The number of Malaysian restaurants in Brisbane pales in comparison to the seeming abundance of Thai and Vietnamese ones. It belies the fact that Malaysia offers up some of the best food South East Asia has to offer. That said, the number of places celebrating this increasingly sought-after cuisine is slowly but steadily on the rise. A healthy sprinkling of Brisbane’s Malaysian restaurants can be found outside the CBD area. A prime example is Satay Ria of Cannon Hill – last year’s winner of the Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Award for Best Malaysian Restaurant (Brisbane and the Darling Downs). Quite an accomplishment, given they have only been open since September 2011. You may not expect to find a family restaurant in the Cannon Hill Shopping Plaza. Don’t worry; it is not in the food court; Satay Ria fills a self-contained space on the centre’s perimeter. Besides, the convenient location makes parking a breeze. Despite the arguably less than glamourous surroundings, Satay Ria itself looks pretty sharp. The glass-fronted eatery has walls painted bold red, dark wooden chairs, crisp white table cloths, lantern-esque light fittings and ceiling fans with woven detailing. Though Satay Ria does takeaway, and even office and home catering, the atmosphere encourages dining in (and many do – so book ahead on weekends). There is something comfortingly familiar about it – like a jazzier version of your beloved local Chinese. The menu divides dishes according to its main ingredient (ie ‘Prawns’) and though the sheer variety of plates on offer should foster a bit of adventurism, it is tempting to order everything from the ‘Special Malaysian’ section. It’s hard to go past Hainan chicken rice, Nasi Lemak Campur (fragrant coconut rice with a portion of chicken curry, served with sliced egg, achar salad, peanuts and sambal bilis), or roti curry. The latter is made with your choice of beef, lamb or chicken, and the accompanying roti canai are deliciously flaky. Satay chicken or beef skewers make a tasty entree, and the Kuih Ketayap (shredded coconut wrapped in pandan flavour pancake) would make a fitting end to the meal if you have room. Fully licensed, there is a modest but more than adequate selection of beers, wines and spirits. Or, you can always eschew alcohol in favour of a longan juice.
Oops, they've done it again — the folks at Fortitude Valley's La Costa have come up with another novel way to spend your weekend. This time, the hits of Britney Spears will be blasting through the speakers as you crack the yolk on your first meal of the day. It's Britney, Brunch is one for mega fans of the singing superstar. So, really, it's for everyone. Alongside listening to chart-toppers from the pop icon's discography — including spun by DJ Bliss, and via drag performances — attendees will enjoy prosciutto-topped bruschetta, mini smashed avos, brekkie sliders, waffles topped with fried chicken and blinis. And, there's also three hours of drinks on offer. Hit me baby one more wine? That's something you'll be saying here. If you seek free-flowing mimosas, you'll be saying "gimme more", too. This isn't a dress-up affair but, if you're not that innocent and want to bust out your best 90s-themed look — butterfly clips, transfer tattoos and double-denim all included — that's perfectly understandable. It all goes down from 11.30am–3.30pm on Saturday, April 9, with tickets costing $110 — or $85 without the beverages.
You can never have too much greenery in your life, both inside and outside your house. And, whether you're decking out your interiors or setting up a luxe outdoor hangout zone, you can never have too many homewares either. At least that's what you'll keep telling yourself while you're browsing around The Home Collective's wares. At its next event, the northside market will be offering up an array of plants, pots, furniture, cushions, art, ceramics, candles and other items that belong in your house or garden. If you're keen for a sneak peek, or some design inspiration, check out the event's Instagram page. That'll motivate you to head along, we're certain. Taking place at the Wavell Heights Community Hall from 8am–12pm on Sunday, July 31, the market will kit out your abode with plenty of choices — there'll be more than 55 stalls ready for you to peruse. Sure, there's an excuse to boost your garden and homewares cred every weekend in Brissie, or so it seems, but you just can't have to much of a good thing. Entry is via gold coin donation, which'll go to the folks at Animal Welfare Queensland. And there'll also be caffeinated beverages on offer to help perk up your Sunday morning — plus bites to eat from a range of food trucks.
Brisbane's balmy summers aren't just a blessing for beachgoers. If you're fond of cooling down on dry land with a spritz in your hand and the sun's rays on your face, this is your time to shine. Queensland's gorgeous climate, tastebud-tempting cocktails, and that carefree vibe that floats across the Brisbane River as soon as the season hits is certain to bring us back together. If you're wondering where to head, we've teamed up with Aperol to pick seven must-visit spots that'll take care of the holy trifecta: all that glorious sunshine, ample space for you and your pals, and, of course, spritzes.
On- and off-screen, Bluey is inseparable from Brisbane. For its setting, the hit animated series takes inspiration from the Queensland capital. It also hails from a studio based in the River City. The Heeler home resembles Brissie's Queenslanders. And back in 2022 when a replica of the Bluey house popped up temporarily, of course it happened in Brisbane. It makes sense, then, that you can now step inside the famous Brisbane series at the new Bluey's World experience in Brissie. Announced in 2023 and open since early November 2024, the attraction will get you walking around life-sized sets that recreate the beloved family-friendly show. Yes, the Heeler house and yard are part of the setup — for real life. Yes, you can expect to hear "wackadoo!" more than once while you're there. Movie World might've badged itself as Hollywood on the Gold Coast, but it's no longer the only big tourist hotspot giving visitors to southeast Queensland — and locals as well — a chance to explore their on-screen favourites IRL. An immersive installation sprawling across 4000 square metres, Bluey's World features the Heelers' living room, playroom, kitchen, backyard (poinciana tree included) and more. Alongside bringing the global TV sensation's sets into reality, it also boasts familiar interactive games such as Keepy Uppy and Magic Xylophone, plus other activities for both kids and adults. Maybe you'll be accompanying your own little ones, or your nieces and nephews. Perhaps you know that appreciating the adorable Aussie show about a family of blue heelers isn't just for children. Either way, this new addition to Northshore Pavilion in Northshore Brisbane is big — literally thanks to its sizeable floor plan. And yes, as seen in the series, you can arrive via CityCat. Visitors should plan to spend 70 minutes bounding through the experience — and will also find an indoor playground that nods to Bluey's Brisbane neighbourhood, plus spring rolls and pizza on offer at the cafe. There's a soundscape to match, plus a gift shop. For big Bluey birthday celebrations, the site is hosting parties as well. Bluey's World is exclusive to Brisbane, making it a tourist attraction to fans not only locally and nationally but worldwide. Unsurprisingly, that's a big part of the push from both the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, who are supporting the BBC Studios- and HVK Productions-produced experience.
Cheese and pasta go together like few food combinations. As great as they both are individually, a particularly enticing alchemy of flavours occurs when they join forces. But simply sprinkling grated mozzarella or ground parmesan over your spaghetti is yesterday's news. Eating pasta served out of a cheese wheel is what it's all about now. Salt Meats Cheese has long been hopping on everyone's current favourite Italian culinary bandwagon with its weekly night dedicated to the dish — and while Australia's restaurants and eateries are currently in takeaway and delivery-only mode, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on your cheesy pasta fix. Every Wednesday, you can order one kilogram of brie cheese spaghetti for $39, and either pick it up or have it brought to your home via UberEats or Deliveroo. While you're sitting at your own dining table, you'll be able to tuck into the cheesiest bowl of pasta you're ever likely to taste, with each serving designed for two people. Flavour-wise, there's a few available, because even a meal like cheese wheel pasta can use a few additions. Just classic cheese is on the menu, as are black truffle sauce, carbonara and a supremely indulgent four-cheese sauce.
From towering mountains and serene fiords shrouded in mist, to black sand beaches and forests housing some of the world's oldest trees, Aotearoa New Zealand's natural landscapes truly are something else. No matter when you visit, you'll feel the wairua (spirit) of New Zealand's landscapes drawing you in as you're immersed in them and they envelop you. This is scenery you'll feel, rather than merely 'view'. Winter transforms vistas as the skies darken, mountains rising from the horizon are dusted in snow and the seasonal passing by of wildlife occurs. During autumn and spring, you'll be bathed in warmer temperatures and lingering sunlight that casts a different light over the landscapes. We teamed up with 100% Pure New Zealand to unveil some of the most awe-inspiring scenery New Zealand has to offer each season, so you can plan a trip that's made all the more memorable by these breathtaking encounters. Flick the switch for our top picks of experiences to have in autumn, winter and spring and see how New Zealand changes with the seasons. Jump to switcher
It's said we make 35,000 decisions a day. The weight of these choices varies greatly, but often it's the small decisions we make that can have the greatest impact, particularly on a global level. From bringing a reusable cup to the coffee shop to buying high-quality threads, there are plenty of small changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and still make an impact. Sustainability is not a buzzword; it's something that should be at the forefront of our day-to-day decision making. For Australian menswear brand M.J. Bale, moving towards a more sustainable future drove the decision to launch a new range of single-source garments from a low-impact farm in Tasmania. To celebrate the Kingston Collection, we've partnered up with M.J. Bale to give you five simple tips to help you make more sustainable choices in your daily routine. BUY LESS AND BUY QUALITY Although nabbing a fast-fashion bargain seems like a good idea at the time, after a couple of washes it will probably look a little worse for wear. Why? Because these trend-driven pieces aren't designed to last. Investing in higher-quality items means you'll have a closet that'll stand the test of time as well as reduce your impact on the environment; clothes manufacturing has a pretty dire impact on the environment, so the less often you buy, the better. M.J. Bale is just one Australian fashion house that favours timeless, well-made threads over seasonal trends — although it is always sartorially suave. "We don't believe in trends at M.J. Bale," says founder and CEO Matt Jensen. Furthermore, the new Kingston Collection range heroes sustainable wool. For Jensen, traceability was key to his decision to partner with Simon Cameron — a sixth-generation farmer of the environmentally low-impact Kingston Farm. "The wool in these Kingston suits comes from this exact farm," explains Jensen, "and this is the grower who produced it, and this is how well he treats his merino sheep, and this is how he takes care of the land." Head into your nearest M.J. Bale store and make the conscious effort to ditch the fleeting trend-based fashion cycle and create a timeless wardrobe with premium pieces that'll serve you for years to come. [caption id="attachment_710930" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW.[/caption] WALK OR CYCLE TO WORK Getting to the office doesn't have to include a crowded commute or circling the block for hours trying to find a park. Boost your step count and hit the pavement or hop on your bike and cycle to the office. Not only will you get the blood pumping but walking and cycling also help to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, you'll skip the congested city traffic making for a much calmer start to your day. If walking, set yourself up for success by starting small. Aim to get off a couple of bus stops earlier than usual or try walking home a couple of afternoons each week. Get creative and find ways to maximise this time by tuning into a good podcast, crafting a killer playlist or scheduling a phone call with one of your out-of-town mates. If you're cycling, you're likely to get home faster rather than sitting in the evening car crawl after work. BRING YOUR OWN CUP TO YOUR COFFEE RUN For the caffeine addicts among us, our day doesn't start until we have a coffee in hand. But our love for a cup of joe shouldn't cost the earth. As most notably brought to light by the War on Waste, it is estimated that Australians throw away 50,000 disposable cups every half hour. That's roughly 2.7 million a day, or one billion each year. In Sydney alone, we discard approximately 100 million annually. And that's mostly all into landfill. Nabbing yourself a re-usable coffee cup is a no-brainer in 2019. It's one simple change to your morning routine that can make huge strides towards reducing unnecessary waste. Plus, these sturdier cups make for a damn good drinking experience, with sealable lids and thermal insulation designed to keep beverages hot all the way to your desk. Taking things up a notch, Sydney has just launched Green Caffeine — the city's first free re-usable coffee cup sharing network. If a city can take this simple sustainable step on board, so can you. [caption id="attachment_698391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Carriageworks by Jacqui Manning.[/caption] PREP YOUR LUNCHES WITH LOCAL FARMER'S PRODUCE No one really wants to spend their Sunday night slaving over the stove, but hear us out. Meal prepping is one of the best ways to save yourself some extra dosh each week and means you'll avoid splurging on pricey UberEats orders when you're too busy to grab lunch. Plus, by going to some local markets, you can turn your grocery shop into a delightful weekend jaunt. Who doesn't want to spend a morning patting pooches, grabbing a coffee (using your keep cup, of course) and soaking in some sunshine all while smashing out the weekly grocery shop? Farmers' markets have fresh, sustainable and often organic produce from nearby farms. Not only does eating local help support grass-roots farmers, but it also lowers the distance produce has to travel to arrive from paddock to plate, meaning fewer carbon emissions polluting the environment. Sydneysiders, head to Marrickville Organic Food Market every Sunday morning from 9am, Carriageworks Farmers Markets each Saturday from 8am or Erskineville Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am. GO DIGITAL AND SAY NO TO UNNECESSARY OFFICE PRINTING Let's face it, office printers are the pits. They're constantly jammed, out of ink or running low on paper. And don't get us started on scanning. Next time you mindlessly hit Command + P, think again. What are you about to print? How long will you use this hard-copy? Could you work from the digital version instead? Take a moment to question your decisionmaking and consider ways to reduce the number of runs you make to the printer. Sure, there are some cases where you can't escape printed documents, but making a start by not printing unnecessary emails or files will help limit that churn through huge quantities of ink and paper. Top image: M.J. Bale Kingston suits by Jamie Azzopardi.
