Over the past decade, Disney has made a hefty commitment to remaking its animated classics as live-action movies, as seen via the two Alice in Wonderland films, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo and Aladdin, to name a few. The next to get the same treatment is 101 Dalmatians, and the Mouse House is going with the same approach it used with the Maleficent flicks. Yes, there'll be spotted dogs in Cruella, but this Emma Stone-starring spinoff is all about its villainous namesake. Set to release in May — and currently slated for cinemas, rather than making the move to Disney+ like Mulan did last year — Cruella focuses on Estella de Vil before she becomes the puppy-kidnapping figure that everyone already knows. It's the 70s, she's in London, and she's an outcast and a grifter. Estella is also desperate to become a fashion designer, and draws the attention of industry veteran Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson, Last Christmas) as she attempts to make her way into haute couture's upper echelons. Obviously, Estella's relationship with the Baroness isn't going to end well. Even if you only have the faintest memories of 101 Dalmatians, Estella clearly has to morph into that tale's antagonist. And, based on both the first trailer for Cruella back in February and the just-released sneak peek now, she's going to do so in a movie that seems to have seen what Joker did — including the fact that it won Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar — and decided that's a good model to run with. As well as Stone, her two-tone hair and striking outfits — and Thompson, too — Cruella features Richard Jewell's Paul Walter Hauser, Outside the Wire's Emily Beacham, Yesterday's Joel Fry, The Good Place's Kirby Howell Baptiste and 1917's Mark Strong. The film marks a reunion between Hauser and director Craig Gillespie, after they worked together on I, Tonya, while the script is co-written by Isn't It Romantic's Dana Fox and The Great's Tony McNamara. If a live-action version of Cruella de Vil sounds familiar, that's because Disney has done it before. Back in 1996, Glenn Close took on the role in 101 Dalmatians, and then sported a heap of black and white again in 2000 sequel 102 Dalmatians. So, never one to leave its past works alone for too long, the Mouse House is following in its own footsteps in multiple ways with Cruella. Check out the latest trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40E7nrtAgdg Cruella releases in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on May 27. Top image: © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This weekend the world was brought to a standstill by a horrific attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Fifty people were tragically killed and another 53 injured in the shooting. Vigils have sprung up the world over, with everywhere from New York to Paris to Tel Aviv paying their respects to the victims and the LGBTQI community. Last night, Australia held its own countrywide tribute. Vigils were held in Sydney's inner-west suburb of Newtown and the rainbow corner of Gertrude and Smith Streets in Melbourne, and landmarks were lit up in all our capital cities. Below, we've collected some of the best photos of Australian landmarks lit up in support of the victims and LGBTQI pride. SYDNEY We offer our condolences to those affected by the Orlando attack. The Sydney Harbour Bridge now has rainbow colours. pic.twitter.com/rNOpLIClq5 — Sydney Water (@SydneyWaterNews) June 13, 2016 We grieve and stand with you #Orlando pic.twitter.com/7jXxdekv0T — Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) June 13, 2016 Here's our pink Sydney Town Hall as it gets darker #Orlando pic.twitter.com/7kKOueTQ0E — Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) June 13, 2016 MELBOURNE As a mark of respect for those touched by the attack in Orlando. Town Hall is lit in the rainbow #LoveIsLove. pic.twitter.com/awcHsgdFVr — City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) June 13, 2016 In honour of the #Orlando victims & LGBTI people everywhere, our Spire will be lit in rainbow colours tonight. pic.twitter.com/y7cV2EIaah — Arts Centre Melb (@artscentremelb) June 13, 2016 BRISBANE Bloody sensational work Brissy, what a joint. Wonderful people and wonderful sentiment. #LoveWinspic.twitter.com/IN43f4gEXb — Dan Anstey (@Dan_Anstey) June 13, 2016 ADELAIDE A photo posted by Cetina Illies ♏️ GypsyAtHeart (@missci17) on Jun 13, 2016 at 6:58am PDT Top image: Sydney Water News via Twitter.
Thanks to the wonders of smartphones and dating apps, making connections has never been easier — and that now includes swiping your way to new pals. Launching in Melbourne this week, social media network Hobspot uses location-based services to connect like-minded people via their shared interests. That's right, there's finally a Tinder for making mates. Hobspot's co-founders Sam Ethell and Alfonso Ordonez met in a bar in 2014 and bonded over a mutual love basketball. Their friendship is what inspired them to create an app that would make it easier for people to connect and bond over shared interests, just like they did. Aaaawww, cute. The Hobspot smartphone app is available on iOS and Android. It has an easy to use interface, allowing users to create a profile, select their interests and start finding folks with the same hobbies to hang out with in their local area. Don't worry — there are hundreds of interests to choose from, including camping, sailing, bike riding, chess, movies, arts and crafts, and more. Whatever you like to do, now it's easy to find a friend to do it with. Ethell and Ordonez believe that for people moving to a new city, in particular international students, Hobspot could be a real game changer. The other major demographic they believe could greatly benefit from the app is recent parents. "Priorities change dramatically for this demographic and current friendships can be hard to maintain if you're the first person in your friend circle to have kids," they stated. Whoever you are, Hobspot breaks down the barriers that exist on other social media networks, allowing you the opportunity to make genuine friendships — and, while female friend-matching app hey! VINA has been bringing ladies together since early 2016, Hobspot is open to all genders. So, if you are looking to break outside of your regular social bubble this weekend, Hobspot might be the answer. Your new best bud could be waiting just around the corner. For more information on Hobspot, download it for iOS or Android, or head to the app website.
Black Friday sparks flight sales. Cyber Monday does, too. And when Boxing Day hits, everyone knows that cheap airfares are also a part of the occasion. Fancy a travel bargain in-between? Qantas is doing a pre-Christmas sale, so you can give the gift of getaways — including to yourself. There's 800,000-plus cheap seats on offer, spanning over 170 domestic routes, with flights to 17 destinations available for under $150 one way. The starting price: $109, which will get you either from Sydney to Byron Bay/Ballina or Melbourne to Launceston (and vice versa on each route). Flights from Brisbane to Proserpine on the Whitsunday Coast start at $115, while fares between the Gold Coast and Sydney kick off at $119. If you're keen to journey between Melbourne and Newcastle or Brisbane and Hervey Bay, flights start at $129. Specials on the Sydney–Brisbane route begin at $139, as do Cairns–Townsville and Coffs Harbour–Sydney legs. Other sale options include Melbourne–Hobart for $159, Brisbane–Hamilton Island from $179, Perth–Sydney from $309 and Darwin from both Sydney and Melbourne from $329. The list of destinations and departure points also spans Kangaroo Island, Mackay, Tamworth, Toowoomba, Albury, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Mildura, Broken Hill, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Whyalla, Longreach, Broome and more. [caption id="attachment_688401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivonne Bar/SA Tourism Commission[/caption] You'll be able to travel between Monday, February, 3–Thursday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 29–Wednesday, June 25, ranging across summer, autumn and winter trips, although the specifics vary per destination — as always. If you're keen, you'll need to get in before 11.59pm AEDT on Thursday, December 12, 2024. And yes, the usual caveat applies: if fares sell out earlier, you'll miss out. Inclusions-wise, the sale covers fares with checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and wifi. [caption id="attachment_928567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania, Luke Tscharke[/caption] Qantas' 'The sale before Christmas' runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Thursday, December 12, 2024, or until sold out. 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.
We've all been there. You are walking through Ikea, looking for that green flower print pillow cover or flexible floor lamp, when you somehow get lost in the kitchen section. Well, now you have a way out, thanks to Google Maps for Android. Google has expanded its cartography and announced that it is moving into the great Australian indoors. So now when you step off the street into the gargantuan megaplexes that house the biggest thing to come out of Sweden since ABBA, you no longer have to look silly asking for directions at every turn. More than 200 other iconic indoor locations across Australia have also been mapped, including Flinders Street Station, Sydney Opera House and Crown Casino in Melbourne, as well as many Westfield shopping centres. The bulk of the sites are in New South Wales and Victoria, but Adelaide Airport and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre proudly represent their respective states and many more locations are on their way. The technology largely relies on local wi-fi networks and is currently only available on Android devices. No news of if or when the technology will be available for iPhone users. So if you're on Android, find your way indoors and head straight to that Gronkulla.
Remember back in the '90s when people went crazy for Tamagotchis? They'd take them around in their backpack, forget about them for a couple of hours only to be greeted with a screen full of faeces and a terribly unhappy looking electronic friend. The Domsai is like a Tamagotchi for your desk, minus the annoying electronic beeps and constant need for attention. Designed and created by Matteo Cibic, each Domsai has its own personality. Handmade, blown and individually created to suit your aesthetic needs, they come in both white and gold, and are available for adoption now. Although they will set you back €100, the cactuses within require practically no upkeep and are so Art Deco right now.
Whether you're a Marshmallow or just a soul naturally curious about one of the most high-profile Kickstarter success stories around, you'll be happy to learn that the new Veronica Mars movie will be made available to rent or buy online on March 14 — the same day it hits cinemas in the US. Usually, there's at least a 90-day window between theatrical and DVD or VOD releases, but Warner Bros. is in a position to bypass it this time around, since they don't have a standard distribution deal and are instead renting the theatres that will screen the movie. They see a big market in couch-dwelling non-cinemagoers for this TV-to-film crossover, and they're tapping it. It's just one more way Veronica Mars is doing things differently. After becoming the most widely supported Kickstarter campaign in history with more than 91,000 backers, it has kept fans involved in the process throughout and will make its world premiere at SXSW on March 8. The Australian digital release date has not yet been confirmed, but it seems possible it'll be March 14 here too, and Moviehole is reporting it as so. You can preorder the movie on iTunes, or wait for a definite date before you plan your downloading strategy. As for whether anyone else is listening to consumer requests for timely, legal, convenient access to content, it's not looking so good. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wq1R93UMqlk
Shipping container cafes and eateries might be on trend at the moment; however, as always, New York is a step ahead of the latest fashions. While the city that never sleeps has boasted its own four-storey shipping container house since 2013, the tiny abode is now opening its doors to Airbnb bookings. If you have a spare US$297 per night at the time of writing, you can get some shuteye in NYC's first (legal) home built entirely of recycled shipping containers, which you'll find on the other side of the East River in Williamsburg. Guests can stay in a self-contained private container apartment on the ground floor and enjoy what the hosts are calling "sustainable, comfortable, wonderful living". It might seem like a gimmick, but don't be fooled by the 8 foot by 40 foot home's compact dimensions. As your mum probably told you, good things come in small packages. Inside, you'll find everything you could need for a night away, including a wall full of books and boardgames, plus a kitchenette. As well as a full-size bed, the space also features a sofa bed, so four people can spend the night. As for the entire architect-designed structure itself, it was made out of six containers, is insulated by NASA ceramic-infused paint, and has two roof decks on top for outdoor entertaining fun. If you want to see more, the owners live on the second and third levels, and are happy to give interested guests a tour of the house. Via 6sqft/ Inhabitat.
