Just when you thought Laneway couldn't add much more to its already-heaving lineup, the festival addition has added a brand new 'street party' into the mix that'll recreate the energy of Laneway's early days. Presented in conjunction with I OH YOU and Red Bull Music, Block Party is set to feature at the Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle editions of the festival, showcasing a banging new lineup in each city. The exact locations of the stages are yet to be announced, though we're told the parties will channel the vibe of the very first Laneway outing that took over Melbourne's Caledonian Lane back in 2004. Which means it'll probably be super crammed. And the lineup's an absolute ripper, pulling together local acts like Sydney-based producer Basenji, hip hop star Jesswar, legendary DJ Andy Garvey, the genre-bending Haiku Hands and dance floor favourite CC:DISCO. Laneway co-founder Danny Rogers says it'll take the festival's offering to a whole new level. "There was such a creative, magic feeling at the original Laneway Festivals. I think it was because of the spontaneity they had," he explained. "I wanted to recreate that same feeling at the 2018 event and this idea just made total sense." Laneway Festival 2018 hits Melbourne on February 3, Sydney on February 4, Brisbane on February 10 and Fremantle on February 11. To buy tickets or to get more information, visit lanewayfestival.com.
Kangaroo Point's One Fish Two Fish is lapping up the warmer weather with a two-month-long seafood and spritz feast. Eat your way through four courses of the ocean's finest while sipping on bottomless tipples — yep, there's your next leisurely lunch sorted. Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Friday, October 29 right through until Christmas Eve, Fish & Spritz starts as plenty of great seafood meals do: with kingfish ceviche. From there, you'll tuck into an Asian-style crab omelette, then move onto grilled snapper paired with Tuscan salad. The dessert doesn't include seafood — but it will serve up a chocolate gelato trio. Drinks-wise, you'll be able to sip all the spritzes you can across a two-hour period — including watermelon and limoncello flavours. Fish & Spritz runs in two sittings, from 12–2pm and 2.15–4.15pm. Settle in for the whole thing for $99, or stick with the food only for $69.
If getting a double dose of Tom Hardy is the stuff your dreams are made of, then your wishes are about to be fulfilled. In Legend, the man last seen driving vehicles in Locke, Mad Max: Fury Road and London Road transforms into notorious thugs Reggie and Ronnie Kray. And yes, twice the Tom can only be a good thing. Playing the twins who were known for terrorising London in the 1960s, Hardy offers up completely different performances to bring the fearsome duo to life. Reggie was suave and business oriented, particularly when trying to impress the woman, Frances (Emily Browning), he wanted to settle down with. Ronnie was more unpredictable, and though both could be violent, you really wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of this sibling. Whichever one Hardy is playing, he's impossible to take your eyes off of, which director/director Brian Helgeland — the scribe behind crime dramas LA Confidential and Mystic River — knows how to make the most of. Helgeland also knows how to make the most of his handsome period setting in his engaging addition to the gangster genre. Legend is in cinemas nationally from October 15, and thanks to Studiocanal, we have 10 double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
Dear Concrete Playground Readers, With the growing concerns surrounding COVID-19, we wanted to take a moment to check in. Going out might not be at the top of your to-do list right now, but you can continue to support small, local businesses without leaving your apartment. These businesses have had a tough run of late — battling through the lockout laws in Sydney, the bushfires in regional areas and, now, coronavirus fears — and they need our support now more than ever. Buy from artists who've had their shows cancelled, order gift cards and merch from venues that are struggling or just book in a dinner for that birthday a few months away. Then, when we come out the other side — which we will — we'll be raring to get out there and hit up concerts, food festivals, comedy galas and charity raves once again. And we'll be there with you every step of the way. In the meantime, keep washing your hands — to the chorus of Lizzo's 'Truth Hurts', of course — and get in touch if you have any questions, concerns or just want to chat. Love, CP To stay up-to-date with the events postponed and cancelled in your city, head over here. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
No one expects to find good things floating ashore from the East River. Separating mainland Manhattan from New York's outer boroughs, the river is best known for its freezing temperature, its poor hygiene, and its propensity for housing dead bodies. At best, you might find some old fast food refuse; at worst, you become embroiled in a murder trial with the mob. That was until this week when a mysterious grand piano emerged from the water. After being spotted on the Manhattan side of the river, under the Brooklyn Bridge, the piano became an instant hit on social media. New Yorkers showed no hesitation to wade on into the water and give it a spin, and it's basically become a rotating shoot site for Instagram users across the city. Unfortunately (yet understandably) the piano no longer works as it's completely waterlogged. But to focus on that would be to miss the point. If a beautiful grand piano floating mysteriously in the world's nastiest river isn't contemporary art, I quite frankly don't know what is. No details have emerged yet on the piano's origin, and in the absence of anything else we've come up with what we see as the most logical explanation. After a swift fall in album sales and overall relevancy sometime in the last decade, Vanessa Carlton threw her prized piano off the Brooklyn Bridge in a fit of super-human rage and strength. We welcome other theories, but really this is the only thing that fits. Perhaps it's a marketing stunt for her return tour. If that's the case, can we push it back into the tide and forget this whole thing ever happened? Via Gothamist. Lead photo credit: Lauren Yap. Instagram credits: chisophoto and laurenyap.
It's been home to David Lynch's eerie filmscapes, Yayoi Kusama's infinity and obliteration rooms, Gary Carsley's projected jacarandas and Patricia Piccinini's forest of flowers that aren't quite flowers. Soon, it'll welcome a riverbed, a snowman and a suspended installation that visitors can climb through, too. Yes, Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art loves an immersive installation — and it has more in store for 2020. Fancy wandering through a labyrinth of red and black wool? That's on next year's agenda. As part of its just-announced 2020 lineup, GOMA revealed it'll host Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles, a showcase focusing on the Berlin-based Japanese artist and her work over the past quarter-century. In an Australian exclusive, the exhibition comes to Brisbane after recently premiering in Tokyo — and while it won't sit 53 storeys up or come with panoramic views of the city, like it did in Japan, Shiota's string-heavy installations are certain to garner more than a little attention. Fashioned from millions of strands, they resemble weaved, maze-like webs and take up entire rooms. The Soul Trembles is the largest-ever solo exhibition by the artist — and although GOMA hasn't revealed just how much of the Tokyo lineup is coming to Brisbane, art lovers can expect an array of sprawling installations, sculptures and video footage of Shiota's performances, as well as photographs and drawings. Highlighting her fascination with intangible concepts, such as memory, anxiety, dreams and silence, the ticketed display will run from June 27–October 5, 2020. [caption id="attachment_750700" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Chiharu Shiota. b.1972, Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Uncertain Journey (2016/2019). Courtesy: Blain | Southern, London/Berlin/New York. Installation view: Shiota Chiharu: The Soul Trembles, Mori. Art Museum, Tokyo, 2019. Image courtesy: Mori Art Museum, Tokyo. Photograph: Sunhi Mang.[/caption] After the already-announced Water, which launches this December, The Soul Trembles is the second huge exhibition set to deck GOMA's walls next year — but, as always, there's more to come. In tandem with the Shiota showcase, the gallery will also pay tribute to pioneering Queensland artist Gordon Bennett, hosting the first large-scale display of his work since 2007. And, just a stone's throw away, sibling venue Queensland Art Gallery has two big exhibitions slated for 2020. First, it'll feature a four-month showcase of Mavis Ngallametta's work, highlighting large-scale paintings by the Putch clan Elder. Then, spanning from late 2020 to early 2021, QAG will exhibit an almost five-month survey of documentary photography by acclaimed Queensland-born, Sydney-based photographer William Yang. QAGOMA 2020 PROGRAM: Water at GOMA — December 7, 2019–April 26, 2020. Mavis Ngallametta: Show Me the Way to Go Home at QAG — March 21–August 2, 2020. Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles at GOMA — June 27–October 5, 2020. Unfinished Business: The Art of Gordon Bennett at GOMA — June 27–October 5, 2020. William Yang at QAG — September 19, 2020—February 7, 2021. Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles displays at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from June 27–October 5, 2020. For further details — or to find out more about the gallery's full 2020 slate — visit its website. Top image: Chiharu Shiota b.1972, Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. In Silence (2002/2019). Production support: Alcantara S.p.A. Installation view: Shiota Chiharu: The Soul Trembles, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2019. Courtesy: Kenji Taki Gallery, Nagoya/Tokyo. Image courtesy: Mori Art Museum, Tokyo. Photograph: Sunhi Mang.
Apparently if you’re a ‘nogoodnik, drop out, glue sniffer or gentlemen sailor’, your presence is not only requested, but required at Woodland for the Flavours of Skuzz festival this weekend. That said, I’m sure if you don’t fit the above description you’ll still be embraced by all attending; these people appear like the open minded type. Flavours of Skuzz seems more than willing to welcome any and every type of garage rock in existence. The eleven-hour festival has a lineup of 25 of garage’s best from Bristown and beyond – we’re talking Slug Guts, Velociraptor, Blank Realm, The Vee Bees, Straight Arrows, HOSS and more. Nogoodnik or not, the Skuzz lineup has all the distortion you’ve been needing to warm up your cold soul in these winter months. As a party like this doesn’t come around very often, I would suggest putting on your most comfortable shoes, purchasing a ticket, and earning the right to say you attended. Maybe leave the gluestick behind though. It’s not such a good look in 2011.
