Steak might be the star at both Fatcow on James and Rich & Rare, and seafood at Fosh Bar & Restaurant; however, Tassis Group is celebrating a different source of protein at Dark Shepherd. The second of the hospitality group's eateries at Brisbane's Queen's Wharf precinct — the first: the French-themed Pompette — this 120-seater loves lamb so much that Victoria's White Pyrenees Lamb is its hero ingredient. It's been dubbed the "wagyu of lamb", and it's served here slow-cooked in a woodfired oven, as available as full and half shoulders, plus in tomahawk cutlets. It's been a big year or so for Dark Shepherd's parent company, thanks not only to Fatcow on James and Pompette opening, but Longwang on Edward Street and Mulga Bill's at the foot of the new Kangaroo Point Bridge doing the same as well. As with Yamas Greek + Drink and Opa Bar + Mezze, Mediterranean cuisine is also in the spotlight at the lamb-centric restaurant. And, as pops up across the group's venues, seafood is no stranger, either. For most choices from the menu, your food will come fresh from the 1.5-metre-wide woodfired oven, which features an internal rotating steel plate and reaches a temperature of 280-plus degrees Celsius inside. Meat and seafood options aren't the only choices putting the restaurant's key appliance to good use, though. Everything from pillow bread (in either thyme and olive oil; feta, olives and capers; or sand crab, feta and capsicum varieties), scallops (with tyrokafteri butter) and octopus (with olive oil and fava) to beets (with feta cream and lemon), sprouts (with orange, honey, garlic and leek) and cabbage (with garlic, tahini and pistachio) is also cooked in the oven — as is the signature cheesecake, which comes served with soft apple, cinnamon and ice cream. Among the fellow dishes certain to tempt tastebuds, standouts include wagyu souvlaki; pastitsio bites made with wagyu lamb, pasta and bechamel; prawns saganaki; slow-cooked lamb ribs; Moreton Bay bug pasta; beef-stuffed capsicum; and the lamb and lobster pairing. Dessert choices also span galaktoboureko, baklava Biscoff, and a white chocolate Greek filo pastry cone with custard and soft meringue. Yiros are available at lunch, too, as is a $54-per-person banquet — with the latter one of several bigger feasts, including a Sunday-only feast for $68 a head, plus others seven days a week ranging from $88–180. To sip, you've got more than 140 wines to select from, alongside beer, cider, non-alcoholic drinks and specialty cocktails. The Notorious F.I.G. will get you enjoying caramel and vanilla flavours — and pear as well — while the Adriatic sour is made with yuzu gin and pomegranate liqueur, for instance. Or, go with the Achilles, which blends milk-washed rye, apricot liqueur, and almond and macadamia liqueur. With Allo Creative and Clui Design on decor duties, the venue opens from a curved entryway into the dining room. Among the booths and marbled tables beneath mirrored ceilings, Dark Shepherd also features a sunken area, ten-seat private dining room and a dry-ageing lamb cabinet. Find Dark Shepherd at The Star Brisbane, Queen's Wharf Road, Brisbane — open from 11am–late daily. Head to the restaurant's website for more details. Images: Markus Ravik.
Sometimes, it's the little things that motivate us. That's why we savour a coffee when we get out of bed each morning, and love a Friday afternoon drink after a week at the 9-to-5 grind. And, it can work when it comes to getting vaccinated, too. Indeed, plenty of companies have been offering up small rewards to encourage getting the COVID-19 jab — and, if you like your meals with a side of chips, Deliveroo is joining them. The delivery platform's vaccination incentive is open to everyone, but there's a big catch: it only kicks in when 60 percent of eligible folks in your state or territory have received both their COVID-19 shots. When that happens, Deliveroo will add a free large serve of fries to orders from Hungry Jack's and other participating eateries for three days — on the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Yes, you would like fries with that. You do need to order something to get the freebies, so you can't just get a large fries by itself without buying anything else. But, hey, free chips makes every meal better. And, it'll be added to your order automatically, so you won't need to do anything. Exactly when this giveaway will kick in around Australia obviously depends on vaccination numbers in each state and territory. Keen to keep an eye on vax rates? We've rounded up the websites helping you do just that. Deliveroo will add a free large serve of fries to each order from Hungry Jack's and other participating restaurants in a particular state or territory when that state or territory hits the 60-percent double-jabbed mark. For further details, head to the Deliveroo website.
When playwright Neil Simon penned The Odd Couple, little could he have known the phenomenon he had unleashed. The Broadway hit became a famous 1968 film starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and then a number of different TV shows. In the US, a version featuring Matthew Perry is currently on air. There's a reason audiences continue to be fascinated with his offbeat roommates and their ever-apparent mismatch, of course, and it's not just because it's both chaotic and comedic. Who hasn't been down-and-out like despairing journalist Felix Unger? Who hasn't lived with someone they're not all that suited to, such as the slovenly Oscar Madison? Who doesn't have a good pal they probably shouldn't get along with, but do anyway? Expect domestic drama, both amusing and argumentative, as Queensland Theatre Company offers their spin on the play turned movie turned television series. Expect a reunion of another odd couple as the titular pair, too, with Jason Klarwein and Tama Matheson from QTC's 2013 rendition of Design For Living returning as everyone's favourite housemates from hell.
UPDATE, March 14, 2022: After a three-week closure due to Brisbane's floods, the Gallery of Modern Art will reopen — and APT10 Cinema as well — on Friday, March 18. Whenever the Gallery of Modern Art welcomes in a new exhibition, there's always two things to get excited about. The first is all that art gracing the South Bank venue's cavernous halls, obviously. The second: whatever film program GOMA's Australian Cinematheque team has whipped up to go along with it. With both the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA currently playing host to the 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, both galleries are overflowing with pieces to see — and the Australian Cinematheque has not one, not two, but three movie lineups to match. They're each free, too, so this trip into a darkened theatre is mighty nice on the wallet. All running from Friday, December 4–Monday, April 25, but screening on various times and dates (usually Friday–Sunday each week), the program includes The Magic Arts, a showcase of Australian animation from the 70s till now; Under the Radar, which is all about the best and brightest new flicks from around the Asia-Pacific; and Australian Next Wave, a lineup of Aussie up-and-comers. Animation highlights include Dot and the Kangaroo, which everyone has seen at least once at primary school; the delightful award-winning Mary and Max; and Babe: Pig in the City, because it's a stone-cold Aussie classic. From the Asia-Pacific haul, standouts span revisionist western My Sweet Pepperland, festival favourite Wolf and Sheep and anthology film Vai, which hails from nine female Pacific filmmakers. Or, among the locals making new waves, there's horror anthology Dark Place, exceptional Adam Cullen-focused drama Acute Misfortune, the Ukraine-set A Family and moving doco-drama hybrid Island of the Hungry Ghosts.
Start counting down the days: after over nine years in the making, the Queen's Wharf precinct will begin welcoming in Brisbanites from Thursday, August 29, 2024. Exactly when the CBD spot that's transforming a hefty area of the River City's inner city will open has been pushed back again and again, including plans to launch in 2022, then in April 2024, that clearly didn't come to fruition. But after locking in August timing for this year a few months back, Queen's Wharf has now confirmed its exact opening date. The new $3.6-billion precinct right in the heart of Brisbane, complete with a towering deck filled with restaurants and bars that will sit 100 metres above the city, will launch in stages. Accordingly, while there's a hefty list of additions to Brissie on the way at Queen's Wharf, filling 12 hectares, you mightn't be able to hit them all up on day one. The site's fifth and sixth level at The Star Brisbane will be among the first to get up and running, however, which means that Luke Nguyen's reimagined Fat Noodle, cocktail bar Cherry and brand-new sports bar will launch on the last Thursday in August. In excellent news for fan of top-notch Japanese cuisine, the initial outpost beyond Sydney for fine-diner Sokyo will also open on launch day. Across the end of August into September, Sky Deck with its trio of venues — steak and seafood restaurant Aloria, casual eatery Babblers and openair bar Cicada Blu — will also start operating. The Sky Deck viewing platform will as well, as part of 7.5-hectares of public space that also includes the level-seven leisure deck, Miller Park, the upgraded Bicentennial Bikeway and the Neville Bonner Bridge over to South Bank. Joining them is a green space called The Landing, which will let folks in after Riverfire at this year's Brisbane Festival. Similarly in this initial stage: The Star Grand with its 340 hotel rooms and three swimming pools, which is also where Sokyo will sit. Then there's the event centre with a 1440-seat ballroom, plus an outdoor terrace; the new LiveWire, which is being reborn as a live music-focused venue; a food quarter, plus other eating and drinking options; and a gymnasium. From there, albeit without a specific timeframe, the tower with the 4.5-star Dorsett and Australia's only Rosewood hotel is also on its way, as is Brissie's first riverside bikeway cafe and a swathe of retailers in a huge new shopping precinct. More dining, such as an ice creamery, Asian cuisine and other spots themed around parts of the world, will come, too. And, so will the revitalised heritage buildings, which will feature food, beverage and retail options. "Fittingly, public spaces will be among the first areas to be opened, and that includes the viewing platform on Sky Deck, Miller Park, and of course the Neville Bonner Bridge linking Queen's Wharf to South Bank," said The Star Brisbane Chief Executive Officer Daniel Finch. "We are thrilled to be commencing our phased opening to coincide with Brisbane's biggest party, Brisbane Festival; however, the transformed grassed public areas along the river including The Landing and Finger Wharves will open after Riverfire." Located between Alice, George, Queen and William streets, Queen's Wharf will also boast the relocated Black Hide Steak and Seafood, Italian eatery Cucina Regina, new artworks by Lindy Lee and approximately 1500 apartments, and host a massive calendar of events in its event centre from September. "We want to ensure our team members are prepared, our facilities have been tested, our processes are right, and importantly our guests have an exceptional experience that they will talk about and come back to experience again," said Finch of the staged opening. "Not everything will open all at once on day one. That also means returning guests will find something new to experience, not just here at The Star but also across both sides of the river." Queen's Wharf will start opening in the Brisbane CBD from Thursday, August 29, 2024. Head to The Star Brisbane website for further details.
UPDATE, March 14, 2022: After a hiatus due to Brisbane's floods, the Feel Good Program for summer and autumn is back in action, and will now run through until Saturday, April 9 — other than aqua classes and kids' classes. Also, sessions originally scheduled for the Rainforest Green will now take place on the Little Stanley Street Lawns and at Flowstate. We all know that solid dose of 'the good feels' you get after you've done something nice for yourself/your body (like exercise). And from Monday, January 31–Saturday, April 9, you can expect those feelings to increase two-fold. Thanks to the return of Brisbane's Feel Good Program for the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the city will welcome a series of outdoor fitness classes — and, unlike that fancy new yoga studio in your neighbourhood that smells like acai berries and only serves charcoal tea, these classes are all entirely free. Ranging from sessions to get your blood pumping (Zumba) to classes to get your zen flowing freely (yoga, tai chi), the Feel Good Program is an initiative designed to suit any and all fitness levels. Classes are being held around South Bank Parklands this time around. BYO water bottle, towel and, where required, a yoga mat — the ones provided are subject to availability. Adapting to the times, you'll also need to check in when you attend. Classes happen every day except Fridays and Sundays, and they all run for between 30–45 minutes. Times vary depending on the day, but your options include getting started early with a 7am pilates session, throw in a 12.15pm cardio fusion class on your lunch break, or finish up with Bollywood dancing from 6.15pm. Whichever you choose, it'll have you embracing the warm outdoors and feeling good — check out the timetable online.
They're just humble cucumbers left to ferment in vinegar, but pickles certainly get plenty of attention. We love them on sandwiches, and to munch on individually. We love drinking whisky, then chasing it down with a shot of pickle brine. Sometimes, folks even make beer that showcases the zesty pickle flavour. If you're fond of all of the above, then get your pickle-loving self to Pickle Fest. Hosted by The Woods Bar, the event celebrates its eponymous ingredient in a whole range of guises. In other words, it's an excuse to eat pickles, drink pickle brine and sip pickle-flavoured brews. And, to eat reuben sandwiches, aka the go-to food when anyone thinks of pickles (and a great way to line your stomach, too). Also on the menu: deep-fried pickled jalapeños galore, as well as loaded bloody marys. Obviously, if you don't like that sour, tart, put-a-spring-in-your-step pickle taste, this fest isn't for you — but if you can't get enough of it, head to Mitchelton from 12pm on Sunday, February 20. The one-day festival takes place on Sunday, December 1, with the Mitchelton watering hole getting into the pickled spirit from from 11am. Image: The Woods Bar.
Independent Melbourne brewery Brick Lane Brewing Co has just taken out the award of World's Best Porter at the World Beer Awards for its Revolver Dark Hoppy Ale. The annual beer awards recognised the indie Aussie brewer in the Porter and Stout category of the 2021 Taste Awards, alongside other award-winners from a global showing from Serbia, Canada and the United Kingdom. The dark ale beat out a range of porters from around the world to claim the prize of the world's best, with the silver medal going to The Flying Dutchman Nomad Brewing Company's 'Wake The Hell Up You Can Sleep In The Coffin' Hazelnut Cappuccino Porter from Belgium. Brick Lane's award-winning brew is described as a midnight black beer with a velvety body and a bright hop aroma. "Revolver is a particular staff favourite and something we really look forward to brewing each winter. To have this recognised at the World Beer Awards is really something special," the brewery's head brewer Jon Seltin said. [caption id="attachment_825187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brick Lane's Jon Seltin and Paul Bowker[/caption] Each year the World Beer Awards hands out prizes to the best beers, ciders, wines and spirits in their categories, with beers from across the globe eligible for both taste and design awards. Brick Lane's One Love Pale Ale and Red Hoppy Ale were also recognised in this year's awards, winning Australia's Best American-Style Pale Ale and Australia's Best Amber Pale respectively. The brewery, based in Dandenong South, was founded in 2018 by Paul Bowker and Andrew Scrimgeour with help from some recognisable names including NRL star Billy Slater, restaurateur Shane Delia and comedy stalwart Mick Molloy. The brewery has previously been recognised for several awards including four entries in last year's beloved GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers. Interestingly enough, the Revolver was not among the four brews voted into the list. You can purchase Brick Lane's beers through its website and Craft Cartel or pick a six pack up from Dan Murphy's. You can see the full list of winners at this year's World Beer Awards here.
