If you find yourself thinking back on Law & Order re-runs, Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs or Heath Ledger's turn as the Joker in The Dark Knight, you're probably thinking about one particular type of scene. There's an art to a good on-screen interrogation — to seeing characters verbally spar back and forth, as one probes for answers and the other tries to avoid their questions — that's riveting when it's done well. It's also hilarious when it's done comedically (see Brooklyn Nine-Nine); however, nothing beats a grim, serious, eyes-blazing, nostril-flaring confrontation between a suspected criminal and a savvy detective who are both confined to the same small room. Netflix, in its seemingly never-ending quest to turn every single possible idea into highly binge-able streaming content, took this concept and ran with it in its anthology crime series Criminal — which first premiered last year. Love interrogations, but not so fussed about all the stuff around them? Then you'll want to glue your peepers to this, because it's all about heated chats in police interview suites. In fact, that's all it's about. And, after a first season that spanned dozen different tales across just as many 45-minute episodes — spending three episodes each focusing on cases in France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom — Criminal is coming back for a four-episode UK-based second season. While the first batch of episodes featured David Tennant and Agent Carter's Hayley Atwell among its British cast, this time around the show has enlisted Game of Thrones' Kit Harington, Catastrophe and Game Night's Sharon Horgan, The Big Bang Theory's Kunal Nayyar and Wild Rose's Sophie Okonedo to answer a barrage of tense questions. Once again, expect claustrophobic, cat-and-mouse-style confrontations — and twisty narratives that rarely go in the direction expected. The show's second season will hit Netflix on Wednesday, September 16. Check out the season two trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtHBrjgDjes Criminal's second season will release on Netflix on Wednesday, September 16.
It's impossible to think about Christmas without also thinking about ornament-adorned trees; however, the traditional towering variety isn't always practical. Perhaps you don't have space in your apartment. Maybe you're keen on the real thing, but just can't make it to market, farm or nursery to get one. Or, you could have a four-legged friend (or several) that's fond of scaling anything that reaches up into the sky. Even if you've found a place for the same old plastic tree that you trot out every year, you're probably still wishing that you could gaze up at the real thing — which is where Floraly comes in. The Australian plant delivery service focuses on sustainable blooms and even offers monthly subscriptions, and it introduced a Christmas offering in 2019. Because it's that time already, it's getting festive again in 2020, too. The big drawcard: living trees. If you're happy with a pint-sized version, then this tiny plant is about to make your festive dreams come true. 'Tis the season to order a 60-centimetre-tall tiny tree that comes with decorations and a pop-up pot, wait for it to be delivered, then feel mighty jolly. Sourced from farms in Victoria and New South Wales, and able to be sent Australia-wide, Floraly's trees also arrive with soil, fairy lights, baubles and a tree-topper — so they really do look like miniature versions of your ideal Christmas centrepiece. There are two versions available, so you can opt for red baubles and a gold star for the top, or go with white decorations and a silver star In line with Floraly's eco-conscious mindset, its trees still have their root system intact. That means that once Christmas is over, you can replant them, keep them for some year-round merriment and then enjoy their splendour next year. The trees also come in fully recyclable packaging, further reducing their environmental impact. If you're keen, you can order a small bundle of greenery from the Floraly website for $79. Fancy sending a tiny tree as a gift? You can do that too, including as part of packs with T2 tea, Gelato Messina spreads, Endota body care products, and champagne and chocolate. Floraly's tiny Christmas trees are available to order now by visiting the service's website. Images: Floraly
Don't let the name confuse you, Rotten Point House is anything but unpleasant. Eco-friendly and beautifully designed, this stunning hilltop home rests amid 100 acres of private native bushland, offering spectacular views of the Southern Ocean. Just an eight-minute drive from Johanna Beach and 30 minutes from the shops of Apollo Bay, this secluded location is where you can spoil yourselves after a long drive. Offering four cosy double bedrooms, a free-standing double-sided fireplace and underfloor heating, this designer abode has chilly nights covered, ensuring everyone stays snug. [caption id="attachment_712317" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rotten Point House[/caption]
When the time came for Hannah Gadsby to follow up her international smash-hit show Nanette, that seemed a rather difficult task. After all, the one-woman stand-up performance copped serious praise on its 18-month travels across Australia and the UK, even scooping the top honours at both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe — and spawning its very own Netflix special. But, then Douglas was born, with the beloved Aussie comedian returning to the stand-up stage with a performance named after her own pet pooch. While Nanette pulled apart the concept of comedy itself, dishing up an insight into Gadsby's past, Douglas took comedy fans on a "tour from the dog park to the renaissance and back". It toured stages across Australia and New Zealand in late 2019 and early 2020, and then hit Netflix a year ago. Next on the agenda: following up both of those supremely popular shows, and doing so in-person. Between July and November this year, Gadsby will be doing just that thanks to her new stand-up set Body of Work. It'll tour Australia in 2021, before heading to the UK, European and North America in early 2022. Despite spending the past year sitting out the pandemic, as we all have, Gadsby's humour won't have lost its charms. She'll be kicking off her tour in Canberra, then heading to Albury, Newcastle, Hobart, Launceston, Darwin, Bendigo, Albany, Bunbury, Mandurah, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane. And yes, she'll be playing Sydney, too, although those dates and details haven't yet been revealed. https://twitter.com/Hannahgadsby/status/1391545052564914176 HANNAH GADSBY 'BODY OF WORK' TOUR DATES: July 23–24 — Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra July 26 — Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury July 29 — Newcastle Civic Theatre, Newcastle August 5–7 — Theatre Royal, Hobart August 15–16 — Princess Theatre, Launceston August 22 — Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin August 27 — Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo September 1 — Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany September 3 — Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury September 4 — Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah September 10–11 — Regal Theatre, Perth October 26–31 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne November 26–27 — QPAC, Brisbane Dates TBC — Sydney Hannah Gadsby's 'Body of Work' will tour Australia from July to November 2021. For further details — and to buy pre-sale tickets from Wednesday, May 12 and general tickets from 9am on Friday, May 14 — head to the comedian's website.