Peanut butter and jelly, that beloved lunchbox combo, was a trendsetter. Before every other food mashup anyone can possibly think of started tempting tastebuds, it had the concept down pat. You know how the idea works, because it just keeps happening: take two edible items that don't usually go together, mix them into one dish and, voila!, a new culinary marvel has emerged from Frankenstein's kitchen. The latest such dishes: pizza burgers and burger pizzas, all courtesy of a collaboration between OTT burg joint Milky Lane and Crust pizzas. How you feel about it will probably depend on how you normally react to decadent burgers and fruit on pizza. So, you're either ravenous already or instantly know it's not for you. A Hawaiian pizza, but as a burger? Milky Lane's beef burg, but as a pizza? You can try both for a limited time. They're two of the key offerings during this team up, which hits menus at both brand's stores Australia-wide from Tuesday, August 30. Over at Milky Lane, there's that pineapple pizza-inspired burger, called the 'Notorious P.I.G.'. It comes with a double-smashed beef patty on a cheese, bacon and pineapple milk bun, and is then topped with mozzarella, streaky bacon, shaved leg ham, Mexican shredded cheese and deep-fried pineapple. Or, you can opt for the 'Peri J Blige', which mashes up Crust's peri peri chicken pizza and Milky Lane's chicken burger. That means southern fried chicken on a peri peri milk bun, alongside peri peri sauce, red capsicum strips, mozzarella, Napoli sauce and mixed Italian herbs, with a deep-fried mozzarella patty on top. If you're heading to Crust instead, their pizza-burger hybrids span 'The Big P' and the 'Chic-Kanye'. The first takes its cues from a Milky Lane favourite, and combines slow-cooked pulled pork, ground beef, caramelised onions and mozzarella on a barbecue base with an onion-ring crust. It then adds dill pickles, maple bacon bits, a Mexi cheese mix and Milky Lane's signature burger sauce. Crust's second special pays tribute to one Milky Lane's chicken burgs, featuring fried chicken tenders coated in Milky Lane's southern seasoning, as well as bacon, caramelised pineapple, roasted potato and mozzarella. That's all popped on a barbecue base, and topped with maple bacon bits, a Mexi cheese mix and Sriracha aioli. Yes, just reading the above should make you hungry. Milky Lane and Crust's mashup menu is available at both brand's stores Australia-wide from Tuesday, August 30 — for a limited time.
When Gelato Messina and Standard Procedure first joined forces back in 2022, the pair got saucy. Because getting sweet and slippery with Messina's frosty sweet treats wasn't enough, the two companies teamed up on gelato-flavoured lube — finger bun gelato-flavoured at that — as a limited-edition product. In 2023, the duo has reunited for another collaboration, this time focusing on the best weather to eat ice cream. Beach trips and ice creams have always gone hand in hand; however, mango, pineapple and vanilla gelato-scented Standard Procedure x Messina SPF50+ is new. Standard Procedure x Messina's sunscreen might be launching just in time for summer, dropping on Tuesday, November 21, but it's an all-year-round product. Stopping skin damage from the sun's rays isn't only necessary when the weather is warm. That said, like the lube, the new Messina merchandise is a limited-edition product — so nabbing some quickly is recommended. Each 250-millilitre bottle comes filled with high UVA and UVB protection, and adds to Standard Procedure's range of sunscreens. When you get slipping, slopping and slapping — and smelling like gelato — you'll be doing so with a non-greasy product that doesn't leave a white cast. Expect to feel hungry with those dessert scents emanating, with Messina's Summer Standard flavour — which includes mango swirls — the inspiration for the aroma. You can grab a bottle online now via both Standard Procedure and Messina, and also Qantas, plus at Messina and Sephora stores in the near future. Standard Procedure x Messina's sunscreen is available now via the Standard Procedure and Messina online stores, plus Qantas Marketplace. It's also on its way to Messina's physical outposts and Sephora's shelves.
One of Australia's first big music festivals of 2024 is no longer going ahead as planned, with Rolling Loud announcing that it won't be returning Down Under in January as previously announced. Mere weeks after revealing that it'd hit our shores again for the first time in five years, but after several delays in unveiling its lineup, the world's biggest hip hop festival has postponed its next Aussie jaunt. "We appreciate the love from all of our fans who are looking forward to Rolling Loud's return to Australia. We were hyped to bring the full Rolling Loud experience to our Aussie fans. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, we're unable to give you a show that lives up to the Rolling Loud standard, so we are left with no choice but to postpone the festival to a later date," said festival organisers in a statement. "To those of you who have already bought tickets, we appreciate you. All ticket holders will receive an automatic, full refund. If your details have changed, or you have any refund enquiries, please contact your point of purchase." "Australian fans, we still got you: Rolling Loud will still be hosting a variety of smaller arena shows in early 2024. More info on that coming soon." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rolling Loud Australia 🇦🇺 (@rollingloud.au) As the statement advises, exactly when Rolling Loud will roll out its full festival experience no longer has a date, but it won't be at at Sydney's GIANTS Stadium on Friday, January 26 or Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday, January 27. Also, details of the smaller arena shows that'll pop up instead haven't been revealed, either — including where, when and who'll be on the lineup. Rolling Loud last came to Australia in 2019 with a Future-led lineup in Sydney, which is the only time that it has made the trip. The 2024 tour was set to extend the festival's footprint to Melbourne as well. Since its first outing in Miami back in 2015, Rolling Loud has expanded to Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, and also to Thailand, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands and Portugal as well. Past sellout events have seen names like Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Post Malone and Migos all grace the festival's stage. At 2023's Miami event, Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti led the bill, with Lil Uzi Vert, Ice Spice and 21 Savage also on the roster — and Turnstile becoming the first-ever rock band to hit the fest. Rolling Loud's postponement comes as The Weeknd just did the same with his Aussie tour, which was meant to kick off in November. Rolling Loud will no longer hold its full festival experience in Australia in January 2024, but has promised smaller arena shows in early 2024 instead. For more information, head to the festival's website. Images: Beth Saravo and Sebastian Rodriguez
After premiering at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival and doing the circuit of North America's best film festivals, The Whistleblower is finally hitting Sydney screens next week. The Whistleblower is a political thriller based on the real-life experiences of Kathryn Blokovac, a Nebraska Cop who, while working as a paid UN peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia in 1999, uncovered a underground sex-trafficking industry. The film follows Blokovac as she risks her job and personal safety to investigate into the human trafficking she witnesses, discovering some very ugly truths about the people around her in the process. Ultimately, The Whistleblower is about the very worst of humanity - corruption, expolitation and the abuse of power - yet is also a story of an average person who demonstrates extraordinary courage in order to do the right thing. Starring Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, David Strathairn and Monica Bellucci, The Whistleblower brings together a stellar cast in what promises to be a confronting yet engaging cinematic experience that will stay with you for some time to come. To win one of ten single passes to see The Whistleblower, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=r2EZe5KOrGs
A new community case of COVID-19 has been identified in Brisbane, with the Queensland Government announcing a list of venues that residents need to note. Today, Friday, March 26, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed that a 26-year-old man from Stafford has tested positive to the coronavirus — and that he has been out in the community while infectious since last Friday, March 19. If you visited Mamma's Italian Restaurant in Redcliffe between 12.30–3.10pm on Sunday, March 21, you need to quarantine immediately for 14 days and contact Queensland Health for further details. And, even if you get a test for COVID-19 and receive a negative result, you'll still need to remain in isolation for the fortnight. Next on the list are some big sites — and, if you attended any of them on the dates and around the times outlined, you should get a test for COVID-19 immediately and quarantine until you receive a negative result. This applies regardless of whether you have any coronavirus symptoms or not at present. So, that's the requirement if you were at Carindale Shopping Centre between 12–2.16pm on Saturday, March 20, Market Organics in Newmarket from 2.45–3pm the same day and Baskin Robbins in Everton Park between 9.20–9.25pm that same night. It also applies to visits to Genki Mart, Alderley from 10.30–10.46am on Sunday, March 21, Guzman y Gomez's Stafford drive-thru from 12.20–12.25pm on Monday, March 22, Bunnings in Stafford from 12.40–12.50pm the same day, Aldi Stafford from 8.30–8.45am on Thursday, March 25 and Nundah Respiratory Clinic from 11.15–11.40am also on Thursday. Also, Gasworks Plaza in Newstead and KFC Everton Park have been named as low-risk sites. If you were at the former from 9.50–10.20am on Sunday, March 21 and the latter's drive-thru from 7.55–8pm on Monday, March 22, you need to monitor for symptoms, get tested if any arise and then isolate until you get a negative result. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1375247837676462080 In response to the current case, Queensland is changing some of its restrictions. All hospitals, aged care and disability services in the Brisbane City Council area and Moreton are now closed to visitors for the time being. Also, Brisbanites are being requested to wear masks in crowded areas, such as events and on public transport. Premier Palaszczuk said that the government will be keeping the public updated over weekend, but no other restrictions are changing for now — even though authorities are yet to ascertain how the current patient acquired COVID-19. "We did just have an outbreak over the last couple of weeks in South Brisbane, so there is a chance it is linked to that one. We won't know until we get the gene sequencing result," said Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young. The usual advice applies throughout the Brisbane area — including maintaining a 1.5-metre distance from other people, washing your hands thoroughly, and the standard social distancing and hygiene tactics that have been in place for the past year. If anyone in Brisbane has even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms, they're asked to get tested as soon as possible. "Anyone who lives in Brisbane who becomes unwell in the next 14 days, if you are going out and about your normal business, you might be visiting in other parts of the state, it is important that you come forward wherever you are in Queensland and get yourself tested," said the Premier. Queensland currently has 69 active cases of COVID-19, including the one community case, from a pandemic-wide total of 1437 to-date. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
Behold a mystical race of Golden Age Hollywood stars-come-slug people. Springing from the allied imaginations of a mother-daughter duo, these hand-drawn portraits ingeniously wed the most mesmeric of faces to the most spazzy of Tyrannosaurus Rex stump arms. Proving that great and surprising art is often born from unlikely collaborations, illustrator Mica Angela Hendricks initiated the project in an accidental kind of way because her four-year-old always sets her beady eyes on her mum's luxe art supplies. When Hendricks recently tried to reserve a flashy new sketchbook for her own use, her crafty daughter Myla retaliated by appropriating classic mummy-language: "If you can't share, we might have to take it away if you can't share." Reluctantly, Hendricks allowed the wily kid to add a body to the elegant female head she'd just drawn. The result, a magnificent dino-woman, is rightly described by Hendricks on her blog as "carefree". A series of mother-daughter collabs followed, creating a funny little world of amoebic slugs and astronaut beavers with high-society noggins which somehow come across as believable beings. (I am fondly reminded of a young nephew who once claimed he had an imaginary friend called 'Prawn-Egg' with "the head of a prawn and the body of an egg". It would be great to see that illustrated.) Hendricks' blog post about the project reveals the amusing creative competitiveness between Myla and her, and how the activity has taught her to be less rigid in creative undertakings: "Yes, some things (like my new sketchbook) are sacred, but if you let go of those chains, new and wonderful things can happen. Those things you hold so dear cannot change and grow and expand unless you loosen your grip on them a little ... Most importantly, I learned that if you have a preconceived notion of how something should be, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE DISAPPOINTED. Instead, just go with it, just ACCEPT it, because usually something even more wonderful will come out of it." The logical next step would be to invent backstories for these characters with details supplied by both artists, to produce a very original book that would inspire kids and adult artists alike. See more of Mica and Myla's images on Mica's blog. Via Colossal.
