If you're the kind of traveller who plans entire holidays around your hotels of choice, then you'll want to add Newcastle to your must-visit list. Come early June, the New South Wales city will become home to the latest QT site — a 104-room spot in Newcastle's revitalised East End precinct, housed inside a 113-year-old building, and boasting everything from harbour views to quite the impressive clock tower suite. First, that must-stay room. Yes, when QT Newcastle opens its doors on Thursday, June 9, you really will be able to slumber inside the clock tower atop the heritage-listed structure — and watch the clock mechanism whirring around when you're taking a bath, too. That specific room has been fit out by interior designer Nic Graham to nod to the building's history as well, so expect heritage touches alongside all the usual modern QT amenities. Graham's work on the hotel doesn't stop there. Here, every room is different — in configuration, design or architecture — but the entire site takes inspiration from the city, and from the elements. That means references to the Newcastle coastline, views through floor-to-ceiling heritage windows across eye-catching landmarks, and just big nods to earth, water and light in general. "We have reinvigorated an iconic heritage building, respecting and maintaining the raw shell and layering contemporary life within," explains Graham. "It's a nice reminder of the human spirit, that we all come from something. We have created a cocooning interior through colour blocking and juxtaposing textures, which evoke the history of Newcastle." Equally impressive: spying those views from the rooftop bar, Rooftop at QT, which'll launch on June 9 as well. It'll be Newcastle's highest openair rooftop spot, in fact, and pairs its uninterrupted vistas with a bit of an izakaya feel. While cocktails and local wines will be on the menu, the bar will also boast Newcastle's largest library of Japanese whisky — so you'll be sipping Harajuku Highballs and Tomasu Margaritas while you eat salmon sashimi, yakitori chicken and miso eggplant robata skewers. That food lineup is the product of chef Massimo Speroni, who is also overseeing Jana, QT Newcastle's signature restaurant. It too will open on June 9. A bar and grill, it hews local with its ingredients, heroes steak — with the premium range sourced entirely from New South Wales — and features an an open kitchen and dry-aged meat cabinet. On the drinks list: oh-so-much wine, with Tyrell's the hotel's wine partner. QT Newcastle joins the chain's growing lineup of hotels, which currently includes sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Bondi, Falls Creek and on the Gold Coast in Australia — and in Auckland, Queenstown and Wellington in New Zealand. Also in the works, set for a 2023 launch: QT Parramatta and QT Adelaide. Find QT Newcastle at 185 Hunter Street, Newcastle, from Thursday, June 9. For more information or to make a booking, head to the hotel's website.
So by now it's pretty well-predicted that La La Land is going to dominate this year's Oscars, which, depending on who you ask, is either The Greatest Thing and totally deserved or The Worst Thing and proof of the Academy's irredeemable age/taste/whiteness. But there is one award it shouldn't win, and that's Best Original Score — if you ask us, it shouldn't even be nominated for it. That's because La La Land is a musical, and doesn't have a score in the usual cinematic definition of the word. Generally, a score is the music underpinning the action, not occurring within the scene as it does in La La Land. Ryan Gosling might look adorable while he's noodling on a piano for 'City of Stars', but the fact that he's most certainly in the scene means that the song is not part of the score in the usual sense. This distinction has been emphasised by the Academy itself in the past — from 1949 to 1969, Best Original Score was split into two separate categories: one for Original Score, and one for Musical Score. The score of a film is as important as any other aspect of it; it occupies more of a film's screentime than any actor, conveys more emotion than any speech, sets the mood more evocatively than any costume or lighting or scenery. The great film critic Roger Ebert liked to say that "movies are like a machine that generates empathy". If he's correct, the score is the engine driving that machine. Film is an inherently visual medium, yet a great score is as memorable as any image. Two drags of a cello's bow and you're going to need a bigger boat; I only have to hint at the famous 'dum dum dum dum DAdum dum DAdum' and you're reaching for your inhaler. Show me one big-budget action film since Inception that hasn't used Hans Zimmer's patented PWAAAAAAAARP at some moment of high drama. Think of The Pink Panther, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Psycho, Chariots of Fire or basically any Spielberg film, and it's the score that leaps into your mind instantly. You only have to look at the list of winners of Best Score to see how seriously film scores are taken. Significant classical composers like Erich Korngold (The Adventures of Robin Hood), Aaron Copland (Of Mice and Men, The Heiress), Leonard Bernstein (On the Waterfront), André Previn (Gigi), Miklós Rózsa (Ben-Hur), Ennio Morricone (The Mission, The Hateful Eight) and Tan Dun (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), and even Shostakovich and Prokofiev have all written scores. Other composers like Elmer Bernstein, Malcolm Arnold, Bernard Herrmann and Nino Rota — whose careers were mostly spent writing for films — are now spoken of in the same breath as other more traditionally classical composers, while today the music of James Horner, John Williams, Howard Shore and Hans Zimmer is often performed by symphony orchestras in the world's most prestigious concert halls. Even Trent Reznor has an Oscar for The Social Network. With all this blurring of boundaries and genres, the sound palette of films is broader and more experimental than it has ever been. Philip Glass, a modern classical composer long derided as difficult and unlistenable, has achieved popular recognition thanks to his score for The Hours; similarly, Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson's work has spanned film, theatre and contemporary classical throughout his career (and would have been nominated for an Oscar for his score for Arrival but for a technicality). This year's nominees for Best Original Score cover a number of styles, from musical (La La Land) to minimalist (Lion), from shimmery strings and piano chords (Passengers) to tense, darting violins (Moonlight) and unsettling, lush-yet-uneasy chamber pieces (Jackie) – proving that the emotion you make an audience feel is far more important than the method by which you make them feel. Film scores, in all their diverse sounds and styles, are inseparable from the cinema experience. They can complement characterisation, drive plot, confirm suspicions for an audience or confound their expectations. One thing they absolutely should not do is break into song on a highway off-ramp.
The Alliance Francais French Film Festival is back for another year, ready to celebrate the best in French cinema. Returning to select Palace locations around the country, this year’s program is packed with exciting goodies, including dramas, comedies, docos, kids' films and an entire stream dedicated to movies about the First World War. With almost 50 movies on offer — most of them Australian premieres — it’s shaping up to be one of the festival’s most exciting years ever. Of all those titles, we’ve selected five that you absolutely owe it to yourself to see. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Lea Seydoux (Blue Is the Warmest Colour) and Vincent Cassel (Black Swan) star in this sumptuous adaptation of the classic French fairy tale. An enormous French-German co-production, the film’s trailer is absolutely packed with gorgeous visuals, and appears to have a darker edge than the animated Disney version we all know and love. The last couple of years have seen a bunch of big budget Hollywood “reboots” of fairy tale stories, most of them not very good. Here’s hoping the French (and the Germans) can get it right. GIRLHOOD Aged just 36, writer-director Celine Sciamma first caught our attention with Tomboy, a tender coming-of-age story about a 10-year-old girl pretending to be a boy. Her follow-up, Girlhood, belongs to a similar genre, although this time her protagonists are a little older. The film explores the dynamic between four reckless teenage girls as they struggle to pave a future for themselves in one of the poorer parts of Paris. The film has received a ton of buzz on the international festival circuit, and we can’t wait to check it out. THE NEW GIRLFRIEND When it comes to sexually provocative cinema, no one does it better than director Francois Ozon. The man behind such films as In the House and Swimming Pool, Ozon has made a career out of titillating pulp, and his latest film looks to be absolutely no exception. A story of death and deception with some cross-dressing thrown in, The New Girlfriend has been described as a mix of Hitchcockian thriller and Almodóvar-style sexual comedy. It should probably go without saying, but this one’s for adults only. SAINT LAURENT Last year saw the release of Yves Saint Laurent, the first in a pair of competing biographical dramas about the legendary French fashion designer. Unfortunately, that film was pretty bloody awful. But we’re holding out hope for this alternate version, which competed for the Palme d’Or at last year’s Festival de Cannes and got much kinder notices from critics. TOKYO FIANCEE Finishing off our list with something a little lighter, romantic comedy Tokyo Fiancee has drawn comparisons to Amelie — and presumably not just because their protagonists have the same name. The film concerns a young French woman obsessed with all things Japanese, who decides to book herself a one-way ticket to Tokyo. Once there she finds work as a French tutor, only to begin a relationship with one of her students. The film is one of the favourites of festival patrons David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz. And really, who are we to argue with them? The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is on around Australia in March. Catch it in Sydney from March 3-22, Melbourne from March 4-22 and Brisbane from March 13 - April 1. Check the festival website for the full program.
Australia's love of culinary mashups isn't new, given we're the home of everything from lamington cruffins to Iced Vovo bavarians, but our sweet treat brands sure do like teaming up with beloved beverage brands at the moment. First came Allen's new range of Pasito, creaming soda and lemonade lollies, all based on the Kirks soft drinks. Next on your shopping list: Oak's collaboration with Streets on a new type of Golden Gaytime. Once again, as these hybrids always are, the end result is as simple as it sounds: a Golden Gaytime, but flavoured like Oak chocolate milk. Two local favourites, one new must-try dessert — that's it, that's this new ice cream. Specifically, the new flavour features an Oak-inspired ice cream in the centre, surrounded by a layer of chocolate, and then the usual Golden Gaytime biscuit pieces on top. That said, the latter have had a chocolate makeover as well. Chocaholics, this is obviously for you. This isn't the first time that Streets has mixed up its Golden Gaytime range, or taken cues from other food favourites. Last year, Fruit Loops and Crunchy Nut Golden Gaytimes hit shelves for all cereal-loving ice cream fans, and a Coco Pops versions arrived before that as well. You'll find the new Oak ice creams in some stores now — at IGA, Ritchie's, Drakes and Romeo's — retailing at $9.50 for a box of four. Come September, they'll also hit Coles, convenience stores and petrol stations, ready for frosty spring and summer sweet treats. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Streets Ice Cream (@streetsicecreamau) Streets' new Oak chocolate milk-flavoured Golden Gaytimes are now available at IGA, Ritchie's, Drakes and Romeo's, and will hit Coles, convenience stores and petrol stations from September — retailing at $9.50 for a box of four.
Last month the National Gallery of Victoria launched the first ever major survey of Australian fashion. Featuring over 120 works from more than 90 designers, 200 Years of Australian Fashion not only had us wowed with the scale, diversity and sheer beauty of the threads on display, but also contemplating the thread that runs through each product born of the Australian fashion industry. It's quite a unique industry to be in — isolated, out of season and catering to a completely different market to the global fashion players. But out of this, a new innovative and creative approach to fashion has been born. It's certainly seen successes, from Collette Dinnigan being the first Australian invited to show at Paris Fashion Week in 1995 to Dion Lee, who last year showed his fifth season at New York Fashion Week. Is it our position in the global market that defines our aesthetic? We asked local designers Perks and Mini and Pageant as well as the NGV's Curator of Fashion and Textiles Paola De Trocchio to define how they see Australian fashion. [caption id="attachment_566323" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Tom Ross[/caption] AMANDA CUMMING AND KATE REYNOLDS, PAGEANT Do you think there is an Australian aesthetic in fashion? There is a casualness and subtle eclecticism about the way Australian's dress. It's offbeat and relaxed! Do you think Australia's distance from the rest of the world has influenced our fashion? As designers, this distance can be challenging but it also gives us the freedom to create our own rules. The fashion industry in Australia is still young and not set in tradition, which we feel creates more flexibility and creativity through design. Is there a designer or particular time period that defines Australian fashion for you? We really admire Dion Lee and feel that he has helped to shape the global image of Australian fashion. His designs always push the boundaries and his textile development is impressive! What would you like to see local designers doing? As designers we feel it's important to be aware of your surroundings and reflect on current culture. It's really important to be authentic, as originality is key to a strong vision. [caption id="attachment_566350" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Perks and Mini[/caption] SHAUNA TOOHEY, PERKS AND MINI Do you think there is an Australian aesthetic in fashion? No. But I do think there is a uniquely Australian attitude to fashion. I think it tends to be more relaxed, it doesn't follow rules and is more forgiving. Do you think Australia's distance from the rest of the world has influenced our fashion? Yes, distance and also seasonal difference has had a big effect on Australian fashion. However, as the world be comes more global, seasons drop earlier and climate change affects weather, I think this will have less influence. Is there a designer or particular time period that defines Australian fashion for you? Growing up with rave and street culture, the stand outs for me are Galaxy Abyss and Funk Essentials both by Sara Thorn and Bruce Slorach. What would you like to see local designers doing? My favourite designers are ones where you can see their unique signature in there clothes. Too often you see garments where the neck label could be lots of different brands/designers and it would be believable. I would love to see designers finding their own unique vision and expressing that in their clothing so well that each piece is recognisably theirs. [caption id="attachment_566322" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Wayne Taylor[/caption] PAOLA DI TROCCHIO, CURATOR, FASHION AND TEXTILES AT THE NGV Do you think there is an Australian aesthetic in fashion? What Australian designers have in common is a sense of adventure, resilience, and courage. This can translate to bold, sophisticated and innovative design with a streak of rebellion. Do you think Australia's distance from the rest of the world has influenced our fashion? I think it has caused our designers to be incredibly innovative with their business systems and structures. For example, recognising that they could not compete with and did not even desire to fit into established fashion conventions from the context of Australia, DI$COUNT UNIVER$E launched their brand online through their blog, redefining the rules of what a fashion label could be. MaterialByProduct's engagement with the concept of luxury and artisanal hand production can be seen as suited to systems of production in Australia, where the majority of the businesses are small-scale enterprises with low-production capacity. Is there a designer or particular time period that defines Australian fashion for you? Australian fashion is evolving as we are as a nation. The earliest dress in the exhibition is from c.1805. Its raised waist and slim skirt are known as the empire line. Its Indian muslin fabric acknowledges the immediate network of trade between India, Australia and Britain. It situates the origins of Australian fashion within the broad context of Britain's aspirations towards the Empire and within a network of international trade. Since then Australian designers have continued a dialogue with the wider world that has echoed politics, trends, social movements, trade and identity. I think what is fascinating about Australian fashion is how Australian designers look inwards to find within them their unique voice, whilst looking out and engaging with the wider world. What would you like to see local designers doing? Thriving. I think they are doing incredibly well and I look forward to seeing them reach greater heights. 200 Years of Australian Fashion is now showing at NGV Australia until July 31. For more information, visit ngv.vic.gov.au. Top image: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee wearing Linda Jackson's Tutti Frutti dress, 1975. Photograph by Ann Noon.