Como House and the surrounding gardens are exquisitely beautiful. The colonial Victorian house built in 1847 offers an insight into a time long gone and the old horse stable has been converted into a quaint cafe. Venture inside the high white walls of the grounds, wander through the gardens, and find a place amongst the big white umbrellas. The Stables of Como, as it's called, has not only nabbed a stunning location, but it is also being run by Melbourne cafe owner Jason Jones of Friends of Mine, Snow Pony and Porgie and Mr Jones. Getting a table here is no easy feat. The winter chill leaves fingers crossed for an inside table, but come summer this won't be such a problem as you'll be able to take a seat outside, eat and enjoy the sunshine. But inside or outside, the menu is excellent. The selection includes some favourites from Jones' other cafes, a few new items — there's something for every moment. Breakfast has many faces, from the toasted crumpets with honey and butter ($6.50), to the toasted English muffin with ham, Emmental cheese and scrambled eggs ($5.50). For a sweet morning try the Bircher muesli with rhubarb compote, honey yoghurt and toasted pistachio ($10.90), and the smashed avocado with thyme buttered mushrooms, marinated feta and torn basil on whole wheat toast ($17.90) is just as good as it is at Jones' other cafes. Lunch sees everything from a toasted baguette filled with ham, aged cheddar, tomato and almond relish ($11.90) to a light salad of French lentils, baby beets, goats cheese and spiced Dargo walnuts ($16.90) The sweets display inside is enough to make anyone go weak at the knees. There are endless cake stands, tiers of chocolates filled with strawberry and Champagne ($3.50), hazelnut and cranberry meringue cakes ($4.90), brownies and even homemade musk sticks ($1.50). It would be sad to leave The Stables without a sweet treat. As well as its normal brunch and lunch fare, the quaint café runs a daily high tea ($60). Playing to the country manor feel of the estate, high tea goers will snack on the requisite finger sandwiches and petit fours: smoked salmon bagels, ham and mustard sandwiches, French toast with mascarpone and berries and other sweet. The Stables' cakes are very good, with minimal room to move around the cake display case thanks to oglers. Plus, it serves Allpress Espresso coffee and, if you're looking to really indulge (or want to do your high tea the right way and have accepted you'll probably need to nap afterwards regardless), you can also opt for free-flowing mimosas for an extra five bucks.
Iconic LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural celebration Midsumma Festival will serve up good vibes in abundance when it returns for its 34th edition from Saturday, January 21–Sunday, February 12. Featuring more than 200 events across eight major festival hubs and many more smaller venues, it's set to deliver a jam-packed offering of live music, performances, exhibitions, theatre, visual arts, cabaret, parties and more — all championing queer arts and culture. It kicks off on January 22 with the legendary Midsumma Carnival at Alexandra Gardens, before the Midsumma Pride March descends on Fitzroy Street for its annual roving celebration on February 5, and the full-day Victoria's Pride fiesta wraps things up on February 12. Making its debut is A Safe(R) Space — a program of works unpacking the concept of the 'safe space', and what that means for different artists and creatives. Meanwhile, Midsumma Presents is back with another curated lineup championing the unheard voices of this era's queer intersectional communities. It'll include theatre works, a Nocturnal dance party and lots more in between. Elsewhere, comedian Joel Creasey and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under legend Kween Kong will hit the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the star-studded fiesta that is Midsumma Extravaganza, joined by names like Nina Oyama, Rhys Nicholson, Courtney Act and Kira Puru. The Victorian Pride Centre will host a swag of happenings as a new festival hub — from a free exhibition delving into Victoria's LGBTQIA+ history and the creation of the centre itself, to a gender-diverse clothes swap and pop-up piano bar. Highlights across the other hubs include a First Nations drag festival, a citywide collection of interactive installations for Midsumma x Ignite Melbourne, rope bondage workshops, cabarets about composting, dance-friendly al fresco gigs, a stacked program of performances, and much, much more. [caption id="attachment_875626" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Midsumma Extravaganza by Suzanne Balding[/caption]
In news as exciting as a slice of Wensleydale cheese, the minds behind the world's favourite dairy-eating man and his dog are coming to Melbourne. With the Australian Centre for the Moving Image hosting an exhibition dedicated to Wallace & Gromit, Aardman Animations, and their broader catalogue of film and TV highlights, company co-founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton are heading our way for a series of events and workshops. If you're keen, make like a chicken and run to grab tickets. In town to launch Wallace & Gromit and friends: The magic of Aardman, the duo will ensure that attendees don't just have a grand day as they peruse more than 350 Aardman items, and celebrate over 40 years of close shaves and wrong trousers — they'll have a grand evening too. The appropriately titled A Night Out with Aardman on June 30 is the main attraction, with the Lord and Sproxton (Aardman's creative director and executive chairman, respectively) taking audiences through their careers, chatting about highlights, showing clips, sharing stories and revealing what inspires them. If you're in the industry, they'll also take part in a claymation-focused masterclass on June 29, hosted by Aussie Mary and Max and Harvie Krumpet animator Adam Elliot, while Lord will also oversee a hands-on workshop for 25 emerging animators on July 1. And, for those that really fancy their chances of following in their footsteps, ACMI is putting together an Inventors of Melbourne event on August 5 for everyone with innovative ideas. Lord and Sproxton won't be there — they'll be back home chasing were-rabbits and mischievous sheep named Shaun by then — but plenty of inventors, entrepreneurs and researchers will be. The four-month exhibition also includes a complete cinema retrospective of Aardman's features, so expect to get Flushed Away, get festive with Arthur Christmas and take to the seas with The Pirates! Band of Misfits too. Lord wrote the former and directed the latter (and wrote and directed Chicken Run as well), and Sproxton produced the lot. Forget popcorn — bringing your own slab of cheddar seems like the right thing to do. Wallace & Gromit and friends: The magic of Aardman will be showing at Melbourne's ACMI from June 29 to October 29. To buy tickets to the exhibition or any of the special events, visit the ACMI website.
Sitting one level above Collins Street, Polepole is a slick little homage to Africa's eastern coastline. With the venue's name translating to 'slow', carnivores in search of some serious midweek indulgence will find a whole lot to love about Polepole, especially during Tuesday night's weekly all-you-can-meat extravaganza. From 5pm, you can rock your taste buds and stuff your belly with a smorgasbord of slow-cooked, African-style meat dishes and sides for the budget-friendly price of $39 per person. We're talking an endless array of melt-in-your-mouth ribs, vibrant salads and addictive harissa grilled corncobs – whatever you choose, Polepole's extensive menu brings the striking African coastline direct to Melbourne with an array of flavours that'll leave you wanting more. By Libby Curran and Hudson Brown.