Those seeking free WiFi will no longer need to spend hours lurking in their local McDonald's thanks to the development of 4sqwifi, an application that uses Foursquare to locate WiFi spots and give you their passwords. Apostolos Papadopoulos and Giannis Poulakas are the pair behind the app, and state that their vision is be "everywhere and always connected." They also stress that the product is still in its development stage, although a version is currently avaliable for free from the iTunes store. Features in the first version include "venue check-in, Twitter/Facebook sharing, in-app tip section for each venue so people can add WiFi passwords within 4sqwifi, map view and hell knows what more." The app works worldwide, and will be perfect for those who seek some urgent urban bandwidth. [Via TechCrunch]
After taking the world by storm with her explosive brand hip-hop and pop, Nicki Minaj has solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with on the global music scene. Nicki hit Australian shores in May during her ‘Pink Friday’ tour, selling out venues in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Now her tour has been ‘reloaded’ and she is back for some more, bringing special guest Tyga along for the ride. 13 million Twitter followers and millions upon millions of Youtube hits can’t be wrong, Nicki Minaj is at the top of her game. If you are after equal parts aggressive frenzy and stylistic pop, look no further. Remaining tickets are now $70, get some before they are gone.
Being a kid and loving spooky movies was glorious in 1993. That year three decades back gave the world two beloved all-ages-friendly flicks that have become October staples ever since — and, in one case, suitable festive viewing as well. One came with Tim Burton's name attached. The other told everyone to run amok, amok, amok. Now, to celebrate their 30th anniversaries, both The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus are returning to cinemas. Moviegovers can see Jack Skellington's antics on the big screen Down Under again from Thursday, October 12, and the Sanderson sisters wreaking havoc from Thursday, October 19. As for which actual picture palaces are playing the films, and at what times, you'll need to check your local — but nostalgia and family-friendly scares will be whirring through the projectors once more. With The Nightmare Before Christmas, filmmakers Tim Burton and Henry Selick (Wendell & Wild) served up one of the most enchanting holiday films to hit the big screen — and one that doubles as both Halloween and Christmas viewing. It's Burton's name that everyone remembers; however, a pre-Coraline Selick is actually in the director's chair on The Nightmare Before Christmas, which charms with both its offbeat story and its gorgeous stop-motion animation. Burton came up with the narrative though, because Jack Skellington only could've originated from the Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands filmmaker's brain. Imaginative, original and engaging (even as it nods to Dr Seuss a few times), it still remains a treat for all ages. [caption id="attachment_921880" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Disney.[/caption] The Hocus Pocus franchise is no stranger to comebacks, given that it dropped a 29-years-later sequel on streaming in 2022, with a third film also on the way. Helmed by Kenny Ortega before the director gave the world the High School Musical movies, the OG flick was the first to enlist Bette Midler (The Addams Family 2), Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) and Kathy Najimy (Music) as Winnie, Sarah and Mary Sanderson — and to unleash them in modern-day Salem. Back then, someone lit the black flame candle, which resurrected the 17th-century sisters in the movie's world — and had viewers warned about locking up their children. If you have "twist the bones and bend the back" stuck in your head just thinking about it, you're obviously a fan. Check out the trailers for The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus below: The Nightmare Before Christmas is returning to cinemas Down Under from Thursday, October 12, and Hocus Pocus from Thursday, October 19 — head to your local cinema for details. Images: Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the globe, travel is in no one's immediate plans — and the airline industry is responding accordingly. In Australia, that means a huge drop in the number of available flights, both overseas and within Australia, with Virgin Australian announcing that it's grounding aircraft and slashing services for the foreseeable future. According to the ABC, Virgin Australia will suspend all international services and will cut domestic flights by 50 percent from March 30–June 14. The equivalent to 53 aircraft will be grounded. In a statement to the ASX published on the ABC, the company said: "The Virgin Australia Group has today announced a temporary suspension of international services and further cuts to domestic capacity in response to expanded government travel restrictions and increased impacts from COVID-19 on travel demand. As a leading airline group, Virgin Australia will work closely with Government to prioritise bringing Australians home and returning visitors back to their point of origin safely, while maintaining its important role in supporting connectivity and the nation's economy." This decision follows Qantas and Jetstar's move to cut international flights by around 90 percent, and domestic flight by approximately 60 percent, which was announced by the the 100-year-old Aussie airline yesterday. Both moves come in response to Australia's current containment and quarantine measures, including the requirement that all international arrivals into the country must self-isolate for 14 days — and, unsurprisingly, the steeply dropping demand for air travel both internationally and domestically. Worldwide, the scenario is the same. Air New Zealand is reducing its capacity by 85 percent overall, and its trips across the Tasman to Australia by 80 percent. Airlines in America, Britain, Europe, Asia and, well, basically everywhere are taking similar measures — as is to be expected as countries everywhere begin to close their borders. For more information about Virgin Australia's reductions, visit its website. For further details about Qantas and Jetstar's plans, visit the company's website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Uniquely fusing biological forms with art, Vera Möller’s latest exhibition is a wonderful collection of painted forms, shimmering backgrounds and sculpture. Fictional biological entities surrounded by dappled hazy fluids, hover in movement creating a hallucinatory and fascinating dream world. Each artwork is also given it’s own scientific name to add to the effect of science meets art. Vera’s distinctive subject matter connects her with her past studies. Originally from Germany, she studied and worked in the fields of biology and microbiology, which has clearly influenced her immensely. Since moving to Australia she has studied Fine Arts in Melbourne as well as Philosophy. Through her artwork Vera looks at the distinction between the biologist's role, which is to analyse and measure the natural world, and the possibility for the artist to reflect on such research practices and relationships, viewed within the wider cultural context in which these occur. Combining artistic elements in a surrealist manner, these works will transport you to another world with their detail, fluidity and natural imperceptible energy. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this intelligent and inimitable collection, running until the 14th of April.
When you're a bar that nods to all things spooky in your name, and you boast more than a couple of monster-themed pinball and arcade machines, then you're going to like the end of October. Netherworld does, of course. Indeed, the Valley pub celebrates Halloween in the expected style each and every year. So, what's on the agenda? Reflecting the kind of year 2020 has served up, Netherworld is hosting an ongoing Halloween party. Some of us want to mark the occasion on the actual date, and some of us want to have some themed fun across the whole week or so leading up to it. Here, you can do both. Up until and including Saturday, October 31, you can pick your time to drop by and get into the spooky spirit. Get dressed up, and you'll receive a limited-edition enamel pin to go with your costume, too. Then, you can simply hang out, drink, hit up the horror-themed pinball tables, check out the carved pumpkins and eat food to suit the occasion. Beverage-wise, plenty of cocktails will be on offer — and, if you'd like to feel as if you're trick-or-treating, they'll be candy flavoured. [caption id="attachment_669756" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption]
The 4th Brazil Film Festival runs in Brisbane from February 27 to March 3 and presents 10 of the most acclaimed recent Brazilian film productions as well as a selection of short films. Here's a preview of five movies that have us totally intrigued. 1. Heleno is a portrait of real-life 1940s soccer star Heleno de Freito's romantic and professional exploits. Shot entirely in black-and-white, this looks to be a glamorous chronicle of the 'Cursed Prince', complete with well-dressed busty ladies, fast cars, and snappy dialogue. 2. Mulatas. The first word that comes to mind when you think of Brazil is probably 'Carnival'. This doco interviews the women embodying Rio de Janeiro's exuberant Carnival samba culture, the mulatas. Delving beneath the surface of a national symbol, the film explores the stigmas associated with the provocative dance style and its impact on the mulatas' personal lives. 3. Hauling. Sao Paulo is home to a marginalised subculture of professional recyclers, including Claudines, a man who for many years has based his livelihood on carefully salvaging what others would view as junk. He's not the only one, either. This documentary offers a fascinating look at Brazil's recycling underworld, covering both its social and environmental aspects. 4. Highrise. What does life look like from the perspective of the Brazilian upper classes, dwelling high above street level in the penthouses of major cities? Highrise scrutinises the country's social and economic disparities by entering the lofty homes of some of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Recife's wealthiest denizens, interviewing them about their motives for choosing the high life. 5. Amazonia Eterna. The Amazon is the last great forest wilderness, and the balance of its ecosystem affects all life on Earth. This documentary examines the way local inhabitants view their home, its significance and its future. The film will be accompanied by a panel discussion chaired by Green Cross Australia, raising awareness of parallels between conservation issues in the Amazon and Australia. https://youtube.com/watch?v=nq7XsCyZRVI Top image from Hauling by Sean Walsh.
Mr Maps certainly knows how to throw an event. Seriously – throwing a Tennis Party right after Wimbledon, when everyone is already keen for strawberries and cream, Pimms and lemonade, and crisp white tennis bests? There could be no better time. To launch their new single, not-so-surprisingly called Tennis Party, Mr Maps is inviting everyone to join them at New Farm Park Tennis Courts this Sunday. An appreciation of tennis, music and good times is requested. Someone will be commandeering a BBQ and other goodies will be for sale. Plus if you attend you could totally end up famous, as the gig will be recorded for the official Tennis Party film clip. It’s a free all-ages gig, so if your Sunday’s looking a little bland you really have no excuse not to attend, especially if you’re partial to a little game, set and match.
