If you like your cinema experiences shaken, not stirred, then the 2022 British Film Festival has just the thing for you. Taking its array of Brit flicks around the country between Tuesday, October 18–Wednesday, November 16, this year's fest is turning itself into a big 60th birthday party — not for the Australia-wide cinema showcase itself, which only dates back around a decade, but for all things Bond, James Bond. 2022 marks six decades since Dr No, the first movie in the 007 franchise, first graced cinemas — and yes, it'll be the British Film Festival's screens to commemorate the occasion. Also hitting picture palaces in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Byron Bay: You Only Live Twice, because two Sean Connery-starring Bond films are better than one; On Your Majesty's Secret Service with Australia's Bond George Lazenby; and Daniel Craig doing his brooding Bond in Skyfall. They're just some of the titles among the fest's first lineup announcement, with the full British Film Festival program set to drop on Thursday, September 29. Can't wait till then? A handful of other flicks have already been announced — and, as always at this cinema showcase, they're filled with familiar faces. Arriving Down Under after wowing the global festival circuit, The Banshees of Inisherin marks the reunion of In Bruges writer/director Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and his stars Colin Farrell (After Yang) and Brendan Gleeson (The Tragedy of Macbeth). This time around, the latter pair star in a story about two lifelong friends who go for a pint everyday until a dispute gets in the way, with their feud also impacting the entire village. Also on the bill: an Emily Brontë biopic, aptly named Emily, directed by Australia actor-turned-filmmaker Frances O'Connor (The End); more sea shanties in song-filled sequel Fisherman's Friends 2: One and All; the Bill Nighy (The Man Who Fell to Earth)-starring Living, about a terminally ill man in the 1950s; and The Lost King, which takes inspiration from the IRL discovery of King Richard III's remains beneath a Leicester car park. And, opening the fest is Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, set in the world of French fashion, with Oscar-nominated Phantom Thread actor Lesley Manville in the titular role. BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: Tuesday, October 18–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Norton, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Electric, Canberra Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor, Melbourne Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace James Street and Palace Centro, Brisbane Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16— Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema, Perth Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay The 2022 British Film Festival tours Australia between Tuesday, October 18–Wednesday, November 16. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website. We'll update you with the full program on Thursday, September 29.
Some of gothic horror's greatest masterpieces foresaw their longevity. Bram Stoker's Dracula will never die, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein will never stop being brought to life, either. Shake & Stir Theatre Co took on the former back in 2015 and 2017, in a brand-new world-premiere stage production that sunk its fangs into the most famous vampire tale there is. Now, the South Brisbane-based theatre company is turning its attention to Victor Frankenstein and his creation. The new version of Frankenstein is also a debut, and will enjoy its first season at QPAC's Playhouse from Saturday, October 14–Saturday, October 28. The story remains the same as it has since 1818, of course, following a young scientist tormented by grief, a bold push to thwart mortality, plus the consequences sparked by his act of playing god. And, as always, it will cover the impact upon the being that's spliced together, jolted into existence, yearns to belong, but is swiftly and cruelly shunned. "Gothic fiction is a passion of the company, and Shelley's ground-breaking novel, credited for both its gothic roots and for pioneering the science fiction genre, presents an excitingly monstrous challenge in mounting it for the stage," said Shake & Stir Co-Artistic Director Nick Skubij, who is also directing Frankenstein. Audiences can expect an immersive performance that steps through Shelley's classic with Darcy Brown, Tony Cogin, Nick James, Jodie le Vesconte, Nelle Lee and Jeremiah Wray in the cast — and with a big emphasis on production design. Think: video and digital elements playing a hefty part, and meticulous sound design setting the mood. [caption id="attachment_632939" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shake & Stir's 'Dracula'.[/caption] Shake & Stir's Frankenstein follows not only Dracula, but also Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol, Macbeth, Othello, Animal Farm, The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox and Romeo & Juliet among the company's looks backwards. In the past two years, the theatre group has brought Fourteen and Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! — both personal stories, with the first based on the memoir of the same name — to Brisbane's stages as well. The oft-adapted Frankenstein is no stranger to audiences, including earning a stunning Royal National Theatre iteration by Danny Boyle (Yesterday) starring Benedict Cumberbatch (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar) and Jonny Lee Miller (Guy Ritchie's The Covenant) in 2011 — with the two actors rotating roles between Victor and the creature each night — that's been playing cinemas worldwide ever since thanks to NT Live. With Shake & Stir's take, Skubij sees the timelessness of the work, plus the current parallels. "It's been fascinating to consider this incredible work dealing with themes of advancement, progress and pushing the limits of possibility alongside contemporary advances in AI technology today. The story could not be more relevant," he noted. "Like Victor Frankenstein's creation, AI is arguably neither good nor bad; it's how it's built and used that dictates its legacy." "Frankenstein's monster is just that: a living, breathing 'being' far superior in capabilities than any natural human could ever be. But what are the consequences of using science to play God?" Check out the trailer for Shake & Stir's Frankenstein below: Shake & Stir Theatre Co's Frankenstein will play QPAC's Playhouse, South Bank, Brisbane from Saturday, October 14–Saturday, October 28. Head to the venue's website for tickets and further information.
If you're a Queenslander with a trip to Melbourne in your future — or vice versa — the pandemic has just interrupted your plans. With the Victorian capital about to start a seven-day lockdown in an attempt to contain the northern suburbs COVID-19 cluster, the Sunshine State is declaring the state a coronavirus hotspot. And, as a result, Queensland will close its borders to all of Victoria. The change was announced today, Thursday, May 27, and will come into effect at 1am tomorrow, Friday May 28. It applies to the entire state — unlike the last declaration back in February, which only covered Greater Melbourne. Accordingly, folks who've been in Victoria will no longer be permitted to enter Queensland, unless they receive an exemption and then go into government quarantine for 14 days. This affects anyone coming into Queensland who has been to Victoria in the past 14 days. And, if you arrive in the Sunshine State from Victoria during the remainder of today, you'll be required to go into a seven-day lockdown at home, just as if you were still down south. Queensland's Border Declaration Passes are also currently in effect for folks who've been in Victoria in the past fortnight, too. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1397768245503877124 Earlier in the week, Queensland made a similar move, but limited to the City of Whittlesea local government area. Under that hotspot declaration, which came into effect at 1am on Wednesday, May 26, anyone who has been in the local government area since Tuesday, May 11 and enters Queensland is required to go into hotel quarantine For more information about southeast Queensland's COVID-19 border restrictions, or about the status of COVID-19 in the state, visit the Qld COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. For more information about COVID-19 in Victoria and the state's current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health website.
All you really need on January 26 is a comfy spot to sit, a constant stream of food and drink, and a radio hookup. Mosey down Brunswick Street to the local pub that shares its name, and you'll find all of the above. You'll also find a pretty cruisy way to spend the day. Think of the Brunswick Hotel's triple j party as a chance to hang out with your mates, do exactly what you'd be doing if you were sitting in your backyard, but have someone else take care of the food and drinks. Plus, when the countdown is over, the karaoke begins. That's when you'll find out just how well you can belt out 2016's number one.
After weeks of protest and a snowballing boycott by artists, the Biennale of Sydney has cut ties with its longtime sponsor Transfield. Philanthropist and Transfield Holdings director Luca Belgiorno-Nettis stepped down from his position as chair of the Biennale board, which went on to end the partnership agreement, effective immediately. Until it happened just now, this was a moment that seemed pretty unlikely. However, a point was reached where the negative publicity was doing neither brand Biennale nor Transfield any favours, with nine artists having withdrawn from the event and many art fans considering staying away. These artists have 'imagined what they desired', in keeping with the theme of the festival. "I hope that blue sky may now open up over this 19th Biennale of Sydney," said the departing Belgiorno-Nettis. This does nothing to fix Australia's repulsive treatment of refugees in detention, of course, but it means the focus of protest can shift, and Sydneysiders can enjoy and engage with the Biennale in full. Here's the statement from the Biennale: Today the Board of the Biennale of Sydney received the resignation of its Chairman, Luca Belgiorno-Nettis. With deep regret, the Board reluctantly accepted the decision of the Chair to resign. We gratefully acknowledge the personal contribution of Luca as Chair over the past 14 years. We also acknowledge the enormous contribution of the Belgiorno-Nettis family over 41 years. The Board also discussed its relationship with its founding partner Transfield. We have listened to the artists who are the heart of the Biennale and have decided to end our partnership with Transfield effective immediately. The Board and the extended Biennale community owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Luca and his family. Luca Belgiorno-Nettis said: ‘I wear two hats: one as Chair of the Biennale of Sydney and the other as a Director of Transfield Holdings; both organisations conceived by my father and nurtured by my family over many decades. I am deeply thankful to the many friends of the Biennale, and my personal friends who have supported me and the teams throughout my tenure, especially in recent weeks. I also express my gratitude to my Directors and Marah Braye and her beautiful team, and Juliana Engberg for their unequivocal allegiance to the Biennale. ‘I hope that blue sky may now open up over this 19th Biennale of Sydney: You Imagine What You Desire and its future incarnations.’ Deputy Chair Andrew Cameron will be interim Chair until the Biennale appoints a new Chair following the close of the 19th Biennale of Sydney. The Board look forward to working with Juliana Engberg and the Biennale team to realise an enormously successful 19th Biennale of Sydney.
Wandering around a market while the sun shines is all well and good, but there's something extra appealing about the nighttime variety. Happening every Friday and Saturday night in Brisbane's north BITE Markets fits the bill. And, it serves up plenty of food, because that's what every night market attendee really wants. A trip to Nolan Drive in Morayfield comes with a little something extra on Saturday, October 30, however — because that's when the BITE Markets Halloween Spooktacular is adding some scares to the place. This is a family-friendly affair with scavenger hunts and a monster mash disco, but if you were thinking about hitting up a market anyway and you love Halloween, consider it a two-for-one kind of event. Expect the usual array of food, and likely some Halloween-themed treats. Opting for the sweets lineup — cakes, doughnuts, churros and poffertjes and the like — will get your tastebuds in the right mood anyway. A shipping container setup like Hamilton's Eat Street — complete with landscaping and a dining precinct — BITE Markets showcases local talents, so prepare to feast on meals whipped up by the best producers, food creators and artisans in the area, too. Entry costs $3 for adults — and for those driving north, there's more than 600 car parks onsite.