The festive season is upon us, again, which means that Christmas shopping is about to become everyone's favourite pastime. Thankfully, trawling the mall isn't your only option when it comes to finding a gift, either for your loved ones or yourself — or grabbing ingredients for a delicious meal. Returning for another year from 4–10pm on Saturday, November 18, the Carseldine Markets is hosting a twilight event brimming with the spirit of the season. Get your list ready, because all the art, craft and fresh produce stalls you know and love will be on site, just waiting to help you out of a festive fix — there'll be more than 200 of them, in fact. Prepare to tuck into festive treats, too (because you'll need to eat while you browse), as well as ample entertainment. Yes, it's a Christmas wonderland, with the decorations and carols to prove it. Warning: if you're more of a Grinch than one of Santa's elves, you'd best prepare yourself for an overdose of holiday cheer. Entry costs $3, and there's free parking onsite.
Two years, two parts of Brisbane, three places for an Italian bite and sip. That's the equation behind chef and restaurateur Ashley-Maree Kent's culinary footprint since 2022, when she opened Ramona Trattoria in Coorparoo. In late 2023, right next door on Leicester Street, Bar Rocco also launched. Now, Kent is crossing the river for her next venture Sbagliata, making Portside Wharf the latest home for her restaurant empire. Just like Kent, Portside is no stranger to swinging open doors recently. The inner-north precinct's current $20-million revamp saw Rise Bakery, Rosé Gelateria, Birds Nest Yakitori and Fosh all set up shop at the Hamilton spot in 2023. Portside Social, a gastropub from the Newstead Social crew, is also on the way. It's due mid-2024, as is Sbagliata. Drawn to Portside Wharf for its waterside location, Kent has taken the space next to the seafood-focused Fosh, with the 174-square-metre site now undergoing a $2.2-million fitout. There's no firm opening date for Sbagliata yet, but Alkot Studio are doing the design work on a restaurant that takes its cues from the real thing: Italian eateries in Italy. "For me, Italian food is all about family, friends and welcoming people you don't know to your table. This is the experience I want to recreate at Sbagliata, giving customers the opportunity to come together over a shared love for food and good company," said Kent. "The fitout will reflect this vision, with design features straight out of those cozy ristorante spots by the coast, like an open kitchen with its own pasta room, wood and coal grill, bright and inviting interiors, and room for 120 customers to relax and enjoy." With hand-shaped pasta a drawcard at Ramona Trattoria — and one of the reasons that it has become such an inner-east favourite — of course it will be on Kent's Sbagliata spread as well. "Our menu boasts a thoughtfully curated variety of comforting woodfired dishes; there is something for everyone to enjoy," Kent noted. "We'll also have an extensive wine list featuring Italian and Australian wines, as well as a range of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks." Find Sbagliata at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton, sometime in mid-2024 — keep an eye on the Portside Wharf website for further details.
First, it was avocados in Amsterdam. Now, it's peanut butter on toast in London. Forget variety; loving one particular thing, and only wanting to see that one thing on the menu — that's the latest food trend, so it seems. The pop-up cafe dedicated to slathering warmed, brown bread with a crunchy or creamy paste of nuts is the brainchild of Pip & Nut, a UK-based company that makes natural peanut, almond and coconut almond butter. Until February 12, the Pip & Nut Toast Bar will serve gourmet slices decked with a combination nutty toppings and other healthy ingredients, recreating the creations outlined in their recipe book. The hungry masses can choose from sourdough or rye toast for starters, then select the treats heaped on top. Options include marinated strawberries and almond butter, peanut butter with grated apple and maple syrup, peanut butter with fresh chilli, lime and coriander, and avocado and almond butter and spiced seeds. Yes, your stomach should be rumbling. Yes, you start hoping something like this pops up closer to home. Via Time Out London.
Open up your eager eyes, Brisbane: The Killers are headed our way. The Las Vegas-born rockers will hit up a heap of arenas Down Under to cap off 2022, and destiny is calling you to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, November 29 and Wednesday, November 30. Given the band's lengthy back catalogue, Brandon Flowers and company won't just be playing 'Mr Brightside' on repeat, but will be making a hot fuss over plenty of their hits — including tracks from their 2020 album Imploding the Mirage. The tour is named after that record, even though they released another one, Pressure Machine, in 2021. That's what happens when live gigs get put on hold during a pandemic, clearly. [caption id="attachment_831494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Remember: somebody told you that you'll be dancing along to 'Somebody Told Me', 'Smile Like You Mean It', 'When You Were Young', 'Bones', 'Human' and 'The Man' as well. Fancy seeing The Killers in a winery instead? They're also playing A Day on the Green shows in the Barossa and Geelong, if an interstate trip is on your agenda.
When it comes to experiencing the great outdoors it doesn't get much better than Tasmania. So it's no surprise that, according to Airbnb, the Best Nature Stay in Australia can be found in the Apple Isle. The winning property: Susie Aulich's The Container listing, which is the epitome of the eco-luxe aesthetic. The striking home is made out of a recycled shipping container that's been reimagined into an extravagant one-bedroom getaway blessed with uninterrupted views of the bucolic landscape of Lilydale, a town perched on the foothills of Mount Arthur and just half an hour's drive from Launceston. Catering to solo parties or couples, The Container offers an immersive nature experience. It's set on a stunning farm that's also home to all manner of flora and fauna, like chickens, wallabies, echidnas, incredible birdlife, peonies, waratahs, pepperberries and more. The perfect setting, in other words, to disconnect from reality. Fresh off her win, we spoke with Aulich about her hosting journey and her incredible property. Firstly, what are the qualities that make a good Host, Susie? Authenticity and attention to detail. What do you do to ensure an outstanding experience for your guests? Be who you are. While our guests don't ever meet us, they get a feel for who we are through The Container. We designed The Container and all that is in here for us — it's how we want to stay, travel and experience life. We believe in abundance so we supply guests with an abundance of local produce, fresh flowers and the best our local artisans can deliver. We keep signs to a minimum, which allows guests to truly immerse themselves in their surrounds. They get to experience life here just as we do. What's your favourite thing about your property? It's constantly changing — every day nature is changing. At The Container, you are surrounded by big skies and small wonders. Nature is the true host and our guests get to experience being connected to nature in a creative space. What's something you love about hosting? People are really happy and open when on a holiday — they bring joy to your place and they are open to a wonderful experience. It's an honour to be part of people's lives at such a special time. What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a Host? Start as you intend to continue. Set up your Airbnb to suit your lifestyle. What has hosting allowed you to do? I can live the life I want on my property — Airbnb gives me the freedom to stay, play and live on my farm, and going to work involves wandering from my house to the accommodations, checking on the chooks and my garden on the way. Want to begin your own hosting journey with Airbnb? If you're feeling inspired, head to the website to find out how to get started. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Bec Baxter
If you were after any confirmation of Bruce Munro's talents, you need only look at the roaring success of his spectacular Red Centre installation, Field of Light. Experienced by more than 450,000 visitors during its first three years lighting up Uluru, the large-scale work's stay was extended twice, before it was confirmed it would be sticking around indefinitely. Now, the internationally acclaimed visual artist is bringing some of that luminous magic down south, by way of two new site-specific outdoor art installations set to grace the banks of the Murray River. Comprising one work on the Victorian side of the border and another in New South Wales, Light/State is a multimillion-dollar, two-part project that's anticipated to have visitors flocking in their hundreds of thousands. First up will be the Victorian phase of the production, known as Trail of Light. Making its home on the western banks of Lake Cullulleraine, this one takes the form of an immersive walking trail, guiding audiences through a stunning landscape featuring 12,550 glowing 'fireflies'. Work has already begun on the installation, which will feature a total of more than 301,200 flickering points of light once it's completed in late 2023. Across the river, the town of Wentworth will play host to sibling work, Munro's Fibre Optic Symphony Orchestra. Set to clock in at around 220 metres wide, the installation is made up of 108 fibre optic light columns, each arranged around a classic Hill's Hoist clothesline. The colour-changing lights will pulse and glow in time to the accompanying soundscape, translating music into a rainbow of hues. The work is slated for completion in mid 2024. Bruce Munro has created more than 45 large-scale installations worldwide, often pulling inspiration from the shared human experience and responding to the natural landscape. [caption id="attachment_744632" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Field of Light', by Mark Pickthall[/caption] Bruce Munro's 'Light/State' will comprise two parts — 'Trail of Light' is set to open at Lake Cullulleraine from late 2023, while 'Fibre Optic Symphony Orchestra' will launch in Wentworth in mid 2024. Top image: 'Field of Light', Tourism Central Australia
There’s nothing better than local produce, espescially when it comes to art. Brisbane-based Reframed has long made it their agenda to keep eagle eyes on Brisbane’s best creatives and put them in a gallery space to show off their flying colours. Now, in their fifth annual exhibition,Reframed14, they’ve curated an array of styles and mediums across painting, photography, objects, installation and jewellery, all from artists with postcodes begin with four. The exhibition will feature the work of 17 artists such as Belinda Giddins, Tessa Brown, Ari Fuller, Kerryn Lane, and a dozen more. From the extraordinary and whimsical pen and collage images of Rachael Sedgman, to Alithea Josaphine's finely balanced blends of geometry and nature (pictured), Refreamed14 will be showing work that will please even the fussiest of artistic palate. The opening night for Reframed14 will be the 3rd of July, kicking off at White Canvas Gallery at 5pm. But if you’re not a party kind of person, then you’ve got until the 13th of July to check out the exhibition during the day.
Doughnut Time, Damien Griffiths' cult-like doughnut franchise, has conquered he final frontier of the culinary world: the vegan market. As of right now, they're offering a vegan doughnut named Vegan Las Vegas for $6 dollarydoos a pop — so no one with dietary restrictions may go without doughnuts, not even for even a second. That's the kind of world we want for our children. Their vegan doughnut creation has a coconut and raspberry glaze and is topped by a pistachio crumb. It’s also gluten-free (the second gluten free doughnut on the menu at this point), which begs the question: what is this thing made of? Well, we have no idea. Don't ask, just devour. This vegan news is a double edged sword, though; it's delightful for those who’ve taken up veganism in 2k16 and don’t want to miss out on delicious doughnuts, and terrible for pre-existing vegans who, like the rest of us, struggle to resist the onslaught of gourmet doughnuts coming at you all day long via social media (not really though, we're leaning in to the craze and bleeding the country dry of Nutella). Doughnut Time has been so successful in its home state of Queensland that it now has multiple stores in Sydney and one in Melbourne, with another on the way soon. So prepare your phone cameras and insulin shots — it's about to get sweet up in hurr. For locations and opening hours across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, visit doughnuttime.com.au.
Sydney's Wild Life Zoo may be temporarily closed to the public, but its keepers are continuing to feed and care for its many animals, big, small, scaly and slimy. And it's inviting you to get in on the action this week when it live streams the feeding of one of its biggest residents. At 2.30pm AEDT on Wednesday, March 25, you can watch Rocky the mammoth 365-kilogram saltwater crocodile splash around in his large pool, clamp his jaws around snacks and maybe even show off a death roll or two. Before the feeding kicks off, there'll be a Q&A with Rocky's keepers Caroline, Ashley and Sofia, who'll be answering all of your questions about the world's largest reptile. Thankfully, this isn't the only live-stream the zoo is planning. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for future cute and slightly scary content, including possible koala cuddles, snake feeding and after-dark hangs with the nocturnal animals. Live-Stream: Feeding Time with Rocky the Crocodile is happening at 2.30pm AEDT via Wild Life Zoo's Facebook page.
To whip up a hearty, soupy bowl of ramen, you need a warm, thick broth, a handful of long, slurp-worthy noodles and a selection of toppings — ranging from thin slices of char siu pork and marinated hardboiled eggs to a smattering of bamboo pieces and a sheet of nori. That's how the folks at Taro's Ramen make it, and the recipe has been filling Brisbanites' stomachs for years. Now, the Japanese joint wants you to cook it up at home, too. Not quite sure how to boil up the ideal creamy pork stock flavoured with soy and burnt garlic? Uncertain about the right mix of soy and kombu dashi to use with your eggs? That's where Taro's new DIY home packs come in. The restaurant chain prepares all the ingredients for you and packages them up separately, all ready for you to put them all together in your own kitchen. That's a few of your isolation meals taken care of, whether you slurp your way through them immediately or freeze some for later. Taro's stores in Stones Corner and Ascot are also still open for takeaway orders and deliveries to nearby suburbs, should you want your ramen fix now; however if you'd like delicious, restaurant-quality noodle soups for days, these packs have you covered. The full pack comes with eight serves of broth and noodles ($62), split between classic tonkotsu and iekei broths. Or, you can mix and match half packs ($28.10–$34.70), picking between classic, miso, shoyu, shio, red (with mild chilli) and fire (with spicy chilli) options — with vegan classic, red and fire varieties also available. If you're opting for half packs, you will need to purchase at least two — and, either way, you'll also need to purchase your toppings separately. Ramen lovers can choose packs of pork and tofu char siu, chicken, marinated eggs, nori, bamboo, red ginger, as well as extra noodles. And, because every good ramen meal starts with a serving of takana, you can order a packet of the picked mustard leaves too. To help you make ramen that Taro's owner and namesake Taro Akimoto would be proud of, he's also put together a video that walks you through the cooking steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgS_sowNCRY&fbclid=IwAR1_Ygs2Kx7ew42CNHqLiX_WVMHeyZ14XsKJiJ7KfgP_AWYgrEy2nnkpm10 You will need to order Taro's home packs a week in advance, though; however they're available for pickup and, if you live in the Brisbane City Council area, for delivery as well. For more information about Taro's home packs — or to order one — visit the chain's website. Taro's Stones Corner and Ascot are also open for takeaway orders, as well as deliveries to suburbs in the Brisbane City Council area. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health. Top image: Anwyn Howarth.
