We're understandably sceptical about most tech things that are promised to us. Australians are always the last to get blockbuster films and critically-acclaimed television shows, we're geo-blocked from most great things online, and we pay depressingly more than the rest of the world for all our tech and entertainment goodies. It's a tough hand we've been dealt; one so bad we've taken to just skirting the system completely and either sneakily paying for overseas services like Netflix or becoming all-out pirates. But here's some good news: it looks as though the latest streaming service being shoved in our faces won't completely suck. Joining the iffy selection of commercial Australian streaming services like Quickflix and Foxtel's Presto, Fairfax and Channel Nine's new venture looks like a winner. Launching in February 2015, it's been announced the service will offer on demand viewing with no ads and no contract, it will have a fixed fee of about $10 per month, and it'll be exclusively airing the much-anticipated Breaking Bad spin-off, Better Call Saul at the same time as the US. High fives all 'round, people. This is all every sneaky Australian Netflix user has ever wanted. In fact, to put some icing on the already spectacularly delicious cake, this new platform will also have all five seasons of Breaking Bad in its catalogue and will be revealing one more awesome show every week 'til its launch next year. If there's one thing that's holding it back, it's the name. Though it was previously referred to as StreamCo, today it was announced that this new platform will officially be called Stan. That's right, your new favourite late-night best bud/ultimate time waster will share a name with a melodramatic late '90s rap collaboration from Eminem and Dido. "[We wanted a name] that consumers could actually associate with and actually have a character with," said CEO Mike Sneesby. "Stan is not going to be a character in itself but a brand that will build its own character in being truly Australian." Regardless of that ridiculous logic, this is still a service we can get behind. Though details of the Australian Netflix launch have not yet been announced, at $10 a month Stan would actually be competitive with the US version of Netflix which Australians currently (somewhat dubiously) access for around $9. These price points are also well below the $29.99 fee Quickflix users fork over monthly. So really, it's not so bad. It's not so bad.
Whether you use them for cleansing, decompressing or just some well-earned R 'n' R, spas have been a ubiquitous part of the tourism industry since the Ancient Greeks and Romans set them up all over Europe. Yet that hour of spa-induced tranquility you spent on your last weekend away often represents millions of dollars of investment and some seriously big returns, with hotels and getaway locations increasingly competing to come up with the most extravagant and unique means of relaxation. By combining experimental remedies such as red wine baths, snake massages and bird poo facials with some seriously beautiful locations and a whole lot of steaming hot water, these ten unusual spas promise tourists some bizarre and truly once-in-a-lifetime relaxation experiences. Floating Garden Spa, Amsterdam Resembling something between the Garden of Eden and an LSD fantasy, Amsterdam's Floating Garden Spa is an entire island created for the very purpose of tourist requiescence. Designed by Dutch architects Studio Noach and Anne Holtrop, the island's lush greenery is covered with healing baths, saunas, and various treatment rooms and populated by ecosystems of birds and butterflies. The island is not only a relaxation paradise but a truly remarkable architectural feat, constructed from recycled polystyrene that allows the island to float and continually regulate its own temperature. Healing Salt Caves, Chicago Chicago's Healing Salt Caves are just about the closest you can get to experiencing what it would be like to wander into an underwater palace. These shimmering pink caves attempt to imitate the healing effects of the Black Sea, with salt from the iodine rich Chicago area artificially crystallised to produce an authentic ocean microclimate. Ada Barak's Carnivorous Plant Farm & Spa, Israel Not for the squeamish nor the weak of heart, Israel's most famous spa uses perhaps the most unorthodox of relaxation techniques: snake massages. While it may sound like something out of an Indiana Jones film, the spa's founder, Ada Barak, swears by her collection of non-venomous king snakes, claiming they relieve stress and muscle-tension. If this isn't enough, the spa is also home to an exotic range of carnivorous plants that munch on everything from small mammals to schnitzels, providing a suitably freaky backdrop for the massages, which include up to six snakes slithering on your face and back at any one time. Shizuka Day Spa, New York If snakes aren't your cup of tea, perhaps New York's famous Shikuza Day Spa will sound more appealing. Their specialty: facials made from nightingale excrement. The treatment has been employed for hundreds of years by Japanese Geisha girls, who would use the enzymes in the pungent face mask to cleanse their skin. Shizuka has now perfected the recipe, sanitising the droppings with UV rays and condensing it into a fine powder and costing their many celebrity clients upwards of $180 for a single session. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, Japan Hakone Kowakien Yunessun costs its many clientele a small fortune to bathe in everything from green-tea, sake, coffee and, most popularly, Beaujolais Nouveau red wine. Since the Japanese resort opened in 2005 it has become a bit of a local phenomenon with the red wine allegedly having a rejuvenating effect on the body and mind. Geometric Mountain Wellness Center, Switzerland Buried within the Swiss Alps this striking structure combines first-class spa treatment with the tranquility of the mountain setting to provide clients with an escapist fantasy. The remarkable design, modeled by architect Mario Botta on the shapes of trees and vegetables, uses enormous glass windows to light the four floors of the Wellness Center and unite its clientele with the serenity of the surrounding village and the epic mountain landscape. Underwater Tropical Spa, The Maldives Located in the soothing and sensual context of a room entirely submerged by water, the Underwater Spa at Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives is a massage experience like no other. This luxurious spa features the rhythmic melody of the ocean gently caressing the windows of the underwater spa room, tropical aquatic life swimming only inches away from you and soft cushions and fabrics resembling the marine life surrounding the room. If this massage and spa doesn't revitalize the soul, we don't know what would. The Blue Lagoon, Iceland There's a reason the Blue Lagoon in Iceland was voted the 'best medial spa' worldwide by Conde Nast Traveller and has been awarded the Blue Flag environmental recognition five years in a row. This natural wonder holds a massive 6 million litres of geothermal seawater, which originates from depths of 2,000m below the Earth's surface, where the temperatures are 240°C and the pressure is 36 times greater than it is on the Earth's surface. The resulting 37-39°C water, which is high in silica and salinity and contains no common bacteria, is renowned for it magnificent natural rejuvenating and healing powers found only at the Blue Lagoon. Geomagnetic Vortex Desert Spa, Mojave Desert A fusion of the awesome power of the Mojave Desert's geomagnetic vortex with the architectural perfection of this UFO-like dome, the 'Integratron' transforms sound into an incredible spiritual and physical healing tool. The 60-minute sonic healing session held inside this acoustically perfect, resonant high-energy dome is described as 'kindergarten naptime for grown-ups in a sound sphere'. Throughout the sound bath, quartz crystal singing bowls are played out to induce heightened awareness and intense rejuvenation and introspection. The Hershey's Chocolate Spa, Pennsylvania Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit with chocolate at the Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania. We don't simply mean by eating it though - we mean taking a bath or rubbing your face in it. Hershey's method of spa and massage treatment may be somewhat peculiar, yet it is a delightfully decadent way to pamper yourself and try something new in the process. With options ranging from the Chocolate Bean Polish, to the Fondue wrap, the Whipped Cocoa Bath or the Cocoa Facial Experience, there's sure to be a charming chocolate experience to suit everybody's taste.
How do you follow up a festival that boasted Black Mirror's Charlie Brooker, plus Australian icons Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, all talking about their experiences in film and television — and the world-premiere of a documentary about The Wiggles, too? That's the task at hand for the screen-focused side of SXSW Sydney, which is currently in the process of compiling exactly that lineup for its second run. The event's October 2024 dates are still months away, but it keeps dropping details, including Australian filmmaker Warwick Thornton and composer Jed Kurzel newly joining the lineup. The director behind Samson & Delilah, Sweet Country and The New Boy, Thornton will take to the stage to give audiences a live director's commentary of one of his features. Which movie it'll be — he's also helmed The Darkside and documentary We Don't Need a Map — hasn't yet been revealed. Kurzel's filmography doesn't just include his brother Justin's Snowtown, Macbeth, Assassin's Creed, True History of the Kelly Gang and Nitram, but also everything from The Babadook and The Nightingale to Alien: Covenant and Dev Patel's directorial debut Monkey Man. He'll be doing a live commentary as well, talking through how he scores opening sequences. [caption id="attachment_861204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Rogers[/caption] Thornton and Kurzel are two big names in Australia's film industry — and they have impressive company in the latest round of SXSW Sydney 2024 announcements, as the fest's Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 dates get closer. From Margot Robbie's production company LuckyChap Entertainment, Barbie executive producer Josey McNamara will chat about the organisation's recent flicks, which also spans Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. And Mark Andrews, who co-helmed Pixar's Brave, will discuss his work at independent animation studio Floating Rock. With Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid already on the lineup, plus Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon on the music bill, and also Westworld and Bosch & Rockit star Luke Hemsworth — albeit the latter hosting the session Better Than a Hollywood Movie: The Highs, Lows, Epic Moments and Colossal Steps Forward in Bringing Back the Tasmanian Tiger, so not talking about his screen career — the 2024 fest's roster of big movie and TV names just keeps growing. SXSW Sydney has just added a heap of other talks, too, covering Floating Rock's origin story, women in VFX and animation, film distribution in Australia and what it means to have your work screen at the OG SXSW in Austin. Keen for a crash course in the industry? That's where 90-Minute Film School will come in, debuting with a focus on five aspects of filmmaking. A screen mentorship program will also join the Sydney program for the first time. [caption id="attachment_967878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] There's no new word on what will be getting projectors rolling, however, so watch this space if you're keen to glue your eyes to the the latests flicks and TV shows. As part of its many lineup drops so far — a first batch came in May, then a second round in June, then two others earlier in July — the festival has already revealed that documentary The Most Australian Band Ever! about the Hard-Ons sits on the roster. So does S/He Is Still Her/e: The Official Genesis P-Orridge, which is executive produced by Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace — and also Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara, about thrash metal in the Māori language. Firmly a must-see from past announcements: Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts. The latest documentary from Barbecue and We Don't Deserve Dogs' Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker, who are no strangers to SXSW in Austin, it sees the Australian-born, Brooklyn-based duo explore the US today through former Pizza Hut buildings. [caption id="attachment_967880" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_967879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953720" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katje Ford[/caption] SXSW Sydney 2024 will run from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Top image: Jami Joy.
