Parallel universes, inconsequential decisions, and the results of pure chance can change things at any moment. What would have happened if you didn't miss that train, or hadn't snoozed that alarm one more time? Unless you're Gwyneth Paltrow, you'll never know. Harold Pinter Award 2012 winner Nick Payne takes us deep into the questioning of these exact moments in his play, Constellations. A modern-day Romeo and Juliet, with logically very little reason to ever cross paths, experience a moment that alters their existence irreversibly. Originally commissioned for the Royal Court Theatre in London's West End, this play stars Alison Bell and Leon Ford and is directed by Leticia Cáceres, the newly appointed MTC associate director, in her debut on the mainstage. Let us ask, what if?
Jose James blends sexy jazz with drum 'n' bass. But stay with us — this isn't Skrillex with a saxophone; it's more like Gil Scott-Heron with turntables and a time machine. James makes jazz for the electronic and hip-hop generation, fusing '70s jazz soul with modern influences, new technology, and his own smooth vocals. Last year James made a fleeting visit to Australia to play Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Sydney's Future Now show, and this month he's returning to command the Hi-Fi. The musician will present his brand-new album, No Beginning No End, an album which has really allowed James to dust off the remains of the jazz singer tag and show him for the genre-blending spearhead that he is. If you like your jazz dirty and your DnB barely recognisable, expect only good things. https://youtube.com/watch?v=5Gz2kqOupCI
Melbourne is a cycling city. The total sum of bikes on the road has been consistently rising for the past five years, and the culture is on the rise: you can't look anywhere these days without seeing a bike nut slogging along on a sleek, fancy fixie. If you are part of the fast-growing population on two wheels, prepare for BikeFest: a truly Melburnian festival that brings cycling, food and music together. With dozens of events dotted around the city over the next three weeks, you can expect to get a workout, too. BikeFest is a sprawling umbrella encompassing events of all sorts. Some are on the intimate side of things, such as the bicycle workshops at Coburg boutique bike shop Pedal Cyclery. Restricted to four pupils at a time and run by the friendly and helpful shop owner Chris, they are a chance to get some hands-on experience with basic bike maintenance and repair that will stand you in good stead for any future mishaps. At the other end of the spectrum are several group activities, many of which begin with a big group ride and end with a slice of Melbourne culture. The Coburg drive-in cinema is overrun by bikes for a night, hordes of Superheroes on cycles take over Nicholson Street, and the Abbotsford Convent's Shadow Electric cinema is hosting a lovely picnic that marries food, cinema, and cycling. A highlight is the Full Moon Ride, a 25km group trek interrupted only by a midnight picnic. Pushy Women, meanwhile, is a more of a boisterous night out, with a panel of some of Melbourne's foremost female comedians and columnists sharing anecdotes about their long and illustrious cycling careers. Finally, rounding out the festival is Crossy's Gig, a benefit for cyclist James Cross, who was tragically killed in a cardooring incident in 2010. A host of Melbourne bands will play at the event to raise money for the James Cross Memorial Fund, which is aimed at making Melbourne's roads safer for cyclists. Whether you're a die-hard cyclist or just starting out, there's plenty to send you well on the way to taking off the training wheels at BikeFest. Image via http://aarline.info
Australia, the beautiful brown land that she is, can often be cruel. One of her many weapons, the raging bushfire, takes centrestage in Love Me Tender. In the aftermath of devastation, a community comes together in grief and confusion, as one man searches for his missing daughter. Written by acclaimed Australian writer Tom Holloway (a graduate of both Sydney's National Institute of Dramatic Art and London's Royal Court Theatre International Playwriting Studio), directed by Patrick McCarthy, and brought to us by Melbourne-based Mutation Theatre, the play can be expected to ask the hard questions and really challenge the audience. In a beautiful portrayal of modern Australian society, questions of sex, love and community come together as characters grapple with the question of what to do when everything has fallen apart.
It's true, Melbourne has a lot of festivals. Big festivals, piccolo festivals, and "why in hell is there a festival for that?" festivals. Well, we like to celebrate, alright? Just like Kimmy K, we'd go to the opening of an envelope if there was a chance of our face making it into the society pages. White Night Melbourne is another festival, but with a nocturnal twist — it all takes place over 12 hours, from 7pm until 7am (it's after my bedtime too, but worth it). Since its establishment in Europe in the early '90s, White Night has expanded all over the world, with Melbourne the latest city to join the line-up. The program is teeming with activities, spread out across eight themed areas, mostly within the CBD grid but extending to Birrarung Marr and the Melbourne Museum. Expect projection art, performance, film, lights, and live music — a bombardment of colour, noise, and merriment that will display Melbourne’s thriving cultural scene, or a concentrated, hyperactive, crack-fuelled version of it, anyway. Before you break out in a stress rash because it's all a little 'whelming, regain control in this crazy world of chaos by reading our roadmap to the festival to find out how to make the most of Melbourne's funnest night watch.
Did you hear that? We think someone just said free dumplings and beer. Prepare to get all a-quiver because someone actually, absolutely did just say free dumplings and beer. In honour of the foodstuff that fuels drunken nights out across the country, 206 Bourke Street is hosting the first Melbourne Dumpling Festival, complete with a huge (free!) sit-down dumpling tasting event. Dump dump wizards Tim Ho Wan, China Red, China Chilli and Dragon Boat are working with Brooklyn Brewery to bring you a night of dumpling indulgence. From 5-10pm on Friday, October 21, groups of 30 will be seated for 30 minutes to enjoy a gratis dumpling and beer pairing, including three serves of dumplings and three beer samples. Seems weird that it's totally free, but we won't question it. It goes without saying though that you can only sign up to one booking. Tim Ho Wan will also be premiering their lava bomb dumpling, free to the first 200 people who rock up to the pop-up. The lava bomb, just FYI, is exactly what it sounds like - an explosive dumpling, filled with sweet gooey custard. Here's a schedule of the dishes available so you can book accordingly: Sitting one and two by Dragon Boat: Siu Mai dumpling (pork and prawn) Sitting three and four by China Red: spicy Won Ton dumpling (pork dumplings with spicy Schezwan sauce) Sitting five and six by Tim Ho Wan: wasabi prawn dumpling (prawn, crispy casing and wasabi mayonnaise) Sitting seven and eight by China Chilli: Master Zhong's dumpling (mixed cabbage, pork and home-made sweet spicy sauce) Aside from the dumpling pairing, the one-night festival will also hold a host of dumpling-making demos, calligraphy workshops and live music. You'll also be able to get dumps to eat in or take away. The event is being held at 206 Bourke Street, which is the retail precinct Tim Ho Wan is located in and connects Bourke Street with Chinatown. The Melbourne Dumpling Festival will take place from 5-10pm on Friday, October 21. You can book your dump dump sesh here and check out all the other cool stuff happening at the festival website.
