Casual face-melter Courtney Barnett is finally about to have a debut album under her already trophy-laden belt. So naturally, the Melbourne-based shredder has announced her Australian debut album tour for May 2015. This one's going to sell fast. Marking the release of her first ever LP, Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit (out Friday, March 20 via Barnett's own Milk! Records and Remote Control), this tour follows Barnett's epic performances at Laneway festival around the country over the last few weeks. Having already proved herself one of Australia's brightest sparks over the last few years with her 2013 EP release The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas, Barnett's spins one hell of a live show — having nailed sets at Lollapalooza, South by Southwest and New York City's CMJ. Supported by Teeth & Tongue, Barnett will cruise from Adelaide's The Gov on Friday, May 1 to Perth's Bakery on Saturday, May 2. Then it's over to Sydney's The Metro on Friday, May 8 and Brisbane's Hi-Fi on Saturday, May 9. In classic Australian artist form, Barnett will wrap things up in her hometown of Melbourne on Friday, May 15 at The Forum. COURTNEY BARNETT AUSTRALIAN ALBUM TOUR 2015 SUPPORTED BY TEETH & TONGUE FRIDAY MAY 1 The Gov, Adelaide, SA TICKETS SATURDAY MAY 2 The Bakery, Perth, WA TICKETS FRIDAY MAY 8 The Metro, Sydney, NSW TICKETS SATURDAY MAY 9 The Hifi, Brisbane, QLD TICKETS FRIDAY MAY 15 The Forum, Melbourne, VIC TICKETS
Banging is the certainly word for it; when Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn begins, it's with high school teacher Emi (Katia Pascariu, Beyond the Hills) and her camera-wielding husband Eugen (first-timer Stefan Steel) having loud, enthusiastic, pink wig-wearing sex — and filming it. Romanian writer/ director Radu Jude (I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians) shows the explicit three-minute snippet of footage as others will see it, because others will indeed see it: the students at Emi's school, their parents and her fellow teachers among them. All genitalia and thrusting and lustful talk (and shouted queries through the door from whoever is looking after the couple's child), this graphic opening also makes a bold and firm statement. So many people within the film's frames will take issue with it as vocally as Emi and her partner are enjoying themselves — and they're unmistakably enjoying themselves — but Jude definitely isn't one of them. 2021's Berlinale Golden Bear-winner, Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn also starts with a gleeful provocation — not just to those seeing Emi and Eugen's home video within the movie, but to Jude's viewers. It's a jolting opening that's exactingly orchestrated to make audiences react, then unpack their own instant reflexes in tandem with the rude on-screen posse that may as well be waving pitchforks. The underlying question: to those who object, what makes this raunchy romp between two consenting adults so shocking? Worse exists on the internet en masse all the time, so is it its unexpected arrival? Within the picture, is it the fact that Emi is a teacher, a woman or that she's unapologetic, too? Both queries speak to ideas long internalised about what we see where, who we allow to do what, and the power that comes from enforcing arbitrary and hypocritical judgements about supposed immorality and obscenity. Indeed, loving, animated, costumed and sex toy-aided intercourse between a married couple in the privacy of their own home is the nicest thing that graces Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn — until the feature's glorious climax, that is. What follows the intimate clip is a razor-sharp satire of a world that's so indifferent to so much ghastliness and so often, yet remains so unaccepting of carnality and so quick to use it as a reason to unbridle our worst sniping impulses. The film wields that notion as a weapon, all as Emi and Bucharest's other residents also navigate the pandemic. Jude could've set his scorching feature at any time, but overtly drawing attention to the daily behaviour that's been accepted while the globe battles a decimating virus — and the fact that some here would rather fixate on a different and trivial kind of viral spread — makes a blunt but perceptive point. Accordingly, in the cinema verite-style first section, Emi rushes around the city on foot, going about an ordinary day that morphs into anything but. Actually, given that she learns of the sex tape backlash while surrounded by everyday hostilities and vulgarities, this chapter reinforces an ugly truth: that the performatively horrified responses from the parents of Emi's students are all too routine. As she traverses the streets, Bucharesters yell and argue bitterly — swearing at each other in the grocery store, purposely hitting pedestrians with cars and otherwise uttering language that'd be at home in porn. Emi is one of them as she tries to get sedatives from the chemist and drops by her school headmistress' (Claudia Ieremia, I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians) home, but the mood and intent is to lay bare a city heaving and brawling in its natural state. In this portion of the film, Jude and his regular cinematographer Marius Panduru observe intently and patiently, while also spying ample evidence of Romania's transition from communism to capitalism peppered around town. That helps anchor Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn's second act, which unleashes scathing and playful cine-essay snippets about the country's past, the planet's present, human behaviour — often at its most atrocious — and how porn is used as both a scapegoat and an anaesthetic. Again, subtlety isn't in the feature's wheelhouse here, nor need it be. Compiled from factual sources, such as news and social media, Jude badges this section 'A Short Dictionary of Anecdotes, Signs and Wonders' — and, in both providing context for so many of the movie's musings and exemplifying its experimental approach, it is certainly a wonder. Lastly, a mask-wearing Emi is interrogated and publicly humiliated by parents and teachers, their punitive savagery and blatant sanctimoniousness on full display. It's the picture's first brilliant, biting and bleakly hilarious climax — what would a film about a sex tape be without more than one peak? — and it initially plays out as anticipated. Yes, "Fox News" is shouted, because Jude's commentary isn't only limited to his homeland. Still, while the kangaroo court-style inquisition Emi faces overflows with foreseeable revelations, they're still shrewd and sizzling, and the movie also saves some of its final knee-weakening thrusts for its last few twists. It also uses this segment to showcase the filmmaker's skilled handling of farce, his adaptability through the course of this free-wheeling feat, and Pascariu's exceptional performance. Trying to glean deeper expressions and emotions from above a strip of face-covering fabric is a pandemic reality; however, Pascariu turns it into tour de force. Among the sights that Jude peers at in Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn's walk-and-witness section is a closed cinema, a 'for rent' sign on its window, which punctuates a chapter filled with incident after incident of antagonism — abuse and selfishness so common that it's clearly an engrained mindset. Losing even a single space to see art, connect with something bigger than oneself, and become immersed in different stories and perspectives alters any society, and it's easy to draw a line from there to Emi's arrogant and entitled tribunal of accusers. In a film designed to galvanise when watched communally thanks to its explicit opening, it's also easy to ponder how those censorious and bumptious parents would react if they were viewing this very movie. They'd likely be the type to desecrate the darkened theatre by loading the porn video on their phone mid-flick, only to then attack and insult anyone who asked them to pay attention to the feature in front of them and stop ruining the big-screen experience for everyone else. Jude could easily make a searing and stinging film about the state of Romania and the world out of that, too.
It was first announced last year as part of the Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment, and now Jonathan Barthelmess' new Brisbane venture has a name: Greca. Set to open by December 2018, Greca brings a taverna-style restaurant to the city's new waterfront precinct underneath the Story Bridge. Taking over a heritage warehouse space, it'll fill its spartan timber and concrete fit-out with an open kitchen and a fire pit — and it'll take full advantage of its prime location with both indoor and outdoor seating. This isn't Barthelmess' first Greek eatery, with the chef and restaurateur known for The Apollo in both Sydney and Tokyo. For his Queensland spot, he'll even bring a few of The Apollo's favourites to town in remixed versions. That said, Greca will be its own overall creation. Diners can expect a share-friendly menu filled with dishes cooked over fire and wood and in stone-baked ovens, all focused on heroing simple Greek flavours with local produce. Alongside a largely Mediterranean wine list, of course. Originally from Queensland but making his name down south, Barthelmess describes Greca as "the perfect chance" to come back to his home state. Greca will join a host of other restaurants and bars at the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, including a Hong Kong-inspired Chinese eatery, a Japanese-style haunt, an octagonal bar and Brisbane's first riverside brewery. Greca will open at Howard Smith Wharf Precinct, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane sometime in December. We'll keep you updated on the opening. Image: The Apollo Sydney by Nikki To.
UPDATE, MARCH 10: TransLink has extended its pet dogs on ferries trial, which was originally due to finish in early March. In good news for water-loving pooches, Brisbanites are now able to take their puppers for a cruise down the river until Sunday, May 31 — from Monday–Friday between 8.30am–3.30pm and 7pm–6am, and all day on weekends. Brisbane barked and TransLink has answered. After asking the city's residents whether pet dogs should be allowed on CityCats — and receiving an overwhelming yes — the State Government is running a trial over the coming months. Whether it'll become permanent is yet to be seen, but your summer and autumn plans can now include cruising along the Brisbane River with your four-legged best friend. Running from Monday, December 9, 2019–Sunday, May 31, the trial comes after 5000 people responded to the survey on the topic, with 86 percent supporting the move. TransLink will now spend the next three months monitoring how non-canine passengers respond to pooches on CityCats, and if it influences or changes their use of the catamarans and ferries. Both dog owners and people travelling without their pets are encouraged to provide feedback, which will help influence the final call on the matter. That's great news if your trusty mutt likes speeding along the old brown snake — or if you're headed out for the day via the watery form of public transport and want to take your furry pal with you — however there are a few conditions. Dogs are only allowed onboard in off-peak periods, which covers between 8.30am–3.30pm and 7pm–6am on weekdays (between) and all day on weekends. Folks hitting the deck with their woofers will need to either enclose their dog in a carrier, or secure them on a lead and make them wear a muzzle. You'll also be required to travel in the ferry's outside areas — so no, your pooch can't get comfy inside the cabin — and, understandably, carry waste bags and clean up after them. All of these conditions will be evaluated as part of the trial, too. [caption id="attachment_754200" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sheba_Also via Wikicommons[/caption] It's also worth noting that, if the boat is at capacity or there are other operational reasons, the ferry master may ask you and your dog to wait for the next service — so it might be worth factoring in some extra time if you're planning a river outing with your doggo. TransLink's pet dogs on ferries trial runs from Monday, December 9, 2019–Sunday, May 31 2020, with dogs allowed onboard from Monday–Friday between 8.30am–3.30pm and 7pm–6am, and all day on weekends. For further information, visit the TransLink website. Top image: Kgbo via Wikicommons.
If you watched Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's vampire sharehouse mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows back in 2014, then instantly found yourself yearning for more, that's understandable. Smart, silly and hilarious, the undead flick is one of the past decade's best comedies — and, to the delight of viewers eager to keep spending time in the movie's supernatural world, it's the reason that New Zealand TV spinoff Wellington Paranormal and American television remake What We Do in the Shadows exist. The latter kicked off in 2019, focusing on a group of vampire flatmates living in Staten Island. If you were a bit wary it wouldn't live up to the original, those fears were quelled, fast. Featuring Toast of London's Matt Berry, Four Lions' Kayvan Novak, British stand-up comedian Natasia Demetriou, The Magicians' Harvey Guillen and The Office's Mark Proksch, it sticks to the same basic concept as the original movie, but with memorable new characters. That said, it could never be considered a mere small-screen copy. Instead, it's a lively and captivating addition to the broader What We Do in the Shadows universe. Also, it boasts two specific aces up its sleeves: the combined on-screen talents of its cast — especially Berry, Novak and Demetriou as three of the central bloodsuckers — plus the time to dive deeper into their undead world. Accordingly, it's no wonder that it was renewed for a ten-episode second season, which is now hitting Australian screens via Foxtel from Thursday, June 25. If you need a refresher, Novak's 'Nandor The Relentless' dates back to the Ottoman Empire days and is somewhat stuck in his ways, while Berry's mischievous British dandy Laszlo and Demetriou's seductive Nadja are like a blood-sucking Bonnie and Clyde, but much funnier. Guillen plays Nandor's familiar Guillermo, who'd do anything to join the undead, while Proksch's Colin is an 'energy vampire'. The new batch of episodes continue their story, charting Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja and the gang's undead antics in the New York borough. It wasn't easy being a centuries-old bloodsucker in Wellington in the movie, and it's just as tough (and amusing) on the other side of the world. The second season also delves further into Guillermo's position among the group. And, it features guest stars such as Mark Hamill, Haley Joel Osment and Craig Robinson. Can't wait to sink your fangs in? The show has also been renewed for a third season, so there's even more to come. Ahead of the season two launch in Australia, check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_ozcr43fP4 The second season of What We Do in the Shadows starts airing on Foxtel and streaming via Foxtel Now from Thursday, June 25, with new episodes added weekly.
