Brisbane's idea of cooler weather might be much milder than most, but you can still slide across ice in the centre of the city in our warm part of the world. From Friday, June 21 to Sunday, July 14, King George Square will become a winter wonderland thanks to the return of the Skating At Brisbane Festival. With the event back for another year, all of the frosty fabulousness Brisbanites know, love and won't find anywhere else in the CBD is back too: ice skating, obviously, but also ice sliding, rides, music, food and more. It's the next best thing to heading to Europe when it's oh-so-cool, just without the bone-chilling, teeth-chattering cold. Plus, the lineup of events includes not only regular ice skating, but a romance-themed 'date and skate' night each Tuesday, as well as an 'Ice Ice Baby' 90s and 00s disco evening every Thursday. In previous years, the food offerings also included German sausages, espresso martinis gluhwein (aka warm, mulled, spiced wine), so prepare to really feel like you're abroad. Entry to the area is free, but you'll have to pay for all of the fun stuff, with the fest open from 10am–9pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am–10pm on Thursday to Sunday.
Banish the midweek blues with a satisfying after-work snack and a spirit-heavy sip to go with it. Because there are few things that put the grind into the working week like an average Wednesday, Chu the Phat is serving up a solution — as long as you like dumplings and martinis. That's the menu for the evening, and for just $20. Parting with a lobster nabs you one drink as well as a selection of those delicious parcels that no one can ever get enough of. The regular menu will be on offer as always, so you can always stop by the West End joint for a small bite and a beverage, see whether your hunger (and thirst) grows, and then settle in for the longer haul. When it comes to dumplings, Chu the Phat has a few varieties, so we hope you're hungry. Favourites include the boiled pork with tomato and miso relish, the smoked trout in broth, and sweetcorn with coriander.
Come Friday, June 14, it's time for a night at the museum — but you won't find Ben Stiller roaming the halls here. Rather, given what'll be on display at Queensland Museum at the time, the revelry will feel a little out of this world. Walking, talking, drinking and partying like you're on the moon is on the agenda at QM's latest After Dark shindig, which is all about soaring beyond the earth as part of the museum's NASA — A Human Adventure showcase. There'll be music, drinks and demonstrations — plus attendees will get free reign, peering not only at the a whole host of exhibits about space featuring more than 250 items, including pieces that have actually been to space, but also feasting your eyes on the rest of the joint's displays. You'll be knocking back beverages; examining rocket engines, space food, space suits, lunar cameras and moon boots; and just generally pondering life beyond our pale blue dot. A word of warning: these shindigs often sell out so you'll want to nab a ticket quickly.
After a drink or two, or maybe a few more, even the shyest among us have been known to break into song. Alcohol is a great confidence booster — and belting out a ballad with a beverage in your hand just feels natural after you've had a couple of cold ones. Plenty of bars and events have been capitalising upon this idea, as Pub Choir fans will already know. Now, over at Milton venue Mongrel, it's time for a new spin. Tins and Tunes is really as simple as it sounds, with the watering hole serving up cheap brews, providing lyrics and teachers, and asking boozed-up patrons to sing their hearts out. While it's free to drop by and warble your best, you will need your wallet for the beverage part of the equation. Gather the gang and head on down to Park Road from 6pm on Wednesday, June 12. And if you're not known for your beautiful voice, don't worry — everyone else will likely be in the same situation.
Add another date into your doggo's diary — NewBARKet Dog Fest is back. On Saturday, June 8, Newmarket Village is going to the dogs, but in a good way, with the adorable festival returning for a huge second year. Take your pupper along from 11am till 5pm, with everything from pooch parades to a puppy ball pit to plenty of pats on offer. 2019's event is themed like a canine circus, so competing in categories such as The Bearded Lady (aka the doggo with the messiest bed head), The Strong Man (the most muscular pooch) and The Fortune Teller (the pupper with the best costume) is on the agenda. Also: canines with hula hoops. Pet photography, talks about puppy pampering sessions, market stalls and a bone bar are on the agenda too, so you can show off your four-legged best friend, make them feel special, and give them a treat or two. For attendees of the two-legged variety (no, your clever canine standing on their two back legs doesn't count), there'll also be food and live music, including free fairy floss. And if you're sadly lacking in the pooch department, don't worry — everyone else will have you covered, so you'll be in for a top day of dog-watching.
It's birthday time at Ashgrove's resident Japanese eatery, and Tsuru isn't letting the occasion pass by without a fuss. For an entire week, the Ashgrove Avenue spot is putting on a huge lantern party. And slinging plenty of food and drink to match, of course. The celebrations start on Wednesday, June 26 with cake. It isn't just any old cake — it's a 20-kilogram sushi cake, which is the kind of thing you don't get to tuck into every day. Head back on Thursday, June 27 for sake tasting and cocktail-style bites, because what's a Japanese party without everyone's favourite tipple? Other highlights across the period, which runs until Tuesday, July 2, include free coffees to start your Saturday morning on June 29, a couple of evenings filled with live tunes, and a $15 beer and izakaya-style food special on Sunday, June 30. Or, head by from 4pm on Tuesday, July 2 to learn an important new skill, and for free: making your own gyoza. Image: Tsuru Japanese.
If there's one thing that Welcome to Bowen Hills has become known for, it's throwing parties and festivals. Any old excuse will do, really. Love chicken? Let's turn that into a shindig. Adore beer? That's reason enough for a get-together. Fancy combining the two? Well, that's the whole point of the venue's new one-day gathering. The Chicken and Beer Festival will serve up chook and brews — in multiple varieties, of course. Whether you're keen on fried poultry, roasted chicken or the bite-sized goodness of nuggets, you'll find them here. You'll also find a whole heap of beer, including at pop-up bars. One such watering hole will even be dedicated to tinnies. While the vendor lineup is yet to be announced, mark Saturday, July 20 in your calendar. The fest will run from 11am–10pm, and entry is free. It'll also feature live music — and, as always, you can bring your dog along as well.
Good Food Month is here for 2019, which means it's time to jump around town and enjoy the best meals and beverages that Brisbane has to offer. Or, you could just block out every weekend morning across the month and make plans to tuck into the best meal of the day — with unlimited mimosas and bloody marys. That's what Pourboy is serving up on Saturdays and Sundays throughout July, with the venue's Bottomless Boozy Brunch running for two-hour sittings between 10am–1pm. It's the drinks that won't stop at the South Brisbane eatery — well, at least within your allocated time slot. Food-wise, you can choose anything from the brunch menu. Seeing your morning slide into the afternoon with a drink in hand will set you back an affordable $45 per person. Unsurprisingly, bookings via email or phone are highly recommended, so gather the gang and plan ahead.