Every time that the Gallery of Modern Art stages a new exhibition, it's always worth seeing — whether David Lynch, Yayoi Kusama, Patricia Piccinini, Marvel or Chiharu Shiota are filling its walls. To go even further, whatever is graces the South Bank venue's spaces is usually stunning. Air, the venue's huge summer 2022–23 exhibition, is no different. Until Sunday, April 23, this thoughtful showcase ruminates on the life-sustaining substance, pondering air's cultural, ecological and political dimensions — complete with floating mirrored spheres, glowing red globes, butterflies aplenty, leafy plants, industrial pipes and a smoky, darkened room you'll never want to leave. Brisbane art lovers know that GOMA's exhibitions aren't simply dazzling to look at, however. For just a couple of nights each, they usually backdrop fabulous after-dark parties surrounded by all of those creative works. And, in 2023, Air is getting the Up Late treatment from 6pm on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18. [caption id="attachment_884338" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mona Hatoum / Lebanon/United Kingdom b.1952 / Hot Spot (installation view) 2006 / Stainless steel and neon tube / The David and Indrė Roberts Collection / Courtesy: The Roberts Institute of Art, London / © Mona Hatoum / Photograph: Claudia Baxter © QAGOMA.[/caption] Get ready to spend two autumn evenings seeing breathtaking installations, drinking, tapping your toes to DJs and listening to live music. A $42-per-night ticket gets you access to the exhibition, as well as the fun. While the events themselves were revealed back when Air opened, GOMA has just dropped the lineup — with Alice Skye and Clea doing the honours on the Friday evening, alongside DJ nejmere; and Camp Cope, Melaleuca and Special Features taking to the stage on the Saturday night, plus DJ Sonia Cougar. [caption id="attachment_887662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of 'Air', Gallery of Modern Art, 2022. Photograph: Chloë Callistemon © QAGOMA.Ron Mueck / England b.1958 / In bed 2005 / Mixed media / Purchased 2008. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: QAGOMA / © Ron Mueck.Jemima Wyman / Pairrebeener people, Australia b.1977 / Plume 20 2022 / Handcut digital photos / Courtesy: Jemima Wyman, Milani Gallery, Brisbane, and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney / © Jemima Wyman.Yhonnie Scarce / Kokatha and Nukunu peoples, Australia b.1973 / Cloud Chamber 2020 / Glass / Collection: TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville, Victoria / © Yhonnie Scarce.[/caption] The live tunes will echo across the Maiwar Green, under a marquee, so you'll be hopping in and out of GOMA itself. Plus, there'll be multiple spots to grab a bite and drink around the place at the GOMA Bistro, Newstead Brewing Co Coastal Bar, River Room Bar and Bacchus Wine Room, so a tipple won't be hard to find. Expect live immersive art experiences and workshops, too — including a drop-in session inspired by Jemima Wyman's contribution to Air, which will get you suspending particles yourself by creating a cloud-like collage — and the kind of gallery visit you can't have via daylight. [caption id="attachment_884340" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tomás Saraceno / Argentina b.1973 / Drift: A cosmic web of thermodynamic rhythms (installation view) 2022 / 15 Aerocene spheres, transparent and metallic mylar, tape, pump with overpressure release, polyester rope, kinetic system, backpack, newspaper, pamphlets, books and photographic prints on paper / Purchased 2022 with funds from the Neilson Foundation through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: QAGOMA / © Tomás Saraceno / Photograph: Dario Lagana, Studio Tomás Saraceno.[/caption] AIR UP LATE LINE-UP: Friday, March 17 — Alice Skye, Clea and DJ nejmere Saturday, March 18 — Camp Cope, Melaleuca, Special Features and DJ Sonia Cougar Both nights: Suspended Particles art-making workshop by Air artist Jemima Wyman Air Up Late takes place on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18 at the Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane. For more information and tickets, head to the GOMA website. Top image: Anthony McCall / United Kingdom / United States b.1946 / Crossing (installation view) 2016 / Two double video projections (20 minutes), haze machine and sound, ed. 1/3 / Commissioned to mark the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Gallery of Modern Art. Purchased 2016 with funds from Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: QAGOMA / © Anthony McCall / Photograph: Chloë Callistemon © QAGOMA.
Somehow music artists seem to look even cooler in their music videos than they usually do - which is saying something. Their level of chic can seem daunting to us fans, mere mortals that we are. Regardless, online fashion retailer SSENSE wants you to buck up and give the whole rockstar thing a go. With their new 'shoppable music video', SSENSE makes that unattainable level of swagger...well, attainable. Collaborating with Iggy Azalea, Diplo, and FKi on their latest video 'I Think She Ready', the retailer breaks down the outfits of each artist for potential buyers. When the artist appears on the screen, a small 'S' logo will hover over their outfit. Click on it, and a new page will open, complete with information on each component of the outfit. Each featured piece is from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection of a variety of high-end designers. Whether you are lusting after Iggy's Alexander Wang cat-eye sunglasses, or envying her J Brand snow leopard jeans, simply click and purchase. SSENSE CEO Rami Atallah says, "The integration we are introducing between technology, entertainment and retail with this video not only creates a unique experience for the audience, but also has utility." Watch, sing along, and shop like a rockstar? All from the comfort of our desk? We're in. [via PSFK]
On a stage or screen somewhere, the Jets and the Sharks are usually facing off — or, given how popular that West Side Story has proven for almost seven decades now, that's how it feels at least. The famous musical last popped up in cinemas in Australia thanks to Steven Spielberg. Next, it'll tread the boards again courtesy of Opera Australia. And, when it returns in 2024, it'll do so in spectacular surroundings. Sydney Harbour is set to experience a taste of Broadway magic circa 1957, with Handa Opera's famed floating stage playing host to legendary show — again. West Side Story returns to the yearly event after doing the honours in 2019 and proving a smash, unsurprisingly. Over 65,000 tickets were snapped up, making it the most-popular of Handa Opera's productions to-date. In 2024, the musical will light up the unique waterfront opera venue from Friday, March 22–Sunday, April 21, again reimagining the classic tale of star-crossed lovers in 50s-era New York City. If you've missed past versions — film, opera or otherwise — West Side Story tells the tale of two rival West Side gangs, plus the drama that ensues when people from each side fall in love. Acclaimed director Francesca Zambello, along with Brian Thomson and Jennifer Irwin, created this new take on the original Broadway favourite — following on from famed musical figures Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents, who originally did the honours in the 50s. And yes, the story is basically William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but revamped and transferred to the Big Apple. Sydneysiders and visitors alike will get to see the captivating production brought to life under the stars, from harbourside seats at Mrs Macquaries Point, while bopping along to all of the musical's iconic hit songs — 'I Feel Pretty', 'Maria', 'Somewhere', 'America', 'Cool' and, of course, 'Tonight'. Also included in this West Side Story experience: not just the show on the overwater stage, but also fireworks each evening, dazzling Sydney skyline views and hitting up pop-up dining spots that are constructed onsite each year. "West Side Story is a theatrical phenomenon, as is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. This combination has proved winning before and we highly anticipate that it will again," said Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan, announcing the 2024 season. West Side Story at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will run from Friday, March 22–Sunday, April 21, 2024 — with tickets via Opera Australia subscription packages available from Thursday, September 28 and general tickets from Thursday, October 5. Images: Opera Australia's 2019 cast of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour.
Back in 2019, Sydney fine-dining institution NEL introduced tastebuds to a whole new culinary world: a decadent Once Upon a Time degustation inspired by all things Disney. Unsurprisingly, it provided a magical meal and proved a massive hit, returning in 2020 and 2022 with themed dishes created by the Surry Hills' restaurant's created by Executive Chef and namesake Nelly Robinson. Come winter 2023, it'll be back again for a fourth chapter. Amid NEL's creative spreads, this one now feels like a tasty tale as old as time — repeatedly popping up amid KFC-inspired dinners, Moulin Rouge!-themed and Christmas degustations, and one heroing native Australian ingredients as well. But whenever it unleashes its 11 courses upon plates, the Once Upon a Time serves up new and fresh dishes riffing on the Mouse House's favourites. Accordingly, even if you've been before, you haven't feasted your way through the latest menu. An alfredo linguini that nods to Ratatouille? Yes, that twist on the classic dish — and flick — featuring a lasagne-style structure layered with confit vegetables, pasta sheets, béchamel, mozzarella cheese foam and basil dust is on the lineup. So is The Tugley Wood, which combines mushrooms and fresh Australian truffle to nod to Alice in Wonderland. And when things get sweet, there's a honey-soaked sponge with a nest of honey curd topped with bee pollen, then served in a honey pot, that Winnie-the-Pooh would clearly covet. As for what else will be bothering your appetite in the best possible way, discovering the full range is part of the fun of heading along — no matter whether you're a Sydneysider with more than a few nights' experience tucking into Robinson's creations or a Disney fan keen to make a date on a future interstate trip. NEL doesn't need a reason to bring back the Once Upon a Time menu again and again — it was always going to be popular — but Robinson still keeps finding plenty of inspiration in the Disney theme. "The team and I had a blast creating and curating this one. It was so much fun to create a whole new menu around some of my favourite films and we have carefully crafted dishes to bring out each diners' inner child. Indeed, we paired it with fun cocktails and some sensational wines, too," he explains. The Once Upon a Time menu's fourth chapter will start serving on Tuesday, May 30 and run for eight weeks only, with bookings available now. Price-wise, this childhood-inspired feast will require an adult salary, costing $185 per person, with beverages matched for an extra $165. Reserving a spot ASAP for dinner Tuesday–Saturday from 5.15pm is recommended — this unsurprisingly always books out. NEL's Once Upon A Time (Chapter Four) degustation is on offer for eight weeks from Tuesday, May 30 at 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. For more information or to book, head to the NEL website.
For diehard fans of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, one type of movie magic stands out above the rest. That'd be the kind that's had viewers flocking to Wizarding World flicks for over two decades now, and also inspired plenty of "accio April 2022!" chants over the past few months — if only in your head — as Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore gets closer to reaching cinemas. The third film in the Fantastic Beasts series and 11th in the broader Wizarding World franchise — aka the full on-screen world that's sprung up around The Boy Who Lived — The Secrets of Dumbledore arrives four years after 2018's Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. That's a hefty wait, and while the movie's release is still over a month away, a new trailer has just dropped to help fill the gap. Following on from The Secrets of Dumbledore's first sneak peek back in December 2021, the latest trailer gives viewers what they want: Jude Law's (The Third Day) young Albus Dumbledore facing off against Mads Mikkelsen's (Riders of Justice) evil Gellert Grindelwald, as the franchise has been working towards since 2016's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Of course, it wasn't always Mikkelsen playing the sinister dark wizard who just keeps trying to control all things magical, and wreak havoc on everything in general, with both Colin Farrell (Voyagers) and Johnny Depp (Minamata) previously doing the honours in past instalments. Regardless of who's playing him, Grindelwald still wants to start a war. Yes, he's solemnly up to no good, and his devoted following is only growing. So, as both trailers for The Secrets of Dumbledore have shown, it's up to future Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore, magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne, The Trial of the Chicago 7), and his pals Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston, The Third Day), Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol, Between Us) and Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler, The Walking Dead) to try to save the day. Ezra Miller (Zack Snyder's Justice League) also returns as Credence/Aurelius Dumbledore, while Jessica Williams (Love Life) follows up her brief appearance in The Crimes of Grindelwald by return as Ilvermorny professor Eulalie 'Lally' Hicks. And making the magic happen behind the lens is David Yates, who has directed every Wizarding World film — Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts alike — since 2007's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Obviously, when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 reached cinemas 11 years back, it was never going to be the end of the on-screen story, which is why the Fantastic Beasts series — which took an illustrated guide book about magical creatures, spun a story about its author Scamander and turned it into a Harry Potter prequel saga — exists. Still, conjuring up more enchantment hasn't been quite so straightforward this time around, and how you feel about the two Fantastic Beasts flicks so far might just depend on how spellbound you are with everything HP. But this franchise-within-a-franchise was always going to go on, with The Secrets of Dumbledore the third entry in the planned five-film series. Check out the trailer for The Secrets of Dumbledore below: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore opens in cinemas Down Under on April 7, 2022.
