Usually, when a new Pixar film hits screens — typically cinemas, but occasionally being fast-tracked to streaming as well — it unleashes a whole heap of emotions. Getting viewers to ponder their feelings is a big part of the animation company's formula, after all, and it's been working well for them for a quarter-century. See: everything from Wall-E and Ratatouille to Inside Out and Soul. When the next Pixar flick arrives in June, it'll tap into a very specific sensation that's been bubbling up since early 2020. And, it's one that we're all familiar with. Are you craving a vacation? Do you feel a strong yearning to travel the globe and see somewhere other than your own backyard, city, state or country? Have you been dreaming of beaches far, far away every night for 12 months? Then the fact that Luca is set in the Italian Riviera and follows two teenagers over summer is certain to stoke your wanderlust. If the just-dropped first trailer for the film is anything to go by, first-time feature director Enrico Casarosa (Pixar short La Luna) and his team seem to have crafted a gorgeous-looking movie that'll have you wishing you're on the other side of the globe. Against those striking animated backdrops, two teens eat gelato, devour pasta, ride scooters, explore caves and splash around in the gleaming blue ocean. Oh, and they try to hide the fact that they're actually sea monsters — which becomes obvious whenever they get wet — too. As this tale unfurls, viewers will hear Jacob Tremblay (Room, Good Boys) as the eponymous 13-year-old Luca Paguro, while Jack Dylan Grazer (Shazam!, We Are Who We Are) voices his pal Alberto Scorfano. Also among the cast: debutant Emma Berman, Maya Rudolph (The Good Place), Marco Barricelli (The Book of Daniel) and Jim Gaffigan (Tesla). Check out the trailer for Luca below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i1fgoMyoG8&feature=youtu.be Luca is set to release in Australian cinemas on June 17. Images: © 2020 Disney/Pixar.
Big hair, hairspray and '80s glam rock will intoxicate the Palace Theatre this Sunday, with Steel Panther hitting Melbourne. The band's exaggerated personalities, profane lyrics and insane on-stage personas, led by the blaze of Michael Starr, are the ultimate eighties parody. With tracks like '17 Girls In A Row', 'Let Me Cum In', and 'Just Like Tiger Woods', the band are a jaw-dropping gangbang of lewd behavior, dropping flairing solos, screams and pounding drums clad in unashamedly tight-fitting leopard print. With past stages shared with the likes of System Of A Down, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson and Limp Bizkit, along with timeless legends like ZZ Top and Guns 'N Roses, Steel Panther are unrivalled as performers, delivering a show not quickly forgotten. Death to all but metal. Bring a spare pair of pants.
UPDATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 12 — The RTBU announced last night, Sunday, August 11, that after "construction conversations" with Metro Trains, it would not be proceeding with its planned industrial action between August 12–19. Instead, it'll be "work as usual" from today onwards as the union continues to negotiate a new agreement. The four-hour stoppage on Tuesday, August 27, however, is still on the table — we'll let you know if that changes. If your daily commute involves catching the train, you're in for a disrupted day on Tuesday, August 27. After discussing the matter for months, the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) will go on strike — although, while a 48-hour walk-off had been proposed, its members will only stop work for four hours. All services will be affected between 10am–2pm. The stoppage will occur between hectic peak-hour periods; however it's reasonable to expect disruptions both before and after the scheduled period as a flow-on effect. The move comes after an eventful week, with the RTBU originally stating that its members would keep ticket barriers open all day on both August 12 and 19 — effectively giving Melburnians two days of free travel. Then, on Friday, August 9, the Federal Court of Australia ruled in favour of an injunction filed by Metro Trains, causing the RBTU to cancel that part of its initial plans. At the same time, the new stoppage was announced, involving not only drivers but commuter-facing employees as well. Speaking to The Age, the RBTU Victorian Branch secretary Luba Grigorovitch said that the strike was in response to Metro's decision to dock the pay of any workers involved in the union's upcoming actions, and not a reaction to the Federal Court decision. https://www.facebook.com/RTBUVic/photos/a.905557212842062/2541434102587690/?type=3&theater Other plans for the period between August 12–19 remain in effect. RBTU staff still won't be checking Myki cards on both August 12 and 19, although the barriers will remain closed and require a swipe to pass through. Commuter-facing employees will also scrap their uniforms indefinitely from August 12, too, and workers will refuse to participate in any training for Melbourne's soon-to-launch high-capacity trains between August 12–18. Between these dates, drivers will also refuse to operate any train that doesn't have fully operational public address systems and passenger emergency intercoms. And there'll be no skipping stations, alternate services running, or announcements by drivers to alert when their trains are running late. The union, which supports over 35,000 members Australia wide, has seen months of failed negotiations with Metro Trains, while trying to secure a new enterprise agreement, cut a new wage deal and call for improved working conditions. "This industrial action is aimed at Metro's hip pocket, not the travelling public," explained Grigorovitch in a statement. With negotiations still under way, it's possible no strike will go ahead, though only if Metro and the RTBU reach a satisfiable agreement in time. Melburnians also look set to endure tram disruptions in the near future, as part of a separate set of failed negotiations with Yarra Trams. RBTU members have voted for industrial action across the tram network, including a strike of up to 48 hours. There's no word yet as to when the latter may happen, although it's expected within the next 30 days. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
As one of the most promising young faces in Australian comedy at the moment, Laura Davis has set the bar high for herself. Her previous show, the critically acclaimed Ghost Machine, won both the 2015 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Golden Gibbo for the most creative independent show of the festival, and the Best Comedy award at the Melbourne Fringe a few months later. Her 2016 MICF show, Marco. Polo., is described in the program as "an above-ground pool party" — and we have no idea what to expect. But that only makes us more excited to check it out.
One king. Six wives. Centuries of folks being fascinated with the regal story. Throw in pop songs as well, and that's the smash-hit SIX the Musical formula, as Australian audiences discovered in 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and can again in Melbourne from Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Comedy Theatre. If you've ever needed proof that some stories never get old, the ongoing obsession with Britain's royal history provides plenty. In IRL, it's relentless. On screens and stages, a slice of regal intrigue is regularly awaiting our viewing, too, interpreting and remixing the past in the process. The Crown might've taken ample artistic license with reality, but it's got nothing on the empowering pop-scored twist on the 16th century that's been wowing audiences in SIX the Musical. This theatre sensation gleans a few cues from well-known history, adds toe-tapping tunes and makes stage magic. If you think that you know the stories of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr, then you probably do — even those with little interest in Britain's past kings and queens are likely aware that Henry VIII had six wives — but SIX the Musical's version isn't about telling the same old tale. First premiering back at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, then jumping to London's West End — and winning Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, plus a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album, along the way — SIX the Musical gleans inspiration from one of the most famous sextets there's ever been. It also finds its own angle despite how popular the Tudor monarch's love life has been in pop culture. So, move over 00s TV series The Tudors and 2008 movie The Other Boleyn Girl — and this one takes the pop part rather seriously. SIX the Musical is presented as a pop concert, in fact, with the Catherines, Annes and Jane all taking to the microphone to tell their stories. Each woman's aim: to stake their claim as the wife who suffered the most at the king's hands, and to become the group's lead singer as a result. Images: James D Morgan, Getty Images.
Forget about tech-heavy toys and gizmos: kids can still have hours of fun bouncing up and down in a jumping castle. But this landmark pop-up is no ordinary experience, with The Big Bounce Australia featuring the world's largest jumping castle. Spanning a mind-boggling 1500 square metres, this sprawling inflatable contains slides, climbing walls, ball pits, basketball hoops and a central performance area with music and hosted activities. Plus, this huge blow-up runs alongside a 300-metre obstacle course, complete with over 50 challenges that'll test kids of all ages (not to mention adults). Leap into the galaxy-themed airSPACE zone, home to a five-lane slide, multiple elevated platforms and moon craters filled with balls. Meanwhile, the Sport Slam zone is jam-packed with goals, nets, hoops and balls so that everyone can bounce and compete at the same time. Touring nationally, The Big Bounce Australia is now at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne until Sunday, January 11, before travelling to Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth over the next three months. With tickets starting from $40, three-hour sessions are held for toddlers, juniors and bigger kids. And for those aged 16 and older, adult-only sessions give you the chance to tackle this bouncy wonderland. "We are pleased to begin the tour in Melbourne, where there is strong demand for active, outdoor entertainment throughout summer," says Noa Overby, Tour Manager for Big Bounce Australia, "The Big Bounce offers a broad mix of activities that appeal to a wide range of ages and encourages people to get involved in something that is both social and physical."
Tropical North Queensland is so rich in natural beauty that it's easy to forget that the region also boasts an impressive art scene. Local and international artists flock to the tropics, finding inspiration in the stunning scenery throughout the area. From local theatres and art galleries, to beachside markets and concert venues, there are plenty of ways to get your culture fix while in the tropics.
'ZomRomComs'. That's what you get when you add zombies to romantic comedies. First came Shaun of the Dead, then Zombieland and now Warm Bodies, a delightful Romeo and Juliet meets Frankenstein tale, in that two star-crossed lovers must overcome deep-seeded family prejudices, and that Romeo is a monstrous zombie. That zombie is 'R' (Nicholas Hoult), and his Juliet is 'Julie' (played by Australian actress Teresa Palmer). R is just your everyday teenage boy, grappling with your everyday teenage problems: a changing body, crippling social isolation and a tendency to grunt instead of speak. He's also a zombie, but instead of being scary that's mostly just a source of embarrassment. R's charming and self-deprecating narration throughout the film provides a constant source of laughter, particularly with self-aware lines like: "……God we walk slowly!" It's a sublime mix of dark comedy and tender romance, centred on a familiar yet infinitely more appealing relationship than Twilight's Bella and Edward. For an adaptation that openly acknowledges its Shakespearean underpinnings, this has somehow still emerged as one of the most original stories of the year. Thanks to Icon Film, we have 10 double passes to give away to see Warm Bodies. To be in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us with your name and postal address at hello@concreteplayground.com.au. Warm Bodies opens nationally on April 11. Read our full review here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=07s-cNFffDM
Keen to end this year on a high note? How about 88 floors high? There are two parties going down at the Eureka Tower this NYE, depending on how much cash you're willing to part with. The Silver ticket ($195) gets you into the party from 8pm-1am on the 88th floor, and includes substantial canapes, beer, wine and sparkling. But if you're really wanting to blow the bank, the Gold Ticket ($280) will take you to the 89th floor and nab you the same nibbles and drink perks, plus five basic spirits and extra epic views. Music-wise, you can expect to ring in 2014 with all those Top 40 guilty pleasures. Threads-wise, the dress code is cocktail and the views of the fireworks should be pretty next level.
