Like all the good things in life, Melbourne Music Week (MMW) — which is renowned for throwing gigs in unusual Melbourne venues — has proven it only gets better with age. And you can bet this annual celebration of Melbourne's world-class music scene has big things up its sleeve for its tenth anniversary edition. Descending on the city from Friday, November 15, to Saturday, November 23, the festival of aural delights will this year pay tribute to some of the highlights of its first decade. The retrospective program that once again transforms unlikely spaces across the city into rollicking live music venues — like the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel cabins, St Paul's Cathedral and a secret space in Hamer Hall. The program features heaps of parties, talks, pop-ups and over 100 free gigs and performances, with lots of local and international talent. To help you make your way through the program, we've picked out six events to start you off. Lots of them are free (or pretty affordable) and all of them will be a fun time. Plus, make sure you schedule in a visit to the MMW hub which is a throwback to its immersive glowing pop-up venue from 2011, Kubik.
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. 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. In 2018, the New Zealand-made Wellington Paranormal premiered, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural. It proved a hit, and has already returned for both a second and third season. In 2019, an American TV version of What We Do in the Shadows also debuted, focusing on 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 and The Office's Mark Proksch, it sticks to the same basic concept as the original movie, just with memorable new characters. And yes, it too has already aired its second season, and is about to come back for its third. The US take on What We Do in the Shadows was first hinted at back in 2017, and then confirmed in May 2018. While Clement and Waititi 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'. You know that colleague that sucks all the fun out of the room? That's the kind of vibe Colin has. Plus, this vampire gang has been joined by plenty of familiar faces over the two seasons to-date, including some fellow undead favourites from across popular culture. Can't wait to sink your fangs into more? Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja and Colin will return this year — and, as the just-dropped first season three teaser shows, they'll experience 'vampire reality', the undead's version of VR. The show's new season is due to start airing in the US from September 2 and, if past seasons are any guide, will hopefully show up Down Under not long afterwards. An airdate in Australia and New Zealand hasn't been announced yet, but here's hoping we'll be watch the hilarious small-screen spinoff's latest season sooner rather than later. Check out the first season three teaser below: https://twitter.com/theshadowsfx/status/1415400811346202628 What We Do in the Shadows' third season starts airing on September 2 in the US. Expect it to hit Foxtel in Australia sometime this year, too — we'll update you when exact local airdates are announced.
Not content with winning an Emmy, two Golden Globes and a pair of Screen Actors Guild Awards for playing Shiv Roy on Succession, Australian actor Sarah Snook has just added a 2024 Laurence Olivier Award to her mantle for her starring role in the West End season of stage sensation The Picture of Dorian Gray. Or roles, to be precise. The production, which hails from Sydney Theatre Company, tasks its lead with playing all 26 characters in the adaptation of Oscar Wilde's gothic-literature masterpiece. For her current stage date, which started earlier in 2024 and runs until May, Snook has stepped into a tale about a sinister portrait that lets its subject stay young and beautiful. This take on Wilde's work was first staged Down Under with Eryn Jean Norvill doing the honours, premiering in Sydney 2020, and also hitting theatres in Melbourne and Adelaide. "It's an incredible honour to be on the stage in the West End and this is not something that I thought would come along with that. It's billed as a one-woman show but it's not. It's the crew who are on stage with me all the time every night, and they are a vital and constant support and inspirational," said Snook when she received her award, with the ceremony taking place on Sunday, April 14 in the UK — so in the early hours of Monday, April 15 Down Under. "So thank you to the crew for being there in this show with me. A huge immeasurable thank you to Kip Williams and your very big brain, and your specificity and precision and your inspiration — and I just thank my lucky stars I get to play inside that mad world you've created every night," Snook continued. The Picture of Dorian Gray also won Marg Horwell an Olivier for Best Costume Design. Among the rest of the night's winners, Stranger Things: The First Shadow took home Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play, Sunset Boulevard nabbed Best Musical Revival, Dear England scored the award for Best New Play and Operation Mincemeat did the same for Best New Musical. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is exceptional, as well as astute and unnerving, as it follows the selling of its namesake's soul in order to keep indulging every corporeal whim, urge and desire. There's a reason that it just keeps getting adapted for the screen and in theatres, after all. But there's never been a version like Sydney Theatre Company's, with the London run at The Theatre Royal Haymarket marking Snook's return to West End after debuting in the 2016 production of The Master Builder. This version of the story uses video and theatre to help its star play so may characters. Williams, who adapted Wilde's text into the phenomenal production and also directs, has travelled to the UK with the new season as well. Taking the show to London is part of a partnership between STC and Michael Cassel Group, which is all about sharing the former's works around the globe. A similar path — from Australia to the UK, but originating from the Griffin Theatre Company — worked out spectacularly for Prima Facie, too, with the British production starring Killing Eve's Jodie Comer winning Best New Play and Best Actress at the 2023 Laurence Olivier Awards. Check out a trailer for the West End season of The Picture of Dorian Gray below: The Picture of Dorian Gray is playing The Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, London until Saturday, May 11, 2024 — for more information and tickets, head to the play's website. Images: Marc Brenner.
Choosing a beer to drink should be simple. But even if you're determined to drink local and support Australian brewers, there are just so many beverages and brands to pick from. That's the dilemma everyone faces when they go to the bottle shop — so imagine how difficult it is to select the top brews at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show Beer Awards. The folks behind the annual accolades have managed to pick their preferred beverages for 2021, with the results announced on Wednesday, March 3. The awards span a heap of categories, with more than 480 individual beers submitted (and if you're now thinking that choosing the winners sounds like your dream job, that's understandable). Sydney Brewery earned the biggest gong of the awards, the Grand Champion Beer, for its pilsner — and that wasn't the only major field it topped. It was also named the best small/medium brewery and, in the minor categories, won for its lager. If you're a Sydneysider looking for some motivation to visit its Surry Hills site, you've just found it. Obviously, if there's a category for smaller brewers, there's one for larger outfits, which the Gold Coast's Black Hops Brewing won. And, there's also a best new brewery field, with Stomping Ground Brewing Co in Melbourne doing the honours. As for the champion brewpub, that went to Moffat Beach Brewing Co on the Sunshine Coast. [caption id="attachment_684633" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sydney Brewery[/caption] Being held in the Sunshine State, the awards also anoint a best Queensland beer, with Aether Brewing's Hop Skip Jump IPA Draught getting the nod — and winning the strong beer field, too. Other breweries to pick up a trophy include Gypsy Fox Brewing Co from Grose Vale in New South Wales, which makes the best amber dark ale; Brisbane's All Inn Brewing Co, who do the best porter or stout; and fellow Brisbanite Felons Brewing Co, with its Dark Side Bourbon Barrel Stout claiming the hybrid beer field. For more information about the 2021 Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show Beer Awards winners, head to the show's website. Top image: Stomping Ground, David Hyde.
If you wanted to use Studio Ghibli's name as an adjective, it could mean many things, including beautiful, playful, moving, heartwarming, thoughtful and bittersweet. Thanks to the overwhelmingly delightful combination of these traits in the company's work to-date, everyone knows a Ghibli film when they see it, as has proven the case for almost four decades. But, seven years after When Marnie Was There, its last solo production — and five years since its French co-production The Red Turtle — the beloved Japanese animation house has released a movie that doesn't slide instantly and easily into its gorgeous and affecting catalogue. The studio's first film made solely using computer-generated 3D animation, Earwig and the Witch immediately stands out thanks to its plastic-looking visuals. And, despite the fact that it's about a determined young girl, features a witch, and even includes a talking cat and other helpful tiny critters, it never completely feels like a classic Ghibli film either. Earwig and the Witch boasts plenty of other ingredients that link it to the studio's past. It's based on a novel by English author Diana Wynne Jones, who penned the book that Howl's Moving Castle was based on. It's directed by Gorō Miyazaki, who helmed fellow Ghibli films Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill, and happens to be the son of the great Hayao Miyazaki. Also, the elder Miyazaki initially planned the project, even if he didn't ultimately write the script or step behind the camera. On-screen, the eponymous Earwig (Kokoro Hirasawa) follows in the footsteps of Spirited Away's Chihiro and Kiki's Delivery Service's titular figure. The witch referred to in the film's name recalls Spirited Away's Yubaba, too, and the movie's food-fetching little demons bring My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away's susuwatari to mind as well. Indeed, despite eschewing hand-drawn animation for CGI, almost everything about Earwig and the Witch is designed to scream Ghibli — calculatingly so — but that isn't enough to give the movie the depth or heart that has become synonymous with the company's cinematic output. Viewers first meet Earwig as a baby. After trying to shake off the dozen other witches chasing them along a highway, her mother (Sherina Munaf) leaves her on an orphanage's doorstep, promising to return after her never-explained troubles subside. Ten years later, Earwig still roams the facility's halls. She brags to her offsider Custard (Yusei Saito) that she knows how to get its staff and its residents to bend to her will — and whip up shepherd's pie on demand — and she actively doesn't want to be adopted by the couples who stop by looking to expand their families. But when Earwig is chosen by witch Bella Yaga (Shinobu Terajima) and sorcerer The Mandrake (Etsushi Toyokawa), she has no option but to relocate to their enchanted cottage. Bella Yaga doesn't want a daughter, however. Instead, she's after an assistant to cook, clean and crush rat bones for her spells. And so, seeing a chance to learn magic herself, Earwig isn't willing to acquiesce easily. A by-the-numbers Ghibli movie is still better than many other films, especially of the family-friendly variety. Earwig and the Witch is average rather than awful, too, but there's no escaping that the picture is trying to do two competing things at once. Ticking off as many of the studio's recognisable traits as possible is one of the movie's clear aims. Trying to squeeze Ghibli's sensibilities into the broader anime mould is the other. Accordingly, even with so much of Earwig and the Witch drawing upon the company's own earlier work, the picture's pace, energy and heavy use of theme song 'Don't Disturb Me' seem inspired by recent non-Ghibli hits such as Your Name, Weathering With You and Ride Your Wave. It's an odd mix, as is the feeling that the studio is both treading water and chasing its competitors, rather than blazing forward and carving its own path. Also doing Earwig and the Witch few favours is its thin narrative, which is as straightforward as it sounds, including in the simplistic message of acceptance that's geared towards its younger audience members. Indeed, this might be Ghibli's most child-oriented film yet — skewing firmly to one end of the all-ages spectrum, rather than layering in the texture and detail that has regaled the studio's works to adults as much as kids. Interesting plot points arise but go nowhere, for instance. A backstory involving a witchy rock group begs for more attention, as does Bella Yaga's business selling spells to townsfolk to stop rain and win hearts, and The Mandrake's secret but never sinister activities in his hidden den. There's no faulting Earwig and the Witch's fondness for talking cat Thomas (Gaku Hamada), who becomes Earwig's ally, but the movie frequently teases far more than it's willing to deliver in its 82-minute running time. It also comes to an end abruptly, making its storyline feel half-finished. That said, when Earwig and the Witch does shine, Ghibli's usual magic starts to peek through. Viewers just have to look harder than normal to uncover the film's modest charms, rather than be gifted with a non-stop, free-flowing array of the studio's wonders. More vivid and hyperreal than the company's regular nature-inspired palette, the movie's colour choices prove a highlight. So do the short flirtations with darkness and weirdness, which all centre around The Mandrake, a character who could've used more screen time. Its central tune is a welcome earworm, and when the picture leans into its sense of humour, it's all the better for it. Perhaps those joys are harder to notice, though, because so much of watching Earwig and the Witch involves spotting how different it looks. The smooth, glossy animation couldn't sum up movie better, however, appearing as generic as almost everything in this slight, bright, likeable but rarely memorable addition to Studio Ghibli's filmography. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZg2iEf-fTA&feature=youtu.be
St Kilda Festival, Melbourne's long-running celebration of live music, is officially returning this February for its 42nd edition. Scheduled to run from Saturday, February 18 to Sunday, February 19 at the iconic St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds, the jam-packed summer event will see a lineup of big-name acts and emerging talents alike playing across multiple stages. And, as always, it's free, and welcomes visitors of all ages. Saturday go-ers are invited to join First Peoples First, a celebration of First Nations music, culture and community, with performances from the likes of Christine Anu, Jem Cassar-Daley, Lady Lash, Dean Brady, Jungaji and more performing at O'Donnell Gardens and the St Kilda foreshore main stage. The Archie Roach Foundation has curated a good chunk of the lineup — and that same evening, the late Uncle Archie will be further honoured with a musical tribute featuring a range of special guests. [caption id="attachment_885113" align="alignnone" width="1920"] www.nathandoranphotography.com[/caption] On Sunday — also known as Big Festival Sunday — Aussie musical legends Hoodoo Gurus and electro-pop act Confidence Man will take the main stage, so be sure to get in early to nab prime position. Genesis Owusu, Yothu Yindi, Hatchie, Alice Ivy, Mick Harvey, Ashwarya, Phoebe Go, THNDO, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, JK-47, Jen Cloherand and more will also be showcasing their talents throughout the day. Both days of the festival will also see plenty of family entertainment, sports demonstrations, market stalls, local community group activations and street performers popping up around St Kilda to add to the festive vibe. For more information and to check out the full lineup, head to the St Kilda Festival website.
