You might not be jumping on a plane anytime soon, but you can still enjoy those European summer vibes, with a spot of Greek-style plate smashing right here in Melbourne. This month, the guys at The Food Truck Park and The Break Room have joined forces to offer a dedicated plate smashing space, as part of the Greek Food Festival running from July 20–22. In between smashing serves of moussaka, souvlaki and haloumi chips, punters can head in here to let their hair down, alleviate some stress and show that crockery who's boss. Open from 5pm each day of the festival, The Break Room pop-up will offer made-to-smash plates at various prices. Grab six for $15, 12 for $25, or get extra destructive with 18 plates for $30. Mary And A Little Lamb, Greek Street Food and Kalloni Little Dessert Island have already been confirmed for the festival's food truck lineup, with more to be announced soon. Greek Food Festival will run on Friday, July 20 from 5pm–10pm, Saturday, July 21 from 12pm–10pm and Sunday, July 22 from 12pm–9pm.
Spare a thought for the screenwriters of origin stories. Sure, at first glance, it might seem like they have it made: an enormous built-in audience, a clearly defined universe steeped in history, and pre-existing characters so beloved across multiple generations that all their quirks, mannerisms and catch-phrases are already fully fleshed-out. All the writers have to do is join up a few narrative dots and cue that memorable theme song. But what about tension? How do you place your heroes in deadly peril when the audience already knows they survive? How do you make a character's emotional growth even remotely interesting when the audience already knows who they become? And what possible story can you tell when the audience already knows how it ends? The solution is recalibration, shifting the audience experience from one of wonder and surprise to anticipation. Much like a movie based on real events, origin films focus not on what, but on how, why and when. Back in 1995 director Ron Howard masterfully applied that technique to create the tense final moments of Apollo 13. Now, with Solo: A Star Wars Story, he again shows how waiting for something to happen can be just as exhilarating as wondering if it will happen at all. This is a movie of firsts: the first time Han acquires his surname, the first time he sets foot on the Millennium Falcon, and the first time he encounters his lifelong friend and ally Chewbacca. It's entirely accessible for newcomers, and an even bigger treat for fans. Solo: A Star Wars Story is the second of the Star Wars Spin-offs, and like Rogue One takes place somewhere in between the timelines of the larger, better known chapters (in this case, after Revenge of the Sith but before A New Hope). It is an age of lawlessness, the opening tells us, and nowhere is that more prevalent than the distant planet of Corellia, where the long arm of the Empire is less feared than the gangs that lurk in its shadows. It's here that we meet the young Han (Alden Ehrenreich), a wannabe pilot forced to boost speeders and run errands for a slug-like criminal matriarch and her cronies. Han and his girlfriend Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke) have dreams of escaping to explore the universe. But when their plans fall apart, Han reluctantly joins the Empire to secure his way off planet, vowing to return as soon as humanly possible to liberate his great love. Fast forward a few years, though, and Han finds himself stumbling from one calamity to the next, convinced like all good scoundrels and conmen that his next score will be the big one – the one to set everything right. The beloved nature of the Han Solo character is largely down to actor Harrison Ford and screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan – the latter of whom wrote both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The master scribe returns for Solo, delivering a story that's less galactic opera and more small-scale heist movie in the vein of an old school Western. Solo's swagger, the gun on his hip, and even the iconic outfit all fit perfectly with that space cowboy aesthetic, while Ehrenreich makes the wise call to embody the character rather than impersonate. He doesn't begin as Solo, but instead neatly and incrementally becomes him over the course of two action-packed hours. On the other end of the scale, Donald Glover's portrayal of the iconic charmer Lando Calrissian scarcely evolves from his first line to his last, yet is so note perfect that it scarcely matters. Clarke's contribution is equally nuanced, especially in the film's latter stages. The roster is rounded out by fun turns courtesy of Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson and Paul Bettany as the assorted rogues Han encounters on his travels. Focussed, fun and faithful to the lore, Solo: A Star Wars Story comfortably shrugs off the production woes that seemed destined to leave it in ruins and instead delivers us a fine and worthy expansion of the wider Star Wars universe. Oh, and if you had any lingering doubts, let it be finally laid to rest: Han shot first. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPEYpryMp2s
Cake Bar in Geelong is — just as it sounds — a place to live out your cake dreams. Run by cake boss Charles Corby, he takes inspiration from his gran, a lady who knew her dietary stuff: like all good nannas, she used to whip up desserts and let him enjoy the results both before and after her creations were done cooking. He's expanding on this very important knowledge by spreading it to the people: Cake Bar will run an all-you-can-eat cake buffet on Saturday, July 7 which is just as it sounds — a buffet that will provide you with all the sweet, baked goodness that you can stomach. Not for the faint-hearted or those lacking a sweet tooth, you might need to do some serious girding of those sugar loins before you get there. For $45 you get unlimited cake, plus a cocktail to wash it all down with. Expect Kinder Surprise mousse cakes, Kit Kat cheesecake, Ferrero Rocher mud cake, and the good old pav. Also expect a sugar comedown the next day.
It seems burger fever has gripped Bentleigh this winter. Last month, Good Times Milk Bar opened a burger offshoot and gave away free buns to celebrate. Now, Centre Road staple Mr Burger is launching a new menu and is hosting its own celebratory giveaway. On Sunday, July 8, from 11.30am, the Centre Road eatery will be giving away 100 free burgers. It's limited to one per person, and to one of three burgers off the new menu: Mr Burger, the standard with beef, lettuce, cheese, tomato and pickles; Mr Grilled, which is the same as the former but with chicken breast instead of beef; and a vegetarian Mr Veg. Other items on the new menu, which are not part of the giveaway, include Mr Brunch (stuffed with with a hash brown, bacon, egg and barbecue sauce), mozzarella sticks and sweet potato fries. The giveaway doesn't stop on Sunday, either. For the whole of July, the Bentleigh burger joint is serving up weekday deals to help launch its new menu. Head in on Mondays for free chips with burger purchase, Tuesdays for 2-for-1 milkshakes between 3–5pm, Wednesdays for free sweet potato chips with burger purchase, Thursdays for free mozzarella sticks with burger purchase and Fridays for free add-on bacon. They're a lot of reasons for you to get out from under your slanket and grab a burger this July.
International Beer Day approaches, and so too do the slew of events to celebrate our beloved frothies — and this one's a cracker. The Grosvenor Hotel in St Kilda is capitalising on the occasion as well as the fact that people love a happy hour, and coining their own 'hoppy hour'. On Friday, August 3, make sure you clear your schedule and prepare to crack into the pints, tinnies and stubbies that the day is devoted to. The Grosvenor will provide a range of craft beer for only $6 — think Brick Lane, Wolf of the Willows and Bad Shepherd, among others. Pull up a seat from 5–7pm — that's two solid hours of craft beer-drinking and pun-making using 'hoppy' to replace 'happy' for you to get yourself around. You're welcome.