Brisbanites, if catching a train is on your weekend agenda, you might want to make other plans. As part of city-wide track maintenance, every line that runs through the Brisbane CBD is experiencing closures until Monday morning — including every single stop from Roma Street to Bowen Hills. The list of impacted stations is considerable, running out to Corinda on the Ipswich line, Murarrie on the Cleveland line, and Yeerongpilly on the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines, too. Northsiders fare much better, with the track work only extending as far as Wooloowin in that direction. Replacement buses are across the weekend running, though Translink advices passengers to add an extra hour onto their travel time until the first service on Monday. If you're wondering why, the maintenance is part of the preparation for the Commonwealth Games — when another round of delays is slated to come into effect for much of April, this time due to a reduction in the Brisbane schedule so that services can run more frequently to and on the Gold Coast. Via Brisbane Times. Image: Denisbin via Flickr.
A new batch of travellers is checking in, and a third The White Lotus hotel is ready and waiting. As Lisa from BLACKPINK says in both the initial look at footage from season three in a broader HBO trailer and in the anthology hit's just-dropped first teaser, "welcome to The White Lotus in Thailand". Viewers mightn't be packing their bags to head to an exclusive Thai resort, but you can mark your calendar: the acclaimed series returns in mid-February 2025. A getaway at a luxurious hotel is normally relaxing, but that isn't what vacationers find in this show. It was true in the Hawaii-set first season in 2021, then in season two in Sicily in 2023, each with a largely different group of holidaymakers. Based on the sneak peek at season three, that's of course accurate again in the eight-episode run that arrives from Monday, February 17 Australian and New Zealand time. Walton Goggins (Fallout), Carrie Coon (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Jason Isaacs (The Crowded Room), Michelle Monaghan (MaXXXine), Leslie Bibb (Palm Royale) and Parker Posey (Mr & Mrs Smith) are among the folks checking in this time, alongside Sam Nivola (The Perfect Couple), Patrick Schwarzenegger (Gen V), Sarah Catherine Hook (Cruel Intentions) and Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education). Families, couples and friends on getaways: they're all covered by the above cast members. And as Monaghan exclaiming "what the fuck is this place?" indicates, they're in for some chaos. Bad feelings, seeking pleasure but finding pain, threatening to drink oneself to sleep: alongside guns, dancing, judgemental pals, missing pills, snakes, monkeys, ambulances, complaints about gluten-free rice and a body bag, they're all featured in the teaser as well. From season one, Natasha Rothwell (How to Die Alone) is back Hawaii spa manager Belinda, who advises that she's there on an exchange program. Season three also stars Lek Patravadi (In Family We Trust) and Tayme Thapthimthong (Thai Cave Rescue) as one of The White Lotus' owners and security guards, respectively. Where the Mike White (Brad's Status)-created, -written and -directed satire's first season had money in its sights and the second honed in on sex, eastern religion and spirituality is in the spotlight in season three, which also co-stars Nicholas Duvernay (Bel-Air), Arnas Fedaravičius (The Wheel of Time), Christian Friedel (The Zone of Interest), Scott Glenn (Bad Monkey), Dom Hetrakul (The Sweetest Taboo), Julian Kostov (Alex Rider), Charlotte Le Bon (Niki), Morgana O'Reilly (Bookworm) and Shalini Peiris (The Ark). Check out the first teaser trailer for The White Lotus season three below: The White Lotus returns on Sunday, February 16 in the US, which is Monday, February 17 Down Under. At present, the series streams via Binge in Australia and on Neon in New Zealand. Images: HBO.
As anyone who's ever ridden a bike that's too big or too small for them knows, it inevitably ends in bruises and/or some kind of chronic knee problem (and you just look kinda silly). The problem is that, unlike clothes, bikes usually operate on a two-size scale — so if you don't fit into the pre-defined categories of small or large, you're going to have a bit of a problem finding an affordable two-wheeled baby to comfortably ride around in. To combat this problem, Hungarian designer Tamás Túri has come up with the 3BEE: a bicycle that can be fully customised to your body and its abilities. By using a 3D printing technique, he's able to personalise the bike to your height, measurements, age and physical abilities. So it's made just for you. And before we forget to mention it, this bike is bloody beautiful. It's sleek like a racing bike, but operates as a functional fixie commuter. Its frame is actually hollow, so it's super lightweight, and the curved design means it's easy to pick up and put over your shoulder if you need to carry it inside or up some stairs.
Aaron Hobson has taken some breathtaking landscape photographs of remote locations scattered across the globe, and all without leaving the comfort of his own computer screen. From the haunting energy of undisturbed forests in France to roads that wrap around mountainous Spain, Hobson has captured each of these picturesque moments using Google Street View. Hobson says that he began using Google Street View to discover possible shooting locations for a film, but soon found himself clicking away for miles along deserted roads, all for his own pleasure. He also says that he uses Google Street View in High Definition, so that the photographs only require a few minutes of editing before they are put on show. His work has garnered so much attention that last week his website buckled under the pressure of 50,000 views in one day. This isn't the first time that Google Street View has been used to create an artistic work. Last week we featured the remarkable Address is Approximate, a stop motion animation film by Tom Jenkins. This film uses a clever combination of Google Street View and everyday objects to create a quirky sense of travel and distance. The use of Google Street View by these online explorers proves that the world is now literally in the palm of our hands. [via Mashable]
Melburnian and Sydneysiding bartenders take their craft truly seriously. Twisting limes, straining shakers and floating on spoons in their sleep, these lovers of a good muddle are a proud, dedicated hoard. But which city owns the mad skills: the salty sea dogs of Sydney or the metropolitan marauders from Melbourne? The convolutedly titled but cleverly programmed World Class World Cocktail Week has had enough of shouting over the fence. In a momentous stately exchange, Sydney and Melbourne will front up their finest three bartenders from two celebrated cocktail bars and swap venues for two evenings of pure exhibitionist swagger. Melbourne’s Black Pearl will take over Sydney bar The Rook on Tuesday, May 13, to sprinkle a little Victorian savvy on the lobster-loving CBD bar. On Saturday, June 17, The Rook will return the visit, with bartenders Cristiano Beretta, Jason Williams and Rollo Anderson venturing south to claim the Black Pearl as their own. Both carefully crafted teams will be whipping up their own concoctions from the stores of each venue, undoubtedly provoking some smuggery at where certain bits and pieces are kept behind the bar. Throwing down every last twist and roll, the grudge match forms part of the neat libation-loving event program of WCWCW. Carnivores will be able to pair their love of meat and liquor at the Newtown Hotel for ‘Meat Meets Whiskey’ (May 6 – May 13), where you can consume Bulleit Bourbon via bone luge, as well as many other meat-inflected concoctions. Vegetarians should probably avoid like the plague. Sydney's Hinky Dinks and Melbourne's Belle's Diner will both be tempting their fair share of nostalgics with 'Pimp Your Shake'. That entails Zacapa rum-spiked milkshakes paired with heady American desserts — the Plenty a Platano is served with warm banana doughnuts and the Peanut Buttered Rum Shake with a slice of pecan pie ($22 each). There's also a nationwide #garnishoff happening on Instagram, and your dinky orange slice ain't going to cut it. To brush up on your cocktail terminology and know what you’re looking for in an Old Fashioned, have a tipple with the bartenders in your city here and here. The end of Prohibition has never tasted so good. World Class World Cocktail Week runs a series of Australia-wide events from May 6-13, curated by celebrated Sydney foodie Ms Darlinghurst. Check out the website for more information.
Kina Grannis is causing a huge fuss across the globe with her adorable, imaganitave tunes. The gifted singer-songwriter is famous for her live/video performances and original compositions alongside popular acoustic covers. Celebrating the release of her debut album Stairwells, the American lass will embark on her first Australian tour. Her highly anticipated arrival comes in sync with her latest single, 'In Your Arms', a song that's video comprised almost 25000 frames constructed out of 288,000 jelly beans. If that doesn't intrigue you to YouTube, i'm not sure what will! In fact, Kina's claim to fame was actually YouTube, winning her over over half a million subscribers to date. Named one of the most prolific acoustic musicians to come out of the video hosting website, there's no surprises when it comes to her engaging and interactive performances. Responding to the demand of her Australian fan base, Kina will grace The Powerhouse this Wednesday with special guest, ‘Australia’s Best Busker’, Ollie Brown. Obviously the boy got that title for a reason. She won over American and Ellen and soon arrives to dapple us too.Don't miss Kina Grannis in all her harmonic glory.