UPDATE: April 27, 2020: Annabelle Comes Home is available to stream via Netflix, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. There's an incredibly cynical, albeit accurate, way of looking at Annabelle Comes Home, which marks the eighth film in the Conjuring Cinematic Universe in the past six years. A second sequel to a spin-off from 2013's The Conjuring, this horror flick once again draws upon the lives and work of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). As you can tell from the film's title, it also features the creepy doll called Annabelle, which is either a possessed plaything or a beacon for other demonic spirits, depending on narrative requirements in any given picture. This time, however, the franchise delves further into the Warrens' treasure trove of cursed and occult trinkets. There are so many other spooky and unnerving items that they literally fill a heavily padlocked room. Spying everything from jinxed samurai armour to haunted board games to prowling hellhounds, it's easy to glean what the saga's producers, including Australian filmmaker James Wan, are thinking — more eerie objects, more potential movies. New films about soul-collecting ferrymen and demented bridal dresses will likely eventuate (although, if the latter does, it'll have big shoes to fill following the fantastic, completely unrelated British movie In Fabric). That's just how the entertainment business works. Thankfully, as Annabelle Comes Home unleashes a bedevilled toy box worth of terrifying forces, it livens up the franchise's familiar template, has ample fun with the haunted house concept, and even throws in some goofy teen movie-style antics as well. The Annabelle series hasn't been great so far, so this mightn't sound like the biggest compliment, but Annabelle Comes Home is its best instalment yet. In a saga that also includes the lacklustre The Nun and The Curse of the Weeping Woman, it's also the best Conjuring Universe flick since the movie that started it all. Written and directed by Gary Dauberman — who has penned four Conjuring Universe films now, as well as 2017's It and its forthcoming sequel — Annabelle Comes Home sticks to its simple premise. After being involved in a number of violent incidents, the damned dolly is brought to the Warrens' suburban Connecticut house. Not only is it locked in their artefacts room, but it's sealed in a glass case emblazoned with multiple warnings of the "do not open" kind. And there Annabelle sits, until Ed and Lorraine go away overnight on a case, leaving their quiet, pre-teen daughter Judy (McKenna Grace) at home. Friendly, sensible babysitter Mary Ellen (Madison Iseman) knows better than to snoop, touch things she shouldn't or to even invite the cute boy from across the street (Michael Cimino) over. Of course, her curious pal Daniela (Katie Sarife) doesn't share the same mindset. As a screenwriter, Dauberman's past scripts have relied heavily on formula. That doesn't substantially change in his directorial debut, however he does an impressive job of making Annabelle Comes Home seem otherwise. Two sleight-of-hand tactics drive this bump- and jump-fuelled film, and they're both effective. Firstly, viewers are aware that this is more grist for the franchise mill, and that more movies will come — at this rate, the Conjuring series will probably haunt us for so long, it'll become its own hair-raising legend. But this latest chapter has such a great time careening between its multiple spine-tingling entities that nothing ever feels overly stock-standard, other than the titular doll (and she plays a smaller part than might be expected). Secondly, audiences have experienced ominous shadows, unsettling creaks and unexpected knocks at the door before, especially in this horror saga, and yet variety is once again key. Knowing that every sinister noise and strange occurrence is caused by the same disturbing toy again and again? Tired. Being kept guessing about which demonic object will pop up at any given moment? That's not only more thrilling, but it gives the movie more range to mix up its chilling imagery. Courtesy of hazy lighting and a moody atmosphere, Annabelle Comes Home nails the creepy tone anyway, with cinematographer Michael Burgess (The Curse of the Weeping Woman) making the most of the movie's main location. If trapping a few unsupervised kids in a house while otherworldly forces wreak havoc sounds like classic 80s territory, that's the vibe the picture goes for, even though it's set in the 70s. In a welcome improvement, the teen focus also shakes up the story beats, exploring threads about bullying, grief and young love — instead of just waiting for more spooks and scares, and padding them out with an uneasy tone. The film's characters also feel less like mere narrative pawns as a result. They still make stupid decisions, including ignoring all of those locks and "keep out" signs, but they're given flesh to jump out of. Overall, it's enough to make horror buffs wish that both the broader franchise and the now three-film Annabelle series had tried a few different tricks earlier. And although this is entirely the point, it's enough to make viewers look forward to possible new spinoffs, too. As the long-running Marvel Cinematic Universe continually demonstrates, these episodic, intertwined properties can (and probably will) keep going on forever. But as long as every single chapter isn't a carbon copy of the last, just with a new figure its centre, they can still surprise and entertain. Finally, Annabelle Comes Home shows that idea can be done well, rather than routinely, in the Conjuring Universe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6M0RbShLpI
UPDATE: July 17, 2020: Wild Rose is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Beneath her shock of red hair, Americana-themed clothing and fringed white leather jacket, a string of words adorns Rose-Lynn Harlan's (Jessie Buckley) arm. Her tattoo hails back to her real-life namesake, veteran US songwriter Harlan Howard, who coined an eloquent and evocative phrase to explain country music. "Three chords and the truth" isn't just the definition of a great song in the genre, however. It's the mantra that Rose-Lynn lives by in Wild Rose — and an apt way to describe the film itself. A music-driven movie in the same vein as A Star Is Born, this rousing picture plays plenty of familiar notes. But it also pairs them with such a rich and resonant spring of honesty that the screen lights up like an emotional symphony. Rose-Lynn believes in country music. She listens to it, croons it, loves it and is firmly convinced that it's her gateway to a better future. Feeling as if she was born in the wrong part of the world, the spirited Glaswegian has visions of Nashville in her eyes, as well as a melodic voice that could take her there. Alas, the twenty-something has just been released from a year-long prison sentence, and has two children that she had when she was still a child herself. Her ankle monitor and daily curfew are hardly conducive to chasing star-studded dreams, or for getting her singing job back at Scotland's version of the Grand Ole Oprey. Nor is her concerned mother Marion (Julie Walters), who wants her to do the right thing by her kids, or the daily cleaning gig for the wealthy Susannah (Sophie Okonedo) that Rose-Lynn needs in order to prove that she can be responsible. More than once throughout Wild Rose, its wayward songstress is asked if she writes her own songs — if she's belting out her own truth, or borrowing someone else's. While the script by first-time feature writer Nicole Taylor takes Rose-Lynn down a recognisable path that's part kitchen-sink drama, part stars-in-their-eyes quest for fame, this recurring question is a savvy touch in a film that's all about being true to yourself. That's the reality at the heart of many of the aching ballads that country music is known for; these songs aren't just about love, sorrow, longing, affairs of the heart and everyday problems, but about discovering, understanding and accepting one's place in the world. Indeed, more than simply charting Rose-Lynn's efforts to shake off her troubled life and warble her way to success, Wild Rose follows a lost young soul discovering who she really is one heartfelt tune and performance at a time. With that in mind, perhaps the film could've been called A Person Is Born. Actually it shouldn't because that's an awful title, but the underlying idea remains valid. While director Tom Harper (TV's War & Peace) has the misfortune of unfurling Wild Rose in A Star Is Born's celebrated slipstream, his is a different movie. If the Lady Gaga vehicle was a case of watching both fantasies and tragedies come true, this is a minutiae-filled chronicle of life lived in the shadow of a dream. Narrative details aside, Wild Rose's many differences are evident just from looking at it, with cinematographer George Steel (another War & Peace alumni) giving every frame a quiet, gritty, gloss-free sheen. The movie also boasts moments of expressive, subjective beauty, conveyed in intimate close-ups of Buckley's radiant face, red-lit scenes that channel her inner fire and the striking sight of her taking to the stage — although there's no mistaking that they're the exception, not the rule. No one is being swept off their feet by a rockstar, getting picked up in limousines, playing huge festivals and releasing pop songs about butts here. Of course, were Buckley to croon a peppy tune about attractive derrieres as Lady Gaga did, there's no doubt that she'd similarly do a stellar job. It'd be easy to call the actor a revelation, except that she's been consistently fantastic across her evolving screen career to date, including in TV series War & Peace, Taboo and Chernobyl, as well as the excellent 2018 crime drama Beast. It's fitting, too, that her off-screen story actually began in a not-too-dissimilar fashion to Wild Rose's charismatic, cheeky protagonist. Just over a decade ago, Buckley unleashed her pipes on British competitive TV show I'll Do Anything, singing her way not only to a second-place spot, but into acting studies. The classes paid off, as she demonstrates in a series of disarmingly intimate scenes with both Walters and Okonedo. Her vocal talents pay dividends as well, including in the moving finale. But like the woman she's playing, there's a spark to Buckley that's infectious, inimitable and irrepressible. The title Wild Rose, conjuring up visions of sprawling, messy, rebellious splendour, proves pitch-perfect for a plethora of reasons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke_OYBAc7J4
Planning a date night during June? Lock it in for the middle of the week, as Post Office Square has the perfect activity. On Wednesday June 12 — and again on June 19 and 26 — the inner-city space is hosting Rom Coms & Nom Noms. There'll be flicks and food, obviously. Attendees can feast their eyes on the pop-up big screen for free — but if you're keen on a snack, there'll be grazing boxes for available from micro pub Isles Lane. And, if you're thirsty as well, the bar can help with that as well, obviously. As for the movie lineup, prepare to get romantic with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days on June 12, then swoon over Sweet Home Alabama on June 19, before playing with a modern Shakespeare update in She's the Man on June 26. The event opens at 5pm each week, with films starting at 5.30pm. Image: Isles Lane.
Time is the one thing that no one ever has enough of. That's true in an ordinary day, if you're staring mortality in the face, or when you need to travel back to the past in a telephone booth — not just to round up historical figures so that you can pass high school, but to put you on the path to becoming a world-changing rock superstar. It's a topic that people can't stop pondering, including many a filmmaker. And, it's the subject of the Gallery of Modern Art's new film season, Nothing But Time. For two months between Friday, July 5 and Sunday, September 1, GOMA's Australian Cinematheque is hoping you'll have time to stop by and check out its jam-packed lineup. From time travel classics, to tales of love battling against time, to explorations of memory, to contemplations of time's inescapable nature, there's plenty to watch. Hop in your DeLorean, wake from a dream within a dream within a dream, and take a giant leap over to South Bank, with the paid program running every Wednesday and Friday evening, plus Saturday and Sunday during the day. It all begins with quite the double — and quite the treat on the big screen — aka Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Back to the Future. From there, you can revisit a heap recent-ish classics such as Inception, Run Lola Run, Primer, Edge of Tomorrow, 12 Monkeys, Only Lovers Left Alive and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; enjoy the anime stylings of Your Name and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time; or soak up bona fide greats like Solaris, Ikiru, Wings of Desire, Wild Strawberries, Last Year at Marienbad and Cleo From 5 to 7. Or, you can dance, magic, dance with David Bowie through Labyrinth, then walk and talk with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy through Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight.
