight the best in TV as well as film, but there's nothing small about the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards, or the festival that's sprung up around it. In 2024, in tandem with its move to the Gold Coast, the accolades unveiled a multi-day program of talks, events and screenings around the ceremony, all celebrating Aussie movies and shows, plus the talent behind them. In 2025, AACTA Festival is returning — for a longer run and with a bigger program. 2024's four-day, 70-plus-event lineup has been eclipsed by 2025's five-day bill with more than 100 events. HOTA, Home of the Arts is AACTA Festival's base again. The dates for your diary: Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9 for the fest, and Friday, February 7 for the main awards ceremony. The bulk of the movies and TV shows nominated for this year's AACTAs won't be announced until Saturday, December 7, which means that more AACTA Festival lineup details will arrive afterwards; however, the program revealed so far is already impressive. One big highlight: getting the Working Dog team, aka Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, Michael Hirsh and Rob Sitch, together for an in-conversation session that's bound to touch upon everything from The Castle, Frontline, Thank God You're Here and Utopia to The Dish, The Hollowmen and Have You Been Paying Attention?. The Dish will also be on the screening program, and the Working Dog team will receive the prestigious AACTA Longford Lyell Award. Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser, who won an Oscar for Dune and is highly tipped for another one for Dune: Part Two, is another big-name inclusion, chatting about his Hollywood work. Also in the same category: John Seale, who took home an Academy Award for The English Patient, and was nominated for Witness, Rain Man, Cold Mountain and Mad Max: Fury Road. Attendees can also look forward to authors Trent Dalton and Holly Ringland returning from 2024's lineup, chatting about Boy Swallows Universe and The Lost Flowers of Alice on the small screen, respectively; a dive into the Heartbreak High soundtrack; a panel on queer storytelling with RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season two winner Spankie Jackzon and Deadloch's Nina Oyama; and a session with First Nations filmmakers. Australia's contribution to the horror genre, tunes from the How to Make Gravy movie performed live, Dani Im's Eurovision experience, a Taylor Swift symposium: they're part of AACTA Festival as well. And if you're keen to watch movies, Gettin' Square followup Spit will enjoy its Queensland premiere, complete with star David Wenham (Fake) chatting about the feature's journey; Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up will make its Australian debut, at Movie World, of course; and upcoming action film Homeward with Nathan Phillips (Kid Snow) and Jake Ryan (Territory) will take viewers behind the scenes. "AACTA Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that connects and celebrates our entire screen industry. With over 100 events led by our industry's best, it is a truly transformative experience for anyone passionate about the screen industry, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore career pathways and connect with some of the brightest minds in film and television," said AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella about 2025's lineup. "This year, we're especially excited to shine a spotlight on the resurgence of music in screen storytelling. With an incredible program of events featuring world-class composers, songwriters and music supervisors, we're not just celebrating the artistry of soundtracks and scores; we're also providing invaluable development opportunities for aspiring creatives to learn, network and advance their careers. AACTA Festival is where inspiration meets opportunity, and we can't wait to see the next generation of Australian screen talent emerge." [caption id="attachment_955328" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] [caption id="attachment_927965" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix © 2023[/caption] AACTA Festival will run from Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, 2025 at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast. For further details, head to the fest's website.
The Greater Brisbane area is going into lockdown again, with stay-at-home conditions coming into effect from 4pm today, Saturday, July 31, in the Brisbane City Council, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim Local Government Areas. This is all very familiar by now, given that Brisbane has previously been in lockdown in January, March and June this year alone; however, this time, there's a considerable change. Under the new rules, a travel limit will be implemented — so you'll only be permitted to go shopping or exercise within ten kilometres of your house. Residents in these 11 LGAs can only leave home for four reasons anyway: to get essential goods; for essential work if you can't work from home, and for school or childcare; for exercise, and only with one person who isn't in your household; and for healthcare, including to get a COVID-19 vaccination, or to provide help, care or support. But, when it comes to buying essentials or working out, that ten-kilometre radius will be in effect. Accordingly, if you're currently scrambling to find quick ways to map out your ten-kilometre zone, that's understandable. There are a few easy ways to check out your household's government-approved travel radius, but none have proved quite as popular as KM From Home. The website originally launched in Ireland back in March, when that country introduced its own travel restrictions — and was then jumped on by Melburnians back in August 2020, during its extended lockdown last year. The online map is free and easy to use — simply centre it to your address, select a ten-kilometre radius and you'll see a big red or blue bubble encompassing the zone you're free to travel in under the Queensland Government's new rules. You'll find other radius apps out there as well, including the likes of Map Developers. Alternatively, if you've got a Garmin watch, you can download a range warning and it'll alert you when you're closing in on a certain distance from your run's starting point. Want to check a specific shopping centre or park to see if it falls in your ten-kilometre zone? There's a function on the Google Maps app that allows you to measure a distance as the crow flies. On desktop, simply right click on a location on the map, select 'measure distance' and then click anywhere else on the map and it'll show you exactly how far the address is from your starting point. Under the new rules, you can only exercise with your household members or one other person who is not from your household. All exercising and shopping must be done within ten kilometres of your home, of course. Eleven LGAs in the Greater Brisbane area will go into lockdown from 4pm on Saturday, July 31 until at least 4pm on Tuesday, August 3. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. More details about the lockdown and associated restrictions can also be found on the Queensland Health website. Images: Km From Home
It's time to get social in a different part of Brisbane. Two years after Newstead Social first opened its doors, the team behind it is now pairing brews and pub grub at the chain's second location. Portside Social started welcoming in patrons on Thursday, September 19, 2024, with a familiar — and popular — formula at play. Think: pints, parmigianas and pool, plus beers, barbecue ribs and burgers. The venue also hosts live music, drag bingo, trivia evenings and weekend bottomless brunches. "After building a loyal following over at Newstead Social, we're bringing our signature energy over here at Portside — a proper drinking hole where you can come along whether you're in a sundress or your activewear," explains owner Justin Kong. "I live locally and think it's such an incredible location," he also noted back in February when the venue was initially announced. "There's a diverse demographic in and around Hamilton who will benefit from having a bar like Portside Social in the mix, with few venues of this kind available in the area." Bars, restaurants and a cinema have long been part of the Portside Wharf experience, but hitting the pub for a cold one over a parmi hasn't previously featured at the Hamilton precinct — until now. The inner-north area is in the middle of a $20-million revamp, with Portside Social joining fellow newcomers such as The Ballpark, Rise Bakery, Fosh, Rosé Gelateria and Birds Nest Yakitori from over the past two years. More venues are on the way, too, including French brasserie Mademoiselle, Italian restaurant Sbagliata and burger joint Dumbo. For All Stars Hospitality Group, which is behind Portside Social, this is a case of taking a successful concept to a different area of town to create a sibling venue — after the Newstead Social model has proven such a hit. Their latest venture sprawls across 224 square metres in the precinct's riverfront village, near Gusto da Gianni and Burrito Bar Portside, and joins the company's stable of hospitality sites alongside Wonderland Nightclub, Melt Brothers and more. Going big on green in its decor by Clui Design and builders Lowry Group — in hue, as well as with plants around the place — Portside Social mixes earthiness with industrial touches. Customers can sit inside or out. Go with the first and you can perch around the eye-catching central bar beneath pendant lighting. Opt for the second and you'll get comfortable at high tables while taking in the fresh air. From the food menu, patrons can tuck into crispy wings, arancini balls, honey chicken skewers, and a choice of halloumi, pulled pork and grilled fish tacos to start with. The mains include fried chicken burgers, vegan schnitty burgers, barbecue beef and bacon burgers, wagyu bolognese, slow-cooked barbecue garlic ribs and three different steaks, while chocolate brownies are the sole dessert choice. Really love parmis? There's a challenge to eat 1.7 kilograms of the beloved dish, aka four pieces stacked together. It'll set you back $70, but if you finish it — and the 400 grams of fries and house salad that it comes with — within 25 minutes, you'll win a $150 venue voucher for your next visit. Like the culinary range, the drinks also stick with classics, aka beer, wine and cocktails. Drop by from 11.30am on weekends for the boozy bottomless brunch, which serves up signature dishes with non-stop brews, vino and mimosas. Find Portside Social at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton — open from 11.30am–10pm Tuesday–Thursday and Sundays, and from 11.30am–11.30pm Friday–Saturday. Head to the venue's website for further details.
Since November 2020, Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art has been all revved up about motorbikes. That mightn't be the kind of thing you'd generally expect to find at the South Bank spot; however, GOMA is an eclectic venue. The exhibition runs through until the end of April, so all those engines aren't going anywhere for a couple of months — well, other than outside and onto the gallery's patch of grass by the river. From 10.30am on Saturday, February 27, The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire is morphing into Motorcycles on the Green. Brisbanites, you have two choices: simply hang around outdoors and enjoy the free activities, or combine it with a ticket to the exhibition. Outside, there'll be motorbikes — obviously — plus custom motorcycle builds and DJ sets from Patience Hodgson and Lori Lee. Indoors, the Queensland-exclusive showcase explores the two-wheeled vehicle's enduring appeal — from the way it looks and how it has evolved over the years, to the way it's portrayed in popular culture and how it makes people feel — with more than 100 motorcycles on display. Images: Installation view. The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire. 28 November 20 – 26 April 21 Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane Photographs: Chloë Callistemon and Brad Wagner, QAGOMA
Brisbanites, next time you head to Albion, you might want to say cheers to the experience. You won't want to raise a glass of any old tipple, however, because drinking Albion Gin while in the inner north suburb should now sit on your must-do list. The new tipple is the creation of distillery Granddad Jack's, which originally set up shop on the Gold Coast and has now branched out to Brisbane. The craft outfit makes its own craft gin, whiskey, vodka, coffee liqueur and specialty spirits, including its new signature variety of juniper-flavoured booze. Visitors to its new Collingwood Street digs will also be able to sip their way through limited-edition releases, with new types launched monthly, or opt for one of two beers on tap. So, get ready to tuck into the brand's core range, which'll now also be made in the Albion venue's 300-litre still and brewhouse. The distillery also has a barrel room just to house its whiskey and barrel-aged gin, all of which you can enjoy in cocktails — and, in terms of decor, you'll be knocking back drinks while surrounded by a rustic brick, wood and leather look. Food-wise, the distillery is BYO, including from eateries in the area. Given that the new Craft'd Grounds precinct is also set to open on Collingwood Street, you'll have plenty of choices. You can bring your dog along to Granddad Jack's as well, so your pupper can also scope out the joint. Patrons will notice a greenhouse onsite, too, which is where the Granddad Jack's team will grow the different botanicals it needs to create its spirit blends, as well as its garnishes; think: edible flowers, strawberries, cucumbers and mint. That greenhouse isn't just a functional space, either. There really was a granddad Jack, the grandfather of the distillery's co-owner David Ridden, and he loved spending time in his garden and greenhouse. He also was known to hit up the race tracks at Albion Park, so Granddad Jack's new site pays him tribute in multiple ways. Ridden and his son Luke, who is also the brand's head distiller, have been operating Granddad Jack's since 2018.
From well-dressed movie characters to fancy Oscars frocks, there's no doubt that film and fashion go hand in hand. Indeed, thanks to couture documentaries such as Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel and biopics about industry icons like Coco Avant Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, sartorially inspired cinema has almost become its own genre. Reel Fashion brings them all together, plus flicks starring chic actors and other dapper big-screen fare as well. The new weekly Palace Centro event isn't just a film program that boasts the stylish likes of Clueless, Pretty in Pink and Strictly Ballroom in its schedule — it's a celluloid look book. Trust such a season to start with Australian documentary Women He's Undressed, which tells of the costume designer responsible for the threads behind everything from Casablanca to Some Like It Hot. The rest of the lineup follows in its well-heeled footsteps, featuring A Single Man by designer Tom Ford, the musical delights of 42nd Street and An American in Paris, and even the elegant original version of The Great Gatsby. Yes, these are movies you'd best don your finest outfits for.