Most of us associate printers with ink and paper, but a new 3D printer has more to do with chocolate cupcakes and other delicious desserts. Using syringe technology, the Imagine 3D printer from Essential Dynamics can be filled with a vast array of elements, including plastics, silicone, concrete, and most importantly, chocolate. A representative from the company claims that a cupcake can be made before your eyes in one minute. If you're more of a savoury type, never fear. The Imagine 3D printer can also be filled with cheese. Regular fondue parties will seem tame when compared to the wonders you can create with this. 3D printing has undergone a rise in popularity in the last decade, but I predict that this revelation will soar it into supstardom. Standing at $3000, the Imagine 3D Printer will soon accompany the fridge and the stove as a quintessential kitchen applicance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_27rOWq61hk [vis PSFK]
That's right, it's already November. And after the year we've had, mental health amongst men, both young and old, definitely needs some attention. Whether it's an ironic 70s pornstar moustache or a cracking handlebar, sporting a bit of luscious lip hair for Movember is not just a fun way to be involved but it's also a great way to raise money and awareness for men's health. But if your ability to grow a mo is a little, well, lacking, there are plenty of other ways to get involved — from pledging to walk 60 kilometres to hosting a get-together with your mates. If you opt for the latter, you're going to want to brainstorm some creative ways to get your mates to cough up some cash, so we've put together some suggestions to get you started. HOST A NOSTALGIC KIDS' BIRTHDAY PARTY So what if you or your friends don't have kids? Eating fairy bread, getting your face painted as Spiderman, whacking a piñata and play a few rounds of good ol' pass the parcel never gets old. And after the year we've had, switching off and pretending we're little kids just playing with our friends sounds pretty good to us. Something else we loved doing when we were younger? Playing dress-ups. So combine your kids' party with Movember's Shit Shirt Saturday on November 28. Rally the troops, ask everyone for a donation to the cause, then hit the op shops and find a shit shirt to party in. [caption id="attachment_783596" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Shvets[/caption] HOST A (VIRTUAL) TRIVIA NIGHT Everyone loves a good pub trivia night. And it's much easier to be the host because you have all the answers written down. Invite a couple of mates round, divide them up into teams, grab a slab and put your thinking hats on. If iso has afforded you plenty of time to research a particular subject or subjects, now could be your time to shine. Be it film, music, history, general knowledge or sport, everyone is bound to have a good time flexing their brains and either showing off or learning new facts. Movember even has a six-round, mo-themed trivia guide ready to go. Recreate the pub atmosphere at home, or, like we did many a time in lockdown, host your trivia night online, so you can involve your mates from across the country (or globe). And, get creative. Award extra points for the best (or worst) mo of the evening — or get your mates to donate a certain amount of money for every wrong answer. HOST A BEACH GAME TOURNAMENT Summer is (almost) upon us, and after what feels like an eternity of being cooped up inside, we're finally allowed out to see each other. So why not take advantage of the countless beautiful beaches Australia has to offer and plan an oceanside hang? Recently-free Melburnians could make a trip to Brighton (don't worry, we're pretty sure Karen has moved) or St Kilda Beach. Sydneysiders are blessed with Manly, Redleaf or the quaint harbourside Balmoral. And Brisbanites could venture to Suttons, Margate or Pandanus for a day of beachside fun. And to get your mates donating cash, plan some beach games with a buy-in. Beach cricket, beersbie, and Finska in the sand are just a few games to while away a day in the sun and surf — or even a sandcastle building competition. If you're not near the beach or don't fancy braving the hordes of people flocking to them, host a barbecue. Most of these games can be easily adapted to suit a backyard or local park, too. HOST A PAINT AND SIP CLASS If you're after a great socially distanced event idea, grab a few friends to a smash few wines while flexing your artistic side to raise contributions for Movember. If the gang is feeling particularly confident and comfortable, try life or figure drawing. For something a bit more accessible you could do the classic bowl of fruit, or think outside the box and capture the fine detail and intricate angles of a case of your favourite beer. Or, of course, paint your mates' kooky Movember moustaches. The list goes on. If you can assemble some really talented friends, try a low-key art auction with the proceeds going to Movember. Even if you think you can't paint, you can still get involved, particularly on the 'sip' side of things. There's still time to sign up to Host a Moment for Movember, and change the face of men's health. To learn more or register as a host, visit the website.
In March this year, Lin-Manuel Miranda's game-changing musical Hamilton made its way to Australia. Yes, finally. Until then, local fans had to be content with obsessing over the 11-time Tony-winning show from afar — or, since mid-2020, enjoying the filmed version of its Broadway production. But thankfully that all changed when the blockbuster production hit the Sydney Lyric Theatre, where it has been unfurling its tale of 18th-century American politics for a few months now. That's obviously a great situation for Sydneysiders, and for anyone willing to make the trip to the New South Wales capital for a night of rousing theatre. If you're in those two categories, you can currently be in the room where it happens. But if you're a Melburnian, it looks like even better news is coming. Sometime in 2022 — perhaps as early as March — Melbourne residents might get their shot to see Hamilton on home turf. Although an official announcement hasn't yet been made, the production is expected to make its way to Victoria next year, The Age is reporting. If it does debut in March as suggested, it'll do so a year after it premiered in Sydney, with Her Majesty's Theatre its likely home in Melbourne. It's anticipated that official word will come soon — possibly by the end of this month, in fact. If you're up to date on the Australian theatre scene's recent announcements, though, you might've anticipated this news. Other big musicals, such as The Book of Mormons, have toured the country after their big local premiere seasons. Also, earlier this week, it was announced that the Mary Poppins musical would float into the Sydney Lyric Theatre from May next year — and obviously the venue can't host two shows at once. Haven't become a Hamilton obsessive yet? Not quite sure why it has been one of the most-talked about theatre shows 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. As well as its swag of Tony Awards, which includes Best Musical, it has nabbed a Grammy Award and even a Pulitzer Prize. This won't be Miranda's first musical to come to Melbourne, with his take on the classic 2000s film Bring It On: The Musical hitting the city in 2018. In the meantime, Melburnians can watch the filmed version of Hamilton with the original Broadway cast on Disney+ — and yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard. Sydneysiders, if you haven't yet booked yourself in to see the musical, you might want to get in quickly. And Brisbanites, start crossing your fingers that Hamilton plans a move up north after its Melbourne season. Hamilton is expected to stage a Melbourne season in 2022. We'll update you with further details if and when they're announced — and you can keep an eye on the musical's website in the interim. Via: The Age. Images: Hamilton, Broadway. Photos by Joan Marcus.
Back at the beginning of December, life in Australia seemed like it was largely returning to normal after a tough year spent coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Then Sydney experienced a cluster of cases in the northern beaches region, cases popped up in Victoria as well, and now Brisbane is responding to the country's first local case of the new, more contagious coronavirus strain. Due to the latter situation — with a hotel quarantine worker testing positive to COVID-19 — the nation has been reacting at both the state and federal government levels. The Greater Brisbane area is going into lockdown for three days, and New South Wales is requiring anyone who has been in the region since January 2 and is now down south to also stay at home under the same conditions for the same period. In the latest announcement on the news-filled day that is today, Friday, January 8, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made a similar statement, covering the whole country. Firstly, following the first Australian national cabinet meeting for 2021, the Prime Minister revealed that the Greater Brisbane area has been declared a COVID-19 hotspot at the commonwealth level. That applies to the Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands local government areas. Secondly, the PM has said that anyone who is in the rest of Australia but has visited Greater Brisbane should "treat yourself as if you are in those places". "Our message to Australians who are in those areas is — stay where you are," the Prime Minister said. "Don't go anywhere. Don't go home to another state or any other part of your state. Over the next few days, stay where you are. If you're somewhere else and you are planning to go there, don't. You should get tested. You should monitor your symptoms. And until you've gone through the testing process, you should remain isolated." https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1347311954625396737 Queensland Health has made a similar statement about travellers from the state itself, announcing that anyone from Queensland who has been in the Greater Brisbane area since January 2 but is now elsewhere must quarantine wherever they are. They'll also need to wear a mask when they leave their homes — for one of the four reasons permitted during Greater Brisbane's lockdown. Other states and territories around the country have also been implementing their own restrictions on folks from Greater Brisbane, or who've visited there recently — and on the entirety of Queensland in some instances. As has been the case for much of 2020, the rules vary depending on the state and territory. As today's development's have shown, they're changing fast. At the time of writing, Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services advises that anyone who has arrived in Victoria from Greater Brisbane since January 2 should get tested, and remain at home or wherever they're staying until Monday, January 11, when a further assessment about the situation will be made. Tasmania has declared the Greater Brisbane region a high-risk area. Anyone who has arrived in Tasmania after spending time in Greater Brisbane since January 2 must immediately self-isolate and contact the state's Public Health Hotline, while anyone who has been in the area and intends to travel to Tassie won't be allowed to enter, unless they receive an exemption. In the Northern Territory, travel limits have also been put in place, affecting folks from the Greater Brisbane area. The hotspot declaration came into effect this morning, on Friday, January 8, and means anyone entering the NT from the region will have to go into quarantine for two weeks. South Australia is bringing in a quarantine requirement, too, from midnight as Saturday, January 9 begins, which means that arrivals from Greater Brisbane will need to isolate for two weeks. Anyone currently in SA who has been in the Greater Brisbane area since January 2 must get tested immediately. The Australian Capital Territory will require anyone who has been in the Greater Brisbane area since January 2 to go into isolation for 14 days from when they were last in the area. That comes into effect from 3pm on Friday, January 8. https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1347373468585660417 Over in Western Australia, a hard border has been brought back in with all of Queensland. At midnight tonight, the border will close to anyone who has been in the Sunshine State since January 2, and anyone who receives an exemption to still enter WA will have to go into quarantine for 14 days and undertake COVID-19 testing at two different points. Those currently in WA who have been in Queensland since January 2 must self-isolate until they have spent 14 days in WA, and must get tested by January 12 and then have another test on day 11 of their quarantine. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Working from home has its perks, like more snacks on-hand and wearing your comfy clothes. By now though, wearing the same baggy tee and pyjama pants day-in, day-out might be growing a little old. Plus, as we move into cooler autumn days, a new cosy jumper and some non-threadbare trackies are pretty much essentials. Online shopping go-to The Iconic has put together a collection of its best loungewear and accessories, so you can upgrade your wardrobe without leaving the house. Because dressing up with nowhere to go is the new norm — and you might as well be comfy. For clothes, you'll find a bunch of Aussie labels all known for their super-comfy athleisure and loungewear. Camilla and Marc and its elevated streetwear label C&M currently have some super-warm knitwear and pullovers available via The Iconic, alongside wardrobe staples such as t-shirts, denim and tailored pants. Sustainable brand AERE has a bunch of flowy linen items for both men and women, including shorts, shirts and dresses. And menswear labels Staple Superior and Academy Brand have a range of hoodies, tees, chinos and track pants. If you're wanting to stock up your own balcony-gym or living room-yoga wardrobe (or another WFH outfit, if we're totally honest), you'll also find a bunch of fashionable activewear. Expect leggings, shorts, crops and more from local labels such as P.E. Nation, eco-conscious label Nimble, Jaggad and Cotton On Body, plus international brands Champion and Puma. And, if you've recently taken up running (or plan to), you can buy some running shoes here. You'll also find everything from slippers to sleek sneakers. Ultimate cosy shoe brand UGG has several styles of slippers, including some extra-fluffy yellow ones, as does Birkenstock. Sneaker-wise, there's an extensive selection of Veja and Puma designs, from simple white leather to multicoloured ones. Or, if you feel like walking around in a pair of stilletos for whatever reason, there are those, too. Best of all, The Iconic is giving Concrete Playground readers $30 off on all orders of $120 or more. All you have to do is head here then enter CPLOUNGE at checkout. The Iconic's loungewear range can be found here. For $30 off your order, enter CPLOUNGE at checkout (offer available until Sunday, April 26). FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
It's been 15 years since The Notebook made everyone fall in love with Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams and locking lips during a downpour, and the Nicholas Sparks-penned effort isn't done spreading its sappy brand of romance just yet. Soon, the book-turned-movie will make another leap, bringing its lovestruck drama to Broadway. As reported by Variety, the first bestseller from the author also responsible for A Walk to Remember, Dear John, The Last Song and The Lucky One is being turned into a stage musical. Expect singing in the rain, obviously, as well as crooned declarations of love in a rowboat. Expect a song-filled account of an heiress falling in love with a poor quarry worker, too. Producers Kevin McCollum and Kurt Deutsch — plus Sparks himself — are behind The Notebook's jump from tear-soaked pages to weep-inducing celluloid to a stage version that should probably just hand out tissues with every ticket. McCollum has earned Tony awards for In the Heights, Avenue Q and Rent, while Deutsch is the founder of both Sh-K-Boom and Ghostlight records, which both have a theatre and cast-recording focus. While a production timeline hasn't been announced (so don't go booking your New York flights just yet), the script and songs are being handled by Bekah Brunstetter and Ingrid Michaelson respectively. The former a writer and producer on TV show This Is Us, and the latter is best known for singles 'The Way I Am' and 'Girls Chase Boys'. It's way too early to talk about casting, but if Gosling can sing in La La Land, then you can start dreaming that he belt out a tune again. Of course, it's almost 100-percent guaranteed that that fantasy won't go any further than your head. If you've been keeping track, The Notebook's musical adaptation taps into a trend that just keeps growing, aka singing-and-dancing versions of beloved movies. In recent years, everything from Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bring It On, Mean Girls and Clueless has made the leap to the stage, plus The Bodyguard, Amelie, Waitress, Muriel's Wedding and Moulin Rouge!. A stage version of The Devil Wears Prada is also in the works, as well as Empire Records, Mrs Doubtfire and Aussie classic Starstruck. Via Variety.