For many folks, renting is one of life's unpleasant necessities, and it comes with plenty of grief. If you've ever been forced to beg your landlord to fix faulty lighting — you know, so you can see at night-time and just generally live in a safe environment — or desperately wanted to do something as simple as getting a pet or hanging a picture on your wall, then you'll understand. But in good news, the Queensland Government is looking at shaking up the state's tenancy laws. As reported by The Courier-Mail, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a tenancy legislation review, called Open Doors to Renting Reform. It will consult with renters, landlords and real estate agents about common issues, and marks the first major review to existing laws since the 70s. Items under consideration include making it easier for tenants to add homely touches, such as putting nails in the wall to hang pictures and posters — and trying to increase the number of properties that allow furry four-legged friends. Crucially, ensuring that urgent repairs are made when requested by renters is also on the agenda. The reviews will look at concerns raised by property owners as well, including the level of rental bonds and the frequency of inspections. While a timeline for enacting any legislative amendments hasn't been revealed, the move comes just weeks after the Victorian Government passed its own rental changes. Many of the same matters are set to be enshrined into law down south, including no less than 100 reforms aiming to increase Victorian renters' rights and protect tenants in vulnerable positions. Via The Courier-Mail. Image kgbo via Wikicommons.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. From the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from August's haul of newbies. (Yes, we're assuming you've watched Clickbait already.) BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW CODA When CODA screened at the Sundance Film Festival back in January, it made history. Film distributors always clamour to snap up the event's big hits, and this four-time award-winner — which received the fest's US Grand Jury Prize, US Dramatic Audience Award, a Special Jury Ensemble Cast Award and Best Director — was picked up by Apple TV+ for US$25 million. Even though the sophomore feature from writer/director Sian Heder (Tallulah) remakes 2014 French hit La Famille Bélier, that's still a significant amount of money; however, thanks to its warmth, engaging performances and a welcome lack of cheesiness, it's easy to see why the streaming platform opened its wallet. Fans of the earlier movie will recognise the storyline, which sees 17-year-old Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones, Locke & Key) struggle to balance her family commitments with her dreams of attending music school. She's a talented singer, but she's only just discovered just how skilled she is because she's also the child of deaf adults (hence the film's title). At home, she also plays a key part in keeping the family's fishing business afloat, including by spending mornings before class out on the trawler wither her dad Frank (Troy Kotsur, No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie) and older brother Leo (Daniel Durant, Switched at Birth). Heder helms this still sweet and moving feature with a distinct lack of over-exaggeration, which plagued its predecessor. The fact that Kotsur, Durant and Marlee Matlin (Entangled), the latter as the Rossi matriarch, are all actors who are deaf playing characters who are deaf really couldn't be more important. Their portrayals are naturalistic and lived-in, as is much about this rousing but gentle crowd-pleaser — including tomboy Ruby's blossoming romance with fellow wannabe musician Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Sing Street). CODA is available to stream via Apple TV+. HACKS It sounds like an obvious premise, and one that countless films and TV shows have already mined in the name of laughs. In Hacks, two vastly dissimilar people are pushed together, with the resulting conflict guiding the series. Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder, North Hollywood) and her new boss Deborah Vance (Jean Smart, Mare of Easttown) couldn't be more different in age, experience, tastes and opinions. The former is a 25-year-old who made the move to Hollywood, has been living out her dream as a comedy writer, but found her career plummeting after a tweet crashed and burned. The latter is a legendary stand-up who hasn't stopped hitting the stage for decades, is approaching the 2500th show of her long-running Las Vegas residency and is very set in her ways. They appear to share exactly one thing in common: a love for comedy. They're an odd couple thrust together by their mutual manager Jimmy (Paul W Downs, Broad City), neither wants to be working with the other, and — to the surprise of no one, including each other — they clash again and again. There's no laugh track adding obvious chuckles to this HBO sitcom, though. Created by three of the talents behind Broad City — writer Jen Statsky; writer/director Lucia Aniello; and Downs, who does double duty in front of and behind the lens — Hacks isn't solely interested in setting two seemingly mismatched characters against each other. This is a smart and insightful series about what genuinely happens when this duo spends more and more time together, what's sparked their generational conflict and what, despite their evident differences, they actually share beyond that love of making people laugh. And, it's a frank, funny and biting assessment of being a woman in entertainment — and it's also always as canny as it is hilarious. The first season of Hacks is available to stream via Stan. Read our full review. THE CHAIR In its first episode of its six-instalment run, The Chair sports a breezy, effortless tone, while still managing to ripple with always-thrumming tension. Newly appointed in the titular position at Pembroke University's English department, Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh, Killing Eve) has much to juggle — as excited as she is about the role. The college dean (David Morse, The Good Lord Bird) has given her a list of faculty members with high salaries and low class enrolment rates, and made it clear that something needs to change. Kim wants to champion a new rising star among the teaching cohort (Nana Mensah, Queen of Glory), but knows that that'll require challenging the engrained establishment. So too does another fight, this time against one veteran professor's (Holland Taylor, Bill & Ted Face the Music) unceremonious move to a basement office. Kim also has responsibilities at home thanks to her adopted daughter Ju-Hee (Everly Carganilla, Yes Day), and struggles with work-life balance. And, there's the not-at-all-minor matter of her predecessor, the school's rockstar literature academic (Jay Duplass, Search Party), who can only be described as a mess following the death of his wife and the fact that his daughter has just left for college — and, including in the lectures he never prepares for, leans into that characterisation. In a smartly written series, and one that is acutely aware of how to make the best use of its 30-minute episodes, The Chair charts the dramas that ensue as all these facets of Kim's existence coincide. As created by Amanda Peet (Dirty John) and debutant Annie Wyman, the result is instantly engaging, as well as ambitious in its exploration of academia, of battling a system that's hardly been historically welcoming to women and people of colour, and of cancel culture. It also draws strongly from the always-excellent Oh, and from the rest of its top-notch ensemble cast. The Chair is available to stream via Netflix. VIVO When it comes to making a splash on-screen, Lin-Manuel Miranda hasn't been throwing away his shot. In just the past year alone, the phenomenal filmed version of Hamilton reached streaming, then the cinema adaptation of In the Heights finally hit cinemas — and now animated musical Vivo joins them. Co-written by In the Heights' Quiara Alegría Hudes with co-director Kirk DeMicco (The Croods), it both stars Miranda and features toe-tapping new tunes by him. He voices the eponymous kinkajou, which has spent its life living and making music in Havana with the now-elderly Andrés Hernández (Buena Vista Social Club musician Juan de Marcos González), and would be happiest if their comfortable routine never ended. But then fate shakes up their status quo, including via a letter from famous singer Marta (Gloria Estefan, One Day at a Time), who Andrés worked with — and pined for — before she moved to Florida decades back. Soon, Vivo is determined to make the trip to Miami for Marta's last-ever show, even if that means buddying up with Andrés' music-loving, fiercely individualists, often chaotic niece Gabi (first-timer Ynairaly Simo). Unsurprisingly, the film's soundtrack is a delight, brimming as it is with catchy tunes enlivened by Miranda's now-trademark witty wordplay. His vocal performance, and that of a cast that also includes Zoe Saldana (Avengers: Endgame) as Gabi's mother, echoes with emotional complexity in what's both an upbeat and wistful movie. The blue-soaked animation stands out as well and, while this is a firmly family-friendly affair, so does the feature's commitment to entertaining viewers of all ages. Vivo is available to stream via Netflix. NEW AND RETURNING SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK KEVIN CAN F**K HIMSELF There's never been a show on TV quite like Kevin Can F**k Himself, but there have been too many series that resemble half of this clever and cutting dark comedy. Whenever Allison Devine-McRoberts (Annie Murphy, Schitt's Creek) is around her manchild of a husband Kevin (Eric Petersen, Sydney to the Max), she's clearly in a sitcom. The lights glow brightly, her home looks like every other cosy abode in every other apparently amusing show about an obnoxious man and his put-upon wife — including all the ones starring Kevin James — and multiple cameras capture their lives. Also, canned laughter chuckles whenever something supposedly funny (but usually just cringeworthy) occurs between Kevin, his ever dimwitted best pal and neighbour Neil (Alex Bonifer, Superstore), Neil's one-of-the-guys sister Patty (Mary Hollis Inboden, The Righteous Gemstones) and Kevin's ever-present dad (Brian Howe, Chicago Fire). We've all seen this setup before, and Kevin Can F**k Himself's creator Valerie Armstrong (Lodge 49) definitely knows it. But, whenever Allison is blissfully free from her horrible hubby, murkier tones and a much more realistic vibe kick in. Just one camera films her struggles, and she's clearly in a premium cable drama. This is when Allison starts trying to do something about her terrible marriage, including a plot not just to leave Kevin, but to ensure that she'll be free of him forever. On paper, the creative decisions behind Kevin Can F**k Himself's two halves are a high-concept gimmick, and purposefully so. They're deployed devastatingly on-screen, however, in what proves one of the best new shows of 2021. Thankfully, Kevin Can F**k Himself has just been renewed for a second season, too, so more of its savvy charms and astute social commentary — and Murphy and Inboden's memorable performances — await. The first three episodes of Kevin Can F**k Himself's first season are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. RESERVATION DOGS Not content with just having two of the best current sitcoms on his resume — that'd be Wellington Paranormal and What We Do in the Shadows — Taika Waititi has gone and added a third. If you didn't know that he was one of Reservation Dogs' creators, executive producers and writers, you'd likely guess from the laidback tone; however, this is firmly a case of Waititi helping to get an exceptional show off the ground, and also lending his star power to assist emerging voices and under-represented communities. The 'reservation' part of this comedy's title is literal. In rural Oklahoma, that's where Indigenous American teenagers Bear (D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Beans), Elora (Devery Jacobs, Rutherford Falls), Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis, also seen in Beans), and Cheese (debutant Lane Factor) live, spend their days and meander about while dreaming of being somewhere else. Their ideal destination: California. Their number-one pastime: rustling up cash by whatever means they can to fund their big getaway, including by hijacking a delivery van filled with potato chips in the show's first episode. It's that heist and the aftermath that gives this quartet their Quentin Tarantino-style nickname, but Reservation Dogs isn't about bold and flashy moments. It's about the daily reality as Bear and his pals navigate their present existence and hope that they can soon escape it. In other words, this is a series that's deeply steeped in conveying the small details in its characters' lives, and giving audiences the chance to spend time with them. It's a show that's as much about hanging out as propelling a plot forward and, in the hands of Waititi and fellow co-creator/executive producer/writer Sterlin Harjo (Mekko), it's a coming-of-age gem. The first four episodes of Reservation Dogs are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. THE NEWSREADER The hair: big. The wardrobe: teeming with shoulder pads. The attitude towards women, and anyone who isn't a blokey Aussie male: abysmal at best. That's the slice of 80s-era Australia that The Newsreader recreates with meticulous period detail, with this six-part ABC drama stepping into the world of TV news. It's 1986, and Paul Hogan has just won the Australian of the Year award, which budding reporter Dale Jennings (Sam Reid, Lambs of God) covers (after a swift fix when a tape machine chews up some crucial footage moments before the segment goes to air). He'd rather be sitting at the big desk as an anchor, though, but that's veteran Geoff Walters (Robert Taylor, The Meg) and the hardworking Helen Norville's (Anna Torv, Mindhunter) job. Dale gets his chance before the first episode is out, however — although blustering newsroom head honchoLindsay (William McInnes, Total Control) needs persuading, and nothing proves smooth-sailing from there. Deftly and convincingly weaving in real-life events, including the Challenger explosion, to ground the fictional interplay, The Newsroom hones in on its two ambitious, frequently cast-aside figures. Dale and Helen have both become accustomed to being ignored, overlooked and talked down to by their colleagues, and to having to work harder than anyone else to get ahead, and the series plots out exactly what it takes for them to chase the careers they've always dreamed of. Indeed, one of the show's key strengths is seeing how these layered characters unfurl — and unite — thanks to both Reid and Torv's multifaceted portrayals. The first three episodes of The Newsreader are available to stream via ABC iView, with new episodes dropping weekly. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Beloved by audiences for seven seasons so far (even if its original TV network didn't always feel the same way), Brooklyn Nine-Nine faced a dilemma moving into its eighth — and final — batch of episodes. After the murder of George Floyd, the long history of police violence in the US and the poor treatment that law enforcement has historically afforded people of colour, as well as the reckoning with all of the above that has sprung up across America, how does a sitcom keep pushing a 'comedic cops' angle? Season eight of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is still as funny as fans expect. It still follows all of the same characters, and most of them are still police officers. It still finds plenty of time for silly gags, including a competition between Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews, Deadpool 2) and Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio, Reno 911!) to sell the most candy to Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller, Big Love), too. That said, it's now as interested in interrogating what it means to truly uphold the badge in a way that protects and serves everyone — and what its characters can do to both to achieve that, and to stamp out anything "uncool, uncool, uncool" that fails that aim — as it is in palling around with its beloved detective squad. Six episodes in, this last run of episodes has the feeling of a farewell as well as an awakening, all while also seeing Rosa Diaz (Stefanie Beatriz, In the Heights) become a private investigator, Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg, Palm Springs) and Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero, Diary of a Future President) endeavour to balance work with being parents to baby McClane, and Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher, Spirit Untamed) navigate marital troubles. The first six episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's eight season are available to stream via SBS On Demand, with new episodes dropping weekly. NINE PERFECT STRANGERS Lavish locations just screaming to fill Instagram feeds, wealthy clientele whiling away their hours in luxury, a significant chasm between the haves and the have nots: like The White Lotus, that's the setup behind Byron Bay-shot thriller Nine Perfect Strangers. Here, in the latest collaboration between Nicole Kidman (The Prom) and writer/showrunner David E Kelley (Big Little Lies and The Undoing), an upmarket resort called Tranquillum House welcomes in a new group of clients; however, they get more than just R&R. Among those seeking their bliss under the care of Masha Dmitrichenko (Kidman) and her offsiders Delilah (Tiffany Boone, Hunters) and Yao (Manny Jacinto, The Good Place): school teacher Napoleon Marconi (Michael Shannon, Knives Out), his wife Heather (Asher Keddie, Rams) and their daughter Zoe (Grace Van Patten, Under the Silver Lake); plus novelist Frances Welty (Melissa McCarthy, Thunder Force), ex-footballer Tony Hogburn (Bobby Cannavale, Superintelligence), influencer Jessica Chandler (Samara Weaving, Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins) and her husband Ben (Melvin Gregg, The United States vs Billie Holiday), the newly divorced Carmel Schneider (Regina Hall, Breaking News in Yuba County) and journalist Lars Lee (Luke Evans, Crisis). Nine Perfect Strangers draws out its mysteries, but it also lets its audience start guessing from the outset. Casting Kidman as a Russian-accented wellness guru who wades in and out of her clients' days at random, and also happens to be getting death threats via text messages, will do that. This Jonathan Levine-directed (Long Shot, Snatched, The Night Before) show is ensemble piece, though, and knows how to lure its audience in and keep them watching. The first four episodes of Nine Perfect Strangers are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. A RECENT MUST-SEE YOU CAN (AND SHOULD) STREAM NOW MONOS Set in a camp of teen guerrillas, Alejandro Landes' Sundance's Special Jury Award-winning third film Monos follows gun-toting rebels that have barely said goodbye to childhood, but are still tasked by their unseen leaders with holding an American woman (The Outsider's Julianne Nicholson) hostage. Unsurprisingly, even with nothing around but fields, jungle, a cow to milk and occasional enemy fire, little goes according to plan. The relentlessness of modern life, the ongoing unrest in Colombia, and the ceaseless trials and tribulations that plague all teens facing adulthood — they all sit at the centre of this stunning South America-set thriller. Echoes of William Golding's Lord of the Flies are evident (and Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, the book that inspired Apocalypse Now, too), but Monos firmly tells its own story. Engagingly lingering between a dark fairytale and a psychological treatise on war, combat and humanity's dog-eat-dog nature, the result is one of the definite standouts of recent years (of 2019, when it premiered overseas and did the rounds of the local festival circuit, and of 2020, when it finally released in Aussie cinemas). That status is assured thanks to everything from the eye-popping landscape cinematography to the needling tension of Mica Levi's (Under the Skin) score and the commanding performances from the young cast. Monos is available to stream via SBS On Demand. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June and July this year — and our top straight-to-streaming movies and specials from 2021 so far, and our list of the best new TV shows released this year so far as well.
Just about every video clip Mumford & Sons have ever made follows a fairly predictable pattern, and their latest for 'Hopeless Wanderer' isn't much different. Mottled light shining through golden leaves? Check. Impossibly whimsical vests? Check. Banjo-led hoedowns in Ye Olde Barns? Check. Jason Bateman and SNL's Will Forte wearing fake beards and thrusting their crotches at each other? Check. Hang on. What? That's right — Mumford & Sons have procured the services of some of the world's funniest comic actors for a pitch-perfect parody of their own pastoral proclivities in a move that suggests M&S might not take themselves too seriously after all. Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, Jason Bateman and Ed Helms go all out here, and their utterly straight-faced commitment to the bit is amazing. I couldn't keep a straight face watching it, so goodness knows how they were able to while filming. Truly, you haven't lived until you've seen Sudeikis fall to his knees on a dusty road because of all the feelz, and Bateman's furious banjo shredding is the most metal thing you'll ever see. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rId6PKlDXeU
It was only a matter of time before Australia's penchant for themed brunches spawned an all-out, fairytale-inspired breakfast feast. And you'll have the chance to partake — and channel your inner Ariel, Mulan or, even, Simba — when a huge (unofficial) Disney-themed bottomless brunch and sing-along party rocks into town for the first time ever. The Magical Brunch will go down on Saturday, April 13 at Victoria Park. Prince, princesses and singing candelabras will sit down to an afternoon high tea feast served "fairytale-style", along with two hours of unlimited mimosas for an extra $25. We're hoping for something similar to Belle's 'Be Our Guest' feast in Beauty and the Beast. Word is there'll be themed entertainment and a Cinderella-worthy dance floor for post-brunch twirling, too. Best dust off the DVD collection and start practising — costumes are definitely encouraged, so you'd best start hunting for your best Elsa gown or Cruella de Vil two-tone wig.