Next time you slather your hands with sanitiser, you could be covering them with your favourite booze as well. With alcohol a crucial ingredient in the now-essential product — especially sanitiser that's effective against COVID-19 — distilleries and breweries are doing their part to help boost supplies. To the delight of rum lovers, that now includes Queensland's iconic Beenleigh Rum and Bundaberg Rum. While gin aficionados can splash their digits with Manly Spirits Co's gin-infused hand sanitiser — and plenty of other boozy outfits are jumping on the trend, too — fans of fermented and distilled sugarcane juice can look forward to freshening their fingers with their preferred tipple. Well, in a way. Australia's oldest distillery, Beenleigh Rum is whipping up its own sanitiser and selling it online; however, the end product doesn't feature any of its branding. Still, if you order a carton of Wheel & Barrow hand sanitiser, you'll be ordering sanitiser made by Beenleigh Rum — with online orders available now, by the carton, for delivery from Friday, March 27. Beenleigh Distillery owner Angelo Kotses originally just planned to start making sanitiser to keep the company's own workers safe, but decided to pump out more when asked by the Queensland Government. The distillery will also provide the state with a supply of the product for schools and frontline workers. If you're a Bundaberg Rum devotee, the Coral Coast-based operation is focusing on producing ethanol for use in hand sanitiser. It won't be making sanitiser itself — so you won't see bottles all over the place with Bundy Rum's bear logo — but it is donating 100,000 litres of ethanol to the Queensland Government to be used in making sanitiser, which will produce around 500,000 bottles. Although there's no word yet on how the government will be using the Bundy-infused sanitiser, fingers crossed that it'll be made available to the public — given how much Bundy Rum is drunk across the state, it's certain to be popular. To buy Beenleigh Rum-produced hand sanitiser, visit the distillery'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.
Among Australia's most applauded movies of 2023, Warwick Thornton teaming up with Cate Blanchett, a thrilling horror debut and an extremely personal story about resilience have topped the nominations for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards. On TV, a stellar media drama, excellent page-to-screen hit, glorious rom-com and the latest from The Kates have achieved the same feat. Yes, it's been a good year on screens big and small Down Under. That means that The New Boy (12 nominations), Talk to Me (11), Shayda (nine), The Newsreader (15), The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (12), Colin From Accounts (ten) and Deadloch (ten) all lead the way at Australia's annual accolades for the best movies and TV shows of the past year. The winners will be revealed in 2024, on Thursday, February 8 and Saturday, February 10, 2024 at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, in tandem with a brand-new four-day festival also celebrating Aussie film and television. Previously called the AFI Awards, the AACTA Awards have spread the love to a heap of other productions, giving the aforementioned titles a heap of company. In the Best Film field, Of an Age, Sweet As and The Royal Hotel are up against Shayda, Talk to Me and The New Boy. Also on the big screen, the Best Indie Film category spans A Savage Christmas, Limbo, Monolith Streets of Colour, The Rooster and The Survival of Kindness. Among TV's big hitters, Best Drama Series spans Bay of Fires, Black Snow, Bump, Erotic Stories, Love Me and The Newsreader — and Best Narrative Comedy Series features Colin From Accounts, Deadloch, Fisk, Gold Diggers, Upright and Utopia. And, for shows that only run for one season, Best Miniseries covers Bad Behaviour, In Our Blood, Safe Home, The Clearing, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and While The Men Are Away. Need something to watch over the holidays? You can also consider the 2023 AACTA Award nominations a list of must-see homegrown movies and TV shows, with everything from tender queer coming-of-age tales, outback thrillers and noir-ish detective stories to family-focused comedies, relationship dramas and jumps to the past covered. Among the highlights, the Best Director field overflows with talent, including Jub Clerc for Sweet As, Kitty Green for The Royal Hotel, Noora Niasari for Shayda, Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou for Talk to Me, Goran Stolevski for Of an Age and Warwick Thornton for The New Boy — but the same can be said for every category. And yes, the Matildas even earned some love, as they have been everywhere in 2023, this time for engaging documentary series Matildas: The World at Our Feet. Here's a selection of this year's major AACTA nominations, ahead of the awards' ceremonies on Thursday, February 8 and Saturday, February 10, 2024 at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast — and you can check out the full list on AACTA's website: AACTA NOMINEES 2023: FILM AWARDS: BEST FILM Of an Age Shayda Sweet As Talk to Me The New Boy The Royal Hotel BEST INDIE FILM A Savage Christmas Limbo Monolith Streets of Colour The Rooster The Survival of Kindness BEST DIRECTION Jub Clerc, Sweet As Kitty Green, The Royal Hotel Noora Niasari, Shayda, Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou, Talk to Me Goran Stolevski, Of an Age Warwick Thornton, The New Boy BEST LEAD ACTRESS Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Shayda Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Sweet As Cate Blanchett, The New Boy Julia Garner, The Royal Hotel Sarah Snook, Run Rabbit Run Sophie Wilde, Talk to Me BEST LEAD ACTOR Elias Anton, Of an Age Simon Baker, Limbo Thom Green, Of an Age Phoenix Raei, The Rooster Aswan Reid, The New Boy Osamah Sami, Shayda BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Alex Jensen, Talk to Me Deborah Mailman, The New Boy Tasma Walton, Sweet As Mia Wasikowska, Blueback Ursula Yovich, The Royal Hotel Selina Zahednia, Shayda BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Mojean Aria, Shayda Eric Bana, Blueback Wayne Blair, The New Boy Rob Collins, Limbo Zoe Terakes, Talk to Me Hugo Weaving, The Rooster BEST SCREENPLAY Kitty Green, Oscar Redding, The Royal Hotel Noora Niasari, Shayda Danny Philippou, Bill Hinzman, Talk to Me Goran Stolevski, Of an Age Warwick Thornton, The New Boy BEST DOCUMENTARY Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story Harley & Katya John Farnham: Finding the Voice The Dark Emu Story The Giants The Last Daughter This Is Going to Be Big To Never Forget BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Carl Allison, Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism Sherwin Akbarzadeh, Shayda Aaron McLisky, Talk to Me Katie Milwright, Sweet As Warwick Thornton, The New Boy BEST EDITING Dany Cooper, Carmen Katie Flaxman, Sweet As Geoff Lamb, Talk to Me Michelle McGilvray, Matt Villa, Courtney Teixera, Scarygirl Nick Meyers, The New Boy BEST SHORT FILM An Ostrich Told Me the World is Fake and I Think I Believe It Ashes Finding Addison Jia Mud Crab Not Dark Yet TELEVISION AWARDS: BEST DRAMA SERIES Bay of Fires Black Snow Bump Erotic Stories Love Me The Newsreader BEST NARRATIVE COMEDY SERIES Colin From Accounts Deadloch Fisk Gold Diggers Upright Utopia BEST MINISERIES Bad Behaviour In Our Blood Safe Home The Clearing The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart While The Men Are Away BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Tim Draxl, In Our Blood Travis Fimmel, Black Snow Joel Lago, Erotic Stories Sam Reid, The Newsreader Richard Roxburgh, Bali 2002 Hugo Weaving, Love Me BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Kate Box, Erotic Stories Aisha Dee, Safe Home Bojana Novakovic, Love Me Teresa Palmer, The Clearing Anna Torv, The Newsreader Sigourney Weaver, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart BEST ACTING IN A COMEDY Celeste Barber, Wellmania Kate Box, Deadloch Patrick Brammall, Colin From Accounts Harriet Dyer, Colin From Accounts Kitty Flanagan, Fisk Nina Oyama, Deadloch Helen Thomson, Colin From Accounts Julia Zemiro, Fisk BEST COMEDY PERFORMER Tom Gleeson, Hard Quiz Jim Jefferies, The 1% Club Luke McGregor, Taskmaster Australia Rhys Nicholson, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under Nina Oyama, Taskmaster Australia Charlie Pickering, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering Natalie Tran, The Great Australian Bake Off Cal Wilson, The Great Australian Bake Off BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Alycia Debnam-Carey, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart Marg Downey, The Newsreader Michelle Lim Davidson, The Newsreader Heather Mitchell, Love Me Leah Purcell, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart Brooke Satchwell, Black Snow BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Tim Draxl, Erotic Stories Alexander England, Black Snow William McInnes, The Newsreader Bob Morley, Love Me Hunter Page-Lochard, The Newsreader Guy Pearce, The Clearing BEST DIRECTION IN A DRAMA OR COMEDY Ben Chessell, Deadloch (episode one) Emma Freeman, The Newsreader (episode four) Glendyn Ivin, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (episode one) Matt Moore, Colin From Accounts (episode six) Trent O'Donnell, Colin From Accounts (episode three) BEST DIRECTION IN NON-FICTION TELEVISION Katie Bender Wynn, Matildas: The World at Our Feet (episode two) Stamatia Maroupas, Queerstralia (episode one) Josh Martin, Adam and Poh's Great Australian Bites (episode one) Rachel Perkins, Dylan River, Tov Belling, The Australian Wars (episode one) Henry Stone, Aaron Chen: If Weren't Filmed, Nobody Would Believe BEST SCREENPLAY IN TELEVISION Patrick Brammall, Colin From Accounts (episode six) Harriet Dyer, Colin From Accounts (episode three) Kate McCartney, Kate McLennan, Deadloch (episode one) Adrian Russell Wills, The Newsreader (episode four) Lucas Taylor, Black Snow (episode one) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN TELEVISION Sam Chiplin, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (episode one) Earle Dresner, The Newsreader (episode four) Aaron