On May 20, 2011, 500 people will explore the Stephen A. Schwarzman building of the New York Public Library (NYPL) from dusk 'til dawn in a new interactive game allowing players to become an author by sunrise. Find the Future is an overnight adventure where participants have specific missions and objectives to complete through the secret underground stacks of the library, where over 40 miles of books are housed. By the end of the excursion the group will have collaboratively written an entire book that will be published and entered into the permanent collection of the NYPL. Participants will observe over 100 objects of monumental significance to mankind and learn over 100 untold stories that are aimed to inspire creativity and encourage people to realize their dreams and goals for their own lives. The entry form to become one of the first lucky few to begin the Find the Future quest asks individuals to imagine a vivid picture of their future and then create a goal to achieve by the year 2021. The most original and determined entries will be selected for the overnight stay. Following the debut on the 20th, anyone can play the game during regular library hours at the NYPL, or online from anywhere in the world, to make history by finding their future.
Thailand is undoubtedly one of Australia's favourite holiday destinations, and Bangkok is one of the world's most visited cities by international tourists. The sprawling metropolis makes room for the old and the new — one minute you're cruising down the Chao Phraya river, the next you're travelling through the city at breakneck speed on the BTS skytrain. We've going to bet that a few of you have been to Bangkok before. Maybe you've even trekked up to Chiang Mai and Pai, or soaked up some sun scuba diving off one of Thailand's many islands. That's why we've left some of the obvious Bangkok destinations out of this article, like the mind-boggling Chatuchak markets, the opulent Grand Palace and the silk-lovers heaven that is Jim Thompson House. If you're in the country's capital and looking for a fun way to spend a few days, we recommend giving a few of these a visit. Drink at high altitudes Bangkok has quite a nifty reputation for its rooftop bar scene, so we decided to check out the highest one we could find — it was the Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower (also known as the rooftop bar from The Hangover 2). Come alone or come in a wolf pack to the 65th floor — the service is friendly and the cocktails are outstanding. We could drink their blueberry sour G&T's all damn day, but there's also a Hangovertini for those looking to stay in theme. Sunset is generally the best time to arrive but, then again, we're yet to find a bad time to drink at high altitudes. We also climbed to the top of Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Bangkok, located on the 61st floor. It's extremely easy to pass the hours when you're seated against the glass wall overlooking the city — with free bar snacks that were constantly replenished, no less. There was a smart casual dress code at both of these rooftop bars, so it's worth checking ahead to make sure drinking in the clouds stays firmly on your conquered list. Yes, both of these places were a bit pricier than your average 60 Baht bottle of Chang beer, but if you're after a nice night out, this is it. What can we say? Bangkok has us now. Work Your Way Out Of Escape Hunt Escape rooms are becoming a bit of a thing in Australia, but we tried out the Bangkok version at Escape Hunt anyway. For the uninitiated, escape rooms are like playing real-life Cluedo: you get 'locked' in a room, left to solve a murder mystery before your time is up. In our case, we had an hour to figure out who had killed a female painter — one of her three boyfriends, or the groundskeeper? This was totally awesome. And if Bangkok hasn't already tested your relationship with your travel partner, this certainly will. You're allowed to get clues from your host, but each clue deducts one minute off your time, so we recommend only using them when you're desperately seeking some Sherlock intuition. Thankfully, we made it out with just under two minutes to spare, and we were given the cutest tweed detective gear to put on and take photos in. Check Out Cat, Dog and Bunny Cafes Cat cafes did originate in Asia, so it's no surprise there are a few here in Thailand's capital. We're not sure exactly how many cat cafes Bangkok has, but we know there are at least three. Purr Cat Cafe Club is one of the more prominent ones in Sukhumvit, and in a city filled with apartment buildings and high rises, it's no wonder Bangkok locals are looking to spend some quality time with a furry friend. Purr is run by a Thai sitcom actress and houses 14 fluffy Persians cats. At the cafe you can have cat-shaped brownies and whiskers drawn on your hot chocolate. There is also Kitty Cat Cafe and Makura Cat Cafe in Bangkok if you can't get enough of your feline friends. Cats not your thing? Don't even worry about it. Bangkok also has a cafe that specifically houses Siberian huskies called True Love Cafe. There are 17 of these adorable pups running around, all of different colours and sizes. One final animal establishment we'd like to throw out there is the Lucky Bunny Cafe & Restaurant, which houses happy, healthy rabbits. All of the cute, all at once. Food and (Safe) Sex Together At Last With a tagline like 'Our food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy', how could you possibly refuse a meal here? There are mannequins covered in elaborate condom costumes which are hilarious and honestly quite impressive, but Cabbages and Condoms is not the money-grabbing, photo-opportunity establishment you might first think. Cabbages and Condoms was initially created to promote a better understanding of sexual health and family planning, as a portion of the profits go towards the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). It's all in the name of an excellent cause, so you might as well get amongst. The menu is strictly Thai cuisine, and there's plenty to choose from. There are a few Cabbages and Condoms located all over Thailand, so if you're heading over to Thailand but not staying in Bangkok, there's still a chance to check this out. Grab a handful of free dingers on the way out and have yourself a safe and merry day. Choose Your Own Adventure: Thai Street Food Let's be honest, this section could be a whole article to itself. Thai street food is the best kind of street food — cheap, unpredictable (in a good way), and, above all, delicious. The rules are simple: eat anything that looks interesting, ask questions later and try something new every time. On a personal note, I spent two years of my childhood living in Thailand, so I had a slight advantage of knowing that (1) My chances of death were slim if I chose wisely, and (2) I could identify some of the strangest looking toppings on Thai snow cones. Boat noodles (kuay tiew rua) are a Bangkok street food staple, and there is a whole alley dedicated to this delicacy located near Victory Monument. For other noodles on the run, a safe bet is the readily available stir-fried wide rice noodles (pad see ew) or Pad Thai. Our favourite savoury snacks were easily the bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms, as well as the ever-present and super cheap grilled pork sticks (moo ping). For sweets you can't go passed mango and sticky rice (kao niao mumuang) — it's traditional and delicious. For some who are keen for a little lucky dip, give the Thai snow cone (nam kang sai) a go. You fill the bottom of the bowl with anything from black jelly, chestnuts, sweetened taro to red beans, then place a mound of shaved ice on top of that and cover with flavoured syrups and condensed, evaporated or coconut milk, depending on how sweet you want it. Top image thanks to Scalino, Lubua photo taken by Vicky Chung via Flickr, cat image thanks to ironypoisoning, Cabbages and Condoms image thanks to micamonkey, street food image thanks to jaaron.
2023 marks eight years since one of the greatest living American directors last released a film. While he did direct an episode of Tokyo Vice's first season in 2022, Michael Mann hasn't had a movie flicker across the big screen since 2015's Blackhat. Thankfully, that's changing with a picture that also gives the world Adam Driver as a race car driver-turned-sports car entrepreneur: Ferrari. Mann adds Ferrari to a resume that also includes 80s masterpiece Thief, The Last of the Mohicans and Heat in the 90s, plus Collateral, Miami Vice and more. For Driver, the film proves another case of living up to his name on-screen. He's played a bus driver in Paterson, and piloted a spaceship in the Star Wars sequel trilogy as well as 65. So, zipping through the Italian streets here fits easily. As both Ferrari's first teaser trailer and just-dropped new full sneak peek show, Driver is behind the wheel in a film that focuses on its namesake when he's an ex-racer. As adapted from Brock Yates' book Enzo Ferrari: The Man, The Cars, The Races, The Machine, Mann's movie hones in on specific chapter of Enzo Ferrari's life: 1957, as potential bankruptcy looms over his factory, his marriage is struggling after a heartbreaking loss and his drivers approach the Mille Miglia race. Accordingly, Ferrari promises to peer behind the Formula 1 facade, into Enzo's relationship with his wife Laura (Penélope Cruz, Official Competition), the death of their boy Dino, and the son Piero with Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley, Robots) that he doesn't want to acknowledge. If you know your racing history, you'll also know that 1957's Mille Miglia — which spanned 1000 miles across Italy — was its last due to multiple deaths during the event. So, that race won't be an insignificant part of the film. Set to release at Christmas in the US and on January 4, 2024 Down Under, Ferrari also stars Patrick Dempsey (Disenchanted), Jack O'Connell (Lady Chatterley's Lover), Sarah Gadon (Black Bear) and Gabriel Leone (Dom). Check out the trailer for Ferrari below: Ferrari releases in cinemas Down Under on January 4, 2024. Images: Lorenzo Sisti / Eros Hoagland.
When a music star drops news that they're heading Down Under on their very own podcast, believe them. Jessie Ware did just that back in May, advising that she'd be playing Australian music festival Summer Camp later this year — and now the fest has confirmed that she'll be headlining. Ware will play the event's two stops in December 2023, with Summer Camp kicking off on in Melbourne on Saturday, December 2, then heading north to Sydney on Sunday, December 3 — with inner-city venues for each city still to be revealed. [caption id="attachment_899478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] It's been a long time between Australian visits for the UK disco-pop queen. The last time she graced our shores was for Laneway Festival all the way back in 2013. In the period since, she's released four albums, including the immensely critically acclaimed What's You Pleasure in 2020 and its equally vibrant recent follow-up That! Feels Good!. But now Ware's drought of Aussie appearances is officially coming to an end. Ware initially let the news slip on an episode of her podcast Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware, when the singer and her mother Lennie were joined by a fellow pop icon: Australia's very-own Dannii Minogue. While the episode traverses the dynamics of the Minogue family and the delights of panna cotta, one eagle-eared Twitter user noticed that Ware dropped the unannounced goss that she'd be heading Down Under. "I'm actually going to Australia in November for this festival called Summer Camp," Ware said while discussing travel plans, and the possibility of doing a Table Manners series here in Oz. [caption id="attachment_911167" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jack Grange[/caption] Summer Camp hosted its inaugural festivals in Sydney and Melbourne in 2022, combining top-notch tunes and LGBTQIA+ pride through a stacked lineup featuring Years & Years, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Big Freedia, Cub Sport and The Veronicas. 2023's full plans haven't yet been revealed, other than Ware doing the honours. Who'll be joining her is among the details still to come. Ware has also just dropped her latest single, a new duet version of 'Freak Me Now' with Róisín Murphy, which you can check out below: SUMMER CAMP FESTIVAL 2023 AUSTRALIAN DATES: Saturday, December 2 — Melbourne, venue TBC Sunday, December 3 — Sydney, venue TBC Summer Camp will play Sydney and Melbourne in December 2023. For further details or to nab tickets, head to the festival's website.
When Australia's last Blockbuster store closed its doors back in 2019, it marked the end of an era — especially if you spent your childhood and teenage years trawling through racks of VHS tapes, renting as big a stack as you could carry, then gluing your eyes to the TV every weekend. Every Aussie city also has its own stories about losing beloved independent video shops and, if you're still a fan of physical media in the streaming era, you might even have a few ex-rental bargains from closed-down stores sitting on your shelves at home. It's these fond feelings for a part of life that's now gone that new live cinema performance Coil aims to tap into, all while paying tribute to all the long-lost spots that once celebrated and nurtured cinephilia. Video stores were more than just places to rent tapes — they were havens of filmic discovery, sources of inspiration and thriving local communities — and that's all baked into this production. Coil made its world premiere at this year's Mona Foma, and brings its tribute and farewell to Australia's video shops to Sydney and Melbourne — playing PACT in Erskineville from Thursday, February 10–Saturday, February 12, then heading to Brunswick Mechanics Institute from Thursday, February 17–Saturday, February 19. The latest work from re:group, a collective of artists based between Hobart, Wollongong and Sydney, Coil stages its show in a set that recreates a 90s-era video shop. The focus: telling a tale of nostalgia, loneliness, friendship and viability that pays homage to those gone-but-not-forgotten spaces and celebrates the communities forged within them. It's a performance designed to ponder questions — including what we've lost now that we browse online sites for flicks instead of physically walking the aisles. That's a line of thinking that resonates with re:group well beyond simply yearning for the glory days of renting out VHS tapes. The collective itself started almost a decade ago with a cast of ten, but now only has one performer. "It parallels our own story as a theatre collective continuing to make work despite the clear unviability of it all, trying to survive in the business of live performance in an age of online streaming," explains co-creator and performer Steve Wilson-Alexander. And if you're wondering how a live cinema performance with a one-person cast works, Coil takes place live on stage before its audience, but deploys video design that lets its lone performer play every character in cinematic scenes. You'll be watching all of that happen, with the show combining verbatim interviews with real-time filmmaking — all to make the kind of performance that you definitely won't see on streaming. Coil plays PACT, 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville, from Thursday, February 10–Saturday, February 12, then heads to Brunswick Mechanics Institute, 270 Sydney Road, Brunswick, from Thursday, February 17–Saturday, February 19. For more information, head to the production's website. Images: Rosie Hastie.
One of the funniest TV comedies of the 2020s is back with its third season, and as hilarious as ever. So what are you waiting five? If that question doesn't make any sense to you, then you clearly haven't yet experienced the wonder that is Girls5eva. It starts with a numerical pun-heavy earworm of a theme tune that no one should ever skip, then bounces along just as catchily and sidesplittingly in every second afterwards. A move to Netflix for season three — after streaming its first and second seasons via Peacock in the US, Stan in Australia and TVNZ+ in New Zealand — might just see the Tina Fey-executive produced music-industry sitcom switch from being one of the best shows that not enough people are watching to everyone's latest can't-stop-rewatching comedy obsession. In other words, this a series about a comeback and, thanks to its swap to the biggest player in the streaming game, now it's making a comeback itself. Two years have passed for longterm fans since Girls5eva last checked in with Dawn Solano (Sara Bareilles, Broadway's Waitress), Wickie Roy (Renée Elise Goldsberry, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and also a Hamilton Tony-winner), Summer Dutkowsky (Busy Philipps, Mean Girls) and Gloria McManus (Paula Pell, Big Mouth), but the gap and the jump to Netflix haven't changed this gem. Consider the change of streamer, which kicks off on Thursday, March 14, in the same way that Dawn and the gang are approaching their leap back into their girl group after two decades: as an all-in, go-hard-or-go-home, whatever-it-takes relaunch. For new viewers, seasons one and two of Girls5eva are also now available on Netflix — and bingeing through all 22 episodes, with season three providing six of them, is the best way to spend a day, weekend or few evenings right now. With its non-stop jokes that reward multiple viewings because you're likely laughing too hard to catch all of them on the first go-around, deep-cutting pop-culture references, satire that's always both razor-sharp and raucously ridiculous, and supremely stellar cast, the series is a quintessential Fey-produced comedy. If her post-Saturday Night Live efforts were songs, 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Great News, Mr Mayor and Girls5eva couldn't make a better record. (Meredith Scardino, who created Girls5eva, is also an Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Mr Mayor alum.) The riff for Girls5eva: parodying the pop-music realm as the titular group endeavour to stop wondering what might've been after their career fizzled out 20 years earlier, aided by their single 'Famous 5eva' getting thrust back into the spotlight via another artist. The takedown of the entertainment world that was at the heart of 30 Rock hums along here, too, as does calling out the treatment of women, especially by the media, that also fuelled Fey's first sitcom hit alongside Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Great News. Whether via Liz Lemon's dating life and quest to have a family, or in Mr Mayor's experienced deputy played by Holly Hunter (Succession), unpacking how women are perceived the moment they're out of their 20s and beyond has also echoed through the Feyniverse — and Girls5eva croons that tune with force and feeling. Now firmly back together, the surviving members of Girls5eva — Ashley Gold (Ashley Park, Only Murders in the Building) died in an infinity pool accident — have taken to the road. So far, however, their big Returnity tour has been happy in Fort Worth. In the Texan city, their track 'Tap Into Your Fort Worth' keeps drawing in crowds, even if that's all that concertgoers want to hear. Also, the Marriott Suitelettes for Divorced Dads has become their home away from home, but resident diva Wickie isn't content just playing one place. Always dreaming huge, massive and stratospheric, she sets the band's sights on Radio City Music Hall, booking them in for a gig at a fee of $500,000. Cue a six-month timeline to sell it out — a feat made trickier by the fact that the show is on Thanksgiving — or risk ruin. When season three commences in Fort Worth, and among weekend-only fathers buying forgotten birthday presents for their kids out of vending machines, the quality of Girls5eva's writing proves as gleaming as ever. Here, the pregnant Dawn can put pancakes from the breakfast buffet in her robe, and also get cosy watching The Crown, which has a storyline about Prince Andrew's stuffed-toy obsession. Gloria is on a mission to hook up with all 178 types of women, complete with a spreadsheet tracking her progress, which is a riotous source of amusement. "Always gonna never stop restarting, never gonna end not un-beginning, don't un-try to un-stop us now" aren't just lyrics for Girls5eva the band and Girls5eva the show, though. So, into the van the group hops, with Percy (John Lutz, 30 Rock) as their tour manager. Girls5eva's big joke energy doesn't slow down when Wickie and company are drumming up cash at private concerts, battling with a state senator (John Early, The Afterparty) who doubles as a "Fetal Citizen Advocate" or trying to capitalise upon the fame of pop's current megastar (Thomas Doherty, Gossip Girl) — or when the series charts Summer's attempt to work out who she is without her ex-husband Kev (Andrew Rannells, Invincible) through a multi-level marketing scheme for teeth-whitening gummies. As that snapshot of season-three elements makes plain, the show's love of loopiness, hijinks and hysterical bits doesn't fade out, either. Flashbacks to the band's late-90s, early-00s fame continue to deliver gold, too, including Gloria and *NSYNC's Lance Bass trying to make a sex tape. Girls5eva isn't afraid of silliness for the comical sake of it, but it's also as savvy as comedy gets in lampooning the state of the world and fleshing out its characters while sparking never-ending chuckles. Holding back or taking a beat isn't Girls5eva's style; if it was an album itself, it'd be wall-to-wall singles. (Its tunes, which continue to showcase the musical-comedy prowess of Fey's husband Jeff Richmond after 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and the like, already make ace records.) Giving anything but 100 percent isn't Bareilles, Goldsberry, Philipps or Pell's style, either — and the series keeps benefiting. Bareilles' ability to ground every type of chaos remains essential but, away from New York and Dawn's family, that's no longer her main remit. Always at home when the show is at its most absurd, Goldsberry, Philipps and Pell have also never been funnier. ("Hi, this is Gloria, from sex!" is one of Pell's all-time great lines.) The only issue with season three: that this stint with Girls5eva's glorious on-screen talents is too short, just like forever versus 5eva. If it becomes a Netflix smash, here's hoping that it'll be famous at least one more time. Check out the trailer for Girls5eva season three below: Girls5eva season three streams via Netflix from Thursday, March 14. Read our reviews of season one and season two. Images: Netflix.