A blissful weekend afternoon spent sipping your way between wineries and cellar doors sounds pretty flawless — until you remember that you've got to organise a designated driver to be able to pull it off. Luckily, Victoria's wine regions have no shortage of tour crews and hop-on-hop-off-style operators that'll handle all the driving for you. And one of these just added an entire region's worth of new tour routes to its roster. Already a firm fixture in the Yarra Valley and on the Mornington Peninsula, Hop It has broadened the scope of its popular hop-on-hop-off bus service, making its first foray into the Bellarine Peninsula from Saturday, April 1. Brimming with wineries big and small, the region is an ideal fit for the local tourism operator. Dubbed the Blue Route, Hop It's newest schedule gives punters another low-stress option for exploring Bellarine wine country, located just southeast of Geelong. Running every Saturday to start with, the timetable will incorporate a slew of much-loved wine destinations such as Terindah Estate, Oakdene, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Scotchmans Hill and Leura Park Estate. For those after something other than vino, it's also set to also stop by the likes of Drysdale distillery The Whiskery, Flying Brick Cider's Wallington cellar door and the family-run FarmDog Brewing at McGlashan Estate. You'll have three options to experience the Blue Route, depending on where you're setting off from. Melburnians will take a ferry ride from Docklands to Portarlington before hopping on the bus to their chosen destinations (from $109.95), while Geelong-based guests will depart on the bus from Cunningham Pier (from $94.95). And Bellarine locals can jump aboard at any of the designated stops along the route, with tickets from $89.95. Best of all, your wine-hopping adventure is fully customisable — simply take a look at the route map and timetable, decide which spots you want to hit and when, and devise a plan of attack. Hop It's new Bellarine Blue Route will run Saturdays commencing April 1. Jump over to the website to check out the full timetable and buy tickets.
Music festival fans, where's your head at? We can tell you where it'll be if you're looking to send off the year with a stacked lineup of dance floor favourites: Glenworth Valley. The end-of-year staple Lost Paradise has just announced its return for 2023, and it's making a comeback with plenty of big names. Between Thursday, December 28–Monday, January 1, Lost Paradise will unleash a massive program of live music and DJ sets that include appearances from headliners Flume, Dom Dolla and Foals, plus Basement Jaxx, Bicep and Carl Cox on the decks. The Central Coast festival also shares some names with the recently announced Beyond the Valley lineup — namely Kelis, The Jungle Giants, Channel Tres, Cassian, Jayda G, DJ Heartstring, Overmono, Lastlings, BIG WETT and salute. Other notable names include local festival favourites like Lime Cordiale, PNAU, Winston Surfshirt, Royel Otis and Sycco; pop heavyweight Holly Humberstone; 'Afraid to Feel' hitmakers LF System; and international dance mainstays Kettama, Barry Can't Swim, Ewan McVicar and Yung Singh — the last of which has racked up nearly a million views on his Melbourne Boiler Room set from earlier in the year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWZ5F00eG_k Since first unleashing its specific flavour of festival fun back in 2014, Lost Paradise has become a go-to way to see out one year and welcome in another — and with its just-dropped roster of talent for 2023, that's set to be the case across its riverside setup again this time around. Also on the bill: wellness, art, sustainability, ideas and food, all as part of a four-day camping festival. So, there's plenty to get excited about and to tempt you to make the journey an hour out of Sydney. While the full rundown of activities hasn't been revealed as yet, the lineup hints at pottery sessions, workshops centred around First Nations culture and speed dating. And, camping-wise, options span everything from rent-a-tents to luxury glamping. This year, Lost Paradise is opting to steer away from a traditional first-, second- and third-release ticket strategy. Instead, ticket prices will gently increase in accordance with demand. Of course, it's the Lost Paradise lineup that'll get you to the festival in the first place. So, enough chatter; here it is: LOST PARADISE LINEUP 2023: Artist Lineup Flume Dom Dolla Foals Kelis Lime Cordiale Pnau The Jungle Giants Channel Tres Holly Humberstone Overmono Winston Surfshirt Lastlings Royel Otis Sycco Dice Haiku Hands Big Wett Skeleten Cat & Calmell Velvet Trip Sloan Peterson Pirra Jet City Sports Club Salarymen Birdee 王煒 Thunder Fox Sputnik Sweetheart DJ Lineup Bicep (DJ Set) Carl Cox (Hybrid Set) Jayda G Basement Jaxx (DJ Set) Kettama DJ Heartstring Cassian Ewan McVicar Lf System Barry Can't Swim Salute Stüm Sam Alfred Yung Singh Heidi Saorise c.frim Litmus (Live) Club Angel James Pepper Ayebatonye Elijah Something Mincy Caleb Jackson Crybaby Jacqui Cunningham Conspiracy Crew Caitlin Medclaf Troy Beman Shantan Wantan Ichiban Flexy Ferg Waxlily Cleo Sasha Milani Madami Lost Sundays Soundsystem Cricket Mash Anika Silly Lily Zach Williams Toaka Lost Paradise returns to Glenworth Valley from Wednesday, December 28–Sunday, January 1. Pre-sale tickets are available from Tuesday, August 29 with general tickets from Wednesday, August 30. For more information, head to the festival's website. Top image: Jordan Munns.
