UPDATE, September 16, 2022: Sweet As - Brisbane Dessert Festival has now been postponed again until Sunday, September 17, 2023. This article has been updated to reflect that change. Most food festivals offer a variety of dishes, ranging from snacks and treats to entrees and mains. Sweet As, Brisbane's returning dessert fest, will too — as long as you're fine with meringues, marshmallows and macarons as appetisers, cakes and doughnuts for a hearty meal, and ice cream, sorbet, gelato and dessert cocktails to wrap it all up. That's just our suggested order. With all of the above usually on offer — plus everything from brownies and waffles to cheese and chocolate — there's no right or wrong way to work your way through the menu. All of the treats will be served up by a range of the city's best dessert-makers, with The World Food Markets overseeing the event. And while Brisbane is no stranger to sweet-filled festivals, it really is a situation where the more, the merrier applies. With the festival running from 10am–5pm on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Musgrave Park, that means dessert is on the menu for a late brunch, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea — and if you opt for to stick around for a few of those meals, there'll be no judgement. For those with dietary requirements, there'll be lactose-free, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan options across the board as well. Yep, that truly is sweet as. Also on offer: non-sugary street food, pop-up bars, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment. Tickets aren't on sale yet, but you can currently register to be notified when they become available.
Is buying vinyl is part of your regular weekend shopping plans? Whether you're scouring the racks for something specific or just generally looking for a bargain, make a beeline to the Albert Street Mall. The Queen Street Mall offshoot is playing host to a record fair — an event that marks Brisbane's regular record-selling event's big return to the CBD, in fact. Yes, you can bet there'll be plenty of tunes waiting for a new home. Taking place from 10am–3.30pm on Saturday, March 4, the Brisbane City Mall Record Fair will bring vinyl galore to the CBD location. Expect a whole range of sellers keen to offload their records to avid shoppers and collectors. Rocking Horse Records is one of the organisers, too, so the event has a Brisbane music icon's tick of approval. Entry is free, although you'll want to bring your wallet if you're eager to boost your collection. You can find all manner of delights at a fair like this, from old classics to retro wonders — and albums you never even knew existed. Befitting the type of massive record fair that's set to sprawl across this central patch of pavement, DJ El Norto will setup the decks under the Queen Street Mall archway to spin a soundtrack to shop to.
Making music can be just as political as personal for some, especially if you're Melbourne trio The Basics. Their 12-year career has seen the band go through its fair share of ups and downs, with 1000 shows locally and abroad and even a three year hiatus from the music scene (seeing frontman Wally De Backer embark on a little ol' solo venture as Goyte). Then, 2014 casually saw The Basics' Tim Heath and Kris Schroeder enter the Victorian political sphere as the Basics Rock'n'Roll Party (BRRP), to many a divided opinion. But stronger than ever with brand new material, The Basics are headed back to the stage, hitting Brisbane's Old Museum to launch their brand new EP 'The Lucky Country'. Using music to spread their messages of innovation and education, these boys are going from strength to strength (tackling an election while recording a bunch of stellar tracks at Abbey Road). Supported by fellow Melburnians The Gun Barrel Straights, this promises to be a high-energy set from the reunited De Backer, Heath and Schroeder.
Everyone knows that New Zealand has epic Lord of the Rings landscapes, but far fewer know about its quietly awesome food scene. Much like the people, the country's food is unassuming, approachable and punches above its weight. With plentiful seafood and homegrown produce, New Zealand's cuisine scene celebrates this bounty from land and sea. Come for the scenery, stay for the food — it'll be love at first bite. Good food calls for a great wine match. Enter Cloudy Bay, one of New Zealand's most acclaimed wine brands. Whether you're foraging for fresh crayfish or sailing through the Marlborough Sounds, Cloudy Bay has you covered with its diverse and elegant selection. Together, we've dished up five top-notch food experiences you can only have in New Zealand. TAKE FLIGHT AND FORAGE FOR WILD FOOD Blending jaw-dropping scenery with locally sourced food, a foraging tour with Alpine Helicopters is the ultimate way for food lovers to get a taste of New Zealand. Spend the day flying high as you glide over giant glaciers, majestic mountains, winding rivers and lush native bush, with foraging stops along the way. Fish for trout on the edge of Lake Wanaka, help your heli crew rustle up crayfish from the sea, and fill up your camera roll with the most epic landscapes you've ever seen. Once you've worked up an appetite you'll be flown to a secluded spot for a surreal lunch stop — a Kiwi bush barbecue featuring your catch and gorgeous wines to match. It's no free lunch, but it sure is priceless. Wine match: Cloud Bay Te Koko, a wild take on sauvignon blanc, is the perfect pairing for fresh crayfish. FEAST ON CUISINE COOKED IN WINE BARRELS If you thought wine barrels were just for wine, think again. For an ingenious spin on the classic barbie, sink your teeth into 'barrel cuisine' at The Stoaker Room Bistro and Bar. Using retired French oak pinot noir barrels, the clever chefs cook up mouthwatering eats which burst with smoky, earthy flavours. From goat and wild pork to mussels and salmon, The Stoaker Room specialises in wild meat and seafood. For a real gastronomic experience, arrange a private catered meal at the Cloudy Bay Shed. The Stoaker Room team will roll up with their barrels and put on an incredible multi-course feast, matched with Cloudy Bay wines and dazzling Central Otago vistas. Wine match: Cloudy Bay Te Wahi, a poised pinot noir with a bit of a wild side. GRAZE ON TAPAS AT A PUB STEEPED IN HISTORY Smack bang in the heart of old gold mining country, Bannockburn Hotel in Cromwell, Central Otago, is a restaurant that's got a tale or two to tell. First established in 1862, the Bannockburn Hotel was born during the great New Zealand Gold Rush, which saw the region flooded with prospectors chasing the golden dream. As the first pub to be granted a liquor licence in the region, the hotel was understandably a popular spot with the gold seekers. Today, the old pub remains a popular haunt. Following a makeover or two, it has been transformed into a sophisticated restaurant, with rustic touches celebrating its history. Serving up top-notch tapas made from the best local produce, Bannockburn Hotel is the ideal spot for a cold brew and a grazing session. Feast on goats cheese croquettes, chorizo, meatballs, and relish the views over the craggy, historic countryside. Wine match: enjoy the savoury bites and rich history with a lively Cloudy Bay pinot noir. SAVOUR FRESH SEAFOOD WITH VINEYARD VIEWS A culinary tour of New Zealand would not complete without a visit to Marlborough, one of the world's finest wine regions. With the sparkling waters of the Sounds just a stone's throw away, this region also boasts bountiful seafood. Experience the best of the region's goods in a picturesque vineyard setting at Jack's Raw Bar — the summertime restaurant at the Cloudy Bay winery. Relax in the outdoor wine lounge as you tuck into fresh Marlborough oysters, Cloudy Bay clams, cured salmon and other regional delicacies, all matched with Cloudy Bay wines. Wine match: Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc, the iconic drop that put the winery on the map. DINE IN A BAY THAT'S ONLY ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT Nestled into a lush hillside, in a remote corner of the Marlborough Sounds, Bay of Many Coves is a shimmering sanctuary loaded with views. Take a boat from Picton to visit this tranquil retreat for a dreamy lunch escape. Cool down with a dip in the bay before settling in for a breezy lunch at the cafe on the water's edge. Sample the famous fish 'n' chips or seafood chowder and soak up the serenity. If you fancy a longer visit (and trust us, you will), stay overnight in one of the luxury villas. In the evening, treat yourself to a sumptuous meal in the award-winning restaurant, The Foredeck, which serves up immaculate cuisine from land and sea, and views to dine for. Wine match: an escape in the Sounds is best enjoyed with a glass of sparkling Cloudy Bay Pelorus. Discover the full Cloudy Bay range, alongside plenty more food pairing suggestions, here.
If ever a dive bar needed its own festival, it's Brisbane's Death Valley. Sinking drinks in the Morningside mainstay's beer garden, chowing down on a meal from Red Robin Supper Truck, tapping your toes to whatever's pumping through the stereo and chilling out with your friends almost feels like hanging out at a festival anyway — but now, the boozy offshoot of Southside Tea Room is about to take that vibe to the next level. Meet Death Valley Fun Camp, the brand new, must-attend weekend event you're going to want to grab a ticket to as soon as they go on sale. Part festival, part campout, it combines the best of both recreational activities. Think music, food, beverages, activities, marshmallows and sleeping in cabins at Lake Moogerah in the Scenic Rim district south-west of Brissie. Attendees will try their hand at flag-making, slosh through a mud course, paddle around on a kayak, and learn the art of pickling veggies — and that's just the beginning. When the sun goes down, they'll also help the Southside Tea Room crew and Jacob Knauth from Lucky Egg whip up dinner. A fireside gathering is on the agenda too, so brush up on your spooky stories. Afterwards, Top Shelf Wedding Band will bust out some live tunes, with members of Velociraptor and other Brisbane garage rock alumni — including Southside owners, The Grates' Patience Hodgson and John Patterson, we're betting — strutting their stuff. Sounds like the kind of weekend getaway that only exists in movies, doesn't it? Stop pinching yourself — it is really happening. Tickets start from $149, and include all meals and activities, a welcome pack complete with a camp t-shirt and a bunk bed for the night. Add an extra $79 for a refillable beer mug — the perfect container for all the Young Henrys beer and cider you can consume — with all food and drink proceeds going to Kids Helpline. Death Valley Fun Camp takes place from May 21 to 22. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday, March 31. For more information, visit the event website. Image: Josh Felise.