The London Riots have left us all a bit gobsmacked. On the 6th of August in Tottenham in the North of London what started out as peaceful demonstration against a recent police shooting turned into something quite different and unexpected — an outbreak of violence and the destruction of cars and homes and local businesses. And then the looting began. Over the next two to three days copycat riots and looting broke out over London, most notably in Peckham, Clapham and Brixton and then around the country in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham resulting in five related deaths and the worst rioting the country has seen since the 1980s. As large parts of the city were shut down and boarded up, the rest of the world looked on in shock as footage and information streamed out via mainstream and social media. The mainstream media questioned the politicians, the police response and the rioters motivations. A YouTube video, which has received in excess of four millions hits, was uploaded of a Malaysian student, bleeding and distressed, being 'helped up' by the crowd around him only then to be mugged by his supposed 'helpers'. A Tumblr site, Photshoplooter, sprang up, providing some much needed humour in a time which is anything but funny. In the aftermath of the riots, as the public, the politicians and the newspapers debate everything from increasing police powers to the impact the government's recent austerity measures have had on young people, the good people of London (and yes, there are quite a few of them) have got down to the business of cleaning up and rebuilding. RiotCleanup started as a twitter account in the early hours of the 9th of August and by the morning it was a website helping to organise an army of volunteers who wanted to help with the clean up. Building on its success, two recent architecture students, Lee Wilshire and Nick Varney, have set up Riotrebuild, which is dedicated to connecting people who have been affected by the riots with professional architects, builders and handyman to assist them to rebuild their homes, business and communities.
Ah 21st century, you’re just flying along these days aren’t you? Bringing Mos Burger to the Queen Street Mall, inventing cars that can parallel park themselves, and arming every Gen Y with an internet connection the power to comment on society. Recognising this recent phenomena are the latest bunch of talented students studying at the Queensland College of Art. Outlining the intrinsic relationship between humans and their need to constantly celebrate their life online, this group of artists have put together a collection of artwork showcased under the title NOWstalgia. Highlighting how interesting it is having access to amazing technology and depicting how the present is somehow resulting in a sense of loss, the eighteen emerging artists have created a varied and eclectic amount of work that is sure to intrigue, cause wonderment and definite dialogue. It also wouldn’t be commentary on the 21st century if Twitter wasn’t involved. As part of the lead up to the opening date, NOWstalgia has launched their own twitter feed which all 18 artists are contributing to anonymously. It can be considered a preview artwork of sorts, and with comments such as “my eyeballs are cold” and “just ate that whole pizza. It was pretty great” you be can guaranteed NOWstalgia will be entertaining.
Well, not really. But aggregated search data can be used to track some economic trends, and can do so better than official economics surveys. The logic behind it is pretty simple: what does the average person do when confronted by something new in their life? Google it, of course. By using Google Insights to measure search terms like 'real estate agent' or 'unemployment' it's possible to get an idea of how much activity there will be in the property market, or how many people might be signing up for benefits soon. The Bank of England is doing exactly that to supplement their official figures to gain a better picture of the UK economy. The search engine figures aren't 100% accurate, but they are available much faster than government reports. It's not the first time individual search activity has been aggregated and used to measure large-scale trends. Google Flu Trends uses the same idea: by measuring the frequency of searches for flu symptoms, they can measure levels of flu activity and report it much faster than hospital reported cases. In fact, Google could have spotted the 2009 swine flu outbreak... if they had been monitoring Mexico at the time. [via Guardian UK]
Just like toilet paper, pasta and cans of tuna, tampons and pads in the time of COVID-19 are becoming increasingly hard to find on supermarket shelves. Which is a less-than-ideal situation to be in when that time of the month rolls around. And, sure, you may have heard about period-proof undies — and maybe even thought about making the switch for sustainability and economical reasons — but have you actually used them? No? Well, perhaps now is the time to give them a go. Since starting back in 2013, Australian label Modibodi has been shipping its colourful, comfy and functional undies to folk around the globe, with the aim of empowering them with a more eco-friendly option to tampons and pads — and, in the long run, it's lighter on the wallet. Plus, if you're self-isolating or trying to cut down your visits to the shop at the moment — kudos to you — then undies, which you can order online and delivered straight to your door, might be the way to go. Modibodi's undies use fabrics such as bamboo, merino wool and microfibres and have built-in absorbent, breathable (and stain- and odour-resistant) liners. After two years of testing, trialling and fine-tuning the designs with textile engineers and companies in Australia and the US, Modibodi became one of the world's go-to period-proof undies. The liners are about three-millimetres thick and can absorb anywhere between five and 20 millilitres (about four tampons' worth). So, while you're stuck at home, you can parade around in a pair of underwear — and not worry about any discomfort or leaks when wearing them. As these undies are designed to be thrown in your washing machine to be worn again and again, they're a far more sustainable solution than single-use items such as tampons, pads and liners, too. So, not only are they good for you, they're good for the planet. It doesn't hurt that it works out cheaper in the long run, too. They're designed for people of all ages, shapes and sizes, too, with more than ten different styles — from a classic brief cut to bikini, seamless, boyleg, boy short, high-waisted, maternity, swim, activewear and even vegan ones — in a range of colours. Plus, there are four different absorbency levels available: superlight, light-moderate, moderate-heavy and heavy-overnight. There are designs for pee, sweat and pregnancy, too. Prices start from $23.50 and there are packs of five, seven and ten, too, which will save you some pennies if you're looking to buy more than a couple of pairs. Modibodi is currently offering contactless delivery across Australia and New Zealand, with free shipping on orders over $100 AUD and NZD. If this is your first time buying them, you can score ten percent off when you sign up here. For more information on period-proof undies — and to buy yourself a pair (or few) — head to Modibodi's website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
You never can predict what Thom Yorke will do next. He seems to be constantly popping up from out of nowhere yelling "Surprise! Look what I've done this time!" Dropping in to London radio station Rinse FM for a chat this week, he casually announced, and then proceeded to premiere, his new collaboration with electronic producers Burial & Four Tet. The Radiohead frontman has made a bit of a habit of announcing things last minute lately, what with the spontaneous release of King of Limbs last month. Yorke has been at the cutting edge of electronic music for a long while, and so coming together with Four Tet & Burial is an electro marriage made in heaven. The tracks are being released as a 12" split single, entitled 'Ego' and 'Mirror.' Fans didn't even have time to get themselves a copy before the official release date on March 21, with pre-orders inexplicably selling out before the announcement of its release. Thom Yorke has previously produced amazing work outside of Radiohead, with his chart-topping solo album Eraser, incredible collaborations with artists such as PJ Harvey, and 2010's launch of new band Atoms For Peace, alongside members of Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Forro In The Dark. This collaboration with Burial and Four Tet follows the trend, with the ethereal sounds and haunting vocals prompting something close to sensory overload. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MOwD67BIPMA [Via One Thirty BPM]
Wandering around a market while the sun shines is all well and good, but there's something extra appealing about the nighttime variety. Happening every Friday and Saturday night in Brisbane's north BITE Markets fits the bill. And, it serves up plenty of food, because that's what every night market attendee really wants. A trip to Nolan Drive in Morayfield comes with a little something extra from 4pm on Saturday, October 29, however — because that's when the BITE Markets Halloween Spooktacular is adding some scares to the place. This is a family-friendly affair with scavenger hunts and a monster-themed disco, but if you were thinking about hitting up a market anyway and you love Halloween, consider it a two-for-one kind of event. Expect the usual array of food, and likely some Halloween-themed treats. Opting for the sweets lineup — cakes, doughnuts, churros and poffertjes and the like — will get your tastebuds in the right mood anyway. A shipping container setup like Hamilton's Eat Street — complete with landscaping and a dining precinct — BITE Markets showcases local talents, so prepare to feast on meals whipped up by the best producers, food creators and artisans in the area, too. Entry costs $3 for adults — and for those driving north, there's more than 600 car parks onsite.