As each day passes, it's important to find time for little wins to lift our spirits and improve our moods. It could be having a great convo with your mum, hitting the five kilometre mark on a run, or making a stellar bolognese sauce. And this is true for anyone in the working week cycle, but with many of us working from home, or just battling never-ending emails and a nonstop notification loop, it seems more pertinent than ever. That's why we've teamed up with Oporto to bring you five little wins you can easily build into your workday lunch break, which will give you a little pick-me-up to carry you through the afternoon. MONDAY: TRY SOMETHING NEW AT YOUR LOCAL CAFE If you've ever thought about trying a new drink at lunchtime, or a different place altogether, today's the day to give it a whirl. Always wondered what a dirty chai (chai with a shot of coffee) tastes like? What about a soy piccolo with honey or extra-hot double shot almost latte? Go for gold and surprise your regular barista with a new order. It'll give you something new to talk about, and you might find you're more into long blacks than flat whites, or vice versa. Melbourne is full of the best coffee around so why not experience a new cup of it and start your Monday off anew. [caption id="attachment_754318" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TUESDAY: TAKE YOUR LUNCH TO THE PARK As the weather is starting to turn it back on here in Melbourne, and you can now meet up with five people from two different households, more lunchtime park dates are on the agenda. Slap on some sunscreen, grab your picnic blanket and head to your nearest green spot to eat your lunch while getting in some vitamin D. Make it an extra special win, too, by forgetting the hassle of packing a meal and instead grabbing Oporto's new Vegan Rappa to take with you. It includes a pea and herb patty, mixed lettuce leaves, slaw, fresh tomato, avocado and a tomato and capsicum relish, all nestled within a warm pita bread wrap. If you're looking for inspiration, here are the best picnic spots to seek out in Melbourne so you can savour the moment in the open air. WEDNESDAY: SHOUT YOUR HOUSEMATES AN AFTERNOON TREAT Beat the midweek blues by shouting those under the same roof as you — whether it be your parents and siblings or a share-house full of students — to some sweet sugary goodness. You can have a hot fudge brownie sundae delivered to your door, vegan pecan pie or lemon, lime and bitters ice cream from Ice Cream Social in Thornbury. Or, get some jam- or Nutella-filled donuts from Daniel's Donuts, which also delivers to your door. Or, grab some cupcakes in cookies and cream, carrot, vanilla or salted caramel flavours from Cupcake Central, which offers free delivery on all orders over $45 in its 'sweet zone'. You'll not only feel good about surprising your loved ones, but also they'll hopefully share some of the goodies with you too. [caption id="attachment_784556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr; Aundray Cheam[/caption] THURSDAY: KICK A FOOTY IN YOUR LOCAL PARK Pubs may still be closed (for now) but the city's parks are wide open and inviting you to run around with your mates like you've never run around before. Make the occasion even better by grabbing a footy and get your blood pumping with some good ol' fashioned kick-to-kick where you can practice your best kicks and handballs. If your local park or oval has some goalposts, start kicking some (literal) goals and pretend like you've scored the winning points in the premiership. Move over Tigers, there's a new player in this part of town. [caption id="attachment_784552" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr; Alpha[/caption] FRIDAY: ADD A FRIEND TO YOUR LOCAL SPOONVILLE End your week by getting into the community spirit and making a character for your local Spoonville. If you're not familiar with Spoonvilles, they're tiny villages filled with handmade characters made out of all sorts of spoons: large, small, wooden, plastic, silicone and even the odd spatula. Each is adorned with goggly eyes, ribbon dresses, pipe-cleaner arms and a lot of glitter – it's all very wholesome. Add your flair to your local community's Spoonville by spending your lunch break DIY-ing your own character to add to the village. Local kids and parents will be delighted with the new addition, which makes it a win for you and one for the community, too. Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online. Top image: Catani Gardens, St Kilda via Visit Victoria/Josie Withers
From family classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to hard-hitting documentaries in the league of Camp 14 – Total Control Zone to black comedies such as Invasion, this year's Audi Festival of German Film promises the bravest, brashest and most bizarre in German film. There'll be panel discussions, Q&As, special cultural programs and parties. The selection for opening night, Georg Maas' Two Lives, makes it clear the festival is seeking the cutting edge, new generation of German filmmaking. It's a 2012 post-Berlin wall spy thriller about the exercise of state control over individual identities. Another highlight is This Ain't California, a Cannes winner that explores the development of skateboard culture in East Germany during the 1970s and 1980s. With over 20,000 people expected to attend, representing a 37 percent growth in popularity over the past six years, this year's festival is set to be the biggest on record. The festival is on in May around the country: Sydney: April 30 to May 14, Chauvel Cinema and Palace Verona Melbourne: May 1-15, Palace Cinema Como and Kino Cinemas Brisbane: May 3-9, Palace Centro Thanks to the Audi Festival of German Film, we have 15 double passes, valid for any screening throughout the festival, to give away in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. 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. https://youtube.com/watch?v=8noDewE16iM
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the globe, travel is in no one's immediate plans — and the airline industry is responding accordingly. In Australia, that means a huge drop in the number of available flights, both overseas and within Australia, with Virgin Australian announcing that it's grounding aircraft and slashing services for the foreseeable future. According to the ABC, Virgin Australia will suspend all international services and will cut domestic flights by 50 percent from March 30–June 14. The equivalent to 53 aircraft will be grounded. In a statement to the ASX published on the ABC, the company said: "The Virgin Australia Group has today announced a temporary suspension of international services and further cuts to domestic capacity in response to expanded government travel restrictions and increased impacts from COVID-19 on travel demand. As a leading airline group, Virgin Australia will work closely with Government to prioritise bringing Australians home and returning visitors back to their point of origin safely, while maintaining its important role in supporting connectivity and the nation's economy." This decision follows Qantas and Jetstar's move to cut international flights by around 90 percent, and domestic flight by approximately 60 percent, which was announced by the the 100-year-old Aussie airline yesterday. Both moves come in response to Australia's current containment and quarantine measures, including the requirement that all international arrivals into the country must self-isolate for 14 days — and, unsurprisingly, the steeply dropping demand for air travel both internationally and domestically. Worldwide, the scenario is the same. Air New Zealand is reducing its capacity by 85 percent overall, and its trips across the Tasman to Australia by 80 percent. Airlines in America, Britain, Europe, Asia and, well, basically everywhere are taking similar measures — as is to be expected as countries everywhere begin to close their borders. For more information about Virgin Australia's reductions, visit its website. For further details about Qantas and Jetstar's plans, visit the company's website. 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.