Some bands are so influential, so pioneering and so ahead of their time that they change the course of music history. Electro trailblazers Kraftwerk are one such group. Forming in Düsseldorf in 1970, they quickly segued from krautrock to diving into the electronic scene — and imagining the future, including experimenting with robotics, in the process. The song 'Computer Love'? Back in the 80s, it foresaw internet dating. Unsurprisingly, Kraftwerk have left their mark on everything from their chosen genre and techno to synth pop and hip hop since. Also, more than five decades later, the German outfit is still touring. Kraftwerk's live shows are an experience, combining the band's electronic music computer animations and performance art. Take note, audiences Down Under, because the group is heading to Australia and New Zealand in November and December. The multi-media project founded by Ralf Huetter and Florian Schneider, and that aims to create "gesamtkunstwerk — a total work of art" — in each gig, will play seven shows in total across both countries. The 2023 tour starts in Wellington on Wednesday, November 29. From there, Kraftwerk will take to the stage in Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, then end their trip in Perth on Friday, December 15. Expect synthetic voices and computerised rhythms aplenty — it is what Kraftwerk's music is known for, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for — plus a visual show that ponders man and machine to match. Kraftwerk's latest visit Down Under comes after the band played Vivid in 2015, as part of 3D Kraftwerk — The Catalogue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, which saw them perform eight albums from 1974's Autobahn through to 2003's Tour de France over four nights at the Sydney Opera House. Since starting their retrospective gigs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2012, they've hit up everywhere from London's Tate Modern and Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum to Tokyo's Akasaka Blitz and Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall. KRAFTWERK AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 2023 TOUR: Wednesday, November 29 — TSB Arena, Wellington Friday, December 1 — Spark Arena, Auckland Monday, December 4 — Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Wednesday, December 6 — Aware Super Theatre, Sydney Friday, December 8 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Tuesday, December 12 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide Friday, December 15 — Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth Kraftwerk tours Australia and New Zealand in November and December 2023, with pre-sale tickets available from 11am local time on Monday, July 17 and general sales from 10am local time on Wednesday, July 19. Head to the tour website for tickets and further details.
The West Wing first premiered in 1999, while Bill Clinton was president and over a year before George W Bush was elected. But when the latter happened, the acclaimed series inspired a strong and pervasive feeling — because every fan wished that Martin Sheen's President Jed Bartlet was really the commander in chief. That response wasn't just a case of escapism. It reflected The West Wing's top-notch writing and its passion. Unsurprisingly, even though the show wrapped up in 2006, that sentiment has echoed again throughout the past four years. In 2020, in fact, original cast members including Sheen, Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford and Janel Moloney reunited in the lead up to the election for a special stage version of a season-three episode. Called A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote, it was filmed, of course. That means you can now stream the entire seven-season series and its trademark Aaron Sorkin-penned walk-and-talks, and also enjoy the political drama's most recent gift to the world. Yes, it's still as topical and timely as ever.
Both Spare Parts and Strangely Familiar discuss the issue of disability in Australia. One provides a light hearted outlet for artists to create awareness; another provides a look at the skewed perception of disability in the media. Both are sure to be fascinating exhibitions. Spare Parts is a project created by Priscilla Sutton, an amputee who decided to turn her unused prosthetics into art pieces. Her idea has taken off, with numerous exhibitions in Brisbane and overseas, with works by many artists using prostheses as canvases. The sale of these unique pieces will go to COPE, an organisation that provides prosthetics and orthotics to those disabled by munitions. The artists on display this year are, Anke Catesby, barek, Bec Peart and Martin Pedder of Blackbird’s Emporium, Benjamin Werner, Clarissa Bones for Raw Bones, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Erica Gray, Josh Rufford, Kerri Hobba, and Rachael Waith. Strangely Familiar takes a microscope to the perception of disability in the media, and provides a photographic portrayal of the unseen side of the ’differently-abled’. Created by Louis Lim, Strangely Familiar reveals the stories of those affected by disability, not as objects of pity or heroic idols, but rather ordinary people with their own stories of ‘love, belonging and identity.’ Both exhibitions will be on display until the 15th of September.
The Red Bull Music Academy Weekender is gearing up for a second visit to Aussie shores. The globally acclaimed festival announced today that it will return to Sydney from August 31 through September 3, and, if last year's lineup is anything to go by, we're in for one cracking weekend of live music. The travelling event sees a sharp curation of performances, conversations, installations and club nights take over some of the city's best-loved venues, with a careful selection of internationally recognised artists coming together in a celebration of contemporary music. Sydney was lucky enough to be tapped last year, joining previous host cities including Tokyo, Dubai, Vienna, and Stockholm. Announcement of this year's lineup will drop next Tuesday, July 11, with tickets on sale the same day. Last year's program featured a sold out show with Flight Facilities and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, along with a massive club night at Oxford Art Factory and gigs by Stones Throw and Mr Fingers. Red Bull Radio will also be broadcasting live across all four days with a program of conversations, special guests, local stories, and live streams to accompany the tunes. The rest of the country is getting a taste of the action, too — this year's festival will kick off with a little help from the Road to Weekender, a series of events and lectures slated for Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne in the lead-up to Sydney from August 26 through 31. The Red Bull Music Academy boasts a long-held legacy of cultural celebration, fostering musical talent and collaboration across the globe. In Australia alone, the Academy has also hosted stages at Splendour in the Grass and Laneway Festival, as well as put on an industrial rave at Dark Mofo. Red Bull Academy Weekender and Road to Weekender will take over Australia from August 26 through September 3, with both lineups announced and tickets on sale next Tuesday, July 11. Keep an eye on this space for first dibs as tickets will no doubt sell out.
An idea as great as Night Feast was never meant to be a one-off. Indeed, when word arrived that Brisbane Powerhouse was starting a neon-lit night market, it was instantly announced as a twice-yearly event, popping up for a month at a time with food, booze and art installations. So, while New Farm has said farewell to the riverside hangout after its debut March 2023 stint, Brisbane is now counting down the days until it returns again this year. Mark your diary now, because Night Feast will be back from Wednesday, October 4–Sunday, October 29. The event's maiden run certainly proved popular. If you went along, you experienced that fact in person, but organisers have now released stats to back it up. More than 125,000 people hit up the night market first-ever season, with 67,258 wontons, 28,352 skewers and 6306 oysters devoured in the process. There were 101,000 total food and beverage orders, too, 24,000 glasses washed and reused, and 6600 kilograms of waste diverted from landfill. [caption id="attachment_893196" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] It's too early to announce what'll be in store in October, other than the same general blend of food, booze and art — although don't expect this event to merely repeat itself. There will be one big difference, of course. Instead of celebrating autumn, Night Feast's second go-around will be all about spring. Yes, your tastebuds should already be excited about what that might inspire menu-wise. Still, if you'd like to use March's lineup as a guide, the culinary bill included Longrain's Martin Boetz, e'cco Bistro's Philip Johnson, Lyndon Tyers at Donna Chang and Tuan Nguyen at Ngon, plus Lek Senee from Lek's Thai and Patricio Sarno from Mary Mae's Kitchen & Bar — and City Winery's vino thanks to winemaker Dave Cush. And, dishes from Taro's Ramen and Ham on Rye were also on the menu, as well as from Saison Salumi and Wine & Dine Em. Chef Anchalee Kasurin whipped up poffertjes pancakes as part of an international array, too, which surveyed Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Italian, Greek, modern Australian cuisine and more at 20-plus gourmet food stalls. Communal feasting was one of the first Night Feast's big focuses also, plus having the restaurants taking part in Night Feast to dish up the absolute top thing on their menus is another. That meant tucking into their signature dishes, but by the river in New Farm. Night Feast also featured an open fire pit for roasting and a dedicated dessert bar, plus cocktails and a top-notch wine list to wash it all down with. And, the food side of the program was just one of the highlights. The arts and music program was just as impressive, giant illuminated humanoids via Amanda Parer's Fantastic Planet and laser beams that look like intergalactic events included. Night Feast will return for spring in 2023 from Wednesday, October 4–Sunday, October 29. For more information, head to the event's website. Images: Pixel Frame / Markus Ravik / Lachlan Douglas.
Here's your latest excuse to stop dreaming about a holiday and start booking: a flight sale by new Australian low-cost airline Bonza. Soaring through the local skies since January, the carrier is already all about cheap fares, but now it's doing 20-percent off all of its routes and destinations for a five-day start-of-spring frenzy. New to Bonza? The local outfit was initially announced in 2021, then secured regulatory approval this year, launching its first flights shortly afterwards. It boasts two bases so far: the Sunshine Coast, where it's been soaring out of since January; and Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, which joined the list in March. From November, the Gold Coast will become its third home. [caption id="attachment_916931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tennis Australia/ Fiona Hamilton[/caption] This fresh face in the Aussie aviation scene isn't just about more-affordable tickets all year round, but also opening up routes to more of the country's regional destinations. On its list so far: 18 destinations and 34 routes. They're all getting the 20-percent-off treatment — and you've got from 10am on Thursday, September 7 up to 11.59pm on Monday, September 11 to book. As for where you can travel, Bonza's coverage includes the Whitsunday Coast, Cairns, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Toowoomba — and also Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Albury and Mildura. Prices start at $39.20. The caveats: you'll need to want to travel this year, specifically from Tuesday, October 10–Wednesday, December 6. Also, you'll need to use the promo code LETSGO when you book. And, that discount is only applicable to the actual fare. So, any costs for bags, seats and payment fees aren't getting cheaper. With the code, if you don't use it at the time of booking, you'll miss out — you can't go back and apply it later. To book during the Bonza sale, you'll need to download the airline's app or hit a registered local travel agent. App-only online reservations are one of the carrier's points of difference. Another: an all-Australian in-flight menu, spanning both food and craft beer. Bonza's flight sale runs from 10am on Thursday, September 7–11.59pm on Monday, September 11. For more information, and to buy fares — using the using the promo code LETSGO — head to the airline's website to download its app for Android and iOS. 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.
The last time that Alien and Ghostbusters legend Sigourney Weaver appeared on-screen, she played a 14-year-old Na'vi girl in Avatar: The Way of Water. The next time that the iconic actor pops up, she'll be in Australia, in a seven-part streaming drama. That series: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, which sees Holly Ringland's 2018 novel get the miniseries treatment, and casts Weaver as the grandmother to the titular nine-year-old, who has just lost her parents in mysterious circumstances. On the page and on Prime Video — where The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart will debut on Friday, August 4 — Alice moves to Thornfield flower farm after the life-changing tragedy, and starts to find solace among its wildflower blooms. But her new home is also the place where secrets about her family and their past start to blossom. The just-dropped first teaser trailer for the series emphasises that it hails from the producers of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, if you're wondering about the show's mood. Lambs of God's Sarah Lambert, Mustang FC's Kirsty Fisher and A League of Their Own's Kim Wilson penned the scripts, while Penguin Bloom's Glendyn Ivin directs every instalment. As well as Weaver as Alice's grandmother, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart stars Alycia Debnam-Carey (Fear the Walking Dead) as its namesake, plus Ayla Browne (Nine Perfect Strangers) as the younger version. The cast from there is a who's who of homegrown talent, including fellow Nine Perfect Strangers alum Asher Keddie, Leah Purcell (The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson), Tilda Cobham-Hervey (Hotel Mumbai), Xavier Samuel (The Clearing) and Alexander England (Black Snow). Frankie Adams (The Expanse), Charlie Vickers (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) and Sebastián Zurita (How to Survive Being Single) also feature, and the first glimpse at the show unsurprisingly highlights the Aussie backdrop, all the swirling lies and its big-name stars. When it hits Prime Video, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart will join the streaming platform's growing Australian-made lineup, which keeps dropping local fare in 2023. Already in queues: Class of '07, about the mayhem that follows when an apocalyptic tidal wave hits during an all-girls college's ten-year reunion; and the exceptional Deadloch, a Tasmania-set murder-mystery comedy from The Kates. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart below: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart will start streaming via Prime Video from Friday, August 4.