Barunah Plains is nowhere near the Gold Coast, but a taste of the Glitter Strip will hit Hesse in Victoria to farewell 2024 and welcome in 2025. Beyond The Valley is back for another massive end-of-year party, with the music festival giving former pro surfer-turned-DJ Fisher — a Grammy-nominee for 'Losing It', too — its top slot. With multiple days to fill, taking place across Saturday, December 28, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Beyond The Valley goes big with its lineups. This year's just-dropped full roster pinballs between nations, music genres and eras, resulting in a bill where Ice Spice sits alongside Tinashe, Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield — and Chase & Status, Marlon Hoffstadt, Royel Otis, Sammy Virji, AJ Tracey and Denis Sulta, too. Just from those names alone — and there's plenty more — that gives festivalgoers 'Munch (Feelin' U)', 'Nasty', 'Push the Button', 'These Words', 'Backbone', 'Call Me', new versions of 'Murder on the Dancefloor' and 'Linger', 'If You Need It', 'Bringing It Back' and 'World of Flies' to look forward to. Also on the lineup: Confidence Man, BARKAA, Teenage Dads, NEIL FRANCES, Lola Young, Ghetts and The Rions, as well as Kita Alexander, The Grogans, Billie Marten, The Terrys and Sycco. And yes, the list still goes on from there. After supporting Fred again..'s whirlwind Australian tour earlier in 2024, JOY (Anonymous) is on the electronic side of the bill, alongside everyone from horsegiirL, KI/KI, DJ BORING, SG Lewis and Tinlicker through to Ben Hemsley, Avalon Emerson, Sam Alfred, Sally C, LB aka Labat, Chloé Caillet, and Flowdan & Neffa-T. Music is the main focus of and drawcard at Beyond The Valley, but this fest knows that tunes aren't all that its punters listen to — and that dancing to them isn't the only way to have a blast. First, enter the dedicated podcast stage, this time with Dan Does Footy, It's Layered, The Hook Up, No Hard Feelings and The Psychology of Your 20s getting chatting. Next, there'll also be drag bingo with Poof Doof, hidden parties popping up and swimming pools for a summer splash. The fest is also aiming to give back via donating $1 from each ticket to Igniting Change and offsetting emissions via Treecreds. Beyond the Valley 2024 Lineup: Fisher Ice Spice Chase & Status Marlon Hoffstadt Tinashe Royel Otis Sammy Virji Sugababes AJ Tracey Denis Sulta Natasha Bedingfield horsegiirL Confidence Man Teenage Dads KI/KI DJ BORING SG Lewis JOY (Anonymous) Tinlicker (DJ set) Ben Hemsley NEIL FRANCES Lola Young Ghetts Flowdan & Neffa-T Avalon Emerson The Rions BARKAA Kita Alexander The Grogans The Terrys Sycco Malugi Sam Alfred Hannah Laing Girls Don't Sync Oden & Fatzo (live) Fish56Octagon Sally C LB aka LABAT Franck Chloé Caillet Odd Mob Anna Lunoe Billie Marten Nick Ward Jersey Sarah Story Luke Alessi Nina Las Vegas Half Queen MESSIE Vv Pete Laura King Little Fritter Jimi The Kween Djanaba tiffi Ollie Lishman WOLTERS Marli Ned Bennett Stev Zar Denim Liz Cambage Jewel Owusu SOVBLKPSSY DIJOK Kimboclat Eva Brown Suga Princess Podcast stage: The Hook Up Dan Does Footy It's Layered Luke & Sassy Scott No Hard Feelings The Psychology of Your 20s Beyond The Valley will run from Saturday, December 28, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Barunah Plains, Wentworths Road, Hesse, Victoria. Ticket presale registrations are open now, closing at 3pm AEST on Tuesday, August 27 — with festival presales from 6pm on Wednesday, August 28. General sales kick off at 12pm AEST on Thursday, August 29. For more information, head to the fest's website. Beyond The Valley images: Alex Drewniak, Mitch Lowe, Duncographic, Ash Caygill, Josh Bainbridge, Chloe Hall.
Thanks to Serial, Making a Murderer, Dirty John and Zac Efron's recent role as serial killer Ted Bundy, true crime might feel like a relatively new trend. With all manner of podcasts, shows and movies devoted to the topic these days, the genre is certainly enjoying an extended moment in the spotlight — but grim real-life tales didn't just begin with the case of Adnan Syed. Around the same time that everyone was obsessing over Serial's first season, Aussie television was turning one of the country's most notorious cases into a two-part drama, with Catching Milat the end result. Dramatising the NSW backpacker murders of 1989–1993, as well as the hunt of now-convicted killer Ivan Milat, it aired on Channel Seven back in May 2015. If you missed it, or you're a new true crime obsessive, it's now on Stan. You can revisit the mini-series — with Malcom Kennard as Milat, Sacha Horler as his ex-wife Karen, Leeanna Walsman as his sister Shirley, and Richard Cawthorne, Geoff Morrell, David Field and Craig Hall as the cops on the case. It's worth noting that Catching Milat is a work of drama — and while it's not as fictionalised as Wolf Creek, which writer/director Greg McLean noted was partly inspired by Milat, it's definitely not a documentary either. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_g7cHhCBCs You can watch Catching Milat on Stan here. Updated: May 9, 2019.
Fortitude Valley hotspot Limes Hotel has long been the pinnacle of lush and stylish nightlife revelry. From their exquisite cocktails to their on-point music selection and uber-chic decor, Limes know how to throw a party. But they also know how to dial it down a notch and go for something a bit more low key. For a while now, Limes have opened their doors midweek for their rooftop cinema nights. Patrons get to relax amongst the luxurious setting, enjoy a drink and watch some cinematic excellence. Movies start promptly at 7pm, and the coolest ticket in the house is the Plunge Pool package, which gives you and your posse the luxury of a pool to watch from. See the latest programming at the Limes Hotel Rooftop Cinema website.
History is written by the victors, or at least that's what the oft-used quote contends. In the same vein, tales about cancer are frequently focused on those fortunate enough not to experience their own malignant diagnosis. These are stories of grief-stricken folks struggling with watching a loved one face the disease, and potentially losing them, rather than accounts of what it's like to hear the words that no one ever wants to have said about their health. Spoiler Alert is one such narrative, first on the page and now on-screen starring The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons as real-life TV journalist Michael Ausiello and Knock at the Cabin's Ben Aldridge as his photographer husband Kit Cowan. Ausiello penned the printed memoir, which is honest, poignant and never blissfully rose-hued — but the fact that director Michael Showalter's latest big-screen illness drama, following the authentic and sincere The Big Sick, shortens the autobiography's full outcome-revealing title says plenty about this sweet but formulaic tear-jerker. No matter how you've been touched by cancer, or haven't, it's impossible not to spot the template beneath weepies about sickness. Trading in tragedy but also hope, these flicks weather heartbreak while dreaming of a happy ending even when they know one won't come — and it's to Spoiler Alert's detriment that the film teases in that direction to tug at heartstrings. Scripted not by ex-TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly writer-turned-TVLine founder Ausiello himself, but A Million Little Things' David Marshall Grant and Savage Love columnist Dan Savage, this is a picture that keeps things largely routine and simplistic rather than deep as a result. Indeed, when it gets welcomely thorny — when it feels specific to Ausiello and Cowan's 13-year-relationship, laying bare its early awkwardness and many imperfections rather than squeezing the pair's lives into the usual cancer-tainted romantic-drama pattern — it's a richer movie. More comfortable interacting with the world by watching the small screen than physically dancing through it — or dancing at all — Michael only meets Kit because a colleague tells him to ditch the Fear Factor listicle he's been assigned to hit up jock night at a gay bar instead. And, he needs more encouraging to even contemplate flirting; busting out Knight Rider references aren't the kind of banter that love at first sight is made of. One issue here, and throughout: Parsons' casting. His presence acts as a nicely winking joke given that he's a big TV star playing a TV-obsessed writer, but the movie also feels far too reluctant to tinker with or stretch its lead's established sitcom persona. Although Parsons isn't playing Sheldon Cooper playing Michael Ausiello, the actor's most famous character to-date casts a shadow over a film it shouldn't, especially since this is Michael and Kit's true story. Spoiler Alert begins before that initial encounter, with Michael first imagining his upbringing as a laugh track-accompanied 80s comedy called The Ausiellos. These scenes recur, designed to ground Michael's personality and coping mechanisms in his childhood, when he lost his mother to cancer and escaped into soap operas — but despite Showalter's comedy pedigree, including as a co-writer and star of Wet Hot American Summer and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, they're clumsy. What the sitcom segments show, too, is that Spoiler Alert is beholden to a formula for most of its running time and yet also better when it hones in on its characters over cute quirks even while staying oh-so-standard. Being detailed will always triumph over going broad, something that Showalter demonstrated with The Big Sick; of course, his latest also plays too easily and familiarly as a companion piece to that hit. Here's a tidbit that can only be real, and is: Michael's apartment filled with more vintage Smurfs memorabilia than you're ever likely to see elsewhere, aka why he's apprehensive about bringing Kit home when things start clicking. (Ausiello's IRL collection was used.) The toys don't scare off his date like they might most, but Spoiler Alert sees the ups as well as the downs as weeks turn into months and years, Kit is dismissive of Michael's career, their differing levels of self-confidence causes distance, their varying wants cause rifts, each has their own takes on monogamy and therapy sessions become the norm. While Showalter and company don't dive particularly far into any of the above, they're still among Spoiler Alert's most resonant moments. Those, and whenever Sally Field (who led Showalter's Hello, My Name Is Doris in 2015) and Bill Irwin (The Dropout) appear as Kit's parents Marilyn and Bob, who he needs to come out to. That said, when Spoiler Alert kicks into illness mode, actively endeavouring to get the waterworks flowing, it still sparks the emotional response it's so forcefully seeking. It's also impossible not to be moved by the couple's plight, straightforward and eager to tick the predictable weepie boxes as the film clearly is. Unsurprisingly, there's greater emphasis placed on Michael's experiences by Kit's side than Kit's. Audiences are asked to empathise more with caring for and confronting a possible future without the one they love, because that's Ausiello's tale, over being the person whose existence faces its end. Even in a movie that's careful about not airbrushing away anyone's flaws — Michael's included — that's where Aldridge's charm, warmth and soul does crucial heavy lifting to make Kit more than a bystander in his own life-or-death ordeal. In addition to being a romance about a fated love, plus a drama about sickness, Spoiler Alert is a Christmas movie. When it's making star-led mainstream LGBTQIA+ films, Hollywood is currently head over heels for queer features that tie into the holidays, as Happiest Season and Bros also do. All three take a clearcut setup and attempt to make it their own, just with added Yuletide touches; spoiler alert: this life-to-page-to-screen effort is the least of the trio. The festive trimmings say plenty about Spoiler Alert as well, actually. Under the tree or stuffed in stockings, everything looks similar when packaged in jolly paper, after all. More often than not — and spanning its tinsel-decked scenes and its cancer narrative alike — Ausiello and Cowan's very real story becomes the glossily shot movie equivalent of a cookie-cutter wrapped-up gift.
Melbourne's Moon Dog has gone and brought a whole new meaning to the words 'go big, or go home'. The brewing company has unveiled its hotly anticipated, mammoth new brewery in the suburb of Preston, dubbed Moon Dog World. And it's somewhere you'll want to put on your list for your next Melbourne visit. The team's made good on the grand plans it announced for the venue back in March. Clocking in at 12,000 square metres, the multi-warehouse site is supposedly longer than the MCG end-to-end, and has room for a huge 725 punters. The name hints at a theme park or adventure land and, between the jungle of greenery, the Tiki-style bar, the indoor waterfall and the illuminated rainforest lagoon flowing right through the centre, that's basically what awaits. Blue and white-striped deck chairs perched right by the water promise to be prime real estate in the coming months. Over to one side presides an elevated DJ booth and VIP terrace, while opposite, a two-level conglomeration of shipping containers has been transformed into a series of cosy rooms, hidden booths and open balconies. You'll even find a mini pinball arcade tucked away somewhere inside. A hefty central bar is pouring one heck of a beer list, decked out with no less than 72 taps — never has there been this many Moon Dog brews offered in one spot. True to form, it's a diverse collection, featuring label favourites including the Old Mate pale ale and Cake Hole black forest stout, alongside seasonal releases like the Cherry Seinfeld sour ale. A rotation of guest drops rounds out the beer offering, though there's also an all-Aussie wine lineup, classic tap cocktails and a few signature concoctions, for those after something different. [caption id="attachment_744578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The swordfish skewers.[/caption] It's a space for all occasions, with a food offering to match, featuring burgers, share plates and charcoal dishes. Grab a beer and settle in with some crispy chicken ribs doused in lime and chilli caramel, squid karaage served with lemon and kewpie mayo, or maybe the swordfish skewers finished with feta, almond dukkah and a capsicum mojo rojo. Burgers run from the likes of a crispy chicken number loaded with kewpie and barbecue sauce, to a vegan creation starring a sweet potato and kimchi patty. You can even grab a half or whole free-range chook, hot off the kitchen's charcoal rotisserie and served with gravy, chilli oil or spicy za'atar oil. Perfect Sunday session food. Add to all that the handful of sports screens and a sunny outdoor beer garden, and this is one boozy theme park you'll never want to leave. The venue was heaving on its opening weekend — and it looks set to be an interstate beer destination worth travelling for. Find Moon Dog World at 32-46 Chifley Drive, Preston, Melbourne. It's open from 11am daily. Images: Kate Shanasy.