"My name is Jordan Belfort" explains Leonardo DiCaprio in the opening to Martin Scorsese's new film, The Wolf of Wall Street. "The year I turned 26, I made $49 million, which really pissed me off because it was three shy of a million a week." If you're a banker, that probably frames this film as something of a tragedy for you. For everyone else, it sets the tone for a semi-true story about a materialistic mercenary whose insatiable appetite for money and power saw him wreak havoc on both the stock market and his own family for two decades. Taking its name and story from Belfort's bestselling (and unsurprisingly self-aggrandising) biography, The Wolf of Wall Street largely confirms all the things you presumed you hated about unscrupulous investment bankers and even establishes a few new ones for you to despise. It is black comedy at its very darkest; a chronicle of depravity that at once amuses and nauseates. In his now award-winning turn as the eponymous 'wolf', DiCaprio holds nothing back — screaming, beaming and drooling his way through every scene with gleeful, passionate intensity. His best lines are often reserved for internal monologue, navigating by narration all the intricacies of drug consumption, prostitute procurement and, of course, stock market manipulation. Alongside him is Jonah Hill in a fantastically weird performance as Belfort's right-hand man Donnie Azoff. Grinning through hypnotically white teeth, Azoff is both Belfort's enabler and guardian — simultaneously safeguarding their friendship whilst steering it irreversibly down the road to inevitable ruin. Despite its cracking pace, The Wolf of Wall Street runs at just one minute short of three hours and definitely feels as long as it is. The cycle of sex, drugs and opulence admittedly entertains at first but soon becomes as unvarying and unremarkable as, presumably, it was in real life. That vapidity is then compounded by the lack of growth experienced by just about every character in the film. Belfort's transformation from wide-eyed newcomer to unapologetic sybaritic lasts precisely one (albeit probably the best) scene right at the start of the film, after which his character arc sits firmly on the 180. Lessons aren't learned, egos aren't checked and virtue never rears its head as the Wolf and his pack cruise, jet and blindly stumble from one orgiastic spectacle to the next. In that respect, The Wolf of Wall Street ultimately feels shallower and less arresting than, say, Oliver Stone's Wall Street or even Brian De Palma's Bonfire of the Vanities. All three unreservedly showcase the extraordinary grandiosity, greed and ruthlessness of men like Belfort, yet Wolf's predecessors prove that less is more when examining those for whom 'more' is the singular ambition. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iszwuX1AK6A
With Baby Driver, writer/director/music lover Edgar Wright takes a guy, a girl, gangsters, guns and getaway cars, and sends audiences on quite the ride. The filmmaker behind Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World doesn't exactly seek to sell audiences on the high-stakes, heist-pulling lifestyle. In fact, his protagonist Baby (Ansel Elgort) desperately wants to drive away from crime. But there's one thing that brightens up this speedster's obligation to underworld boss Doc (Kevin Spacey), and it's something we can all relate to: that fantastic feeling of hearing the right song at the right time, boosting your mood and changing how you see the world around you. Whether he's hurtling through the streets or sitting in a booth at a diner, one of Baby's ever-present old school iPods always has the goods to improve any situation. His personal soundtrack makes dealing with bank-robbing thugs like Griff (Jon Bernthal), Bats (Jamie Foxx), and lovers Buddy (Jon Hamm) and Darling (Eiza González) bearable. It also makes meeting waitress Debora (Lily James), who enters his orbit literally crooning his name, all the more special. Baby is turning a routine into a dream with the right MP3s, and Wright wants viewers to lap up every second of it. Cue Queen, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and the kind of deep cuts the term 'deep cuts' was coined to describe. With Wright stylishly weaving his music choices into the fabric of both the film and its title character, there's barely a minute that passes by without the right audio accompaniment. There's singing and dancing and in-sync editing and cinematography — although Baby Driver isn't a musical. Rather, it's a playlist paired with glossy, kinetic pictures that delivers its story in video clip-length doses. Unsurprisingly, the film was actually inspired by Wright's music video for Mint Royale's 'Blue Song', which makes a blink-or-you'll-miss-it appearance here. And yet, while Baby himself might avoid lulls in his flow of sounds (at one point, we even see him time the start of a job to a specific ditty) even the liveliest of mixtapes can run out of steam. Perhaps that's why Baby Driver entertains in the moment yet can't quite maintain momentum, and why a sense of repetition eventually sets in. Recognisable refrains begin to echo across scenes, while nods to similar flicks about heists, souped-up vehicles and lovers-against-the world — including Drive, The Driver, Point Break, Wild at Heart and A Life Less Ordinary — grow increasingly obvious. Still, as you watch the cast revel in Wright's music-filled world, it's easy to enjoy much of the drive. Baby Driver's rush of attitude doesn't just ooze through its lovingly selected tunes. It's also present in Elgort and James' clear chemistry, and in the way Spacey, Hamm and González's embrace their shady supporting players. Baby's story gets dark and bloody at various points, but the film remains a light and playful dose of high-octane crime-romance hijinks. Think of it as the movie equivalent of a disposable toe-tapping pop song: mostly pumping, thumping fun, but it just can't play on forever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT7xtCrhwD0
Snakadaktal are one of those bands that pop their head out occasionally to remind us of how incredibly talented they are. They won Triple J Unearthed High in 2011 and debuted on the Hottest 100 for that year at number 22 with 'Air', no easy feat for a band fresh out of high school. They then went into the studio bunker for most of 2012, only releasing the dance-friendly wonder 'Dance Bear', which also snuck onto the Hottest 100 despite the band hibernating most of the year on the production front. This time, though, they are set to keep their pleasurable pop where everybody can see it, with their solo nationwide tour. It comes on the back of releasing their debut LP Sleep in the Water, which if lead teaser track 'Ghost' is anything to go by, will certainly feature many claims for entry into a third consecutive Hottest 100. The dream-inducing wizards will be playing at The Forum on August 24 and they will be supported by Fishing and Velma Grove. This should not be missed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MNN1JWnXzyQ
Shipping container cafes and eateries might be on trend at the moment; however, as always, New York is a step ahead of the latest fashions. While the city that never sleeps has boasted its own four-storey shipping container house since 2013, the tiny abode is now opening its doors to Airbnb bookings. If you have a spare US$297 per night at the time of writing, you can get some shuteye in NYC's first (legal) home built entirely of recycled shipping containers, which you'll find on the other side of the East River in Williamsburg. Guests can stay in a self-contained private container apartment on the ground floor and enjoy what the hosts are calling "sustainable, comfortable, wonderful living". It might seem like a gimmick, but don't be fooled by the 8 foot by 40 foot home's compact dimensions. As your mum probably told you, good things come in small packages. Inside, you'll find everything you could need for a night away, including a wall full of books and boardgames, plus a kitchenette. As well as a full-size bed, the space also features a sofa bed, so four people can spend the night. As for the entire architect-designed structure itself, it was made out of six containers, is insulated by NASA ceramic-infused paint, and has two roof decks on top for outdoor entertaining fun. If you want to see more, the owners live on the second and third levels, and are happy to give interested guests a tour of the house. Via 6sqft/ Inhabitat.