Here's something that you oughta know: Alanis Morissette is heading Down Under. The famed 90s singer was actually set to hit our shores back in 2020 as part of her world tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of her chart-topping 95 album Jagged Little Pill. But the pandemic forced those plans to change, so now she'll perform in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney in 2022. Get ready to sing along to 'Ironic', 'You Oughta Know' and 'All I Really Want' at Perth's RAC Arena on November 5, Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on November 8 and 9, and Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on November 11. Morissette was also part of the cancelled 2020 Bluesfest bill, but if the festival returns to its usual Easter timeslot next year — after the 2021 fest was scrapped, then moved to October — that obviously won't happen again. At her four stadium shows, the 90s icon will be supported by Australia's own Julia Stone. Stone has released three solo albums and four together with her brother Angus, including Down the Way, which won Album of the Year at the 2010 ARIA Awards. Morissette's own collection of music awards is hefty, and includes seven Grammys and 12 Juno Awards. While her 95 album Jagged Little Pill is the most critically acclaimed, the Canadian singer has released nine albums, including her latest, Such Pretty Forks in the Road, in 2020. It's clearly a great time to be an Australian Morissette fan, with Broadway's Jagged Little Pill musical, which was inspired by her album and features a heap of the musician's songs, also headed our way. It'll reopen the Theatre Royal Sydney this September. In the meantime, though, hype yourself up for the Aussie tour by belting out the following banger: ALANIS MORISSETTE 2022 AUSTRALIAN DATES Saturday, November 5 — RAC Arena, Perth Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 9 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Friday, November 11 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Tickets for Alanis Morissette's rescheduled tour are on sale now.
Just a couple of months ago Brisbane was turned into a Marvel movie set for the filming of Thor: Ragnarok. Well, comic book and film fans — there's more where that came from. Come next year, you'll be able to grab your Mjölnir, your best Tom Hiddleston wig, an Infinity Stone and anything else that ties into the now 14-strong Marvel Cinematic Universe, and head to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art for a massive exhibition dedicated to all things superhero. Talk about great timing. To be precise (and to state the obvious), Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe will showcase all things Marvel when it takes over GOMA from May 27 to September 3, 2017. Consider it a great lead up to Ragnarok's release in cinemas next October. It'll be the largest ever Marvel presentation in an art museum worldwide, and will feature original artworks, film props, costumes and more from the likes of Iron Man, Ant-Man, Captain America and Guardians of the Galaxy. We'd keep listing movies, but their box office success proves that you already know what we're talking about. And yes, you read that correctly — this isn't just a retrospective screening series featuring all the flicks you've been watching since Robert Downey Jr put on a robotic suit and wisecracked his way into starting the franchise back in 2008. Instead, it's a gallery-wide, government-championed, tourist-courting, super huge event. Of course, checking out all of the relevant movies on GOMA's big screen will be part of the program. After you've seen hundreds of MCU pieces drawn from Marvel Studios, Marvel Entertainment and private collections, you'll probably want to rewatch the films. If you've been to GOMA, you're probably used to seeing curated art and movie choices rather than such a pop culture blockbuster showcase. This will certainly be their most mainstream (and possibly most popular) event of either art or cinema to date. That said, their Australian Cinematheque typically dallies with bigger movie selections featuring better-known, broader titles at least once a year (the recent Monsters, Fairytales and Fables, and Myths and Legends programs, for example), albeit not quite on this mammoth level.
The past couple of weeks haven't just been wet in Queensland and New South Wales. They've been catastrophically drenching, with the two states weathering not only torrential rain but also widespread flooding. And if you've been lucky enough to avoid the worst of it, you're probably eager to help out however you can — including with your next schooner, pint or several. At Australian Venue Co locations around Australia — all 180-plus pubs and bars around the country, including a heap in Brisbane — your next beer will help flood-affected folks in need. In Queensland specifically, the hospitality company is donating $1 per schooner and $2 per pint from every XXXX Gold to the Red Cross Qld and NSW Floods Appeal. Yep, in a time that hasn't had much in the way of good news, that's something to say cheers to. The whole thing has been dubbed Beers for Mates, and it's running till the end of the month. So, to lend a hand by sinking a few brews, all you need to do is hit up your local AVC venue and order a Furphys between Wednesday, March 9–Thursday, March 31. Top image: Bribie Island Hotel.
If you've even the smallest creative bone in your body, Django Unchained will tickle it. Wildly creative, funny, and frightening, true to form yet never predictable, this is one of those films that makes you want to write one of these kinds of films. Set two years before the start of the American Civil War when slavery was still rampant in the south, it's tempting (if also stupid) to think of Django Unchained as some sort of bizarre prequel to Spielberg's Lincoln. Initially the eponymous Django (Jamie Foxx) walks wearied and defeated in a chain gang until he's unexpectedly freed by the eccentric dentist Dr King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). This mannerly yet murderous bounty hunter then offers Django the chance to both exact revenge and make his fortune by murdering white outlaws in exchange for money. With the crosshatched scars of countless lashings on his back a daily reminder of such men's cruelty, Django leaps at the chance and soon proves a natural in the business. His wife, however, remains the property of vile plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), a character so heinous and sadistic that Tarantino subsequently deemed him 'beyond redemption', and hence a rescue plan takes form. It's perhaps no surprise, then, that this Tarantino tale of slavery and vengeance dials the violence up to 11 from almost the opening scene and never looks back. It does occasionally border on 'look-away' levels of horror; however — just as it was with Inglourious Basterds — this 'revenge porn' sub-genre of cinema uncomfortably satisfies through its savagery. Moreover, Tarantino's preparedness to brutally kill off any (and, often, all) his principal characters without even a moment's notice lends every scene an undercurrent of unpredictable tension that commands your attention. Traditionally, Tarantino's main shortcoming as a director has been his fondness for playing with form in a manner that denies his audiences the opportunity to entirely immerse themselves in the experience. Whether through unexpected soundtrack choices, mid-movie title sequences or just direct conversations with the audience, you're aware you're watching a movie and hence sit entertained but not always engrossed. Those same elements are at play again in Django, but for the first time since Kill Bill, they advance and enhance the plot rather than specifically (and jarringly) draw your attention to it. In short, it's a delightful return to form. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_iH0UBYDI4g
If you've ever thought that your local pizza place needed more disco, or that your favourite club needed more Italian food, then Johnny's Pizzeria is your kind of joint. Taking over the Bakery Lane space that was previously used as a kiosk, it knows how to answer the perennial battle between showing off your fancy footwork and having a slice: here, you don't have to choose The latest venture from the Moubment Group, aka the folks behind Laruche and The Apo, is literally located behind both establishments. There'll you'll find tables adorned with classic red-and-white-checked linen, a wood-fired oven cranking out hand-stretched pizzas ranging from quattro formaggo to margherita, a drinks menu of beers and Aperol Spritzes, plus DJs spinning tunes and an outdoor dance floor. Basically, as well as sounding like the kind of place you'd find in a movie, Johnny's Pizzeria gives the Valley's coolest off-Ann Street laneway and just Brisbane in general the combination of food and fun no one has probably asked for but everyone secretly needs. Having opened its doors on May 5, it seats 60, opens from midday till late, and is about to become your new after-drinks go-to. Find Johnny's Pizzeria in Bakery Lane, 690 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. For more information, check out their Facebook page. Via The Courier-Mail.
First, the bad news: Ground Control might be a space oddity, however, this Brisbane Festival show isn't a Bowie-themed production. Instead, it's a queer feminist science-fiction effort that tells the tale of young astronaut trying to find a second earth to save humanity from climate change, clever cyborgs and their own misogynistic ways. So, not too far-fetched then. It's also an effort that's part science experiment and part love story — and part comedy and confronting performance too. And, if you're a fan of this experimental, urgent, immersive breed of theatre, there's more where it came from. Just check out the rest of Bris Fest's Theatre Republic program. Image: Sarah Walker.
True-crime stories have saturated all forms of media of late. If you're not listening to podcasts on the topic, you're watching Zac Efron play Ted Bundy, exploring the intersection of fact and fiction in Mindhunter or poring over a TV series about Serial's Adnan Syed. But despite the seemingly never-ending list of new additions to the genre, we're betting you haven't yet witnessed anything quite like Joe Exotic's story, which is the subject of Netflix's new Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness docuseries — and, now, an upcoming drama series as well. Clearly, Joe Exotic isn't the name that the show's mullet-wearing focal point was born with. But given Joe's love of big cats, line of work and over-sized personality, he obviously decided that the moniker fit. Between 1999–2016, he created and ran The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, which was home to hundreds of tigers, lions and other large felines. Joe also took his tiger show on the road and, because he just adored tigers so much, he literally sang about them as well. His first country music album was called I Saw a Tiger, because of course it was. He found time to run for Governor of the state and, in 2016, President of the US. He's fond of guns and just as fond of marrying more than one person at once. Oh, and the zookeeper tried to hire a hitman to get one of his rivals — Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary's CEO Carole Baskin — killed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acTdxsoa428 Lions, tigers, eccentricity, polygamy and murder-for-hire, oh my! That's the jaw-dropping tale that Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness — and yes, it's so strange that it can only be true. It's no wonder that Netflix has turned it into a series, which is now available to stream. And, as Deadline reports, it's no wonder that a new TV drama is set to recreate these events as well. Based on the podcast Joe Exotic — the latest season of ongoing series Over My Dead Body, which is created by the podcast studio behind Dirty John, Homecoming and Dr Death — the new drama will chart Exotic's long and complicated battle with Baskin. If you've already binged your way through Tiger King, you'll know there's much more to both sides of the story, and to both of their backgrounds, including suspicions about the death of Carole's second husband. While few details have been released about the Joe Exotic limited drama series as yet, which'll only run for one batch of episodes, it will boast a big star. Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters and Yesterday's Kate McKinnon will be playing Baskin — and yes, that means she'll be saying "hey all you cool cats and kittens" more than once, as well as dressing head to toe in tiger print. The TV drama version of Joe Exotic doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness is available to stream now on Netflix. Via Deadline. Top image: Netflix.