When the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras arrives each year, it fills the Harbour City with LGBTQIA+ celebrations, including in the New South Wales capital's cinemas. Queer Screen's Mardi Gras Film Festival doesn't just confine its movie love to the big screen, however. And, when it hits streaming as well, it isn't solely about Sydney audiences. That's the case again in 2024, with 161 titles showing both in picture palaces and via nationwide small-screen sessions. In its 31st year, MGFF is running in two parts: as a physical fest from Thursday, February 15–Thursday, February 29 at venues around Sydney, then online across the country from Friday, March 1–Monday, March 11. The IRL component has a date with Event Cinemas George Street and Hurstville, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Dendy Newtown, the Bearded Tit, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne, the Sydney Opera House, the State Library of NSW and Westpac OpenAir Cinema. The at-home section is headed to your couch, of course. Attendees venturing out of the house can kick off MGFF with opening night's Femme, which stars Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Culprits) and George MacKay (1917) in a British neo-noir thriller about a drag performer seeking revenge after an attack. Then, after launching in 2023 with Australian director Goran Stolevski's coming-of-age film Of an Age, the fest will close in 2024 with the filmmaker's Housekeeping for Beginners. Other in-person highlights include All of Us Strangers, as led by the internet's boyfriends Paul Mescal (Foe) and Andrew Scott (Fleabag), which screens at Westpac OpenAir Cinema; a night at the Sydney Opera House dedicated to music from queer flicks, spanning tunes from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Moonlight and Portrait of a Lady on Fire; and the Billy Porter- (Big Mouth) and Luke Evans (Good Grief)-starring Our Son, about a long-term marriage disintegrating. Documentary A Portrait of Love, focusing on Archibald award-winning artist Craig Ruddy and directed by My Name Is Gulpilil's Molly Reynolds, will enjoy its world premiere at the fest. So will Australian feature In the Room Where He Waits and Argentina's Blue Lights, the first about a theatre actor in hotel isolation for seven days upon returning Down Under for his dad's funeral, and the second exploring friends and family members who get together for a 70th birthday party. From the retro titles, John Waters' 1974 classic Female Trouble gets a 50th-anniversary spin, 1984's Another Country with Rupert Everett (Napoleon) and Colin Firth (Empire of Light) will mark its 40th birthday, and 1995's When Night Is Falling scores a 4K restoration. The Ritz will be alive with The Sound of Music, too, via a sing-along session with the Order of Perpetual Indulgence and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir. Elsewhere at the fest, other standouts range from the Australian premiere of Filipino animation The Missing and Gena Marvin-focused doco Queendom to France's Along Came Love and Noёl Coward exploration Mad About the Boy: The Noёl Coward Story. Or, there's Melbourne-set Aussie coming-of-age film Sunflower, Hacks star Meg Stalter in Cora Bora, Japan's I Am What I Am about the expectations placed upon an asexual woman, Hilma af Klint biopic Hilma from director Lasse Hallström (The Nutcracker and the Four Realms), another Sydney stint after SXSW for The People's Joker and Sundance-winning documentary Kokomo City. "The theme focuses on films that start conversations. People will be keen to discuss and dissect them as soon as the credits start to roll," said Festival Director Lisa Rose about the 2024 lineup. "There's so much to sink your teeth into, including several that will inspire lively debate." For cinephiles watching on from home, choices include All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White, the Berlinale Teddy Award-winning love story about two men dealing with Nigeria's anti-gay laws; Mexico's All the Silence, centring on a CODA (child of deaf adults) and her girlfriend who is deaf; F.L.Y., which sees two exes living under the same roof during the pandemic; and Mutt, which won Lio Mehiel a Special Jury Award-winner at Sundance for their performance. Or, opt for drama Old Narcissus about getting older in Japan, with a 74-year-old children's author finding connection with a sex worker. You'll also be able to stream several shorts packages online, including sessions dedicated to Asia Pacific, comedy, gay, non-binary and gender diverse, queer horror, queer documentaries, transgender and sapphic films. The My Queer Career short film fest will hop online as well, featuring seven films competing for $16,000-plus in prizes. Queer Screen's 31st Mardi Gras Film Festival 2024 runs from Thursday, February 15–Thursday, February 29 at venues around Sydney — and online nationally from Friday, March 1–Monday, March 11. For more information, visit the festival's website.
To mark the return of spring, Bannisters has opened its much-anticipated third NSW hotel in Port Stephens. With two already in Mollymook, the chain's latest outpost is perched on absolute beachfront in Soldiers Point. The brand spanking new luxury digs includes 50 rooms with stunning views (78 in total), four super-luxe suites and, for very special occasions, a penthouse. Depending on where you choose to stay, you'll be looking out at either the tranquil waters of Nelson Bay or dense forest – or both. Wherever you sleep, you can look forward to light-filled spaces, Hamptons-inspired whites, king-sized beds and decadent touches. Among the common facilities are an infinity pool — looking out across the river — and the Terrace Bar, where you can enjoy ocean vista while feasting on light bites, such as steamed bao, fish tacos and an Archie Rose gin and tonic cheesecake. If you're keen to indulge, be sure to book a table at Rick Stein at Bannisters, also on the water. Stein, together with head chef Mitchell Turner, has come up with a menu big on premium seafood – from local king prawns and Sydney rock oysters to sand whiting and snapper. Tuck into the fruits de mer platter, oysters Charentaise or the legendary fish pie. Stein and his wife Sarah have also collaborated with Brokenwood winemaker Iain Riggs AM to create an exclusive wine for the restaurant. Sarah also worked with designer Romy Alwill on the restaurant, whose earthy yet breezy interior is splashed with terracotta, brass, timber, Japanese water colour and Pacific blue. Bannisters Port Stephens is now open at 147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point, NSW. Standard rooms start at $290 (and the penthouse starts at $740).
When Australian wine festival Pinot Palooza does the rounds each year, it's heaven for fans of the type of vino that's in its name. When dairy fest Mould pops up, cheese dreams are indeed made of this. The two initially ran as separate events, but that's been changing in some Australian cities in recent years. In 2025, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth are on that list, getting the Mould x Pinot Palooza experience. It's a wine fest. It's a cheese fest, too. It's a celebration of an iconic pairing, clearly. Brisbane is hosting the first festival of the year, across three days in May at the RNA Showgrounds. Then, come winter, Melbourne gets a two-day stint in July at the Royal Exhibition Building, before it's Perth's turn for three days at Claremont Showgrounds in August. On the vino side, being spoilt for choice can be overrated. Sometimes, like when deciding which wine varieties you feel like at any given moment, it's easier to have someone else do the picking for you. With that in mind, Pinot Palooza goes all in on pinot noir — and here, the sound of a light- to medium-bodied red wine sloshing around a glass is the standard soundtrack. For cheese fiends, imagine a place where cheese reigns supreme, other than in your own kitchen. Imagine a wide array of different varieties on offer for the tasting. Imagine being able to sample whatever you liked from this dairy feast, too. And, picture just buying one ticket to devour all the cheddar, brie, camembert, raclette and whichever other cheeses take your fancy. Is this the real life? Yes — it isn't just a cheesy fantasy. Bringing Pinot Palooza and Mould together is both a stroke of genius and the result of the two events both being organised by the same company. Revel first starting clinking glasses filled with pinot noir in 2012, then turned its attention to cheese, cheese and more cheese in 2017. The full lineup of folks that'll be letting you sample their wares hasn't yet been revealed, but it will include Innocent Bystander, Vinteloper, Yering Station, Meadowbank Wines, Charteris Wines and Howard Vineyards on the wine front, plus Milawa Cheese and Bruny Island among the cheesemongers — and Bee One Third honey and Women's Work relishes, too. And yes, your $59 ticket still includes unlimited tastings at the fest's featured stalls. You'll also get a free cooler bag, wine glass and tote. "Mould x Pinot Palooza is the ultimate celebration of two of life's greatest pleasures — cheese and wine. This year, we're bringing together Australia's best artisan cheesemakers alongside a stellar lineup of pinot noir producers from Australia, New Zealand and beyond. It's a chance for food and wine lovers to immerse themselves in the incredible diversity of local cheese and world-class pinot," said Jessica Audas, Head of Revel. "More than just a tasting experience, this event is about discovering the magic of perfect pairings — where the right cheese and pinot can elevate each other in unexpected and unforgettable ways." Mould x Pinot Palooza 2025 Dates: Friday, May 23–Sunday, May 25: John Reid Pavilion, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane — Friday (5–9pm), Saturday (11am–3pm and 4–8pm), Sunday (11–3pm) Friday, July 4–Saturday, July 5 — Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, Melbourne — Friday (5–9pm), Saturday (11am–3pm and 4–8pm), Friday, August 8–Sunday, August 10: Silver Jubilee Pavilion, Claremont Showgrounds, Perth — Friday (5–9pm), Saturday (11am–3pm and 4–8pm), Sunday (11–3pm) Mould x Pinot Palooza is touring Australia between May–August 2025. For more information, and for tickets, head to the Mould and Pinot Palooza websites. Select Mould images: Dexter Kim.
You don't have to go to Tokyo to enjoy an immersive Japanese experience. You can, of course, and you should at some point, because there's really nowhere else in the world quite like it. But if you're eager to eat like you're already there, watch performances and take part in cultural activities, you can save yourself the airfare at the Matsuri Japanese Festival. Your bank account will thank you, and you'll take care of that nagging travel envy for an afternoon. A one-day celebration returning to Mount Gravatt Showgrounds from 12–6.30pm on Saturday, September 7 after last year's fest proved such a hit, it's Brisbane's own ode to the country that brought us sushi, katsu, yakitori, sake, matcha lattes and more. Expect to find more than a few things from that list on offer, and plenty of things to see and do as well. Admission is free and, like every great cultural festival, you can expect a little bit of everything that makes Japan so ace.
When you're making a movie about a well-known historical figure, how do you let audiences know you're not just traipsing through familiar territory? In Churchill, it's as easy as letting the breeze knock a hat from an old man's head. With the film's central figure famous for his headwear, Australian director Jonathan Teplitzky (The Railway Man) wastes no time sweeping away Winston's favoured homburg with a stiff gust of wind. It's an obvious move designed to dispense with the war-time British Prime Minister's usual image. Still, it's an effective one. The hat, the silhouette, the cigar — yes, they're all here in this World War II-era examination of Winston Churchill. And yet this isn't a cradle-to-grave biopic or an applauding portrait of a political icon. You could say that Churchill asks audiences to trust in its approach in much the same way that Winston himself asked the public to believe in him, and you'd be right. Neither always take the standard path; however, when they hit the mark, they well and truly command attention. Set in lead up to the D-Day landings in June 1944, and featuring Brian Cox as the leader in question, Churchill is a film of discussion rather than action. In conversations with King George VI (James Purefoy), US army general Dwight D. Eisenhower (John Slattery), his Boer war pal Jan Smuts (Richard Durden), his dutiful wife Clementine (Miranda Richardson) and his new assistant Helen (Ella Purnell), Churchill talks and tussles with the impending mission in Normandy. His colleagues deem it necessary to stop the advancing Germans. But haunted by the First World War, all Churchill can foresee is the possibility of needlessly sending men to die. What follows is an anxious, depressed and struggling vision of the man once named the greatest-ever Briton. Teplitzky and screenwriter Alex von Tunzelmann are unconcerned with depicting the broad scope of the man's life and legacy. It's mentioned, of course, but on the whole the film prefers to focus on this particular moment in time – and all the contemplation and turmoil that came with it. While plenty of other biopics have done the same thing, revealing the complicated thoughts, choices and emotions plaguing historical icons, Cox's towering performance makes Churchill feel as though it's stepping into fresh territory. Everything around him is competently shot and handsomely staged in the typical historical drama manner. But the veteran actor is the bolt of electricity the film really needs. Inhabiting rather than simply impersonating, Cox falls on the Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln side of the spectrum, rather than Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. Audiences can expect to be captivated by his bluster-filled speeches, even though much of his screen-time involves chatting and looking grim. At least, that's how it appears at first, but then that's the other thing about Cox's turn in Churchill: look closer, and a world of complexity lurks within. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCxUDHY0iWQ
Buy this for a dollar: a history-making gay rom-com that's smart, sweet, self-aware and funny, and also deep knows the genre it slips into, including the heteronormative tropes and cliches that viewers have seen ad nauseam. Actually, Billy Eichner would clearly prefer that audiences purchase tickets for Bros for more that that sum of money, even if he spent five seasons offering it to New Yorkers in Billy on the Street while sprinting along the sidewalk and yelling about pop culture. Thinking about that comedy series comes with the territory here, however, and not just because Eichner brought it back to promote this very movie. Starring and co-written by the Parks and Recreation and The Lion King actor — with Forgetting Sarah Marshall and the Bad Neighbours franchise's Nicholas Stoller directing and co-scripting — Bros both presents and unpacks the public persona that helped make Billy on the Street such a hit: opinionated, forceful and wry, as well as acidic and cranky. No one person, be it the version of himself that Eichner plays in the series that helped push him to fame or the fictional character he brings to the screen in Bros — or, in-between, his struggling comedian and actor part in three-season sitcom Difficult People, too — is just those five traits, of course. One of Bros' strengths is how it examines why it's easy to lean into that personality, where the sheen of caustic irritability comes from, the neuroses it's covering up and what all that means when it comes to relationships. The movie does so knowingly as well. It's well aware that Eichner's fans are familiar with his on-screen type, and that even newcomers likely are also. Accordingly, when Bros begins, Eichner's in-film alter ego is shouting about pop culture and being adamant, grumpy and cutting about it. In fact, he's on a podcast, where he's relaying his failed attempt to pen a script for exactly the kind of flick he's in. A mainstream, studio-produced gay romantic comedy that starts out riffing on the difficulties of making a mainstream, studio-produced gay romantic comedy? Yes, that's Bros. ("Am I going to be in the middle of some high-speed chase and all of a sudden fall in love with Ice Cube?", Eichner asks as the feature's protagonist Bobby Lieber.) A film about a gay man known for a biting and droll disposition, starring a gay man similarly known for that type of biting and droll disposition? Yes, that's Bros as well. It's also a movie that makes fun of Hallmark rom-com schmaltz while featuring one of the US network's go-tos — that'd be Sense, Sensibility and Snowmen, A Shoe Addict's Christmas, Christmas in My Heart and The Mistletoe Promise's Luke Macfarlane — and a flick blasting Schitt's Creek some scorn while charting a comparable queer storyline. So, it's a feature that wears its obviousness and its contradictions in tandem, purposefully and proudly. Eichner's Bobby is 40, just received an LGBTQIA+-community Best Cis Male Gay Man award and has a dream gig setting up America's first national queer history museum. Rom-com logic, which Bros heartily subscribes to, means he has to discover his seeming opposite in a memorable way: a gay dance party where he complains to shirtless probate lawyer Aaron Shepard (Macfarlane) and finds sparks flying. How Stoller and Eichner handle this scene says plenty about the film, and the authentic view of gay romance, dating and sex it's committed to. Neither man — Grindr-swiping, emotionally unavailable, hardly content as they both are — is anything but himself. For Bobby, that means awkwardly flirting, getting furious when Aaron disappears mid-conversation, tracking him down and telling him about it, but also being non-committal and even angry for being attracted to him. For Aaron, it involves continuing to breeze around the party like nothing out of the ordinary has happened; "I'm supposed to fuck him and his husband later," he tells Bobby about two other buff, sweaty guys on the dancefloor as they're chatting. Even when the genre isn't giving the world the first romantic comedy about two gay men to be released by a major Hollywood studio — the first romantic comedy both written by and starring an openly gay man as well, and also one with an entirely LGBTQ+ main cast — rom-coms adore Bros' basic scenario. In the broad strokes, there's plenty that's universal in the overarching storyline about opposites attracting, the chaos that springs, and the risks and vulnerabilities it takes to love someone. Still, even when it's nodding to Meg Ryan's filmography and also managing to be a Christmas flick as well — and when it's brightly shot and bouncily paced, which is always — this is never a movie where its leads just happen to be gay. A straight couple couldn't just be subbed in with zero changes, and the chief aim is never to show that the same stock-standard struggles plague everyone in matters of the heart regardless of sexuality. Instead, Bros is brimming with detail specific to being a gay man today. That's true in the throuples, group sex and "must see pic of ass" dating-app requests that spark a hunt for ring lights and razors, and in the commentary about tragedy-heavy mainstream queer movies that typically catapult heterosexual actors to Hollywood awards. And, it echoes in the short but hilarious gag about a fictional new app called Zellweger, "for gays who want to talk about actresses and go to bed". Bros spans further, however, examining how Bobby has internalised a lifetime of homophobia directed his way, how that's shaped the persona he projects to the world, its influence over his romantic outlook and his underlying self-criticism. When the film also ponders why he's so conflicted about Aaron, and so acerbic and cynical towards parts of queer culture and its stereotypes, it digs into the same ideas — with a joke always mere seconds away, but with both thoughtfulness and heart. Bros remains unashamedly frothy, although never syrupy or saccharine. It's predictable, even if you've somehow only ever seen one rom-com before now. It runs on charm, care, warmth and insight, though — and more than enough eagerness to make the most of making history. There's just as much willingness, too, to add weight and heft to the picture's gay take on rom-com conventions, all amid Debra Messing appearances, Cher gags, Fire Island's Bowen Yang having all the fun as a rich investor, and the savvy bickering between Bobby's museum colleagues about the infinite shades of the rainbow gleaming in the LGBTQIA+ community. Crucially, there's an engaging and heartfelt boy-meets-boy story at the core of it all, as brought to the screen with two well-matched and affecting performances, in a movie that's determined to be equally honest, pioneering and entertaining.