If you're anything like us, you have an endless list of places you want to visit and things you want to do when you're there: have a whiskey in the Park Hyatt Tokyo, float along Venice's canals, get into Berghain in Berlin, eat fresh seafood on the beach in Sri Lanka (just to name a few). But, sometimes, your bank balance won't allow it. We understand, and we've teamed up with Intrepid Travel so you can tick one off your list — for free. The long-time purveyor of taking you off the beaten track, putting you outside of your comfort zone and providing A-plus travel stories, Intrepid Travel is giving you a chance to win an (almost) all-expenses-paid trip to Sri Lanka. As well as return airfares for two, you and your chosen loved one will also get to join a 15-day extensive tour of the country. Get ready to tell some cracking travel yarns in the future. The Circle Sri Lanka trip will take you from Negombo, in the east and will travel clockwise all the way round to the island nation's capital, Colombo. Throughout the two weeks, you'll have the chance to explore ruins, climb Sigiriya Lion Rock, learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan fare, explore bustling bazaars and trek through tea plantations. And all accommodation, ten brekkies (and some lunches and dinners) are included, as well as more activities than you can count on your two hands. The island is full of vibrant culture, incredible food, ancient citadels and idyllic beaches on all sides. Regardless of whether you're the lucky winner, it should be high up on your travel bucket list anyway. To enter, see details below. [competition]669353[/competition] Top image: Sigiriya Lion Rock
UPDATE Thursday, August 5: Josh Niland's Take One Fish Butchery Masterclass has been postponed until Monday, November 15 Saint Peter and Fish Butchery's Josh Niland has spent the past half-decade spreading his love for sustainable seafood around Australia. The neighbouring Sydney spots have grown a cult following since opening and built Niland a reputation that landed him on the list of the world's top 50 next-generation hospitality leaders. With a new charcoal fish restaurant set to open next month, Niland is going on tour to preach the benefits of cooking with sustainable seafood. The masterclass will cover the how-tos of preparing, storing and cooking with fish, in support of his new book, Take One Fish. It's the follow-up to his The Whole Fish Cookbook, which snagged the James Beard Book of the Year award. Niland was the first Australian author to win the converted award last year. "I am looking forward to the evening and offering complete transparency around our work and to unpack all that we have learnt to date. I hope that people will leave having enjoyed a great night out, and take away practical solutions for how we can approach fish differently, not just at home but when ordering fish on a menu or in a market," Niland said. Hosting the evening is author and ABC Culinary Correspondent Alice Zaslavsky who is kicking off her new series of 'in conversation' events with acclaimed culinary professionals, dubbed Here's One I Prepared Earlier. The tour is beginning at the Sydney City Recital Hall on Monday, October 25, before moving on to Melbourne's Hammer Hall on Monday, November 15 with each evening running two 45-minute sessions and a short intermission. Pre-sale tickets are on sale now. [caption id="attachment_739656" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fish Butchery[/caption]
Every December, the Geminids meteor shower lights up our skies. Considered to be the most spectacular meteor shower of the year, it's caused by a stream of debris, left by an asteroid dubbed the 3200 Phaethon, burning up in Earth's atmosphere. The shower is expected to be visible from around 10.30pm in Sydney, 11pm in Melbourne, 10pm in Perth and 9pm in Brisbane on Saturday, December 14 through to the early morning on Sunday, December 15. The best time to catch an eyeful will be after midnight, when the moon has set and its light will not interfere, and before sunrise. While some years you could catch as many as 120 meteors every 60 minutes, this year, unfortunately, there's almost a full moon (a waning gibbous), which will make it harder to see as many. [caption id="attachment_699423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Jeff Dai.[/caption] But the Sydney Observatory says it's "still worth a try". So, get as far away from bright lights as possible — this could be a good excuse to head out of the city to a clear-skied camping spot — and pray for no clouds. To see the meteors, you'll need to give your eyes around 15–30 minutes to adapt to the dark (so try to avoid checking your phone) and look to the northeast. The shower's name comes from the constellation from which they appear to come, Gemini. So that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. To locate Gemini, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also has a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Geminids. The Geminids meteor shower will take place during the night on Saturday, December 14. Top image: A composite of 163 photos taken over 90 minutes during the Geminids by Jeff Smallwood for Flickr.
We're all going on a Japanese holiday. If you were gearing up to vacation somewhere else across the rest of 2024 or first half of 2025, change your plans. That's the only way to react to Jetstar's latest flight sale, which is bringing back the airline's popular 'return for free' deal with a focus on one country only. Your choice of destinations: the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Osaka. Whichever spot that you decide to fly into, the Australian carrier's new special will bring you home without bothering your bank balance. One caveat: you've got just three days to snap up tickets, with the sale running for 72 hours from 12am AEST on Tuesday, August 6–11.59pm AEST on Thursday, August 8, unless sold out earlier. It really is as straightforward as it sounds. Whichever flights you opt for as part of the sale, covering direct flights from Cairns, Brisbane or Sydney, plus connecting flights out of Melbourne (Tullamarine), Gold Coast and Adelaide, you'll get the return fare for nothing. You do need to nab one of Jetstar's starter fares, and you'll then get a free return starter fare for zilch. Also, you'll have to fly in and out of the same arrival and departure port — either Narita in Tokyo or Kansai in Osaka. Plus, as is usually the case with Jetstar, checked baggage is not included. Still, expect the flights to get snapped up quickly when they go on sale. If you're a Club Jetstar member, you'll get the jump on the special via access from 12pm AEST on Monday, August 5 until midnight. Wondering when you'll be travelling? Dates vary per route, but the windows cover from September 2024 through to late June 2025. Jetstar's Japan 'return for free' sale runs from 12am AEST on Tuesday, August 6–11.59pm AEST on Thursday, August 8 — unless it's sold out earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
If you'd like this lockdown to run a little more smoothly than the previous four, we've found your solution: a timely care package of lasagne and lube. It's the ultimate stay-at-home set-up and it's coming at you this weekend only, courtesy of two Melbourne-based businesses supremely well-versed in the art of a good night in. Cult-favourite pasta delivery service 1800 Lasagne has teamed up with the minds behind Figr — a new Aussie-made water-based lubricant that's changing the game. Together, they've concocted one heck of a colluberation (sorry). "It was a no-brainer," 1800 Lasagne's Joey Kellock told Concrete Playground when asked about the pleasurable partnership. "The perfect union — love, lasagne and lube!" This Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25, the first 20 customers to pick up a food order from 1800 Lasagne's Thornbury HQ will also score themselves a free bottle of Figr's signature lube. Orders are made as usual over at 1800 Lasagne's website, then you'll just need to request your side serve of Figr from the friendly staff when you head in to pick up your tasty meal. "We all need a little love from time to time," Kellock says. "And with people during lockdown having a whole bunch of 'extra time on their hands', Figr and I thought we'd just help facilitate that love a little. Love yourself, love someone else — it's lockdown." Figr's co-founders Eloise McCullough and Eloise O'Sullivan share the sentiment of this match made in heaven. "1800 Lasagne are the pros when it comes to slinging endorphins around in the back of a beat-up old car. Figr was designed for when endorphins are getting flung around in the back of a beat-up old car," the pair says. [caption id="attachment_820408" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bianca Lamont[/caption] In the interests of a truly loved-up weekend, 1800 Lasagne will also have plenty of extra goodies available to order alongside your lasagne-and-lube combo, including garlic bread, creamy serves of tiramisu and bottles of Uggiano chianti. Figr launched into the local sexual wellness scene in May this year, with its natural, vegan lubricant made with native Australian extracts. They're on a mission to normalise lube, as the founders explain: "We want people to be comfortable seeing lube at their local deli, beauty shop or on your friend's nightstand." If you miss out on this weekend's lasagne lube, you can always stock up over here. The 1800 Lasagne x Figr lockdown offer is available to the first 20 customers who order and pick up their meal from the restaurant this Saturday, July 24, and Sunday, July 25.