Australians, your suitcases are about to come in handy again. Your passports, too. Since March 2020, the country has been under an indefinite ban on international travel to control the spread of COVID-19; however, today, Friday, October 1, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced how and when that restriction will end. Just like COVID-19 rules around the country in general — lockdowns, the restrictions that apply when stay-at-home conditions aren't in effect and the like — the situation will vary in each state and territory. Allowing fully vaxxed Aussies to enjoy overseas travel again falls under the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response that was announced back in July, and has been slated to kick in when 80 percent of Australians over the age of 16 have been double-jabbed since then. That's still the case, but it'll now come into effect in each state and territory as they reach that vax mark. "Within weeks, large parts of the country will be moving to Phase B and then to Phase C of the National Plan to safely reopen Australia and to stay safely open," said the Prime Minister in a statement. "Under Phase C, international travel is on track to reopen safely to fully vaccinated Australian travellers. Many countries around the world have now safely reopened to international travel and it will shortly be time for Australia to take the next step." Accordingly, each state and territory will be able to begin international travel again when they hit that 80-percent fully jabbed threshold, with the Federal Government expecting that to first happen in November. And, when that occurs, there'll be no limits on where you can head — from an Australian perspective, at least. "The current overseas travel restrictions related to COVID-19 will be removed and Australians will be able to travel subject to any other travel advice and limits, as long as they are fully vaccinated and those countries' border settings allow," said the PM. "These changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving our shores." There will be a quarantine requirement, though, but the system that's currently in place isn't expected to apply to double-vaxxed Aussie travellers. After undertaking home quarantine pilots in New South Wales and South Australia, that's likely to be the option in each state and territory for fully jabbed Australian citizens and permanent residents — and for seven days. If that doesn't apply to you because you aren't double-dose vaxxed or you've had a vaccine that isn't approved for use in Australia or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, you'll still need to go into the fortnight-long managed quarantine that's been operating throughout the pandemic. The announcement comes just over a week since Australia's Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan revealed that the country's international border will open back up "at this rate, by Christmas at the latest." Today's news beats that timeframe by more than a month. The PM also revealed that Australia will work towards quarantine-free arrangements once overseas travel restarts, such as the trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand that's presently on hold until at least mid-November. Previously, the Federal Government also floated the possibility of opening a similar arrangement with Singapore — and extending travel bubbles to some countries, such as Singapore and places in the Pacific, is specifically mentioned in the nation's roadmap. As a nation, Australia hit the 50-percent double-vaxxed mark a week ago, on Friday, September 24. At the time of writing, that figure now sits at 54.2 percent of people aged over 16. You can keep an eye on the jab rates at a number of different websites and, if you still need to get vaccinated, these helpful maps show you where in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Also, if you're wondering which state or territory is likely to hit 80-percent double-jabbed first, it's currently New South Wales. Unsurprising, just when Australia will reopen its international borders has been the subject of much discussion over the 18 months since ban came into effect, only allowing Aussies to leave the country in very limited circumstances. But with Australia's vax campaign gathering speed recently, Qantas and Jetstar have already begun selling tickets for overseas flights for trips scheduled from December, because that's when the two airlines hoped the country's international travel rules could ease. For further information about Australia's plan to restart international travel, head to the Prime Minister's website. More details about the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response can be found on the same site. And, to find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Examining the dark underbelly of suburban Australiana, Drop Out by Toby Pola consists of a series of balsa wood carvings that investigate rituals, obsessions and iconography. Solid replicas of woolen sweaters (just like that one your great-Aunt Joan always gives you for Christmas) hang alongside a collage of a McDonalds bag, the bustier of a cat and the latest issue of BUNS magazine. Sounds like a perfect Friday night in to me. Maybe as part of the imaginary fast-food bag contents, a larger than life sculpture of a soft serve ice cream takes pride of place in the center of the space, perhaps an artistic interpretation of Australia’s growing obesity problem? A Freudian phallic symbol? Or maybe Pola just had a craving for a 50-cent cone. While these objects are seemingly mundane, work titles like Waiting to be invisible, furious to be ignored, Losers blame their parents, failures blame their kids and He’s going to hell on a poker suggest something greater lying beneath the surface of hard veneers and glossy exteriors in these recreated objects. Nearby in Gallery 2, Lucas Grogan’s installation The Wedding Quilt celebrates the evolving and diversifying definition of marriage. A double bed stands in the middle of the room, although there’s no champagne on ice or strawberries dipped in chocolate in sight. Spoiler: TV lied to us about marriage. Covered in 4,000 blue roses, basking under an ominously dripping blue rainbow, Grogan’s hand embroidered quilt is emblazoned with inspiring quotes, such as, “opinions are like arse holes so enjoy yours” and “low and behold, the sky didn’t cave in”. Love is so complicated and beautiful. Striking a balance between beauty and morbidity, the back gallery space is occupied by Eddy Carroll’s exhibition, Glimmer of Wild Patience. Based on an Inuit skeleton myth relating to loss, fear and compassion, Carroll uses skeletal shapes adorned with hand-me-down jewelry, found objects, native feathers and thread, to slightly unsettling affect. Long, bejeweled strands drip from a skull in Galaxy Head, while beside it sits the aptly titled Clavicle, made of leather, felt and beads. In a room filled with the suggestion of that which is internal (both literally and philosophically), it’s as though Carroll has dissected the human body, assembled it in order and laid it out for show in all its gore and glory. Image credit Toby Fola
Community sport, outdoor boot camps, and leisure activities such as bushwalking, fishing, golf and swimming might soon be back on the agenda nationwide, with the Australian Government releasing its National Principles for Sport and Recreational Activities. As referenced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday, May 1 in his press conference after the latest national cabinet meeting, the 15-point set of principles outline the pathway for resuming physical pastimes — focusing on a staged approach. Using the Australian Institute of Sport's Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment as a guide, the principles recommend that small-group, non-contact activities involving less than ten people be allowed to recommence first, with social distancing required for participants. Then, at the next stage, large group and full-contact pastimes could recommence, covering sports and activities with more than ten people involved. That means that anyone eager to go for a stroll, hit a few balls or do some laps in the pool will be able to do so in the first stage, with large team sports returning in the second stage. The government hasn't provided an exhaustive list of activities that fall into each category, or of the steps required at each stage — but for those eager to get outside and get active as soon as possible, it's still a positive sign. Guided by health concerns first and foremost, and noting that outdoor activities likely possess a lower risk for COVID-19 transmission than indoor activities, the principles also touch upon professional sport — aka football codes such as AFL and NRL. "For the foreseeable future, elite sports, if recommenced, should do so in a spectator-free environment with the minimum support staff available to support the competition," the principles state. And at the community level, "sport and recreation activities should limit those present to the minimum required to support the participants". Crucially, the principles don't include a timeline or timeframe for implementation. But with the Prime Minister announcing that the national cabinet will meet on Friday, May 8 to decide on how to relax some of Australia's social distancing and public gatherings restrictions — bringing the date forward from Monday, May 11, because "Australians have earned an early mark" — it's safe to assume that progressing with the National Principles for Sport and Recreational Activities will be on the agenda. Once actioned at a national level, it'll be up to the individual states and territories to implement in their own jurisdictions. As the nation's new daily cases of COVID-19 continue to drop — remaining below 20 per day nationwide since Wednesday, April 22 — governments at both the federal and state levels have been looking to relax limitations on daily life. Queensland and New South Wales eased some restrictions this week, while the Northern Territory outlined its roadmap to "the new normal". Learn more about the National Principles for Sport and Recreational Activities and the Australian Institute of Sport's Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
When Sydney Theatre Company's version of The Picture of Dorian Gray premiered in 2020, it didn't just give Oscar Wilde's gothic-literature masterpiece a fresh spin; it turned it into a brand-new stage sensation. The show features just one performer playing all 26 characters. To make that happen, the production uses video to help. It's the work of writer/director Kip Williams, it's groundbreaking, and it's been understandably earning audiences raves and winning awards. Next stop: the big screen, possibly. Deadline reports that the film rights to the theatre smash have been picked up by none other than Cate Blanchett, via the Tár and Nightmare Alley star's production company Dirty Films. Now, playwright, screenwriter — and Dirty Films partner, plus Blanchett's partner — Andrew Upton is working with Williams on a treatment. When a movie version of The Picture of Dorian Gray might eventuate, who'll star, who'll direct the film: none of that has been announced so far. But behind the scenes, producers Rachel Gardner and Jo Porter from Curio Pictures are also involved. Dirty Films has the Blanchett-led The New Boy, plus fellow flicks such as Fingernails and Shayda, on its recent slate. Curio Pictures has TV productions High Country, The Artful Dodger and the upcoming The Narrow Road to the Deep North to its name of late. After it debuted in Sydney starring Eryn Jean Norvill, The Picture of Dorian Gray also hit theatres in Melbourne and Adelaide. From there, since earlier in 2024, it made the jump to London with Succession's Sarah Snook taking on every single onstage part, winning a 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her efforts. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is exceptional, as well as astute and unnerving, as it follows the selling of its namesake's soul in order to keep indulging every corporeal whim, urge and desire. There's a reason that it just keeps getting adapted for the screen and in theatres, after all. But there's never been a version like Sydney Theatre Company's, which filmgoers might now get to experience. Check out a trailer for the West End season of The Picture of Dorian Gray below: There's no word yet on when The Picture of Dorian Gray could reach screens — we'll update you when more details are announced. The Picture of Dorian Gray is playing The Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, London until Saturday, May 11, 2024 — for more information and tickets, head to the play's website. Via Deadline. Images: Marc Brenner / Dan Boud.