It was an incredibly sad day when iconic St Kilda venue Stokehouse burned down in 2014. Now, after a two and a half year hiatus, it's finally coming back, renovated and designated into a 'precinct' of multiple bars and restaurants, set to dominate that seaside like only Stokehouse can. Last month fish and chip kiosk Paper Fish opened as the first stage of the new precinct, and this weekend second venue Pontoon — a casual beachside bar and eatery — will open on the ground floor. This chic new 400-capacity beach-inspired establishment precede the opening of the highly anticipated relaunch of Stokehouse St Kilda restaurant, which is slated to launch on December 6. The Pontoon menu will be casual and over the counter (think of the kind of food you can eat while standing with a drink in the other hand), and will put their four-metre grill to good use. You can expect a lot of seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and noms like the wood-roasted beef brisket toastie. The epic 18-metre-long bar will house a strong wine list, 18 beer taps and of course, cocktails. They'll also be serving up globally trending anomaly 'frosé', because how could they not. Peppered with the furniture and trimmings of local Melbourne designers, the interior has been designed by George Livissianis (the design dynamo behind recent Sydney renos of The Dolphin Hotel, The Apollo and Cho Cho San). Expect a casual layout and a mixture of warm, natural materials (think wood, leather and cane) offset by concrete and brick. "Looking out onto St Kilda beach was a great starting point in considering colours and materials that would compliment the concrete and blackened timber building," said Livissianis. Pontoon will open at midday on Saturday, November 12 on the ground floor of the rebuilt Stokehouse building, 30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda. They'll be open from midday, seven days a week. For more info, visit pontoonstkildabeach.com.au. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
Not content with serving up live tunes and relaxed brews, Brunswick venue The Penny Black has added a new kitchen to the mix. Fittingly called the Penny Counter, it's bringing Southern-style food to the cruisy hangout, in what they're dubbing a new dining experience. Menu-wise, that means burgers — of course — including The Old School with beef, cheddar, relish and pickles; the King Charlie V, which doubles up on everything and adds bacon; the Adobo Stinger, for spicy chicken fiends; and the Field of Dreams, aka a vegetarian option with stacked mushrooms and crushed avocado. Five types of pizza are also on offer, plus share plates of shoestring fries with creole aioli, poutine, sticky pork ribs and mini eggplant parmas. For those keen on a big meal, so are hefty dishes of 16-hour beer-braised pork shoulder roll, twice-cooked crispy chicken and fish tacos. Plus, to celebrate their new addition, the Sydney Road joint is serving up cut-price burgs from July 1 to 16, with The Old School, Adobo Stinger and Field of Dreams available for $6. You could call it a burger bonanza, and you'd be right. Costing less than half their usual rate, each burg also comes with fries. Find the Penny Counter at The Penny Black, 420 Sydney Road, Brunswick. For more information, head to their website or Facebook page.
If you've ever been to Japan, enjoying a taste of the country's delicious cuisine as often as you can is likely one of your highest priorities. Even if you haven't, if you've ever picked up a hankering for edamame, karaage or katsu, that's an urge you probably share. Melbourne musicians Neddwellyn Jones and Pete Spark know how you feel. After their own overseas jaunts unleashed some serious culinary and cultural love, they've set up a pop-up ode to the flavours of Tokyo. Atop Fitzroy's Labour In Vain Hotel every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening until April 2, Tokyo Terrace is serving up izakaya fare — aka food that'll make you feel like you've been whisked away to another place, and tastes even better when paired with a frosty brew. That includes the aforementioned bites, offered up as sea salt-sprinkled delights, extra-crispy chicken morsels and in two types of burgers (eggplant and chicken), respectively. Also on the menu: renkon chips served with your choice of kewpie, plus cucumber salad. That should be enough to send you flocking to Brunswick Street over the next month, particularly if your idea of a great weekend feed involves an affordable Japanese meal (with prices ranging from $4 to $14) in a rooftop garden with city views. And, in great news for anyone keen for more, the short-term eatery is just the first in Jones and Spark's planned series of similar ventures. Find Tokyo Terrace atop the Labour In Vain Hotel, 197a Brunswick Street, Fitzroy from 6pm to 9pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until April 2nd. For more information, visit their Facebook page. Images: Darren Gill.
The opportunity to get your hands on a Neil Perry hamburger in the CBD just increased twofold. Following on from the opening of his first Melbourne budget burger venture in St Collins Lane in May last year — and the Chadstone outpost that has sprung up since — the Rockpool chef is today firing up the grill on a third Burger Project location in Melbourne Central. The first Burger Project, which opened in Sydney three years ago, began its life primarily as a means of bringing the next best thing to Perry's much drooled-over $24 Rockpool beef burger to the masses — without the prohibitive price tag. If you're not yet acquainted with the menu, expect 14 variations on the humble hamburger, including the chilli cheese, Magic Mushroom and the katsu fried chicken, the names of which are all fairly self-explanatory. The new location is one of their biggest yet, with room for around 100 diners across two levels. It's located on the ground floor of Melbourne Central, and has been designed by the architect responsible for other Burger Project stores, Grant Cheyne. Since opening in Sydney back in 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has expanded rapidly, particularly after Perry's Rockpool Group was acquired by the Urban Purveyor Group last year. The Melbourne Central store will be their third in Melbourne and their tenth Australia-wide, having recently opened one in Brisbane and Parramatta. Burger Project Melbourne Central opens at 11am on Friday, March 24 on the ground floor of Melbourne Central, 211 Latrobe Street, Melbourne. For more info, visit their website.
Earlier this week, Premier Daniel Andrews raised the possibility of bringing forward November 1's expected restriction changes, as Victoria's daily new COVID-19 cases plummeted to as low as one. But this plan has been put on hold due to an outbreak in Melbourne's north. In a press conference today, Sunday, October 25, the Premier said: "We had hoped today to be able to announce that metropolitan Melbourne would take significant steps, not from today, but from midweek, around retail, hospitality and a whole range of other important next steps. We are not in a position to do that today because we have at least 1000 test results from that northern metropolitan outbreak that are in the labs." The Premier said that this decision was not a setback, but a "cautious pause" and is hopeful the next step of restrictions will still go ahead next week, saying a definitive announcement will be made on Tuesday when the test results come back. The November 1 restriction changes are set to include the scrapping of the 25-kilometre rule and the four reasons for leaving home, as well as allowing hospitality venues and drive-ins to reopen and two people to visit another household. The next step of eased restrictions is part of a five-step plan to bring Victoria to 'COVID normal' announced by the Premier back in early September. The possibility of early eased restrictions meant that some hospitality venues had confidently planned to reopen midweek, with establishments, such as Welcome to Thornbury, already starting to accept bookings from Wednesday. View this post on Instagram Alright team... we're confident this time. Book now for Wednesday 28 October onwards! LET'S DO THIS 💪🏾 BOOK NOW via the link in bio. A post shared by Welcome To Thornbury (@welcometothornbury) on Oct 19, 2020 at 11:39pm PDT Seven new cases of COVID-19 were detected in Victoria yesterday — with six linked to cases associated with the northern metropolitan outbreak — following another seven the day before that. In a bid to contain the outbreak, the government is calling on anyone in Melbourne's north with even the mild symptoms to go and get tested today. "This is a northern Metro suburbs outbreak. This affects everybody who lives in the northern Metro area. So, if you have the slightest of symptoms, particularly in those northern metro areas, you must come forward and get tested today," Jeroen Weimar, Victoria Government's commander of testing and community engagement, said today. While metropolitan Melbourne will not be enjoying any eased restrictions this week, regional Victoria — which is a couple of steps ahead of Melbourne — will have some changes from 11.59pm on Tuesday, including the reopening of gyms and indoor pools and allowing religious gatherings of up to 20 indoors and 50 people outdoors. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website — and for further details about Victoria's steps for reopening, head to the roadmap itself. Top image: Julia Sansone
This November, the bustling Night Noodle Markets will return to Birrarung Marr for 18 nights of tasty things on sticks, bowls of noodles, bao and extravagant frozen desserts. Taking over the riverside inner city park from November 7–24, the latest iteration of the fairy light-lit markets will see over 20 of Australia's favourite food stalls set up shop — serving humans and dogs alike. Wait up — dogs? Yep, this year, the NNM have launched the aptly named Night Poodle Markets. On Saturday, November 9 from 4–7pm, the NNM will be filled with floofs galore, a roaming dog photographer and dog treats. Tickets to the one-off event are just $5 — which include a doggy portrait and treat — with 100 percent of proceeds going to RSPCA Victoria. You can sign-up for this very exciting event over here. In terms of food for humans, the NNM has just unveiled its full menu. And Gelato Messina is preparing to wow Melburnians once more with a brand new menu. While last year's frozen treats were inspired by the Philippines, this year, they're an ode to Thai sweets. Choose from the Bangkok Banana, a Thai milk tea cheesecake sandwich with sponge and meringue; the Phuket Bucket, banana fritters served with caramelised banana gelato and peanut crumble; the Coco Phangan, mango sorbet with coconut sticky rice; or the Eye of the Thai-ger, a multi-layered dessert of condensed milk pudding, condensed milk crumble, shaved ice, lychee gelato and jellies. Or don't choose and eat them all — you can spread them out over 18 nights, after all. [caption id="attachment_742360" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eye of the Thai-ger[/caption] Elsewhere on the NNM menu, you'll find Bangkok street food snacks, foot-long potato fries, bao, spicy Dainty Sichuan noodles and Drumplings' unconventional dumplings (including cheeseburger, mac and cheese, and pizza numbers). Japanese soufflé pancakes, 'flying' noodles, lobster rolls and puffles (extremely cheesy waffles) will all make an appearance, too. Naturally, there will be plenty of booze stations as well, including a Jacobs Creek tipi wine bar, a beer garden and a 20s-inspired diner serving beer floats and spiders. So start scheduling your visits the market — and cross your fingers for good weather. The Night Noodle Markets run from November 7–24 at Birrarung Marr, Melbourne. They'll be open from Monday and Tuesday 5–9pm, Wednesday and Thursday 5–10pm, Friday 5–11pm, Saturday 4–10pm and Sunday 4–9pm. Image: Kimberley May Moore.