When the Gold Coast Film Festival kicks off for 2025, it'll launch with a Carey Mulligan-starring British comedy about a man keen to get his favourite musicians back together. By the time that it wraps up after a 12-day run, the event will have seen Pete Murray and Peter Andre grace its screens as actors, and also walk its red carpets. This year's event isn't solely focusing on flicks with a connection to music, but that theme is coming through anyway. Two more examples: documentary Pavements, which focuses on the band Pavement but is far from your standard doco, and a retro session of musical favourite Grease. Mulligan (Spaceman) features in The Ballad of Wallis Island, while Murray makes his first feature film in Blue Horizon and Andre takes his first lead movie role in dramedy Jafaican. Story-wise, the first also involves a lottery winner on an isolated island, the second follows a music star who might be heading to jail and the third — which is world-premiering on the Gold Coast — focuses on a small-time criminal attempting to rustle up cash fast to look after his grandmother. Across Wednesday, April 30–Sunday, May 11, GCFF 2025 also has sport in the spotlight via documentaries Queens of Concrete, about three skateboarders trying to balance being teens with attempting to score an Olympics berth; 7 Beats Per Minute, which hones in on freediving champion Jessea Lu; and Ballkids, chronicling the eponymous position at the Australian Open. The Edge, another world premiere, chronicles the experience of being an elite athlete for three women, including Australian powerlifter Lily Riley. In The Cigarette Surfboard, too, surfer Taylor Lane uses his love for riding the waves as a way to learn and raise awareness about protecting the beaches, especially from cigarette butts. Among this years' Australian contingent — in addition to Blue Horizon and the bulk of the sports-related titles above — drama Kangaroo Island charts a homecoming to the place that gives the movie its name, Hagar's Hut puts a young girl who is escape abuse at its centre, romance Christmas Keepsake adds a festive layer, body-swapping drives Carnal Vessels and My Eyes is based on true events as it tells of an optometrist attempting to save her daughter's sight. My Tai is a comedy but it might feel timely, given that it's about a bar threatened by an impending cyclone. The international lineup includes Japanese drama Cottontail, French comedy Funny Birds, India's Together at 35, Yellowjackets star Sophie Nelisse in the World War II-set Irena's Choice and a bookseller endeavouring to avoid escaping into fantasy in France's Jane Austen Wrecked My Life — and also Architecton, a musing on architecture from Victor Kossakovsky, the director behind the 2020's stunning animal-centric documentary Gunda. For attendees keen for a feast of short films, SIPFEST, Shorts in Paradise remains on the GCFF lineup as well, screening for free on the HOTA Outdoor Stage. And for those eager to do more than watch movies, the Women in Film Lunch is back, while the Gold Coast Film Festival Awards Gala will feature a celebration of 2025 Chauvel Award-winner Robert Connolly (The Dry, Force of Nature: The Dry 2, Magic Beach). "The 2025 Gold Coast Film Festival is set to be our most exciting yet, with a bold and diverse programme that celebrates incredible storytelling from Australia and around the world. From red carpet galas and world premieres to inspiring industry events, GCFF continues to champion filmmakers, connect audiences and showcase the Gold Coast as a vibrant hub for cinema," said GCFF CEO Luke Wheatley, announcing the program. "We can't wait to welcome film lovers, industry professionals, and storytellers to experience the magic of the festival." [caption id="attachment_997752" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Screenshot[/caption] The 2025 Gold Coast Film Festival runs from Wednesday, April 30–Sunday, May 11 at HOTA, Home of the Arts and other venues on the Gold Coast. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
Five years ago, a new addition to St Lucia asked Brisbanites a crucial question: why did the fried chicken fan cross Hawken Drive? The answer: to eat all the greasy chook they could handle at poultry buffet restaurant KaiKai Chicken. Since then, the eatery has helped solve another crucial query faced by hungry chook fiends, aka whether to have one finger lickin' good piece, several, or more than anyone should actually admit to. It serves up an endless array of poultry in a dozen different flavours, plus all-you-can-eat fries, rice, other sides and desserts to round out the meal. A la carte orders are also available, but who wants that when there's bottomless fried chicken at arms reach? To indulge in all of the above, likely while wearing your stretchiest outfit, you've needed to head to Brissie's inner west — but now, thanks to the chain's second venue, you can also venture south. Now open and serving customers, KaiKai has launched its second yellow-hued store in Springwood, complete with its beloved all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet. [caption id="attachment_640449" align="alignnone" width="1620"] Atlanta Bell[/caption] That means that you currently have twice as many spots to hit up for the chain's affordable — albeit hardly healthy — $24.95 bottomless package, which includes those 12 flavours of chicken, six types of loaded fries, steamed rice, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread rolls, and cinnamon jelly doughnut sandwiches for dessert. Also on the menu at the new Kaikai spot: a $75 option that also includes a 90-minute alcohol package spanning bottled beers, mimosas and soju jugs. If it sounds too good to be true, we're here to tell you that it's a clucking reality — as it has been in St Lucia for half a decade now. That said, visits to Kaikai do have a time limit. Just like sipping that aforementioned bottomless booze, flocking customers are asked to get their chicken fix within 90 minutes due to the demand — and, let's be honest, after an hour and a half of seeing how much chook you can feast upon, you're probably be ready to fly the coop anyway. Find KaiKai Chicken at 3/25 Watland Street, Springwood — open 5.30pm–10pm Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday, and 5.30–10.30pm Friday–Saturday.
Regina George and the Plastics told us that Wednesdays are for wearing pink. In fact, they've advised us of that more than once. But on Wednesday, February 7, the middle of the week is for eating doughnuts without spending a cent, too, to promote the latest Mean Girls film. All day, Donut King is handing out freebies — and keeping Australians happy with their eponymous blend of sweets and carbs. The chain is known for its hot cinnamon doughnuts, and that's exactly what it'll be giving away at participating stores across Australia. Donut King hasn't advised exactly how many doughnuts are up for grabs, and it is a while-stocks-last affair. The big caveat, other than the first-in-best-dressed rule: there's a limit of one free hot cinnamon doughnut per person. Also, you do have to hit up a Donut King shop in-person, with the giveaway not available for deliveries. The brand's locations include everywhere from Chatswood and Top Ryde to Leichhardt and Hurstville in Sydney; Northcote, Sunshine, The Pines and Southland Westfield in Melbourne; Brisbane's Indooroopilly, Carindale, Chermside and Mt Gravatt; Perth's Ocean Keys and Midland Gate; and Adelaide's Glenelg, Tea Tree Plaza and more. But, you will need to check if your local Donut King outpost is taking part. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Donut King (@donutking_au) The new Mean Girls movie adapts the stage musical based on the OG 2004 movie, stars Australian actor Angourie Rice as Cady Heron and hit cinemas in January. Check out the trailer below — before, during or after tucking into a free doughnut: Donut King is giving away free doughnuts on Wednesday, February 7 at the chain's participating stores around the country. To find your closest shop and check its opening hours, head to the Donut King website.
4 Walls, Brisbane's biggest all-ages music festival, is back for 2013, boasting a collection of some of the biggest local names of the underground scene. Favoured by the airwaves, Jeremy Neale, Pigeon, Go Violets, Cub Scouts and Tourism are some of the acts featured on the line up, with a host of other bands and artists across three stages for the full-day event. This event is not just about the music — Four Walls is a day of live acts, plus DJs, as well as spaces to relax, and food and drink, adding up to a great-value day out. Brought to you by Youth Music Industries and the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, each aims to promote the music of young people by facilitating performances, recording, publishing and broadcasting their work. This event is known to sell out, so be sure to grab your tickets online prior to the day.
Opening this weekend at Fortitude Valley's Institute of Modern Art are two large-scale exhibitions of different intent and form. Brisbane-born artist Gary Carsley has put together an exhibition that blends art and nature in a wonderful display of interactive installation art. Blending indoor and outdoor space, Sciencefictive encompasses two gallery spaces in which audiences can wander through, viewing garden scenes through custom-made apertures, called ‘Moongates’. Each nature scene encourages reflection and ponders the relationship between natural spaces and how it can mesh with our social settings. The Working Life is an ensemble exhibition, with works from numerous artists. It is a reflective series examining the effects of personal troubles and large-scale social calamities. These micro and macro examinations showcase a renewed interest in the aspect of labour and its importance to communities and interpersonal relationships. These international and Australian artists have crafted these works in the years post the financial crisis and utilise film and performance techniques to bring each artistic vision to the fore. The Working Life analyses corporate hypocrisy, fraud and injustice in an effort to create dialogue on the issues surrounding working life. The Working Life features art by Richard Bell, Andrea Fraser, Marianne Flotron, Melanie Gilligan, Jesse Jones, Darius Mikšys, Stuart Ringholt, and Copenhagen-based artist collective, Superflex. The exhibition was curated by Aileen Burns and Johan Lundh. Both exhibitions will open on Saturday, May 31, with special preview drinks at 4pm for IMA members only, followed by a talk by exhibiting artist Gary Carsley.
This article is sponsored by our partners, the State Library of Queensland. Fast with words and fleet with a turn of phrase? Then you might just be the next poetry slam champion. The Australian Poetry Slam '14 is looking for a fresh batch of lyrical voices to brave the stage and battle it out in a war of pithy, punchy prose — be it traditional poetry, hip hop-inspired rhymes, a story or a monologue. It all starts with local heats around the state, including in Brisbane on September 5. Winners then progress to the Queensland State Final on September 26 at the State Library, where creative wordsmiths will wield their verse in two-minute bursts of their own original material. The ultimate prize: bragging rights, of course, but also qualifying for the national final in Sydney (where $12,000 of cash and prizes await). For those new to sharing short spoken word poems with crowds, a series of workshops precede the heats to help equip the poetically keen but practically inexperienced. Develop performance skills, fine-tune stage technique, build confidence as a writer, or simply enjoy plenty of time getting used to addressing a crowd. Not interested in performing? The State Final offers plenty of other fun, too. Live music will set the mood, and the audience isn’t just there to watch — they’re also the judge.
If catching a real-life talk by Barack Obama is on your intellectual bucket list, then you're about to get your chance to tick it off — the former United States president is coming Down Under for a speaking event next month. The New Zealand United States Council yesterday revealed that it'll host Mr Obama for two exclusive talks next month, with the first to be held at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre on March 22. He will then fly into Sydney for a second talk at the on March 23 which, according to News Corp, will be held at the Art Gallery of NSW. "President Obama's presidency had an extraordinary impact on the world and during his service, New Zealand's deep friendship with the United States was strengthened politically, culturally, in trade and investment, innovation and security," said NZUS Council Chairman Leon Grice in a Facebook post. Mr Obama visited Australia twice during his eight-year presidency. This will be his first post-presidency trip to the country. The finer details are yet to be announced and it's not yet known if the event will be open to the general public. We'll let you know when more details are confirmed.