Gemma Arterton's resume is filled with roles both forgettable and masterful, in small and blockbuster movies alike, and in intimate and overblown films, too. Her time as a Bond girl in Quantum of Solace sits alongside vampire feature Byzantium, underrated zombie flick The Girl with All the Gifts, romantic drama Vita & Virginia and the Adam Sandler-starring Murder Mystery, for instance. But when she's in a film that feels as if it has been built around her, either wholly or in part — see: The Disappearance of Alice Creed, Tamara Drewe and Their Finest — she rarely fails to impress. Summerland is the latest movie to boast one of her most memorable performances, and it's definitely better for it. Exploring an unexpected connection between a misanthropic writer and a young boy placed in her care, tackling multiple types of trauma, and espousing the enduring need for hope, this primarily World War II-set drama would've proven far more standard otherwise. It's still often a straightforward affair, but it also demonstrates that a feature can be neat, obvious, heartfelt and rivetingly acted all at once. In the mid-70s, Alice Lamb (Penelope Wilton, Downton Abbey) taps away at her typewriter and scares away the children who come knocking at her door. Rewind to the 40s, and the younger Alice (Arterton) does much the same. She's been labelled a witch by the kids in her seaside village, and she's hardly happy when the pre-teen Frank (Lucas Bond, The Alienist: Angel of Darkness) arrives on her doorstep as part of a government program to evacuate the next generation from London. In fact, Alice demands that he be rehoused instead of interrupting her work; however, she's told that'll take a week. Moving to the big screen after stage success as a playwright and theatre director (and making short film Leading Lady Parts, also starring Arterton), debut feature filmmaker Jessica Swale penned the original script, so Summerland isn't based on an existing text or property — but everyone watching knows Alice and Frank have ample time to overcome their initial animosity, and that that'll end up being the case. When it spins a story about a woman given a new lease on life via an unanticipated bond that's thrust upon her, Summerland rarely flirts with surprise, let alone delivers many. Alice specialises in investigating the myths and histories of mirage-like imagery, including visions of a castle in the sky not far from her own quaint cottage — and the curious Frank quickly embraces her field of expertise. It brightens up his own uncertain predicament, not just because Alice is so unwelcoming, but given that his father is a pilot in the thick of the action and his mother remains in the capital as it is under threat from bombing. Frank's interest also helps soften the cantankerous Alice's tough exterior, which is predictably the product of past woes. Again and again, Swale's screenplay makes obvious choices, and yet it also tells a resonant tale in the process. Other than Arterton's efforts, Summerland benefits from two specific aspects: the backstory behind Alice's demeanour, and the way it unpacks her outsider status. Inescapably, Summerland also includes an almost-cringeworthy, far-too-convenient twist — but when it leaps back to the 20s, to Alice's immediate attraction to and subsequent time with Vera (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Misbehaviour) during her university studies, it doesn't just add a love story to the narrative. In its flashbacks and the shadow they leave on Alice's WWII-era life, the movie also invests depth and emotion that isn't as strong otherwise, unleashes unexpected elements that aren't evident elsewhere, and offers a quiet yet potent undercurrent of subversion as well. Swale needn't stress the point, so she doesn't, but she lingers on moments between Arterton and Mbatha-Raw because they stand out. Period scenes of queer romance will do that in genres and tales that aren't known for them, after all. Before flitting backwards, viewers have already seen that Alice lives alone prior to Frank coming along, so Summerland instantly delves into complex territory. The audience is well aware that Swale has reshaped and recontextualised a largely cookie-cutter narrative, and they're just as cognisant of the hurdles Alice and Vera faced in having any hope of enjoying a happy ending. Also apparent: why Alice has long chosen to cultivate a peppery reputation, and to close herself off to her fellow townsfolk. This is a warm movie with an array of hope, though. Summerland never lets Frank lose sight of it, or allows the embers of hope for a different future to die within Alice. Arterton is particularly compelling when Alice lays bare her heartbreak, even if that's clearly one of the character's much-needed steps on the path to moving forward — and, because it's paired with such a lived-in performance, Alice is able to navigate an easy-to-foresee emotional journey and still staunchly feel like her own person at the same time. There's no avoiding the air of familiarity that hovers over Summerland, of course. It's unshakeable in most of its storyline, its assortment of quirky bit players (including villagers portrayed by King of Thieves' Tom Courtenay and The Secret Garden's Dixie Egerickx) and its postcard-perfect imagery, especially. That said, Swale mostly manages to fly through much-recognised territory, find ways to dive deeper and occasionally transcend a template, and get viewers to share the heartache Alice wears on her sleeves and the desires she has buried inside — with Arterton so crucial to making that happen, it's hard to imagine the film without her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4gSLP9Smlg
In the humble espresso martini, caffeine and booze combine in glorious style. But why just drink regular ol' coffee-flavoured cocktails in elongated glasses when you can try inventive types? There's a time and a place for traditional concoctions, of course. There's also a time and a place to sip salted caramel espresso martinis, Nutella espresso martinis and jaffa versions as well. Throw in coconut tipples, honeycomb varieties, a fruit-and-nut combo and something called an 'outback espresso' (featuring Australian white spiced rum with spices and bitters), and that's the full eight-cocktail menu for Riverland's riverside Espresso Martini Fest. If you don't like your beverages with a considerable buzz, then this isn't the event for you. Drop by from 11am on Friday, July 26, with the festivities in full swing all day — and with the site's range of street kitchens cooking up food to match until 9pm. Live music will also be on the menu from 5pm, followed by DJs, because all that caffeine will give you plenty of energy to expend.
When an art and design festival sweeps into Brisbane, as Brisbane Art Design is throughout May, checking out exhibitions and browsing for impressive wares comes with the territory. There's more to this fest than just the basics, however, no matter how stunning its showcases are — and how much perusing and purchasing you're keen to do. Fancy learning about ceramics, then tucking into a two-course banquet with paired wines? That's also on the BAD agenda. For one night only, Southside and Mas & Miek are teaming up on a dinner that'll showcase the former's food and vino, plus the latter's hand-crafted items, and also celebrate the link between tableware and the feasts adorning them. Across two sittings on Thursday, May 25 — at 5.30pm and 7.45pm — mother-daughter duo Mieke and Charlie from Mas & Miek will first unpack their hand-building process during a masterclass. You'll put your hands all over fine white porcelain, and you'll discover how 'pinch pot' vessels are created. After that, this Southside x Mas & Miek dinner will use Mas & Miek's wares to plate up hiramasa kingfish, wasabi chicken and chives dumplings, and wakame potato and truffle spring rolls, as well as wok-fried pork belly and macadamia steamed market fish. In addition to the class, food and wine, your $169 ticket also includes a handmade glazed and fired plate that'll be used while you dine, and that you can take home afterwards.
There's a reason that the Ekka comes with its own public holiday. Brisbanites are set free from work to rush to the Royal Queensland Show, fill themselves up with fried and sugary goodness, then brave the rides and gaze at the fireworks. Of course, there's much more going on than that, with everything from animal competitions to cooking demonstrations on the bill. Where else are you going to see a giant pumpkin, pat a pig, eat a strawberry sundae, listen to live music, crash dodgems, throw a ball in a clown's mouth for a prize and take home all the Bertie Beetles you can eat, after all?
It's now been 23 years since a certain modern-day retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew had us all swooning over Heath Ledger and wishing we were Julia Stiles. Yes, that'll make you feel old. And if you're one of the scores of Aussie teens who devoured smash-hit flick 10 Things I Hate About You when it first came out — and then about a million times on VHS since — you've probably taken up every occasion there is to celebrate the 1999 movie. Your next chance: Yatala Drive-In's latest weekend screening — aka an excuse to hop in the car, head down the highway and revisit the timeless high school-set tale. Yatala's movies-on-wheels site is hosting a special throwback showing on Saturday, October 15 from 7pm, which is perfect for you and your 90s-worshipping pals (because you'll pay $40 for a carload of up to six people). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVHxKeFZU1s Prepare to revisit all those late-90s feels as you catch those classic movie moments — from the cheer-worthy smashing of Joey Donner's car to that pre-formal pregnancy suit. You can pack your own food for the session (Ms Perky would definitely recommend bratwurst), but BYO booze obviously isn't allowed. Otherwise, you can make the most of Yatala's 50s-style diner.
It's been half a century since The Rocky Horror Show first brought its musical blend of sci-fi, horror and comedy to the stage, and the cult hit itself has the perfect phrase to describe those quickly passing years. Yes, time is fleeting when you're singing about a college-aged couple getting a flat tyre, wandering over to an old castle to ask for help, and finding an extra-terrestrial mad scientist from the galaxy of Transylvania — plus his staff and his Frankenstein-style experiments — awaiting. Yes, the show itself is astounding, too. To celebrate this big anniversary, a new Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show is currently touring the country, starting in Sydney then moving to Adelaide and Melbourne. And, for one night only, the Sydney season is beaming one of its shows into cinemas as well — live as it's all happening at the Theatre Royal Sydney. Movie-goers can do the 'Time Warp' in Brisbane cinema aisles from 6.15pm on Thursday, March 30, which is when the Richard O'Brien-created production will be broadcast from the stage to the screen. In the process, The Rocky Horror Show will notch up a first. For Trafalgar Releasing, who is behind a heap of event cinema-style sessions like this, this is the first time that it has presented a live event from an Aussie venue to cinemas across the nation. Folks hitting up big screens around the country will want to listen closely, and watch, as Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter puts his hands on his hips, then brings his knees in tight. The glorious madness will take its toll with help not only from Donovan — fresh from popping back up in Ramsay Street to farewell Neighbours before it was renewed again — but also from Spicks and Specks' Myf Warhurst as The Narrator. Also featuring: Ellis Dolan (School of Rock) as Eddie/Dr Scott, Darcey Eagle (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) as Columbia, Ethan Jones (9 to 5 The Musical) as Brad, Deirdre Khoo (Once) as Janet, Loredo Malcolm (Hamilton) as Rocky and Henry Rollo (Jagged Little Pill the Musical) as Riff Raff. Of course, this tale is no stranger to cinemas thanks to 1975's iconic big-screen release The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Since first premiering in London in June 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has played in more than 30 countries, with over 30 million people seeing songs like 'Science Fiction/Double Feature', 'Dammit, Janet!', 'Sweet Transvestite', 'Over at the Frankenstein Place' and 'Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me'. If you haven't been before and can't make it to the current theatre tour, this is your turn to join in. Images: Daniel Boud.