2020 might have seen Melburnians consume more beer than usual, but there was still a big, brew-shaped hole where Good Beer Week normally would have been. Like most events, the annual celebration got the pandemic chop last year, with its normal festivities cancelled due to restrictions and swapped out with an all-virtual version. But now, the wait is finally over. Good Beer Week is set to return this May with its tenth anniversary edition. And if the program is anything to go by, Melbourne brew lovers are in for a couple of very busy weeks. Running from Friday, May 14–Sunday, May 23, the lineup spans parties, feasts, tastings, masterclasses and more. The brews will start pouring at a grand opening night shindig at Beer DeLuxe in Fed Square, then descend upon venues across both Melbourne and regional Victoria. This year's program will see you dosing up on some girl power at a special screening of Thelma & Louise paired with Two Birds brews, rocking out at a Daft Punk tribute party and eating oh-so-much seafood at Miss Katie's Crab Shack's Crab-A-Palooza. Elsewhere, Hop Nation hosts a dog-friendly 'do, wrestling returns to one Moon Dog site, a beer treasure hunt will take place at the brand's other venue, and Good Beer Week's first-ever non-alcoholic celebration sees Carlton North wine bar Henry Sugar teaming up with UpFlow Brewing. [caption id="attachment_806494" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ryan Wheatley[/caption] Of course, there'll be plenty of return favourites featured throughout the ten days as well, including the Fox Hotel scavenger hunt, Atticus Finch's Beer vs Pig dinner, the Hair of the Dog breakfast session and GABS Festival — the huge tasting event hitting the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday, May 21–Sunday, May 23. Good Beer Week 2021 runs from Friday, May 14–Sunday, May 23, at venues across Melbourne and Victoria. Hit the festival's website to check out the full program and score tickets. Top image: Moon Dog World, Kate Shanasy.
Throughout history gold has been one of the earth's most sought after materials. And for Melbourne Art Week 2018, Station Gallery teams up with Berlin-based Arndt Art Agency to showcase a free exploration of the precious metal with a group show of leading contemporary artists from Europe, Asia and Australia. Focusing on the materiality of gold, Au also considers its more esoteric connotations, including alchemy, the divine and some people's extreme greed for wealth. Across existing and newly commissioned work by 15 Australian and international artists, audiences will get a chance to explore both the gluttonous, spiritual and practical concepts behind gold. Featuring works from leading international creatives such as Swiss installation artist Thomas Hirschhorn, German filmmaker Julian Rosefeldt and Indigenous Australian painter Danie Mellor, Au presents a range of interpretations of gold and its real-world applications and implications.
Your worst nightmares are about to become a reality, Melburnians — in forums, games, conversations and art, that is. If you spend too much time thinking about pandemics, epidemics, disease, extinction, disasters and global warming, then consider Refuge 2018: Pandemic further fuel for thought about the health impacts of climate change. Taking place at North Melbourne Town Hall across August 29 to September 1, the four-day event will ponder the science, scares and questions that pandemic scenarios give rise to in an array of fascinating ways. In interactive game Isolate and Contain! Mapping the Pandemic, you'll build an imaginary virus and map out its spread, while What If? takes you through hypothetical disaster drills — and Practicing for a Disaster will send the Australian Red Cross to homes in North Melbourne and West Melbourne to help them get prepared. Or, you can explore past outbreaks through audio-visual work We Contain Multitudes; try to find a cure to a deadly disease in Outbreak, which is described as part immersive theatre, part escape room; and ponder the very real plight of honey bees in Apitherapy Quarantine. Plus, everything on the program is free — except a survival-focused Supper Club, which combines chats with immunologists, survivalists, anarchists, virologists and ethicists with a meal and drinks.
If pastel wasn't already part of your gig-going wardrobe, it will be at Client Liaison's Expo Liaison, which will be touring the country in August. Announced back in May, the seven-hour event will hit Flemington Racecourse on across August 18, and the headlining duo will have quite the company. Alongside a roster of eight other acts, the duo's own set will also feature The Voice himself, John Farnham. Alice Ivy, Ken Davis, Kon, Luke Million featuring KLP, No Zu, Rainbow Chan and Total Giovanni are all on the bill, plus John Howard doing a DJ set. Whether that's John Howard the former prime minister, John Howard the Aussie actor or just some other guy called John Howard, well, your guess is as good as ours — but Triple J is entertaining the fact that it could be the former. As for the kind of vibe that's in store, the curated event has fest badged "a multimedia, multi-city, multiversal experience" in its promotional material, as well as a "once-in-a-lifetime event". They're the kind of descriptions that plenty of gigs and fests throw around, but, even though the band's being overly hyperbolic, Client Liaison has a track record of delivering more than just the usual shows — or fashion lines or music videos, for that matter.