Fantasy fans, and lovers of small-screen trips to wondrous other worlds in general, the past few months have been your time to shine. First, Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon arrived, wigs, fire-breathing creatures and terrible family relationships all included. Next, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power magnificently recaptured Middle-earth's magic, also by hopping back into the beloved franchise's past. And, although it's sci-fi as well, Andor has been sweeping Star Wars fans to a galaxy far, far away again. Two of those shows have already ended their first seasons, however. And, by the time November comes to a close, all three will be off the air following their debut runs. Thankfully, arriving to fill that gap is the new season of His Dark Materials — returning for the first time since 2020 with its long-awaited third batch of episodes. First premiering late in 2019, and then dropping its second season in 2020, His Dark Materials is one of HBO's additions to small-screen fantasy — the one that popped up in the period between Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, in fact. It's based on Philip Pullman's award-winning young adult trilogy of books of the same name: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. And if it sounds familiar, and not just because you watched the first two seasons, that's because The Golden Compass was already turned into a movie back in 2007. HBO has been keeping things simple with its adaptation by sticking with the franchise name, instead of individual book monikers — hence the His Dark Materials title. But when season three arrives in December in the US (with Australian and New Zealand dates to be confirmed), it'll tell the tale covered in The Amber Spyglass, which sees Lyra (Dafne Keen, Logan), aka the show's prophesied child, journey somewhere that no one has ever returned with Will (Amir Wilson, The Secret Garden). The third season will drop its eight episodes over four weeks, with two a week — and it's bringing back the rest of its hefty cast. That includes James McAvoy (The Sandman), Ruth Wilson (See How They Run), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Andrew Scott (Catherine Called Birdy), for starters. If you're new to His Dark Materials, Keen plays an orphan by the name of Lyra Belacqua, who initially seems just like everyone else, but hails from an alternate universe where a person's soul manifests as a shape-shifting animal called a daemon. In the show's first season, as Lyra looked for a kidnapped friend in the Arctic, she discovered a church-run stolen children ring, learned about mysterious particles known as Dust and ventures through different worlds, including the one we all know. McAvoy pops up as a powerful aristocrat, Wilson is his ex, and Miranda plays a balloonist and adventurer. Check out the trailer for His Dark Materials season three below: His Dark Materials' third season will start airing from Monday, December 6 Australian time in the US — and streams via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Images: HBO.
Chvrches are back again with all music guns a blazing, Crystal Fighters will make you feel so special and Will Smith reminds the world that he is once was the coolest human being on the planet. 1. 'GUNS' - CHVRCHES The band who spell churches wrong this week unveiled their newest track 'Guns' and it is a veritable feast of sensational synth, fierce beats and glorious hooks that combine for a tune best described as huge. This is pop in its purest, most enjoyable form and gives Australian fans yet another reason to get excited for their upcoming August tour. 2. 'CAPE TOWN' - CLUBFEET Melbourne five-piece Clubfeet dropped this track earlier this month and released the accompanying video this week, providing a perfect opportunity to showcase this brilliant track. The clip itself was filmed in Cape Town, a favourite haunt of the quintet, and the method actors look like they are having a pretty great time. Not suprising really, as when you strip back the visual aesthetics 'Cape Town' is a classic jam for all party times. 3. 'NATURAL LOVE' - CRYSTAL FIGHTERS This track comes from Cave Rave, the album released this week by the half Spanish, half English, all fantastic band named Crystal Fighters. The entire album provides an endless selection of tracks that put a smile on your face and a hop, a skip and a jump in your step, triple jump style. This is the most jovial of the songs and if you put it on you may just have the most delightful weekend of your life. 4. 'TWISTED' - FRACTURES Fractures is incredibly just a one man band comprising the multi-talented Mark Zito. He is all about experimentation and as such is almost impossible to classify into a genre. The track title 'Twisted' could be appropriate though as he twists his fragile voice amongst a haunting melody to create an atmospheric auditory stimulant. 5. The Fresh Prince Reunion It's the little things in life we need to appreciate, but this week we were treated to a great, big, whopping thing. Having watched this on repeat I have concluded that the primary purpose of creating the Internet was for the spreading of this video to the masses. What the world thought was an ordinary interview between Graham Norton, Will and Jaden Smith turned into the Fresh Prince stealing the show just like last time, as himself and Jaden surprised us all by bringing out DJ Jazzy Jeff, and if that wasn't enough we then got treated to Carlton in all his dancing glory. If you have not seen this yet, you are welcome. If you have, watch it again and again and again.
If December to you means luminous festive decorations, then simply driving through your neighbourhood can be a jolly good time. Wherever you look, there just might be a glowing set of Christmas lights sharing its seasonal merriment and brightening up the suburban streets. Of course, these lit-up displays really shouldn't cause such a fuss. They pop up everywhere every year, after all, and we're all well and truly aware of how electricity works. But twinkling bulbs are just so hard to resist when it's the happiest portion of the calendar. Perhaps you're a casual Christmas lights fan, and you're completely fine just checking out whichever blazing displays you happen to pass in your travels. Maybe you have a few tried-and-tested favourite spots, and you return to them every year. Or, you could want to scope out the best and brightest seasonal-themed houses and yards. Whichever category you fall into, an Australian website called Christmas Lights Search is likely to pique your interest. [caption id="attachment_882324" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Donaldytong via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Christmas Lights Search is as nifty and handy as its name suggests, covering festive displays all around the country. To locate all the spots that you should head to, it's as easy as entering your postcode or suburb — or those of places nearby — and letting the site deliver the relevant options. Plus, it also rates the lights displays, if you want to either go big or stay home. It's also constantly being updated, so, like the best combos of glowing trees, sparkling bulbs and oversized Santas, you might want to check it out more than once. [caption id="attachment_882325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] When you pick an individual address listed on the site, you'll be greeted with some key information, too. The level of detail varies per listing, but expect to potentially peruse photos, the ideal hours to swing by, a date range and a description of what's on offer. All that's left is to get searching, plot out where you'll be heading every night between now and Christmas Eve, and get ready to see oh-so-many reindeer, candy canes and snowmen. To find festive displays near you, head to the Christmas Lights Search website.
After nearly a decade of Westerosi power struggles, obsessed fans and soaring ratings, HBO found itself with a Game of Thrones-sized gap to fill last year. The network isn't completely saying goodbye to the world created by George RR Martin, with at least one spinoff in the works — but it's also eager for something else to help pick up where GoT left off, fantasy-wise. First debuting late in 2019, and due to return for a second season in November, His Dark Materials is one of the US network's prime candidates. It's based on Philip Pullman's award-winning young adult trilogy of books of the same name: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. And if it sounds familiar — and not just because you watched the initial batch of episodes — that's because one of the tomes, The Golden Compass, was already turned into a movie back in 2007. HBO is keeping things simple with its adaptation by sticking with the franchise name, other than individual book monikers — hence the His Dark Materials title. It has also bet big on star power, with the series boasting a hefty cast. James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda, Da 5 Bloods' Clarke Peters and Logan's Dafne Keen all feature, while Fleabag's Andrew Scott and Phoebe Waller-Bridge will also pop up in the second season. Yes, it'll be a reunion for the two series newcomers, although you'll be seeing Scott on-screen as Colonel John Parry and hearing Waller-Bridge's voice as Parry's daemon. What's a daemon? It's one of the key parts of His Dark Materials. Here, Keen plays an orphan by the name of Lyra Belacqua — who seems just like everyone else, but hails from an alternate universe where a person's soul manifests as a shape-shifting animal called a daemon. In the show's first season, as Lyra looks for a kidnapped friend in the Arctic, she discovers a church-run stolen children ring, learns about mysterious particles known as Dust and ventures through different worlds, including the one we all know. McAvoy pops up as a powerful aristocrat, Wilson is his ex, and Miranda plays a balloonist and adventurer. If you're eager for the next season, HBO dropped its first sneak peek a few months back, releasing a trailer as part of this year's Comic-Con at Home — and it has just revealed a new trailer as well. As for when you'll be watching it, it returns to screens on Tuesday, November 17, Australian and New Zealand time. In Australia, it airs on Foxtel. Check out the latest trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CdQm6gLHUM His Dark Materials' second season will start airing from Tuesday, November 17 on Foxtel in Australia, and will also be available to view on-demand. Images: HBO.
Hip-hop doesn’t have to be straight outta’ Compton. Brisbane is representing its hood, bringing together the best of the local hip-hop scene with the freshest festival out, Sprung. Clockwork Entertainment, in association with Triple J and Scene Magazine have brewed up the largest, all Aussie hip-hop lineup to ever hit Brisbane. One ticket gets you entry into the all day festival featuring the cream of the Aussie hip hop crop. Headlining the bill are Drapht, The Funkoars, Illy, Pez & 360, Phrase and M-Phases, as well as Resin Dogs, Joelistics, Lowrider, Mantra, Diafrix, Lazy Grey and Pure Product. As well as the big names, Sprung Fest features heaps of local acts selected from the national Real Talk Battle League hosted by Brisbane’s home of hip-hop, the Step Inn. Straight outta’ the burbs of Brisbane, Sprung is running as an all ages event. Tickets are set at a low sixty-six bucks, boldly bringing the price back to what people would have been paying for a ticket to a music festival in the 90s. None of this expensive shiznit. Strung Fest is in da house. R.E.S.T.E.C.P! Do ya even know wha it spellz?
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.
Call it a thrill, call it a joy, call it a delight: whichever you prefer, one of the key characteristics of live theatre is the fact that anything can happen. That said, the exact same show with the exact same cast usually plays out in the exact same way each and every time that it is staged. Created by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour and set to make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre in July 2025, ECHO: Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen definitely isn't that kind of production. The international theatre hit is the opposite of a night-after-night-after-night repeat performance — and not just because its Aussie-debut season is brief, running between Monday, July 14–Saturday, July 19. Leaning as far into the stage's immediacy and ability to surprise as a play can get, ECHO unleashes a completely unrehearsed and unpredictable solo performances every time that it treads the boards. Not even each evening's lone cast member knows what's coming. Here's how it works, as audiences at London's Royal Court Theatre have been enjoying: when the night's performer takes to the stage, they're guided through the script by White Rabbit, Red Rabbit and NASSIM's Soleimanpour, plus Italian Palestinian director Omar Elerian. This happens in real time. Cold reads, as the technique is called, are Soleimanpour's signature — and he'll be in Berlin during ECHO's first-ever Aussie run, aiding his latest cast via technology over 90 minutes. That lineup: actors Pia Miranda (Invisible Boys), Nadine Garner (Savage River) and Ben Lawson (Mixtape); journalists Stan Grant and Jan Fran; presenter and musical theatre veteran David Campbell; and comedian Michelle Brasier. Whatever they each bring to the stage will be unique and never repeated again. The show's Australian stars are following in impressive footsteps, given that London's 2024 season featured the likes of Benedict Wong (Bad Genius), Fiona Shaw (Echo Valley), Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) and Toby Jones (MobLand) — and 2025's includes Daniel Kaluuya (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), Dominic West (The Agenct), Milly Alcock (Sirens) and Lolly Adefope (The Franchise). Soleimanpour himself describes ECHO: Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen as a "long-distance magic show". He continues: "It's the unpredictability of this style of performance that I find so thrilling." "It's the most alive theatre can get. Imagine watching a football match — Melburnians especially will know what I mean — and you already knew who would score and when. It'd be less fun. That's why we don't want to spoil it!" ECHO: Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen is taking to the stage at Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank, Melbourne, between Monday, July 14–Saturday, July 19, 2025 — head to the theatre's website for more information and tickets.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Whether you want to board in your bikini in Californian sunshine, conquer some of the most extreme territory in the European Alps or rehearse your newly acquired Snowboarding 101 skills on friendly slopes, there’s a snowboarding spot somewhere on this planet of ours that’s made just for you. Here’s our pick of the world’s ten most exciting, beautiful and terrifying destinations. MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CALIFORNIA, US If you fancy hitting the slopes in your boardies or bikini, Mammoth Mountain is the place to do it. You can realistically expect 300 days of sunshine and clear skies out of every 365. Plus the snow season lasts ten months, kicking off in October yet not seeing the final flakes melt until July. While you’re cruising around Mammoth’s 3,500 or so acres or testing your prowess on the 6.7 metre Super Duper Pipe, there’s a chance you’ll catch snowboard champ Shaun White in action — it’s his preferred training ground. NISEKO UNITED, JAPAN Welcome to the second snowiest resort on the planet. The first, if you’re wondering, is Mount Baker, which you’ll find in Washington state. Most seasons, the slopes of Niseko United (situated on Hokkaido Island) are covered in a minimum of 15 metres of the white stuff. The Japanese skiing authorities are astoundingly relaxed about their guests going back country, so freeriding is the order of the day. That said, it’s an awful lot safer with a guide leading the way. Boarders of all levels will find a trail to keep them keen and floodlights mean Niseko is open until 9pm. ST ANTON, AUSTRIA For freeriders, St Anton is Europe’s holy grail. There are 180 kilometres of marked off-piste possibilities, featuring challenging steeps, open tree-lined glades and powder to die for. If, however, your preference is to stick to tried and tested trails, you have 280 kilometres to play on. That said, St Anton is certainly a destination for boarders of intermediate ability and above. Novices are likely to find it scarier than a Freddy Krueger movie. THREDBO, AUSTRALIA For a world-class experience that doesn’t involve long-haul flight prices, there’s Thredbo. The beginningest of beginners can rehearse their moves on the utterly non-threatening, 12 degree-angled Friday Flat before stepping things up on the resort’s gloriously wide, tree-fringed intermediate trails. And for hardcore carvers, there’s the rest: vertical drops, naturally formed jumps, wind lips, sizeable powder bowls and some of the finest off-piste terrain this side of the equator. If your muscles ache after a day on the slopes, a swim in the Rekorderlig Hot Pool should put you right. VERBIER, SWITZERLAND For some of Switzerland’s most extreme snowboarding, Verbier is your destination. To get the most out of it, you need to be on top of your game — you’ll be boarding alongside some of Europe’s most passionate and skilled riders. One lift pass enables access not only to Verbier but also to four other linked resorts — Val de Bagnas, La Tzoumaz, Veysonnaz and Nendaz — meaning 400 kilometres of trails. For beginners, Nendaz is the best bet. TIGNES, FRANCE This resort, situated at 2,100 metres, was one of the first in France to roll out the red carpet for the snowboarding community. While skiers in other places were warily guarding their territory, the Tignes crew was begging baggie-panted ones to come carve it up. The variety of terrain — both in terms of piste action and sheer visual beauty — is mind-blowing. There’s a glacier, a lake and runs to suit all shapes, sizes and ability levels. MOUNT BACHELOR, US Mt Bachelor might not have the steeps necessary to thrilling adrenalin junkies, but what it does have is some of the cruisiest, most enjoyable freeriding in to be found anywhere — which means that you can revel in the freedom of going off-piste without having to be as wary as you do in other places. Plus, if you want to brush up on your freestylin', there are three terrain parks and a half pipe to keep you happy. CHAMONIX, FRANCE For rugged mountain tops and that je ne sais quoi, Chamonix is the one. It's one of France's oldest resorts and was the site of the very first Winter Olympics back in 1924. Rough and ready is the vibe — there's less infrastructure in comparison with other places — but if you're keen on atmosphere and some opportunities for wild adventure, it's hard to beat. WANAKA, NEW ZEALAND Boarding on New Zealand’s expansive, uncluttered snow fields is a bit like surfing on an impossibly white, open sea. It’s often rather surreal, ridiculously fun and incredibly liberating. Rather than having to follow fellow boarders and skiers down particular trails, you can choose your own adventure. Plus you’re nearly always treated to the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps. From Wanaka, you can reach Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Park NZ easily, meaning you can pack three resorts into one mighty vacation. WHISTLER-BLACKCOMB, CANADA This one comes as no surprise, right? The thing is, it’s not exactly possible to compile the world’s top ten snowboarding spots and leave out Whistler-Blackcomb. As far as North America goes, it’s the jewel in the Snow Queen’s crown. Between them, the two mountains offer 8,171 acres of snowboardable land. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. For views worthy of a Peter Jackson trilogy, Whistler’s got the goods. For more Narnia-esque tree-lined runs, the world-famous Nintendo Terrain Parks and the second biggest vertical drop on the planet (at 5,222 feet), head for Blackcomb.