Ever found yourself eating your way through a high tea — spreading cream on scones, biting into a mini quiche and sipping a cocktail, probably — and realised that you could really use more cheese? Even if you haven't experienced that train of thought, you'll be pleased to know that La Valle Wine Bar and Bottle Shop has the answer. At its High Cheese events, the name is obviously self-explanatory. On the menu: dairy, and plenty of it. You'll be tucking into a tiered cheese tower, in fact — and, while the menu changes each time, deep-fried and crumbed camembert wrapped in prosciutto, four-cheese croquettes and truffle-filled brie slices are just some of the dishes that could be on offer. In total, you'll munch on eight cheesy bites. You'll also know what to say if someone asks you to smile while they're snapping a photo. For your $39 ticket, you'll also get two hours of bottomless wine — something to say cheers, not cheese, to. High Cheese sessions are happening monthly, but the May, June and July events have already sold out (Brisbanites are a cheese-loving bunch, understandably). So, at the time of writing, you can make a cheese date for 11am, 12pm or 1pm on Sunday, August 8.
Put down your croquet mallet, plaster on your best game show host smile and grab a slushie: it's Heathers time, again. The end of this month marks 30 years since one of the most very films of the 80s first hit American cinemas, and fun-loving cinephile Kristian Fletcher is putting on a screening to celebrate. Big hair, blazers with shoulder pads and giant red scrunchies are a must. Complaining about everyone you know called Heather — that's optional. Whether you channel your inner Veronica or JD, you're in for a deliciously twisted night commemorating one of the cult classics of the past three decades. Whatever will be, will be, after all. So, what's the event's damage? It starts at 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 26 at Metro Arts, and drinking blue beverages isn't recommended. Be there, or be a pillowcase — or be jealous much.
While visiting Far North Queensland, make a stop at Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest. To give you a deeper understanding of the extraordinary beauty surrounding you, we recommend booking a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. After a traditional smoking ceremony, your local Indigenous Australian guide will lead you into a magical forest while sharing Dreamtime stories. You'll get to source and taste bush tucker, learn how to make soap from leaves and see ochre painting in progress, before finishing up with bush tea and damper. On the way out, spend as long as you like beside the spectacular Gorge, where a waterfall plunges into a cool, rushing river. Images: Tourism and Events Queensland
Weekend afternoons, The Triffid and a roots lineup go hand-in-hand, and have since Newstead hangout started running acoustic gigs back when it opened. Accordingly, it was only a matter of time until the venue decided to turn their regular shindigs into a festival — and after a winning start in 2016, they're returning for another round. Meet the Newstead Roots Festival, aka a beefed-up version of the events everyone already knows and loves. With Caravana Sun, Fat Picnic, The Steele Syndicate, Karl S Williams, Little Georgia, Aine Tyrrell, Jordan Merrick, Angharad Drake and DJ Paul Watson on the bill, playing on both the main stage and out in the beer garden, it's the ultimate weekend roots session — and, it's even better given that it takes place on the Saturday of a long weekend.
If choice is what you're after, then you can't do much better than the good old Treasury Casino. For the drinks part of the night, you can choose between cocktails at The Kitty, sports at the TAB Bar, tunes at the Livewire Bar or just some laid back beverages at Ryan's on the Park. When dinner time calls, there's Vietnamese fusion at Fat Noodle, modern Australian cuisine at The Lab Bar + Restaurant, or a bit of everything at Kitchen at Treasury (open 24 hours). Images: Grace Smith.
Fresh from announcing its first titles and revealing its high-profile patrons for the year, the Brisbane International Film Festival has unveiled its complete 2019 program. Thanks to a lineup of fresh international favourites, new local gems and everything in-between, the city's cinephiles will be spending plenty of time in a cinema between Thursday, October 3 and Sunday, October 13 — and plenty of time watching more than 110 features, documentaries and shorts. On the big-name front, BIFF's highlights span sumptuous Queer Palme winner The Portrait of a Lady on Fire from acclaimed French filmmaker Céline Sciamma; Xavier Dolan's emotive exploration of love and friendship in Matthias and Maxime, which he both stars in and directs; The Day Shall Come, Chris Morris' long-awaited sophomore film after Four Lions; and Takashi Miike's latest gangster flick First Love. Then there's Sundance hit Monos, Chinese underworld thriller The Wild Goose Lake, László Nemes' historical drama Sunset, Agnes Varda's joyous Varda by Agnes, and the Dardenne brothers' Cannes best director winner Young Ahmed. The standouts keep coming, including the world premiere of a new documentary about Ben Quilty, coinciding with GOMA's current exhibition of his work. And, BIFF will also play host to the Aussie premieres of the luminous, Berlin-set O Beautiful Night, artificial intelligence doco HI, A.I., feline-friendly documentary The Cat Rescuers, and the Peter Sarsgaard and Rashida Jones-starring The Sound of Silence, about a man who finds harmony in the noise of everyday life. Among the fest's local contingent, audiences can look forward to Lupita Nyong'o fighting zombies in Australian comedy Little Monsters, Indigenous horror anthology Dark Place, Aussie queer drama Sequin in a Blue Room, and a Hugo Weaving double thanks to Hearts and Bones (from Ghosthunter director Ben Lawrence) and Measure for Measure (which transports Shakespeare's play of the same name to a Melbourne block of housing commission units). Meanwhile, fact fans can settle in for eye-opening Scientology chronicle Over the Rainbow, Danish true-crime caper Cold Case Hammarskjöld, and the bee-focused Honeyland — plus two informative and engaging docos about cinema: Memory: The Origins of Alien, about Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic, and Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché, about the medium's first female filmmaking pioneer. BIFF is also going big with its special events slate, as headlined by three world premiere performances — all pairing films with live scores. The aforementioned Over the Rainbow will screen with its original soundtrack performed live by Australian band HTRK, who composed it in the first place, while 1924 Russian science fiction classic Aelita: Queen of Mars will be accompanied by beatboxing from Tom Thumb. Plus, Harry Houdini will work his magic on the big screen at the 100th anniversary session of The Grim Game, with David Bailey playing the wurlitzer organ. With small strands also dedicated to flicks about the undead, new filmmaking directions, the use of sound, the creative process and life on the urban fringes, the lineup just keeps going. All of the above join the previously announced opening night pic Judy & Punch, starring Mia Wasikowska and Damon Herriman; Pedro Almodovar's Cannes Best Actor-winning Pain and Glory, featuring a sublime performance by Antonio Banderas; Jim Jarmusch's zombie comedy The Dead Don't Die, which boasts everyone from Bill Murray to Adam Driver to Iggy Pop among its cast; and seeing Tilda Swinton act opposite her talented daughter Honor Swinton Byrne in The Souvenir — and a retrospective of BIFF 2019 patron Baz Luhrmann's work, as well as a selection of his favourite films.
The Kite String Tangle is the project of Brisbane-bred alternative electronic artist and producer Danny Harley. After being unearthed by Triple J last year and generating some serious buzz at Falls Festival, he is continuing strong into 2014 with a national tour scheduled for February. Inspired by the dreamy and atmospheric soundscapes of artists like Active Child, The Kite String Tangle offers a combination of ethereal pop and ambient electronica. The harmonic and hand-crafted textures of tunes such as 'Given the Chance' are rallying public and critical attention, having just made it into the Triple J Hottest 100 at No.19. Before heading to the states in March to play several showcases for SXSW, Harley's national run-around is already sporting some sold-out labels. However, additional shows have been added in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. You won't want to miss this upcoming Australian producer weaving his musical magic. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6qBwQtTHu4g
Craig O'Shanesy doesn't just enlighten bright young minds about visual arts — the educator also puts his teachings into practice. It's fitting, then, that an exhibition of his work will adorn the walls at Gallery 61 at the Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus. Confluent Decay tries to reconcile two parts of modern life. One one side sits the fact that the possibility of a dystopian future isn't just something we see in science fiction films, but lurks in the back of our minds; and on the other, the on-the-go, always-online enthusiasm we pump into cyberspace each and every day. Where the two concepts combine, an interrogation of control, order and categorisation blossoms. That's the theoretical side of things. In his technique, O'Shanesy merges landscapes and portraits with virtual imagery. Expect a collection of oil paintings that blend the real world with its internet counterpart as a result, as well as an emotional journey into fiction, memory, reality and history.