Cutesy name, likeable stars, stylised brutality, a familiar revenge scenario: blend them all together, and that's Gunpowder Milkshake. There's one particular ingredient that's missing from this action-thriller's recipe, though, and its absence is surprising — because much about the film feels like it has jumped from the pages of a comic book. That's one of the movie's best traits, in fact. The world already has too many comics-to-cinema adaptations, but although Gunpowder Milkshake doesn't stem from a graphic novel, it actually looks the part. Its precise framing and camera placement, hyper-vibrant colours and love of neon could've easily been printed in inky hues on paper, then splattered across the screen like the blood and bullets the feature sprays again and again. Writer/director Navot Papushado (Big Bad Wolves) and cinematographer Michael Seresin (War for the Planet of the Apes) have made a visually appealing film, and a movie with evident aesthetic flair. All that gloss is paired with a generic assassin storyline, however, and a half-baked feminist thrust. It's Sin City meets John Wick but gender-flipped, except that the Kill Bill movies and Atomic Blonde have been there and done that. Gunpowder Milkshake is entertaining enough, but largely in a mechanical way. Its look hits the mark, with every colour popping a shade or two brighter than might otherwise be expected. Its action choreography is impressive, albeit nowhere near as kinetic as the pictures it is patently aping. With Avengers: Endgame's Karen Gillan leading the charge, Game of Thrones' Lena Headey playing her on-screen mother, the impressive trio of Angela Bassett (Black Panther), Michelle Yeoh (Last Christmas) and Carla Gugino (a Sin City alum) also featuring, and child actor Chloe Coleman (Big Little Lies) holding her own, the movie's key women all do what's asked of them. And, when it comes to female-fronted action fare, there's no such thing as too much. But Gunpowder Milkshake's cast is also only tasked with navigating an inescapably clear-cut scenario, and the film's girl-power credentials are only skin deep, too. The focus on motherhood couldn't be more stereotypical, and the movie undercuts its empowering vibe by using its older women far too sparingly. Papushado and co-scribe Ehud Lavski (a feature first-timer) attempt to complicate their narrative, as opening narration explains, but the basics are hardly complex. As skilled killer Sam (Gillan) notes, she works for a group of men called The Firm, cleaning up its messes with her deadly prowess. It's an inherited gig, in a way. Fifteen years earlier, she was a fresh-faced teen (Freya Allan, The Witcher) with a mum, Scarlet, who did the same thing. Then her mother abandoned her after a diner shootout, leaving Sam to fend herself — and, to ultimately get her jobs from Nathan (Paul Giamatti, Billions), one of The Firm's flunkies. It's on just that kind of gig that Sam kills the son of a rival crime hotshot (Ralph Ineson, Chernobyl), and he wants revenge. Soon, her employers are also on her trail, after she takes another assignment in an attempt to sort out her first problem, then ends up trying to save eight-year-old Emily (Coleman) from violent kidnappers. Bassett, Yeoh and Gugino play librarians, and that term could be capitalised as a code name. They're surrounded by books, but they're also assassins themselves who trade in supplies for their fellow hitwomen. Running their business in an eye-catching dome-shaped Berlin building — which is where the film was shot, although it never mentions where it is set — they basically oversee Gunpowder Milkshake's equivalent of John Wick's The Continental. And, they have links to Scarlet, and to Sam's childhood, but they're used as weight and texture rather than given meaty parts. It's almost unforgivable for a movie that's all about formidable ladies to waste Bassett, Yeoh and Gugino in such minor roles, in fact. Again, they do all that's asked of them. They do it well, obviously. Still, they're both the most interesting aspect of the narrative and the least utilised. A secret society of killer women that camouflage their strength behind their knowledge, pass down skills through generations, and blush to no one in a male-dominated realm? Now that's a great premise. A kick-ass heroine who grew up with mummy issues, but now must care for a girl who also doesn't have a mother, all while actually reconnecting with her own and simultaneously laying waste to villainous men? That's clearly far more standard. Even when it's at its most engaging, Gunpowder Milkshake always leaves viewers wishing that it'd taken another path and spent more time with characters it mostly leaves in the background — unsurprisingly given what it pushes to the fore, and what it lets sit on the side. Wanting Bassett, Yeoh and Gugino to play bigger parts isn't a criticism of Gillan, or of her time with Headey and Coleman — even if cracking the facade of a stone-cold killer by getting them palling around with a kid is now a genre cliche (Coleman also had a similar role in espionage comedy My Spy). Gillan takes to her character with stony efficiency. That too is a trope — see: oh-so-many movies in your streaming platform of choice's "strong female lead" category — but she's been doing it swimmingly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well. What might've served her better, however, is a female filmmaker behind the lens. For all the style that Papushado brandishes, he's lacks the same fun, frenetic and fluid touch Cathy Yan gifted 2020's Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), and the same poignancy and smarts that Cate Shortland has given this year's Black Widow. Of course, that's the thing about making a movie that looks like a comic book flick, and that also tries to set up its own franchise, too: it's always going to earn and suffer from those comparisons.
Each month, Netflix adds a whole heap of new movies, shows and specials to its lineup. It's impossible to watch all of them, and if you tend to gravitate towards its big series and films — Stranger Things and The Witcher, plus features such as Marriage Story and The Trial of the Chicago 7 , for instance — that's understandable. But don't scroll your way past the service's comedy offerings. As with everything on every streaming platform, the selection can be a bit hit and miss; however, Netflix was responsible for the best sketch comedy of 2019,I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. It has also now claimed that title again in 2020 with the just-released Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun. If you're familiar with Australian comedy troupe Aunty Donna, then you'll know what to expect. Writers and performers Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane, director and writer Sam Lingham, filmmaker Max Miller and composer Tom Armstrong have been treating audiences to absurdist gags, satire, wordplay and songs since forming in 2011. Over that time, Aunty Donna has played gigs everywhere from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, toured the country several times, made a number of web series and released an ARIA-nominated album — but now the group has channelled all of its silliness and surreal gags, and its astute ability to make fun of daily life in a smart yet ridiculous way, into a six-part Netflix series that's the funniest thing you'll watch in 2020. Now available to stream, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun stars Bonanno, Kelly and Ruane as themselves — and housemates. Each episode revolves around a theme, starting with the search for a fourth member of their household when they decide to turf their annoying talking dishwasher (voiced by Flight of the Conchords' Kristen Schaal). The second episode, focused around treasure, also features an out-there recreation of Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, while other instalments serve up everything from a pitch-perfect takedown of trendy barber shops to a parody of male posturing when the guys turn their house into a bar. 'Weird Al' Yankovich also pops up, as does executive producer and The Office star Ed Helms (claiming that his name is actually Egg), and a tea party with the Queen of England features as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1gwkJP64xU While it's showing on Netflix worldwide, there's no doubting that this is an Aussie sketch comedy. Viewers will spot the references to Crazy John's, Four'n Twenty pies, Eagle Boys Pizza, the Hoodoo Gurus and Grant Denyer — and there's an instance of name-dropping about a well-known TV and AFL figure that's brief but sublime. Skewing more broadly, the series' parody of Family Feud is both clever and bonkers, and the show manages to touch upon the 2000 Sydney Olympics, silly wi-fi names, table manners, sports injuries, pirates and today's dating scene, too. There's nothing too over-the-top for Aunty Donna, or too trivial. The series opens with the group's existing song 'Everything a Drum' — which really is self-explanatory — after all. And, it nears its end with a tense trip to see a stylist that's a descent into chaos and madness, and yet also 100-percent relatable. Understandably, binging the 20-minute episodes in one go is very easy to do. So is starting the whole show over again once you've already watched it through. At the beginning of 2020, no one could've picked how this year would turn out. And while longtime Aunty Donna fans already knew what the group is capable of, few folks would've tipped that Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun would be just the dose of side-splitting absurdity this hectic year needs. Or, that it'd get the most preposterous and catchy song about caffeine there is well and truly lodged in everyone's heads until 2021 hits. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BVoYKwTc4E Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun is available to stream via Netflix.
Since its inception last year, Dan and Andy's Hawthorne Garage has been warmly received by locals. Hard to miss for the big red truck outside, this grocer, deli and cafe is open from six in the morning until eight at night, seven days a week. The majority of other cafes in the area close by around the 3pm mark, so if you find yourself in the 4171 postcode after that time, keep the Hawthorne Garage in mind. Especially if you are hankering for a late afternoon/early evening coffee but are dreading the prospect of trying to find a park on Oxford Street. While the deli cafe is a great place for a quick bite and a coffee, the Hawthorne Garage's main purpose is as a gourmet grocer. They stock an excellent selection of fresh produce and meats to go with their range of deli goods, specialty foods and gourmet wares. If you're the type of person who delights in trying out new and exotic brands of smoky barbecue sauce, masses of Italian cured meats, ice-creams flavour combinations previously unheard of, and cheese, cheese and more cheese, then definitely take a look. Hunt and gather inspiration and ingredients to whip up a dinner that is sure to impress. If the wealth of food items on offer somehow does not move you to cook, then fear not; the Hawthorne Garage offers home-style cooking for less than $10. Using seasonal produce, last week's delectable dinners included roast beef cakes with chilli jam soy glaze; vegetable soup with chicken meatballs and coriander; and ragu of Moroccan lamb, apple, fig, preserved lemon and chickpeas served with couscous. A mid-week takeaway does not necessarily have to mean pizza. If you're just after a light lunch or afternoon tea, then there are plenty of tasty treats ready prepared and waiting in the display cabinet. Falafel wraps, bagels, pasta salads, lemon tarts, muffins and friands number amongst the varied selection of ready to eat items. The salted caramel tart is particularly delicious. All food can be taken away, eaten while you meander the aisles, or while sitting out on the leafy patio.
First, Boiler Room announced the news that Brisbane had been waiting for: its debut date in the Queensland capital, arriving 14 years after the London-born club culture-loving outfit first popped up. Now, the event has unveiled the next crucial piece of information, aka who'll be hitting the decks at Brisbane Showgrounds this spring. If nothing says warm weather to you quite like dancing in a crowd, here's something for your calendar — with STÜM, Spray, Y U QT, Dr Dubplate and Juicy Romance all on the lineup. They'll be joined by Soju Gang, Neesha Alexander, Scalymoth and Rominndahouse from 2–10pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Boiler Room is no stranger to Australia thanks to past stops in Sydney and Melbourne, but hasn't made its way to the River City until now. The word that you're looking for? Finally. The Brisbane date sits between Boiler Room's return to Melbourne in late October and its latest Sydney gig in early December. Both have already sold out. [caption id="attachment_971379" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] It's been a big few weeks for festival announcements, no matter what type of music you're into. In a year that's been tough for the industry (see: the lack of Splendour in the Grass, Groovin the Moo, Spilt Milk and Harvest Rock, for instance), Wildlands, Good Things and Bluesfest have all dropped lineups recently, as have Meredith, Always Live, Lost Paradise and Beyond The Valley Down south at Boiler Room, Melbourne punters have 2lubly, CRUSH3d, Crybaby, DJ Heartstring, Foura, OK Williams and Samba Boys to look forward to. Sydneysiders will be making shapes to Anna Lunoe, Arthi, Bad Boombox, Club Angel, Dr Rubinstein, FUKHED, I. Jordan, IMOGEN, Mincy, Mischluft, Moktar, Nina Las Vegas and Skin On Skin. Boiler Room Brisbane 2024 Lineup: STÜM Spray Y U QT Dr Dubplate Juicy Romance Soju Gang Neesha Alexander Scalymoth Rominndahouse Boiler Room will make its Brisbane debut at Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, on Saturday, November 16, 2024 — with tickets on sale from 5pm on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Head to the event's website for more details.
Adele Frost is the face of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival. From the camera to the catwalk to the clothing rack, Ms Frost has all layers of the fashion industry covered. She's a young, fun, busy lady who calls Brisbane home and she caught up with us to chat about modelling, music and a mutual love of our beautiful Brisbane. Tell us, how did you crack the fashion/modelling/beauty/design industries at such a young age? Things just seemed to flow from my interest in fashion. I was about five when I first stepped onto the catwalk and I just loved it. The early photographs still make me laugh when I look at how seriously I took it when I was only young. I was discovered by Dally's when I was in high school in Townsville which is how I met Jodie Bache-Maclean, and she has really encouraged me in my career. I moved to Brisbane, finished high school and really began modelling then. I've always loved fashion, looking at fabrics and designing and making clothes. I'm constantly thinking about designs that I can create or how I can style my wardrobe. What does it take to become a successful model? I think you have to love travelling and enjoy the whole process. You also have to enjoy a very unstructured routine. You never know where you will be working next or how long the next assignment will be. You have to be able to go to castings and enjoy the company of other models. Casting agents, whether for fashion parades, still photo shoots or television commercials, always have a vision of what they are wanting to create. You really have to make the most of all the experiences you get along the way and often you will be asked to walk or to act out a role according to what the goal of the casting is. It can be an extremely rewarding profession. What's the best thing about living in Brisbane? Brisbane is a fantastic base to work from. Brisbane has a wonderful climate and although it is a large city, it is still very easy to get around and get to places. We are close to the coast and I love the beach. It is a very liveable city, affordable and full of wonderful fashion and designers. And, if you have to travel a lot it's a great departure point. I love the nightlife, the restaurants, the shops and the different sports you can get involved with here. We're really lucky to be able to live in a place like Brisbane which has so many offerings and is so accessible. Where are your favourite places to shop in Brisbane? I love the Valley and most of the fashion shops there as well as Myer, West End and the new Wintergarden. Who are your favourite local designers? I can't really think of any local designers that I don't like. Darb Couture and Paul Hunt design exquisite wedding and evening wear, designers like Pia du Pradal and Tengdahl design beautiful race and formal day wear. I love Akira's simple and delicate designs and then my other local favourites include George Wu, Francis Leon, Ash To Gold, Easton Pearson and Bora. We have so much choice both from our fantastic local designers and then all the high end European brands that have a presence in Brisbane. Can you tell us a bit about your new fashion label? Friends of the Heart is a directional, alternative label, designed for men. Initially it was targeted towards the music industry, being casual and quirky. We're nearly a year old now and we have focused on being in cool, interesting boutiques, rather than mainstream fashion houses. We are stocked in Dirtbox and Angus Black in Brisbane (my two favourite mens shops)! Why menswear? There seemed to be a bit of a gap in the market for menswear that was casual and cool but not mass produced. It just seemed to evolve very quickly from an initial concept. What inspires and motivates you? Art, music and fashion have always inspired me. I am my own motivation and have always got some new idea or plan to move forward with. What music pumps you up before a show? At the moment I'm loving Flight Facilities, Parachute Youth and Santigold. What can our readers expect from the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival this year? What are the highlights? The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival is, as always, a showcase for our young designers so that's always a must for anyone interested in seeing the emerging talent in Brisbane. The Treasury Casino is going to be a wonderful backdrop to the Mercedes-Benz group shows showcasing all our established and highly respected local designers. Queens Plaza, the Myer Centre and the Brisbane Arcade are all showcasing collections of their retailers at different venues throughout the city centre. Then there are the wonderful hats from The Hat Box and jewellery from our local, talented jewellery designers. Swimwear is another must-see event. I'm also looking forward to the working studio glimpses we are going to get to see in the 'Behind the Seams Tour' and of course, the very social High Teas and Cocktail events scattered through the week-long festival.