There's never a bad time to explore the centre of Australia, but if you're keen on a trip this Easter, you've got quite the dazzling motivation. While plenty of Australian cities boast radiant arts and culture festivals that brighten up their streets and spaces, Alice Springs' Parrtjima - A Festival In Light takes the whole concept to several different levels. It celebrates Indigenous arts, culture, music and storytelling, including via an eye-catching array of light installations, and also takes place against a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic, 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges. It's the type of event to add to your travel bucket list, and it has brought its luminous presence back in 2022 — with the event currently running until Sunday, April 17. And, if you're wondering exactly what's brightening up the already-striking Red Centre and how it looks, Parrtjima has unveiled images from its first weekend that just might get you planning a last-minute Easter holiday. As always, the event has taken over the Alice Springs CBD's Alice Springs Todd Mall, plus tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park Precinct just out of town — and the festival's main annual attraction, aka a huge artwork that showers the MacDonnell Ranges with light each night of the festival, looks as glorious as ever. When it comes to staring at the stunning natural landmark, this is a 'desert of light experience, as Parrtjima has dubbed it. And yes, from the images, that description is accurate. Also on the lineup: Grounded, which turns traditional and contemporary stories into a projected animation — complete with an immersive soundscape — and consistently proves a crowd favourite. There's Water Tree, too, with the piece inspired by the artwork of Karen Napaljarri Barnes, using acrylic glass to replicate the sight of thousands of budgerigars flocking together, and strung across four archways. Or, attendees can check out Flight, which similarly goes with budgies, this time featuring artwork by Farron Jampitjinpa Furber printed on sheer fabric spears to represent the birds' journey along the Lander River. Another must-see is Eagle's Eye, which takes inspiration from irretye (the wedge-tailed eagle) constellation, and brings a tunnel to life with animation of works by Jeannie Nungarrayi Egan — as well as Wild Wind, by Raelene Ngala Williams, which uses her artwork to celebrate the stories of the whirly whirly through a series of floating and moving structures. There's also the Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists' Energy, comprised of eight static bikes and wheelchairs, which attendees jump on and spin the pedals to illuminate and revolve the artworks. And, the 15-metre-high Night Sky, as created in collaboration with artist Carmen Glynn-Braun and Common Ground, is filled with 1200 glowing orbs that are suspended to look like a blanket of stars. Although the ten-night event has been underway since Friday, April 8, Parrtjima's full lineup also includes live tunes, talks, and the films of Sweet Country, The Beach, Firebite and Samson and Delilah director Warwick Thornton. Of course, Parrtjima is just one of Northern Territory's two glowing attractions in 2022, with Australia's Red Centre lighting up in multiple ways. The festival is a nice supplement to Bruce Munro's Field of Light installation, which — after multiple extensions — is now on display indefinitely. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs until Sunday, April 17 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information or to book tickets, visit the festival website. Images: Parrtjima 2022.
Game, set, match, music: the 2024 Australian Open might be jam-packed with Grand Slam tennis action, but it's also serving up a few aces for fans of live tunes. In 2023, the annual Melbourne sports event launched the AO Finals Festival, which gets a heap of talents taking to the stage. Unsurprisingly proving a hit, the fest returns this year. Attendees will be treated to a program of live acts on three of the event's final four days, all in John Cain Arena. 2024's AO Finals Fest will start on Thursday, January 25, on AO Pride Day. Then, it's back for both the women's final on Saturday, January 27 and the men's equivalent on Sunday, January 28. A stellar lineup awaits, including Tash Sultana, Peach PRC and Yaeji on the Thursday; DMA's, Ruel and The Jungle Giants on the Saturday; and Groove Armada, Rudimental and Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir on the Sunday. Just like in 2023, the stacked bill doesn't come as too much of a surprise, given that it has again been curated with help from the respected music heads at Untitled Group — the brains behind Pitch Music & Arts, For The Love, Grapevine Gathering and more. Expect plenty of company, with the 2023 event selling out. Accordingly, 2024's AO Finals Festival has moved venues, shifting to John Cain Arena to take advantage of its 10,000-person capacity. Tickets can be bought individually per day, or matchgoers can upgrade their tennis tickets to head to the festival. As always, there'll be scores of food and drink pop-ups scattered throughout Melbourne Park, as well as big screens showing all the on-court action. AO FINALS FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP: Thursday, January 25: AO Pride Day Tash Sultana Peach PRC Yaeji Anesu Djanaba DJ Luv You Saturday, January 27: Women's final DMA's Ruel The Jungle Giants Tia Gostelow Mell Hall Sunday, January 28: Men's final Groove Armada Rudimental Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir Latifa Tee Cooper Smith Images: Ash Caygill.
If you were diagnosed with coeliac disease over ten years ago you were given a packet of rice crackers, an apple and an apologetic smile as you were sent out into the big, bad, wheat-filled world. Now, it's a different story. For folks that can't tolerate gluten, there are now (really good) gluten-free pizza places, breweries that brew only gluten-free beer and even a totally gluten-free multi-story Mexican restaurant in the CBD. And, once a year, there's also an entire expo over an entire weekend just for gluten-free foods. On the weekend of October 5–6, the Convention and Exhibition Centre will be wall-to-wall with gluten-free snacks. We're talking plenty of free samples from the likes of Well and Good, Arnotts, Senza, Two Bays Brewing Co. and Venerdi. Plus, you can learn more about coeliac disease at one of the talks happening throughout the day, or get tips on cooking without contamination. If there's ever a time you don't have to worry about pesky traces of gluten, it's here. Go forth and feast, friends.
The shock of unkempt hair, the Irish brogue, the misanthropic attitude: there's no mistaking Dylan Moran for anyone else. It was true in beloved British sitcom Black Books, when his on-screen alter ego abhorred mornings, ate coasters and claimed that his oven could cook anything (even belts). And it's definitely true of the comedian's acerbically hilarious live shows. Moran is no stranger to Australia, but if you haven't guffawed at his bleak wit live, he's coming back to Melbourne — to Arts Centre Melbourne, in fact — in 2023 to give you another chance. As always, expect the kind of deadpan gags, wine-soaked insights and blisteringly sharp one-liners that've kept him in the spotlight since 1996, when he became the youngest-ever winner of the Edinburgh Fringe's Perrier Award. On Friday, April 21, Moran will roll out his latest show We Got This, bringing his grumpily lyrical musings on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life to the Victorian capital. Further dates are happening on Saturday, April 22, Sunday, April 23, and Monday, May 1. This marks his first full standup show since 2019's Dr Cosmos, which also came our way — and was available to stream earlier in the pandemic, too. Given this tour's title, it's hardly surprising that Moran will be reflecting upon these chaotic times. That might sound like a standard comedy gig these days, but nothing about Moran's comedy is ever standard.
UPDATE Monday, November 1: Immigration Museum has reopened following the latest lockdown, with tickets available now. For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website. It's something of a universal truth: growing up can (and probably will) be awkward as hell. But even if those days are far behind you, a big dose of comfort comes from the fact that everyone else has been through it, too. You can dive into a whole bunch of these real-life coming-of-age tales at the Immigration Museum's new Becoming You: An Incomplete Guide exhibition. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll probably experience plenty of vicarious mortification, as a diverse group of 72 Aussies share their own stories of growing up and making the leap into adulthood. It's a nostalgic trip back in time, as well as a moving celebration of shared humanity. Discover compelling tales and angsty memories from everyday folk, and also from a cast of well-known identities — including AFL footballer Jason Johannisen, writer Alice Pung, comedian Osamah Sami, drag queen Karen from Finance, fashion designer Jenny Bannister, model Andreja Pejic and more.
If you're in Byron Bay right now, looking forward to this year's Splendour in the Grass — or you're on your way — then you'll already know that it's mighty wet in the region at the moment. In fact, it has been so soggy that campsites have been flooded, lines to get in have taken all night, there's even more mud than usual and the past 24 hours have been filled with chaos. And with more rainy weather due for the rest of the day, the fest's organisers have pulled the plug on all main stage gigs today, Friday, July 22. "A significant weather system is currently sitting off the east coast and may reach land later today bringing more rainfall. In the interest of patron safety and in consultation with all relevant emergency services, we have decided to err on the side of caution and cancel performances on the main stages today only — Amphitheatre, Mix Up, GW McLennan and Park(lands) stages," said the Splendour crew in a statement. "All of our destination spaces (Global Village, Tipi Forest, Forum, Comedy and Science tents, etc) will remain open today for patrons who are already onsite as well as those at our satellite campground at Byron Events Farm. Please relax and enjoy what is open." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Splendour in the Grass (@splendourinthegrass) From the fest's hefty lineup, Gorillaz, The Avalanches, DMA's, Dillon Frances, Kacey Musgraves and Orville Peck are among the acts that were due to perform today, but won't now. Organisers also advised that SITG looks forward "to Saturday and Sunday programming moving ahead as planned". So, fingers crossed that The Strokes, Glass Animals, Jack Harlow, Violent Soho, Tim Minchin and more will hit the stage on Saturday — and Tyler, The Creator, Liam Gallagher, Bad//Dreems, Mura Masa and others on Sunday. More rain is forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology for Byron Bay today, with showers and wind expected on Saturday, plus possible showers on Sunday. Affected ticketholders will be contacted by Moshtix in the coming week, via the email address you used to buy your ticket, with further information on refunds. Today's cancellation comes in Splendour's big comeback year, after two winters without live tunes at North Byron Parklands due to the pandemic. Splendour in the Grass runs until Sunday, July 24 at North Byron Parklands. For further information, head to the festival's website and Facebook page. Images: Ben Hansen.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to Bali's legendary beachfront resort Desa Potato Head. And right now, we have an unmissable deal for you to take advantage of, which includes daily cocktails and a bunch of other complimentary offers on three-, five- and seven-night stays. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Whether Bali is yet to be ticked off your bucket list or you're a seasoned visitor, you probably already know Seminyak is where all the action is — think top restaurants, luxurious day spas and pumping party spots. Of the many hot spots that populate Seminyak, Potato Head Beach Club is an institution. But, Desa Potato Head's offering extends well beyond the famed beach club with its sweeping archipelago views and infinity pool. Billing itself as a self-contained 'village', Desa Potato Head has several restaurants, a range of accommodation options, art installations and a co-working space. And then there is the next-level wellness program. We're talking a 24-hour gym, personal training, outdoor fitness sessions, yoga and guided meditation sessions, IV treatments and the Sanctuary — a space offering ice baths, sound healing and other alternative wellness practices. The resort also has a steadfast commitment to sustainability — it was the first company in Asia to go carbon neutral and is making strides to be a zero-waste operation. THE ROOMS Desa Potato Head has two distinct accommodation offerings. The first is Potato Head Suites (formerly known as Katamama). Each of these 58 suites effortlessly blends ancient Indonesian craftsmanship with modern touches, including floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Indian Ocean, private gardens, spacious living areas, and jacuzzis or pools. Your other option is Potato Head Studios, the more traditional hotel offering. Across the 168 rooms, expect luxury amenities, stylish decor and stunning views over the ocean, bamboo garden or resort. All rooms have thoughtful personal touches, like build-your-own-cocktail kits, refillable products (including sunscreen and insect repellent) and zero-waste kits that you can take home with you. FOOD AND DRINK Beach Club is, of course, the most famous of Desa Potato Head's hospitality offerings, so spending a few hours here (at the very least) is a given. Snag one of the daybeds by the infinity pool to enjoy signature cocktails — prepared with local fruits and spices — and a few snacks from the kitchen, including charcuterie boards, pizza and platters of oysters. The Beach Club has two more formal options, too. The first is Ijen, which focuses on fresh local seafood served raw or grilled. The other is Kaum, which showcases traditional recipes, methods of cooking and ingredients from some of Indonesia's lesser-known regions. Elsewhere in the resort, you'll find semi-subterranean plant-based diner Tanaman, casual eatery Katamama and rooftop bar Sunset Park. THE LOCAL AREA When you're ready to explore beyond the boundaries of Potato Head, Seminyak has plenty on offer to keep you busy. Get your caffeine fix from one of the Aussie-style cafes (Revolver Espresso is our pick) and take a wander down Jalan Kayu Aya (otherwise known as Eat Street) to find tasty local food and boutique shops. Want to visit other beach clubs? KU DE TA, Finns and Mrs Sippy are all worth a look-in. Then, of course, there are all the nature-laden day trips and outdoor adventures you can take. Check out this Ubud day tour, which includes visits to Tegenungan Waterfall and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or this full-day of water sports fun — think scuba diving, jet skiing and more. THE EXTRAS A stay at Desa Potato Head guarantees plenty of luxuries. We've already mentioned a few, including the in-room cocktail bar and daily wellness activities, but you can also expect welcome cocktails, daily breakfast, free daily laundry and airport transfers. Plus, if you book a three-, five- or seven-night stay through Concrete Playground Trips, we're throwing in even more to sweeten the already-sweet deal. Specifically: free cocktails daily, a free massage, spa credit of IDR500,000, dinner at Tanaman and priority daybeds at the Beach Club. Get moving on this offer — it's only available until June 13. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
We have so much to thank the '70s for: P-Funk, The Clash, platform shoes, the advent of modern computing, and, most importantly, the terrarium. Back in the day, you would finish off whatever was in your favourite brandy snifter or plastic bottle, wrap it in your latest macrame creation, throw in a few ferns, and marvel at the fact that you suddenly had a portable piece of nature in your home. During the past few years, the terrarium has come back with a vengeance — and a sophistication with which it wasn't graced, traditionally. An expertly executed terrarium is now considered a work of high art, as demonstrated by the careers of New York's Paula Hayes and Melbourne's Clea Cregan. Even individuals putting together their own "ultimate, low-maintenance garden" at home can create a piece that'd make their mum proud. Whether you're a film buff who wants to see your favourite character immortalised in glass, a nature lover who wants to wear some greenery around your neck or are just looking to add a trendy touch to your home, you're sure to be inspired and surprised by the latest manifestations of the mighty terrarium. It's probably not a bad idea to take Don Burke's advice and keep your creation well-watered. The Hobbit Terrarium Recognise this door? Behind it, you'll find the home of one of fiction's favourite adventurers, Bilbo Baggins. The Hobbit terrarium miniaturises the already teeny-tiny world of Bag End, Hobbiton. The Beetlejuice Terrarium Yes, this really is what you think it is: a one-and-a-half inch model of Connecticut's spookiest house, built to scale. Made of wax, wire, paint and a hairbrush, it perches on a 'hill' of live, growing moss. If genius truly is patience, terrarium artist Rachel Bishop well might qualify. The Star Wars Terrarium Yoda's famous quip "Size matters not" takes on a new dimension here. The 900-year-old Jedi Master stands upon a hand-created 'landscape' surrounded by a glass globe just five inches in circumference. The Australian Open Terrarium CHARD asked Melbourne artist Clea Cregan to create this one for the Australian Open VIP Lounge. Cregan's Miniscapes can be found in all kinds of interesting places in Victoria's capital city. Forensics in the Flora Contemplating inviting friends over for How to Host a Mmurder? This terrarium could be the perfect conversation starter. Surreal Scenes Canadian costume designer Thyrza Segal fills her terrariums with Dali-esque visions. Polymer clay figures — half-human, half-flower — peer out from dreamily arranged, organic foliage. Terrarium in a Tear Drop New York artist Paula Hayes creates scenes of delicate beauty within glass that has been hand-blown into organic shapes. Last year, she installed a large terrarium at Lever House, New York City as part of an exhibition that explored the interaction of human beings with the natural environment. Terrarium in a Light Bulb Blown a light bulb and feeling guilty about throwing it away? Get out your tweezers and devise a world of your own imagining. A Living Necklace Seattle-based artist Courtney creates miniscule universes that you can take with you everywhere you go. Litill Terrariums New York-based artist Lauren Coleman uses succulents, sand and found objects to create unique terrariums of simple, elegant design.