If you're looking for a way to get inspired by exceptional women and witness some live talent for International Women's Day this year, check out the happenings at Melbourne Quarter between Monday, March 7 and Friday, March 18. This year's International Women's Day theme is Break the Bias, encouraging us to imagine a world void of bias and discrimination to see how a gender-equal world can benefit communities everywhere. Melbourne Quarter will be home to a series of free events to commemorate all the inspirational women in our lives. From live music, guest speakers and art installations — there is so much to discover this March. If you are a fan of ARIA award-winning musician and author Clare Bowditch, check out her free International Women's Day address on Thursday, March 10 at 11am. Witness a convergence of story, song and science as Clare forms a playful and effective lesson on how to 'tame your inner critic'. You can register here. You can also check out the interactive video gallery that will feature six women sharing how they personally overcame bias. You'll be inspired by women like former AFLW star and advocate Moana Hope and author and cancer survivor Janet Parsons. The gallery will be shown at One Melbourne Quarter lobby on weekdays from 8am to 5pm. While exploring Melbourne Quarter you might come across the Empowerment Wall filled with empowering quotes. Or, the wonderful live art installation in Gunpowder Walk by muralist George Rose. You can also expect live music from an exciting lineup of local female artists from Tuesday, March 8 till Thursday March 10 between 12-2pm. Check out the full lineup for International Women's Day at Melbourne Quarter at the website.
Just as hearts will go on, so will everyone's fascination with the Titanic: the ill-fated vessel and the film of the same name. Where the latter is concerned, it has been two decades since Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet stepped onboard James Cameron's Oscar-winning behemoth, danced, flirted, fell in love and fell afoul of an iceberg, but cinemas aren't done with the box-office hit yet. To be fair, however, the movie's latest outing isn't exactly in your usual picture palace. In November, Beyond Cinema will screen Titanic in the way you never thought you'd see it: on a ship in Sydney Harbour as part of a live event that not only lets you pretend you're on the real thing, but re-enacts the feature. They're calling it a unique cinema experience designed to take you into the movie, aka Titanic cosplay. If you're a fan, you'd best hold onto your necklaces and maybe bring your own door to use as a raft. The Titanic Experience is the maiden voyage in a planned series of similar events, with screening The Shawshank Redemption in a jail one of the next on the agenda according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Of course, they're not the first to jump into the immersive, interactive cinema space — Underground Cinema and World Movies Secret Cinema are just some of the organisations that have done the same thing, and Brisbane has had its own pop-up prison cinema as well. Still, Titanic on a boat sounds like a watery treat. Information regarding specific dates and prices is also yet to be announced; however anyone interested in pretending they're the king of the world can sign up for pre-release details on the Beyond Cinema website. Beyond Cinema's Titanic screening will take place in November. For more details, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
Last week we told you about Endulj, a brand new Melbourne food service replicating and delivering dishes from some of the swankiest restaurants in town. Well, if Endulj is the equivalent of dinner at a high-end restaurant, then FoodByUs would surely be a comforting home-cooked meal. In fact, that's literally what they're all about, connecting hungry Australians with talented home chefs. Because why bother borrowing a half-dozen eggs from your neighbour when you can get them to make the whole omelette for you? Described as "a vibrant local community of food buyers and sellers", the online portal and app has been operating in Sydney back in August, and launches in Melbourne this week. Users can chose from culinary creations — ranging from Egyptian tangines to vegan treats and incredible cakes — made by dozens of different professional and amateur chefs for pick-up or delivery. It's like UberEats at community level — a place where it's perfectly acceptable to ask someone else's nonna to cook you dinner. "It's an opportunity to meet your [food] maker and have really authentic food that is homemade and that is really hard to find anywhere else," co-founder Ben Lipschitz told SBS earlier this year. "It's about having that authentic experience." Alternatively, you can try your hand at making and selling dishes of your own. Have your friends ever told you your cupcakes are so good you could charge people for them? Well, here's your chance to put that to the test. For more information and to try it for yourself visit foodbyus.com.au. The app can be found on Google Play and in the Apple App Store.
Disney has its own. Apple has one too. And so does Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn. If you're fond of documentaries, you have not one but two local choices. The same applies if you're eager to get viewing for free, especially if you can handle retro flicks and titles that you've never heard of before. And if you're eager to support Australian content, there's one for that as well. We're talking about streaming platforms, of course. Throw in Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, SBS On Demand and ABC iView, and Aussies can't say there isn't anything to watch. That's not an exhaustive list either, because this space just keeps growing — with a new service dedicated to British television shows about to join the fold this year. Already operational in the USA, Canada and, of course, the United Kingdom, Britbox is a joint collaboration between two English TV networks: the BBC and ITV. They both have a hefty stable of programs up their sleeves — and while exactly what'll be available on the Aussie version of the service hasn't been announced, you can expect retro and recent series such as Absolutely Fabulous, The Office, Blackadder, Harlots and A Confession, based on the titles showcased on the current local website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2DCExerOsA Britbox will focus on box sets of UK shows, which means full seasons all there at once ready for audiences to stream. You'll be able to do so via mobile devices, tablets, connected TVs and Chromecast — and via the online site. Just when Britbox will start streaming in Australia is yet to be revealed, other than than sometime in 2020. Nor has a price as yet, if you're eager to add another platform to your subscriptions. Britbox is set to launch in Australia sometime in 2020. Visit the streaming service's website to sign up for further updates.
Earlier this year, Goose Island migrated down under from its home in Chicago, setting up shop in Tasmania. Now, the craft brewery is bringing its Migration Week event series to Australia for a hop-fuelled week of brews, eats and Aussie-American mashups. To kick off the very first Aussie Migration Week, Goose Island is throwing a street fest at Welcome to Thornbury in Northcote on Monday, November 13 from 5pm. Bringing together the best of Chicago and Aussie culture, the brewery will team up with local eateries including Mr. Burger, The Art of Fried Chicken, Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks, Bluebonnet BBQ and Loaded Gourmet Sweets & Creams. Each vendor will be dishing out Chicago-inspired classics alongside Goose Island's premium brews including the Midway IPA, the award-winning IPA, plus the barrel-aged Halia, Lolita and Matilda — flown in direct from Chicago. Before the street fest kicks off, the brewery will host an exclusive tasting where you'll also be able to meet the Chicago brewers. Want to attend? We have enough passes to go around for you and a few friends to join, so you can take not just a plus one but plus three. Join the flock for a night of frothy fun and American eats by entering below. [competition]644305[/competition]
There are two ways that you can add some extra flavour to your next boozy beverage. Mix your drink of choice with a heap of other ingredients and you've got yourself a cocktail, of course — or, you can opt for one of the many varieties of spirits that don't just stick to the usual recipe. Australia's newest vodka falls into the second category. And if you like lamingtons, which everyone should, then you're going to want to add a bottle to your liquor cabinet. Made by Gold Coast-based distillery Wildflower Gin, the limited-edition lamington-flavoured tipple appears as crystal clear as every other vodka. But it's made using local strawberries, cocoa and coconut, so you'll taste all of the above while you're sipping. Obviously, if you'd like to pair it with an actual lamington as well, that's encouraged. And if you're just keen on knocking back drinks that taste like dessert, that's fine as well. The strawberries, cocoa and coconut are all distilled with water from Tamborine Mountain, to help create a smooth beverage — which you can then drink neat by itself, pair with some soda water or add to a cocktail. If you're keen, you'll need to get in fast, because only 200 bottles are available online and at the distillery's Varsity Lakes home. Wildflower Gin's lamington vodka is available to order online for $75 — or, if you're near the Gold Coast, you can pick up a bottle at the distillery at 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes.
For those who like their comedy a little more introspective, you can’t go past Sydney’s Michael Workman. Combining wry observational humour with surreal long-form storytelling, he’s a rare kind of comedian capable of transcending genre, moving audiences to tears even as they’re cracking up with laughter. We Have Fun Don’t We explores Workman’s first-hand experience with heartbreak and depression. Sounds hilarious, right?
Atop iconic Curtin House on Swanston Street, illuminated by the moon and the lights of city skyscrapers, the screen at Rooftop Cinema & Bar is about to flicker back to life. Fresh on the heels of The Shadow Electric in Abbotsford and Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema in St Kilda, the folks at Melbourne’s highest-altitude outdoor picture house have just unveiled the first half of their summer program, with plenty of awesome choices to whet cinephilic appetites. The party begins on December 5 with a screening of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. Other recent releases on the schedule include Gravity, Francis Ha, The Counselor and, perhaps the year’s most talked about film: Sharknado. As fun as those titles might be, it’s the retro picks that show the team have really outdone themselves. Unlike Ben & Jerry’s, the program at Rooftop leans heavily on nostalgia, with titles like Pulp Fiction, Casablanca and The Blues Brothers barely scratching the surface of the film-buff favourites on offer. The latter flick is just one in a kick-ass '80s stream that also includes Labyrinth, The Goonies and Stand by Me. The following decade is similarly well represented by Reality Bites, Point Break and Dazed and Confused, amongst numerous others. This year also sees Rooftop teaming up with the gang from Speakeasy Cinema for a Tuesday sidebar that includes Lena Dunham’s breakout feature Tiny Furniture, David Lynch’s divisive Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and the new film from David Gordon Green, Prince Avalanche. The week leading up to Australia Day, meanwhile, features a trio of great local flicks in the form of Muriel’s Wedding, BMX Bandits and the newly released Mystery Road. Seating at Rooftop begins at 9:00pm for a 9:30pm start. The good news is that the bar begins operations at midday, as does the All Day Burger shack. One floor down, Mesa Verde opens at 5:00pm and offers a wide selection of beer, wine, tequila and Mexican cuisine. For more information about Rooftop Cinema including the full December-January program, see here. The February-April program will be announced at the end of January.
Melbourne is getting a gin festival. Or should we say: Melbourne is getting another gin festival. In a turn of events that could only be a problem in our fine city, Melbourne is all of the sudden faced with the happy problem of having not one, but two gin festivals on the cards for this year. You might remember the hugely successful Juniperlooza, a locally-organised festival which was held in November last year. Well, this new festival — confusingly called Junipalooza (yes, that's an 'a' instead of an 'er') — is coming to Melbourne by way of the UK, and will unsurprisingly be dedicated entirely to gin. The Melbourne version of the festival (the first to be held outside of the UK) will be a twin event to Junipalooza London, which started back in 2013. The event will be held over two days this October at North Melbourne's Meat Market. It'll be hosted by founders of the UK's Gin Foundry, Olivier and Emile Ward — so you know you're in good gin-pouring hands. The award-winning brothers live, breathe and drink gin, compiling all their knowledge onto their comprehensive online gin directory. It makes sense then that the pair have teamed up with local gin expert, The Gin Queen (aka Caroline Childerley) and gin makers Four Pillars, Archie Rose and Poor Toms Gin (just to name just a few) to celebrate the noble spirit in Melbourne. Junipalooza will feature sampling stations, cocktails and gin masterclasses with some of the world's best distillers. Over 26 distillers from around the globe will be in attendance, giving punters the chance to take a bottle or two of their favourite gin home. Tonic water specialists Capi will be on-hand as well to bring the T to your G&T. The festival will take place over the weekend of October 22-23, and early bird tickets are on sale for $35 now. We see a lot of gin drinking in your future.