If Victoria has its way, it'll become home to a 900-kilometre hot springs trail, attracting travellers from near and far to hit up its bathing spots. But the state isn't the only place for a soak around Australia, including if you're keen to get off the beaten path. Indeed, come winter 2023, outback Queensland's Cunnamulla is set to join everyone's must-visit list if you're keen to take a dip in its new artesian hot springs. Set to open in June, and in the works since 2018, this new spot for a blissful bathing session will feature seven pools on the banks of the Warrego River. Each will sport different temperatures, so you can get steamy, opt for a stint in the chilled plunge pool or both. As part of a state-of-the-art complex, there'll also be therapeutic activities on offer — and river views and ample natural surroundings. [caption id="attachment_892757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image is an artist render only.[/caption] Cunnamulla Hot Springs' pools will be filled with mineral and vitamin-rich artesian water, which means that the hot spots for a dip will feature H20 naturally warmed from the Artesian Basin. Learning about the latter around your soak is also set to be part of the experience — relaxing your body and feeding your mind at the same time. When it starts welcoming in patrons — with an exact date yet to be announced — Cunnamulla Hot Springs will be a highlight on the just-unveiled Outback Queensland Traveller's Guide, which is filled with things to do inland in the Sunshine State. Queensland isn't just about beaches, rainforests and the tropics, even if that's what it's best known for. So, Cunnamulla Hot Springs joins everything from starlight river cruises in Longreach and Winton's Australia Age of Dinosaurs Museum through to the Southwest Queensland Indigenous Cultural Trail and a heap of national parks. [caption id="attachment_844043" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Gillow (Flickr)[/caption] The Outback Queensland Traveller's Guide also features other outback spas and baths, including in Julia Creek, Bedourie, Quilpie, Mitchell and Yowah. If you're now planning a trip to Cunnamulla, it's around a nine-hour drive west from Brisbane, with flights via Rex, and also boasts an outback river lights festival; the Artesian Time Tunnel, which explores the Artesian Basin's history; and safari-style glamping — among other attractions. [caption id="attachment_841311" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cunnamulla Cultural Walk, Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Cunnamulla Hot Springs will open in Cunnamulla in June 2023. For further information about outback Queensland getaways and attractions, head to the Outback Queensland website. Top image: image is an artist render only. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Is buying vinyl is part of your Christmas shopping plans this year? Whether you're scouring the racks for the perfect gift or looking for a bargain for yourself, make a beeline to King George Square. For the first time, the CBD spot is hosting a record fair — and you can bet there'll be plenty of tunes waiting for a new home. Taking place from 9am–3pm on Saturday, December 21, City Record Fair is an offshoot of Brisbane's regular monthly record fair in West End — just in quite the striking CBD location. Expect a whole range of sellers, including folks travelling up from Sydney to offload their vinyl to avid shoppers and collectors. Entry is free, and it'll all be happening next to King George Square's huge Christmas tree. Looking for last-minute pressies? If your loved ones own a turntable, going hunting for records is bound to throw up a few treasures. You can find all manner of delights at a record fair, from old classics your parents will love, to retro wonders that'll look great in your bestie's collection — and whatever you're looking to add to your own pile, obviously. Top image: Brisbane City Council.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Brisbane is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you celebrate the little things that bring a sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Brisbane. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, get out and about — climb the Story Bridge at twilight, bounce it out in a room full of trampolines and trek around the rainforest. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
Every summer, a huge exhibition takes over Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. Every third summer, the same exhibition takes over the neighbouring Queensland Art Gallery too. And, some summers, GOMA throws a weekend-long festival to celebrate — which it's doing again in 2019 for the 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. Running between Friday, January 18 and Sunday, January 20, the APT9 Summer Festival features a little bit of everything that makes Brissie's two major art galleries great. That means art, obviously, but also music, workshops, performances, parties and talks as well. It also means a ticketed Summer Festival Up Late shindig on the Friday evening, with Ngaiire, Bottlesmoker and May Lyn on the multi-stage bill, as well as DJs, bars, food and pop-up shenanigans too. If you're keen to head along and mosey your way through APT9 by night, it'll set you back $26. Other highlights from the mostly free three-day fest include morning yoga by the river, a drop-in claymation workshop with artist Souliya Phoumivong and a 30-minute interactive music tour of the exhibition with John Patterson from The Grates — and there's more where they came from. Image: GOMA.
For a city known for its warm temperatures and near-constant sunshine, Brisbane is surprisingly lacking in the outdoor cinema department. When summer rolls around, our options for open-air movie-viewing aren't as plentiful as other parts of the country — but a new addition will help expand our slate of star-lit cinemas. Mt Coot-tha Botantic Gardens will play host to Sunset Cinema this coming March and April. In its first Queensland venture, the lineup includes 14 nights of outdoor movie-going from March 15 to April 7, kicking off with the Jessica Chastain-starring Molly's Game and ending with Jennifer Lawrence in Red Sparrow. The program's focus on formidable ladies doesn't end there, with Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Lady Bird, I, Tonya and The Post all on the bill as well. Other highlights range from an early screening of Early Man to superhero thrills with Black Panther and every cinema's retro go-to, aka Dirty Dancing. In addition to big-screen flicks at the base of Brissie's beloved mountain, Sunset Cinema will also feature a snack bar serving up popcorn and other movie treats, booze from 4 Pines and MadFish Wines, and a standout food selection. Or, pack your own picnic — it's part of the fun of seeing a film outside, after all — but leave any alcohol at home. No BYO is allowed. To celebrate the launch of the outdoor cinema's inaugural Brisbane season, we're giving a way one VIP package. The winner will receive Citroen Lawn Lounge Passes for themselves and three friends to attend any screening (subject to availability at the time of booking). The pass includes a reserved bean lounger — in a prime viewing position — dinner from The Dapper and Chic, a glass of MadFish wine or bottle of 4 Pines beer and popcorn. To enter, see details below. Sunset Cinema is screening at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens from March 15–April 7. Book now at sunsetcinema.com.au/brisbane SUNSET CINEMA 2018 LINEUP Thursday, 15 March - Molly's Game Friday, 16 March - The Breakfast Club Saturday, 17 March - I, Tonya Wednesday, 21 March - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Thursday, 22 March - Pitch Perfect 3 Friday, 23 March - Lady Bird Saturday, 24 March - The Post Wednesday, 28 March - Early Man Thursday, 29 March - Black Panther Tuesday, 3 April - The Greatest Showman Wednesday, 4 April - Dirty Dancing Thursday, 5 April - Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature Friday, 6 April - Game Night Saturday, 7 April - Red Sparrow [competition]658836[/competition]
The 2018 Alliance Française French Film Festival might be one year short of a major milestone, but the Gallic cinema showcase is still celebrating its 29th iteration in style. As always, that means a feast of films is on the agenda at the crowd-drawing and -pleasing annual event — 47 features, two documentaries and one televisions series, in fact. Touring the country from February 27, starting in Sydney before heading to Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, Parramatta and Casula, this year's AFFFF will bookend its program with amusement. The festival kicks off with comedy C'est la vie! from The Intouchables duo Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, before coming to a close with rom-com 50 Is the New 30. In-between, everything from acclaimed efforts to star-studded dramas to the latest work from master directors will grace cinema screens around Australia, celebrating the best in French film from the past 12 months. Sitting high amongst the highlights are the AIDS activism-focused BPM and the Juliette Binoche-starring Let the Sunshine In, which will both receive a nation-wide run after screening at last year's Melbourne International Film Festival. In the high-profile camp, they're joined by a Marion Cotillard double, with the acclaimed actress featuring in last year's Cannes opening night pick Ismael's Ghosts and comedy Rock'n Roll; romantic drama The Return of the Hero with Mélanie Laurent and The Artist Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin; Isabelle Huppert in coming-of-age effort Reinventing Marvin; and Gael Garcia Bernal in If You Saw His Heart. Or fans of prominent French filmmakers can get their fix courtesy of François Ozon's Double Lover and Xavier Beauvois' The Guardians, marking the latest flicks from the respective directors of Frantz and Of Gods and Men. The Artist's Michel Hazanavicius tackles an icon, turning the life of Jean-Luc Godard into Redoubtable, while Laurent Cantet jumps from 2008 Palme d'Or-winner The Class to thriller The Workshop. Elsewhere, actor-director Mathieu Amalric helms and features in Barbara, about an actress starring in a biopic about a famed chanteuse. AFFFF 2018 will also shine a spotlight on queer cinema for the first time, to celebrate marriage equality, and also include its usual selection of family-friendly fare for younger cinephiles. And, for those keen on catching some TV on the big screen, three episodes of Paris, Etc will whisk you away to the French capital, following the lives and loves of Parisian women.
Fancy a French Riviera-style summer, but can't afford the trip to Europe? Pretend you're on the other side of the world while just journeying up the coast thanks to The Cabana Club, the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort's returning Sunday session. Last year, the hotel launched The Cabanas, which offer pristine shelters and decadent menus, aiming to make visitors think they've been whisked far, far away. While they're only available to those staying at the resort, The Cabana Club is an open-for-everyone affair. Just bring your chic-dressed self, your mates and your eagerness for a fun end to the weekend. Back for 2018 on February 25 and March 25 from 3pm to 6pm, The Cabana Club will feature DJs spinning relaxed tunes, plus a bar serving beverages to get you in a chilled-out mood. Alas, you won't get access to the pool while you're there — so factor in some beach time if you want a swim. Entry is free and bookings aren't required, but places are limited.
You've seen the TV series, following an incredibly relatable tale of trying to balance work, life, love and the like. Now, see the play that inspired the show. Before Fleabag was winning TV awards all over the UK, including a BAFTA for best female performance in a comedy for writer/creator/star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, it was a similarly applauded one-woman stage piece. And, it's headed to Brisbane. Actress Maddie Rice takes on the lead role as Fleabag hits Brisbane Powerhouse from February 8 to 10, stepping through the story of its titular character. Fleabag's existence is perhaps best described as chaotic. Friends, family, job interviews, keeping a guinea pig-themed café afloat... they're just the beginning. The idea behind it came at one of Waller-Bridge's pal's storytelling nights, as a challenge to create a character for a ten-minute slot. If you're a fan, you'll want to see where it all began — and fill in the gap until the TV show's second season, which is expected in 2019. If you've just heard everyone talking about Fleabag, and haven't watched it yet, here's your chance to jump on board.
Because you're reading this, we know you're not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. We understand your yearning, and so does RSPCA Queensland. In trying to find permanent homes for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens surrendered into their care from all over the state, they're bringing all those cuddly creatures to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday 13 January for their fourth annual pop-up adoption event. Entry is free, and includes demonstrations, entertainment, food, and activities, as well as RSPCA stalls and information. And then there's the hundreds of animals waiting for your affection — and for you to take them home with you. 485 critters found homes last year, in case you're wondering. Although you can't put a price on the happiness a new four-legged friend will bring — and although this year's rates haven't yet been announced — in previous years, those wanting to adopt an older cat or dog have been offered a cheaper price. Kittens and puppies aged under four months will also be looking for someone to love them. There's more to pet adoption than overdosing on cuteness, of course, with making the commitment to care for an animal serious business. For further information, read RSPCA Queensland's FAQs. And, while you can take a pet home with you, you can't bring your existing furry pal.
No strangers to a party, the Treasury Casino is getting into the swing of summer with not just one shindig, or two, but six. On the first three Friday nights in December and the last three in January, the inner-city venue is opening up its courtyard, setting up pop-up bars and letting the drinks flow. Taking place from 4.30–7.30pm on Friday, December 7, 14 and 21 — plus January 11, 18 and 25 — Summer Time Drinks is really all about kicking back when the working week is done, enjoying the sunny weather and letting the season wash over you. If you're heading out for a big night to celebrate the weekend, the festive season or the new year, it's a way to warm up for the evening. If you're just looking for a few tipples on the way home, consider it your stopover before the bus or train comes calling. Entry is free, and includes live entertainment in the Treasury's courtyard. And while the beverages aren't free, sorry, you'll be able to knock back a couple of particularly zesty selections of spritz cocktails.