Would the latest big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's Firestarter have been better or worse if it had included The Prodigy's hit of the same name, aka the most obvious needle-drop that could've been chosen? Although we'll never know, it's hard to imagine a film with less personality than this page-to-screen remake. Using the 1996 dance-floor filler would've been a choice and a vibe — and a cliched one, whether gleefully or lazily — but it might've been preferable to the dull ashes of by-the-numbers genre filmmaking that's hit screens instead. Zac Efron looking so bored that blood drips from his eyes, dressing up King's 1980 story as a superhero tale (because of course) and having its pyrokinetic protagonist say "liar liar, pants on fire" when she's torching someone aren't a recipe for igniting movie magic, or for even occasionally just lighting a spark. That said, the best thing about Firestarter circa 2022 is actually its 'Firestarter'-free score, and with good reason. It hails from legendary original Halloween director John Carpenter, plus his son Cody Carpenter and regular collaborators Daniel A Davies (all fresh from 2018's Halloween and its follow-up Halloween Kills). It's a savvy touch not merely for the kind of atmospheric, eerie, mood-defining electro-synth sounds that only the elder Carpenter can deliver, but because he was originally slated to direct the first version of Firestarter in 1984, only to be ditched because The Thing — now a stone-cold sci-fi/horror classic — didn't do well enough at the box office. While both features could've desperately used Carpenter behind the lens, at least the initial flick didn't feel like all it was burning was the audience's time and patience. Then, now and in King's book, Firestarter follows the McGee family, whose lives would blaze brighter if they didn't have abilities most folks don't. After volunteering for a clinical trial in college, Andy (Efron, Gold) and his wife Vicky (Sydney Lemmon, Fear the Walking Dead) have telepathic and telekinetic powers; being experimented on with mind-altering chemical compounds will do that. And, from birth, their now 11-year-old daughter Charlie (Ryan Kiera Armstrong, It: Chapter Two) has been able to start fires with her mind. How director Keith Thomas (The Vigil) establishes this backstory says more than it should about the movie, how blandly it turns out and what it might've been with more flair. A flashback to Charlie getting fiery as a baby is laughable, and kindles exactly zero thrills, scares or unease. But, flickering over the opening credits as old video footage, Andy and Vicky's time as test subjects ripples with tension and creepiness — that's swiftly extinguished and never felt again. Unsurprisingly, the McGees have spent years attempting to blend in, hiding their powers and fleeing the shady government department, The Shop, that's responsible for their situation — and now sports a keen interest in using Charlie as a weapon. Alas, as the girl grows, holding her abilities back is becoming harder. Andy and Vicky argue about what's better: training her to suppress the flames or teaching her how to harness them. Then she literally explodes at school, The Shop head honcho Captain Hollister (Gloria Reuben, City on a Hill) puts bounty hunter John Rainbird (Michael Greyeyes, Rutherford Falls) on their trail and the heat is on. (No, that track from Beverly Hills Cop, which reached cinemas the same year that the OG Firestarter did, doesn't feature here either.) When a film gets its viewers thinking about the songs that aren't on its soundtrack, and more than once, it's a flaring warning sign. It's a scorching indictment of how uninvolving the new Firestarter is, too. Its predecessor isn't great, only really proving notable for starring a nine-year-old Drew Barrymore, but at least its chase-driven plot was propulsive. Here, Thomas and screenwriter Scott Teems (another Halloween Kills alum) scale back the story to spend half of the picture dwelling in the McGee's incognito existence, barely a few scenes on the run, and then turning in the least climactic finale in The Shop's secret base they possibly could. It all smacks of trying to cash in on King fandom after It and It: Chapter Two's huge success, and also continuing producer Jason Blum's penchant for remaking, reviving or riffing on movies gone by (see also: the Groundhog Day-but-horror Happy Death Day franchise, the latest The Invisible Man, Freaky Friday-but-horror flick Freaky and the past two Halloween films). At least this Firestarter doesn't have a white actor playing its First Nations hitman, although that doesn't mean that Greyeyes — who is so great in streaming sitcom Rutherford Falls — gets anything resembling a fleshed-out part. At least his character isn't written as inappropriately fascinated with Charlie this time, a wholly unpleasant aspect of the original's narrative that's thankfully cut. Asking much of its cast isn't on the new Firestarter's agenda, though. Reuben is cartoonish and saddled with clunky dialogue ("you are a real-life superhero," she somehow spits with a straight face); Kurtwood Smith (The Dropout) goes unhinged with aplomb as the man originally behind the mind-bending drug, but is underused; Armstrong is mostly tasked with scowling a lot. And while that blood oozing from Efron's peepers isn't genuinely caused by his visible lack of interest in his role, and there's a quiet power to his passive performance, it's the most relatable thing in the movie for audiences feeling just as underwhelmed. At least Firestarter 2022 is short, too, clocking in at 20 minutes less than the initial feature; there's a difference between burning fast and dazzling, however. When the psychokinetic pyrotechnics come — less often than you'd think in a film called Firestarter — the movie just looks cheap, the budget seemingly extending to a wind machine, a smoke machine, some shoddy CGI and piles of ashes. Letting King's underlying themes blaze away instead isn't the flick's aim, either. Firestarter is still about the sins of parents playing out through their children, as well as the ills of government wreaking havoc on ordinary families, but only in the broadest and most simplistic of ways. Even the Carpenter score, as welcome and excellent as it is, unintentionally undercuts the film — reminding the audience that the iconic filmmaker did helm a King adaptation once, aka 1983's haunted car flick Christine. Rewatching that is a far better move than seeing this cold Firestarter rehash fail to catch aflame.
It's bright, lively, neon-lit, and wholly unapologetic about blending colour, cocktails and Tex-Mex cuisine — and now, the fast-growing El Camino Cantina has doubled its Brisbane footprint. After setting up shop in Bowen Hills last year, the chain has launched a second joint in Westfield Chermside. It's the latest expansion for the brand, which also operates in Sydney and Melbourne, all under the guidance of Rockpool Dining Group (Sake, Burger Project and, of course, Rockpool Bar & Grill). For its first venue in Brissie's north, El Camino's new site seats 220, taking over the space formerly inhabited by Hermosa. If you've already been to the existing local eatery, then you'll know this casual dining venue takes its vibe seriously. Think loud and over-the-top, complete with giant margaritas, rock 'n' roll jukeboxes, fluorescent signage and a heap of Tex-Mex staples. Menu-wise, all of the chain's favourites make the jump to the new spot. Slushie machines serve up brain freezes in margarita form, with El Camino's coming in multiple sizes and many renditions, including a tropical Red Bull flavour. Other options span a host of beers from near and far, and a sizeable collection of mezcals and tequilas. The food lineup remains fun and casual, like the drinks. Think fiery buffalo wings, sizzling fajitas, plump burritos, soft shell tacos loaded with punchy flavour combinations, and unlimited complimentary corn chips and salsas. The brand's Bowen Hills specials are available at Chermside, too — including $2 tacos on Tuesdays, ten-cent wings on Wednesdays and half-price fajitas on Thursdays.
School's back, even if it's been years — or a decade or more — since you last stepped foot in a classroom. Come April, Netflix's Heartbreak High revival will return for its second season, after its initial comeback in 2022 proved more popular than the 3pm bell. When new episodes will drop was announced earlier in the year; now it's time for the trailer for season two, giving viewers a sneak peek at Hartley High's new term. Everyone who can remember their high-school days knows that chaos is always part of the experience — and the debut glimpse at Heartbreak High's second season stays true to that idea. Amerie (Ayesha Madon, The Moth Effect) is back to being hated, and understandably isn't thrilled about it. Also part of the season: picking a new school captain, the impact of a few new arrivals among the students and staff, sporting mayhem and a love triangle. When Heartbreak High first arrived on television from 1994–99, it became one of Australia's classic teen series. When it returned more than two decades later, the new version also had everyone turning up. Accordingly, after its first season proved a huge smash, 2020s-era Heartbreak High was promptly renewed for season two — as you'd expect of an International Emmy-, AACTA- and Logie-winning show. Also on the returning crew in the revival's second season, character-wise: Harper (Asher Yasbincek, How to Please a Woman), Darren (screen first-timer James Majoos), Quinni (Chloe Hayden, Jeremy the Dud), Dusty (Josh Heuston, Thor: Love and Thunder), Ca$h (Will McDonald, Home and Away), Malakai (Thomas Weatherall, Troppo), Spider (Bryn Chapman Parish, Mr Inbetween), Ant (debutant Brodie Townsend), Sasha (Gemma Chua-Tran, Mustangs FC) and Missy (fellow newcomer Sherry-Lee Watson) — as well as teachers Woodsy (Rachel House, Our Flag Means Death) and Jojo (Chika Ikogwe, The Tourist). As announced previously, they have some fresh faces for company. Sam Rechner (The Fabelmans) plays country boy and classic cinema fan Rowan Callaghan. Kartanya Maynard (Deadloch) joins the Hartley crew as Zoe Clarke, who has big thoughts on celibacy — she's in favour — as part of a gang of Puriteens. And Angus Sampson hops from Bump to Heartbreak High as Head of PE Timothy Voss. Season one started with Amerie becoming a pariah at Hartley after a big revelation — an "incest map" plotting out who's hooked up with who throughout the school — and also struggling with a sudden rift in her friendship with bestie Harper. Attempting to repair her reputation, she called on help from her new pals Quinni and Darren, all while working through her crush on Dusty and developing feelings for Malakai. And that's just the start of the Heartbreak High revival's season one story. In season two, everyone is back for a second term after doing some growing up over the holidays, and Hartley is now the lowest-ranking school in the district. Netflix has also been teasing that threesomes, chlamydia and burning cars will be distant memory for the gang — but there'll still be a whirlwind of teen antics, of course, or this wouldn't be Heartbreak High. It was in 2020 that Netflix initially announced that it was bringing the series back — and yes, it sure is a 2020s take on the Aussie show, including everything from friendship fights, yelling about vaginas from the top of a building and throwing dildos at walls through to consent, crime, drugs and police brutality. The original Heartbreak High was a massive deal, and was filled with now-familiar faces, such as Alex Dimitriades, a pre-Home and Away Ada Nicodemou, and Avengers: Endgame and Mystery Road's Callan Mulvey as Drazic. It painted a multicultural picture of Australia that was unlike anything else on TV at the time. And, for its six-year run across two Aussie networks, the Sydney-shot show was must-see television — not bad for a series that started as a spinoff to the Claudia Karvan and Alex Dimitriades-starring 1993 movie The Heartbreak Kid, too. Check out the trailer for the Heartbreak High revival's second season below: Heartbreak High season two will arrive on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The show's first season is available to stream now via Netflix. Read our full review.