If you've ever thought about professionally recording those tracks you've been working on in your bedroom, you probably haven't. That's because getting studio time can be difficult when you don't have the contacts, the cash or any real knowledge about what you're doing (but just wanna lay down some sick tracks). But studiotime.io is aiming to change all that with their Airbnb-like listing platform for musicians, producers and recording studios. The site works in the same way as any in the sharing economy. Recording studios will advertise their availabilities, details and daily rates, and then musicians and producers can contact the studios for more information and to book in a time. Just like Airbnb, you book and pay through the website, and you can leave feedback on the listing's page. Booking in studio time in this way is beneficial to both parties, as musicians now have an easy way to lock in a day in the studio, and the studios can advertise last-minute availabilities to ensure they're always booked. It might even mean you can snag a bit of a discount if you're lucky. The website initially launched last year in LA, New York and London, but it's quickly spread to other cities across the world. You can search for studios in Australia too, with listings spanning everywhere from Bondi to St Kilda to Wollongong. Image: Dollar Photo Club
How do you find a single missing person in a country of over a billion? That's the terrifying dilemma faced by a desperate father, after his 12-year-old son goes missing. A sobering portrait of a pandemic concern in poverty-affected India, Richie Mehta's film works thanks to his unexaggerated approach to the subject matter. There's not a hint of melodrama here, and the tale is all the more compelling for it. For a film set half a world away, Siddharth hits very close to home. The film takes its title from the name of the missing boy, who in the opening scene we see being loaded onto a bus by his father, Mahendra (Rajesh Tailang). Siddharth is on his way to Ludhiana, hundreds of kilometres away, where he's due to start work in a trolley factory. Child labour is illegal in India, but commonplace nevertheless. And for the family of four, no longer able to survive on Mahendra's meagre wages as a street corner zipper repairman, the second source of income will be crucial. When Siddharth fails to return to Delhi for the Diwali festival a month later, the assumption is that he simply couldn't secure passage home. But as time passes without any word, Mahendra and his wife, Suman (Tannishtha Chatterjee), grow increasingly concerned. When they finally call the owner of the factory, he tells them that the boy ran away more than a fortnight ago. Unable to believe Siddharth wouldn't simply return home, the fear then becomes that he has been kidnapped. Based on a first person anecdote Mehta — a Canadian filmmaker of Indian descent — heard while travelling in Delhi, the story examines multiple social issues facing India. Recent statistics show that nearly 40,000 children disappear in the country each year, many of them sold into slavery or prostitution or forced out onto the streets to beg. Indeed, the problem is so endemic, so normalised, that at one point someone suggests that Mahendra simply have another child. Such callous pragmatism extends to the police force and child protection agencies, overworked and undermanned as they are. But so too does it extend to Mahendra himself, who is soon confronted with the financial cost of continuing the search for his son. It costs him a month's savings just to pay for a train ticket to Mumbai. Suman blames him for sending Siddharth away, and it's easy to agree with her. But then again, did he even have a choice? The grim economic reality of the family's situation is the stark spotlight under which Mehta's film unfolds, and ultimately makes it that much more confronting. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wNMDwpMrxmQ
Any high tea sitting is absolutely delightful. How could it not be? Sampling delicious petite desserts and sipping champagne and tea is a perfect way to indulge for a few hours. But, Customs House have managed to raise the bar. They do not aim for merely 'delightful', the team at Customs House offer a gorgeously decadent high tea that is fit for a Queen. Diners have a choice between enjoying their high tea in the elegant dining hall or venturing outside to the open area which offers a spectacular view of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. Upon arrival, the attentive and very friendly staff offer a glass of sparkling (extra $5.00 per person) and fresh orange juice which allows diners to settle in for the hour and a half of pure indulgence. Soon afterwards, staff promptly bring out the sumptuous three-tiered stand. Keeping to tradition, the Customs House high tea includes one tier of delicious sandwiches, a middle tier of scones with strawberry jam and cream and a top tier filled with scrumptious petite desserts. The turkey and cranberry sandwiches go down an absolute treat with English Breakfast Tea, as do the scones and their tasty fresh cream. However, the stand out is the top tier. If you have a sweet tooth, be prepared as you may find the choice a little overwhelming. The range of desserts are both beautifully presented and mouth-wateringly delicious. A little carrot cake and of course a decadent chocolate cake with pop-rock icing prove to be favourites. The atmosphere of both the inside and outside dining areas is lively, yet elegant and refined. Happy diners fill both areas and there is an infectious buzz of excitement as people enjoy their luxurious tea parties with friends. High tea is offered in either a morning session (10-11.30 am) or in the afternoon (2-3.30pm). If you have a special dietary requirement do not fret as the team are more than happy to take this into consideration with gluten free and other options available.
When Australia's international border reopens and holidaying overseas resumes, a long list of experiences we've all been missing will be back on the agenda. Some of those are great, such as being somewhere other than our own backyard. Some just come with the territory, like spending all that time in the air. And others will probably seem more exciting than they really are after such a long period without them, such as hanging out in airports, sipping drinks at the bar before your flight and browsing through gift shops. We all have our own balance when it comes to all of the above elements, how we handle tham and what we prefer. But if you're the kind of traveller who likes fewer stopovers and can cope with spending almost a whole day on a plane non-stop, you're probably a fan of — or dreamed of hopping on — Qantas' direct Perth-to-London route. It launched back in 2018, and it takes around 17 hours each way. It's certainly an experience, from the layover time you'll spend in the Perth airport if you're starting out from another city, through to what it feels like to sit on a plane (or get up and walk the aisles every now and then, for exercise) for that very lengthy spell. That flight won't be on the itinerary when Qantas restarts its international trips, however, with the airline opting not to resume the leg straight away due to Western Australia's strict border rules. Instead, the carrier is aiming to recommence the Perth-to-London route from April 2022 — and, if you think that means more stopovers in the interim, it's also looking into doing non-stop flights from Darwin to London over that gap period. "At this stage, WA doesn't intend to open to international travel until sometime next year, so we'll unfortunately have to temporarily move our Perth-London service until at least April 2022," said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce in a statement. "Instead of operating from Melbourne to Perth and then on to London as it usually does, this flight will operate from Melbourne to London via either Darwin or Singapore, depending on conversations we're having with the NT in the coming weeks. We look forward to operating this flight via Perth again when circumstances allow." So, only needing to hop on one plane to get to the UK from Australia will ideally remain a reality. But, for that super-long flight, there'll be a different starting point. If you're currently thinking about your travel plans — when that's possible, of course — the Northern Territory is doing discounts of up to $1000 on trips if you're fully vaccinated and coming from an area of Australia that isn't considered a hotspot. Yes, that means that starting with a NT holiday and then heading overseas could be an option if your budget allows it. You might remember that, pre-pandemic, Qantas was contemplating starting non-stop routes from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to both London and New York, too. In fact, it had even run two trial journeys, and was poised to announce whether it was feasible in March 2020. We all know what happened to international travel then, though, so clearly the topic hasn't been a priority since. For more information about Qantas's plans for non-stop flights from Australia to London when Australia's international borders reopen, head to the Qantas website. Images: Qantas
Fleet Foxes, what a beautiful name for a band; it conjures images of gorgeous red foxes with white bellies leaping and roaming the English countryside. It is also an apt moniker for the indie folk band from Seattle – whose sound could be the backing track for said foxes roaming in stunning landscapes. Fleet Foxes are a lovely six piece of indie musos who include among their influences Neil Young, Hank Williams, and Bob Dylan, and whose sound has been compared to Crosby, Stills and Nash, the Beach Boys, and Animal Collective. That is a quality category of comparison! Forming in 2006, the band was one of those for whom Myspace was a godsend. In 2007, as they began to upload songs to the site, they made a name for themselves with over a quarter of a million song plays by the end of the year. This helped give the Foxes the impetus to push on. And no doubt a Grammy nomination in the 'Best Folk Album' has put some pep in their step of late. Before they have to start playing stadiums to accommodate their fans, Brisbane audiences should get along to the Tivoli next week to hear this beautiful sound on show in a more intimate setting.
Filmed in Melbourne, sci-fi thriller Predestination circles around the life of a Temporal Agent who travels through time in pursuit of the one criminal who has taunted him his whole career. The film is written and directed by Australian brothers Michael and Peter Spierig, known for their previous futuristic outing, Daybreakers. Based on the 1958 sci-fi classic short story All You Zombies by Robert A. Heinlein, Predestination stars Ethan Hawke as the agent a mission to stop the elusive terrorist The Fizzle Bomber from massacring over 10,000 New Yorkers. During this process he comes across a new recruit called John Doe (played by Australian actress Sarah Snook). The film shifts in and out of different time-periods, executed in a way that is described as "futuristic and nostalgic" by the Sydney Morning Herald. Predestination is in cinemas on August 28, and thanks to Pinnacle Films, we have 15 double passes to give away, as well as three DVD prize packs of Drive, Jobs, Welcome to The Punch, Dark Skies and The Expatriate. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=UVOpfpYijHA
Umbrellas at the ready, Sydneysiders. Spoons full of sugar, too. In the most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious news you'll hear all day — and all year as well — the Mary Poppins musical is making its way Down Under. Between May–October 2022, you'll be able to revisit the tale of the singing nanny onstage at the Lyric Theatre Sydney. Disney and theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh's current version of the show tells the same tale that everyone knows from the 1964 film — which, as well as inspiring this stage adaptation, also gave rise to big-screen sequel Mary Poppins Returns in 2018. Everything to do with the English governess harks back to PL Travers' books about the character, of course, and pop culture has been thankful for and downright delighted with her stories for almost six decades now. Exact dates for the musical's Sydney season haven't yet been revealed, but theatre fans can look forward to a new version of the show that last graced the city's stages — and won eight Helpmann Awards — back in 2011. Since Mackintosh first teamed up with writer Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) to bring Mary Poppins to the theatre in 2004, the production has won four Olivier Awards and a Tony as well. Mackintosh is bringing The Phantom of the Opera to Sydney this year, too, and a Cinderella musical is also headed the city's way — so it's a great time to love stage musicals based on classic tales, clearly. Whether Mary Poppins will float on elsewhere in Australia hasn't yet been announced; however, Sydney's season has been marked as the Australian premiere. So, residents of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide – and everywhere else in the country — you can start crossing your fingers that Poppins, the Banks family and their Cherry Tree Lane abode might also come your way in the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiT6Og3lDbw Mary Poppins will play the Lyric Theatre Sydney from May–October 2022, with exact dates yet to be revealed. To sign up for the ticket waitlist, head to the musical's website — with tickets due to go on sale in August 2021. Top image: Johan Persson.