To all those who doubted that psych-western would ever work, have we got news for you! Gold Coast band, The Ottomans, have defied the odds and created a stellar sound, combining classic western rock with a healthy dose of psychedelic roll- and boy does it work. The four-piece rock 'n' roll band blend the likes of Nick Cave, Tame Impala and Quentin Tarrintino to create, what they describe as, 'one divine musical enigma'. Their cracker of a track, 'Lonely With You', exemplifies the band's ability, particularly the raw vocal talent of lead singer, Mitchell Dave-Lewis. The Ottomans will be in Brisbane as part of their 'Lonely With You' single launch tour. Black Bear Lodge will be hosting this new wave band, supported by our own Brisbane boys, Moses Gunn Collective, and unsigned, underage duo The Kramers. Given the intimate setting of Black Bear Lodge, this is surely going to be one of those nights where you'll leave remembering one thing; don't take your eyes off The Ottomans. The Ottomans Live at Alfred's Apartment
A new glamping hideaway on the shores of New Zealand's Lake Hawea will let visitors cosy up in cocoon-like sleeping pods under the stars. Cross Hill Lodge & Domes is found in the high country setting of Glen Dene Station beneath the Southern Alps. The six geodesic Pacific Domes are said to be the first permanent structures of their kind in the country. The 40-square-metre domes feature their own centralised super king-size bed and bathroom unit, while floor to ceiling windows allow visitors to soak up light pollution-free night skies and picturesque views across the park-like surroundings. Each dome comes equipped with its own small kitchenette, contemporary bathroom, climate controlled gas fire and heat pump and private deck. Interior furnishings have been inspired by the local landscape and include plush sheepskins and woollen blankets. All guests have access to the main Cross Hill Lodge situated above the domes. The lodge serves as a gathering point to sit down for a meal, unwind with a massage or enjoy some quiet time in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub. Dinner and breakfast is provided with most of the packages and guests can choose from a range of meal options — including local paddock-to-plate cuisine and three-course degustation experiences with wines from the surrounding Central Otago region. Glen Dene Station has been owned and operated by the Burdon family since 1929. Cross Hill Lodge owners Richard and Sarah Burdon say the dome experience provides high country hospitality in an alpine lake-side environment, with mountains, forest trails and rivers right on your doorstep. The pair can advise and arrange activities for visitors to the area, including anything from private helicopter crayfishing excursions to farm tours and local e-bike tours. The family also owns The Camp, a holiday park experience that's been popular with campers and tourists since 1971. Cross Hill Lodge & Domes is open for bookings from May 9, 2021. Packages start from $375 per night for two people including cooked and continental breakfast. For more information, visit crosshill.co.nz. Images: b.remarkable media.
Tell Joel Edgerton that you're a rower and he won't be surprised. Everyone has been. "Once you start getting involved in a movie about a certain subject, it's amazing how many people come out of the woodwork," he explains. "They're like 'oh yeah, I rowed in college or university' or 'my son is a rower' and 'my daughter is rower'. It's a more popular sport than I had realised. And certainly back at the time that this story was taking place, rowing was one of the biggest sports in the United States." The film: The Boys in the Boat. The time: the Great Depression era, including the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The tale: an IRL chapter of sporting history that Edgerton found remarkable, as audiences should as well. "I could only assume that being Australian and not American is the reason why I've never heard of it before," he advises. "But if you start to weed out anyone you know who's been on a rowing team or is a rower, they know about this story." The ninth directorial effort from George Clooney (The Tender Bar), with Edgerton in a role that the actor-turned-director might've once played himself — and could've still easily now — The Boys in the Boat focuses on the University of Washington's junior varsity team, rower Joe Rantz and coach Al Ulbrickson. The squad competed on the world's biggest stage over the college's senior crew, at an Olympics held at a difficult period and in a fraught place. On his own since he his early teens, Rantz picked up an oar solely for the money paid to the team's athletes, plus the fact that they received somewhere to stay. Ulbrickson was the former rower who saw something in Rantz, but whose inner warmth and support isn't easily given when his eyes are firmly on the prize, as they always were. Edgerton plays Ulbrickson opposite Callum Turner (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) as Rantz, with Clooney working with a screenplay adapted from 2013 non-fiction novel The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. As the film's star himself notes, it's an underdog story, as sports movies tend to be. But the astonishing real-life details also fuel an exploration of the class clashes that see the pastime inherently equated with wealthy schools and well-off students, rather than the struggling Rantz and many of his crewmates, as told with sincerity, impactful performances and thrilling rowing scenes. [caption id="attachment_935417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joe Maher/Getty Images for Warner Brothers[/caption] If it feels as if Edgerton is never far away from a screen, there's a reason for that: nearing three decades since his first credit in children's television series Spellbinder, his resume overflows with homegrown highlights and Hollywood productions. For Australians, he'll always be The Secret Life of Us' Will McGill. He'll always have Ned Kelly, The Square, Animal Kingdom, The Great Gatsby and The Stranger to his name as well. For everyone, he'll always be the Star Wars' franchise's Owen Lars, including as recently as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Zero Dark Thirty, Warrior, Midnight Special, Loving, It Comes at Night, The Underground Railroad, The Green Knight, I'm a Virgo: they all grace his filmography. So does directing and writing The Gift and Boy Erased while also featuring in both, producing The Stranger as well as leading it, and helping to turn Boy Swallows Universe into a streaming series. What appealed to Edgerton about taking on the part of Ulbrickson, who he notes "is basically the opposite of Ted Lasso"? How does he approach stepping into someone else's shoes, as he also did in Thirteen Lives recently? Was there a common baseline with Clooney on set, given that both are actors who direct, write and produce? Where did he originally imagine his career would take him? Edgerton chatted to Concrete Playground about all of the above — plus his first reaction to the tale told in The Boys in the Boat, which is in cinemas Down Under now, and more. ON EDGERTON'S FIRST REACTION TO JOE RANTZ AND AL ULBRICKSON'S TALES "My feeling about sports stories — I was involved in a big one, a sports movie called Warrior. I remember at the time, in the aftermath of that, realising that the sports movie isn't necessarily about the sport that's being depicted. It's really about the themes and about the character, and particularly about rooting for an underdog. And that if the movie's made well, that you can really appreciate it despite not knowing much about sport in question. So the idea that you could go watch The Boys in the Boat without really having much of a knowledge about rowing, I think it's true. You could go because it's really about the underdog story about these guys realising how they have to get united in order to achieve the victory. But I just got very excited. The biggest thing that really grabbed me was when you read that Joe Rantz had been abandoned by his father when he was 13 years old. And fully abandoned, as in left to live on his own — at the age of 13, through the depression. That, I don't know why — I'm sure it would've affected me hearing about that pre being the father, but picturing myself at the age of 13 being left to my own devices, I don't know how I would have survived. And that aspect to this underdog story really, really grabs me." ON PLAYING A ROWING COACH WHO'S BASICALLY THE ANTI TED LASSO "That's the joke: I say I didn't have to do any training, which is slightly true. Basically it's being the father of nine kids, essentially. I think coaches are like dads. There's a certain tough love aspect to them. From his part, there's the aspect for the kids that they want to impress and do the right thing by their coach, and so there's a real fatherly theme that runs through coaches, I think. And in particular with Ulbrickson, he's described as someone who barely cracks a smile, and it's pointing me in the direction of all those coaches that we see in various sports that just look like they're so determined to win that they look like they don't seem to enjoy themselves at all, except maybe when they have a trophy in their hands. I just love the idea of those aspects of him. It's basically the opposite of Ted Lasso. No warm and fuzzy edges. In fact, when I first started speaking to George about it, I was like 'can we lean into this even more?' — this idea that barely, I think it's once or twice in the film, you get a sense of the warmth that actually resides inside of him that he is proud of the kids, and that there is love inside of him. I think when we first meet Ulbrickson, he's not really looking at the individuals in the boat. He's just looking at the sizes of the different guys, and how fit and healthy they are, and just going 'let's just pick the eight'. They're not humans — just the eight best human machines that are going to power the boat." ON THE CHALLENGE OF BALANCING ULBRICKSON'S FOCUS ON SUCCESS WITH CARING ABOUT HIS TEAM "George, recently on a press tour in LA, was joking about sharing dailies, the footage, with the studio in the early weeks of the shooting. And I don't know if he was joking or not, but he was just talking about how the studio — because he and I had agreed on the sort of coldness, this sort of inability to show warmth, and I think they maybe wanted me to be a bit more likeable through the film. I was like 'no, I just want to hold off on that until the right moment to show that warmth'. I do feel like the audience is patient enough to see that there's a care waiting and brewing underneath there. But I find that every movie has its own challenges, and one of them was just trying to hold back too much warmth in this. I think that it earns its place at the right moment." ON PREPARING TO ENTER THE ROWING AND COACHING WORLDS "I did do some rowing training. I did some single-scull rowing, which I think it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. The balance of a single scull is crazy. I just did a lot of watching of the coaches that were training the boys, and spent a lot of time sort of observing their journey they went on, which was quite remarkable actually. I was very impressed with how they went from complete novices to really very quickly in the space months pulling the trick that they could be an Olympic rowing team for the film. The relationship I had with them had this inbuilt kind of fatherly aspect to it anyway. I'm a bit older now and they're all young guys. We just had a good camaraderie in that sense. I felt a little bit perfectly removed enough from them, but admiring of what they were achieving on screen as actors and as a team that they were forming. It was a nice relationship that we formed just through the shoot." [caption id="attachment_935421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joe Maher/Getty Images for Warner Brothers[/caption] ON THE COMPLICATIONS AND PRESSURE OF STEPPING INTO A REAL-LIFE FIGURE'S SHOES "It all depends on how indelible that person was in their real life. I was very anxious about getting Harry Harris right for Thirteen Lives and doing the right thing by that story, knowing that I would eventually meet him and hope that he felt good that I stepped into his shoes. Ulbrickson is a different story because he's not somebody that the average person would really know about, know what he looked like. Uncannily, he looked a lot like my Dutch grandfather when I saw photos of him. I was like 'he looks like my Opa'. But there's no real footage or newsreel footage or audio recordings of him, so it was really up to me to just take the essence of what was said about him and amalgamate that with me so that I could be the right version of him that would make the movie work. So I didn't feel this immense pressure. The pressure I see is when I read about actors taking on some iconic role. Any of those actors who stepped into that TV show The Crown, like Elizabeth Debicki playing Diana. And Rami Malek doing Freddie Mercury. They're being asked to play characters or real-life people that we have an image of, that we have a memory of, and we have an affinity with because we're so familiar with them. That to me is a real challenge for actor — the nerves of stepping into something like that. Something like this is different, because there's a certain freedom and therefore a lack of or less pressure." ON WORKING WITH A FELLOW ACTOR-TURNED-DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER IN GEORGE CLOONEY "I think George has a really good shorthand with how to shape performance, being an actor. It is remarkable how many directors don't really either understand how to talk to actors. Or they get nervous to direct actors. Or, in the worst-case scenario, they've had bad experiences with actors and they are sort of hard-wired to not love working with them. George has a real care and love for actors, and a really good way of shaping performance. And as an actor working after having directed a couple of movies, I just feel like I'm perhaps a bit more of a team player in understanding how a film set works, and how to play my part in making it easier for what the scene requires — but never presuming to think I know better or that I would put my hand up to say 'are you sure you want to move the camera that way?'. I would never do that, the same way I wouldn't want an actor-turned-director telling me how I should play the character in some specific way." [caption id="attachment_935424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joe Maher/Getty Images for Warner Brothers[/caption] ON EDGERTON'S CAREER TRAJECTORY EXCEEDING EVERYTHING HE EVER IMAGINED "I feel like when I was a kid, I never really set goals. I went to drama school so I could work in the theatre, and then I started realising that it was possible to work in television and film because I knew stage actors who had also done that. Each step of the way was just stepping blindly into the future going 'alright, well maybe I could try this and try this'. But I never imagined that I'd get to work in Hollywood. I did start to develop that ambition once I saw that it was possible, but even then I didn't imagine that I'd have a nice, full career and enjoy the kinds of things that I get to do now. That said, there's still challenges that I want to get my hands on, and I've got lots to learn — like lots to learn — and lots that I want to try and wrestle with. Perhaps one of the great things about being an actor is the ability, as long as your brain keeps working, touch wood, that you can just keep evolving each step of your life, each phase life, into different sorts of characters. Here, I'm watching a bunch of other people be athletes, and I get to be the coach. And one day, if I'm lucky, I'll be playing grandfathers on film." [caption id="attachment_872851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Stranger[/caption] ON WHAT EDGERTON LOOKS FOR IN A ROLE "It's always reading the script and just having a response. Character and story. Particularly now that I have a lot of responsibilities in my life being a dad. It's not just me and a couple of suitcases. That response has to be really, really strong that I feel a compulsion to get involved in something, particularly if it means going to another city. We stay together as a family. It's not like I'm going off for months away from my kids. I just want to feel a real draw and a real pull to do something, and usually it just starts with reading the script and going 'ohh, this is fascinating'. There's usually an element to it where I'll feel like something's got to be a bit of a challenge — or a little bit terrifying." The Boys in the Boat opened in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on Thursday, January 4. Read our review. The Boys in the Boat images: Laurie Sparham © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Saying that M. Night Shyamalan's latest film offers an improvement over his most recent efforts isn't really saying much. After impressing with The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, and a little less so with Signs and The Village, the likes of Lady in the Water, The Happening, The Last Airbender and After Earth won the writer/director few kind words. The Visit seems to fall somewhere in the middle; however, in plodding towards his usual twist and doing so with a clumsy blend of shocks and laughs, it soon proves closer to his latter work than his former. Fifteen-year-old Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and her thirteen-year-old younger brother Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) take the trip of the movie's title, leaving their single mother (Kathryn Hahn) for a week with the estranged grandparents they've never before met. Upon arriving at the remote farm their Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie) call home, the siblings find their elders a little odd, but are reassured that their eccentricities stem from their advanced age. When even stranger occurrences start happening at night, Becca and Tyler are convinced that something else is going on. To complicate what becomes little more than kids simply being spooked by creepy old people, pseudo fairytale-style, Shyamalan throws the current horror movie trend — found footage — into the mix. Accordingly, The Visit is presented as a documentary being shot by wannabe filmmaker Becca, with Tyler assisting with the camerawork when he's not rapping in front of the lens. Shyamalan's found footage effort is not a slapdash attempt to capitalise upon the current fondness for a certain subgenre of film — at least as far as the actual found footage conceit is concerned. The director never abandons his approach, and even weaves the consequences of a constantly rolling camera into the story. Expect bit players performing because they know they're being watched, just as Tyler does. Don't expect shots from angles that can't be justified in the narrative, just because they look cool. Alas, around the well-executed and committed stylistic gimmick sits cliche and a veering tone that colours everything that happens. Attempted frights are easily foreseen in the shadowy Hansel and Gretel-like offering, though thankfully Shyamalan's love of the supernatural never rears its head. The predictability of the script certainly inspires much of the guffawing that will echo around the cinema, though many of the feature's gags are intentional. Making a good horror-comedy is as difficult a feat as mastering found footage, but The Visit doesn't succeed in the first instance. Giggling at, not with, the film, feels like the more frequent outcome as bodily functions are mined for humour alongside the naked elderly form. And with the jump scares few and far between, comic moments aren't quite being used to diffuse tension. Australians DeJonge and Oxenbould try hard to wade through the wavering mood, turning in playful performances that brighten up the standard story, but being asked to spout dialogue about filmmaking technique doesn't do their characters any favours. Still, to say that the duo ranks alongside Shyamalan's handling of found footage as the feature's highlights is accurate — although, in the context of the complete movie, that's once again not saying much.