Just because The Boys loves satirising pop culture's superhero obsession, that doesn't mean that it can't spark its own franchise. So, when the series quickly proved a hit, of course a whole Vought Cinematic Universe started springing up around it. First came the animated The Boys Presents: Diabolical. Then, Gen V arrived to take on the 'We Gotta Go Now' storyline. Get ready for more of the latter — because Prime Video has just renewed it for a second season. Gen V's freshman outing debuted back in September and won't wrap up until November; however, the streaming platform behind it has already re-enrolled. "We couldn't be happier to make a second season of Gen V. These are characters and stories we've grown to love, and we are thrilled to know people feel the same! The writers are already working on the new season — sophomore year is gonna be wild, with all the twists, heart, satire and exploding genitalia you've come to expect from the show," said showrunner Michele Fazekas (Agent Carter) and executive producer Eric Kripke (The Boys) about the second season. There's no return date for Gen V as yet, just as The Boys' fourth season doesn't yet have a release date either. But when the former does get a second spin, it'll dive back into the chaos at Godolkin University, the college for superheroes that's meant to help prepare the best of the best for caped-crusader life — until exploding classmates, creepy secret facilities and untrustworthy professors complicate matters. Season one spends time with the blood-bending Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), who knows that attending God U is a pivotal opportunity. After a traumatic experience when her powers kicked in, this is her chance to completely change her life — and achieve her dream of becoming the first Black woman in The Seven. Then, nothing turns out as planned. Also, things on campus (and underneath it) get shady, fast. Also starring in season one: Lizze Broadway (Based on a True Story) as Marie's roomate Emma Meyer, who can change her size; Patrick Schwarzenegger (The Staircase) as Luke 'Golden Boy' Riordan, the school's literally hot number one-ranked pupil; Maddie Phillips (Teenage Bounty Hunters) as his persuasive girlfriend Cate Dunlap; Chance Perdomo (also Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as the magnetic Andre Anderson; and London Thor (Never Have I Ever) and Derek Luh (Shining Vale) as the gender-shifting Jordan Li. Check out the trailer for Gen V's first season below: Gen V streams via Prime Video, with a release date for season two not yet announced. Read our review of season one.
Pirates of the digital kind will be well aware of Village Roadshow's quest to rid the country of internet plundering, with the film company stepping up their efforts in the last year or so. This time twelve months ago, they commenced legal action against one movie streaming site. In October, co-chief executive Graham Burke announced plans to start suing illegal downloaders. A successful bid to stop Australians from accessing The Pirate Bay and four other sites followed in December — and they're just getting started. In their latest move, the folks responsible for releasing films such as the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, The LEGO Movie, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and more on our shores have filed a Federal Court application to block 41 additional piracy-enabling culprits. Torrent sites, streaming portals and direct download sites are included, spanning the likes of Demonoid, EZTV, ExtraTorrent, LimeTorrents and Torrent Downloads, as well as CouchTuner, 123Movies, Putlocker, WatchFree and WatchSeries. In many cases, multiple URLs are included for each site. Given their success last time around, Roadshow wants the next round of bans to be modelled on the last, which didn't include rolling injunctions — that is, the ability to add proxy and mirror sites to the list as they spring up. To combat that inevitable occurrence, they're proposing that ISPs file and affidavit and pay $50 per domain name whenever a new site arises. For anyone with access to a VPN, this news probably won't drastically alter your content acquiring behaviour. Or, the awareness that the driving force doesn't always keep in step with the rest of the globe when it comes to releasing big films. Indeed, one of Roadshow's most eagerly awaited titles of the year — The LEGO Batman Movie — arrives on Aussie screens more than a month and a half after most of the world. In a nation already known to swashbuckle when it comes to timely access to new films and TV shows, that might just send them flocking to their computers rather than the cinema. Via Computerworld. Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
This year, the AICE (Australia Israel Cultural Exchange) Israeli Film Festival, the only country-wide event to focus on Israeli film, celebrates ten years of bringing assumption-shattering documentaries and controversial features to Australian audiences. Opening night will see the national premiere of The Ballad of the Weeping Spring, nominee for nine Israeli Academy Awards and winner of four. Stylistically influenced by both spaghetti Westerns and samurai epics, it explores the often blurred lines between life and art in its portrayal of the emotional reunion of a once legendary band torn apart by tragedy. Other highlights of the fortnight-long festival include The Gatekeepers, an Oscar-nominated documentary in which six ex-leaders of the Shin Bet (Israel's internal secret service) discuss their success and failures in "overseeing Israel's war on terror"; Good Garbage, winner of Best Documentary at Shanghai's Magnolia Film Festival, which depicts the hardships of 200 Palestinian families who depend upon the Hebron Hills garbage dump for survival; and Zaytoun, a drama about the development of an unusual friendship between a Palestinian orphan and an Israeli fighter pilot. "The festival continues to highlight not only the breadth and strength of the Israeli film industry, but also presents the broad spectrum of Israeli society and everyday issues," explains co-curator Keith Lawrence. "A common thread in many of the films this year is that of the concerns of young adults — social, sexual and political — whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim."
After playing host to Brisbane's decadent Lobster Shack pop-up, Petrie Terrace is now home to the city's newest American-themed eatery and watering hole. Open in the spot formerly known as Sandy's Goodtime Bar, Fat Belly Jack's is the inner-city area's new home of fried chicken, bourbon, whisky and beer. The new venture actually comes from the folks behind the aforementioned short-term lobster and Champagne venture. Indeed, they were so impressed with its success that they decided to settle into 48 Petrie Terrace for the long haul. This time around, though, they're all about Nashville-style poultry pieces cooked in a southern-style batter, then dunked in spicy coatings that range from mild to 'really fucking hot', as well as specially paired boilermakers. Food-wise, patrons can choose from burgers, wings, tenders, and either quarter or a half birds, which all come with bread, pickles and a choice of sides. And as far as those accompaniments go, Fat Belly Jack's is slinging bacon-fried greens, Memphis slaw, creamed corn, mac 'n' cheese and crinkle cut fries. With bare brick walls on display, neon signs a-blazing, and a soundtrack of American blues, rock, soul, funk and country music, the venue leans into its theming; however, other than the chook, it's the huge back bar that's the focal point. A sizeable range of American spirits sits alongside a rotating lineup of US beers, plus Fat Belly Jack's special boilermaker menu. Spanning from high-end to more affordable options, the lineup includes the likes of the Baller Boiler, pairing Deep Creek IPA with five-year-old Willet Pot Still Reserve whiskey, as well as the Poor Boy, which combines a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon with a shot of Jameson. Find Fat Belly Jack's at 48 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. It's open from 12–10pm Tuesday–Saturday, or until later if busy.
Much of 2020 so far has been all about staying indoors — and you want those interiors to look as great as possible. Art and design lovers, that's where the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art's regular design market comes in. And, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, this one is going virtual. Browse, buy and then prepare to get cosy — or stay that way. You'll be buying things for your home as you sit inside your home. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles, homewares and more at the 17-day-long maker market, which will feature plenty of creative folks selling their wares online when it runs Friday, May 15–Sunday, May 31. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_i5LbDAJYz/ The QAGOMA Store website will be hosting the virtual design market, and all purchases will be shipped to your door. And while GOMA will likely host another design market once the silly season rolls around — as previously has every year — if you feel like getting your gift shopping out of the way now, it'll make you feel like Christmas has come early.
Sydneysiders, don't throw away your shot to see the biggest thing in musical theatre this century — again. Lin-Manuel Miranda's game-changing, award-winning, rightly raved-about Hamilton is returning to the Sydney Lyric Theatre after its lockdown-induced shutdown. You'll only have a few months to be in the room where it happens, however, before Melburnians will get their turn. In Sydney, the hit show will return to the stage on Tuesday, October 19 — a day before fellow big-name musical Come From Away will also resume its local season. Hamilton's Lyric Theatre run is now set to last until Sunday, February 27, with the production already slated to kick off its Melbourne shows at Her Majesty's Theatre from Wednesday, March 16. Like much about life after lockdown, there'll be a few rules in place for Sydneysiders eager to take an all-singing, all-dancing trip through US history, with updated conditions of entry set to come into effect. While Come From Away has already announced that it'll only be welcoming in fully vaccinated audiences, the requirements to see Hamilton haven't yet been revealed, other than noting that the show will operate "in line with the relevant NSW Government Public Health Order when it is available." All current ticketholders will be contacted by the Sydney Lyric Theatre with the updated guidelines, while all new customers will be need to accept the conditions of entry when they buy their tickets. The Broadway blockbuster finally made its way to Australia earlier this year, opening in March with a cast that includes Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, Chloé Zuel as Eliza Hamilton, Lyndon Watts as Aaron Burr, Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, Matu Ngaropo as George Washington, and Victory Ndukwe as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. Also featuring in this lively exploration of 18th-century American politics in song: Shaka Cook as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, Marty Alix as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds, and Brent Hill as King George III. Haven't become a Hamilton obsessive yet? Not quite sure why it has been the most-talked about theatre show of the past six years? The critically acclaimed hip hop musical, for which Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book, is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. In addition to its swag of Tony Awards — 11 in fact, which includes Best Musical — it has nabbed a Grammy Award and even a Pulitzer Prize. The filmed version of its Broadway production also just won an Emmy. Over the past few months — and before March this year — Australians eager to see the show had to be content with watching that stage-to-streaming recording, which hit Disney+ in 2020 (and yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard). Tickets for Sydney shows are back on sale, with seats for dates between Tuesday, December 21–Sunday, February 27 set to release on Friday, October 1. Melbourne tickets are currently on sale now, too — and Brisbanites, start crossing your fingers that Hamilton plans a move up north after its Melbourne run. Hamilton will return to the Sydney Lyric Theatre from Tuesday, October 19–Sunday, February 27, with tickets on sale now. It'll then kick off its Melbourne season at Her Majesty's Theatre from Wednesday, March 16. Head to the musical's website for further details. Images: Daniel Boud.