Your dreams of ditching the slow peak-hour crawl for a quick flight through the skies could very soon become a reality, with Uber today announcing Melbourne as its third — and first international — trial city for Uber aircrafts. Having already flagged the US's Dallas and Los Angeles as launch cities for its new flying service, dubbed the Uber Elevate project, and after some speculation last year, the ride share company has now confirmed it'll also start testing in Melbourne in 2020. If these trials are a success, we should see regular services start from 2023. The all-electric Uber Airs will operate a little like helicopters (but 32 times less noisy, supposedly) with the 'electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles' (eVTOLs) using helipad-style 'Skyports' located on high rooftops at key points around the city. As the company has just announced it'll be teaming up with the Scentre Group (owners of Westfield), expect a lot of these to be located atop shopping centres. And at Melbourne Airport, thankfully. Uber has announced it'll be continuing its partnership with the airport for the new venture — which will most likely launch before construction even begins on the long-awaited airport rail. At least there'll be one fast way to get to the airport. While a car ride from the CBD to the Melbourne can currently take anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour, Uber is promising that its Uber Air will only take about ten minutes. [caption id="attachment_725578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Skyport[/caption] By taking travel to the air, the company is hoping to "open up urban air mobility and help alleviate transport congestion on the ground". Passengers will be able to tee up a flight in the same way they order a car, with a push of the button, and hopefully it'll be just as cheap. While the company has not announced how much it'll cost initially, it has said that an Uber Air will eventually be as cheap as taking an Uber X ride of the same distance. While this all sounds a bit too good to be true, we do hope we'll be Jetsons-ing around the city for pittance soon. Uber Elevate will start tests in Melbourne by 2020 with regular services kicking off in 2023. To read more about the program, head to the Uber website.
Coachella's first 2023 weekend brought a heap of highs, including for folks livestreaming at home from around the world. Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, the late addition of blink-182, a typically stunning set from electronic music legends The Chemical Brothers, none other than Blondie taking to the stage: they're just some of the week-one standouts. Now, it's time to do it all over again as week later, as the Indio, California music festival always does. This year, the event is streaming six stages across both weekends, and it has just dropped its set times after a tumultuous few days. First, the bad news: Frank Ocean is off the bill, dropping out after Coachella's first weekend. That said, everyone beaming in from their couches didn't see his week-one set either because it wasn't livestreamed. Neither was fellow high-profile star Björk's time in the desert. Now, the good news: blink-182 have moved to the Coachella stage to replace Ocean on Sunday, April 23's bill (which is Monday, April 24 Down Under), and there's a TBA slot after them. Variety is reporting that that time will be filled by Skrillex, Fred again.. and Four Tet, and the festival has also named the trio on Instagram — and noted they'll pop on the evening of Sunday, April 23 (again, Monday, 24 Down Under). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) Whoever else ends up on the lineup as a late addition, you'll be able to make shapes at home while pretending you're at the real thing at the Empire Polo Club across Saturday, April 22–Monday, April 24 Australian and New Zealand time. Like last week, Bad Bunny is headlining the first night and BLACKPINK is doing the second, with The Chemical Brothers, Gorillaz, Blondie, Kaytranada, Pusha T and Idris Elba still on day one as well — and Calvin Harris, The Kid LAROI, ROSALÍA, Charlie XCX, boygenius, The Breeders and Underworld on day two. And on day three, there's Björk, Fisher, Porter Robinson, Gordo and Weyes Blood. Obviously, across the whole weekend there's more where they came from. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) Coachella has been teaming up with YouTube for 11 years now. Earlier in 2023, the fest announced that it has locked in that arrangement till 2026. In-between this year's sets, YouTube will fill its feeds with more on-the-ground coverage, so you'll be able to scope out the art and installations around the fest, head behind the scenes, see how the acts get partying before the hit the stage and more. Bookmark Coachella's YouTube channel ASAP — or hit it up below: Coachella's second weekend runs across April 21–23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. To watch the livestream, head to YouTube from 9am AEST on Saturday, April 22 Down Under.
The Yarra Valley is set to score its first big name hotel, with IHG announcing plans to open one of its new 'voco' accommodation sites there in 2021. The 170-room hotel, which has nabbed a hillside address in Lilydale, will feature its own on-site gin distillery, natural amphitheatre, mirrored maze, lavender farm and a providore selling local produce. Across one quirkily designed main building and 20 standalone cabins, it'll boast a gym, a restaurant and multiple bars with views across the region. Less than an hour out of Melbourne, it's in a prime location for visitors hitting the Yarra Valley's famed wine region and is on the way to popular ski field Mt Buller. Launched in June, voco is IHG's newest brand, pitched at delivering accommodation options that are upscale, yet fun. The same group has announced it'll be opening a Holiday Inn in Coburg in 2020, and has plans for 22 more hotels to launch across Australasia. voco is slated to open at 486 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale in 2021.
Planning a Japanese getaway, or dreaming about eventually planning one? You can take one thing off of your to-do list: packing. Instead of carefully researching all possible weather conditions, obsessively trying to predict what you'll want to wear and then trying to jam it all into your suitcase, you can now simply rent whatever you need when you arrive at your destination. Luggage-free travelling comes courtesy of a new service called Locarry, which lets you hire everything from clothes to costumes to cameras — and sporting equipment, strollers and more — from residents on the ground, rather than taking your own. Prices are set by those leasing out the goods, with no fees charged by the sharing platform itself. The service can be used by friends to arrange to lend items to other friends as well. There are a few restrictions, understandably. While users can rent things out individually or as a collection (that is, a pack of objects that you might need if you're going sight-seeing in Tokyo or wandering through cherry blossoms in Kyoto, for example), they can't hire out food, drinks, booze, medicines, animals or a number of other items. And — as you'd completely expect — underwear is off the table as well. Of course, the idea of hopping on a plane without your own outfits won't appeal to everyone. Still, packing lighter than usual, being able to nab a raincoat if the weather turns or pick up a camera to use while you're away just might. For more information, visit Locarry's website.
Troye Sivan has something to give Australia and New Zealand: his Something to Give Each Other tour, which has just announced 2024 dates Down Under. The Grammy-nominated and ARIA Award-winning 'Rush', 'I'm So Tired...', 'My My My!' and 'Youth' artist has spent the last couple of months playing shows in Europe to sellout crowds. Next, he's hitting America for a co-headline arena tour with Charli XCX. After that, he'll be making an Aussie return for gigs in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, then hopping over to Aotearoa to start off December. The Perth-raised pop star doesn't have the Western Australian city on his roster, starting his Australian leg at The Drive in the South Australian capital instead on Tuesday, November 19. From there, he has a date with Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Thursday, November 21, then with Brisbane's Riverstage on Tuesday, November 26. Last up for Aussies, everything from 'Got Me Started' to 'One of Your Girls' will echo across the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on Thursday, November 28, before it's NZ's turn at Spark Arena on Monday, December 2. Set to get a huge workout: the 2023 album that gives the tour its name, of course, which was Sivan's first since 2018's Bloom, earned a heap of placings on best-of-2023 lists at the end of last year and hit number one on the album charts in Australia. But given that his discography dates back to 2007's Dare to Dream — and includes fellow EPs TRXYE and Wild, plus his debut album Blue Neighbourhood — he has tracks from across almost two decades to bust out. "It's happening..." said Sivan on social media. "Good morning specifically to Australia and New Zealand. I'm home and I have news." View this post on Instagram A post shared by troye sivan (@troyesivan) Sivan will have Nick Ward in support, and is also set to appear at after parties in Sydney and Melbourne, where fans will have the chance to meet him. For more information on that part of the tour, you'll need to keep an eye on vodka brand Smirnoff's Instagram. It's already been a huge few years for Sivan — as a musician, acting in Boy Erased and The Idol, being parodied by Timothée Chalamet (Dune: Part Two) on Saturday Night Live — and now 2024 is getting even bigger. Dance to this, obviously. Troye Sivan Something to Give Each Other 2024 Australian and NZ Tour Dates: Tuesday, November 19 — The Drive, Adelaide Thursday, November 21 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Tuesday, November 26 — Riverstage, Brisbane Thursday, November 28 — Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney Monday, December 2 — Spark Arena, Auckland Troye Sivan is touring Australia and New Zealand in November and December 2024, with multiple rounds of ticket presales beginning from 10am local time on Thursday, July 11 — and general sales from 12pm local time on Tuesday, July 16. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Arden.
Melbourne's Yarra River is known for a lot of things — like instigating a north-south city divide, being a sweet spot to have drinks next to, etc. — but being clean isn't really one of them. It's got a lot to do with that time it was a dumping ground for industrial run-off, sure, but it's also more visibly attributed to the litter that finds its way into the river. To help remedy this (literally) rubbish situation that's affecting the health and quality of that Yarra's water, local industrial designer Rowan Turnham has developed a floating device to help trap and remove litter from the waterway. In collaboration with non-profit vegetation renewal group the Yarra Link Project, Turnham (through his company Amass Design) has developed Project Galada. Galada is a modular capture barrier that floats on the surface of the water to capture and collect litter that accumulates there. Designed to look like bike chains (very Melbourne), the pods link together to create a barrier suitable for the environment. As the Yarra flows both ways, so the flap is opened by downstream flow (letting in litter), while an upstream flow pushes the flap closed (trapping litter). The blue pods also act as buoyant planters, with roots that are submerged into the water to provide bio-filtration for the river. As well as removing cheeseburger wrappers from the Yarra, Project Galada will also help improve the health, biodiversity and quality of Melbourne's waterways both now and for the future. We still wouldn't swim in it, but still.
Blurring and reshaping the lines between fiction and fact are the works by local artists, Kate Jolly, Tiffany Atkin and Sophie Blackhall-Cain. Fable and Truth examines and draws inspiration from mythology and magic, while portraying their ideas through clear feminine perspectives. Each artist utilises various styles in their work, from simple colour palates to mixed media creations to digital illustration and beyond, each of these talented artists bring something distinctive to the collection. The personal narratives of each artist add a unique touch to the entire exhibition, imbuing the pieces with the histrionics and personalities of each. The exhibition is taking place at Lust For Life Galley from the 4th of July, running to the 4th of August. The exhibition launch is free and runs from 7pm until 9pm. Featured artist, Sophie Blackhall-Cain, enthuses: “art should never be boring.” This exhibition won’t be.
Based on the classic novel by Jack Kerouac, On The Road follows Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), an aspiring New York writer, and Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund), a young and dangerously seductive ex-con, as they hit the road in pursuit of freedom and life's greatest teacher: experience. Directed by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries) and starring Kristen Stewart, Amy Adams, Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen and Steve Buscemi, the film is in cinemas from September 27. Concrete Playground has 10 double passes to giveaway to see On The Road. For a chance to win, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Easily spooked by things that go bump in the night? Can't bring yourself to sing "I ain't afraid of no ghosts" whenever you're belting out the Ghostbusters' theme? Not so fond of the concept of mortality? If so, you might want to stay away from Melbourne's next pop-up. Coming to Hawthorn's Glenferrie Road for four days only, A Ghost Store has one thing on its hangers: an outfit that will last an eternity. From July 27 to 30, customers will enter the shop, complete a questionnaire about their garment requirements and get kitted out in a minimalist, one-size-fits-all piece of cloth made to last for centuries (and supposedly suitable for inter-dimensional apparitions operating on parallel planes). If that hasn't given the game away, then the fact that the item of clothing in question comes in three colours (white, ivory and bone) might — yep, this store is offering up good ol' fashioned sheets so that you can get your ghost on in the afterlife. The store's moniker also gives away just why this pop-up is coming a-haunting right now — it's actually an inventive marketing idea to promote the David Lowery-directed, Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara-starring A Ghost Story, which hits Australian cinemas this week. In the film, which the trio shot in secret before it premiered at Sundance earlier this year, Affleck spends most of his screen time decked out in ghostly attire. To say more would be to say too much — but no, this isn't a comedy. Visitors to A Ghost Store can expect an interactive experience, though it comes with words of warning: "the transition from active participant to passive observer can be a difficult one", its website cautions. If you're keen on more details, Indiewire spent some time in the US version. Or, if you'd like getting fitted out for what comes next to remain a mystery — appropriately — just show up and try your luck. A Ghost Story releases in Australian cinemas on July 27. Melburnians can find A Ghost Store at Shop 12, 673 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn from 5pm to 10pm on July 27 and 28, and 12pm to 10pm on July 29 and 30.