Much like the great parma or parmi debate of the 21st century (it's parma, by the way), books can be a great divider. You've either not opened a novel since it's become a voluntary activity post-high school, or you have a delicately balanced pile of reading stacked on your bedside table at all times. If your reading has fallen to the wayside lately, this is the perfect time to treat yourself to some new literary feeds. Whether you're looking to top up your Jenga pile of books or looking for a treat to reignite your love of lit — here are some of the best books, novels and non-fiction to keep you company, according to our writers. MELANIE COLWELL: Branded Content Editor, published her first book in Year One which was available for loan from the school library Recommends: The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird. You could call me crazy for recommending a book that follows a worldwide pandemic right now. Read the room, right? But in a sort of twisted way, it makes you realise that even though things have been pretty shit over the past 18 months, they could be a lot worse. Like, wiping out half of the world's population worse. In this tale, the fast-acting virus infects 90 percent of the male population — yes, even newborns and children — and it's 97-percent lethal. It's told through a series of all-female, first person narratives, from the doctor who first diagnosed the virus but was dismissed and labelled "hysterical" to the scientists desperately racing to develop a vaccine and the governments trying rebuild society when, thanks to the ol' patriarchy, the majority of the workforce is gone. This unsettling novel forces you to face a very loaded conundrum: what would life really be like without men? ELLEN SEAH: National News & Features Editor, hates pineapple on literally anything Recommends: The Lost Man by Jane Harper, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I'm the type of person that has anywhere between three to five books simultaneously on the go. My housemate thinks it's moderately unhinged, but each to their own, right? The Lost Man is written by the same author as The Dry, which was recently released in cinemas starring the gorgeous Eric Bana. Out of her written works, I find that The Lost Man has a much more enthralling setting and character nuance compared to The Dry. It's still set in outback Australia and revolves around brothers Nathan and Bub Bright who meet for the first time in months after their middle brother is found dead. Promise that's not a spoiler. I also always come back to All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2015. It centres around a blind French girl in occupied France during World War II. Finally, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is not a quick, or an easy read. But, it is one of the few novels I've inhaled — haggling away hours usually dedicated to sleep — in order to finish it. It's a 720-page commitment, based on a deceptively simple premise: it follows the lives of four friends and their relationships through and after college. SARAH WARD: Associate Editor, has been on both Japanese and German television Recommends: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino. Every time he adds a new project to his resume, Quentin Tarantino takes something he loves — usually a genre of film, or several — and serves up his own distinctive version. The inimitable filmmaker clearly adores novelisations, so that's where he's branched out next. He obviously has a heap of affection for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, too, so he's turned his last movie into his first-ever book. On the page, the novel doesn't merely stick to the script, however. It changes details, takes detours and adds in plenty of film history. It shifts its focus and delivers commentary on the feature's storyline, too. In its style, it sounds and flows exactly as you'd expect of a QT book; his way with words, and with dialogue especially, easily translates to the page. Reading the novel feels a bit like spending time with the director, in fact, while also getting a big dose of nostalgia — as anyone who spent too long as a kid reading novelisations of their favourite movies will completely understand. CORDELIA WILLIAMSON: Branded Content Manager, has a killer collection of OTT sunglasses Recommends: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko. I'm not an audiobook fan. But, boy, when you're on a camping trip in woeful weather and your partner's taste in music doesn't cut the mustard — and Matthew McConaughey's reading to you — well, then, it's pretty damn good. The actor's debut book stunned me. More than just variations of his almighty catchcry 'Alright, alright, alright', Greenlights is a memoir, with a bit of self-help peppered throughout. Sure, it's navel-gazing, but it makes for one helluva read. From tales about his violence-fuelled (but loving) childhood and cutting his teeth in Hollywood to his time spent Down Under and wrestling matches in West African sandpits, raucous stories are what propel this book — so much so you question whether it is all real. Greenlights is, though, honest; offering pearls of unconventional wisdom alongside hilarious anecdotes. And, save your pennies and get the audiobook, rather than a hard copy. This man is worth his salt, and this book his voice. If you're the kind of person who has multiple reads on your nightstand at any one time, I cannot recommend Melissa Lucashenko's Too Much Lip enough. Gritty, hilarious and gut-wrenching, this 2019 Miles Franklin Award-winning novel is as much about familial bonds as it is a love letter to the Australian landscape. NIK ADDAMS: Branded Content Manager, dreams of one day becoming Poirot's sidekick Recommends: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. While I was swept up in the romance of Isabel Allende's historical epic A Long Petal of the Sea and rode every wave in Meg Mason's stunning Sorrow and Bliss, I have long been of the belief that a good mystery novel is hard to beat when it comes to pure enjoyment. British writer Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders was one of the more impressive whodunnits I've read in a long time. It's as meta as it gets — it's told from the perspective of a book editor — and its primary plot device of a book within a book is one of the more ingenious approaches to the tried-and-true formula I've encountered in quite some time. Horowitz is a master of the genre, and Magpie Murders sees him at the top of his game. If you're looking for pure escapism, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. [caption id="attachment_730412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sun Bookshop[/caption] COURTNEY AMMENHAUSER: Branded Content Producer, has successfully survived a cassowary chase Recommends: Glimpses of Utopia by Jess Scully. Last year the City of Sydney's Deputy Lord Mayor, Jess Scully, released a book that gave me hope in a pretty dark time. Glimpses of Utopia will take you around the world to look at how other countries have implemented future-thinking systems to help create fairer and more sustainable standards of living for its citizens. Ever heard of The Care Economy? Want to know more about a people-powered digital democracy? Been thinking about how your banking habits are contributing to climate change? If so, read this book, reflect on your choices and reimagine what the future can look like. Top image: Readings Carlton, Victoria.
Sydney's home of perfect-for-every-occasion artisanal gifts Sorry Thanks I Love You (STILY) has been hosting free in-store yoga classes for the past four years. Now, with the closure of gyms across the country and increased social distancing, it's bringing them online. And, yes, they'll still be free. Running every Monday night at 6pm AEDT (for the foreseeable future), the Instagram live classes will be streamed on STILY's Instagram page and hosted by Misch Gomez. They'll run for an hour and give you a chance to wind down and get out of that Twitter hole (at least temporarily). If you don't have a mat, you can even roll out a towel — and get ready to get bendy. A benefit of doing the class at home, as STILY has pointed out, is that there's "no one noticing if you pause to take a sip of your gin and tonic". Well, except your cat, dog or green baby. [caption id="attachment_739127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joey Clark[/caption] Top image: Rita Ince
Add another date into your doggo's diary — the NewBARKet Markets are upon us. On Sunday, July 18, Newmarket Village is going to the dogs, but in a good way, with the adorable event taking over the inner north shopping centre. Take your pupper along from 10am–2pm, with everything from a pooch photo booth and plenty of pats on offer. You can get your canine's portrait painted as you wait, spoil them with a puppy massage and hit up the bone bar — where free bones will be given out to all good woofers (while stocks last). The main attraction: stalls selling all kinds of goodies for your four-legged friend. Expect dog treats, accessories, threads and grooming, as well as dog ice cream and pupcakes. For attendees of the two-legged variety (no, your clever canine standing on their two back legs doesn't count), there'll also be food for humans. And if you're sadly lacking in the pooch department, don't worry — everyone else will have you covered, so you'll be in for a top day of dog-watching.
Every kid dreamed about stepping inside their favourite TV show or movie, whether you were an 80s child who wanted to dance magic, dance through Labyrinth, a 90s teen saying "as if!" to life outside of Clueless — or keen to stake vampires with Buffy — or a 00's Gossip Girl wannabe. Now that we're all adults, those kinds of fantasies keep becoming a reality, in a way, thanks to the seemingly non-stop array of immersive pop culture-themed installations and experiences that keep popping up around Australia. So if you've recently been wishing you could scope out Middle-earth thanks to The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, you'll soon be able to. Break out the lembas bread, because Prime Video is taking Melburnians — and everyone who happens to be in Melbourne between Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9 — to a JRR Tolkein-inspired realm. You might recognise those dates as PAX Aus' next festival, with the gaming and gaming culture event taking over the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. That's where you'll find Prime Video Corridor of Curiosity: See Where It Takes You, too, complete with a room dedicated to the streaming platform's new Lord of the Rings series. On offer in that dedicated hobbit-, elf- and dwarf-loving space: a celebration of Middle-earth, naturally, as well as a heap of costumes from The Rings of Power. You'll be able to scope out outfits worn by Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir and Sir Lenny Henry as harfoot community leader Sadoc Burrows. (And yes, it is a great time to marvel at threads from big franchises in the Victorian capital, given that ACMI is currently displaying Thor: Love and Thunder costumes, too.) The Prime Video Corridor of Curiosity: See Where It Takes You also includes two more rooms dedicated to two of the service's other shows — which is ace news for The Boys aficionados. In that space, you'll enter The Vought Boardroom in The Seven Tower, and you'll be tasked with a mission. This challenge room-style setup will have you solving clues to find missing vials of Compound V within a set timeframe (and working out how you feel about supes, probably). Lastly, a third room will be based around Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, which'll involve entering an interrogation, finding a hidden entrance to a shooting gallery, then hitting targets — for bragging rights and a spot at the top of the leader board. Also up for grabs: limited-edition pins, which you'll nab for completing each room. You'll need to buy a badge to enter PAX Aus, however, if you're keen to head along. Prime Video Corridor of Curiosity: See Where It Takes You will pop up at PAX Aus at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, Melbourne from Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9 .