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.
If you're fond of staring at the heavens with your own two eyes to see a stunning sight, you'll want to spend Wednesday, September 18, 2024 looking up. A supermoon is upon us, with the best time to see it arriving just after sunset Down Under — so if you train your peepers upwards this evening, you'll be in for a glowing show. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — several usually happen each year, and one occurred just last month — there is a good reason to peer upwards this time around. If you're wondering why, we've run through the details below. [caption id="attachment_769713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA/Joel Kowsky[/caption] What Is It? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. They're not all that uncommon — and because September 2024's supermoon is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. It's also a harvest moon, too, which refers to the time of year in the northern hemisphere, because this is when the autumn harvest tends to begin in the other half of the world. Of course, that doesn't apply in the southern hemisphere, but the name still sticks. When Can I See It? As mentioned above, your best time to look at the harvest supermoon is from sunset on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The moon always appears full for a few days, however, so if you already thought that the night sky looked a little brighter this week, that's why. To catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside when it gets dark to feast your eyes on a luminous lunar sight. Head over to timeanddate.com for the relevant moonrise and moonset times for your area. In Sydney, the moon rises at 6pm on Wednesday and sets at 6.19am on Thursday. Those times for Melbourne are 6.26pm Wednesday and 6.43am Thursday, while Brisbane's are 5.53pm Wednesday and at 6.13am Thursday. In Perth, it's 6.26pm Wednesday and 6.44am Thursday, while Adelaide's are 6.23pm Wednesday and 6.40am Thursday. Where Can I See It? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Also, if you've heard about the supermoon partial lunar eclipse, sadly that's not visible from Australia — but you can watch it online from 11am AEST Down Under. Via NASA / timeanddate.com. Top image: Andrew C.
Wave your hand, see a massive roster of musicians behind the microphone across the Harbour City: that's the SXSW Sydney Music Festival setup. The live tunes part of the event lets you wander between more than 200 performances on 25 stages over seven days if you have a wristband, and the 2024 lineup just keeps expanding. After a successful Australian debut in 2023, SXSW Sydney is back for a second year from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 — and the program announcements continue to drop. This time, the festival's music strand has added over 25 acts, plus a heap of speakers. When you're not dancing to China's Berlin Psycho Nurses, Indonesia's KATHMANDU and mindfreakk, YONLAPA from Thailand and Sydney's own 2touch making their live debut — and also the likes of Touch Sensitive, Heno., dogworld, GIMMY and Kurilpa Reach — you'll be hearing from Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman as the man behind the Slumdog Millionaire score gets chatting. SXSW Sydney 2024 started revealing its lineup details back in May, and has kept growing it since. A further announcement arrived in June, then not one, not two, but three more in July — and also another, focusing on the free hub at Tumbalong Park, at the beginning of August. Accordingly, no one can say that they don't have anything to see when the fest makes its comeback this year, especially if the music bill gets your toes tapping. Other fresh additions span Arky Waters, Bakers Eddy, Big Sand, Charm of Finches, Dave Kent, Elizabeth M Drummond, Holiday Sidewinder, Hydra Fashion Week, Ivoris, Kinder Bloomen, Majak Door, Nao Yoshioka, overpass, Rub Of Rub, Tim Hicks, YAHYAH and Yawdoesitall among the folks taking to the stage. Joining the speakers: Priyanka Khimani, who was named one of the top music lawyers by Billboard; veteran bookers Marty Diamond and Larry Webman; A&R Island Records head Marihuzka Cornelius; and plenty more. In one of those aforementioned July drops, 2024's SXSW Sydney Music Festival also added 40-plus talents, such as the UK's Jorja Smith on the 'Be Honest' musician's Australian tour — and also Canada's Aysanabee, Thailand's PYRA, New Zealand's Brandn Shiraz and XUZZ, and the UK's Submerse. Aussies Brazen Barbie, Jamahl Yami, Kitschen Boy and Special Feelings scored a spot as well. And prior to that, the 2024 program already confirmed human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, author Johann Hari, Australian race car driver Molly Taylor, pianist Chad Lawson, Westworld's Luke Hemsworth hosting a session about the Tasmanian tiger, Aussie astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, TikTok marketing head Sofia Hernandez, Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon, cricketer David Warner, Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid and documentary Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts, about the new uses of former Pizza Hut buildings across America — and that's barely scratching the surface of the lineup specifics announced so far. SXSW Sydney 2024 will run from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Images: Peter McMillan, Jordan Kirk, Jess Gleeson and Ian Laidlaw.
Ever since the days of The Island, Brisbanites have been ditching dry land for partying on the Brisbane River. Sailing where Seadeck, Yot Club and GoBoat's picnic boats have also gone, Oasis is the River City's about-to-open latest floating venue — a 500-person, 35-metre-long, three-level bar on a steel-hull catamaran that'll host DJ-soundtracked shindigs by both day and night when it launches in mid-April. It isn't hard to find something to do near, around, in or on the Old Brown Snake, but this one involves hopping aboard a$10-million vessel at the City Botanic Gardens River Hub. And, it's sticking around permanently, rather than cruising in and out seasonally. Oasis was also custom-designed for Brisbane's windy waterway, with Alex Zabotto-Bentley — who also did the honours for Seadeck and Sydney's Glass Island — taking care of the hues, fixtures and fittings. The aim: to immerse partygoers in a Sicily and Capri vibe. Thanks to The White Lotus' second season, nodding to Italian islands is quite the vibe right now. When it takes to the water from Saturday, April 22, Oasis will let its passengers rove over three levels all decked out in their own way, providing different experiences on each. Each comes with its own bar, sound system, standing areas, and seating including VIP tables; however, the lower floor is going with copper, dark tones and a pressed tin ceiling, and the middle deck with greenery and wood aplenty. Up on top, pink and white stripes are a feature, alongside tropical plants. The vessel will make its maiden voyage with a literally cruisy afternoon session featuring Faint One, Anna Sonnenburg, Apollo, Fig Jam, Geordie and Darren Sommerville on the on-deck decks, then celebrate its launch in a big way the next week with Torren Foot, Airwolf Paradise, Paluma, Kessin and De Saint on Saturday, April 29. The lineup of DJs and artists will rotate weekly, and Oasis will also serve up sips and bites to eat. And, if you want to book the whole place out for your own soirée, that's available Monday–Friday. "Brisbane is famous for its energised spirit, its youthful vitality, its vibrant love of the outdoors and its love of celebration, and Oasis has been designed to amplify this," said Oasis founder Dave Auld. "As we look forward to the Olympics in 2032, Brisbane will become one of the hottest cities in the world, and the Brisbane River one of the hottest pieces of real estate — and that's where Oasis calls home!" Oasis is set to launch on Saturday, April 22, departing from City Botanic Gardens River Hub, 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City. Head to the vessel's website for bookings and further details. Images: renders of Oasis.
A new player is stepping up to bat in the Australian hospitality scene, and in Melbourne. Introducing The StandardX, scheduled to open in Fitzroy in February 2024. The StandardX is the latest brainchild of Standard International, known for its lifestyle hotels in cosmopolitan hotspots like New York, Miami and London. But The StandardX is set to be a new direction for the brand, with the Fitzroy concept acting as "a rebellious younger sibling" of The Standard Hotels across the globe, distilling The Standard experience to its "x factor", and going for a more minimalist and cool approach. It seems that Fitzroy is the perfect location for the new concept. Melbourne's own Hecker Guthrie has infused the hotel's 125 rooms and public spaces with a contemporary yet unpretentious aesthetic. As for the food, don't expect the standard hotel restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya, the rooftop dining area will be exclusive to hotel guests, offering an array of Medellin-inspired dishes, including tacos and ceviche. The rooftop bar will be the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail after dinner, or before a night out, or at 10am — it's a hotel after all. With panoramic city views and the privacy that comes with exclusivity, it's set to be a pretty nice spot to have a sip and take in the majesty of the Melbourne skyline for locals and tourists alike. For those after a more casual bite, the all-day Thai diner and The Box, a retail concept offering on-the-go snacks and drinks, will ensure you're never far from curing a rumbling belly. With room rates expected to hover between $250–350, The StandardX is positioning itself as a premium choice for travellers and Melburnians looking for a unique hotel experience that blends luxury with Fitzroy's artistic and cultural heritage. Nick Cave, Ollie Olsen, Stuart Grant and Rowland S. Howard are even among the hotel's inspirations. The StandardX is set to open in February 2024 at 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy — head to the hotel's website for further details.