UPDATE, March 29, 2021: The King of Staten Island is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play and YouTube Movies. Judd Apatow has a length problem. If one of his manchild protagonists said that, they'd be poking fun at his penis size, but we're actually referring to the duration of the filmmaker's movies. His arrested development-fuelled comedies always clock in at around the two-hour mark, minimum. Whether he's laughing at a middle-aged man's lacklustre love life, an unplanned pregnancy, or a comedian and movie star's near-death experience, the director behind The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Funny People never does so with brevity. So, returning to his favourite topic after giving it a slight twist in Trainwreck — which swapped his usual floundering male lead for Amy Schumer — it's hardly surprising that Apatow's latest flick feels protracted. Loosely inspired by Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson's life, including what might've happened if he hadn't made it in comedy, The King of Staten Island definitely, noticeably meanders. Thankfully, it's also candid, raw and funny, as well as exceptionally well-cast. Oozing a different kind of BDE — that'd be big daddy's boy energy here, and even big deadbeat energy — Davidson plays 24-year-old Staten Island resident Scott. He still lives at home with his overworked nurse mother Margie (Marisa Tomei) and his college-bound younger sister Claire (Maude Apatow), and he still can't quite cope with the death of his firefighter father on the job 17 years earlier. A high-school dropout who dreams of opening a combined tattoo parlour and restaurant, he spends his time smoking weed with his mates (Moises Arias, Ricky Velez and Lou Wilson), sleeping with but refusing to commit to or publicly acknowledge his lifelong friend Kelsey (Bel Powley), and inking up anyone who'll let him. Then, after making a particularly poor decision involving a tattoo gun and a nine-year-old, he ends up with irate firey Ray (Bill Burr) first yelling on his doorstep, then dating his mum. Born and raised in Staten Island himself, 26-year-old Davidson lost his own firefighter dad in 2001's September 11 attacks — and, unsurprisingly, he co-wrote The King of Staten Island's script with Apatow and ex-SNL writer Dave Sirus. Hanging out with someone who is playing a part, but has also mostly been there and done plenty of what viewers see on-screen, the movie always sports a lived-in vibe as a result. Indeed, rather than just conjuring up relatable comic scenarios for chuckles, it heaves with extra weight and resonance. Scott's aimlessness, his inability to face his feelings about anything and his juvenile response to almost every situation all feel grounded in truth, then unfurled in the film in an unvarnished fashion. And while few folks watching have been in the exact same circumstances, The King of Staten Island leans into the minutiae of its Staten Island experiences and coming-of-age antics with such commitment that they prove universal. That's what personal, specific stories do when they're told frankly, and with warmth and care — including when they pair a tale about a wayward twenty-something grappling with trauma with a hefty stream of bro-comedy jokes. This is an Apatow movie, though, so the usual manchild escapades and humour do apply. That's especially true when the film indulgently watches on as Scott pals around with his buddies, which is where the feature's relaxed length makes itself felt. But, more importantly, The King of Staten Island is a Pete Davidson movie — and that has a considerable impact. Apatow often shapes his films around his stars (see: Knocked Up and Seth Rogen, Funny People and Adam Sandler, and Trainwreck and Amy Schumer); however Davidson might be his best lead yet. He's lanky and loose, as the comedian always is in SNL. He plays the wayward yet vulnerable slacker role with ease and even confidence, too, as he did in the thematically similar Big Time Adolescence. Plus, with a sense that he's willing to not only step into his own shoes, but also laugh and take a look at himself while he's there, he nails Scott's cruising, childish, often dickish demeanour and behaviour. That he does so while the radiant Tomei, determined Powley and, as another firefighter, a laidback Steve Buscemi all leave an imprint is no minor feat. Here, confronting how easy it is for immature, inertia-riddled men not to grow up makes for a canny and amusing semi-autobiographical comedy, as mixed with another of Apatow's hallmarks since his and Paul Feig's Freaks and Geeks days: sweetness. When the film opens with Scott driving down the highway, shutting his eyes for a second and flirting with death, it hints at a much darker, deeper movie that sadly never eventuates — although the feature that does blaze across the screen is steeped in unmistakable sorrow, Apatow has always loved getting sentimental. Still, The King of Staten Island isn't the by-the-numbers addition to the director's resume that it could've been. It undeniably relies upon a formula, but it benefits from Davidson's rougher edges and brutal self-awareness. And, as shot by Paul Thomas Anderson's regular cinematographer Robert Elswit (an Oscar-winner for There Will Be Blood), it benefits from gorgeous, naturalistic 35mm imagery also — fittingly for a film that tasks its lead with peering back at his upbringing, pain, loss, laughs, learnings, quarter-life struggles and all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQqiDZQScVA&feature=youtu.be Top image: © 2020 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. All Rights Reserved.
What Maisie Knew is an adaptation of the classic Henry James novella of the same name. Set in modern-day New York, it tells the story of Maisie (Onata Aprile), a seven-year old girl caught in the middle of a game of custody one-upmanship between her divorced parents, rock star Susanna (Julianne Moore) and art dealer Beale (Steve Coogan). Through Maisie's point of view, we see her parents resort to increasingly immature measures for full custody, as Maisie somehow manages to stay calm amongst all the chaos going on around her. Some more positive parental influence comes via Susanna and Beale's new partners, Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgard) and Margo (Joanna Vanderham). (In fact, the True Blood hottie and child star Onata have such a genuine bond it will hit your ovaries hard.) Brought to you by the producers of The Kids Are All Right, What Maisie Knew is touted as "an enchanting drama that explores the tangled complexity and often humorous aspects of contemporary relationships and family life." To celebrate the release of What Maisie Knew on August 22, Madman Entertainment and Papillionaire are giving one lucky reader the chance to get in touch with their inner seven-year-old, on The Sommer, a stylish, fully custom, Boston red, single-speed bicycle with basket, valued at $553, as well as a double in-season pass to see What Maisie Knew. Ten runners up will also receive double passes to the film. To be in the running, all you need to do is email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Since 2015, Brisbane musical fans have enjoyed several ways to express their love for Hamilton, the 21st century's biggest smash-hit stage sensation. Listening to the soundtrack non-stop has been the easiest. Watching and rewatching the recorded version on Disney+ became an option in 2020 as well. Parties dedicated to the show have popped up, too, plus online trivia sessions. And, since January 2023, seeing the Australian production at QPAC has finally been on the cards. Brisbane has enjoyed quite the Hamilton season so far. Lin-Manuel Miranda himself even came to town to see the Aussie show — his first trip Down Under to do so, in fact — and hosted a fan Q&A chat that you can stream online right now. Alas, the musical's local run will come to an end on Sunday, April 23, with the production then hopping over to New Zealand. So, it really is "don't throw away your shot" time. Here's something else you won't want to miss out on: a Hamilton-themed dessert as part of the pre-theatre dining menu over at South Bank fine-diner Bacchus. Chef de Cuisine Isaia Dal Fiume is whipping up a mascarpone, savoiardi and coffee tiramisu that comes topped with a Hamilton-themed star — and, unsurprisingly, it's proving a hit with QPAC attendees. It too will only be on offer until Sunday, April 23, as one of a trio of dessert options. There are also three entree and three mains picks, spanning cuttlefish, tartare, and pumpkin and chilli ravioli, plus risotto, snapper and a petite wagyu tender. The two-course menu costs $69, while you can tuck into three courses for $89. "With theatre and live entertainment well and very truly back and booming, our pre-theatre dining menu is proving the be the room where is happens, before the curtains go up!" said Bacchus' Food and Beverage Manager Kevin Puglisevich. The Hamilton dessert gives Brisbanites another reason to stop by the restaurant, which was among the River City's go-to spots for an indulgent restaurant experience before the pandemic, then reopened its swanky, old world-style digs in May 2022. Find Bacchus on level one at Rydges South Bank, 9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane. For more information about the Hamilton-themed dessert until Sunday, April 23, or to make a booking, head to the restaurant's website.
Maybe you've always had a Lego collection, because the popular plastic bricks really are for everyone. Perhaps you signed up for a subscription service back when COVID-19 lockdowns came into effect, because there are only so many puzzles one person can do. Either way, you probably need something to store your Lego in — and, in a collaboration due to hit Australia in 2021, IKEA now has a solution. Obviously, IKEA has plenty of storage on offer. Walk through one of the Swedish retailer's shops and just try to come out without a basket, box, container or other type of storage in your big blue bag — it's virtually impossible. But, when its new Bygglek range arrives in stores and online on Wednesday, February 17, it'll actually feature Lego studs. Keep your bricks in them, or use them to build with (or both). The new boxes were first revealed in 2020, as part of a team-up initially announced in 2019. The collection will encompass four different sets: one of three small boxes ($20), two different types of bigger boxes ($20–22), and one of Lego bricks ($35). All of the above will connect to existing Lego products, too, because of course it will. While the Bygglek products are part of IKEA's children's range, everyone knows by now that Lego isn't just for kids. Indeed, Lego just released a new botanical-focused collection that is firmly for adults. And creative storage boxes aren't just for children either, because everyone needs containers to keep objects and items other than Lego in. IKEA's Lego Bygglek collection will be available in stores and online on Wednesday, February 17 — head to the IKEA website for further details.
Last week, rapper Kanye West came out with a music video for 'Bound 2', featuring his baby momma, Kim Kardashian. The (unintentionally) hilarious video, which features a nude Kimmy K straddling Kanye on a motorcycle, was too weird to go unnoticed. Thankfully Hollywood prank boys, Seth Rogan and James Franco, came to our satirical rescue with their parody in 'Bound 3'. As the story goes, the duo had some time to kill on the set of their new flick, The Interview. So what did the duo do when they were bored? Recreate a music video by the most ridiculous celebrity couple in the world. A shot-for-shot re-enactment, their version is a little too accurate. In the video, Franco becomes the multi-flannel wearing Kanye and Rogan embodies Kim, in all her over-the-top sexuality. Just like in the original, an au natural Rogan straddles Franco, wind in his (chest) hair and all. After the two-minute mark, yes, is the big kiss. Get ready for the most hysterically awkward love scene ever. Via The Daily Beast.
If you're looking for beachfront dining while in Tropical North Queensland (and why wouldn't you be?), Palm Cove's Nu Nu Restaurant is a must. With stunning views of the Coral Sea and picture-perfect palm trees framing your vista, this beachfront restaurant will satisfy both your visual senses and your tastebuds. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu boasts a great selection of dishes that embrace locally grown produce. For brekkie, try the crab omelette with a zingy ginger caramel and white pepper broth or Nu Nu's take on bircher featuring pineapple and coconut cream-soaked muesli topped with mango, tropical fruit and toasted coconut. If you stop by for lunch or dinner we recommend starting with a tropical cocktail like the vanilla ginger mojito with Daintree vanilla sugar and a starter of Pacific oysters with finger lime. Then, follow it up with sake-poached octopus with pickled shiitake and spring onion oil or sugarcane-smoked duck with barbecued cabbage and rhubarb.
Spending months on the road touring your third LP, you'd be needing some caffeine too. New York-based eclectic multi-instrumentalist St. Vincent has released her own signature coffee blend, following the release of her self-titled album in February. Collaborating with Chicago-formed coffee roasters Intelligentsia, St Vincent's blend is called 'Bring Me Your Mugs' (named for her tune 'Bring Me Your Loves', appearing on St. Vincent). Intelligentsia approached Annie Clark after learning she was a significant coffee enthusiast, having worked with artists Wilco and Anticon on previous limited editions. "I love coffee. I sometimes get excited at night thinking of the coffee I’ll get to drink in the morning. Coffee is reason to wake up," said Clark on coffee news website Sprudge. "There are other reasons, of course. But coffee is the incentive, at the very least. I love Intelligentsia coffee. I have stood at their counter waiting for my order, like a fan waiting for a show. Eager. Expectant. So when my favorite coffee shop approached me about collaborating on a signature coffee, I was thrilled." Clark's blend originates from Costa Rica, with beans from Intelligentsia's Flecha Roja project, produced by Coopedota Cooperative on El Mango Farm. "This vibrant, sugary coffee is marked by flavors of poached pear, rosewater, and yellow plum," say the roasters. Intelligentsia sent a series of samples to Clark on her Digital Witness global tour, with Flecha Roja winning the eventual thumbs up from the artist. St. Vincent joins a list of notables with their own blends: LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy famously repped his Brooklyn roots after teaming up with Blue Bottle founder James Freeman for 'House of Good'. Bonnie Prince Bill joined forces with Kona Rose Coffee for the chocolately, tobacco-like 'Bonny Billy Blend'. David Lynch even has his own organic signature blend and Leonardo DiCaprio's organic Fair Trade line of 'green' beans from coffee roaster La Colombe Torrefaction raises funds for the actor's sustainability-focused charity. Then there came the ill-fated Kiss Coffeehouse, developed by the glam rockers and churning out their own blends. Unfortunately Kiss fans preferred Red Bull to coffee, so the cafe was forced to stop rocking and rolling all night. You can pick up a bag of 'Bring Me Your Mugs' in store at Intelligentsia if you happen to be in the US or the closer to home can have the beans delivered to their door via St. Vincent's website (available in the next few days). Via Sprudge and Pitchfork.
"I don't wear my EDM T-shirt down the road to a nightclub on a Saturday night and yell out 'dubstep'," laughs Seekae frontman Alex Cameron. "People get angry at bands changing styles, like they do at sports clubs for changing captains or something. We don't represent a movement; we make sound and we make music and that's kind of it." Sydney ambient electro darlings Seekae dropped news of their third album and a national August tour earlier this year, dropping lead single 'Test & Recognise' in May. The Sydney-based three-piece have been labelled in a lot of ways: shoegaze, EDM, IDM, indie pop, hip hop, ambient-electro-pop-post-rock-post-dubstep. But, speaking from his home, Cameron concedes, "I doubt there's ever going to be a term that satisfies the artist who's a part of it." So let's not bother trying here. With past releases, The Sounds of Trees Falling on People and +DOME, and singles such as 'Void', 'Crooks' and 'Blood Bank', Seekae's name is synonymous with late night drives through the city. In the bigger picture, their debut was named one of the albums of the decade by FBi Radio, and their follow-up earned them four nominations at the Australian Independent Music Awards. Since then they've been touring internationally and even took to the stage at this year's SxSW. Seekae's third album, The Worry, is openly described as their most ambitious work to date. With their preview tour well underway — hitting Melbourne's 170 Russell this Friday, August 22 and Sydney's Metro this Saturday, August 23 — we checked in with the crew to get some tips on sticking it to the haters. https://youtube.com/watch?v=S78pfy37SN8 BACKLASH BE DAMNED, CHANGE YOUR TUNE Set to be released through Future Classic on September 12, Seekae's third album, The Worry, sees the trio put significantly more emphasis on vocals than previous endeavours. Following on from 2008 debut record The Sound of Trees Falling on People and 2011's +Dome, The Worry has thrilled everyone involved. "People have been really excited to hear it — and we're really excited to play it. It's a good mutual thing happening," says Cameron. Though each record is a load-off for Seekae, there are of course those who dislike the progression toward vocals. But that hasn't stopped the lads from making the tunes they want to hear; backlash be damned. "I think we just kind of do it. We make music and the change just happens that way. It's nice to not have this sense of hesitance or anticipate negative backlash, because it is what we made and that's the point of what we do." "I don't feel under pressure about it," continues Cameron. "And the people who loved the old music. that's beautiful, too. Those records aren't going anywhere. We don't make new music and destroy the old records so no-one can ever listen to them again." "For us it's always been about sound and music and challenging ourselves and that's kind of what we ended up with on this one. We didn't make an instrumental record and suddenly add vocals." MAKE MACHINES SOUND AND FEEL HUMAN Though the three-piece don't know what the next record will sound like, each instalment sees something new introduced into the mix. For The Worry, that doesn't just mean adding vocals. "There's more about us as people in this record. Maybe the first two records, there's a lot about us as musicians, but I think there's more about us as people in this one [The Worry]. It would be an interesting situation if people hated the record because of its lyrical content. Because that's kind of who we are." In The Worry, Seekae set out to make machines feel and sound human, broadly making a record about human experience. "It's a common theme: sci-fi. It's hard to write about human experience these days that doesn't involve a massive amount of technology. We're right there, so to me it's kind of concerning. "What is this sense of concern that I have? Is it because I'm surrounded by technology and I'm a monkey? Because it kind of gets me feeling weird, you know? And yet we make electronic music which can be frightening and terrifying to be a part of. You're trying to command these machines to do something and it's kind of twisted, you know? The satisfaction doesn't come until later when you're listening back to it and you can hear the machines behaving themselves and that sense of satisfaction is what we try to find on a record. The record is us searching for satisfaction, I think." https://youtube.com/watch?v=hWE73K8Rkws GET INTIMATE AGAIN Before the September 12 release of their third record, Seekae are heading out on an Aussie tour. Though they played the Sydney Opera House back in 2012, this tour will see them back in more relaxed venues. "I like small gigs. I don't know what the biggest crowd we've done is — maybe some festival or something like that. But I like small gigs, I really like them." Most of their setlist will come from their forthcoming album. "But we're gonna be playing a lot of the old stuff too. So it's the classics with the stuff we haven't played before. Were trying to do a couple of songs off each record and then showcase our new stuff as well. Give people a little taste." But it's not just Seekae coming back from Opera House gigs. Supporting act, Jonti, fronted the Vivid LIVE tribute to the Avalanches at the iconic venue back in May. "He's [Jonti] such a lovely guy and it all comes from such a lovely place, what he's doing. It's a warm happy place. He's friendly and it comes across in his music and the way he approaches it. That's why people love working with him and that's why we love having him on tour. "We've been on the circuit together since we both started, you know, 2007 or something like that in different acts. When we tour we like to take people that we have been with from the beginning with us. We get to spend time together and have fun and talk about ideas and that we can keep cheering and sort of inspiring you know? It's not disconnected." Join Alex Cameron and bandmates George Nicholas and John Hassell for Seekae's Australian tour at Melbourne's 170 Russell Street on Friday August 22 and Sydney's Metro Theatre on Saturday August 23. Seekae's The Worry will be released through Future Classic on September 12. Feature by Rachel Eddie, additional words by Meg Watson.