When Whitney Houston sang 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody', the world believed her. It wasn't just the energetic beat or joyous tone that struck a chord, but the dynamic power of Houston's voice. Her prowess wasn't new news — released in 1987, the track was the first single from her second album, and became her fourth consecutive number one single in the US. And yet, when she trilled so explosively about finding someone to dance with, she seemed like a woman who not only wanted to share her life with that one special person, but also wanted to share her talent with the entire planet. With Whitney, director Kevin Macdonald tests that theory. Giving the pop superstar the same probing treatment that has driven his previous movies about Bob Marley, artist Cai Guo-Qiang and fellow documentarian Errol Morris, among others, the filmmaker behind Touching the Void, State of Play and Black Sea explores the what, how and why of Houston's life in a thoughtful and solemn fashion. What did she want out of her career? How did she try to achieve it? Why did her story turn out the way it did? They're the questions at the heart of this birth-to-death portrait, all examining the tragic tale of someone who sang like no one else, crooned hits that were heard around the globe and broke music records, but was rarely able to be herself. If you're already a fan, you'll know the minutiae. Even if you're not, you'll still be aware of Houston's substance abuse issues, and the way that her life came to an end. Macdonald combines candid interviews with Houston's loved ones — including her gospel singer mother Cissy Houston and her ex-husband Bobby Brown — with archival footage, performance clips, family photos, recording demos and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the movie's eponymous figure. Of course, it's not only Houston's specific tale that feels familiar, but the fact that this narrative has played out with plenty of other famous folks of late. Recent documentaries about Amy Winehouse and Kurt Cobain relayed very similar details, and Whitney: Can I Be Me? tread very similar ground just last year, albeit relying more heavily on backstage footage and focusing more firmly on Houston's relationship with friend Robyn Crawford. Whitney mightn't tell viewers much that's new; however it assembles its various pieces with a force on par with Houston's roaring voice. The editing on display in the film's contextual montages — which weave together ads and events from the time, Houston's work, and intimate photographs — sets a swift pace that never lets up, as Macdonald squeezes as much as he can into the documentary's two-hour running time. There are gaps, with Brown refusing to talk about drug use, and only some parts of Houston's career getting in-depth attention. There are also splashes of particularly incisive, penetrating insight, including a dissection of the impact of race and class. And there's one huge, heartbreaking revelation, although the way it's treated as a third-act twist sits cheaply and uncomfortably. Throughout it all, there's Houston herself. As the rise-and-fall music biopic genre understands all too well, there's no substitute for letting a film's subject prove their merits in their own way, with their own voice and in their own words. In Whitney, it's seeing Houston perform that shapes the documentary's sorrowful melody — and, expressly, seeing her shows evolve over the years. First, she's a bright-eyed teenager making her first TV appearance. Soon, she's the most famous singer in the world, unleashing her distinctive take on 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at the 1991 Super Bowl. Later, she's an object of derision during her final tour, which caused walkouts when she came to Brisbane, as the movie shows. Out of all of the above, it's her 1983 rendition of 'Home' on The Merv Griffin Show that echoes throughout the doco, so much so that Macdonald uses it to bookend the picture. With Houston radiant in a purple dress but shining brighter out of sheer talent, the clip perfectly embodies the film's message: that she simply wanted to sing, dance and soar, but couldn't chase away her demons as she chased her dreams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU2g2w70kG0
Ascot Vale's permanent food truck park has played host to festivals dedicated to everything from espresso martinis to chicken parmas and halal snack packs. Now, it's dedicating Saturday, January 25, to two Aussie boxed favourites: chicken nuggets and goon. Whether your memories of boxed wine include horrifying hangovers or fun rounds of goon of fortune, you'll agree it has long deserved its own day of celebration. As have chicken nuggets — the battered and golden bites could be considered perfection. And what a combo they make. [caption id="attachment_755721" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr via Kristof Arndt[/caption] If you agree with all of the above, head along to The Ascot Lot on Saturday and dig into nuggets fried up by some of the city's favourite food truck parks. If you're vegan, vego or GF, fear not — there'll be options for you here, too. A pop-up goon bar will also be serving boxed wine, goon cocktails and a selection of craft beers and non-alcoholic cocktails. There'll also be DJs, live tunes and fancy dress comps. As always, the food truck park is dog-friendly, so bring along your four-legged pals, too. Entry to the festival is free, but you will need to pre-register over here. Goon & Nugz Festival runs from 12–10pm.
Ever wondered what happens when you blend electronic tunes with classical music (and a car park)? Find out, when the sixth edition of Play On takes over the Collingwood Underground Car Park next month. Held across three Friday night shows — on March 8, 15 and 22 — the series sets out to smash preconceptions and blur musical genres in a way that'll inspire music-lovers of all persuasions. Each of the dynamic shows features a classical chamber music performance, leading into a contemporary set by an electronic DJ. On March 8, you'll catch a string quartet led by magnetic violinist Kyla Matsuura-Miller, performing works ranging from those of 12th Century composer Hildegard von Bingen to Steve Reich of 1988's 'Different Trains'. DJ Babicka then rounds out the night with an upbeat, dance-floor ready, set inspired by their classical counterparts. The following week, on March 15, sees a world-first collaboration between classical percussionist Thea Rossen and acclaimed electronic duo Sleep D. The final show promises a night of genre-bending fun dished up by Chinese-Australian guzheng (a Chinese plucked string instrument) player Mindy Meng Wang and PBS host DJ Adriana.
This January marks the launch of the South Melbourne Night Market's eleventh summer season, and its program is bigger and tastier than ever, jam-packed with treats suitable for you and anyone you want to bring along. Running Thursday evenings from January 10 until February 28, the twilight sessions will be headlined by a summer-perfect mix of eats and drinks, so you can take full advantage of those balmy nights. Eighteen food trucks, four food marquees and six food carts make up the edible offering, featuring a brand-new oyster bar, croissants from Agathé Patisserie, paella from Simply Spanish and single origin soft serve crafted by the team at Atypic Chocolate. Pair with $5 wines at Bambu (until 7pm) or settle in with an ice-cold craft beer or rosé during a pit-stop at one of Swords' two market bars. Once you've had your fill of eats and drinks, you can browse artisanal wares from the likes of local jewellery label BhunnyDesigns, flowers and plants from Emerald Hill Nursery and classical linens from Chalk N Cheese Clothing, while listening to live tunes. There's even a kids club, so if you're bringing littlies along, you can keep them entertained with some art and craft projects of their own. Entry and rooftop parking is free, with the markets opening at 5.30pm each week. Images: Simon Shiff.
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — Stay Gold's New Year's Eve shindig will indulge both your retro and your festive urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion: expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s party from 9pm on NYE. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered, and to get into the spirit of the season. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. Tickets are $15 with the fun running through until 3am.
The slow food movement is the antithesis to fast food — slow lifestyles, shared local produce and clean and environmentally friendly production. And Slow Food Melbourne is celebrating all of this at its latest event, a locally focused seafood festival happening this April. Slow Fish Festival: Save Our Seafood is all about savouring the catch on our doorstep. As we rely on our bays and oceans to provide a constant supply of seafood, the festival is advocating eating sustainably and locally — particularly, the seafood from Port Phillip Bay. Alongside a lineup of educational talks, the festival will feature a whole host of tasty treats from under the sea. There'll be delicacies like sea urchin, abalone and skewered yabbies, as well as your classic go-to fish and chips. Cooking the produce will be some of Melbourne's best chefs, including Anchovy's Thi Le, Frank Camorra from Movida Aqui and Rosa Mitchell from Rosa's Canteen — who will also be hosting cooking demonstrations to inspire mid-week dinners. To complete the feast, there'll be range of craft beers and wines available. Slow Fish Festival will run from 10am–4pm.