Thanks to an unfortunately timed COVID-19 outbreak, this year's edition of the Emerging Writers' Festival will take place entirely online. But if you're a devourer of books, you can rest assured it's still set to deliver a hefty lineup of talks, workshops, panels and more. Running from June 16–June 26, the all-digital program has events for all varieties of lit-lover — from After Dark, a night of live-streamed performance headlined by emerging stars like Wai-Mun Mah, Christy Tan, Jesse Oliver and Penny Smits, to a short story masterclass led by the award-winning Alice Bishop. Streamed via YouTube, Next Big Thing will feature readings from some of the country's hottest up-and-coming talent, while Littlefoot & Co heads up a night of spoken word on June 24. Plus, EWF favourite Amazing Babes will see a cast of familiar faces sharing stories about the women, real and imagined, who've helped shape their lives. The National Writers' Conference will also run as planned, with a full-day online program of panels, talks, workshops and pitching sessions. It's also your chance to hear from EWF's 2021 ambassadors, including poet and editor Elena Gomez (Body of Work), activist and novelist Tony Birch (Ghost River), and non-fiction star Sisonke Msimang (Always Another Country: A Memoir of Exile and Home). [caption id="attachment_811529" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sisonke Msimang[/caption]
When it comes to movies, we sometimes use 'Hollywood' as a pejorative. We might employ it to mean schmaltzy, unrealistic, vapid and other similar unpleasantries. But when I say The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is the ultimate Hollywood movie, I mean it's the good side of Hollywood, all packaged and wrapped up in time for Christmas. Funny, optimistic, life-affirming and full of pretty pictures and massive special effects, the film is something of a passion project for Ben Stiller, who directed, produced and stars in it. It's adapted from a 1939 short story by Jamie Thurber that's been reshaped entirely beyond its basic premise. The film follows a quiet Life magazine staffer as he learns to seize the day. As the head of the negative assets department, Walter is responsible for selecting and processing the works of their world-roving star photographers, chief among them the shamanistic Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn). But Walter has never experienced this wide world for himself, after the blows of life turned him timid. Instead, he imagines epic adventures for himself — diving into exploding buildings to save a dog, hiking the Arctic and, in a high point of the film, living a backwards Benjamin Button-like life with the woman he loves. That he 'zones out' while engaged in these daydreams does not help his social standing in cutthroat New York. Life doesn't exist any more, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is set in the dying days of the monthly magazine. Ted Hendricks (a disconcertingly bearded Adam Scott) is brought in to oversee the move from print to online and the accompanying rafts of redundancies, and Walter is firmly in his sights. Unfortunately, Walter can't find Sean's 'negative 25', which the photographer has described as capturing the "quintessence of life" and which is wanted for the final cover. Given new courage by love — in the form of colleague Cheryl (Kristen Wigg) — he sets off to track down Sean and the missing negative, using the few clues he has. Iceland is his starting point for a very big adventure that sees his latent resourcefulness and cool coming to the surface. For a mainstream, very feelgood film, it's the weird quirks that make The Secret Life of Walter Mitty loveable. Aside from the interjecting daydream worlds, Walter is shadowed by an over-caring eHarmony customer service representative, Todd (Patton Oswalt), who's determined to help him succeed in love. Their phone chats, coming at inevitably odd times throughout the film, are always funny and welcome. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is really ideal New Year's rather than Boxing Day fodder, egging you into living fully and booking that adventure holiday you've been putting off. There's so much focus on travel as a means to self-realisation, in fact, that it's ultimately to the film's detriment. It's simplistic; skateboarding down the valley of an active volcano might make you a more open person, or it could make you a twat. All outcomes are possible for the intrepid traveller. But that shouldn't ruin the journey of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It's a charmer with a good heart and a healthy dose of unrealism. https://youtube.com/watch?v=7ve8mc6UNSk
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.
Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye is swapping screens for stages, and ditching playing a sleazy nightclub owner on HBO for his usual music superstar beat. Fresh from starring in The Idol, the Canadian singer-songwriter has locked in Down Under dates for his After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour, heading to Australia and New Zealand in November and December this year. The 'Starboy', 'I Feel It Coming', 'Can't Feel My Face', 'The Hills' and 'Blinding Lights' artist will hit up arenas in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, as part of a tour that's been notching up soldout shows far and wide. In the UK, The Weekend saw 160,000 folks head to London Stadium across two nights, smashing the venue's attendance record. And in Milan, he became the first artist to sell out the Ippodromo La Maura for two nights. Those feats are just the beginning. In Paris, he scored Stade de France's biggest sales this year — and in Nice, the 70,000 tickets sold across his two shows are the most in the city's history. Will his Down Under dates add to his record-breaking run? Australia in particular has been loving the return of huge international tours. See: the Taylor Swift frenzy. The reason for the Aussie and Aotearoa gigs, other than just because, is to celebrate The Weeknd's 2020 record After Hours and its 2022 followup Dawn FM. Obviously, he'll be playing tracks from 2013's Kiss Land, 2015's Beauty Behind the Madness and 2016's Starboy as well. In support across The Weeknd's four Down Under shows: Mike Dean and Chxrry22. The tour will help a good cause, too, other than your need to see The Weeknd live. The artist has been contributing funds for his shows to the United Nations World Food Programme's XO Humanitarian Fund, as one of the organisation's Goodwill Ambassador, raising over $1 million from his Europe run alone. THE WEEKND'S 'AFTER HOURS TIL DAWN TOUR' 2023: Monday, November 20 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Friday, November 24 — Accor Stadium, Sydney Friday, December 1 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Thursday, December 7 — Eden Park, Auckland The Weeknd is touring Australia and New Zealand in November and December 2023. For more information, and for pre-sale tickets from Friday, August 25, then general tickets from Friday, September 1, head to the tour website.
Since hitting Broadway five years ago, notching up 11 Tony Awards, nabbing the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and just becoming an all-round pop culture phenomenon, Hamilton was always going to make the leap to cinemas. So, it's no wonder Disney has leapt at the opportunity, bringing Lin-Manuel Miranda's historical hip hop musical to the big screen in late 2021 — albeit via a filmed version of the stage production, rather than a traditional stage-to-screen adaptation. Miranda has talked about turning his acclaimed show into a movie, and apparently the first draft of a script has been written, but while a film version of his earlier musical In the Heights will reach cinemas in mid-2020, a feature adaptation of Hamilton isn't happening just yet. Everyone still wants to see the tale of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton on the big screen, though — if you haven't been lucky enough to catch the popular musical in New York, as it toured the US or on London's West End, then you probably just want to see it, period — so this "live capture" version is here to fill the gap. Shot at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway back in 2016, this cinematic screening of Hamilton is still a big deal. Actually, given the fact that it features the original Broadway cast — including Miranda in the eponymous role — it's a huge deal. Everyone who missed out on the opportunity to see the musical's initial run live will be able to do the next best thing, with Hamilton jumping on the popular trend of screening filmed versions of plays and musicals in cinemas. https://twitter.com/Lin_Manuel/status/1224377343126462466 As noted in Disney's US press release, only American and Canadian seasons have been announced so far, kicking off from October 15 in 2021— but with something as huge as Hamilton, it's safe to assume that these "live capture" screenings will make their way Down Under as well. The stage production finally arrives in Australia in March 2021, so if you miss out on tickets (or can't afford to buy them) this could be a nice consolation prize. In addition to Miranda — who stars, and wrote the musical's music, lyrics and book — this filmed version of the production features Daveed Diggs (Velvet Buzzsaw) as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Leslie Odom Jr. (Murder on the Orient Express) as Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson (When They See Us) as George Washington, Jonathan Groff (Mindhunter) as King George, Renee Elise Goldsberry (The House with a Clock in Its Walls) as Angelica Schuyler and Phillipa Soo (the Broadway version of Amelie) as Eliza Hamilton. Hamilton will screen in US cinemas from October 15, 2021 — we'll update you with a local release date if and when a Down Under run is announced. Via Variety. Top image: Hamilton, Broadway. Photo by Joan Marcus.
Festival FOMO is real, and festival sideshows are one solution: the gigs you go to when you're not going to the main gig. Can't make it to Adelaide for two music-filled October days at Harvest Rock II? Loving the South Australia-only fest's lineup? Four of the event's highlights have just announced dates along Australia's east coast. Chief among them are Sparks, which will draw upon a whopping 57 years of making ridiculously catchy and smartly funny tunes on their first tour of Australia since 2001. Thanks to 2021's double of Edgar Wright-directed documentary The Sparks Brothers and Cannes Film Festival opener Annette, brothers Ron and Russell Mael have been everywhere of late — and that's now about to include Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, busting out tracks like 'The Number One Song in Heaven', 'This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us' and latest single 'The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte'. In a glorious move, they've been beginning their recent sets with 'So May We Start' from Annette, too, which won them the Best Composer award at Cannes. Fresh from releasing her fourth studio album Spirituals in 2022, Santigold will extend her trip to Australia with sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. 2023 marks 15 years since the genre-defying artist first demanded attention with her debut record Santogold, and sparked a career that's seen her influence and team up with plenty of others. Drake, Lil Wayne and Future have sampled the Philadelphia-born talent's tracks, while Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Karen O and Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Basement Jaxx, Jay Z, Mark Ronson, Pharrell and Lykke Li have enlisted her as a collaborator. Following their fifth stint at Coachella earlier in 2022, Chromeo will also hit Sydney and Melbourne, bringing Dave 1 and P-Thugg our way almost two decades since their 80s-influenced electro-funk sound started echoing from intial album She's in Control. The Lemon Twigs are also veering beyond Adelaide, with visits to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Brothers Brian and Michael D'Addario will draw upon their four-album span since 2016, as bookended by debut Do Hollywood and this year's Everything Harmony. All Harvest Rock sideshows will take place around the festival's dates, both before and afterwards, across Thursday, October 26–Thursday, November 2. And no, there won't be Jamiroquai and Beck gigs, with both playing their only Aussie sets at in Adelaide. To see either this October in Australia, only a Harvest Rock ticket will do. HARVEST ROCK II SIDESHOWS: SPARKS Thursday, October 26 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne Tuesday, October 31 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney Thursday, November 2 — Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane SANTIGOLD Friday, October 27 — Metro Theatre, Sydney Saturday, October 28 — Prince Bandroom, Melbourne CHROMEO Thursday, October 26 — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sunday, October 29 — 170 Russell, Melbourne THE LEMON TWIGS Thursday, October 26 — Corner Hotel, Melbourne Saturday, October 28 — Manning Bar, Sydney Tuesday, October 31 — The Outpost, Brisbane Harvest Rock 2023 will take at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, October 28–Sunday, October 29, 2023. The festival's sideshows will tour Australia's east coast from Thursday, October 26–Thursday, November 2, with pre-sale tickets from 9am local time on Thursday, August 24 and general sales from 9am local time on Friday, August 25. Head to Concrete Playground Trips for a VIP Harvest Rock package for two, including tickets and accommodation.