Farrugia, Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe (episode one) Tania Lambert, Erotic Stories (episode two) Katie Milwright, Deadloch (episode one) BEST EDITING IN TELEVISION Peter Bennett, Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe (episode one) Danielle Boesenberg, Colin From Accounts (episode three) Angie Higgins, Deadloch (episode one) Angie Higgins, The Newsreader (episode four) Deborah Peart, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (episode one) Deborah Peart, Dany Cooper, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (episode six) BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM Dancing with the Stars Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Lego Masters: Grand Masters Mastermind The 1% Club The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition BEST COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM Hard Quiz RocKwiz Taskmaster Australia Thank God You're Here The Cheap Seats The Weekly with Charlie Pickering BEST FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM Alone Australia Gogglebox Australia Kitchen Cabinet Old People's Home for Teenagers Take 5 with Zan Rowe Who The Bloody Hell Are We? BEST DOCUMENTARY OR FACTUAL PROGRAM Matildas: The World at Our Feet Ningaloo Nyinggulu Queerstralia The Australian Wars War on Waste Who Do You Think You Are BEST CHILDREN'S PROGRAM Barrumbi Kids Beep and Mort Bluey Crazy Fun Park The PM's Daughter Turn Up the Volume BEST STANDUP SPECIAL Aaron Chen: If Weren't Filmed, Nobody Would Believe Celeste Barber: Fine, thanks Hannah Gadsby: Something Special Jim Jefferies: High & Dry Lizzy Hoo: Hoo Cares!? Rhys Nicholson's Big Queer Comedy Concert BEST LIFESTYLE PROGRAM Adam and Poh's Great Australian Bites Gardening Australia Grand Designs Australia Love It or List It Australia Selling Houses Australia The Great Australian Bake Off BEST REALITY PROGRAM Australian Survivor: Heroes v Villains FBOY Island Australia Hunted Australia MasterChef Australia Real Housewives of Sydney RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under BEST ONLINE DRAMA OR COMEDY Appetite Latecomers Me & Her(pes) Monologue The Disposables The Future of Everything
So many places to visit, only so much cash in the bank. When Australia starts to reopen its borders both domestically and internationally, that's the situation we'll all face. So, if you're looking to save some money on airfares once you can start heading off on holidays again, that's understandable. Enter Bonza, the new Aussie low-cost airline that's set to launch early next year. An exact date hasn't been revealed as yet, but sometime in 2022, you'll have another choice when it comes to flying across this country of ours. The new independent carrier will focus on local flights with low fares — and on opening up routes to more of regional Australia. "Bonza's mission is to encourage more travel by providing more choices and ultra-low fares, particularly into leisure destinations where travel is now often limited to connections via major cities," said Bonza founder and CEO Tim Jordan, who comes to the airline with 25-plus years experience in low-cost carriers such as Virgin Blue, Cebu Pacific in The Philippines and central Asia's FlyArystan. While the airline's list of destinations hasn't yet been announced yet either, the aim is to service "regional communities by providing new routes and greater travel opportunities," Jordan continued. The airline will base its headquarters in a yet-to-be -revealed part of regional Australia, too. Wherever it ends up heading, Bonza will fly Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Fare prices and inclusions — such as baggage, meals and snacks, and selecting your own seat — haven't been mentioned as yet, with the airline still working through the regulatory process. When it launches, the carrier will take to the skies with the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which also has a hand in Canada's Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance. And yes, this now means that your 2022 Aussie holidays just got a whole lot cheaper — and that, alongside Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia, you'll have more airline options. Bonza is set to start flying sometime in 2022. For more information, head to the airline's website.
When the first images of Lily James playing Pamela Anderson in new miniseries Pam & Tommy dropped, they captured an astonishing transformation. The Pursuit of Love star didn't just look like herself dressed up as the famed Baywatch actor; thanks to the show's hair, makeup and costuming teams, she appeared as if she'd leapt into Anderson's body Being John Malkovich-style. That feeling only grew as several trailers arrived. In the finished product, her performance borders on uncanny. It needs to, and not merely to ensure that James never just seems like she's simply slipping into a red swimsuit for an easy impersonation. Now streaming on Disney+, with its first three episodes hitting the platform at once and the remaining five set to drop weekly going forward, Pam & Tommy focuses on Anderson's marriage to Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan, The 355) in the 90s. It's all about the pair's sex tape as a result, because that intimate recording was the pop-culture scandal of the 90s, and it's impossible to step into Anderson and Lee's romance without it. Indeed, the show knows that it's spinning a wild story, even by celebrity terms. It's well aware that everyone watching will hit play with their own ideas already formed about the incident, and about the central duo's larger-than-life public personalities as well. Pam & Tommy leans into that exact certainty to begin with — talking penis and all — but, as James' performance demonstrates, it never sees the tale it's telling as a joke. [caption id="attachment_841923" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Erin Simkin/Hulu[/caption] First, that chattering genitalia. After meeting Anderson at a club, clicking instantly and enjoying a boozy night, Lee is smitten — and his junk (voiced by Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Jason Mantzoukas) audibly helps him talk through his feelings. It's an attention-grabbing moment, and one that Pam & Tommy will always be known for; yes, this is now and always will be the prattling package show. But the immediately memorable scene also serves up the risqué with a side of heart, and makes one of its OTT subjects — as Anderson and Lee have long been regarded in the public eye, at least — more human in the process. It's even a little cheesy: he's a guy falling for a girl and working through his excitement by talking to himself, as plenty of rom-coms have lapped up over the years. Pam & Tommy is both a romance and a comedy at times. Crucially, though, it's a piece of recognition that Anderson and Lee's plight isn't quite the narrative it's been immortalised as for the past quarter-century. It isn't a coincidence that Australian-born director Craig Gillespie helms some of the series' episodes, because he unpacked a sordid real-life story that solidified a famous woman's reputation in I, Tonya, too. That's the real point of focus here, although the fact the series went ahead without Anderson's approval undercuts its aims more than a little. Still, on-screen, there's no doubting Pam & Tommy's quest to expose how unfairly Anderson was treated after carpenter Rand Gauthier (Seth Rogen, An American Pickle) stole footage of private moments with her then-husband. [caption id="attachment_841925" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kelsey McNeal/Hulu[/caption] Lee might get to converse with his dick — with Stan playing that scene, and his entire role, with as much commitment as James displays over and over again (and with as much helpful TV styling) — but he's also painted as a dick as first. Gauthier is one of the contractors helping build the ultimate bedroom for Lee's newly wedded bliss, and the rocker is a jerk of a customer. He keeps changing his mind about what he wants, blaming everyone else and, when he decides he's unhappy, refuses to pay or return Gauthier's tools. So, the disgruntled ex-employee hatches a plan to make off with Lee's safe, not knowing what it holds inside. When he finds the tape along with guns and cash, he's still so eager to get revenge on Lee that he enlists porn-producing pal Miltie (Nick Offerman, Devs) to help make it public, which he sees as his new payday. Pam & Tommy wants you to side with mullet-wearing Gauthier initially — including when Lee pulls a gun on him while he's just trying to get his work equipment back — but its real allegiance lies with Anderson. Its tender heart, too, something that the show shares with Lee and his chatterbox of an appendage. As it charts the path that Anderson and Lee's tape takes from their safe to Gauthier to eagerly paying customers, and then to the internet in online porn's early days, the series keeps returning to the fallout for the Baywatch and Barb Wire star. As she explains to Lee and to their lawyers more than once, things aren't the same for a man caught getting intimate on camera as they are for a woman, and the way that this true tale has already played out IRL has made that plain several times over. Come for the scandal, for the talking penis that everyone's babbling about, and for a show that always knows it's a rollicking ride, but stay for a far more thoughtful retelling and interrogation of a tabloid-fodder incident that changed multiple lives — and one more than most — weaved in, too. Also stay for the series' eagerness to spend time with its eponymous duo exposed as real people, and as victims of a crime, rather than as pop-culture punchlines. Stay for the magnificent performances by James and Stan as well, with both actors investing remarkable depth into figures who've rarely been allowed to be seen as such. And, obviously keep sticking around for the dripping 90s nostalgia in the process, including the outfits and soundtrack (because Yellowjackets isn't the only new show revelling in the decades' tunes). Check out the Pam & Tommy trailer below: The first three episodes of Pam & Tommy are currently available to stream via Disney+, with new episodes dropping each Wednesday. Top image: Erin Simkin/Hulu.