When an awards body has spent almost a century handing out high-profile gongs in a field that garners plenty of attention, it really should be past the point of smashing records and making history. But the Academy Awards hasn't been particularly inclusive or diverse over its 93-year run to-date — which is why 2021's big winner is still breaking boundaries. When Chloé Zhao was nominated for this year's Best Director Oscar for Nomadland, she already achieved an immense feat. Only five female filmmakers had ever even made it to the awards ceremony in the coveted field before 2021, and she joined Promising Young Woman's Emerald Fennell among this year's candidates. This marked the first time ever that two women had received recognition in the same year in the category, too, because when it comes to realising that yes, women are filmmakers, the Academy's track record has been nothing short of abysmal. Now, with the awards handed out and winners anointed, Zhao has become the first woman of colour to ever emerge victorious in the field. She's only the second woman to ever win as well. Zhao ended up with two awards, because Nomadland won Best Picture and she was one of the film's producers. But the importance of her win for Best Director really can't be understated. Zhao joins The Hurt Locker's Kathryn Bigelow, who nabbed the prize in 2009, as the only two women who've ever scooped the field. And, with their nominations, both Zhao and Fennell joined Bigelow, Lina Wertmüller (for Seven Beauties), Jane Campion (for The Piano), Sofia Coppola (for Lost in Translation) and Greta Gerwig (for Lady Bird) as the only women to even get the chance to win Best Director on Hollywood's night of nights. [caption id="attachment_796213" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Director Chloé Zhao filming Nomadland. Image: Searchlight Pictures.[/caption] Nomadland is Zhao's third film, after 2015's Songs My Brothers Taught Me and 2017's The Rider — and viewers can already look forward to watching her fourth later this year. Her next movie will see the director head into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Eternals focusing on an immortal alien race, and starring Angelina Jolie (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil), Kumail Nanjiani (Stuber), Salma Hayek (Like a Boss), Barry Keoghan (Calm with Horses), Gemma Chan (Captain Marvel), Brian Tyree Henry (Superintelligence) and Game of Thrones co-stars Richard Madden and Kit Harington. Zhao will be working on a far bigger scale than seen in her filmography so far; however, there's a sense of empathy and a knack for observation to her features that'll hopefully make the much-needed jump to superhero territory. If you're wondering who else emerged victorious at this year's Oscars, the full list of nominees and winners in every category is below. You can also check out our in-depth overview of ten of this year's winners that are worth watching ASAP. OSCAR NOMINEES AND WINNERS 2021 BEST MOTION PICTURE The Father Judas and the Black Messiah Mank Minari Nomadland Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal The Trial of the Chicago 7 BEST DIRECTOR Another Round, Thomas Vinterberg Mank, David Fincher Minari, Lee Isaac Chung Nomadland, Chloé Zhao Promising Young Woman, Emerald Fennell PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Viola Davis, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Andra Day, The United States vs Billie Holiday Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman Frances McDormand, Nomadland Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Anthony Hopkins, The Father Gary Oldman, Mank Steven Yeun, Minari PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy Olivia Colman, The Father Amanda Seyfried, Mank Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Sacha Baron Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago 7 Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah Leslie Odom Jr, One Night in Miami Paul Raci, Sound of Metal LaKeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Judas and the Black Messiah, Will Berson, Shaka King, Will Berson, Kenny Lucas and Keith Lucas Minari, Lee Isaac Chung Promising Young Woman, Emerald Fennell Sound of Metal, Darius Marder, Abraham Marder and Derek Cianfrance The Trial of the Chicago 7, Aaron Sorkin BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer, Peter Baynham, Erica Rivinoja, Dan Mazer, Jena Friedman and Lee Kern The Father, Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller The Mauritanian, Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani and MB Traven Nomadland, Chloé Zhao The White Tiger, Ramin Bahrani BEST ORIGINAL SCORE Da 5 Bloods, Terence Blanchard Mank, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Minari, Emile Mosseri News of the World, James Newton Howard Soul, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste BEST ORIGINAL SONG 'Fight For You', Judas and the Black Messiah (HER, Dernst Emile II and Tiara Thomas) 'Hear my Voice', The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Daniel Pemberton and Celeste Waite) 'Husavik', Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (Savan Kotecha, Fat Max Gsus and Rickard Göransson) 'Io Si (Seen)', The Life Ahead (Diane Warren and Laura Pausini) 'Speak Now', One Night in Miami (Leslie Odom, Jr and Sam Ashworth) BEST FILM EDITING The Father, Yorgos Lamprinos Nomadland, Chloé Zhao Promising Young Woman, Frédéric Thoraval Sound of Metal, Mikkel EG Nielsen The Trial of the Chicago 7, Alan Baumgarten BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM Another Round Better Days Collective The Man Who Sold His Skin Quo Vadis, Aida? BEST ANIMATED FEATURE Onward Over the Moon A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Soul Wolfwalkers BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Collective Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution The Mole Agent My Octopus Teacher Time BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Judas and the Black Messiah, Sean Bobbitt Mank, Erik Messerschmidt News of the World, Dariusz Wolski Nomadland, Joshua James Richards The Trial of the Chicago 7, Phedon Papamichael BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN The Father, Peter Francis and Cathy Featherstone Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Mark Ricker, Karen O'Hara and Diana Stoughton Mank, Donald Graham Burt and Jan Pascale News of the World, David Crank and Elizabeth Keenan Tenet, Nathan Crowley and Kathy Lucas BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Love and Monsters, Matt Sloan, Genevieve Camilleri, Matt Everitt and Brian Cox The Midnight Sky, Matthew Kasmir, Christopher Lawrence, Max Solomon and David Watkins Mulan, Sean Faden, Anders Langlands, Seth Maury and Steve Ingram The One and Only Ivan, Santiago Colomo Martinez, Nick Davis, Greg Fisher Tenet, Andrew Jackson, David Lee, Andrew Lockley and Scott Fisher BEST COSTUME DESIGN Emma, Alexandra Byrne Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Ann Roth Mank, Trish Summerville Mulan, Bina Daigeler Pinocchio, Massimo Cantini Parrini BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING Emma, Marese Langan, Laura Allen and Claudia Stolze Hillbilly Elegy, Eryn Krueger Mekash, Matthew Mungle and Patricia Dehaney Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson Mank, Gigi Williams, Kimberley Spiteri and Colleen LaBaff Pinocchio, Mark Coulier, Dalia Colli and Francesco Pegoretti BEST SOUND Greyhound, Warren Shaw, Michael Minkler, Beau Borders and David Wyman Mank, Ren Klyce, Jeremy Molod, David Parker, Nathan Nance and Drew Kunin News of the World, Oliver Tarney, Mike Prestwood Smith, William Miller and John Pritchett Soul, Ren Klyce, Coya Elliott and David Parker Sound of Metal, Nicolas Becker, Jaime Baksht, Michelle Couttolenc, Carlos Cortés and Phillip Bladh BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT Colette A Concerto is a Conversation Do Not Split Hunger Ward A Love Song for Latasha BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM Burrow Genius Loci If Anything Happens I Love You Opera Yes-People BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM Feeling Through The Letter Room The Present Two Distant Strangers White Eye Top image: Frances McDormand and Chloé Zhao on the set of Nomadland. Image: Searchlight Pictures. © 2020, 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved
This dedicated family business has been selling fashionable and stylish footwear to bayside women for more than 35 years. Step Ahead Shoes source and sell shoes from Italy and Spain — including family-run label Wonders, made in Elche, Spain — that are not only comfortable and practical to wear every day, but look damn good too. The passionate team are always happy to help you find your perfect fit and style, for those overwhelmed by the large range on offer in their Elsternwick store.
When we sniff the word 'birthday' being thrown about somewhere, there's that instant ding in our minds: 'Ah yes. Official right to par-ty!' (never mind whose birthday it actually is). This time around it's our old mate Jack Daniels, and he's made it to 161 fine years. To celebrate, he's throwing one mighty big blow out. This year, a bevvy of musical acts are paying homage to one of Australia's greats, Icehouse – they who brought us 'Great Southern Land', 'Electric Blue', 'Crazy' and more (this would be your cue to hold a mini Icehouse YouTube party in your bedroom). Heading up the pack is Art Vs Science, who are no strangers to the cover, having taken on Daft Punk on Triple J's Like A Version. Along for the ride are Kate Miller-Heidke, Patience Hodgeson of The Grates, and Dappled Cities' Tim Derricourt. Plus, Purple Sneakers DJs will be at the decks to get things moving. To go in the running for one of four double passes to the JD Set, just make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email us with your preference of Sydney or Melbourne shows. Entries close Friday, September 9 at 5pm. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HRwis9CWcjA
The perfect breakfast dish is a thing of beauty. Before noon a just-right poached egg is like a beacon of light and reassurance, just as biting into a crispy piece of fried brioche becomes an almost religious experience. Alone, these standout dishes gain momentum on food blogs and get a mention in 'Melbourne’s Best Breakfasts' lists, but it's rare for a cafe to have a whole menu of pre-midday dishes each worthy of a return visit. Reading the breakfast menu at Arcadia, each item is as good as the last. It's a can't choose situation. As you make your way down the 15+ menu items, you realise you're going to have to make a choice glazed with uncertainty. Working with Melburnian favourites as the base for dishes before adding a genius component, they've got their customer base catered for. The Middle Eastern poached eggs on rye with red pepper pesto, spinach and hazelnut dukkah ($17.50) is definitely worthy of the shortlist, as is the smashed avocado with feta, slow cooked balsamic tomatoes and preserved lemon salsa ($15). For something sweeter, the 'Goodness Bircher' ($12.50) is packed with seeds and topped with maple pears and the twice-baked brioche French toast is a masterpiece in itself ($16.50). Before you've even ordered you know you'll be coming back. Having been around since before Gertrude Street was even a thing, Arcadia remains a go-to fixture of Fitzroy’s cafescene. Even with bigger, better and more modern venues popping up around them, their dependable breakfasts, fresh lunches and Campos coffee is common knowledge to both locals and those not situated in the inner north and has kept them as a popular weekend destination. The simple layout is supplemented with a food display and small courtyard, as well as a window table looking out onto one of the more interesting streets in the city. As well as their all-day breakfast, as midday approaches the food cabinet is stocked with a culinary rainbow of hunger-inducing offerings. The options change daily (and are posted on their Facebook page each morning) and, as well as salads, can include anything from lasagne, curry, zucchini fritters, a baguette or a burrito. Also made daily are the sweet and savoury muffins that sit smugly next to the coffee machine, as well as cakes, slices and a mammoth brownie that is way too big for even the biggest chocolate fiend to single-handedly devour. At a place like Arcadia, where breakfast reigns supreme, it's hard to do any wrong. With a coffee and a seat at the window, you can have your eggs and eat your cake afterwards too.
California's endless sunshine and awe-inspiring scenery helped establish it as the home of US filmmaking. Nowadays, just about every nook and cranny in the state has appeared on the silver screen, with Hollywood productions making the most of dynamic landscapes and architectural wonders. Ready to see some of pop culture's most iconic scenes in person? We've teamed up with Visit California to highlight ten of the best attractions to visit when you want to geek out on cinematic history. [caption id="attachment_960577" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Hang Tran via iStock[/caption] Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Perched on the side of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory offers incredible views across Los Angeles stretching from downtown to the Pacific Ocean. After dark, it becomes a buzz of activity as free telescopes give visitors glimpses into deep space. Inside, cosmos-related exhibitions dazzle guests. A go-to spot for directors, Griffith Observatory has been the setting for hundreds of productions. You might recall the opening shot of The Terminator, featuring a stark-naked Arnold Schwarzenegger, or a mesmerising musical number in La La Land. Don't miss the James Dean busk to celebrate the observatory's role in Rebel Without a Cause. [caption id="attachment_960579" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Travelview via iStock[/caption] Union Station, Los Angeles Few train stations have appeared on camera more than Union Station. Although it typically serves as LA's major rail terminal, its fascinating combination of art deco and Spanish colonial revival architecture gives it an undeniable gravitas that makes for a powerful scene. In the original Blade Runner, Union Station stands in for Los Angeles Police Station, while The Dark Knight Rises sees it transformed into a kangaroo court overseen by the Scarecrow. Although surprisingly rare, Union Station was simply a train station in Pearl Harbor. [caption id="attachment_961524" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ross G Perry[/caption] Fox Plaza, Los Angeles You might still debate whether Die Hard is a Christmas flick, but there's no doubting where it all began for Detective John McClane. Better known as Fox Plaza, or 2121 Avenue of the Stars, this LA skyscraper is where villainous mastermind Hans Gruber met his match. Yet McClane isn't the only cop to roam this building. In Brooklyn 99, Jake makes the team detour to the fictional Nakatomi Plaza, quoting McClane every step of the way. You can also catch Fox Plaza's exterior in Lethal Weapon 2, connecting more made-up cops to the building's legacy. [caption id="attachment_960584" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Michael Overstreet via iStock[/caption] Bodega Bay, Sonoma County North of San Francisco, Bodega Bay is one of the top spots on the West Coast for whale-watching, peaceful hiking trails and day spas. It's also a must-visit on a cinema-inspired road trip along the coast. Though you might not get that impression from Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic, The Birds. After socialite Melanie Daniels follows lawyer Mitch Brenner to Bodega Bay, mysterious bird attacks terrorise the townspeople. Head along to discover how the reality is far more tranquil. [caption id="attachment_961526" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Marie Beschen[/caption] Museum of Western Film History, Lone Pine Western films had a defining role in the development of American cinema, with the desolate surroundings of Lone Pine central from the beginning. Over 400 feature films were shot across the Alabama Hills, the Sierra Nevada and the Owens Valley since 1920, starting with the silent film, The Round Up, starring Roscoe Conkling "Fatty" Arbuckle. Iconic films like Gunga Din, High Sierra and The Lone Ranger have featured the same vast landscape. For a true movie-buff experience, the Museum of Western Film History offers a diverse collection of frontier film memorabilia. [caption id="attachment_960608" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Olga U via iStock[/caption] Alabama Hills, Owens Valley On the outskirts of Lone Pine, the Alabama Hills is where numerous seminal western genre films were captured. Surrounded by towering rock formations and seemingly endless desert, traversing Movie Road with the Sierra Mountains adorning the horizon is a great way to get introduced. Films new and old were shot along this barren stretch, with the likes of The Lone Ranger, Iron Man and Gladiator just some of the best-known. Discover landmark geological wonders rising from the desert like the Mobius Arch, Nightmare Rock and Cyclops Arch. Kansas City Barbecue, San Diego Belt out 'Great Balls of Fire' just like Maverick and Goose in Top Gun at Kansas City Barbecue — the setting for the iconic diner scene. It was discovered by Paramount Studios' location scout ahead of production who liked the atmosphere so much that he returned with director Tony Scott. Situated in the harbour district of San Diego, Kansas City Barbecue serves up jam-packed meat dishes and hearty sides. If the classic diner vibe wasn't enough, the walls are adorned with assorted Top Gun memorabilia and the real piano used in the movie is still there. [caption id="attachment_960613" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Damien Verrier via iStock[/caption] Death Valley National Park, Southwest California Tatooine might seem like a galaxy away in Star Wars Episodes IV and VI, but these otherworldly scenes were shot in the dunes and canyons of Death Valley National Park. Wander into Artist's Palette — a colourful collection of volcanic deposits — just like R2-D2 does in A New Hope. The movie also used one of Death Valley's most impressive vantage points, Dante's View, to capture a panorama of Mos Eisley, a spaceport town filled with scum and villainy. [caption id="attachment_961525" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Courtesy of Flickr[/caption] Hillard House, San Francisco Featuring a masterclass in comedic performance by Robin Williams, Mrs Doubtfire remains an essential childhood film for millions. Many of the jokes might have gone over your head as a youngster, but this 90s classic still has much to say when you watch as an adult. Located in the upmarket Pacific Heights neighbourhood of San Francisco, Hillard House, featured throughout Mrs Doubtfire, still looks much the same. Although the interiors were shot on a soundstage, it's well worth climbing the hills to visit. Plus, the bay views are incredible. [caption id="attachment_960618" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rebecca Todd[/caption] Muir Woods, San Francisco Bay Delve into Muir Woods to discover a fascinating old-growth coastal redwood forest. With some of these towering trees dating to over 1,000 years old, this ancient landscape is bound to leave you feeling in touch with nature. Throughout the Planet of the Apes series, Muir Woods becomes home to a super-intelligent colony of apes. Although these scenes in the films were captured in Vancouver with the help of a little old-fashioned movie magic, the in-universe setting is a stunning location, easily driven to from San Francisco, and it makes for an unforgettable detour. Start planning your tour of California, America's ultimate playground, today. Header images: B Alberts via iStock, Visit California
The Glenn Miller Orchestra is an institution almost as old as jazz itself. Yet for all the toes it’s set tapping and the charlestons it’s put in motion, it hasn’t come to Australia before. Until now. The legendary big band, now under the leadership of Rick Gerber, have been trumping up nostalgia all over the country with concerts in city and country alike, and they’re culminating their Australian tour with some shows at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. They’ll be playing classics from the Andrews Sisters to Sinatra to the brassy tunes that kept our grandparents going through World War II. While said grandparents are likely to turn out in droves, the Miller big band has the verve to appeal to the younger crowd as well. Appearing with the Moonlight Serenade Singers and the Broadway Swing Dancers, they'll be bringing a little bit of history and a whole lotta old school fun.