Air out that mouldy tent, start rounding up the GoPros, Falls Festival have announced their 2014 lineup. With Byron now extended to a four-day program, Falls Festival is returning to its three sites (Lorne, Marion Bay and North Byron Parklands) for its annual New Year's Eve hootenanny. So who's on the bill? Returning with a Mercury Prize and a million debut album copies sold under their belt, Leeds foursome Alt-J are sure to be one of the packed sets this year. Scandinavian super besties Röyksopp and Robyn are locked in for an epic two hour set of combined releases. There'll be ass everywhere with the presence of the unmissable Big Freedia. The sublimely talented SBTRKT is set to play a huge live set (one of Laneway Festival's best sets to memory), while the formidable Jamie XX will keep the basslines well up in grill. Fresh from Glastonbury, George Ezra is set to be one of the festival highlights, with the debut set from the legendary Todd Terje, house monarchs Tensnake, Sydney trio Movement and San Francisco's Tycho sure to send everyone on a synthy, beats-fuelled odyssey. Altanta's favourite 'flower punk' band The Black Lips are in. Confirmed after a leak in Cleo, UK's Glass Animals are confirmed to get sultry. Festival favourites Cold War Kids return with their latest album's material (and a few oldies), while Australia's own ARIA-winners The Temper Trap return to the live circuit with material from their upcoming third record. Rap fans have some gleeful squealing to get to, with Brooklyn's Pro Era whiz Joey Bada$$, Killer Mike and El-P's Fool's Gold super-collab Run the Jewels, Melbourne's own Remi locked in. 'Stolen Dance' fans will have plenty to jig about with the first Australian tour of Milky Chance, Sydney's Bluejuice are playing their last round, London's Wolf Alice are sure to generate some buzz, and Canberran trio SAFIA are also buzzworthy inclusions. There's a few Splendour returns: Britpop-loving Sydney dudes DMAs, newbie hip hop firecracker Tkay Maidza, Sydney dance legends The Presets, electronic whiz kid The Kite String Tangle, returning rock heavyweights Spiderbait, singalong starters Sticky Fingers and Riptider Vance Joy. Falls will also see a kickass 'Boogie Nights' program featuring none other than the ever-kickass hip hop legends Salt n Pepa, Melbourne's best-dressed duo Client Liaison, Sydney partystarter Alison Wonderland and Canada's Badbadnotgood. THE FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2014 LINEUP (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER): ALT-J BIG FREEDIA THE BLACK LIPS BLUEJUICE COLD WAR KIDS DMAs GLASS ANIMALS GEORGE EZRA JAGWAR MA JAMIE XX JOEY BADA$$ JOHN BUTLER TRIO KIM CHURCHILL THE KITE STRING TANGLE MILKY CHANCE MOVEMENT THE PRESETS REMI RÖYKSOPP & ROBYN RUN THE JEWELS SAFIA SBTRKT (LIVE) >SPIDERBAIT STICKY FINGERS THE TEMPER TRAP TENSNAKE TKAY MAIDZA TODD TERJE (LIVE) TYCHO VANCE JOY WOLF ALICE + MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED. BOOGIE NIGHTS LINEUP (DEC 28 LORNE, DEC 29 MARION BAY, DEC 31 BYRON): ALISON WONDERLAND BADBADNOTGOOD CLIENT LIAISON SALT N PEPA + MORE. EVENTS: Dec 28, 2014 to Jan 1, 2015 in Lorne, VIC (est. 1993) 18+ event Dec 29, 2014 to Jan 1, 2015 in Marion Bay, TAS (est. 2003) All ages Dec 30, 2014 to Jan 3, 2015 in Byron Bay, NSW (est. 2013) 18+ event The ticket ballot is now open via the festival’s website and will be closing on Monday August 25. Enter the ballot here. Most of the event tickets are allocated to sales through the ballot process, starting at 9am on Thursday August 28; however, for those who miss out, there will also be a small allocation of tickets set aside for general public sales starting at 9am on Wednesday September 03. Image: Paul Smith
When the end of the year hits, do you get 'Christmas is All Around', as sung by Bill Nighy, stuck in your head? Have you ever held up a piece of cardboard to tell the object of your affection that, to you, they're perfect? Does your idea of getting festive involve watching Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and Martin Freeman, all in the same movie? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you clearly adore everyone's favourite Christmas-themed British rom-com, its high-profile cast and its seasonal humour. And, you've probably watched the beloved flick every December since it was first released in cinemas back in 2003. That's a perfectly acceptable routine, and one that's shared by many. But this year, you can do one better. A huge success during its past tours of the UK and Australia (to the surprise of absolutely no one), Love Actually in Concert is returning in 2022 to make this festive season extra merry. It's exactly what it sounds like: a screening of the film accompanied by a live orchestra performing the soundtrack as the movie plays. To the jolly delight of Brisbanites, it's heading to the Great Hall at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at 4pm on Saturday, December 10. Here, you'll revisit the Richard Curtis-written and -directed film you already know and treasure, step through its interweaved Yuletide stories of romance, and hear a live orchestra play the movie's soundtrack. And, yes, Christmas (and love) will be all around you.
If you, like us, have binged every episode of the renowned crime podcast Serial, are still following the news roller-coaster on Adnan Syed's case from season one and are counting down the days until the HBO series airs — take a deep breath, because there's finally more where that came from. Serial will return for its third season on September 20, having been dormant since season two aired back in 2015. Season three will focus on the entire criminal justice system in the US — more specifically on the inconsistencies and failures of the courts in Cleveland, Ohio. "What does season one tell us about the criminal justice system?" asks host Sarah Koenig in the season's trailer. She concludes that instead of using Syed's extraordinary case to examine the system from the inside, she must use many ordinary cases. Koenig and her crew spent one year in the Cleveland courts, where they recorded not only in courtrooms but also in judge's chambers, prosecutors office and back hallways, plus outside the courthouse in family member's houses, streets and prisons. In the season three trailer, Koenig mentions one case in particular — that of Greg Rucker, whose prison recordings include an admission of guilt. Yet, in just this one trial, Koenig is witness to an onslaught of court offences, including extra charges, pressure to plead guilty, shabby police work, "eleventh hour" evidence, dozing jurors and judge — all ending with an outsized prison sentence. But, since Rucker is guilty, should we even care? This is a question that Serial will explore throughout the season. Again, the story will unfold week-by-week. To listen to the season three trailer or catch up on past seasons, check out the Serial website. The first two episodes of Serial season 3 will be released on the morning of Thursday, September 20 — Eastern Daylight Time (New York). No exact time has been announced, but past Serial episodes have dropped around 9.30am EDT, which corresponds to about 11.30pm in Australia and 1.30am in New Zealand. So, you can either stay up late on Thursday and listen, or wait until your Friday morning commute to work. One new episode will be released each Thursday thereafter. Image: Moth Studio, mural by Adam Maida
Streaming platforms have become one of modern life's certainties, with new instances continuing to pop up all over the place. In fact, this year along will see two huge players giving Netflix, Amazon and the like a run for their money — not only Apple, which will release Apple TV+ in the second half of 2019, but Disney as well. First revealed last year, Disney+ will boast a swathe of high-profile content, including new Star Wars and Marvel TV shows, plus all of your favourite Disney animated movies in one place. Now the service has announced a US launch date of November 12, as well as "plans to be in nearly all major regions of the world within the next two years." Just how long viewers Down Under will have to wait is yet to be seen; however given the array of titles heading to the platform, here's hoping it's sooner rather than later. With Disney recently merging with competitor Fox, Disney+'s US range is hefty — not only spanning Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar, but National Geographic and the entirety of The Simpsons, too. During its first year of operation, it's due to release more than 25 original series and 10 original films, documentaries and specials. And, to make its catalogue available from US$6.99 per month, in both HD and 4K, and "on a wide range of mobile and connected devices, including gaming consoles, streaming media players and smart TVs". [caption id="attachment_689920" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Marvel Studios[/caption] In the Marvel sphere post-Avengers: Endgame, new series Loki, WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will all focus on their eponymous characters — Tom Hiddleston's trickster Loki, Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany's Vision, and Anthony Mackie's Falcon and Sebastian Stan's Winter Soldier, with all of the actors retaining their roles. A Hawkeye series with Jeremy Renner is also in the works, as is animated program Marvel's What If…, which'll take inspiration from the comics of the same name, asking the titular question about important Marvel Cinematic Universe moments. Fans of Star Wars can not only look forward to the $100 million live-action series The Mandalorian from The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Iron Man and Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau (and with Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi helming an episode), but look forward to it soon — it'll launch when the platform does in the US. Also zooming to screens from a galaxy far, far away is a spinoff from Rogue One about Diego Luna's Rebel spy Cassian Andor. Set before the events of the film, it — like all of Disney+'s big-name series — will also feature the star reprising the character. Elsewhere, two new Toy Story-based projects — animated short series Forky Asks a Question and one-off short film Lamp Life — are on their way, well-timed to hit after the release of Toy Story 4. If you just can't let it go, a Frozen 2 making-of special will also feature, about the sequel headed to cinemas later this year. And, because everyone loves Jeff Goldblum, National Geographic's The World According to Jeff Goldblum will involve the actor delving into the fascinating stories, science and facts behind seemingly familiar objects. Going big when it comes to bringing the company's well-known properties to the new streaming platform, a High School Musical TV series, another show based on Monsters, Inc. and a live-action Lady and the Tramp movie will also be on the bill. On the classic front, Fox titles like The Sound of Music, The Princess Bride and Malcolm in the Middle have been named as part of a lineup of more than 7500 television episodes and 500 films — alongside "the entire Disney motion picture library" according to CEO Bob Iger, which should be available "at some point fairly soon after launch". Viewers can also likely expect Disney and Fox's recent flicks to be made available on Disney+, and for subsequent cinema releases due to hit the service within a year of their big-screen release. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrXNtj84owc Disney is also reportedly contemplating buying a bigger stake in existing streamer Hulu according to Variety, which would give it full control over that platform. Like the timing of Disney+'s international rollout, just how the purchase might affect the company's new service hasn't been revealed. In Australia, a big batch of the aforementioned existing Disney content is currently available on Stan, spanning both movies and TV series — but you can reasonably expect that that arrangement will be impacted by Disney+, whenever it does finally hit locally. Top image: Marvel Studios.
Everyone has petty feuds. That's one of the truths behind Beef, which brought squabbling strangers into everyone's streaming queues in 2023 and became one of the best new shows of the year in the process. So, although the series was initially meant to be a once-off, plenty more people could disagree, argue and hold grudges on-screen — and, soon, more might. Netflix hasn't renewed Beef for season two yet, but word keeps circling that more could be on the way. And if the Golden Globe-, Emmy-, Gotham, Screen Actors Guild Award-, Independent Spirit Award and Producers Guild Award-winner does make a comeback, Jake Gyllenhaal (Guy Ritchie's The Covenant), Anne Hathaway (Armageddon Time), Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla) and Charles Melton (May December) could be taking over from Steven Yeun (Nope) and Ali Wong (Paper Girls). [caption id="attachment_849830" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ambulance[/caption] Deadline is reporting that all four actors are being circled for the Beef's second season, making the show an anthology series by switching to a completely different storyline. The plot favoured is about two feuding couples — and that's it in terms of details so far, other than that Netflix and A24, which are behind the program, are keen for the season two to start shooting before 2024 is out. Gyllenhaal and Hathaway would reunite not only after Love & Other Drugs, but also Brokeback Mountain. Spaeny and Melton are fresh off spectacular performances in the aforementioned Priscilla and May December, with both shock omissions from 2024's Oscar nominees. [caption id="attachment_936946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Priscilla[/caption] If you missed season one of the Lee Sung Jin (Dave)-created Beef, it followed Danny Cho (Yeun) and Amy Lau (Wong) after they got in a fender bender, then neither handled it well. Cue a feud that they can't shake, infiltrating their lives and relationships. If their quest for revenge each other just fizzled out, there obviously wouldn't be a series. Part of Beef's ongoing beef in season one stemmed from a comedy staple: putting opposites together and seeing what springs. Danny is struggling as a contractor and isn't happy about it, while Amy lives a seemingly idyllic life thanks to her success as an entrepreneur. They both share a need to get back at each other, though — and to see through their clash to the end. Check out the trailer for Beef season one below: Beef season two hasn't been officially announced, and doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when more details are locked in. Beef season streams via Netflix — read our review. Images: Netflix. Via Deadline.