Brisbane's Banksy? A street art scourge? A dedicated artist struggling to keep things together? Anthony Lister has been called all three — by the art world, news headlines and even himself. Banksy actually said that the Brissie-born talent appears to piss great art in his sleep, which is quite considerable praise. Galleries, celebrities and brands around the globe have clamoured for his work, though Lister's isn't your usual rise-to-fame story. His first big break came when the Brisbane City Council paid him to paint more than 100 of the city's electrical boxes, only to turn around and prosecute him for vandalism over his other pieces. Then there's his personal life, including a marriage and three kids — commitments that prove increasingly difficult to juggle given his dedication to his jet-setting career. From his sun-drenched childhood in '80s Brisbane suburbia, to life-changing teenage acid trips, to splattering colour all over the walls of his Sydney studio, Have You Seen the Listers? tells the artist's tale. It's a warts-and-all account that pulls absolutely zero punches, and a film that'd be nothing without Lister's deep, reflective candour. He doesn't just voice the documentary's narration, but he also provides much of its footage as well. While his art features prominently, it's accompanied by years of home videos chronicling Lister's everyday life. In fact, thanks to his obsession with filming his own actions, he gifted director Eddie Martin (All This Mayhem) with 12 terabytes of personal photos and recordings. Accordingly, Have You Seen the Listers? combines the artist's archives with his current antics, weaving them into a compelling and fascinating portrait. Viewers see Lister hanging around with his mates, falling for his high-school sweetheart and turning his hobby into his job. And they keep watching as he jumps between countries, tussles with the law on graffiti and drug charges, and proves a loving but often-absent partner and father. Along the way, Lister shares memories, thoughts and regrets, the kind that can only come with pain, trouble and hindsight. With his family situation deteriorating before the audience's eyes, he grapples with his passions and priorities, in what becomes an exploration of chasing a dream, finding success and then coming down the other side. As he did with the exceptional skating documentary All This Mayhem, Martin brings it all together in an insightful, involving and astute fashion. Collaborating with excellent first-time feature editor Johanna Scott, the filmmaker has cemented his status as one of Australia's best documentarians — not only thanks to the story he tells, or the fast and frenetic way it comes together, but also because of how authentic it all seems. Whether the film is throwing drug-addled montages at the screen, or capturing Lister with his kids, or just observing his feverish work, it feels like viewers are being given a direct line into the artist's mindset. There's an unmistakable air of reverence in Martin's approach, but what shines brightest is the movie's respect and empathy for the man at its centre — flaws, failings, frank admissions and all. Enter: the film's title. It springs from one of Lister's pieces, created as part of a moving tribute exhibition for his family, as seen late in the doco. It's also a question with both obvious and not-so-obvious answers. Everyone that's walked along a city street in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne has spotted Lister's work. Thanks to his court cases, international acclaim and general appearances in the media, we've probably all glimpsed his face as well. But have we really seen his different sides, how they contribute to his art and how he's striving to balance everything in his life? Not in this manner. That's the power of Have You Seen the Listers? And like other movies that examine artistic figures, such as Cobain: Montage of Heck and fellow recent Aussie documentary Whitely, the film is at its best when it's unearthing its subject's multifaceted persona, impact and enigma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPAOMjDvDJw
A Beatles-inspired opera, performed on a rooftop in the heart of the city. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you're in luck, as La Beatles Boheme arrives in Melbourne for a short season next month. A nod to The Beatles' final performance, where the band played atop the Apple Corps building overlooking the London skyline, this new 'opera fusion' show will grace the rooftop of the Flagstaff Carpark, from April 21–29. The latest from Melbourne's Emotionworks Cut Opera, which is known for its mash-ups of traditional opera and other genres, the show fuses classic Beatles hits with the sounds of Puccini's La Boheme. Clocking in at a bite-sized 90 minutes, it's a tragic love story that promises to have you laughing, crying and singing along. And drinking — on-site bar will be serving drinks throughout each show.
This year's Sydney' Writers Festival is so chock full of literary goodness that it's busting through state borders and touching down in Melbourne. Rounding out the end of the festival from May 1 to 22, The Wheeler Centre is set to play host to a huge event series, featuring a selection of exciting guests from SWF, as well as from the Auckland Writers' Festival and the Brisbane Powerhouse. The Mayhem bill has events to tickle just about everyone's fancies, pulling a diverse lineup of speakers to the stage. You'll catch British comedian and Peep Show star Robert Webb chatting modern masculinity with our own Clementine Ford, get some insight into climate change as dished up by US Rolling Stone contributing editor Jeff Goodell, and talk love and lust with the acclaimed André Aciman, who authored the original book behind last year's big screen hit, Call Me By Your Name. Other highlights to squeeze into your Mayhem schedule include talks by New York queer feminist writer Eileen Myles, US neuroscientist David Eagleman, Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz and Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney.
It's been a great 12 months for queer-themed cinema. Moonlight won last year's best picture Oscar, Call Me By Your Name had everyone swooning and transgender drama A Fantastic Woman not only wowed festival crowds, but also picked up this year's best foreign-language Academy Award. They're just the big players, however. There's plenty of other top LGBTIQ+ cinema where they came from. And, in even better news, much of it is heading to Melbourne for the 2018 Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Running through the numbers, it's shaping up to be another impressive fest when MQFF hits up ACMI, Kino Cinemas and Cinema Nova from March 15 to 26. Across its 12 days and 85 sessions, film buffs can expect 38 features, 14 documentaries and 72 shorts. That includes two world premieres, 12 Australian premieres and 21 Melbourne premieres. For some guidance, see our five best picks of the bunch.
No need to bust out your own red beanie for Melbourne's latest must-attend beer-and-movie event. Once you walk in the door at Moon Dog Craft Brewery, you'll be given your own. How else are you going to become a member of Team Zissou for the night? No, you won't be sailing beneath the seas — you'll be tasting the brand new Moon Dog Zissou brew and watching The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. That's Moon Dog and Tastemakers' contribution to Good Beer Week — and given that it's from the team have previously recreated the Twin Peaks black lodge held a Back To The Future-style 'Enchantment Under The Sea' dance, and hosted a four-day Bill Murraython, you know you're in good hands. From 7.30pm on May 17, expect beers, a Bill Murray shrine, Bowie tunes and a whole lot of Zissou fun. Bring your own limited-edition Team Zissou sneakers, or whichever kicks help you get into the mood.
Melbourne's avocado aficionados are either in for a serious treat, or are the butt of an elaborate breakfast joke (or both), with this week's revelation that a smashed avo and music 'festival' is coming to town. The event, announced via Facebook, is set to take over a secret location in Docklands on Saturday, May 19. Apparently, festival-goers will get to revel in a bunch of 'amazing avocado-based activities' — like avocado and spoon races, and smashed avo masterclasses — while enjoying 'avocado and activated almond cocktails', and the unique works of some 'brunch-based' performance artists. Those last two points had us thinking this was an elaborate brunch-based hoax, but organisers have confirmed the legitimacy of the event and tickets are very much on sale. If you fancy heading along to indulge your smooshy green desires, the first round of tickets can be bought for for $20. Sales for 'ripe' tickets begin on April 23. And it's not just about the green stuff, either. To help you dance it all off, there'll be a locally focused music program headed up by Melbourne DJ legend Spacey Space — a diehard avo fan himself, they say.
On Thursday, June 7, dancing to 'My Sharona' will be blasting through Howler. The next night, perhaps the Brunswick venue will bring out a few ice sculptures. And the following evening, we recommend bringing your croquet mallet. Throw in a sing-along to Cher's version of 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)', and the scene is set for three nights of flicks celebrating the one and only Winona Ryder. Here, sporting a 'Winona Forever' tattoo is encouraged. Changing it to 'Wino Forever', well, not so much. In the same vein as its Twin Peaks, Back to the Future and Bill Murray shindigs, Howler will show its love for the ultimate '90s screen queen with a three-day beanbag cinema experience between June 7 and 9 — screening, if you hadn't guessed it already, Reality Bites, Edward Scissorhands, Mermaids and Heathers. Whether you're a Winona fan from way back when, have a 'Free Winona' shirt in your closet or just love her work in Stranger Things, you'd best don your favourite black outfit, forget about dispensing with your enemies and head out for a very very few nights. Tickets start at $25 per film, with a $32 Wino Forever option available — yep, with a glass of vino included.
Talented pooches have been barking their way to big screen stardom since the birth of the medium, and Cannes Film Festival even gives out awards for ace pupper performances. Now, Australia has a new dog-themed cinema showcase. At the Top Dog Film Festival, doggos and puppers cement their status as humanity's favourite movie stars in a touring program of pooch-centric shorts. For two hours, dogs will leap across screens in a curated selection of heartwarming flicks about humanity's best friend. Last year, the lineup included films about dog-powered sports, dogs in space, dogs hiking through the desert, senior dogs and more. The festival hits Melbourne on July 31 and August 1 as part of its national run, headed for one-night-only showings at Village Crown Cinemas and Astor Theatre respectively. Rushing after tickets the way your best four-legged friend rushes after a frisbee is recommended. Given how much we all love watching dog videos online, not to mention attending pupper-centric shindigs in general, this fest is certain to be popular.