Chances are, you wrapped your mouth around one of Theo Tzavaras' California Burgers creations long before they found their current home on Chapel Street. After all, the USA-inspired eats have been winning fans since way back in 2009, when they first starred on a secret menu at Tzavaras' souvlaki shop. But now — with proper digs to its name — the California Burgers concept remains the same: fresh LA-style burgers that you'll remember long after the last bite. Here, a short-but-sweet menu pays homage to America's cult classics, so expect renditions like The Compton, with spicy fried chicken and Sriracha, The Malibu with a smashed turkey patty, and the beefed-up LAX, which doubles down on the meat and cheese. A little slice of California dreaming, right here in Melbourne.
Fed Square has been a whole lot of things to a whole lot of people during its two decades of life — in fact, it's welcomed over 100 million visitors in that time. So it's only fitting that the CBD icon is celebrating its 20th birthday (October 26, if you're wondering) with a huge program of festivities featuring something for everyone. Cue, one entire month of anniversary celebrations, running from Saturday, October 1–Monday, October 31. On October 22, the precinct fires up for Garage Band — a new production from Always Live and renowned artist Joseph O'Farrell that'll see dozens of young aspiring garage bands hit the stage for a rollicking live show. Meanwhile, October 26 marks the world-premiere of A Score for Fed Square — a new orchestral work by groundbreaking artist and composer Mia Salsjö, featuring a musical composition shaped entirely by architectural drawings of buildings from across Melbourne. Also in the lineup, explore the Koorie Heritage Trust's futurism exhibition dedicated to queer First Nations artists' works, A Rainbow of Tomorrows (October 9–November 20); and catch a powerful art series by Joanna Dudley challenging history's portrayal of young women, dubbed We Will Slam You With Our Wings. You can also unleash your inner kid at the interactive musical playground installation that is Melbourne Fringe's HEXADECA (October 14–23). Throw in a bunch of giveaways and a hefty program of digital happenings, and you've got yourself one very busy October. You can check out the full program online. [caption id="attachment_866711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liam Neal[/caption] Top Image: Tanderum at Fed Square
Expect native ingredients, beef dry-aged in-house, woodfired flavours and nostalgic cocktails on Blackbird Melbourne's modern-Australian menu. The three-level Flinders Lane venue is the interstate expansion of Ghanem Group's award-winning Blackbird Brisbane, offering a striking cocktail bar and lounge, a split-level dining space and a private events floor. Quartzite backlit bars, mirrored ceilings and dramatic chandeliers (curated by Space Cubed Design Studio) bring the group's intention — to establish a sophisticated dining experience that is "unmistakenly Melbourne" — to life. Manning the charcoals on the Josper Basque Grill are Ghanem Group Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, Executive Chef Melbourne Tim Menger (formerly of Entrecôte) and Blackbird Head Chef Josh Moroney (formerly of Nomad). Nicolson invites Melburnians to "experience one of the best steaks in the country" with showcase premium Australian cuts such as the chocolate-fed Mayura Station one-and-a-half to two-kilogram full-blood wagyu tomahawk headlining the menu. Dishes such as paté with lilly pilly jam, Paroo kangaroo with toasted pepperberry and riberry jus, and wood-roasted rock lobster with warrigal greens and native herb butter speak to the focus on foraged native ingredients. So too does the cocktail list, with concoctions like the Pacific Highball pairing Glenmorangie Original with Davidson plum apera and black walnut bitters. Beverage Manager Aaron Clark injects the drinks list with Aussie nostalgia, creating whimsical cocktails such as the Pavlova Punch, Mango Weiss Colada and the Tim-Tam Slam. The drinks offering is bolstered by a 650-bin wine list, so you're unlikely to leave thirsty. Images: supplied
For a long time, Lane's Edge had the location but not necessarily the polish. It was a fun, after-dark bar and restaurant with a sweet laneway position and a great little beer garden. But the food was underwhelming and there wasn't much to draw people from flashier neighbours like San Telmo, Cherry bar, Siglo and Punch Lane. However, after undergoing an extensive refurb and top-to-bottom refresh in 2021, Lane's Edge is back. And it's looking amazing! The decor is chic and modern, the lighting is killer, and there's an incredible jungle mural on the opposite laneway. The food has had a glow-up too, with chilli Tuscan olives, prawn spring rolls with chipotle mayo, and hefty pastrami subs pushing out the old unexciting pub grub menu. There's also an excellent wine list, focussing on regional varietals from Mornington, Margaret River and South Australia's Limestone Coast. The end result? Boozy, brash and straight-up fun. Lane's Edge is finally delivering on its potential.
Although it's enormous, Hobba is still an inconspicuous looking café. That's because the owners have left the shell of the building untouched, so it still looks the same as it did in its days as a tyre factory. Upon entry, diners are faced with another surprise: a giant mural of a howling wolf. Random. Here's some context: hobba is the Latin word for word for wolf, which has shaped the café's identity as a grizzly, rough café south of the river. High ceilings sealed with tin, exposed brick walls, and wooden booths come together to give it that toughness the owners intended. But it's food? Well, it's quite the opposite — it's as refined as cafe fare gets. Of course, Hobba has your usual avocado smash and hotcakes (you've got to keep Melburnians happy), and there's a brisket baguette that's so packed with flavour it almost knocks you out. But the cafe goes further by offering more unique options such as the kimchi baked beans with twice cooked pork belly and wonton skins. That's alongside a smoked fish pie for lunch and a heirloom salad with baby beetroot and sorrel for breakfast. Not that the mealtime labels matter, anyway — the breakfast menu is available until 3.30pm. To drink there's an abundance of options. Coffee by Five Senses, teas, smoothies, juices, milkshakes — you name it. One of which is called the Healthy Hawksburnian (which may or may not be taking the mickey out of healthy Hawskburn Mums), and is a combo of cucumber, apple, beetroot, carrot and ginger. There are 100 different places to sit, catered to whatever mood you're in. Diners have the choice of sitting in a booth, against the wall, or on large, communal tables. Wherever you sit, just make sure you're well-behaved on your visit — Hobba is right next door to Prahran police station, which you'll notice as all the big guys trickle in for their coffee hit or lunch break. On the upside, you'll feel incredibly safe. It's kid-friendly, well equipped for groups of mates and is also a perfect spot for a coffee date. It's no-fuss and laidback, without a pompous piece of furniture — or a tyre, for that matter — in sight.
Reaching the ripe old age of 42 years is no mean feat for an Australian music fest. But beloved bayside celebration St Kilda Festival is doing just that when it returns in February to deliver its bumper 2023 instalment. And yes, it's dishing up a hefty lineup of musical guests to mark the occasion. Already confirmed to be heading along to join the free festivities from Saturday, February 18–Sunday, February 19: big-name Aussie acts Hoodoo Gurus, Confidence Man and Christine Anu. Now, it's confirmed that they'll be joined by Genesis Owusu, Yothu Yindi, Alice Ivy and a whole lot more. [caption id="attachment_885347" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mackenzie Sweetnam[/caption] St Kilda Festival's refreshed 2023 format is set to include the new First Peoples First program celebrating Indigenous music and culture on the Saturday. Anu will take the stage alongside acts like Jem Cassar-Daley, Jungaji, Lady Lash and Dean Brady, while the late Archie Roach is to be honoured with a dedicated musical tribute featuring Emma Donovan, Bumpy, Sally Dastey and others. The following day will fire up for Big Festival Sunday, with multiple stages playing host to artists like ARIA award-winning hip hop star Genesis Owusu, legendary Aussie outfit Yothu Yindi, singer-songwriter Hatchie, electro darling Alice Ivy and longtime Nick Cave collaborator, the multi-talented Mick Harvey, just to name a few. Throw in more live sounds from the likes of Jen Cloher, THNDO, JK-47, Ashwarya and Phoebe Go, plus roving entertainment, dance performances, community activities, market stalls, and scores of food and drink pop-ups, and it's safe to say this fest is celebrating its 42nd birthday in style. [caption id="attachment_839020" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Doran[/caption] [caption id="attachment_839022" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Doran[/caption] St Kilda Festival will take over the St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds from Saturday, February 18– Sunday, February 19. Check out the full program over on the website. Top images: Nathan Doran and Andy Swann.
As the city kicks back into gear after a long Lockdown 6.0, we're set to see plenty of venue makeovers and some bold new additions to Melbourne's food and drink scene. Including the latest iteration of QT Melbourne's rooftop hideout, the Secret Garden, which has been reimagined as a vibrant, Italian-inspired oasis complete with colourful artworks and top-notch local vino. Embodying the motto of la dolce vita, the new-look Secret Garden will open its doors from Friday, October 22, for walk-ins until the end of summer. While its sights and sounds are wholeheartedly Italian, the food and drinks are set to be an all-Victorian affair, led by a collaboration with King Valley's Dal Zotto Wines. The celebrated winemaker will be pouring a selection of its Italian-leaning signature drops — sí, that includes plenty of prosecco — alongside a special appearance from the exclusive reserve list it usually keeps for its wine club members. It'll be the first time an Aussie venue gets access to creations like the 2015 Limmigrante Barbera and early 2000s vintages of the Riesling. [caption id="attachment_828903" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hayden Dib[/caption] Backing up the vino, you'll find beers from Beechworth's Bridge Road Brewers, gin and limoncello courtesy of Bass & Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, and salumi from The Meat Room in Kilmore, Central Victoria. While you're sipping and snacking beneath the festoon lights, you'll also soak up the artistic offerings of artist Rowena Martinich, and rounding out the vibe, there'll be bocce, plus a soundtrack heavy on 1920s Italia from QT's music collaborator Andrew Lewis. Secret Garden launches at 3pm on Friday, October 22, at 133 Russell St, Melbourne. It's set to stick around until the end of summer, open for walk-ins only, 2pm–late, Thursday–Sunday. Images: Hayden Dib
Parties, art, music, performances, food, stripping bare for a swim to celebrate the winter solstice: that's the Dark Mofo way, and so is weaving its anything-can-happen vibe, its beloved regular highlights, and its array of expectation-exploding shows and events into a ritual as much as a festival. The Tasmanian winter arts fest is a place to commune, with attendees and with its boundary-pushing program alike. Challenge, confrontation, evoking a strong response: Dark Mofo is a place for that, too. The festival sat out 2024, spending the time to regroup for the future ahead instead. Late that year, it announced its return for 2025, however. The full program will be unveiled at the beginning of April, but organisers have already announced the first new work. When attendees look at Nathan Maynard's We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep, they won't forget it. Set to premiere at Dark Mofo 2025 — which runs from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025, except for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21 — the new commission by the multidisciplinary Trawlwoolway artist will take over a Hobart CBD basement. Inside, expect a commentary on cultural theft and erasure via Maynard's mass installation, using sheep heads to make a statement. "Languishing in museums and their storerooms are the remains of ancestors of First Nations people from all around our globe. They have been stripped of identity and, without consent, treated like specimens for study and scientific inquiry," explains the artist. "We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep speaks to the sadistic power white institutions flex when they deny First Nations people the humanity of putting our ancestor's remains to rest in the physical and the spiritual." When Dark Mofo's 2025 comeback was first revealed, so were the returns of a number of its beloved festivities: the aforementioned Nude Solstice Swim; Night Mass, which fills downtown Hobart with art and music; culinary highlight Winter Feast, which popped up in 2024 despite the festival around it taking a break; and the Ogoh-Ogoh. If you're wondering if the world missed Dark Mofo, the response to Night Mass alone so far says it all. When 6000 pre-release tickets were made available late in 2024, they were snapped up in less than four hours. "Taking the year off in 2024 was a difficult decision, but Dark Mofo is back with renewed energy and focus, ready to deliver an enormous program spanning two packed weeks this June," notes Dark Mofo's new Artistic Director Chris Twite. "It was encouraging to sell over 6000 Night Mass tickets in less than four hours during our pre-release late last year, indicating that demand for the festival remains strong. We are hoping for a similar response when we release the full program on the 4th April." Back in November, Twite gave a few more hints at what's in store this year. "Dark Mofo is back. For our 11th chapter, once more we'll bathe the city in red and deliver two weeks of inspiring art, music and ritual," he advised when announcing the event's 2025 dates. "Night Mass is a beast, and this year it will evolve once more — worming its way through the city with new spaces, performances and experiences to dance, explore or crawl your way through." Dark Mofo returns from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025 and for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21. Head to the festival's website for further details — and check back here on Friday, April 4, 2025 for the full lineup. We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep images: Jesse Hunniford, 2025. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2025. Night Mass images: Jesse Hunniford and Andy Hatton, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Winter Feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
Who doesn't love a pie? These flaky, buttery shells full of thick soupy goodness come in infinite forms. They can be sweet or savoury, meat-packed or vegan, and the fillings can be inspired by just about any cuisine. Finding the best pie in Victoria is almost impossible, but the city of Ballarat is spending an entire month trying to find its greatest local pie. From now until the end of August, 28 local chefs, restaurants, cafes and bakeries are gunning for the top spot, and you, dear readers, can try each and every one of them. [caption id="attachment_969123" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1816 Bakehouse[/caption] Fans of the classic meat pie can sample 1816 Bakehouse's beef filet mignon pie, and traditional sweet tooths can score a slice of Aussie Oggie Pasty Co's apple crumble pie. But most spots are flipping the script, creating altogether wild and unusual fillings. Hope Bakery at Sovereign Hill has a Vegemite and cheese pie, Hot Temple has cooked up a green chicken mole version, The George Hotel has filled its with beef rendang, and Flying Chillies has gone all out with a curry laksa pie. The organisers have also been gracious enough to draw up an official Ballarat Pie Trail for those seeking to try as many creations as possible when visiting this regional city. Just make sure you stop by Itinerant Spirits — the winner of Ballarat's Best Pie competition — which is serving up a moreish sweet apple and vodka pie served warm with creamy pine nettle ice cream. [caption id="attachment_969126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Itinerant Spirits[/caption] Top images: Grainery Lane and Beechworth Bakery.