Do you live and breathe art but feel totally fed up with not being able to afford things to adorn your sad, white walls? With the first ever Supergraph: Contemporary Graphic Art Fair coming to the Royal Melbourne Exhibition Building this Valentine's weekend — yep, we just made it an entire weekend of love — all your woes are about to disappear. A celebration of art and design in all its lovely forms, Supergraph aims to display leading artists alongside the best emerging talent, while making sure these limited edition works are available for every taste and budget. With a program that also includes drawing throwdowns and expert masterclasses, Director Mikala Tai explains how Supergraph came about and why this particular explosion of paper and cardboard might just be the most fun thing to happen to you all year. CP: So, what is Supergraph? MT: Supergraph is a three-day fiesta that celebrates design, print and illustration. It is a place to find the perfect piece of art for any budget (works start from a friendly $30) and — with a bar and endless supply of snacks from Melbourne's most loved food trucks — it is the perfect place the spend a weekend arvo. Ultimately, the idea of Supergraph developed from a want to buy art. I love art and most of my friends would love something for their walls but we don't have $3,000 to spend on a work. Supergraph is designed to ensure that anyone that attends will be able to snap up not only an affordable piece of art but an affordable piece of art they can't live without. What can we expect the three days of Supergraph to look like? It looks like an explosion of paper and cardboard has occurred in the Royal Exhibition Building. Expect master classes with The Jacky Winter Group's finest, a huge drawing table where you can try your hand at one of our hourly drawing throwdowns, 200 works hung in our salon that won't set you back more than $60, and booth after booth of design, printing and art-making before your very eyes. And, if you like a bit of party, we're getting festive for Opening Night on Friday and on Saturday, Indian Summer will be taking control of the decks. How large is the team? We are quite small. There are only three of us in the core team but we work very closely with A Friend of Mine for all our design needs and Flock Agency for making the event run like a dream. Then, if you count all of our staff that come aboard to make it actually happen there are probably about 50 people involved. What's an average day in the office for you and the team? The best thing about this job is there is no average. The work, as with anything event based, is cyclical. So during the winter we are developing concepts, pitching ideas and making a wish list of creatives we want to work with, spring is all about signing all the creatives up to be involved. In the midst of summer we are in full production mode. I hope that autumn will bring a little bit of lounging! Today has seen us ponder how many slices are in a lime, visit a press check for our newspaper SuperNews, begin to build some signage and catalogue works arriving at our collections venue. Exciting stuff! How have you gone about the task of finding artists to feature in the fair? As curator, have you found the process to be more intensive or organic? As it is our first year it has been a little different to any other project I have worked on before where the event, exhibition or gallery is more well known. We had a very lengthy list of people on our wish list and we have been lucky enough that the majority said yes. In the past few months, it has been more organic as people have started to hear about us. With artists coming in from all around Australia, as well as New Zealand, Hong Kong, Thailand and London, we are pretty rapt with the final lineup. What other projects have you worked on in the past? I have been lucky enough to have worked in the art and design field since I finished uni. Most of these roles have been in a freelance capacity so I'm currently working with the NGV on Melbourne Now, with Portable Studios on an upcoming speakers tour, and will be back lecturing in Contemporary Art at RMIT come March. Previously I worked at the Melbourne Fashion Festival, quite a few art fairs and a commercial gallery in the city. Trust me, there was a lot of volunteering and interning before that. What made you decide to venture out with Supergraph on your own? I ask myself that everyday! I think I just really believed in the concept. It was one of the persistent ideas that I talked about a lot and when a few of my friends showed some interest in making it happen there was no turning back. It really was about ensuring I could work with people that I knew, trusted and could have fun with on the way. Hardest thing about starting a business from the bottom up? Doing everything! When you are doing something for the first time you have to make it all. Make that first spreadsheet template, find the person at the bank that wants to talk to you and create all your processes. It's hard work. But it stretches your brain and keeps you on your toes. However, after saying that, I am pretty keen on year two when we can tinker with the product rather than build it from the ground up. And the best thing? The best thing is when you make something and it works. I remember clearly when our website went live and Christian (our marketing and sponsorship man) and I looked at each other and freaked out when someone was browsing. I am fully prepared for the whole Supergraph team to be in awe on Opening Night when people that aren't our friends of family walk through the doors. That will most certainly be the best thing. Where does Supergraph go from here? We will be back in 2015 as an annual event. We also hope to turn up around the traps in other forms throughout the year and our online store of prints will be packed year round. Fun! Supergraph is at the Royal Exhibition Building, 8 Nicholson Street, Carlton from February 14-16. Find out more and grab tickets here. Image credits in order of appearance: Mimi Leung, Will McKenzie, Alexandra Ethell & Oslo Davis.
Doughnut fiends, drop everything and run — don't walk — to Windsor. For one week only between September 18 and 25, 190 High Street is playing host to the first-ever Bistro Morgan doughnut pop-up. If you've tried their delectable orbs of pastry, you'll know why we're encouraging you to rush there as quickly as possible. Did we mention that chef Morgan Hipworth makes a Golden Gaytime doughnut? We can hear your stomach grumbling from here. You'll also find Ferrero Rocher, Fairy Floss, Fruit Loops, peanut butter and jelly, and Bounty bar concoctions among his ever-growing range of handmade deliciousness, with each stacked with toppings, brandishing a sauce-filled syringe or both. Of course, it's not just Hipworth's mouth-watering creations that have caused a buzz over the last 18 months, and caused eager doughnut lovers to flock to the cafes that stock them each and every weekend — it's also the chef himself. He's been called Melbourne's doughnut prince, and it's a label that fits. The 15-year-old whips up his tasty treats when he's not at high school, after all. Yes, really. Hipworth taught himself to cook when he was seven, after being inspired by Masterchef (and provided perhaps the best endorsement of reality television he ever could in the process). Cooking up three-course dinners for his parents and grandparents then turned into Bistro Morgan. He still runs things from home around his classes, but he eventually wants to open his own cafes and restaurants. For now, we'll all be more than happy with a week-long pop-up serving his damn fine doughnuts. Find Bistro Morgan's pop-up store at 190 High Street, Windsor from September 18 to 25. Check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. DECISION TO LEAVE When it's claimed that Decision to Leave's Detective Hae-joon (Park Hae-il, Heaven: To the Land of Happiness) needs "murder and violence in order to be happy", it's easy to wonder if that statement similarly applies to Park Chan-wook, this stunning South Korean thriller's filmmaker. The director of Oldboy, Thirst, Stoker and The Handmaiden doesn't, surely. Still, his exceptional body of on-screen work glows when either fills its frames — which, in a career that also spans Joint Security Area, Sympathy for Mr Vengeance, Lady Vengeance and English-language TV miniseries The Little Drummer Girl, among other titles, is often. To be more accurate, perhaps Park needs to survey the grey areas that loiter around death and brutality, and surround love, lust, loss, and all matters of the brain, body and heart that bind humans together, to find cinematic fulfilment. Certainly, audiences should be glad if/that he does. In Decision to Leave, exploring such obsessions, and the entire notions of longing and obsession, brings a staggering, sinuously layered and seductively gorgeous movie to fruition — a film to obsess over if ever there was one. In this year's deserved Cannes Film Festival Best Director-winner, reserved insomniac Hae-joon is fixated from the outset, too: with his police job in Busan, where he works Monday–Friday before returning to Ipo on weekends to his wife (Lee Jung-hyun, Peninsula). That all-consuming focus sees his weekday walls plastered with grim photos from cases, and haunts the time he's meant to be spending — and having sex — with said spouse. Nonetheless, the latest dead body thrust his way isn't supposed to amplify his obsession. A businessman and experienced climber is found at the base of a mountain, and to most other cops the answer would be simple. It is to his offsider Soo-wan (Go Kyung-Pyo, Private Lives), but Hae-joon's interest is piqued when the deceased's enigmatic Chinese widow, the cool, calm but also bruised and scratched Seo-rae (Tang Wei, The Whistleblower), is brought in for questioning amid apologising for her imperfect Korean-language skills. In the precinct interrogation room, the detective and his potential suspect share a sushi dinner — and, in the lingering looks gazed each other's way even at this early stage, this may as well be a twisted first date. Hae-joon then surveils Seo-rae, including at her work caring for the elderly, which also provides her alibi. He keeps watching her at home, where her evenings involve television and ice cream. In stirring scenes of bravura and beauty, he envisages himself with her in the process, longing for the illusion he's building in his sleep-deprived mind. As for Seo-rae, she keeps stoking their chemistry, especially when she's somehow being both direct and evasive with her responses to his queries. She knows how small gestures leave an imprint, and she also knows when she and Hae-joon are both desperately hooked on each other. Every intelligently written (by Park and frequent co-scribe Chung Seo-kyung), evocatively shot (by cinematographer Kim Ji-Yong, Ashfall) moment in Decision to Leave is crucial; the film is made so meticulously, with a precision its protagonist would instantly admire, that cutting out even a second is unthinkable. Equally, every scene speaks volumes about this spellbinding movie — but here's three that help convey its simmering potency. In one, Hae-joon ascends up the victim's last cliff by rope, tied to Soo-wan, Busan looming in the background. In another, detailed blue-green wallpaper filled with mountains surrounds Seo-rae. And in yet another, she reaches into Hae-joon's pocket to grab his lip balm, then applies it to his mouth. Perspective is everything in this feature, Park stresses. Minutiae is everything, too. Intimacy is more than everything, actually, in a picture that's also grippingly, electrifying sensual. Read our full review. BARBARIAN "Safe as houses" isn't a term that applies much in horror. It isn't difficult to glean why. Even if scary movies routinely followed folks worrying about their investments — one meaning of the phrase — it's always going to be tricky for the sentiment to stick when such flicks love plaguing homes, lodges and other dwellings with bumps, jumps and bone-chilling terror. Barbarian, however, could break out the expression and mean it, in a way. At its centre sits a spruced-up Detroit cottage listed on Airbnb and earning its owner a trusty income. In the film's setup, the house in question is actually doing double duty, with two guests booked for clashing stays over the same dates. It's hardly a spoiler to say that their time in the spot, the nicest-looking residence in a rundown neighbourhood, leaves them feeling anything but safe. Late on a gloomy, rainy, horror-movie-101 kind of night — an eerie and tense evening from the moment that writer/director Zach Cregger's first feature as a solo director begins — Tess Marshall (Georgina Campbell, Suspicion) arrives at Barbarian's pivotal Michigan property. She's in town for a job interview, but discovers the lockbox empty, keys nowhere to be found. Also, the home already has an occupant in Keith Toshko (Bill Skarsgård, Eternals), who made his reservation via a different website. With a medical convention filling the city's hotels, sharing the cottage seems the only option, even if Tess is understandably cautious about cohabitating with a man she's literally just met. Ambiguity is part of Barbarian from the get-go, spanning whether Keith can be trusted, what's behind their double booking and, when things start moving overnight, what's going on in the abode. That's only the start of Barbarian's hellish story. Canny casting plays a considerable part in Barbarian's early unease; if you rocked up to a place that's meant to be yours alone for the evening only for Pennywise from the recent big-screen version of IT and its sequel lurking within — sans red balloon, luckily — you'd be creeped out. Skarsgård's involvement isn't the only reason that the movie's first act drips with dread and uncertainty, but it's a devastatingly clever use of him as a horror-film talent, and the Swedish star leans into the slippery and shifty possibilities. Still, after taking a photo of his ID and being wary of drinking beverages he's made, Tess warms to Keith over wine and conversation. He's having a loud nightmare on the couch, too, when her bedroom door opens mysteriously. When she gets stuck in the locked basement the next day, he's out at meetings. Then he returns, and they'll wish that a reservation mixup really was the worst of their troubles. Clearly made with affection for old-school horror, especially films by genre great Wes Craven, Barbarian feels like a well-crafted take on a familiar premise while it's laying its groundwork. Foolish is the viewer who thinks that they know where the movie is heading from there, though — or who ignores the instant bubblings of potential to zig and zag, plus the lingering inkling that something beyond the easily expected might stalk its frames. Indeed, watching Barbarian recalls watching scary flicks from four and five decades back for the first time, a rite of passage for every horror-loving teen no matter the generation, and being gripped by their surprises. Cregger bundles in twists, but he also establishes a vibe where almost anything can shift and change. Two cases in point: when Justin Long (Giri/Haji) shows up as a smug and obnoxious Hollywood player with #MeToo problems, and when the 80s isn't just an influence in scenes lensed in a tighter aspect ratio. Read our full review. BLACK ADAM "I kneel before no one," says Teth-Adam, aka Black Adam, aka the DC Comics character that dates back to 1945, and that Dwayne Johnson (Red Notice) has long wanted to play. That proclamation is made early in the film that bears the burly, flying, impervious-to-everything figure's name, echoing as a statement of might as well as mood: he doesn't need to bow down to anyone or anything, and if he did he wouldn't anyway. Yet the DC Extended Universe flick that Black Adam is in — the 11th in a saga that's rarely great — kneels frequently to almost everything. It bends the knee to the dispiritingly by-the-numbers template that keeps lurking behind this comic book-inspired series' most forgettable entries, and the whole franchise's efforts to emulate the rival (and more successful) Marvel Cinematic Universe, for starters. It also shows deference to the lack of spark and personality that makes the lesser DC-based features so routine at best, too. Even worse, Black Adam kneels to the idea that slipping Johnson into a sprawling superhero franchise means robbing the wrestler-turned-actor himself of any on-screen personality. Glowering and gloomy is a personality, for sure, but it's not what's made The Rock such a box office drawcard — and, rather than branching out, breaking the mould or suiting the character, he just appears to be pouting and coasting. He looks the physical part, of course, as he needs to playing a slave-turned-champion who now can't be killed or hurt. It's hard not to wish that the Fast and Furious franchise's humour seeped into his performance, however, or even the goofy corniness of Jungle Cruise, Johnson's last collaboration with filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra. The latter has template-esque action flicks Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night and The Commuter on his resume before that, and helms his current star here like he'd rather still directing Liam Neeson. That said, Black Adam, the character, has much to scowl about — and scowl he does. Black Adam, the film, has much backstory to lay out, with exposition slathered on thick during the opening ten minutes. As a mere human in 2600 BCE in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Kahndaq, its namesake was among an entire populace caught under a cruel ruler hungry for power, and for a powerful supernatural crown fashioned out a mineral called 'eternium' that said subjects were forced to mine. Now, 5000 years later, Black Adam is a just-awakened mortal-turned-god who isn't too thrilled about the modern world, or being in it. Bridging the gap: the fact that back in the day, one boy was anointed with magic by ancient wizards to defend Kahndaq's people (the word "shazam!" gets uttered, because Black Adam dwells in the same part of the DCEU as 2019's Shazam! and its upcoming sequel), but misusing those skills ended in entombment until modern-day resistance fighters interfere. The above really is just the preamble. Black Adam is freed by widowed professor Adrianna (Sarah Shahi, Sex/Life), who is trying to fight the Intergang, the mercenaries who've been Kahndaq's new oppressors for decades — and, yes, Black Adam gets caught up in that battle. But being out and