When Brisbane finally had its shot at seeing Hamilton, heading to QPAC was just one way that the city embraced Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical. Another also took place at South Bank, on the pre-theatre dining menu at fine-diner Bacchus. Now that the Beauty and the Beast musical is in town, the restaurant is taking the same approach and dishing up bites based around the show. For Hamilton, diners tucked into a dessert that came topped with the appropriate star. Be Bacchus' guest from Wednesday, March 6–Saturday, April 20 and you'll be treated to a Beauty and the Beast-themed sweet treat in the form of a rose instead. Yes, it looks exactly like the real thing. Yes, you can eat it. It's called The Lychee Rose, and it's made with raspberry mousse, matcha and pistachio soil. To spirit your tastebuds into a tale as old as time, you'll need to opt for the pre-theatre dinner menu, which costs $89 per person. It covers three courses, starting with a consommé made with seasonal vegetables and wagyu, then plating up a beef ragout tagliatelle with parmesan cream, then The Lychee Rose. You'll also get wattleseed sourdough, plus petit fours to finish. Located within Rydges South Bank, Bacchus is pouring cocktails that take their cues from Beauty and the Beast as well. The Enchanted Zest includes Pavan, limoncello, lemon, chilli and egg white; the Royal Infusion blends Paris tea, vodka and wattleseed; and the Tavern Brew mixes vanilla-infused vodka with bourbon, apple beer syrup and egg white. The Beauty and the Beast dessert gives Brisbanites another reason to stop by the restaurant, which was among the River City's go-to spots for an indulgent restaurant experience before the pandemic, then reopened its swanky, old world-style digs in May 2022. Rydges' Soleil Pool Bar is getting in on the action, too, doing themed platters and drinks to share over the same period, with its Tale of Two Brews featuring green chartruese, apple, maraschino, lime, mint and passionfruit. Find Bacchus and Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges South Bank, 9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane. For more information about the Beauty and the Beast-themed menus until Saturday, April 20, or to make a booking, head to the Bacchus and Soleil Pool Bar websites.
Not content with offering up $1 oysters every Thursday and Friday, Fortitude Valley's Madame Rouge is expanding the fun to Tuesday for one week only. Come November 7, there's no guessing which occasion they're celebrating — but even if Melbourne Cup isn't your thing, we're guessing that a super affordable pairing of seafood and afternoon beverages is. No, there's no missing numeral there. One shiny coin is all you'll pay for freshly shucked molluscs at Fortitude Valley's Parisian bar and bistro from 3pm to 6pm (an hour longer than their usual oyster session, you'll be happy to note). Yes, you will have to buy a drink as well to get the super cheap seafood; however there's plenty on offer. As well as a range of made-to-order cocktails, drinks include a two-page list of Champagne, reds, whites, rose, and sticky and sweet wines. Unsurprisingly, many hail from France — and some cost a pretty penny, if you're feeling flush — but you can grab a glass of pinot gris and oysters for $10, pair them with something crimson for $11, or opt for some champers for $13,
If a certain 70s-made, 50s-set musical rom-com about an Australian transfer student falling in love with an American high schooler in California is the one that you want — always — then you'll know that Grease isn't just about the hit 1978 movie. Before it became a silver-screen classic, it was a popular stage musical. After its movie success, it spawned a 1982 Michelle Pfeiffer-starring sequel, too. And now, in 2023, it'll span a prequel streaming series as well: Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Welcome back to Rydell High, but before Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) were hopelessly devoted to each other. Rise of the Pink Ladies is set in 1954, four years prior to the events of Grease. Clearly, there's no prizes for guessing which group of students earn the new show's focus. Here, in a ten-episode series set to stream via Paramount+ in Australia on Friday, April 7 — with New Zealand airing details yet to be revealed — the eponymous girl gang gets an origin story. Yes, even Grease is jumping on the bandwagon, with explaining the stories behind already proven hits pop culture's favourite thing of late. In the just-dropped first trailer for the series, the titular young women are given words of warning about appropriate behaviour. "Ladies, you must be careful with whom you associate," Assistant Principal McGee (Jackie Hoffman, Only Murders in the Building) tells them. "A girl's reputation is all that she has." Pink jackets, T-Birds, dance scenes (including while wearing mechanics' overalls), a new take on a familiar track advising that Grease is indeed the word: they're all included in the debut sneak peek, which also promises that "things are about to get wild". Cast-wise, Marisa Davila (Love and Baseball), first-timer Cheyenne Isabel Wells, Ari Notartomaso (Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin) and Tricia Fukuhara (Loot) play the four teens who start the Pink Ladies, and are joined on-screen by Shanel Bailey (The Good Fight), Madison Thompson (Emergency), Johnathan Nieves (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels), Jason Schmidt (FBI: Most Wanted) and Maxwell Whittington-Cooper (The Photograph). This isn't the last time that all things Grease will pop up again, either — not including the stage musical and OG movie's enduring popularity, of course — with a Danny and Sandy-focused prequel flick Summer Lovin' also in the works. Check out the first trailer for Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies below: Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies starts streaming via Paramount+ in Australia on Friday, April 7. New Zealand release details haven't yet been revealed — we'll update you when further information comes to hand.
It calls itself a "micro mezcal mecca". It's small, adores agave spirits, and prides itself on being one of the best places in Sydney for a margarita (and for a drink in general). And, it's coming to Brisbane for one night only: Cantina OK!, that is, for a pop-up at Fortitude Valley's Savile Row that'll not only bring the former's top-notch cocktails north, but also raise money for a great cause. If you're wondering why Cantina OK! is considered such a standout watering hole, that's partly because the pint-sized bar's tequila and mezcal collection is that extensive, and also packed with both rare and wild varieties. "You won't find another mezcaleria in the southern hemisphere that has the particular collection that we have," said Manager Alex Gilmour back when the bar first opened in 2019. Cantina OK! visitors can enjoy its sips among the venue's bright pink and purple walls, in an old garage down a service laneway, in a spot that seats just 20 people. Pouring the drinks and offering the know-how: staff who love chatting about mezcal. The venue keeps earning worldwide acclaim, becoming a World's 50 Best Bars list mainstay since opening. In 2023, it came in at 41st, as one of only two Aussie venues on the list. Cantina OK! also placed 23rd in 2021 and 28th in 2020. So, behind Savile Row's orange door and beneath its eye-catching chandelier, that's what's in store for Brisbanites from 7pm on Monday, August 14. With Cantina OK!'s Creative Director Storm Evans and Group Manager Ryan Bickley in attendance, the Ann Street bar will pour a trio of cocktails from its Sydney guest: a margarita made with mezcal and orange oil; a sour with salted peanut and banana meringue; and the Nevada OK!, which features lime leaf, Thai basil, watermelon and jelly. All three will hero Los Arcos Tequila. The good cause mentioned above isn't just letting Brissie agave fiends sip Cantina OK!'s drinks. The evening will also raise money to help boost the quality of life in rural Mexico via charity S.A.C.R.E.D. Cantina OK! will whip out its seltzers, too, thanks to Seltzer OK!. The bar's own line of sparkling margaritas in a bottle, its sips come in regular and passionfruit flavours. Cantina OK! is popping up at Savile Row, 667 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley from 7pm on Monday, August 14 — head to Savile Row's Instagram feed for further details. Top image: Kimberley Low.
Everyone has a go-to duet, even if you're not a singer or a karaoke fan. Yes, even if you just hum tunes in the shower, you do too. There's a thing about duets, though, particularly when they're love songs. Usually they're shared between heterosexual pairs — but not at Coupling at MELT on May 19. Especially for Brisbane, this one-night-only show won't go breakin' your heart as it reclaims everyone's favourite two-handers for same-sex couples. Camerata, aka Queensland's Chamber Orchestra with special guest vocalists Sean Andrews, David Ouch, Luke Hodgson, Greg Moore, Monique Dawes, Emily Gilhome, Jessica Mahony and Ellen Reed, will lift pop classics up where they belong and make sure you have the time of your life — with endless love, of course.
Spring, southeast Queensland and eye-catching outdoor displays: it's quite the combination, and it's in full force in 2022. Up in Brisbane, giant moon sculptures, a boat decked out with glowing orbs and a tower of bubbles have popped up for Brisbane Festival. Head west to Toowoomba and Carnival of Flowers is back and blossoming. At Currumbin Beach, Swell Sculpture Festival is about to take over a one-kilometre stretch of sand again — and, still on the Gold Coast, HOTA, Home of the Arts will soon be temporarily home to a towering palace. That structure, called Alcazar, spans seven metres in height — and 13 metres in width. Mixing art and architecture, it looks like a series of stacked circles, reaching up three levels. Yes, you can indeed walk through the installation. In fact, you're meant to in order to see how both light and colour shift throughout the space. Even better: it's a different experience in the daylight, when the sun beams over the outer facade, and at night, when internal lights get luminous. Free to see at the site's outdoor stage for ten spring days, Alcazar hails from the artists at Sydney-based design studio Atelier Sisu, and is having its world premiere at HOTA during the venue's Wonder arts festival. On display from Friday, September 16–Sunday, September 25, it joins the group's past works at i Light Singapore Festival, Vilinuis Light Festival and Enlighten Canberra, and at Vivid Sydney as well. On Sunday, September 18, an early-morning yoga session will take over Alcazar, too — and on Saturday, September 24, the Lux de da Luna dinner will serve up a five-course meal with the installation as a backdrop. There's plenty more on the Wonder lineup, including Alternative Symphony taking on the music of Daft Punk, plus a candlelit Queen tribute concert. The big Friday-night lineup features an art battle between six artists on Friday, September 16, as hosted by Tom Thum, and then Flamenco House with Cameron De La Vaga providing a Spanish soundtrack on Friday, September 23. Alcazar will be on display at HOTA, Home of the Arts, for the Wonder arts festival from Friday, September 16–Sunday, September 25. Head to the HOTA website for further details.