If you're not already familiar with Melbourne's much-loved 400 Gradi, here's a fact: owner Johnny Di Francesco won World Pizza Champion in 2014. So, his pizza is some of the best in the world. Fast forward to now and Di Francesco is about to giveaway some of this world-renowned pizza, for free. To celebrate National Margherita Day (supposedly, it's a thing), 400 Gradi is slinging free margheritas all day on Monday, June 11. It's a public holiday and the giveaway is happening at all 400 Gradi venues in Melbourne, so there's really no reason to miss out. At the moment, there's no limit to how many pizzas the restaurants will be giving away, but it will be limited to one per couple. To get your cheesy, doughy round, free of charge, you'll just need to post a pic of it on Insta and show it to a staff member. You can find all the nitty-gritties here.
Meet Patriot, Potomac, Primrose, Poppet and Phil. They're each cute as a button, and they just might become America's next hard-working, helpful guide dogs. Born at the headquarters of US organisation Guide Dogs for the Blind, these labrador puppies will learn what it takes to become a seeing-eye companion for a human in need. While they won't all end up assisting the visually impaired to live fuller lives, they'll each try their best and look adorable in the process. That's the story behind Pick of the Litter, the documentary that'll make you want to hug your own doggo, get one, or volunteer to help train pooches that become guide dogs. The movie is part of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival lineup, screening on Sunday, August 5 and again on Sunday, August 19 — and it covers a program that's incredibly close to the way that Guide Dogs Victoria breed, raise and train their pups. If you've not only just added the film to your must-see list, but have started wondering how you can get involved, here's some good news — Guide Dogs Victoria staff and volunteers will be on hand at both sessions to let you know how you can assist. In even better news, they'll have company of the four-legged kind, so you can see a movie about gorgeous, life-changing guide dogs and pat a few before and after the screening.
If, when weekends roll around, you look for any excuse to don a nice outfit, sip fine wine and eat delicious food, listen up — Saké Restaurant & Bar Hamer Hall is now hosting a highly opulent Champagne lunch. To celebrate the 200th birthday of Veuve Clicquot's famous rosé Champagne, the restaurant is serving up a special two-hour food and drink package every Saturday and Sunday. As the story goes, Madame Clicquot invented the special blending technique behind the rosé Champagne after taking over the Clicquot business following the death of her husband. This prompted 'Veuve' — meaning 'widow' in French — to be added to the brand name. Unlike her predecessors in rosé-making, who simply coloured regular champagne with elderberries, Madame Clicquot allowed her fondness for red wine grapes to guide experimentation. She decided to blend red wine with still white wine, creating a newer, stronger rosé Champagne. Madame Clicquot is also credited with starting the riddling method, which ensures the champagne keeps its clear and crisp colour. In celebration of Madame Clicquot and her rosé Champagne, Saké Restaurant is treating you to a specially prepared lunch for $75 per person. The seven-plate feast includes Sydney rock oysters with spicy ponzu and onion salsa, sashimi tacos with kingfish and tuna, plus wagyu skewers served with yakiniku sauce and panko-crumbed Glacier 51 toothfish tempura. Add free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label for an additional $99 per person, or, for those truly getting in the birthday spirit, upgrade to Veuve Clicquot Rosé for an additional $139 a head. For more info or to secure a table for the special champagne lunch, visit the Saké website.
We all love a good Polish dumpling, but who knew the humble pierogi actually had a patron saint? His name is Saint Hyacinth and he even has a day of feasting dedicated to him, which falls on August 17. And to celebrate, your mates at Pierogi Pierogi are hosting a good ol' dumpling fundraiser. As it turns out, Saint Hyacinth was famed for feeding homemade pierogi to Krakow's poor, needy and destitute, and these locals are marking the occasion by doing something similar. At the Pierogi Pierogi stall at The Fitzroy Market on Saturday, August 18 — they're holding it a day later so it falls on the weekend — the team will donate all dumpling profits to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), in a nod to the Poles who were welcomed into Australia when they fled the communist regime in the 40s and 80s. What's more, if you donate on the day and fill out a raffle ticket, you'll go into the draw to win a huge Pierogi Pierogi feast for you and ten mates at your house.
If Falls seems a little too large for your liking, but you're still looking for a sweet escape from the city, then NYE on the Hill might be just what you need. Brought to you by the legends behind the equally awesome The Hills Are Alive festival, this boutique NYE experience is small on scale but big on good vibes. And it's returning to The Farm in South Gippsland, for its sixth year, with a lineup of top Aussie artists. Forty-eight hours of freedom never looked so blissful, with the likes of The Smith Street Band, Sampa the Great, The Kite String Tangle and many more dropping in to help you welcome 2019. A word of warning: the festival is limited to 2700 people and tickets sell out — fast. So we suggest heading online when general sale tickets go on sale at 9am, Thursday, August 9. NYE ON THE HILL 2018 LINEUP The Smith Street Band The Kite String Tangle Sampa the Great Last Dinosaurs Slowly Slowly Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Hollow Coves Kaiit Mildlife Jess Locke Tyne-James Organ Adrian Eagle Eliott Jordan Dennis Approachable Members of Your Local Community Clews Crocodylus Diet Adult.Films Tones and I Maddy May Images: Lauren Murphy and Catherine Forge
You don't need to go far to find creativity in Melbourne. Each suburb is brimming with street art, independent boutiques and quirky food vendors. But the smaller guys — those with side hustles, passion projects and small businesses in their garage — are a little harder to find. Enter The Melbourne Collective, a design market which brings all of these local creatives together to showcase products. It's a much-needed platform to find new supporters — and you get the opportunity to discover some new pieces to gift to your mates or yourself (you deserve it). The market's spring outing will take place on Sunday, September 16 at Federation Square. Running from 10am to 4pm, the market will offer everything from home decor and ceramics to stationery and fashion. There'll also be food (vegan options, too) for your inevitable realisation that you've been shopping for a whole day without sustenance. Entry is free so you can save your dollars for all those unique and innovative wares you didn't know you needed.
Ah, gluten. Scourge of coeliacs and trend-dieters alike, this humble wheat protein has been making life difficult for as long as we've been eating sliced bread. But fortunately for all the gluten-intolerants out there, this long weekend the Food Truck Park will be a strictly gluten-free zone. Starting 5pm on Friday, June 9, more than a dozen mobile food vendors will roll into Preston, slinging tasty treats without a single bit of wheat, rye or barley in sight. Woking Amazing, The Pizza Doctor, Babuji's Kitchen, Nem N Nem, Two Fat Indians and Sweet Forbidden Journey are but a few of the rolling restaurants who'll make an appearance. There'll also be a number of stalls selling a variety of gluten-free products to take home.