With COVID-19 cases remaining low in Queensland over the past couple of weeks, the state has been relaxing a number of coronavirus-related restrictions. Already, Queenslanders are allowed to leave the house for some non-essential purposes and welcome five people from another household into their homes. And, from 11.59pm on Friday, May 15, a selection of other normal, everyday activities that have been off the cards since March will be permissible once again. Among the biggest changes: an increased number of outdoor activities, allowing Queenslanders to venture three times as far away from their homes, and the news that cafes, restaurants and hotels will be able to open for dine-in customers. You can also now have five visitors in your home — including from separate households — and attend outdoor gatherings of up to ten people. But there are, of course, some rules. These new restrictions are set to remain in place until at least June 12, with the government assessing whether to loosen them further before that date. So, what exactly can you do when the new limits come into effect? We've broken it down. The below information is correct as of Thursday, May 14. We'll update as any new announcements are made. Can I see my friends and family? Yes, visiting your friends and family is allowed. You can also have five visitors into your home, in addition to those you live with, and gatherings of up to ten people outdoors — which includes picnics, personal training, hiking, swimming and non-contact sport. Social distancing measures should be followed at all times and 1.5 metres should be kept between you and other people. Can I have a dinner party? Yes, you can — as long as no more than five guests from outside your home are in attendance. A picnic in a park? Yes, you can have a picnic in a group of up to ten people. You will need to stay within 150 kilometres of your house, though. If you're looking for a few local spots, here's a rundown. [caption id="attachment_668009" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] How about exercising in a park? Yep, as long as you're with a maximum of ten people. Brisbane City Council-run outdoor communal gym equipment and playgrounds will be open, too, as well as skate parks, BMX tracks, and basketball and tennis courts. And non-contact sport — such as kicking the footy, yoga, tai chi and bootcamps — are all allowed. What other exercise can I do? Fishing, jet skiing and boating are already allowed, as are walking and bike rides. Other permissible social outdoor sport activities include swimming, throwing a frisbee in the park, and playing golf or tennis. Can I take my pet out for a walk in the park? You sure can. Taking your pet for a walk is considered exercise. Are gyms open? No, gyms are still closed. But outdoor bootcamps and personal training sessions — with a maximum of ten people — are okay. Can I visit restaurants, bars and cafes? For dine-in service, yes — at cafes, restaurants and pubs. They're allowed to open for a maximum of ten dine-in customers, with one for every four square metres. For takeaway, yes — and at bars, too. Many are even offering delivery. Food courts are still closed to seated patrons, but you can buy food from an eatery in a food court. Can I go out for a takeaway coffee? Yes. But, if you'd like to stay indoors as much as possible, here are some of our favourite roasters offering delivery. Can I go shopping? You are allowed to go shopping for non-essential items — "like clothes and shoes," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has advised. Shopping is considered a recreational activity. That said, you're required to visit purely to purchase what you want, not to shop and hang out. "We don't want you spending hours in those shopping areas," the Premier noted. And, you can only go shopping within 150 kilometres of your house. Indoors, social distancing is required, with the four-square-metre rule in effect. Outdoors, gatherings must be kept at ten people or less — with social distancing also still required. Can I get my hair cut? Hairdressers and barbers have been allowed to remain open during lockdown — but you might want to contact your favourite in advance to see if it is trading. Both services must adhere to the four-square-metre rule, and take a record of names and contact details of each customer for contact-tracing purposes. Beauticians and nail salons are also now allowed to open, with a maximum of ten people inside. Spray tans, saunas, steam rooms and non-therapeutic massages are not yet allowed. Can I road trip to an out-of-town beach for a day? If that beach is within 150 kilometres or less from your principal place of residence, yes — while adhering to social-distancing rules. That means that you can visit the Gold Coast's beaches, and many of the Sunshine Coast's as well. What about driving to go for a hike or bike ride? If you're staying relatively local, yes. Here are five scenic walks within 50 clicks of the CBD. If you're keeping within 150 kilometres of your house, that'll be allowed as well from 11.59pm on Friday, May 15. If you live near a national park, you'll need to check if it's open; however Queensland's Department of Environment and Sciences reopened a number of sites earlier this month — with a full list available on the department's website. Can I go on a day trip to a coastal/regional town? Yes, if that coastal/regional town is 150 kilometres or less from your house, you can drive there for a day trip for recreational purposes. Here are ten places within 150 clicks of the CBD that you can day-trip to. Can I go on a holiday to a coastal/regional town? Or go camping? Or hire a holiday house? In short, no. Overnight stays are off-limits, even within 150 kilometres of your home. Camping isn't allowed either. Short-term rentals, bed and breakfasts and hostels are only open to house people who have been directed to self-isolate or self-quarantine and those whose primary place of residence is not currently available. I'm on my Ls, how about a driving lesson? Yes, driving lessons are permitted — but again, you are required to remain within 150 kilometres of your principal place of residence. You can also only be supervised by a member of your household — so you can't book a professional lesson or get a mate to come over to help. Can I go to church? Yes, all places of worship will be allowed to open for small religious ceremonies of up to ten people. Weddings can also have up to ten people, in addition to the couple and the celebrant. Funerals can have up to 20 mourners at an indoor ceremony and 30 outdoors. If you have more questions, Queensland Health has an extensive rundown of the state's current public health directions on its website — or read Queensland's Roadmap to easing restrictions FAQ. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Want to keep your building cool in summer but are self-conscious of the impact it may have on the environment? Well, those worries could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the environmentally friendly wooden skin erected by French architect Stephane Malka on student housing in Paris. The wooden skin is constructed on the exterior of buildings and consists of a host of pallets of varying dimensions that can be mechanically expanded or contracted, via horizontal hinges, to let in more or less ventilation and daylight as required. Stephane constructed The AME-LOT project, named after the rue Amelot the housing resides on, in response to ecological strategies that "often generate an over-production of materials". By building on top of pre-existing structures, Malka hopes to showcase a sustainable and ecological alternative that does not require new construction by 'energyvores'. As well as its environmental benefits, it would certainly look incredible on the body of a skyscraper. [Via PSFK]
There comes a time when some of the biggest hip hop acts in the world tour and hardly hear a murmur about it. In case you don't know who I'm speaking about, Public Enemy are one of the most seminal hip hop acts of our time, and their return to our country should be posted on every telegraph pole in the city. Last time Public Enemy were here was for the Sunset Sounds/Falls tour, and they played an absolutely hectic set while our beautiful town filled to the brim with water (it was January 2011). This huge group features none other than Flavor Flav, Chuck D and Professor Griff. Flavor Flav is pushing 50, yet he still manages to bust out the massive clock chain around his neck like it's no one's business. Chuck D is also known to whip out his boom box that has made an appearance every show since the 1980s. Their 1990 album, Fear of a Black Planet, cemented them as the one of the leading black activism groups in the United States and the world, and is an ode to their will to never give up for their rights. You might know their powerful song, 'Fight the Power', which speaks for itself. Public Enemy have been making incredibly profound rap for 25 years, and to celebrate this milestone, they are here on a sideshow to their run of dates with the Groovin' The Moo tour. They are releasing two albums this year, so you should expect to see a mix of old and new at these once-in-a-lifetime shows. You have to see them and listen to their influential sound, and yes, fight the powers that be.
M.I.A just added another notch to her rebellious belt, calling in Julian Assange to open her gig at NYC's Terminal 5 via a live Skype feed. In what some might say is a canny publicity move (her fourth album, Matangi, has just been released today), the performer took her fans by surprise when Assange appeared on an enormous screen over the stage. After briefly lamenting he couldn't be at the show due to his ongoing confinement in London's Ecuadorian embassy, the WikiLeaks founder told the American audience "your government sucks", stressing the seriousness of the sinister relationship between government and media in the west. Assange spoke for just over ten typically glitchy Skype minutes, declaring that "we are in a battle" and stressing to his listeners that truly caring means getting personally involved, which in turn could lead to an enormous collective power. He also expressed his admiration for the politically passionate English/Sri-Lankan artist, saying “I think she is the most courageous woman working in western music.” Assange actually helped write one of the tracks on M.I.A's new album, 'aTENTion', for which he seemingly hacked the word 'tent'. They have previously collaborated in his promotion of M.I.A's free 2011 mix tape Vicki Leekx, and she later contributed music to Assange's TV program The World Tomorrow. You can watch an audience member's recording of the unexpected address below. The sound isn't great, but if you fiddle around with the volume levels you can catch most of it. Via New York Times and Spin.
If the recent temperamental weather wasn't enough to give you the hint, winter is fast approaching. And with winter comes early nights, chilly weather and warm clothes. If you're an urban bike rider you'll be well acquainted with the importance of visibility in adverse conditions. Thanks to Irene Posch, there is now a product on the market which is sure to pass the tests of functionality and aesthetic when it comes to bike gear. Early Winter Night Biking Gloves look and feel like normal knitted wool gloves but have added conductive areas on each fingertip as well as on the palm of the hand which light up a LED turn signal when the hand is stretched out and a fist is formed. A 3V coin cell battery needed to power the LEDs is hidden in the cuff of the gloves. In addition, the conductive glove fingertips are compatible with gloved use of touchscreen devices. Sold out on Etsy, there are two options for those keen to get their hands on these gloves.
Selling records, winning Grammys, putting on huge tours, making concert films, sparking free public transport: Taylor Swift can do it all. In excellent news for Swifties heading to the first two shows on the singer's Australian leg of her Eras tour at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, getting there by tram just got cheaper, with the Victorian Government temporarily including the venue in the city's free tram zone. Swift plays the MCG from Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, in gigs that might become her largest ever, with 86,000 people expected to attend each night. That's a whole lot of people heading to the stadium — and not just locals, given that the pop superstar is only doing shows in Melbourne and Sydney when she visits Down Under. So, making using public transport easier is a no brainer. [caption id="attachment_939191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paolo Villanueva via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Across the three days, the Victorian Government has announced that the free tram zone extend to the MCG via routes 48,70 and 75. Obviously, expect them all to be busy as they travel to the Melbourne Park precinct along Flinders and Collins Streets. To cater to demand, approximately 150 extra services are running over the three nights, too. And, regional lines as well V/Line train services have added as extra capacity also, including on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Seymour lines. [caption id="attachment_939194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] "We've added hundreds of extra train and free tram services across the three days to get Swifties to the shows as easily and safely as possible," said Victorian Minister for Active and Public Transport Gabrielle Williams, announcing the public transport changes. "Taylor Swift's biggest ever Australian shows will have the same impact on the transport network as three AFL grand finals back to back — that's why we're encouraging everyone attending to plan ahead and take public transport to get to the 'G." This is the state that declared the 'Fearless', 'Enchanted', We Are Never Getting Back Together' and 'Blank Space' talent's shows a major event under its Major Events Act 2009 act, to ensure that Swift fans don't get ripped off by ticket scalpers. And, it's the home of Australia's only official offsite merchandise pop-up before Swift's gigs. Is Victoria aiming for "The Swiftie State" to be its new nickname? This is Swift's first tour Down Under since 2018, when she brought her Reputation shows to not only Melbourne and Sydney, but Brisbane and Perth, too. On the Eras tour, she's following up her three nights in Victoria with four in New South Wales. Melbourne's free tram zone will be extended to the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, 2024. For more information, head to the Public Transport Victoria website. Taylor Swift is bringing The Eras Tour to the MCG from Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, 2024. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Paolo Villanueva via Wikimedia Commons.
If you liked alternative and indie rock in the late '00s, then Common People probably means something to you. We're not talking about the ace Pulp song, though you should think highly of that as well. We're talking about the club night that used to play all the best tunes. If you ever went along, you'll be keen for another Common People experience. If you didn't but it sounds like your thing, you probably are as well. Either way, you're in luck, with The Foundry teaming up with Greaser Bar to host what's becoming an annual New Year's Eve reunion. Put on some comfy shoes, flit between venues, and prepare to dance the night away to everything from LCD Soundsystem to Dizzee Rascal and Arcade Fire to Missy Elliott — and Prince, of course. So. Much. Prince.
If you regularly wish you were on the other side of the world staring at the Eiffel Tower, sipping champagne and living the Emily in Paris life, you can take a break from dreaming about plane fares and European summers for three days this winter. Before the pandemic, Brisbane's French festival Le Festival offered an annual excuse to celebrate all things Gallic, and it's finally making a big comeback in July. Mark your diaries: this excuse to enjoy French food and booze aplenty returns from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23. Just like with Paniyiri and Oktoberfest, Le Festival hosting its first COVID-19-era event is huge news. This revival comes with a massive change, however, with the fest on the move. In 2023, Francophiles will be eating, drinking, hitting up French markets and listening to French tunes at Victoria Park / Barrambin for the first time, with the cultural affair crossing to the other side of the river from South Brisbane. As always, Le Festival will feature plenty of French staples, although the wine selection is always popular. If you're able to tear yourself away from sipping on deliciousness, then make a date with the cheese display. While 2023's full details haven't yet been revealed, snacking on crepes, mussels, baguettes and pastries is usually on the menu, too, and drinking French red and white wines, champagne, sparkling rosé, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Thanks to the market, attendees can also browse for homewares, gifts, fashion, books and magazines, with showcasing French and French-inspired products the key aim. There'll also be an artists and artisans tent, and a boutique for souvenirs. Entertainment-wise, as well as live music, the fest will feature cabaret performances and can-can dancing. Le Festival 2023 will runs from 4–9pm on the Friday, 8am–9pm on the Saturday and 8am–5pm on the Sunday, with tickets on sale now and the complete program still to come. Images: Ange Costes.