If ice cream is a gift from the gods, then free ice cream is pure divinity. And that would make the Ben & Jerry's team martyrs, because this Sunday, July 16 they're giving out tubs of their ice cream, gratis. Think of it as a donation to your enjoyment on Earth. If you want to get in on this higher experience, Ben & Jerry's will be stationed at holy sites in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. This is where they'll be: Sydney: Queen's Victoria Building forecourt (next to the statue) from 11am – 1pm, then Manly Wharf from 3–6pm. Melbourne: The entry to Luna Park, St Kilda from 12–4pm. Brisbane: 168 Grey Street, South Brisbane from 1–3pm. All up, they've got 20,000 tubs to give away, including cult favourites like salted caramel, the caramel core Karamel Sutra and Chubby Hubby, which has fudge-covered pretzels and peanut butter swirls. The giveaway will celebrate International Ice Cream Day and the brand's new partnership with food delivery service Foodora. It's a great week for cheapskates, as Lord of the Fries is also giving out no-charge chips on Thursday in Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane's new Lucky Egg West End is doing free fried chicken burgers on Saturday and Sunday. The Ben & Jerry's Big Tub Giveaway will take place on Sunday, July 16 in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For more info, visit their Facebook page.
Good Italian food is delicious, but great Italian food is a triumph. And at Manny's Italian in Wellington Point, the dial points firmly to the latter. New arrival to the Main Road dining precinct, Manny's is serving up the goods every night for dinner, whether you're dining in the cosy restaurant or taking away to enjoy by the ocean or at home. You'll find interesting entrees, crisp and perfectly wood-fired pizza, tender pasta and exciting main dishes on the menu where the culinary influences of the kitchen span from Asia to Europe. While you could definitely order your own dish here and enjoy it immensely, it's far more exciting if you grab a whole lot of items to share - that way you won't miss out on trying anything. In the way of entrees, the spiced calamari ($13.90) comes with a creamy preserved lemon mayo, while the wood roasted cauliflower ($12.90) is perfectly smokey and reminiscent of Ottolenghi. There are also everyday heavy hitters like arancini ($10.90), feta fried olives ($10.90) and bruschetta ($12.90) on offer. Pizzs are always the real litmus test of a great Italian joint, and Manny's is no slouch here. Crisp bases topped with inventive and enticing toppings are the order of the day with the funghi, gorgonzola and truffle ($19.90) or the parmigiana with eggplant, napoli, mozzarella and basil ($19.90) both surefire winners. Gluten-free bases are available on request. Pasta-wise, you could pick anything from the list and not go wrong, with the duck confit ravioli and orange butter sauce ($26.90) or the saffron prawn risotto ($27.90) presenting particularly interesting choices. Head chef Manny Singh draws on a range of cuisine to deliver an exciting selection for his mains, and as a diner, you'll be the richer for it. While you can find traditional Italian classics like lamb ragu pappardelle ($25.90) you'll also be able to enjoy something a little different in the way of crispy master stock pork belly ($26.90) or harissa lamb ribs ($19.90). If you've had the presence of mind to save room for dessert then you'll be either delighted or deeply disappointed that there's no tiramisu on the menu - but there is a refreshing lychee pannacotta ($12), a Valrhona chocolate tart ($12.90), or an affogato ($10) for those who like to combine a post-dinner coffee with their dessert. There's also a frighteningly decadent-looking dessert pizza ($14) on the menu topped with salted caramel, chocolate, almonds and ice cream. Manny's also has a decent wine list with plenty of options available by the glass, and some classic cocktails as well. Add this one to your list.
For hundreds of years, El Dia de los Muertos has been one of the biggest parties in Mexico honouring the dead. The 4000 year-old tradition's history can be traced back to Mexico's indigenous beliefs of the afterlife — that death is only the beginning. Now it's Australia's turn to delve into the underworld, as The Day of the Dead finds its way to secret warehouse locations across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane this spring.urated by a group of Mexican visionaries and artists, Day of the Dead 3.1. takes cues from some of the world's most celebrated immersive spectacles, everything from Burning Man to Sleep No More. Find yourself immersed in a temporary world of interactive art installations, light projections, extravagant costumes, murals created by renowned street artists and an exclusive lineup of local and international DJs and musicians. Is this a Mexican-inspired fiesta or what? Where's the nosh? Pop-ups by a handpicked bunch of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane's go-to local Mexican eateries, like Playa Takeria, have been selected to create special Dia de los Muertos menus. Plus, there'll be Mexican cervezas and tequila/mezcal cocktails from Tequila Herradura and Tequila Jimador to provide you with enough sustenance to dance the night away. With instructions being sent to ticketholders just one week before the event, this is secret warehouse party business at its best. Each city's locations are more closely guarded than an abuela's special mole sauce ingredient and will only be released one day before the party. Day of the Dead will visit Sydney on October 24, then Melbourne on October 31 before ending in Brisbane on November 7. Honour the dead, celebrate the living. Get tickets early. Due to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane events selling out within hours and hundreds of emails requesting tickets, the Day of the Dead team twisted some arms and increased the event capacity. There'll be a new and final ticket release happening on Saturday, September 26 at 12.30pm, with tickets at $95. Tickets will sell out within hours, so be ready. Get tickets here.
UPDATE, September 20, 2020: Boho Luxe Market has changed the date for its next Brisbane event — instead of taking place from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 , it'll now be held from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29. The below information has been updated to reflect these changes. At Boho Luxe Market (their words, not ours), Byron Bay comes to Brisbane. Well, the beachy New South Wales spot's general vibe does at least. Forgoing the trappings of the city for bohemian fashion, jewellery, homewares and the like is on the market's agenda, and has been since it made the jump from Melbourne to Brisbane in 2019. Clearly we responded well to three days of dreamcatchers and flower crowns, because it's coming back again in 2020. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then block out Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29 in your diary for the market's rescheduled (from April) dates. The Boho Luxe Market will head to The Old Museum for a weekend of browsing and buying, food trucks, live music and more. Usually there's also be a dedicated vegan section, plus a kombi display and glamping providers tempting you into booking your next holiday — so fingers crossed they'll return. Entry costs $5, with kids under 12 allowed in for free. Drop by and pretend you're somewhere quiet and coastal on Friday from 5pm–9pm, Saturday from 9am–5pm, and Sunday from 9am–3pm. Boho Luxe Market will take over The Old Museum from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29.
There's a particular texture to Los Angeles after dark that suits stories of crime and self-interest to a tee. A desolate urban badland of freeways and fast food joints, there's this eeriness; this unnaturalness; this inescapable sense of menace; that seems to creep out of the concrete and set your nerves on edge. You can feel it in Michael Mann's Heat, or in Collateral a decade later. You can feel it in sections of Nicholas Winding Refn's Drive. And you can feel it in Nightcrawler, from writer-director Dan Gilroy, as it glides out of the darkness and seizes you by the throat. Always at his best when playing characters gripped by obsession — Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain, Robert Graysmith in Zodiac, or Detective David Loki in last year's masterful Prisoners — Jake Gyllenhaal is in career-best form as Lou Bloom, Gilroy's unsettled protagonist, and our tour guide through the sordid LA underbelly. Inspired after witnessing a car accident, Lou decides to carve out a career as a 'nightcrawler', videotaping crime scenes and selling them to a local TV station for broadcast on the 6am news. As a portrait of the ratings-driven news industry, Nightcrawler is scathing, and brutally unsubtle. "Think of our newscast as a screaming woman, running down the street with her throat cut." That's the advice of Nina (Rene Russo), Lou's tough-as-nails contact at Channel 6 News. The fact that LA crime stats are actually going down is of little concern to her. In fact if anything, it makes Lou's footage ever more valuable. Watching the two of them negotiate the price of video from a triple homicide scene is so sickeningly callous that you may find yourself driven to laugher. To that end, it's tempting to call Nightcrawler a satire; a pitch black comic exaggeration of reality. And yet you can't help but wonder just how exaggerated it really is. Likewise, it's frightening to consider whether or not people like Lou actually exist. In an era in which film producers and marketing executives stress 'likability' above everything else, Nightcrawler strides boldly in the other direction. It's hard to remember the last film featuring a protagonist as flat-out sociopathic as Mr. Bloom. Hell, even Travis Bickle had good intentions. Full of wisdom cribbed from online self-help guides, Lou's wide grin and friendly demeanour is a bad approximation of humanity; a mask that hides a monster incapable of compassion or remorse.
On the lookout for a dope new denim jacket? Or do want to be rid of that weird-looking lamp taking up space in the living room? Then, by golly, you're in luck. The Garage Sale Trail works with local council partners Australia wide to get as many trash and treasure troves happening on the same day as possible. Last year, over 7000 garages opened their doors to bargain hunters, and they're doing it for the fourth time on October 26. Aside from the retro goodies up for grabs, the Trail is all about sustainability. Instead of ending up in landfill, unwanted clutter becomes a fantastic find. So get that tight pair of sunnies for peanuts and help the environment at the same time. The Garage Sale Trail began humbly in Bondi in 2010 and is growing bigger every year, so register online to pick up some sweet new threads, make a quick buck from your old junk and hang out with the friendly folks in your hood.
Nestled into the fast-growing Howard Smith Wharves precinct underneath the Story Bridge, Mr Percival's looks out over the Brisbane river — and, if that's not enough, the octagonal bar and restaurant is actually perched right on top of it. Here, you can grab a beverage and a bite to eat while both peering at the snaking central waterway and sitting in a structure elevated above it. It's Brissie's first venue of its type since Oxley's on the River in Milton was destroyed in the 2011 floods, although Mr Percival's is less about sit-down dinners and more focused on chilling out in a scenic and stylish spot. Once the doors open at 8pm on Thursday, November 29, Brisbanites can relax in a watering hole that's been designed with European beach clubs and the Brisbane's own park rotundas equally in mind. Think decking, six arched doorways, outdoor seats with a view underneath salmon-pink umbrellas, plus an indoor colour scheme that takes inspiration from the Mediterranean. Star windows, round lights, eye-catching wallpaper, 70s-style upholstered chairs, terracotta marble and a brass-fronted bar round out the hangout's inside decor, which was overseen by Brisbane interior designer Anna Spiro. With Damien Styles (The Fish House) taking on head chef duties, Mr Percival's menu aims to match its look and feel. And to think locally, too, with everything on offer inspired by produce from Moreton Bay and the general east coast region. Zucchini fritters, lobster rolls, whipped cod roe served with a warm baguette, and anchovies topped with olive oil, lemon and garlic all feature among the range of snacks, light meals and aperitivo-style nibbles. As for the drinks selection, it includes 17 different cocktails — complete with several types of spritz — as well as a 50-strong wine list that heroes rose and aromatic whites from artisanal producers. Beer-wise, Mr Percival's keeps things super local by pouring four brews from fellow HSW spot Felons through its taps. And if you're wondering about the moniker, it's a nod to Australia. Pelicans are a common waterside sight around the country, and the 1976 Aussie classic film Storm Boy features a pelican called Mr Percival. In a case of good timing, a remake of the flick will actually hit local cinemas in January 2019. Find Mr Percival's at Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane, open from 11am until late from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11am–1am on Friday and Saturday.