UPDATE, August 18, 2023: Bound Festival will no longer be going ahead for 2023. Next time that you hit the beach, Ash Grunwald and Phil Jamieson could provide the soundtrack, wine-fuelled picnics might be on the agenda and brews in a beer hall could await. When you're not tapping your toes, eating and drinking, yoga and meditation sessions might be ensuring that you're as relaxed as possible — all amid the sand, surf and sun of Burleigh Heads. There's no coulds or mights about any of the above actually accuring at Bound Festival, which will take place from Friday, September 22–Sunday, September 24. The only question? If you're set to soak them in. This three-day event will combine food, wine, music and wellness on the Gold Coast, returning for a second year but under a new name. If the general concept sounds familiar, that's because it happened in 2022 as Burleigh Festival. The destination again: Justins Park on the Burleigh Heads Foreshore. And, yes, all those bites, sips, tunes and relaxation sessions are setting up shop right by the water once more. Ash Grunwald, Phil Jamieson, Felivand, Apricot Ink and Golding are all locked in behind the microphone, with additional music acts to be announced, including a headliner to close the main stage's lineup on the Sunday. If it's the culinary part of the program that has you most excited — other than the setting, which is always a drawcard — Bound Festival hasn't unveiled its vendors as yet; however, the focus is firmly local. Standout Burleigh and Gold Coast eateries will serve up dishes, covering meals considered local specialties and international cuisines. And, the picnic precinct will revolve around cellar doors and serve ample cheese, brews aplenty will be on offer in the beer hall, and non-alcoholic options will get their time to shine as well. Games and a barbecue spread are also on the agenda — and, as for the wellness activities, they'll score their own dedicated zone. Also featuring: HIIT sessions, plus discussions about finding your bliss. There, too, the full lineup is still to come. BOUND FESTIVAL 2023 LINEUP: Ash Grunwald Phil Jamieson Felivand Apricot Ink Golding more to come Bound Festival runs from Friday, September 22–Sunday, September 24 at Justins Park on the Burleigh Heads Foreshore, Burleigh Heads. For further information, head to the event's website.
One of Brisbane’s best breakfasts can be found at an unassuming café on Samford Road in Gaythorne. Grub Street operates in a small space but packs a flavourful punch. The menu was conceived with the idea of giving suburban breakfasters options other than ‘cookie cutter franchise coffees and golden arches’, and in this respect it succeeds mightily. Innovative flavour combinations will delight the most committed of food snobs. Bacon and eggs barely make an appearance, and the best part is, you won’t miss them at all. Crispy pumpkin and haloumi fritters with spinach, dukkah, tzatziki and grilled chorizo makes for a tasty yet light brunch, while the carrot pancakes with grilled haloumi, spinach and beetroot relish are a delicious vegetarian option. For those who can’t envision brunch without eggs, the green eggs and ham (pesto scrambled eggs with ham off the bone and toast) or the bacon and egg burger will satisfy. The menu changes with seasonal availabilities, but you’re guaranteed a great meal no matter when you pay Grub Street a visit. Seating is available in the outside courtyard of the café, but to beat the heat and traffic noise, take a seat in the air conditioning inside. From there, you can watch the kitchen pumping out the amazing brunch and lunch dishes, or browse the selection of home made relishes and chutneys for sale.
How do you find a single missing person in a country of over a billion? That's the terrifying dilemma faced by a desperate father, after his 12-year-old son goes missing. A sobering portrait of a pandemic concern in poverty-affected India, Richie Mehta's film works thanks to his unexaggerated approach to the subject matter. There's not a hint of melodrama here, and the tale is all the more compelling for it. For a film set half a world away, Siddharth hits very close to home. The film takes its title from the name of the missing boy, who in the opening scene we see being loaded onto a bus by his father, Mahendra (Rajesh Tailang). Siddharth is on his way to Ludhiana, hundreds of kilometres away, where he's due to start work in a trolley factory. Child labour is illegal in India, but commonplace nevertheless. And for the family of four, no longer able to survive on Mahendra's meagre wages as a street corner zipper repairman, the second source of income will be crucial. When Siddharth fails to return to Delhi for the Diwali festival a month later, the assumption is that he simply couldn't secure passage home. But as time passes without any word, Mahendra and his wife, Suman (Tannishtha Chatterjee), grow increasingly concerned. When they finally call the owner of the factory, he tells them that the boy ran away more than a fortnight ago. Unable to believe Siddharth wouldn't simply return home, the fear then becomes that he has been kidnapped. Based on a first person anecdote Mehta — a Canadian filmmaker of Indian descent — heard while travelling in Delhi, the story examines multiple social issues facing India. Recent statistics show that nearly 40,000 children disappear in the country each year, many of them sold into slavery or prostitution or forced out onto the streets to beg. Indeed, the problem is so endemic, so normalised, that at one point someone suggests that Mahendra simply have another child. Such callous pragmatism extends to the police force and child protection agencies, overworked and undermanned as they are. But so too does it extend to Mahendra himself, who is soon confronted with the financial cost of continuing the search for his son. It costs him a month's savings just to pay for a train ticket to Mumbai. Suman blames him for sending Siddharth away, and it's easy to agree with her. But then again, did he even have a choice? The grim economic reality of the family's situation is the stark spotlight under which Mehta's film unfolds, and ultimately makes it that much more confronting. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wNMDwpMrxmQ
Whether in collectives or as individuals, a ton of artists are leaving their mark on canvas and walls all around Brisbane. Two such visual magicians are Vlada and Jaimee. You may recognise them a few ways. They comprise one half of rising musical stars Major Leagues, but they also go by separate artistic pseudonyms. Allow me to introduce Junky (Vlada) and Kool Thing (Jaimee) — two of the most interesting artists in town. Junky's detailed illustrations are a sight to behold, while Kool Thing's beloved Pet Portraits have made her hot property to animal lovers everywhere. These pals have been decorating walls across Brisbane for some time, and now they are joining forces for a collaborative exhibition at Jamie's Espresso this Thursday. We decided to have a chat to both artists to find out what makes them tick. Jaimee, in a quick sentence, tell us about your art style! J: My direction might be associated with a street art and/or comic art style. Jaimee, Where did you come up with the idea for Pet Portraits? J: My amazing mother placed that seed in my mind. Thanks mum. How has the response been since you started producing them? J: Dog lovers from all over the country are so encouraging toward this endeavour. It's on its way to becoming a legitimate small business, yippy! Vlada, your illustrations are incredibly detailed! What sort of illustrations do you enjoy drawing the most? V: When I first started drawing I pretty much just drew thousands of pictures of Gambit from X-Men (really focusing on the six pack), so I think doing graphic novel style drawing will always be my favourite thing to do. However Jaimee and I have done a few big murals around the place and they have always been crazy fun. We have been lucky that the lovely people that have let us massacre their walls have just let us have free reign over the space and we get to draw pictures of laser squids and intergalactic bunny rabbits and all kinds of fun things. What/where do you draw your influences from? J: I sway toward anything with intentional and detailed line work. Traditional Japanese prints from old favourites like Hokusai or modern Israeli street artist like UNGA, have surly been an encouragement in the way my work polishes out. V: The artists I follow and fawn over are a huge influence on my work. After I finish something I spend a significant amount of time making sure I haven't plagiarised. I have a little spongy baby brain. Same goes for comic books and whatever I'm reading at the time. Oh and pretty much everything I eat. I'm way too inspired by food. What can you tell us about your upcoming exhibition? What can we expect? J: Vlada and I will each have four to five pieces on display, consisting of our latest inspirations. It will probably look a lot like our Tumblr feed, because us gals don't get out much. V: For this particular exhibition all the works will be fairly new. I never intended on having a theme; however, as I finished everything they all ended up being black-and-white inked pictures. For anyone that has seen any of Jaimee's work she has a solid style that has this incredible ability to adapt and change but maintains its integrity, which is something I really respect about her work. Generally it'll be a collection of new stuff and hopefully will be visually delicious! You are quite active amongst the Brisbane cultural scene; what do you like about Brisbane culturally at this point in time? J: Brisbane has many integral components that make our cultural hub beautiful, including our music and street art. I have recently been city hopping on a national tour with Vlada and our band mates in Major Leagues and we were blown away by the amount of gorgeous street art from the main cities we travelled to. I only hope we will have more tolerance for artistic speech on our streets because I feel that there is a lack of it within our Brisbane culture. I'm super excited for progression in Brisbane's cultural hub. There is much to look forward to. V: Brisbane is wonderful. There are always great bands playing, exhibitions to see, beers to drink and burritos to consume. Brisbane will just keep on growing creatively as well. There are some great minds in this bustling metropolis of ours. Oh yes, and hanging out at Kodak Beach of course. Who are some artists or musicians that you would recommend to someone looking to immerse themselves in Brisbane culture? J: Sam McKenzie (Illustrator) Jesse Olsen (illustrator/tattoo artist), Theresa Fryer (cinematographer) As for musicians, Babaganouj, ROKU MUSIC, Cub Sport and The Good Sports. V: I know for a fact that Jaimee's list and mine are incredibly similar so refer to Jaimee Fryer's list. Ha. But my addition to the artist list would have to be Phoebe Paradise. Where are your favourite places to eat / drink / party around town? J: I go to The Tiller in Alderley for coffee every day; The Scratch bar for my beer needs and The Underdog is a swinging place I'd like to party down at more often. V: Well you can't go wrong with drinking beers on a deck — if you have a deck that is. We have a deck and it is popular past time in our home. Food wise, Vietnamese pork rolls from my bakery in East Brisbane are a solid lunchtime treat and fun dancing times at Black Bear Lodge on the weekends are brilliant, especially if it's a No Diggity night. Ooooh Damn. Kool Thing and Junky will be hosting an exhibition at Jamie's Espresso this Thursday. Check out their work from 6pm.
Here's one way to warm up your winter: heading to Northshore Hamilton for wild nights filled with everything from cabaret, burlesque, circus and music to magic and a Shinjuku-inspired bar. From Wednesday, July 27, that's on the bill thanks to a new entertainment precinct pop-up called Twilight Electric. Yes, heading by when the sun is setting is highly recommended. This luminous limited-time venue will boast two big drawcards: Blanc de Blanc Encore, which has proven a Brisbane Festival favourite in the past; and a Brisbane season for Maho Magic Bar. And if you're wondering why, it's all happening in the lead up to this year's Bris Fest — which'll unfurl its jam-packed 2022 lineup, moon-focused events and all, in September. With the return of Blanc de Blanc Encore comes the return of the Spiegeltent, which'll be filled with the kind of party that'd make Jay Gatsby envious. Think: glamour, hedonism, opulence, an OTT vibe and extravagance aplenty, all thanks to Strut & Fret, who've also brought Feasting on Flesh, A Company of Strangers, Cantina, Dream Menagerie, LIMBO, Blanc de Blanc and Limbo Unhinged our way in the past. Blanc de Blanc Encore combines tunes, big dance numbers, acrobatics and other circus tricks, risqué humour and a vintage French aesthetic — so, there's a little something for everyone. The vibe is pure cheekiness, so if you're a little sensitive, this mightn't be for you. As for Maho Magic Bar, it's a bar, a performance space and a show all in one — all thanks to Broad Encounters, aka the folks behind that eerie Edgar Allen Poe-inspired warehouse experience A Midnight Visit that creeped out Brisbane in 2021. Here, neon lighting sets the mood, cherry blossoms hover above, and sake cocktails and shōchū lead the drinks menu. Also, magic shows happen at your table. An immersive event from the moment that you approach its glowing exterior, it's designed to replicate a night out in Shinjuku in Tokyo, and conjure up an 'anything can happen' feeling. The ace thing about the setup: whether you adore magic or don't think it's your thing, you'll still be entertained given the atmosphere (and the drinks and those lights) are a massive part of the allure. Still, magic is nonetheless a big part of it. Busting out illusions: Osaka's Shohgo Yamashita, the gender stereotype-busting Kaori Kitazawa and close-up magician Sarito. Find Twilight Electric at Northshore Hamilton from Wednesday, July 27. For further information and to buy tickets, head to the Twilight Electric website. Top image: Maho Magic Bar, Trentino Priori.