In the on-screen sea that is the never-ending list of films and television shows constantly vying for eyeballs, Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby have frequently proven gem-dappled treasure islands. When the immensely funny New Zealand talents have collided, their resumes have spanned four of the most endearing comic hits of the big and small screens in the 21st century so far, aka Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, Wellington Paranormal and Hunt for the Wilderpeople — and now, with HBO Max pirate parody Our Flag Means Death, they've given viewers another gleaming jewel. The brainchild of writer, showrunner and executive producer David Jenkins (People of Earth), this show was always going to swashbuckle its way into streaming must-see lists — and into comedy-lovers' hearts — based on its concept alone. The inimitable Darby stars as Stede Bonnet, a self-styled 'gentleman pirate' and a great approximation of Flight of the Conchords' Murray if he'd existed centuries earlier. Meanwhile, Waititi dons leather, dark hues aplenty, an air of bloodthirsty melancholy and a glorious head of greying hair as Edward Teach, the marauder better known to the world as Blackbeard. While the latter is a household name — pop culture has been inserting him into stories for decades: Ian McShane played him in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Hugh Jackman did the honours in Pan, for instance — Bonnet will be a new discovery to most of Our Flag Means Death's audience. Also a real-life figure, he left his life of wealth, privilege and comfort to rove the oceans. That's a scenario that this ten-episode comedy has plenty of fun with, complete with Bonnet's onboard library decked out with classics and summer linens-filled auxiliary wardrobe. In its first three episodes, Our Flag Means Death establishes its fish-out-of-water situation — or its tale about a ruffled shirt-wearing aristocrat seemingly out of his depths while sailing across treacherous waters, to be more accurate. Bonnet is not one for the usual pirate stereotypes, and that takes some adjusting to by his crew. Among those with him on the Revenge: Lucius (Nathan Foad, Bloods), his righthand man and official scribe; Buttons (Ewen Bremner, First Cow), a seasoned seafarer and source of advice; Black Pete (Matthew Maher, Marriage Story), who constantly claims to have worked with Blackbeard; the fire-obsessed Wee John Feeny (Kristian Nairn, aka Game of Thrones' Hodor); and the initially secretive Oluwande (Samson Kayo, Truth Seekers) and Jim (Vico Ortiz, The Sex Lives of College Girls). Scene-setting and ensemble antics abound in the series' opening instalments, including a run-in with a British navy captain (Rory Kinnear, No Time to Die) with ties to Bonnet's past, and another a fellow pirate captain-turned-bar owner (Leslie Jones, Death to 2020) and one of her husbands (Fred Armisen, Los Espookys). But then Blackbeard arrives, taking over the Revenge with his first mate Izzy (Con O'Neill, The Batman) — and Our Flag Means Death starts becoming a rom-com. From the outset, it's already a gloriously inclusive and emotionally astute comedy. Bonnet wanting his crew to be in touch with their feelings, rather than simply solve everything with swords and violence, is one of the aforementioned ways that he bucks expectations. But that trend deepens and grows as its two key swashbucklers gravitate towards each other, riding the waves from adversaries to co-captains to potentially something more. From its first trailer, Our Flag Means Death delivered answers to questions that no one knew they had, such as "what'd happen if Waititi and Darby played pirates?" and "what if Waititi and Darby played pirates alongside Spud from Trainspotting and Hodor?". Now that the results have played out across an entire season — all of which is available to stream in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon — it's sweeter than a bottle of rum to a buccaneer (or oranges to fend off scurvy, which definitely get a mention in the show). Smartly, Our Flag Means Death doesn't just satirise pirate archetypes. It isn't content with finding easy laughs at the whole 'gentleman pirate' caper, either. Instead, it's a comedy about plundering one's own depths to find out who you really are, where you truly belong and who should comprise your chosen family — whether you've been set up for a life of luxury, you're the world's most fearsome scourge of the seas or you're simply roving the oceans with them. When Waititi's Blackbeard steps into the story, meet-cute and all, less of its focus resides upon its other supporting characters. When you've got comedic greats such as Waititi and Darby bouncing off of each other — as they do from episode four onwards, and with pitch-perfect comic chemistry — you let them have the spotlight. Still, subplots that flesh out the remainder of the Revenge crew's histories wholeheartedly link in with Our Flag Means Death's focus on reinvention and rediscovery, and its open heart. Relationships are laid bare, and secrets, too. In the process, cliches are dismantled, correct pronouns are used, and everyone helps build a thoughtful and sincere comic caper. Indeed, add Our Flag Means Death to the list of delightful sitcoms that beam with warmth, even when it's soaking cat flags (yes, that's a pirate banner adorned with a feline) with blood. Stellar talent doesn't always equate to a must-see, something special or both, of course; however, Our Flag Means Death ticks all of those boxes — and the who's who that is its guest and supporting cast also includes fellow Conchords alum Kristen Schaal, Big Mouth's Nick Kroll, Arrested Development's Will Arnett, and Aussies Claudia O'Doherty (Sarah's Channel) and Angus Sampson (Bump). With Waititi also helming the pilot and executive producing, his winning ways with TV comedies continue, too, after a top-notch few years that've included the What We Do in the Shadows television spinoff and Reservation Dogs as well. Ahoy, streaming lovers — let Our Flag Means Death sail into your queue right now. Check out the full trailer for Our Flag Means Death below: Our Flag Means Death's first season is available to in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon. Images: Aaron Epstein/HBO Max.
There's nothing like watching a film at the planetarium, but it's something most of us don't do all that often. Daytime sessions cater to school groups — and in the years that the Melbourne International Film Festival has hosted a fulldome program, it's only been for a few sessions. Thankfully, Scienceworks' late-night series changes that. Every Friday evening in September and October 2024, once the planetarium's usual working day is done, adults can have some after-hours fun in the venue's impressive space. That means sitting in the reclining chairs, looking up at the 16-metre domed ceiling, listening to the 7.1 surround-sound system and soaking in the best the fulldome video projection system has to offer. In September, the Planetarium's Friday-night program is exploring the relationship between humans and frosty climes during the 7.30pm session, thanks to a fulldome film called Worlds of Ice. Then, at 9pm, it's time to get lost in Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, which is back by popular demand. October's lineup features Black Holes — Journey into the Unknown in the early slot, and the MC Escher-style XYZZY in the late timing. Making things even better is the fact that the whole thing is boozy, so you can grab a drink from the bar, take it into the auditorium and sip while you watch.
Last week, Robert Pattinson popped up on our screens in the trailer for upcoming Netflix movie The Devil All the Time. At present, he's also starring in cinemas in Tenet, which is finally earning a release. And, right this instant, he's stepping into a very well-known character's shoes (and cape and mask) — as seen in the just-dropped first trailer for The Batman. Yes, as well as featuring in a Christopher Nolan-helmed movie, Pattinson is playing a character that Nolan helped bring back to cinemas 15 years ago. This time around, Cloverfield, Let Me In, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes filmmaker Matt Reeves is in the director's chair, overseeing a new take on Batman that actually stands completely apart from the most recent Ben Affleck-starring DC Extended Universe version of the character. Basically, what DC Films and Warner Bros. Pictures did with Joker in 2019 — serving up a grimmer, grittier iteration of the infamous figure that has absolutely nothing to do with the rightfully hated Jared Leto version — they're doing for Batman now, too. Also following the same playbook: enlisting a top-notch star in the lead role. Remember, it was only earlier this year that Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar for playing the clown prince of crime. The Batman isn't slated to hit cinemas until more than 12 months away — at the end of September 2021 in Australia — however, as this first sneak peek shows, it's shaping up to be a suitably dark and brooding affair. And, as well as Pattison as the titular character and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne, it stars Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Paul Dano as the Riddler, Colin Farrell as the Penguin, Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. For those keeping count, Pattinson is the third actor to play the Dark Knight on the big screen in the 21st century, after Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. He also joins a long list of actors who've donned the outfit, including Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney. Check out The Batman trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLOp_6uPccQ The Batman is currently due to release in Australian cinemas on September 30, 2021.
If you're bored of holidays spent idling by a pool, sunbaking on a beach and ambling in a park, step up your holidays with these next-level adventures. With Intrepid Travel, we have selected six adventures that will take you to the planet's most extreme corners, from Antarctica's pristine icy beauty to the Himalayas' rugged peaks. Whether you seek the roar of cascading water or the silent majesty of remote landscapes, prepare to be immersed in experiences that redefine the meaning of epic. Antarctica There's nowhere on the planet quite like the extreme icy desert that is the unspoiled Antarctic wilderness. Spy penguins, whales and seals (oh my), snowshoe to the best viewpoints and learn from the talented expedition team. Start your adventure at the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, Argentina, before boarding a vessel to the ends of the earth. Cross the infamous and unpredictable Drake Passage — it can be calm as a lake or rough and turbulent. Experience the temperature falling as you reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Daily excursions will take you to Anvers Island, Deception Island and the South Shetland Islands. Explore the icy wilderness, with backdrops of towering icebergs, impressive glaciers, imposing snow-capped peaks, and waters dotted with ice flats. Mt Everest If bushwalking and hiking are your usual weekend activities, take your excursions up a notch (or 50) with a trek to the highest peak on our planet. Tick the mighty Mt Everest off your bucket list with an expedition to Base Camp. This trip of a lifetime to Mt Everest Base Camp will take you past unfathomably high peaks, stunning alpine lakes, icy glacial plains, unforgettable vistas and to the limits of your strength. Hiking the mighty Himalayas is no walk in the park. This trip includes 12 days of hiking for up to eight hours a day, reaching altitudes of over 5000 metres. Are you up for the challenge? Iceland What's more extreme than a hike to the highest mountain? How about an island created by volcanic eruptions? Iceland is a geographical marvel — but there's more to this island than ice (and Björk). This Nordic island nation is defined by its dramatic landscape of actively rumbling volcanos, scenic fjords, natural hot springs, gushing geysers, massive glaciers and gigantic waterfalls. Iceland is frequented by volcano-loving tourists who love to take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, gasp at the giant Skogafoss and Detifoss waterfalls and spy the aurora borealis as they circumvent this North Atlantic island. Madagascar Madagascar isn't just a lush jungle island overloaded with cartoon characters who like to move it, move it. This lush island nation has white sand beaches, steamy, humid jungles and numerous lemur species. Connect with nature as you travel down bumpy roads bordered by baobab trees and explore the national parks, reserves and lush rainforests. This adventure isn't for those who love to watch wildlife from the comforts of sleek bedsheets and spa baths. This is for wildlife lovers who want to get up close and personal with local animals in the rainforest. Scotland Embarking to the Orkney Islands promises a captivating adventure through untamed landscapes and rugged beauty. Located off the tip of Scotland in the North Sea, these islands boast an otherworldly charm, where ancient history collides with the raw forces of nature. The Orkneys are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a sanctuary for diverse bird species, seals, and other marine life. As you traverse the untamed terrain, be prepared to witness dramatic sandstone cliffs, windswept beaches and ancient Neolithic sites, all contributing to the untamed allure of the archipelago. From the mysterious standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar to the ancient village of Skara Brae, the Orkneys tell a story of a wild, resilient landscape shaped by natural forces and its inhabitants' resilient spirit. Central Asia Kyrgyzstan's rugged mountainous terrain, including the formidable Tian Shan range, beckons adrenaline seekers with challenging trekking opportunities and high-altitude landscapes. Uzbekistan captivates with its ancient mosaic-tiled ancient cities and arid deserts. Explore both on the trip to these contrasting landscapes, encountering nomadic traditions in Kyrgyz yurt camps and exploring Uzbekistan's historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. Witness where the past meets the present, offering an unforgettable journey for those seeking a blend of adventure and history. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
Several years in the works, a brand-new green space is ready to make Melbourne's central riverfront a little more lush. Opening on Thursday, June 19, Seafarers Rest is set to become the city's first new riverfront public park in over two decades, bringing 3500 square metres of greenery to Birrarung, aka the Yarra River. Forming part of North Wharf's revitalisation — a $600 million project led by developer Riverlee in partnership with the City of Melbourne — this stretch between Spencer Street and the Charles Grime Bridge is buoyed even further with the addition of this vibrant, accessible public space. Designed by landscape architecture and urban design practice Oculus, the team's highly integrated approach marries history, ecology and community. So, what can you expect? Seafarers Rest spans an immersive array of native plantings and generous lawns, bringing a vivid sense of nature to this once-industrial area. Supported by vegetated walking and cycling paths, kids' play areas, rope swings and shipping-inspired seating, there's also space for markets, live music and community gatherings throughout the day and night. Seafarers Rest dovetails directly with 1 Hotel Melbourne, serving as a green gateway to the luxury hotel's lounge and bar. You might also notice design details that pay homage to the area's Indigenous heritage and rich maritime history, like timber benches inspired by shipping crates alongside curated artefacts hand-picked from the Offshore & Speciality Ships Association. [caption id="attachment_1010719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: Mikkel Vang[/caption] "A vital piece of Northbank, Seafarers Rest's green infrastructure promotes wellbeing through connection to place and a celebration of community and culture," says Oculus Associate Director Claire Martin. "The outcomes we will deliver draws heavily on the relationship to the river and the site's maritime history which define the unique character of this part of the city and remain important to Melburnians." As for the broader North Wharf precinct, it's a mixed-use wonderland, with the 277-room hotel and 114 apartments set to breathe plenty of atmosphere into the area. Plus, there's a new function centre set to occupy the heritage-listed former cargo shed, Berth 5. Carefully conceived to harmonise with the waterfront and promote round-the-clock communal activities, this largely forgotten part of Melbourne is now looking a whole lot more impressive. Seafarers Rest will open on Thursday, June 19, at 68 Siddeley Street, Docklands. Head to the website for more information on the park and the surrounding precinct.
For eight decades, the space at Hawthorn East's 225 Camberwell Road served up all sorts of pre-loved treasures. Now, the heritage building across from the Rivoli cinema is slinging all manner of local and international wines. Taking over half of the shop front, East End Wine Bar transforms a 1930s auction house into a old-meets-new hangout — one where sitting and sipping is the main attraction, but where browsing the racks and taking a bottle home with you is also on the cards. Whichever you choose, you'll be doing so among timber and steel finishings, with the decor influenced by English pubs as well as modern-day Melbourne. Combining a cosy indoor space with an outdoor courtyard — complete with a retractable awning to make the most of the weather, when appropriate — the new watering hole can hold 130 people for drinks and a bite to eat. Small plates, charcuterie boards and pizzas are on the food menu. Among the latter, the 'Gawny', is a tribute to one of East End's owners: Melbourne Demons footballer Max Gawn. He's teamed up with Saint James' Rich Donovan and Craig Tate, plus Burnley Brewing operator Phil Gjisbergs, with their venture now open seven days a week — from 4pm on weekdays and from midday on weekends. Drinks-wise, wine lovers will find a 21-strong wine list spanning reds, whites, sparkling, rose and orange tipples, plus beer and cider as well — including three brews on tap. The aperitif selection is small but stacked with favourites, including Aperol spritzes, Pimm's cups, negronis and old fashioneds. And, on the takeaway front, vino aficionados can pick from the bottle shop's selection, which highlights low yielding wine producers as well as established masters.