As fun as parties, feasts and downing eggnog all are at this time of year, one thing can make them better: games. We're not just talking about guessing how long until your uncle falls asleep after lunch, or seeing who knows all the words to every pop Christmas carol. Instead, we're talking about eating, drinking, playing and being merry in Brisbane's very own bar-slash-arcade. 'Tis the season for all of the above at Netherworld, and they're throwing quite the shindig to prove it. Just bring your button-mashing self, some cash for tokens, brews and a Hellmouth roast, and a wrapped can of beer that you can swap for another in the Secret Santa pit. It all takes place from 5pm on Saturday, December 22, complete with Santa pictures in-between rounds of whatever pinball, arcade, console or board game takes your fancy. Photos require a donation, with funds going the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. And a karma keg will be pouring at the bar, raising more cash for those needing some festive help. Image: Cole Bennetts.
El Camino Cantina has arrived in Brisbane, and it's giving the people what we want. If you're heading to a Tex-Mex bar and eatery, then you want plenty of tacos — and, ideally, you want them cheap. Enter the newcomer's weekly $2 Tacos session, which is exactly what it sounds like. Head by every Wednesday, and you can tuck into a highly affordable feed in Bowen Hills' latest addition, with the selection changing each week. They're not your ordinary flavours either. Even if you think that there's no such thing as a bad taco, you can treat your tastebuds here. Fancy a cheeseburger taco? Beer-battered barramundi? Coffee-spiced smoked pork belly? They're all on El Camino's usual menu, so expect them to feature among the $2 range. And if you'd like a beverage, the regular range of margaritas, cocktails, wines and beers are on offer. Consider this a PSA: the venue has eight slushie machines, so you might want to sip something semi-frozen.
How many times can you listen to Toto's 'Africa' in one sitting? Not sure? Well, you're about to find out — again. For the fourth year in a row, drums will echo and quiet conversation will be whispered at Black Bear Lodge's entire evening dedicated to appreciating the 37-year-old song. And yes, the rains will be blessed. It's gonna take a lot to take anyone away from a whole night focused on Toto's finest moment, even though the American band actually had some other catchy tracks. You'd expect that you won't be hearing 'Rosanna', which is commonly assumed to refer to actress Rosanna Arquette. Or 'Hold the Line', the tune that first put them on the map. Instead, it's 'Africa' all the way from 7pm on Wednesday, January 8. There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do to stop the song repeating over and over — and if you think you might find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies, think again. But, as sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti, we're betting that somewhere there'll be a screen playing the music video as well.
On February 2nd in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a furry creature pops its head out from its burrow. Taking in the conditions outside, it either decides whether to stay put due to the cold or venture out if warmer weather is ahead. The same thing happens every year, sparking an annual ceremony since 1886 — and, a quarter-century ago, one classic Bill Murray-starring comedy. That's right woodchuck-chuckers, it's Groundhog Day. And yes, it's a film that you really should watch every February to mark the occasion. It's also the answer to the question: "what would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?". Clearly, you'd watch weatherman Phil Connors relive the same day over and over again. This year, Dendy Coorparoo is making that easier, returning the looping fun to the big screen for one night only to celebrate the feature's 25th anniversary. The session takes place at 6.30pm on February 2, of course. Look out for the icy puddles on the way.
Plenty of different noises have echoed across Riverstage over the years, hailing from bands, festivals, Christmas carols, Matildas celebrations — complete with Nikki Webster singing 'Strawberry Kisses' to the champion football team — and more. The next sounds that the inner-city spot in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens will hear: the Ministry of Sound, thanks to its huge dance music orchestra show. When anyone hits 30, they tend to look backwards — to reminisce, lament leaving their twenties behind and avoid accepting that they've just hit a big milestone birthday. Ministry of Sound marked that occasion two years ago, and it's been getting nostalgic ever since. The brand that started as a London club night back in 1991 has been touring an orchestral gig around Australia for a couple of years now, in fact, that's filled with three decades of dance music bangers. Returning to Brisbane for the second year running, this time in a new location, Ministry of Sound Classical is the answer to a question you didn't know you had. Ever wondered what classical renditions of Basement Jaxx, Darude, Röyksopp, Robin, Underworld, Moby, Fisher and more would sound like played by an orchestra? On Saturday, October 14, you'll have the chance to find out. On the bill: the Ministry of Sound Orchestra, of course, as well as Sneaky Sound System and The Potbelleez performing live, plus Mark Dynamix and DJ John Course. Conductor Vanessa Perica will lead the musicians, while live vocals are also part of the show. And yes, it all sounds a lot like Synthony, which does the same thing — but who doesn't love getting multiple opportunities to hear dance-floor fillers given a classical spin? The Ministry of Sound Classical tour will play Riverstage in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens on Saturday, October 14. For further details and tickets, head to the tour website.
Get ready to chow down on mouthwatering Neil Perry hamburgers. Since opening in Sydney's World Square in October 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has become a favourite with Sydney foodies, serving up a variation of his iconic Rockpool beef burger at a fraction of the price. Now, after cutting the red ribbon on his first Melbourne burger joint just the other week, he's announced that the Burger Project will be coming to Brisbane in 2017. Perry's a busy guy, you see. Along with opening his newest store in Melbourne's new luxury shopping precinct St Collins Lane, he's also committed to opening another in the city in September along with three more Sydney venues this year. Then comes our turn. In 2017, another six Burger Project stores are slated to open along the east coast in the first half of 2017 — and Brisbane has been named as the location of at least one of the new stores. So, what exactly do they serve at The Burger Project, anyway? Well, Perry is sticking closely to the winning World Square formula, so you can expect a variety of tried-and-tested tasty burgers including the Magic Mushroom, the spicy fried chicken katsu and of course the classic American cheeseburger. Side options include chips with salt or chipotle chilli, and crispy hot wings with Sichuan pepper. And for dessert, dive into one of their decadent ice cream creations such as the Blueberry Pie or The Bounty Hunter with vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue. Don't act like you're not impressed. Burger Project is set to open in Brisbane in early 2017. Stay glued to burgerproject.com for more updates.
Since 2016's Suicide Squad, the DC Extended Universe has tasked Viola Davis with corralling super-powered folks, including villains forced to do the state's bidding (as also seen in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker) and regular world-saving superheroes (the just-released Black Adam). In The Woman King, however, she's more formidable, powerful and magnificent than any spandex-wearing character she's ever shared a frame with — or ever will in that comic-to-screen realm. Here, she plays the dedicated and determined General Nanisca, leader of the Agojie circa 1823. This is an "inspired by true events" tale, and the all-female warrior troupe was very much real, protecting the now-defunct west African kingdom of Dahomey during its existence in what's now modern-day Benin. Suddenly thinking about a different superhero domain and its own redoubtable women-only army, aka the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Dora Milaje in Wakanda? Yes, Black Panther took inspiration from the Agojie. If you're thinking about Wonder Woman's Amazons, too, the Agojie obviously pre-dates them as well. Links to two huge franchises in various fashions aren't anywhere near The Woman King's main attraction, of course. Davis and her fellow exceptional cast members, such as Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die), Thuso Mbedu and Sheila Atim (both co-stars in The Underground Railroad); The Old Guard filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood and her grand and kinetic direction, especially in fight scenes; stunningly detailed costumes and production design that's both vibrant and textured; a story that still boasts humour and heart: they all rank far higher among this feature's drawcards. So does the fact that this is a lavish historical epic in the Braveheart and Gladiator mould, but about ass-kicking Black women badged "the bloodiest bitches in Africa". Also, while serving up an empowering vision, The Woman King also openly grapples with many difficulties inherent in Dahomey's IRL history (albeit in a mass consumption-friendly, picking-and-choosing manner). It's under the cover of night that Nanisca and the stealthy, feline-quick Agojie first show The Woman King's audience exactly what they're capable of, as camped-out male slavers from the rival Oyo Empire are swiftly and brutally dispensed with during a mission to free abducted Dahomean women. From that vivid opening, the female-led The Woman King on- and off-screen lets viewers know what it, Davis, Prince-Bythewood and their collaborators are capable of, too. Potent, ferocious, mighty: they all fit. When it comes to the film's protagonist, she's fierceness personified, yet also always nuanced. In a role that'll likely garner her award nominations at the very least, to go along with past Oscar nods for Doubt, The Help and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom — and her win for Fences — Davis is tremendous in the part, in battle and otherwise, exuding world-weariness, raw strength, and the kind of resilience that's only forged by navigating deep horrors. After the film's initial rescue gambit, the Agojie are down in number. Abandoned to Dahomey's King Ghezo (John Boyega, Small Axe) because she won't marry men who beat her, headstrong Nawi (Mbedu) becomes a new recruit. As the teen trains to become permanently accepted among them, including by the resolute and mischievous Izogie (Lynch) and Amenza (Atim), Nanisca endeavours to bend the ruler's ear about future battles and policies. The Oyo will keep attacking, and keep trying to trade Dahomey's populace into slavery. A Portuguese-Brazilian aristocrat (Hero Fiennes Tiffin, After Ever Happy) knows that he can profit off the Dahomey-Oyo tensions, and gain slaves to hawk along the way. Also, Dahomey itself isn't above selling Africans into subservience themselves. Nanisca has other concerns, too: getting revenge over a heartbreaking chapter of her past, the pain and sacrifice she still bears as a result, and instilling the Agojie's brand of sisterhood in Nawi. The Woman King's title isn't just another way to say 'queen'. Rather, it's a label given by Dahomey's male leader to the woman he sees as his equal in their lands. His preferred wife Shante (Jayme Lawson, The Batman) wants the designation in a firmly regal sense, but the conventions of storytelling and filmmaking mean there's zero doubt that Nanisca deserves the status. Bestowing the moniker is hardly the chief concern to her, Prince-Bythewood or screenwriter Dana Stevens (Fatherhood) — who also shares a story credit with actress Maria Bello (NCIS) — though. Nanisca is still the force to be reckoned with either way, and a compelling figure worthy of the movie's appreciation. So, in a feature about striving for freedom, fairness, parity, progress and justice, as well as countering misogyny, colonialism and greed, and also surviving trauma, consider that title a reminder about the fight for equality, and how female power is perceived and treated — two centuries ago and also now. Slavishly devoted to every single fact, Prince-Bythewood, Stevens and their film aren't. First and foremost, they're committed to their aims, themes and ideas — to being a rousing action flick about the Agojie, primarily; to delving into all that represents; to celebrating strong and skilled women; and to making a movie that truly doesn't otherwise exist — so thinking of its take on the truth as akin to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's is wise. The Woman King doesn't hide this, given that it finds time for long-lost family connections that could've sprung straight from a soap opera, and for a romance between Nawi and the often-shirtless half-Dahomey slaver associate Malik (Jordan Bolger, Tom & Jerry). When everything else in the movie is so stirring, getting loose with reality and throwing in pure emotion-swelling Hollywood inclusions never drags The Woman King down. Indeed, not that they have to here, but the phenomenal quartet that is Davis, Lynch, Mbedu and Atim could lift any material. For all the mastery that ripples from Davis, she's in astonishing company, with all three of her key co-stars turning in weighty, resonant and career-cementing portrayals — Lynch with perceptiveness, Mbedu with volatility, and Atim with both wisdom and comfort. Not that they have to either, but Prince-Bythewood, cinematographer Polly Morgan (Where the Crawdads Sing) and the former's regular editor Terilyn A Shropshire (dating right back to 2000's Love & Basketball) could improve any fray-filled picture as well. When it's in full fight mode, with radiant lighting that adores its cast, plus sharp, visceral, muscular and balletic action choreography, The Woman King is not just electrifying but spectacular. That won't be a surprise to fans of The Old Guard, another riveting feature that saw Prince-Bythewood take on a familiar template, give it a female focus and reinvigorate it. That's a warrior's skill, too, and she's terrific at it.
Pups and pints: everybody's doing it. In fact, Brisbane's bars are going barking mad for downing beers with your doggo best mate. After Atticus Finch Cafe invited both two- and four-legged folks for a few beverages during Brewsvegas, The Brightside is the latest to host a pooch-centric afternoon. In fact, it's making it a regular, bi-monthly occurrence. With its appropriate name, Barks & Brews doesn't really need to offer up anything more than just that — but, it wouldn't be a Brighty shindig without some extra fun. Those heading to Warner Street can also expect a free doggie photo booth for maximum cute snaps, as well as a lookalike competition. Do you resemble your pupper, or vice versa? If so, there are prizes to be won. So grab your canine companion, flock to the beer garden and prepare to sink a few cold ones while enjoying some autumn sun. And, expect to spend time in the company of plenty of other dog lovers and their pooches too. BYO frisbee.