Dear Concrete Playground Readers, With the growing concerns surrounding COVID-19, we wanted to take a moment to check in. Going out might not be at the top of your to-do list right now, but you can continue to support small, local businesses without leaving your apartment. These businesses have had a tough run of late — battling through the lockout laws in Sydney, the bushfires in regional areas and, now, coronavirus fears — and they need our support now more than ever. Buy from artists who've had their shows cancelled, order gift cards and merch from venues that are struggling or just book in a dinner for that birthday a few months away. Then, when we come out the other side — which we will — we'll be raring to get out there and hit up concerts, food festivals, comedy galas and charity raves once again. And we'll be there with you every step of the way. In the meantime, keep washing your hands — to the chorus of Lizzo's 'Truth Hurts', of course — and get in touch if you have any questions, concerns or just want to chat. Love, CP To stay up-to-date with the events postponed and cancelled in your city, head over here. 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.
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on. Picture yourself face to face with David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust 1972 bodysuits, Kansai Yamamoto’s trouser suits for the '73 Aladdin Sane tour, the Union Jack coat designed by Bowie and Alexander McQueen for the '97 Earthling album cover, props from Jim Henson's Labyrinth. We know, you're sweet to start freaking out. Opening next July, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) will play host to the acclaimed David Bowie is exhibition, celebrating the kickass career of the man himself. Created by London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the exhibition is a Bowiephile's dream — an unprecedented collection of over 50 stage costumes alongside tour sets (including the designs for the '74 Diamond Dogs tour), handwritten set lists and lyric sheets, Bowie's own sketches, rare live and interview videos, musical scores and diary entries, photographs and album artwork. Basically, if you're a Bowie fan, this is next level squealworthy material. "The mystery of David Bowie as an enigma is so lovingly explored in this incredible immersive exhibition you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped inside the mind of this astonishing cultural and pop icon," says ACMI Director & CEO, Tony Sweeney. "Bowie is a figure whose social and creative influence and significance far exceeds his status as a pre-eminent rock performer and in David Bowie is, his incredible career is showcased in glorious detail." Presented exclusively in Australasia by ACMI as part of Melbourne Winter Masterpieces, the exhibition explores Bowie's influences and legacy in a lengthy narrative layout (tracing Ziggy Stardust through Berlin and Thin White Duke phases), delving into his career as a musician, of course, but also reminding fans of his top notch cult film career, stints as a writer and his lifelong ability as a stage performer. V&A curators and brains behind the whole Bowie show, Victoria Broackes and Geoffrey Marsh, handpicked over 300 objects and films for the exhibition — a research process we're pretty damn jealous of. "The exhibition looks in-depth at how Bowie’s music and radical individualism has both influenced and been influenced by wider movements in art, design, film and contemporary popular culture over an incredible 50-year career and demonstrates how Bowie has inspired others to challenge convention and pursue freedom of expression," they said. The exhibition comes to Australia under a furious amount of buzz — its world premiere this March in London became V&A's fastest selling exhibition ever, recording record numbers of over 311,000 visitors. As the exclusive venue for David Bowie is, ACMI have crafted a specially-curated program of talks, screenings, live performances and special events to pair with the Major Tom-a-thon. David Bowie is will open at ACMI on 16 July 2015 as part of the Victorian Government’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series. Tickets go on sale to the general public in November 2014. To register for exclusive pre-sale ticket opportunities, visit acmi.net.au/bowie.
Following up on his contribution to the Venice Biennale earlier this year, internationally renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei has crafted a visually immersive structure made entirely of bicycles. The unveiling of the impressive centrepiece, titled Forever Bicycles for this year's Scotiabank Nuit Blanche has been met with widespread enthusiasm, quickly becoming a crowd favourite. The Toronto initiative, otherwise known as the 'Sleepless Night' festival, is a celebration of contemporary art in public places. Installed at Nathan Phillip Square, the spectacular installation consists of 3144 interconnected stainless steel bicycles. The visual effect of the artwork is mesmerising — it's as if it were designed for slow exposure photography, especially when bathed in pink and blue lights during the evening. The multitude of different viewing positions also means that the work is constantly changing. In this way, it evokes a sense of the fast-paced social transformation that China is currently undergoing. Viewers will be able to walk through the colossal labyrinth-like structure until it is dismantled in late October. Ai Weiwei has been known for his innovative and architectural use of everyday objects. His practice also frequently blurs the boundaries between art and politics, notably speaking out against China's social policies, human rights record and strict censorship laws. Via My Modern Met.