As played as an unrelenting force by Mia Goth (Infinity Pool), even when slasher killers have other plans, Maxine Minx was always going to go big and never go home. To wrap up the horror trilogy with the ambitious actor at its centre (when Goth hasn't also been playing Pearl, its other protagonist, as both an elderly and a younger woman), MaXXXine shoots for the stars as well, including in shifting to new surroundings. Gone is the New Zealand-standing-in-for-Texas production base of X and its prequel Pearl. Absent is the claustrophobic feel of mainly making one spot the franchise's location, whether it was taking place in the 70s in its first entry or in the 1910s in its second. This Los Angeles-set leap to 1985 sparkles with the same scorching drive and determination as its titular figure — and Minx, Goth, writer/director Ti West (Them) and MaXXXine alike won't accept a life, or a swansong instalment in one of the best sagas in the genre in the 2020s, that they do not deserve. From its debut with 2022's X, which turned a porn shoot in a remote farmhouse into a bloody stalking ground, West's big-screen series has always understood that sex and violence so often intersect in the arena that it's paying tribute to: moving pictures. X, Pearl and now MaXXXine also see how censors and the pearl-clutching equate one with the other. Equally, these pictures glean how a woman with a libidinous appetite — or simply the craving to succeed and the unwillingness to settle — can be deemed a larger threat to morality than a murderer. They also spy what a battle it too frequently is for women to chart their own path free of society's expectations, no matter their aspirations. West not only continues splattering these ideas through MaXXXine, but layering them, plus stacking his latest unpackings of them with X and Pearl. The true target in his current sights, however: what it just might cost to make it in a realm as ruthless and ravenous as stardom. The wannabe adult-film performer of X circa 1979 is now the hottest name in skin flicks six years later, a status that matches the sleazy gleam that West and cinematographer Eliot Rockett — who also returns from X and Pearl, and lensed the filmmaker's The House of the Devil, Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever and The Innkeepers before that — afford everything in sight in her new Hollywood life. Minx's existence and career is glowing, but she wants it to shine far and wide beyond porn's shadows, not to mention brighter. Only mainstream stardom will do, albeit with her attempts to break into legit on-camera work squeezed between her usual shoots and doing nights at a peep show. She's certain that she'll get there, though. After striding out of an audition early in the movie, Minx tells the long parade of other actors lining to be seen not to bother trying to walk in her footsteps. That quest to secure the lead in The Puritan 2, which British filmmaker Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown) is directing, is a helluva early character-defining moment — and moment in general. It's also cannily juxtaposed with a glimpse of Maxine's pre-X background, when she was a kid (Charley Rowan McCain, SWAT) in the 50s that Pearl cribbed its style and cinematic influences from, as seen on a TV set as black-and-white home-movie footage. Not giving up has been her mantra for decades, West makes plain. As Bender looks on with a steely stare, 80s-era Maxine performs her monologue with not just precision but conviction that's clearly been forged since her youngest days. She snaps into it instantly, summons tears just as commandingly, then switches back to her regular self as quickly. Digging into trauma is that easy for her. So is agreeing to the next audition request: baring her breasts. Booking the gig makes Minx a kindred spirit to Bender, in a way: both see MaXXXine's film within a film as a springboard to broader credibility, which is no straightforward task given the period or industry. But The Puritan 2's lead is also a woman haunted, though not in the soul-shaking sense, as X established isn't in this character's wheelhouse. Rather, her past keeps making its presence felt, especially via shady private detective John Labat (Kevin Bacon, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F) and his mysterious employer, who know what Maxine did a few years prior to last summer. Additional torment comes via mounting deaths around her, which are chalked up by some to the Night Stalker — aka Richard Ramirez, the IRL serial killer who terrorised mid-80s LA — yet not by persistent detectives Williams (Michelle Monaghan, The Family Plan) and Torres (Bobby Cannavale, Bupkis). Also backdropped by the real-life campaign against purportedly inappropriate pop culture, such as the Parents Music Resource Center's "Filthy Fifteen" songs (tracks by Prince, Madonna, AC/DC, Cyndi Lauper, Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard all featured), MaXXXine might involve a realm that's all about money shots, but it's a neon-lit movie to scour while savouring the moment, not to watch waiting for the climax. That's no knock on the picture's finale, which knows how to deliver. Instead, it's recognition that West is having fun overall, and in slipping in nods to the film's predecessors, getting meta with his casting and riffing with screen history — all smartly and entertainingly. Putting Bacon, who is visibly having a ball, in an 80s-set horror flick while also winking to Footloose is the franchise's second-best use of talent since choosing Goth as its centre. Literally wandering around Tinseltown's past on the Universal lot, including the slasher ground zero that is the Bates Motel set, brings mood, meaning and more musings. The latter also gets a-layering itself, operating as an acknowledgement of how the work of Brian De Palma, whose four-decades-back releases Dressed to Kill and Body Double are clearly influences here, itself owed a debt to Alfred Hitchcock. For even more company for Goth, West finds space for Giancarlo Esposito (The Boys) as Maxine's agent and lawyer, Lily Collins (Emily in Paris) as a fellow actor, Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) as an FX artist, and Halsey (Americana) and Moses Sumney (The Idol) as friends, too. With its roster of talent, MaXXXine also goes big. Still, it knows its star. Goth is the sun in this franchise, to be accurate, whether she's busting balls — which isn't a metaphor on every occasion — or stopping at nothing to be in the world that she so deeply and feverishly covets. There's wit, insight, gore, and both horror and cinema affection galore across X, Pearl and MaXXXine, and West gives it his all, but Goth's efforts over and over have sent this saga soaring. No viewer can doubt that as Maxine here and in X, as Pearl in X and the character's own eponymous flick, and as Mia after prior parts in Nymphomaniac: Vol II, A Cure for Wellness, Suspiria, High Life and Emma, that she would ever tolerate a single thing that she doesn't feel that she's earned and is entitled to.
If you're the type of traveller who chooses their hotels for the perks and extra inclusions, then you'll be particularly excited about an upcoming new addition to Melbourne's accommodation offerings. Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer is set to launch sometime this May, marking the Swiss brand's second site in Australia, after Mövenpick Hotel Hobart opened earlier in the year — and if either the chain's name or its country of origin have you thinking of sweet treats, yes, they're part of the hotel's menu. For starters, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne will be celebrating chocolate hour every afternoon. Going on the Hobart setup, that's when you'll receive a free dessert — such as an eclair, brownie or truffle — when you purchase a chocolate-flavoured cocktail, mocktail or affogato. Mövenpick's hotels all serve the brand's line of food and beverages as well, which means that Mövenpick ice cream is also available. The menu doesn't just cater to your sweet tooth, though. At breakfast, guests can choose to enjoy juice-blended energy shots, along with a range of health-focused and nutritious options available to eat in or grab-and-go. One of more than 80 of the brand's accommodation sites worldwide and run in collaboration with Accor, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne will boast 172 guest rooms housed within the new 78-storey Premier Tower development on Spencer Street. It's decked out with boutique interiors, and comes complete with a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna and gym. The new hotel will also be home to a southeast Asian restaurant and bar, which'll rock a contemporary fitout courtesy of design agency Greymatters. It's slated to plate up traditional Asian grill and barbecue dishes, and will open daily for lunch and dinner. Find Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer at 160 Spencer Street, Melbourne, from May 2021. Head to the Accor website for bookings and other information. Images: artists impressions of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer.
Cru Bar + Cellar is the ideal alternative for those wanting to avoid the chaos that is Brisbane's Fortitude Valley on a Saturday night. Located on the Fortitude Valley and New Farm fringe, Cru Bar + Cellar offers the sophistication of a classy night out. Its indoor-outdoor seating plan and impressive chandelier-laden ceiling make it an ideal spot for plenty of conversation. With a cellar attached to the venue, it's only appropriate to have an extensive wine list complete with domestic and international wines and spirits. If you are up for sharing, the salt-water fish ceviche with leche de tigre and corn chips will have you fighting to lick the plate. Staff are polite and highly knowledgeable, which is very handy when picking your poison for the night (or a takeaway bottle for the rest of the weekend). Images: Anwyn Howarth
Waking up and not knowing who you are or where you are has become a Hollywood staple. Source Code takes the formula and flips it. Army helicopter pilot, Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes up on a train bound for Chicago fully aware of who he is. Problem is, he is in the body of another man. Within minutes, a bomb goes off, destroys the train and Stevens is dead. And thus kicks off this new science fiction mystery thriller. From director Duncan Jones, son of David Bowie and director of 2009's BAFTA Award winning Moon, Source Code has received widespread critical and audience applause as well as drawing comparisons with Memento and Inception. As it happens, we have 10 double passes to screenings of Source Code to giveaway thanks to Hopscotch Films. To win, simply subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. Entries close Friday, April 22. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_3QkJ_a1nlw
Summer means long days, beach outings and lively nights, but when the heat makes it unbearable to even venture outside, create your own slice of paradise in the comfort of your home. With the festive season around the corner and no sign of the cost-of-living crisis slowing down, turn your balcony into a vibrant destination for leisurely catch-ups over home-cooked spreads and refreshing tipples. With the help of Weber, we've pulled together five ways to elevate your outdoor living space, so you can while away the hot summer days without working up a sweat. The Weber Lumin A good barbecue is a quintessential summer experience, but it's often too tricky to turn that dream into a reality when you're stuck on an apartment balcony. Legendary barbecue brand Weber has you covered with the Lumin — a compact electric barbecue designed to be set up in smaller spaces. Don't let its size or lack of gas fool you. The multi-functional Lumin packs a punch and is able to deliver a range of cooking methods, from grilling to steaming and smoking. Simply plug the barbecue into any electrical outlet and you're ready to don your apron, crack open a cold one and get barbecuing. Pillow Loungers If you're living in the vicinity of the city, it's unlikely that you'll have space for anything bigger than a single recliner (if you're lucky). But you can still bring the beach to your balcony with Business & Pleasure Co's pillow loungers. Crafted from UV and weather-resistant Pleasuretex fabric, the Reclining Pillow Lounger boasts five adjustable settings and is easily transportable for any picnic, pool or beach needs. If you have a little more room to play with, the Modular Pillow Stack is the versatile hero to solve all your outdoor comfort needs. Arrange the pillows to suit any occasion, whether it's a cosy sofa, reading nook, sun-bathing deck or additional seating for guests. Both loungers come in a variety of sunny colours to bring a dash of Euro summer to your home and can be folded flat for storage. Cocktail Trolley Between cooking and lounging, you won't want to make the long trek back into your apartment for drinks. Round out your outdoor set-up with a cocktail trolley, which can double as storage, a counter for meal prep or a display shelf. Brighten up your aperitivo hour with Fenton & Fenton's all-weather aluminium and powder-coated outdoor bar cart, or keep things fresh with the Heller Alfresco Cooler from Temple & Webster. The latter comes complete with an 80-litre capacity for ice and drinks, as well as a drainage plug and tube for easy cleaning. To really impress your guests, we'd even recommend grilling or smoking fruit on your Lumin to create a seasonal cocktail with a smoky twist. Outdoor Rugs An outdoor rug might seem counterintuitive, but Ruggable's garden and patio rugs are a colourful way to tie your space together. The outdoor range is stain, water, fade, mould and mildew-resistant. The best part? Your rug can be thrown into the washing machine when it inevitably gets a little dirty. Whether you're looking to create a Mediterranean escape, jungle oasis or coastal haven, there's a print and style to suit every aesthetic. Greenery Experience the great outdoors, no matter your outdoor dimensions. Make even the smallest balcony feel ever-so-slightly bigger with some lush greenery. Don't have any semblance of a green thumb? Opt for artificial plants, like these click-and-fix artificial turf tiles from IKEA, luxe faux botanicals from Pottery Barn, or smaller hanging plants from The Plants Project. You won't ever have to worry about killing a fiddle leaf again. Find out more about the Lumin at the Weber website.