When I was bartending, a lovely lady gave me her number over the bar. My manager, having seen the smooth exchange, turned to me a said, "I didn't think people met like that anymore!" It gets to feeling like that in Melbourne's dating scene, with so many first contacts with a potential flame coming through the simple swipe of a finger. Keely Sonntag, the brains behind The Datevine, is looking to chuck that notion away — or at least provide an alternative. Instead of checking out a bunch of pictures and making a snap judgment, The Datevine is all about getting together in a fun environment and just simply seeing what happens. You know, social interaction. There's no pressure, no expectation, just some single people maybe or maybe not hanging out together. After a string of sold-out events in Sydney, The Datevine is hosting their first Melbourne party on Thursday, June 8, booking out Brunswick Street's Rice Queen for the night. $59 gets you dinner in the form of a set menu, plus the opportunity to chill out with similarly minded people. So put the phone down, get out there and meet some people. The next event will take place at Rupert on Rupert on Thursday, June 22.
Here's Underworld: Blood Wars in brief: in the millennia-old conflict between werewolves and vampires, the werewolves (or Lycans) are regrouping while the vampires are down to their last two covens. The good news, however, is that the Paris coven is impregnable. Never been breached in 15 centuries. Not once. Give up now, Lycans. It cannot. Be. Pregged. Well…unless you have a small, mid-priced sedan driven by animatronic Gucci model Theo James, which ploughs through the coven's single-frame, wrought-iron gate like a knife through butter that isn't even butter because it's actually nothing. Not to be deterred, however, the vampires quickly re-attach the gate with a solding iron, rendering the coven once again...impregnable. To quote The Princess Bride, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means". So here's what we need to do. First, we go buy some red baseball caps – bright red ones – then embroider them with the following message: MAKE UNDERWORLD OKAY-ISH AGAIN. The people will follow us. Landslide, guaranteed. The original Underworld, released in 2003, was not without its merit. It didn't have much merit, mind you, but some is still better than none. Kate Beckinsale proved a fantastic choice for the death-dealing werewolf hunter Selene, whose talents and temerity outstripped compatriot and opponent alike. Alongside her, Bill Nighy, Scott Speedman and Michael Sheen rounded out a not-unimpressive supporting cast capable of making even the most laughably bad line somehow resonate with a sense of class and purpose. Yes, it was fetishist-heavy and contained a whole lot of gun porn, but it was a film of its time and found a willing fan base to propel it into a franchise. Underworld: Blood Wars, however, is now the fifth film in said franchise, one that definitely ought to have stopped at two – and my, how the largely-passable have fallen. Honestly, people have written more compelling stories on toilet paper, and they didn't need a pen. This latest instalment takes every one of the already scant, okay-to-decent aspects of the original film and dispenses with them wholesale aside from Beckinsale herself. What little story there is comes across in heavy-handed dialogue which mostly exists to bridge one dull fight scene to the next. The characters, meanwhile, continue to clad themselves in comically revealing black lace or leather like extras from a Judas Priest video. Except for the ones in all white, because they're pacifist vampires, don't ya know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSlaWHDu5WU
The young foodies at the Youth Food Movement are hosting a crowdsourced community dinner, featuring fresh produce from all over town. Drawing on community gardens and small producer farms, the Urban Forage and Feast dinner will showcase the incredible range of food grown right here in our own backyard, and promises to be a night of "scrumptious food, home-grown stories and edible conversations". This outdoor feast will take place on the evening of Friday, December 2, at Siteworks on Saxon Street in Brunswick. Among the homegrown producers showcasing their wares will be Day's Walk Farm, That's Amore! Cheese, Maria of My Green Garden and many more. They even put out a call for locals to donate produce from their garden, from lemons to leeks. Tickets to the Urban Forage and Feast are available via Eventbrite. Naturally, the spread will be vegetarian.
The team at Metanoia Theatre have curated a series of special live art pieces as part of the Metanoia Live Works program at the Mechanics Institute in Brunswick. The live art showcase will feature six original productions, combining dance, theatre, visual art and a whole lot more. First up in the program is Speculative Subject, a dance work by Amanda Betlehem and Phebe Schmidt that will be performed in a number of unconventional spaces. Premiering at the same time will be Paula van Beek's Copy, Cut, Paste, described as a day-long workshop and public exhibition that explores female identity in the age of social media. Other works on the program include the performance installation Milk Bars, Lauren Simmonds' Unseen and a durational live performance inspired by Eugene Ionesco's absurdist play The Chairs. Its full title? The Spectre of Death Looms Large Despite the Variable Messages Being Inevitable (aka The Chairs). Find the full Metanoia Live Works program here. Top image: Lauren Simmonds, Unseen.
When 11-year-old Toni (Royalty Hightower) looks at the world, she does so from a specific perspective. That might sound obvious; however The Fits doesn't just follow her journey — it embraces everything that makes the shy pre-teen who she is. When the camera isn't peering from her point of view, it's showing how her body reacts to everything around her. And with movement Toni's main way of processing her thoughts and conveying her feelings, the movie's editing tries to mirror its protagonist's distinctive presence. Indeed, if most coming-of-age films champion the universal nature of growing up, then Anna Rose Holmer's feature filmmaking debut endeavours to celebrate Toni's individual experience. The first-time writer-director understands that everyone encounters similar issues and situations at a young age, including the awkward prospects of trying something different and making new friends. But with her co-scribes Saela Davis and Lisa Kjerulff, Holmer also acknowledges that it's the unique details, rather than the broader strokes, that make each story interesting. Accordingly, The Fits burrows deep into Toni's mindset as it explores her attempts to join local dance drill ensemble The Lionesses. When the film opens, she's a tomboy happily tagging along to her older brother's boxing training sessions at the local community centre — until the cheering and chatter emanating from another gymnasium in the complex attracts her attention. Soon, she's testing out their moves when no one is around, and working up the courage to audition. Alas, as Toni moves closer to the group, something strange happens: the rest of her teammates mysteriously start fainting and convulsing. Of course, it's not an accident that The Fits' title has multiple meanings. As Toni tries to fit in, her peers are literally having fits, which the jerkiness of their chosen style of dance unmistakably resembles. Such a sense of synergy is just one of the layered touches that makes the movie so simultaneously intimate and expressive. While the film brings a particular narrative to the screen, it's more concerned with the emotional voyage that eventuates, rather than the underlying plot points. As a result, even though a number of eye-catching dance numbers feature throughout its 72-minute running time, The Fits isn't a dance film in the usual sense. Instead, it's a tale that can only be told through movement and a heightened awareness of physicality, and through the stylistic and acting choices that emphasise the difference between stepping up and communicating a psychological state. Holmer displays rare confidence behind the camera, especially when it comes to the film's immersive soundtrack, symmetrical framing and rhythmic choreography. But it's the cast of non-professional actors that ensure the film hits home. Led by Hightower, they're the reason the movie doesn't just look striking, but feels like an authentic glimpse into the mind of a pre-teen girl.
When it comes to expressing emotion, don't underestimate the power of fancy footwork. Whether on the stage or on the screen, there's a reason that dance performances and musicals frequently build up to a frenzied display of moving and grooving: sometimes, words just won't do. As choreographers, Dancenorth's Stephanie Lake and Ross McCormack put that theory to the test on a daily basis — and now they're going to do so once more in their new combined show. Fresh from a premiere season at Brisbane's Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, IF______WAS______ investigates their chosen profession, their lives to date and their unique responses to their lived experiences in four performances at The Substation. Raw and stripped back to just the essentials, the end result is a sensory representation of Lake and McCormack's existence and knowledge thus far, and it's also the solution to a puzzle. Dancenorth artistic director Kyle Page only allowed them to work with one sound score, one costume pattern and one source of lighting each, and to a set duration — and in doing just that, the duo not only convey their inner thoughts and feelings, but their individuality.