Internationally and at home, borders have been opening up to tourists. Finally, we can get back to crossing destinations and experiences off our ever-growing travel bucket lists. We can run away to remote beaches. We can get lost in bustling cities full of culture. And, at last, we can go to a place which isn't full of your neighbours – don't be mad, sometimes it's good to be around different people. All in all, it's time to go exploring (or escaping). To get out of our local towns and cities and experience something new. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing where to go next, so let us help you. We've created this list of incredible locations and paired them up with some exclusive holiday deals. All you've got to do is pack your bags and put your out-of-office on. [caption id="attachment_872774" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Taweeroj Eawpanich (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Japan Why: Thank the travel gods for Japan's reopening to tourists. This country is on so many people's travel bucket lists for so many reasons. Nature lovers, foodies, thrill seekers and culture kids are all offered something entirely unique in a place that's unlike anywhere else on earth. Who could say no to sake-fuelled karaoke nights, whacky themed restaurants and remote onsen baths? How: Get through your Japan bucket list using the country's famously elite rail system and staying in a mix of traditional ryokan accommodation and modern hotels. Experience the can't-miss places by starting in Kyoto — where you'll get the best of 'old' Japan (including the iconic Golden Pavilion and historic geisha district of Gion), making your way to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, before experiencing the sensory overload and diverse culture of one of the world's most dynamic cities, Tokyo. You'll need at least 10 days to do it properly. Go if you want to... experience a collision of cultures, both ancient and ultra-modern, in one of the most tourist-friendly places on earth. Book it now: Book the ultimate first-timer's cultural tour of Japan here. [caption id="attachment_872751" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sorasak (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Auckland Why: Based around two stunning harbours and surrounded by picturesque islands, Auckland is a city like no other. Yes, nature is on your doorstep. Wineries are just a short drive away. As are remote beaches and Lord Of The Rings-esque mountain ranges. But this city is worthy of visiting in and of itself. You've got world renowned galleries, exciting restaurants and bars opening up all the time, theatres packed with long line-ups of comedians and musicians and a heap of other cultural happenings. How: First things first, we will do you the service of directing you to the Auckland section of Concrete Playground but here's a few of our personal selections. You can explore world-class exhibitions at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, find all the best local wares and fresh produce at the Farmers Market in Matakana, visit the island of wine (Waiheke Island), do some whale watching in the Hauraki Gulf or go on a road trip up on the west coast to find some of New Zealand's best beaches. Go if you want to… see what all the New Zealand hype is about — exploring endless natural landscapes as well as experiencing the city's thriving arts and food scene. Book it now: Book the ultimate VIP Spring City Music Festival trip with access to all of Auckland's best offerings here. [caption id="attachment_872969" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sulthan Auliya (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Cook Islands Why: Each of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands is a tropical paradise. We could gawk at photos of the palm-lined beaches, vast turquoise lagoons and coral reefs full of your Finding Nemo favourites for days on days. But that's just pure masochism. Get on a plane and visit the Pacific paradise instead. The Cook Islands are on the bucket list of so many beach-loving travellers — be they snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts, or lovers of luxury resorts and beachside glamping experiences. How: Located a six-hour (ish) flight from the east coast of Australia, your first port of call will be Rarotonga. Within an hour of landing, you can find yourself at a beach bar sipping cocktails or floating around in your own private plunge pool — forgetting that the rest of the world exists. You can then go further afield on a series of island cruise tours, hikes up into the rainforests, or go snorkelling around coral reefs. Alternatively, hire a bike and find your own private patch of Rarotonga to call home for the day. Go if you want to…. escape to a tropical island paradise. Book it now: Book a peaceful getaway at a Rarotonga retreat with luxury glamping here. [caption id="attachment_872741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christoph Burgdorfer (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Cambodia Why: You can live out your best Lara Croft fantasies in Cambodia's jungles (with less stealing of local artefacts and blowing up of beautiful ancient sites). The underrated Southeast Asian bucket list location is a land of spectacular ancient temples that nature is slowly claiming as its own. The villages and cities each have their own bustling markets full of local wares and tasty street food. And the welcoming locals will help you better understand their own captivating culture. How: When in Cambodia, you must visit the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap (or lesser-known Ta Prohm nearby) and learn the secrets behind Khmer cuisine in bustling food markets and at some of the countless street food stalls dotted about the country. Phnom Penh is, of course, a city that also deserves your time and attention. Reflect on Cambodia's tragic history at sobering sites such as the S21 school and the Killing Fields before taking in their spectacularly colourful palaces and pagodas. And, while you're in the area, try to fit in a visit to one of Cambodia's hot ticket neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Laos. Go if you want to… explore ancient temples surrounded by nature and wildlife as well as get a culture overload within seemingly chaotic cities full of incredibly welcoming locals who will feed you all the best local grub. Book it now: Book the complete Cambodia adventure tour here. [caption id="attachment_872744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Wheeler (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Byron Bay Why: let's just say this from the get-go — Byron Bay is so much more than just the home of soulless influencers and the brothers' Hemsworth. Byron Bay and its surrounding regions are an embarrassment of riches when it comes to incredible beaches, one of Australia's most exciting food and produce scenes, and is the ultimate wellness playground with resorts, retreats and experiences that are dedicated to losing yourself or finding yourself. How: Set yourself up in accommodation that is social. It's a great place to meet likeminded people — do some group yoga classes, find your zen during a guided meditation, or set out on a sea kayaking adventure to spot turtles and dolphins. Spend your nights out at great restaurants, hit up some local bars and stroll through the town and beyond. You don't need to go full luxury here. You can enjoy Byron's vibe on a decent budget too. Go if you want to… live without shoes for an entire week by the coast, treating yourself to all the best self-care experiences. Book it now: Book a restorative Byron Bay wellness escape here. [caption id="attachment_872743" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jake Charles (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Morocco Why: This North African country is bursting with natural wonders, from the beaches lining The Med all the way through to the red sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert. And the cities are just as special. Get lost in maze-like markets where you'll find locals selling just about anything (from extraordinary spices to beautiful textiles), before exploring a range of cities and villages steeped in history and eclectic architecture. How: Casablanca and Marrakech are the spots to set up your base. Within Casablanca, you can visit the famous Villa des Arts Gallery & Museum for world-class exhibitions and visit the mind-blowing Hassan II Mosque located right on the water. And, from here, you can get a taste of Morocco's rural culture in colourful towns such as Rabat and Meknes. Marrakech, an ancient city wrapped in European modernity is where you'll find bustling bazaars and hammams for all the best pampering. It's also close to the Sahara Desert, where you can find the quintessential camel ride experiences and luxury camps. To get the most out of Morocco, you'll want to spend a couple weeks jumping from city to city. Go if you want to... mix remote desert glamping with bustling cities steeped in culture — expressed through food, art and architecture. Book it now: Book an exclusive Morocco getaway with all the trimmings here. [caption id="attachment_872748" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Lau (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Bali Why: Bali is beautiful. That's undeniable. And it's been on the top of the travel list for many Australians for decades. But some of the best parts of Bali exist in the remote areas where nature is mostly untamed. Walk along empty beaches and through dense jungles or simply swim in your pool overlooking all that natural beauty. How: Zip around the winding roads of Bali on a quad bike (or just get a taxi if you dare not undertake this feat) to explore the temples, holistic centres, yoga studios, rice fields and stacks of local markets of the Ubud region. You won't see quite as many Bintag singlets in these parts. You can also visit Canggu and Uluwatu to find the best surf or Kuta and Seminyak for those famous Bali party vibes. Choose your own Bali adventure. Go if you want to... run away to a remote jungle paradise and live that luxury lifestyle without breaking the bank. Book it now: Book an indulgent bail holiday away from all the crowds here. [caption id="attachment_872752" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Niklas Weiss (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Mexico Why: Why the hell not?! Mexico has it all. Urban cities full of modern art and culture — and let's not forget the legendary and world class cuisine. Then you've got long white sand beaches that stretch on for miles as well as dense forests with hidden waterfalls for the adventurers. Small villages are also full of vibrant indigenous cultures where residents still live the traditional way of life. There are boundless ways to fall in love with Mexico. How: Mexico City is a mighty fine starting off point. The Leon Trotsky and Frida Kahlo (La Casa Azul) Museums are must-see. As are the colourful Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum. Make sure you carve out some time to get lost in the Juarez neighbourhood too. This area, full of young creatives, has evolved in recent years. Once gritty, it is now teeming with great boutiques, bars, parks, and restaurants. Smaller cities such as Izamal and Merida are also great for a less crowded cultural experiences. You've then got Teotihuacan, Mitla and Oaxaca, where you'll find countless ancient archaeological sites steeped in history. And lastly, there is the one and only Playa del Carmen. Sit by the pool (finishing that book you've been working on for far too long) or get a little more active with snorkelling excursions. We could go on and on about the abundance of joy to be found on a journey to Mexico. Just make sure you give yourselves two weeks to see as much of this country as you can. Go if you want to… experience an intoxicatingly joyful culture — expressed through warm hospitality, flavour-packed food and all manners of modern and ancient art. The famous beaches and coastal towns aren't so bad for pure relaxation either. Book it now: Book an epic journey from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen here. [caption id="attachment_872767" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Vives (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Phuket Why: There are over 1400 islands in Thailand. And they range in reasons to visit. Visitors choose where to go depending on whether they're after party vibes, quiet escapes, family-friendly fun or adventure activities. But the beauty of Phuket is that it offers up a little bit of everything. You can do it all here — all while being surrounded by 50 kilometres of dazzling shoreline. How: First off, Mai Khao Beach is a big bucket list destination. This seemingly infinite stretch of sand lined with trees is what postcards are made for. It's stupid beautiful. Plus, it's also a national park and sea turtle zone. That means it's the perfect place to get your snorkel on. Patong is the nightlife epicentre of Phuket — for better or for worse. Here you'll find a booming party scene, busy beaches and neon-lit streets full of people having a ball. But if this one island isn't enough, you can easily jump on a ferry to nearby islands or take a day-long cruise around a bunch of the best. Go if you want to... get all the best bits of staying on an island without emptying your entire savings account. Book it now: Book a surprisingly affordable luxury resort in Phuket here. [caption id="attachment_872775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ratul Ghosh (Unsplash)[/caption] 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. Top Image: Danny Lau (Unsplash)
Getting philosophical about existence can mean bobbing between two extremes. At one end, life means everything, so we need to make the absolute most of it. At the other, nothing at all matters. When genre-bending and mind-melting time-loop comedy-drama Russian Doll first hit Netflix in 2019, it served up a party full of mysteries — a repeating party overflowing with chaos and questions, to be precise — but it also delivered a few absolute truths, too. Fact one: it's possible to posit that life means everything and nothing at once, all by watching Natasha Lyonne relive the same day (and same 36th birthday party) over and over. Fact two: a show led by the Orange Is the New Black, Irresistible and The United States vs Billie Holiday star, and co-created by the actor with Parks and Recreation's Amy Poehler, plus Bachelorette and Sleeping with Other People filmmaker Leslye Headland, was always going be a must-see. Russian Doll's first season wasn't just one of the best TV shows of 2019, but one of the smartest, savviest and funniest, all while making the utmost of its Groundhog Day-meets-The Good Place setup. It tasked Lyonne's chain-smoking, acerbic and misanthropic New Yorker Nadia Vulvokov with cycling through the same date again and again, experiencing both gruesome and mundane deaths, and attempting to work out what this whole life business is all about. It was dark, heartfelt, amusing and innovative, as well as clever and compelling, especially in examining fate, logic, life's loops, wading through limbo, what counts in the time we have and if anyone can ever truly make a difference. (Also, it made the world appreciate how Lyonne pronounces "cockroach", something that never, ever gets old.) It took three years, but Russian Doll has finally returned for its seven-episode second season. The glorious news for sweet birthday babies who've gotta get up, gotta get out, gotta get home before the mornin' comes: it's smarter and weirder than its predecessor, and just as delightful. In the process, it achieves a tricky feat, because making more of a show that's already about duplicating the same events could've proven a lazy and easy rehash. Indeed, Russian Doll season two stresses another key fact: that taking a leap, twisting even further, and seeing life's ups and downs as a trip is always better than treading water. At the end of Russian Doll's first season, self-destructive video-game designer Nadia closed the live-die-repeat dilemma plaguing both her and mild-mannered fellow NYC-dweller Alan Zaveri (Charlie Barnett, You). The pair found a way to wind up "the one about the broken man and the lady with a death wish that got stuck in a loop," as Nadia describes, and the series came to such a glorious conclusion that no follow-up was really necessary. But in season two, death isn't the problem. Instead, time is. It was an issue before, given the duo couldn't move with it, only back through the same events — but now, via the New York subway's No 6 train, Nadia and Alan are speeding into the past to explore cause and effect, inherited struggles and intergenerational trauma. "Inexplicable things happening is my entire modus operandi," Nadia notes — with Lyonne as dynamite as ever in the wisecracking, angry-yet-tender, career-reshaping part — but it's also Alan's as well. They're now time prisoners, and their efforts to improve the present through the past leave sizeable ripples upon the pair themselves. There's no party as a catalyst, but there's still a birthday, with the narrative unfolding as Nadia's about to turn 40. Reaching that age has long been shorthand for reflection, crisis, taking stock of regrets and rethinking the future; however, it doesn't usually mean hopping to Berlin and Budapest from years gone by to learn not only how to stay alive, as the first season covered, but how to truly revel in every heartbeat regardless of whether it counts for something, nothing or everything. It's impossible to imagine how Russian Doll would work without Lyonne at its centre. Its mood, humour and look are so tied to the actor, who spits out sharp lines as naturally as breathing, wears the hell out of Nadia's overcoat and cascading crimson curls, and ensures that the flimsy chasm between being carefree and reckless is layered and relatable. Season two sees Lyonne also take over showrunning duties from Headland — and writing and directing three of its episodes, including its first and last instalments — so the fact that it dances so firmly as one with its leading lady is unsurprising as well as thrilling. Barnett's Alan doesn't get as much screentime as viewers would like as a result, but he's just as adept at making a splash in the time he has as he was in season one. (Add that to the show's list of truths across its entire run, clearly.) Sprawling and surreal, inventive and heartfelt, and somehow both skeptical and sentimental, Russian Doll is many things in season two, as it was in its debut airing. Now, it's also home to more of the always-welcome Chloë Sevigny (The Girl From Plainview) as Nadia's late mother Nora, the similarly returning Greta Lee (Sisters) as party-throwing pal Maxine, plus Schitt's Creek and Kevin Can F**k Himself star Annie Murphy and District 9's Sharlto Copley as series newcomers. Naturally, the twists that lead the latter two into the story are best discovered by watching, but they arise within a show that jumps backwards and keeps questioning that move simultaneously. That comes through stylistically — see: the visual cues taken from 70s cinema — and in snappy dialogue, profound themes and wily plot developments that muse on constant change versus hard-earned acceptance. Yes, Russian Doll is definitely back, entertainingly so, and serving up another wonderful on-screen matryoshka doll of life-pondering insights and time-twisting trickery for audiences to entrancingly unstack. And, it inspires its own IRL loop for beguiled viewers, too — because once you're done watching it, you'll want to cycle back and start all over again. Check out the full trailer for Russian Doll's second season below: The second season of Russian Doll is available to stream via Netflix. Read our review of the first season. Images: Netflix.