The divine cabaret performer, Meow Meow, is performing for three nights at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Hailing from England, she is the Queen of Cabaret and has created her own unique performance style that combines comedy with music. Her larger than life stage presence and pure unbridled charisma has mesmerised audiences across the world as she manages to single handedly entertain her fans. Meow Meow embodies a bygone era of glitz and glamour. She has the ability to enchant and captivate her audiences as her performances not only showcases her angelic voice, but are also injected with side-splitting comedy. The sequinned songstress will be performing three 70 minute shows this week. Meow Meow's talent is unparalleled, we assure you, you've never seen anything like this delicious diva, so why not head along for a purr-fect show.
In Woody Allen's latest film, Cate Blanchett plays Jasmine, an unpleasant socialite who's fallen on hard times. Jasmine finds herself at odds with her adopted sister, Ginger (Sally Hawkins), whom she plans to stay with until she is back on her feet. Jasmine had little time for Ginger when she was living high on the hog in Manhattan and finds herself appalled at Ginger's working-class lifestyle and new boyfriend, Chili (Bobby Cannavale), a mechanic. The story flashes back and forth between Jasmine's glamorous New York life of polo matches and Hamptons holidays and her later comeuppance in California. Along the way, Ginger and ex-boyfriend Augie (Andrew Dice Clay) make a rare visit to New York, where Jasmine suggests husband Hal (Alec Baldwin) can invest money for Ginger and Augie. The flashbacks find Jasmine in wilfully ignorant bliss, raising the question of whether she should have taken more of an interest in his staggering accumulation of wealth. The prickly figure of Jasmine, a character who is by turns contemptible and pitiful, washing Xanax down with vodka as she endlessly recounts stories from better times, is perfectly realised, and Blanchett's compelling work lights up one of Woody Allen's darkest films. Blue Jasmine is in cinemas on September 12, and thanks to Hopscotch Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BXnktqEWvGM
Read more: Vivid Sydney 2015 overview The ten best gigs to see at Vivid Sydney 2015 The ten best events to go to at Vivid Ideas 2015
A smart, self-effacing send-up of the entertainment industry, Top Five, like most of Rock’s best material, feels at least partly autobiographical. Rock plays Andre Allen, a comedian turned Hollywood superstar and recovering alcoholic, best known for his role in the million-dollar Hammy the Bear franchise. Unfortunately, Allen’s funny bone has been blunted since going sober, and his first attempt at a ‘serious’ film — playing Haitian slave revolutionary Dutty Boukman — is shaping up to be a box-office bomb. Even more out of control is his upcoming televised wedding, to Kardashian-esque reality star Erica Long (Gabrielle Union). Enter Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson), a sardonic, whip-smart writer for the New York Times, who’s been assigned to profile Allen over the course of a single day. Although initially suspicious of Brown and the Times, whose resident film critic has made a career out of tearing his movies to shreds, Allen soon finds himself opening up to the writer, as the pair begin to trade stories while walking around NYC. Top Five (©2015 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.) is in cinemas on March 12, and thanks to Paramount Pictures, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
It seems we cannot get enough of the world's most famous inflatable yellow duck. After wowing Sydney Festival-goers at the turn of the year, the 16.5 metre giant then sailed into Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. When it suffered from a minor deflation, the internet went into overdrive. Now Florentijn Hofman's colossus has become the victim of Chinese censorship after an edited image of the notorious 1989 'tank man' picture emerged this week, mocking Chinese censorship of the June 4 Tiananmen Square massacre. We are electing to call this controversy 'Duckgate'. Whilst the photoshopping may seem like a joke and draws a laugh worldwide, it is actually representative of the primary form of protest that internet activists can take against Chinese censorship of that day. The events of that tragic day are unsearchable in China on Weibo, the nation's most popular microblog, with the Chinese Communist party (CCP) having banned searchable number combinations associated with the events. They also blocked any other words even remotely associated with the Tiananmen Square massacre, including simple adverbs such as 'tomorrow' if one searched on June 3 and 'today' on June 4, the 24th anniversary of the tragedy. 'Big yellow duck' swiftly joined the censored list on Tuesday afternoon as Weibo became aware of the new 'duck man' image, joining 'lego tank', which was banned after this artwork surfaced. The censorship is all due to the CCP fearing a threat to their legitimacy, because apparently pretending that something never happened does not threaten your legitimacy at all. Protests like Duckgate are thus important stances taken by online users to circumnavigate censorship and commemorate that day and those who stood up for what they believed in, even if China would have you believe that nothing happened. Images: Twitter/weibo.com/weibolg
The Brisbane Comedy Festival is now underway. If you're among those who'd like more of a hand perusing the program, we've compiled a quick list of some of the must-see acts at the festival to save you the unenviable task of having to pick and choose out of all the great talent. Check out the full program on the Powerhouse website. There are heaps of great comedians in town, and we've only skimmed the surface of the very funniest. 1. Stephen K Amos: The Spokesman One of the most charming and entertaining comedians on the bill is putting on this headline show at the Comedy Festival after sell-out tours in Edinburgh and Canada. If you've ever seen Stephen on Australian TV shows like Thank God You're Here, Spicks and Specks, The Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala, Great Debate or Good News Week, then you know that Stephen is a true comedy professional and his show is bound to be exquisitely funny. Tuesday, February 26 to Sunday, March 10. 2. Heath Franklin's Chopper If you've never experienced the outrageous and often borderline inappropriate routine of Heath Franklin as Chopper Reid, you've missed out on one of the most talked about and quoted impersonations of the past decade. Heath and Chopper are back, and this time, they're angry. Be wary, this show will be confrontational, but hilariously honest. We guarantee that it will be one of the most talked about shows of the festival. Friday, March 8. 3. Sarah Millican: Home Bird Sarah Millican is a British comedian and star of her own BBC show, The Sarah Millican Television Programme. Sarah's comedy brings a bit of naughtiness to domesticity, as she explores themes such as parenting, sex, and growing older. Though she may look sweet, Sarah will surely have some spicy topics to get you laughing. Tuesday, March 19, to Sunday, March 24. 4. Super Happy Fun Time Super Happy Fun Time are four young Brisbane comedians who are back for their third Brisbane Comedy Festival. After hit shows like The End Of The World (And Other Things) and Young Blood Comedy All Stars, Super Happy Fun time are here to throw a soiree like no other. We recommend you see these local funnymen before they take their comedy to distant audiences — they are bound to get there soon. Saturday, March 9, to Saturday, March 23. 5. Paul Foot: Kenny Larch is Dead Paul Foot is one of the left-field comedians who will confuse and bewilder yet will have your sides splitting with laughter by the end. We can’t really describe what to expect, as it will not do Paul's show justice, so we have left it up to Paul himself to give it a shot: "Deep within the sinking sands of the perspex jungle of youth, in the forgotten nebula of nothingness, comes an objet d'esire; a trombone fruit. Needless to say, it's another warm year." Thanks, Paul Foot. Can't wait to find out what that's about. Friday, March 22, to Sunday, March 24.
If you're a well-off manchild who's ever defiantly moved out of home all grown up-like, stole all your mum's tupperware and turned your old room into a storage space because you're great and responsible and have your own Medicare card, Bondi Hipsters' new Old Spice ad will strike a few chords. The Australian follow-up to the bang-up hilarious viral 'Mom Song' brought out by the deodorant branding geniuses in January this year, 'Old Spice Man Song' (or Mahn Song) has been crafted by Bondi Hipsters for our own market. Both focused on the fact that Old Spice apparently makes you an immediate Man, the 333-riders have put less focus on freaky couch-dwelling, son-clingy mums and more on dudes who move out of home and think they're big ol' grown ups. Bondi Hipsters Dom and Adrian play two dudes breaking the news to Dom's possibly North Shore-looking mum that he's moving because he's a mahn with a cool leather wallet and a Swiss-made watch, whose beard grows quicker and chest hair grows thicker because of Old Spice. Of course it does, you've seen what happened to this guy. Watch the Bondi Hipsters' Old Spice ad here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=TuiKdWz6IKo Then revisit the US-version 'Mom Song', just for kicks. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JEbpbNTkIdk Via Junkee.