Throw on your winter coat and head out into the night as the Glow Winter Arts Festival returns to Melbourne's southeast for another year. Hosted by the City of Stonnington over 11 chilly nights, this after-dark arts fest celebrates the best that local creatives have to offer, with everything from comedy acts to dazzling light projections to tempt you out into the cold. With more than 50 free and ticketed events stretching from Windsor to Malvern, figuring out an itinerary is no easy feat. The Glow Comedy Club will feature performances from Tom Gleeson, Geraldine Hickey and many more, while the Flicks 'n' Feasts outdoor cinema pairs classic movies with matching cuisine. Art lovers, meanwhile, will have plenty to discover, with street performers and performance artists on the prowl each and every night. Glow has even teamed up with the folks behind the Gertrude Street Projection Festival, for a night of breathtaking light and colour on Greville Street in Prahran. For the complete Glow Winter Arts Festival program, go here.
See the films of Alfred Hitchcock the way they were meant to be seen, as part of a cinematic tribute to the Master of Suspense. Beginning Thursday, July 21 at Cinema Nova in Carlton, the Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival will feature more than a dozen of the beloved filmmaker's most celebrated titles by putting them up on the big screen once more. Film fans, you'd be psycho to miss it. Spanning two full decades of spine-tingling masterworks, standout titles on the festival program include Vertigo, Rear Window and North by Northwest, as well as the film that made an entire generation afraid to take a shower. You can also catch a special 3D screening of Dial M for Murder or watch Hitch's personal favourite, Shadow of a Doubt. Accompanying the retro program will be the Australian premiere season of Hitchcock/Truffaut, a new documentary inspired by François Truffaut's famous book of the same name, featuring new interviews with modern legends including Wes Anderson, David Fincher and Martin Scorsese.
If there's one thing better than seeing your fave musician, it's seeing said musician in an intimate, top-secret location with a glass of Pinot Noir in hand. That's where Cloudy Bay comes in. The acclaimed winemaker from New Zealand's Marlborough region has teamed up with Parlour Gigs — an online platform that connects punters with local musicians so they can throw small invite-only gigs in their own home or backyard — to bring you a brand new series of exclusive live music sessions in magical places. The first, to take place on Sunday, August 14, will feature an acoustic set from local band Fractures, ahead of the launch of their debut album, which is slated for October. We can't tell you exactly where they'll be playing, but we can tell you it's a rustic secluded spot just outside of Melbourne. Worried about this wintery weather? Rest assured you'll be cosying up beside an open fireplace and, needless to say, there'll be no shortage of premium quality drops and tasty, tasty eats. It's the ultimate Parlour Gig. To celebrate the launch of their Secret Sessions, Cloudy Bay and Parlour Gigs are giving away ten double passes. You can enter by posting an image on Instagram or Facebook, tagging #SecretSessionsGigs and tell us your dream gig location in 25 words or less. Entries open to VIC locals only. Find more info here.
Beer, wine and spirits of all sorts – whatever your poison, you'll find it at the Australian Drinks Festival. Formerly known as Top Shelf, this annual event is all about the alcohol, featuring workshops, panels and live entertainment, along with all the free samples you can (responsibly) drink. Held once again at the Royal Exhibition Building, this year's festival is set for July 16-17. Think of it as a non-stop two-day happy hour. Take part in a blind beer tasting and sip cocktails from any one of a number of pop-up bars. You can also learn the tricks of the trade from some of the biggest names in bar culture, including gin expert Elly Baxter and world-renowned bartender Iain Griffiths. As for food, you needn't worry – some of Melbourne's best food trucks will be on-site, including That Arancini Guy, Chilli Express and Franklins Classic American Hotdogs.
If you've ever turned up at a house party and been sorely disappointed by the lack of crocodiles and free flowing booze, this is the event for you. The Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium are throwing a series of aquarium parties throughout winter because why the heck not? The series kicks off with a party a month from July 29, through to October 28 and is the perfect opportunity to stare down a fish right in his slimy eye while sipping a cocktail. Tickets are a bit exxy at $78 a pop, but the price includes a cocktail on arrival and unlimited sparkling, red and white wine, beer, soft drink, juice and mineral water as well as canapés and grazing dishes served all night. Entry into the aquarium is obviously included as well which means you'll get to see the world's largest saltwater crocodile (probably the only time in your life you might be pleased to see a crocodile at a party).
Embrace the icy weather at Madame Brussels Lane, which, for the third year running, will transform itself into a bustling European-style night market. Inspired by the picturesque Christmas markets in places like Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK, the market will feature some of Melbourne's most decadent food vendors, serving tasty European goodies to warm your insides and satisfy your sweet tooth. Kicking off on July 22, there'll be Polish dumplings from The Eastern Bloc, cheese fondue from Frencheese, crepes from Les Crepes de Marion and — our personal fave — crème brûlée from The Brûlée Cart. That's in addition to the live music and entertainment, and, of course, many, many mugs of piping hot mulled wine. Short of actually taking a holiday to Europe, there aren't many places we'd rather be at the end of a busy working week.
In Denial, a man downplays the atrocities committed by Adolf Hitler during the Second World War. No, it doesn't tell the tale of the current White House Press Secretary — but it does sound unnervingly familiar, doesn't it? Filmed before the rise of Trump, no one could've guessed just how relevant this movie would feel when it finally hit screens here in Australia. Sadly, fake news, racism and idiots with microphones aren't particularly new. We have long lived in a world filled with people willing to champion inaccurate takes on past events as fact. That's the truth at the heart of Denial, which recounts Deborah Lipstadt's (Rachel Weisz) courtroom battle with David Irving (Timothy Spall). In 1996, she was an American professor who had published a book about the Holocaust denial movement. He was a British historian named and shamed as a denier in her pages – and despite eagerly sharing his views whenever he could, he wasn't happy about it. So Irving sued Lipstadt for libel, taking advantage of the UK legal system, which placed the onus on her to prove that he was falsifying history. Adapted from Lipstadt's book "History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier", Denial is an understandably serious and sombre affair. Restrained in its emotion, which is no easy feat considering the subject matter and its mid-movie trip to Auschwitz, the film lets the reality of the situation do the talking. Watching just how Lipstadt's defence team — including no-nonsense solicitor Anthony Julius (Andrew Scott) and dedicated barrister Richard Rampton (Tom Wilkinson) — tackles the task of exposing Irving's lies without giving him a platform to put the Holocaust on trial makes for fascinating viewing. Director Mick Jackson might be worlds away from his '90s hit The Bodyguard, but his film still sings with drama, albeit it in a completely different way. Screenwriter David Hare remains in more familiar territory given that the Oscar-nominated script for The Reader is also on his resume. Together, the two carefully but commandingly step through the weighty material, giving the story the clear-headed retelling it deserves. It takes immense strength and poise to play a woman forced to fight to ensure that history doesn't become a matter of opinion, but Weisz proves more than up to the challenge. It takes just the same, of course, to play a man with despicable beliefs without ever judging him; as a result, it's hard to tear your eyes away from Spall. Sadly, it's also hard to deny how scarily timely his portrayal feels, as indeed does the film as a whole. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7k7Z6S39Zc
French, Spanish, German, American, Japanese: Australia has no shortage of film festivals categorised by country. But what about the stories of those with no nation at all? Lighting up screens for the first time as part of this year's Refugee Week, the films in the Refugee Film Festival will explore the trials and tribulations of people fleeing persecution and war. The festival will be held at Carlton's Cinema Nova from June 18-23. Standout titles include The Staging Post, which chronicles the lives of two asylum seekers stuck in Indonesia as a result of Australia's policy of turning back boats; The Land Between, about sub-Saharan African migrants living in the mountains of northern Morocco; and Constance on Edge, a ten-year project that tells the story of a Sudanese refugee family making a new life in Australia. Cinephiles outside of Sydney and Melbourne can also put their hand up to host a screening themselves. For more information on how to make that happen, as well as the full festival program, go here.