How many times have you walked through Federation Square, whether rushing to Flinders Street Station, hopping on or off a tram, checking out a sporting event on the site's big screen or hitting up a nearby venue? How well do you know the public space in your mind, then? It's up there with the MCG as one of the first places that anyone thinks of when they think about Melbourne, but both locals and visitors alike will see it as they've never seen it before when June hits and RISING 2024 arrives. The Victorian capital's annual winter arts festival — because Vivid Sydney doesn't have a monopoly on citywide cultural celebrations at this time of year — will run from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16. One of its centrepieces is a spot that everyone is bound to go to anyway, but turning Fed Square into a showcase of First Peoples' art and politics. The free exhibition and public program is called The Blak Infinite, and will boast Richard Bell's EMBASSY as its centrepiece. Inside the work, which is inspired by the original Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra in the 70s, talks will be held every Saturday, while films will screen daily. Make sure that you spend time looking up at Fed Square during RISING 2024, too; each evening, projections will take to the heavens, telling tales of Sky Country and the cosmos. On the site's big screen, Ellen Van Neerven's speculative fiction will feature. And keep an eye out for Kait James and Tony Albert's contributions, with one digging into and subverting souvenirs via collage, and the other going big and colourful with large-scale installations. The Blak Infinite leads the highlights on RISING's full program for this year, which has been unveiled after a couple of past announcements for the June fest. So, audiences should already be excited about Counting and Cracking and Communitas. The first brings the acclaimed Sri Lankan-Australian stage saga to Melbourne finally, and the second involves 'Love Tonight' talents SHOUSE throwing a music party that'll fill Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral with hundreds of people making tunes as part of a choir. There's 105 events featuring 480-plus artists all up — including 23 newly commissioned works, plus six that are making their world premiere — with tunes also at the heart of the newly revealed Day Tripper, a festival within the broader festival over the King's Birthday long weekend. Melbourne Town Hall will be its hub, but the event will take over an entire block, including the Capitol Theatre and Max Watt's. And, you'll only need one ticket to hit it all up. Music-wise, Yasiin Bey, who was formerly known as Mos Def, leads the Day Tripper bill with a tribute to MF Doom. The rest of the lineup includes almost every genre that you can think of from hip hop and disco to post-punk and acid house. There'll be dance works, video pieces and brass bands as well — and Bar Italia, Asha Puthli, HTRK, Richard Youngs and more taking part. Love music films? Make a date with 24 Hour Rock Show, which British Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller first staged in Finland in 2015. It'll play rock documentaries back to back for a whole day and night, and for free. If you're up for it, catching the full 24 hours will be a wild cinema endurance test. Bey isn't only appearing at Day Tripper, but also at PICA to perform his 2009 album The Ecstatic. On the rest of RISING's music roster, ONEFOUR, Fever Ray, The Dirty Three playing their home town for the first time in 14 years, Sky Ferreira, Tirzah, Blonde Redhead, Snoh Aalegra and Moktar also pop up. For trance fans, UK producer Evian Christ has an exclusive show for the festival — and, for something complete different, Deller's Acid Brass is staging free public concerts. Once more linking tunes with the big screen, Hear My Eyes is back with a screening of Hellraiser. Hieroglyphic Being aka Jamal Moss is doing an all-new score for the horror classic, while visual artist Robin Fox will add a live laser performance. RISING attendees will also be able to enjoy The First Bad Man by Ireland's Pan Pan Theatre, which is based around Miranda July's novel and described as "a performative book club" — and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company's Big Name No Blankets, which dives into the Warumpi Band's history. Or, there's the first chapter of The Cadela Força Trilogy, examining sexual violence in art history; First Peoples' futuristic drag show ECLIPSE; inclusive club night CRIP RAVE THEORY; and eight hours of 8/8/8: REST, the second part in a triptych that began at RISING 2022 with 8/8/8: WORK. At a festival that's all about showing folks something that they won't see every day, SONG HISTOIRE(S) DU THÉ TRE IV certainly fits, too: as conjured up by Flemish artist Miet Warlop, it involves musicians playing just one song over and over, all while partaking in an obstacle course featuring trampolines, treadmills and balance beams. So does FOOD, which is set at an illusionist's dinner party, and has audiences sat around the stage-sized table to dive into the history of its namesake. Also on the program: the return of The Rivers Sing, the Melbourne Art Trams unveiling their latest First Peoples' works, Bell's Pay the Rent making a Melbourne comeback over a decade since debuting in the city, plus nightly social club Night Trade. [caption id="attachment_945445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brett Boardman[/caption] RISING 2024 runs from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16 across Melbourne. Head to the festival's website for further information and tickets, with latter on sale from 12pm on Tuesday, March 12 for subscribers and 12pm on Thursday, March 14 otherwise. Top image: Damian Raggatt.
It's about to get a whole lot harder for any Victorian driver to get away with using their mobile phone while driving — and it's thanks to new state-of-the art safety cameras being installed to detect the illegal behaviour. This Wednesday, July 29, the Victorian Government is launching a three-month trial of the phone detection cameras and then, if the trial is successful, hopes to roll them out across the state. So, how will they work? Well, the cameras will take high-resolution images of the front seat of the car, and those images can then be viewed in real time to detect folks using their phones while they're behind the wheel. The cameras can apparently operate in all conditions, day and night, and regardless of the weather. The new technology will be tested across several metro and regional locations, according to the government, and will be managed by Acusensus — the same Australian company that helped launch the world-first cameras in NSW. During Sydney's six-month trial of the cameras in early 2019 — before they were rolled out permanently in late 2019 — the cameras spied more than 100,000 drivers illegally using their phones. [caption id="attachment_742763" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A photo taken during the NSW camera trial[/caption] The Victorian Government will not be handing out any fines during the trial and says it will delete all photos captured, except for "a limited number of de-identified images". From 2017–2018, 30,000 Victorians were fined for illegally using their phones while driving. According to research conducted by Monash University, a mobile phone camera program — such as this one being trialled — could prevent 95 casualty crashes per year. Victoria's three-month trial of safety cameras starts on Wednesday, July 29. To find out more, head to the Victorian Government website.
School's back — and so is the escalating battle between humans and folks with superpowers, no shortage of chaos and gore, and nothing being quite what it seems at Godolkin University. Also returning at the centre of all of the above, as seen in the just-dropped full trailer for Gen V season two: the blood-bending Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair, Please Baby Please), her size-changing roomate Emma Meyer (Lizze Broadway, Kinda Pregnant), gender-shifting Jordan Li (Never Have I Ever's London Thor and Shining Vale's Derek Luh), the persuasive Cate Dunlap (Maddie Phillips, Overcompensating), super-strong Sam Riordan (Asa Germann, Monsters) and superhero Polarity (Sean Patrick Thomas, High Potential). This college-set spinoff from The Boys — which takes the latter's caped-crusader satirising to the next generation — first debuted in 2023 and was quickly renewed for a second run. Season four of The Boys arrived in 2024, and now it's time for Gen V's comeback from Wednesday, September 17, 2025, ahead of the Vought Cinematic Universe's OG series wrapping up with its upcoming fifth and final season. What if dealing with possessing superpowers turned higher learning into absolute mayhem? That's one of the concepts at the heart of Gen V — although the impact of part of the population having extraordinary abilities has always been at the core of the entire franchise. As the VCU's characters cope with the fallout from Homelander's (Antony Starr, G20) actions in The Boys, what if the Godolkin gang could rival him in strength? That's where Gen V is heading, too, the new sneak peek teases. As also seen in an earlier teaser for season two, there's a new uni head, Cipher (Hamish Linklater, Nickel Boys), on the scene with a far-from-trustworthy vibe. Indeed, he wants his pupils to be more powerful than ever. Marie's stint at the Elmira Adult Rehabilitation Centre, her home since the events of season one — and for some of her friends, too — comes to an end as well; however, going back to class isn't the same as it once was, including in a "Make America Super Again" world. Then there's the discovery of a secret program dating back to God U's founding. For those who missed Gen V 's initial season, Godolkin University is the college for superheroes that's meant to help prepare the best of the best for caped-crusader life — until exploding classmates, creepy secret facilities and unnerving professors complicate matters, that is. Season one spent its time with Marie, who knows that attending God U is a pivotal opportunity. After a traumatic experience when her powers kicked in, this is her chance to completely change her life, as well as achieve her dream of becoming the first Black woman in The Seven. Then, nothing turns out as planned. Also, things on campus (and underneath it) get shady, fast. The pair of glimpses at season two so far also dive into how the show is addressing an off-screen tragedy, after season-one talent Chance Perdomo (After Everything), who portrayed the magnetic Andre Anderson, passed away in 2024. Familiar faces from across the franchise feature in the new footage as well, alongside Ethan Slater (Wicked) joining the cast as Thomas Godolkin. Check out the full trailer for Gen V season two below: Gen V streams via Prime Video, with season two releasing from Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Read our review of season one.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this month's latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from March's haul of newbies. (Yes, we're assuming that you've already jumped on A Dog's World with Tony Armstrong already.) BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW FRESH Finally, a film about dating in the 21st century with real bite — and that's unafraid to sink its teeth into the topic. In this hit Sundance horror-comedy, Normal People's Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Noa, and once again gets entangled in a romance that'll leave a mark; here, however, the scars aren't merely emotional. Swiping right hasn't been doing it for Fresh's protagonist, as a comically terrible date with the appropriately named Chad (Brett Dier, Jane the Virgin) demonstrates early. Then sparks fly the old-fashioned way, in-person at the supermarket, with the curiously offline doctor Steve (Sebastian Stan, Pam & Tommy). Soon, he's whisking her away to a secluded spot for the weekend — a little too swiftly for Noa's protective best friend Mollie's (Jojo T Gibbs, Twenties) liking, especially given that no one can virtually stalk his socials to scope him out — and that getaway takes a savage and nightmare-fuelling twist. If Raw met Ex Machina, then crossed paths with American Psycho and Hostel, and finally made the acquaintance of any old rom-com, Fresh still wouldn't be the end result — but its tone stems from those parts, as do some plot points and performances, and even a few scenes as well. First-time feature director Mimi Cave doesn't butcher these limbs, though, and screenwriter Lauryn Kahn (Ibiza) doesn't stitch them together like Frankenstein's monster. As anchored by the excellent Edgar-Jones and Stan, there's care, savvy, smarts and style in this splatter-filled, satirical, brutal, funny, empowered and sweet film. Its twists, and its cutting take on predatory dating, are best discovered by watching, but being turned off apps, men and meat in tandem is an instant gut reaction. Fresh is available to stream via Disney+. OUR FLAG FLAG MEANS DEATH In the on-screen sea that is the never-ending list of films and television shows constantly vying for eyeballs, Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby have frequently proven gem-dappled treasure islands. When the immensely funny New Zealand talents have collided, their resumes have spanned four of the most endearing comic hits of the big and small screens in the 21st century so far, aka Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, Wellington Paranormal and Hunt for the Wilderpeople — and now, with pirate parody Our Flag Means Death, they've given viewers another gleaming jewel. This show was always going to swashbuckle its way into streaming must-see lists — and into comedy-lovers' hearts — based on its concept alone, but it more than lives up to its winning idea and winsome casting. Come for the buccaneering banter and seafaring satire, stay for a thoughtful and sincere comic caper that's also a rom-com. The inimitable Darby stars as Stede Bonnet, a self-styled 'gentleman pirate' and a great approximation of Flight of the Conchords' Murray if he'd existed centuries earlier. Meanwhile, Waititi dons leather, dark hues aplenty, an air of bloodthirsty melancholy and an eye-catching head of greying hair as Edward Teach, the marauder better known to the world as Blackbeard. The two real-life figures eventually cross paths after Bonnet leaves his life of wealth, privilege and comfort to rove the oceans, captains a ship staffed by a motley crew to end all motley crews, and initially gets captured by Blackbeard — or Ed, as he calls him. As these two opposites bond, riding the waves from adversaries to co-captains to potentially something more, Our Flag Means Death truly and gloriously opens up its warm heart. The first season of Our Flag Means Death is available to stream via Binge. Read our full review. ASCENSION Ascension may not be an Oscar-winner, losing out to Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), but it'll always be one of 2022's nominees. More than that, this two-time Tribeca Film Festival winner will forever remain one of the most arresting documentaries of the past year as well. Helming her first feature-length doco, filmmaker Jessica Kingdon turns her gaze to the Chinese dream — and what she sees, while situated in a very specific cultural context by design, is a clear and easy sibling to its American counterpart. That's part of the statement her film makes, all just by watching on patiently but meticulously as people go about their lives. Starting with factory recruitment on the streets, then stepping into mass production, then climbing the social hierarchy up to the rich and privileged, Ascension explores employment and consumerism — and what they mean in an everyday sense in modern-day and modernised China. It's a portrait of the needs that make working on assembly lines a necessity, and of the dreams that inspire every step up the societal ladder. Some folks build sex dolls, their uncanny valley-esque forms adding an eerie mood. Others take lessons on etiquette for service jobs, including about not letting your face betray your emotions, and the tone is also unsettling. Observational to a mesmerising degree, Kingdon's exceptional film lets its slices of life and the behaviour, attitudes and patterns they capture do the talking, and they all speak volumes. Indeed, what a clever, telling, incisive and surreal story they unfurl. Ascension is available to stream via Paramount+. TURNING RED What'd happen if the Hulk was a teenage girl, and turned into a giant, fuzzy, super-cute red panda instead of going green and getting ultra-muscular? Or, finding a different riff on the ol' werewolf situation, if emotions rather than full moons inspired a case of not-quite-lycanthropy? These aren't queries that most folks have thought of, but writer/director Domee Shi certainly has — and they're at the core of Pixar's Turning Red, her debut feature after winning an Oscar for 2018 short Bao. As many of the animation studio's movies do, the film takes its title literally. But, it also spins the usual Pixar question. Turning Red does indeed wonder what'd happen if red pandas sported human-style emotions; however, the Disney-owned company has been musing on people becoming other kinds of critters of late, with particularly astute and endearing results here. The movie's focus: 13-year-old Chinese Canadian Meilin Lee (Rosalie Chiang, also making her film debut). The year is 2002, and she loves meeting her strict but doting mum Ming's (Sandra Oh, The Chair) expectations, hanging out with her pals and obsessing over boy band 4*Town. And while her mother doesn't approve of her friends or her taste in music, Mei has become accustomed to juggling everything that's important to her. But then, after a boy-related mishap, the red panda appears. Mei goes to bed feeling normal, albeit angsty and upset, only