If you're Melbourne's NGV International and you've spent the summer filling your walls and halls with fashion by Coco Chanel, how do you follow up come winter? By dedicating your next blockbuster exhibition to Pablo Picasso and the artists, poets and intellectuals he crossed paths with. The iconic Spanish painter, sculptor and printmaker's pieces will sit alongside works by everyone from Salvador Dalí and Henri Matisse to Marie Laurencin and Gertrude Stein at The Picasso Century, which'll take over the St Kilda Road gallery from Friday, June 10. A world-premiere showcase developed exclusively for the NGV by the Centre Pompidou and the Musée national Picasso-Paris, and displaying until Sunday, October 9, The Picasso Century won't skimp on its namesake. From Picasso alone, more than 70 works will be on display. But it'll also surround his pieces with over 100 others from more than 50 of his contemporaries, with the latter sourced from French national collections and the NGV Collection. That means that art lovers will be able to gaze at 170-plus works of art, and chart Picasso's career via his paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics in the process — and also see how it developed through his engagement with his peers. And, when it comes to other talents showcased, the hefty list also covers Guillaume Apollinaire, Georges Braque, Alberto Giacometti, Françoise Gilot, Valentine Hugo, Dora Maar, André Masson and Dorothea Tanning. By placing the artist's pieces in context with the works of others around him, The Picasso Century examines the connections that helped make him who he was, and explores how his creations rippled throughout the world. Accordingly, art by Natalia Goncharova, Julio González, Wifredo Lam, Suzanne Valadon and Maria Helena Vieira da Silva will also feature, all talents who've rarely been exhibited in Australia. And, other artists included span André Breton, Georges Bataille, Aimé Césaire and Alberto Giacometti, as well as Kay Sage, Max Ernst and Giorgio de Chirico — plus Francis Bacon and Willem de Kooning as well. Didier Ottinger, a scholar of 20th century painting and Deputy Director of the Musée national d'art moderne, Centre Pompidou, Paris, has curated the exhibition, which obviously steps through Picasso's distinct artistic periods: his blue period, cubism and surrealism, for instance. In total, The Picasso Century will explore 15 thematic sections that chart the course of Picasso's seven-decade-plus career. If you're fond of his surrealist period, however, it'll be particularly packed with works from then. [caption id="attachment_857196" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of 'The Picasso Century', on display 10 June 10–October 9, 2022 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Jeremy Kees.[/caption] Top Images: Installation view of 'The Picasso Century', on display 10 June 10–October 9, 2022 at NGV International, Melbourne. Image 1, photo: Peter Bennetts. Image 2-4, photo: Sean Fennessy.
Keanu Reeves is one of cinema's treasures, and should never be far away from our screens. Since the mid-1980s, across a career that's spanned everything from the Bill & Ted movies and stone-cold masterpiece Point Break through to The Neon Demon and Always Be My Maybe, he thankfully rarely has been. And, seeing him in lean, slick, no-nonsense action-star mode, dispensing with whatever troubles and struggles come his way via impressively choreographed displays, is one of the biggest movie-watching pleasures there is. But only two film franchises have served up just that again and again: The Matrix and John Wick. In the film saga where Keanu knows kung fu, viewers have already been treated to four instalments. In the movies where he plays the hitman that other hitmen fear, the fourth flick is on its way. During San Diego Comic-Con, John Wick: Chapter 4 just dropped its first trailer, in fact. Yes, we're thinking that the assassin is back — again. As all John Wick movies have so far — the first in 2014, John Wick: Chapter 2 in 2017 and John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum all included — this one will follow the formidable killer as he takes on his ever-growing list of adversaries. There's still a huge bounty on his head, and plenty of foes want to collect. That hasn't stopped Wick yet, though, after he got dragged back into the assassin life when a past batch of enemies messed with his dog. If you're thinking that Wick's luck might run out at some point, the new film — which is set to hit cinemas Down Under in March 2023 — understands. "No one, not even you, can kill everyone," Wick is told. But proving that wrong has always been at the heart of this stunt-filled saga. Well, that and increasingly upping the ante on all those action scenes, with Reeves' former stunt double-turned-filmmaker Chad Stahelski at the helm. In the first sneak peek at John Wick: Chapter 4, both Reeves and Stahelski keep doing what they do best, and spectacularly so. That includes hopping around the globe, with Wick seen walking through Paris in winter with the Eiffel Tower looming large, and also getting into sword fights in Japan — and the film also heading to New York and Berlin. On-screen, Reeves is joined by a roster of returning and new John Wick faces. Fellow franchise mainstays Ian McShane (American Gods) and Lance Reddick (Godzilla vs Kong) are back, and so is Reeves' The Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne after appearing in the past two movies. And, Donnie Yen (Mulan), Bill Skarsgård (Eternals), Hiroyuki Sanada (Mortal Kombat), Shamier Anderson (Son of the South), Rina Sawayama (Turn Up Charlie) and Scott Adkins (Triple Threat) are all set to feature as well. In also excellent news, a fifth John Wick movie is already in the works, because more ass-kicking Keanu is always a great thing. Check out the first trailer for John Wick: Chapter 4 below: John Wick: Chapter 4 will release Down Under on March 23, 2023.
When spring arrives in Brisbane, the River City turns violet, as well as gorgeous. There's nothing like wandering beneath the jacaranda trees around town when they're in full bloom, and we all have the camera roll filled with vibrant snaps to prove it. Frolicking outdoors is one way to celebrate the floral explosion. Until Saturday, November 16, 2024, so is hitting up the Regatta Hotel each Saturday for a blossoming boozy brunch. From 11am–1pm weekly, the Toowong pub is serving up a meal, a beverage package, live tunes and even sing-alongs, all in its bloom-adorned courtyard. So, you'll still be outside — but sitting down, eating and drinking, and soaking in a piano-fuelled soundtrack. You'll pay $79 per person to get brunching, which includes two hours of food and drinks. On the menu: a three-course spread that starts with tempura zucchini flowers and saltbush chevre, then offers a pick of pizzas (including mushroom and truffle oil, plus jamon and roquette) or a salad, and finishes with mini pancake stacks and fudge. The singing is as much of a drawcard as what you'll be downing, with lyrics displayed on the venue's big screens karaoke-style while everyone croons along as a crowd.
Whether having a hit on the greens is your idea of fun in the sun or you've never picked up a golf club in your life beyond mini golf, you have a reason to head to Cannon Hill's course. Minnippi Golf & Range opened in September 2023, becoming Brisbane's first public golf course in more than 70 years. From February 2024, the site is also home to a cafe and restaurant — with Cooee catering to 200 diners for coffee, lunch and brunch seven days a week. Weekend breakfasts and dinner from Wednesday–Sunday are also on offer. The scenery is obviously a big drawcard, as eating with a grassy view always is. Sit outside to make the most of the location and you'll be sitting on picnic benches. Overseeing the kitchen is Head Chef Lenes Pawar (Corbett & Claude, Cannon Hill Tavern), serving up a menu filled with familiar bites given a luxe twist. So, the fries are covered in parmesan and served with truffle aioli. The sliders use tiger prawns as their source of protein. The signature burger features a wagyu patty, and the slow-cooked pork belly comes stuffed Italian sausage and herbs. And among the desserts, the chocolate sundae features brownie chunks. Other dishes span mushroom arancini and chicken wings served with blue cheese dipping sauce for snacks; crispy-skinned barramundi and truffle mushroom gnocchi from the bigger dishes; and clubhouse classics such as steak sandwiches, battered fish and chips, and a vegetarian burger. Pizzas get their own section, including a calzone. And if you're just grazing, a build-your-own tacos board is one of three platter options alongside antipasto and a selection of the eatery's top starters. When weekend breakfast hits, pulled pork benedict, a breakfast burger featuring hash browns and an Oreo biscuit crumb pancake stack are highlights. And for drinks, Revel, Your Mates and Fortitude Brewing Co provide the beers on tap, while you find Balter among the canned choices. Or, if you're in a cocktail mood, there's the Dai-Cooee (which is made with white rum, dragonfruit and lime), the Minnippi-rita (agave, orange curacao and lime), and jugs of pear and mandarin spritz. You can also sip wine, smoothies and milkshakes, and get your caffeine fix via Bear Bones Coffee.
Forget the idea that you can only be a dog person or a cat person. Kedi puts that theory to rest once and for all. Even if you wouldn't be willing to share your home with a purring companion, there's no chance you won't fall in love with the feisty felines in this Turkish documentary and the contemplative take on life their happy existence provides. That's the beauty of Ceyda Torun's film: its meowing mousers don't come from YouTube, but from the streets of Istanbul, where cats have roamed for thousands of years. They're pets to no one but beloved by all; strays stalking the pavements in a place refreshingly hospitable to their free-wandering lifestyle. As opening narration from one of the city's two-legged residents describes, here, "the cat is more than just a cat. The cat embodies the indescribable chaos, the culture and the uniqueness that is the essence of Istanbul." That may sound like a bold claim, but it soon proves right on the money. Graceful cinematography gets up close and personal with the film's adorable protagonists, while at the same time offering a sweeping view of how they're positioned within the hustle and bustle of their surroundings. Sari searches for food for her new kittens, often successfully begging for scraps at cafes. Bengü has her own hungry mouths to feed, and gets jealous when her favoured humans give their attention to others. Deniz flits around a marketplace making friends with customers, while Duman pursues his refined taste for delicatessen food. Aslan Parçasi is often found by the seashore, soaking up the view near a famous local fish restaurant. Gamsiz hops between apartments. As for Psikopat, she rules her neighbourhood, enforcing her will upon animals and people alike. If they all sound like distinctive characters with their own stories, personalities and behaviours, then it's no less than they deserve. Indeed, that's part of the point of Kedi, which fittingly means 'cat' in Turkish. Boosted by interviews with the humans who know and love these kitties best, Torun treats each animal's journey as she would a person's. In fact, her care and dedication truly lays bare life at street level, her film flitting from bustling eateries to overcrowded areas just like her subjects. Their travels around the city provide a portrait of Istanbul in a microcosm. Finding the ordinary in the extraordinary is a common aim in documentary filmmaking, with the best non-fiction efforts making viewers reassess everything they thought they knew about something regular and routine. With the aid of deft editing and a whimsy tinged soundtrack, the observational and enlightening Kedi couldn't provide a finer example. It wears its affection on its sleeves — or, perhaps its collar — but pairs that obvious love with thoughtful insights. After watching this film, you'll never come across a cat (or watch a cute cat video on the internet) without wondering what stories it might have to tell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKq7UqplcL8
Forget about decking the halls with boughs of holly. That's all well and good and festive, but when it comes to filling your house with greenery, why stop there? Adding to the seasonal shopping bonanza that's taking over every corner of the city, or so it seems, VEND Marketplace is hosting a one-day Plant Market. The all-day northside sale will take some of the market's existing vendors outside — and tempt you to take a heap of their green babies home with you. Succulents, cacti, indoor plants, outdoor plants and hanging plants will all be on offer from 8am–4pm on Sunday, December 16. Given the time of year, the Virginia market isn't just about bringing green joy into your own life. It's also a place to stock up on gifts. Don't just deck out your own home with blooming pots of nature that'll last long after Christmas has come and gone — deck out your loved ones' homes as well.
Vintage furniture and ceramics are sold alongside an eclectic range of handbags, jewellery and novelty gifts at this unique Gabba store. AbFab is defined by its quirky, kitsch and fabulous wares that seemingly fill every available space in the room. Where else in Brisbane can you buy the world's first toothpaste and mouthwash invented for King Louis XV, alongside Australian designed fashion and accessories, and Hunter the Grunter chew toys for dogs?