When July 2021 came and went, it marked two years since Stranger Things last graced our streaming queues. That's two years of wondering what's become of Hawkins' beloved police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour, Black Widow) — and where everyone else we've all come to know and love in the hit Netflix series has washed up, too. Sorry fans, you'll have to keep pondering for the rest of this year as well, as the streaming platform has officially announced that its 80s-set sci-fi series won't be returning till 2022. Fancy a sneak peek in the interim? In revealing that Stranger Things will finally make a comeback next year, Netflix has also dropped a new glimpse at what's in store. The platform has done so a few times already since the beginning of 2020, providing an initial clip back at the beginning of last year — which now seems like a lifetime ago — and a couple more teasers in May 2021. But hey, when you're hanging out for anything and everything related to the show's fourth season, each trailer and teaser drop is exciting. From that first 2020 teaser, we already know what happened after season three's big cliffhanger and Russian-set post-script — when Hopper, the mind flayer, the Russian lab below Starcourt Mall and that pesky gate to the Upside Down all had a run-in. And, we know that Hawkins Laboratory is going to feature again moving forward, with the last two clips focusing on Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown, Godzilla vs Kong) and Dr Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine, Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal). The new sneak peek combines both new and old footage, so parts of it will look familiar — and parts of it tease what's to come. There's little narrative detail provided, but that usually comes with the territory anyway. You already know you'd prefer to discover Stranger Things' secrets by binging your way through it as soon as new episodes become available to stream. Of course, it's worth remembering that when Netflix announced the show's renewal for a fourth season back in 2019, it did so with the catchphrase "we're not in Hawkins anymore". Naturally, we'll have to wait to see what that really means for its cast of characters — including not only Hopper and Eleven, the latter of which was last seen leaving town with Joyce (Winona Ryder, The Plot Against America), Will (Noah Schnapp, Hubie Halloween) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton, The New Mutants), but also for Mike (Finn Wolfhard, The Goldfinch), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo, The Angry Birds Movie 2), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin, Concrete Cowboy), Max (Sadie Sink, The Last Castle), Steve (Joe Keery, Spree) and Nancy (Natalia Dyer, Things Seen & Heard). Check out the new Stranger Things season four sneak peek below: Stranger Things season four will be able to stream via Netflix sometime in 2022 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
It's the beloved series that's been on the air for more than a decade, and finally made the leap Down Under this year. That'd be RuPaul's Drag Race, which first premiered in the US in 2009, wholeheartedly embraced its mission to unearth the next drag superstars, and debuted its Australian and New Zealand version earlier in 2021. And, in spectacularly great news for fans of local drag talent — and of the show's namesake — RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under is coming back for a second Aussie and NZ season in 2022. The original US series aired its thirteenth season this year, so this is a program with proven longevity. It has also spun off international iterations before, including in the UK — where it's also hosted by RuPaul — plus in Thailand, Holland, Chile and Canada. So, revving up the engines for another spin Down Under shouldn't come as a big surprise. And yes, RuPaul will be back on hosting duties again. After Kita Mean took out this year's first season of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under, exactly who'll be donning eye-catching outfits, navigating dramas and vying for glory next year hasn't been revealed — because casting is now open until Tuesday, October 5. Obviously, exactly when the second season will air on Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand in 2022 hasn't been announced yet either. Neither has the lineup of celebrity guests, after 2021 saw Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue and Taika Waititi all pop up. Fans already know the format, which features fashion challenges, workroom dramas and lip sync battles aplenty. If you're still a newcomer to all things Drag Race, you'll watch the next batch of Australian and NZ competitors work through a series of contests to emerge victorious, and join the likes of Mean and US contenders Jinkx Monsoon, Sasha Velour and Sharon Needles in being crowned the series' winner. Check out RuPaul's announcement video for Drag Race Down Under season two below: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will return for a second season in 2022 on Stan and TVNZ. Top image: RuPaul's Drag Race.
UPDATE, December 18, 2020: Long Shot is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Kick arse in huge action franchises. Steal scenes in beloved sitcoms. Find dark humour in different stages of womanhood. Is there anything that Charlize Theron can't do? A decade and a half ago, she rightfully won an Oscar for transforming into a serial killer in Monster, but the biggest coup of her career just might be her ability to keep evolving on-screen. After a five-year stretch that's included Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde and Tully, Long Shot is the latest example of Theron's chameleonic talents — a political rom-com that's as irreverent (and often inappropriate) as you'd expect of a flick that also stars Seth Rogen, and genuinely heartfelt and hilarious as well. Charlize Theron, romantic-comedy standout? You'd better believe it. With an accessible air of elegance and a can-do attitude but zero sharp edges, Theron plays US Secretary of State Charlotte Field, the youngest person to ever hold that position. When the current TV star-turned-"dumb-fuck president" (Bob Odenkirk) — the film's exact words — decides not to seek re-election because he'd rather move into movies, Charlotte secures his endorsement to run for the top job. But first, she has to win over the public. Her strategists warn that her wave is a problem, that she might want to cosy up to the attractive Canadian Prime Minister (Alexander Skarsgard), and that she should spearhead a new "bees, trees and seas" environmental initiative around the globe. Also, she needs to be funnier. Thanks to a chance reunion with Fred Flarsky (Rogen), a recently unemployed investigative journalist who she used to babysit when they were kids, she soon has a new speechwriter. He makes her laugh and this is a rom-com, so it's not long until more than jokes start flying, obviously. As well as referencing one of the film's climactic gags, Long Shot's title calls out both a cliche and a fantasy, as does its casting. Based on aesthetics alone, society has primed audiences to believe that this chalk-and-cheese pairing shouldn't work — although decades of movies have made the opposite case. As directed by Jonathan Levine (The Night Before) and written by Dan Sterling (The Interview) and Liz Hannah (The Post), Long Shot knows the status quo, but finds middle ground on a character level. There's plenty about the film's plot that's exaggerated for the sake of comedy, to make amusingly astute political parallels and even to bask in an idealised rom-com glow. However the importance of simply carving out engaging, multifaceted characters who complement each other in a messy and realistic way can't be underestimated. There's something else that can't be overlooked, and it's a pivotal factor in making Long Shot's protagonists work so well: chemistry. Forget all of the awkwardness that blights badly cast love stories, in which romantic leads gel about as well as the real-life US president and the truth — that's never the case here. The rapport between Theron and Rogen is loose and easy, and both the film and its characters are all the better for it. Theron brings depth (and grace, vulnerability, determination and humour) to her role, Rogen ensures that his part is never just a schlubby stoner stereotype, and they bounce off of each other from start to finish. They're surrounded by stellar comic talent, too, from obvious candidates such as Odenkirk, Andy Serkis (as a slimy Murdoch-like media mogul) and June Diane Raphael (as Charlotte's chief advisor), to Skarsgard's amusing turn (as a Trudeau-like figure) and an excellent O'Shea Jackson Jr (as Fred's best pal). Levine, who also worked with Rogen on poignant cancer comedy 50/50, deserves his own dose of credit — specifically for the snappy, outrageously funny film's pace and tone. While a two-hour rom-com might seem like a stretch, Long Shot never lags. And even with a Boyz II Men live performance, a drug-addled hostage negotiation in the situation room, a female-empowerment vibe, topical jokes and a Roxette-scored dance scene to fit in, the movie has room to breathe as well. With the latter sequence, the film gives an overt nod to the song's first big-screen appearance in 90s romance Pretty Woman. The Julia Roberts and Richard Gere vehicle mightn't be the best role model, but Long Shot gestures in its direction with more than nostalgia in mind. All rom-coms come with a dash of fairytale, however this refreshing flick saves its daydreams for making over (and making fun of) parts of the political sphere, while serving up its opposites-attract central pairing with relatable chaos and charm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ5X75F1YJw
If you watched Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's vampire sharehouse mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows back in 2014, then instantly found yourself yearning for more, that's understandable. Smart, silly and hilarious, the undead flick is one of the decade's best comedies. Thanks to two TV spinoffs, that dream has come true, letting viewers keep spending time in the movie's supernatural world — and that's not going to end any time soon. Last year, the New Zealand-made Wellington Paranormal made it to screens, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural. It proved a hit, unsurprisingly, and has a second season in the works. This year, an American television version of What We Do in the Shadows also started airing, following a group of vampire flatmates living in Staten Island. Featuring Toast of London's Matt Berry, Four Lions' Kayvan Novak, British stand-up comedian Natasia Demetriou, The Magicians' Harvey Guillen, The Office's Mark Proksch and Lady Bird's Beanie Feldstein, it follows the same basic concept as the original movie, just with memorable new characters. And now it has been renewed for a second season as well. Created and co-written by Clement, and executive produced by the Flight of the Conchords star with Thor: Ragnarok's Waititi, the US take on What We Do in the Shadows was first hinted at back in 2017, and then confirmed in May 2018. While the duo don't star in the new-look series, Berry, Novak and company have been doing them proud as the next batch of ravenous — and comic — vamps. Novak plays the gang's self-appointed leader, 'Nandor The Relentless', who dates back to the Ottoman Empire days and is somewhat stuck in his ways. As for Berry's mischievous British dandy Laszlo and Demetriou's seductive Nadja, they're like a blood-sucking Bonnie and Clyde (but much funnier). Guillén plays Nandor's familiar, who'd do anything to join the undead, while Proksch's Colin is an 'energy vampire'. And Feldstein's Jenna is a college student with a new craving. If you haven't caught the series yet, here's one of the first season's trailers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWUiU3t5udM Can't wait to sink your fangs into more? The first season is still on the air at present, and the second season will continue the story — charting Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja and the group's undead antics in the New York borough. It wasn't easy being a centuries-old bloodsucker in Wellington in the movie, and it's just as tough (and amusing) on the other side of the world. What We Do in the Shadows' first season is currently airing on Foxtel's Showcase channel weekly at 8.30pm on Tuesdays. Expect the second season in 2020. Via Variety.
Feeling a little anxious about saying farewell to Brooklyn Nine-Nine? Since it was announced earlier this year that the beloved sitcom would end after its next (and eighth) season, that's been an understandable reaction. Long-running shows become a comforting part of our routines, giving us something to look forward to with each new episode — and in the case of this supremely warm-hearted comedy, giving us all plenty of feel-good laughs as well. If you think that you're dreading B99 coming to an end, you might still want to spare a thought for Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio). If the show comes to a conclusion and sees him spend less time with Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), he obviously won't cope well. That's the angle the just-released full trailer for the series' final season takes, in fact. "No more stakeouts, or drinks after a long shift, or midnight calls when you've had a breakthrough in a case," Boyle laments — while wearing a big fluffy coat for some reason. Heart and laughs: that's been a noice, toit and cool cool cool formula for Brooklyn Nine-Nine over the years. "Title of your sex tape" jokes, Die Hard nods and Halloween heists have all worked well, too. Cross your fingers that's all in the pipeline during the last batch of ten episodes as well, which will start streaming on SBS On Demand and airing on SBS in Australia come Friday, August 13. Definitely on the bill: other districts' versions of Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller), Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher) accidentally sending intimate pics, Peralta and Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) trying to handle parenthood, Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) on edibles and Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews) popping his pecs. And, to answer an obvious question, it wouldn't be a last ride for Brooklyn's fictional 99th police precinct without Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti) making a final appearance. Check out the full trailer for Brooklyn Nine-Nine's final season below: The first two episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's eighth and final season will be able to stream via SBS On Demand (and to view on SBS) on Friday, August 13, with new episodes dropping weekly afterwards.