Everyone loves fairy floss and dagwood dogs. Not everyone loves going to the Ekka. Even though the usual exhibition cold spell has given Brisbane a miss this year, not wanting to flock to Bowen Hills is understandable. And, by moseying along to The Defiant Duck in Newstead instead, you'll be doing the next best thing. As well as two of the three food staples that make the Ekka what it is — sorry, there's no nabbing those strawberry sundaes without going to the real thing — The Duck Royale will be serving up two days of carnival-style fun come August 15 and 16. Sip on cotton candy cocktails, pair your battered meat on a stick with a tinnie, and play free pool all day and night. NSLV and friends will also be taking care of the tunes on Wednesday.
It might seem counterproductive to leave Australia in search of a beach holiday, but across New Zealand's 15,000 kilometres of pristine coastline, there are more sheltered seafronts, rugged cliff-lined shores and black sand beaches than you can shake a towel at. Deciding where to spend the warmer months with sand in every crevice and saltwater lapping around your ankles can be an adventure in itself. This month, New Zealand enters another phase in its post-COVID reopening plan, and from 11.59pm NZST / 8.59pm AEST on Tuesday, April 12, we can once again visit our closest neighbours without needing to quarantine on arrival. If you've got a trip over the ditch on your 2022 wishlist, we've put together a list of some of the best New Zealand beaches that you should visit at least once in your lifetime — whether you're keen to brave a winter dip or you're just already dreaming of next summer's sojourns. TAWHARANUI REGIONAL PARK, AUCKLAND Found around 90 kilometres from Auckland central, Tāwharanui Regional Park offers the full spread of summery activities for keen adventurers. Once you've reached the end of the gravel access road, you'll be greeted by beautiful white sand shoreline, easy walking tracks and crystal-clear rock pools up for exploration. It's also known to pump out some beginner-friendly waves, so don't forget to pack your preferred floatation device. And to really make the most of your trip, book a spot at the tent campsite so that you can stare at the clear skies above. [caption id="attachment_791375" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bryce[/caption] CATHEDRAL COVE, COROMANDEL This gem is a must-do in the Coromandel — and for good reason. Golden sand and a stunning natural rock archway await, whether you decide to arrive at the picturesque spot by boat, kayak or on foot. Leaving from Hahei, the 45-minute walk is well maintained and traverses rugged farmland, before delving into native bush. There are plenty of dramatic vantage points for photo opportunities, but the main event is the beach where you can easily wile away an entire afternoon. [caption id="attachment_791442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Department of Conservation[/caption] ANCHORAGE BAY, ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK It can be hard to pick just one beach in the Abel Tasman, but how about starting with Anchorage Bay? The horseshoe bay is home to the first large beachside camping spot along the Abel Tasman walking trail and where boaties anchor their vessels — making it one of the more popular destinations in the national park. Here you'll find sweeping golden sand and turquoise blue waters, with a number of short walks leading to smaller secluded bays and stunning natural rock formations. During low tide you can walk across the tidal estuary to Torrent Bay. It'd also be rude not to mention (and jump in water taxi to) Kaiteriteri. [caption id="attachment_791435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adventure HQ[/caption] MAITAI BAY, BAY OF ISLANDS To really feel like you're on a tropical island, head to Maitai Bay at the point of the Karikari Peninsula. With its golden sand and crystal-clear blue water, the small sheltered horseshoe bay is something straight from a postcard. The destination can be extraordinarily popular in the summer months, so much so that local iwi declared the region a "no-take zone," in 2018 to allow sea life to recover. The rahui on fishing has finished, but we still recommend you reserve your time here for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. If you're seeking a thrill, head through the bush at the right end of the beach and you'll find a stone ledge that serves as the perfect diving board. Book well in advance for a spot at the DOC campground. [caption id="attachment_664046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Russell Street[/caption] PIHA, AUCKLAND Swim with caution at this rugged west Auckland beach. Piha might be best known for its strong currents and New Zealand's television answer to Bondi Rescue, but it's also a stunning location to spend the day. Choose your real estate on the hot black sand (don't forget footwear) and then cool off between the flags. Walking tracks can be completed along the headlands and up to scenic lookouts, while further along the coast are equally as wild beaches like Karekare and Muriwai where you can take a surf lesson and go horse trekking. [caption id="attachment_791439" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Awful-N4[/caption] NEW CHUMS, COROMANDEL Hidden away from the masses for most of the year, New Chums has previously been voted as one of the world's top ten beaches. The stretch of golden sand on the Coromandel Peninsula is fringed by pohutukawa and native forest and has no buildings, roads or infrastructure. Access to the one-kilometre undeveloped stretch of paradise is by boat or via a rocky foreshore walk from the Whangapoua car park. And once you're there it's no uncommon to spot marine life swimming the length of the beach. [caption id="attachment_791437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kiwi Canary[/caption] AWAROA, ABLE TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Awaroa made headlines in 2016 when it was bought via crowdfunding campaign by the New Zealand public for over two million dollars and then donated back to the national park. The secluded golden banks of Awaroa are only accessible to those walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track two hours either side of low tide, or by boat or helicopter. A short walk inland there's the Awaroa Lodge where you can enjoy pizza under a glade of native trees, and there are several glamping and camping options for overnight holidaymakers. [caption id="attachment_791441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Russell Street[/caption] NGARUNUI, RAGLAN Sometimes called Ocean Beach, Main Beach or Wainui Beach, this wild black sand beach with consistent waves is ideal for groms learning how to surf. The Raglan Surf School is parked up right on the vast west coast stretch for those keen to get in on the action, while more experienced riders can hire boards and wetsuits by the hour. With unforgiving riptides, ocean swimmers should stay between the flags. Hang around until the end of the day and you'll cop an extraordinary sunset. [caption id="attachment_791440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Glen Sinclair[/caption] WHARARIKI, NELSON This windswept beach has to be one of the country's most photographed sections of coastline. The beach is only accessible via a 20-minute track from the end of Wharariki Road, which travels over farmland and through coastal forest. With particularly big seas, sight-seeing is the number one attraction here — and the Archway Islands will certainly serve up the goods. The group of four rock formations rising from the tide provide an exception photo opp, especially if you decide to tour the region on horseback. [caption id="attachment_791436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trevor Klatko[/caption] NINETY MILE BEACH, NORTHLAND This epic 88-kilometre-long stretch of sand has to be seen to be believed. The famed northland beach starts near Kaitaia and makes its way up to Cape Reinga. At low tide the beach is officially a public highway, but don't even think about bringing your rental hatchback here — several have been swallowed by the unforgiving seas. The dunes at Te Paki in the north are famously used for bodyboarding — just expect to take home pockets full of sand. Bring water, and sunscreen. From 11.59pm NZST / 8.59pm AEST on Tuesday, April 12, double-vaccinated Australian tourists will be able to holiday in New Zealand without needing to isolate on arrival. Tourists will be required to test negative for COVID-19 with a PCR or RAT before leaving Australia for their trip, before providing negative tests on day one and day five of their stay in New Zealand. For more information, head to the New Zealand Government's official COVID-19 website. Top image: Adam Bryce.
Since July last year, every Stranger Things fan has been troubled by one question: what happened to Hawkins' beloved police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour)? The show's third season didn't seem to end too well for the character, all thanks to the mind flayer, the Russian lab below Starcourt Mall and that pesky gate to the Upside Down. But then, in season's final moments, a Russian-set post-script — and a mention of "the American" — left everyone with a sliver of hope. When Netflix renewed Stranger Things for a fourth season last October, it didn't give any further details away about Hopper's fate. But when it comes to dropping the first teaser for that very season, the streaming platform isn't keeping anywhere near as quiet. The just-released sneak peek is called 'From Russia with Love', which should tell you enough — and while the clip only runs for 50 seconds, it does reveal exactly what you're hoping. Resolving the show's big cliffhanger in a teaser is certainly an interesting move. Of course, the trailer doesn't unfurl any specifics — and this is Stranger Things, so, well, strange things are definitely still be at play. In a statement reported by Deadline, series creators the Duffer Brothers noted that "it's not all good news for our 'American'", while explaining that "back in the States, a new horror is beginning to surface, something long-buried, something that connects everything". While season four of Stranger Things doesn't have a release date as yet — and might not even hit Netflix until 2021 — the teaser coincides with the beginning of production on the new episodes. It's worth remembering that, when the platform did announce the show's renewal for a fourth season, it did so with the catchphrase "we're not in Hawkins anymore". Given that the third season ended with Joyce (Winona Ryder), Will (Noah Schnapp), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) leaving town, that statement doesn't just apply to Hopper. We'll have to wait to see what it means for Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Max (Sadie Sink), Steve (Joe Keery) and Nancy (Natalia Dyer), though. Check out the teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB2GYwbIAlM Stranger Things season four doesn't currently have a release date — we'll update you when Netflix announces its plans.
Humans didn't love the last couple of years, and with good reason. But we're guessing that our four-legged friends felt differently about the whole experience. While we were all in lockdown at various points during 2020 and 2021, we were spending more time at home with our tail-wagging canines — and you know that they just loved the extra attention. Two-legged Brisbane residents have all been heading out and about much more from 2022 onwards, of course. Don't forget to take your pup with you, though. No one needs an excuse to treat their pooch to a day out, but given that the returning Dog's Day Out at Gasworks is all about doggos, it really is their time to frolic. Browsing market stalls with your pupper is on the agenda from 9am–1pm on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Newstead, with treats and accessories among the items to go barking mad at — and pull out your wallet for. There's usually also workshops and pet photography. Entry is free, and dogs of all sizes are welcome. [caption id="attachment_758933" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Market Folk[/caption]
If you consider yourself a bit of a hiking fanatic, taking the 6.6-kilometre trek through the spectacular Wooroonooran National Park to Nandroya Falls is essential while in Tropical North Queensland. Not only will you get to walk through the incredible Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforest, you'll get to wash off under a thriving waterfall, too. Start from the Henrietta Creek campground where you'll venture 700-metres into the rainforest to where the circuit fork begins. Take the right-hand track to take in smaller waterfalls, rock pools and rapid streams before reaching the immense Nandroya Falls. Cool off with a swim and enjoy a picnic lunch by the falls before completing the circuit and heading back to camp.
Have you ever struck gold in an op-shop? It's a high, isn't it? The thrill — akin to finding money on the ground or winning a game — comes from small victories like picking up a piece that emulates a current trend (say, anything aquamarine right now) or a trinket to fill that empty space on your shelf. Dedicated thrifters take on bigger conquests, such as finding a brand new wedding dress at a regional Salvos. Op shopping has long been a practical (and sometimes, necessary) cost-cutting measure. A recent study from Salvos and Glow Research has pulled back the curtain on the incredible highs and lows of the op shopping experience — naturally, 60% of Australians value the savings, but the data reveals that more shoppers are rummaging the racks for fun today. Almost three-quarters of respondents agree that the experience feels like a treasure hunt, and that finding the right item brings a sense of personal accomplishment. You never know what lies in your local second-hander, but you're likely to luck out. A crystal chandelier, a rare Dobro guitar — these are among the items of "exceptional value" that 68% of Aussies have purchased at op-shops. This unending potential for discovery explains why two in three Australians find op shopping more exciting than browsing boutiques or department stores. Hard-to-find items have a maverick appeal, but the unique potential and individuality of these items also raise the stakes for shoppers. Something mass-produced can be bought anytime, but who knows when you'll see those vintage leather boots again? Salvos reports shoppers are twice as likely to regret leaving something behind at the op shop than at a regular retail store. It's the opposite of buyer's remorse; 48% of shoppers have returned to the op shop for a previously abandoned item. If they're lucky, it hasn't been snapped up by another discerning eye. Interestingly, op shops backed by charities even offset the guilt of impulse spending for almost 70% of respondents. As sustainability becomes an increasingly urgent topic, you're less likely to feel guilty when you're avoiding fast fashion. Still, moderation is always wise. This data was supplied by Salvos and was based on a study of a national representative sample of 1000 Australians. Images: supplied Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Once a month, the Brightside pays tribute to the movies everyone loves. Not the movies most people like, or can stand, or don't mind watching, or won't complain about if they're showing somewhere near them, but the ones that are universally adored. First it was Mean Girls; now, it's Clueless. Indeed, when it comes to '90s teen flicks loosely based on classic literature, Clueless is the only film that matters. It introduced the world to Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, suck and blow, computerised wardrobes and the wonders of plaid outfits, after all. And it is tailor-made for retro parties. That's exactly what the Brightside is throwing, complete with themed trivia to separate the Bettys and Baldwins from the rest of the crowd. Of course, you can also dance to Far Away Stables, The Comfort, Worse for Wear and Inside the Whale, while drinking bucket cocktails, wearing your best threads to win a copy of the film's soundtrack on vinyl, and watching the movie on repeat, too. Now that's a good night out — and one you won't want to be audi from.