"My whole life I got tangled up in complications. Today, I simplify matters," announces Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Michel Bouquet), and it seems director Gilles Bourdos tends to agree. Detailing the final years of the French Impressionist and those around him, Renoir falls short as a shallow and over-simplified biopic. In his Cagnes-sur-Mer retreat in the southeast of France, the 74-year-old Renoir is crippled by arthritis and tended to by a troupe of dedicated female servants who each began as a model for the late artist. After the death of his beloved wife (though apparently not beloved enough to keep him from infidelity), Renoir finds new inspiration when a 15-year-old model that "Titian would have worshipped" hits the screen. Sassy and ambitious, Andrée (Christa Theret), aka Dedee, refuses to meet the same fate as the models before her and for the most part sees through Renoir — basically just a self-absorbed tit — and his lack of genuine care for others. Though bratty at times, Dedee is otherwise the most likeable character and developed more than any other. But alas, her hyper-sensual representation lets the character down, occasionally reducing her to a frustratingly typical product of the male gaze. Nonetheless bewitching and enchanting, Dedee captivates both Renoir and his son Jean (Vincent Rottiers), who's returned home wounded from WWI. But the predictable love affair that ensues should have had a deeper focus. Jean promises that the pair will embark on a career in the burgeoning film industry. Though a far more interesting topic, we never learn how their relationship fell apart 16 years later and are left wondering how he died a prominent filmmaker — with titles Grand Illusion and The Rules of the Game under his belt — and her alone in poverty. Unfortunately, a bare script that's self-consciously romantic and wannabe poignant leaves the actors with little to work with and viewers little to follow. In its 111 minutes almost no drama or tension unfolds and every word spoken is either meaningless or starry-eyed. Thankfully, Taiwanese cinematographer Mark Ping Bing Lee (In the Mood for Love) redeems Renoir with lighting and picture that's splendid and majestic. Despite a numbing script, Renoir is worth the watch just for its beauty. No, seriously, it's gorgeous; an impressionist artwork brought to life. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3Cv9KxLIHAE
If you’re a vegetarian, stop reading. You'll have more fun over here. If, however, you're a caring carnivore with a penchant for environmental protection, stay with us. A pop-up shop in New York City is helping to make your meaty inclinations more sustainable, by turning byproducts into fashion items. You'll find the Marlow Goods temporary store next door to the Reynard Restaurant, within the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It's the creation of husband and wife team Andrew Tarlow and Kate Huling — Tarlow takes care of Reynard’s culinary offerings, while Huling turns the restaurant’s waste into clothing, bags and accessories. 'Waste' refers to the parts of an animal left at the abattoir once the meat’s been extracted – leather and wool, mainly. Even though this is the duo's first pop-up, they've been doing the farm-to-table-to-fashion thing under the Marlow Goods label since 2008. Tarlow heads up several other popular Brooklyn eateries, including Diner, Roman's, cocktail bar Achilles and She Wolf Bakery. "When we thought of it, I don’t think we saw anyone else who was connecting restaurants and grass-fed meat and fashion," Huling told Vogue. "That was kind of a eureka moment." Huling also explained that her unique designs and Tarlow's restaurant aesthetics are mutually complementary. "I'm always driven to find styles that are as simple and as useful as possible," she says. "In many ways, my aesthetic is the same as that of Andrew's restaurants. We're very nostalgic for the way things used to be — the classic look of old fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Hermès, or the feeling of living in a village and selling your goods and wares." The Marlow Goods shop is popping up until December 31, 2014. Via Springwise.
Set in 1980, Everbody Wants Some!! follows a university baseball team as they prepare to commence the next semester, and feels in a lot of ways like the movie Richard Linklater was destined to make. As the film ambles through the antics of teens and twenty-somethings embarking upon the next chapter of their lives (read: drinking and chasing girls), it shouldn't come as a surprise that it's a spiritual sequel to the writer-director's 1993 effort Dazed and Confused. In painting a portrait of young men becoming adults in the most routine of ways, it also acts as a very apt follow-up to the filmmaker's last effort, Boyhood. Rather than charting the final day of high school, or capturing the process of growing up over the course of 12 years, Linklater's latest chronicles the weekend before the start of college classes. When Jake (Blake Jenner) parks his car outside of the team lodgings he's about to call home, he's clearly excited, and just as obviously trying to make sure he appears cool, calm and collected. That careful attitude colours his interactions with his new housemates, whether they're welcoming him with open arms or pronouncing their strong dislike of pitchers. By day, they mostly sit or drive around. By night, they try their luck with the opposite sex at bars and parties. Cue a film with plenty of talk and testosterone, not as much action as any of the characters would like, but plenty of the kind of carefree moments that everyone has experienced at some point in their lives. As Jake's fellow baseballers flit through the narrative, some make a bigger impression than others – including ladies man McReynolds (Tyler Hoechlin), bearded stoner Willoughby (Wyatt Russell), and confident veteran Finnegan (Glen Powell). However, as they sling insults at each other, trade in exaggerated stories and natter on about whatever comes into their heads, they all play their part in this freewheeling slice of life. Accordingly, Everybody Wants Some!! is the ultimate hangout flick, about a bunch of guys just shooting the shit when they're not expected to do anything else. There's no missing the nostalgia driving Linklater's warmly amusing movie, with his images tinted with the glow of happy memories, his camera placed to make the viewer think they're part of the gang, and his soundtrack overflowing with '80s hits like 'My Sharona' and 'Rapper's Delight'. That said, there's also no mistaking the way that the filmmaker simply presents rather than probes, such as when it comes to Jake's romance with fellow freshman Beverly (Zoey Deutch). He's not making a statement — he's just happy to linger in the group's company. Don't confuse the film's laidback vibe with a lack of smarts or precision though. As Linklater proved with his charming romantic trio Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight, it takes careful planning and pitch-perfect performances to make something look and feel so easy and effortless. Like their director, the ensemble cast rarely hit a bad note, with Jenner and Russell certain stars in the making. The film's title might stem from a Van Halen song, but as this group whiles away several days, Everybody Wants Some!! earns its exclamation marks.
Brisbane is hosting its fifth annual Festival of Tibet, which is a yearly cultural highlight thanks in part to the thriving and dynamic culture it exhibits. Spread over five days, the festival program includes painting workshops, forums and art exhibitions exploring the Tibetan way of life, as well as showcasing fantastic documentaries and talks from venerable members of the Tibetan community. This is a jam-packed cultural experience, one that is highly recommended. If you are a fan of foreign culture, a keen activist or just looking for an excuse to get out of the house, check out the Festival of Tibet at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Program includes ticketed and free events; click here for the full festival program.
Over the course of seven episodes, during one of the most-watched Netflix series of 2020, Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) did many things. As a child (as played by Isla Johnston), she discovered an affinity for chess. As a teenager, she savvily turned that talent into a career, hopped around America and the world showing off her skills in fierce tournaments, exceeded everyone's expectations in a male-dominated arena, and battled with her personal struggles along the way. As Beth moved pawns, studied strategies and enjoyed more than a few drinks, she didn't sing about her feelings, though. Soon, in theatres, that'll change. Yes, following in the footsteps of everything from Heathers and Moulin Rouge! to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Shrek, The Queen's Gambit is set to make the leap from the screen to the stage. Just announced by US production company Level Forward, The Queen's Gambit musical is slated to become a reality, with the organisation obtaining the rights to turn the novel behind the show — as penned by Walter Tevis and first printed in 1983 — into a theatre performance. It'll join the Alanis Morissette-inspired Jagged Little Pill and the 2019 Broadway revival of Oklahoma! on Level Forward's resume; however, specific details about what the chess-fuelled song-and-dance show will entail remain scarce at this early stage. https://twitter.com/queensgambitbwy/status/1369014644560588806 So, just who'll star in the musical, which creatives will be behind it, how closely it'll resemble the Golden Globe-winning streaming series, which songs will feature, and when and where it'll premiere are all yet to be revealed. So is any news on whether it'll make the trip Down Under — although folks in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide can look forward to the 2021 season of completely unrelated Chess the Musical in the interim. In a statement, Level Forward CEO Adrienne Becker and producer Julia Dunetz said "it is a privilege for Level Forward to lead the charge of bringing The Queen's Gambit to the stage through the beloved and enduring craft of musical theatre," reports Variety. "Told through a brave and fresh point of view, audiences are already sharing in the friendship and fortitude of the story's inspiring women who energise and sustain Beth Harmon's journey and ultimate triumph. The story is a siren call amidst our contemporary struggles for gender and racial equity, and we're looking forward to moving the project forward." Obviously, a musical version of The Queen's Gambit will need to include singing and dancing chess pieces moving around on the ceiling. That just goes with the territory. If you need a reminder why — or, if you haven't seen the series, a few clues about why the program has become such a hit — check out the Netflix miniseries trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDrieqwSdgI The Queen's Gambit musical doesn't yet have a premiere date — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Via Variety. Top image: Netflix.
With its frosty cabinets filled with decadent flavours, Gelato Messina knows how to get sweet. Among its array varieties all ready for the licking, the chain isn't afraid to get saucy as well. And if you're the kind of ice cream fiend who adores nothing more than scoops piled high on a cone, drizzling down your fingers as they melt, you'll know that Messina might also leave you slippery. That's all before you try its new Standard Procedure collaboration, too: a finger bun gelato lube that's coming on Valentine's Day. When Messina created its extremely delicious finger bun gelato, it answered an important question: why just eat finger buns or gelato when you can combine the two into a glorious dessert mashup packed with brioche gelato, whipped cream, raspberry puree and coconut icing? Now, the chain has another query: why keep this covetable combo out of the bedroom? Launching online on Tuesday, February 14 via the Standard Procedure and Messina online stores, then also headed to Sephora's shelves at a yet-to-be-announced date, the limited-edition Standard Procedure x Messina's Finger Bun Gelato Lube does indeed play up all of the flavours that make the latter's finger bun gelato as tasty as it is. So, expect to smell raspberry as part of a coconut and brioche water-based personal lubricant. Expect to be hungry for a banging time and a freshly baked sweet treat as well. Made on the Sunshine Coast, the lube features aloe vera, Kakadu plum and chamomile extract, is pH-balanced and works as a natural anti-inflammatory. Crucially, it doesn't include any parabens, petrochemicals, palm oil, silicon, hormones, alcohol or glycerin. And, whether you're enjoying it with a partner or solo, it can used with toys. It's also safe with most condoms. While Messina has already dropped a Valentine's Day dessert which promptly sold out, as its specials always do, it's also scooping up its finger bun gelato across all of its 26 stores to celebrate its new lube. It's a get-in-quick affair, however, because it's only available from February 14 until sold out. Via UberEats from 7pm on Valentine's Day itself, Messina is also doing $32 packs featuring 500-millilitre finger bun gelato tubs and 125-millilitre bottles of Finger Bun gGelato Lube. Standard Procedure x Messina's Finger Bun Gelato Lube is available from Tuesday, February 14 via the Standard Procedure and Messina online stores, and will also hit Sephora's shelves at a yet-to-be-announced date.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Flickerfest. This year's much-anticipated Flickerfest trailer has landed. Playing on 1980s cult classic, The Blues Brothers, it's a cleverly crafted parody of the adventure of filmmaking. Directed for Hixon Films by Flickerfest award winner, director Alex Weinress, and starring locals Emma Lung, Guy Edmonds, Matt Zeremes and Charlie Garber, the film focuses on ambitious filmmaker Stuart Martin, who believes that great short films come from "passionate, original voices ... from the dreams of madmen glanced in the morning dew". His "vision" is to tell the story of what happens when the Blues Brothers escape from prison and find themselves on Bondi Beach. And the result? The Blues Brothers as you've never seen them before: running slow-motion in the surf, ordering flat whites, taking tai chi lessons and contemplating their existence, all the while being watched by amazed locals. Martin is, of course, convinced that his "concept" is going to conquer Flickerfest.