If George Clooney can float around in space in Gravity and Matt Damon can get stranded on Mars in The Martian, then Brad Pitt can race buggies on the moon in Ad Astra. Another Ocean's 11 star, another intergalactic movie — and another big-screen sci-fi spectacle, obviously. Pitt plays Roy McBride, an Army Corps engineer who is determined to soar into the stars and beyond, all to follow in his father's (Tommy Lee Jones) footsteps. His dear old dad went missing on his own space mission in mysterious circumstances, and if Christopher Nolan's Interstellar taught us anything a few years ago, it's that searching for family and blasting out of this world seem to go hand-in-hand. Donald Sutherland, Liv Tyler and Loving's Ruth Negga also feature, with Ad Astra marking the latest release from The Immigrant and The Lost City of Z filmmaker. The latter is definitely cause for celebration, with the director's previous movies proving thoughtful, detailed, exquisitely performed dramas. Take all that to space — in a film that's been delayed a few times due to the extensive visual effects work required — and hopefully it'll soar. For a while, it's been a good time to watch great movies about big-name stars in space; just this month, Robert Pattinson blasts off in High Life, too. But if you're a Pitt fan, the next few months are shaping up to be particularly exciting — before he rockets to the outer edges of the solar system in Ad Astra, he'll be stepping back to the 60s in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Watch the first trailer for Ad Astra below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm3h6iWmIEw Ad Astra releases in Australian cinemas on September 19.
What would you get if you plucked a handful of our nation’s favourite artists from the streets and studios, bundled them together in an exhibition space with the work of other renown artists and told them to re-create it? The answer: Etcc. Running throughout August as a Semi Permanent side show, Etcc will be in Brisbane for its second exhibition its series, featuring new works that explore the realities of copyright in the visual arts. Now for the important stuff: whose work will be there? Etcc is showcasing a broad range of works from a varied selection of artists including Shida, Georg, Kasino, Anthony Lister, Angus Whelan, Benjamin Reeve, Cezary Stulgis, Elana Mullaly, Jon Dowding, Ken Smith, Rachel Bartram, Rinzen, Rod Bunter, Sebastian Moody, Warren Handley with still more to be announced! These artists have remixed the works of artists Beastman, Bec Winnel, Numskull, Phibs, Ben Frost, MiniGraff, Rena Littleson and Maricor Maricar. The uniquely intriguing concept attracted many the first time round and will no doubt acquire an assembly of fans again for the second. Don’t be the one to miss out! Get down to Shooting Gallery this Friday for opening night. Keep your eyes peeled – those with a keen eye might get to meet the artists themselves.
When season five of Stranger Things arrives, it'll bring with it a big ending, wrapping up the Netflix hit for good after the next batch of episodes. Yes, everything from Succession to Barry is also saying farewell these days, but Stranger Things won't be completely dropping off the radar — it has spinoffs to slip into your streaming queue, including a just-announced new animated series. Back in 2022 when Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that their sci-fi show was working towards its endgame, they also said that they had more stories to tell in this fictional — and sometimes Upside Down — realm. Instantly, we all knew what that meant. Netflix doesn't like letting go of its hits easily, after all, so the quest to find a way to keep wandering through this franchise was about as surprising as Jim Hopper's (David Harbour, Violent Night) usual gruff mood. "Seven years ago, we planned out the complete story arc for Stranger Things. At the time, we predicted the story would last four to five seasons. It proved too large to tell in four, but — as you'll soon see for yourselves — we are now hurtling towards our finale. Season four will be the penultimate season; season five will be the last," the Duffers said at the time. "There are still many more exciting stories to tell within the world of Stranger Things; new mysteries, new adventures and unexpected heroes," the Duffers continued. Cue the upcoming Stranger Things cartoon, which doesn't yet have a name, but will boast the Duffer brothers as executive producers. Obviously, it's headed to Netflix. "We've always dreamed of an animated Stranger Things in the vein of the Saturday morning cartoons that we grew up loving, and to see this dream realised has been absolutely thrilling," the siblings said, announcing the new show. There's no word yet on when the animated series will arrive, what it'll focus on and who'll be among its voices. If you're devoted to the OG cast, start crossing your fingers that some or all of Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown (Enola Holmes 2), Finn Wolfhard (Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio), Noah Schnapp (Waiting for Anya), Winona Ryder (The Plot Against America), Charlie Heaton (The Souvenir: Part II), Joe Keery (Free Guy), Gaten Matarazzo (The Angry Birds Movie 2), Caleb McLaughlin (Concrete Cowboy), Sadie Sink (The Whale), Natalia Dyer (Things Seen & Heard) and Maya Hawke (Do Revenge) are involved. Netflix did just reveal that it's getting the Scott Pilgrim vs the World cast back together to voice an anime continuation of that beloved flick, after all. There's no sneak peek at the animated Stranger Things series as yet, either, but you can check out the trailer for season four below: The Stranger Things animated series doesn't yet have a release date, but we'll update you when one is announced. You can the OG series via Netflix. Read our review of season four. Images: courtesy of Netflix.
Road trips are an idealised summertime activity. If you do it right, you come away with good friends and esoteric stories which will never be understood properly by people who weren't there. But it's equally possible for road trips to turn hellish and monotonous. That's not what you want - that's not what anybody wants. So Concrete Playground has compiled a list of tips to help you on your way and make sure you have the kind of road trip which will remind you of the wind and sunshine in your hair, shared memories and in-jokes. Some of it might seem like common sense, but common sense can sometimes be what first deserts you when somebody suggests driving ten hours across the country to go to a music festival or a particularly nice beach. 1. WheelsSo this seems a superfluous point, but if you're going to go on a road trip you need a car, and if you don't have one then you've got yourself a problem. Once you've got the car, make sure it's one that everybody knows how to drive. Nobody likes being the only manual driver in a car full of stricken automatic-only drivers. You should also do all the practical things like get the oil, tyres and water checked before you leave, and make sure you've got back-ups in case of emergency, especially if you're trying to look like you know your stuff about cars. Bigger cars are better for road trips, especially if you've got friends with ample hips or ridiculously long legs. And for the love of God make sure the car has air con. Otherwise everybody is going to be sweaty, sunburnt and have a mouth full of insects every time you drive through a field. 2. A Worthwhile DestinationJumping in a car and heading nowhere might sound very Kerouac-esque for an hour or so, but in the end you're going to want to be heading somewhere. Holiday houses and camping grounds are all good, although there's a high likelihood a music festival might be your destination this summer. If that's the case, be patient and anticipate that you will have to wait in a queue for six hours on a backed up country road and be forced to pee in the bushes in direct view of many headlights. However, the best destination of all is a beach, one of the pristine and near unpopulated ones which grace our fair coast. 3. MapsGetting lost is not half the fun. The person who claims this needs to be ejected immediately from the vehicle. You probably have a GPS, but bear in mind that the GPS is not infallible. Let me present you with an example: on a road trip last year, we in the car got bored with the standard GPS and, just outside the Gold Coast, switched our guide to a New Zealander named Paul. All was going well until Paul started sabotaging our trip with his crafty non-instructions and we ended up taking a two hour detour through peak-hour Brisbane. Paul was not our friend after that and shameful slurs against New Zealand ensued. In these situations you need a map. A map in this instance is defined as a proper map you purchase from anywhere good maps are sold, not a scrawled set of lines copied from Google Maps your barely literate friend drew on the back of phone bill. 4. CrewBe wise and consider precisely which of your friends and loved ones you're going to enjoy being in a cramped confined space with for potentially several days. There's nothing more tedious and depressing than realising you can't stand the people you're friends with. It's also a good idea to make sure there's not going to be anybody overly-familiar with their sense of personal space, particularly if they have personal hygiene issues. Once you've got that down, make sure that there's not going to be any major conflict before you start, because there's nothing more awkward than finding yourself on a road trip with a couple who have recently broken up and still have unresolved issues. Solve all those problems, and you're cool. 5. ConversationOnce you've exhausted your witty high school stories, politics, childhood traumas and the ever-fascinating subject of who's having sex with whom, complex philosophical questions are always a good bet. Questions such as 'which of your legs could you do without' and 'would you rather punch Kyle Sandilands or Miranda Devine in the face' are good starting points. For those who are not on driving duty and decide the time has come to pilfer beers from the esky, be aware that the designated driver will soberly wish for your death if you do anything crazy-drunk like throw up, sing repetitively for more than ten minutes or attempt to give a ride to a stranger with no shoes. 6. MoneyMoney is a general necessity in all areas of life, but when we say 'money' here we mean the multi-coloured pieces of paper marked with numbers the ATM is wont to dispense. This is crucial because ATMs can be scarce on the ground in the bush, and on a road trip sharing is of the utmost importance. Assign the most organised member of your group the job of keeping an account of how much petrol and food everybody is paying for, and bear in mind that if you haven't chipped in for all the Tim Tams then you do not deserve to eat all the Tim Tams and then subsequently complain about a sore stomach. 7. SnacksIt's a given that everyone is obliged to bring a lot of sugar on a road trip. Minties, Snakes and all things that once delighted you in children's birthday party bags are right and necessary when on the road. Hop chips with tomato sauce sold by old ladies with facial hair in country towns are also awesome. Eating options on the highway tend to be a choice between Maccas or Maccas, so if that's going to bother you, pre-make some delicious healthy things which won't spill too badly and stop every hour or so to picnic. Otherwise, it's uncanny how the shops saying 'Best Pies in Grafton' actually do sell the best pies in Grafton. Moreover, if you're going a long distance you're going to be in dire need of caffeine. Somebody could be really organised and bring instant coffee, a saucepan, a makeshift stove and water, or you could just take a thermos. 8. MusicIf you've got one of those whatsits that plug your iPod into the car's stereo system, you're sweet. If you don't have one of those, however, you're going to want a couple of good mixtapes, or, more accurately, mix CDs. The person in charge of making mixtapes should keep in mind what everyone else will like, what is easiest to sing along to, and attempt not to impress others with their obscure tastes because it never works out as well as you'd hope. Sixties pop songs, eighties power ballads and nineties rap should all be considered in the choice of music. Most importantly, don't make too many tapes. Fifteen hours worth of music is just tiring. You want to have songs that are going to remind you of the trip for years to come, an underlying theme for your future reminiscing, if you will. Anything more and you may as well just put the radio on. 9. Ridiculous ApparelQuestionable fashion choices are a mandatory on the road. Nothing makes you feel more alive than climbing out of the car at a truckstop wearing something outrageously fluoro and swaggering inside to get yourself a rainbow Paddlepop. Furthermore, there is no more appropriate occasion for a man to sport short shorts. Stupid sunglasses and hats are fun, but bear in mind they might enrage Mick Taylor-types on the roads. And remember that while no shoes are alright in the car, you don't want anything on the floors of country rest stops and bathrooms touching your bare skin. 10. SunscreeenOften overlooked when in the relative shelter of a moving car, sunscreen is necessary for anybody with an arm in close proximity to a window. You don't want to get sunburnt, and unevenly sunburnt at that, while sitting in the car. More to the point, nothing will ruin your holiday more than being so sunburnt you have to wear shapeless kaftans with long sleeves and not being able to sleep at night because it hurts so bad.