Looking for animal product-free cakes, ethically made jewellery and sustainable homewares? Look no further than Melbourne's new Compassionate Living Vegan Pop-Up Market. If it's kind to the planet — and to all creatures great and small — there's a very good chance you'll find it here. Taking over the Balla Balla Community Centre on July 1, the new browsing and buying get-together is a small, curated, boutique experience; however, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in impact. Supporting emerging vegan micro businesses, showcasing cruelty-free products and services, flying the environmentally friendly flag and just encouraging sustainability all round in the market's mission — and helping you do all of the above while stocking up on eats, apparel, accessories and more. Whole and raw foods, pre-loved clothing, vegan Vietnamese cuisine... yes, the list goes on, so don't expect to leave with either empty hands or an empty stomach. Entry is free but a gold coin donation is more than welcome, with proceeds going to Big Sky Sanctuary, Hear No Evil Australian Deaf Dog Sanctuary and Animal Liberation Victoria.
When you're making a movie about a well-known historical figure, how do you let audiences know you're not just traipsing through familiar territory? In Churchill, it's as easy as letting the breeze knock a hat from an old man's head. With the film's central figure famous for his headwear, Australian director Jonathan Teplitzky (The Railway Man) wastes no time sweeping away Winston's favoured homburg with a stiff gust of wind. It's an obvious move designed to dispense with the war-time British Prime Minister's usual image. Still, it's an effective one. The hat, the silhouette, the cigar — yes, they're all here in this World War II-era examination of Winston Churchill. And yet this isn't a cradle-to-grave biopic or an applauding portrait of a political icon. You could say that Churchill asks audiences to trust in its approach in much the same way that Winston himself asked the public to believe in him, and you'd be right. Neither always take the standard path; however, when they hit the mark, they well and truly command attention. Set in lead up to the D-Day landings in June 1944, and featuring Brian Cox as the leader in question, Churchill is a film of discussion rather than action. In conversations with King George VI (James Purefoy), US army general Dwight D. Eisenhower (John Slattery), his Boer war pal Jan Smuts (Richard Durden), his dutiful wife Clementine (Miranda Richardson) and his new assistant Helen (Ella Purnell), Churchill talks and tussles with the impending mission in Normandy. His colleagues deem it necessary to stop the advancing Germans. But haunted by the First World War, all Churchill can foresee is the possibility of needlessly sending men to die. What follows is an anxious, depressed and struggling vision of the man once named the greatest-ever Briton. Teplitzky and screenwriter Alex von Tunzelmann are unconcerned with depicting the broad scope of the man's life and legacy. It's mentioned, of course, but on the whole the film prefers to focus on this particular moment in time – and all the contemplation and turmoil that came with it. While plenty of other biopics have done the same thing, revealing the complicated thoughts, choices and emotions plaguing historical icons, Cox's towering performance makes Churchill feel as though it's stepping into fresh territory. Everything around him is competently shot and handsomely staged in the typical historical drama manner. But the veteran actor is the bolt of electricity the film really needs. Inhabiting rather than simply impersonating, Cox falls on the Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln side of the spectrum, rather than Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. Audiences can expect to be captivated by his bluster-filled speeches, even though much of his screen-time involves chatting and looking grim. At least, that's how it appears at first, but then that's the other thing about Cox's turn in Churchill: look closer, and a world of complexity lurks within. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCxUDHY0iWQ
More than 80 prominent female writers, artists, educators and activists will take part in this year's Women of the World Festival in Footscray, celebrating the achievements of women everywhere, as well as the challenges they still face today. Taking place at the Footscray Community Arts Centre from Thursday, March 23 to Saturday, March 25, this annual event will combine critical conversations with performances, film screenings and networking events, as it welcomes speakers from across the country as well as the US, UK, India and Bangladesh. The event has been held in Brisbane and Katherine in previous years. This year's festival in Melbourne will be headlined by a keynote address from Elaine Brown, former leader of the Black Panther Party. Other subjects up for discussion range from mental health to leadership to LGBTQI rights. The festival will close on Women of the World MAKE NOISE, a free concert featuring music by Sampa the Great, Mojo Juju, DJ MzRizk and more.
In these tumultuous modern times — these times of Pottermore, Fantastic Beasts spinoffs and The Cursed Child — it's comforting to be able to take it back to basics. Basics, here, meaning the score of the first two Harry Potter films played live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. That's right — just like its counterparts in Sydney and Brisbane, the MSO are taking us back to 2001 and 2002 when the first two of the eight Harry Potter films came out. It made us cringe (the acting — so bad but so good), marvel at how not hot Neville Longbottom was (boy, would we learn) and — most importantly — float away on a magical adventure thanks to the incredible score by John Williams. In four sessions taking place in November 2017, you'll be able relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets all over again when the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre screens the films scored by a real, live orchestra. Maybe they'll release live owls! Maybe not because that would be chaos. Maybe they'll release live rats? Actually, absolutely not — we all know rats are secretly fat old criminals hiding from magical law enforcement and waiting for the Dark Lord to rise again (lookin' at you, Pettigrew). As you might imagine, tickets are set to sell like pumpkin pasties; in Sydney the first concert was more popular than butterbeer, they even added extra sessions. So, you'd best get in quick or spend eternity griping about it like some Moaning Myrtle-type character. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Thursday, November 16, 7.30pm Saturday, November 18, 1pm Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Friday, November 17, 7.30pm Saturday, November 18, 7.30pm
If you're one of those people who love working out heavy emotions in a strenuous yoga class but feel super uncomfortable with all the spiritual accoutrements, we have just the thing for you: Fury Yoga. It's a new monthly yoga concept that encourages you to lean in to your rage — all in the process of releasing it, of course. Hosted at Bar Open, Fury Yoga lets you give chakras the finger, say FU instead of namaste, and rage against the whatever machine is pissing you off (all while listening to a badass soundtrack and practising some powerful vinyasa). The class will tap into your fury, let you scream and stretch it out, and finish up with a bev or two at the bar. The ticket price is a tad more expensive than those of its calm counterparts at $25, but it includes a post-workout pot (and use of a yoga mat). Plus, it's run by the instructors who brought you Bey Yoga, so you're in safe hands.