Usually when you visit Japan — something that's now back on the agenda thanks to the country's newly reopened borders — you can't also enjoy a meal from one of Copenhagen's most acclaimed restaurants. But for ten weeks between March and May 2023, you'll be able to soak in the sights of Kyoto and eat dishes from René Redzepi's Noma, all courtesy of the latter's latest residency. That timing also coincides with cherry blossom season, so add all those gorgeous pink flowers to your itinerary, too. Every now and then — more often prior to the pandemic, obviously — Redzepi's globally renowned, three-Michelin-starred, five-time World's Best list-topping eatery hops around the planet, temporarily setting up shop in another city. It's done just that in Japan before, just in Tokyo; in Sydney as well; and in Tulum, Mexico. Who doesn't want to head to Japan more than once, though? The Kyoto residency will take place at Ace Hotel Kyoto, another outpost of the hotel chain that just opened its first Australian venue in Sydney earlier in 2022. The dates to pop in your diary: Wednesday, March 15–Saturday, May 20, with services running four days a week for lunch and dinner, once per day, between Wednesday–Saturday. [caption id="attachment_874227" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yoshihiro Makino[/caption] "I believe Kyoto to be the birthplace of the western tasting menu, and it remains one of the most important cities through which to understand the fine dining scene today. Much of my own journey and inspiration can be boiled down to a handful of important moments, and going to Japan and Kyoto for the first time is one of them. We have always wanted to return and explore this region as a team," said Redzepi, announcing the pop-up. "We have been working on this specific project for the past two years, and we have had a team on the ground since late spring, foraging and researching what will form the foundation of our Kyoto menu. Our main inspiration comes from the very heart of Kyoto, the kaiseki cuisine, while not at all being a Japanese restaurant. We come to be inspired, to learn, to absorb new creative processes and to hopefully bring back new perspectives and a clearer vision for how to be Noma," Redzepi continued. In Ace Hotel Kyoto's 64-seat restaurant, Redzepi and his team will serve up a menu that highlights produce from the Kyoto region — and spring produce specifically, given that'll be the season in Japan at the time — with ingredients sourced from local farmers, hunters, fishmongers and foragers. Diners will pay €475 / around AU$745, for the menu — and there's an accompanying beverage option, with a choice of boozy and non-alcoholic drinks, for €300 / AU$ 470 per person. Then, there's a ten-percent service charge as well, and all costs have to be paid when you book. Yes, this is a true treat yo'self kind of experience. Reservations for meals only open at 11pm AEDT on Monday, November 7, and expect them to book out quick — Noma's pop-ups always do. Ace Hotel Kyoto is also doing meal-and-stay packages, so you don't have to travel far once you're finished feasting. They also aren't cheap, starting at ¥120,000 JPY / €846 / AU$1321 for two nights for two people. That price also includes a deluxe king room, free daily breakfast, an early check-in and late check-out, and two reservations at Noma's Kyoto residency — but the costs of the Noma meals and beverages will be separate. Wondering what else to do in Japan? Check out this Concrete Playground Trips package, which'll take you on a cultural tour from Kyoto to Tokyo. Noma's Kyoto residency will run from Wednesday, March 15–Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Ace Hotel Kyoto, 245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8185, Japan. For more information, and to sign up to book reservations with room packages when they become available, head to the Ace Hotel Kyoto's website. For restaurant reservations only — which will become available from 11pm AEDT on Monday, November 7 — head to the Noma website to sign up for the restaurant's newsletter. René Redzepi / Noma images: Amy Tang. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
When you've just given Australia the culinary experience we didn't know we needed — that'd be a luxe 11-course KFC degustation that definitely doesn't just involve slowly eating a big bucket of the Colonel's finest — what comes next? At Sydney fine-diner Nel, it's time for a bit of truth, beauty, freedom and love. Renowned for its creatively themed multi-course spreads before going fancy with chicky chicky fry fry (see also: its Christmas and Disney offerings), the restaurant is next taking its cues from Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The film-to-theatre production is about to dance its way into Sydney, kicking off at the end of May. So, if you're wondering what's inspired Nel's decadent feast, now you know. Designed as a pre-show option, it'll be available for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays in June and July. And yes, it's your spectacular spectacular reason to both see the musical and treat yo'self to a lavish meal. If you don't live in Sydney, it's also so exciting that you might want to stomp, cheer and head to the NSW capital. The world-first collaboration sees chef Nelly Robinson whip up a selection of dishes dripping with French nostalgia (no, not literally), including one dubbed 'Beauty', which is a savoury crème brulee. Or, there's also the 'Truth' steak tartare for a quintessential Parisian culinary option. Other dishes span Nel's take on pain au chocolat, beef bourguignon tarts, duck, French onion soup, beetroot with popcorn and opera cakes. "When creating this menu, I straight away saw the bohemian ideals aligned with our values, which is truth, beauty, freedom and love," said Robinson, explaining the new two-month-long menu. "I can't wait to showcase what we do. Come in, sit back and relax in my home. Then, go and enjoy yourself at the theatre." If you're ready to for your tastebuds to say "come what may", bookings are available now, with multiple sessions each Saturday and Sunday starting (at 11.30am, 11.45am, 12pm and 12.15pm). That'll set you back $145 per person, with four matching wines also available for an extra $75 each. Tickets to Moulin Rouge! The Musical aren't included in that price — and yes, this is definitely a treat yo'self kind of weekend lunch. Nel's 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' degustation lunch is on offer on Saturdays and Sundays throughout June and July, at 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. For more information or to book, head to the Nel website.
For the past five years, Little Beirut has served up Lebanese dishes in Indooroopilly, and built up quite a culinary following in the process. Now, the team behind the popular westside spot has branched out by opening a second venue: Tarbouche Mezza Bar, which has set up shop in Fish Lane in West End. Once again, Lebanese cuisine is the focus. Here, you'll tuck into baba ghanouj and labneh, and also falafels and halloumi salad — or, if you'd prefer something warm, there's pumpkin kibbeh, moussaka or sujuk. The venue boasts a traditional saj grill for charring its flatbreads, too, while the mains selection soans kafta platters, shish tawook (aka chicken skewers), lamb cutlets and vegetarian plates. The big drawcard: shawarma. Both beef and chicken are available — and both come in towers. Wondering what a shawarma towers entails? A sizeable amount of meat, in a serving designed to share, as paired with either fattoush salad, pickled turnip, sumac onion and parsley salad, tahini and chips (with the beef) or coleslaw, garlic sauce, pickled cucumber and turnip, and chips (with the chicken). Dessert-wise, baklawa, namoura (a syrup-soaked semolina cake) and rize bil halib (rice pudding) will help you cap off your meal — or you can wash it all down with an Arabic coffee espresso martini.
Over the past few years, the Victoria Park Putt Putt Course has given itself a themed makeover on several occasions. The best way to celebrate Christmas, Halloween and Valentine's Day here? Tap, tap, tapping through a temporary revamp to suit the date. Easter is no different, much to the delight of mini golf-loving Brisbanites — and in autumn 2023, the venue's Candyland setup is making its return. Fancy getting into the Easter spirit by hitting a few balls around a candy-themed course? That'll be on offer from Friday, March 24–Monday, May 1. The Herston site will sport greens with names like 'Candy Corner', 'Ice Cream Court', 'Bakery Bunker, 'Fairy Floss Fairway', 'Gumball Green' and 'Bunny Hop'. In past years, rabbits have featured heavily — plus giant ice creams, Easter eggs, lollipops and other sweet treats. This year's fun will also feature gummy bears, candy necklaces, lifesavers, cupcakes, doughnuts, gum balls and Easter eggs — and that Ice Cream Court is all about sundaes and their toppings. Basically, if it's sweet and can somehow be worked into a themed mini golf course, you'll find it here. Bookings are essential, with the course open from 6am–10pm Sunday–Thursday and public holidays — because there's more than a few of those during its run — and 6am–11pm Friday–Saturday. Fancy a few holes before work? Want to add some fun to your lunch break? Need something to look forward to come quitting time? They're all options. Expect plenty of company, because Brisbane sure does love themed mini golf courses — as seen at the city's Holey Moley sites in Fortitude Valley, the Wintergarden and Chermside; Redcliffe's underwater-themed spot; North Lakes' venue with Coachella and Oktoberfest-inspired holes; and Tingalpa's recently added 16-hole jungle-themed green. At Victoria Park, you can follow up your game with a bite to eat and drinks at the onsite bistro, too, including Sunday sessions with live tunes and Wednesday night trivia nights. Candyland Putt Putt takes over the Victoria Park Putt Putt Course at 309 Herston Road, Herston from Friday, March 24–Monday, May 1, open 6am–10pm Sunday–Thursday and public holidays, and 6am–11pm Friday–Saturday — with tickets costing $23 for adults. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Pandora Photography.
M. Night Shyamalan is back. Of course, he never really went anywhere — he just took a detour from familiar territory. After coming to fame with his third feature — the dead people-filled, six-time Oscar nominee The Sixth Sense — the filmmaker made a name for himself with supernatural-heavy, twist-oriented efforts such as Unbreakable, Signs and The Village. When he switched to bigger budget sci-fi with The Last Airbender and Smith (as in Will and Jaden) family vehicle After Earth, it was a definite change of pace. Then came The Visit, the low-budget 2015 flick that once again toyed with Shyamalan's recognisable elements, and became a huge financial hit in the process. Consider that dipping a toe back into the water, but don't go thinking his latest film, Split, is the writer/director simply offering up more of the same. Yes, the James McAvoy-starring movie is moody and unnerving, embraces a distinctive concept, and balances psychology and philosophy — all Shyamalan trademarks. A claustrophobic kidnapping tale with a lead character boasting 23 different personalities (plus a 24th trying to burst out), as well as an engrossing story that doesn't merely hinge upon late-stage revelations, it's also among his best work. Split commences with Kevin (McAvoy) abducting three teenagers (Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson and Jessica Sula) and taking them to an underground bunker, all while trying to fend off the strict Patricia and the creepy Dennis, as well as a few others. The fact that all of Kevin's foes exist inside his head, alongside nine-year-old Hedwig and plenty more, sets the scene for a tense, largely one-setting horror thriller — and the chance for McAvoy to demonstrate the full extent of his acting chops. With Split now in cinemas, we chatted with Shyamalan about working on the story for 15 years, finding the right actor to play such a complicated part, and other film twists that proved influential. ON THE ORIGINS OF SPLIT "It's an unusual story because I wrote part of the story a long time ago — fifteen, sixteen years ago. It was part of another screenplay, and I pulled it out. I decided to make it its own movie — I hoped to make it as its own movie. And I guess, you know, I got caught up making other movies and it just always kind of sat there. And now recently felt like the perfect time to make it for me, so I started to return to it and think about it as, well, who is this character, and what would happen? So I started outlining it, and I think it really lent itself to the types of movies that I'm doing both practically and creatively. One, practically, that it is very contained, which I'm leaning towards those kind of movies right now. And then, it's kind of dark, comedic, suspense — I'm in that headspace." ON TRYING TO BALANCE BOTH HUMOUR AND THRILLS "It is a tricky balance. It is fascinating because you can have the wrong humour moment at the wrong time and you detach — and you may get the laugh but it's a bad one because the stakes aren't high. And the reverse is also true. So if the stakes are at a certain level, no one would say something or react in a way that would cause a laugh in that situation, so it would be artificial. It seems almost counter that those two could exist, but I really enjoyed in these last two movies, finding these moments that can do both." ON WRITING A LEAD ROLE WITH 24 DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES "I mean, it's funny — you kind of just think of them as different characters. And in this movie, the premise of the disorder is that this isn't someone changing moods, these are different human beings, occupying the same body. So if you really honour that disorder, it's just writing different characters. There are three abductors that keep these girls: Patricia, Kevin and Hedwig. So, it would be as if I had written that a group of three people had abducted these girls — a man, a woman and a child — and they try to manipulate the child to get out....It just so happens that one guy is going to play all of them." [caption id="attachment_607463" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] (Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)[/caption] ON CASTING JAMES MCAVOY "I met James at Comic-Con, appropriately enough. We met for the first time, and...I just felt such a connection with him. And my headspace was so much about Kevin, and I was writing Kevin, and I was like, 'this guy can play him, I can feel it'. There were two different moments. One was when I saw him at Comic-Con and I felt a real kind of good guy feeling — like, he's a good guy, coming right off him. That's always what I wanted for the person that played the part — that they could play it with sincerity and they could bring empathy to each of the characters. And then once I sent him the script — he was in London and I Skyped with him — and I remember getting off Skype and I was like, "I am 100 percent certain that this is the guy". Just the way he talked about the part, and his knowledge of the disorder. He was actually very aware of the disorder and had done some research into it prior to reading the script, and I could see that his approach to it was going to be right-on. And he was fearless, he was just very fearless about the whole thing." ON SELF-FINANCING SPLIT "When you put yourself out there, financially, you're a different version of yourself. You're all in. It's a fascinating thing, you know? If you were a professional basketball player, right, and you went and played in a street ball tournament, you went outside and you went there's no referees or anything like that — you'd probably be the best version of yourself there, when you have something to be concerned about. They could hurt you, there is nobody there to say foul or anything like that. So you're hyper-concentrated. In that same way, when you take away the safety net, you're different. And then others come to the table with that same mindset, because they can just feel it off of you literally and physically and emotionally. So you get very like-minded people on the movie, so it's this kind of hyper-commitment that comes from everyone. And then when the actors come on, they feel that too. I feel like — even if just in my own head — the feeling that I'm allowed to do anything and it is up to me, that is a very empowering feeling. It allows me to break genre, and to do something daring, and to do tonal things that maybe I would be hesitant to do otherwise, [like] make the main character ambiguously good or bad, or have a very provocative scene, or juxtapose comedy and suspense in a way that's unorthodox. There's more choices when you make it at an appropriate budget level, which makes me feel like it's okay to be different. Not only is it okay — that's your secret weapon, that you try to make it special and you try to make it as different as you can." ON TWIST-FILLED FILMS THAT INSPIRED SPLIT "I'm more inspired by the weirdest movies that you would see. For me, Robert Altman was a big inspiration for Split. And the film Cache. And Dogtooth, which was a film from Greece. Just really unusual movies were the inspiration for Split. It isn't like one-to-one like that, but of course it was those movies that have those amazing paradigm shifts." Split is in cinemas now. Read our review here.