"Your nose like a delicious slope of cream / And your ears like cream flaps / And your teeth like hard shiny pegs of cream." Diner en Blanc — like Howard Moon's poem — will have you in all white. But sorry, Booshers: the seventh edition of this Brisbane event is just for the sophisticated. Now on five continents, the Diner en Blanc began in Paris three decades ago thanks to François Pasquier and friends. This year, 3500of Brisbane's creme de la creme will once again dress in all white on Saturday, October 13 for the event held at a predictably stunning location that remains secret until the very last moment (over the last few years, the beautiful banks of the Brisbane River at Portside, Roma St. Parklands, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Exhibition Grounds proved welcoming venues). Following an evening of elegance, fine dining and live music, the foodies then pack up their crystal, dinnerware, tables and litter. Like ghosts (white 'n' all), they leave behind no sign of their rendezvous (but don't get any ideas, a white sheet thrown over your figure will not do for an outfit). Diner en Blanc guests must either be invited by a member from the previous year, or get on the waiting list for a ticket. Here's what happened in 2014: Image: Mish Photography.
For kids, seeing a circus performer do a handstand on an elephant is a form of wonder that makes their clean little minds flip. For the rest of us, there's La Soiree. La Soiree is well known to Sydney, having bowled us over in earlier La Clique form as early as 2007, in the Famous Spiegeltent. The cheeky, ever-evolving international cabaret circus now sells out with each visit. If there's a number of viewings required to dull its shine, awe, and utter glee, no human audience member is reported to have reached it yet. The trick is their special collection of burlesque vaudeville contortionist aerialist acrobat comedian evocateurs who are just a little bit grungy and a little bit sexy. Although the show is always changing, you can count on the return of the inimitable 'Bath Boy' (aka David O'Mer), whose dramatic flights from the air and into the tub will redefine how you think of aerial arts (and having water flicked into your face). Cirque du Soleil run when they hear these carnies coming. See them in the Opera House Studio; it may not be mirrored, but it's a perfectly intimate cabaret salon.
We've already seen some of the vibrant powerhouse that is 21st-century Chinese art — so bright, witty, and full of winking commentary on politics and pop culture. Now we have the chance to see the stage version of that with Fight the Landlord (Do Di Zhu), on as part of the Brisbane Festival in 2013. Its set-up is a card game evocatively known in China as Fight the Landlord. Here it is played by three panda-costumed women of unspecified relation, which shifts dramatically with every round. But it's their wry chatter that will keep you rivetted, as they discuss their love lives, gossip mags, the role of work, and the housing crisis, among all else, as the game escalates around them. The cross-cultural co-production between Ireland's fun and subversive Pan Pan theatre and Beijing's Square Moon Culture has been recognised as representing the heights of contemporary Chinese absurdism in reviews from China and Melbourne. You can get a particularly close perspective on it if you pull up your chair to the big, round game table, as the audience sits on stage with the actors (although for the apprehensive, more distant seats are also available).
There seems to be a distinct love for International Film in Australia. Each year there is a plethora of well attended film festivals offering insights into nations like France, Mexico, Italy and the latest event to hit Brisbane, the German Film Festival. With a diversity of films in genre and theme, there is something to suit all tastes. The festival opens with the psychological drama Cracks in the Shell a story about a young actress in Berlin and her efforts to get noticed. There is also the sad but enlightening story Wunderkinder, a historic drama about music and its power in pre-world war II Germany. It’s not all drama though, there is a touch of the love in Three, a film about a bored couple entering the risqué world of ménage a trois! But don’t worry, a good chuckle has not been forgotten, The Fraulein and the Sandman will have audiences laughing at the story of about a man who is turning into sand! These descriptions just scrape the surface of the variety of films being shown. There is a film for all, and each one offers audiences a little adventure in Germany without leaving the comfort of a cinema seat!
The click of a heal, the spin of a top hat, or the lure of a melody. No matter which way you turn, it's hard to resist the razzle dazzle that is Chicago. This year, Blue Fish are beginning their theatre season with a revival of one of the most exhilarating and loved musicals of all time, and they are bound to do it with a bang. From the songwriters that brought you Cabaret, Chicago is a sharp and seductive tale that transports its audience to the sinister streets of 1920's Chicago. Roxie Hart's dreams of fame and glory on the stage are dashed with one vengeful shot of a revolver... Or are they? With the help of her silver tongued lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie and her fellow merry murderesses attempt to shimmy, strut and sway their way through the justice system and into the hearts of the fickle but powerful public. Following last year's highly successful production of the whimsical musical The Producers, Blue Fish have chosen a darker tale to dazzle and delight it's audiences. Not that it will be without it's hilarity and toe tapping numbers. The Schonell Theatre is bound to come alive with the 14 piece on stage band and the talented ensemble, starring Cait Gregory as Roxie Hart, Jessica Papst as Velma Kelly, and Wade Colbran-Thomas as Billy Flynn, are sure to have you shuffling along with them. Coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival, it seems like there's no better time to get on down to view this masterpiece of love, lust and corruption. Tickets are sure to sell fast so don't miss out, grab yours today!
There’s something special about going out in the evening during summer - the longer hours of daylight, the steamy weather and the bountiful excess of people – all of these elements seem to nights you’ll remember fondly in the dreaded middle of winter. However, finding appropriately interesting activities to do during this time can be a chore. You need to be able to accentuate the positives of the humid weather without overdoing it and burning out early. Luckily, someone in the event department of GoMA got the memo and went to work. Matisse Up Late is the next in their series of night time entertainment, and it has been designed perfectly. The evenings begin at 6.30pm, when doors open and you are ushered in to have a drink and meal (or two drinks plus more and a meal), whilst listening to classic jazz tunes as the sun goes down. GoMA’s amazing air conditioning will then accompany you around the building as you are free to admire Matisse’s work at your leisure, listen to contemporary artists talk about their craft, with the night culminating with a performance by the likes of Sam Amidon, Eleanor Friedburger (of Fiery Furnaces fame), or Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy. Matisse Up Late runs every Friday between 20 January and 2 March, with varying speakers and artists per week. Don’t get lazy just because current temperatures are in the high 30s - this exhibition has everything you need; air con, food, drink, art, music and Matisse.
No one could ever accuse the Queen Street Mall of being quiet. Whether it's filled with hoards of people on any day of the week, live performances or fashion events, our little slice of retail heaven has come into its own. With a revamp in the past year, there's no surprise that people have come flocking to see all that it has to offer, and choosing it as an entertainment destination. Throughout January, there have been a number of performances, both in broad daylight and under the veil of night. One such performance that shouldn't be hidden are the Human Body Parts street performers that have been gallivanting around the mall. If you thought you saw an enormous mouth or foot in your peripheral vision on your way to lunch, you weren't seeing things – it's all part of the act. Who says that novelty-sized anatomy lessons were just for kids? The giant hand, mouth, foot, ear and eye are in the mall for a reason, even if it's so you can upload the photo to Facebook. Why not have some fun and take advantage of this fun-loving activity while you can? Your lunch breaks won't be the same after they leave!
We all know someone who thinks they're French. You know the type, they offer up French words in normal conversation (complete with faux accent), drink espressos at night and waffle on about their ‘recent’ trip without prompting. Sure, who doesn’t secretly want to be French (ok maybe the English), but there is only one time of the year when this kind of behaviour is acceptable. That time is now upon us. It’s time for the Alliance Française French Film Festival! Every year we are presented with over 40 of the best films to come out of France and this year’s line up looks superb. A few highlighted picks include Declaration of War (which received a 15-minute standing ovation at Cannes last year), Jane Birkin’s documentary Souvenirs of Serge, two new Audrey Tautou films Against The Wind and Delicacy and the enchanting Romantics Anonymous. Tickets do tend to sell out fast, so make sure you secure a seat in advance. With so many outstanding films in a wide array of genres, there is sure to be something to suit your highly cultivated tastes. It’s hard not to get caught up in all the excitement, so enjoy this chance to be a fully-fledged Francophile. Je suis trés heurex! …Ahem.
West End is home to many hidden gems and the West End Twilight Markets are no exception. They are held every Saturday on the corner of Wilson and Boundary Streets from 4-9pm featuring a wide range of stalls. You'll be sure to find something that tickles your fancy and snag a bargain. The markets have that much loved West End vibe - laid back, diverse with a big helping of smiling faces. Discover an eclectic paradise with handmade wares, second-hand goodies and one-off clothes to please lovers of quirk. A collage garden and craft activities makes the markets child friendly as well. You can even satisfy your hunger as stalls provide food such as dumplings, vegan hotdogs, salads, pizza and popcorn. These tasty treats are sure to please your taste buds. The West End Twilight Markets provides entertainment for market goers as talented local performers and musicians are showcased each week. The artists who will be playing on Saturday are a diverse bunch including blues musician Jimi Beavis, singer songwriter Alan Boyle, stunning songstress Seadarer and regulars the five-piece gypsy band, Greska. Head on down to twilight town this Saturday and find your own hidden gem amongst good food, good tunes and good people.