New Zealand's far north is rich in history and beauty. Just a three-hour drive, or a 50-minute flight, from Auckland is the Bay of Islands, a breathtaking destination where the British first settled and the nation's founding document was signed. A journey off the beaten path will give access to sleepy towns that roll on to crystal clear inlets and more than 144 undeveloped islands up for exploration. In the colder months you may struggle to pass another soul on the streets but the region still boasts mild temperatures that welcome outdoor adventures and even a dip with some wildlife — there's a reason why they call it the winterless north. In anticipation of your next weekend getaway, this is our guide to New Zealand's Bay of Islands. SEE AND DO It's called the Bay of Islands for good reason; there are 144 islands that make up the region. A good way to cover the region is by going off-land for a water cruise. Explore Group's Hole in the Rock tour journeys out to the Bay's most iconic geological formation. But before even approaching, and potentially sailing through the giant opening, you'll be treated to a display of wildlife in the area. Dolphins are abundant. So much so that the company promises a 90 percent hit rate of spotting the ocean mammals. Elsewhere, you can expect to spot the smallest penguins in the world, large schools of mullet and blue maomao and the New Zealand fur seal. On the way back the trip stops off at the secluded Otehi Bay on Urupukapuka Island for lunch. Afterwards, you can venture out for a swim, go for a walk and catch sweeping views across the Bay. Boasting kilometres of white sand coastline, kayaking is great way to explore the area without forking out on boat hire. Coastal Kayaks hosts tours out of Paihia and Waitangi, covering the stunning Haruru Falls and historic lagoon which is abundant with native birdlife. One particular excursion with the company involves a five-kilometre walk through native bush and mangrove forests to the falls, with a three-kilometre guided kayak return through the country's first river port. In large groups it's all about fun and owner Chad heightens the experience with interactive games, onboard water pistols and lighthearted yet informative banter. On the other side of the one-way bridge lies the official birthplace of New Zealand, Waitangi. In 1840, British representatives and a number of high ranked Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi to share ownership of the land — albeit only the English version was signed, leaving little in favour for the land's original inhabitants — you'll learn more in the onsite museum. Guided tours of the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds give insight into Māori culture, the arrival of the British and subsequent Treaty signing. You'll also discover a traditional Māori waka (or canoe) that gets its yearly outing on Waitangi Day and the restored cottage of the former governor. For further interest, there's the option to book the interactive Māori cultural show showcasing traditional music, weapons and games and sample the goods from a hāngi — a traditional Māori earth oven. FOOD AND DRINK It's all about local, seasonal produce in the Bay which opens up a whole world of fresh meal options. A good place to start is at The Old Packhouse Market. Found in Kerikeri (in an old packhouse, no less) the weekly vendor gathering is the perfect spot to load up on supplies before hitting the road. Expect to pick up everything from homemade pies to raw milk, deep-fried oyster po' boys and fruit and vegetables from literally just around the corner. Enjoy your finds while listening to live music, receiving a palm reading or getting a reflexology massage. Across the road is another must-visit attraction. As soon as you enter the Makana Confections giftshop the smell from the adjoining factory will be tugging on your heartstrings. The best part is that free samples are handed out upon arrival so you can try before you buy — you'll also see staff crafting the exact same thing through the window, so you know it's fresh. The cafe offers a selection of gelato, chocolate truffles, cakes and slices. While in Kerikeri head to The Rusty Tractor for a modern interpretations of breakfast classics and a four-shot bucket of coffee, Cafe Jerusalem for authentic Israeli cuisine, and La Taza Del Diablo for portions of Mexican cuisine that not even the ravenous could get close to finishing. Not many would relate the far north to wineries but there are plenty worth stopping into. At Kerikeri's Marsden Estate you can enjoy an educational wine tasting before settling on your preferred varietal and sampling a platter under the vines in the courtyard. Found just outside of Russell, Paroa Bay Winery is a family-owned property set against the rolling hills. Stay for a flight and try the Mediterranean-inspired menu at newly opened restaurant, Sage. Elsewhere is Russell, The Crusty Crab is the place to order piping hot fish 'n' chips to enjoy on the beach; in the warmer months Hone's Garden offers wood-fired pizza, fresh beer and friendly community vibes; Hell Hole is a great option to start your day with loaded bagels and fresh coffee; and Gables offers both bistro fare and a history lesson as the oldest licensed restaurant in the country. Check out our full guide to eating and drinking in the Bay of Islands here. STAY Thirty minutes from Kerikeri, well off the beaten path down a gravel road, you'll find Takou River Lodge. Once owned by a pair of bachelors, the 150 acre site is now the pride and joy of environmental scientist Anna and engineer Ian O'Reilly. Nestled in the surrounds of certified organic beef farm and regenerating native bush are five luxury cabins for all different price points and occasions. The pick of the crop is the aptly titled Magic Cottage. Set on the edge of the Takou River, the property ticks all the boxes for a romantic escape, including an open-air bath and early morning birdsong. Along with the accomodation, guests can explore the native forest, use supplied kayaks for an adventure to the beach and book the riverside hot tub, which after-dark is the perfect place to spot glowworms. Unless you plan to make the trek back into Kerikeri, you'll need to bring your own supplies. A dinner option can be provided by the highly regarded Food at Wharepuke by chef Colin Ashton who presents a blend of modern European and Thai-inspired cuisine. With the ocean practically lapping into its foyer, The Duke of Marlborough is a pristine destination to unwind in four star accommodation or simply stop by for a bite to eat in an award-winning restaurant. The property was erected in 1827, originally operating as an unlicensed grog shop by an ex-convict. It later became the first licensed hotel in New Zealand. The property still retains its vintage appeal; the rooms are grand with high ceilings, the walls are covered with marine memorabilia and the solid furniture certainly has a story to tell. The restaurant is all about showcasing local seasonal produce and modern interpretations of classic favourites. You can expect to sample local oysters or oven roasted fish that was caught directly in front of the hotel. The beverage list is extensive with over 100 wines and 30 beers from the region and further abroad. The wine tasting rack is a good option for indecisive diners, offering three generous samples to sip back as the sun drops over the inlet. GETTING THERE Kerikeri Airport is the region's main port of call. From Auckland Airport it's a breezy 50-minute flight to the sleepy terminal. Alternatively, it will take you just over three hours to drive from Auckland to Paihia and Russell. Feature image: The Duke of Marlborough.
Have you heard the rumour that we're heading into one of the coldest winters ever? While we're sad to say goodbye to lazy beach days and rooftop bars, we're (very) warmly embracing the news as a good excuse for indoor activities — think intimate dinners, house parties and plenty of gigs. To help with the seasonal transition, we've launched a new gig guide in partnership with JBL Link Speakers. Here, we'll give you the low-down on all of the best performers filling our fair cities with their tunes. And since we love doing the hard work for you, we'll also include a curated Spotify playlist of our recommendations for pre-gig study and post-gig reminiscing. To celebrate this new partnership, we're giving away three sets of JBL Link 10 speakers, valued at $229 each. As well as wireless connection, these mighty music boxes have hands-free voice control so Google Assistant becomes your personal DJ — simply shout "OK, Google" and your tune of choice and music will start streaming directly via Chromecast. With up to five hours of play time and high quality sound, the JBL Link 10 speakers are the perfect home accessory for music mavens. To enter, see details below. [competition]659863[/competition]
Drawing in nine million viewers in the US for the final episode of season two, The Walking Dead is breaking ratings records all over the world. Fast-tracked to Australian fans, The Walking Dead season three is already available to download from iTunes for $49.99. As the fight for survival continues, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and friends attempt to take refuge from the 'walkers' in an abandoned prison and in a (possibly too good to be true) town of survivors run by The Governor (David Morrissey). To mark the launch of season three, Concrete Playground has the ultimate catch-up giveaway: seasons one and two on DVD. Get up to speed with the action or simply indulge in a thrilling undead bloodbath marathon! Concrete Playground has five sets of DVDs to giveaway. To be in for a chance to win, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground, then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
As of September, BridgeClimb will be no more. The company released a statement on its website today stating that it would be ceasing all operations as of later this year. The statement says BridgeClimb's application to win a new 20-year contract to operate tours on the Harbour Bridge was unsuccessful. BridgeClimb was first launched on October 1, 1998 by Founder and Chairman Paul Cave, and has seen over four million climbers safely scale the monument since. The Roads and Maritime Services put the Sydney Harbour Bridge Tourist Climb Business, which also includes the Bridge Museum within the South Eastern Pylon, out to tender last year. The company that has won the 20-year tender — out of a total 13 applicants — is another NSW tourism stalwart, Scenic World Blue Mountains. The company is the largest privately owned tourist attraction in Australia and has been operating for 73 years. The family-run owner of Scenic World, Hammons Holdings, also released a statement saying, "returning Sydney Harbour Bridge to the people will be a priority" and that the company will be exploring ways to safely expand access to new areas of the Bridge. And what does these all mean for the common folk? At the moment, we're not sure. But it could see changes made to tours run and (hopefully) pricing. BridgeClimb will run as normal until September 30, 2018. Scenic World Blue Mountain will commence as operators of Sydney Harbour Bridge Tourism Activities from October 1.
A group of strangers are stranded during a snowstorm, huddled together inside Monkswell Manor waiting for the weather to clear. Slowly, the guests realise one of them is a murderer, but which one of the strangers could it be? Will they discover the identity of the killer before it is too late? The Mousetrap is one of Agatha Christie's most loved mysteries. Adaptations of the production have been seen by over 10 million people worldwide, with audiences being held on the edge of their seat until the final moments of the taut and thrilling story. The Official Diamond Anniversary Production has sold out seasons across Australia as it tours for the first time down under, so make sure you get your tickets early to catch the killer in this iconic whodunit murder mystery.