to wake up looking like a cuddly creature. Like werewolf tales about teenage boys tend to be, Turning Red is all about puberty and doesn't hide it — and whether it's tackling that head-on, pondering generational trauma or showing its rampant love for boy bands, it sports sweetness, soul and smarts. Turning Red is available to stream via Disney+. Read our full review. UPLOAD In its first season in 2020, Upload gave The Office and Parks and Recreation writer/co-creator Greg Daniels his own existential-leaning comedy. Think: The Good Place meets virtual reality, which is basically the premise. After a car accident at the age of 27, computer programmer Nathan (Robbie Amell, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City) is uploaded to a luxurious digital afterlife called Lakeview, which takes more than a little adjusting. Following his troubles with his still-breathing girlfriend Ingrid (Allegra Edwards, Briarpatch), as well as his growing bond with the IT employee, Nora (Andy Allo, Pitch Perfect 3), who works as his virtual handler or "angel", the series found plenty of ways to interrogate its concept. Indeed, while clearly a satire of capitalism, technology and their combination, it also inched towards unnerving Black Mirror territory. In season two, Upload dives deeper — and those Black Mirror comparisons only grow, too. Just like with that dystopian hit, it's plain to see how this reality could come true in a not-so-distant future, which no one watching this could ever want. Nathan now knows that all isn't well in Lakeview, or with the profit-hungry tech company behind it. Nora is well aware also, starting off the new batch of episodes by immersing herself with the anti-tech anarchists the Ludds. And Ingrid has spotted that Nathan isn't as enamoured with their relationship or his new virtual abode, so she decides to join him. Upload is still a comedy, but it knows that getting dark and being smart couldn't be more crucial given its concept. This season cleverly dives deeper, and only disappoints by being just seven half-hour episodes long. Consider your appetite whetted for season three, though. Season two of Upload is is available to stream via Prime Video. LUCY AND DESI Icons celebrating icons: when Amy Poehler directs a documentary about Lucille Ball, as she does here, that's the end result. It's fitting that Lucy and Desi includes a letter read mere days after Desi Arnaz's death, about his ex-wife and longterm professional partner, that included a touching line: "I Love Lucy wasn't just the name of the show". Poehler loves Lucy, too, understandably. Watching the compilation of clips curated here — spanning Ball's movie career in the 30s and 40s, as well as her TV shows such as the pioneering I Love Lucy, follow-up The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour, and later sitcoms The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy — it's impossible not to see Ball's influence upon the Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation star, and upon the generations of female comedians that've followed Ball. Lucy and Desi loves Arnaz as well, though, and truly adores the pair's tumultuous love story — one that changed the course of comedy history. Forget Being the Ricardos, the average-at-best Aaron Sorkin film that inexplicably earned Oscar nominations — including for its one-note performances — and doesn't even dream of being funny. A deeper, meatier, far more interesting dance through Ball and Arnaz's life comes from Lucy and Desi, which benefits not just from Poehler's affection and her eagerness to ensure that her subjects' personalities shine through, but also from previously unreleased audio tapes of the pair talking about their ups and downs. Recent interviews pepper the film as well, including with daughter Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, and both Bette Midler and Carol Burnett. Still, this doco's points of focus truly do speak best for themselves, whether chatting frankly or seen in all of those wonderful sitcom snippets. Lucy and Desi is is available to stream via Prime Video. WINDFALL Films can arrive at the perfect time, but usually they're actually products of their time. With Windfall, the former feels true, but this twisty thriller couldn't have been made at any other moment. It's an account of the haves and the have nots, and the widening gap between them — and it's told now, after years of that chasm growing visibly, the privileged largely lapping it up while hardening their disdain for anyone less fortunate, and the latter increasingly refusing to accept such inequality. The setting: a sprawling vacation home owned by a CEO worth billions and his wife. The setup: a break-in interrupted by said couple. The showdown: between two sides of the income divide (struggling versus obscenely comfortable), as brought to the screen by director Charlie McDowell (The One I Love, The Discovery). In a story credited to the filmmaker, star Jason Segel, McDowell's regular screenwriter Justin Lader and Seven scribe Andrew Kevin Walker — and also earning all the above either producer or executive producer billing, and fellow on-screen talents Lilly Collins and Jesse Plemons as well as — talk is largely the name of the game. Nobody (Segel, Dispatches From Elsewhere), as the movie's burglar is dubbed, argues with the CEO (Plemons, The Power of the Dog) and his other half (Collins, Emily in Paris) after taking them hostage at gunpoint, and their conversation is constantly revealing. He's initially bought off by the small stack of cash secreted away in the well-appointed abode but, after leaving then returning when he spies security cameras, he wants more money for his mercy. What follows is a perceptively shot and compellingly performed dissection of having it all (the CEO), grasping for some of it (Nobody) and realising that riches can't buy happiness (the wife). Windfall is available to stream via Netflix. NEW SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK MOON KNIGHT Marvel's knack for casting is one of its superpowers, and it flexes those talents in Moon Knight. Enlisting Oscar Isaac fresh from the phenomenal 2021 trio that is Dune, Scenes From a Marriage and The Card Counter is as shrewd a casting move as the behemoth responsible for the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made, especially given that he plays two roles in one. The series starts with Isaac as Steven Grant, who works in the gift shop of a British museum, wishes he could lead tours instead, studies Egypt and sports a broad English accent. Oh, and chains himself to his bed every night, even though he has trouble sleeping. But as gaps in his days lead him to learn, Steven is also American mercenary Marc Spector — or, to be exact, vice versa. Complicating matters further, he's the on-earth conduit for the Egyptian moon god Khonshu as well. Even within franchise confines, Isaac is mesmerising in Moon Knight, playing a man grappling with dissociative identity disorder — as complex a character as the MCU has delivered so far — who's also drawn into a continent-hopping mystery-adventure. Also complicating matters: shadowy cult-like figure Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke, The Good Lord Bird), who has unfinished business with Khonshu and big plans of his own. Welcomely, the Marvel formula feels fresher here. Also pivotal: that, because it branches off with a previously unseen protagonist rather than the sprawling saga's usual heroes, this is the first MCU Disney+ series that doesn't feel like homework. Having filmmakers Mohamed Diab (Clash) and Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (Synchronic) also leaves an impression, in what's easily the most intriguing small-screen Marvel effort so far. The first episode of Moon Knight is available to stream via Disney+, with new instalments dropping weekly. Read our full review. MINX When home video, the internet and mobile phones with inbuilt cameras each arrived, six words could've been uttered: get ready to look at dicks. New HBO comedy Minx is set the early 70s, so before all three, but the same phrase also applies here. It's true of the show itself, which isn't shy about displaying the male member in various shapes and sizes. It also stands tall in the world that Minx depicts. When you're making the first porn magazine for women — and, when you're making an ambitious, entertaining and impeccably cast The Deuce meets Mrs America-style series about it, but lighter, sweeter and funnier (and all purely fictional) — penises are inescapable. Also impossible to avoid in Minx: questions like "are erections consistent with our philosophy?", as asked by Vassar graduate and country club regular Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond, Trying). Idolising the magazine industry and unhappily working for the dispiritingly traditional Teen Queen, she has long dreamed of starting her own feminist publication — even penning a bundle of articles and making her own issues — but centrefolds splashed with male genitalia don't fit her ideal pitch. No one's buying what Joyce is selling, though; The Matriarchy Awakens, her dream mag, gets rejected repeatedly by the industry's gatekeepers. Only one is interested: Bottom Dollar Publications' Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson, Ride the Eagle), but he's in the pornography business. The first four episodes of Minx are available to stream via Stan, with new instalments dropping weekly. Read our full review. THE DROPOUT Dramatising the Theranos scandal, eight-part miniseries The Dropout is the third high-profile release in the past two months to relive a wild true-crime tale — following not only the Anna Delvey-focused Inventing Anna, about the fake German heiress who conned her way through New York City's elite, but also documentary The Tinder Swindler, which steps through defrauding via dating app at the hands of Israeli imposter Simon Leviev. It also dives into the horror-inducing Dr Death-esque realm, because when a grift doesn't just mess with money and hearts, but with health and lives, it's pure nightmare fuel. And, it's the most gripping of the bunch, even though we're clearly living in peak scandal-to-screen times. Scam culture might be here to stay as Inventing Anna told us in a telling line of dialogue, but it isn't enough to just gawk its way — and The Dropout and its powerful take truly understands this. To tell the story of Theranos, The Dropout has to tell the story of Elizabeth Holmes, the Silicon Valley biotech outfit's founder and CEO from the age of 19. Played by a captivating, career-best Amanda Seyfried — on par with her Oscar-nominated work in Mank, but clearly in a vastly dissimilar role — the Steve Jobs-worshipping Holmes is seen explaining her company's name early in its first episode. It's derived from the words "therapy" and "diagnosis", she stresses, although history already dictates that it offered little of either. Spawned from Holmes' idea to make taking blood simpler and easier, using just one drop from a small finger prick, it failed to deliver, lied about it copiously and still launched to everyday consumers, putting important medical test results in jeopardy. The first six episodes of The Dropout are available to stream via Disney+, with new instalments dropping weekly. Read our full review. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2021, and January and February 2022 — and our top new TV shows of 2021, best new television series from this year that you might've missed and top straight-to-streaming films and specials as well. Top image: Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
We've passed the winter solstice and the temptation to hibernate is growing ever stronger — so, you probably need a little something extra to tempt you off the couch. Handily, online reservation platform The Fork has a winning idea up its sleeve: it's offering a huge six weeks of dining specials nationwide. Kicking off on Monday, July 1, The Fork Festival will see over 250 top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for half the usual price. Yep, 50 percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. To snag a half-price meal, you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app at one of the participating eateries for any service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during the six weeks. [caption id="attachment_574140" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Comuna Cantina[/caption] There are some great venues coming to the party, too. In Sydney, you'll find discounted eats at the likes of Pilu at Freshwater, Queen Chow Manly, Potts Point wine bar Monopole, Din Tai Fung (Chatswood, Central Park, Miranda), waterside spot Berowra Waters Inn, Fratelli Fresh (Alexandria and Crows Nest) and Surry Hills' Caffe Bartolo. Melbourne spots include Prahran's Casa NOM, Burma Lane in the CBD, South Yarra's Abacus and Pretty Boy Italian Steakhouse. Brisbane folk can score discounts at the likes of Comuna Cantina, River Quay Fish and The French Bistrot, and Perth diners should put Angove Kitchen & Espresso Bar, Prince Lane and Street Eats Eatery on their radar. You might want to revisit an old favourite or you could get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discount feasts before the festival wraps up on August 11. The Fork Festival runs from July 1–August 11. The full list of participating restaurants will be released on the website on June 30. Top image: Caffe Bartolo by Kitti Gould; Casa Nom by Griffin Simm.
Already dreaming of warmer days? The annual Tesselaar Tulip Festival is set to feature close to one million tulips planted across five acres of farmland, offering the perfect excuse to wander through endless fields of flowers to celebrate the start of spring. The tulip farm will come alive for its famous festivities from Saturday, September 16–Sunday, October 15, with a calendar of themed weekends promising something for all. Running September 16–17, Turkish Weekend will dish up a program of live art, music and food in honour of the country that played host to the first tulip festival over 400 years ago. Then, Dutch Weekend (September 22–24) will transport you straight to Holland, homeland of the festival's founders Cees and Johanna Tesselaar. Get set for clog dancing, sjoekbak (Dutch shuffleboard) and, in a recreation of Amsterdam's famed Alkmaar Cheese Market, a host of traditional eats — last year this included oliebollen (Dutch dumplings), bitterballen (meatballs), poffertjes and Tesselaar's signature Double Dutch ice cream. More great eating awaits at Food, Wine & Jazz Weekend (September 29–October 1), where you'll enjoy local drinks and gastronomical delights among the tulips. Also on the bill: a couple of Children's Weeks, a weekend devoted to retro rock 'n' roll, and an Irish Weekend filled with craic. Tickets are available at the farm, but you can buy them online in advance from August 1 to skip the queue.
In 2020, Brisbane made history, becoming the only city outside of Melbourne to ever host an AFL Grand Final. This year, the Queensland capital looks poised to land another huge sporting event — although it won't happen for another 11 years. That'd be the 2032 Olympic Games, with Brisbane named the preferred host for the Games of the XXXV Olympiad back in February. Now, overnight, that quest has progressed. Following a meeting on Thursday, June 10, the International Olympic Committee Executive Board has announced that it is recommending that the Queensland capital gets the official nod. The IOC Executive Board's proposal now moves to the broader International Olympic Committee itself, which will vote on the matter at its next session on Wednesday, July 21. So, in just over a month, Brisbane will likely be named as the actual host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games — not just the preferred host. The move follows a recommendation by the Future Host Commission for the Games of the Olympiad, as happened when Brisbane was named the preferred 2032 host earlier this year. This time, the commission has put together a detailed report, which just earned the Executive Board's unanimous support. Announcing the news and outlining why the city has won its endorsement, the Executive Board listed eight core strengths identified in Brisbane's bid. They include the fact that Australia is apparently a "sports-loving nation"; the use of either existing or temporary venues to cover 84 percent of the Games; the support of the government, the public and the private sector; a commitment to sustainability; and the social and economic benefits — US$6.1 billion in value to Queensland and US$13.4 billion to Australia, according to commission's impact study. https://twitter.com/iocmedia/status/1403007957424611328 If Brisbane is officially named next month, the 2032 Games will be the first held in Oceania since 2000 — when Sydney did the honours — and will mark just a 32-year gap between Australia's most recent hosting slots. The Games were first held on our shores back in 1956, in Melbourne. It'll also mean that southeast Queensland will host the Olympics just 14 years after hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Brisbane has staged the Commonwealth Games, too, back in 1982. Brisbane's bid includes three clusters of venues — in Brisbane itself, on the Gold Coast and on the Sunshine Coast — and proposes that the Games take place between July 23–August 8, 2032. As revealed in April, the Gabba will also undergo a huge revamp if the city hosts the Games, which'll basically involve tearing the stadium down and rebuilding it again. After Tokyo holds the postponed 2020 Games in July and August — without overseas spectators — Paris is on hosting duties in 2024. Then, in 2028, Los Angeles will take the torch. For further details about the International Olympic Committee's announcement, and about Brisbane's bid for the 2032 Olympics, head to the Games' website. Top image: Tokyo 2020 and TMG.