If the just-dropped 2019 Good Food Month program is anything to go by, those stretchy pants are set to come in very handy this June. Melbourne's annual month-long food fiesta is back for a jam-packed few weeks of culinary fun, featuring top Aussie chefs, food-focused parties and unique dining experiences to impress just about every palate. Heading up an impressive lineup of culinary icons is the legendary Marco Pierre White, joined by homegrown stars including Andrew McConnell, Oakridge Wines' Matt Stone, Tipo 00's Andreas Papadakis and Lulu La Delizia's Joel Valvasori-Pereza. Taking the reins from 2018's Palm Springs-inspired Fed Square pop-up, South Melbourne warehouse space Canvas House is set to host this year's Good Food Month Restaurant, coming alive for its own program of exciting feature events. [caption id="attachment_715805" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marco Pierre White.[/caption] The fun here kicks off on Wednesday, June 5, with a stunning four-course feast hosted by White, which sees the acclaimed Phil Wood (Pt Leo Estate and Laura) reworking some of the UK chef's classic dishes. Then, Andreas Papadakis, Joel Valvasori-Pereza and White will team up to host a pasta party. Elsewhere in the program, you'll catch two of Australia's food sustainability champions working their magic at The New Vanguard, a dinner by Joost Bakker protégé Matt Stone and Paul Iskov, of Fervor in Perth. And on June 9, the traditional Sunday roast gets a revamp at the hands of White and good mate Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co), who'll deliver a contemporary family-style feast matched with wines and James Squire brews. Good Food Month's Let's Do Lunch — a series of $45 lunches at Melbourne's hatted restaurants — will also return. More events are set to be announced soon. The 2019 Good Food Month runs from June 1-30. Tickets are on sale now at goodfoodmonth.com. Pasta image: Griffin Simms
David Attenborough may have turned 94 in 2020; however the acclaimed broadcaster and natural historian isn't slowing down anytime soon. Fresh from narrating and presenting two new TV series last year — Our Planet and Seven Worlds, One Planet — and even appearing at Glastonbury to promote the latter, he's now bringing his latest movie-length documentary to cinemas. Called David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, the film sees Attenborough look back on his more than nine decades on earth, the sights he has seen and the changes he has witnessed. Specifically, he reflects upon humanity's enormous and damaging impact on the natural world. Produced by wildlife filmmakers Silverback Films and global environmental organisation WWF, the resulting doco us described as "a powerful message of hope for future generations". In the film's trailer, Attenborough doesn't hold back. "The living world is a unique and spectacular marvel, yet the way we humans live on earth is sending it into a decline," he comments — before further noting that "human beings have overrun the world". He calls the film his "witness statement" and his "vision for the future", exploring humankind's actions over its existence and how moves can be made to address the planet's current environmental state. Naturally, Attenborough's wise words are combined with striking footage — as you'd expect of anything that the broadcaster is involved in. Originally due to hit the silver screen for one night only, A Life On Our Planet was slated to show in cinemas Down Under in April — but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its release was postponed. It'll now premiere on Monday, September 28 and stick around for a longer cinema season, with the film paired with an exclusive cinema-only conversation between Attenborough and Sir Michael Palin. There's nothing quite like seeing stunning nature footage on a big screen; however if you miss out or can't make it along, the documentary will also head to Netflix before spring is out. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLVkqjHrAzw&feature=youtu.be David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet will screen in Australian and New Zealand cinemas from Monday, September 28, before hitting Netflix before spring is out. Top image: WWF; Joe Fereday, Silverback Films.
Between Saturday, November 24, 2018 and Sunday, April 28, 2019, the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery are bringing the Asia Pacific to Brisbane for the ninth time. Every three years since 1993, the city's major art institutions celebrate the vast creativity brightening up the region as part of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. At the 2018 event — the fifth since GOMA opened, and one that's free as usual — more than 80 individuals, collectives and group projects will grace the walls of the two galleries, representing over 30 countries. Understandably, the highlights are many. View a major site-specific work by leading Chinese artist Qiu Zhijie, see Singapore-based artists Donna Ong andRobert Zhao Renhui turn QAG's Watermall into a new landscape filled with artificial plants, or dive into the water with separate video works by Martha Atienza and Monira Al Qadiri — with the latter not only making the gallery feel like an aquarium, but also being projected onto the William Jolly Bridge for five days. When you enter the exhibition, you'll walk beneath towering sculptures created from nassa shells from Papua New Guinea, while APT9 also features the largest contingent of First Nation artists in its history, including Australian Indigenous art. The massive showcase kicks off with a weekend filled with events across Friday, November 23 and Sunday, November 25, complete with an opening party, talks and performances, with plenty more events scheduled for the exhibition's entire run. Accompanying cinema programs will look at film from the region, and there's also a secret jacaranda garden-like piece called Purple Reign. Sure, the burst of brightness is designed for children, but bigger kids are welcome. Image: Martha Atienza. The Philippines b.1981. Our Islands 11°16'58.4"N 123°45'07.0"E (still). 2017. Single channel HD video (01:12:00 min. loop), no audio. Image courtesy: The artist and Silverlens Galleries, The Philippines.
For the second year in a row, Bluefest won't unleash a lineup of blues and roots tunes upon Byron Bay. After its 2021 event was originally cancelled just days out from its usual Easter slot, and then later postponed to October, the long-running fest has announced that it's now abandoning plans to go ahead this year. Instead, it'll return in 2022 — three years after its last festival, given that its 2020 event was also scrapped due to the pandemic — and will once again settle into its traditional Easter long weekend period. "It is obvious that we cannot present Bluesfest in a safe manner in October — the safety and protection of our loyal Bluesfesters, our festival staff, our performers, our volunteers, stallholders and suppliers is paramount," said festival organisers in a statement. "So, we have re-scheduled to our usual timing with dates over the Easter long weekend next year in April 2022 — by this time, we expect things to have returned much more back to normal.... There is confidence that, by the end of this year, Australia will have achieved at least a 70–80 percent vaccination rate and will have achieved at least 'stage three' in the plan to open up the whole country. Lockdowns will be consigned to history. Perhaps we may even see international artists returning — if they can come, we will be presenting them." Music lovers and festival-goers, mark Friday, April 15–Monday, April 18 in your diaries, with Bluesfest 2022 set to be a four-day event. Once again, it'll take over Byron Events Farm (formerly Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm) just outside Byron Bay. And, on-stage, it won't be lacking in company. Bluesfest Byron Bay returns Easter Long Weekend 2022 with headliners @MidnightOilBand, @PaulKelly, @JimmyBarnes... and the newly added @FatFreddysDrop1! Plus more headliners to be announced! 👉 https://t.co/r1HzgvcPM7 pic.twitter.com/jonipE8ArR — Bluesfest Byron Bay (@BluesfestByron) August 17, 2021 Bluesfest has confirmed a number of artists on its 2022 lineup, including a range of names that were meant to grace the stage this year. Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly and Jimmy Barnes will still lead the bill, with John Butler, Xavier Rudd, Pete Murray, Ian Moss, Mark Seymour & The Undertow, Kate Ceberano, Kasey Chambers, The Waifs, The Church, Briggs and Kate Miller-Heidke among the other names still locked in for the next fest. And, a selection of new acts have jumped onto the roster so far, including Fat Freddy's Drop, Josh Teskey and Ash Grunwald, John Williamson, CW Stoneking and Rockwiz Live. More are set to be announced in the months leading up to the fest. Bluesfest joins a long list of major events affected by the pandemic two years running, including Vivid Sydney, the Sydney Film Festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Ekka in Brisbane and the Royal Melbourne Show. Folks with tickets for the now-cancelled October festival will still be able to use them at the 2022 event. BLUESFEST 2022 LINEUP: Midnight Oil Paul Kelly Jimmy Barnes Fat Freddy's Drop John Butler Xavier Rudd Pete Murray Ian Moss Kate Ceberano Kasey Chambers The Waifs The Church Jon Stevens The Living End Mark Seymour & The Undertow The Angels Russell Morris Kate Miller-Heidke Vika & Linda All Our Exes Live in Texas Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks John Williamson Troy Cassar-Daley Briggs Tex Perkins The Man In Black Josh Teskey and Ash Grunwald CW Stoneking Rockwiz Live Bluesfest 2021 has been cancelled, and Bluesfest 2022 will take place from Friday, April 15–Monday, April 18. Tickets are on sale now — for further information, head to the Bluesfest website. Top image: Joseph Mayers.
Lucinda Coxon's Herding Cats isn't about what you think it is. Nope, it's about two mid-twenties housemates whose work fills them with expletive-filled fury and mind-boggling frustration. Justine is a high-powered office worker who physically can't stand to be around her boss, and Michael earns his living by pretending to be a woman and making dirty calls to men such as Saddo. Theirs is an increasingly fraught relationship as their different circumstances threaten to swallow them whole and life in the 'cat' race becomes unbearable. Directed by Suzanne Chaundy, Herding Cats takes a long hard look at the herd mentality which leaves people so overworked and overwrought that they only have time for the wrong kinds of intimacy. The intensity of Coxon's script lends itself well to a Red Stitch Actors Theatre production and the award-winning script offers disturbing insights into loneliness, bitterness and human frailty.
English record producer and trance DJ extraordinaire Paul Oakenfold brings the beat to the Melbourne Festival Hall this Friday. With two albums topping the US dance music charts, Oakenfold is a man used to having his name up in lights. One of trance’s biggest names, the DJ has worked with many big names over his illustrious career, like Madonna and The Happy Mondays, as well as having contributed to soundtracks of big name films like The Planet Of The Apes and The Bourne Conspiracy. No stranger to touring, Oakenfold has brought his electric show to venues all over the globe, and is expected to set the festival hall aflame. Fans can expect one hell of a show.