I remember Sunday afternoons when I was ten. Mum and Dad would take me down to the local roller-skating rink so I could glide around aimlessly and win Redskins and Milkos in the best game to come out of the 90s: Red Rover. It was a short time after when Red Rover became violent and people started pushing, skidding, jumping and thumping, that I realised contact sport is definitely not for me. I only wished I was strong with shins of steel so I could take on the fifteen year-old bullies who, over time, won all the candy. I also wish this story would go on to tell that I grew up, got tough as shit and became a derby girl, though that’s definitely not the case. If you, like me, skated as a child, rode your roller blades up ramps and stacked it so many times your knees ran dry of blood, head down to the Brisbane Convention Centre this Saturday and support the lovely ladies who are stickin’ it to the man, roller style. I’m hoping their toughness somehow transfers over to me (maybe by osmosis?) so I can win those Milkos back. Image by Paper Fox Studio
The Kooks were back in Sydney last week at the tail end of their Australian tour. We spoke with band member, Hugh Harris, about bringing in the New Year at Falls, cooking spag bol and retracing his roots in his spiritual homeland, Sydney. Hey Hugh, thanks for chatting with me today. So you have just landed in Sydney ready for the gig tonight? Well, we arrived last night but I have family in Sydney so we had dinner plans and then after dinner plans. Hopefully I will have time to have a rest today before the gig. But it is great to be in Sydney. I was down in Tassie for Falls so I saw you guys ring in the New Year! Oh, that's great, yeah, I think that was one of the best gigs we played, in Tasmania. And we managed to get the countdown right which was a bonus. Yeah, I was speaking to Alex Turner [Arctic Monkeys] the other day and he was a bit miffed that the countdown didn't really work out at Falls in Lorne when they were playing for NYE? Yeah, well I think in Tasmania it was OK because we had the big screen so it was pretty hard to mess up. In Lorne, there was no TV screen so it would've been hard for the Arctic Monkeys to count down. Have you played a summer NYE gig before? No, no summer NYE before, not on stage. I always think it is better just to have a party, then there is no pressure on anyone to provide the fun. But we have always wanted to do it and the opportunity came up so now we have. And did you get to see Pnau come on after you guys? Pnau? No. I stuck around for a bit. I had my cousins there from the countryside. My sheep shearing cousins. But it is hard you know when you are working, it is hard to know when the partying starts, but we just partied afterwards. Do you guys like playing festivals as compared to standard gigs? Yeah, I mean I think we are a festival band in a way. And it is a happier vibe. You get to play to people who aren't necessarily fans and that is an exciting prospect, you know, to gather a larger following. And you get that at festivals, everyone's drunk and they don't have a choice but to listen! You've been to Sydney a lot and having family here is there anything you really look forward to doing whilst you are here? Yeah, I have this nostalgia route that I take. We used to come here for Christmas because my grandmother was here. And one Christmas I got a skateboard and I used to take this route around Rushcutters Bay. So I will do that. On your skateboard? No, those days are past! I just walk it now. So I start at Rushcutters and then walk up the hill and go to No Frills [an offshoot of the supermarket chain Franklins that no longer exists] in the Edgecliff Centre and get a cake. It's where I used to buy my holiday cakes. And then I will head down to the Golden Sheaf and try and get a beer. And then a swim at that harbour pool. Redleaf? Yeah, Redleaf. So I will try and do that today. I think perhaps the Sheaf might have changed a bit since you were last there.. Yeah, I've heard that. What happened? Well, it is pretty much an empire now. When did you last go? Well, my Dad was here in the 1970s. Yeah, well it is not the Sheaf of the '70s! And neither of us was around then! You guys have been playing now for 7 years and you were only 18 when The Kooks signed to Virgin – did you always want to be in a band? No, absolutely not. I actually wanted to be in espionage, I always wanted to be a spy. And then second I wanted to be in a band. Well, maybe you could be a spy in your thirties? No, I think that might be too late. You know you have to do all this training, martial arts training; I think the dream is over. And maybe it will be too hard, you know needing to be inconspicuous and all? No, I'll shave my head that will be fine! And what do you guys get up to in your free time whilst you are on tour? Do you get into sightseeing or art galleries or whatever? Yeah, art galleries for sure. You hit the nail on the head. I love art galleries and try and go as much as possible. Modern art galleries. And cooking. I really love cooking, but mostly when I get home. I find it really relaxing and I cook a mean spaghetti bolognaise. Like all good boys! All boys have the staple spag bol! Yeah, but I would like to say that I think mine is better than anyone else's! You know, I leave it for a really long time, even cooking overnight, and it just comes alive. Well, not with bacteria hopefully. And other stuff? I like tennis. My favourite colour is yellow. And… Ok, just one more question. Your new clip for Is it me is particularly nostalgic with the typewriter and the 1960s primary colours – considering your musical influences how do The Kooks feel about nostalgia and looking back at the past? Yeah, we love the past. I love my past. And yeah, we are influenced by a lot of music from the past. But I think when we were young we used to go through our parents' record collections and just sift through, you know. But also I like that things from the past are spun and renewed and regurgitated. It's a blending of the past. Like with our new album, you know it is a bit of a bridge. It is The Kooks staple sound but then there are all these warm synthesisers in there so it blends the past and the present. That's what we do.
If a sunny north Queensland holiday sounds like your kind of bliss at the moment, you're not alone. Spring is here, a toasty summer beckons and Australia's tropical region is mighty enticing all year round anyway. So, whether you're a Brisbanite eager to relax at the other end of the state, or you live elsewhere around the country, Tourism Tropical North Queensland has launched a new tour voucher giveaway that'll give you an extra reason to head to the area. Under the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Travel Bonus scheme, 8000 vouchers worth $250 each are up for grabs for folks spending their holidays in Queensland's tropical north. You will need to fork out at least $1000 on your trip anyway. But, if you do, you can nab a voucher to use on tours while you're there. The scheme is open all through the warmest parts of the year, too, ending on April 20, 2022. And, unlike previous Queensland travel incentives that've been run at the state government level, these vouchers are open to all Aussies. That said, obviously folks in locked-down parts of New South Wales and Victoria won't be able to head north until the rules in their respective areas allow it, and Queensland's border restrictions as well. To take advantage of the deal, you'll need to book through one of Tourism Tropical North Queensland's travel partners, which includes Viva Holidays, My Queensland and Flight Centre. And yes, you can add the scheme to the list of incentives enticing Aussies to make the most of everything the nation has to offer — when and where they're allowed to, of course — with the Northern Territory doing a tourism giveaway this summer as well. Tourism Tropical North Queensland's Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Travel Bonus scheme runs until April 20, 2022. For more information, head to the $250 Tropical Travel Bonus website.
Sick of the winter weather? Then escape from the chill to a warm, dark cinema, where you can watch movies from places even colder than here. Returning to Palace Barracks, the Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival will once again showcase the best of Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Icelandic cinema, from award-winning dramas to esoteric comedies and the very best of Nordic Noir. One of the big highlights on this year's program is the Golden Globe-nominated The Fencer, a Finnish-German-Estonian co-production — dubbed by Finland Today as "the best Finnish film in a decade" — about a fencing instructor hiding from Soviet forces in Estonia in the years after the war. It's one of a number of critically-acclaimed titles in the program this year, alongside oddball Icelandic rom-com The Together Project which took home a screenplay prize at Cannes, and the excruciatingly tense Danish drama Land of Mine, which played in competition at the Sydney Film Festival earlier this year. For the complete Scandinavian Film Festival program, go here.
LOU HELLIWELL AND ALEX DE BONIS know that they're awesome. They know, because they found "you're awesome" written on a brown paper bag they got from the aptly-titled Awesome Foundation. It was for their new Oxford Street Design Store which — like the Paper Mill before it — is taking one of the City of Sydney's empty spaces and turning it into a den of art, design and cool, printed stuff. Out back, they're planning for talks, a convention, workspace and even a little education. To get a closer look, Concrete Playground sat down to chat with Alex and Lou, and checked out a typical day in their new shopfront. One of the first nights Lou Haliwell tried to close up the new Design Store, she found herself locked in. The big, heavy roller door out front popped off its runners and fell down loose onto the floor, too heavy for her to lift back up again. There's no back door. I'm stuck. she thought, I have to sleep here. Working it open a little, using a chair, she got outside and began contemplating how on earth she was going to finish locking up. Just then, a young tradie walked by. He demanded, exasperated: "What've you done now?" Lou was bewildered. But, with his help, she got the door lifted back onto its runners. He gave her a little kiss on the cheek and wandered away into the night. She never saw him again, but thanks to him she was able to go home. The weirdest thing in this story is not that he turned up out of nowhere to help out. It's how normal these unsolicited offers of aid have become since Lou and Alex started up the Store. Everybody comes in wanting to do something. And meeting this pair of professional designers in person, it's easy to understand why. Their excitement and enthusiasm about the Store is palpable. You hear them talk about the designers who've turned up to sell things here, or the events they have planned for the venue space out back. You start wanting to help out yourself. Normally the door goes up at midday. Customers wander in, a designer might wander out the back to sketch in the venue space, which is full of desks this time of day (a chair is rented out at $3 an hour, including WiFi). Lou or Alex settle behind the counter. Today it's Alex. Both of them came from the quieter end of town. Alex from Campbelltown and Lou from Leeds, near Manchester, in the UK. They met while they both worked as designers in a well-respected Sydney studio. They found themselves complaining to each other that women's design work here didn't get the respect it deserved. So they decided to do something about it. Starting the blog Tough Titties, they highlighted Australian women's work in art and design. Only last year, they were nervously hosting the blog's first exhibition. Now they have a store. The Store had a similarly casual start. Originally a Secret Garden proposal that got turned down, they read about submissions for the City of Sydney's empty spaces on Oxford Street and decided to send in a submission along the same lines. The City of Sydney loved the idea. It's a first for both. Neither had done blogs before, nor an exhibition, nor retail. This, Alex reckons, is a recurring motif. "Most of the things we've done are a first-time thing." You'd never know that from the quality of their range. T-shirts, posters, jewellery, zines and even local ice-cream fill the showroom. The shop sells things for up to $20, funding its essentially non-profit operation with a 25% commission. The two halves of the shop are divided by a sturdy, see-through cardboard partition. Next to it, a louvred chalkboard along the Store's side wall will soon fill up with the week's upcoming events. At the time of writing, the program was still on the verge of starting. However, there's already talk of getting together a skating film night, Jess Scully from Vivid Ideas is planning to organise fortnightly how-to talks and a Sydney chapter Melbourne's 'un-conference conference', Trampoline, is imminent in April. The idea is to bring the disparate elements of Sydney's art and design communities together, without getting cliquey. Alex puts it more succinctly: "We're like a dating service." While there's already a rush to do and sell things at the Store, getting the practical side of the Store together was a bit harder. The City of Sydney offers a peppercorn rent, a kettle and a little publicity. Their fridge comes from Freecycle, the furniture mostly via Reverse Garbage. Since the Store's not residential, there's no regular garbage pickup. By chance, Alex's boyfriend owns a ute, and takes it to a sympathetic family member's business' commercial allowance. It's not clear how they'd afford it, otherwise. The only grant money they've had was the Awesome Foundation's $1000. All the rest so far is out of their own pockets. It's a precarious existence. By three, a volunteer settles behind the counter. She's Lucinda, a visual communications student. Just then, a guy walks in with arms full of colourful and interesting-looking comics. He wants to sell them here. Alex checks out the comics. The guy turns out to be Leigh Rigozzi, part of Paper Mill poster-workshoppers, the (currently printerless) Rizzeria collective. What does he find most appealing about this kind of store? "That they would actually take my stuff." This afternoon is quiet. Saturdays are the busiest, says Lucinda. Around six, Alex brings down the roller door and gets to work on the day's admin. When she was little, Alex says, she always redrew, in place, the characters and words in her books. Grown up, she wondered: "How can I can I actually make money doing this?" It's a question Alex and Lou both answered with careers in design. Here, they're making it easier for the coming generation to do the same thing.
"Get a little closer... Cut open my sternum and pull my little ribs around you," Megan James sings on Purity Ring's 'Fineshrine', a song so immaculate and pretty it takes a few listens for the darkness of the lyrics to come into focus. The Canadian duo revel in this kind of contrast: lush, manicured synth pop with a dark undercurrent that leaves a more unsettling afterglow. Initially formed out of Montreal indie band Gobble Gobble, Purity Ring's debut full-length Shrines ranks as one of the year's best, an immersive, swirling collection with pulsing rhythms and pockets of deceptive darkness. Touring for Golden Plains festival, the pair will also bring their live show (which includes a renowned light show courtesy of the other member, Corin Riddick).
It might just be Australia's brightest festival, and it's currently lighting up Alice Springs once again. That'd be Parrtjima - A Festival In Light, which has just kicked off the event's fourth and most expansive annual program. Running until Sunday, April 14, it's a shift from the fest previous timeslot, moving from spring to autumn. The nation's first indigenous festival of its kind, Parrtjima may have moved its dates, but it is still filled with dazzling light installations. As part of, the free ten-day public celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and storytelling, seven luminous displays are gracing both the Alice Springs Desert Park Precinct and the Alice Springs Todd Mall. [caption id="attachment_715716" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Language of Kin, Parrtjima festival, Alice Springs, Australia. 5/4/2019. Image courtesy Parrtjima / NTMEC.[/caption] While Alice Spring's CBD is being lit up with new installations and events, just out of town, tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park has come alive with the festival's main attraction. Once again, a huge artwork has transformed a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, showering it with light from 6.30–10.30pm each night of the festival — and featuring an audio track voiced by Aussie acting legend Aaron Pedersen. Visitors can also immerse themselves in art and storytelling as part of the returning Ahelhe Itethe – Living Sands (Grounded), where installations are projected onto the earth accompanied by a striking soundscape. While Parrtjima's returning slate is strong, new additions to this year's lineup include an illuminated tunnel that greets attendees as they enter the festival space, called Angkentye Anpernirrentye-kerte – The Language of Kin; an array of over-sized sculptures that relay the social history of First Nations station workers and their language of the land, dubbed Angkentye Stockmen Mape-kenhe – The Language of Stockmen; and a series of sculptured large-scale moths, badged The Language of Moths, which are brightening up Todd Mall. There's also a huge maze for kids and a set-up of three bush taxis displaying works by First Nations artists. [caption id="attachment_715717" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Parrtjima festival, Alice Springs, Australia. 6/4/2019. Image courtesy Parrtjima / NTMEC[/caption] As 2019 is the UN's Year of Indigenous Languages, the festival also has a linguistic edge — as many of the light installations' names make plain. With a theme of 'Language Expressions', the full program features talks and workshops focused on Central Australia's many Indigenous languages. Also on the bill is jam-packed program of dance, music, workshops and talks, sharing stories and celebrating First Nations' culture. It's a nice supplement to the area's Field of Light installation, which has been extended until 2020. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs until April 14, 2019 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: James Horan.