Every time one of Australia's many cultural film festivals rolls around, viewers are taken on a journey to another country. Celebrating its 20th event, the 2017 Spanish Film Festival is embracing that idea — and they have the perfect movie for it. This year's festival will close with The Trip to Spain, the third instalment in the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon driving-and-dining series following 2010's The Trip and 2014's The Trip to Italy. Of course, the Spanish Film Festival has put together a hefty program that showcases more than two British comedians trading Michael Caine impressions while seeing gorgeous Spanish sights and ticking off the country's fine dining spots, with the full lineup boasting 38 features. In Melbourne from April 20 until May 7, the festival will kick off with Kiki, Love to Love, which actually has an Australian connection. Telling five comic tales about the passionate lives of Madrid lovers, it's based on Hoges actor Josh Lawson's 2014 directorial debut The Little Death. The film's star Natalia de Molina will be attending the opening night festivities too. Elsewhere at The Astor, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth and Kino Cinemas, expect a vibrant cross-section of Spanish-language cinema, including moving coming-of-age effort Summer 1993, the Penelope Cruz and Cary Elwes-starring The Queen of Spain, and tense dark comedy The Bar, all heading to our shores after screening at the Berlinale. Or, viewers can catch the Goya-winning revenge flick The Fury of a Patient Man, bank robber thriller Escape Plan, secret agent spoof Heroes Wanted, literary-focused Venice Film Festival hit The Distinguished Citizen, or social realist musical At Your Doorstep. Plus, the program also features walk-and-talk romance The Reconquest, Smoke & Mirrors' true tale of corruption from the makers of 2015 festival standout Marshland, and Spain in a Day — the latest crowd-shot time-capsule companion piece to 2011's Life in a Day, joining fellow efforts made in Britain, Japan, Italy and India. This year's festival selections don't stop there, with four films embracing the joys of flamenco, spanning both dance and music. For those keen on looking back as well as catching the latest cinematic fare, three retrospective screenings will showcase the work of actress, singer and filmmaker Ana Belén, who has more than 35 albums, 40 films and 30 theatrical productions on her resume.
If you're like us, you're probably still not over the opening scene in Up. Or the closing scene in Toy Story 3. Or, to be honest, your weird but real crush on Sully from Monsters Inc. (how do they make the monsters so human?). But prepare to feel all the feelings all again because the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is putting on a Pixar-themed evening chock-full of your favourite moments, rendered spectacular by a live orchestral performance. You can expect montages from Finding Nemo, Wall-e, Toy Story, Ratatouille, A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc, Cars and Brave. The event will take place in Hamer Hall on April 7 and 8 and include a multimedia show of your fave Pixar gags (hello cheeky Pixar lamp, your exploits never cease to amuse us), along with a score that features music by the greats, including Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Thomas Newman and Michael Giacchino. Just remember to bring a backpack full of tissues for the when the You've Got a Friend In Me tears start to flow.
It feels like the winter season of Friday Nights at the NGV just ended, but, turns out, they're already gearing up for summer — and we couldn't be happier about it. Complementing their current exhibitions — which include Lee Mingwei's The Moving Garden, Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists and David Hockney: Current — the gallery is inviting visitors to enjoy another jam-packed late-night summer program complete with food, booze, talks and live performances. The huge 18-week program will kick off on opening night of the Hockney exhibition this Friday, November 11 with Brisbane '90s favourites Custard. Other musical guests on the program include Julien Baker, El Guincho, Gold Class and Olympia before culminating with a performance by the one, the only Amanda Palmer. In addition to the music lineup, other Friday night activities include talks, DJs in the NGV garden and drinks and snacks in the Great Hall. All in all, it should make for many top-notch Fridays at the gallery between now and March. NGV FRIDAY NIGHTS SUMMER 2016-17 LINEUP 11 November — Custard 18 November — Sarah Mary Chadwick 25 November — Julien Baker (USA) 2 December — Dappled Cities 9 December — Tangents 16 December — Models 23 December — Damian Cowell's Disco Machine (With Tony Martin) Presents: Disco Christmas 30 December — Cash Savage and the Last Drinks 6 January — Gold Class 13 January — I Heart Hiroshima 20 January — Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (USA) 27 January — The Comet is Coming (UK) 3 February — Olympia 10 February — NO ZU 17 February — El Guincho (Spain) 24 February — PVT 3 March — Dave Graney 'n' the Coral Snakes 10 March — Amanda Palmer (USA)
Live music, gourmet food and all the craft beer you can possibly quaff: you'll find it all in the hallowed grounds of the Abbotsford Convent this weekend. Running 6pm until late on Friday, October 28, and from noon until 9pm the following day, the inaugural Brewers Feast will showcase some of Victoria's best craft beers, including bevs from Moon Dog, Two Birds, Mountain Goat, Prickly Moses, Stomping Ground, Blackmans Brewery and many, many more. In addition to enjoying a cold one in the starlight and/or sunshine, ticketholders will get to attend education sessions and Q&As, and pair their beers with mouthwatering food options from the likes of Limp Brisket BBQ and Al Forno Pizza. You'll even get to take home a commemorative stein, which we're sure will get plenty of use between now and when Brewers Feast 2017 rolls around.
Step into the Upside Down at Good Things this Halloween. The South Yarra bar is hosting a Stranger Things party, and all your D&D travelling companions are invited. Kicking off from 9pm on Monday, October 31 (that is, Halloween), the Netflix-inspired shindig will pay homage to 2016's favourite TV obsession, with a playlist featuring all the best tracks from Jonathan Byers' record collection. Think Joy Division, The Smiths, David Bowie and many more. There'll also be an array of Stranger Things cocktails, including Eggo martinis and the Demogorgon Spritz. And with this being Halloween, dressing up is highly encouraged, with a $100 bar tab going to the person with the best costume.
Gone but not forgotten, the stars of yesteryear are rising from the grave at this creepifying Halloween party at Nieuw Amsterdam. Forget generic vampires, wolf men and sexy nurses. This shindig is all about the rich and famous…or what's left of them, anyway. Running from 7pm on Saturday, October 29 until first light the next day, the Dead Celebrities Halloween Party is a costumed affair where A-listers go after they die. You can be an actor, a musician or a world politicians — it really doesn't matter, as long as rigor mortis has set in. Alternatively, come as a living celebrity you'd like to see shuffled loose. Just a guess, but we reckon we might see a few zombie Donald Trumps. Like all good Halloween parties there'll be prizes for best dressed, along with various other spooky surprises. Entry is free, meaning you'll have plenty of cash to spend on your costume.