about, instead of interred in a cave, gets the attention of the Justice Society. The DCEU already has the Justice League and the Suicide Squad, but it apparently still needs another super-powered crew. Indeed, Suicide Squad and The Suicide Squad's Amanda Waller (Viola Davis, The First Lady) even shows up to help put this new gang together. That's how Hawkman (Aldis Hodge, One Night in Miami), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan, The Misfits), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell, Voyagers) and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo, the To All the Boys movies) don their caped-crusader getup and try to stop Black Adam, or convince him to stop himself. Read our full review. THE GOOD NURSE It isn't called CULLEN — Monster: The Charles Cullen Story. It doesn't chart the murders of a serial killer who's already a household name. And, it doesn't unfurl over multiple episodes. Still, Netflix-distributed true-crime film The Good Nurse covers homicides, and the person behind them, that are every bit as grim and horrendous as the events dramatised in DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Such based-on-reality tales that face such evil are always nightmare fodder, but this Eddie Redmayne (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore)- and Jessica Chastain (The Forgiven)-starring one, as brought to the screen by Danish filmmaker Tobias Lindholm (A War, A Hijacking), taps into a particularly terrifying realm. The culprit clearly isn't the good nurse of the movie's moniker, but he is a nurse, working in intensive care units no less — and for anyone who has needed to put their trust in the health system or may in the future (aka all of us), his acts are gut-wrenchingly chilling. Hospitals are meant to be places that heal, even in America's cash-driven setup where free medical care for all isn't considered a basic right and a societal must. Hospitals are meant to care for the unwell and injured, as are the doctors, nurses and other staff who race through their halls. There is one such person in The Good Nurse, Amy Loughren, who Chastain plays based on a real person. In 2003, in New Jersey, she's weathering her own struggles: she's a single mother to two young girls, she suffers from cardiomyopathy to the point of needing a heart transplant, and she can't tell her job about her health condition because she needs to remain employed for four more months to qualify for insurance to treat it. Then enters Cullen (Redmayne), the newcomer on Loughren's night shifts, a veteran of nine past hospitals, an instant friend who offers to help her cope with her potentially lethal ailment and also the reason that their patients start dying suddenly. There's no spoiler alert needed about The Good Nurse's grisly deeds or the person responsible. Cullen's name hasn't been changed in Krysty Wilson-Cairns' (Last Night in Soho, 1917) script, which adapts Charles Graeber's 2013 non-fiction book The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder, and Loughren's similarly remains the same. The Good Nurse also opens with the quietly disquieting Cullen retreating as someone in a different hospital years earlier goes into convulsions — standing back motionless, he tries to appear anxious but instead looks like a creepy blank canvas. Accordingly, that he's the cause of much of the movie's horrors is a given from the outset, but that's only one of Lindholm and Wilson-Cairns' angles. As aided by centring Loughren's plight, The Good Nurse is also a film about institutional failings and coverups with very real consequences. Indeed, as set to an eerie score by Biosphere (Burma Storybook), there's a procedural feel to Lindholm's first feature in America; that he helmed episodes of Mindhunter beforehand doesn't come as a surprise. There are cops, too, in the form of detectives Baldwin (Nnamdi Asomugha, Sylvie's Love) and Braun (Noah Emmerich, Dark Winds), who are brought in seven weeks after a patient's passing just after Cullen arrives. But nurse-turned-administrator Linda Garran (Fear the Walking Dead), who summons the police, is hardly forthcoming — about the almost-two-month delay or with information overall. It isn't in the hospital's interests to be upfront, which is why and how Cullen has kept moving from healthcare facility to healthcare facility, and notching up a body count at each by spiking IV bags with fatal doses of insulin and other medications. No hospital wants to be seen to be at fault, and won't warn fellow institutions, either. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 28; August 4, August 11, August 18 and August 25; September 1, September 8, September 15, September 22 and September 29; and October 6 and October 13. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Thor: Love and Thunder, Compartment No. 6, Sundown, The Gray Man, The Phantom of the Open, The Black Phone, Where the Crawdads Sing, Official Competition, The Forgiven, Full Time, Murder Party, Bullet Train, Nope, The Princess, 6 Festivals, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Crimes of the Future, Bosch & Rockit, Fire of Love, Beast, Blaze, Hit the Road, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Orphan: First Kill, The Quiet Girl, Flux Gourmet, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Clean, You Won't Be Alone, See How They Run, Smile, On the Count of Three, The Humans, Don't Worry Darling, Amsterdam, The Stranger, Halloween Ends, The Night of the 12th, Muru and Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon.
Founded by twins Cam and Chris Grant back in early 2017, Unyoked's tiny houses have been in high demand since the outset. There are 13 cabins across NSW, Victoria and Queensland, including one designed by Matthew McConaughey. All properties have been placed in secret patches of wilderness, in the middle of nowhere, allowing you to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city. The off-the-grid experience brings you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Unyoked's ethos is to connect back with nature to help unplug, alleviate stress and anxiety. Each cabin is designed to make you feel like you're part of the surrounding landscape, too. Think timber, oversized windows, solar power, composting toilets and a blissful lack of wi-fi. At the same time, though, simple comforts are taken care of, so you get a cosy bed, kitchen appliances, firewood, coffee, milk, herbs and the like. [caption id="attachment_745749" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] Images: Unyoked and Luisa Brimble
For the past nine months, The Lume has dazzled Melburnians with an immersive, multi-sensory exploration of the works of Van Gogh. Now, the digital art gallery is gearing up to launch its second exhibition, swapping the giant projections of Sunflowers and The Starry Night for a showcase of iconic works from the French Impressionist era. Announced today, Monet & Friends Alive is the next dynamic art experience set to take over the gallery's lofty spaces, kicking off Wednesday, October 26, in the site's permanent home at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Taking visitors back in time to 19th-Century Paris, it'll celebrate the paintings of Impressionist icons from Monet to Renoir, and Cézanne to Manet. As with its predecessor, the exhibition will display its artworks via supersized projections splashed across its sprawling surfaces, and paired with a curation of tastes, aromas and sounds. Here, that means you'll be able to wander over a bridge and right into a recreation of Monet's famed 1899 work, Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies. Other interactive experiences will include a studio space where visitors can have a go at creating their own replicas of Monet's best-known paintings. Further tapping into the French bohemian spirit will be The Lume's own take on a 19th-Century Parisian cafe, Cafe Lumiere, which will be serving up a menu of small bites, share plates and desserts to enjoy after your artistic adventures. The Lume is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Grande Experiences, which, for the past 15 years, has hosted immersive exhibitions and gallery experiences in over 130 cities across the world. The company also owns and operates Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci. You've still got a few more weeks to catch Van Gogh at The Lume before it wraps up on Sunday, October 9, making way for Monet & Friends Alive to take over. 'Monet & Friends Alive' will launch on October 26, with tickets available from August 26. Head to the website for more details.
In Melbourne we are known for our coffee and our laneway cafes. The latter, which can often be very tricky to find, regularly serve up the aforementioned tasty coffee. Here, we select our favourite laneway spots to grab a latte or two in the shade. League of Honest Coffee From the team behind Padre and the Brunswick East Project, these guys know a thing or two about coffee. You can expect a few choices when deciding on your single origin for the morning. The menu is small, offering a range of noisette pastries for a start. But the real drawcard here is the brew and the relaxed atmosphere that the staff and the space offer. 8 Exploration Lane, Melbourne, padrecoffee.com.au Silo by Joost Joost Bakker, the passionate eco-entrepreneur that he is, has created Silo by Joost and has done so with no waste. Food scraps and napkins don’t go into the bin here, they go into the on-site dehydrator out the back. The menu is small and to the point. Toast, oats, and coddled hens eggs sum it up. Snacks and local alcohol are served into the night. If you are looking to do your part for the environment, you can start with a breakfast at Silo. 123 Hardware Street, Melbourne, byjoost.com Journal Cafe Located in the same building as the City Library, this little cafe is sure to make you want to delve into some Austen or Fitzgerald as you sip your espresso. It’s very cozy here, and with the big communal table in the middle it can feel like everyone is a friend of a friend. The menu offers simple breakfast fare done well. They also have six bruschettas on offer, both sweet and savoury. 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, journalcafe.com.au Bar Americano Known for its serious cocktails, little sister of Der Raum – and we do mean little – is also a great stop for a quick coffee and bite to eat. There is only standing room for 10 so don’t plan to linger here. As homage to Harry’s Bar in Venice, Bar Americano embraces the Italian way of sipping on the run. If you can find it, down not one but two laneways; they will sort you out, day or night. 20 Presgrave Place, Melbourne, baramericano.com Hardware Societe Hardware Lane is nothing if not bursting with cafes and restaurants, and down the end on Hardware Street, you’ll find Hardware Societe. With a French and European influence, you’ll find more than just your typical breakfast fare. You are likely to have to wait on the weekends, as this bad boy is no well-kept secret. Get there early if you’re in a rush. 120 Hardware Street, Melbourne Jungle Juice This one is small, and as the name suggests they do know their juices. Changing regularly, you’ll often land something different. If you can get a seat, grab a bagel with your juice, or takeaway if all the seats in this little one are occupied. 20 Centre Place, Melbourne Manchester Press Good coffee, serious legroom and delicious bagels, what more could you want really? Manchester Press, once a gallery is open and spacious and a great retreat from the chaos that is Little Bourke Street. With about 10 bagel varieties to choose from, they are your best bet. Venture through the roller door and take your time. 8 Rankins Lane, Melbourne Chez Dre Laneway cafes don’t always have to be found in the CBD. Chez Dre, located in a converted warehouse down a little alley at the rear of Coventry Street in South Melbourne, is where you can find some of the best pastries in Melbourne. With a pastry chef who spent years in Paris honing her art, expect a French influence. If you’re not in the mood for something sweet, hot breakfasts and a range of baguettes are also available. Rear of 285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, chezdre.com.au View all Melbourne Cafes.
Let's face it, gift giving is hard. Some people are crazy good at it and others, not so much. But wherever you fall on the spectrum, one thing we can all agree on is that personalised gifts always go down a treat. They are thoughtful, functional and oh so beautiful, making them ideal for a special someone who made your year better. This could be the friend who was your rock during lockdowns, the family member you haven't seen all year or maybe it's the partner who gets you knockout gifts every single Christmas. Yes, something customised will take a bit more planning, but that's kinda the point — you want a gift that show's you went that extra mile, because they're worth it. In partnership with Archie Rose and its new Tailored Spirits range, we've come up with six personalised gifts that'll blow your mum, mate or date away this holiday season. TAILORED SPIRITS FROM ARCHIE ROSE Award-winning Sydney distillery Archie Rose takes personalisation to a whole new level with its Tailored Spirits range, which allows you to craft the perfect nip for your fave vodka, gin or cocktail drinker. Not only can you customise the label for your lucky giftee, but you also get to decide on the tipple's botanicals and the potency of each ingredient to completely suit their taste. Once you decide on the label design and flavours via the user-friendly interface, the team will start blending the individually distilled botanicals into a beautifully designed bottle before sending it on its way. The hardest part of the whole process will be not spilling the beans on what you got them. FRAGRANCE DISCOVERY SET FROM LE LABO There are few things more personal than a scent. So, when it comes to gifting, getting it wrong is a big no-no — but no pressure or anything. Le Labo is known for its fine, hand-blended fragrances, which can also come with custom-printed labels and engravings. Can't narrow it down to just one? The Discovery Set features the brand's entire classic range in a 17-strong sample box, so there's bound to be at least a couple of scents they'll like. Once they decide on which one tickles their fancy, there's a gift voucher for them to purchase a 100ml bottle of their new chosen scent. PERSONALISED NOTEBOOK FROM PAPIER Got a special someone who likes jotting down their thoughts and feelings? Perhaps they're planning on doing a course next year which requires journaling or maybe they're one of those people who just loves making to-do lists (we've all got one). Whatever their needs, Papier's gorgeous stationery designs are made even more unique with the ability to customise them with whatever text you like. Add your giftee's name to the front of their new notebook, or include a funny quote you know they'll appreciate on a 2022 planner. BESPOKE PHONE CASE FROM THE DAILY EDITED Whether your gift receiver is a serial selfie taker, a tech-thusiast or a butterfingers who perpetually has cracks in their phone screen, having a nice phone case is an essential accessory. Connoisseurs of all things personalised, The Daily Edited makes a range of bespoke phone cases that suit just about any aesthetic, from eye-catching patterns comprising their initials to designs that showcase their pride. All you have to do is (subtly) find out what kind of phone they have, take a guess at what colour will suit their style and wait for The Daily Edited to weave its magic. PERSONALISED GOLF GOLVES FROM MR GOLF Know someone who has gotten really into golf in the past couple of years? This is the pressie for them. Made from premium Cabretta leather, these sturdy gloves from Mr Golf can be customised with your favourite golfer's initials — so even if they've spent the day hacking up the green, they can still feel like a pro. As well as a range of colours, you can also pick on which hand to stamp their initials depending on whether they're left-handed or right-handed. They might not make them any better at golf, but at least they'll look good. CUSTOM LUGGAGE BY JULY While we're all itching to get on a plane, some of us already have one foot out the door — and for these people, nothing says bon voyage better than a personalised trunk. July makes a range of beautiful and customisable suitcases, including trunks, backpacks, carryalls and accessories. But to go the extra mile, gift them a polished, hard-shell suitcase with a classic design and old-school latches. Customisation goes further here with ultra-cool fonts (or emojis) which are guaranteed to never rub off. The biggest upside of a personalised trunk? There's no chance of accidentally picking up someone else's bag on the airport carousel. Give someone a gift that's truly theirs this Christmas with Archie Rose Tailored Spirits. For more information, head to the website. Top image: Archie Rose
There's a time for coffee and there's a time for cocktails — and, sometimes, there's a time in the day when you want both. Australia's caffeinated booze expert Mr Black ticks both boxes with the release of its new bottled beverage: a pre-batched coffee negroni. The company's first bottled cocktail, the coffee negroni is made with Mr Black coffee liqueur, Campari, sweet vermouth and Moore's dry gin, which is produced at the same distillery as Mr Black, Distillery Botanica. Each bottle is going for $49 and can be used to make five cocktails (yes, that's a very reasonably $9.80 a drink). To make said cocktail, you just need to pour 100 millilitres of the sweet stuff into a glass over ice and garnish with a citrus twist — if you want to get a little fancy. No stirring (or shaking) required. It's the second new product the Mr Black team has released during lockdown, with the company launching a hand sanitiser in late March. As well as selling thousands (and thousands) of bottles to the public, the team donated hundreds to front-line medical workers, not-for-profits, testing clinics and medical centres. It's not the only distillery to launch its own hand sanitiser during COVID-19, either, with Queensland icon Bundaberg and Sydney rum distillery Brix, among others, also jumping on the trend. To get your hands on a bottle of coffee negroni, which, knowing Mr Black's track record, will sell out fast, head over to the Mr Black website. It's currently offering free shopping on all orders over $80. Mr Black's coffee negroni is on sale now for $49.