When September 1994 rolled around, and a new sitcom about six New York City-dwelling friends first debuted on television screens, no one could've known just what would follow. It made stars out of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, and made seemingly everyone keen to copy Aniston's hairstyle — and it unleashed a genuine pop culture phenomenon that's still watched and rewatched by adoring fans all these years later. The setup is so very simple, and it's one that plenty of other shows have also tried. But Friends manages to distill a familiar and straightforward idea into 236 episodes of entertaining comedy. Call it 'The One with the Huge Longevity', 'The One That No One Seems to Be Able to Get Enough Of' or 'The One That Made Sitting on Orange Coffee Shop Couches and Singing About Smelly Cats Cool'.
When May hits, the Gold Coast will boast yet another attraction — and it doesn't involve sun, surf, sand or theme park rides. Southeast Queensland's popular tourist destination will open its new $60.5 million, six-level art gallery, which'll become the country's largest art gallery outside of a capital city. If the news sounds familiar, that's because it was first announced back in 2018, with an early 2021 opening date set at the time. And yes, it's sticking to that timeframe. While the pandemic has delayed more than a few things over the past year, the new addition to HOTA, Home of the Arts at Surfers Paradise's isn't among them. It'll launch on Saturday, May 8. Art lovers can get excited about a multi-floor gallery with more than 2000 square metres of exhibition space, including a main area that'll be used for touring exhibitions, plus a permanent collection space across three levels, a children's gallery and an area for storing works that aren't on display. Simply called the HOTA Gallery, it has been built at the top of the site's concert lawn, and overlooks HOTA's outdoor stage. View-wise, there'll be much to look at if you're keen on gazing at creative pieces. That includes two sculptural installations that'll be placed outside, as created by Queensland Waanyi artist Judy Watson and Sri-Lankan born, Sydney based artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran. Watson's artwork will hero Indigenous native plants, plus a pathway that forms a topographical map of Nerang prior to European settlement. Piccabeen basket and dilly bag sculptures designed with Quandamooka artists Libby Harward and Elisa Jane Carmichael will also feature, as will a two-metre-tall feather canopy and snippets of local language sandblasted onto the bleachers. As for Nithiyendran, he has crafted a six-metre-high, double-sided sculpture made out of bronze, concrete, neon and fibreglass that's designed to reflect the vibrancy of the new building. Visitors will also be able to peer at something other than the art gracing the walls, with the building featuring a rooftop bar and restaurant. Called The Exhibitionist Bar, it'll take over 233 square metres, and pair panoramic views with tapas, share plates, cocktails, wine, beer and house-made sodas. And, it's also opening in May. Both indoor and outdoor terrace seating will feature, and you'll get a vantage that sprawls over the Goldie's waterways, Surfers' Paradise skyline and the hinterland. Plus, in terms of decor, the venue is taking its cues from rainforests — as does the building itself, which is inspired by William Robinson's 'The Rainforest'. HOTA Gallery and The Exhibitionist Bar are both set to open at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise on Saturday, May 8. For more information, visit the HOTA website. Top images: Scott Chrisman, Pixeltape Media
For the past few years, the unnerving Séance installation has been popping up around southeast Queensland and spooking the region out. From Thursday, October 3—Sunday, December 8, 2024, it's back again — because when better than the lead up to Halloween? This time around, it's setting up its big, white container at South Bank's Maritime Museum alongside fellow pop-ups Maho Magic Bar and Flight. Unlike most shipping containers around the place, this one isn't being used to transport furniture. And, given that the word 'séance' is written on the side in black, it's definitely more than a little ominous. Participants will be able to take a seat inside, and then put on a headset. You'll next be told to put both hands on the table. The lights go out, leaving the place in absolute darkness — and, for 20 uneasy minutes, you'll be taken on an immersive journey led only by touch and sounds. Expect to feel confused, repulsed and struck with temporary claustrophobia. According to organisers, numerous participants have bailed halfway through sittings in the past. You're probably thinking that there's something dark or supernatural about the whole thing — and going by the name, we don't blame you. But the installation's organiser says that 'séance' is simply a French word meaning 'session' or 'sitting'. And so Séance is a sensory experience that looks at the psychology of both sensory deprivation and the dynamics of a group sitting together. It's a scary indicator of how easy it is for confusion, disorientation and information overload to affect our judgement. (We're serious when we say Séance is not recommended for the claustrophobic, the easily frightened or those afraid of the dark.) Artists David Rosenberg and Glen Neath of Darkfield (who have collaborated in other sensory deprivation projects before) are the creative masterminds behind the project, which has been described as 'disorienting' and 'deeply unsettling'. And if need more of an idea of what you're in for, you might've listened to Darkfield's at-home experiences in the past few years, too — such as Double, Visitors, Eternal and Knot — and experienced a few bumps and jumps.
It's only taken a few short years for the British Film Festival to become a highlight of Australia's busy festival calendar, and their first titles for their fourth year demonstrate why. Fancy seeing this year's Cannes Palme d'Or winner? Or a host of high-profile titles direct from their premieres at the Venice and Toronto film festivals? Or a restored version of the David Bowie-starring sci-fi classic The Man Who Fell to Earth? Well, they're all on the bill when the festival returns to Brisbane's Palace Barracks from October 27 to November 16 Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake — which took top honours in Cannes back in May — takes a look at the British welfare system through the filmmaker's usual social realist lens, and ranks among the most highly anticipated of the bunch. It's joined by the high-profile likes of opening night's A United Kingdom and closing night's A Monster Calls. The former tells the true tale of a Botswana prince (Selma's David Oyelowo) who caused a scandal when he married a white Englishwoman (Gone Girl's Rosamund Pike), and is also slated to open the London Film Festival. Directed by The Impossible's Juan Antonio Bayona, A Monster Calls adapts a fantasy novel about a young boy coping with his mother's terminal illness, and features Liam Neeson as the voice of the titular creature. Audiences will also get the chance to see crime-drama Trespass Against Us, which not only stars Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson, but marks the film debut of the Chemical Brothers' long-term visual collaborator Adam Smith. For cinephiles looking for something completely different, rom-com fans can get their fix watching Gemma Arterton and Sam Claflin in Their Finest, from An Education helmer Lone Scherfig. And because all good film fests don't just look forward to future hits but also peer back to the greats of years gone by, this year's British Film Festival has curated a ten-movie tribute to some of the country's enduring cinematic heroes. As well as Bowie proving his out-of-this-world acting abilities, catch Gary Oldman getting his punk on in Sid and Nancy and feast on the epic action adventure that is Highlander.
Where's the weirdest, wildest, strangest and most unexpected place you've seen a live show? Wherever it might be, would you like to best it? That's the challenge that Anywhere Festival gives Brisbane audiences every year, because this event's love of putting on theatre everywhere it possibly can is right there in its name. When you're not watching performances in a bar, you might be heading to a park — or a brewery, cemetery or someone's house. They're just some of the spots that Anywhere Festival is sliding into in 2023, with the event returning from Thursday, May 4–Sunday, May 21. Other destinations hosting theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, music, circus, spoken word or poetry include libraries, paint factories, museums, laneways, galleries and a Harry Potter-themed store — and also a YMCA, a couple of universities, community centres, cafes, a beach and an old Stefan salon. The 2023 event begins as it has in previous years, starting with a big laneway party on Fish Lane. From there, you can ponder cabin fever in someone's apartment, watch a dance work in an airport terminal, catch a musical parody of The Human Centipede and listen to live tunes in a Woolloongabba pedorthic clinic. Or, if you'd like to learn how to survive a zombie apocalypse — a handy skill — that's happening at a school. Also on the lineup: pondering disaster at The Wilderness Society, musing on the worst funerals ever at South Brisbane cemetery, an immersive ten-year reunion at Blute's, songs about shopping at Garden City, a production about a hellish seaside escape at Northshore's beach, and the 12.7 million lights of the QUT Sphere backdropping music and movement. There's a show about the best bubbles — not the drinks — as well, and a string quartet at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Dancing in a park, a circus show about the history of booze while beer is being made around you, an ode to introverts, wizard trivia and wondering what'd happen if Shakespeare's characters were still alive today are on the bill as well. [caption id="attachment_852664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Geoff Lawrence[/caption] Top image: Stuart Hirth.