Since 1983, a bestselling book about a young boy, his grandmother and a powerful witch with an evil plan has been delighting readers of all ages. And since 1990, fans have not only been rifling through the pages of Roald Dahl's The Witches, but watching the Anjelica Huston and Rowan Atkinson-starring film based on the novel. Because just about everything gets remade these days, viewers will soon have another screen version of the book to watch, too. Yes, a new film is on its way, this time featuring Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch. If you can't remember the story or you just need a refresher, The Witches focuses on a boy who finds himself in the same hotel as a convention of witches — who happen to seriously, strongly and viciously hate children. This time around, the tale is set in 1960s-era Alabama, where its protagonist (Jahzir Kadeem Bruno, Atlanta) and his gran (Octavia Spencer) face off against Hathaway's seemingly glamorous villain and her coven of similarly child-despising followers. Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit) from a script cowritten by the filmmaker with Kenya Barris (Girls Trip) and Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water), The Witches also stars Stanley Tucci — and features the voice of Chris Rock as the film's narrator. And, based on the just-released first trailer, the above cast and crew have combined for quite the dark and funny all-ages-friendly battle between humans and the occult. Roald Dahl's work is rarely far from our screens for long — it has only been a few years since The BFG hit cinemas, plus Netflix is currently making a heap of animated series based on the author's books, including several Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-related shows by Taika Waititi — but just when The Witches will be available Down Under is yet to be announced. In the US, it was just revealed overnight that the movie will no longer release in cinemas, and will be heading to streaming service HBO Max instead; however, the movie's Australian distributor Roadshow also tweeted afterwards that it'll release in cinemas here soon. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nlhmJF5FNI The Witches doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced.
Japan might be the land of the rising sun, but the sun isn't something we want to face before coffee. Luckily, Japan does a damn good brew, mixing the best of the American filter scene with antipodean flatties and lattes. We drank our way around the country to find the best buzz this side of hitting the high notes in some J-pop karaoke. ONIBUS COFFEE, TOKYO Let the smell of coffee draw you down an alleyway behind Naka-meguro Station, where you'll find one of the best flat whites in Tokyo. Even better? The magic happens in a Tiny Homes–esque white box house that will blow up your Instagram feed. This is the flagship roaster for Onibus Coffee, and, apart from serving punters, the shop also uses its 15-tonne roaster to pump out beans for Onibus' other shops around Tokyo, including the made-for-Instagram About Life Coffee Roasters in Shibuya. SWITCH COFFEE, TOKYO Switch Coffee, in the backstreets of Meguro, might look like a regular coffee shop. But one sip into the smooth calcium kick of one of their lattes — or, even better, the espresso tonic (espresso shot + tonic water = magic) — and you'll be planning the rest of your Tokyo stay around how many times you can get back to Switch. It's all the work of one man; owner Onishi roasts and brews all of the coffee, and he does different beans day to day — so you've got even more reason to go back and try them all. OBSCURA COFFEE, HIROSHIMA When you think of Hiroshima, you probably don't think of coffee. But that doesn't mean you have to resort to following hipster dudes around town to find a good cup of joe — just head straight to Obscura Coffee. After starting in Tokyo, Obscura has opened a coffee shop in the centre of Hiroshima. The space is cleanly white, almost monastic in appearance. But what's being worshipped here are coffee beans, which Obscura roasts in their Tokyo laboratory and ships down to Hiroshima. Fittingly, a taste of Obscura's perfectly brewed iced coffee is almost a religious experience — it's really damn delicious. [caption id="attachment_613844" align="alignnone" width="1920"] % Arabica by Takumi Ota[/caption] % ARABICA, KYOTO This tiny converted Japanese house with huge windows, minimalist finishes and street seating next to a wide river with overhanging mountains might just be the prettiest coffee shop in the world. But people don't just come to this spot in Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto (and its sister cafe in the city's main temple district) for the Insta props. The house-roasted coffee has a very smooth and slightly dark finish, resulting in perhaps the best iced coffee in town (and it looks prime against the white house for All The Photos). MORIHIKO, SAPPORO Sapporo's coffee scene feels like it landed via the filter coffee capital of the world, Portland, as flat whites have retreated and left the field to milk-free coffee. So don't waste time trying to find a flat white — do like the locals do and head straight to Morihiko. This local coffee chain has a few branches across Sapporo, each one with its own personality. We went from a coffee doughnut paired with American press at the grungy warehouse DxM to a delicate chiffon cake matched with French press at the ivy-covered enchanted house of Morihiko. It's almost enough to stop you ordering a flat white ever again. BROOKLYN ROASTING COMPANY, OSAKA When people talk about coffee in Osaka, Brooklyn Roasting Co. is generally the first name that crops up. It might be because this is another place in a stupidly idyllic spot — this time next to a flower shop on a river overlooking a ceramics museum in Kitahama — but it's also because of the coffee. Now, your coffee experience might be totally different from our coffee experience, and that's because the cafe cycles through different house-roasted beans every day. But we can guarantee it will be good. Go for an iced coffee or an Americano (don't go anything shorter than a latte). TORANOMON KOFFEE, TOKYO Toranomon Koffee is the last remaining Tokyo shop by the owner of the late and much-lamented Omotesando Koffee in Harajuku. We'll be straight up with you: this shop isn't as cool as Omotesando. Even though Toranomon has a nifty set-up of plywood frames and test tubes filled with coffee, well, there's no hiding it — Toranomon is in a huge office building. In the embassy district. On the fancy Ginza line. There. We've told you everything! Now, let's move on to the coffee. Omotesando did the best espresso in town, and Toranomon may very well keep that mantle, with a smooth, full-bodied shot, and no traces of the bitterness and burnt coffee that's often called an espresso in Japan. ALLPRESS ESPRESSO, TOKYO We know, we know — Allpress technically hales from New Zealand, and they have cafes across both NZ and Australia. But with queues of up to an hour on an average weekend day, Allpress has been well and truly embraced by Tokyoites. You'll find both the cafe and the roaster in a sizeable warehouse in the coffee zone of east Tokyo (other coffee notables Blue Bottle and Arise are just around the corner). Once you've managed to get in the door, try the freshly roasted beans in a standard NZ variety flat white, or the more Tokyo-friendly Americano iced coffee. As well as caffeinating the thirsty hordes, Allpress is pumping out beans to cafes around Tokyo, including fellow export Frankie Espresso Melbourne in Shimokitazawa (the latest venture from the good sorts who first brought you Melbourne's Little Ramen Bar). [caption id="attachment_613875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kars Alfrink via Flickr[/caption] CAFE DE L'AMBRE, TOKYO Like a sommelier is to wine, so the baristas at the old-school Cafe L'Ambre are to coffee. This really is a temple to the bean — owner Ichiro Sekiguchi has been roasting coffee since the 1940s. The main difference about the beans here? Some of them have been aged for 20 years (or more). Pick your bean blend from the menu, and sit back and watch the show — the process is strictly hand-drip. When your coffee is in front of you, take a sip. Yup. That's one of the best coffees you've had in your life. DONGREE COFFEE, KYOTO This little one-man coffee stand is proof that you don't need a killer social media manager (or much online presence at all) to be the best at what you do. Dongree doesn't roast any beans — the back of their stall is a tiny shop selling a beautiful hodge-podge of wares — but rather showcases a rotating selection from the best Kyoto roasters. Order an iced coffee and you'll be asked to select your beans, before said beans are lovingly weighed, ground, placed in the filter and slowly hand watered until, drip by drip, the best coffee in Kyoto slowly forms in the cup. It's worth hunting down.
Ever wondered if it was safe to go back into the water? You have Jaws to thank. When the killer shark flick swam into cinemas in 1975, it didn't just become Hollywood's first blockbuster — it also sparked phobias that have lingered for generations. Almost everyone has seen the eerily effective creature feature. Too many movies since have wanted to be it, too. Even if you somehow haven't watched the famed horror film, you still know of it, and you likely get creeped out whenever you heard just a few notes from its oft-deployed score. But if it weren't for Australian spearfisher and diver-turned-oceanographer and filmmaker Valerie Taylor and her husband Ron, Jaws may not have become the popular culture behemoth it is. It mightn't have had beachgoers thinking twice about taking a dip in the sea for the past 46 years, either, or had the same bite — or success — overall. Steven Spielberg directed Jaws, but the Taylors shot its underwater shark sequences — off the coast of Port Lincoln in South Australia, in fact. And, when one of the animals they were filming lashed out at a metal cage that had held a stuntman mere moments before, the pair captured one of the picture's most nerve-rattling scenes by accident. As everyone who has seen the huge hit has witnessed, Jaws benefits significantly from the Taylors' efforts. Indeed, before Peter Benchley's novel of the same name was even published, the duo was sent a copy of the book and asked if it would make a good feature (the answer: yes). Helping to make Jaws the phenomenon it is ranks among Valerie's many achievements, alongside surviving polio as a child, her scuba and spearfishing prowess, breaking boundaries by excelling in male-dominated fields in 60s, and the conservation activism that has drawn much of her focus in her later years. Linked to the latter, and also a feat that many can't manage: her willingness to confront her missteps and then do better. The apprehension that many folks feel when they're about to splash in the ocean? The deep-seated fear and even hatred of sharks, too? That's what Valerie regrets. Thanks to Jaws, being afraid of sharks is as natural to most people as breathing, and Valerie has spent decades wishing otherwise. That's the tale that Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks tells as it steps through her life and career. Taking a standard birth-to-now approach, the documentary has ample time for many of the aforementioned highlights, with Valerie herself either offering her memories via narration or popping up to talk viewers through her exploits. But two things linger above all else in this entertaining, engaging and insightful doco: the stunning archival footage, with Ron Taylor credited first among the feature's five cinematographers; and the work that Valerie has spearheaded to try to redress the world's fright-driven perception of sharks. The remarkable remastered clips shot by Ron make for astonishing and affecting viewing. Seeing the Taylors switch from chasing sharks to playing with and saving them does as well. Filmmaker Sally Aitken understands this and, helming her second big-screen documentary about an Aussie icon in the past four years — following 2017's David Stratton: A Cinematic Life — builds the bulk of her film around these decades-old materials. That choice also helps underscore Valerie and Ron's change of heart. Both were successful spearfishers, but Valerie is candid about the impact that killing a nurse shark in her line of work had. Helping to make 1971 documentary Blue Water White Death and then Jaws, the pair became committed to shooting with cameras rather than spears. Watching their footage, it's easy to see why. Valerie was known for her fearlessness (Ron even nicknamed her "give-it-a-go Valerie"), and her willingness to get up close and personal with the types of underwater critters most of us have nightmares about results in breathtaking imagery. Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of Jacques, is one of Playing with Sharks' other talking heads — and his dad wasn't envious of the Taylors' work, he should've been. All that footage should turn David Attenborough green-eyed as well; it brings him to mind more than once, actually. Playing with Sharks keeps its focus on Valerie — she isn't presented as a supporting player to her late husband, or appreciated here solely because she was once one of the rare woman working in her chosen fields — but the film's archival visuals also spark the kind of wonder and awe that's synonymous with Attenborough's documentaries. Some of the coral reefs dived by the Taylors no longer exist, but audiences can see them here. As images of her underwater frolics with sharks and other marine life fill the screen, Valerie speaks of the sheer abundance of critters she waded among, and the misguided 60s-era perception that that'd never change. The footage shot by the Taylors acts as a time capsule, harking back to a very recent stage in the earth's history that'll likely never be repeated. Even if it wasn't combined with Valerie's life story and reflections, these clips would still prove inspiring, especially when it comes to rethinking prevailing opinions about sharks — including great whites — and fighting for their conservation. Shark haters, consider this a warning: Playing with Sharks will have you reassessing your opinion. Any movie could've laid out the facts regarding shark behaviour, unpacked the hysteria or chronicled Valerie's impact, but her enthusiasm and passion are infectious here — including when the now 85-year-old pops a red ribbon in her hair again, slips her aching shoulder into her pink wetsuit, goes for a dive in Fiji and beams about how a shark just hit her. This isn't just a biographical doco about someone known for working with sharks; like last year's David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, 2017's Jane Goodall documentary Jane and underwhelming 2021 Oscar-winner My Octopus Teacher, it's a movie about being profoundly changed by the natural world and all of its splendour. Aitken doesn't take any risks with her format, and noticeably so — but given Valerie's powerful story, she doesn't need to.