Winter might still be months away, but the final series of Game of Thrones is set to air on April 14. If the show's comeback will have you spiralling into an all-consuming GoT hole, then you will probably want to get in on Melbourne's latest themed event. Call your banners and get ready for an immersive medieval-style banquet reminiscent of the series. Prepare for a meal that not only replicates the fascinating and often terrifying world of GoT that so many have come to depend on for meaning in life, but will include a brunch feast, lots of ale, and some murderous entertainment. Many details of the event are still shrouded in mystery (much like the eventual outcome of the series), including the date and price. The location hasn't been announced, but will be somewhere in the inner city. But we can guess the specific theme. Taking its cues from a particularly notorious episode of HBO's hit series, this immersive banquet will surely be styled after the Red Wedding. Yes, you can assume there'll be some recreations of scenes from George R. R. Martin's saga — although here's hoping there's no regicide at this one. If, like Jon Snow, you know nothing, then you're in for an entertaining feast. Costumes are welcome, but no pretend (or real) weaponry. The banquet will happen in Melbourne later this year. Further details — and tickets — will be released soon via email. We'll let you know when they are.
Victoria's current lockdown won't be ending today, Tuesday, July 20, after Premier Daniel Andrews flagged yesterday that the stay-at-home conditions would need to continue due to rising case numbers. Something has been changing during this current outbreak, however, and fast. That'd be the list of exposure sites — which, just a few days back on Friday, July 16, included 125 venues, but now reaches 320. The Victorian Department of Health has been updating the register as new places are identified, as it does during all outbreaks. Late on Monday, July 19, it announced a number of new Tier 1 exposure sites — including one big and familiar venue. As happened back in June, too, South Melbourne Market is once again on the list. If you visited the site on Sunday, July 11, you may need to get tested immediately and then self-isolate for 14 days, which is the standard procedure for Tier 1 venues. That requirement applies between the hours of 9.30am–12pm to folks who went to The SuperCool, Spin South Melbourne and Create tBt Toys and Games. South Melbourne's Panette Eatery on Cecil Street was also named as a Tier 1 site, between 8–11am the same day. Also just joining the list: Coles Glenferrie in Hawthorn from 6.45–7.10pm on Wednesday, July 14, Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya in Fitzroy from 6.35–9.15pm on Thursday, July 15 and Upton Girl cafe in Windsor from 8.30–9.05am on Wednesday, July 14. Obviously, given the lengthy number of sites now named, the list goes on. Some venues date back to Thursday, July 8, while the most recent exposures date to Saturday, July 17. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1417105020802064386 Other notable venues that've newly joined the roster, but as Tier 2 locations — which requires getting tested urgently, then self-isolating until results are received — include the visitors hub at Queen Victoria Market (from 12.15–1pm on Thursday, July 15), Daniel's Donuts on Collins Street (from 3–3.30pm on Thursday, July 15), Bunnings Dandenong (from 7.45–8.15am on Tuesday, July 13), Richmond's Cheeky Monkey Cafe (from 8.10–8.55am on Friday, July 16), Woolworths Fitzroy (from 12.20–1pm on Friday, July 16), and a number of Metro Train and Yarra Trams routes. As always, Melburnians can keep an eye on the local list of exposure sites at the Department of Health website — it will keep being updated if and when more sites are identified. For those looking to get tested, you can find a list of testing sites including regularly updated waiting times also on the Department of Health website. And, has remained the case throughout the pandemic, Melburnians should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste, symptoms-wise. For further details on the latest exposure sites and updated public health advice, see the Department of Health website. Top image: Google Maps.
If you like croissants and ice cream, as everyone should, then we've just found the four tastiest words in the English language: Lune ice cream sandwich. Lune Croissanterie serves up limited-edition treats each month, and has just added to its February 2024 range with the ultimate special to see out summer. These $15 sandos are even made with croissant ice cream. There's three forms of croissant worked into Lune's latest Frankenstein's monster-esque pastry mashup, providing the outside of the sandwich and featuring in the filling. Wrapped around the ice cream is a pain au chocolat, which has been sliced open. And inside, that croissant ice cream is made using pastry-infused milk and caramelised croissant pieces. How do you whip up croissant ice cream? Lune takes its croissants, soaks them in milk, then uses that as a base. As it's churning, the caramelised croissant pieces are added. Yes, it just reading about it should make you hungry. "When we first opened Lune in Fitzroy, one day an ingenious staff member cut a pain au chocolat in half and filled it with some gelato we happened to have in the freezer. It became a mainstay staff snack (with a rather naughty nickname)," explains Lune owner and co-founder Kate Reid. "We've decided that it's far too good to keep in-house as a staff secret. My inner child is so stoked that it's making a public debut!" [caption id="attachment_735735" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josie Withers[/caption] The Lune ice cream sando is only on the menu from Saturday, February 10–Wednesday, February 28, and only at the chain's the chain's stores in Armadale in Melbourne and South Brisbane. There's no online pre-orders, either, so you will need to lineup to get your hands around this special. While you're there, you can also treat yo'self to something else in the February lineup. The twice-baked finger bun croissants are back, alongside cherry ripe pains au chocolat, tiramisu puddings, berry juniper cruffins, and harissa and goats' cheese escargots. Lune's ice cream sandwiches are available until Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at the chain's Armadale and South Brisbane stores only. Images: Lune.
If you like celebrating October German-style, a trip to Europe at the right time of year is likely on your must-do list. For those who can't take a boozy overseas holiday this year, Oktoberfest in the Gardens has you covered. There'll be steins. There'll be schnitties. There'll be lederhosen-wearing revellers — and if you're keen to dress the part as well, that's up to you. The Australian Oktoberfest event has been in the Bavarian-themed game for 14 years now, with its 2024 run in seven cities solely taking place in October. Clear a Saturday, whether you live in Perth or Adelaide, where the fest will kick off on Saturday, October 5; on the Gold Coast or in Melbourne, where it's time to say "prost!" on Saturday, October 12; Brisbane or Newcastle, which'll be downing brews on Saturday, October 19; or Sydney, where the tour wraps up on Saturday, October 26. This series of German shindigs isn't small, with 65,000 people expected to attend across the full slate of events this year. At each, the kind of beer- and bratwurst-fuelled shenanigans that Germany has become so famous for at this time of year are on offer. So, if you have a hankering for doppelbock and dancing to polka, it really is the next best thing to heading to Europe. Oktoberfest in the Gardens boasts a crucial attraction, too: as well as serving a variety of pilsners, ciders, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, it constructs huge beer halls to house the boozy merriment. When you're not raising a stein — or several — at the day-long event, you can tuck into pretzels and other traditional snacks at food stalls, or check out the hefty array of entertainment. Live music, roving performers, a silent disco, rides and a sideshow alley are all on the agenda. "We say it every year, but this year's Oktoberfest celebrations will be bigger than ever before. It's amazing how this event has continued to grow across the country," said Ross Drennan, co-founder of Nokturnl Events, which runs Oktoberfest in the Gardens. "Last year, we added additional cities to the tour and introduced even more fun activations. The response was overwhelming, with record-breaking sales." Oktoberfest in the Gardens 2024 Dates and Venues: Saturday, October 5 — Langley Park, Perth Saturday, October 5 — Pinky Flat, Adelaide Saturday, October 12 — Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Saturday, October 12 — Catani Gardens, St Kilda, Melbourne Saturday, October 19 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Saturday, October 19 — The Station, Newcastle Saturday, October 26 — The Domain, Sydney Oktoberfest in the Gardens tours Australia in October 2024 — head to the event's website for further details, plus tickets from Wednesday, July 31.
If you're looking for a way to get inspired by exceptional women and witness some live talent for International Women's Day this year, check out the happenings at Melbourne Quarter between Monday, March 6 and Friday, March 10. This year's International Women's Day theme is Embrace Equity, encouraging us to imagine a fair and impartial world and to see how gender equality can benefit communities everywhere. Melbourne Quarter will be home to a series of free events to commemorate all the inspirational women in our lives. From live music, guest speakers and art installations — there is so much to discover this March. To start, there will be a free (but ticketed) event – a conversation with Sarah Davidson. The commercial lawyer turned entrepreneur (founder of Matcha Maiden, host of Seize the Yay podcast and bestselling author) will speak of her own experiences and invite additional surprise panellists from the tech and education fields to discuss the theme of IWD and how we can all embrace equity. You can book your spot to the panel here. You can also check out other interactive and limited-time experiences, like a fashion installation from Tuesday, March 7 displaying female First Nations Creatives' fashion designs, curated by local label and retailer Ngali, or a free masterclass on Thursday, March 9 on the art of perfume making from The Powder Room. Bookings are essential, so make yours here. Be sure to visit the Gunpowder Walk at any point during the week, because local Melbourne artist Justine McAllister will be painting a mural inspired by this year's theme. You can also enjoy a bite to eat from local retailers and live music from an exciting lineup of Melbournian musicians on Monday, March 6, Wednesday, March 8 and Friday, March 10 between 12pm-2pm. Check out the full lineup for International Women's Day at Melbourne Quarter at the website.
There are few things in this life as uniquely satisfying as lounging in a hotel room. The sheets are softer and straighter and somehow cleaner than you can ever achieve at home. That fluffy robe inscribed with the hotel's initials elicits an overwhelming sense of contentment as soon as you throw it on. The kettle always works. And if it doesn't? Call reception and someone will magically spirit one onto your door step. Whether it's on a work trip, a sneaky staycation, or a blowout weekend away with your bestie or beau, if you're in the market for the next hotel to put on your list, we have the stay for you — no matter your budget — with our Hotel Hitlist 2024. BUDGET: Holiday Inn Express Southbank If Melbourne is on your travel list in 2024, you can't beat the location of this Holiday Inn Express — or its budget. Located in the Southbank arts hub, where you can count the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art as next-door neighbours. Experience this hotel's smart rooms that include a pillow menu, complimentary grab-and-go express breakfast (as well as a breakfast buffet), and free wifi. Ink Hotel Melbourne Another spot along the Melbourne Southbank is the stylish Ink Hotel. Designed to suit all kinds of travellers, the chic hotel offers guest rooms from pocket-size (just there to sleep) through to spacious suites. You don't have to go far for a good cup of coffee (it's Melbourne, after all) but breakfast and brunch are available from 7.30am until 3pm daily, and the cafe is open from 7am until 11pm. There's also an on-site bar serving drinks and bar snacks every day until late — there's even a daily happy hour from 5–8pm. Holiday Inn Sunshine Coast If the Sunshine Coast is calling, this Holiday Inn Express and Suites is another can't-beat stay when you're travelling on a budget. Located in Maroochydore, it's an ideal spring-off point for exploring one of Queensland's most popular regions. Each morning, sit down to a complimentary breakfast buffet or choose a grab-and-go option. Whether you're here for work or play, the hotel offers all the essentials and some fun extras, like the pillow menu, guest-only rooftop pool and shopping hub at the ground-floor level. Waters Edge Port Macquarie The once-sleepy town of Port Macquarie is now a popular vacation location for hikers, kayakers and beach lovers (there are eighteen beaches in the area to choose from). The picturesque spot is now home to plenty of Gen X and millennials who left city life for more scenic shores. Explore the area for yourself while staying at Waters Edge Port Macquarie. Perched on the banks of the Hastings River and only a short stroll from beaches, retail hubs and all the sites. BOUTIQUE: Kimpton Margot Sydney If a city stay is on your trip list for 2024, head to Sydney's CBD and stay in one of the city's iconic Art Deco buildings, reinvented as a stylish boutique hotel: Kimpton Margot Sydney. This hideaway heritage hotel boasts a great location, a recently opened rooftop bar (the biggest in the city), and restaurants and bars helmed by legendary Australian chef Luke Mangan. It's pet-friendly, too. Hotel Indigo Potts Point If Sydney is calling, you could stay in the cosmopolitan inner east suburb of Potts Point at this just-opened retro hotel tucked behind the iconic Kings Cross Coca-Cola sign. Only officially open on January 29, Hotel Indigo Potts Point celebrates the area's famed cabaret scene with homages to the locale's entertainers and musicians. The lobby features artist portraits, lush velvet red curtains, digital NFT artwork projections, and a vintage vinyl collection you can play on the lobby's turntable. In your room, you will find similar artwork, retro phones and an in-room cocktail station to get you in the party mood. VOCO Brisbane If BrisVegas is your destination in 2024, get involved in the hustle and bustle of Queensland's sun-drenched capital city from your comfy stay at voco® Brisbane City Centre. It is located along the city's waterfront, close to many of the city's top sights, including King George Square, the Museum of Brisbane and the South Bank Art Precinct. Enjoy some sips at Kraft & Co. restaurant and bar, take a dip in the rooftop pool or borrow a bike (for free) and explore the city on two wheels. Hotel Indigo Melbourne If you're looking for a creative haunt in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, you can't get better than Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders. You'll be ideally located in the culture hub of Flinders Lane from hole-in-the-wall bars, fresh street art, museums, galleries, and excellent eateries and cafes. Situated close to photographer Helmut Newton's studio (whose artistry inspired the hotel's kit-out), this hotel is a celebration of fashion photography. Explore its large collection of artworks by local artists or take your own Newton-esque selfie at the on-site photo booth. BLOWOUT: Next Hotel Melbourne Located in Melbourne's CBD east end district, Next Hotel Melbourne is a super chic city stay next to hospitality and high-fashion hot spots and footsteps away from the city's theatres. Relax in the hotel's guest-only Club — with an aperitivo hour every evening with local wines by the glass, local spirits and snacks to graze on — or dine at the on-site restaurant La Madonna. It encompasses the entire third floor with a cocktail bar and Italian-Asian-inspired restaurant run by chef Paul Turner. Southern Ocean Lodge This local favourite on Kangaroo Island was damaged during the Black Summer bushfire of 2019, leading to its closure. It has been lovingly restored and reopened in late 2023, making it a must for luxury lovers heading to Kangaroo Island in 2024. Its guest suites now point southeast so guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean. All suites have private decks, an EcoSmart fireplace and a sink-in bathtub. There's even an ultra-premium Ocean Pavilion, where guests can stay in a single four-bedroom owner's residence; or two separate two-bedroom suites, an on-site spa, and a wet-edge pool at The Great Room terrace. Intercontinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula Forget heading to Sorrento, Italy, for a luxe summer; instead, head down to Victorian wine country and sip on some local sangiovese at the luxury seaside hotel Intercontinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula. It's got a Mediterranean-inspired guest-only pool deck you won't want to miss, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse to relax in, and a suite of food and drink venues from the dapper speakeasy Barlow, the terrazzo-floored public bar and lofty, glass-ceilinged beer garden to the light-filled Atrium with all-day wining and dining. [caption id="attachment_936260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Diah Lateri[/caption] W Sydney Sydneysiders had long awaited the opening of this luxury hotel in Darling Harbour. The hotel has 588 stylish rooms and a bevy of world-class amenities, including an openair infinity pool, a restaurant and dessert bar, two cocktail bars and a luxe spa. Footsteps away from Friday fireworks, the ICC, Imax cinema, and the waters of the iconic Sydney Harbour, W Sydney is definitely one hotel that should be on your list for 2024 — maybe even more so if you're based in Sydney and are keen on a budget blowout staycation.