"There are eight billion people on this planet, but only 25 awards to be given out tonight". If you've ever dreamed about winning an Emmy, Oprah Winfrey just worked out your odds each year: over 300 million to one. Of course, that just makes every batch of recipients at Hollywood's night of TV nights all the more special — including 2022's, which just received its shiny trophies today, Tuesday, September 13, Down Under. Hosted by Saturday Night Live's Kenan Thompson, this year's ceremony started with an important question. "If it weren't for TV, what would be do in our free time?" Thompson asked — and if you spend plenty of your after-work hours watching the non-stop array of new and returning series always competing for your eyeballs, you understand. The Emmys always provide an answer to a different query, too, showing us all the reasons why we do keep reaching for the remote during our couch time. In 2022, the ceremony's winners included both returning favourites and new hits. Succession — or Business Throne, as it was dubbed by Girls5Eva — kept winning awards. That isn't a surprise given that it nabbed a whopping 25 nominations to begin with, including 14 for acting. The White Lotus also earned itself some new mantle knickknacks from its 20 noms, as did Ted Lasso from the same amount of nods. And Squid Game also got lucky, and a green light. Similarly among the highlights, beyond the gongs themselves: Lizzo's tearful speech about representation and body image in the media, and wanting to see someone like herself on TV; Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers riffing while handing out an award, which never gets old; Only Murders in the Building's Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short doing the same, particularly Martin and Short's banter about each other's careers; and Brett Goldstein promising not to swear while picking up his award, then doing it anyway (he does play Roy fucking Kent, after all). Or, there was Jennifer Coolidge refusing to give up her "once in a lifetime" shot to thank everyone, and just dancing to the music playing her off; The White Lotus creator Mike White talking about his time on Survivor (yes really); and the fact that the ceremony started with opening musical numbers to the Friends, The Brady Bunch, Law and Order, Stranger Things and Game of Thrones themes (again, yes really). Now, back to those winners — you'll find the full list below, as well as who they were up against. Fancy knowing more about this year's must-see highlights? Check out our top ten picks, too. EMMY NOMINEES AND WINNERS 2022 OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES Better Call Saul Euphoria Ozark Severance Squid Game Stranger Things Succession — WINNER Yellowjackets OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES Abbott Elementary Barry Curb Your Enthusiasm Hacks The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Only Murders in the Building Ted Lasso — WINNER What We Do in the Shadows OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES Dopesick The Dropout Inventing Anna Pam & Tommy The White Lotus — WINNER OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES Jason Bateman, Ozark Brian Cox, Succession Lee Jung-jae, Squid Game — WINNER Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul Adam Scott, Severance Jeremy Strong, Succession OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Jodie Comer, Killing Eve Laura Linney, Ozark Melanie Lynskey, Yellowjackets Sandra Oh, Killing Eve Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show Zendaya, Euphoria — WINNER OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES Donald Glover, Atlanta Bill Hader, Barry Nicholas Hoult, The Great Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso — WINNER OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant Elle Fanning, The Great Issa Rae, Insecure Jean Smart, Hacks — WINNER OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TELEVISION MOVIE Colin Firth, The Staircase Andrew Garfield, Under the Banner of Heaven Oscar Isaac, Scenes From a Marriage Michael Keaton, Dopesick — WINNER Himesh Patel, Station Eleven Sebastian Stan, Pam & Tommy OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TELEVISION MOVIE Toni Collette, The Staircase Julia Garner, Inventing Anna Lily James, Pam & Tommy Sarah Paulson, Impeachment: American Crime Story Margaret Qualley, Maid Amanda Seyfried, The Dropout — WINNER OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES Nicholas Braun, Succession Billy Crudup, The Morning Show Kieran Culkin, Succession Park Hae-soo, Squid Game Matthew Macfadyen, Succession — WINNER John Turturro, Severance Christopher Walken, Severance Oh Yeong-soo, Squid Game OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Patricia Arquette, Severance Julia Garner, Ozark — WINNER Jung Ho-yeon, Squid Game Christina Ricci, Yellowjackets Rhea Seehorn, Better Call Saul J. Smith-Cameron, Succession Sarah Snook, Succession Sydney Sweeney, Euphoria OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES Anthony Carrigan, Barry Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso — WINNER Toheeb Jimoh, Ted Lasso Nick Mohammed, Ted Lasso Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary Henry Winkler, Barry Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) Hannah Einbinder, Hacks Janelle James, Abbott Elementary Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live Sarah Niles, Ted Lasso Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary — WINNER Juno Temple, Ted Lasso Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TELEVISION MOVIE Murray Bartlett, The White Lotus — WINNER Jake Lacy, The White Lotus Will Poulter, Dopesick Seth Rogen, Pam & Tommy Peter Sarsgaard, Dopesick Michael Stuhlbarg, Dopesick Steve Zahn, The White Lotus OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TELEVISION MOVIE Connie Britton, The White Lotus Jennifer Coolidge, The White Lotus — WINNER Alexandra Daddario, The White Lotus Kaitlyn Dever, Dopesick Natasha Rothwell, The White Lotus Sydney Sweeney, The White Lotus Mare Winningham, Dopesick DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES Jason Bateman, Ozark Ben Stiller, Severance Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game — WINNER Mark Mylod, Succession Cathy Yan, Succession Lorene Scafaria, Succession Karyn Kusama, Yellowjackets WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES Thomas Schnauz, Better Call Saul Chris Mundy, Ozark Dan Erickson, Severance Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game Jesse Armstrong, Succession — WINNER Jonathan Lisco, Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Yellowjackets Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Yellowjackets DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES Hiro Murai, Atlanta Bill Hader, Barry Lucia Aniello, Hacks Mary Lou Belli, The Ms Pat Show Cherien Dabis, Only Murders in The Building Jamie Babbit, Only Murders in The Building MJ Delaney, Ted Lasso — WINNER WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary — WINNER Duffy Boudreau, Barry Alec Berg, Bill Hader, Barry Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky, Hacks Steve Martin and John Hoffman, Only Murders in The Building Jane Becker, Ted Lasso Sarah Naftalis, What We Do in The Shadows Stefani Robinson, What We Do in The Shadows DIRECTING FOR A LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR MOVIE Danny Strong, Dopesick Michael Showalter, The Dropout Francesca Gregorini, The Dropout John Wells, Maid Hiro Murai, Station Eleven Mike White, The White Lotus — WINNER WRITING FOR A LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR MOVIE Danny Strong, Dopesick Elizabeth Meriwether, The Dropout Sarah Burgess, Impeachment: American Crime Story Molly Smith Metzler, Maid Patrick Somerville, Station Eleven Mike White, The White Lotus — WINNER OUTSTANDING VARIETY SKETCH SERIES A Black Lady Sketch Show Saturday Night Live — WINNER OUTSTANDING VARIETY TALK SERIES The Daily Show With Trevor Noah Jimmy Kimmel Live! Last Week Tonight With John Oliver — WINNER Late Night With Seth Meyers The Late Show With Stephen Colbert OUTSTANDING COMPETITION PROGRAM The Amazing Race Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls — WINNER Nailed It! RuPaul's Drag Race Top Chef The Voice OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY SPECIAL Ali Wong, Ali Wong: Don Wong Ian Berger, Devin Delliquanti, Jennifer Flanz, Jordan Klepper, Zhubin Parang, Scott Sherman, The Daily Show With Trevor Noah Jerrod Carmichael, Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel — WINNER Nicole Byer, Nicole Byer: BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo) Norm Macdonald, Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special The 73rd Emmy Awards will took place on Tuesday, September 13, Australian and New Zealand time. For more information, head to the Emmys' website. Top image: HBO.
How much green will be seen at 2025's Laneway Festival? With Charli XCX headlining, expect the Brat hue to be everywhere. Given the event's February timing, and the fact that Charlotte Emma Aitchison is headlining, it's going to be Brat summer Down Under. It's set to be a Djo, Beabadoobee-, Clairo-, Barry Can't Swim- and Remi Wolf-soundtracked summer as well, with the quartet also among the big names on Laneway's lineup. Charlie XCX was last in Australia in 2023 for Sydney WorldPride and For the Love, and before that in 2020 at Laneway. If you're keen to see the 'Guess', '360', 'Apple', 'Speed Drive', '1999', 'Doing It' and 'Boom Clap' talent this time, you'll need a Laneway ticket, as she's playing exclusively at the fest. [caption id="attachment_975321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harley Weir[/caption] In 2025, she'll have company from BICEP doing their CHROMA AV DJ set, Olivia Dean, Eyedress and Skegss, too, alongside STÜM, RONA, Hamdi, Joey Valence & Brae, 2hollis, Fcukers, Ninajirachi, Julie, and Girl and Girl. The event started by Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio in the mid-00s is playing Brisbane Showgrounds in the River City on Saturday, February 8, 2025. [caption id="attachment_974759" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlie Hardy[/caption] Laneway Festival 2025 Lineup Charli XCX Beabadoobee Clairo Barry Can't Swim BICEP present CHROMA (AV DJ set) Djo Remi Wolf Olivia Dean Eyedress Skegss STÜM RONA Hamdi Joey Valence & Brae 2hollis Fcukers Ninajirachi Julie Girl and Girl + Triple J unearthed winners Top images: Charlie Hardy/Maclay Heriot. Updated Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Do you sometimes find yourself resenting Chet Faker for his award-winning whisker-wearing*? Do you refuse to listen to Mumford & Sons, not only for their blatant commercial success but also their rugged yet luxurious face forests? Well, you're not alone. Men in the US have been dealing with similar beard-related anxieties and have undergone facial hair transplants to compensate. Using similar techniques to that of Shane Warne and the Advanced Hair Studio, facial hair transplants take hair from the patient's head, make micro-incisions on a bare patch of face, and insert the roots into empty follicles. Even when the hair falls out, the implanted roots begin to grow new hair. All in all, it's a process that ranges from US$3,000 - $7,000. And, for that money, here's hoping it's worth the pain. Though plastics surgeons have reported an increase in "hip" and "fashionable" young men from Brooklyn seeking the procedure, it also has roots in more substantial causes. Many who seek the transplant are the victims of facial scars, women seeking gender reassignment, or Hasidic Jews trying to achieve a denser payot. (Now you feel bad about laughing, right?) Though it may be easy to make fun of those seeking the procedure for the wrong reasons, it's also pretty concerning. Are men developing body image problems about their bare chin in the same way some women are about their flat chests? So what if you don't look like a homeless lumberjack? It doesn't make you less of a man. If anything, it takes you one step away from the likes of Zach Galifianakis and Shia LaBeouf. And, if you ask us, that's surely something to be thankful for. *Can neither confirm nor deny his ARIA win was beard-related. Via DNAinfo. Image by Juan Luis.
Fancy yourself a bit of a Betty Draper? Well it's your luck day lady. Local fashion collective Get Your Frock On is set to brighten up your weekend and wardrobe woes by throwing a much welcomed vintage bargain bonanza sale your way. The sale will feature crowded cupboards and overflowing collections of vintage gems including made-for-Mad-Men tea dresses, evening gowns, blouses, balloon pants and denim galore. The accessories department won't be neglected either with Get Your Frock On selling vintage purses, dainty gloves and top hats. Men who get dragged along to the sale will also have the opportunity to rummage around at some of the vintage blazers and tails on offer too. The extensive vintage collection on sale dates back as early as the 1930s and span right up until the grunge of the nineties. There will even be Opera costumes available for those who like their clothing to be a little more theatrical. Doors open at 8 so if your keen to nab yourself a 'bonanza bargain' best get there early – but be sure to keep your manners in your pockets. There's nothing worse than a Betty Draper look-a-like acting less than a lady.