How often do you think about the Roman Empire? So asked the much-memed question of 2023, as no one could avoid. With Gladiator II reaching cinemas to give 2024 one of its big blockbusters for the year, another query, also Roman Empire-related, springs to mind: how often do you think about Ridley Scott's 2000 epic Gladiator — the film that won five Oscars, including Best Actor for Russell Crowe as general-turned-arena combatant Maximus — whenever you're thinking about the Roman Empire? The first Gladiator is that influential. For more than two decades since its release, the swords- and sandals-heavy movie has proven an enduring pop-culture touchstone when it comes to contemplating its specific chapter of history through a Hollywood lens, and just in epic cinema overall. Are we not entertained? Audiences the world over were at the turn of the century, so it has never been surprising that talk of a follow-up has been buzzing since 2001. How a second feature would play out has shifted, changed and evolved several times since — Nick Cave even wrote a script — but the film that's transporting viewers back to the Colosseum still boasts exactly what it always needed: the now-octogenarian Scott at the helm. Audiences should be thankful that the iconic Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise filmmaker has added another Gladiator flick to his resume, returning to one of his hits again as he last did with the Alien realm with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant (and that he's continuing to be prolific, helming his fourth film of the 2020s after The Last Duel , House of Gucci and Napoleon). Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers), Connie Nielsen (Origin) and Fred Hechinger (Thelma), three of Gladiator II's stars, aren't just grateful that Scott is behind the camera on the film; speaking with Concrete Playground when they were in Australia for the movie's premiere in Sydney, the trio couldn't have been more inspired by their time working with the director. "Basically I want to be like Ridley when I grow up. That's the root of it for me," Mescal shared with us. Nielsen described returning to one of Scott's sets, and stepping back into the Colosseum in particular, as feeling "like I was coming home". And Hechinger summed up the enthusiastic trio's communal sentiments about collaborating with the filmmaker, when asked what they had each learned from him at the end of our chat — which sparked eager answers. "I know this was your last question and you had a minute, but clearly if you asked this at the beginning of the interview, we could have talked the entire interview for five months about all the things that we learned from him." [caption id="attachment_979923" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures[/caption] As Lucius, Mescal is Gladiator II's focal point, with the Aftersun Oscar-nominee, plus The Lost Daughter, Carmen and Foe talent, leading his first Tinseltown blockbuster just four years after the Irish actor became a global obsession courtesy of Normal People. He slides into Crowe's (The Exorcism) shoes in terms of starring in a Gladiator picture, and also into Spencer Treat Clark's (Salem's Lot), who portrayed the same character as a boy in the first film. Lucius' path is familiar, too, taking him from military command to slavery and fighting for his life in front of Roman crowds. As Gladiator viewers know, his mother, aka Nielsen's Lucilla, has seen this situation occur before as well — but this time, it's Hechinger and Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One) as sibling Emperors Caracalla and Geta who are lording over the empire, rather than Joaquin Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux) as her brother Commodus. Scott's knack for casting remains exceptional with Gladiator II, which also boasts Pedro Pascal (Drive-Away Dolls) as Roman general Marcus Acacius and Denzel Washington as power broker Macrinus. Mescal ensures that Lucius is a determined, devoted and unflinching leader, whether he's literally guiding an army or battling as a gladiator — and also warm, vulnerable and open. Nielsen, who has featured in everything from the Wonder Woman films and Nymphomaniac to TV's Boss and The Following between stints as Lucilla, keeps unpacking how women, even those seen to have some influence and status, can sometimes only be permitted to inhabit a certain space in their worlds. And for The White Lotus, Fear Street and Pam & Tommy alum Hechinger, playing Caracalla means being hedonistic, ruthless, reckless, power-hungry and blood-thirsty opposite not only Quinn but also Caracalla's pet monkey Dundus. With Mescal, Nielsen and Hechinger, we also discussed the present-tense nature of Scott's sets, finding space for Lucilla's political instincts, stepping beyond Crowe's shadow and turning in unpredictable performances — alongside unpacking male psychology, Gladiator II's rallying against the control of the one percent and the devil-may-care abuse of power, and more. On What Nielsen Was Most Excited About in Returning to the World of Gladiator After More Than Two Decades Connie: "The fact that this is a mature woman of experience and of intellectual weight. You don't see many women like that in the theatre kind of ever. And so the way they wrote her, they really made her, yes, the heart and the big mother in the film, but they also made so much space for her political instinct and also for her dreams. You don't really see that much, and so it was very exciting to see and expand on a woman that I played as a young girl." On Mescal Always Being in the Moment Despite the Pressures and Responsibilities of Following in Russell Crowe's Footsteps Paul: "You feel a sense of pressure and responsibility with every single film that you ever make — this being different in the sense that Gladiator, the first Gladiator, is absolutely adored, as it should be. Russell is absolutely adored for that performance, as he should be. But the idea of legacy or pressure is a fundamental problem — it's directly in conflict with trying to carve out your own performance. You can't really lean into it all that much, because the words used to describe the first one and Russell are applied over time, and with the act of making the film — Gladiator II or any film — it has to be utterly present-tense. You have to go to work and build it beat by beat, block by block, day by day. And Ridley's sets are wonderfully, wonderfully present-tense. There's no time to breathe or think about the past or think about the future. You are carving out your own plot of land and desperately trying to protect it." On How Hechinger Crafted a Hedonistic, Ruthless, Reckless and Utterly Unpredictable Character Like Caracalla — and One of a Pair Fred: "I think you want a genuine feeling of danger and ..." Connie: "Unpredictability." Fred: "... Unpredictability. I guess it's a little bit of a conundrum. How do you craft unpredictability? But I think you have to put so many things in there that you can find how to get out of your own way, or at least you have enough tools and elements that you not only surprise others but yourself. What Paul is speaking to in terms of Ridley's set is a true gift in that regard. He's building an environment that is utterly convincing, and also hurtles forward whether you interact with it or not. So the urgency and the full-body need to be heard, and to carve some space, as Paul was telling you about, I think really mixes with my character and all the characters in the film. You have to reckon with the space and there's no shortcut for you. You realise on other sets how many shortcuts are built in, and sometimes the disservice to the work that that does. I think, in this case, there's a real challenge every day — and that as an actor is a gift, because if you're playing someone who's impulsive and dangerous, the environment matches that level of danger and sense of possibility." Connie: "And also Fred, you weren't getting any rehearsals, really." Fred: "Yeah, there is no rehearsal. I mean, Ridley doesn't do rehearsals." Connie: "So you guys basically had to make up a lot of choices prior to even coming to set." Fred: "Joe Quinn and I did work closely on certain aspects of their brotherhood. There's a quality to their relationship that is a double act — at least in public they are. And so some of those Colosseum days felt like we were preparing for the Colosseum. We were preparing for a public thing. We're thinking 'how do we as a duo speak to Rome today?'. And so that it mirrored the story in a lot of ways there. And then I would say that the private side of them, that dynamic was something that was less prepared and spoken about with Joe — but implicitly by not talking about it, we were sort of secretly preparing the opposite side of it, in terms of the public and the private of their relationship." Connie:" I think for the rest of us, who were sitting around and watching them start up this whatever dog-and-pony show you guys are doing that day, I was like 'that is so cool'. It was really cool for us to watch. You guys had really worked hard to get things ready and I just love that. It's so professional." Fred: "Thank you, it means a lot." On What It Feels Like to Step Into Scott's Colosseum — for the First Time and When You're Returning Connie: "For me, it was so strange. It really felt like I was coming home. I know this place — what is it called, the prodigal daughter, returning to daddy's home?" Fred: "I felt — I think I said this to you in person — I felt that Connie was such a leader to all of us. I do remember this first days when you were talking about the experience of returning to the Colosseum, what the Colosseum was like then versus now. It not only made us feel more comfortable as people on the set, it also was really intelligent in terms of continuing to build the world for us. I think it was really creatively generous and additive." Connie: "Well, also because the first Colosseum was kind of like golden and bronzey just very sort of sun-drenched and gorgeous. And this one had a lot of red and black, and a lot of soot, a lot of homeless people at the arches outside of it. There was just a completely different set this time. And so it was both home, but it was also very clear that Ridley had told the story that 18 years had passed since we last left the Colosseum in Gladiator. And that was just very impressive for me to watch how all of the tools that he as a master plays on. And no one tells you. You have to really look. And when you're looking, you realise 'oh my god, he's playing on that and that thing', and it's like he's this master weaver." Paul: "100 percent." Fred: "I really think it's the time. It's the end of an empire. It's where greed goes to die. My first conversation with Janty Yates, our costume designer, I said to her 'I want Caracella to feel like rotting gold'. And when you looked around ..." Paul: "It felt that way." Connie: "It was rot everywhere. Social rot." Fred: "Yeah." On Mescal's Determination to Unpack Male Psychology in His Roles — and to Find Warmth, Vulnerability and Openness While Playing a Gladiator Paul: "I think it's this whole conversation about actors being transformative, which I think is so important, but it's also like if you look at painters that you really admire or any other form of artist, there is a template in the form that we admire about, say, van Gogh or Vermeer or something like that. We're not asking them to change their style every time. Acting is slightly different if you're wanting to play different characters, but there is something that I'm drawn to in terms of the complexities of male psychology. Like, what is it about the way that we think is as young men in the world? That ultimately feels like, when I'm acting, that's my job to kind of allow an audience into to our psychology. And I think when you're playing somebody who is brutalised and uses violence as a weapon in order to survive, that's one thing, but I think that you would grow tired of that as an audience if that was two-and-a-half hours of somebody expressing their life through violence. And I'm glad that you referenced that there is vulnerability there, because all of that anger isn't a means of being — it's a symptom that is built from the hurt that he's experienced. And also it's a fun lens to get to play with. Like, how are you trying to let that version of the vulnerability creep through? So I think the kind of performance style that I'm interested in, both in doing and watching, is not when you hit an audience over the head — you're trying to slowly invite them in to be suspicious or curious about what's going on underneath the surface for every character I play, and it was no different with Lucius." On Whether Gladiator II's Class Clashes Make It Feel Like a Movie for the Moment Connie: "I think it's more subtle than that. I think I can understand why there is this experience of it, because we inevitably mirror ourselves in the stories that we watch. I also know that for sure this was part of what Ridley was playing on but. But as always with Ridley, it's very subtle. I think that this is universal. It doesn't just belong to this moment. It belongs throughout history, that we consistently have to work at achieving that balance. I think maybe when I was younger, when I was like 20, 30, even 40, I still believed that we were moving towards universal democracy. When Tiananmen happened, I thought …" Paul: "That's surely going to be a moment." Connie: "For sure, that's going to be freedom for so many people. And then now we're in the position that you don't feel like we're consistently moving towards that universal freedom. And I would even say that international rule of law has really taken a step back over the last five, six years, seven years. And so I think that it's understandable that people read into it. But I do think it's subtle and I also don't think it's the main cause of the film." Paul: "I agree." On What Mescal, Nielsen and Hechinger Learned From Working with Ridley Scott Paul: "The thing that always strikes me about Ridley is if Ridley decided to never make a film again, he will go down as one of the greatest. But the thing that has struck me on a daily basis is that he could be so entitled as a man and a director, and he's one of the least-entitled people I know. His appetite for work ..." Connie: "Is total." Paul: "... is total. And I think as much as I have enjoyed everybody else that I've worked with, it's something that myself and everybody else included would probably say — that everybody else's work ethic pales in comparison to what he brings just innately as a human being. So to get to watch that from somebody in their 80s is exactly what I would dream of having when I'm — basically I want to be like Ridley when I grow up. That's the root of it for me." Connie: "For me, I look at him as a teacher at all times. I remember on the first film, I came on set in England, we were shooting the Germania battle, and I walk on set and I'm seeing 3000 soldiers on this giant open field that has literally been created by cutting and burning trees. Of course, completely sustainably. And I asked him 'but how are you going to make sure that the audience understands that Russell is coming from behind the enemy lines? How are you going to make sure they understand that?'. And then he was just like 'alright, let me show you'. And he just showed me how all of the battle cameras were turning from left towards right. And then he said 'with all of these cameras where I am filming Russell galloping behind the lines, I am sending that camera from right to left. Intrinsically people will understand that this is what's happening'. He also just drew up a diagram in three seconds and described exactly what it would look like from cut to cut to cut, like that, off the bat. When we were on stage at a screening in London just a few days ago, he started describing how he was building, for example, an action sequence that involved baboons. And the way in which he described his choices, going from 'oh, I once met that one little baboon and that baboon had alopecia' — and the creativity of his brain, and then followed by his ability to then create a way of doing it, which literally did not exist probably technically before. But he's leaning on the amazing people that he hires, and who are able to read into what he's trying to create. Then he is able to describe probably better than anyone what it is that he wants. He's able to say to me 'say that line' and I say it. And he's like 'no, not like that. Give me another line'. I'll come up with another line, and he's like 'no, too much description. Go there. Say it this way'. I'll come up with a line where, I'll go for that third time or fourth time, it'll be the right line. 'Okay, keep that line'. You just are willing to bend over backwards for him and come up with 20 different lines. I'll have written out literally 20 different versions of what I'm trying to say, and he will tell me which one that will work, and he will then, with the greatest respect, incorporate it." Fred: "His work ethic is an expression of his infinite love of cinema and the collaborative act of movie-making. I just think seeing Ridley on a film set is like is like seeing the most-perfect combination of the two." Connie: "He's like a conductor." Fred: "He shares his love in the most-infectious way. And it's funny because I know this was your last question and you had a minute, but clearly if you asked this at the beginning of the interview, we could have talked the entire interview ..." Connie: "Yep." Paul: "Just like that." Fred: "... for five months about all the things that we learned from him. He teaches a million things every day and the things that he teaches you, sometimes he doesn't even need to tell you. They're just happening. He lives through action." Connie: "But also he's amazing at actually directing without judging, which is a unique difference. He's not judging what you're doing." Fred: "Yeah." Connie: "He's directing from this open space." Fred: "Conducting." Gladiator II opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Images: © 2024 Paramount Pictures.
Can you feel a tingling in your toes as your feet start to defrost? That's the feeling of winter slipping away, or maybe you've been sitting cross-legged for too long. Either way, with the cold weather fading into the past for another year comes the return of a warm-weather favourite: Australia's beloved Moonlight Cinema. Ahhh balmy nights on the grass, we have missed you. Heralding the arrival of the sunnier months, Moonlight Cinema is a summertime tradition that will make its usual annual comeback at the end of 2022, then roll into 2023. As it always does, it'll hit up screens in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth for a few months of movies in the open air, under the stars and soaking in another Aussie summer. Nosh-wise, Moonlight Cinema will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks (no alcohol in Brisbane, though), but the unorganised can also enjoy a plethora of bites to eat from food trucks — perfect, messy treats made for reclining on bean beds. The overall season runs from November through to March, although it varies city by city. As for what'll be screening, expect to hear what's on the bill closer to the outdoor cinema's return for the year — before the season kicks off in Brisbane and Sydney on Thursday, November 24, obviously. And, while the 2022–23 locations haven't yet been confirmed, Brisbane's season tends to pop up in Roma Street Parkland, Sydney's in Centennial Park, Perth's in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Adelaide's in Rymill Park and Melbourne's in the Royal Botanic Gardens. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2022–23 DATES Brisbane: Thursday, November 24–Sunday, February 19 in Roma Street Parkland Sydney: Thursday, November 24–Sunday, March 26 in Centennial Park Perth: Friday, November 25–Sunday, March 26 in Kings Park and Botanic Garden Adelaide: Thursday, December 1–Sunday, February 19 in Rymill Park Melbourne: Thursday, December 1–Sunday, March 26 in Royal Botanic Gardens Moonlight Cinema kicks off in November 2022, running through until March 2023. For more information, visit the cinema's website — and we'll update you with program details when they're announced.