The 16 pieces of the BMW Art Car Collection have been individually displayed in museums across the world, most notably in famous art venues such as New York's Guggenheim Museum and Paris' Louvre. At least one piece of the collection, however, has always remained within the familiar walls of the BMW Museum in Munich, Germany, where the collection began in 1975. The classic cars are painted by artists such as Calder, Warhol, Hockney and Lichtenstein. Each car is a canvas for uniquely vibrant interpretations of BMW's value of automotive performance and the pure joy that the company believes comes with driving. In 1979 Warhol even painted his entire BMW for the collection in only 23 minutes in order to convey a sense of speed, using quick brushstrokes and colors that appeared to blur together. Two of the cars have an Australian connection, with car seven painted by aboriginal artist Michael Jagamara Nelson, and car eight emblazoned in Ken Done's trademark bright colours. This year the Art Car Collection is celebrating 35 years of creating exquisite "rolling masterpieces" by welcoming home the entire set of painted cars to Munich. For the first time, all of the pieces are together under one roof in the BMW Museum for the special anniversary exhibition and are on display until September 30.
Open House Melbourne Weekend feeds the same nosiness that sees us snooping around our neighbours' homes before they go to auction or peering over fences into the gardens of luxury homes. Our curiosity gets the best of us in these moments. But there's no need to be ashamed of these very human urges during Open House Melbourne Weekend 2024. In fact, on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, you're strongly encouraged to feed the beast by hitting up some of the 170-plus experiences that have been organised for folks just like you. [caption id="attachment_963213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Armadale House[/caption] The team behind the weekend of events is calling for Melburnians to "re/discover their city" by exploring new and old buildings in a range of unique ways. You can walk across the rooftop of Collingwood Yards, join tours of ten architecturally significant private homes, run around AAMI Park's pitch like the Matildas, step inside heritage buildings that aren't usually open to the public and even explore ArtBank's collection of over 14,000 artworks. [caption id="attachment_963214" align="alignnone" width="1920"] ArtBank Collection[/caption] But there's a lot more to Open House Melbourne Weekend than simply exploring properties that are usually closed off to the public – for starters, 27 exhibitions are also running throughout the weekend, while 14 self-guided tours are also on the program. Plus, you can also expand your understanding of the city by joining some of the 28 talks by designers, architects and artists. [caption id="attachment_963217" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eyes Open Ride[/caption] There's even an opportunity to go on a scooter tour of the CBD with caseworkers from Launch Housing. They'll give firsthand perspectives from people working with those experiencing homelessness. "Open House Melbourne Weekend is a chance for the curious at heart and lovers of architecture to discover new places and spaces in their city, to re-examine what they have perhaps overlooked and reconnect with beloved favourites," shared Executive Director and Chief Curator Dr Tania Davidge. [caption id="attachment_963222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] WOWA Magic[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963219" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secret Laneways Through the City tour. Image by David Hannah[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] AAMI Park[/caption] Open House Melbourne Weekend 2024 will take place at venues throughout the city on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. For more information and to book tickets, visit the festival's website. Top image: Melbourne Connect and the University of Melbourne Student Precinct Public Space.
Across November, New South Wales is hosting 1000 gigs at more than 300 venues, all thanks to the State Government-run Great Southern Nights. The event is helping to restart the state's live music scene after this year's lockdowns and restrictions, and it has just gained a huge new addition — especially in terms of crowd size. While you might've already filled your calendar with smaller shows both in Sydney and across the rest of NSW, make room for The Great Southern Nights series, which'll take place on Saturday, November 28 and Saturday, December 5. Not only will the two gigs hit up Qudos Bank Arena — marking the first big indoor arena shows in Australia since the beginning of the pandemic — but they'll host just over 5000 punters at each gig. That's just a fraction of the venue's 21,000 total capacity, but it still covers a hefty number of music lovers in a year that's been mostly devoid of listening to live tunes en masse. It'll all be held in a COVID-19-safe manner, of course — and, across the two shows, it's expected that crowd numbers will near 12,000 in total. As for the lineup, the first evening will see Ocean Alley, Jack River, Ruby Fields and Jack Botts doing their thing on stage — while the second gig will feature Bernard Fanning, Matt Corby and Merci Mercy. The Great Southern Nights series will take place as NSW's events calendar is slowly filling up, and as venues are being given the go-ahead to welcome in bigger crowds. The state's outdoor stadiums can have up to 10,000 fans in the stands; theatres, concert halls and cinemas can host events of up to 1000 people, and country shows of up to 5000 people will be allowed to happen this summer. The Great Southern Nights takes place on Saturday, November 28 and Saturday, December 5 at Qudos Bank Arena. For more information, or to buy tickets — from 10am ADST on Monday, November 9 for the first gig and at the same time on Tuesday, November 10 for the second — head to the Ticketek website. Top image: Ocean Alley, Neegzistuoja via Wikimedia Commons.
Run to the Melbourne Fringe Hub for this late-night celebration of the music of Whitney Houston. Taking over Arts House in North Melbourne on Friday, September 21 in the middle of the festival, Queen of the Night will see a bevy of local performers — including Mz Rizk, Mama Alto, Shamita Siva, Jennifer Vuletic and the cast of Lou Wall's Drag Race — pay tribute to the legendary singer with unique takes on her iconic music. Best of all, it's free. Have a boogie, feel the heat, and make the most of this one moment in time. The party doesn't kick off until 10pm, so you can even sneak in a Fringe show beforehand.
There's a whole swag of reasons to love Melbourne in February, from the balmy rooftop bar weather to the abundance of cracking beach days. And of course, there's that much-loved summer favourite — the long-running live music celebration that is St Kilda Festival. The legendary event is back for its 42nd year in 2023, bringing another huge program of gigs to its bayside home from Saturday, February 18–Sunday, February 19. Across the weekend, multiple stages will play host to a bumper showcase of Aussie musical talent, spotlighting big-name acts and exciting up-and-comers alike. And, as always, it's free. [caption id="attachment_839020" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Doran[/caption] Along for the ride this year, you've got celebrated singer-songwriter Christine Anu, who'll be headlining Saturday's new First Peoples First program. The Archie Roach Foundation has curated a good chunk of the lineup, while its namesake, the late Uncle Archie, will be further honoured with a dedicated musical tribute. Meanwhile, legends including longtime Aussie rockers Hoodoo Gurus and electro-pop act Confidence Man are confirmed to be hitting the main stage the following day for Big Festival Sunday. As always, Fitzroy Street's New Music Stage is set to be a treasure trove of emerging musical goodness — and where audiences themselves will scout and crown the winner of the New Music Competition — while Acland Plaza plays host to a dedicated locals stage. [caption id="attachment_884062" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mackenzie Sweetnam[/caption] More music is set to envelop the St Kilda Foreshore and its surrounds, as artists also work their magic across the Triangle Stage, the Catani Gardens Stage and the family-focused O'Donnell Gardens Stage. Plus, throw in a spot of roving entertainment, dance performances, community activities, market stalls, and a slew of food and drink pop-ups, and you've got one very festive February weekend by the bay. Stay tuned for the full St Kilda Festival program, which is set to drop on Wednesday, January 18. [caption id="attachment_884064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Doran[/caption] [caption id="attachment_839022" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Doran[/caption] St Kilda Festival will take over the St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds from Saturday, February 18– Sunday, February 19. Catch the full program over on the website from Wednesday, January 18. Top image: Nathan Doran.
UPDATE: April 15, 2020: Aladdin is available to stream via Disney+. Let's get the obvious reference out of the way: in remaking the 1992 classic, Disney's live-action Aladdin doesn't venture to a whole new world. Instead, the company's latest rehash of its back catalogue adds literal, visible flesh to everyone's favourite makeover concept (Blue Eye for the Street Rat Guy, basically), as well as a few minor twists and an extra song. Relaying the same tale again isn't necessarily an issue, on paper. Storytellers have been doing the same thing since time began, as have filmmakers for more than a century, with re-interpreting familiar narratives, adapting them to different contexts and seeing them afresh all part of human nature. But what Aladdin lacks is a purpose beyond the obvious. It's a glossy new version with actors instead of animation; a shiny, nostalgic replica that's definitely entertaining enough. However it never tries to soar on its own magic carpet. One line of thinking, of course, is that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Another is that faithful do-overs of beloved hits (including Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast and Dumbo, plus the forthcoming The Lion King) are just Disney's safety-driven success strategy. These are risk-averse filmmaking times, so the latter approach is understandable. When fans mobilise online en masse to cry about women with lightsabers and demand that a television show be remade because it didn't end the way they personally wanted, simply giving viewers what they already like is the all-too-sensible option. Accordingly, Aladdin circa 2019 is exactly what it was always going to be, with all of the expected ups and downs that entails. Yes, it'll make you want to revisit the original. No, Will Smith can't match Robin Williams, but he doesn't always try to. Surprisingly, while there are no geezers spouting Cockney rhyming slang (and no Jason Statham, sadly), director Guy Ritchie's penchant for energetic spectacle generally fits. The story, for those who didn't spend their childhoods rewatching the animated flick endlessly and committing the details to memory, charts Agrabah urchin Aladdin (Mena Massoud), his newfound love for Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) and the lamp-dwelling Genie (Will Smith) who can make dreams come true. Aladdin is merely a kind-hearted petty thief with a cheeky monkey for a best friend, with Jasmine only able to marry royalty — and her sultan father (Navid Negahban) is hardly fond of breaking tradition. Complicating matters even further is nefarious advisor Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), who exerts his own influence — with the help of his all-seeing parrot Iago (voiced by Alan Tudyk) — to try to seize the throne. With Genie's