Even if you really, really can't stand films/TV/books about self-involved twenty-something-year-old white people trying to figure their lives out, Frances Ha is poised to charm. Its secret? That's not easy to pin down, although it almost certainly has to do with star Greta Gerwig, and the total her-ness that pervades the film. It's full of energy and optimism and is, for a black-and-white arthouse film, utterly devoid of pretentiousness. Gerwig wrote this script together with director (and love friend) Noah Baumbach (Greenberg). Though she didn't necessarily envision herself in the lead role, it fits her perfectly, serving as a vehicle for an actor who doesn't quite fit the Hollywood mould to show off her charms. Goofy, socially awkward and totally "undateable", Gerwig's Frances Halladay is one of the most loveable characters you'll meet this year. Her 28th year ends up being a difficult one, as her best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner) drifts away and she misses out on a position at the dance company she's been training with. These two challenges — BFF break-ups and self-actualisation — are the ones that matter here, though there's also the peripheral distraction of boys: the one who leaves her when she won't move in with him (Michael Esper), and friends Lev (Girls' Adam Driver) and Benji (Michael Zegen), who end up her (sometimes awkwardly) platonic roomies. Frances Ha is a story about coming of age, the late way we tend to do it now. Our heroine is sorting through which parts of so-called maturity are sensible to leading a good life, and which parts are just bullshit. And she's doing it with a scrappy pluck we can all get behind. It's all wonderfully tangential, sweet and unerringly funny, and it will have you dancing to Bowie's 'Modern Love' for days and days. https://youtube.com/watch?v=cw1euaNtuXM
Summer is calling. That means long sunny days, drinks with your mates, good food, and, of course, Bondi Beach. Back for its second year, THE ICONIC and Rolling Stone AU/NZ are raising the heat with SUMMER SOUNDS, a one-day-only event to help Aussies kick-start the warmer weather in style. [caption id="attachment_1025329" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] THE ICONIC SUMMER SOUNDS[/caption] On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club will be transformed into a celebration of music, fashion, and culture. Aussie icons, The Veronicas, are set to hook you up and headline the party. Think sun-soaked beats, statement fits, and coastal cocktails, all set against one of the most famous beaches in the world. [caption id="attachment_1025313" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Bondi Beach via Getty Images[/caption] You might be asking, how can I attend? Luckily, THE ICONIC is giving you the chance to score tickets. All you have to do is head to THE ICONIC's website and share, in 25 words or less, which summer anthem you would play first at SUMMER SOUNDS to kick-start the party. One lucky customer will be crowned the MVP by receiving 4 x return flights to Sydney (if you and your friends aren't local), 2 x nights' accommodation in Bondi Beach, and a $3000 voucher from THE ICONIC to head to the event in style*. [caption id="attachment_1025319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] THE ICONIC SUMMER SOUNDS[/caption] There'll also be 25 SUMMER SOUNDS double passes up for grabs, ensuring more fashion fans can enjoy this money-can't-buy experience. So, start planning your look, select your party anthem, and get ready for a weekend that screams summer in Sydney. Win your way into summer's most ICONIC event. *T&C's apply
Step aside negronis and espresso martinis, the whisky highball is fast becoming the go-to drink for anyone who wants their cocktail crisp, refreshing and full of character. And we've got Japan (and Suntory) to thank for it. With over 125 years of drinks innovation, Suntory has shaped Japan's drinking culture in a way few others have. From founding the country's first whisky distillery to refining the art of balance and precision in every pour, the brand has always been about setting the benchmark. One of its greatest hits? Toki Whisky. A modern 100% authentic Japanese blend that's easily mixed (especially in a whisky highball). The Origins of the Highball While the whisky highball first bubbled up in the UK as a way to lighten strong spirits, Japan made it a staple. Back in 1923, Shinjiro Torii founded the Yamazaki Distillery with a dream to create a truly Japanese whisky. It was a bold move that kicked off a whisky revolution and eventually led to the rise of the Japanese-style highball. Suntory's Kakubin whisky (meaning 'square bottle') debuted in 1937 and quickly became a staple in izakayas across the country, thanks in large part to its starring role in the highball. In the 1950s, Suntory opened a chain of bars in major cities called 'Torys Bars', which specialised in highballs. Workers would clock off, crowd in and knock back highballs with grilled skewers and salty snacks. Light, dry and approachable, the highball offered a clean canvas that brought out the subtle complexity of Japanese whisky. Toki Whisky, Suntory's smooth, well-balanced and incredibly drinkable take on a traditional blend, is tailor-made for highballs. Meaning 'time' in Japanese, Toki is a mix of malt and grain whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries by Fifth Generation Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo. With notes of green apple, basil and honey, it's light enough for daytime sipping and complex enough to hold its own with food. So, What Exactly is a Highball? A classic highball keeps things clean and simple. Japanese whisky, cold soda water, ice and a peel of citrus to garnish. But don't be fooled by the short ingredient list, the highball is all about precision. With one part whisky to three parts soda, it's meant to highlight the whisky, not drown it. The bubbles should be fine, the citrus subtle, and the ice big enough not to melt too fast. It's basically the minimalist's dream drink. The Signature Toki Highball 45ml Suntory Toki Blended Japanese Whisky 3 parts premium soda water Grapefruit slice or lemon peel Method: To make a classic Toki Highball, start by chilling a glass with ice. Pour in one part chilled whisky, give it a quick stir, then top with chilled soda water. Stir once (gently, from the bottom up) to keep the bubbles intact and garnish with a twist of grapefruit or lemon peel. Or, you can skip the ice altogether and let the whisky's flavour come through. A Drink That Plays Well With Others The real beauty of the highball? It's customisable. You can swap lemon for yuzu or grapefruit, add a touch of ginger, or even infuse your soda with herbs. Take it a step further by pairing it with food. The highball's crisp profile makes it a natural match for salty, fried or umami-rich dishes, like karaage chicken, grilled yakitori or even a cheeky bowl of hot chips. Where To Try a Suntory Toki Whisky Highball In April and May, venues across Sydney and Melbourne are rolling out limited-edition menus where you can sip a perfectly poured Suntory Toki Whisky Highball with an expertly paired snack. Sydney locations: Bancho, Ito, Tokyo Bird, Ora, Moku, Ennui, Genzo, Tanuki, Prefecture 48: Ibushi and Whisky Thief. Melbourne locations: Waxflower, Lucy Liu, Yakimono, Bar Bellamy, Izakaya by Tamura, Kura, Tokyo Tina, Gogyo or Bincho Boss. Every venue is giving the highball their own spin, so you can taste a few versions and pick your favourite. Visit your local venue this April and May to experience a Suntory Toki Whisky Highball and snack pairing. More details at the Suntory Time hub, Sydney here and Melbourne here.
If you're a Melburnian looking for a new staycation destination, you'll can now add the first Victorian venue from hotel chain W Hotel to your must-stay list. And if you're from elsewhere in Australia and you're planning a trip to the city, you can pair your next visit with drinks in a laneway bar, a dip in a sky-high pool and striking views. First announced in 2020, and now up and running as of February 2021, W Melbourne has opened in Flinders Lane, with 294 guest rooms and 29 suites. Following W Brisbane's ten-gallon baths, the Melbourne digs are no less indulgent — including an 'Extreme Wow Suite', which has its own 40-square-metre balcony with views of the Yarra, a jukebox and cocktail bar. Designed by local architect and interior design firm Hachem, W Melbourne also houses a 14th-floor spa, gym and a heated indoor pool with a gold-adorned roof, as well as a poolside bar and DJ decks. And, for those needing function space, W has a heap of it — a 830-square metre space for conferences, meetings, weddings or holding lush balls. On the food and drinks front, the site will eventually boast four in-house venues to choose from — with two up and running now. Already pouring drinks is bar Curious, which you'll find down a laneway and through a secret entrance. It's designed to look like a cocoon, and comes fitted out with dark hues, moody lighting and quite a display of wooden beams overhead. On the menu: cocktails inspired by Melbourne's love of coffee, art and fashion; plus oysters, charcuterie, cheese, and cold and hot small bites. Or, you can opt for a meal at Lollo, with the all-day dining venue under the direction of chef Adam D'Sylva. For breakfast, its range spans the likes of brekky pizza and Indian-style eggs, while duck lasagne, asparagus tortellini, grilled octopus and steak tartare feature on the menu throughout the rest of the day. Come May, the 30-seat Warabi will be your go-to for Japanese fine dining, with the intimate space also featuring a private space for ten. And, Culprit will flip from a cafe during the day to a wine bar at night — complete with a floor-to-ceiling charcuterie display and a vermouth tasting tray. Design-wise, the hotel goes heavy on Victorian bluestone tiles, glass and wood, and celebrates the city it calls home. So, you can expect to see a lenticular art installation by local artist Rus Kitchin, which creates a canopy of Australian flora and fauna; in-room wall graphics featuring fairy wrens, which are native to our shores; and design details inspired by Melbourne's street-level newspaper kiosks. W Melbourne is now open at 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
Mercure Clear Mountain's lush hinterland escape will soon offer a next-level stay, as Mandala Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans for a $4 million transformation. More than just a stylish makeover, the popular stay will be rebranded as a luxury Peppers — a lineup of sophisticated properties that celebrate local culture and environment. From amid pristine bushland, this 20-hectare hotel offers a prime position for views of the nearby Glasshouse Mountains. And at less than an hour's drive from Brisbane CBD, it's an alluring destination for locals and visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature. Once the renovations are complete, guests will encounter the first five-star hotel in the City of Moreton Bay. "Our vision is to reimagine Clear Mountain as a premier wedding and tourism destination — one that blends timeless charm with refined hospitality," says Mandala's Principal Ryan Shaw. "We're proud to bring Peppers' signature experience to this extraordinary location." As for the changes, there are plenty on the agenda. Guest suites will be upgraded to make the most of panoramic mountain views, while the hotel will feature purpose-built wedding and corporate event venues. A new signature restaurant and bar will be anchored around a central fireplace, enriched with timber tones and sculptural lighting. Plus, the addition of a resort-style pool, gym and enhanced wellness spa is bound to level up the relaxation experience even further. What's more, guests at the reimagined Peppers Clear Mountain will encounter several new private dining experiences, while integrated landscaping and design will celebrate the property's impressive natural surroundings. With leading hospitality design firm Dezign taking charge of the transformation, the new-look stay will help make the region an even more inviting visit. "This upgrade will elevate our City's profile nationally and internationally, supporting local businesses and attracting new leisure and corporate visitors," says Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery. "Given our proximity to Brisbane's CBD and airport, this five-star retreat will help meet growing accommodation demand and unlock new opportunities for tourism operators and hospitality venues." Renovations at Mecure Clear Mountain will be staged to ensure the property remains operational. Head to the website for more information.