Enjoying dinner and a show is a time-honoured theatre-going tradition, but when winter arrives in the Harbour City in 2023, one menu item mightn't prove so popular. If you've seen Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street on the stage before, or caught the 2007 Tim Burton-directed movie adaptation, then you'll know which dish to avoid when it comes to the Sydney Opera House. In this Steven Sondheim-penned musical thriller, meat pies are packed with quite the unwanted ingredients. This murderous tale of slitting throats, then stuffing body parts into baked pastries will play the famed waterside venue from Saturday, July 22–Sunday, August 27, in a production by the Victorian Opera and New Zealand Opera. Sydneysiders have had to wait for their chance, with the show already unleashing its gothic story upon Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, as well as touring New Zealand. Whether you're a local keen to spend time with music theatre's iconic villain and his partner-in-crime Mrs Lovett, or you're an interstate resident eager to see it again, expect a killer show. [caption id="attachment_899819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] As part of an 18-person cast, Ben Mingay is taking up the razor and polishing people off as the titular Sweeney, while Antoinette Halloran will join him as Lovett. The production also includes a nine-piece orchestra helping to perform classic tracks such as 'No Place Like London', 'The Ballad Of Sweeney' and the always-fitting 'The Worst Pies in London'. Current State Opera South Australia Artistic Director Stuart Maunder, who is destined for the same role at the Victorian Opera from October 2023, will direct this season of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. "We've wanted to bring this musical thriller to Sydney for a very long time, so premiering it at the Sydney Opera House is an experience every bit as thrilling as the musical itself," he advises. "There's no doubt that Sydneysiders will embrace this most theatrical tale of horror, which for all its blood and gore, tells a universal human story; revenge, obsession and lust, yes, but also of pain, yearning, even love." Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street doesn't just date back to the late, great Sondheim's Tony-winning Broadway and West End smash. Before that, it was a play in 1973 — and it had hit stages, screens and pages, prior, too. The homicidal barber first appeared in the 19th century, in 1846–47 penny dreadful serial The String of Pearls: A Romance, and has just kept slashing his way through popular culture since, novels, ballets, radio plays, comics and TV shows included. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street plays Sydney Opera House's Drama Theatre from Saturday, July 22–Sunday, August 27. Head to the Sydney Opera House website for further details — and pre-sale tickets from 8am on Tuesday, May 9, then general sales from 9am on Friday, May 12. Production images: State Opera South Australia.
Maybe you hop on the ballot the moment that it opens each year. Perhaps you wait to find out who'll be behind the mic before trying to nab tickets. Either way, Golden Plains dropping its lineup is always big news. In 2025, get ready to see PJ Harvey, Fontaines DC, 2manydjs and Kneecap — and also Wet Kiss, Durand Jones & The Indications, Magdalena Bay, Osees and Thelma Plum. And yes, that's just the beginning. "Something special in the soil this season. In the water, in the manna gum, in the air, the ether, the atmosphere, the troposphere. And it has all landed right here, in a wonderland designed and refined over 30-odd years for the sole purpose of hosting something truly remarkable," said the festival team, announcing the lineup. "Right size, same shape, ample time, abundant space." Come Saturday, March 8–Monday, March 10, 2025, it'll be time to dance among the autumn leaves in regional Victoria again, at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre in the same place that Meredith Music Festival also calls home. And now that the lineup is here, you still have the chance to put your name down to get tickets. This round of Golden Plains will mark the fest's 17th year. The ticket ballot has been a part of the event since its debut — and this year's is now open until 10.17pm AEDT on Monday, October 21, 2024, which means that clicking ASAP is recommended. [caption id="attachment_976058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Theo Cottle[/caption] Catering to 12,000 punters each year across three days and two nights, the fest has long proven a favourite for its one-stage setup, which skips the need for frantic timetabling. And, like Meredith Music Festival, its sibling, Golden Plains is also known for the Aunty crew's star-studded bills. If you're wondering how the roster of talent has shaped up in past years, 2023's fest boasted Bikini Kill, Carly Rae Jepsen, Soul II Soul and Four Tet, while 2024's featured The Streets, Yussef Dayes, King Stingray and Black Country, New Road — and plenty more. [caption id="attachment_976059" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kira Puru[/caption] Golden Plains 2025 Lineup PJ Harvey Fontaines DC 2manydjs Wet Kiss Durand Jones & The Indications Magdalena Bay Osees Kneecap Thelma Plum Grace Cummings Bahamadia Hermanos Gutiérrez Ela Minus Bonny Light Horseman Adriana Mulga Bore Hard Rock CCL Teether & Kuya Neil Skeleten Zjoso Jada Weazel Elliot & Vincent Storytelling with Uncle Barry Sun Ra Arkestra Golden Plains returns to the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre from Saturday, March 8–Monday, March 10, 2025. Head to the festival's website for further details, or to enter the ticket ballot before 10.17pm AEDT on Monday, October 21, 2024. Golden Plains images: Chip Mooney and Ben Fletcher.
There's a reason Queensland Theatre Company's newest production bears the name of its hometown: this is a Brisbane story through and through. This isn't the city you know and love, though, unless you were alive more than seven decades ago. This is the war-torn times of 1942, when the state's capital was known as a big country town. Welcome to the world premiere of Matthew Ryan's Brisbane, as directed by the no-holds-barred Iain Sinclair. The coming-of-age performance enters the life of 14-year-old Danny Fisher as he tries to cope with the death of his brother in the bombing of Darwin, warms to the company of an American pilot and plots revenge. Not only does Brisbane bring the detail and devastation of the period to the stage, but it also draws upon true tales. It's a slice of history as well as a snapshot of the city at make or break point. Let's call it time travelling by theatre, and a good evening's entertainment.
The NSW Government announced that 'affirmative consent' will be a legal requirement, as part of a number of changes for the state's sexual assault laws. Announced yesterday, Tuesday, May 25, the amendments enact recommendations initially made in November last year in a review by the NSW Law Reform Commission — and will legislate that affirmative consent needs to be actively communicated, and can't be presumed. As part of the proposed changes, a person will need to say or do something to communicate in the affirmative in order to give consent. And, if a partner doesn't do something to ascertain that consent — verbally or via an action — it will not be reasonable for them to assume that consent has been given. The changes to the Crimes Act 1900 are designed to both simplify and strengthen existing sexual assault laws in order to better protect and deliver justice for victims and survivors. Consent will still need to be given freely and voluntarily, a requirement that the amendments are also designed to strengthen. Announcing the planned reforms, Attorney General Mark Speakman explained that "this means we will have an affirmative model of consent, which will address issues that have arisen in sexual offence trials about whether an accused's belief that consent existed was actually reasonable." He continued: "no one should assume someone is saying 'yes' just because they don't say 'no' or don't resist physically. Steps should be taken to make sure all parties are consenting." The LRC's November report recommended 44 changes, all of which are supported by the NSW Government — by either adopting them in full or in principle. A bill covering the reforms will be introduced to NSW Parliament later in 2021. https://twitter.com/SaxonAdair/status/1397013547809316864 Responding to the news, Rape & Sexual Assault Research & Advocacy Director and survivor advocate Saxon Mullins called the reforms a big leap forward for the state. "After so many years fighting for this, it's almost hard to believe we'll actually have affirmative consent laws in NSW. I know there's so much more to do in this space, but this is a huge win for survivors, and I'm so grateful for all the survivors and academics who've paved the way for this to happen." A sexual assault survivor herself, Mullins has been advocating for changes to the state's consent laws since her own case was dismissed in 2017, with the LRC's review initially sparked by media coverage of her story. For more information about NSW's planned changes to the state's sexual consent laws, head to the Department of Communities and Justice website.
Staying in the Venzin Group family, Picnic's acai bowl is slightly more mild in terms of the intense acai berry flavour but equally as delectable. Blended with banana and assembled with even rows of honey toasted Byron Bay Macadamia Muesli, shredded coconut, cranberries, strawberry rounds and fresh banana. The always-beaming team will also customise it for you with Paleo granola if regular isn't your thing. Perfectly enjoyed on a hot day by the giant bay window.
Following a series of sold out shows through New Zealand, and the immense success of their award winning album One, Tomorrow People are coming to Brisbane for one night only. With a reggae-centric sound with added touches of dancehall raga, Tomorrow People are defined as 'sunshine reggae', a vibe built around strong vocals, soothing harmonies, catchy hooks, aggressive raps and feel good rhythms. Since emerging as a studio project, the seven-piece band have seen their mid-tempo sound burst in popularity, and climb the ladder of Wellington’s respected local music scene. With members of mixed descent with decades of experience in varied genres, Tomorrow People take influence for their music from Jamaican and Hawaiian artists along with roots in traditional New Zealand music, all of which combine to make the clean, laid back sound that has earned rave reviews and radio play.
Have you ever asked a friend to describe an experience you missed out on; only to get the old refrain, “Oh, you had to be there”. Yeah, me too, I get sick of missing things. There may be hope for me though (and you), because the latest exhibition at GOMA attempts to convey the magic of a performance piece, after the fact. Trace: Performance and its Documents is a series of performance works, viewed through different media; medium’s that weren’t initially purposed to convey the piece displayed. This intriguing idea keeps performance art current, and prevents it slipping away into faded memory by re-wrapping it in a new guise. Artists on display include John Baldessari; Brown Council; Rebecca Horn; Bruce Nauman, Mike Parr; Campbell Patterson; Qin Ga; Carolee Schneemann; Sriwhana Spong; Song Dong; Ai Weiwei; Gosia Wlodarczak; Erwin Wurm; Zhang Huan, and more. The exhibition runs until the 27th of July, 2014.