The most bittersweet show on this year's Melbourne Festival program, David Bowie: Nothing Has Changed shapes up as the ultimate tribute to the man known as Ziggy Stardust. Acclaimed musicians including iOTA, Deborah Conway, Tim Rogers, Steve Kilbey and Adalita will join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on stage at Hamer Hall to perform a set list of Bowie's all-time greatest hits, from 'Space Oddity' to his swansong, 'Lazarus'. A must for Bowie fans, or music lovers in general — as if you can be one without the other. Image: Robert Catto.
That most undervalued of art forms, the humble postcard, gets its time to shine at the latest edition of the Postcard Show at Linden New Art in St Kilda. Now in its 27th year, this unique exhibition showcases hundreds of small-format contemporary artworks submitted by professional artists and local amateurs alike. And why wouldn't you contribute something when there's more than $10k up for grabs? This year's exhibition kicks off on October 21 and runs until January 29. A number of previous winners have submitted new works, including Kelly Sullivan whose piece Boy With The Pearl Earring (pictured) pays tribute to his royal badness, the late great artist formerly known as Prince. Entry into the exhibition is free, while this year's winners will be decided by a trio of judges from the Castlemaine Art Museum, the Horsham Regional Art Gallery and the La Trobe University Museum of Art. Image: Boy With the Pearl Earring, Kelly Sullivan (2016).
As Pedro Almodóvar sees it, every aspect of life is filled with emotion and mystery. Sentiment and suspense ooze through his movies – although it's not just his narratives that inspire intrigue, or speak volumes about desire, loss, longing and guilt. With a command of style that matches his storytelling abilities, each shade of colour, each textured surface, each intimate close-up and each patient pause reveals and teases, too. The writer-director asks audiences to do more than watch; he wants viewers of his films to probe, to question and — above all else — to feel. It's little wonder, then, that Almodóvar's career has been built upon affairs of the heart and matters weighing on the mind, with his twentieth feature sticking to familiar territory. After sky-high camp comedy misfire I'm So Excited, Julieta unpacks the life of its eponymous figure with hints of the darkness that made the horror-tinged The Skin I Live In so thrilling, and with ample doses of the contemplation and inner drama that have served the Spanish filmmaker so well. First glimpsed in middle age, Julieta (Emma Suárez) is preparing to leave Madrid with her boyfriend (Darío Grandinetti) when she crosses paths with an old friend of her now-estranged daughter. Memories of other times swirl up, derailing her plans and motivating a move into a building the two inhabited years earlier. There, as she comes as close as she can to living in the past, she puts pen to paper to recount her tale. The film brings her recollections to the screen, as a younger Julieta (Adriana Ugarte) meets fisherman Xoan (Daniel Grao) on a train, settles in a seaside village, and forges a happy but short-lived existence. Complex relationships, contentment stolen away by a painful fate, and previous tragedies colouring future decisions – yes, Julieta proves a classic Almodóvar effort through and through, as it fuses three separate short stories from Alice Munro's 2004 book Runaway into one vivid and involving whole. Of course, from the moment the movie opens with the sight of the red fabric of one of Julieta's dresses, its visuals fall into the same category. And while there's little about Julieta that challenges its director or will surprise his fans, it still offers an evocative example of a craftsman doing what he does well. That Julieta largely unravels as expected in both its narrative and in Almodóvar's approach doesn't dampen its vibrancy. Indeed, appearing to so closely follow his own formula might just be by design. That increasingly seems the case whenever the film's performances capture attention, with both Suárez and Ugarte demonstrating devastating nuance. Not only do they provide two different takes on the titular character, but, in the process, they also represent the present and past of Almodóvar's long line of on-screen women. He's long been recognised for exploring female-centric stories and drawing potent performances out of his actresses. As he lets his two leads energise and complicate the film as necessary, he showcases their talent as well as the quiet evolution of his various heroines.
On Saturday, October 22, Prahran Market will host the Say Cheese Festival. For uninitiated (or those who didn't attend last year's debut event), it's essentially an entire day of eating cheese (and buying even more to eat later), featuring free cheese tastings, cheesy dish demonstrations, and stalls from cheese providores. Throughout the day, renowned chefs will take over the kitchen to demonstrate cooking techniques using cheese, including mozzarella stretching and how to make Brazilian cheese puffs. Once their demonstrations have your mouth watering, head to the Cheesy Pop-Up Precinct for lunch – perhaps some charcoal gnocchi with gorgonzola from 48 Hours Pizzeria and Gnoccheria, mac 'n' cheese from Meatmaiden or wood fired margherita pizzas from A25 Pizzeria? If none of those tickle your fancy, there will also be offerings from Professeur Crepe, That Arancini Guy, Wicked Spud and Raw Trader, who'll satisfy even non-dairy-eating cheese lovers with their raw vegan cheese. If you're not too full from all of that, the traders are also offering food to take home or eat there. Some of the highlights include Noisette's croque monsieur, twice-baked goats' cheese soufflés from Kook's Kitchen, and Fritz Gelato's four cheese-inspired gelato flavours, including lemon cheesecake. There will also be many, many cheese plates.
There's no time like Easter for embracing your inner child, and there's no place better to do it than at Luna Park. The beloved Melbourne theme park will be open all long weekend, and is celebrating the holidays with a spectacular chocolate egg hunt. An astounding 15,000 Darrell Lea eggs will be hidden around the park. Are they behind the Ghost Train? In the Pharaoh's Curse? Atop the Great Scenic Railway? Visitors to the park can participate in exchange for a gold coin donation, or gain free entry with an unlimited ride ticket to find out. Now, back off kids — that chocolate is ours!
Want to experience a slice of Jamaica in Melbourne? There's a rum-inspired adventure happening in the city this April that you should lock into your diary. Fine purveyors and makers of rum for over 265 years, Appleton Estate are launching The Appleton Trail in Melbourne — three delicious pop-up stops brimming with rum-tasting, storytelling and celebration of Jamaica's long-loved spirit. The Appleton Trail is taking over three Melbourne bars over three weekends from April 7, kicking off at Loop Roof in Melbourne's CBD from April 7-10, moving to Rochester Hotel on April 14 and 15, and concluding at Nieuw Amsterdam in the CBD on April 22 and 23. Expect a Jamaican-themed pop-up hideaway with specially-created rum cocktails, paired with bespoke Jamaican food menus, and hosted by a Jamaican dancer — all to make you feel like you're finally on that well-deserved island holiday. There'll even be a Jamaican music DJ accompanied by a steel drum player. You'll be able to try the Appleton Estate Signature Blend – the original Appleton Estate rum — alongside the Reserve Blend and Rare Blend 12 Year Old. Plus, Appleton have taken it upon themselves to create four signature cocktails for the event.