Maybe it’s the collective nostalgia or the desire to reuse and recycle that draws people to vintage attire? More realistically, the love for vintage is probably inspired by the knowledge that fashion will never again be as good as it was in the yesteryear. Whatever your reason for loving vintage fashion, Brisbane’s vintage aficionados can get their fix of fashion at Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair this week at the Eagle Farm Racecourse.Whether you're seeking a specific vintage item, just want to add some difference to your wardrobe or just get amongst the colourful crowd, this fashion fair is set to have something for everyone. Running from Friday night through to Saturday afternoon at a bargain price of $10 for one day of entry or $15 for two, it may be hard to keep your excitement (and money) contained. Plus, you can win your money back in clothing vouchers by donning your best vintage frock and promenading your vintage styling’s in the best-dressed comp. Oh, and DJ Anthonne Shepherd will be spinning some smooth vintage tunes all weekend and the bar will be open for all your bubbly needs. Fabulous! Vintage fashion never gets old. Paradox or not, get your fashionable behind down to Eagle Farm this weekend.
In a week where homosexual rights are in the spotlight, The Laramie Project shines bright for Moises Kaufman and the members of local theatre group, The Tectonic Theatre Project. If you're not familiar with the Laramie tale, then do brace yourself for a emotional, confronting and shocking theatrical journey. Following the heart wrenching death of twenty one year old University student Matthew Shepard, The Laramie Project explores the homophobic hate crimes of Wyoming in 1988. After conducting more than 200 interviews from townspeople on the kidnapping, assault and murder, the performance explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the highest of compassion of which they can reach. The importance of The Laramie Project is that it addresses community issues from a community forum. Although the horrific acts of humanity are easy to shadow, it's bringing issues to light that truly make them fade. For a performance that is informing, entertaining, educating and inspiring, don't miss The Laramie Project.
The tradition of O-Week is an annual phenomena involving the welcoming of new students to the tedious traditions of uni' life. Often celebrated with drinking, sporting and themed events, it is always a great excuse for a party and a great goodbye to the amazing four month holiday you just endured. QUT are doing things a bit classier in their Creative Precinct. Instead of drunken mixed volley ball, wet t-shirt comps' and the standard intoxicated campus parties they are hosting an exhibition to showcase the critical connections across diverse disciplines to uncover future trends for their new generation of practitioners. Translation - a showcase of art and creative works by students and designers. It's a chance to enjoy some amazing student work, welcome the fresh meat and catch up with the friends that have been M.I.A since last November. If your uni (like mine) doesn't have a flashy O-Week celebration to kick start the semester, there is definitely no harm in attending this event. Let's get all multi-institutional and bask in each others greatness. Image Credit: Emma Jane Gray
There's something about theatre that is decadent and refined. It's more adventurous than the tellie, more emotional than the cinema and a hell of a lot more entertaining than a torrent download. It's energetic, exciting and often expensive -but the assurance with theatre is that you get what you paid for. You can trust you're getting your money's worth with Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. Considered by scholars to be the most historically significant play in Australian theatre history, it's a play not to be missed, especially if you're all for Australian history. With character names such as Barney, Nancy, Olive and Pearl it's sure it be a 50s culture cutie. Set in Carlton, Melbourne in the summer of 1953, the play follows the characters changing lives in love and life whilst struggling with tension and strain. Don't get me wrong, it's no Romeo and Juliet but it's probably a whole lot more realistic. And though it may not be Shakespeare we must embrace what little recognition our country has in the upper class arts. C'mon mate, it's authentic Aussie theater! QPAC may even serve you a VB if you're lucky. Note - no shrimps nor barbies available on premises.
There's little argument when it comes to film classics – no one can dispute that The Wizard Of Oz is timeless cinematic gold. The red shoes, Toto, the Wicked Witch of the West, flying monkeys, munchkins; it really is pure genius. But how does it fair on the stage? Pretty well, as a matter of fact. The story's the same, but the whole feel of the script is awakened in full colour and with amazing energy thanks to the Harvest Rain Theatre Company. They've transformed the movie epic into a musical performance with all the major elements we love, but with the extra magical touch of a live stage show. These guys know what they're doing, so you can trust that Dorothy, Scarecrow, Lion and the Tin Man's legacy is in good hands – the team has worked on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar to critical acclaim. It's almost eerie to think a movie of that calibre was made in 1939 and still manages to pass the test of time, really, who could forget 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow', 'We're Off to See the Wizard' and 'If I Only had a Heart'? You won't, especially if you refresh your memory with QPAC's latest show. Sadly, clicking your heels three times won't get you free tickets, but hey, you can't put a price on happiness.
In an age where a band gets their fifteen minutes before being spat out and forgotten about, it’s kind of nice to see that bands like La Dispute have avoided the hype machine all together and have had a loyal fan base since their conception in 2004. That’s seven years longer than we’ve all known about Lana Del Rey, you guys. It’s because instead of forming under the united goal to hit the top of the pops, La Dispute formed as a group of close friends with the primary belief in the concept of the medium of music an art for making new friends. Their music is intricate, melodic and emotionally engaging, drawing fans in with their exegesis of life struggles that define and identify pretty much anyone going through the rite of passage from adolescence into adulthood. La Dispute have only been to Australia twice in their eight-year career, but this tour marks their third visit. Catch them at The Zoo this Wednesday for the most moving show of the year.
very special guests INXS and New Zealand pop-rock legends Evermore, Matchbox Twenty come to Brisbane. For two dates this weekend Matchbox Twenty return to Australia for the first time since 2008, two months on from the release of their fourth studio album, North. Belting out classics from their extensive back catalogue like 'Push', 'If You’re Gone', 'Unwell' and '3am', the Floridian foursome will be joined by Aussie giants INXS, who are touring with new lead vocalist Ciaran Gribbin and celebrating the twentieth anniversary of their classic album, Kick. Matchbox Twenty are known for their multi-platinum selling albums and singles, with sales topping thirty million across the world, and 1.6 million in Australia. INXS’s career can never be overplayed, and Evermore too have a string of platinum hits.
The Brisbane Cabaret Festival sashays back onto the scene, enticing audiences with a moveable feast of fascinating performers. Presented across three weeks, beginning October 25th and ending November 11th, the festival will seek out intimate spaces, hidden gems, swing juke joints, sexy salons and dazzling theatres across the city. The Judith Wright Centre will play host to some of the most stunning shows in the festival lineup. Darkly funny the poetry of Jacques Prevert will be given violent rebirth using songs, movement, melody and spoken word in Projet Prevert. The piano pushing, ukele smashing, full voice of Brendan Maclean is coming to the show, with a treat for fans of Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds. The Kransky Sisters from Esk bring their delightfully deranged performance along in their old Morris Major. Award-winning performer Megan Shorey flashes her undies as her cheeky cabaret charts the ups and downs of life through our choice of pants.
Rufus Wainwright is a one in a million performer. His originality and musical talent has lead him to become one of the most interesting musicians of our time. September sees this entertainer return to Australian soil for his national tour to celebrate the release of his album, 'Out of the Game'. His seventh album was produced by the highly acclaimed producer Mark Ronson. Wainwright will be joined on stage by both Krystale Warren, an eclectic jazz/folk songstress and British musical legend Teddy Thompson. The vision behind this tour is to share with the audience the excitement of the studio experience, so audience members are in for a treat. The final gifted musician to join Wainwright when he visits Australia is home grown talent, Megan Washington.
As Jesse McCartney became a chipmunk, Aaron Carter found drugs, and Hilary Duff had a baby, one band rose above them all. From the beginning we should have known that Hanson would eventually fly separate from the pack of frosted-haired teen 'sensations' they competed with, to make a serious, and by no means shameful, mark on the music industry. Now, Hanson are returning to Brisbane for two separate performances at The Hifi to show us that while most other 90s teen sensations lost it, they've still got it. Brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac released their hit album Middle of Nowhere in 1997, which spawned the massive karaoke favourite MMMBop. The brothers have since been recording and releasing albums fairly regularly, and much to the delight of young fans and mothers alike, have never lost their young boyish charm.
If you've grown up in or around Brisbane, you'll have seen it in all its forms. You'll have seen it packed tight with sports fans, baking in summer sun, and fighting to stay afloat in flood. You've seen it rejoice and seen it suffer. But you've never seen it like this. Have you ever had someone tell you "You just had to be there?" You can expect to hear a lot of that around town after Still Night finishes its run at The Point Hotel this September. The performance is a creative, interpretative retelling of our city, designed to evoke particular thoughts and emotions about Brisbane culture. Writers, directors and performers Gemma Brockis and Silvia Mercuriali weave a fantastical narrative, partly based on fact and partly injected with myth, to present their idea of the city through performance. The performance is 45 minutes long, without interval. Concession ticket prices available.
When Benjamin Law writes, he has a knack for making you feel like he is right there in the room with you - retelling his wickedly funny stories face to face. On Sunday evening, you have the rare opportunity to hear the entertaining stories of ‘The Family Law’ firsthand from the man himself. In what poses to be an interesting collaboration, Southern Cross Soloists will join Benjamin Law in an integrated production in celebration of Brisbane Writers Festival 50th birthday. The Southern Cross Soloists will perform the world premiere of the new composition by prominent composer Steve Newcomb whilst Ben Law will complementarily narrate his novel. Integrating classical music, urban jazz, literature, comedy and irony to produce a charming and witty production.
Based in a post-apocalyptic world without an overflowing water supply, Urinetown is the tale of a time of tinkle-taxes. All toilets are pay-to-pee, private lavatories are outlawed and all water is controlled by irritating, irrigating magnate, The Urine Good Company. The title may stir doubt, but this musical by any other name would still be as hilarious. The third offering of Underground Productions for 2012 is a satirical comedy by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis, and has made its way from Broadway to UQ. Urinetown pays homage to stage giants such as West Side Story and Les Miserables, while finding inspiration from the current pay-to-use public toilets of Western Europe. Nightly 7:30 screenings at the Schonell Theatre of the University of Queensland until Saturday September 8th, and tickets are still available online. Members tickets are going for $15, students at $18 and adults $20. A pretty good price for toilet humour.