Six days. More than 30 gigs. A whole heap of local and Australian talent taking over 16 venues in Fortitude Valley, the CBD and Brisbane's suburbs. That's what's on the agenda this August, with Brissie set to welcome a brand-new six-day music festival called Brisbane Winter Sessions. Announced today, Monday, June 21, Brisbane Winter Sessions is all about warming up the city via a jam-packed lineup of live tunes — and getting Brisbanites out and into venues such as The Zoo, Fortitude Music Hall, Ric's, The Triffid and The Brightside. You can also expect to spend time at Felons Barrell Hall at Howards Smith Wharves, La La Land, Woolly Mammoth, Press Club, Greaser, Brooklyn Standard, Suzie Wongs, Can You Keep A Secret? and The Bearded Lady, checking out a lengthy list of acts including No Money Enterprise, Thy Art Is Murder, Ian Haug, Ben Ely, Last Dinosaurs and Nina Las Vegas. Some shows will be free and others will be ticketed, but they'll all give you an excuse to support the city's live music scene — which needs the love after the past 15 months or so. The fest will kick off on Thursday, August 5, then run through until Wednesday, August 11. And if you're wondering why it ends midweek, that's because that's when this year's Ekka public holiday falls. Among the highlights: the setup at the Fortitude Music Hall, which'll use a 360-stage and welcome in 1000 festival-goers; The Zoo's drag night; and the return of the Brisbane Burger Fest, which'll take place on Stratton Street. The full lineup is lengthy, though, so don't go saying you don't have anything to do this August. BRISBANE WINTER SESSIONS 2021 LINEUP: Felons Barrell Hall: Miiesha Felivand Hallie Sofia Isella Sweater Curse RVG A. Swayze and The Ghosts Dopamine Girl and Girl Slowrip The Fortitude Music Hall: Thy Art is Murder Skin On Skin & Friends Nina Las Vegas No Money Enterprise JamesJamesJames Creed Tha Kid Zheani DJ Homoc1d3 The Triffid: Trophy Eyes The Dreggs Hayley Mary (The Jezabels) Cheap Fakes Meg Ripps McDermott & North Hazel Mei The Brightside: Last Dinosaurs Egoism Flamingo Blonde Staples Press Club: The Dead Love Being Jane Lane BLUSSH King George Life Admin The Brightside / O'Skulligans: RAT!Hammock Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers The Lazy Eyes Melaleuca WALKEN The Minor Threats Olivia's World Garage Sale Minor Premiers Pipin Mouse GRMLN The Zoo: Ben Ely Bad//Dreems La La Land: Ian Haug (ex-Powderfinger) Tyrone Noonan Nik Phillips First Beige Dream Coast Woolly Mammoth: Jess B Greaser: Pablum Concrete Palms Plateau Velociraptor Oscar Borschmann Tolal Pace Tejavu Platonic Sex Eratas Slow Rip Girl and Girl Rattus Great Sage Square Samm Mozza Pelican Moon Radium Dolls Gabe Fressh Ric's Bar: Sinkin' Schooners Sky Valley Ban Solo Brooklyn Standard: The Buzz Colt Seavers Band Ramjet Dave Wesbter Solo Imessa Suzie Wongs: The Skandolosos LR March The Lazy Leis Dan Lewis La Boum Can You Keep A Secret?: Life on Earth The Bearded Lady: Refedex The Cassowarys Eloelo Brisbane Winter Sessions will take place between Thursday, August 5–Wednesday, August 11 across 16 venues in Fortitude Valley, the CBD and Brisbane's suburbs. For further details and to grab tickets, head to the festival's website. Top image: Vincent Shaw.
Your local takeaway spot might be convenient when you've been stuck at work all day, but it's far from kind on the environment — or your wallet, for that matter. With the right know-how, you can spice up your midweek meals without too much hassle. We've partnered with Glad and its Glad to be Green range to bring you six simple, eco-conscious dinner ideas that'll not only keep more cash in your bank account, but also see fewer takeaway containers ending up in landfill. Roll up those sleeves and get ready to whip up feasts every night of the week. ADD MEAT-FREE MONDAYS TO THE DIARY After an indulgent weekend, you'll want to put your best foot forward when the new week comes. Regardless of whether you're consciously looking to go full vegan, starting the week off a plant-based dinner means you're cutting back on one of climate change's biggest contributors: the meat industry. If you're someone who likes numbers, according to this study beef has a carbon dioxide equivalent of 59.6 kilograms. To compare, tofu has an equivalent of three kilograms. These days, about 12.1 percent of Aussies eat a fully or mostly vegetarian diet. Don't know where to start? Treat yourself to a couple of cookbooks. Some go-tos include Hetty McKinnon's To Asia, With Love and Neighbourhood; Smith & Daughters' Shannon Martinez's cookbook Vegan with Bite; and, of course, Ottolenghi's newest title Flavour (or any from his Plenty series). Once you've cooked up your veg-packed feast, simply cover any leftovers with Glad to be Green cling wrap — made from 50 percent sugarcane and with a smaller carbon footprint — and consider tomorrow's lunch sorted. HAVE POTLUCK DINNERS WITH MATES Next time you're having mates round, organise a potluck dinner rather than hitting up the local pizza shop for a mediocre slice (and subsequent greasy box that can't be recycled). First up, it's a gamble as to what everyone will bring and, therefore, you'll be tucking into all sorts of delicious dishes. Plus, it's likely to save everyone some cash and your friends get to flex their kitchen skills. With everyone bringing a plate — and some quality stories — to share, this is a great way to add some more home-style cooking and community to your life, too. And, there'll be a lot of food going around the table, which means no one will go hungry. SLOW ROAST AS YOU WFH Many of us have come to know the pros and cons of WFH life. But one undeniable benefit of working from your home office (or couch) is that you can slink away from the computer to prepare a glorious dinner. Whether you're cooking for your partner who has to go into the office or prepping a feast for your friends, slow roasting is super easy — when you actually have the time to do it. So, as time is on your side when you're commute-less, you can try out new roast dinners each week. Whether you prefer sticky pork, rosemary-covered lamb shoulder or bourbon- and honey-glazed brisket, these slow-roasted meats are heartwarming meals for when the cold weather hits. Just be sure to layer your roasting pan with Glad to be Green compostable baking paper to cut down on the messy cleanup. It's certified home compostable, and it even breaks down in a worm farm. KEEP THINGS SIMPLE WITH ONE-POT WONDERS Replace the convenience of takeaway with an even more practical one-pot dinner. Although your meal might not get delivered straight to your door, there's not much cleaning involved when you throw all the ingredients into the same cauldron. Which, let's be honest, is a big reason why we often turn to delivery apps in the first place. From quick 'n' easy stir-fries and soups to veggie laksas and casseroles, there are plenty of one-pot wonders out there. Plus, you can put any leftovers in Glad's new plant-based resealable sandwich bags, which are made with 50 percent sugarcane (a renewable resource). These bags are also freezer safe, so you can store leftovers for longer, ensuring you have a quick, fuss-free dinner for the next time cooking from scratch is too much of a chore. MAKE A HOUSEMATE ROSTER Coming up with homecooked dinner ideas doesn't have to be harder than picking something on Uber Eats. But, sometimes inspiration is lacking after a day at your nine-to-five, we get it. If you live with others, why not come up with a roster? That way, it's easy to plan for, everyone gets a night off the pots and pans, and you don't have to cook those sad dinner-for-one meals. After all, food is better when shared, right? To make your new schedule a success, it's a good idea to liven up each night of the week with some broad themes, too. It'll also help ensure no one is stuck for ideas. Of course, you'll want to take into account your housemates' culinary and dietary preferences to avoid encountering any awkward dinner conversations. COME TO LOVE LEFTOVERS Leftovers are a godsend when you've got an itch for cheeky takeaways. Instead of having to dip into your savings (and even possibly impact your chances of a future homeloan), you can swing open your fridge or freezer and pull out a tasty creation cooked by yours truly. Not to mention, you're doing your bit for the planet, too. In fact, you can store your leftovers in Glad's plant-based snack and sandwich size resealable bags if you want to divvy them up into perfect portions. So, when you CBF to cook next week, you've already got yourself covered. Go green and visit the Glad website for more tips and tricks.
Anyone in the mood for a night that’s less about appreciating fine art and more about going crazy? If so you are in luck because Brisbane’s own unpredictable band The Belligerents are kicking off their national tour at Woodland to promote their first EP Less Arty More Party. If bragging rights are your thing then you can claim them by being one of the first to witness the band’s newest performance and fresh onstage antics before they take their show around the country, playing all the main cities and winning hearts along the way. Supporting them in Brisbane will be fellow local upstarts Young Men Dead and Millions. As The Belligerents spent 2010 supporting and playing alongside a ridiculous amount of house hold names including Metronomy (UK), Neon Indian (USA), Breakbot (France), Yacht Club DJS, The Paper Scissors and DZ, you can trust these kids to put on a good show. They also signed with Major Label, who released The Belligerents debut single 'These Hands' into the world, where it achieved global reviews and attention. Fresh from recording a film clip for their latest single, 2011 has already started off with a bang for the five-piece band and with their new single 'Such a Crime' frequenting the airwaves over at 107.7. ‘Less Arty More Party’ has already won over Triple J. See then at Woodland and they'll win you over too.
Cult favourite Ariel Pink is bringing his gritty lo-fi band - Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti - back to Australia for a string of shows this month. With a sound that spans across the obscurest of genres including freak folk, noise pop and lite FM, Ariel Pink still manage to draw in the masses with his totally danceable sound. Starting out as a solo artist, Ariel Pink is the perfect example of a completely unique yet successful DIY musician. Not only does he record, produce and play almost all of this own music, he also creates his own recorded drum sounds using his mouth and sometimes armpits. Not to mention that he’s recorded over 500 songs on cassette and released 11 albums. This approach to creating music as well as his huge range of influences leaves you with songs that could be mistakenly taken from another era. Having been featured by Pitchfork music in their “Best New Music” category for his latest album and being the only non-member of Animal Collective to be release on their record label Paw Tracks, it’s quite clear that we could name drop about him all day. Instead, check out Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti at The Zoo for an entertaining and intriguing night of music.