Fine dining can drift into performance — more chef's narrative, less dinner. At Singapore's Marguerite, Chef Patron Michael Wilson has made a series of choices to dismantle that rigour: an open kitchen that reads like a row of domestic island benches, total accessibility to the pass, and a standing invitation to wander over, ask questions, or simply watch. The atmosphere is notably calm — no barked orders, no theatre for theatre's sake — which makes a long tasting menu feel less like a marathon and more like an unhurried, convivial evening. The setting is singular. Marguerite lives inside the city's famed Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay — the world's largest glass greenhouse — and the restaurant leans into that sense of immersion. Plants thread through the room and curl around tabletops set with course-specific cutlery and crockery collected on Wilson's travels. In contrast, a ten-seat private room — inspired by mountain peaks and cumulus clouds — is wrapped in deep blue, burgundy, grey and dark forest green. Singapore's climate complicates strict seasonality. When your pantry can include Australian finger limes, New Zealand lamb and French cream for house-churned butter, "place" becomes a choice. Marguerite chooses freely — loosely French in spirit, but adapted for the tropics with lighter sauces, smaller bites and lucid riffs on classics. Steak frites becomes a bite-sized potato tart filled with tartare and crowned with a fried quail egg; ajo blanco appears as an ethereal foam; and New Caledonian prawn paste is transformed into delicate "tagliolini", glossed with clear spiced consommé and bright aromatics. Course after course arrives like edible sleight of hand — entire plates of flavour distilled into a mouthful. Pairings echo the kitchen's precision. Alongside a generous, far-reaching wine match, Marguerite's Temperance program offers non-alcoholic pairings — clarified juices and fermented jun tea — designed to deliver complexity without cloying sweetness. A mixed "demi" option straddles both. Service keeps the tone grounded and genuine throughout. Wilson's path explains the poise. Melbourne-born, he worked with Andrew McConnell and Guy Grossi before earning a Michelin star at Phénix in Shanghai just five months after opening. Marguerite followed in November 2021 and earned its own star within eight months, showcasing what he calls "creative cuisine" — craft, provenance and produce brought into clear focus. All bookings at Marguerite include a complimentary limousine buggy to and from the Gardens entrance and Flower Dome access for a pre- or post-meal stroll. Images: Supplied
Brisbane has long been partial to a party boat. The Island did the honours from the 80s through until early this decade, and Seadeck has cruised the river over the last couple of years. Now Yot Club is sailing into the city's waters, and it's set to make quite a big splash — as you'd expect from a huge yacht with two bars, a stage, a dance floor and a 400-person capacity. Set to launch this summer in Brisbane as well as on the Gold Coast, the glamorous, custom-built vessel is calling itself "the world's first super yacht entertainment venue". It's certainly something that southeast Queensland hasn't seen before, at the very least. Sprawling over two levels, it measures nearly 40-metres long and over 22-metres wide, and blends a licensed floating club and a luxe function space, including room for 200 people to enjoy a sit-down meal. With lounges across an open deck and undercover, a VIP room in the hull, both general and ticketed events set to welcome guests, and the promise of bands and DJs on its lineup, Yot Club wants to be the region's one-stop watery hangout. It'll be serving more than water, of course, thanks to a menu of classic and creative cocktails, plus brews chilled in the 45-keg-capacity cool room. Planning your own shindig? You'll also be able to hire the yacht for private functions — and there's also a commercial kitchen onboard. Details of where it'll set off from haven't yet been revealed, but when the Yot Club starts zooming down the river, you won't be able to miss it. Yot Club launches this summer in Brisbane on the Gold Coast. We'll update you with a date when we have one.
Whether you need one to shield your eyeballs because face masks fog up your sunnies, or you're just a generally stylish and sun-safe individual, the classic bucket hat looks set to score some time in the spotlight this summer. And what better way to jump aboard the train, than with an unashamedly branded little number from your flatpack hero IKEA. Yep, the Swedish furniture retailer has shimmied right on into the accessories game, with its new Knorva bucket hat, priced at an easy $3.50 a pop. The one-size-fits-all headpiece has only just hit shelves, but already has Aussies utterly obsessed, with a hefty 2000 units snapped up in just one day. Crafted from the same durable material used for Ikea's signature blue Frakta carrier bags, the hats are extra versatile, designed to offer your noggin protection from both sun and rain. A year-round wardrobe winner, if you will. As an added bonus, the bucket hats are also low-maintenance, requiring little more than a rinse and dry to keep them clean. Perhaps don one to get you in the mood for whipping up a batch of IKEA's meatballs, or team with your Frakta bag for the ultimate park picnic kit. https://www.facebook.com/ikea.au/posts/10158730361883288 If you're keen to nab a bucket hat, but haven't seen any at your local IKEA store, don't stress — some states are now able to order the Knorva online. Plus, IKEA is hustling to get lots more stock to our shores in time for those hat wearin' days of summer. IKEA's Knorva bucket hats are available in select Australian stores. Otherwise, you might be able to snap one up online.
We're off the see The Wizard again: in not one but two movies, the first arriving in cinemas in November 2024 and the second in 2025, the wonderful world of Oz is returning to screens. It took a mere two years for L Frank Baum's 1900-published book to reach the theatre, with the debut film version following almost four decades later. Now, 85 years have passed since The Wizard of Oz initially entranced cinemas. Its latest big-screen comeback owes debts to both the page and the stage, but beyond the novel that started it all. Wicked first enchanted in print in 1995, when author Gregory Maguire conjured up an alternative Oz-set tale. Since 2003, it has worked its magic as a Tony-winning Broadway musical, before it too makes the eagerly anticipated leap to picture palaces. The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the novel's subtitle, explains Wicked's focus. Whether reading the book, seeing the play or watching the upcoming two features, audiences are whisked into origin-story territory — not only for the green-skinned Elphaba but for Glinda. At the Land of Oz's Shiz University, the pair meet and, despite their differences, cement a friendship. Even before they cross paths with The Wizard, everyone who has ever seen Judy Garland follow the yellow brick road with the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man knows Elphaba and Glinda's destinies. Giving Wicked the movie treatment: a wide-ranging cast and crew led by director Jon M Chu, with the Crazy Rich Asians filmmaker making his second and third stage-to-screen musicals in succession following In the Heights. On-screen, he's enlisted Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo (Pinocchio) as the misunderstood Elphaba, Ariana Grande (Don't Look Up) as Glinda and none other than Jeff Goldblum (Kaos) as The Wizard, plus Michelle Yeoh (A Haunting in Venice), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and more. Off-screen, a six-time Oscar-nominee — five of them for Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) films — also couldn't be more pivotal. When Academy Award recognition comes your way for art direction on The Prestige and The Dark Knight, then for production design on Interstellar, Dunkirk and Tenet — and for Damien Chazelle's First Man as well — jumping to Oz on Wicked's two parts might seem like a massive change. But English production designer Nathan Crowley is interested in world-building first and foremost, and has been ever since his first screen credit on as a junior set designer on 1991's Hook. Also on his resume recently: The Greatest Showman and Wonka. And, he's a veteran of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Braveheart, Mission: Impossible II, Escape From LA, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight Rises, John Carter and the Westworld TV series as well. When you're taking a well-trodden path thanks to multiple books, the Wizard of Oz movie that's been beloved for generations, blockbuster stage musicals, and everything from The Wiz to Oz: The Great and Powerful, you're embarking on an enormous task. That isn't lost on Crowley, he tells Concrete Playground, although the full scope dawned on him slowly. Not only does he need to bring Oz to life beyond the painted backdrops of the Garland-starring film, but he has the job of creating Shiz University — not to mention a field filled with nine-million tulips as part of Munchkinland and a throne room featuring a mechanical version of Goldblum's head, plus various forms of transport, such as by rail, river and air. Ahead of the first Wicked film's release in cinemas — including premiering at Sydney's State Theatre on Sunday, November 3, with Erivo, Grande, Goldblum, Bailey, fellow stars Marissa Bode (a screen debutant) and Ethan Slater (The Marvellous Mrs Maisel), plus director Chu, all in attendance — we also chatted with Crowley about those nine-million flowers, the joy of practical effects, aiming to get audiences to fall into a fantastical world, what he makes of his career so far and more. On How Planting a Field of Nine-Million Tulips in Norfolk Is Symbolic of the Scale of the Task of Bringing Wicked to the Screen "It was the first major challenge for me. My thing is, I love doing things practically because there's a colossal joy to it. So one of the first challenges was: what do all the munchkins do? I need something for them to do in their village. Okay, they're flower farmers and they use the dyes to make colours, because they're colourful people. And so each house, that allowed me lots of scope with the colours of the buildings. So then it was like — and I think it must have been Jon — 'well, what if it's the colours of the rainbow?'. Which is a massive thing. So then what goes in strips of colour? Tulips? You grow tulips in strips of colour. So that's kind of where 'oh we need tulips'. And then it was like 'well, let's grow them'. It was myself and the location manager Adam [Richards, Wonka], who I've worked with many times before. It like 'where can we grow tulips? We can go up to Norfolk'. He found a tulip farmer and was like 'let's go up there and see if we can grow'. I'm going quickly, but there's lots of between. I planted 500 acres of corn in Interstellar in Canada. So I've been a farmer before and I knew if could find the right farmer — and with Adam's help, because ultimately it was crown property; I needed it to be without trees, because in Oz trees are circular. I needed it to be a perfectly large sky, a tulip sky. So we found Mark the farmer, who's just simply brilliant, and he got us our bulbs. Then I had to go back to the production and explain: 'we have a field, we have permission from crown properties to plant, you need to write a check for tulips. You've got to get them from Holland. And we've got to get them in the ground quickly before it freezes'. When you're a flower farmer, you've got to get the bulbs in the ground. And so there's a lot of umming and aahing, and it was difficult, but I think it set the pace of what we were trying to achieve. And Jon, and Donna Langley from Universal, was very into it. She was like 'I love it. Let's do it'. We planted them and we got to know the farmer. He was into it, and we got the colours — and it was just a great life experience. You need to step out of your department occasionally and get into the real world. So, practical filmmaking. So that started it off, and then of course, it snowballs. But they all grew, they all worked. It was brilliant." On Valuing Practical Effects in Age Where CGI Is Everywhere in Visual Effects — and Combining the Two "That [CGI] is very powerful tool now. But you have many tools. We have 120 years of filmmaking experience. My thing is if we can make it enough for real, and light it and get real photography, we can tell visual effects what it should look like and their job becomes symbiotic with ours — and we become one rather than working as a line. So I always feel the balance is essential and we can do it. I guess it's so obvious to me that you build as much as you can until you can't foe whatever reasons: landscape, weather, money, time. So you have to balance it — and then if you balance it, and this really goes back to the audience in the cinema, can you not make them not notice how you did it? Can you do a film, especially a fancy film, where they don't pay attention, they're into the film, they're not paying attention, nothing bounces them out, so you fall into the film? Ever since I was little, when I go to the cinema, I want to fall into the telling of the story. And so I believe that we almost have to go quietly — and to do that, I strongly believe you have to do it practically, because if you suddenly cut to visual effects, I think audiences know that. The emotion is taken away from the audience. It flattens it. So if you can make it seamless, I don't want the audience to notice. Because then you're just in it and you're into the emotion of it." On the Massive the Scope in Not Just Bringing One of the 21st Century's Biggest Stage Musicals to the Screen, But Reimagining Much That's Crucial to The Wizard of Oz "I guess I was a little naive about how big Wicked, the stage show, was. I had three daughters who had grown up and they were like 'what, oh my god!'. And The Wizard of Oz, to me, they sit side by side. What was brilliant is that Wicked is the alternative story to The Wizard of Oz — so together, what a piece of cinema. The realisation I had to recreate Oz kind of slowly dawned on me. And that was like 'oh'. It was like 'Jesus, we've got to remake, we've got to figure out Emerald City'. And Emerald City was just a painting on a backdrop, and everyone's childhood, everyone's reimagined what that is — it's very clever. Everyone's filled in all the blanks of what they didn't show you. So we're going to tread on people's nostalgia for Emerald City — and how do we do that? And then you've got the Wicked fans, there's little things that they want in the film, Shiz details, and it's very important. But luckily we had Marc Platt [the film's producer, and also the stage musical's], who's all things Wicked. So he was my constant guide to Wicked. And then Wizard of Oz was just making sure I didn't hurt and I enlarged people's opinion of what Oz is, rather than shrunk it. So, it was a massive challenge. The biggest challenges, the two films in my career that sit as giant design challenges: Wicked and Interstellar. And they both hurt your head. It's not a physical thing, it's like they hurt your design brain. On How the Wicked Set Became the Most Complex of Crowley's Career So Far "First of all, it was the design, because Shiz, there's so many versions of Shiz — the school, Hogwarts, Cambridge, there's all these perceived ideas. So, one, you have to find a design. And secondly, I realised that the first day of school when everyone comes in, we've got no horse and carriages because the animals aren't enslaved. We've got no trains because they belong to The Wizard, and we have to introduce them later. We can't come by airship, because the balloon belongs to The Wizard. There's no cars. So how do you get anywhere in Oz? And then it was like 'oh, we go by a river' — which is a tradition. Of course we go by river. But what that means is the set, we have to build a giant water tank for the set so we can row the boat into the Shiz courtyard. And of course I like everything practically, so it's like 'we've got to build a giant water tank that takes seven days to fill'. And that was a challenge because, if you know about practical filmmaking, there's never been a tank that didn't leak. So you have a servicing problem with it. Every tank always leaks. Then Shiz for me was about finding architecture. The Wizard of Oz is an American fairy tale, so I need Americana, so White City of Chicago, 1893 World's Exposition, those giant Burnham and Root arches. I need to put some Americana in it. I need to put the scale of America in it. But then I need the nostalgia of every great ancient educational facility. So I need you to, when you walk into to Shiz, you feel this sort of ancient learning vibe. I need to take architecture from all over the world and change the materials of it, and try to blend it — from onion domes to Venice staircases. So I was really trying to make it fantastical, but familiar. So when you watch it, you'll see something that's kind of familiar to you. And if you've been a tourist in in Italy, you'll feel it a bit — or if you've been to Spain, to the Alhambra, you'll feel it a bit. Or maybe a little bit of Melbourne. Not much Georgian architecture, I'm afraid. On the Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity of Building a Throne Room Around a Mechanical Version of Jeff Goldblum's Head "It was so exciting. Every film has influenced the last one. So back on The Prestige — and really Bram Stoker's Dracula, we did automatons and mechanics, and we had to puppeteer the head and get expressions. So the joy of realising we had, one, a phenomenal special effects scene. Who could do that? And puppeteer it? And then secondly, okay, we've got the head, and if we could come through the curtain and say 'I am Oz' and put an eye through it, that's exciting. But then you think, 'well, what about the curtain?'. And so we came up with all these string curtains, it's almost like an art installation. We sat there for a very long time with drapers and mechanical people. We'd sit there at the end of the day and try all different things. And we had Joss [Carter, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom], the puppeteer, who was just brilliant. It comes down to just trying something, developing it and and being with the right people. And it's people — you're with all these people, and they're all creative, and the fun out of it is remarkable." On What Crowley Makes of His Career Three-Decade-Plus Career in Cinema So Far — and What Gets Him Excited About a New Project "I think when I look back, I just think 'wow, I got a bit lucky with the people I met'. There's a huge part of luck in if you happen to bump into the right people when you're younger. It's just like if you turn left at a certain time. So I look back at it and wonder 'how did all that happen?'. And I just like to get excited. So what does that mean now? Still to this day, I remember walking on to the old MGM lot for my first day at Hook and there was a ship on stage 27. They built a water tank. There was a ship in it, the Hook ship. It was giant, and it was just like 'this is incredible'. [caption id="attachment_614251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Interstellar[/caption] So I'm really just looking to world-build. Films like Wonka and Wicked opened those doors — things I've not done before. I wouldn't have said, I couldn't have said to you that I would end up making lots of musicals. To me, that wasn't even in my mind when we were doing Interstellar. 'I do lots of musicals? You're going to do four musicals?' I couldn't imagine that, but they've been some of the most-interesting design jobs I've ever had. So definitely new experiences, new journeys. You've got to keep yourself interested, you especially as you get older." Wicked releases in Australian cinemas on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with limited previews on Wednesday, November 20 — and tickets for the latter on sale now.