Who won the very last Halloween Heist before Brooklyn Nine-Nine said goodbye forever? What costume did Rosa Diaz wear the first time that she took part? Which detective asked a criminal to help them win? Who was crowned the 'Queen of the Nine-Nine'? If you can answer all of the above — and you love both Brooklyn Nine-Nine and halloween — then you're set for this trivia night. Yes, it's all about the hit cop sitcom we all know, love and watched eight seasons of. And, the one that goes all out when it comes to the spookiest time of the year. Every time trivia sessions dedicated to B99 hit town, places are snapped up faster than Terry can snap open a tub of yoghurt. This time, you need to register in advance for Fritzenberger's trivia night at its South Bank joint, and then Sunday, October 31 can be your night for glory (that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). It all starts at 6.30pm, and entry is free. Bring your wallet for burgs, obviously, plus beers. If all this sounds rather noice, get in quick as spots are limited.
It's been 133 years since Woolloongabba's The Princess Theatre first opened, but this heritage-listed building still knows how to party. Restored, revamped and now reborn as a new arts and music venue, the Annerley Road spot is officially welcoming the community back in with a huge two-day, all-ages housewarming on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30. A smorgasbord shindig that boasts something for everyone, Open Housewarming at The Princess Theatre is a come one, come all type of affair. Expect a packed lineup of local music, art and performances, plus drinks and bites to eat from the onsite Fables Bar and Cafe. You'll dance, watch, listen, sip and celebrate, with tickets costing $10 per day. Tickets to the all-ages event will be available at the door. The doors will open at 1.30pm with live entertainment kicking off at 2pm and continuing until around midnight.
If you're a fan of mystery and delicious food, we have the juicy deets of an exclusive dinner that'll be right up your alley. This year, classy chip purveyor Red Rock Deli is hosting a series of exclusive secret suppers in mystery locations across Sydney — and you're invited. Across the next few months, some of Australia's most talented chefs will whip up mouth-watering feasts inspired by Red Rock Deli's new flavour range. And when we say exclusive, we mean it — only twenty lucky guests will be tucking into each lavish dinner. Despite everything being very hush-hush, we can reveal that the first Secret Supper will be hosted by Australian-Malaysian chef and 2010 MasterChef Australia winner Adam Liaw on Wednesday, May 15. Most of the details are still under wraps, but here's what we can tell you: after arriving at the collection point at Central Station's Grand Concourse entrance at 8pm, you'll be whisked away to a mystery location for the dining experience. During the evening, Liaw will recreate the flavours from the Thai red chilli and creamy coconut flavour from Red Rock Deli's new limited-edition Fusion range over a three-course meal. The menu will remain a secret until you arrive, but if grilled seafood, hearty curries and tropical flavours tickle your tastebuds, you're sure to be satisfied. Tickets to Fusion Adventure are priced at $110 per person and can be purchased here. Please note the Secret Supper menu will not cater to ANY dietary requirements or allergies. There are strictly no changes to the menu. Image: Kitti Gould.
When spring arrives in southeast Queensland each year, fans of soaking in the region's great outdoors can ignore boy band names and head in two directions. Go west and all things floral await for the entire month of September, thanks to the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Venture down to the Gold Coast, however, and you'll find a huge outdoor art gallery gleaming for ten days, and stretching across a one-kilometre expanse of sand. The latter comes courtesy of Swell Sculpture Festival, which returns to Currumbin Beach for 2022 between Friday, September 9–Sunday, September 18. As it has for 20 years now, the event features large-scale artworks displayed along the shore, ready for patrons to see while getting their feet sandy and/or wet, with more than 70 pieces popping up at this year's festival. Once again, visitors can expect to get an eyeful of stunning creations. Yes, by simply walking along the beach, you'll view some stellar art. This year's fest features more than pieces made by more 132 artists using a variety of materials — including works using concrete, stainless steel, copper, bronze, wood, glass, plastic and natural fibres, as well as fibreglass, bamboo, wire, silk, stone and aluminium. Some creatives, such as Malvika Satelkar, have taken inspiration from the ocean's unknowns. Others, like Irene Messia, pay tribute to the natural world — while Amelia Batchelor uses recycled materials to draw attention to humanity's dependence upon plastic and its environmental impact. Emily Hastie has taken cues from her love of surfing, Phil Darnton ponders the crossover of art and architecture, and Dion Parker found inspiration from Where the Wild Things Are. Obviously, the list goes on. Of course, every day, every beach becomes an art gallery in its own way. If you've ever taken a bucket, filled it with sand, plonked it onto the shore and shaped it with your bare hands, then you've sculpted something — and you've added a tiny piece of temporary art to the shoreline, too. So, it makes sense that part of the Gold Coast would celebrate this specific art form right by the water — with more than just sandcastles on offer, though. The 2022 fest includes guided walks; yoga among the art; pop-up food vendors; and masterclasses covering everything from photography and weaving to bush dyes, native foods and sculpture wheels. A beachside fringe fest features live tunes and comedy as well, alongside artist panels and poetry. Swell Sculpture Festival 2022 runs from Friday, September 9–Sunday, September 18 at Currumbin Beach. For further information, head to the event's website. Top images: PBR Images/Leximagery.
Calling all sleuths of Melbourne — and of Brisbane, too. If you haven't fulfilled your murder-mystery fix on the big and small screens over the past few years, then you'd best make a theatre date with the world's longest-running play. Here are three questions for you to solve before you get there: what is it, who wrote it and when is it coming your way? The answers: The Mousetrap, the one and only Agatha Christie, and this November in Brisbane — and next February in Melbourne, after first hitting up Sydney from October. Initially premiering in London's West End in 1952, The Mousetrap has been treading the boards in the UK ever since, only pausing during to pandemic venue closures. When theatres reopened in Britain, so did the show. Indeed, when it makes its way to Sydney's Theatre Royal from October, The Mousetrap will do so 70 years to the month that it first debuted. Unsurprisingly, that hefty run means that the show has enjoyed the longest stint for any West End production, and for any play anywhere in the world. So far, there's been more than 28,500 London performances. To answer the other obvious question, yes, it's a whodunnit. The murder-mystery starts with news of a killing in London — and with seven people snowed in at a guest house in the country. They're strangers, which is classic Christie. When a police sergeant arrives on skis, they're told that the murderer is among them (which, again, is vintage Christie). They all have wild pasts, too, and all those details are spilled as they're interrogated, and also try to work out who among them is the killer. Those guests at Monkswell Manor include a pair of newlyweds who run the house, a spinster, an architect who is handy in the kitchen, a retired Army major, a man who says his car has overturned in a drift, and a jurist. Naturally, there's another death as they'e all puzzling it over — and a twist conclusion, which audiences have been requested not to reveal after leaving the theatre for seven decades now. Again, it's all Christie all over, which'll be evident if you've seen the recent film versions of Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile — or the original cinema adaptations, or read the books, or devoured anything else that Christie ever wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Mousetrap Australia (@themousetrapau) The Mousetrap originated as a short radio play, which was written as a birthday present for Queen Mary. It aired in 1947 under the name Three Blind Mice, after which Christie rewrote it as a short story, then adapted it again for the stage as The Mousetrap. And no, there isn't a movie of it — because Christie stipulated that it can't leap to the screen until at least six months after the West End production closes. Clearly, that hasn't happened yet. In Australia, the play will hit the stage with Robyn Nevin directing and John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia producing. Cast-wise, Anna O'Byrne (My Fair Lady, Love Never Dies) will play Mollie Ralston, who owns Monkswell Manor, and Alex Rathgeber (Anything Goes, The Phantom of the Opera) will play Giles Ralston, Mollie's husband. Also set to feature: Laurence Boxhall (As You Like It, Jumpy) as Christopher Wren, a young guest; Geraldine Turner (Present Laughter, Don's Party) as Mrs Boyle, a former magistrate; Adam Murphy (Shakespeare in Love, Aladdin), as retired British military officer Major Metcalf; and debutant Charlotte Friels as the aloof Miss Casewell. Gerry Connolly (Cyrano de Bergerac, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui) will pop up, too, as unexpected guest Mr Paravicini, and Tom Conroy (Jasper Jones, My Brilliant Career) will play Detective Sergeant Trotter. THE MOUSETRAP AUSTRALIAN 2022–23 SEASON: From Saturday, October 8, 2022 — Theatre Royal Sydney From Thursday, November 3, 2022 — QPAC, Brisbane From Friday, February 17, 2023 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap will play Sydney's Theatre Royal from Saturday, October 8, 2022, then head to QPAC in Brisbane from Thursday, November 3, 2022 and to Melbourne's Comedy Theatre from Friday, February 17, 2023. Tickets for the Brisbane shows start pre-sales from Wednesday, August 24 and general sales from Friday, August 26, while tickets for Melbourne start pre-sales from Wednesday, September 7 and general sales from Friday, September 9. For further details, head to the play's website. Top image: Matt Crockett.