New Zealand-born writer-director Andrew Dominik has amassed a stellar crime thriller line-up for his latest offering, Killing Them Softly, which opens in cinemas October 11. Brad Pitt heads up the the film's brutal 'heist movie gone wrong' plot alongside the best of small and silver screen bad guys: Ray Liotta, James Gandolfini (aka Tony Soprano) and Ben Mendelsohn, to name just a few. From the director who brought us Chopper and The Assassination of Jesse James, Killing Them Softly sees Pitt play Mafia hitman Jackie Cogan, who is called in to 'fix' the upset caused by a couple of amateurish criminals when they hold up an illegal card game. In an America on the verge of political and economical crisis, the 'enforcer' navigates between his indecisive bosses and the lowlifes behind the heist in order to maintain the status quo of the criminal underworld and take back control. Thanks to Hoyts Distribution, Concrete Playground has ten double passes to giveaway to see Killing Them Softly. To go in the running, just subscribe to Concrete Playground's weekly newsletter (if you haven't already) then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Gold Coast favourite I Like Ramen has set up shop in Brisbane, slinging its brothy vegan noodle bowls out of The Flying Cock. It's a case of one door closing and another one opening, with the Fortitude Valley watering hole saying goodbye to chicken-focused eatery The Coop in mid-October. I Like Ramen now takes its place in the freshly revamped space, following a number of pop-ups onsite in late August and early September. As announced earlier this month, it's a permanent arrangement, so punters can slurp their way through a range of meat-free dishes from Wednesday to Saturday each week. I Like Ramen will open for dinner every night, and for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays too, slinging seven types of ramen and a smattering of other options. It's a mix of old classics from the Gold Coast menu, plus a few additions. When it comes to the main dish, Brisbanites can choose from chick'n white miso, mushroom in an earthy shiitake and soy soup, kimchi with plenty of spice, 'mean green' with spinach, bok choy and wakame, and cauliflower and onion with crispy beetroot and charred corn. If you can't decide, you can nab a combination of two flavours — and if you're extra hungry, the loaded option includes almost everything. Those after a more adventurous type of noodle can also opt for activated charcoal ramen. Among the non-ramen highlights sits the panko mushroom po'boy, which is made with panko-crumbed mushrooms that are flavoured to taste like sour cream and onion. And as for sides and small plates, the range spans panko mushroom and kimchi bao, shiitake mushroom croquettes and agedashi tofu with shiitake dashi, as well as garlic soy Asian greens, kimchi potatoes and panko mushrooms on their own. I Like Ramen is now open at The Flying Cock, 388 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley from Wednesday to Saturday.
Whether you're keen to kick on once lockout time comes, are hankering for a bite in the evening's early hours or need somewhere to dance the night away, Fortitude Valley's new watering hole will offer a one-stop-shop — and, when Beirne Lane opens its doors in the heritage-listed T.C. Beirne Building, it won't close them. Settling into the Brunswick Street spot from early November, Beirne Lane is set to trade 24 hours a day. The indoor and outdoor two-level space is the latest venture from Trent Meade and Matt Blyth at the Celissa hospitality group, and it combines the vibe of some of their other projects, blending the gastropub aspect of Isles Lane in the CBD with the hangout feel of fellow Valley residents The Met and GPO. Mixing things together drives the venue's food menu, too, which takes inspiration from Beirne Lane's namesake in an interesting way. If you're not up on Brissie's past, Thomas Charles Beirne came to Brissie from Ireland, opened a department store in the Valley at the turn of the twentieth century, and initially employed James McWhirter — who would then open a competing department store across the street. Beirne also apparently loved Japanese culture. What this mini-history lesson means is that Beirne Lane will be slinging an Irish-meets-Japanese menu in its iconic location, complete with a dedicated katsu sandwich menu featuring the likes of beef with spicy miso mayonnaise and tonkatsu sauce, and fish with Kewpie tartare, bacon, Sriracha and pickled jalapeño. Also on offer are chips slathered in Japanese curry, cob loaf with beer cheese, plus spicy pork rinds with seaweed crisps and peanuts, as well as king prawns with black garlic butter and marinated spatchcock with charred lime from the charcoal grill. In another nod to Brisbane gone by, the spot will also revive the 'shilling meal'. A plate of oysters, steak and more, it was available to T.C. Beirne's employees for just a shilling. The new version won't be as cheap, we're certain, but it will feature four oysters, dry-age rib-eye steak, buttermilk onion rings and a clotted cream cannoli, and is recommended for sharing. Drinks-wise, rotating beers and a range of natural, organic wines will be joined by a cocktail list that throws together combos of Australian native produce, house-made syrups and whatever's in season. That's evident in the Oh Boys! We Must Have Another!, which blends gin, brandy, rum, orgeat, lime and orange juice, and sherry, and is inspired by — like most of the joint — T.C. Beirne's past. Find Beirne Lane at 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley from early November, open 24/7.
On Sunday night, March 22, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that all non-essential indoor venues had to close the following day at midday. Gyms, cinemas, casinos, and places of worship were some of the venues on that list, as were pubs, club, bars, restaurants and cafes. And while restaurants and cafes were allowed to continue offering food via takeaway and delivery, if they're located in Queensland and hold a current liquor licence, they can now also supply alcohol using those two means as well. Implemented by the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming, the change comes with one big caveat, however — which explains why it applies to restaurants and cafes, but not bars. Booze can only be added to takeaway and delivery orders that also include food, so you'll need to buy something to eat to go along with your beverage. Also, only bottled and canned beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink tipples such as premixed spirits are available for takeaway and delivery — and a maximum of 2.25 litres of alcohol can be sold with any one food order. [caption id="attachment_659857" align="aligncenter" width="1620"] E'cco Bistro by Atlanta Bell[/caption] In New South Wales, a similar move also allows bars to sell cocktails and other boozy beverages for consumption at home. At present, however, that isn't the case in Queensland — and there's no word as yet as to whether it is under consideration. There's also no word regarding how long this change will be in effect, but it's reasonable to expect that it'll remain in place until the non-essential indoor venues are allowed to reopen, which, according to the Prime Minister, could be another six months. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Billykart West End.
Heading to a bar and truly being yourself don't always go hand-in-hand. Whether you're a veteran hospitality worker who spends too much of your life pouring beverages, or you're just fond of hitting your local once the working week is done, navigating the nightlife scene usually involves being on guard — especially for women. Enter Brisbane's newest pop-up: Cream. Here, relaxing, tearing down barriers, and feeling welcome and respected are all on the agenda, as is — according to co-organiser Gibby Odlum — "letting your freak flag fly". The regular event is the brainchild of Odlum, Kayla Reid and Allison Jones, who all work in Brisbane's watering holes — Odlum is the venue manager at Blute's in Fortitude Valley, Reid holds the same role at Savile Row and Jones does the same at Super Whatnot in the CBD. Once a week, the trio would get together over margaritas and let their hair down, inviting different friends and colleagues along to join them. Then, after being approached by Black Bear Lodge owner Aidan Beiers, the three decided to turn their regular gathering into a public party. [caption id="attachment_729537" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Brendan Grimley[/caption] After kicking off back in February, Cream's second event will take place on Monday, July 15 — and the galactic rodeo theme offers a great insight into what's in store. Think dressing up, letting loose and getting into the partying spirit, all while sipping drinks from Jagermeister, Puerto Pacifico and Young Henrys, and making shapes to Moon Spoon and Thicc Shake Crew. "We all know you have a cowboy hat somewhere in the back of your cupboard," Odlum says. While plenty of bars and shindigs combine tunes, booze and a chilled mood, Cream's focus on providing a safe, judgement-free space for everyone is a welcome one. "Our mission statement is simple: no matter how you identify or your background, it's a place we can all come together and just enjoy a really honest event," says Jones. "Being a woman in a male-dominated industry isn't easy, but, for the three of us, we wanted to use this platform to not fight it in an aggressive way, but to turn the image of women being on the outside to women being these hardcore, badass legends." From here, Cream doesn't have a firm plan, but eager Brisbanites can expect more pop-ups, including potential collaborations with other events. Venturing to Sydney could also be on the cards, too. "We want to keep our options open as much as possible and branch out where we can," says Reid. Cream's Galactic Rodeo takes place at 7pm on Monday, July 15 at Black Bear Lodge. For more information and upcoming events, keep an eye on Cream's Facebook page. Top image: Blute's Bar.
After adding German-themed drinking spots to Chermside, South Bank and Bowen Hills, Rockpool isn't done with its new mission to spread steins and schnitzels across Brisbane. The hospitality group has set its sights on a new location for one of its brands, The Bavarian, which'll open at the top of Petrie Terrace in July. Situated on the edge of the Barracks complex, the site is no stranger to hearty meals paired with hefty brews — for 26 years, up until April 2018, it was home to the city's most prominent Hog's Breath Cafe. When The Bavarian takes over the currently empty premises, the two-level spot will become a huge restaurant and beer hall that can accommodate 600 people. It'll also feature a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, including in its beer garden. [caption id="attachment_670022" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Bavarian Beerhaus, King Street.[/caption] While further details are thin on the ground, visitors to any of Rockpool's other Bavarian joints — including those on Eagle Street, at Broadbeach and Coomera, and on the Sunshine Coast — will know what they're in for. As well as a range of 40 Australian, German and international brews on top, plus a sizeable schnapps selection, the menu will include pretzels, pork knuckles, sausages and platters piled with meat. And, although it might seem as if The Bavarian's latest outpost is rather close to its sibling venues in the CBD and just over the river in South Brisbane, setting up shop on Petrie Terrace is a smart move. The inner-city area is already home to more than a couple of watering holes, with two pubs and a burger brew bar just along Caxton Street; however, the proximity to Suncorp Stadium means that there are always plenty of hungry, thirsty Brisbanites in close range. Find The Bavarian at 5 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane from July. We'll keep you updated regarding an opening date.