Before Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Seth Rogen and his regular behind-the-camera collaborator Evan Goldberg had more than a few hands in Sausage Party. Lewd and crude isn't their approach with pop culture's pizza-eating, sewer-dwelling, bandana-wearing heroes in a half shell, however. Instead, the pair is in adoring throwback mode. They co-write and co-produce. Platonic's Rogen also lends his vocals — but to warthog Bebop, not to any of TMNT: MM's fab four. That casting move is telling; this isn't a raunched-up, star voice-driven take on family-friendly fare like Strays and Ted, even when it's gleefully irreverent. Rather, it's a loving reboot spearheaded by a couple of patent fans who were the exact right age when turtle power was the schoolyard's biggest late-80s and early-90s force, and want to do Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo justice. Affection seeps through Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem as pivotally as ooze, the reason that there's even any adolescent marine reptiles that aren't at all like most of their species, and are also skilled in Japanese martial arts, within the franchise's narrative. Slime might visibly glow in this new animated TMNT movie, but the love with which the film has been made is equally as luminous. Indeed, the Spider-Verse-esque artwork makes that plain, openly following in the big-screen cartoon Spidey saga's footsteps. As it visually resembles lively high school notebook sketches under director Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs the Machines) and Kyler Spears' (Amphibia) guidance, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem feels exactly like the result of Rogen and Goldberg seeing Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, wondering how Leo and company would fare in a picture that aimed for the same visual flair, then making it happen. Computers did the animating, of course, but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem's appearance may as well have smudgy fingerprints where someone has coloured in heavily with a texta, then accidentally slid a digit over the page before the ink was dry. While the TMNT realm has delivered good entries and bad, plus memorable and bland renderings of its core quartet — fittingly, these turtles have kept mutating — their current iteration is warm, retro and nostalgic while veering in its own aesthetic direction. So, the turtles aren't 80s-era slick like the OG cartoon series splashed across the small screen. They're not costume-wearing men (costumes by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, no less) as seen in the 90s live-action flicks, either. It's for the best that this Leonardo (voiced by Nicolas Cantu, The Fabelmans), Donatello (Micah Abbey, Cousins for Life), Raphael (Brady Noon, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers) and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr, The Chi) haven't been spawned in the likeness of 2007 picture TMNT, either, or the motion-capture efforts of 2014's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and its 2016 sequel Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. Fun: that's how TMNT: MM looks with its scribbled-on, graffiti-leaning style, and it's also what Rogen, Goldberg, Rowe (also a co-scribe), Spears, Koala Man's Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit (the last of the flick's five screenwriters), and the Bad Neighbours movies' Brendan O'Brien (who gets a story credit) are overtly after. So were comic book artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird when they created the anthropomorphic crew four decades back to parody superhero tales — as are the adopted turtle children of mutant rat Splinter (Jackie Chan, Hidden Strike), too. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem's key group just wants to be teens, and the movie wants to hang out with them as they try. In addition to an updated take on their origin story, TMNT: MM sketches Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo into a coming-of-age story. They practice ninjutsu. They bust out their fearsome fighting skills. They sneak out to watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the ultimate teens-just-wanna-have-fun film. They also just want to be accepted for who they are, because this is a Frankenstein story as well. Here, living below New York City's neon streets has become a drag for Leonardo who leads, Donatello who does machines, Raphael with the attitude and Michelangelo the party dude. Emotionally scarred from humanity's worst impulses, the protective Splinter forbids the turtles from venturing above ground for anything but supplies — which is where the stealth outdoor cinema trips come in. The ageing rat is certain that the world isn't safe for four slime-transformed humanoid critters. Unlike Ferris, though, his 15-year-olds would like to spend their days in classrooms and hallways, and with teachers and fellow pupils, a wish that they can only dream about. Then they meet April O'Neil (Ayo Edebiri, The Bear) as a high schooler who aspires to be a journalist and is investigating Big Apple crime for the school paper. She becomes a friend when the katana-, sai-, bo- and nunchuck-wielding brothers help her with the thugs who steal her scooter. Like slipping into toxic sludge when they were babies, crossing paths with April is just the beginning of the turtles' latest journey. All of those robberies link back to Superfly (Ice Cube, The High Note) — and soon there's a menagerie of mutants, including Bebop and his rhino pal Rocksteady (John Cena, Barbie), bat Wingnut (Natasia Demetriou, What We Do in the Shadows), alligator Leatherhead (Rose Byrne, Physical), manta ray Ray Fillet (Post Malone, Wrath of Man), and also Mondo Gecko (Paul Rudd, Only Murders in the Building) and Genghis Frog (Hannibal Buress, Spider-Man: No Way Home). Being a teenager is about yearning to fit in, and so is standing out because you're seen as a monster by everyone around you. Those Frankenstein nods are well-deployed, but then so is most of this turtle tale: cowabungas, Beyoncé love, jokes about both Ratatouille and Shrek, and a soundtrack that's catnip to 80s and 90s kids (think: Blackstreet's 'No Diggity', 4 Non Blondes' 'What's Up?' and A Tribe Called Quest's 'Can I Kick It?'). Getting Trent Reznor, the rock-god patron saint of angsty alternative teens of three decades ago, on score duties with his usual composing partner Atticus Ross (Bones and All) is a genius move, and always sounds that way. Who else can craft tunes to fight frenetically in sewers and slink through the street by? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem caters expertly to millennial adults, clearly, but it doesn't forget that it's for today's young viewers as well. Although that mix of audiences requires a balancing act, Rogen and co know how to amuse themselves and still serve up TMNT for the next generations. All those famous names among the voice cast? Crucially, they always come second to Cantu, Abbey, Noon and Brown Jr in a lively, energetic treat of a flick — the franchise's equivalent of fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza and, yes a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles renaissance.
National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all people of Australia to learn and acknowledge the nation's shared history, to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to reconciliation. Reconciliation requires more than listening, learning and reflecting, which is powerfully summarised in this year's theme: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action. So, from Thursday, May 27 to Thursday, June 3, heaps of events will take place across the country to promote discussion and a commitment to reconciliation. We've handpicked 11 events to attend IRL and online during NRW 2021 — but keep in mind that there's a huge lineup of unique events, panel discussions and workshops to explore, no matter where you are in Australia. For the full calendar of events, check out the National Reconciliation Week website. WARRANE (SYDNEY) POLITICS AND ACTIVISM: THE FIGHT FOR ONGOING CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM Professor Larissa Behrendt AO (Eualeyai and Gamillaroi) and Australia's first Aboriginal Senior Counsel, Tony McAvoy (Wirdi) will discuss the history and legacy of activism in Australia, as well as the need for ongoing constitutional reform at the Australian Museum Theatre. The discussion will cover the 1967 Referendum, and key achievements of activist and educator, Dr Evelyn Scott AO (Warrgamay), who was pivotal to Australia's reconciliation journey through the 1960s and 70s. WEAVING WORKSHOPS For the arty people in the room, come and sit with Lee Carr (Wiradjuri) to learn about Aboriginal weaving practices. Under the guidance of Carr, participants will create their own raffia fibre basket or bracelet using traditional weaving styles, while learning about the significance of weaving techniques and practices. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, with Carr hosting workshops every second day from Thursday, May 27 through Saturday, June 5 at The Bankstown Arts Centre. NAARM (MELBOURNE) RECONCILIATION GATHERING Hear, watch and participate in the living culture of Wurundjeri peoples on a site of ongoing significance for the community. The event begins with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony from Wurundjeri Elders, and is followed by a Djirri Djirri Dancers sharing ceremony, and talks by Elders and leaders of the Wurundjeri community in Coburg. Update: New restrictions for Victoria were announced on Thursday, May 27, but you can check out the online events below. MEANJIN (BRISBANE) MURRI TRIVIA Test your knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander facts at Murri Trivia at Saint Lucy Caffe e Cucina, hosted by author Professor Anita Heiss (Wiradjuri). Open to all, this is a fun way to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander topics, plus you can try to win some prizes along the way. BOORLOO (PERTH) NYIN, NI, KOORLINY: SIT, LISTEN AND WALK For those on Noongar Boodja (Noongar Country) — this event is a great opportunity for reflection and a chance to revisit your personal commitment to reconciliation. The event starts with a Welcome to Country by Noongar Elder Aunty Marie Taylor, followed by a discussion with Shaun Nannup (Whadjuk Noongar) about reconciliation. Visitors will also be invited to take a reflective walk on Noongar Boodja, starting from Dyoondalup (Point Walter Reserve). TARNDANYA (ADELAIDE) RECONCILIATION WEEK PLANTING Roll up your sleeves, grab your trowel and get ready to get your hands dirty. Suitable for all ages, you're invited to help Kaunra Elder, Uncle Tamaru, plant some bush tucker back while learning about Aboriginal culture. Plus, everyone gets their own bush tucker plant to take home. KAMBERRA (CANBERRA) AUSTRALIAN NATION UNIVERSITY'S NRW PANEL Hosting a panel discussion on this year's theme, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, Australian National University is bringing together both First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians for a vibrant chat that welcomes all, as reconciliation is the responsibility of all peoples. Guests include Hon Linda Burney MP (Gunni and Gunditjmara), Geraldine Chin Moody and Professor Rae Frances, led by ABC Radio National Breakfast host Fran Kelly at ANU. NIPALUNA (HOBART) LUNCHTIME TOWN HALL FORUM WITH PROFESSOR MARCIA LANGTON AO Professor Marcia Langton (Yiman and Bidjara) is speaking at a number of locations in lutruwita/Trouwunna (Tasmania) about the National Reconciliation Week theme More than a word. Reconciliation takes action. Come along early to this free event to enjoy a complimentary light lunch with tea or coffee at Hobart Town Hall. GARRMALANG (DARWIN) NRW AT CITY OF DARWIN LIBRARIES City of Darwin Libraries are hosting a number of events across their branches to celebrate the week. Along with film screenings including Storm Boy and Charlie's Country, there will be special storytime and toddler time sessions with guests. ONLINE YOU CAN'T ASK THAT: MORE THAN A WORD. RECONCILIATION TAKES ACTION Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit Academic Director, Professor Tracey Bunda (Ngugi Wakka Wakka); Anthropology Museum Director, Michael Aird; and artist Gordon Hookey (Waanyi) come together for a special Q&A to confront stereotypes, prejudices, bias and discrimination during this online panel. THE JOURNEY HOME: RECONCILIATION THROUGH REPATRIATION Hosted by the University of Sydney online, join host Professor Larissa Behrendt AO (Eualeyai and Kamillaroi) and panellists Laura McBride (Wailwan and Kooma), Matt Poll, and Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker (Alyawarra) for a deep-dive discussion on the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage material. As part of the online chat, the panel will also explore the importance of returning Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains back to Australia—outlining how this forms a meaningful step towards reconciliation. National Reconciliation Week runs from Thursday, May 27–Thursday, June 3 nationwide. You can find an event near you — or register your own — via the National Reconciliation Week website. Top image: Celine Cheung.
COVID-19 has made us put many things on hold: holiday plans, visiting the office, meeting with friends. And for those of us who are not isolating with our significant others, some aspects of our relationship have definitely changed, too. Has our generation moved on from online dating to remote relationships? Perhaps, but only for a little while. Being far apart will take some getting used to, and video calls can hardly compare to actually spending time together, but there's nothing stopping you from having a fun date night with your partner. With everyone locked up at home, conversation can run a little dry, or veer straight into the coronavirus anxiety realm. That's not very romantic. So get creative and try things with an open mind, so you and your significant other can enjoy some much needed quality time together. Here are just a few ideas to get you started. COOK THE SAME MEAL — AND DECIDE WHOSE IS BETTER With so much time on our hands, we can all take advantage of isolation to work on our cooking. And what's more fun than adventuring into the kitchen with your favourite person? First you need to agree on a meal you both enjoy and can manage to round up ingredients for. Here are some recipes that call for five ingredients or fewer. You can also order boxes of groceries from a heap of restaurants. Once you've got everything you need, FaceTime your partner, open a bottle of wine, and get cooking. While you cook, you'll be able to see your significant other in action, doing their own thing, which is quite rare these days of virtual convos. Once your gourmet creation is ready, sit down and enjoy it together while you determine who's the better cook. Who said MasterChef? START A TV SERIES TOGETHER While streaming through a screen share might be a little ambitious, the two of you can coordinate playing and pausing whatever you're watching while you video chat. Right now we recommend checking out Hunters on Amazon Prime if you're looking for an intense action drama, or taking a look at Tiger King on Netflix if you're in search of a bizarre docuseries. You can also turn to cult classics you never had time to watch, like Peaky Blinders and Breaking Bad on Netflix. Looking for something lighter? Check out these titles. If you end up deciding on a Netflix series, the streaming platform has a handy plug-in called Netflix Party that lets you stream with friends (or, in this case, your significant other). In times like these, it's good to get lost in the world of fiction occasionally, and watching together will also give you two a lot to discuss. GET FIT TOGETHER AND DO A WORKOUT (OR A FEW) Few things are funnier than seeing your significant other struggling in candle pose when you decide to take a break from the yoga flow you're doing together. There are many local studios offering online classes to pick from, with work outs varying from yoga to 80s-style aerobics and so much more. Try ClassPass, which has put together livestream classes in a variety of disciplines and levels, so you can stay in shape while supporting local businesses. You can also ramp up the comedy a little by dressing up for the workouts: cue leopard-print leotards and OTT leg warmers for aerobics. MASTER THE ART OF CROSSWORDS Waking up on Sunday morning, whipping up a nice breakfast and sitting on the couch with your partner to solve the Sunday crossword, just like in the movies. Isn't that a nerdy dream we all can get behind? But Sunday crosswords can be hard, so we recommend you start off with some easier versions, like those printed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Then, you can slowly level up until you two can master the Sunday crossword, hopefully by the end of this time of isolation, so you can do it right: over brekkie with sunshine beaming through the window, and of course, with both of you in the same room. You might want to try the classic New York Times Crossword, or these free puzzles from The Guardian. Whichever you choose, you can download Discord or Zoom to share your screen to work on the same crossword while video calling. LEARN A NEW SKILL OR TWO TOGETHER Have you two daydreamed about visiting Mexico together? Now is the time to sit down and learn Spanish. Always wanted to know more about wine, to go on that romantic wine tasting trip together? Enrol in an oenology course together, and get the wines you need to taste delivered to your home. With everything going on, universities and websites are offering a bunch of online courses. What better use of your time apart than getting smarter together, and perhaps preparing for something you can do in the future. This can also help you expand your shared interests, something that will help your relationship beyond quarantine.