Mischief and merriment are on their way to fortyfivedownstairs. Marking 400 years since William Shakespeare's death, local theatre company Nothing But Roaring present their take on the bard's romantic comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor, a tale of seduction gone farcically awry. The play concerns the misadventures of Sir John Falstaff, an old, fat, down-on-his-luck knight attempting to woo a pair of married women and separate them from their fortunes. Unfortunately for him, the two women are best friends, and the plan soon begins to collapse around his ears. Now before you book tickets, you should know that The Merry Wives of Windsor is widely considered to be one of Shakespeare's weakest plays. Then again, that's a bit like talking about one of the world's weakest Michelin-starred restaurants. The Nothing But Roaring production opens April 19 and runs until May 1.
Who would have guessed that Dudley Dursley would grow up to be a playwright? And yet that's exactly what has happened. Peddling is the debut play by actor turned writer Harry Melling, best known for playing Harry Potter's odious on-screen cousin. A one-man show about class and generational divide, the play premiered in London back in 2014, and will be performed in Australia for the first time this week in a strictly limited season at the MTC. Actor Darcy Brown plays our unnamed protagonist, a teenage boy selling household cleaning goods door to door. Supposedly he's part of the Mayor's Young Offenders Scheme, but we soon learn that's just a scam. Described by critics as "a must-see experience" and "an accomplished debut", Peddling shapes up as a highlight of this year's MTC calendar.
View the work of this year's Linden Art Prize finalists on display at the Linden New Art Gallery starting Friday, March 4. Encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, video and a number of other mediums, the two-month exhibition at the Acland Street gallery will showcase the talents of six postgraduates competing for the award, which comes with a specially tailored mentorship and a $10,000 top prize. This year's finalists cover a wide array of disciplines and backgrounds. Ink prints pressed using the metal from road signs, an installation made of misshapen knitted jumpers, and a series of camera-less photographs are just a few of the works you'll see on display from artists Emma Coulter, Simon Crosbie, Jenny Peterson, Julie Shiels, Deborah White and Elizabeth Wallace. The winner will be announced on the first night of the exhibition, which will remain open until Sunday, May 1.
Take in the flavours of country Victoria at a day-long culinary cavalcade that foodies would be mad to miss. On Sunday, April 17, the team at the Lake House in Daylesford are hosting their annual Regional Producers Day, featuring butchers, bakers, farmers, makers, brewers, distillers, producers and cooks from all around the region. As far excuses to get away for the weekend go, that is a pretty damn good one. We just hope you're feeling hungry. Ticketholders will get the chance to view demonstrations by local chefs, or stop by the Alquimie Tasting Tent to try wines from great Australian winemakers. As for food, you can sample your way through the various market stalls, or grab something hot from the wood oven or BBQ grill. Once you've eaten your fill, you can sit back, enjoy some live music, and congratulate yourself on your legendary decision to get out of the city.
Welcome to the new breed of combat movies. In Eye in the Sky, soldiers fight terrorists from the comfort of their desks, while the bulk of the people debating which course of action to take, and even those actually carrying out the strike, aren't on the front lines, but watching on from other continents. Their task is seemingly simple: apprehend two extremist ringleaders in Kenya. In the UK, Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) oversees operations, with her mission changing from a capture to a kill when she discovers a suicide attack may be imminent. On the ground in Nairobi, undercover agent Jama Farah (Barkhad Abdi) spies on the culprits, manoeuvring an insect-sized camera into their safe house. His aren't the only images of the scene, with two Las Vegas-based drone pilots (Aaron Paul and Phoebe Fox) looking on with their fingers on the trigger. But when a nine-year-old girl (Aisha Takow) wanders into the target zone, Powell is forced to seek advice from her superiors, including the supportive Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman) and a raft of indecisive politicians worried about the potential ramifications. The mechanics and morality of war are the movie's main concerns — and while many a cinematic dissection of conflict has probed the same topic, director Gavin Hood (Ender's Game) has crafted a film that's purely a product of its time. Technology is key, both in the way the story unfolds for the characters, and the way it is presented to the audience. Powell and the majority of her colleagues observe matters from the safety of their own countries, yet can take lives at the press of a button. Viewers share the same position, and see the same intercut spy cam, drone and satellite footage — though they can only watch on with a combination of horror, anxiety and flabbergasted amusement, unable to intervene or do more. Indeed, Eye in the Sky is designed to inspire many a question, and leave everyone pondering the various troubling answers. That it succeeds isn't simply a result of the film's intelligent approach to its subject, but of its tone: part military thriller, part bureaucratic farce. Viewers will find themselves inching towards the edge of their seats, even as they chuckle grimly as yet another person in power tries to avoid making a hard decision. There's no ducking the films more heavy-handed elements, including an intrusive score, conveniently increasing stakes, and the blatant attempt to evoke an emotional reaction by placing a child in peril. But there's also no avoiding its effectiveness, both in contemplating a difficult subject and constructing an exercise in tension. The considered mood Mirren brings to her pivotal role proves the perfect weathervane for the film's fortunes, and of the way in which it achieves its aims. She's the movie's robust centre, brimming with as much texture as toughness. Among the rest of the cast, Paul plays his part with the right amount of worry and uncertainty, while the late Rickman's trademark wry charm gets a fitting final outing. Given the intensity of the situation that surrounds them, that they provide the complex feature with convincing portrayals is no small feat.
Now here's a good way to make an entrance to a party: float on in with a crew of 1000 boats. That's exactly what the Inflatable Regatta is all about. 1000 blow-up boats will take to a two-kilometre stretch of the Yarra on Saturday, February 11. In a single or double vessel, they'll paddle down the river for about two hours before reaching the destination party. Should you make it to the end, beers and food trucks will be waiting for you (after all, what's a regatta without a cold bev afterwards?) — and the ticket price includes your boat, so you can even take it home with you. There are some rules though: you can't load your boat with beer (no booze on the river, and you may actually sink your vessel), no DIY vessels and you should wear shoes that can stand to get a bit wet. Boats launch from 9.30am and you can choose your launch time when you book. Tickets cost $60 for a single boat and $110 for a double, and include a life jacket, sunscreen, a bailer (for emptying your boat of water) and a waterproof bag for your stuff. Boats launch from Yarra Bank Reserve in Hawthorn from 9.30am — you can choose your launch time when you book.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled their 2017 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off in South Australia before heading to Bendigo on Saturday, May 6. This year's lineup sees local talent front and centre with triple j Hottest 100 list-toppers Tash Sultana and Amy Shark (#3 and #2, respectively) taking the stage, along with The Smith Street Band, Montaigne, Hayden James and Methyl Ethel. Most of the international talent comes from the UK this year, with The Darkness, 21-year-old Loyle Carner and The Wombats making their way to the Moo, along with Germans Milky Chance. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2017 LINEUP Against Me! (USA) Allday Amy Shark Architects (UK) The Darkness (UK) Dillon Francis (USA) George Maple Hayden James The Jungle Giants K-Flay (USA) L-FRESH The LION Loyle Carner (UK) Methyl Ethel Milky Chance (GER) Montaigne Northeast Party House Slumberjack The Smith Street Band Snakehips (UK) Tash Sultana Thundamentals Violent Soho The Wombats (UK) Image: Tao Jones.