This Friday is a very significant religious holiday for some, but for the non-Christians can be a nuisance for putting a stop to good times for the day. Thankfully, the folks at Alfred and Constance are saving the day and pleasing everybody with their Fish and Chip Pop Up this Friday. You can head in for lunch or dinner for a serving of rough-cut chips and fresh, local fish cooked in the wood-fired oven or alternatively, dine on seafood cooked in the Josper Oven. “We wanted to keep with tradition and serve up fish and seafood dishes alongside A&C favourites,” owner Damian Griffiths said. “It’s a popular choice this time of year and we’ve put together some beautifully simple accompaniments to go with the sweet flavours of our fresh fish.” “Plus there’s nothing much open around town and we know people are looking for somewhere to eat.” What: Fish & Chip Pop-Up – no bookings, walk-ins welcome When: Good Friday, Friday 29th March, Open from 12 noon-late Where: The Vanguard Beer Garden, Alfred & Constance, corner of Alfred and Constance Streets, Fortitude Valley
Different people are scared by different things. Different folks can handle different levels of heat in their food, too. Do you get spooked by spice — but in a good way? If so, the Briz Chilli and Beer Fest is clearly for you. Obviously, things will be getting hot in Salisbury at this returning fest — which isn't officially a Halloween festival, too, as it has been in past years, but is still taking place just before the most frightening day of the year in 2024. From 12–7pm on Sunday, October 27, everything will be tongue-tinglingly hot. Face-meltingly hot. Homer Simpson running, screaming and waving his hands around hot. That's what happens when you spice up your weekend with a chilli festival, after all. Adding some zest to the Ballistic Brewery, there'll be plenty of stalls offering plenty of chilli — and not just in food form. Of course, there'll be enough edible hot hot heat to help you turn several different shades, but that's just part of the chilli fun. Chilli beer and chilli cocktails are usually on offer, and there's normally a chilli fancy dress competition. Basically, you'll be saying the word chilli so much that it no longer means anything. Tickets are on sale now for $12, and the full lineup of activities also includes chilli challenges for those with cast-iron stomachs. Our tip, and one we think you'll need: remember that milk is a chilli-lover's best friend.
First published 175 years ago, Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre just keeps haunting readers — and audiences and creatives. As well as sparking plenty of nights spent thumbing through the novel's pages, the gothic classic has inspired many an inventive stage and screen adaptation. They include all the obvious, faithful interpretations, plus 1940s horror films and even the book behind one of Alfred Hitchcock's psychological thrillers. At QPAC from Wednesday, June 8–Saturday, July 9, the latest version of Jane Eyre is playing out in the Cremorne Theatre under the guidance of Shake & Stir. If you liked the theatre company's take on Dracula, then you'll want to see it take on another beloved story in its own way — complete with original music not only written by The Superjesus' Sarah McLeod, but performed live on stage during the play. Starring Shake & Stir's co-artistic director Nelle Lee as Jane, the production delves into a moody coming-of-age tale as the orphaned titular character tries to fight against the social constraints of the time and find her way in the world. Securing a job at Thornfield Hall, she's drawn to its resident, Edward Rochester — a bond that causes plenty of secrets to spill out into the open.
Did reading (or watching the movie adaptation of) We Need to Talk About Kevin leave you feeling uneasy for weeks? Have you been getting your vampire fix by devouring The Passage trilogy? Did leafing through Looking for Alibrandi help you survive high school? If you answered yes to any of the above questions and you're keen to see your favourite authors chat about their work, then you're in luck. Yes, it's Christmas time for anyone fond of the printed word — the Brisbane Writers' Festival is back for 2016. Celebrating its 54th year from September 7 to 11, this year's BWF is bringing the authors of the aforementioned novels, Lionel Shriver, Justin Cronin and Melina Marchetta, to Brissie — and that's just the beginning of their hectic program. Keen on the comedy of English comedian Alexei Sayle? Or the complex fiction of Irish novelist Michael Collins? Maybe you've always dreamed of writing your own cookbook? Or perhaps you've been wondering why every second story seems to be about a dead girl? Well, you'll find sessions with all of the above on this year's lineup, alongside discussions of sensual reading that doesn't reference any shades of grey and a primer on making your own cryptic crosswords and other word puzzles. Basically, we could keep asking you about your reading habits for hours and we'd still come up with relevant BWF sessions for you to go to. That's what happens when the State Library of Queensland becomes a hive of literary activity for five busy days, after all. The rest of the fest's topics include the struggles faced by female writers, how to ensure a picture really does convey a thousand words, and instructive seminars about everything from getting published to uttering phrases on the radio. And, if you don't feel like trekking into the city, you can still join in the fun as part of the free BWF in the 'Burbs series. The Brisbane Writers Festival runs from September 7 to 11. To check out the full program — and to purchase tickets — visit the festival's website.
This Christmas, all you need is love — and a festive little cabaret that showcases all of the hit tunes from Love Actually. It's the way to celebrate the season when you're not just leaving the seasonal favourite flick on repeat at home. Yep, that's Christmas Actually. Created by the folks behind Rumour Has It and Lady Beatle, and starring Naomi Price (Ladies in Black, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Christmas Actually features all of the tracks that've become synonymous with this merry time of year — including Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You', naturally. To help belt them out, Price will be joined by Mik Easterman, Scott French, Irena Lysiuk, Luke Kennedy, Michael Manikus, OJ Newcomb and Tom Oliver. There'll even be more than one nativity lobster, plus a jolly mood and a whole room full of festive cheer. That room is La Boite's Roundhouse Theatre, where Christmas Actually plays from Wednesday, December 15–Thursday, December 23. Get excited by revisiting Love Actually's trailer below. 'Tis the season, after all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWvZEaAdiDg
After opening several German-themed beer halls around the city, plus a colourful Mexican cantina, Rockpool Dining Group continues to expand its Brisbane footprint — this time, with a European and American-inspired joint that'll specialise in wings. Named Winghaüs by Bavarian, seating 240 both inside and out, and headed to Edward Street in the CBD, the new concept is an offshoot of the hospitality empire's popular Bavarian spots. When it opens in either late September or early October, it'll be the first venue in the country. Chicken is main culinary attraction — buffalo wings specifically — although you'll also be able to tuck into fried wings dusted in either chipotle or habanero powder, or opt for boneless chicken tenders. They'll all be available in servings of ten, 15, 20, 50 or 100 pieces, with eight hot sauces and five dips on offer, including teriyaki, blue cheese, ranch dressing, and honey and mustard. For folks hankering for other US-style bites, think burgers slathered with Texas barbecue sauce, sides such as onion rings, potato gems and deep-fried pickles, plus New York-style cheesecake. And if you like your desserts both sweet and warm, a selection of deep-fried chocolate bars are likely to prove a highlight, with patrons able to choose from hot, gooey Mars, Snickers and Picnics. [caption id="attachment_739499" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A render of the Winghaüs interior.[/caption] While the menu skews American, European influences will come through in the drinks and decor. Like The Bavarian, Winghaüs will feature a stein chandelier made from 200 one-litre glasses, and will serve German brews such as Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Franziskaner, Spaten and Hofbräu. US tipples like Budweiser, Stella Artois and Goose Island will also feature, plus Aussie beers like Pines and Pirate Life. And, cocktail-wise, the bar's taps will pump out margaritas, old fashioneds, spritzes, negronis sand espresso martinis. Brisbanites can also expect plenty to keep them entertained at the diner-style spot, whether you're settling in at the long bar or getting cosy in a leather booth beneath neon signs. Given that sports memorabilia will line the walls, it should come as no surprise that big-screen TVs will play up to 30 live sports attempts at a time — and that you'll be able to use your phone to listen into your game of choice. If you're not interested in whatever match happens to be on — or sport in general — you can hit the pinball machines and arcade games instead. Find Winghaüs by Bavarian at 144 Edward Street, Brisbane from late September or early October — we'll update you with an opening date when we have one.
Your mates have been listening to your 'big idea' for months. It's that passion project you dream all day about or that side hustle that's yet to get off the ground. And yet, somehow, another year has rolled past and you're still waiting for the time to feel 'just right'. Spoiler alert: the timing will never be perfect. Starting your own business can feel daunting and dazzling all at the same time. While you'll find yourself in the driver's seat, calling the shots and running the show, it's not all fame and control. With power comes chasing unpaid invoices, juggling timelines and hoping you're charging enough to cover the bills. So, to see your idea become a (profitable) reality, you have to be prepared. To help with the financial stuff, we've teamed up with Westpac, in celebration of its Presto Smart payment solution, to track down some Australian business owners — and ask for some advice. Read on to learn the biggest business dos and don'ts from three Australian hospo entrepreneurs: head chef and owner of LP's Quality Meats Luke Powell; Lyndon Kubis, co-owner of Melbourne's Milton Wine Shop; and William Edwards, founder of Sydney distillery Archie Rose (which also happens to be one of Westpac's Businesses of the Tomorrow). [caption id="attachment_511979" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Archie Rose by Nikki To.[/caption] DO: INVEST IN PEOPLE TO HELP BUILD YOUR BUSINESS As cheesy as it sounds, people are the backbone of every great business. Seriously. A great barista will keep coffee lovers coming back and a talented sales rep will build a thriving network of distributors and partners. They're the face of your brand and the people you'll be working alongside through thick and thin. Even during your first years of operation, as you're still working out how to be profitable as a business, you should consider ways to invest and give back to your team. This is especially true for Archie Rose's William Edwards. "You may not have the resources to give out big salaries or awesome job perks, but your people are literally the number one asset you'll have," he explains. "They will drive the business to places you would have never thought to go, or could not have gone on your own — so treat them with respect, empower them to lead the areas they are responsible for and acknowledge the contribution they make." [caption id="attachment_664743" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LPs Quality Meats via Destination NSW.[/caption] DO: DIVERSIFY YOUR OFFERING You've heard it plenty: "don't put all your eggs in one basket". When kicking off a business, this little phrase is essential. You want to build an offering that is resilient and, most importantly, sustainable. If your heart is set on selling handmade rings, you should consider broadening your focus. Release other accessory ranges; collaborate on a line of monogrammed notebooks. The key is to find multiple ways of generating income, rather than investing everything into one product or service. Powell is a master of this. The meats made at LP's are also supplied to other restaurants across Sydney, which opened up a whole new revenue stream for the business. "We have diversified our business by making smallgoods for other restaurants, cafes and venues," Powell reveals. "We were making them just for ourselves then other people started asking for them. We got a license as a meat processing plant and can now make and sell to anyone." [caption id="attachment_697656" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bella Brutta by Kitti Gould.[/caption] DO: TAKE THE LEAP BEFORE YOU'RE READY Still waiting to hit 'publish' on your website? To announce your business on social media? Are you still endlessly searching for the perfect space to house your new operation? Edwards' advice? Just go for it. "I've met so many people with so many good ideas and the talent to make them a reality, but they never did anything because it wasn't the perfect time," Edwards explains. "I'm not saying don't prepare for what you're about to undertake, but there will never be 'a perfect time' — at the end of the day, you just need to start." The business you launch isn't set in stone. While you want to have the practical stuff like budgets and point of sale technology sorted out, your concept, branding and offering will evolve over time. Just take the first step, and the rest will begin to fall into place. [caption id="attachment_724984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Power of LPs Quality Meats by Kitti Gould.[/caption] DON'T: FOLLOW TRENDS AND FORGET TO CRAFT YOUR OWN VISION Remember those jeans you bought in 2002? Yep, the ultra low-rise ones with raw hems that dragged along the floor. Everyone had a pair. And now? It's all skinny jeans and retro flares. Trends come and go, but a truly unique idea sticks. That's why it's key to use innovation as the foundation of your business. "Restaurant trends are constantly changing, but we do try and stay away from them as they are usually not enduring," says Powell. "We try to be as creative as possible while staying true to our brand to keep it fun and fresh for our staff and customers." His biggest tip for fellow entrepreneurs? "Don't do something because it's trendy. Make sure you are doing it because you love it, and play the long game." [caption id="attachment_724988" align="alignnone" width="1920"] William Edwards of Archie Rose by Trent van der Jagt.[/caption] DON'T: AIM TO GET EVERYTHING RIGHT FROM DAY ONE Starting a business means making tough calls and hoping you're on the right track. There are going to be plenty of bumps along the way, and striving for perfection isn't going to make the journey any easier. Edwards has some sage words of wisdom on the topic. "One thing I would do differently is to not try to set up everything perfectly for the long term on day one. [For example,] I purchased two 40-foot containers of 750ml bottles for the US market on day one in order to get a better cost per unit...those bottles are still sitting in storage." So what would he do differently? "In some instances, you're better off just perfecting what you need in the short term, and then getting a better understanding of what you're going to need in the long term as you actually operate and grow." [caption id="attachment_712428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Milton Wine Shop.[/caption] DO: KEEP ON TOP OF YOUR CASHFLOW It goes without saying that money is essential to get any business off the ground (and keep it there once it's opened). But when you're caught up in brainstorming, building, hiring staff and making sure everything just keeps moving every day, it can be hard to stay on top of the cash coming in and going out. Lyndon Kubis, who opened Melbourne's Milton Wine Shop with his business partners back in 2014, knows that, when starting a business in hospitality, income doesn't necessarily come before expenses — or vice versa. So, he says, when trying to turn a profit in the long run, it's important to remember that "money in the bank account belongs to a lot of people" — not just you. Utilising new tech can help, too. On a day-to-day level, Kubis uses Presto Smart at point of sale to track and process cashflow. Powell uses Westpac's tools at LP's, too, saying the information it provides has been "insightful and useful" for growing the business. DON'T: BE AFRAID TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH THE WORLD When you've invested so much of yourself in your business, it's then a huge leap of faith to announce it to the public. But don't let your apprehensions prevent you from creating buzz for your business. Powell wishes he'd taken the jump much earlier. "I held back on letting people know in case the build was delayed," Powell reveals. "It then took a long time to build momentum." So, start talking about your idea. Show your mates and their mates what you're working on. And in the words of the LP's founder: "get it out there and start building hype." Now that you have the dos and don'ts to get you started, it's time to make the jump. And when it comes time to set up your payment technology, look to Westpac's Presto Smart terminal. It's made for speedy payments, busting queues, removing keying errors and seamlessly connecting to a range of Point of Sales systems, including Kounta, to help you keep track of cashflow. Please note that the above information is intended to be general in nature and should not be relied upon for personal financial use. Request more info and speak to Westpac here. Top images: Luke Powell by Kitti Gould, followed by William Edwards by Trent van der Jagt.