No one needs an excuse to visit Tasmania, especially if you're keen to enjoy the Apple Isle's splendours in winter, but Dark Mofo has been giving us all one anyway for a decade. One of two massive festivals run by the Museum of Old and New Art alongside summer event Mona Foma, it's home to a dark and sinister music and arts program befitting the frosty June weather — and it'll be back again in 2023. The next fest will see Dark Mofo officially hit ten years, in fact — and will run from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, if you're already thinking about how to spend the frostiest part next year. While it'll clearly be a big birthday party, with the program to be announced in autumn, the festival will also mark Creative Director Leigh Carmichael's last at the helm. [caption id="attachment_763673" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Remi Chauvin[/caption] Carmichael will step down after Dark Mofo 2023, making way for a new Artistic Director from 2024 onwards. "I feel that after ten years curating the Dark Mofo program, it's time for new energy and new ideas to move the festival forward," Carmichael said in a statement. "Dark Mofo occupies an important place in the Australian arts landscape, and I am confident that it will continue to provide opportunities for artists and audiences to experience challenging art in the darkest weeks of the year. I will be devoting more time and energy into DarkLab's other cultural projects, and pushing for better venues and more public infrastructure for Hobart so that it can cement its place as a vibrant cultural city." [caption id="attachment_849628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Blue Rose Ball. Photo credit: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford, 2018. Image of Société Anonyme Costume Ball Hadley's Orient Hotel. Image courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Previous years' lineups have seen a fantastical combination of musical performances, performance art and large-scale installations come together. In 2019, the program featured the likes of artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, American musician Sharon Van Etten and one of the world's largest glockenspiels, for instance. In 2022, patrons were treated to performances by The Kid LAROI, and the sounds of Chernobyl and Candyman — plus rainbow installations, and signature festivities such as the Nude Solstice Swim, the City of Hobart Winter Feast, Night Mass: Transcendence in the In The Hanging Garden precinct and the Reclamation Walk. Already keen to get booking? Fancy a Tasmania trip in the interim? Our Concrete Playground Trips Hobart getaway might also be of interest. [caption id="attachment_800592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lusy Productions[/caption] Dark Mofo 2023 will run from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. The 2023 program will be announced in autumn. Top image: Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2021. Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford, 2021. Image courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. 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.
When an arts festival gifts its chosen city with shows, it also brightens up the darkness whenever its program spills into venues and spaces around town after night falls. Many such fests like taking that idea literally. At Brisbane Festival, for example, after-dark light event Lightscape was on the lineup in 2023 and 2024, getting the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens glowing. The same fest is heading to the same place in 2025, but with something different: the fiery Afterglow. Brisbane is hosting the world-premiere run of this luminous experience, which is part of the 2025 Brisbane Festival program. Across Friday, September 5–Saturday, September 27, Afterglow will fill one of the River City CBD's leafiest parts with fire sculptures and candlelit installations, and also live performances. If you want to be among the first on the planet to enjoy it, you'll need to be in the Queensland capital. At Afterglow, you'll wander. You'll follow the flame-lined 1.4-kilometre path through an inner-city patch of greenery. You'll soak in the work of fire artists, too, and you'll watch the evening blaze away in the process. "Across time and cultures, people have always felt a connection to fire — as an element of nature, a force of renewal, or a symbol of ceremony and ritual," said Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina, announcing Afterglow as part of 2025's lineup. "Afterglow is a slow-burn experience, an invitation to deliberately and respectfully engage with the artistry and power of fire." [caption id="attachment_1008781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] If this sounds familiar, that might be because you're thinking of Fire Gardens, another installation event with flames at its centre. It was last in Australia in 2024 for Illuminate Adelaide — and back in 2019, it was meant to also be part of the Brisbane Festival program. A hit everywhere from Stonehenge to the Pont du Gard before it began making stops Down Under, Fire Gardens hails from French art collective Compagnie Carabosse, a group that has been starting fires professionally for more than two decades. Its planned Brisbane trip six years ago didn't eventuate, however, due to devastating bushfires carving a destructive path across the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast at the time, plus a total fire ban that was put in place across southeast Queensland as a result. Afterglow is completely separate to Fire Gardens, though — and will run every 15 minutes each evening across its dates from 5.45pm. The trail is family friendly, and also accessible. The event falls within the jam-packed 2025 Brisbane Festival program, which also includes a Gatsby-themed show and pop-up club, turning some of the city's pedestrian bridges into an art trail, a tribute to beloved restaurant Sultan's Kitchen, and a world-premiere dance work by acclaimed choreographer Benjamin Millepied and LA Dance Project, to name just a few of its 106 productions and 1069 performances. [caption id="attachment_1008784" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Ogilvy[/caption] Afterglow will take over the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Alice Street, Brisbane between Friday, September 5–Saturday, September 27, 2025 during Brisbane Festival. For more information and tickets, head to the fest's website. Brisbane Festival 2025 runs from Friday, September 5–Saturday, September 27 at various venues around Brisbane. Head to the fest's website for tickets and further details. Top image: Mellumae and Sean Dowling. All images: Sony Music Entertainment.
In a river city like Brisbane, eating, sipping and kicking back by the water — or in sight of it — is the hospitality holy grail. That's true along Eagle Street, where waterside restaurants and bars pair their menus with impressive vistas. And it's a big drawcard at Tillerman, the CBD roadway's latest addition, which has just opened its doors inside Riparian Plaza. A restaurant can't get by on views alone, of course. Tillerman's riverfront location includes a vantage over the river across to the Story Bridge, with that sparkling vision able to be glimpsed from all tables. But restaurateurs Andrew and Jaimee Baturo, plus Naga Thai chef Suwisa Phoonsang, want their food and drink offering — and the just-opened venue's decor and mood, too — to be as much of an attraction. Initially announced in August and now serving customers from lunch onwards from Tuesday–Saturday, Tillerman marks the latest collaboration between the Baturos and Phoonsang, after Naga Thai has shut its doors at Eagle Street Pier — the fact that the riverside precinct is being torn down to make way for a new $2.1-billion development will do that. Clearly the trio can't get enough of that part of the CBD, or the waterfront. And this time, nestled into the mezzanine level between Madam Wu and River Bar, they're focusing on seafood, that watery backdrop and a relaxed holiday-style vibe. "Locations like this don't come around very often and Tillerman gave us the idea of designing a restaurant where you can be transported, maybe through the charm of the coastal menu, or simply admiring the exceptional view in comfort with a glass in hand," said Andrew Baturo. "Tillerman's been created for the warm Queensland climate and will you'll want to stay all day." First, the decor — with Brisbane's Hogg & Lamb taking cues from travel across a timber-heavy setup that seats guests at both high and low tables, banquettes and mini booths. Spotted gum features heavily around the 120-seater space, the main bar spans ten metres in legnth, and floral and botanical prints help add a breezy, comfortable feel. Textured porphyry stone sits among the floorboards, too, and pendant lighting adds a glow. Plus, three backlit portholes draw the eye while adding a touch of nautical theming. For folks looking for an intimate dining experience with their nearest and dearest, there's also a glam private dining room behind a sheer copper curtain, with a wine wall lining one side. In the kitchen, Phoonsang has designed a menu that's guided by fresh, premium seafood, rather than a particular cuisine or culture — but the culinary range takes inspiration from the best dishes found around the world. Highlights include Fremantle octopus carpaccio, salmon jerky, kingfish with crepes, fish of the day served with nuoc cham, Balmain bugs and salt-baked Murray cod, spanning both small bites and mains. Tillerman doesn't only serve up seafood, though. Among the other standouts: wagyu flanks, chicken roulade, pork spare ribs with dark rum and candied cherry tomatoes, and goose frites with cherry vinegar. And, for dessert, choices cover rum and raisin deep-fried ice cream, lemon meringue pie, and chocolate mousse with brown butter, confit-spiced pear, peanut praline and cocoa sorbet. The drinks lineup also nods in a clear direction: the world's oceans and waterways, fittingly. With that in mind, Tillerman's signature martini is called is the Mariner Martini, and uses Never Never Oyster Shell Gin. Or, there are four types of daiquiris built on Plantation 3 Stars white rum, plus six gin and tonics. Flavours to look out for include earl grey, lemon and fennel, musk, and watermelon and cucumber among the daiquiris, and elderflower, hibiscus and rosemary in the G&Ts. The vino offering spans 30 wines via Coravin from a 150-tipple list all up, with whites from Veneto and Margaret River, pinot noirs from the Mornington Peninsula, and reds such as grenache and chilled provencal rosés a big feature. And, as well as bubbles, the sherry and port selection gets a hefty focus, while the full drinks range also covers beer, cider and spirits. Find Tillerman on the mezzanine level inside Riparian Plaza, 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane — open from 11.30am–2.30pm Tuesday–Saturday for lunch; 3–5.30pm Tuesday–Saturday for drinks, snacks and starters; and 5.30pm–late Tuesday–Saturday for dinner. Food images: Judit Losh.
Believe: it's the one-word slogan that helped a fictional football club change its mindset and its fortunes on the turf, and truly become a team. IRL, it was even adopted by the AFL's Brisbane Lions on their way to winning the 2024 premiership. It's also what Ted Lasso fans have been doing since 2023, having faith that the kindhearted Jason Sudeikis-starring Apple TV+ hit would return after its third season seemed to wrap up the show's storyline. That belief has proven well-founded: Ted Lasso is officially returning for season four. And yes, lead and executive producer Sudeikis (Hit-Monkey) will be there with it, stepping back into his two-time Emmy-winning role, donning the American-in-London coach's moustache again and presumably continuing to improve the character's knowledge of soccer. Keen to know what's in store? Other details are scarce for now, including who else among the cast will be returning. Brendan Hunt (Bless This Mess), aka Coach Beard, has been named among the new season's producers, however — a behind-the-camera role he also held in the first three seasons — so fingers crossed that he'll be back on-screen, too. Announcing Ted Lasso's fourth season, Sudeikis did provide broad details about the theme in the spotlight this time around. "As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap', in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it's exactly where they're meant to be," he shared. "Ted Lasso has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fanbase all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief. Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show," said Apple TV+ Head of Programming Matt Cherniss about the fourth season. Bill Lawrence, who co-developed Ted Lasso with Sudeikis, Hunt and Joe Kelly (Detroiters) — and who has been busy on the also-warmhearted Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking, which he co-created with its star Jason Segel (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) and Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein (The Garfield Movie) — will be back for season four as an executive producer as well. How will Ted Lasso pick up from the end of season three? Will Goldstein return — and be here, there and everywhere — as Roy Kent? Is everyone from Juno Temple (Venom: The Last Dance), Hannah Waddingham (The Fall Guy), Jeffrey Swift (Sweetpea) and Nick Mohammed (Renegade Nell) to Phil Dunster (Surface), Toheeb Jimoh (The Power), Cristo Fernandez (Sonic the Hedgehog 3), Kola Bokinni (Foresight), Billy Harris (The Outlaws) and James Lance (The Famous Five) also coming back? Hopefully more will be revealed soon, although recent reports have mentioned Goldstein, Waddingham, Swift and Mohammed's involvement, as well as possibly Hunt and Temple. There's no trailer yet for Ted Lasso's fourth season, understandably, but check out the trailer for season three below: Season four of Ted Lasso will stream via Apple TV+ — we'll update you when a release date is announced. Read our full review of season two and season three, and our interview with Brendan Hunt.