Victoria has fully reopened to the entire country, and Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia have all announced when they'll relax their border rules, too. Now, it's Western Australia's turn. Today, Friday, November 5, WA Premier Mark McGowan revealed that the state will start welcoming back travellers sometime early in 2022, once it hits the 90-percent double-vaccinated mark. That means that there's no exact reopening date right now, but McGowan said he expects it to occur sometime in late January or early February. Once WA hits the 80-percent double-dose threshold, the Premier will announce exactly when folks from other states will be able to head west again at that 90-percent mark. And, people travelling from overseas destinations, too — because the reopening will apply to both WA's domestic and international borders. There'll be different rules in place depending on where you're entering from, and other health measures such as wearing face masks in high-risk settings and requiring proof of vaccination at large events and nightclubs will also be put into effect statewide. Today we can announce Western Australia's Safe Transition Plan to ease our controlled border. It sets out an approach which will allow us to safely ease our border controls with other States and resume international travel - while limiting the impact of COVID when it reaches WA. pic.twitter.com/z8mSPlppsf — Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) November 5, 2021 Now planning a trip to WA from elsewhere in Australia? You'll need to be double-vaccinated to enter, and also to get a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of departing. At first, there'll be tests upon arrival as well, but they will eventually be phased out. For those making the journey from an international location, there'll be no quarantine for double-vaxxed arrivals — and the same testing requirements will be in place for both domestic and overseas travellers. If you haven't had two jabs, you'll still need to go into hotel quarantine for 14 days. "The decision to target a 90-percent vaccination rate is based on extensive modelling which shows us the rates of community infections, hospitalisations and deaths are far lower if we make this change at 90-percent, when compared with an 80-percent target," said the Premier. And, while that 90-percent threshold will apply statewide, "if there are regional areas with low vaccination rates, then pending the health advice at the time, restrictions on travel within WA to protect these specific regions may need to be introduced," McGowan continued. [caption id="attachment_770353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] The just-announced plan will see WA reopen while having no COVID-19 in the state's community, too. "This plan sets out how WA will transition in a safe manner and provides a soft landing, with minimal impact on WA's unique way of life," said the Premier. "Transitioning with zero COVID in the community has never been done before and that's why our transition is unique and will require us to all work together." Western Australia has had a hard border and strict quarantine requirements in place for much of the pandemic, meaning that people who don't normally reside in WA have only been able to visit the state if they're classified as an exempt traveller, apply for a G2G Pass and, if approved, then self-isolate for 14 days. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Western Australia, and the state's corresponding restrictions, visit its online COVID-19 hub.
When naming the world's highest-pressure occupations, one traditionally thinks of heads of state, air traffic controllers and emergency room surgeons. Kindergarten teachers would probably put their hands up, too, but one area that’s generally overlooked — mostly because it’s hidden away by design — is the kitchen of any Michelin-rated restaurant. These temples of fine dining and avant garde cuisine play host to the most talented chefs in the world, and to cook alongside them is — as one character in Burnt explains — like working with Yoda. But the privilege comes at a cost. Their genius seems almost inextricably bonded with arrogance and rage, an exacting expectation of excellence that permits no error or half-measures. Egos clash, tempers flare, reputations are made and ruined and all the while the wealthiest one percent sits just metres away, oblivious and impatient. To see Burnt is to finally peer behind this temple’s curtain and experience just a semblance of the chaotic magic within. The film stars Bradley Cooper as Adam Jones, a disgraced chef in search of his third Michelin star — the highest rating a restaurant (and hence its chef) can secure. Penniless and jobless, Jones is at rock bottom; a recovering addict of every imaginable vice and shucking one million oysters as part of a gruelling personal penance. Redemption beckons, however, so he procures a London restaurant from his friend Tony (Daniel Brühl) and attempts to assemble a team of the most talented cooks and sauciers available. The stakes may seem low, but placing an addict in a high-pressure environment haunted by both the demons of his past and the debilitating fear of future failure creates levels of Sicario-like tension throughout this film that rarely drop below ten. To make a non-wanky movie about a chef is an achievement in itself, but to also make it suspenseful is definitely worthy of praise. For the food lovers, Burnt features an absolute bucket load of cooking, mixing, sharpening, experimentation and close-up food porn — perhaps more than any other recent offering along similar lines (including, for example, Jon Favreau’s Chef). It’s also guilty of more montages than Teen Wolf 2, but — in its defence — they’re not making two minute noodles here. To watch beef brisket cooked sous-vide would be like watching water boil, in that — well — that’s exactly what it is, so the editing choices are forgivable. The dialogue is mostly snappy and the kitchen scenes are fast-paced and volatile, making the delicate creations they produce seem all the more inconceivable. In all, Burnt is something of a culinary action movie, and while several of its characters are admittedly lacking in narrative depth (most notably Sienna Miller as Jones’s gifted saucier), it’s still a cracking film and a fascinating glimpse into a rarely-seen world.
Before Instagram there was Hipstamatic - an app for your iPhone that transformed your boring and ordinary 21st century photos into dreamy capsules from a bygone yesteryear with vignetting, light leaks and nostalgically ethereal shades and tints. Hipstamatic promised the 'look, feel, unpredictable beauty and fun of plastic toy cameras from the past' and now, in a bid to regain their popularity and get one up on Instagram, Hipstamatic is offering a new dimension to their faux-analogue photography experience: a digital disposable camera. No, they're not encouraging you to throw your iPhone in the bin each time you've shot a roll of 'film', but what they are doing - cheeky buggers - is hiding your photos from you until you have taken 24 shots. The intention behind the app is questionable. Does this really provide you with a new avenue to experience the fun and anticipation of when you were 12 and brought a chunky yellow Kodak for your geography excursion, when you were so enthralled by this novel device and so enamoured by the gentle clicking sound as you wound back the wheel, that when you finally picked up your prints you realised that half of your photos were pure white flash and the other half were of lizards tails and your friends' noses? Or is using Hipstamatic and the like really an analogous experience akin to that of playing around with a Holga or Diana? I remember the first time I discovered the world of toy cameras, and my heart exploded. One year and at least a dozen rolls of film later, I still have no idea how to use my little 135mm Holga, nor my Polaroid 300, nor my (nominally oxymoronic) reusable disposable. However, in my vain and valiant attempts to try, I have discovered new techniques, unearthed the aesthetic magnificence of accident, and had a hell of a lot of fun too. Hipstamatic could be seen to be taking the whole 'new-technology-that-looks-like-old-technology-but-without-the-inconveniences' mode too far, and in doing so it begs the question: does snapping away with your ol' Hipstamatic - changing lens, flash and film with the effortless swipe of a finger - have something to offer, something to genuinely fill that yearning in all of our hearts for our sun-drenched, sepia-toned childhoods? Or is it a facade wrapped in authenticity wrapped in a marketing facade? The sheer, paradoxical irony of having a 'digital disposable' camera suggests that perhaps in our quest to replicate bygone artifacts and sentiments, too much use has been made of synthetic and spurious techniques and tools for the end product to ever achieve the cultural authenticity that we crave. Perhaps we should concentrate, instead, on embracing the here and now - because, after all, in five or ten years we may well find ourselves looking back on our iPhones and our DSLRs while we shake our heads in nostalgia, ruing those days of focused, instant and digital photography. Either way, Hipstamatic's digital disposable is yours for only $1.99. Now, that is like the good old days.
Frustrated, complacent or intrigued with the current state of Sydney's nighttime culture, following the NSW Government's controversial lockouts? For the last few years, Sydney has become somewhat of a cornerstone of debate around nighttime economies, how they work, how they and what could be done differently. But it's not the only city in the world with a story to tell, regarding nighttime culture. So, this November, Sydney will play host to a brand new international event focused entirely on what happens in cities after dark. Global Cities After Dark is a one-day forum where delegates from around the world will come together to discuss the future of nighttime culture and economy. It's an ambitious, timely collaboration between the Electronic Music Conference and experienced night culture expert Mirik Milan, Night Mayor of Amsterdam, who was EMC's keynote speaker in Sydney in November 2016. Because it's a significantly broad and polarising topic, the event will see a broad range of stakeholders, including city planners, local and state governments, cultural organisations, and the creative community. Night culture presents its own unique constraints, with questions such as public safety, access, service provision, infrastructure and urban planning all ready for the unpacking at Global Cities After Dark. "Being a part of Global Cities After Dark is like a dream come true, because by sharing ideas for a safe and vibrant nightlife, it empowers bottom up initiatives after dark that contribute and strengthen creative cities around the world," said Milan. "It will be one of the most innovative forums from a city planning perspective because global thought leaders will gather in Sydney to discuss what strategies can be put in place for creating liveable inclusive cities with high quality of life and culture for everyone." There'll be surprise guests from Berlin, Long, Amsterdam, Seattle and Ibiza, announced in September. They'll be specialists from various fields that are essential to positive nighttime culture — creative industries, gastronomy, health and safety, mobility and public transport, legislation, urban planning, art and music. Furthermore, the forum will return every year in November for the next three years and tickets will be by invite only. Register your interest for Global Cities After Dark, November 28, here. Further information to be released in September. Until then, learn how to build a nightlife-friendly city with night mayor Mirik Milan.