If you've ever had a sneaky little go with some small person's Lego blocks once they're all tucked up in bed, LEGOLAND sees you, tips you their hat… and raises you an adults-only night at its Melbourne Discovery Centre. With no children to get in the way (or outdo your creations), you'll be able to have free reign of LEGOLAND to check out the 4D cinema and rides, take a factory tour, and build to your heart's content in the brick pits. Challenge yourself by taking on the master builder or a speed build and vie for the prizes up for grabs — there'll even be a scavenger hunt so you can go full inner child mode. It all takes place from 6.30pm on Saturday, July 21 — and BYO shameless excitement, taste for glory, and creativity to enter the model of the month competition. It'll be a fierce one.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or more? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Melbourne, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4.30pm on Saturday, October 13, you'll saunter around Richmond — and between the likes of The Lost Moose, Royal Saxon, The Posty, The Ugly Duckling, Bowerbird, Corner Hotel and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples, they'll be taken care of by Victoria'sBaillieu Vineyard, South Australia's Unico Zela, Western Australia's Hither & Yon and others. Tickets cost $64 including booking fee, and places are limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for another beverage, and a guide to help you plan your mosey between bars.
Twin Peaks: you either love it or you love it, right? Don't just take our word for it — take Janey-E's, with her reaction expressing every Peaks-loving TV fan's as well. Indeed, both 25 years ago and now, there's just absolutely nothing like David Lynch's most wonderful and strange television series. And, thanks to the music stylings of Angelo Badalamenti, there's nothing like its score and soundtrack either. In fact, the composer won a Grammy for the Twin Peaks theme, and since 1990 many a muso has tried to follow in his footsteps. Xiu Xiu have toured a stunning rendition of the show's tunes, and now a bunch of Brisbane musos have tried their hand — and they're bringing Fire Walk With Us: The Music Of Twin Peaks to Chapel Off Chapel on Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27. An intimate and immersive sets, the show features Mia Goodwin, Lucinda Shaw, SS.Sebastian and Tylea on vocal duties, joined by James Lees, Sam Maguire, Rohan Seekers and Andrew Saragossi, who'll pick up their instruments. Together, they'll be belting out new renditions of Twin Peaks' minimalist, atmospheric tracks, channelling their inner Julee Cruise, and clearly imagining they're making like "the Nine Inch Nails" and taking to The Roadhouse's stage. Booking now for the two 60-minute shows, held at 8.30pm each night, is recommended — in Brisbane, their first run sold out quicker than damn fine cherry pie.
With all of its crushing, heartbreaking weight, grief is rarely far from cinema screens. Still, even in the most thoughtful and personal film, it's an emotion that can be difficult to convey. There's such an immense difference between watching characters going through the process of mourning and actually coping with intense sorrow yourself that, when a movie gets it wrong, it's noticeable. When a movie gets it right, however, it hits with the force of a sledgehammer. Foxtrot is one of those elusive pictures: inventive, immersive and absorbing from start to finish, and so accurate in its portrayal of loss that the story feels as though it has been ripped from reality. Although inspired by writer-director Samuel Maoz's own experience in a tangential way and confronting the very real situation in Israel, it's in fact a work of fiction. It's also an astonishing piece of cinema. When a knock at their Tel Aviv door interrupts an otherwise ordinary day, Michael (Lior Ashkenazi) and Dafna Feldmann (Sarah Adler) automatically expect the worst. With their son Jonathan (Yonaton Shiray) currently completing his compulsory military service, they've been dreading this moment — and when officials deliver the news that no parent ever wants to hear, their world falls apart. The Feldmanns' shock is only the beginning of Foxtrot's story, with Maoz exploring the situation across three separate parts. After first riding the wave of grief, the film jumps backwards to spend time with Jonathan as he conducts border patrols at a remote desert outpost, before returning to the family's apartment some time latter. True of this movie perhaps more than most, where Foxtrot heads is best discovered by watching. The film's title refers to a dance as well as a military codeword, and as appropriate as the latter obviously is, it's the former that proves an apt description of this fluid foray into devastating territory. Like the fleetest of footsteps, every move Maoz makes shapes the movie's overall rhythm and keeps viewers enthralled, with actual dance sequences, surreal interludes, and eye-catching animation all part of the show. They mightn't sound like standard ways to explore bureaucracy, mourning and the many difficulties of living in a state of perpetual conflict — or to make plain the film's clear anger about life in modern-day Israel — but, in an extraordinary feat of cinematic choreography, absolutely nothing is wasted or unnecessary. The same description applies to Foxtrot's trio of central performances, for what's a dance without skilled performers moving to a beat? When Michael is riddled with deep-seeded fury, Israeli veteran Ashkenazi makes every glare in the character's eyes as explosive as his actual outbursts. When Dafna is so overcome with sadness that she can barely even speak, French talent Adler expresses a world of hurt in even the slightest of gestures. And, while newcomer Shiray could've just played Jonathan as a regular youth in a tricky situation, his portrayal is every bit as affecting and textured as the work of his older co-stars. Painting a portrait of a young man grappling with forces beyond his control and troubles of his own, Shiray serves up a disarmingly naturalistic turn that's crucial to the movie's shattering impact. Indeed, Foxtrot asks the audience to stare at its main cast harder than most films; to feel their aching hearts, to dive into their despairing minds, and to experience their unshakeable sorrow. Maoz doesn't just call upon his actors to attract attention, though, but ensures that every meticulous shot reflects the characters' internal states. Through camera placement, composition, colouring and every other visual tool in the filmmaker's arsenal, the movie's images sear themselves into viewers' brains as well. While this is only Maoz's second picture, that's his modus operandi — intimacy, intricacy, heightened emotions, awe-inspiring images and topical issues, all intertwined. It has been nearly a decade since he drove a tank through the international cinema scene with his gripping debut Lebanon, which was set during the country's 1982 war and confined its view of the conflict to the inside of a tank. But this exceptional follow-up was well worth the wait. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6o5WPcCgT0
Besides being a spiced rum, Baron Samedi is also a Haitian spirit and a guardian of the afterlife. And he's no mopey Grim Reaper kind of dude. Rather, he thrives on the creativity and spontaneity that emerges once the sun has set and is known for all things debauchery — with a particular love of rum, cigars and filthy swear words. On Thursday, June 21, this baron of debauchery is bringing his spiced rum to the well-loved Melbourne container bar Section 8 to mark the winter solstice (the longest night of the year). Baron Samedi's signature vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon-spiced rum will be making its way into a variety of cocktails including a hot buttered rum, a warming mix of spiced rum, brown sugar and homemade spice syrup topped with butter. The shenanigans at Section 8 will all kick off with an opening party on the 21st, and to really get the vibe going, there will be samba dancers and Afro-beat drummers roaming the venue, as well as light projections. Afro-beat performances by Scatter Scatter Tropical Sound System (featuring members of Public Opinion Afro Orchestra) and Afrik Futurism will provide further entertainment. An artist will also be on-site using ultraviolet paint to create an art installation. The Baron Samedi pop-up launch event will be held on Thursday, June 21 from 6pm. Entry is free for all.