It's somewhat of a drag, but it's a Melburnians' Sunday morning ritual — waiting for a table at brunch. It occurs all across the city, in pokey suburban cafes and industrial inner-city spaces, but none seem to match the quintessential wait at Auction Rooms. Even with a number of impressive alternatives just around the corner, still brunchers are willing to wait with growling bellies and pounding heads. They know what's worth waiting for. Luckily, the line isn't stagnant, and thanks to the sheer size of this converted warehouse-cum-cafe, tables are turned over and cleared quickly. If you're willing to wait — and you will have to wait on a weekend — expect to spend up to half an hour on the stand-by bench. Be sure to use your time wisely, by perusing the menu, reading up on the specialty coffee or keeping an eye on other peoples meals as they roll out of the kitchen. Either way, the large, naturally lit modern industrial space, with exposed brick, high ceilings and statement light fittings is one easy to enjoy. When you are seated, coffee by Small Batch Roasting Co. will be needed — make sure to check out the coffee of the day and specialty brewing methods in addition to your usual espresso order. The menu itself is not overly long or too tightly packed, and instead it offers just the right amount of options to make your selection. Place your offers where you will, but the pork belly 'schadenfreude' ($19) and the shakshuka of stewed tomato, eggplant, peppers and chickpeas with Meredith goat cheese, dukkah, poached eggs and grilled flatbread ($17) are both deals you can't pass up. The outside bids are made up of a mix of surprise favourites, with the smoked streaky bacon and chorizo with rhubarb reduction ($8.50) and the macadamia crumbed black pudding ($7.50) interesting inclusions. The menu also offers a few lunch options come midday, as well as smaller breakfast options and cakes at the front counter. Just make sure you leave room for the house-made banana and walnut bread, served with maple syrup and their incredible espresso butter ($10.50). Just as auction-goers used to enter this Errol Street warehouse with their bids, the crowds at Auction Rooms are no different; they know they'll have to wait to pounce on their prize. It's the guarantee of one of Melbourne's best brunch experiences — an exceptionally well-rounded menu, serious coffee and a buzzing space. There are no losers here.
Enjoy being served by a human being at a cafe or restaurant and being able to ask "what are your specials for today?" whilst you can because food delivery techniques are changing fast. Scrap that, they are dropping fast. After flying drones recently emerged to deliver food to patrons at London's renowned YO! Sushi restaurant and beer to festival revellers in South Africa, a group of innovative Melburnians have decided that wasn't cool enough, so they have decided to deliver double the cool. Not only are they serving delicious jaffles in Flinders Lane, they have elected to do it by parachute. That's right, by parachute. Then they gave their service an excellent pun-moniker: Jafflechutes. COOL. Describing themselves as the world's first float-down eatery, Jafflechutes has a process that sounds simple enough. You select your delicious filling (cheese and tomato; cheese, ham and pineapple; or the all-out cheese, roast beef, dill pickles, mushroom and mustard), pay via Paypal, stand on the 'X' at 349 Flinders Lane at your nominated time and catch your snack. Just be aware, if it gets stuck in the tree, then the people at Jafflechutes cannot stress enough to not climb the tree. Wind gods permitting, delicious pockets of cheese filled dough will be raining down on Flinders Lane tonight from between 10pm and midnight, and whilst they have sold out this time around (the Jafflechuters have got 600+ likes on Facebook since starting their page on August 12), they hope to be back in the near future should everything work out fine. What could possibly go wrong? You can follow Jafflechutes on their Facebook and Twitter.
If you've ever listened to a true-crime podcast, decided that you'd make a great Serial host yourself and started wondering how you'd ever follow in Sarah Koenig's footsteps, then you should be watching Only Murders in the Building. The Disney+ series follows three New Yorkers who basically follow that same process. Here, actor Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin, It's Complicated), theatre producer Oliver Putnam (Martin Short, Schmigadoon!) and the much-younger Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez, The Dead Don't Die) are all obsessed with a podcast hosted by the fictional Cinda Canning (Tina Fey, Girls5eva). They find themselves bonding over it, in fact. And, when someone turns up dead in their building, they decide that they can sleuth their way through the case by getting talking themselves. First hitting streaming last month, and now dropping new episodes week-by-week, the series has been unfurling its first season in a very entertaining fashion. It's exceptionally well-cast, and makes makes the most of its main trio's mismatched vibe. It's filled with hearty affection for everything it jokes about, resulting in an upbeat satire of true-crime obsessions, podcasting's pervasiveness and the intersection of the two. It adores its single-setting Agatha Christie-lite setup, it's always empathetic, and it also loves peppering in highly recognisable co-stars and guest stars such as Fey, Nathan Lane (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels), Amy Ryan (Late Night) and even Sting. With the latter, it isn't above making puns about not standing so close to him, or just serving up jokes on that level in general. Yes, it's a delight. And, although it's only five episodes in so far, Only Murders in the Building has just been renewed for a second season. So, if you'd like more of a show that's basically Knives Out, but a sitcom and also a little goofier, you're in luck. Expect another round of murder and podcasting. Expect another suspicious death in the show's Arconia building, too, given the series' title. That's great news for viewers, but probably not for the apartment block's residents — other than Martin, Short and Gomez's characters, that is. Exactly what the next season will cover and when it'll arrive hasn't yet been revealed; however, co-creator and executive producer John Hoffman said that "to carry on our show's wild ride of mystery-comedy-empathy is too exciting for words." Streaming as part of Disney+'s new Star expansion, which launched in Australia back in February this year, Only Murders in the Building enjoyed Star's most-watched premiere among its original series. So, it clearly already (and deservedly) has plenty of fans, all ready not just for the next five episodes of season one, but for another season afterwards. Check out the trailer for Only Murders in the Building below: The first five episodes of Only Murders in the Building's first season are available to stream now via Star on Disney+, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. The show will return for a second season, but exactly when that'll be hasn't yet been announced. Images: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu.
Puppies underwater. That's all you really need to know. But if you're looking for some more context, photographer Seth Casteel is actually one of the world's biggest catches — the man teaches puppies to swim. Teaches. Puppies. To swim. According to Mashable, Casteel has taught over 1500 dogs to paddle their way to glorious swimming success, building up their doggy confidence so they can impress the canine babes in their teen years. Shooting the lessons for his just-released and made-for-everyone-ever's coffee table book Underwater Puppies. Casteel has been doing this for a while; his first book Underwater Dogs followed the same vein. Not since these outrageously excellent photographs of dogs captured mid-shakedown have we squealed with such unfettered delight. Just look at this dude: https://youtube.com/watch?v=4ZZNVrU9w34 So here you go, the ultimate scrollworthy medicine for an average Thursday. ACK. Ruger Corey Rolley Pringles and Pick Me Reason Popsicle Monty Ava Ginger Iggy Via Mashable. Images: Seth Casteel.
When you travel the world, you take your tastebuds on a journey with you, with trying local delicacies all part of the experience. If you find yourself at Sweden's new museum, however, you might not want to get adventurous with your eating — it's completely dedicated to disgusting foods. Of course, what one person considers gross, another entire country might slather on toast for breakfast. Yes, the Malmö-based Disgusting Food Museum will feature Vegemite when it opens on October 29. Other items don't include much-loved but highly polarising Australian spreads, but everything within the site's walls is considered food somewhere. Think Sweden's own surstömming, aka fermented herring; cuy, the Peruvian roasted guinea pigs; casu marzu, a maggot-infested cheese from Sardinia; hákarl, the Icelandic dish comprised of well-aged shark; and Thailand's notoriously pungent durian. In total, 80 foods from around the world will be on display until January 27, with liquorice, jell-o salad, fruit bat and bull's penis among the other exhibits. For an entry fee of 185 Swedish krona (approximately AU$29), visitors will have the opportunity to smell and taste selected items. The museum will also hold 'taste one for the team' sessions for groups of six or more, where you can challenge your friends to the kinds of tastings that you don't get every day. If you're currently asking yourself the obvious question — not 'what's wrong with Vegemite?', but rather 'what would inspire someone to open this kind of place?' — the Disgusting Food Museum is all about challenging accepted ideas of what's edible and tasty. It recognises that what one person finds delicious, another might find revolting and vice-versa. Speaking to Vox, curator and 'chief disgustologist' Samuel West uses Vegemite as an example, explaining that it initially tastes awful, but you can learn to like it. Find the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö, Sweden from October 29. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the museum's website or Facebook page.
Saving your loved ones from medical emergencies, reuniting with school friends, using AI in filmmaking, revisiting memories: whether or not you've ever wondered how these situations could turn into technological nightmares, you're about to find out how Charlie Brooker thinks that they can. When the seventh season of Black Mirror arrives, all of the above scenarios will feature across its six episodes, which viewers can check out from Thursday, April 10, 2025. Also included: sequels to season four's Star Trek-riffing USS Callister and choose-your-own-adventure movie Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Grabbing everyone's attention with one shiny promise, then delivering something else as well: if you've ever watched the dystopian franchise, then you've seen that exact situation play out several times. Soon, you're about to again. And yes, that does apply to the fact that following up USS Callister has long been promised, but doing the same with Black Mirror: Bandersnatch only started being teased in March when the first glimpse at season seven dropped. Netflix has now unveiled another trailer, which also includes episode titles. If you need more information on what's ahead, the streaming platform has revealed more details about each chapter in the new season as well. 'Common People' with Rashida Jones (Sunny), Chris O'Dowd (The Big Door Prize) and Tracee Ellis Ross (Candy Cane Lane) is where that life-saving storyline comes in, for starters, while 'Bête Noire' features Siena Kelly (Domino Day) and Rosy McEwen (Apartment 7A) in a tale of an unnerving reunion. To dive into the impact of artificial intelligence of making movies, you'll be watching Issa Rae (American Fiction), Awkwafina (Jackpot!), Emma Corrin (Nosferatu) and Harriet Walter (Silo) in 'Hotel Reverie'. Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers) and Patsy Ferran (Mickey 17) star in 'Eulogy', about a man looking back with photorealistic detail. Then there's 'Plaything', where Bandersnatch's Will Poulter (The Bear) and Asim Chaudhry (Industry) return — this time joined by Peter Capaldi (Criminal Record) and Michele Austin (Hard Truths). In USS Callister sequel USS Callister: Into Infinity, Cristin Milioti (The Penguin), Jimmi Simpson (Pachinko), Billy Magnussen (The Franchise), Milanka Brooks (The Windsors), Osy Ikhile (All American) and Paul G Raymond (Deadpool & Wolverine) are all back and stuck dealing with another problem. The latest episodes in Brooker's can't-look-away take on how humanity's use of gadgets and innovations can go devastatingly awry are hitting two years after 2023's sixth season, which is a short gap in Black Mirror terms given that there was a four-year wait after season five. Season seven's batch of Black Mirror episodes is also bigger than the past two seasons, thanks to its six instalments — which only season three and four have done in the past. Check out the latest trailer for Black Mirror season seven below: Black Mirror season seven will stream via Netflix from Thursday, April 10, 2025. Read our review of season six, and our interview with Charlie Brooker.
There's so much more to experience in Europe than what Tripadvisor will have you believe. If you're planning a multi-country, multi-city trip, don't break your spirit negotiating flights, sleeper trains, wild taxis and hellish overnight buses — cruise from stop to stop and set out to do things a bit differently. Experience an unfamiliar side of these countries at your own pace with the freedom of a river cruise, which includes food, a bed and most importantly, a unique waterside view of Europe's cities. And while you're in the planning stages, be sure to jot one or two of these ideas in your itinerary to make your Euro trip worthwhile. EXPLORE PARIS BY ROOFTOP Sure, The Catacombs of Paris are pretty mind-blowing, but once you've had a squiz at your 30th underground skull, we suggest you set your sights up. The Paris skyline is one of the most inspiring in the world; it's a city filled with rich and wonderful buildings, iconic slate and zinc rooftops, windows and façades of unrivalled grandeur, plus the Eiffel Tower, of course. Take your time sightseeing from Paris's rooftops. Join a Parisian Rooftop tour on the Seine cruise or choose to wander and show yourself around town. Start the morning doing the touristy thing at Notre Dame (if you get there at about 9.30am you shouldn't have to wait too long to get up top), head up to Canal Saint Martin for a weekend brunch or weekday evening charcuterie planche on the rooftop at the water-side Point Éphémère, and round off your day with drinks at Le Perchoir, overlooking the 19th and 18th arrondissements with Sacré Coeur in the distance. CLIMB SOME ROCKS IN SWISS FRANCONIA If you've sunk a few too many of Bamberg's famous smoked beers during your cruise through Deutschland, here's your opportunity to sweat it all out. This area of Bavaria, known as Swiss Franconia, is one of the most popular climbing regions in the world boasting over 6500 different routes. Test your strength and Spidey skills traversing crags, chimneys, boulders and overhangs, and you will be rewarded with some pretty spectacular views. If you're a climbing pro, you may want to give the Action Directe route a try, which has long been considered one of the most difficult free-climbing routes in the world. But novices needn't worry as there are plenty of guided tours, too. DINE IN AUSTRIA'S OLDEST WINERY After a day of strolling through Dürnstein's cobblestone lanes and castle ruins, head to the Nikolaihof winery. Steeped in over 2000 years of history and tradition, the estate is something to behold: the stone walls, which are left over from the site's time as a monastery chapel, are covered in creeping vines; the cellar is set in an ancient Roman crypt; and the courtyard is dominated by an enchanting 100-year-old linden tree. The Saahs family have been running the winery since the late-19th century and are seen as pioneers of organic winemaking; no herbicides or artificial fertilisers are used on the vines and grapes are harvested by hand. Settle in for a few top-notch drops and a home-cooked Austrian feast prepared with organic produce, before you continue on your way down the Danube. LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC IN VIENNA You don't need to know your Schubert from your Strauss to appreciate the musical nightlife of Vienna. While cruising the Danube, put aside a night to do nothing but sit back, relax and enjoy a schnitzel and bier at Vienna's famous concert cafes. Most of these cafes have an in-house pianist with others offering small bands and a rotating program of live music. Concert café Schmid Hansl is one of the city's most famous — during the war it still hosted jazz sessions. It's open late every night but closed Saturdays. The Cafe Museum is another worthy of a visit. Gustav Klimt, Peter Altenberg and Adolf Loos were all regulars of this little joint and we can't blame them; it's a great place to relax during the day and a magnificent option for a night of music. TASTE AUTHENTIC DUTCH CHEESE IN AMSTERDAM Between all the bike-riding and club-hopping, you're likely to expend quite a bit of energy in the 'dam during the Rhine cruise. So, what better way to refuel than with an afternoon of traditional Dutch cheese? Over the course of an hour, you'll learn all the ins and outs of Dutch cheese: how it's made, how to identify the characteristics between different varieties and how to pair them with wine like a pro. All with plenty of samples, of course. Your course will take place in the tasting room of the famous Golden Age Cheese shop, based in the heart of Amsterdam. It's a real gouda time. Next Euro trip, opt to explore the continent via their rivers. Find out more here.