Since 2011, DJ Tom Loud's travelling dance party Hot Dub Time Machine has ripped up stages the world over, offering a rolling crossfade of the last six decades of pop-music. And back in 2017, he launched Wine Machine, a series of al fresco get-togethers on some of the country's most-loved wine regions. The Wine Machine events have kept returning — when the pandemic hasn't been interrupting plans — and they're making a comeback in 2022 and 2023. This time around, these single-stage parties in the vines are split into two batches, hitting up Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania from November 2022–January 2023 with one lineup, then heading to New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria from March–April 2023 with another. The western and southern leg of the fest is already on sale, with Flight Facilities, Lime Cordiale, Cut Copy, San Cisco, Client Liaison, Masked Wolf and Art vs Science on the bill — although some acts will only play some locations. Their destinations: Oakover Grounds in the Swan Valley, McLaren Vale's Serafino Wines and Home Hill Winery in Huon Valley. For east coasters, leading the music will be one of Hot Dub's Rave Machine sets. He'll be joined on stage by Lime Cordiale (except in Victoria), Bliss N Esso, Vera Blue (except in NSW), Northeast Party House, KLP and more — at Dalwood Estate in the Hunter Valley, Canberra's Commonwealth Park and Rochford Wines in Victoria. Backing up the tunes, there'll be a tasty lineup of eats, craft beer and, of course, some sensational vino from these Australian wine regions. Safe to say, it's probably the rowdiest event these wineries will host all year. WINE MACHINE 2023 DATES: Saturday, November 26, 2022 — Oakover Grounds, Swan Valley, Whadjuk Country, Western Australia Saturday, December 17, 2022 — Serafino Wines, McLaren Vale, Kaurna Country, South Australia Saturday, January 14, 2023 — Home Hill Winery, Huon Valley, Nuenonne Country, Tasmania Saturday, March 18, 2023 — Dalwood Estate, Hunter Valley, Wonnarua Country, New South Wales Saturday, March 25, 2023 — Commonwealth Park, Canberra, Ngunnawal Country, Australian Capital Territory Saturday, April 1, 2023 — Rochford Wines, Wurundjeri Country, Victoria WINE MACHINE 2022–23 LINEUP — WA, SA AND TASMANIA: Flight Facilities (DJ set only in Tasmania) Lime Cordiale Cut Copy San Cisco Client Liaison (excluding SA) Masked Wolf (SA only) Art vs Science (SA only) Stace Cadet (DJ set, Tasmania only) Sumner (SA only) Mell Hall Happiness Is Wealth Jimi the Kween The Poof Doof Jamboree WINE MACHINE 2023 LINEUP — NSW, ACT AND VICTORIA: Hot Dub Time Machine Lime Cordiale (excluding Victoria) Bliss N Esso Vera Blue (excluding NSW) Northeast Party House KLP Grantperez The Poof Doof Jamboree Wine Machine tours Australia from November 2022–April 2023. Tickets for Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania are on sale now. Ticket pre-sales for NSW, ACT and Victoria start from 6pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 2, with general sales from 12pm AEDY on Thursday, November 3. Head to the festival website for further details.
'Twas the night before the Exhibition holiday, and all through the city people were shaking their booties to live ditties. That's Ekka eve in a nutshell — however the Flying Cock are giving their music-focused party a bit of a twist. In the first in what might just become an annual event, they're keeping it local. Showcasing three of their favourite Brissie bands is the name of the game at Good Rock, with Good Boy, Shag Rock and The Con & The Liar the acts in the spotlight. A Brisbane public holiday calls for some Brisbane talent, after all — and this trio fit that bill and then some.
Set on a serene peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu, the Queenstown Gardens boasts stunning lake and alpine views as well as a beautiful collection of blooms. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the gardens' tranquil setting is the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. As the gardens are conveniently located a short walk from downtown Queenstown, many community activities are held within the grounds. We suggest taking a rug, a picnic and some friends, kicking back and enjoy the views of the lake through the Douglas Firs. Once you're sufficiently relaxed, stretch your legs and take a stroll around the beautiful lawns. Be sure to check out the water feature and rose garden for an added bit of pretty.
Always wanted to be part of a show but felt too nervous about being seen on stage? Well, The Confidence Man may be just the ticket. This crime thriller from Side Pony Productions offers a one-of-a-kind participatory theatrical experience. The story is one of skulduggery in the suburbs, in which an ordinary family get drawn into a series of tragic events by the arrival of a bag containing a large sum of money. Each night, several audience members are invited to play characters in the tale. Anonymous inside large cushiony masks, the co-opted actors listen to an audio stream including instructions for their performance by headphones, providing an experience that, while unfolding publicly, is also intensely personal. Whether from within a mask, or watching and listening in from the audience seats, it is sure to an unusual, intimate and perhaps even chilling experience.
Now that Australia's borders have reopened, heading overseas is far easier than it's been for the past two years — but that doesn't mean an international getaway is immediately on everyone's itineraries. Sad about missing Coachella this year? Won't be able to head to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest? If you're happy to pretend while putting, then make a date with Brisbane's newest mini golf joint. The first putt-putt offshoot of indoor golf simulator business X-Golf — aka the virtual greens you tap, tap, tap your way along when you're not actually hitting the grass — Hey Caddy has just opened in North Lakes. While that means that Brisbanites further south will have a drive north on their agenda, this 18-hole spot is all about indulging your wanderlust for further-away places, with each green themed around a particular destination. With a ferris wheel and coloured cacti, Coachella does indeed provide inspiration for one hole. Thanks to giant steins of beer and pretzels, so does Oktoberfest. Area 51 in Nevada gets the Hey Caddy treatment as well, and so do New York, Miami, Bora Bora, Egypt and, much closer to home, Melbourne. And Mars, too, although growing potatoes and counting sols probably isn't part of it. Murals by Brisbane-based artist Lee 'LINZ' Harnden grace the walls, and all 18 holes sit indoors, so it's the kind of club-swinging you can do no matter the weather. Also, because mini golf without drinks now feels like a relic of another time, there's a nineteenth hole, aka a bar, with beer, colourful cocktails and snacks. That means tucking into popcorn cauliflower, cheeseburger spring rolls, pizzas, sliders and doughnut fries whether you're celebrating a win or commiserating your bad luck at picking the angles (yes, mini golf is all about angles), all while making the most of the fully licensed setup. Sips on offer include brews on tap and by the bottle — non-boozy beers included — plus a small selection of wine and ready-to-drink pre-mixed spirits. Or, try a peanut butter old fashioned, elderflower margarita, whichever classic cocktail takes your fancy, and concoctions themed around certain holes. 'Little Green Men' includes gin, chartreuse, Midori, lime juice, sugar syrup and apple juice, for instance. Although adults can get sipping, Hey Caddy is an all-ages-friendly space — so if you're heading by during the day, you might have little putt-putters for company. And if you're not a North Lakes local or aren't heading that way anytime soon, Hey Caddy will also be setting up shop in South Brisbane as well, with its second venue due to open in September. Find Hey Caddy at 2/4 Burke Street, North Lakes — open 10am–10pm Monday–Saturday and 10am–6pm Sunday.
The Terrace at Emporium is an impressive spot for a drink every day of the year. Being perched 21 storeys above South Bank will do that, of course. Throughout 2021, however, the South Bank spot is paying extra attention to its Sunday lineup — so you can gather the gang, farewell your weekend and psych yourself up for the week ahead with a few drinks, a killer view, something to eat and a soundtrack of live tunes. Spending Sundays in 2021 on the 21st floor obviously has a nice ring to it. And, that's what the aptly named 21 Sundays is all about, running from 3–6pm weekly. While you're at the sky-high, super-scenic venue, you can tuck into small plates for $15, and cocktails for the same price well. Among the food and drink lineup, there's a big focus on supporting local producers, which makes sense when you're literally staring at the local landscape while you're kicking back.
Yarra Valley winemaker Innocent Bystander might have temporarily closed to visitors, but there's now a virtual version of its cellar door that should help fill the void. The team's taking to Facebook to host a series of weekly wine-sipping sessions you can enjoy from the comfort of home. The Live Tasting Bar is set to grace screens from 5pm AEST over the next three Fridays, April 17–May 1, led by Innocent Bystander's own sommelier Margaret. Get comfy and tune in each week for a relaxed wine tasting experience, complete with tasting notes, food pairing tips and general wine-related chat. Each session will be themed around a different variety — from this Friday's Sipping Syrah to Chatting Chardonnay on May 1 — so you can line up a bottle of the same to sip while you watch. As an added bonus for those that want to stock up in preparation, the winery's offering a neat 20-percent-off all drops in its online store, along with free shipping.
Most days of the year, there ain't no party like a Brightside party, and that proves true on Halloween as well. They're not calling their latest shindig the Frightside Horrorfest without good reason, after all. Demonstrating the enthusiastic flair regulars know and love, the Brighty folks will be transforming the entire venue into a haunted heaven (or hell, if you prefer), the carpark included. Indulging in the scarier side of things while dancing around on the concrete usually populated by automobiles might not sound like something exciting, but it should — more room equals an increased capacity for more revellers. That extra space will be filled to the brim, of course, with burlesque performers and go-go girls dancing up a storm, plus Kissperience and Demolition Lovers offering up creepy covers. Even the food is on theme, with the Lucky Egg kitchen adding special Halloween items — such as an all-black burger — to their menu for the evening.
Even though many of us love the idea of home-grown veggies, our work and social schedules often take precedence over sowing, seeding and weeding. However, a new fully automated hydroponics system promises to change all that. Titled 'Bitponics', it runs a 'Personal Grow Plan' (i.e. an entire season of gardening) via its Cloud. The soil is embedded with Wi-fi responsive sensors, which respond to humidity, air and water temperatures, light and pH levels. The Cloud automatically turns accessories on and off, and monitors the sensors' data. This information is sent to a web-based dashboard, accessible from any electronic device. In the case of sudden problems, the system sends immediate alerts, to which the user can respond remotely. 'Bitponics is a path into the future of urban home gardening,' explains Michael Zick Doherty, co-founder and lead hardware engineer. 'Through the development of open source technologies, we are making it possible for urban gardeners to care for their plants while they're away. Growing hydroponically is more than just about providing free food to your home - it is also about the educational experience that allows us to reconnect with what we eat, empowering us to eat healthy and protect our environment. It is also a great way for students in the classroom to use hydroponics as an applied method of understanding sciences such as biology and chemistry. They can see in real time the changes in the plants' environment and how this correlates to plant growth.' Still in development, a Bitponics Base Station will retail at $US499. Three different web services will be available: 'Trial' (free), 'Serious Grower' ($9 per month) and 'Commercial Grower' ($49 per month). [via PSFK]
With the fast approaching tour dates for iconic '90s pop groups, New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, Hanson, Wheatus, S Club, Big Brovaz and Eiffel 65 (I'm blue da ba de dab a die), it is now completely undeniable that 2012 will be remembered throughout history as none other than the year of '90s music revival. The Venga Bus came and went, just as Aqua has been and gone. But, it seems as one group leaves, another jumps on the Aussie touring bandwagon. You can't sit dwelling in your hip modern residence forever. Embrace the time where it was cool to not be cool. Forget our technological advances, political debacles and ferocious weather. Australia has seen/is awaiting some of the world's greatest manufactured bands to take us back to the decade that actually welcomed the fashion of flair jeans and a large percentage of the population questioned who that bastard was that 'let the dogs out'. It was common to say mega to the start of every saying, shout NOT at the end of every sentence and no matter how terrible things would seem, the world would always be 'all good'. There's no use fighting the urge to whip out your old Pepsi Charts CDs and embrace the shitness that once was the music industry. Let us respect those that were kicking about before 1D had left the crib and accept the return of the '90s music revolution.