Big names from Australia and overseas. A new stage dedicated to dance music. A health and wellness zone with guided meditation and ice baths. With the returning lantern parade, too, as well as Steven Bradbury hosting the Great Australian Pineapple Toss and the onsite ferris wheel offering a helluva view, that's how The Big Pineapple Festival is making the most of its 2025 event. After announcing its Saturday, November 1 date earlier in the year, the Sunshine Coast fest has unveiled its lineup and more about its plans to mark its ten-year anniversary. Leading the bill: Hilltop Hoods, The Cat Empire, The Jungle Giants and PNAU, as well as Polaris, SIX60, Hands Like Houses, MKTO, Rum Jungle and Thelma Plum. Superlove Arena, that purpose-built haven for electronic tunes, will feature Baauer, Bushbaby, Anna Lunoe B2B Nina Las Vegas, KLP B2B Mell Hall, Little Fritter B2B Wongo, Paluma B2B Kessin, Shimmy and Raw Ordio. And Betty Taylor, Beckah Amani, HEADSEND and IVANA are also on the fest's lineup as well, all helping the event back up being named the Festival of the Year for the fourth time at the 2025 Queensland Music Awards. For those keen to dance in the shadow of a giant piece of tropical fruit — and one of Australia's most-famous big things — hitting Pineapple Fields in Woombye also comes with the option of camping, whether you'll be bringing your own tent, hiring one onsite or glamping. "When we started this festival years ago, our goal was to put Australian artists front and centre, and create an unforgettable experience for fans," said Mark Pico, The Big Pineapple Festival's Founder and Festival Director. "To be here over a decade later with the festival stronger than ever and even earning industry awards again ... is incredibly humbling. It's a testament to the amazing community of artists, attendees and partners who have believed in The Big Pineapple Festival from the start." The Big Pineapple Festival 2025 Lineup Hilltop Hoods The Cat Empire The Jungle Giants PNAU Polaris SIX60 Hands Like Houses MKTO Rum Jungle Thelma Plum Baauer Bushbaby Anna Lunoe B2B Nina Las Vegas KLP B2B Mell Hall Little Fritter B2B Wongo Paluma B2B Kessin Shimmy Raw Ordi Betty Taylor Beckah Amani HEADSEND IVANA The Big Pineapple Festival returns on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with presale tickets available from 8am AEST on Monday, July 28 and general tickets from 8am AEST on Tuesday, July 29. Head to the fest's website for more details. Select images: Claudia Ciapocha / Charlie Hardy.
If you didn't know that Dello Mano (Brisbane brownie icon and darling of desserts) offered breakfast and lunch seven days a week, you're not alone. Many people don't realise that the local providore of Belgium Chocolate luxury brownies, truffles, fudge, cakes and all things indulgence also plays host to a constant stream of regulars – creatives, designers, small business owners, couples, families, cyclists and the occasional dog at their Teneriffe cafe every day. A unique, eclectic space with a façade covered in creeper vines and adorned with potted plants, Dello Mano omits an aura of romantic, cosy French chic-ness. Whether you choose to sit inside surrounded by black walls, bookshelves and glass cabinets of sweet decadence or outside perched atop a padded tin drum stool, a classic French bistro chair or at the coffee bar, you're guaranteed to feel like you've just stumbled across a corner café in Paris. The food is equally impressive and you'll soon realise these guys are just as accomplished at curating a flavoursome breakfast menu as they are at producing chocolate perfection. Choose from simple yet delicious savoury combinations like the Billy Goat Eggs (fluffy free-range scrambled eggs, goats cheese and fetta, fresh baby spinach, sourdough and balsamic reduction) or the old faithful BLAT with a twist (crispy bacon, avocado, tomato and dressed lettuce on sourdough, finished with mayonnaise and mustard). However, if it's a truly unique taste sensation you seek then the house-baked Chocolate Granola (what else?) can't be ignored. Made with 72% dark Belgium chocolate, almonds, dates, maple syrup and cinnamon it's surprisingly light and strikes the right balance of bittersweet chocolate with crunchy clusters of oats for early morning. Order it with a small pot of milk and you have yourself a chocolate milkshake to slurp up after you take your last spoonful. Coffee is also lovely, using the Modena blend from fellow local supplier DiBella and is served with a small square of their ridiculously delicious Classic Brownie. Crunchy on the outside with an intensely gooey centre it has that wonderful 'not quite cooked through' texture that leaves you in a state of chocolate bliss. Dello Mano clearly has the recipe for success, offering locals a place to pick up a pre-packaged or made to order gift hamper, quench the coffee cravings or sit and savour breakfast and cake – all whilst feeling oh-so-Parisienne. Keep an eye out for their high tea offering coming soon. Image by Mimi Hyll.
Donald Glover's filmography is expanding, as is his directorial resume as well. The next time that he graces a movie, the star also known as Childish Gambino play a hit musician on-screen, in a flick that he's helming himself. If it seems like art imitating life, however, we're betting that IRL Glover — whether or not he's in his Gambino guise — hasn't found himself on an island teeming with greenery, largely devoid of people and also home to giant animals. In the just-dropped trailer for Bando Stone & the New World, Glover is the film's namesake — "the singer: 'Starlight', 'Let's Make It Happen', 'Party Monkey'," he tells a woman (Jessica Allain, The Continental: From the World of John Wick) pointing a gun his way when they cross paths in a convenience store. She doesn't know who he is, has a kid in tow and is on a mission to get to the other side of the island. But they can only move during the daytime, because at night is "when everything comes out". By everything, the movie means a massive boar, octopus and flock of flightless birds, plus glowing laser netting and structures — all of which Bando is ill-equipped for. "Can you shoot? Can you hunt? Do you know how to fish? Do you know how to set a trap?" he's asked. His reply: "I can sing". Bando Stone & the New World will mark Glover's feature directorial debut, after helming a short film as Childish Gambino, his own music videos, and episodes of both Atlanta and Swarm. The script comes courtesy of Evi Wilder, while Glover's frequent collaborator Hiro Murai — who has directed a heap of his music videos as well, plus 26 Atlanta instalments, two episodes of the 2024 Mr & Mrs Smith series and 2019 movie Guava Island — is an executive producer. As for the soundtrack, that's unsurprisingly springing from Gambino. Exactly when the film will drop, other than 2024, hasn't been revealed — and nor has any Down Under release plans. It's headed for big screens in the US, though, with the trailer announcing that it's an exclusive IMAX event. Whether audiences in Australia and New Zealand will get to see Bando Stone & the New World before Childish Gambino brings his latest tour this way in 2025 also hasn't been advised so far. Check out the trailer for Bando Stone & The New World below: Bando Stone & the New World doesn't yet have a release date, other than 2024 — we'll update you when more details are announced.
Back in 2021, McDonald's marked a massive milestone: 50 years since the fast food chain first started serving burgs in Australia. To celebrate, it splashed its golden arches all around the place, including on Macca's PJs. And, while that sleepwear was a limited-edition range, McDonald's has teamed up with Peter Alexander on a new line for 2023. Obviously, you'll be lovin' them. Once again, this collection features burgers, fries, golden arches, the chain's red and yellow colour scheme, and its famous figures such as Ronald, Grimace, Birdie and the Hamburglar. Do people wearing burger-covered pyjamas dream of Big Macs? That's the question you can now put to the test — again. You can clearly expect a big dose of nostalgia as well and, thanks to Ronald and company's presence, to have a fierce hankering for happy meals. Given that McDonald's opened here in the 70s, there's a huge retro feel to the entire range. If, while wearing them, you wake up and start watching cartoons, that's understandable. Thirty-seven different items arrive on Wednesday, June 14 at Peter Alexander stores and via the sleepwear brand's website until stocks last — including PJ pants and sweaters for men and women, various matching sets, and even Macca's sleepwear for dogs. That range includes a Big Mac tee, a smiling Grimace jumper and slippers embedded with the golden arches, as well as patchwork-style sets and a Macca's doggy jumper. The new McDonald's x Peter Alexander sleepwear collection goes on sale from Wednesday, June 14 via Peter Alexander stores and the sleepwear brand's website.
Buying a couch shouldn't feel like waiting for a house to be built, or cost as much as a holiday — that's the premise behind Grumpi, a new Melbourne startup turning the furniture industry on its head with compressed, vacuum-sealed sofas, armchairs and ottomans that arrive at your door in a box (and expand in hours). The brains behind the boxes? Cory and Dion Verstandig, Melbourne-born brothers who observed a gap in the market for their age demographic, and seized it. "It just felt crazy that in 2025 you can get almost anything delivered fast — except furniture," says Cory, of the initial spark for Grumpi. "That frustration stuck with us and became the starting point for the brand." The brothers had already dabbled in furniture, launching a small ottoman business and later testing a full-sized swivel chair that sold $75,000 in units in its first year. The catch? Oversized delivery fees swallowed the profits. "That experience completely reshaped our thinking," Dion explains. "It made us obsessed with one question: how do you make great furniture without delivery becoming the downfall?" That question led them to compression. Inspired by the success of bed-in-a-box disruptors like Koala, the brothers began prototyping vacuum-sealed furniture that could fit in the back of a hatchback, expand to full size within 24–48 hours, and still feel premium. Fifteen months and seven rounds of sampling later, Grumpi was born. Furniture That Fits Real Life Grumpi's pieces are designed for how young Australians actually live — in smaller spaces, on tighter budgets and with minimal patience for assembly manuals. Each piece ships free, arrives within ten days (or you get $100 back), and needs little to no setup. "It's for people like us," says Dion. "Eighteen to 35-year-olds, renters, first-home buyers, young families. People who actually live in their spaces." From the soft, sculptural Loungi modular sofa to the plush Peachi armchair and beanless Plumpi, each item is designed for movement, comfort and flexibility. You can add sections over time, rearrange layouts for parties or simply flop down after a long day — no preciousness required. "Our customers want their homes to look good, but they don't want to wait 12 weeks or spend thousands on delivery," Cory says. "Grumpi is about taking that stress out — stylish furniture that's easy to buy, easy to move and easy to love." Comfort Without Compromise Underneath the playful branding, Grumpi is serious about quality. The brand's manufacturing partner is BSCI-certified to ensure fair pay and ethical working conditions, and every product undergoes Australian-standard testing for durability, flammability, and safety — including a 20,000-sit stress test. Each product is also made with around 80 percent recycled packaging, and the compact format significantly reduces transport emissions. "We didn't just want to make furniture cheaper — we wanted to make it smarter," says Dion. "Compression reduces waste, emissions and storage. It's a win for the planet and your living room." Designing for a Different Kind of Homebody Beyond the innovation, Grumpi's tone feels refreshingly unpolished — intentionally so. The name captures the idea that if furniture had feelings, it'd be a little grumpy from being sat on, spilled on and squished — but still lovable. It's a fitting metaphor for the kind of homes the brand is designed for: ones that are lived in, not styled to perfection. "Buying a couch should feel as easy as buying shoes," Dion adds. "We want to make furniture that fits into life, not the other way around." Looking ahead, Grumpi plans to expand into outdoor furniture, retail partnerships and commercial fit-outs by late 2026. But the mission stays the same: do for furniture what brands like Koala did for mattresses — make comfort fast, functional and fun. You can shop the full range at via Grumpi. Images: Supplied