Whether you work in the industry, or you're just obsessed with everything about it, BIGSOUND is just like a Brisbane-based music lovers version of Christmas. The Foundry clearly feel the same way, which is why their pre-event party comes with a serving of festive spirit. Grinches, don't despair — it's just the name and the night-before levels of excitement they're aping, with the rest filled to the brim with indie vibes and a rock 'n' roll atmosphere. Given that Katy Steele, I Know Leopard, Ayla, Waax, Lanks and Machine Age are in charge of the evening's music, it's safe to say it's going to be a kick-ass event overflowing with good cheer. This event is one of our top five picks of BIGSOUND. Check out the other four here.
Lust For Life Gallery are once again playing host to the annual exhibition which celebrates women in art, Viva La Femme. Twenty female artists will have their work on display, with mediums varying from mixed media to conventional painting to photography to drawing — each work full of life and showcasing a different vision of femininity and what it is to be a woman. There will be a performance by Lisa Fa'alafi, a Pacific performance artist who will be bringing humour, political satire, costume design and analysis of pacific heritage together to create a surely amazing piece of theatrical art. Artists on display include but aren’t limited to Rose Brixton, Kellie Jagoe, Cherie Barben, Rachel Hanwick, Kim Wheeler, Tiffany Atkin, Symone Male, Molly Shields, Candice Tomlinson, Vanessa Perske, Eleisha Boevink and Sundari Vanwolf. Bring a gold coin for donation and enjoy a night celebrating the achievements of women in art. All genders welcome!
"Things are mental at the moment." "I'm totally slammed." "Where has this month gone?" Sound familiar? At this time of the year, work schedules can get pretty crazy. With the end of financial year, the start of a new one and everything in-between, it probably means you're starting earlier, finishing later and answering emails whenever they hit your inbox — even if it's 11pm and you're in bed. So, no doubt, you're clocking a lot of hours of screen time. A huge problem with that is that screens emit a blue light that strains our eyes and makes our brains think it's daytime — even when it's midnight and you're about to go to bed. With your brain still running around in circles, chances are, you won't be able to switch off and drift into the deep sleep that you need to be chipper and productive the next day. But there's no need to throw in the towel (or throw out your phone) completely. Oscar Wylee offers lenses that filter out this blue light, which you can add to your glasses whether they're prescription or not. Think of it as an easy way to set yourself up for a restful sleep and a super productive day ahead. And that's just one way you can increase your productivity. Once you've got those eyes sorted, you can get into these stress-busting hacks that will help you make the most our of each work day and get stuff ticked off your to-do list. USE AN APP TO SORT OUT YOUR TO-DO LIST Almost missed that 2pm meeting? Keep forgetting to pay that overdue gas bill? Constantly double-booked on Saturday nights? There's a lot to keep on top of. From birthdays to boxing classes, we're swimming in a sea of emails, alarms, missed phone calls and unanswered messages. But there are several ways to make your life easier. Enter project management apps. They're the lifesaving, schedule-sorting saviours that keep your to-do list in check at the office and at home. These handy apps act as a virtual assistant, reminding you of all the stuff you've already forgotten about. Simply type whatever you need to do, add a due date and let the app do the rest. Talk about taking the stress out of adulting. Ready to get started? Check out Asana, Trello, Airtable or Wunderlist to get your to-do list sorted. INVEST IN THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT TO GET THE JOB DONE Eight hours of staring at a screen is, well, about as fun as it sounds. Hunched shoulders and headaches are usually how it ends. But there is a way to combat that 3pm fuzz, even if you just can't leave your desk for that highly necessary walk. Look to glasses that filter out blue light, like Oscar Wylee's blue light filter lenses. These bad boys help block the harmful rays of blue light that can lead to eye strain and disrupted sleep pattern. Using clear lenses, these glasses are perfect for digital desk dwellers who spend long hours on their computer or smartphone. Plus, blocking blue light will help you sleep better. Our brains associate blue light with daytime, so these lenses make winding down after a big day a breeze. BLOCK OUT YOUR CALENDAR SO NO ONE INTERRUPTS YOUR FLOW Meetings can chew up so much of time at the office. So treat your desk time like all those back-to-backs you've been in, and book it in like an appointment. Better yet, add a daily appointment in the cal for your lunch break. It's time to take control of your calendar. Set aside 15 minutes at the beginning of your week to block out 'no meetings' hours each day. Consider what project deadlines are looming and prioritise your time towards these tasks accordingly. Make sure to lock in time for yourself, too, such as lunch dates and midday workout classes. Establishing boundaries will help others better respect your time, which in turn, will help you get through the day's tasks they're nagging you about anyway. [caption id="attachment_728617" align="alignnone" width="1920"] April, @coffeewithme.[/caption] TAKE YOUR LUNCH BREAK AWAY FROM YOUR DESK We've all been there. You're swamped with reports to write and emails to respond to. Then Word crashes, your laptop freezes and all your hard work disappears into the digital abyss. Sure, you've now got your Oscar Wylee blue light filter lenses on to combat the strain on your eyes, but you need to combat the strain on your brain, too. As counterproductive as it might seem, taking a break away from your desk can be the best move. When we're flustered and overwhelmed, getting out and into the fresh air does wonders to clear the mind. Even just 20 minutes sitting in a nearby park or walking to a local cafe will do the trick. Soak up that vitamin D, take a brisk walk and try to avoid scrolling through your phone while doing so. You'll return feeling refreshed and, most likely, in a better mood, making the recovery of that hard work not so daunting. SWITCH OFF YOUR EMAIL AND PHONE NOTIFICATIONS Staying on task can be tough. The buzz of a phone and ping of our emails can be enough to pull us way off course. These might seem like tiny distractions, but their powers are mighty. There are plenty of findings out there linking mobile phones and depression, but also those distractions end up putting you in a state of multitasking. What's so wrong with that? Well, it slows your productivity right down. So, kick the habit of jumping between tasks once and for all. By turning off those pesky notifications that lure you back to your inbox, you'll be much better placed to smash through your to-do list. Plus, you can batch your time to respond to emails in one go, rather than drip-feeding responses throughout the day. Prime yourself for your productivity kick. Head to Oscar Wylee to pick your frames and speak to its team about adding a blue light filter to your lenses. You and your less-strained eyeballs can thank us later.
To some people, Doctor Who is just a television show and a character that likes telephone booths. To others, the time lord and his TV program are the inspiration for an all-consuming obsession. Rob Lloyd falls into the latter camp, and has dedicated himself to amassing as much Doctor Who knowledge and paraphernalia as he can afford since 1996. In his honest and hopefully hysterical one-man show, he details his fascination and its consequences. He also dares to ponder and answer the questions every pop culture fan contemplates: how did he get here? Why is he so fixated? Is his passion healthy?
When the eighth season of Game of Thrones finished its run a few months back, bringing the highly popular series to a conclusion, everyone knew that it wasn't really the end. The world created by George RR Martin will live on in his books, whenever the author finally publishes the long-awaited next instalment of his A Song of Ice and Fire series. And, because HBO likes both ratings and advertising dollars, it will keep the GoT-related TV shows going as well. Like residents of Westeros hoping that summer (or at least autumn) will last for ever, the US network isn't ready to let go of its highly successful commodity. For years, there's been plenty of chatter about what it'll do next, with HBO first announcing that it was considering five different prequel ideas, then green-lighting one to pilot stage, and then pondering adapting Martin's House Targaryen-focused Fire & Blood for the small screen. Now, the channel has finally decided what GoT fans will be watching next. Sorry, everyone who was keen to explore Westeros thousands of years before the events we all just agonised over for this entire decade. That series — which was set to star Naomi Watts, Miranda Richardson and John Simm — has officially been scrapped. While that's disappointing news, HBO has softened the below with some flame-breathing scaly creatures and the family that adores them, ordering ten episodes of the Fire & Blood-based House of the Dragon. If you thought the Targaryens were chaotic already, we're guessing that delving into their history — and their love of using dragons to wage wars and claim power — is only going to cement that idea. We all know what happened to the last surviving members of the family in GoT, aka Daenerys, her brother Viserys and her boyfriend/nephew Jon Snow; however, House of the Dragon, like Fire & Blood, jumps back 300 years earlier. Published in November 2018 and coming in at a whopping 738 pages, the first volume in Fire & Blood's planned two-book series starts with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of the Seven Kingdoms — and then works through the family's history from there. He created the Iron Throne, so you'll probably get to see one returning favourite. And you don't have to be the Three-Eyed Raven to know that this tale involves plenty of GoT's staples: fighting, battles for supremacy and bloodshed. If you're wondering when you'll be able to feast your peepers on House of the Dragon, or who'll be starring in it, those crucial details haven't been revealed just yet. But, as well as announcing that House of the Dragon is definitely happening, HBO has unveiled the key folks behind the scenes, with Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal acting as the series' showrunners. Sapochnik has a hefty GoT history, winning an Emmy and a Directors Guild Award for directing 'Battle of The Bastards', helming season eight's 'The Long Night', and doing the same on four other episodes. As for Condal, he co-created and oversaw recent sci-fi series Colony, and co-wrote the screenplay for the 2018 film Rampage.