wish-granting assistance, Aladdin pretends to be a prince to secure Jasmine's hand, but securing the kingdom becomes just as pressing a concern. There's a timely female empowerment thread to this version to Aladdin, as seen in its new song, as well as Jasmine's rallying against her lack of agency. Barely tinkering with the initial flick's script, Ritchie and co-scribe John August (Frankenweenie) aren't trying to break the mould — or enchanted lamp — yet it's a welcome albeit fairly obligatory touch. Where the director best exerts his influence is in teaming with cinematographer Alan Stewart (Mary Poppins Returns) to bring Agrabah to vivid, jewel-toned life, watching Aladdin sneakily parkour himself around the city and giving the musical numbers the requisite bounce. Where the tunes are concerned, established crowd-pleasers such as 'Prince Ali', 'Friend Like Me' and 'A Whole New World' prove the high points they're meant to be, which sums up the film's fortunes perfectly: its hits are already known, and making sure they don't crash compared to the original is the primary plan. That could sum up Smith's tactics also, or at least that's how it initially seems. He's less comfortable and convincing when he's overtly mimicking Williams at the outset, but serves up an engaging and amusing Genie once he makes the character his own (and when he isn't sporting a distracting shade of blue). Indeed, if viewers had three wishes for the Aladdin remake, and one of them was for a great cast, that has largely been granted. Crucially, Massoud makes a suitably charismatic rapscallion, and Scott brings poise and radiance to a star-making performance, helping you forget that she was in the awful Power Rangers movie. The true scene-stealer, though, is ex-Saturday Night Live star Nasim Pedrad as Jasmine's handmaiden Dalia. It's a move that'd never happen, but if this adequate yet never arresting Aladdin revival sparked a spin-off about its two main ladies just being great and taking on the world, it'd justify its existence several times over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foyufD52aog
When staring at a new page, a blank screen or an empty plate, what inspires us to take that first step into the unknown? Is it the wish to emulate the greats or is it a wish to add to the canon or is it simply a matter of sustenance? The Greeks gave a name to the thing that pushes you into the dark. It was the muse, an elusive source of creation that was part divination, part nature but was the driving power behind mankind's greatest creations. Modern day muses take many forms and the Sydney Film Festival is looking to explore six of them. Creative Drive is a collection of six movies designed to engage and produced to inspire - with some of the movie industry's biggest names going back to their roots to discover what inspired those who have inspired them. In A Letter to Elia, Martin Scorsese looks at the director behind On The Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire, controversial Hollywood filmmaker Elia Kazan. The documentary, El Bulli: Cooking In Progress goes behind the scenes of El Bulli, the Spanish restaurant which is the most exclusive and the best in the world. The Mill and the Cross exmaines Pieter Bruegel's 1564 masterpiece, The Procession to Calvary, and some of the stories behind it - the SFF points out that it may be the closest a feature film has ever come to being a painting. How to enter If you wish to uncover genius approaches, dissect the masters' processes or simply enjoy an engaging film, Concrete Playground has a double pass to each of the 6 films. To go in the running, simply subscribe to our newsletter and tell us which one of the six films you'd like to see by email at hello@concreteplayground.com.au. Entries close on Wednesday, June 25 at 5pm. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qzbbYinuTWc
What's that you can hear? It's the sound of Aussie music fans cheering at their computer screens, because Red Bull Sound Select has finally made it to Australia. Having already taken the US by storm, the artist development program designed to unearth and support new local talent launches in Sydney today, Tuesday, April 12. And it's perhaps the best response to the lockouts yet. Since its start in the States in 2012, Red Bull Sound Select has spread to Canada, New Zealand and now (finally) Australia. Along with their streaming site — where you can discover new songs and artists — the team throws gigs each month, working with the likes of Santa Monica's KCRW, San Francisco's Amoeba Music and NYC's BrooklynVegan to curate kickass, ahead-of-the-curve shows. It's all designed to make discovering new local music easy and affordable. Sydney has been chosen for the Australian launch of Sound Select, which will see a program of monthly gigs curated by massive local legends Johann Ponniah from I OH YOU and Laneway Festival's Travis Banko. Each show will take place on the last Friday of the month and feature a lineup of three acts, starting with two Red Bull Sound Select emerging artists — handpicked by Ponniah or Banko — and finishing up with one Aussie headliner. The first show will kick off this month on Friday, April 29 at the Chippendale Hotel. Presented by I OH YOU, Perth's Methyl Ethel will headline, with Melbourne up-and-comers Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Sydney's own Flowertruck opening, as well as surprise acts too. "As fans of what the program has been achieving internationally, we're incredibly excited to be a part of bringing [Red Bull Sound Select] to Australian shores," said I OH YOU's Johann Ponniah. "Just hoping we can keep pushing the envelope like other curators have been internationally and program some of the best up and coming talent that Australia has to offer." To attend the inaugural Sound Select Sydney show, just RSVP on their website. It costs $3 online or $10 on the door — but if you're buying one on the day, be sure to arrive early as the event will be capped. We couldn't be more psyched to see Australian artists get the recognition (and the opportunities) they deserve from such first rate international players.
UPDATE, April 9, 2021: The Gentlemen is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube Movies. When in doubt, they say to go back to your roots. Given that Guy Ritchie's last two films were Aladdin and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, it's fair to assume that doubt had squarely reared its head. As a director whose name alone evokes the sound of cockney rhyming slang and the image of grimy London back alleys, dancing bedazzled elephants were about as off-brand as it gets. So he goes back to his roots with The Gentlemen — and it's a warm and welcome return. Boasting an enviable cast, The Gentlemen is a Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch-style crime caper centred upon Mickey Pearson — a marijuana kingpin looking to exit the UK's drug trade at the height of his career. Played by Matthew McConaughey, Mickey is a charming but ruthless American expat whose fondness for the London lifestyle sees him decked out in tweed, cavorting with the aristocracy and taking tea whenever the opportunity calls for it. When word of his impending retirement begins to spread, however, its sets off a series of secret alliances and double-crosses that puts the entire deal at risk, as well as a number of lives. There's a lot to like about The Gentlemen, but the highlight is surely its unofficial narrator, Fletcher (a delightful turn by Hugh Grant). Fletcher is a seedy private detective who digs up dirt for the tabloids. Rather than dish said dirt on Mickey, he decides it would be more profitable to offer to lose it in exchange for a healthy payout. The film structures its story around Fletcher as he makes his case to Mickey's bodyguard and consigliere, Raymond (Charlie Hunnam) — which he does by laying out the details as if he's writing a screenplay. The meta nature of it all could've been right on the nose, but Ritchie pulls it off thanks in no small way to Grant's giddying and likeable performance. Where Ritchie rediscovers his mojo by returning to his roots, Grant does so by ditching, the foppish hair and awkward humility, and replacing it with homoerotic innuendo and sleazy hubris. He goes completely against form — it's a joy to behold. So too is Michelle Dockery as Mickey' wife, Rosalind. Every shred of her time on Downton Abbey is abandoned as she struts and swears her way through The Gentlemen like an Essex-based Lady Macbeth. By contrast, Colin Farrell plays one of the most understated characters of his career, but the result is just as compelling. Known simply as Coach, he trains local youths in boxing to help rehabilitate them from a life of crime. Sporting his real-life Irish accent and a selection of remarkable tracksuits, Farrell lights up his scenes with equal parts controlled menace and lyrical wordplay. Against such terrific supporting roles (Succession's Jeremy Strong also deserves mention for his amusing, albeit also cartoonish turn), the film's two leading men are far less memorable. That's not to say they don't deliver the goods — it's just that their goods are less sparkly. Hunnam doesn't quite nail the reserved tough guy routine, although he does land the film's best line. As for McConaughey, he forever feels like the odd man out, with his southern drawl at odds with the abundant cockney. Overall, The Gentlemen is fun, to put it in the simplest of terms. It's certainly not without its faults — the patchwork of styles, from action film to hip hop music video and everything in between is constantly jarring — but the general experience is an agreeable one. Like the scotch enthusiastically consumed by Fletcher throughout, The Gentlemen is a little rough at first, but smoother with every sip until you're silly drunk and smiling like a fool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je22_P3Qm7U
There's no shortage of exciting things coming to Southbank's Hanover House, including the world's tallest 'greenscaper', a gallery, entertainment precinct and a six-star hotel. It's all part of the ambitious inner-city development project by property developers Beulah. As part of the dubbed STH BNK By Beulah, the building's five storeys will be reimagined as a diverse collection of venues and experiences. For fashion fiends, there's one thing, in particular, you'll want to pay attention to: namely, the game-changing, designer-led retail concept known as Future From Waste Lab. Taking over the ground floor from early 2022, it's one element of the experimental event series Beta By STH BNK that will be rolling out across Hanover House. Here, a cyclic fashion space will host a roll-call of leading Aussie designers in six-week blocks, with the lineup curated by celebrated Sydney-based designer — and sustainable fashion champion — Kit Willow. Each will work with circular fashion pioneer Upparel to create a high-end capsule collection dedicated to repurposed threads, redesigning waste fabrics into brand-new garments. [caption id="attachment_830701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hanover House[/caption] The sustainable pieces will be designed and crafted entirely on site, with customers able to view the process from end to end. And if anything takes your fancy, you'll be able to buy it on the spot, as well as online. The roster of sustainably-focused designers involved in the program is none too shabby. First off the ranks is Willow's own KITX label, which is set to deliver a new line of regenerated denim pieces. Cult-favourite contemporary brand Romance Was Born will take on the residency after that, with Artclub founder (and Sass & Bide co-founder) Heidi Middleton to follow. The Hanover House redevelopment will also play host to a six-star hotel, a wellness and medical urban retreat, an art gallery, an entertainment precinct, offices, experience centres, rooftop gardens and more. Find Hanover House at 158 City Road, Southbank. Future From Waste Lab is slated to open there in early 2022.