Whether sprawling across a Tokyo warehouse, taking over a Japanese castle, turning old oil tanks into waterfalls or even popping up in Melbourne, the digital art made by creative collective Teamlab can make you feel like you're in another world. That's a sensation we could all use this year, even if visiting the group's overseas sites is currently off limits due to international travel restrictions. Enter Teamlab's latest project: the online-only Flowers Bombing Home. Like the bulk of Teamlab's work, Flowers Bombing Home is interactive; however, as its name suggests, art lovers can take part from their own couch. The collective is asking its audience to draw and colour-in pictures of geraniums, orchids, willowherbs, thistles and other flora — either on paper or on your phone — then take a photo and upload it to the group's site. Your pics will then be added to the bright, kaleidoscopic, constantly moving and evolving piece. That's the participatory part of the project. When it comes to watching — whether you've gotten arty first, or you just want to view the piece without breaking out your colouring pencils — you can head to Teamlab's YouTube channel. Flowers Bombing Home is live streaming constantly, joining together flowers created by folks all over the world. While viewing, you'll notice petals scattering, then coming together to form new images. Unsurprisingly given the sensory nature of its physical installations, Teamlab recommends viewing Flowers Bombing Home on your television set, "or as large a device as possible". The project will be available for the foreseeable future, too, with the collective advising that it "will bloom until the end of the coronavirus" — and that it'll also stick around afterwards "for people to remember this era". For more information about Teamlab's 'Flowers Bombing Home' — or to add your own drawing — visit the art collective's website. To watch the live-streamed artwork, head to its YouTube channel.
If there's one thing that every art exhibition needs, it's art, obviously. But no gallery's walls and halls can be filled without artists, too. At its latest exhibition, the State Library of Queensland knows, understands and celebrates this fact — pairing pieces with chats with the folks behind them, plus treasures that mean something to them. First, those interviews. Courtesy of the James C Sourris AM Collection of Artist Interviews, SLQ has a treasure trove of chats with top art world figures with ties to Queensland, all of which you can watch online as well. Spanning discussions from the last 12 years, this is the first time that these chats have been exhibited — and with Vernon Ah Kee, Judith Wright, Sandra Selig, Eugene Carchesio and more involved, there's quite the lineup of talent. Meet the Artists also pairs those to-camera talks with a selection of items — think: artworks usually held in private collections, studio materials and personal objects — to deepen its conversations, and help art aficionados better get inside each artist's head. Brisbanites can check out the end result daily from 10am–5pm between Saturday, February 24–Sunday, July 9. Images: State Library of Queensland's Meet the artists exhibition. Photo by Joe Ruckli, courtesy of State Library of Queensland.
It landed in Melbourne last year and is currently showing in Sydney theatres, and now it looks like Trey Parker and Matt Stone's hit musical The Book of Mormon is finally bringing its hilariously irreverent self to Brisbane. At least, that what's all the signs are pointing to, with a series of vague posters popping up on bus shelters across Brisbane this week, including ones near South Brisbane station. The Book of Mormon also posted this teaser on its Facebook page, with some readers saying the building in the top right corner is Brisbane's Meriton. https://www.facebook.com/BookOfMormonAU/photos/a.440788296092223.1073741828.408949012609485/1018654428305604/?type=3&theater Announcing simply that 'the mormons are coming', the teasers are pretty short on facts, though they've inspired plenty of locals to jump over to the website and sign up to the email list for first dibs on any info that does surface. Even The Book of Mormon's publicity company is keeping hush and refusing to comment on the prospect of a Brisbane run. Looks like we'll just have to sit tight and wait for confirmation. Written by South Park and Team America's notoriously puerile creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, together with Robert Lopez of genius grown-up muppet show Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon is probably one of the most lauded comedies ever to have centred on the Church of Latter Day Saints, African missions, AIDS, bum jokes and super ironic racism. If it wasn't so smart and so funny, few would forgive it. But since it is, The Book of Morman has picked up nine Tonys, four Olivier Awards and a Grammy since it debuted in 2011, and has been called "one of the most joyously acidic bundles Broadway has unwrapped in years". If you've been among the throngs to see the musical in New York, Chicago or London, then you'll be plenty excited that your Melbourne friends will now get the chance to go learn all the idiosyncratic details of Mormonism, meet war criminal General Butt-Fucking Naked and know the true meaning of the hakuna matata-like saying 'Hasa Diga Eebowai'. The Book of Mormon is due to wrap up in Sydney on October 21. We'll keep you updated on any official announcements.
Every time you sing along to The Little Mermaid, you nod to Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. If you grew up reading The Little Match Girl, Thumbelina, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea and The Ugly Duckling, you've been familiar with his work on the page, too. And, when Frozen became a huge cinema hit, it took inspiration from the writer's 1844 fairytale The Snow Queen. Basically, Andersen's stories have been a big part of everyone's childhoods — in recent decades and, in written form, for nearly two centuries. So, you've already spent plenty of time escaping into the author's narratives. Once the middle of 2021 rolls around (and once international travel starts returning to normal, of course), you can also wander through a brand new museum inspired by his fairytale world. Set to open in Odense in Denmark, which is where Anderson was born, HC Andersen's House has a hefty aim: to make visitors feel as if they've stepped right into his tales. That's the immersive dream at these types of venues, after all, as also seen in Disney's theme parks, the new Super Mario-themed amusement parks and Studio Ghibli's upcoming site as well. "We have to dive into the fairytales as the very first thing, because they are what everyone knows. The idea is not to retell the stories, but rather to communicate their familiarity and inspire further reading of Andersen," says Torben Grøngaard Jeppesen, the head of Odense City Museums. Accordingly, HC Andersen's House will reflect its inspiration however it can — in its architecture, in the imagery and sounds it puts on display, in the way it uses light throughout the venue, and in the experiences visitors can dive into while they're there. Across a 5600-square-metre site, that'll include a children's house and an underground museum, as well as a sprawling garden that, from the concept images, resembles a labyrinth. And, in a nod to The Little Mermaid, attendees will also be able to look up through a pool of water and peer at the people in the grounds above them. Japanese architect Kengo Kuma leads the design, fresh from his work on the Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo Olympics. For HC Andersen's House, "the idea behind the architectural design resembled Andersen's method, where a small world suddenly expands to a bigger universe," he explains. Odense is already home to a smaller site dedicated to Andersen, which'll be included in the new venue. When HC Andersen's House opens, it'll also incorporate the building where the author was born. HC Andersen's House will open at HC Andersen Haven 1, DK-5000, Odense sometime in the middle of 2021. For further details, head to the venue's website. Images: Kengo Kuma & Associates, Cornelius Vöge, MASU planning.
The mere uttering of “Italian Week” is enough to get the taste buds salivating and the stretchy pants out of the wardrobe in preparation for excessive amounts of pasta that are to be consumed. Now in its 5th year, Italian Week is just that – a week’s insight into modern Italy. It is your chance to enjoy Italy without the airfare. The theme for this year’s celebrations is Sapori e piaceri, translating to “taste and pleasure”. Yes please. Taking place across various locations around Brisbane, between May 23 and June 2, are an array of Italian-themed events. Acoustic guitar specialist Andrea Valeri will be playing shows, an Italian motor vehicle exhibition is to line the Queen Street Mall and celebrity chef Stefano Manfredi will be whipping up an Italian al fresco dinner for a selection of lucky Brisbane-ites. Italian Week would not be complete without the Jan Powers Italian Food Market at Reddacliff Place. Think Italian cooking demonstrations, traditional Italian dance shows and Murano glass. Italian Week is designed to showcase all things Italian all while promoting a culture that has played a definitive cornerstone role in Australia. But be careful: you may end up tricking yourself into thinking you’ve stumbled La Dolce Vita.
You've heard about the awesomeness of nap desks. But what about a whole nap bar? In a move that has us turning green with envy, French furniture company Smarin recently held a pop-up in a Dubai warehouse where visitors could stop in for a much needed snooze. Part of the Art Dubai and Design Days Dubai events, the temporary installation featured various foam lounge chairs of different shapes and sizes, along with pillows, herbal teas, essential oils and woolen ponchos. The space was lit by circular lamps that would switch on and off at five-second intervals in a manner designed to resemble slow, relaxed breathing. "I had the idea for the Nap Bar because when I'm walking in big cities, sometimes I take a break with a coffee but actually I need more of a real break," Smarin founder Stephanie Marin told Dezeen. Now before you quit your job and book a flight to the UAE, you should know that the nap bar pop-up actually finished up last week. Hopefully some clever entrepreneur was paying attention, because there is definitely a market for this kind of thing here in Australia. But until that becomes a reality (Virgin Active's sleep pods are a little too clinical for us), check out our list of creative ways to nap on the job. And now if you'll excuse us, all this typing has worn us out. Via Dezeen.
Are you the kind of person who starts plotting your next meal before you've even finished the last? Love eating more than anything else? Well, you can get right to the guts of our global food obsession when culinary legend Nigella Lawson returns to Aussie shores for her new show, An Evening with Nigella Lawson. One of the most successful food writers of all time, cooking up more than ten million book sales worldwide with her 11 culinary bibles, Lawson was in the country last December for a series of talks discussing the concept of food and its link to pleasure, creativity and belonging, and now she's back — direct from London's West End. An Evening with Nigella Lawson is a new show where the celebrity chef shares her own culinary story, live on stage. The show has been floated as interactive and intimate. Culinary questions will be taken from the audience, while Nigella shares her thoughts about the role food plays in life, plus what she is eating and cooking. Before becoming a household name, Nigella worked as a book reviewer and restaurant critic, going on to become the deputy literary editor of The Sunday Times. She is responsible for numerous award-winning books, including How to Eat, How to Be a Domestic Goddess, Nigella Bites and At My Table. AN EVENING WITH NIGELLA LAWSON 2019 DATES Perth — Riverside Theatre, January 29 Sydney — Sydney Opera House, February 2 Canberra — Royal Theatre, February 4 Melbourne — Hamer Hall, February 9 Brisbane — QPAC Concert Hall, February 10 An Evening with Nigella Lawson tickets go on sale Monday, October 29. You can signup to be notified when they're released here.