Throw away everything you knew about your typical suburban bakery because Paddock is none of that. Just a month or two young, Paddock Bakery is a special pocket on the Gold Coast that is more comparable to something you'd find in the hinterland of northern NSW than the highrises of a city. The new artisan bake house is quite literally set in a house. While Brisbane has Queenslanders aplenty, the GC is all 1950s fibros or newer, so it is impressive yet again that the owners found a weatherboard cottage to restore from ruin. With a white and grey colour scheme, the owners have sourced old butchers blocks, a railway table and scales to give the space a humble farm feel. Keeping mostly the shell, the home is almost split in two by a floor to ceiling glass wall that separates you from the imposing brick wood-fired oven and the food-prep going on around it. The glass wall means you are immersed in the creation of the bread and food where everything is being hand-made honestly before your eyes. With a massive herb garden round the side, it feels evident that Paddock wish to reconnect people with food – the paddock-to-plate trend. On the bakery side, Paddock primarily offers rustic organic sourdough loaves of all varieties, but most people will pop by for more than bread. This new social meeting place is a cafe offering fresh and healthy gourmet salads, gourmet sandwiches using slices of sourdough and a random selection of baked goods daily. Paddock Bakery is quick becoming known for its semi-sourdough doughnuts. It's first in best dressed and word has it that they sell out before 10am. On our two visits the salads ranged from a leafy mix with wood-fired pumpkin, to 'detox' filled with superfoods and a number of grain-based offers. You haven't known a sandwich until you've had haloumi and caramelised onion shoved between two slices of organic fresh-baked olive sourdough. Heaven. Locals have adopted Paddock in droves, riding in on bikes, by foot and by car. Join the peaceful crowd on the white chairs under the shady trees in the front courtyard, and catch a breeze while sipping coffee, eating doughnuts and enjoying the atmosphere.
In conjunction with the G20 Summit comes the G20 Cultural Celebrations, for which Brisbane is flaunting a bunch of cultural exhibitions and hands-on activities. Colour Me Brisbane is just one of these events in which you can interact with the best-known and beloved parts of Brisbane. Signature landmarks and architectural icons will be drenched in luminous effects, turning buildings into art. Immerse yourself in the spectacle at one of the Paint Your City touchscreen terminals, where you can select your own designs and see the skylines transform before your eyes. Don't forget to check out the map to get the most out of the event.
Decking the halls with boughs of holly — or whatever other jolly decorations you like — is a standard way to celebrate Christmas. Enjoying a holiday in a caravan decked out like a seasonal dream? That isn't, but you can add it to your list this November. You will need to adore the merriest time of year, obviously. And you'll have to be keen to take an early festive getaway in New South Wales as well. Your Christmas tree-, fairy light- and festive ornament-filled home away from home? Tillie, aka the Christmas caravan, which is available to book via RV rental site Camplify. The service set up shop in Australia a few years back now, and has treated holidaymakers to gin-themed caravans before — but now it's time to take a getaway that's all about Christmas. A vintage caravan that leans into its retro vibe, Tillie sleeps four, and is available at your choice of three Reflections Holiday Parks in NSW: Hawks Nest, Jimmys Beach and Seal Rocks. Whichever one you pick, you'll be paying $125 per night, and the van will be delivered to your chosen site — all decorated, of course — for you. Inside the van, expect those ornaments aplenty. Outside — where it's recommended that you kick back as the sun goes down — fairy lights and Christmas garlands will be wrapped around Tillie. And, you'll even find a wreath on the back of the van, too. No one will be saying "bah, humbug!" here, clearly. You do need to commit to a four-night stay at a minimum, so no need to rush your festive holiday. Also, there's an $80 service fee — and while delivering Tillie to Hawks Nest and Jimmys Beach is free, there's an extra $100 cost for Seal Rocks. All three sites sit along the coast, turning your time with Tillie into a beachy Christmas jaunt. At Hawks Nest, you'll find yourself between Bennett's Beach and the village of Hawks Nest, and also in the vicinity of Port Stephens and Nelson Bay. At Jimmys Beach, you'll be in NSW's Great Lakes region. And at Seal Rocks, a mid-north coast escape awaits. To book Tillie throughout November — with prices from $125 per day, and rentals available at Reflections Holiday Parks at Hawks Nest, Jimmys Beach and Seal Rocks — visit the Camplify website. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
You've seen Guy Grossi on TV. You might have some of his cookbooks on your shelves. When you've been in Melbourne, perhaps you've hit up Grossi Florentino, Ombra and Arlechin for a bite to eat. Brisbanites, your next way to interact with the star chef and his culinary creations is now here, and involves heading out in the River City — and getting transported to Italy over dinner while you're there. Meet Settimo, the new restaurant that's just settled into The Westin Brisbane, and Grossi's first in the city. When it was initially announced in 2022, Grossi likened it to Italian film icon Sophia Loren, calling it "really light, fun and breezy". Now, on Mary Street in the Brisbane CBD, diners can enjoy the experience for themselves. Settimo goes all in on its Italian theme, taking specific inspiration from the Amalfi Coast. That means pairing coastal Italian dishes with Brissie's sunny, summery weather, all in an airy 150-seat space that features light, warm yet muted hues. Designed by Mills Gorman Architects, Settimo nods to the Mediterranean as much as it can — including in split-face stone, terrazzo, custom-designed terracotta, handmade brick and timber touches. Expect pastel blues and lemon yellows, too, and handcrafted furniture galore. In both the main space and the 20-person custom-designed private dining room that goes heavy on natural light — complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, and views over this part of the CBD — the menu under Head Chef Alessandro Pizzolato serves up everything from breakfast cacio e pepe omelettes through to Amalfi lemon chicken. Other highlights: pasta dishes such as gnocchi alla sorrentina (with tomato and mozzarella di buffala) and pasta al limone (with lemon, butter and parmigiano), Guy's Papa's Lamb (slow-cooked lamb covered in breadcrumbs and paired with parmigiano and sage) and pepperoni imbottiti (aka stuffed peppers). There's also a $50 set lunch, plus $120 and $150 set-menu dinner options, if you'd prefer the venue to do the choosing for you. And for dessert, the range includes Settimo's own gelato, Grossi's tiramisu, and flourless chocolate cake with ricotta ice cream. As for the drinks lineup, it preferences Italian wines, and also Australian winemakers favouring Italian wine varieties. "I am truly delighted to be bringing a new Grossi restaurant to what is already such an exciting market for hospitality in Brisbane. We have developed a new dining concept in partnership with The Westin Brisbane and I am thrilled to bring my vision for Settimo to life," said Grossi. "We have created a journey for diners that is inspired by one of the world's most aspirational destinations, the Amalfi Coast, coupled with the urban energy and sunny coastal atmosphere of the city. We've assembled a team of passionate and highly skilled experts who are ready and waiting to welcome diners to the venue." Find Settimo in The Westin Brisbane, 111 Mary Street, Brisbane — open for breakfast weekdays from 6.30–10.30am and weekends from 6.30–11am, lunch Tuesday–Friday from 12–3pm and dinner Tuesday–Saturday from 5.30–10.30pm.
Much of Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) involves stunning archival footage, as recorded more than five decades ago, capturing live performances by an astonishing lineup of musicians. At the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a free series of gigs that rolled out across six weekend and saw around 300,000 people head along, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, BB King, Sly and the Family Stone, the Staples Singers, Mahalia Jackson and Gladys Knight & the Pips all took to the stage — among others — and the newly unearthed reels that immortalised their efforts are truly the stuff that music documentary dreams are made of. For his filmmaking debut, Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson could've simply stitched together different songs from various sets across the festival, and let those music superstars lead the show. He could've taken the immersive, observational approach as Amazing Grace did with Aretha Franklin and her famed gospel gigs, and jettisoned context. But The Roots frontman and drummer doesn't make that choice, and he ensures that two words echo strongly throughout the film as a result: "Black Woodstock". Also in New York — upstate in the town of Bethel, 100 miles north of Harlem — Woodstock itself took place in the summer of 1969 as well. The Harlem Cultural Festival kicked off before and kept playing after its better-known counterpart ended, but comparing the two events makes quite the statement. Why has one endured in public consciousness and proven pervasive in popular culture, but not the other? Why did footage of one quickly get turned into a film, with the Woodstock documentary first reaching cinemas in 1970, but recordings of the other largely sat in a basement for half a century? Why did television veteran Hal Tulchin, who shot the entire Harlem Cultural Festival from start to finish on four cameras loaded up with two-inch videotape, get told that there was little interest in releasing much from a "Black Woodstock"? (One New York TV station aired two hour-long specials at the time, but that's all that eventuated until now.) These questions and the US' historical treatment of people in colour go hand in hand, and whenever the words "Black Woodstock" are uttered, that truth flutters through Summer of Soul. Here's another query that belongs with the others: why was such an important event left to fade in memories, and in broader awareness, to the point that many watching Questlove's exceptional doco won't have heard of it until now? Consider Summer of Soul an act of unearthing, reclamation and celebration, then. It's a gift, too. The archival materials that are so critical to the film are glorious, whether a 19-year-old Wonder is tickling the ivories; a young Staples is singing with Jackson, her idol; The 5th Dimension are breaking out matching outfits while crooning their 'Aquarius' and 'Let the Sunshine In' medley; or Simone is delivering her anthem 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' with fierce passion. Powerful moments featuring immense talents like these keep popping up, including The Temptations' David Ruffin singing 'My Girl', and Reverend Jesse Jackson introducing Jackson and Staples' rendition of 'Precious Lord, Take My Hand' by giving a eulogy for Martin Luther King Jr. These are slices in time that everyone — every music lover, every fan of every single artist featured and everyone in general — needs to see, and now can. Savvily, Questlove also weaves through an exploration of the whys and hows not just behind the Harlem Cultural Festival, but also surrounding its lack of attention since. Where he can, he chats to the musicians, canvassing their recollections and reactions. Just as crucial: his interviews with attendees, many of whom were kids that were taken along by their parents. These festival-goers reflect upon how strong the event remains in their childhood memories; how it shaped them, their music tastes and their personalities afterwards; and the sense of togetherness that floated through the shows with the summer breeze. Their reminiscences tie into the broader discussion into New York City at the time, America's political climate — MLK was assassinated a year earlier, and Black Panthers acted as the festival's security — and the determination within the Black community to champion itself at every turn. Journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault even shares her fight to get The New York Times to print the term 'Black' as pride around it grew. Also covered: the moon landing, and the conflicting sentiment about whether it was a giant leap for humankind or a wasteful step that spent money that could've been better put to use on earth (and specifically in Harlem). Indeed, this is a portrait of an era, a neighbourhood and its people as much as it's a window into one essential and historic festival. As its subtitle notes, it's also a snapshot of a revolutionary mood. If there's one misstep here, and it's just one, it comes from a few contemporary snippets of commentary that don't add anything beyond the obvious. Most movies can be improved by getting Lin-Manuel Miranda involved, but the Hamilton and In the Heights visionary's insights into the potency of music aren't needed here — because the footage, and the tales from the people who went to the Harlem Cultural Festival, say it all anyway. Questlove finds plenty of time for shots of the crowd, showing their response to the sets playing onstage, and all those jubilant faces and swaying bodies paint the strongest picture there is. Unsurprisingly, Summer of Soul captures their joy with an impassioned rhythm. Its director is also a DJ and music director, after all (including at the 2021 Oscars), and he knows where to bob in and out of tracks, vibes and refrains. When the film ends with one festival attendee watching footage from the event and exclaiming "I'm not crazy!" because he now has proof that this oft-overlooked "Black Woodstock" was real, it's the ultimate mic drop. Wanting to devour every second of material that Tulchin shot all those years ago is a clear side effect, though. Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) screens in Brisbane cinemas from Thursday, September 2, and also streams via Disney+ from Wednesday, September 29.