From next-level brownies to silky deep-fried bites, Brisbane's snack offering has never been better. And for the animal lovers among us, there's also no shortage of the plant-based variety. In anticipation of the next time you're hankering for a quick flavour fix, we've teamed up with Vegkit to pick the city's most impressive plant-based snacks. They're exceptionally tasty — and made with no harm done to any furry friends. [caption id="attachment_833042" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Clayton[/caption] OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD BROWNIES FROM VEGANYUMM You know something's good when it's specifically name-checked in an Instagram bio. Everton Park bakery Veganyumm serves up an alarmingly good range of plant-based sweet and savoury baked goods, but if there's one you need to try it's the signature Galaxy Brownie. It's a gooey, chocolatey slab of dairy-free brownie, generously slathered in multicoloured frosting. Perhaps this is why ET wanted to phone home. [caption id="attachment_833043" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Clayton[/caption] FRESH AF CROISSANTS FROM FARINE Of life's simple pleasures, near the top of the list is the humble beauty of a great plain croissant. However, its carby, buttery goodness makes it an off-limits snack for some. That's where Farine steps in. The artisan bakery — with locations at Red Hill, Spring Hill and Calamvale — has a variety of French-style loaves and pastries, including a number that are free of animal products. And as much as we vouch for the bakery's vegan custard doughnuts, we keep coming back to the humble croissants. They're everything you'd want them to be — puffy, crumbly, crunchy, I-can't-believe-it's-not-buttery parcels of goodness. Merci bien. LOADED BISCOFF SUNDAE FROM GRASSFED Fish Lane go-to Grassfed might be better known for OTT burgers and shakes, but if you don't save room for dessert, sorry but you're doing it wrong. Spare that space for the toffee-caramel notes of the loaded Biscoff sundae, which sees a gluten- and dairy-free vanilla soft serve by I Should Coco adorned with generous levels of Biscoff sauce, and topped with a couple of Biscoff biscuits for good measure. LUSCIOUS LAMINGTON BOWL FROM MYLK AND KO Could Mylk and Ko be Brisbane's most wholesome cafe? This Merthyr Road brunch spot has a menu packed with mostly house-prepared goodies and caters for a range of dietary requirements. For an indulgent snack you can feel good about, dive into the lamington bowl. It features all the good things: açai, strawberries, raspberries, banana, cacao, coconut and coconut milk, and is topped with chocolate granola, strawberries, coconut yoghurt, cacao sauce, jam, nibs and coconut. Coming with a very good boy or girl? Nab a seat outside so they can take advantage of free dog biscuits, or order them a serve of doggy ice cream for a special treat. [caption id="attachment_669756" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] CRUNCHY KARAAGE TOFU FROM NETHERWORLD Come to this Brunswick Street spot for the arcade games and stick around for the food. Netherworld's menu is entirely plant-based, and is a clever fusion of classic American diner food with heavy Japanese influences — most evident in its selection of small bites. While we like the moreish Southern-style fried vegan chicken nuggets and buffalo cauliflower florets, it's the crunchy karaage tofu that has us arguing over the last bite. These silky morsels are dusted with togarashi for a bit of kick, and served with an umami-laden spicy miso mayo. It's also the perfect foil for a selection from Netherworld's great craft beer offer or one of the house-made boozy sodas. If that's not fuel for hitting a new high score, we don't know what is. For more plant-based dining and recipe inspo, head to the Vegkit website. Top image: Mylk and Ko
The Hump Day Project is the kind of name you decide on when you want to sustain a air of mystery but also stay 'relevant' to the cool kids. Could it be something to do with a big party on Wednesdays? Maybe a day dedicated to worshiping camels? Or perhaps it’s referring to some cheeky fun? If however you’re referring to the Sydney DJ outfit that’s playing Oh Hello on Friday, you’ll get all of the above - just not how you expect it. Although there won’t specifically be any camels to ride or Wednesday celebrations, the music these boys are renowned for mixing will make you think anything’s possible. Even after many years in the music and nightclub scene, The Hump Day Project have only experienced constant high periods. Kinda huge highlights include being played by Pete Tong on BBC’s Essential Selections and The Potbellez using a THDP remix in numerous sets, however their praise has been career long and constant. As they are only in Brisbane for one night this show is sure to sell out as THDP’s renowned mix of mainstream and underground music draws in big crowds for a very good reason. So hurry up and buy a ticket! BYO imaginary exotic animals though.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Wotif.com. Going to the Whitsundays and staying in a hotel without an ocean view is a bit like going to Rome without seeing the Colosseum. It’s kind of the whole point. The good news is that, whether you’re begging and borrowing to make your trip possible or spending all of your life savings in one extravagant indulgence, there are options. Here’s a list of the Whitsundays’ most beautiful, stylish, secluded and romantic hotels. CORAL SEA RESORT, AIRLIE BEACH The 4.5 star Coral Sea Resort is so close to the ocean you can pretty much reach out of your hotel window and test out the water. On top of that, a teeny-tiny stroll along a waterside boardwalk carries you to the uber-hip, laidback village of Airlie Beach. Getting to the islands is merely a matter of walking in the other direction, to Abell Point Marina, where you can jump on a ferry. Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and Whitehaven Beach are all doable on a half-day or full-day jaunt. HAMILTON ISLAND REEF VIEW If your ideal tropical holiday involves snorkelling above coral beds, windsurfing from dawn to dusk or testing out your paddle skiing prowess, the 4 star Hamilton Island Reef View Hotel is the go. That’s because the hotel offers complimentary access to a bunch of non-motorised water equipment. So you can pretty much wake up, munch down on breakfast and be out on the water within a matter of minutes. If you’re not a fan of self-propulsion, there’s the option of hiring a golf buggy and cruising the island on wheels. Either way, the hotel pool, complete with waterside cocktail bar, is the place to kick back after a day spent adventuring. DAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT AND SPA For a holiday that’s all about relaxing and pampering, Daydream Island Resort and Spa has the goods. That’s mainly because it’s home to the Rejuvenation Spa, where signature treatments are on the menu — from 1.5-hour Caviar Facials to four-hour Mermaid’s Dream indulgences. You can spend your entire holiday lying around, but, if you decide to move, mini golf, volleyball and badminton are all on offer. Plus, the resort is right on the edge of one of the world’s biggest manmade coral reef lagoons. BREAKFREE LONG ISLAND RESORT To make the most of a stay at the 3.5 star Breakfree Long Island Resort, you’ll need to be very, very skilled at the art of doing absolutely nothing. That’s because as soon as you see their hammocks, you’ll want to lie in them all day long. That said, the island’s national park is home to more than 20 kilometres of walking trails, so you can roam if you want to. And there’s also volleyball and paddle boarding opportunities aplenty. For beverages, there’s a poolside cocktail bar and, for food, the onsite Palm’s Restaurant. PINNACLES RESORT AND SPA The 5 star Pinnacles is the full monty. If there’s someone in your life who you really, really want to impress or thank or hold captive forever and ever and ever (yourself, perhaps?), it’s the one. For a start, the rooms are 20 metres from the water, with panoramic views across Airlie Beach and the ocean. Second up, there’s an Endota Spa with a private verandah. If you want go the whole hog, opt for a two- or three-bedroom apartment with its own terrace Jacuzzi. BOATHOUSE APARTMENTS BY OUTRIGGER Wanna take a bunch of buddies or a whole football team or your mum, dad, sis and bro on holiday with you? And your cousins? Outrigger’s Boathouse Apartments, situated on the water at the shiny new port of Airlie Marina, have loads of space. If there are eight of you, check out the four-bedroom Penthouse apartments, featuring balconies and a rooftop spa. Host your own mini-Wimbledon at the resort’s private tennis court or chill out poolside. Book your Whitsundays escape now via Wotif.com.
When a standard villa and self-made holiday itinerary simply won't do, you could turn your attention to Hotel Clicquot — a world first entry to all-in luxury accommodation by French champagne house, Veuve Clicquot. Here's the skinny: The hotel is popping up in the Byron Bay hinterland at Cooper's Shoot, a prime location for exceptional ocean vistas (and possible Zac Efron sightings), from 24 November to 5 December 2021. As per the description: A quintessential part of a stay at Hotel Clicquot is the daily calendar of unique, money-can't-buy experiences, all of which are entirely optional. Do or do not! Once there, you'll be looking at two nights and three days of activities (or no activities!), pre-arranged for you, so the only decision-making required is whether or not you should have another glass of champers. There's a 24hour butler service. There will be an in-house sommelier to guide you on a journey through the French champagne house's finest drops. A massage therapist will be at your disposal. Meals will be prepared for you and your cohort, one by up-and-coming chef Alanna Sapwell and the other by David Moyle of acclaimed local spot Harvest Newrybar, who will host a 'garden gastronomy' dinner. And, it should go without saying, but yes: there is of course an infinity edge pool. Helicopter transfers are optional. And if you need to fill a seat, I solemnly nominate myself for the task. Bookings are available from 1 November and you can register your interest here.
As first announced back in 2018, Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image will soon look rather different, with the screen culture-focused Federation Square site currently undergoing extensive $40 million renovations. When it reopens in 2021, visitors can expect revamped exhibition spaces, new immersive experiences and added interactive activations, including a permanent ode to Mad Max. Also part of the huge makeover: increasing the ways that everyone can engage with ACMI digitally, both when heading by in-person and from home. As revealed back in October, ACMI will usher in a heap of new ways for folks to interact with its exhibitions. That includes giving visitors a handheld device made out of compressed cardboard, which they'll be able to while they're wandering around the place — and when they go home as well. ACMI's fresh additions also span online exhibition space Gallery 5, which is up and running already, and its own video-on-demand service called Cinema 3. Of course, 2020 has already seen a very lengthy list of new streaming and VOD options hit the market, all competing for film and TV fans' eyeballs in a year that's seen us all spend more time on the couch — such as horror streamer Shudder, architecture and design-focused platform Shelter, short-form platform Quibi (which'll actually call it quits in December), female-focused service Femflix, and platforms from cinemas such as Palace and Golden Age, plus the team behind Sydney's Ritz and Melbourne's Lido, Classic and Cameo venues. Accordingly, ACMI joins a very busy space, but it's doing so with a tightly curated range of classics and new movies that's selected by its Director of Film Programs Kristy Matheson, and is updated fortnightly. Available since Thursday, November 19, Cinema 3 currently features a digital restoration of Claire Denis' 1999 standout Beau Travail, plus 2019's acclaimed Romanian flick The Whistlers — neither of which you can currently watch in Australian cinemas. In the classic camp, it has grouped a number of movies into themes. So, you can check out 'fine films for grown-up tastes' such as The Two Faces of January, Our Little Sister, The Deep Blue Sea and The Third Wife, or opt to delve into cinema history via Berberian Sound Studio, Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché, Last Man in Aleppo and Parasite. Cinema 3 also presently features an Aussie-focused section as well, showing Noise, The Darkside, and documentaries Jill Billcock: Dancing the Invisible and Defiant Lives. The idea is that each area of the service acts as a shelf — for you to peruse and pick from at your leisure, depending on what piques your interest. Films are available on a pay-per-view rental basis, with the current titles ranging from $4.99 to $14. To check out ACMI's Cinema 3 video-on-demand service, head to the platform's website.
Year after year, St. Jerome's Laneway Festival delivers a brilliant lineup of bands that has given it the reputation of a true music nerd's festival. A complementary mix of international and local acts have been chosen for 2012; long-time lovers of this festival are sure to find a couple of bands that they've always wanted to see. Laneway's focus on up-and-coming acts means that there's a high likelihood you'll hear a band you've never heard of who will soon be a regular guest on your iPod. This summer, you can look forward to seeing New York trio Chairlift, who produce very catchy indie songs and are soon releasing their third album; Girls, a charismatic rock-pop band whose songs are laced with innocent heartbreak and joie de vivre; quirky songstress Laura Marling; synth-rock hero M83; the genre-hopping wonder that is Feist, as well as The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Horrors, Twin Shadow, The Panics, Yuck, Pajama Club, Active Child and many more. Laneway are also showcasing Triple J's Unearthed winners, so you may hear the Next Big Thing before they're saturating the radio. The exuberant, party atmosphere and a crowd who's more into the music that what they're wearing makes Laneway a summer staple, so make sure you nab a ticket as soon as you can (tickets go on sale October 19). Brisbane – Saturday, January 28 at Alexandria Street, Fortitude Valley Auckland – Monday, January 30 at Silo Park, Beaumont Street Melbourne – Saturday, February 4 at Footscray Community Arts Centre Sydney – Sunday, February 5 at Sydney College Of The Arts Adelaide – Friday, February 10 at Fowler's Live Perth – Saturday, February 11 at Perth Cultural Centre Singapore – Sunday, February 12 at Fort Canning (lineup announced on October 21) The full lineup is as follows: Active Child Anna Calvi Austra Bullion Chairlift (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne only) Cults The Drums DZ Deathrays EMA Feist (except Adelaide^) Geoffry O'Connor Girls Givers (Sydney, Melbourne only) Glasser The Horrors Husky (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne only) John Talabot Jonti Laura Marling M83 Oneman The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Pajama Club The Panics Portugal The Man SBTRKT (live) Toro Y Moi Total Control Twin Shadow Washed Out Wu Lyf Yuck https://youtube.com/watch?v=r-hMISLG8nY
From the shaken to the stirred and everything in-between — this May, the country's world-class mixology scene will be celebrated in a very big way at a month-long drinks festival. The inaugural Australian Cocktail Month is set to kick off Sunday, May 1, descending on venues across a heap of Aussie cities with a diverse lineup of crafty collaborations and exclusive concoctions. In total, 145 bars are taking part in Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Wollongong — and in Brisbane, of course. Here in the Queensland capital, 24 spots will help Australian Cocktail Month celebrate its second year. And, both boozy and alcohol-free cocktails will be on the menu. Wondering where you'll be heading? Hit up local favourites such as Byblos, Cobbler, Death and Taxes, Dr Gimlette, The Gresham, Iris, Savile Row and Sasso Italiano, for starters. Along with the other venues taking part, they'll spend the month whipping up creative-charged festival cocktails (and mocktails) using drops from both local brands — think: Brix Distillers, Four Pillars and Archie Rose — and international labels. To get among the best of it, grab a $20 Australian Cocktail Month ticket and enjoy full access to all of the participating venues' cocktail creations. Alcoholic drinks will be priced at $14 a pop, with low-alcohol and booze-free options clocking in at $10. Top image: Savile Row, Millie Tang.