The Scandinavian crime fixation currently sweeping non-Nordic nations shows no signs of abating. Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q series provides the latest instance, a four-instalment-to-date police procedural setting a duo of detectives in search of answers to dead cases. The Keeper of Lost Causes is the first feature to result. All the elements exist in director Mikkel Nørgaard and writer Nikolaj Arcel's version of the novel. (They're both veterans of the burgeoning genre with resumes that encompass television's Borgen and the Swedish-language The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as evidence.) An odd couple, an against-the-odds task, brooding backstories, a pretty prey and a cat-and-mouse game with the perpetrator furnish a feature that stays within the confines of the expected — except for one significant deviation. As well as tracking the law enforcement quest to uncover the truth, the film gifts viewers with the victim's perspective: her tale told as a parallel to the investigation. The Keeper of Lost Causes is in cinemas on July 31, and thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=68sO1s9Hy70
Back in 2018, Australia scored the kind of festival we were always bound to, and to love: The Drop, a music fest that sets up its song-filled stages beside the country's iconic surfing spots. And if that still sounds like your idea of quite the big — and sandy — day out, you'd best get ready to surf the festival wave again, with the event returning in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, The Drop will stage a two-date run in New South Wales, hitting up Bondi Beach and Coffs Harbour in October. This marks the first time that the fest has made its way to Bondi, so expect it to be huge. On the bill at both 2022 shows: Tones and I, Matt Corby and Dune Rats, as well as Cub Sport, Gretta Ray, Shag Rock, TOWNS and Hallie. They'll head to Sydney's most famous beach on Saturday, October 15, then back it up the following week, on Saturday, October 22, at Park Beach Reserve in Coffs Harbour. [caption id="attachment_753215" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Walk Wild Studio[/caption] Fans in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, where The Drop has played before, will need to wait until next year to get their sun, surf, sand and song fix. The 2023 lineup hasn't been revealed, but dates have announced. Whether the event will do what it usually does and follow the Aussie leg of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour hasn't been confirmed yet either, but fingers crossed. Stops are locked in for Coolangatta, Torquay and Busselton, though, plus a return to NSW thanks to the Newcastle show. And pairing music not only with sandy settings, but with surfing contests, has always been a big part of The Drop. If you have tickets to previous The Drop fest that didn't go ahead due to the pandemic, you now have a few options — to either roll them over to the new festivals in each location (where they're returning), switch to Bondi or Coffs Harbour instead, or obtain a refund. [caption id="attachment_753214" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] THE DROP FESTIVAL 2022 DATES Saturday, October 15 — Bondi Beach, Bondi, New South Wales Saturday, October 22 — Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales THE DROP FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP Tones And I Matt Corby Dune Rats Cub Sport Gretta Ray Shag Rock TOWNS Hallie THE DROP FESTIVAL 2023 DATES Saturday, January 21_Sunday, January 22 — Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta, Queensland Tuesday, March 28 — Empire Park, Newcastle, New South Wales Saturday, April 8 — Torquay Common, Torquay, Victoria Saturday, April 15 — TBC, Busselton, Western Australia Saturday, May 13 — Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta, Queensland The Drop will return for two 2022 festivals in New South Wales in October. Ticket pre-sales start at 9am on Tuesday, August 9, with general sales from 9am on Wednesday, August 10. For more information, visit the festival's website. The Drop's 2023 lineup will be announced closer to its 2023 dates — we'll update you when details come to hand. Images: Ian Laidlaw / Miranda Stokkel.
A lineup of local makers, shakers and musicians are pooling their talents for the creatively charged Bush Bop Day Party, helmed by the crew at Flo Creative Events. They'll all descend on the Old Apple Shed in Boneo on Sunday, January 19, for a jam-packed day of fun, celebrating local talent while drumming up donations for WIRES Wildlife Rescue, and the Qld, NSW and Vic fire brigades. There'll be a slew of market stalls to browse, along with a mini art exhibition featuring pieces by the likes of Jordyn White, Broken Oath Print Shop, Emma Whitelaw, Luna Tunes and Talk Talk Die. Meanwhile, acts like The Belair Lip Bombs, Polly And The Pockets, Velvet Bloom + The Vito Collective and Noddy make up the day's diverse live music offering, matched to striking visuals by Nathan Nagorcka Stewart. Entry to all of it will cost you $10 on the door, with half of all profits heading to support bushfire victims via Flo's nominated fundraising partners. Bush Bop Day Party runs from 11am–3pm.
After eight seasons, a huge body count and an enormous wait for winter, Game of Thrones is coming to an end in 2019. But that doesn't mean saying goodbye to the world first created by author George R.R. Martin — not only thanks to the author's books, whenever The Winds of Winter eventually hits shelves, or even simply due to the planned prequel series. In addition, fans will soon be able to visit a heap of new GoT tourist attractions. After filming much of the show in Northern Ireland for the past decade, HBO has announced that it's teaming up with Tourism NI to open a number of sets and sites to the public for the first time. If you've ever dreamed about walking around Westeros, this will be your chance. Winterfell, Castle Black and King's Landing are among the iconic spots that'll feature in what's being called Game of Thrones Legacy. Visitors won't just see the ancestral home of House Stark, the headquarters of the Night's Watch or the capital of the seven kingdoms, but also view exhibitions complete with costumes, props, weapons and set decorations, plus art files, models and other production materials. There'll also be accompanying digital content and interactive materials, highlighting GoT's digital effects. Given that the show includes both dragons and wights, aka Martin's version of zombies, there's plenty to showcase. The project is still in an exploratory process, with full details still to be revealed, but a 2019 opening date has been slated. Seeing as though the show's final season will air next year, that timing is hardly surprising — you'll probably be able to find out whether Jon Snow really knows nothing, and then head to Northern Ireland to visit many of his haunts.
It’s a sweltering night in Brunswick, the week’s heatwave at its crest, and one has to feel for the actors gamely stepping out under the stage lights in suit jackets and ties. Still, a bit of sweat doesn’t go astray in The Temperamentals, a tale combining steamy romance and a thick atmosphere of fear. The year is 1950, the place Los Angeles, and Harry Hay (Angelo de Cato), a gay teacher, has hit breaking point. Tired of having to conduct his romantic life in secret, Hay decides to take a stand and writes a manifesto asserting equal rights for homosexuals — the seed, he hopes, for a new civil rights movement. The Temperamentals, penned by Pulitzer prize winning American playwright Jon Marans, is not fiction but a docudrama about the little known gay rights movement of the early fifties. Hay and his lover, Rudi Gernreich (Tim Constantine) — later an acclaimed fashion designer — founded an activist group called the Mattachine Society, one of the earliest organisations of its kind, and the play traces their often frustrating experience trying to get a public movement started among a group committed to secrecy. Taking its name from a code word by which gay men of the time identified each other, The Temperamentals gives a nuanced account of social repression. The censure of society is depicted subtly but persistently, creating an atmosphere of constant tension. The psychological impact of repression is powerfully depicted, the characters riven by inner turmoil — themselves embedded in 1950s attitudes about masculinity and propriety, even as they struggle against them trying to establish their own identity. The interplay between the fledgeling struggle for queer rights and the other social tensions of the day, from anti-communism to endemic racism, adds another layer to the rich text too. The Temperamentals first played in New York in 2009 and this production from local indie outfit Mockingbird Theatre is the first performance of it in Melbourne. It uses a stark set and a tight cast of five. De Cato gives a powerful turn as the seething, conflicted Hay, delightfully contrasted by Constantine as his elegant lover. The three energetic support actors (Chuck Rowland, Jai Luke and Sebastian Bertoli) do a lot of switching between minor roles early on, and it can at times be a little tricky differentiating who’s who, but the play really finds its stride once they settle into ongoing characters who are able to develop more. The play goes from strength to strength, alive with historical detail without being weighed down by it, emotive without being heavy handed and rousing without needing to sugarcoat the fractured politics and personalities involved in the story. While there could have been better use of props, with some odd inconsistencies such as a significant costume item not being the colour the characters say it is, the performances are heartfelt, the cast very likeable and the script incisive and witty. Whether what you want sharp social commentary or sharply dressed men getting torrid with each other, The Temperamentals delivers. It is a riveting show and one that shines a light on a fascinating slice of history.
Have you ever needed to convey an important message to someone in a big way, but sweated to find the perfect gift to do so? Maybe you needed to say, 'sorry for being a jerk', 'thanks for being a great mate', or simply, 'I love you'. Well, perhaps not surprisingly, there’s a website to fix that problem. Sorry Thanks I Love You is an online store that’s working to reignite the culture of giving. By taking a short personalised shopping quiz based on the person in mind (with questions such as ‘What were they like a kid?’ or ‘What would they do with 24 hours in NYC?’), Sorry Thanks I Love You has everything you could ever need to help you say any of those five little words (you'd hope). The site features handmade accessories, homewares, gourmet foods, fresh flowers from boutique florists and craft beverages sourced from around the world. This holiday season, you’ll be able to see and try out all these goodies for yourself at Sorry Thanks I Love You's new pop-up store in Pran Central. The store will features tonnes of products, including knives carved from Scandinavian reindeer antler, hand-woven Kashmiri scarves and traditional Japanese furoshiki wrapping cloths. Gourmet goodies include wheels of Bruny Island cheese and premium single malt whisky distilled in highland Tasmania, which you can taste test in the store. Sorry Thanks I Love You will also be featuring wares from iconic jewellery makers Dinosaur Designs and iconic Finnish design brand Marimekko. The shop will offer gift wrapping for gold coin donation, with proceeds donated to Motor Neuron Disease Australia as part of Sorry Thanks I Love You’s Random Acts of Kindness project. Quality wares, gourmet goodies, and supporting good causes? There's no way your mum can be disappointed this Mothers' Day.