Maya Hawke. A mall. Retro clothes and tunes aplenty. Combine the three, and that's how Fear Street Part 1: 1994 opens. That deja vu you're feeling? That's because they all played a significant part in the third season of Stranger Things, too — but while Hawke is still popping up on Netflix here, she definitely isn't in Hawkins, Indiana anymore. Instead, her character Heather is working at a mall in Shadyside, Ohio. As the movie's moniker makes plain, the year is 1994, so Hawke has jumped into a new decade. Heather is doing the closing shift at a book store, and viewers first see her gushing over an eerie title, fittingly — only for the customer that's buying it to proclaim: "it's trash; lowbrow horror". Fear Street Part 1: 1994 might begin with a wink to its source material — that'd be the teen-oriented RL Stine horror books that hit shelves between 1989–2005 — but that isn't the only nod it serves up. Directed and co-written by Leigh Janiak (Honeymoon), this slasher flick splashes its debts to everything from Halloween to Scream across every frame. That's part of the package, as is plenty of blood, gore, bumps and jumps. The end result is unmistakably formulaic, but aptly so; every novel in Stine's series also earned the same description, as did every Goosebumps book as well. As frequently happens in the opening scenes of horror flicks, Heather's day quickly takes a turn for the worse. That's a rather standard outcome when there's a masked killer on the loose. The next day, the town is shocked and scandalised, although not as much as it really should be — because, unlike its wealthier neighbour town Sunnyvale, Shadyside has a history of these kinds of terrible events. Conspiracy buff Josh (Benjamin Flores Jr, Your Honor) likes to chat about these sinister happenings online. The town even has a witch's curse in its past, too, so there's plenty to discuss in his 90s-era chat rooms. His older sister Deena (Kiana Madeira, Giant Little Ones) doesn't put any stock in the local ghost stories — she has dramas with her ex Sam (Olivia Scott Welch, Unbelievable) to worry about instead — but then the killer heads her way, because of course that's what happens. From there, Fear Street Part 1: 1994 does two things: follows Deena and her friends as they attempt to evade an ancient evil that's plagued the town for centuries, and sets up a trilogy that'll continue in Fear Street Part 2: 1978 and Fear Street Part 3: 1666. A different film will hit Netflix across the first three Fridays in July to add some retro scares to your winter — with Part 2 taking its cues from Friday the 13th by heading to a summer camp in its titular year, and Part 3 pondering the origins of Shadyside's curse in the 1600s. And yes, in its noticeably by-the-numbers fashion, this page-to-screen series thankfully fares better than Goosebumps did when it made the same jump. Check out the trailer for Fear Street Part 1: 1994 below: Fear Street Part 1: 1994 will be available to stream via Netflix on Friday, July 2 — followed by Fear Street Part 2: 1978 on Friday, July 9 and Fear Street Part 3: 1666 on Friday, July 16. Top image: Netflix
If spending a couple of sunny days immersed in live tunes at Falls Festival is part of your summer ritual, we come bearing sad news: the end-of-year music fest won't take place over the 2023–24 season. The event's organisers have announced that they're sitting out this year after a chaotic period — including the festival's pandemic cancellations between 2019–2021, returning in a big way at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, and also hosting a Melbourne edition. While the fest's team has announced the event's hiatus as "a year off", whether it will return for the summer of 2024–25, what the festival might look like and where it will take place hasn't yet been revealed. "The past few years has seen unprecedented change in the live music space, both front of house and behind the scenes. While Falls' reboot in 2022–23 was full of amazing moments and we were thrilled to reconnect with our Falls fam, our team needs a break, so this year we'll take time off to enjoy the holiday period and allow some space to re-imagine how Falls will look in the future," said Secret Sounds co-CEO and Falls producer Jessica Ducrou, announcing the news. "We send huge love and appreciation to all our patrons for their ongoing support and for the great vibes they brought to the 2022–23 events. You really are the heart and soul of Falls and we look forward to updating you with our plans when the time is right." "We also want to send our love and thanks to our extended Falls team including staff, contractors, volunteers, sponsors, partners, suppliers, stakeholders and key agencies that we work with each year, for their enduring passion, dedication and support" Ducrou continued. Falls Festival has spent 28 years celebrating each new year with a hefty array of acts, including Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X, Peggy Gou, Jamie xx, Chvrches and The Wiggles to see out 2022 and welcome 2023. For its 2022–23 run, Falls took place in Pennyroyal Plains in Colac in Victoria, North Byron Parklands in Yelgun in New South Wales and Fremantle Park in Fremantle. It's been an eventful few years for the fest beyond the pandemic mayhem, too; back in 2021, Falls announced that it was saying goodbye to its usual Tasmanian leg in Marion Bay after 17 years, and also moving from Lorne in Victoria after a 27-year stint. Falls Festival won't return over the 2023–24 summer season. We'll update you when the event's comeback plans are announced. For more information in the interim visit the festival's website. Images: Charlie Hardy / Ash Westwood.
Heading out of the house for a drink, meal, coffee or night away isn't just about getting away from home. As the past two years have reinforced, it's also about soaking in gorgeous surroundings. You can get sipping and snacking anywhere, but when you're doing so in a spot that truly stands out (and not just because it isn't your own kitchen or dining room), it makes the experience all the more special. The Eat Drink Design Awards clearly agree, devoting its annual hospitality design accolades to Australia's most stunning spots — places where chefs, signature dishes, creative cocktails, stellar coffee and comfortable beds aren't the only attractions. Surveying the past year's haul of breathtaking places, the 2021 list of winners is characteristically filled with eye-catching charmers, spanning locations all around the country. Melburnians, your city is now home to the Best Bar Design recipient, with IF Architecture's work on Little Prince Wine earning the nod. The wine bar beneath St Kilda's Prince Hotel off Acland Street scored plaudits for its intimate space, its blend of the old and the new, and its eye for detail — including its fibreglass champagne tub, mirrored specials board and art deco-inspired light fittings. And, it also picked up the Best Retail Design gong for its cheese, cold cuts, wine and dry goods counter. [caption id="attachment_836689" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Little Prince Wine by Sharyn Cairns[/caption] The Best Restaurant Design field was so competitive, two winners were picked — which is great news for Sydneysiders and Brisbanites alike. Parramatta Square's Ciccia Bella, designed by Fiona Lynch Interior Design, got some love for its use of materials — with a particular shout out for its unexpected textures — while Fortitude Valley's Agnes, as designed by Amok, was rewarded for turning a late 19th-century warehouse into a haven for wood-fired food. Brisbane also emerged victorious in the Best Cafe Design category, thanks to Industry Beans Newstead and its light, airy coffee-slinging space. Designed by Platform by DesignOffice, the judges called it "the quintessential Queensland daytime eatery". And, if you're looking for a sumptuous place to stay, add Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street to your list. Thanks to its combination of a new 16-storey tower and the heritage Equity Chambers building, as well as its restaurant Luci and cocktail bar The Douglas Club, it's this year's Best Hotel Design winner. [caption id="attachment_787549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ciccia Bella Parramatta by Nikki To[/caption] The 2021 Eat Drink Design Awards also named the 2020 NGV Triennial's outdoor pavilions by Board Grove Architects the Best Installation Design, and Melbourne restaurant Hazel the winner of this year's Best Identity Design gong. For its Hall of Fame Award, Bill's Darlinghurst — designed by Brian Kiernan, with later additions by Tyrone Dearing and Meacham Nockles — got the nod. This year's Eat Drink Design Awards also named commendations in various categories. Among the venues also receiving some praise: Redfern's Atomic Beer Project and Freshwater's Harbord Hotel in Sydney; Richmond's Midi and Piccolina Hardware Lane in Melbourne; and McLaren Vale's Never Never Distillery in South Australia. [caption id="attachment_836686" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NGV Triennial 2020 Outdoor Pavilions by Rory Gardiner[/caption] 2021 EAT DRINK DESIGN AWARD WINNERS Best Restaurant Design: CicciaBella by Fiona Lynch Interior Design (Parramatta, New South Wales) and Agnes by Amok (Fortitude Valley, Queensland) Best Cafe Design: Industry Beans Brisbane by Platform by DesignOffice (Newstead, Queensland) Best Bar Design: Little Prince Wine by IF Architecture (St Kilda, Victoria) Best Hotel Design: Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street by Bates Smart (Melbourne, Victoria) Best Installation Design: NGV Triennial 2020 Outdoor Pavilions by BoardGrove Architects (Melbourne, Victoria) Best Retail Design: Little Prince Wine by IF Architecture (St Kilda, Victoria) Best Identity Design: Hazel by One&Other (Melbourne, Victoria) Hall of Fame: Bill's Darlinghurst by Brian Kiernan with later additions by Tyrone Dearing & Meacham Nockles (Darlinghurst New South Wales) For the full list of winners and commendations, head to the Eat Drink Design website. Top images: Industry Beans Brisbane by Andy Macpherson, Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street by Sean Fennessy, Agnes by Cathy Schusler and Little Prince Wine by Sharyn Cairns.
1980s Brisbane is coming to your streaming queue, and one of Australia's iconic novels along with it. It's been four years since Harper Collins sold the television rights to Boy Swallows Universe in 2019, then a year since Netflix announced its involvement in bringing the tale to the screen in 2022. Now, when 2024 hits, the wait to see what Trent Dalton's beloved award-winner looks like as a streaming series will be over. Boy Swallows Universe has won a swag of awards, including the Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards — and was longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin. It sold a heap of copies and been turned into a play. The Brisbane-set story trod those boards in Brissie, too, and now it's a Netflix series that was shot in the River City. After releasing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production, initially advising that it would arrive in 2023 and dropping a first teaser trailer, the TV adaptation has now locked in its release date and unveiled its full sneak peek. First, mark Thursday, January 11, 2024 in your diary. Then, check out what's in store for this coming-of-age story on-screen via the new trailer. Dalton's novel and now the television show that follows spin a tale about a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. Also included: Eli Bell's (Felix Cameron, Penguin Bloom) attempt to understand how to be a good person, with his plight spanning a lost father, a criminal for a babysitter, a mum recovering from addiction, a mute brother, a stepfather who deals and a red telephone. Netflix's Boy Swallows Universe adaptation features eight episodes, running as a self-contained limited series, as it plunges into the space between childhood's magic and adulthood's reality. Travis Fimmel (Black Snow) also stars as Lyle Orlik, while the cast includes Simon Baker (Limbo) as Robert Bell and Phoebe Tonkin (Babylon) as Frances Bell — plus Lee Tiger Halley (The Heights) as Gus Bell. Also appearing: Bryan Brown (Hungry Ghosts) as Slim Halliday, Anthony LaPaglia (Nitram) as Tytus Broz, and Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me) as Caitlyn Spies, plus Christopher James Baker (Ozark) as Ivan Kroll, HaiHa Le (Spooky Files) as Bich Dang and Deborah Mailman (The New Boy) as Poppy Birkbeck. And, you'll see Ben O'Toole (Barons) as Teddy, Zachary Wan (Never Too Late) as Darren Dang, and Millie Donaldson (Jack Irish) and Eloise Rothfield as Shelley Huffman (aged 17 and 13, respectively). Boy Swallows Universe is directed by Bharat Nalluri (The Man Who Invented Christmas), Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) and Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket), and scripted by screenwriter John Collee (Master and Commander, Happy Feet, Hotel Mumbai). The impressive names involved extend to the show's executive producers, too, which include Joel Edgerton (The Stranger), Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr Banks, Mao's Last Dancer), Andrew Mason (The Matrix, The Water Diviner), Sophie Gardiner (Howard's End, Chimerica) and Kerry Roberts (Foe, Boy Erased). Check out the full trailer for Boy Swallows Universe below: Boy Swallows Universe will stream via Netflix from Thursday, January 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Netflix © 2023.
If you're a fan of Australian-made streetwear and indulging in pop-culture nostalgia — and who isn't? — then we've just found your new summer threads. Melbourne label HoMie has teamed up with Disney on a 90s-style range that's decked out with the Mouse House's beloved animated characters, with the 18-piece collection of t-shirts, shorts, hoodies and socks set to hit the brand's online store from Tuesday, November 16. It's a whole new world of nostalgia for your wardrobe — and while the HoMie and Friends range is clearly excellent news for Disney lovers, it's even better news for young people affected by homelessness or hardship. When the collection goes on sale, HoMie will donate 100-percent of the profits to the worthy cause. The label's first-ever range with Disney, HoMie and Friends is designed to offer a bright and retro way to embrace the warmer weather, too — especially after the chaotic year that's been 2021. "This collection organically grew from wanting to produce a range that focuses heavily on fun, positivity and friendship after what has been a really difficult time for people," said HoMie co-founder and Creative Director Marcus Crook. "We wanted the range to be fun to wear, so you will find lots of bright colours, bold prints, premium embroidery and, my personal favourite — the matching sets." The collection includes vibrant pink t-shirts emblazoned with Minnie Mouse's face, peach-hued hoodies featuring everyone from Donald Duck to Mickey Mouse, and other old school-leaning designs that draw upon Disney's OG stable of animated characters — such as a lime-green Goofy shirt, and both pastel blue and aqua-coloured Mickey combos. The whole collection is gender neutral, and sizing spans from XS to 3XL. The HoMie and Friends range will be available online from Tuesday, November 16 — head to HoMie's website for further details.
The list of ways that Brisbane's inner city will change when Queen's Wharf launches from August 2024 — and the range of new eateries opening to help — is hefty. The $3.6-billion precinct has 12 hectares to fill, after all. Don't go thinking that you've heard about all of them yet, either. Lúc Lắc is the latest restaurant and bar that's been announced for the revamped riverside stretch of the CBD, with the Ghanem Group getting in on the Queens Wharf's action. This hospitality crew is already behind Donna Chang, Boom Boom Room, Bisou Bisou, Iris Rooftop, Byblos Bar & Restaurant and Blackbird Bar, Dining & Events in the Queensland capital — and for Lúc Lắc, it's keeping a focus on Asian cuisine, as the first two fellow venues on that roster also sport. This time, rather than Chinese or Japanese meals, Indochine-inspired cuisine will be on the menu. So, you'll be tucking into flavours from Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore, all in an 159-seat site within The Star Brisbane. Set to open sometime in September 2024, Lúc Lắc takes its name from a dish, in fact: Bo Lúc Lắc, aka shaking beef. Brothers Adonis and Nehme Ghanem, Ghanem Group's directors, came across it on a research trip to Asia. They're aiming to make their new venture as memorable and as vibrant as they found the traditional Vietnamese staple — and as flavoursome. Under Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, Lúc Lắc will indeed serve up its namesake, but as a peppered beef tossed with lemongrass and betel leaf. That's one of the restaurant's signature offerings, alongside spring rolls with pork and snail, baby goat yellow curry and crispy spotted blue grouper. Elsewhere on the menu, claypot curries, plenty of dishes tossed in the wok and grilled meats will feature, plus Australian produce such as Fraser Isle spanner crab, Moreton Bay bugs, King River wagyu, Skull Island prawns, scampi caviar from Western Australia, and periwinkles and abalone sourced from Victoria. While enjoying a bite — starting with lunch and running through till late, when DJs will provide a soundtrack — patrons will peer into the open kitchen. Around the place, subtropical decor featuring floral fabrics, brass and animal prints are designed to leave an imprint. If you choose to eat indoors, you'll be in the 58-seat main area with booths. Outdoors, 46 guests can get cosy. Made from jade onyx stone slabs, the bar sits in a space that also caters to 58 people, all beneath its rattan pendant lights. That's where Asian beers and international wines, including a riesling from the Clare Valley's Rieslingfreak made especially for Lúc Lắc, will hail from — as will cocktails crafted with Asian ingredients. "We are thrilled to be a part of a world-class entertainment and leisure destination of the calibre of The Star and to bring another unique Ghanem Group concept to the city's dynamic dining landscape," said Nehme Ghanem. "Our family has earned its hospitality stripes in Brisbane since 1978. With two successful Asian restaurants already in our portfolio, our love of Asian food and culture inspired us to extend these culinary credentials further. We have poured much love, meticulous detail, and incredible design into Lúc Lắc, which we are looking forward to unveiling in coming months." [caption id="attachment_701902" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Donna Chang[/caption] [caption id="attachment_784444" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Boom Boom Room[/caption] Find Lúc Lắc at The Star Brisbane, Queen's Wharf Road, Brisbane from sometime in September 2024 — we'll update you with an exact opening date when it is announced. Head to the restaurant's website for more details in the interim.