UPDATE, MARCH 13: Due to concerns around the coronavirus, Disney has announced that The New Mutants will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, April 9, 2020. At present, a new release date has not been announced — we'll update you when one has been revealed. When it comes to superhero cinema, quantity doesn't equal variety. A new caped crusader flick hits screens every month, or so it seems, but many of them follow the same formula. You know the drill, because you've seen it in everything from Captain America to Wonder Woman and several different iterations of Spider-Man: someone with special abilities grapples with their powers, learns how to put them to best use, then faces off against an evil nemesis — saving the world from destruction and devastation in the process. Accordingly, when something dares to break the mould in even the slightest way, it stands out. That's one of the reasons that Marvel's The New Mutants has gathered quite a bit of attention in recent years. Set within the X-Men universe and based on the comics of the same name, it follows a group of young mutants being held against their will in a secret psychiatric hospital, basically plonking them in horror movie territory. There's still plenty that's familiar about the premise, with the titular super-enhanced folks all learning to use their powers while trying to escape captivity — but the tone and approach of the film is definitely a welcome change. The darker, scarier mood is on full display in the just-dropped latest trailer, which also confirms an important piece of information: five years after it was first announced, four years since it was cast and three years after it was shot, The New Mutants finally looks set to hit cinema screens. That hasn't always been a given, with the long-delayed film originally due to release in April 2018, only to be pushed back to February 2019, then August 2019, and now April 2020. Along the way, it has been through cast member changes, script rewrites, reshoots and the Disney acquisition of Fox — aka the company behind the MCU flicks snapping up the company behind the X-Men movies — so if you were skeptical about it actually seeing the light of day, let this new sneak peek allay your fears. As well as its ominous tone and plenty of horror imagery, The New Mutants boasts an impressive cast — including Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams, Stranger Things' Charlie Heaton, and Glass and The Witch's Anya Taylor-Joy. Obviously, given how long ago the film was first shot, they all look quite a bit younger than their most recent screen appearances. And, behind the camera sits director/co-writer Josh Boone, who last helmed teen weepie The Fault in Our Stars. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otomJ2gKHfQ The New Mutants was due to open in Australian cinemas on April 9, 2020; however it'll now release on a yet-to-be-revealed date — we'll update you when one is announced.
Southeast Queenslanders now have another excuse to hit the water, with GoBoat splashing into the region. The Denmark-born company has been busy launching its eco-friendly picnic boats in cities all over Europe, as well as in Canberra and Melbourne — and, as announced late in 2019, it has just made its Gold Coast debut. Punters now have a fun new way to cruise through Sanctuary Cove, the Coomera River and the Goldie's canals. Aimed at making the whole boating caper more accessible for everyday folk, the Scandinavian-designed vessels are slow-moving, a breeze to operate and don't require a boating licence, making for some fun, fuss-free sailing sessions. In a win for the planet, they also run on silent, pollution-free, electric engines, and are crafted from a mix of reclaimed timber and recycled PET bottles. [caption id="attachment_701554" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Lean Timms[/caption] Each of the contemporary GoBoats clocks in at 18-feet long, boasting a central picnic table with room for eight people (and all the necessary snacks and booze). And despite what you might be thinking, they're even affordable enough to fit your budget — simply BYO food and drinks, find enough eager sailors to jump aboard and a GoBoat session will you less than $13 per person, per hour. That's $99 hourly in total. GoBoat's Queensland fleet set sail out of Sanctuary Cove Marina. Oh, and did we mention they're pet-friendly? Surely you've got a very good boy who deserves a river jaunt this summer. For more information about GoBoat, or to make a booking, visit the service's website. Top image: GoBoat Gold Coast.
There's a lot that's good about summer: barbecues, beach days, frozen cocktails and festivals almost every weekend. But after all that endless partying, sinking into a comfy beanbag and enjoying a good flick outdoors sounds pretty good. And if there's one thing better than sipping on beers and bubbles as the sun goes down at an outdoor cinema, it's doing it while also celebrating fierce females of the movie world — and doing it for free. Nothing screams 2019 louder than strong female leads defying the patriarchal confines of the society they inhabit. We are so on board. So, because we're loving all the tough women gracing the screens at Sunset Cinema at the moment, we've managed to get our hands on some double passes to help you celebrate them, too. The double pass will get you into Mary, Queen of Scots on Saturday, March 2, where you'll be watching Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan battle it out under the stars at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. To get your paws on a double pass, enter with your details below so you can raise a glass to these leading ladies in the glorious summer air. [competition]706483[/competition]
It's the summer dilemma. Or, in Brisbane, one that lingers whenever the weather is warm. Just try to rove your eyes over a body of cool, inviting water in this city and not feel the immediate urge to plunge right in. But maybe you've splashed in all of Brissie's water holes. Perhaps you've paddled in pools, chased waterfalls and dipped your toes into every beach from Noosa to Tweed Heads. Now, you'd like to do more than just wade through the waves, swim laps or snorkel — to take these experiences up a level. Because upskilling isn't confined to your professional life, we've teamed up with Gage Roads Brewing Co, in celebration of its aptly named Single Fin summer ale, to help you ramp up your aquatic abilities. Always wanted to dive into the ocean's depths? Just heard about underwater hockey, but are now desperate to try it? Yearning to unleash your inner Keanu on a surfboard? We're here to help. We've found the best ways to add another feather to your swim cap. GET CERTIFIED IN SCUBA DIVING If you're going to truly embrace Sebastian's "it's better down where it's wetter" mindset, then there's only one thing to do: make like a wannabe mermaid or merman and learn to scuba. You can take your pick of schools, but you do want one main thing: a shiny scuba certification at the end of it. Brisbane Dive Academy holds two-day courses that start in the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre before progressing to the ocean in Tweed Heads, while Go Dive's four-day personalised lessons will take you to a number of seaside spots. And, if you want to make a holiday out of it, there's the Manta Lodge and Scuba Centre on North Stradbroke Island, where you can stay at the backpackers while you take the three-day open water diver course. [caption id="attachment_703094" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] UQ Sport.[/caption] HONE YOUR SWIMMING SKILLS Whether you're in the pool every chance you get or you're more of a casual swimmer, knowing what to do in the water is an essential life skill. And every skill needs practice, which is where adult learn-to-swim classes come in. Maybe you've long mastered the basics, but still lack the confidence when taking a dip. Perhaps you really want to take your time in the water more seriously. Whichever category you fall into — and even if you're a true beginner who needs to learn everything — Brisbane boasts a heap of options. Heading to one of the university facilities around town will also give you access to water sports classes, such as at UQ Sport in St Lucia and group fitness sessions, as held at Griffith University's Mt Gravatt campus. TAKE SURF LESSONS We can't all chase a team of bank robbers, infiltrate their surf crew and head for the nearest point break, but we can all do the next best thing. Book a set of classes with a surf school and you'll be hitting the waves in no time. Unsurprisingly, you'll need to journey either north or south — although you can just mosey to Bribie Island, where you'll find the closest surf school to Brisbane. Our pick, however, is the Gold Coast's Currumbin Alley Surf School. Take a learner group lesson from $35, then laze on one of the area's best beaches afterwards. If you're an early bird, you can also enjoy your time in the water as the sun rises. [caption id="attachment_703086" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane Barracudas[/caption] ENTER THE WORLD OF UNDERWATER HOCKEY It's hockey, but not on grass. It's that simple really. You'll don a mask, snorkel and flippers; pick up a hockey stick; and try to slide a puck along the bottom of the pool. Dating back to the 1950s, and also known as Octopush, the game seems like the kind of thing that someone thought of by going "hmm, but what if we did it underwater?" — but it also sounds like plenty of fun. Brisbanites can give it a try by making their way to a Brisbane Barracudas session at the Sleeman Aquatic Centre Chandler, with games for players of all skill levels (including newcomers) held from 7pm for 7.15pm every Monday and Thursday night. UP YOUR UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GAME Think you've mastered everything there is underwater — besides becoming actual Aquaman? Think again, because we've found your next step. You can snorkel, scuba and play underwater sports like everyone else, or you can do all of the above and learn how to take the best snaps beneath the shoreline. It's a popular dive centre course, although it is one you'll need your scuba certification and the right equipment for. If you'd like to try it out somewhere other than Brisbane, you can do so at the Gold Coast Dive Centre. Or — and even better scenery-wise — make the trip to Byron Bay to take classes from award-winning snapper Ross Gudgeon. Make your next summertime fling a Single Fin. The light-bodied ale is packed with plenty of hoppy flavour to keep you smiling all season. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland.