Be swept away by the magic of The Hamburg Ballet's version of Shakespeare’s whimsical classic, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The Bard's tale of mistaken identity and the relationship between two lovers mixed with a sprinkle of magic was believed to be written between 1590 and 1596. Its timelessness has meant that it has never really left the stage and has been performed countless times since. The music in The Hamburg Ballet's performance is as spectacular as the dancing itself. The dancers will be accompanied by music performed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by The Hamburg Ballet's conductor, Simon Hewett, who was born in Brisbane. You will be impressed by the skill, grace and devotion of the performers. Book your tickets now for the VIP opening night where you can join Hewett and the members of The Hamburg Ballet and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Bill Bailey is a comedic renaissance man and his world famous shows are evidence. He is witty and intelligent, twisted and cerebral and incredibly creative. The star of Black Books, and former team captain on the British music quiz show, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, is coming back to Australia to let loose in his new show – Qualmpeddler. With a global focus and a polictical slant, Qualmpeddler is earning rave reviews whereever it appears. Bringng the usual musical mash-up styling’s of previous shows with political humour and animated elements, this show is sure to be a hilarious trip into the mind of one of the world’s top comedic performers.
Ambient/Noise musician Liz Harris has woven a rich fabric of her own eclectic creation with blurry clouds of foggy instrumentation knitted around a unique and deeply presenced voice. Accented by tape delay and reverb effects her bold sound is a myriad of colourful rhythms and wash away beats that float down upon a wide-eyed audience. Grouper’s most recent records A/A and Violent Replacement expand upon an already large and colourful palette of elegant and textured songwriting and liberal atmosphere. Harris’ distinctive voice floats above the music she creates like a specter, rocking gently back and forth with each delicate note and immersive tone. Bask in the glow of Grouper’s sound, an ethereal and dream-like, sophisticated assortment of melodies and skeletal moments.
Lake Air is the fourth studio album to come from Sydney’s Dappled Cities. Dappled Cities have risen to prominence thanks to their brand of infectious dance-rock and their latest group of songs look to continue this trend of success. The album has received rave reviews since its release in early August and the lead single ‘Born at the Right Time’ has been a success as well. European electro-pop maestro, JAPE, will be joining the band on their national tour. JAPE’s lastest album Ocean Of Frequency recently won the Irish Album Of The Year, so you know that there will be some exceptional music on display. Be sure to get to The Zoo to catch these guys, you won’t regret it.
One of the last remnants of Septembers Brisbane Festival is Colour By Numbers, an exhibition of works by Dale Harding. The exhibition combines storytelling and nostalgia with a modern spin by incorporating commentary on Australia’s past history with Aboriginal children. Drawing inspiration from oral traditions passed on by family members, Dale transforms these stories into stimulating visual representations. The exhibition wraps up this week, so if you are still looking for a post-Brisbane Festival cultural fix, then let this be it. Head over to Metro Arts between 10am and 4.30pm.
There has been a small resurgence in the live music scene in the Brisbane CBD. While still comparatively small compared to the live music juggernaut venues in the Valley, it is good to see some people are putting in effort to diversify the musical locales around town. Off The Rails is a brand new night happening every Thursday at the Grand Central Hotel in the CBD. Much like its sister event, Trainspotters, Off The Rails will bring out some of the best local talent and put on a great show every week. The inaugural event is looking to be pretty special. Gravel Samwidge will be bringing their hard hitting punk to the headline slot while The Good Sports, Caroline and Thigh Master (pictured) will be playing in support. This will be a great show and is a great event to get behind. Swing by Grand Central Hotel on Thursday night and witness some great bands doing what they do best.
Some movies have a moment where they just click and you instinctively know the filmmakers know what they're doing. In The Way, Way Back that moment comes when the painfully awkward Duncan (Liam James) is being driven to the beach house where he will spend the summer and he locks eyes with Owen (Sam Rockwell). The low-key but undeniable chemistry in that scene is a hallmark of a film which gets all the small details right. Having been told he's a "three out of ten" by Trent (Steve Carell), a passive-aggressive jerk who is dating his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), Duncan plans to keep a low profile during his holiday. But any chance of a quiet summer is soon scuppered by nosy neighbour Betty (Allison Janney), who plots to have Duncan become friends with her long-suffering son Peter (River Alexander), who she torments because of his lazy eye. It's Betty's daughter Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb) who can sympathise with Duncan though, and they form a faltering friendship as the adults leave them to their own devices. As Susanna observes, the beachside community is "like spring break for adults" and while Trent and Pam make merry with Trent's friends, the introverted Duncan goes exploring on a a bike and ends up seeking refuge at Water Wizz, the slightly rundown but much-loved local water park managed by perpetual adolescent Owen. Seeing something in the earnest teen that nobody else sees, Owen decides to give Duncan a job as a dogsbody at the park, bringing him into a group of misfits that includes Caitlin (Maya Rudolph), who is growing irked at Owen's irresponsible ways and Lewis (Jim Rash), a sad sack who continually threatens to quit the park to pursue his dreams of being a storm chaser but never quite manages to leave. The Way Way Back's story of a shy teen finding his place in the world over the course of a long, hot summer is by now a well-worn coming-of-age narrative, but this always feels more comfortable than cliched. The seaside small town with its endless beach parties and beer-soaked barbecues is lovingly evoked. The performances from an ensemble cast are uniformly topnotch, though it is Sam Rockwell who steals every scene as the sweet, funny and unexpectedly wise Owen. Writer-directors Jim Rash and Nat Faxon previously collaborated on the Oscar-winning The Descendants and have again struck gold, fashioning a wryly funny and nicely understated script which leaves the actors plenty to do. A big-hearted, bittersweet look at the pleasures and pains of growing up, and the compromises of adulthood, this is perfectly realised and way, way charming. https://youtube.com/watch?v=GiH5wmuexZY
Local Natives have made it, exploding out of support band status into a headliner demanding to be heard. They have earned their rise through the musical ranks, attracting the attention of indie heavy-hitters The National and Arcade Fire after their critically acclaimed debut, Gorilla Manor, and are now riding a wave of success all the way to Australia. Their tour comes on the back of the highly anticipated sophomore release Hummingbird, an eclectic harmony of sounds ready to be played at all occasions. There are tracks for parties as well as tracks to woo first dates; you name the event and they have it soundtracked. A live performance by Local Natives is also something to behold, with all four band members tugging at your heart strings and making you feel all of the feelings, culminating in an overwhelming sense of happiness. Thankfully you can experience all this on Sunday, May 19, in an intimate performance at The Zoo, and we can guarantee that ticket prices will not be as low as this next time they come back.
It may be a summer blockbuster but the weighty themes come thick and fast in JJ Abrams' second Star Trek film Into Darkness. Just minutes into the opening scene, almost before we've even seen our first lens flare, Spock (Zachary Quinto) reminds the crew of the Enterprise with Leninesque fidelity that "the interests of the many outweigh the interests of the few". Soon after, we're asked to consider the true meaning of friendship, to weigh the expediency of vengeance against the necessity of justice and even to opine on the militarisation of a traditionally scientific vessel. In short: it's a terrifically fun film that aspires (and mostly achieves) to be something much more. In many ways, Spock's eloquent reminder is just as relevant to the big studios, compelling them as it were to balance the expectations of dedicated fans with the need to make the movie widely marketable. That's why Abrams is such an excellent choice of director, not only for these Star Trek films but now also the Star Wars ones, since both possess loyal and passionately defensive fans who consistently reject change as often as they reject each other. Arguably the greatest accomplishment of his first Star Trek film in 2009 was that it satisfied the Trekkies whilst opening up the franchise to an entirely new audience. Now again, in Into Darkness, Abrams carefully traverses that balance between old and new, as well as between the pop and the pensive. For every furrowed brow or teary eye moment come multiple laughs, usually courtesy of Quinto's logic-driven Spock or Simon Pegg's Scottish-driven Scotty. And as for the action, it's predictably topnotch, both in its intergalactic sequences and small-scale, hand-to-hand pieces. The Star Trek universe has always been defined by the relationship of its two leads — Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock — however, it's also true that heroes are defined by their villains, and thankfully in Into Darkness they have a fantastic one in the shape of Benedict Cumberbatch. With that now famous Alan Rickman-like baritone growl, he throws himself into the character of John Harrison, a British spy turned rogue terrorist whose devastating attack on London sees Kirk pursue him to the far reaches of the galaxy in order to bring him to justice one way or another (given those orders come from Robocop's Peter Weller as Starfleet's admiral, it was a small shame he didn't actually say "Harrison, dead or alive, you're coming with me"). Into Darkness also sees all the familiar characters return (Bones, Chekov, Uhura and Sulu) along with the introduction of a sadly underused Alice Eve; however, it's Cumberbatch who really drives it forward. Even the Kirk/Spock dynamic takes a back seat (subject to one or two key moments), and if anything, it's that shift away from what made the first Star Trek film soar that's probably Into Darkness's only significant failing. Overall, this is a wonderful movie, large in scale but also capable of delivering impressively intimate moments throughout.
Have you organised your Saturday night yet? No? Well, regular club night Trainspotters at the Grand Central Hotel are mixing things up a bit this Saturday and it's bound to be a good one. The teams behind Lost Movements and Trainspotters have joined forces to create a super fun night filled with live bands, art and entertainment. Some of the bands who will be rocking out will be The Dead Love, Love Like Hate and White Elephant. Artists such as Littleamb, Steven Falco and Jackson Hambridge will be showcasing the fruits of their labour. Talented Brisbane burlesque dancers, Tina Joy and Samantha Nova, will also grace the stage and be sure to put some colour in your cheeks with their va-va-voom performances. Pencil Trainspotters vs Lost Movements into your diary and be prepared for a great night.
Get your groove on at Alhambra Lounge with the help of oOoOO and Butterclock. Why not end your weekend with a bang as these international acts specialise in tasty tunes and blissed out vibes. Hailing from Paris, oOoOO makes eclectic tracks and seamlessly fuses hip-hop beats with irresistible melodies and fresh sounds. The Berlin beauty Butterclock will be keeping oOoOO company and lending her vocals to his beats. Butterclock is an exciting artist in her own right and has been making waves internationally with her debut EP First Prom. Kush Club DJs will keep the party pumping with DJ sets. Tickets are $23.50. Float your way into the weekend with these two talented and effortlessly cool artists. Listen here for a taste of the floaty electronica and haunting vocals that these guys are pumping out.