Worry not if you didn't manage to get a European summer this year, for the Arbory Afloat crew is bringing a slice of it to Melbourne in early September 2024 — this time modelling the floating bar after Italian beach clubs. This will be Arbory Afloat's ninth iteration, having drawn inspiration from Mexico in 2023, the Balearic Islands in 2022 and Turkey's Turquoise Coast in 2021. As it was with these past versions, the new Afloat Capri will have an entirely new look, food and drink lineup, and music and entertainment program. [caption id="attachment_881180" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arbory Afloat 2022 by Arianna Leggiero[/caption] We've been told to expect striped umbrellas with valances, plenty of lemon trees, colourful ceramic planters, terracotta tiled roofs and sorbet-hued walls covered in hand-painted illustrations. This will clearly be the number one destination for spritz-sippers in Melbourne this summer. And that's not only because of its new design and watertop location. The drinks menu is sure to hit all the right spots as well, thanks to HQ Group's Head of Cocktails Tom Younger. He has spent many a month dreaming up the new Italian-inspired beverage menu, pumping it full of citrus- and aperitif-driven drinks that will go down all too easily on a hot Melbourne day. [caption id="attachment_969800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arbory Afloat 2019 by Simon Shiff.[/caption] "Each of the cocktails are designed for all-day drinking with friends and family. This includes a dedicated spritz section (think Aperol, Campari and Limoncello), over 30 different Negronis and a lineup of Pidapipo gelato-based frozen cocktails," shares Younger. The food menu will also be stacked with crowd-pleasing dishes, from pizza and pasta to seafood platters and antipasti medleys. There's no going wrong with classic Italian seaside bites, especially when the group's Executive Chef James Gibson is running the show. [caption id="attachment_927499" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arbory Afloat 2023 by Jake Roden.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969801" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arbory Afloat 2022 by Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Arbory Capri will reopen in early September 2024, and can be found at 2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne. For more details and to book seats from Monday, September 16, you can visit the venue's website. Top image: Arianna Leggiero
Cheeky, fanciful and adorned with luxury designer touches, W Melbourne knows exactly who she is. While Melbourne has no shortage of hotels whether you are looking for a celebratory staycation or a weekend getaway, none are quite as trendy as W Hotel group's first Victorian outpost. Designed by local architect and interior design firm Hachem, the stay is a study in opulence across 264 guest rooms and 29 suites. Modern comforts include W bathrobes, Davines amenities, smart TVs, deep soaking tubs, free wifi and glowing Marilyn Monroe murals. The crown jewel of the hotel is the indulgent 'Extreme Wow Suite', boasting a jukebox, cocktail bar and private 40-square-metre balcony with river views. Venture beyond your room and you'll find W Melbourne's sky-high, gold-embellished pool, which turns into an adults-only space every evening. A well-equipped gym, 27/4 concierge, in-room dining service and four onsite hospitality venues round out the excellent offering. Plus, every Sunday from 2pm, W Melbourne's weekly indoor pool party WET Sessions kicks off with a poolside bar, panoramic views of the city's skyline and a fresh DJ taking over the decks each month. Tickets will set you back $46.35 (including the booking fee). That gets you entry, a drink on arrival and roving snacks to keep you going throughout the afternoon — whether that's to keep you energised for swimming some laps or just to have a poolside dance, it's up to you. Finally, if you want to live it up and spend a weekday by W Melbourne's glam 14th-floor pool, you can get access via W Melbourne's Swim Club which includes 12-hour access to the luxurious pool zone, including its steam room and gym, without having to book a room. Appears in: The Best Hotels in Melbourne
UPDATE Thursday, July 28: Darkfield's Melbourne run has been extended until August 31 — you can nab tickets here. The following has been updated to reflect the change. Not content with terrifying Melburnians with just one unsettling shipping container installation at a time, the folks at Realscape Productions have just brought all four of their disquieting Darkfield experiences to the city. The four immersive shows have taken over a Chinatown lot, serving eerie thrills from Thursday, May 26–Wednesday, August 31. Included in the lineup is return favourite Flight, which, like its siblings, involves stepping inside a 40-foot steel box, sitting in pitch darkness and listening to a particularly immersive soundscape while the production plays with your sense of reality. If you're not fond of flying or don't cope well with the possibility of things going awry in the air, you might want to stay away. If your nerves and stomach can handle all of the above, step onboard. You won't actually be jetting anywhere, of course; however you will be strapping yourself into a section of a real commercial airliner, then pondering the many possible outcomes if the cabin suddenly happened to lose pressure. Created by Glen Neath and David Rosenberg, Flight draws upon the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics while taking attendees on a multi-sensory journey. Flight sessions are running daily Tuesday to Sunday, with departure times at half-hour intervals. Buckle up, and prepare to have your head completely messed with — unless you're claustrophobic, pregnant, or suffer heart or back conditions, in which case you'll have to firmly stay on the ground. [caption id="attachment_852676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Alex Purcell[/caption] Image: Mihaela Bodlovic.
If you love your fried chicken, brace yourself, because Prahran's DesiNental is now serving up some of Melbourne's best Indian fried chicken. This is owner Guvrinder Sandhu's version of classic Korean fried chicken, complete with a spicy Indian twist. Expect succulent drumettes, Maryland fillets and wings, which are fried crispy and smothered in your choice of sticky sauce: butter chicken, tangy clarified butter, or DesiNental's signature date and tamarind, spiked with sweet Indian jaggery. Your grandma's fried chicken, this stuff is not. But if you like your Indian cuisine more on the experimental side, this might be your kind of restaurant. You can pair your IFC with DesiNental's house-made masala fries, served with cumin and plum aioli or a Vindaloo-spiked Louisiana hot mayo. Deeper into the menu, you'll find the likes of loaded lamb Keema fries topped with Kadhai lamb mince, cheese, sour cheese, diced tomato and spring onion, as well as a range of Indian fusion burgers. A Delhi Tikka burger pairs fried chicken with Tikka Masala sauce, along with roasted cumin and plum chutney aioli, while the Desi Masala Beef Chopped Cheese is a playful, spicy take on the original New York version. For dessert, save some room for DesiNental's homemade Kulfi, which comes in several flavours, including raspberry, pistachio and cardamon, and mango and rose. You'll find DesiNental on 475 High Street in Prahran, just down from Williams Road. It's open from 5pm–11pm Tuesday through to Fridays, 1pm-11pm Saturdays and 12pm-7pm Sundays. Images: supplied.
Whether you're an old pro at visiting in Tasmania, a trip down south has always been on your to-do list or you're simply exploring your summer getaway options, the Apple Isle is about to welcome a lavish new spot that's tailor-made for Tassie holidays. Set to open in December, The Tasman marks the first Australian outpost for Marriott International's Luxury Collection hotels brand — so this is definitely a treat yo'self type of place to stay. Perched between Hobart's Salamanca Place and Parliament Square — complete with views out over the Sullivan's Cove waterfront — The Tasman will feature 152 rooms. Whichever one you're booked into, it won't be the same as any others on the property, because celebrating the character of the site is one of the hotel's main aims. Given that The Tasman features an original 1840s heritage building, a 1940s art deco building and a new glass-heavy pavilion, it's easy to see why that's such a focus. Some rooms nod in the heritage direction, others embrace art deco — and guests will enjoy original artworks by local creatives, island baths and fireplaces across the property. And, when you're not using the hotel as a base to explore the city, including not only Sullivan's Cove but also Salamanca Market and St David's Park, you can also pop into the onsite restaurant and bar. At Peppina, chef Massimo Mele will be serving up a Tassie take on Italian dishes, and pairing it with old-world hospitality. At Mary Mary, you'll sip cocktails by Proof & Company's Charlie Ainsbury — after finding the bar perched deep within The Tasman's sandstone walls. Price-wise, rooms start at around $400 per night. That said, you can expect to pay around $5000 a night for the Aurora Suite — the hotel's one-bedroom presidential suite, which comes with water views and its own rooftop terrace. The Tasman opens at 12 Murray Street, Hobart, in December 2021 — with bookings currently available from Tuesday, December 21 onwards. For further information, head to the hotel's website.
With its latest movie-fuelled event, Underground Cinema is hoping that you've never felt like this before — and that you love Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey dancing up a storm in a much-loved 1987 romantic drama. As part of the outfit's new Immersive Cinema spin-off, it's promising to plunge cinephiles into the world of Dirty Dancing. And give you the time of your life, presumably. Hitting outdoor venues for three nights in each Sydney and Melbourne in March 2019, Dirty Dancing: The Immersive Cinema Experience won't just screen one of Swayze's biggest film roles, but will recreate the world of the popular film. That means that attendees will travel back to 1963 in spirit, check into Kellerman's Mountain House in the Catskills, and enjoy a day of painting classes, volleyball, croquet and — of course — dance lessons. You can probably also expect a stint of carrying watermelons, as well as a talent show. It all ends with a sunset screening of Dirty Dancing on the big screen. You'd be just a fool to believe that's all that's on the agenda. Actors and dancers will roam around like the wind, and, food and drink-wise, Americana-style eats and several pop-up bars slinging summery cocktails are on offer for those with hungry eyes (and stomachs). You'll also be able to wander through recreations of Kellerman's famous fictional spaces, from the staff quarters where Francis 'Baby' Houseman gets her first taste of dirty dancing, to the studios where she learns all the steps from and starts swooning over Johnny Castle, to the restaurant where nobody puts Baby in a corner. Like the film version of Kellerman's, the event is also an all-ages affair — Underground Cinema's first that'll welcome families and kids along. And everyone is encouraged to dress up like it's the 60s, although appropriate footwear for dancing is a must. Tickets are available in two tiers, with the $89.90 'Kellerman's Guest Experience' giving you access to all of the above, and the $129.90 'Time of My Life Package' (naturally) also letting you sashay in via express entry, nab a premium elevated viewing spot, explore secret spaces and take a group dance class with one of Kellerman's dance instructors. Dirty Dancing: The Immersive Cinema Experience will take over The Domain in Sydney on March 15–17, and Flemington Race Course in Melbourne on March 22–24, 2019. Tickets for members go on sale at midday on Thursday, November 15, with general public tickets available from 10am on Monday, November 19.
Melbourne knows how to strike the perfect work/life balance, and we've embraced the neighbourhood wine bar scene with open arms — and mouths — to prove it. Whether you're keen on the local chicken shop that serves up some of the most exciting minimal intervention wines coming out of Australia (perfect for that out-of-town client meeting), or looking for somewhere warm and inviting to take the office crush, there's no shortage of establishments to cater to any post-work need (or crisis). We've done a quite a bit of eating and drinking through this great city of ours, so, along with American Express, we've pooled our knowledge for your benefit. In fact, we've sifted through our directory to pick out the best casual drinking spots to suit whatever you have planned. Just quit your job and need to toast with a good wine? Want to get a spreadsheet done over lunch? Need an excuse to use your American Express® Card? We know just the place. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Believe it or not, it won't be long until Christmas spirit reaches fever pitch. And to build anticipation before the big day, Brunetti Classico is bringing back its Build & Sip gingerbread event — a sold-out success in 2024. Running from Monday, November 24–Sunday, December 21, at the Carlton pasticceria, Brunetti Classico has doubled the number of sessions for this year's event, catering to massive demand and ensuring everyone looking to create their own Christmas magic can get involved. Designed as an indulgent evening, these 1.5-hour sessions see guests arrive to aperitivo-style drinks and snacks. Then, Brunetti Classico's esteemed pastry team is on hand to guide visitors on constructing and decorating their own unique gingerbread house to take home, making for a fun-loving encounter overflowing with Christmas cheer. "It's a unique way to celebrate with family, friends, or colleagues — something festive, creative, and totally different," says Fabio Angele, owner of Brunetti Classico. "You don't need to be a pastry chef to join in. Our team will be there to guide the night — you bring the style."
It has proved a busy year for St Kilda's historic pubs. At the end of November, The Espy reopened after three years behind closed doors and a mighty reno. Now, the new-look Prince of Wales Hotel has just launched its restaurant. In 2016, Melbourne businessman Gerry Ryan and his son Andrew took over management of the pub — now just The Prince Hotel — and have since overseen a multimillion-dollar makeover, in with Melbourne's IF Architecture. Located on the second level of the spruced-up St Kilda haunt, Prince Dining Room has taken over the space previously home to Circa, which closed its doors after 20 years last year. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Dan Hawkins (Stokehouse, Circa and Longrain) and Head Chef Dan Cooper (Circa and Garden State Hotel) are creating a Mediterranean menu, showcasing local, sustainable and ethical ingredients from local markets, the St Kilda Veg Out garden and a network of producers, growers and fishermen. Make your may through a selection of skewers and flatbreads — like Flinders Island lamb with fermented chilli, and prawns with sesame, lemon and coriander — or a main, such as the woodfired turmeric chicken with pickled ginger, and add a bunch of sides. The lineup of smaller bites includes options like baby cabbage with prawn butter, and woodfired zucchini with feta, almond and ras el hanout (Moroccan spice mix). As you can probably tell from the aforementioned dishes, there's an emphasis on cooking with fire in the Prince Dining Room kitchen."Fire causes changes in flavour, texture and appearance, to provide a unique final product that cannot be replicated by other means," said Hawkins in a statement. Cocktails do not use fire, but are instead fruit-driven with colourful concoctions like the Jackie & Jess featuring grapefruit juice and thyme syrup, and the bourbon-heavy Louis Li a mix of Aperol, amaro and lemon juice. A succinct list of local and international beers and wines — including a few quality $10-a-glass drops — rounds out the drinks list. In coming up with the design, IF Architecture wanted to respect the building's Art Deco architecture and historical significance, while also adding more light and space. The centrepiece is an oval black steel bar, while eclectic seating — made by local and Italian artisans from metal, wrought iron and wood — and soft, curvaceous banquettes in brown, pink and green hues surround it. Find Prince Dining Room at 2 Acland Street, St Kilda. It's open from 7am–11pm, daily. Images: Gareth Sobey.
He filled our hearts with joy with his gorgeous animated films, then broke them with his well-deserved farewell; however, it seems that Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki isn't done playing with our emotions — or making movies — just yet. One of Asia's biggest news agencies has reported that the master animator has officially stepped out of retirement and is preparing to direct his next feature. The new project was discussed by Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki in a pre-Oscars interview, with the studio's co-production The Red Turtle in the running to take home the trophy for best animated feature. It's not the first we've heard about it, given that Miyazaki's eagerness to return to doing what he does best was first rumoured last year. Now, though, it's official. Best known for directing the iconic likes of Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo and more before he retired after 2014's The Wind Rises — aka, the retirement that actually stuck for a while, after previous plans didn't eventuate — the legendary filmmaker has reportedly been working on turning 12-minute computer-generated short Kemushi no Boro (Boro the Caterpillar) into full-length effort after becoming dissatisfied with the briefer version. Suzuki didn't elaborate as to whether that's the new feature he's talking about, but speculation is rife, of course. That film was expected to be finished in time for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, so, once again, there are plenty of assumptions that the same will be the case with whatever Miyazaki's current effort turns out to be. To be honest, it's safe to say that Ghibli fans won't mind what he's making, or when it comes out — we're all too busy jumping for joy that we'll be getting to feast our eyes and hearts on one of his inimitable cinematic creations once again. Via Kotaku.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Melbourne is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you celebrate the little things that bring a sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Melbourne. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, Ethiopian fare, a Moroccan banquet and lots and lots of cheese. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
When it comes to dazzling scenery, Tropical North Queensland is a technicolour dreamscape. Lakes are emerald green, and billabongs are turquoise blue, while the nearby rainforest canopies are dotted with brightly coloured birds and butterflies. Up north, the warm summer rains give way to heavenly autumn vegetation, with a dizzying array of tropical plants unfurling. The idea that the outback can only be beige and dusty is simply untrue in the tropics. So, read on to discover our picks for you to enjoy the bright green autumn scenes in the Tropical North Queensland outback this year.
2022 is flying by, but if the year's hectic pace is getting you down, here is some small solace for you. Melbourne's Boho Luxe Market is determined to make you remember those times when you could dip your toes in the ocean without a care in the world, and take you to a sun-dappled place of dreamcatchers and flower crowns. Hitting Federation Square on Sunday, December 11, it'll be split into two sections: a bohemian market brimming with Christmas gift ideas held in the Atrium, and another stocked with an all-vegan lineup of wares popping up at Deakin Edge. Across both markets, you're in for a day of complete Christmas wanderlust. Shoppers can expect to find a huge array of fashion, jewellery, art and design items, as well as heaps of stalls slinging ethical activewear, accessories and skincare products. Of course, there'll be lots of tasty things on offer, too, including all the pantry items you need to pull off a top-notch vegan Christmas. While you're there, you can unleash your creative side with a guided workshop on crafting Christmas wreaths or baubles. Plus, there'll be psychic readings, henna artists and hair-braiding pop-ups to further get you in the boho spirit.