Once, dance and classical weren't music genres that you'd usually find swirling around in the same basket, unless you have a particular bent for the orchestral 'Sandstorm' covers found in the depths of YouTube. Since 2019 in Australia, however, Synthony has been here to prove that the disciplines go hand in hand — and it's returning for another tour in 2024. Initially founded in New Zealand, and now an annual highlight on Australia's gig calendar, the event gets a live orchestra joining forces with a selection of DJs and onstage performers to play the biggest dance tracks of the last 30 years. Think: tunes by Swedish House Mafia, Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim, Avicii, Fisher, Faithless, Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Flume, Calvin Harris, Wilkinson and the like, and as you've never heard them before. Wherever Synthony pops up, the venues that it temporarily call home take a few cues from the nightclub scene, with lights, lasers and mapped video all featured in the experience. And, as the orchestra busts out a selection of dance floor bangers note for note, vocalists also do their part — because this isn't just about instrumental versions of your favourite club tunes. The 2024 run first has a date with Sydney, playing Carriageworks for two nights during Vivid — complete with a 29-piece orchestra — before heading to Brisbane's Fortitude Music Hall, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne in September. After that, RAC Arena in Perth awaits in October. The lineup of talent for Sydney spans the Metropolitan Orchestra conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, as joined by Ilan Kidron from The Potbelleez, Emily Williams, Cassie McIvor, Greg Gould, Matty O and Mobin Master. Elsewhere, Queensland Symphony Orchestra will play Brisbane, Southern Cross Symphony will pick up instruments in Adelaide, Australian Pops Orchestra is doing the honours in Melbourne and Perth Symphony Orchestra has its hometown covered. Sarah-Grace Williams is still conducting, and will have company from Ilan Kidron from The Potbelleez, Masha Mnjoyan, Emily Williams, Greg Gould, Matty O, Nate Dousand and Mobin Master — plus Example in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, then Set Mo in Brisbane. Synthony 2024 Australia Tour Dates Friday, June 7–Saturday, June 8 — Carriageworks, Sydney Friday, September 6 — The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Friday, September 13 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Friday, September 20 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Saturday, October 12 — RAC Arena, Perth Synthony is touring Australia across 2024 — head to the Carriageworks website for tickets and further information for its Sydney gigs; and to the Synthony website for Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, with presales from Tuesday, May 28 and general sales from Thursday, May 30.
No one will need to make any wishes to visit the most magical place in Australia over the summer of 2023–24. Enchanted creatures, alluring woodland spaces, eerie mirrors, dazzling slippers and eye-catching stagecoaches will all be part of the experience, however. The place: Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, where Fairy Tales is taking over from Saturday, December 2–Sunday, April 28 as the River City venue's big summer exhibition. Fairy Tales was first announced in 2022 as part of GOMA's 2023 slate — and, from the moment that the 100-plus-piece showcase was revealed, it instantly sounded wondrous. The focus is indeed the stories that we all lapped up as kids, telling us about otherworldly critters, magic and more. Fairy Tales' art, installations and objects will split into three thematic chapters, starting with 'Into the Woods', then heading 'Through the Looking Glass' and finally pondering 'Ever After'. And yes, the exhibition will also survey the movies filled with such elements that still grace our screens, in what's set to be entrancing experience all round. [caption id="attachment_919713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henrique Oliveira / Brazil b.1973 / Baitogogo 2013 / Palais de Tokyo, Paris / Plywood and tree branches / 6740 x 1179 x 2076cm / Courtesy SAM Art Projects, Galerie GP&N Vallois, Galeria Millan / © Henrique Oliveira / Photograph: André Morin / This work is indicative of a new commission by Henrique Oliveira for the exhibition 'Fairy Tales' at QAGOMA.[/caption] One massive highlight is Corupira 2023, a huge site-specific installation by Henrique Oliveira, which GOMA also advised would be part of Fairy Tales when the exhibition was initially added to its 2023 calendar. This sprawling piece will take pride of place inside the riverside venue, with the Brazilian artist using salvaged timber, plywood and tree branches to transform the building's architecture. The result: a sure-to-be-stunning gnarled and twisted forest (a sure-to-be-snapped sight, too, naturally) courtesy of a specially commissioned work. Another sizeable installation hails from Patricia Piccinini, who is no stranger to filling GOMA with delights. Here, she'll create a magical path that sits below a canopy. Of course genetically modified plants are involved, this time in the form of 3000 blooms. [caption id="attachment_919718" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trulee Hall / Witch House (Seance of the Umbilical Coven)(detail) 2020 / Wood, paper mâché, resin, fabric, stuffing, fake fur, synthetic hair, altered sex dolls, acrylic paint, spray paint, found candle holders, cornucopia baskets, found ceramic cornucopia, found crystal balls, convex mirror, polymer clay, hardware, LED candle / 431.8 × 685.8 × 436.88 cm / Collection: The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) / Photograph: Joshua White / JWPictures.comThis work is indicative of a new commission by Trulee Hall for the exhibition 'Fairy Tales' at QAGOMA.[/caption] Overall, as it fills GOMA's entire ground floor, Fairy Tales will explore how folklore-, myth- and legend-related narratives have fascinated audiences through art and culture over not just years and decades but centuries. If creepy woods have influenced sculptures, or tales of princes and princesses have inspired painters, expect to see it here, in a blockbuster Australian-exclusive showcase that'll run for five months. On a list that goes on like breadcrumb trails, the full showcase will feature everything from drawings and installations through to fashion, as well as films and filmic elements such as props and costumes. Across the venue's walls and screens, wicked witches, magic animals (fierce and friendly alike), coming-of-age tales, shifting gender roles, bravery, loyalty, castles and pumpkins will all feature in one way or another — with help from artists such as Jana Sterbak, Kiki Smith, Abdul Abdullah and Ron Mueck. [caption id="attachment_919715" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Timothy Horn / Australia/United States b.1964 / Mother-load2008 / Crystalised rock sugar, plywood, steel / 292.6 x 182.9 x 170.7cm / Courtesy: The artist / Image courtesy: Jason Schmidt / New York Times / Photographer: Jason Schmidt.[/caption] Other specific pieces include a glass coffin by Sterbak, a dual mirror from Anish Kapoor, Gustave Doré's Little Red Riding Hood and Trulee Hall's Witch House (Umbilical Coven) 2023. Or, get excited about seeing interactive sculpture Flying Mushrooms 2015 by Carsten Höller; Costume for a mourner, a ballet costume by Henri Matisse; and Mueck's version of Pinocchio. Film fans will have much to peer at, and not just because an accompanying movie program is a reality as well thanks to GOMA's excellent Australian Cinematheque. That big-screen lineup will show relevant flicks, but the exhibition will overflow with other cinema-related details. Think: a costume donned by David Bowie in all-time classic Labyrinth, plus the thirteen-hour clock and glass orbs from the film; celebrating Where the Wild Things Are, both images from Maurice Sendak's and costumes created by the Jim Henson Creature Shop for the 2009 movie; a dress from Jean Cocteau's 1946 masterpiece La Belle et la Bête; costumes from 2012's Mirror Mirror by Eiko Ishioka; and Del Kathryn Barton and Brendan Fletcher's animation The Nightingale and the Rose. [caption id="attachment_919719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Still from 'Cinderella' (1922) dir. Lotte ReinigerImage courtesy:British Film Institute[/caption] "The exhibition explores enchantment, thresholds and transformation while articulating concerns that have always been inherent in fairy tales, such as power imbalances, injustice, ageing, gender and otherness, and resilience in the face of adversity," said QAGOMA's Amanda Slack-Smith, who curated Fairy Tales and is also the Australian Cinémathèque's Curatorial Manager. "The exhibition includes more than 100 works encompassing sculpture, installation, painting, photography, printmaking, papercuts, animation, video art, film, props, costumes and even the hidden realm of augmented reality," added QAGOMA Director Chris Saines. "Celebrating a much-loved genre of storytelling, Fairy Tales is an adventure that will inspire and delight as it reminds us how timeworn narratives can be remixed and updated to both surprise and disconcert audiences." [caption id="attachment_919717" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tarsem Singh (director) / India/United States b.1961 / Eiko Ishioka (designer) / Japan 1938–2012 'Green dress' costume from Mirror Mirror 2012 / Silk, synthetic taffeta, nylon netting, plastic / © 2012 UV RML NL Assets LLC. / Photograph: Jan Thijs.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_919720" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Del Kathryn Barton (artist, director) / Australia b.1973 / Brendan Fletcher (director) / Australia /The Nightingale and the Rose (still) 2015 / Single-channel video: 14 minutes, colour, sound / Animators: Chris Breeze, Simon Bronson, David Edwards, Liz Ellis, Richard Swan / Music: Sarah Blasko/ Gift of Del Kathryn Barton through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation 2022. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art© Del Kathryn Barton / Image courtesy: The artist and RoslynOxley9 Gallery, Sydney.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_919716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Timothy Horn / Australia/United States b.1964 / Glass slipper (ugly blister) 2001 / Lead crystal, nickel-plated bronze, Easter egg foil, silicon / 51 x 72 x 33cm / Purchased 2002 / Collection: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra© Timothy Horn.[/caption] Fairy Tales will display at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from Saturday, December 2, 2023–Sunday, April 28, 2024. For further details, visit GOMA's website. Top image: Henrique Oliveira / Brazil b.1973 / Baitogogo 2013 / Palais de Tokyo, Paris / Plywood and tree branches / 6740 x 1179 x 2076cm / Courtesy SAM Art Projects, Galerie GP&N Vallois, Galeria Millan / © Henrique Oliveira / Photograph: The artist / This work is indicative of a new commission by Henrique Oliveira for the exhibition 'Fairy Tales' at QAGOMA.
Plastic shopping bags might seem to last forever, but Australian's reliance upon the pesky, flimsy carriers has an expiration date. In a massive move for the industry — and a huge hug for the environment — the country's supermarkets are ditching single-use plastic bags from 2018. Three grocery chains have announced that they'll be banning the bag: Woolworths, Coles and the New South Wales-based Harris Farm. The big two will phase out plastic bags over the next 12 months, with Woolies' plans also including Big W and BWS, while Harris Farm will remove them from checkouts by January 1, 2018. Rather than offer shoppers free carriers, the supermarkets will sell thicker, reusable options for 15 cents per bag. The move will impact Woolworths and Coles locations around the country — bringing New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia into line with South Australia, ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, where state-wide plastic bans are already in place. Over at Harris Farm, their range will also include single-use paper bags, as well as the free cardboard boxes they've been providing to customers for the past decade. Getting rid the ever-present items everyone has too many of is just the latest example of Aussie businesses putting the planet first, rather than prioritising convenience, money or simply maintaining the environmentally unfriendly status quo. Brisbane's Crowbar banned plastic straws last year, Closed Loop has been trialling ways to recycle takeaway coffee cups, and reusable coffee cups have been gaining popularity all over the place — with some cafes offering discounts, and others banning disposable containers completely. Via the ABC.
If you've seen the fourth and fifth seasons of Arrested Development — or actually been to Mexico — you'll know that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration like no other. Think spicy food, energetic dancing, street stalls and more mariachi bands than you can tip your sombrero to. All that comes to the Cinco de Mayo Mexican Festival, which takes over Riverlife on Sunday, May 5. Yep, it's just going to be one of those fast-paced events that will have your eyes darting between bands, dancers, chillis and tacos till you collapse. A bit of history on the day: originally Cinco de Mayo commemorated the Mexican battle of Puebla where Mexico defeated the French. Now, the fifth of May marks a celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine, cocktails and music. That means you've finally got a chance to bust out that dusty sombrero and show off your attempt at salsa. The Cinco de Mayo Mexican Festival will take place on the actual date, running from 12–9pm. Tickets are available for $17.50 including food, or $35 including food and two drinks.
If you're partial to roast pork topped with plenty of crackling, then you're probably a fan of the Brisbane German Club's pork knuckles. If you're fond sipping German brews in giant steins — after you've managed to pick one (or several) from a very hefty menu, that is — then you're likely a fan of the Woolloongabba venue in general. There's never a bad time to stop by, whether you're heading to or from the Gabba, you're just in the neighbourhood or any other reason you can think of. But heading along across two October weekends means celebrating Oktoberfest for 2022. Across six days — from Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9, and again from Friday, October 14–Sunday, October 16 — the beloved spot is doing everything it can to mark the occasion. Yes, that means German food, German music, German brews and more. How's that different to a usual stop a the Brisbane German Club? This time it's officially calling it a party. When it comes to that aforementioned pork, it's a cult-favourite dish — and it comes slow -cooked, weighing in at one kilogram, and served with fried potatoes, sauerkraut and smoked beer gravy. No matter when you make a visit, it's always popular. And, as well as drinking your way through the bar's enormous range of German beers, you can opt for schnapps as well. One-day tickets cost $5 for members and $10 otherwise. Top image: Anwyn Howarth.