Women can do anything, except remember that straightforward fact without a film popping up to remind us. That's what Hollywood seems to keep telling us — and while it's refreshing to see the industry so eager to finally give female protagonists their due, the rush to support the #MeToo and Time's Up movements (and just work towards the kind of equality that should be a given) comes with a few significant caveats. Pushing ladies to the fore either in front of and behind the lens doesn't automatically make a movie a winner, sadly. Weaving empowerment into a narrative doesn't either. Indeed, the recent cinema slate has offered up plenty of average and underdone examples of all the above, including Ocean's 8 and Captain Marvel. They're pictures with great stars, and with their hearts in the right spot, and yet they remain content to simply pay lip service to the idea they claim to champion. Yes, ladies, you can rob a high-profile gala while looking fabulous. You can be a kick-ass hero who saves the world to 90s tunes, too. But when gender-swapped flicks barely bother to interrogate what it actually means to be a woman in a man's world, they rarely rise above generic levels. In The Kitchen's case, a tale about three women who become mob bosses when their Irish gangster husbands get locked up really doesn't appear to aim any higher. There's a winning cast and intriguing concept at the centre of this 70s-set film, but it shows its true colours in one mid-movie interaction — one that deserves groans rather than the fist-pumps it so desperately covets. Having worked hard to establish themselves as Hell's Kitchen's new kingpins, Kathy Brennan (Melissa McCarthy), Claire Walsh (Elisabeth Moss) and Ruby O'Carroll (Tiffany Haddish) are summoned to meet with the Italian mafioso over in Brooklyn. When the trio leaves their tête-à-tête with the family head (Bill Camp), they're given a few words of encouragement by his wife (Annabella Sciorra), who praises them for being "all Gloria Steinem and shit". Sure, The Kitchen is adapted from a comic book series, however cartoonishness doesn't excuse such a blatant, pandering line. Women can do anything, except appreciate a movie's message without it being spelled out for them so overtly, apparently. Appropriately, The Kitchen's three main ladies are accustomed to being underestimated. While their partners (Brian d'Arcy James, Jeremy Bobb and James Badge Dale) were prowling around, the trio did what they were told — and, in the case of domestic abuse victim Claire, as well as the verbally denigrated Ruby, weathered the consequences for simply existing. When their men are sentenced to three years in jail after a robbery, the new head honcho (Myk Watford) promises to take care of Kathy and company, but his offer is hardly generous. Struggling to get by, and observing that the neighbourhood isn't really receiving the protection that local stores are paying for, the gals decide to take matters into their own hands. Soon, they're not just collecting cash and keeping the streets safe, or negotiating criminal alliances, but getting violent to dispense with their problems. For a film that brandishes its go-get-'em attitude as firmly as its 70s aesthetic (including terrific costuming, the picture's best touch), The Kitchen wades into murky territory, and quickly. A woman's fight to be treated decently, let alone fairly, can be brutal. It's a topic well worth exploring, as the similar and far superior Widows did so exceptionally last year. Here, stock-standard crime antics are on display instead. If you've seen a gangster flick before, then you've seen Kathy, Claire and Ruby's path, as they battle their naysayers, get ruthless over turf and, eventually, face internal squabbles amongst themselves. The film makes it clear that Kathy is just trying to take care of her kids, that Claire wants to regain her sense of power after a decade in a dehumanising marriage, and that Ruby has racial barriers to overcome — not to mention a rude and overbearing mother-in-law (Margo Martindale). And yet, it still treats those details as mere window dressing, without truly stopping to contemplate what they mean. Claire's jump from victim to killer is particularly flimsy, though her romance with kindly hitman Gabriel (Domhnall Gleeson) does give the movie its best and most resonant moment. Evident in the aforementioned scene, and in The Kitchen as a whole, is ample talent. This isn't a badly acted film, with McCarthy, Moss and Haddish all making an impression, adding solid performances to their individual resumes. They just can't lift the thoroughly mediocre and familiar material, not that they're really asked to. They can't patch over the clear gaps in a movie that wants to make a statement, serve up a serious crime story and rustle up a few laughs as well. That's The Kitchen in a nutshell. Marking the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated writer Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton), it has good intentions, however it never feels like it knows what it wants to do with them — other than splash around a clumsy girl power message to get an easy response. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUfGlXdUU8c
If you like pooches and wine, and don't mind getting a little creative in the costume department, then boy, have you lucked out. The crew at Vinomofo wine merchants are tapping into a bunch of your favourite things for their next Puppies & Pinot event on Saturday, May 4. Taking over Welcome To Thornbury, the party will feature a heap of free wine tastings from Vinomofo, as well as a range of 'winescream' — the wine-ice cream hybrid you never knew you needed in your life. These frosty creations are available by donation, with proceeds going to Forever Friends Animal Rescue. Full glasses of wine — and non-wine drinks — will also be available to purchase, as well as bottles to-go and snacks from a slew of food trucks. Meanwhile, there's plenty more in store for those fur babies, with dog-friendly pinot, doggy treats courtesy of The Canine Wellness Kitchen and a swag of pet-focused market stalls to browse. Of course, May the Fourth is also a bit of a special one for Star Wars fans, and Vinomofo is on board. It has a case of wine and some sweet merchandise for the pups decked out in the night's best Star Wars get-ups — well, the pups and their owners. A gold coin donation upon entry will also go towards helping out Forever Friends Animal Rescue with their important work. Puppies & Pinot runs from 11am–7pm.
Time might feel like it's speeding up these days, but come Wednesday, May 1, you can really turn back the clock at Melbourne Central's mammoth 90s 'house party'. This year's Shop the City retail event will see the centre transformed into an oasis of old-school cool, complete with entertainment, nostalgic DJ tunes, activities and a raft of food and drink freebies. A Levi's pop-up will help you infuse that wardrobe with a touch of retro, offering free customisation on old and new Levi's denim, with a wild range of badges, embroidery and patches. Meanwhile, you can hit the Powder Room by MAC Cosmetics from 3–9pm for a free, 90s-inspired makeover, and a Claw Machine will be brimming with both vintage prizes and discount vouchers. From 5pm, B. Lucky & Sons will have refreshments sorted, slinging complimentary cocktails, along with free party snacks from Nando's, Grill'd and Pazzi Pizza. And, to wrap up a big day of retro-inspired retail therapy, Hoyts is set to host a free late-night screening of cult flick 10 Things I Hate About You at 9.30pm, doling out complimentary popcorn and choc-tops, too. The 90s House Party will run from 10am.
Tarantino fans, it's the moment you've all been waiting for — and it just might be even better than the world-famous Jackrabbit Slim's twist contest. In a nearly three-month movie tribute, the Astor Theatre is showing its love for the filmmaker responsible for making everyone think twice about Madonna's 'Like A Virgin', Royales with cheese, getting sword-wielding vengeance and getting caught in Minnie's Haberdashery during a snowstorm. With more enthusiasm than the man-in-question's fondness for rapid-fire dialogue, retro soundtracks and paying homage to every film he's ever seen, the Dying Ain't Much of a Livin', Boy: The Films of Quentin Tarantino series will train the St Kilda cinema's projector on QT's finest on most Mondays between May 20 and July 22. Each session will feature a flick helmed or written by Tarantino, with True Romance, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, both volumes of Kill Bill, the Grindhouse double, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight all on the agenda. Breaking out your best yellow jumpsuit, bathrobe, Hawaiian shirt, daggy tee and shorts combo, or flight attendant's uniform is heartily recommended. And if you want to dance to 'Stuck in the Middle with You' or 'Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon' in the foyer, we're guessing that no one will stop you. The timing really couldn't be better, with Tarantino's next flick, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, due out in Australia in August.
Losing yourself in a giant Pac-Man-inspired maze may or may not be your idea of the ultimate reality break, but it is something you'll actually be able to pencil into the diary when the Pac Maze hits Melbourne this August. Yep, someone has created a human-size version of the classic 80s arcade game that had you losing hours navigating tiny yellow Pac-Dots and avoiding ghosts. The Pac-Maze comes courtesy of the same masters of nostalgia that brought you the adults-only Lego bar, The Brick Bar, which means you can expect a bunch of interactive fun that'll delight both your adult self and your inner kid. This themed experience will take place at Seaworks in Williamstown over today days: Friday, August 23 on Saturday, August 24. Organisers are promising an immersive escape room-style experience, held within a 1.5-kilometre, LED-lit maze, with the chance to score prizes if you're quick enough to elude those multi-coloured ghosts (aka Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde). Once you're out of the maze, you can hang out in an '80s-themed pixel room' with the OG Pac-Man game. You can play solo or in teams of up to ten. If you want to avoid children, head along on the Friday night when, from 6–9pm, it'll be an adults-only affair. Family sessions will run from 11am–6pm on the Saturday. Updated: May 15, 2019.