South Melbourne's got lots got cafes and lots of pubs, but now it's got a new all-day neighbourhood haunt to call its own, with the launch of Eastern Road Larder. A cafe and deli by day and wine bar at night, the intimate 18-seat space is Renton Carlyle-Taylor's eighth venue. It joins a stable of wine-focused gems that includes Collingwood's The Moon, The Alps in Prahran and Malvern's Milton Wine Shop. Making its home beneath property developer Tim Gurner's luxury Eastern Road development, the new venture evidently want to become a part of residents' day-to-day. It'll be a pitstop for Allpress coffee and bagels of a morning, deli offerings at lunch, and a vino after work (on Thursdays and Fridays only though). The wine list is a celebration of the most exciting things happening in Victorian winemaking, with a focus on bold drops and minimal intervention creations from the owner's favourite local labels. On top of that, you'll find a considered selection of Italian wines, plus drinking fare from international cheese and meat producers Savour & Grace, with wine and cheese plates also available for takeaway feasts. Those sitting in can enjoy a polished fit-out of warm timbers and bronze accents. Rounding out the offering in May will be a neighbouring 50-seat pizzeria and bar called Eastern Road Bar. It'll showcase a range of beers from new craft brewery Burnley Brewing Co — another recent project from Carlyle-Taylor and partners. Eastern Road Larder is now open at 74 Eastern Road, South Melbourne. It'll be open Monday to Wednesday from 7am–4pm and Thursday to Friday from 7am–9pm. For more info, visit easternroadlarder.com.au.
Taking to the skies soon? The food might be a little more delicious than you remember. That's because Virgin Australia has just launched new winter menus in both its economy and business classes, so you can embark on a culinary journey at 35,000 feet. Made fresh daily, those in the cheap seats can now tuck into Italian and Aussie dishes crafted by St. Food Co., with options ranging from creamy spinach and ricotta tortellini to savoury sausage rolls. Plus, you can now pair these satisfying flavours with an Archie Rose Gin & Peach Soda. As for business class travellers, a new globally inspired menu is being served from Wednesday, May 28. Think Japanese-style soba noodles with grilled chicken, a three-bean Mexican quesadilla with sour cream and salsa, and an Indian-inspired chickpea masala with herbed jasmine rice. Whether you're flying first thing in the morning or catching the red-eye, the business class menu also features fancy rotating options for breakfast and dessert. Start the day with a blueberry pancake stack topped with mascarpone and boysenberry, blackcurrant and apple compote, or round things out with strawberry cheesecake or sticky date cake. "At Virgin Australia, we believe flying should be as enjoyable as the destination, right down to what's served onboard. Our new winter menu embodies our passion for bringing personality to the skies, featuring fresh, flavour-packed options designed to add value and delight at every bite," says Kyler Chong, Virgin Australia's General Manager Product & Customer Strategy. That's good news if you're a white-knuckled flyer looking to distract yourself, or just someone keen to pass the time with food that doesn't make you regret your life choices. Featuring a thoughtful balance of variety, value and flavour, these winter menus mean your next departure date just got better. Virgin Australia's new winter menu is now being served in economy class, while the business class menu launches on Wednesday, May 28. Head to the website for more information.
Premier Daniel Andrews has taken to Twitter this morning to announce the decided names for Melbourne's five new Metro Tunnel stations. But if you were gunning for some of the more lighthearted options, like Shane Warne, Vegemite or Bunnings Sausage, we're sorry to tell you you're about to be a tad disappointed. Sydney might have managed to pass in the name Ferry McFerryface for their new ferry earlier this month, but the naming game has proved a little more serious down here in Melbourne, after an eight-week competition which saw the general public throw over 50,000 suggestions into the ring. The results? The station beneath City Square will be named Town Hall Station, the one under St Kilda Road and by The Shrine of Remembrance will be dubbed Anzac Station, and below Franklin Street in the CBD we'll have State Library Station. Further north, Parkville has been picked for the station near Melbourne Uni and the one at Arden is being called North Melbourne, with the original North Melbourne station set to be renamed West Melbourne. Which is sure to be a little confusing at first. Everyone who had a submission selected as one of the new station names will this week go into a random draw, with a winner from each station scoring a behind-the-scenes tour of the worksites and tunnels. To catch you up, the Metro Tunnel will see two new nine-kilometre twin tunnels and five underground train stations added to Melbourne's inner city. These new stations will create a new path into the city that doesn't rely on (but connects to) the City Loop. The idea is that it will ease congestion in the City Loop and allow more trains to be getting in and out of the city. Construction on all this is expected to begin next year and the target completion date is 2026.
Mörk has been kicking around since 2012, showing Melburnians just how good a hot chocolate can taste. Taking their cues from Melbourne's coffee culture, owners Josefin Zernell and Kiril Shaginov have grown this drinking chocolate brand to include three stores and a chocolate foundry — Mörk's own chocolate factory out in North Melbourne. You'll also see its drinking chocolate powders and pastries stocked at some of Melbourne's best cafes. But the owners aren't stopping there. They've spent the past two years creating the Mörk Looking Glass concept store on Centre Place — one of the graffiti-clad laneways near Degraves Street. Here, you'll find Mörk's classic drinking chocolate blends, cinnamon and cardamom buns, chocolate spreads and morsels, pre-mixed cocktails, and its famous Campfire Hot Chocolate — served with smoke, charcoal salt and a freshly toasted marshmallow (that's also made in-house). Coffee from Patricia is also available for those needing a caffeine fix instead of chocolate. Zernell and Shaginov have even dreamt up a new drink for Mörk Looking Glass: The Layered Chocolate. For this, a dark hot chocolate base is topped with caramelised banana, saffron custard and freshly grated lime zest. This team is using this site to showcase just how fun and experimental the humble hot chocolate can be. And while some of these new and experimental creations will make their way into the main storefront, most of them will only be available upstairs in the tasting room. Experimental chocolate bars, elaborate drinking chocolates that never made it onto the menu, chocolate cocktail pairings and creative desserts will all be on show during themed tastings in this space. Mörk Looking Glass will also be hosting collaborations at the new CBD store, which will be announced later. If you consider yourself a chocoholic, this new spot best be on your hit list. You'll find Mörk Looking Glass at 13 Centre Place, Melbourne, open 7.30am–5pm on Monday–Friday, and 8am–5pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit the venue's website. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
Chocoholics and fans of Sydney's resident macaroon maestro Adriano Zumbo will no doubt be titillated to learn that the popular patissier has created three limited edition Tim Tam flavours about to hit stores. The collaboration celebrates the 50th birthday of Australia's iconic biscuit (which, incidentally, we as a nation consume over 45 million packets of annually). The new Tim Tam flavour combinations are pretty tame for Zumbo, but they're exciting in supermarket-aisle terms: salted caramel, choc brownie and raspberry white choc. Coles, Woolies and selected independent grocers will start selling "treat packs" of them in March. For those who just can't wait till then, Zumbo will be holding two preview tasting events in Sydney and Melbourne. It's a first-in, best-dressed kind of thing, so get in early if you want the chance to sample the new Tim Tams and try some Tim Tam-inspired treats (Tim Tam Zonut?) “It was an honour to personally develop my own range of Tim Tam biscuits. I grew up on the iconic Aussie bikkie and it’s a joy to be able to put my own twist on it,” said Zumbo. Sydney preview tasting: Wednesday, February 19, 4-8pm, Shop 1, Cafe Court, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont Melbourne preview tasting: Thursday, February 20, 7am- 7pm, Zumbo Patisserie, 14 Claremont Street, South Yarra
When Winnie-the-Pooh moseyed into a slasher movie in Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, the film endeavoured to prove that there's room in the pop-culture honeypot for multiple takes on AA Milne's beloved bear. More horror flicks are coming, because of course they are. But, embracing the usually cuddly figure's sweet and innocent side, so is a supremely nostalgic, family-friendly stage musical from Disney. Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation debuted back in 2021 Off-Broadway, then took the Hundred Acre Wood and its famous felt residents to Chicago, back to New York, on a tour of the US and to London. The next stop on the Mouse House-created show's itinerary: Australia, starting this winter, and playing capital cities and regional towns alike. Hailing from American Australian producer, writer and director Jonathan Rockefeller, Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation brings Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl and Tigger to life with puppets — life-sized versions, which look as cuddly and fuzzy as anthropomorphic stuffed toys should. Also joining them is Christopher Robin, in a production that brings together a heap of songs from past Winnie-the-Pooh movies. "The music, the spectacular life-size puppets and the charming performances are the perfect way to introduce (or re-introduce) audiences to live theatre, and this is a must-see show for Winnie-the-Pooh fans," said Rockefeller, announcing the show's Australian run. "We are excited to bring the Hundred Acre Wood to Australia so that audiences of all ages can join us for this heartwarming production." Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation will play Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart, and also has dates booked in everywhere from Dandenong and Bunbury to Launceston and Geelong. Again, this is a firmly all-ages affair, so expect plenty of young Winnie-the-Pooh devotees in attendance. For those keen to see a childhood favourite in a new format, Australia's stages have been delivering blasts from the pasts with frequency over the past few years, spanning Frozen the Musical, Shrek the Musical, Cinderella, Mary Poppins and the upcoming Beauty and the Beast musical in Sydney, just to name a few. WINNIE THE POOH: THE NEW STAGE ADAPTATION AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2023 DATES: July 7 — Drum Theatre, Dandenong July 12–16 — Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane July 20-23 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney July 26–27 — Princess Theatre, Launceston August 3–6 — Theatre Royal, Hobart August 9–10 — Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga August 16–20 — Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide August 23–24 — Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah August 25–26 — Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury August 29–September 3 — Regal Theatre, Perth September 7–9 — Canberra Theatre, Canberra September 14–17 — Riverside Theatre Parramatta, Parramatta September 21–25 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne September 27–28 — Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong September 30–October 1 — Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation tours Australia from July — for more information, and for tickets from Thursday, June 15, head to the production's website.
Come October, the $20 notes you'll be stuffing in your wallet will look a little different — a new design for the lobster has just been release, and it's hitting tills around the country in just eight months. Australia's banknotes have been getting a makeover since September 2016, when a different $5 note started doing the rounds. It was followed by a revamped $10 in 2017, then $50 in 2018 — and now a sparkling fresh $20, which will hit the streets in October 2019. The upgraded design will celebrate Mary Reibey, an Australian convict-turned-merchant, shipowner and philanthropist, as well as John Flynn, the founder of what is now known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service. They're both recognised in several ways on the new notes, with not only their portraits displayed prominently, but with images one of Reibey's Port Jackson schooners and Flynn's aircraft leaving a Broken Hill homestead, as well as microprint featuring an excerpt from Flynn's book The Bushman's Companion. As well as changed artwork (albeit keeping the same colour scheme and same celebrated Australians as old notes), the new $20 boasts the same improved security features as the new $5, $10 and $50 notes, which are largely aimed to stop counterfeiting. A clear window running from top to bottom is the most obvious, and contains a number of features such as a reversing number and flying kookaburra. And, in great news for the vision-impaired, the new series of legal tender has a tactile feature to help distinguish between different denominations. As happened with the other denominations, the rollout will happen gradually, as will the withdrawal of old $20s — which you can obviously still keep using. And as for the final Aussie banknote yet to receive a revamp, the new $100 is due to be released in 2020.
For 50 years, Australia's contribution to music, theatre, opera, circus and dance has been catalogued and preserved, and sometimes exhibited, all thanks to the Australian Performing Arts Collection. At Arts Centre Melbourne, more than 850,000 objects sit within this repository, the nation's largest dedicated to hitting a stage. That's a collection worth putting on display permanently, even if every single item obviously can't always be in the spotlight. From December 2025, the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts at Hamer Hall will do just that — aka showcase the country's performing arts legacy, successes and history for the public to enjoy. The new museum is launching in two phases in the Victorian capital: the first, arriving before this year is out, will span nearly 500 square metres, all devoted to performing arts exhibitions; then the second, which doesn't have a launch date as yet, will expand the space to around 800 square metres. AMPA will both put its own items on display and host touring international showcases. Which exhibition it'll open with in December is set to be revealed in September. The Australian Performing Arts Collection truly is a treasure trove, featuring costumes and objects from the likes of Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman, Nick Cave, Peter Allen and Chrissy Amphlett, plus dames Nellie Melba, Joan Sutherland and Olivia Newton-John. The Australian Ballet, Circus Oz, Melbourne Theatre Company and Opera Australia are among the Aussie arts institutions also featured. Again, while exactly what will be on display come December 2025 hasn't been revealed, the collection includes items such as Minogue's gold hot pants from the 'Spinning Around' music video, threads worn by Jackman in The Boy From Oz, Cave's visual journal aka the Handmade Book, maracas shaken by Allen, a tunic worn by Amphlett and the leather jacket of AC/DC lead singer Bon Scott. In addition, it boasts a Jean-Philippe Worth cloak donned by Melba in Lohengrin more than a century ago, a costume worn by Sutherland in 1972's Lucrezia Borgia for the Vancouver Opera, Helen Reddy's Grammy Award for 'I Am Woman', a set model for the Priscilla, Queen of the Desert stage musical — and much more. [caption id="attachment_1003659" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Corset worn by Kylie Minogue, Intimate and Live tour, 1998. Designed by William Baker. Gift of Kylie Minogue, Cultural Gifts Program, 2004. Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne. Photo: Narelle Wilson Photography.[/caption] Historically – and until AMPA opens — the collection's pieces are usually seen in Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building's foyer displays at Arts Centre Melbourne, the Australian Music Vault, on behind-the-scenes Collection Store Tours at Hamer Hall, and if they're on loan to other institutions. "I'm so pleased to be bringing to life the long-held vision to make the riches of the Australian Performing Arts Collection more accessible to the Victorian community through new and expanded spaces," said Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan. "Through treasured objects, iconic performers and a rich theatrical legacy, AMPA will enable us to share with the world the incredible performing arts history and stories of the stages of Australia and beyond." [caption id="attachment_1003660" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photograph of band Divinyls performing at Subiaco Oval on Australian Made Tour, 1987. Photograph by Bob King. Gift of The Age, 1995. Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1003661" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Costume worn by Hugh Jackman in The Boy from Oz, 2006. Designed by Roger Kirk. Gift of BFO Arena Pty Ltd, 2009. Donated in memory of Ben Gannon. Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne. Photo: Narelle Wilson Photography.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1003662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Set model bus for Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Australian production, 2006. Designed by Brian Thomson. Gift of Brian Thomson, Cultural Gifts Program, 2015. Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne. Photo: Narelle Wilson Photography.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1003663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shoes worn by Dame Nellie Melba. Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977. Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne. Photo: Narelle Wilson Photography.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1003664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photograph of Dale Woodbridge-Brown, TWENTYSIXTEEN, Circus Oz, 2016. Photograph by Rob Blackburn. Gift of Circus Oz, 2023. Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne.[/caption] The Australian Museum of Performing Arts will open at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, in December 2025. Head to the venue's website for more details. Renders: Scharp.