Aussie hip hop is just one of those things you can't feel indifferent about. Sure, everyone bopped along to the Hilltop Hoods in high school but after that, tastes divided. You either live and breathe Horrorshow, Drapht and Illy, or you smash your car radio with a closed fist whenever Triple J insists on playing them. Much like caviar, the genre is an acquired taste — just because I don't like it doesn't mean it's bad. On January 26 — Australia Day — filmmakers, producers, MCs and community activists will descend upon Studio 1 at ACMI to take a good look at the music genre and its culture. While, of course, having roots in American hip hop, it's hard to deny the evolution of the music in Australia. Our homegrown outfits set themselves apart with an idiosyncratic twang, and always have unique stories to tell. With a particular focus on film and video content, this panel at ACMI will include both performances, screening and discussions with MCs, directors and producers. Tickets to this event are free, but for more information on panellists or ticketing see here. This event runs concurrently to ACMI's Spectacle: The Music Video Exhibition which runs until February 23.
There are no maybes about the Melbourne International Film Festival's major high-profile guest for 2018 — but, as fans of the Bluth and Fünke families will know, there is one Maeby. Best known for playing Arrested Development's resident teenage film industry executive, ignored daughter, slacker banana stand employee and alluring cousin, Alia Shawkat is headed to Australia as part of this year's fest, where she'll chat about her career and her life in general. Taking place on Saturday, August 18 as part of the 18-day film event, MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation will see the actor talk for an hour with writer and presenter Lorin Clarke — it will be her only Australian appearance. Considering she's officially attending the fest in support of her new film Blaze, a biopic about country and western songwriter Blaze Foley which Ethan Hawke directed, we're guessing there won't be any dancing like a chicken. Thanks to TV series Search Party and Transparent — plus movies such as Green Room, 20th Century Women, Nasty Baby, Night Moves and Whip It — Shawkat's resume spans much, much further than television's worst real estate family, and that's just on the screen. She's also a jazz singer, pianist, painter and illustrator, and recently starred in, co-wrote and executive produced the film Duck Butter. Plus, if Broad City has you wondering about Shawkat's doppelganger-like connection with Ilana Glazer, we have to point out that the latter was just in Melbourne this month too. MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation joins MIFF's growing 2018 program, which also includes an all-night Nicolas Cage marathon and a screening of Drive with an all-new live score. The fest has also announced its first 32 titles for this year, including Blaze, with the full program set to be revealed on July 10. MIFF Talks: Alia Shawkat in Conversation will take place at the Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne at 1.30pm on Saturday, August 18. Tickets cost $25, and are available online now.
For 22 years, BIGSOUND has highlighted Australia's music industry, getting power players sharing their experience and advice, championing up-and-coming talents, fostering crucial connections, and celebrating live tunes and the folks that make them happen in general. Here's a few other handy numbers for the music conference-slash-festival's upcoming 2023 run: four days, 18 venues, 141 artists and 300-plus showcases. Brisbanites and music obsessives, take note: the Sunshine State capital will be Australia's music haven between Tuesday, September 5–Friday, September 8. Earlier this year, BIGSOUND announced its first speakers, headlined ROC Nation's Omar Grant — who was once the road manager for Destiny's Child and now shares the President role at Jay-Z's entertainment agency. Now, it has dropped the full list of musicians that'll be getting behind a microphone. More than 1300 applications to hit BIGSOUND's stages were received for the 2023 event, but it's the festival team's job to whittle them down to the standouts. Among those making the bill: Brisbane's own Full Flower Moon Band, Zheani, Felivand and Baby Prince; Sydney's Moss and Little Green; Melbourne's PANIA, Moaning Lisa and The Slingers; Perth's DICE and Siobhan Cotchin; and Adelaide's Aleksiah and The Empty Threats. From New Zealand comes Reb Fountain and SWIDT, while Casey Mowry and MF Tomlinson are heading to Queensland from the UK. [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] The list goes on, complete with a significant focus on representation. Among 2023's talents, 27 percent identify as LGBTQIA+, 50 percent are female or gender non-conforming, and First Nations acts comprise 18 percent of the lineup. Indeed, 27 showcases will be devoted to Australia's Indigenous artists, including Miss Kaninna, Loren Ryan, Brady, The Merindas, J-MILLA, CLOE TERARE, Tjaka and Kobie Dee. Fancy checking out the most isolated heavy metal band in the world? That'd be Southeast Desert Metal, and they're also on the roster. [caption id="attachment_907800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simone Gorman-Clark[/caption] Top image: Jess Gleeson.
Melbourne might be one of Australia's most exciting cities, but it's what lies outside of its limits that'll really knock your socks off. No more than a few hours drive from the hulking glass towers of the CBD, you'll find that the Garden State is home to an incredibly diverse landscape of pristine coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, sprawling hillsides and hidden valleys — all of which offer some truly fantastic hikes. If you feel like you've reached the point where you could walk through the alleyways of Melbourne blindfolded, it's time to look beyond the city limits. Here are five stellar overnight hikes you can embark on near Melbourne — and where to camp along the way. Most are achievable with an average level of fitness, but be sure to review any trail thoroughly before heading off. You'll also want to stay tuned to any Parks Victoria updates regarding track closures. Once that's all done, dust off those hiking boots and head out of town for an energising nature getaway. FALLS TO HOTHAM ALPINE CROSSING, ALPINE NATIONAL PARK Set 2000 metres above sea level, this 37-kilometre hike provides every opportunity to completely unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life. From lush native wildlife to tranquil valleys and riverside wetlands, the high plains are a treasure trove of scenic beauty and crisp mountain air. While it's not the toughest walk in the state, you'll need a moderate level of fitness for some of the steeper parts; but fear not, there are also plenty of easy sections to balance it out. As a point-to-point track, it can be started from either end, though we recommend setting out from Falls Creek and towards Mount Hotham. While the trek is doable with one overnight stay, more leisurely hikers might consider doing it in two and the track is well set up for this. From the trailhead, it's roughly 14 kilometres to the Cope Hut Campsite and then another 14 kilometres to the Dibbins Hut Campsite. Want to take things a little easier? Alpine Nature Experience offers a three-night curated hike of the crossing, including hot showers and G&Ts. [caption id="attachment_847531" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wilsons Prom, Garry Moore for Visit Victoria[/caption] EASTERN CIRCUIT, WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK Every person and their dog has heard of the Wilsons Promontory's eastern circuit, and that's because it's an absolute ripper of a walk. It forms part of the Southern Prom Circuit, beginning at the Telegraph Saddle car park; the 36.5-kilometre hike featuring a stunning and unmistakably Australian combination of rolling hills, curious wildlife and secluded beaches with clear turquoise waters. You have two options for this hike; you can head from Telegraph Saddle to Sealers Cove or alternatively to Refuge Cove. From either cove, you'll then venture to Little Waterloo Bay, finishing with a trek back to Telegraph Saddle. Although the walk is often nominated as one of the state's best, it's still one of the quieter sections of the Prom, making it the perfect choice for a peaceful nature escape. Again, it's doable with one overnight stay, but will be easier with two. [caption id="attachment_712104" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brian Doecke/Wikimedia.[/caption] LAKE TALI KARNG HIDDEN LAKE CIRCUIT, ALPINE NATIONAL PARK Part of the Alpine National Park near Licola, the Lake Tali Karng Hidden Lake Circuit looks just like a landscape painting — only it's real life. Set in the Victorian Alps and fed by the snow-melt waters of the Wellington Plains, the lake is approximately 14 kilometres from your hike's starting point at McFarlane's Saddle on Moroka Road. Along the way, you'll enjoy an awe-inspiring combination of snow gum forests, towering trees and grassy plateaus. Don't forget that the land you're on is sacred to the Gunaikurnai people of Gippsland, so please be respectful of their rules and refrain from camping at the lake itself. Instead, you can stay overnight at the serene Nyimba Camp, situated two-thirds of the way along the trail and around four kilometres from the water. [caption id="attachment_712106" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] THE BEERIPMO WALK, MOUNT COLE STATE FOREST Offering mesmerising views from Mount Langi Ghiran all the way across to the Grampians and the Western Plains, the Beeripmo Walk is a winding 21-kilometre hike through impressively tall forests, trickling waterfalls and vibrant fern gullies. An hour from Ballarat and completed over two days, this trek is a perfect starting point for experienced bushwalkers looking to graduate to something a little more challenging. If you're really lucky, you might be treated to a few wildlife sightings of monarch butterflies, wallabies and even wild echidnas. For your overnight stay, choose between the ever popular Beeripmo Campground (around seven kilometres from your starting point), or venture a little further to the Mugwamp Campground. Either way, expect stunning views of the night sky, with some of the brightest stars you'll ever see. [caption id="attachment_847526" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cafuego, via Flickr[/caption] THE BURCHELL TRAIL, BRISBANE RANGES NATIONAL PARK Just over a one-hour drive from Melbourne, the Burchell Trail is a 40-kilometre hike that takes you from the north end to the south of the Brisbane Ranges National Park. The historic ghost town of Steiglitz (which, at its gold mining peak in the 1860s, was home to over 1500 people), and a vast array of native critters and flora are just a few of the sights you can expect as you traverse the rugged landscape. The trail is linear, so you'll either need to complete it as a circuit by doubling back the way you came, or arrange for alternative transport to ferry your tired legs back to your car. There are various campsites along the route, including Boar Gully in the north. Advance bookings are required. Top Image: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Visit Victoria. Mt Hotham, North East Victoria Tourism.
The year that Adam Elliot's Mary and Max reached cinemas, Sarah Snook earned her first on-screen credit in an episode of All Saints. A decade and a half later, the Oscar-winning Australian animator and the Succession star have joined forces on Memoir of a Snail. Elliott finally has a new stop-motion feature sliding into picture palaces, with Snook lending her voice to the lonely Grace Pudel, the coming-of-age tale's protagonist with a story to spin. Fresh from locking in its Australian premiere as the opening-night flick at the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival, Memoir of a Snail has just dropped its first trailer to give audiences a glimpse at what's in store. Get ready for Elliot's distinctive animation style — because no one makes clay in shades of brown, black and grey look as expressive as the Melbourne talent — bringing Grace's existence to life. Get ready for snails almost everywhere, too, including as clocks, music boxes, hats and ornaments. "Dad used to say that childhood was like being drunk: everyone remembers what you did except you," explains Snook as Grace to begin this debut peek at Elliot's long-awaited sophomore feature. "But I remember everything," she continues. As Grace talks through the details, snails don't merely feature heavily, clearly giving the picture a metaphor for its lead character — in the movie, the book-loving, shy and anxious Grace is also relaying her experiences to a snail called Sylvia. As it charts a trail of loss, angst, friendship and learning to embrace life, that Memoir of a Snail is bowing on home soil at MIFF couldn't be more fitting. It's "about Melbourne, made by Melburnians and voiced by Melburnians," said Elliott when the festival revealed the flick as its launch pick. To make that connection clear even just in this initial teaser, the trailer includes St Kilda's Luna Park. Joining Snook in the voice cast is a who's who of Australian talent, such as Kodi Smit-McPhee (Elvis), Eric Bana (Force of Nature: The Dry 2), Tony Armstrong (Tony Armstrong's Extra-Ordinary Things), Nick Cave (The Electrical Life of Louis Wain), Jacki Weaver (Hello Tomorrow!) and Magda Szubanski (After the Trial) — and also French actor Dominique Pinon (The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon). After playing MIFF, Memoir of a Snail will hit Australian cinemas in general release on Thursday, October 17, 2024, with this year not only marking 15 years since Mary and Max, but 20 years since Elliot won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for Harvie Krumpet. Check out the trailer for Memoir of a Snail below: Memoir of a Snail releases in Australian cinemas on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Building a business is similar to making a sandcastle. Getting started is easy — all you need is a bucket, sand and a big idea. But, if you want to turn that building into an empire, you'll need to get serious. That includes hiring a team, engaging an accountant and maybe moving out of your home office. Basically, it means scaling up. To do that, you'll need cash and some smart strategies. Luckily, you're not the first person to scale up a business — and there are heaps of people that you can go to. So we've teamed up with Westpac to tap into the minds of some entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled up. Here, we've nabbed some golden words of wisdom from four guns that have steadily increased their cashflow and turned their hospitality venues into varied businesses. Read on for four hacks they've used to successfully (and sustainably) grow their businesses. [caption id="attachment_724984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] STREAMLINE YOUR BUSINESS TECH It's no secret that Luke Powell, renowned head chef and owner of LPs Quality Meats, knows how to grow a business. The mastermind behind his 110-seat Sydney eatery always knew he'd need oversight to keep his business thriving. With the opening of his second venue — Newtown pizzeria Bella Brutta — last year, it was time to invest in tools that would put valuable analytics at his fingertips. "We have used a few different point of sale (POS) systems since we opened," Powell explains. "We now use Kounta for all the venues and find it very insightful and useful with all the information it can provide." Consolidating stats for both of his venues means Powell can make informed business decisions in real time. Not only has this saved him huge chunks of time but also means he's able to explore and invest in new revenue streams — like starting a wholesale smallgoods business on the side. [caption id="attachment_712428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Milton Wine Shop.[/caption] ALWAYS CONSIDER WAYS TO BROADEN YOUR OFFERING Milton Wine Shop's Lyndon Kubis is first and foremost a wine nerd. As wine bar operators, Kubis sees himself and his team as "the DJs of the wine world" — they don't make the wines, but they serve them "with passion". In order for the hits to keep playing, it's important that the point of sale process runs smoothly — Kubis uses Kounta point-of-sale software, which offers great insights for detailed reporting and directly integrates with Presto, Westpac's payment terminal. Kubis says this has helped the business to achieve "super easy end-of-day reconciliations" that feed "directly into [their] accounting software". With the reconciliation process taken care of, Kubis was able to focus on broadening the shop's offering — making it more than just a one-trick pony. The shelves may be donned with bottles of high quality wines from niche producers, but, now, it also now delivers a thoughtful selection of beer and spirits, too. This has diversified the offering and customer base of Milton Wine Shop, making it more broadly accessible and financially sustainable. LET YOUR CUSTOMERS DO THE TALKING If you've never visited a Devon Cafe outpost – in either Sydney or Brisbane — chances are you've seen it on Instagram. With dishes like the truffle sundae and brioche french toast, its menu is made for food blogger flatlays. Owner Derek Puah has always embraced the power of social media to grow his business, and an active online presence enabled him to reach and build a network of loyal customers. "We find a lot of our biggest fans are on Instagram and they love to share photos of their experiences," Puah explains. Re-sharing images not only means that Devon has readymade content (with very little investment) — but it also serves to attract new customers and keep diners coming back for specials. Plus, those searching for a brunch spot can hear first-hand from other customers about what they can expect. [caption id="attachment_734827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] TREAT TIME AS YOUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE William Edwards, founder of Sydney distillery Archie Rose, watches his time. Very seriously. For Edwards, every hour of his day is planned with purpose. "My calendar is my bible — if there's something in there, I'll be there. If there's not, I won't be there," he says. "I schedule when I wake up, when I check email, when I perform certain types of tasks, leave work, get ready for bed, go to sleep, etc. and what days are work vs meeting vs admin days." Sound pretty hardcore? Even Edwards admits it's not going to work for everyone, but, at its core, it's about visualising your day, taking responsibility for your schedule and how much time you allocate to building your business. Now that you have some top tips, it's time to take the first steps towards scaling up your business. And when it comes time to set up your payment technology, look to Westpac's Presto Smart terminal. It's made for speedy payments, busting queues, reducing keying errors and seamlessly connecting to a range of Point of Sales systems, including Kounta, to help you keep track of cashflow. Please note that the above information is intended to be general in nature and should not be relied upon for personal financial use. To request more info and speak to Westpac, head here. Top image: Kitti Gould.