There's something oh-so-relaxing about staring at the sea; however, even when Melbourne is basking in glorious sunshine, we can't always all hang out on the beach. Or near rivers or in pools for that matter — but you can head to the Ocean Film Festival World Tour. Between March 18–20, it'll unleash a cinematic feast of water-focused wonders onto the big screen — at Village Cinemas at Melbourne Crown on Monday and Tuesday, and at the Astor Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday. Film-wise, viewers will spend time both above and below the ocean's surface thanks to a compilation of shorts from around the world. Expect to chase big waves, explore a range of sea life and get a hefty ocean rush, plus a heap of other sea adventures. The program is united by a love of the ocean, an appreciation of the creatures who dwell in its waters and a curiosity to explore the substance that comprises more than two-thirds of the earth. It's the next best thing to diving in, all without getting wet. Image: Travis Burke.
How long has Charles Boyle been dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's twins, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're set for La Di Da's latest trivia night. Yes, it's all about the hit cop sitcom we all know and love. You know, the one that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night. Last time a trivia evening dedicated to B99 hit town, places were snapped up faster than Terry can snap open a tub of yoghurt. So nab a $10 ticket ASAP and it mat be your night to shine (and that can be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). Updated: June 25, 2019.
The landmark musical work from Japanese sound artist Asuna delivers exactly what it promises. With 100 battery-operated keyboards at his disposal, the artist weaves an aural tapestry, producing a wall of sound that's been described as "an undulating sonic harmony both mesmerising and mysterious". The 90-minute piece will be performed at The Substation in Newport from October 10–13 at part of Melbourne Festival 2018.
The British Film Festival might only be six years old, but this year's event comes with a considerable sense of history. It's there in the fest's opening night film, Collette, which stars Keira Knightley as 19th-century French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. It's evident in a four-movie tribute that'll blow the bloody cinema doors off, showcasing the work and career of Michael Caine. And, it's obvious in closing night's Stan & Ollie, with Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as one of cinema's greatest double acts: British comedian Stan Laurel and his American counterpart Oliver Hardy. Dramatic true tales about Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart all keep the theme going, as do real-life spy thriller Red Joan with Judi Dench and the Idris Elba-directed, 70s and 80s-set Jamaican gangster movie Yardie. There's also a retrospective dedicated to Brit flicks from the swinging sixties, plus Peterloo — the latest effort from seven-time Oscar nominated writer/director Mike Leigh, which focuses on a working-class demonstration in Manchester in 1819. Screening at Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth and The Astor Theatre between Thursday, October 25 and Wednesday, November 14 (with a few extra days always tacked on at the end to replay the most popular titles), the 2018 BFF boasts plenty of other highlights — and genres and stars as well. Catch a Scottish Christmas-themed teen-zombie-musical-comedy courtesy of Anna and the Apocalypse, and watch Rob Brydon go synchronised swimming (yes, really) in Swimming with Men. Or, see Star Wars' Daisy Ridley, Harry Potter's Tom Felton and Clive Owen take on Shakespeare in Ophelia, a reworking of Hamlet.
If you're a diehard barbecue fiend, we have some great news for you. Brunswick's beloved B3 BBQ is now dishing up a carnivore-friendly, all-you-can-eat barbecue banquet, up for grabs from 5.30pm every Sunday and Monday night. The masters of slow-smoked American fare promise to have you ending (or starting) that weekend on a high note, with a meat feast of hefty proportions. For just $69 per person, you'll get to sit down to an endless parade of meats, headlined by B3's signature serves of tender brisket, juicy beef ribs, lamb shoulder and marinated chicken. You'll find plenty of classic sides to match, including barbecue corn slathered in butter and bacon salt, a tangy apple slaw, and a hearty rendition of mac 'n' cheese. And you'll need to save room for dessert as well, finishing with your choice of pecan pie, key lime pie, an ice cream sandwich or the indulgent Nutella and peanut butter pie. Images: Your SocialChef
If you love animals — and animals love you — this is where your spring festival adventures should begin. Every year, vegetarians, vegans and their friends (both furry and not) gather at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion to feast on vegetarian dishes at Vegecareian. Sip and sample your way through a throng of eclectic stalls peddling all kinds of meat-free delights. When you're not nibbling, you can sharpen up your culinary skills at a cooking demo or share your love of furred, feathered and finned creatures at an animal blessing. Vegecareian isn't just about kindness to animals — it's also about promoting good health, so you'll be invited to relax and rebalance at yoga sessions, too. Once you're sufficiently zen, check out the informative guest speakers. If you're a meat eater, no judgement, head along anyway to find out more about the lifestyle. Vegecareian is a free and inclusive event that embraces all. The best part, pets are 100 percent welcome — get ready for lots of puppy pats.
Glitter, spandex and a giant wrestling ring will descend on Fitzroy when Evie's Disco Diner holds a second round of its IRL Glow party. Glow, for the uninitiated, is the glam, action-filled Netflix show about women's wrestling. It's fiction, set in the 80s and headed up by Alison Brie (who's both a baddie and a badass) and it was inspired by a 2012 documentary of the same name (also about women's wrestling). It has gained a bit of a cult following — with its second season hitting the air a few months back — and so have Evie's IRL versions. The first one sold out in three days, so its hosting another. The event sees (real) Aussie female wrestlers competing in a pop-up wrestling ring, after appropriately 80s makeovers, and an after-party with all-female DJs. There's also a best-dressed comp, so whip out your sparkly spandex, leg warmers and OTT wigs — the winner will score themselves a $100 drink voucher. Tickets for Glow IRL Round 2 go on sale at 6pm on Friday, October 19.
It was the 1980s. The rock and roll sounds of David Bowie, Lou Reed and Talking Heads were secretly making their way through Russia, and making their impact on the next generation, including on future Leningrad rock icon Viktor Tsoi. Summer — also known as Leto — tells this tale, in the latest film by director Kirill Serebrennikov. Captured with detailed monochrome frames, it's the kind of movie that makes you feel like you were there. Coming to Australia after premiering at this year's Cannes Film Festival, it's also one of 2018's Russian Resurrection Film Festival highlights. Other standouts include sports drama The Coach, concentration camp-set effort Sobibor, and comedy Night Shift — which follows tradies forced to start stripping to pay the bills, in what sounds like Russia's answer to The Full Monty. The Challenge sees a production of Romeo and Juliet overtaken by terrorists, while Jumpman skewers Russian corruption. And for those keen on some cinema history, the fest's retrospective is dedicated to the 100-year anniversary of Lenfilm Studios in St. Petersburg, as well as and the 90-year anniversary of filmmaker Vitaliy Melnikov. That's all on the agenda when the Russian Resurrection Film Festival hits Elsternwick's Classic Cinema from Monday, November 5 to Sunday, November 18 — and ACMI on the weekends of Friday, November 9 to Sunday, November 18, too. If you need an extra incentive to head along, 2018 also marks a massive 15 years since RRFF first hit Aussie screens, so the fest will be in a partying mood.
Hosting Melbourne's newest foodie fest, Natural History Bar and Grill is giving its cooktops and ovens a rest. At this culinary feast, they're simply not needed. Instead, everything that's on offer to eat will be served up raw — which is what you'd expect at an event dedicated to uncooked food. Raw — An Uncooked Food Festival will teach you all about eating delicious dishes that haven't been touched by heat. Even better — it's an all-you-can-eat affair. Attendees will tuck into a bottomless array of steak and tuna tartare, prawn cocktails, ceviche, oysters and more, with a live shucking bar taking care of the molluscs for you. Taking place for two hours from 6.30pm on Thursday, November 29, this fest will also focus on natural wine, with a glass of the local good stuff included in the $60+booking fee ticket price. It's the first time that Natural History has held this event, and sommelier Gavin Wraith will be on hand to discuss both the booze and the food. If you'd like more tipples, you'll be able to purchase local and international drops as well.