Pretending you're somewhere far away from Brisbane without hopping on a plane, train, boat or in a car isn't a pandemic-era novelty. This city of ours has been hosting events that promise to do exactly that for much, much longer — even if some have been on hold over the past few years. One such shindig: the always-hefty, always-boozy, always-merry Oktoberfest Brisbane, which is finally set to return in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. Brisbanites, dust off your lederhosen or dirndl — and make plans to visit Brisbane Showgrounds between Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9 and Friday, October 14–Sunday, October 16. Oktoberfest Brisbane will run over two weekends, giving the city six days to celebrate all things German. Usually, more than 35,000 people head along, so prepare to have plenty of company. The sizeable German culture festival will span traditional live music tents, Munich-style biergartens and carnival rides, as always. An all-day lineup of live music — including an Oompah band, yodelling and dance — will keep visitors entertained while they eat, drink and celebrate all things Bavaria. There'll also be plenty of food stalls offering hearty German cuisine when hunger strikes, including gravy-doused schnitties, candied apples, pork knuckle with sauerkraut, wursts and pretzels. And, when it comes to beer, the festival likes to keep things traditional: all beer served on-site has been brewed specifically for the event, following the Bavarian Purity Law, and all brews are served in steins. Not a big beer-lover? There'll be classic German wines and non-alcoholic drinks available, too. Because organisers are expecting crowds, this year's Friday sessions will kick off at 12pm for the first time — giving you an excuse to ditch work early. And, on Sundays, there'll be $25 tickets that include unlimited free rides. Perhaps don't take advantage of that after a few steins, though. Oktoberfest Brisbane will run from Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9 and Friday, October 14–Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Brisbane Showgrounds. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the event's website.
Think blow-up pools are just for kids? Think again. They're also perfect for cooling down in on a warm early Autumn day, or chilling your beers in. If ever an event offered the chance to do both, it's at Brewsvegas. Because drinking beverages doesn't only happen in the inner city, Nundah's Fitz + Potts is the place to be for a session of Sunday fun that's certain to become an annual occurrence. Ekim Brewing Co. head brewer and founder Mike Jorgensen will be mixing up four beer-based cocktails for the occasion. You can be certain they'll be the kind of drinks that go down well while you're sat in a puddle of tepid water, on AstroTurf, surrounded by fake flamingoes.
Remember coming home from school with your latest vibrantly coloured artwork, then beaming with pride when your parents stuck it on the fridge for all the world to see? The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art do the same, just on a larger scale. The exhibition takes a selection of outstanding pieces from senior students from schools across Queensland, then places them on display at GOMA. For the best and brightest teenage artists, their childhood dream has become a reality. They haven't even made it to university yet, and their work is already hanging in the state's premier gallery. For everyone else, it's the chance to sneak a peak at the next generation of creative geniuses, before they go on to even bigger and better things. Who knows — one day, you might even be able to say that you saw the early creations of an art superstar before they made it big. Image: Sophie Raymond / Goondiwindi State High School / Sucked In 2015 / Digital print / © The artist
It's Commonwealth Games time, which not only means plenty of athletes competing for glory on the Gold Coast, but a plethora of arts and cultural events as well. The latter falls under the guise of The Festival, the one-off fest running alongside the sporting action — and while it's largely focused on the Goldie, it's bringing some fun to Brisbane as well. Indeed, if you like live music — and you like seeing it for free — then you're going to want to head along to The Festival's Brissie music lineup. It's a packed bill featuring plenty of ace acts, including Regurgitator, The Preatures, Bob Evans, Kev Carmody, Ed Kuepper, Urthboy, Cheap Fakes, Airling and Major Leagues. They'll all take over South Bank's Cultural Centre Forecourt, and they'll be joined by Jackie Marshall, Don Walker, Thando, Shellie Morris, Digging Roots, Kardajala Kirridarra, Heart Music, Electric Fields, Abbe May, Stella Donnelly, a Pub Choir session and more. The list really does go on, meaning that seeing a gig — and not spending a cent — isn't going to be a problem for the 11 days between April 5 and 15.
Remember the days before coffee pods, when getting your caffeinated fix didn't involve spending many a minute trying to choose a flavour? Well, that experience has arrived at an Australian pub near you. Yes, beer pods are now a reality. Carlton & United Breweries has rolled out a trial of their new Bond Brothers Fusion brand to selected venues in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, adding a whole new dimension to ordering a drink. The base lager remains the same; however once you select your variety of choice — with pink grapefruit, honey, lime, raspberry and apple options available — the appropriate pod will be slipped into the tap, infusing your yeasty beverage with flavour as it is poured. Sounds like a gimmick that's trying to jump on the craft beer bandwagon, right? Yep, it sure does, but we all thought something similar when the concept first reared its head in the coffee world. Speaking to Nine News, CUB marketing director Richard Oppy said that they were looking to "add some excitement" to drinking beer (although we thinking having a bev is pretty exciting enough), as well as extra varieties. While this is the first time you can get this type of drink in Aussie bars, the concept isn't particularly new. Launching in 2014, US company SYNEK is a countertop beer dispenser that uses cartridges to let you pour and drink your favourite brews at home, while wine, spirits and cocktail takes on the trend are also in development. Via Brews News / The Drinks Association.
Whether we're putting stickers on everything because Yayoi Kusama told us to, or drawing on the walls because that's not just allowed but encouraged, everyone loves an interactive art exhibition. It's the reason that installation-based pop-ups filled with ball pits and supremely photogenic backdrops are such a hit, too. So, Museum of Brisbane is taking that idea and running with it at its latest showcase — and while sprinting through the City Hall gallery still isn't recommended, dancing, feeling and otherwise putting your hands on the art definitely is. Running from Saturday, December 10–Sunday, April 16, and free to attend, Play Moves is the CBD museum's largest participatory exhibition to-date, in fact, and it's all about the thing we've each been doing since we were born. Play isn't something anyone grows out of, after all, as the popularity of boozy mini-golf bars and challenge room hotels shows. While this exhibition is family-friendly — and doesn't involve drinks — it shares the same underlying idea that you're never too much of an adult to get creative and have fun. Six major projects comprise Play Moves, each one immersive, interactive and designed for audiences to be a key part in making them what they are. Sure, a giant loom catches the eye just by existing, and so does a fur-lined bathtub. But when you weave on the former and relax into the latter, they're not just objects to view but items to engage with. That loom comes via Slow Art Collective, while Sai Karlen's addition to the exhibition focuses on digital motion tracking. Or, thanks to Counterpilot, a party with dancing pot plants takes over an 80s-style office. Tara Patterden has art lovers focusing on a sound interactive environment, and Michelle Vine has contributed soft cocooned sculptures. Fancy a technicolour party as well? That comes via UnitePlayPerform. You'll discover — and play with — all of the above as you move through the museum's rooms, with the six pieces bringing together six national artists and collectives. Keep an eye out for the venue's events lineup as well, with after-hours sessions and pop-up performances planned for Friday nights.
Since opening late last year, Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves precinct has continued to expand. The spot already boasts a riverfront brewery, an overwater bar and a sprawling Greek taverna, as well as an Art Series hotel with a rooftop pool and a waterside Betty's Burgers. A Cantonese restaurant and bar is on the cards, too — and so is Jonathan Barthelmess' new two-level Japanese izakaya. Called Yoko Dining, and set to launch in November, it'll mark restaurateur Barthelmess' second HSW venue. The new restaurant and bar will sit next door to his existing Greca restaurant, and take inspiration from his time spent in Tokyo, where his fine diner The Apollo is located. If you've ever visited the Japanese capital's izakaya and music bars, you'll be well prepared for Yoko Dining. Think tunes spun on vinyl, an upbeat vibe and a retro-yet-futuristic feel both in the downstairs restaurant and on Yoko's mezzanine level. The upper space will also feature a hidden bar and a dining space. Decor-wise, renowned interior architect George Livissianis is jazzing up the heritage building's original timber framework with bursts of yellow, concrete fixtures and blonde wood, plus an interesting lighting design. [caption id="attachment_702500" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Howard Smith Wharves[/caption] In the kitchen, Kitak Lee will lead the charge, with the head chef already a veteran of Barthelmess's Japanese joint in Sydney, Cho Cho San. A hibachi (a Japanese charcoal grill) will sit pride of place in the kitchen and a seafood-heavy menu will hero smoky flavours. You'll also find gyoza, noodles, wagyu and roasted duck among the mains — and desserts such as shaved ice kakigori, mochi and sweet waffles. As for drinks, expect to sip your way through yuzu slushies and wine on tap and in bottles — from a 100-strong list. Yoko Dining will open at Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane from November. We'll keep you posted with an exact launch date when it is announced. Top image: Kitak Lee, Jonathan Barthelmess and Executive Chef Ben Russell. Photo by Sarah Marshall/The Photo Pitch
Both in Australia's nationwide lockdown between March and June and under Victoria's current Stage Four restrictions, the country's hospitality businesses have been doing it tough. Temporary closures, pivoting to takeaway and delivery, stocking sought-after grocery items, enforcing social distancing, operating at limited capacity — these have all been on the cards across the nation to help stem the spread of COVID-19, and they've all had a sizeable impact on restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. In fact, in Melbourne, 15 percent of hospitality venues don't think they'll be able reopen after the present stay-at-home period. The situation is comparable worldwide, of course — and in the United Kingdom, a new scheme has just come into effect to attempt to help the culinary sector. Operational since Monday, August 3 and running until Monday, August 31, the UK Government's 'Eat Out to Help Out' regime is trying to encourage folks to head out of the house and have a meal, all by offering 50 percent discounts. There are a few caveats, understandably. Nonetheless, diners will indeed score a half-price feed if they sit down for a bite at a participating venue — of which there's more than 72,000, the BBC reports. As well as restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars, the scheme also applies to canteens at workplaces and schools, plus food halls. But, it's only on offer for dine-in customers, not takeaway or delivery. [caption id="attachment_763228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] Among the other rules, the deal is only available Monday–Wednesday each week, only applies to food and non-alcoholic beverages (sorry, no booze), and only provides up to £10 (about $18 AUD) off per diner per meal. But, there's no minimum spend, no vouchers required to redeem the discount and no limit on the number of people per group. There's no cap on the amount of times a person can claim the discount, either, so UK residents could eat breakfast, lunch and dinner out of the house three days a week for the entire month if they wanted to. The UK's social distancing requirements and other COVID-19 hygiene practises still apply to anyone venturing out of their house for a meal, naturally. Still, if you're an Aussie currently thinking "that sounds like a good idea", you might want to cross your fingers that something similar is implemented closer to home — when it's safe to do so. If you're reading this from the UK, you can find more information about the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme via the UK Government's website.