For locals and tourists alike, Mt Coot-tha is one of Brisbane's must-see spots, particularly if you like peering down at the world from a great height. Over the past three years, it has also been the subject of heated debate over the proposed addition of a zipline — and now, mere days after the city received a new Lord Mayor, the controversial project has been scrapped. New Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who took over the post on Monday, April 8, has announced the cancellation of the Mt Coot-ta zipline, stating via Twitter that the decision comes after consultations with local councillors and the Brisbane City Council CEO. "Mt Coot-tha is a place for everyone where people can connect with our clean and green city and I want to make sure it's protected and remains a great asset for the city — that's my priority going forward," said Cr Schrinner in a statement, as reported by News Corp. The decision reverses the council's own move earlier this year, when it officially gave the zipline the go-ahead. First approved in 2017, confirmed in 2018 and then rubber-stamped after a public consultation period late last year, the project was due to start construction later in 2019 for a late-2020 opening. Both before and during the public consultation period, the zipline attracted substantial criticism about its potential environmental and noise impacts, especially throughout Mt Coot-tha's vegetation-heavy area — which would've likely required some amount of clearing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjjtLfALN48 The high-flying plans were certainly ambitious, and consisted of three parts: actual ziplines spanning nearly three kilometres comprised two of the components, including a treetop canopy tour starting at the west of the summit and finishing to the west of JC Slaughter Falls; and a two-stage, six-line 'megazip' between the summit and the Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens. The final section of the project would've involved a guided Indigenous experience across a new 335-metre suspension bridge built above JC Slaughter Falls, connecting to the treetop canopy tour and the new arrival centre on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. Brisbane City Council was set to put $1 million towards the zipline. Images: Brisbane City Council.
Hosting pre-drinks can be a lot of pressure. The playlist has got to be on point and create the right vibe. The snacks need to be that perfect mix between 'line your stomach' and 'small enough to eat with one hand while straightening hair'. And the drinks have to be knockouts because they're kind of like the marker for the night ahead; pick a great drink, you're in for an even greater night. And you can't go past prosecco; The dramatic 'pop' will immediately liven up the crowd, and the versatile Italian bubbly can be enjoyed on its own or heroed in a bunch of tasty cocktails. (And no, not just in a spritz.) To make sure you serve up some real humdingers, we've partnered with the prosecco masters at Dal Zotto Wines and crafted five prosecco cocktail recipes to try before your next night out. Bottoms up, bubble lovers. PASSION PIT Let this be our little secret... This cocktail is like a fancy, adults-only version of Passiona. It tastes just like an Aussie summer (read: pavlova and bubbly). — 70g castor sugar — 70ml lemon juice — 70ml triple sec — pulp from 4 passionfruits — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled (serves four to six) Mix together the lemon juice and sugar, dissolving it as best you can. Next add the triple sec and passionfruit pulp. Pour the mixture over a couple of ice-filled glasses, then top up with chilled prosecco. Garnish with passionfruit, mint and pineapple. You'll be feeling higher and higher in no time. EL LOCO Forget frozen margaritas — it's all about sparkling margaritas, amigos. This fizzy twist on the classic will send your mates loco in all the right ways. Cocktail: — 90ml blanco tequila — 90ml triple sec — 120ml chilled simple syrup (recipe below) — 240ml lime juice — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled — coarse salt — lime wedges Simple syrup: — 250 ml water — 250 ml castor sugar (serves six to eight) First, you need to make the simple syrup which is, well, super simple to make. Grab a medium saucepan and over medium-high heat stir together the sugar and water until all the granules have dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature and then chill in the fridge. Next, add the tequila, chilled simple syrup, triple sec and lime juice into a cocktail shaker along with a good handful of ice, then give it a good shake. Grab your tumblers — or margarita glasses, if you've got 'em — and run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass before dipping them into a small plate of course salt. Add a handful of ice to each glass and divide the tequila mixture among the glasses. Finally, top with a wedge of lime and a splash of prosecco for that all-important fizz. PRINCESS PEACH Just like everybody's favourite crown-wearing Mario Kart character, this tipple is sweet yet punchy and will always score first place. — 2 ripe peaches, seeded and diced — 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice — 1 teaspoon sugar — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled (serves six) Chuck the peaches, lemon juice and sugar into your trusty food processor, and blend until smooth. Pass the mixture through a sieve and get rid of all the chunky peach bits. Place 2 tablespoons of the puree into each champagne glass and top with well-chilled prosecco. Yeah, Peach has got it! LEMON DROP This cocktail is a riff on those zingy, sherbert-filled lollies you probably ate as a kid. And it's got two Italian heavy-hitters, limoncello and prosecco, so you know it's going to be good. — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled — 250ml limoncello, chilled — blueberries — thyme — lemon slices (serves four) Pour the prosecco and limoncello into a jug and stir together. Next, press your lemon slices into the bottom of a large highball glass (a hurricane or sling will work equally well), top with ice and fill with the prosecco mixture. For added pizzazz, garnish with thyme and blueberries. PURPLE RAIN Just like Prince, this tipple is kinda strange but, also, utter genius. If it were to change its name to a symbol it would be an exclamation mark, because it's that delicious. Cocktail: — 1/4 cup blackberries — 90ml blackberry syrup (recipe below) — juice from one lime — mint — 120ml light rum — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled Blackberry syrup: — 2 tablespoons water — 1 cup blackberries — 1/3 cup granulated sugar (serves two) First, you'll need to whip up the blackberry syrup. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, mash together the sugar, blackberries and water. Once the mixture is thick and the sugar dissolved, pass it through a fine mesh strainer and let it chill. Add the blackberry syrup, blackberries, lime and a handful of mint to a cocktail shaker and muddle well. Next, chuck in the rum and a few ice cubes and shake it like you mean it. Strain the mixture into martini glasses and top with chilled prosecco and fresh blueberries or blackberries. Then, get ready to party like it's 1999. Keen for more fizz? Plan a mini city break up north and visit Noosa Boathouse, Noosa Surf Club or Black Bird for a glass of bubbly perfection — or head to Sofitel in Noosa between April 16–28, where Dal Zotto has an Easter activation planned. Exact details are still TBC, so keep an eye on the Dal Zotto Instagram account for announcements.
Aaah, the dating game. I have been lucky enough to be out of it for a few years now but sometimes while listening to girlfriends talk about the fluttery, excited butterflies of the first date I long to be back there. Though when I hear about the ‘being stood up’, split bills and STD scenarios, I thank my lucky stars I am out of the whole fraught scene! Whether you are navigating the game, or remember intimately the highs and lows of that time in your life, Often I Find That I Am Naked is sure to appeal. It tells the story of Jezebel, a modern single girl attempting to find love in all the wrong places. This cabaret comedy is sure to draw you in as Jezebel optimistically talks very openly about her experiences. Unfortunately she has not found love yet, but does find herself naked and alone in a stranger’s bed with scary regularity. This play holds no punches in exposing the perils and pitfalls of dating in the 21st century. It’s a little bit Sex and the City, a little bit Bridget Jones, and is sure to have all the single ladies (and the taken ones too) nodding along to Jezebel’s story.
North Stradbroke Island is a truly magical place. It’s only thirty kilometres from Brisbane, but the boat ride there adds a bit more difficulty into the journey. However, it also keeps it a bit special, a bit different from your average beach location (see: Surfers Paradise, which is anything but). A weekend lounging at Straddie is a truly special pleasure, but a weekend lounging at Straddie and listening to while listening to amazing music and enjoying cultural experiences from all over the world is more than a special pleasure, it is a pleasure with a capital P. This is what the Island Vibe festival offers! Now up to its 6th incarnation, Island Vibe has grown from a great idea to a major event on Stradbroke Island each year. The intimate festival attracts talent from across the globe, as well as featuring fresh locally grown music and culture. The festival tag line of ‘three days of Soul, Reggae, Dub and Island Culture’ sounds like the perfect getaway to me. Headlining this year’s festival is Chali 2Na from J5 and Blue King Brown, as well as a host of other amazing bands, plus exotic dance troupes, saucy cabaret, delicious food, craft markets and workshops so you can’t possibly get bored. The weather’s warming up and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the change in seasons than to soak in some sweet Island Vibes.
Wednesday is a great night for a play. If it were up to me, Wednesday would be Play Night and every Wednesday I‘d ride my bike into the city to see a play. Then I would ride home thinking about just how great that play was and I’d have a really nice sleep because of it. After work the next day I’d be wide-awake and ready for Thursday night, which I already call Drunk Thursdays. This week on Play Night you better be goddamn excited because at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts (which we all know of, because we’re very cultured) there’s a play on to start your ritual. Presumed Guilty is the story of Ellen Thompson, who in 1887 at Boggo Road Gaol, became the first woman in QLD history to be hanged. Apparently she was in a bit of a Schappelle Corby in terms of solid evidence supporting the murder of her husband. The playwright Margaret Dakin made sure her play shows all sides of the story, just like a good story should. Everyone likes a fence sitter, but which side will you be on? Cycle your way to Brunswick Street from Play Night, aka Wednesday 22 June and make a date of it.
Since debuting at 2003’s Mercedez-Benz Australian Fashion Week, Melbourne’s Kit Willow Podgornik has been an unstoppable force. The following year in 2004 she premiered at London Fashion week, and the year following that she showed at New York Fashion Week, cementing her status as one of the most respected Australian brands, both locally and internationally. Her namesake brand Willow is known for its feminine elegance and exceptional quality, fusing art and fashion as one. For three days only, Willow’s setting up shop in the city’s June Dally-Watkins building, faring end-of-season wares from past and recent collections at massively reduced prices. Not just limited to frocks and tops, there’ll also be shoes, accessories and lingerie on the sales table. It’s almost the end of the financial year, which just so happens to be the perfect time to pick up something that’s silky, draped, and Willow.