Sorry, whatever's been getting a workout on your playlist over the past few weeks. May is here, which means that Eurovision is here — and so is a whole bunch of Europop tunes that'll worm their way into your head. That's one of the joys of this time of year, which is basically Christmas if you love pop songs belted out competitively in a glitzy ceremony filled with eye-catching outfits. It started back in 1956 as a singing contest between a mere seven nations. Now, more than six decades later, Eurovision is a glitter-strewn and spandex-fuelled global musical phenomenon. Forty countries not only in Europe but from elsewhere will compete in 2022 — hello Australia — and viewers tune in en masse to watch, sing along and add new pop tunes to their queues. This year's host city: Turin in Italy. The theme: "the sound of beauty". The Aussie talent you'll be cheering on: Sheldon Riley, the former The X-Factor Australia, The Voice and America's Got Talent contestant who is flying the flag with his dark pop sound, avant-garde style and passionate performances. He'll be singing the song 'Not the Same' in his quest for Eurovision glory — and you have plenty of chances to see the results. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SHELDON RILEY (@sheldonriley) Come 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 11, Eurovision will return to SBS as part of the broadcaster's usual annual celebration of all things Europop. That's when you can get up early to watch the first semi final, although Riley won't take to the stage until the second semi final at 5am AEST on Friday, May 13. He'll be up against performers from 17 other countries, including The Rasmus from Finland, Sweden's Cornelia Jakobs, Brooke from Ireland, the Czech Republic's We Are Domi, Stefan from Estonia, Krystian Ochman from Poland and Azerbaijan's Nadir Rustamli. If Riley makes his way through to the grand final — with only 21 acts making the cut, and France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom automatically guaranteed spots — you'll also want to get up early on Sunday, May 15. Or, even if he doesn't, that's when this year's winner will be anointed. Of course, for those who can't tear themselves out of bed before it's light and can somehow manage to avoid the internet and social media, both semis and the grand final will also screen in primetime on the same dates. SBS' usual local hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey are once again overseeing the Australian coverage. And if you can't decide whether to beat the sun or wait and host a party at sensible hour, it's worth remembering that Australians can indeed vote for Eurovision, but only during the live broadcasts. For the semi finals, you're limited to voting during the event that features Riley — and you can only vote in the grand final if the singer gets through. Also, there's another caveat: you're not actually allowed to vote for Australia's entry, which you can nonetheless check out below. EUROVISION 2022 BROADCASTS: LIVE BROADCASTS: Semi final one: 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 11 on SBS Semi final two: 5am AEST on Friday, May 13 on SBS Grand final: 5am AEST on Sunday, May 15 on SBS EVENING REPLAYS: Semi final one: 8.30pm AEST on Friday, May 13 on SBS Semi final two: 8.30pm AEST on Saturday, May 14 on SBS Grand final: 7.30pm AEST on Sunday, May 15 on SBS DAYTIME REPLAYS: Semi final one: 11.30am AEST on Saturday, May 14 on SBS Viceland Semi final two: 11.30am AEST on Sunday, May 15 on SBS Viceland Grand final: 12pm AEST on Monday, May 16 on SBS Viceland SBS' Eurovision 2022 coverage runs from Wednesday, May 11–Monday, May 16. For more information, head to the broadcaster's website. Top image: Jess Gleeson.
Feeling hemmed into the daily grind without much respite? It's time to break free from our own four walls in favour of spectacular scenery. If you have your sights set on a New South Wales getaway, we've found eight other-worldly spots that'll leave you spellbound — from extraterrestrial-esque terrains to luminous caves, jewel-coloured oceans and prehistoric forests. Here are some must-visit sites for your next NSW holiday that'll have you falling back in love with your own backyard. Due to extreme weather events, some places mentioned may be closed or operating differently. Check websites before making plans to visit. [caption id="attachment_802265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] DISCOVER THE MARS-LIKE LANDSCAPES OF MUNGO NATIONAL PARK You'll feel like you're on a space expedition wandering around the wind-sculpted sand dunes and millenia-old rock formations of this World Heritage-listed site. It's home to the 40,000-to-42,000-year-old Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, some of the oldest modern human remains discovered outside of Africa. Dive into the park's history at the Mungo Visitor Centre and learn about the cultural heritage of the area, which is shared by the region's Indigenous landowners, the Paakantji, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi people. Choose a walking, biking or driving route to explore the blazing red earth landscapes and vast, dry lakebed. Visitors can stay in the park's two campgrounds or the historic Mungo Shearers' Quarters, but numbers are limited. Or, find more accommodation in the nearby towns of Mildura and Balranald. It's quite the drive from Sydney — a solid ten or so hours — so, if you'd rather cut the highway drive, consider flying to Mildura or Griffith. [caption id="attachment_802263" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SWIM IN THE SAPPHIRE SEAS OF MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK Pack your camp gear, fishing rods and multiple sets of swimmers and visit this Sapphire Coast gem. You'll find idyllic inlets like Nelson Beach or Moon Bay, perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing. Picnickers and those prepared to paddle with a canoe or kayak should head to Nelson Lagoon. Or, if it's sea life you seek, stroll along the walking track to Wajurda Point lookout and spy whales and dolphins among the endless blue. Park your pack at the campgrounds at Gillards, Picnic Point or Middle Beach for a canvas room with an ocean view. Or, you can book the historic Myer House by Lake Wapengo for up to 12 people. The nearby towns of Bermagui and Merimbula are good spots to stay for the less intrepid, too — and you can even fly straight into the latter if you're short on time. [caption id="attachment_802357" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CHECK OUT A JAW-DROPPING CANYON AT CAPERTEE VALLEY Regular Blue Mountains visitors and new explorers alike will be awestruck by the Capertee Valley, the second-largest canyon in the world. The mighty sandstone escarpment drops into a deep chasm of bush and grasslands that's a hiker's haven. If you're not so keen on climbing, easily accessible vantage points such as Pearsons Lookout let you gaze upon magnificent formations like Pantoneys Crown – a flat-topped monolith structure — without all the work. Campers can set up at the main grounds by the Capertee River, or you can find charming private accommodation around the valley, including three bubble tents with 360-degree views and outdoor woodfired baths. [caption id="attachment_802277" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SNORKEL WITH SEALS AT WILDLIFE HAVEN BARUNGUBA (MONTAGUE ISLAND) Another jewel in the Sapphire Coast's crown is Barunguba, aka Montague Island, nine kilometres off the coast of Narooma. The nature reserve is home to a colony of fur seals, thousands of little penguins, more than 90 bird species and regular whale and dolphin visitors. This tiny island offers plenty of activities, from snorkelling and scuba diving to touring the lighthouse, fishing for tuna and marlin or wildlife spotting on the island walking track. The island can only be reached on a guided tour or if you book accommodation on the island, and all visitors must be over the age of five. The Montague Island Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage sleeps up to twelve people while the Lighthouse Assistant Keeper's Cottage sleeps seven. Either way, you'll more or less have the island to yourself. [caption id="attachment_802275" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] WANDER THROUGH ENCHANTED GARDENS AT DISTILLERY BOTANICA Get to know the botanicals that make a G&T really pop at this distillery hidden within three acres of lush gardens on the Central Coast. Take a turn around the leafy grounds where owner and herbalist Philip Moore grows ingredients for Distillery Botanica's range of gins, liqueurs and vodkas. Then, settle in for a tasting session at the distillery door, followed by a garden-inspired meal at the on-site eatery, Bar Botanica. Once you're done, bottle up the day and take it with you by purchasing your favourite spirits. Sure, you could just visit on a day trip but, with the Central Coast offering up pristine beaches, national parks and next-level food and drink options, it'd be remiss not to extend your stay. [caption id="attachment_802543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] TIME TRAVEL WITH SERIOUS GONDWANA VIBES AT DORRIGO NATIONAL PARK The climbing vines and giant rainforest ferns of Dorrigo National Park are Jurassic Park-level. Drive an hour inland from Coffs Harbour and you'll feel like you're walking with dinosaurs as you hike past 600-year-old trees or brave the suspension bridge to feel the spray at Crystal Shower Falls. Well-kept boardwalks lead to uninterrupted views across the rainforest canopy and provide perfect birdwatching platforms. If a cool-down dip is in order, head to Dangar Falls where a crater within undulating farmland has produced a 30-metre waterfall cascading into a pristine swimming hole. If you're coming from the city, it's about a six-hour car ride, or you can fly into Coffs Harbour. Where to stay? The quaint, colourful town of Bellingen is just 30 minutes from the park and has plenty of accommodation — from campgrounds to luxe farmstays. [caption id="attachment_790432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Tran via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] HEAD ON LUMINOUS ADVENTURES THROUGH GLOW WORM TUNNEL The creeping ferns shrouding the entrance to the Blue Mountains' Glow Worm Tunnel provide a mystical air to this historic site reclaimed by nature. Speak in whispers and keep the lights low once you enter, and an army of glow worms will create a constellation of blue light along the surface of the 400-metre tunnel. This dreamy experience in Wollemi National Park is an easy one-kilometre walk from the car park at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road. If you'd prefer a guided tour, Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours offers one-hour expeditions for $65. Beyond the transformed railway tunnel, you can explore the park's lush rainforests and stunning rock formations, all within an hour's drive from Lithgow. [caption id="attachment_802550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wollongong Botanic Garden[/caption] TRAIPSE THE TRANQUIL GROUNDS OF WOLLONGONG BOTANIC GARDEN Just over an hour's drive south of Sydney, Wollongong thrums with an element of city bustle. But all that drains away once you enter the grounds of the Wollongong Botanic Garden. The peaceful rainforest-like oasis has semi-arid succulents and delicate rose gardens that have been carefully cultivated for 50 years. Horticultural enthusiasts can spend hours exploring the flora — some local to the Illawarra and many more from as far as Japan, Africa and North America. It all sits at the foot of the escarpment under the watchful gaze of Mount Keira. You can head to the summit lookout for views across the city and Wollongong's glistening coastline, too. If you are looking for more places to feel free in New South Wales, head to visitnsw.com. Top image: Dorrigo National Park, Destination NSW
For 89 years, Luna Park Sydney has been in the business of whisking attendees off to another world. Amusement parks do that. They cast away the daily grind, getting visitors enjoying rides and games instead — and, from Saturday, April 13, getting lit in a rave room-style immersive installation that's about to become the Harbour City tourist spot's latest attraction. At the end of 2023, Luna Park Sydney welcomed Dream Circus, which has been filling the Milsons Point site's big top with rollercoasters, hot air balloons, underwater creatures, fantastical critters, futuristic lights, skulls, eyes, spiders and geometric architecture ever since. The $15-million experience that uses 360-degree projections, holograms, motion-activated LED screens, lighting, surround sound and spatial audio mapping is just one of the park's new additions, though. Sonic Neon is the next, this time taking over the venue's Crystal Palace. Lasers, mirrors, 26,000-plus lights: they all await at this six-room attraction, as hailing from Luna Park Sydney itself and Mandylights — which is also behind Dark Spectrum, the soon-to-return one-kilometre labyrinth in Wynyard's railway tunnels that's part of Vivid Sydney's program again in 2024 after debuting in 2023. When Sonic Neon arrives before May hits, it'll also bust out neon galore, obviously, alongside UV lights, interactive elements and a fitting soundtrack. Expect to take up to half an hour to wander through the all-ages fun's 150-metre-long expanse, which will operate daily. By filling Crystal Palace, Sonic Neon will make a space that dates back to 1935 — and was constructed for Luna Park Sydney's grand opening, in fact — its home. The site has also featured dodgems, the penny arcade and a BMX track over the years. "Immersive experiences continue to dominate the global market, and Luna Park Sydney is committed to delivering world-class experiences to Sydneysiders and visitors to our beautiful harbour," said Luna Park Sydney CEO John Hughes. "Luna Park Sydney celebrates the best of the old and the best of the new. Housing Sonic Neon in our 1935-built Crystal Palace will be a spectacular collision of heritage and modern technology." "This immersive experience will offer the public a new way to enjoy Sydney's original, ever-evolving playground." Find Sonic Neon at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, from Saturday, April 13, 2024, with tickets on sale from 6pm on Monday, April 8 — visit the park's website and the event's ticketing site for more information.