Dark Mofo might've had to pull the plug on its 2020 event, but the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)'s other big annual arts festival, Mona Foma, will definitely be hitting up the Tasmanian site when January 2021 rolls around. On the agenda at the big summer fest: art, performances, music, eclectic sights, engaging sounds, and plenty to see and do across two weekends — at 58 venues in two cities. Plus, of the more than 352 artists involved, 90 percent of them hail from Tasmania. Although Mona Foma was originally held in Hobart, where MONA is located, the event made the move to Launceston in 2019. In 2021, however, it is splitting its program between both Tasmanian places. Launceston is up first, from January 15–17, with Hobart getting the nod the next week from January 22–24. Whether you pick one or you're keen to head to both, there's plenty on the bill. First up, in Launceston, the city's Cataract Gorge will host the latest work by audio-visual artist Robin Fox. The site's landscape will be taken over by immersive world-premiere installation Aqua Luma — which'll run on a 20-minute cycle from 9.30am–11.30pm, is free to attend, and includes 12 metre-high water jets that erupt in time with subharmonic frequencies, plus lasers tracing geometrical patterns in the watery mist. Or, you can hop on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift and listen to Chairway to Heaven, a suspended symphony in the sky. Other Launceston highlights include Acoustic Life of Boatsheds, where you'll flit between boatsheds along the Tamar and Esk rivers and listen to live music; All Expenses Paid, a dance piece about fast fashion and consumerism; 'Til It's Gone, combining installations, sculptures and videos in an old car museum that'll be torn down after the festival; and three interactive spaces as part of Soma Lumia's Lacunae, all spread around the city. A number of events will hit up both Launceston and Hobart, such as an evening concert series called Mofo Sessions, sound work Zinc, opening performance Relay / Country Remembers Her Names, the fest's beloved Morning Meditations, and After Erika Eiffel — where you'll fire an arrow on a custom-made archery course and learn about Erika Eiffel, the archer who married the Eiffel Tower. [caption id="attachment_790934" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] K&D Warehouse, Hobart, Tasmania. Photo Credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Taking place just in Hobart, Mona Foma is turning the site of former hardware store K&D Warehouse into a gallery — with exhibition No Place Like Home filling the entire place with video installations, art and sculptures all selected by Mona curator Emma Pike. You'll be able to wander through one of the city's best-known buildings, which dates back 118 years, and see works by artists such as Tony Albert, Zanny Begg, Andy Hutson, Rachel Maclean, Nell, Ryan Presley and Phebe Schmidt. Entry will cost $10 per person. And, of course, Hobart's program has more in store. There's also a musical version of Edgar Allen Poe's The Masque of the Red Death, blocks of ice hanging in the air as part of Lucy Bleach's Rueremus and a Forest Gin Walk. Or, you can check out Making Ground, an exhibition by First Nations and multicultural artists held on sites of colonial ruin; Let Me Dry Your Eyes, a sonic performance at Beaumaris Zoo; and World of Worlds, which is about fictional world-building, other dimensions and parallel realities. Top image: Aqua Luma, Robin Fox. Photo credit: Nick Roux. Image courtesy of the artist and and Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
With summer upon us and Christmas on the horizon, it's the perfect time to treat yourself and sort out your sleep. If you're tossing and turning at night it might not just be because of the state of the world, it could be your mattress and pillow as well. Luckily, premium homewares brand Ecosa wants to help you get a good night's sleep. All items on the Ecosa website are 25 percent off from Monday, November 9 to Wednesday, November 11. If you've been complaining about a crook neck, maybe head off to the physio and get yourself fancy new memory foam pillow. The ergonomic pillow boasts an adjustable height, a curved shape that suits side and back sleepers and a compressible foam that supports the natural shape of your head. Plus, two compression bags so you can pack it up and take it with you everywhere. Yep, it's one helluva pillow. If that's not enough, Ecosa also offers free shipping and returns Australia-wide, plus a 100-day free trial period. And, with everything on sale, get in early with some Christmas shopping. Ecosa is your one-stop sleep shop, with luxe bamboo sheets, silk pillowcases, wooden bed base, memory foam mattress and weighted blanket all available at the discounted price. So, you can treat yourself, your friends and your whole family to a better night's sleep. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The book-to-film adaptations of the Hunger Games have been entirely faithful to the series in that each one has been worse than the last. That's not to say that either of Catching Fire or Mockingjay Part 1 is a bad movie, it's just that neither stands up to the gritty suspense and honest emotion of the original. Then, of course, there's the issue of 'Hobbitification'. In Mockingjay Part 1 we find yet another example of a final book being split over multiple films; a plainly commercial shakedown that in recent times rendered both Twilight and Harry Potter's penultimate instalments dull and wildly inferior to the rest of each series. To this film, though, and Mockingjay Part 1 picks up where Catching Fire left off. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is now recovering in a rebel bunker surrounded by the remnants of 'District 13' — the infamous breakaway district responsible for the insurrection that ultimately led to the establishment of the Hunger Games. Katniss's defiance of President Snow (Donald Sutherland) has inspired sporadic rebellions throughout the country, but they're in danger of dissipating unless she can truly unite the people and spark an out-and-out revolution. Her new role, then, is to become an instrument of propaganda at the hands of Plutarch (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) and the exiled President Coin (Julianne Moore). It all seems straightforward enough, but you have to remember Katniss is a teenager and, as such, seems required to dial the angst up to 11 and establish herself as a petulant little shit in possession of an unbelievable level of naive selfishness. It's put to her in no uncertain terms that if she’s unable to unite the people, the people will die, yet her focus remains squarely on her captured — would-we-call-him-boyfriend? — Peeta Mellark. Never mind the loving, courageous, selfless (and, let's face it, better looking) Gale (Liam Hemsworth) right by her side; for Katniss it's Peeta or bust. Here, then, is the bulk of Mockingjay Part 1: the rebels exploit Katniss, the Capital taunts Katniss and Katniss sulks and cries. Save for one SEAL Team 6-esque raid on the Capital, very little actually happens in this movie. "It’s the worst terror in the world — waiting for something," explains President Coin, and therein lies a stinging rebuke of the entire film. Again, it’s not necessarily a bad movie, it's just that you have to wade through a lot to uncover the fine performances and sporadic, gripping scenes. Lawrence, as always, does well with the limited material, though of the younger actors it's Hemsworth's understated yet simmering turn that most impresses. Moore's performance is an intriguing one, too, presenting Alma Coin as an uncomfortably uninspiring public speaker who yet proves herself a consummate general when the stakes are raised. In a film largely engaged with a clumsy 'actions vs words' debate, it's a welcome, nuanced portrayal. The star of this film, however, is Elizabeth Banks as the unhappily exiled ex-socialite Effie Trinket. She and Hemsworth both pack enormous depth into their limited screen time, offering a genuine range of emotions. Its shortcomings notwithstanding, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 will undoubtedly crush at the box office, though it's hard not to feel like you could miss this film entirely and wait for Part II without skipping a beat.
More than 100 years ago, Russian composer Igor Stravinsky crafted The Rite of Spring. The ballet became famous not only for its tale of ritual and sacrifice during the eponymous season, but for its avant-garde music and choreography. Indeed, since first premiering in Paris in 1913, it has been held up as one of the 20th century's masterworks. Returning to Brisbane Festival after her 2017 hit Under Siege, Chinese choreographer and dancer Yang Liping has reimagined this iconic piece — filtering it through Chinese and Tibetan culture, and taking particular inspiration from the two nations' symbols of nature. Hitting the stage between Wednesday, September 25 and Saturday, September 28, the result is a fusion of old and new, east and west, and movement and music, complete with Yang's expressive style, 15 dancers, plus designer Tim Yip, who won an Oscar for art direction for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
The pursuit of the American Dream at any cost has long been a fertile device for screenwriters. Just recently, both American Hustle and The Wolf of Wall Street showcased the extraordinary true stories of money-hungry shysters determined to rise above their humble or inauspicious beginnings, no matter the consequences. Similarly, Margin Call and The Big Short offered portraits of success attained by comparably distasteful (if rather more legitimate) means. In the context of these films, Gold, by writer-director Stephen Gaghan falls somewhere in between. Based on the real life events of the 1990s Bre-X Minerals fiasco, the film chronicles the rise and fall of a simple American prospector turned overnight millionaire named Kenny Wells (Matthew McConaughey). Balding, overweight and down to his last dime, Kenny's a third generation mining prospector staving off foreclosure of his family business, a predicament that renders him more than willing to embrace all that wealth and power can provide once they're suddenly within his grasp. Where the film departs from the norm, at least notionally, is that Kenny always maintains that his drive and determination is grounded in the discovery of gold, not the money that it provides. Gold hence finds itself in the peculiar position of framing the story as one of 'us versus them' in which both the us (simple prospectors) and them (hedge fund managers and mining companies) are ludicrously wealthy. Money itself is not the point of distinction but rather how that money was acquired: 'dirt in the nails grit' versus 'manhattan investment', so to speak. McConaughey delivers a committed and captivating performance; one for which he gained a full 18kgs to ensure his sizeable beer gut required neither special effects nor prosthetics. Gripped by a fever determined to kill him, and grappling with a Hail Mary mining prospect in the jungles of Indonesia that refuses to yield even a hint of gilded hope, McConaughey's performance oozes doggedness and desperation in equal measures. Opposite him, Édgar Ramírez puts in a far more reserved turn as Wells' geologist and business partner Michael Acosta. Together they make a likeable duo, and it's a crying shame how little of the film Ramírez actually occupies. Unfortunately, despite the fine work of the cast, Gold feels like a story unsure of how best to be told, flicking between Scorsese-esque drama and quirky irreverence. None of the characters feel entirely fleshed out, and are instead presented more like passengers on a plot line that prioritises events over individuals. The movie's eventual 'twist', meanwhile, is legitimately surprising to those unfamiliar with the Bre-X story, however its reveal so close to the end renders the remaining few minutes far too rushed to sufficiently deal with its impact and implications. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdLXPv5NsA4
Australia may be girt by sea and boast plenty of pools in plenty of backyards, but we're not really cabana dwellers. When we go for a splash, we throw our towels down on the beach or cement, bake under umbrellas, and eat ice cream and fish and chips, instead of hanging out in white-walled structures. If you'd like to experience a rather European-style of going for a dip, however, Noosa's latest addition has the answer — that is, five new luxe poolside spaces on Hastings Street. Part of the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, The Cabanas takes inspiration from the French Riviera with their pristine shelters and decadent menus, aiming to make visitors think they've been whisked away to Europe. Open to those staying at the resort, they come complete with personalised butler service, fresh fruit platters, a selection of French still and sparkling water, and an iPad loaded with reading material. Champagne and seafood are available as part of customisable packages, and live music is also planned. In short, it's the type of luxurious waterside experience you won't get if you just head up for a Brissie day trip to the nearby beach, or as part of your usual Noosa long weekend. The resort is calling the first of its kind in Queensland, but, unsurprisingly, it doesn't come cheap. The basic half-day offering (sans booze and seafood) costs $125 and the full-day stint $175 — but, given that each cabana holds a maximum of four people, splitting the cost with your mates makes it much more reasonable. Find The Cabanas at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, 14-16 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, or check out the hotel website for further details. UPDATE 13/9: This article originally stated that The Cabanas was open to everyone. As per the updated hotel website, anyone eager for a French Riveria-style poolside experience will need to be checked in for an overnight stay at the resort.