It's possible that after directing the pastoral idyll that was the Olympic Opening Ceremony, Danny Boyle felt the need to dirty things up. That would explain Trance, a gangster/heist movie that takes a turn into the unexplored psychosexual corridors of Inception. James McAvoy stars as a young art auctioneer, Simon, who gets mixed up in some bad business. Charged with hiding the most valuable artwork on the auction block in the event of a heist, Simon cops a severe bump on the head after Franck (Vincent Cassel) and his men breach the building. He now has amnesia and doesn't know what's what. It's soon made clear to him, however, that this was an inside job of his orchestration, and that he's the only one who knows — knew? — where the painting is hidden. In an attempt to retrieve the buried information, Franck sends Simon to a hypnotherapist, Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson), who soon inserts herself into the gang. Things get crazy from here on in. Boyle might never have made a bad film (or play or Olympic spectacle). His titles range from Trainspotting to 28 Days Later and 127 Hours (how is that range possible, even?). Slumdog Millionaire was universally adored. But Trance will divide people. A film like this really rests on the payoff of its twist, and the Trance twist is limp and signposted early on (and I'm not one of those actively thinking cinemagoers who can usually guess the ending). There seems no good reason for the lack of subtlety throughout. On top of that, some debasing things are inflicted on the single female character, and you'd really like that kind of treatment to only happen with good narrative cause. That said, Trance is definitely interesting. You should see it just so you can have a healthy argument about it with your movie date. It's dark, complex, challenging and so inventive as to demand attention. Above all, it has a distinct and mesmerising visual style. Most of the shots you see are indirect; you are not looking at the actors as they stand in front of the camera lens but at their image as reflected off potentially several mirrors or other reflective surfaces. At one point, it's such that I swear I can see a pool cleaner crawling along the kitchen ceiling. What we think we're looking at is literally not what we are looking at. It could be a kitchen. It could also be a pool. It's a beautifully accomplished metaphor for the hypnotised state that Boyle has realised together with cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, a frequent collaborator. Their saturated blue-orange colour palette is a stunner. Another frequent collaborator of note is Rick Smith of Underworld, the iconic electro band who have worked on Boyle's Trainspotting, Sunshine and, yes, the Olympic Opening Ceremony, among other things. Smith adds another literal dimension to Trance — the music. Those demanding, racing beats are one unsubtle touch that works. Read our interview with Danny Boyle and the cast of Trance here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=L4_bdS3_gr0
Time for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Don't settle for an experience that might better be described as "once-in-a-while." Fortunately, there's no such problem when it comes to Legendary Journeys – Ultimate Private Experience by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand. Delivered in partnership with Bucketlist Xperiences, this ultra-luxe 17-night itinerary spans Singapore, India, Rwanda, Kenya, Greece, Morocco and London, departing Tuesday, October 6, 2026, and shaped for those seeking a truly unparalleled escape. Flying on a private VIP airliner customised for luxury travel, up to 58 passengers will relish an epicurean experience, with an in-flight chef serving gourmet cuisine alongside curated wines and spirits. Meanwhile, the trip is taken to the next level with seamless transfers, private airport access, luggage concierge and personalised gifts. Throughout the itinerary, a 17-member service team will oversee every detail, no matter how small. Oh, and a professional photographer and videographer will be on hand to document every leg of the journey. With non-stop highlights over three weeks, this exclusive experience begins in Singapore with a two-night stay overlooking Marina Bay. Expect sunset cocktails on the roof and a welcome celebration perched above the waterfront. Then, this trip is bound for Jaipur, India, where guests will stay amid palatial splendour in Rajasthan before taking VIP excursions to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort and the City Palace. Africa awaits next, with guests headed to Kigali, Rwanda, for a two-night visit. Staying at the newly opened Mövenpick Kigali, guests are welcomed with a private reception hosted by President Kagame (yes, really). The following day, climb into a helicopter to soar above the Virunga Mountains, then trek through Volcanoes National Park to catch a glimpse of local gorilla populations. The wildlife experience continues in Kenya, where guests sleep in luxury safari tents as they embark on thrilling Big Five game drives between sunrise hot-air balloon flights and champagne breakfasts served deep in remote plains. Trading in dry and dusty conditions for Aegean coastal bliss, the journey soon touches down in Santorini, Greece, with guests relishing the Oia cliffside. Soak up a sunset sailing adventure, then sip on rare Assyrtiko vintages native to the region. Onwards to Marrakech, Morocco, guests will head into the medina for some local shopping, with time to spare unwinding in a traditional hammam. Rounding out this extravagant adventure is a final stop in London, with guests delighting in the world's first super boutique hotel — The Londoner. So, what does it cost to experience this genuinely once-in-a-lifetime holiday? Just a cool $133,500 USD per person. Sure, that's not the kind of money most of us can find down the back of the couch. But if you're a high-flying traveller with the means to make it happen, look no further for the vacation of your dreams. "Our mission has always been to connect travellers with the world's most remarkable independent hotels and destinations in ways that are both unforgettable and transformative," says Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Legendary Journeys – Ultimate Private Experience by Preferred Hotels & Resorts takes place from Tuesday, October 6—Friday, October 23, 2026. Head to the website for more information.
Jiro is an idealistic young man obsessed with the concept of flight. His poor eyesight means he can never be a pilot, so he becomes an engineer, designing planes that go as fast as is humanly possible. As Japan finds itself embroiled in the Second World War, Jiro falls in love with Naoko, and is torn between his desire to be with her, and his duty to his masters. Japanese animation maestro Hayao Miyazaki — best known for classics such as My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle and Ponyo — creates what may be his final film ever. (Miyazaki has announced his retirement many times in the past, and did so in the lead-up to this film. There are claims that he has backtracked this one as well.) If it is his last, it's a fitting coda. It's not difficult to see Miyazaki in Jiro: a single-minded focus with an artistic endeavour to the point of obsession. Despite being based upon a true story, a significant amount of creative licence is taken. This is, counter-intuitively, a good thing. Often, the more reverential a biopic attempts to be, the less interesting a film it is. This is a film about artistic passion, and there are more important truths about life during wartime that are illuminated in a way that a simple recounting of events would not. The film studiously avoids the cliches one would expect from this setup. It refuses to shy away from the questionable decisions made by Japan during wartime, but nor does it allow the idea of the country as the destined defeated to overwhelm what is ultimately a tale of human passion and endeavour. It's hard to think of a more measured film about non-violent people in wartime. Much of the controversy surrounding the film has focused on the fact that the protagonist is developing planes that will eventually becomes those that attacked Pearl Harbour. But that is the exact position of the myopic Jiro, who at one point expresses frustration that the planes must carry weapons and bombs, for they will slow down his masterpieces. And that's the point of the film: that the purity of artistic endeavours are often destroyed by those more concerned with conflict and battle. Madman Entertainment is releasing the film in both English and Japanese with English subtitles. You'll have to check to see which version your local cinema is playing, but if you have a choice, the Japanese language one is always preferable. There's something about the formality and manner of Japanese speech that doesn't translate well into English vocals, and even the most careful redubs often sound silly and awkward. Moments of sincerity can often sound funny, so exercise discretion. On the other hand, the English version has Werner Herzog as a German spy, so you can't really go wrong either way. It's a bold, unapologetic film that is not always completely successful, but there is a confident vision at play, and that is always welcome. https://youtube.com/watch?v=RzSpDgiF5y8
Put a jig in your step and head over to The Quiet Man Irish Pub as they welcome back fan favourites Double Shot Maggie. Once a month, you can catch this quintessential Irish rock band with a high energy punk flavour. Entry is free, leaving you more gold coins for a pub feed and a pint.
Need a bit of extra motivation to exercise? Would the chance to dress up and step back in time make you more eager to burn some calories? If so, jog along to Retrosweat. The themed workout has been getting Sydneysiders sweaty in spandex for a few years now, and s heading to Melbourne for the first time. The class will be led by founder Shannon Dooley of Physique Aerobics, who says she's aiming to inject a lot more fun (and eye shadow) into exercising. Her classes celebrate the glorious music and dance moves of the '80s. Think Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna. The session will be a non-intimidating 60 minutes and all experience levels are welcome, so don't rule yourself out if you think you have two left feet. Held the day after Cup Day, the workout will be somewhat horse-themed, with a prize going to the best ponytail. As for the dress code? "G string leotards are encouraged, scrunchies and sweatbands compulsory."
UPDATE, January 8, 2021: Color Out of Space is available to stream via Shudder, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. He's the king of the unhinged, the master of on-screen mania and perhaps the only person that can make pouring vodka all over themselves while howling look perfectly natural. He is, of course, the one and only Nicolas Cage. While his resume boasts more ups and downs than a rollercoaster — an Oscar for Leaving Las Vegas on one side, his oh-so-many forgettable straight-to-video flicks on the other — he's also the ideal person to lead Lovecraftian horror adaptation Color Out of Space. Whenever Cage keeps things quiet and normal, he evokes the unnerving sensation that perhaps everything is too quiet and normal. When he's letting loose, there's really no telling what could happen next. A film about a glowing meteor that crashes on an alpaca farm and not only forever changes a family's existence, but their entire grasp on reality, Color Out of Space needs both Cage's unsettlingly calm and brain-bogglingly over-the-top sides. More than that, it thrives on them. Six months after his wife Theresa's (Joely Richardson) mastectomy, Nathan Gardner's (Cage) life is settling back into a routine. With their three kids — stoner Benny (Brendan Meyer), wannabe wicca Lavinia (Madeleine Arthur) and primary school-aged Jack (Julian Hillard) — the couple has taken over Nathan's late father's remote New England property, lapping up its tree-lined surroundings and the slower pace that comes with it. The oddest thing they have to deal with: Nathan's certainty that alpacas are the future. Well, that and the grin on his face when he's milking the woolly animals. Then, just as a hydrologist (Elliot Knight) arrives to survey the farm's water, a blazing rock plummets from the heavens — turning the sky an otherworldly shade of fuchsia, unleashing both radiation and shape-shifting aliens, and sparking quite the wave of strange events. 'Strange' is a relative term in any given situation; what's unusual to one person mightn't seem all that out of the ordinary to someone else. But by combining a HP Lovecraft short story, the beacon of weird that is Cage, and a director known for making vivid and distinctive movies, Color Out of Space is emphatically, undeniably strange — regardless of your individual threshold for the bizarre. That filmmaker is Richard Stanley, who gained attention with a couple of sci-fi and horror flicks in the early 90s. Since 1996, he's been best known for being fired from the big Marlon Brando-starring flop The Island of Doctor Moreau. Stanley hasn't actually directed a fictional feature since, sticking to a few documentaries until now — and based on the hallucinatory imagery splashed across Color Out of Space's pink and purple-hued frames, he has decades of strangeness stored up. When Cage begins yelling maniacally, the farm's water turns sinister, grotesque critters start scuttling around and mutated flesh begins to feature heavily, Color Out of Space unleashes all of its absurd and peculiar wonders. When Cheech & Chong's Tommy Chong plays one of the most sensible characters — a hermit squatting on the Gardners' land, and the first person to verbalise his suspicions about the luminous boulder and its effects — this head trip of a film demonstrates that it's definitely not on any standard wavelength. It actually takes 40 slow-burning minutes until Color Out of Space dazzles viewers with its batshit antics, just like its incandescent rock gradually overpowers everyone in its vicinity, but the feature's first act is anything but subdued. Festering with unease, as aided by Steve Annis' (I Am Mother) vibrant cinematography and Colin Stetson's (Hereditary) psychedelic score, this movie is just waiting to explode with mind-bending havoc. Considering that it's also a film about the mess that follows a disease like cancer, simmering with distress then breaking out in chaos always feels supremely fitting. Still, much like Cage at his most Cage-esque — running around the streets claiming he's undead in 80s curio Vampire's Kiss springs to mind, as does every second of 90s action blockbuster Face/Off — Colour Out of Space is a movie that sometimes approaches its limits. It means to push them. In fact, given its source material and Lovecraft's renowned fondness for all things monstrous, it has to. When an otherwise ordinary family is being driven mad by a colourful meteor in visually, emotionally and physically disturbing ways, a mood of relentlessness and ridiculousness is wholly appropriate. But, as glorious as the movie's gleefully bonkers sights, sounds and story developments all are, they can threaten to weigh the feature down. The Gardners are no longer experiencing time in a normal way, and audiences can be forgiven for feeling like they're going through the same process. Stanley turns Lovecraft's wild, weird tale into an off-kilter kaleidoscopic spectacle — and another suitably strange entry on Cage's lengthy resume, naturally — but occasionally lets it get a little too lost in its own delirium. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLmvs9Wrem0