Australia is currently cruising through a pretty steamy winter (well, comparatively). Which means we don't need to stick to the standard soul-warming stouts and mulled wines that are our normal winter fodder. Instead, we can keep drinking spritzes and other equally refreshing concoctions — like this brand new sweet yuzu vermouth. The tasty child of Adelaide Hills winery Unico Zelo and sister distillery Applewood, it's made from a combination of Adelaide Hills nebbiolo grapes, some native Australian botanicals (usually used to make Applewood's Okar bitter amaro) and yuzu from Mountain Yuzu — a 20-acre farm located in northeast Victoria, on the foothills of the Australian Alps. As you can see, its an all-Australian affair, unlike a lot of traditional vermouths, which are made in Italy and France. Eco-minded founders and winemakers Laura and Brendan Carter are committed to using native botanicals and sustainably produced grapes in their entire range of wines and spirits, aiming to create products that truly taste Aussie as. As it's not a traditional sweet vermouth — it's really quite far from it — we forgive you for not knowing exactly how to drink it. But, thankfully, we've done some testing for you. On the rocks? Yep. Instead of Aperol in a spritz? Do it. With a splash of soda? Definitely. If you want something a little fancier, the Unico team has a couple of cocktail suggestions for you (handily printed on the back of the bottle, no less). Try your hand at the Ultimate Spritz — made with with Unico Yuzu, blackcurrant-flavoured liqueur from Australian distiller Marrionette and soda — or the Opal Miner: Unico Yuzu, gin, green chartreuse and orange bitters. Unico (the parent company of Unico Zelo and Applewood) has also been steadily dropping a line of limited-edition gins throughout the year, all of which use Australian botanicals, of course. Those include flavours like pepperberry, wattleseed and desert lime. Even more of these unusual drops are headed our way in 2019, too, so keep an eye on this space. All of Unico's limited releases only available in very small batches, so if you want it, don't wait on it. Unico's Yuzu Vermouth is now available to purchase via the website. Priced at $34.99 per bottle.
Cities are living beasts. Swelling and humming and brimming with life, these places we live are subject to change at any moment. These changes can be slow, like that giant apartment complex they've been building forever by your house. Or they can be fast, like the way the skyline comes to life with lights after 8pm. New York photographer Richard Silver has taken it upon himself to explore the latter changes, and the results are pretty beautiful. With his camera pointed towards iconic skylines and landmarks from around the world, Silver has catalogued an entire day in each image. Different from regular timelapse photography that creates a fluid sense of movement, Silver's images are staccato and ornate. Like a collage, each photograph is composed of shots from 36 different times throughout the day. Looking from left to right, you get a glimpse into a full day, from dawn to dusk. Enamoured with the nature of time, Silver appropriately named the series Time Slice. "[It] started in New York when I would go out at sunset to photograph iconic NY buildings," the artist told The Huffington Post. "I can take a photograph a mere few seconds apart and the change in of blue in the sky at sunset just fascinates me." It seems that people around the world are fascinated by this idea as well. In the last week alone, hits to his website have increased from roughly 1,000 per day to upwards of 190,000. Digital sightseers have descended upon the series to view his take on Easter Island, Shanghai, Venice, Milan, London and the Colosseum among others. No longer do tourists have to bicker about whether it's better to see a landmark during the day or at night! Just stay at home and drink in the whole thing. See more of Richard Silver's work at his website. Via Huffington Post. Photos via Richard Silver.
Talk about dreams coming true, or ideas that you've probably fantasised about over a few glasses of vino actually becoming a reality. A town in Italy has installed what's certain to become a tourist attraction, at least with those fond of a grape-centric boozy beverage: a free, 24-hour wine fountain. Because you're probably already booking a trip to the European country, then Abruzzo is the place you want to head to. There, designed to provide refreshments to folks following the Cammino di San Tommaso pilgrimage from Rome to Ortona, inspired by a similar setup on the Camino de Santiago route in Spain, located at the Dora Sarchese vineyard and open to anyone who walks by, you'll find the fontana del vino dripping with the good stuff. Red wine that is, not white. Yes, this is a real thing. No, we'd never joke about something like this. It's better than anything Art vs Science could ever sing about, and up there with the cascade of youth-giving liquid spoken about in legends and nodded to in Darren Aronofsky's Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz-starring 2006 film. Forget bubblers spurting H20 — this is the true holy grail of public drink dispensers. You might recall similar concepts popping up around Italy in the past; however they were once-off affairs. This is permanent: no gimmicks, no time limit, just an all-day-round spring of vino that you can enjoy for zilch. The vineyard does warn that it's not for drunkards, though, so behave yourselves. Via Travel and Leisure.
While face masks were first mandated in Melbourne back in mid-July, the Queensland Government spent 2020 encouraging its citizens to cover up, rather than making face coverings compulsory. From 6pm on Friday, January 8, however, that changed — and masks aren't going away in Queensland any time soon. At the moment, until 6pm on Monday, January 11 as part of the Greater Brisbane lockdown (in the Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands local government areas), masks are mandatory unless you're at home. When 6pm hits, the rules will loosen, but masks will still be compulsory in a number of circumstances, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today. These new rules will be in place for the next ten days, so until at least 1am on Friday, January 22, in line with other venue and gathering caps that will come into effect when lockdown ends. If you're spending time indoors somewhere other than your house, you'll need to wear a mask. That specifically applies at shopping centres, supermarkets, gyms, entertainment venues such as cinemas, libraries and places of worship, as well as workplaces where people can't socially distance. You'll also need to don a mask on public transport, and in taxis and ride share vehicles — and if you can't maintain social distancing outdoors, you'll need to wear one too. This means you will always have to carry a mask with you, even if you're somewhere that doesn't require you to pop one on at that very moment. For instance, you don't have to wear a mask if you're outside at a safe distance from other people, exercising strenuously or in your own car — but you have to have one on you in case you come to a crowded area outside, for when you stop working out or for when you hop out of your vehicle if you're going to an indoor premises. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1348405629535219712 Discussing the new mask rules, Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young noted that mandating face coverings meant that other restrictions didn't need to be quite as strict. "Masks are quite a game changer. We didn't have masks in March went we did all of those restrictions then. We do have masks [now], so we can be more confident about our other strategies," she said. As has proven the case during Greater Brisbane's lockdown, $200 fines are in effect for folks who don't comply with the mask rules. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. More details about the lockdown, masks and associated restrictions can also be found on the Queensland Health website.
They have toured extensively throughout the US, Canada and Europe, now Australia will again be able to revel in the sonic bliss that is The Black Keys. The 2-piece garage rock heroes have rocked festivals all over the world on the back of some massive success with their latest albums, Brothers and El Camino, which have firmly set the duo at the top of the rock music heap. This will sure to be a highlight on the live music calendar, be sure to get your tickets before they go. The Black Keys will be supported by Australian garage-soul rock upstarts, Royal Headache, who are quickly gaining a massive following of their own.
Your weekly grocery shopping adventures (or misadventures) could soon be given a shake up, with Amazon set to launch a series of bricks-and-mortar stores and an online supermarket within the next two years right here in Australia, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. The retail giant has been flirting plenty with the grocery sector of late; its most recent global initiatives include the Prime Now program — an impressive US service where you can get everything from groceries to restaurant food to clothes and household items delivered in less than two hours — and Amazon Fresh, an online grocery delivery service that recently entered the UK market. Both of these programs now look set to land in Singapore, Southeast Asia, and on our own shores — a move that could see Amazon snap up between $3.5 and 4 billion in Aussie sales within five years, according to Citi's Australian retail analysts. Each of these new multi-function stores would be about the same size as an Aldi supermarket, but stock only items like meat, dairy, alcohol, fruit and veggies — all the bits and pieces you like to have a proper squiz at before buying. Tens of thousands of other items would be stored offsite in fulfilment centres and available to order via a mobile app or in-store kiosk for delivery to your doorstep. Word is, the stores will even have drive-through lanes, where you can pick up groceries you've ordered online, without leaving your car. Not quite as exciting as those Macca's runs, but pretty darn convenient nonetheless. The shift from online to bricks-and-mortar stores is a stupefying one, but not new for Amazon — last year they opened their first physical bookstore. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
The saying "all good things come to an end" doesn't apply that often on TV anymore. Whenever a show wraps up, there's usually a chance that it could return in some shape or form, whether as a prequel such as House of the Dragon, a sequel series like That '90s Show or a revival as Party Down is currently doing. But when Barry finishes its run after its upcoming fourth and final season, this really might be it for Bill Hader's (Lightyear) military sniper-turned-hitman-turned actor. If you've watched season three, which was characteristically phenomenal, you'll know why — but, also, a show about an assassin trying to be an on-screen star in Hollywood can't keep its main figure away from the law forever. So, in the just-dropped first trailer for Barry season four, HBO teases an "arresting final act". Barry is incarcerated, his mentor and veteran thespian Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler, Black Adam) is being hailed as a hero, but this turn of events is clearly going to have consequences. In the initial sneak peek, Barry is seeing his friends and acquaintances as he wanders around the yard in prison — including Cousineau, his former handler Monroe (Stephen Root, Succession) and his ex-girlfriend Sally (Sarah Goldberg, The Night House) — which doesn't bode well for his already-fragile mental health. Is this where the killer-for-hire will be when the eight-episode season concludes? Will Chechen gangster Noho Hank (Anthony Carrigan, Bill & Ted Face the Music) somehow intervene? What's happening with Sarah's career after season three? These are all natural questions to have about the Emmy-winner's return. Answers will start coming soon, with Barry season four set to start streaming via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand from Monday, April 17. If you're new to all things Barry, Hader not only stars but created the show, has directed a heap of episodes, and also co-wrote others. The initial setup: when Hader's Barry Berkman heads from Cleveland to Los Angeles for his job, he discovers a previously unknown passion for acting after he stumbles into a class held by veteran thespian Cousineau. The catch? Barry kills people for money, and that isn't a line of work that you can leave easily, especially when you become caught in the Chechen mafia's violent and deadly dramas. Check out the first trailer for Barry season four below: Barry's fourth season will start streaming via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand from Monday, April 17. Top image: Merrick Morton/HBO.