News of an extended lockdown might have left a bitter taste in your mouth, but here's something to help sweeten the deal: two of your culinary favourites are joining forces for one mouthwatering partnership this weekend. From Friday, July 23–Sunday, July 25, Sydney-born cake maestros Black Star Pastry are landing at Bentleigh's Good Times Milk Bar to sling some of their most-loved creations from a special pop-up window. Bayside-based sweet tooths — and anyone else within a five-kilometre radius — will be able to get their mitts on a selection of Black Star signatures, including the Insta-famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake, the multi-layered Chocolate Mirage and the Raspberry Lychee Cake. Also making an appearance is the elaborate Japanese Forest cake, sporting layers of umeshu-infused cream, hojicha (roasted green tea) sponge and confit ume fruit. Single-serve slices will be going for $10 a pop, available until sold out each day. Pre-orders for these are available online, along with pre-orders for larger portions of the Strawberry Watermelon Cake (to serve four, six or ten people). And of course, Good Times will have the other element of your coffee-and-cake session sorted, pouring its usual lineup of caffeinated treats. Images: Simon Shiff
Whether you're celebrating Galentine's Day, Valentine's Day or Singles Awareness Day this February, we're betting that a holiday to look forward to would make the occasion even better. So is Virgin Australia, and it only has sunny, summery spots in mind. The focus of its latest flight sale: trips to Queensland. Destinations from the Gold Coast up to Cairns are covered, and dates with plenty of sun, surf and sand between autumn and spring, too. Starting on Wednesday, February 14, this is a one-week-only sale — so you've got until 11.59pm AEST on Tuesday, February 20 to get booking, unless sold out earlier. More than 300,000 fares on offer. While the sale is focused on one part of the country, you still have options in terms of departure points and destinations. Within Queensland, you can leave or arrive in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Hamilton Island, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Mt Isa and Proserpine. And, around the rest of the country, flights to and from Adelaide, Alice Springs, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney are available. One-way fares begin at $69 — which'll get you from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast and vice versa, and also from Brisbane to Cairns and Brisbane to Proserpine (to hit The Whitsundays) or the reverse. Other sale flights include Sydney–Gold Coast from $79, Brisbane–Hamilton Island from $86, Melbourne–Cairns from $115 and Adelaide–Gold Coast from $119. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, the travel periods depend on the leg — but the general range is from Wednesday, March 6–Thursday, September 12. The sale has the backing of the Australian and Queensland governments' Tourism Recovery Package, to help the Sunshine State's tourism industry after ex-tropical cyclone Jasper. Only select fares cover seat choice and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing back in 2021 that it now splits its economy flights into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. Virgin's Queensland summer sale runs from Wednesday, February 14–11.59pm AEST on Tuesday, February 20 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The Geelong Arts Centre is in the midst of an extensive, multimillion-dollar makeover which is set to deliver a suite of exciting new upgrades and refurbishments by the time it's completed in 2023. Now, that makeover will also feature a series of vibrant public artwork by First Nations artists. As part of the $140 million Little Malop Street redevelopment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Acting Minister for Creative Industries Gabrielle Williams put a call out for expressions of interest from First Nations sound and visual artists. From these submissions, the program will select up to four works that explore and reflect on the significant Indigenous connection to Country, history and culture of the region. The successful bids will be developed in conjunction with building and architect partners and incorporated into the creative precinct's makeover. [caption id="attachment_819066" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Geelong Arts Centre's Ryrie Street Building Illumination, inspired by 2021 Reconciliation Week Artwork 'Action' by Jessica Johnson.[/caption] Potential site locations for the artworks have already been identified, with expressions of interest open until July 29. Submissions can be made here. Other key elements of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street redevelopment include box office upgrades, a suite of new performance spaces, and refurbishments to the administration and back-of-house facilities. Work kicked off last year, with the final project expected to be unveiled in 2023. Expressions of interest are open now for First Nations artworks to be part of the Geelong Arts Centre redevelopment. To find out more, check out the website. Top Image: Rory Gardiner
Back in the 2000s, if you weren't listing to Interpol and Bloc Party, were you really in the 2000s? No, no you weren't. The former arrived out of Manhattan in the late 90s, then helped define the city's turn-of-the-century indie music scene with The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio and The National. Hailing from Britain and also coming together just before Y2K, the latter initially scored some hefty approval in 2003 via Franz Ferdinand's lead singer Alex Kaprano. From those beginnings, both bands became indie rock greats. Next, they're heading to Australia to remind music lovers why. Busting out everything from 'Slow Hands' to 'She's Hearing Voices', the two groups will share the same bill on a co-headlining tour of the country's east coast in November, including a show at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Thursday, November 16. For Interpol, it'll be their first visit Down Under since 2019, plus their debut chance to play 2022 album The Other Side of Make-Believe in Australia. Tracks from past records such as Turn on the Bright Lights, Antics and El Pintor will also feature. Bloc Party are making the trip after last rocking Aussie stages in 2018, and will perform songs from Silent Alarm, A Weekend in the City, Intimacy and 2022 LP Alpha Games. Bloc Party images: James Kellegher. Interpol image: Ebru Yildiz.
Just a couple of weeks after Totti's opened the doors to its much-hyped Great Ocean Road outpost, another Sydney favourite has announced it's making moves down south. Odd Culture Group, the hospitality crew behind inner-city spots like The Duke of Enmore, The Old Fitzroy Hotel and namesake King Street venue Odd Culture Newtown, is gearing up to launch its first Melbourne haunt in Fitzroy this May. The team has snapped up the sprawling heritage site at the corner of Brunswick and Johnston Streets, with plans to install a local version of its aforementioned Newtown bar, complete with a strong retail booze offering. As the name suggests, Odd Culture isn't afraid to get a little weird and wonderful, which tells us it'll fit right in here in this neck of the woods. The group's earned a reputation for creating welcoming, experiential venues that are centred on top-quality food and drinks — and this Melbourne debut looks set to follow suit. Odd Culture Fitzroy will have a familiar local name at the helm, too, with the role of General Manager going to Gerry Nass, owner-operator of the former Robbie Burns Hotel. A bar and bottle shop rolled into one, the venue will be stocked with an easy-to-explore specialty array of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails, with an emphasis on wild brews and natural vino. You'll be able to browse and buy to take away, or select a drop to enjoy onsite, either settled in on the indoor banquet seating or out in the laneway beer garden. Meanwhile, Meatsmith alum James MacDonald is taking the reins as Executive Chef, serving a menu of bar snacks that showcases Meatsmith goodies alongside some of the best-loved plates from Odd Culture Newtown. [caption id="attachment_831649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Odd Culture Newtown[/caption] Find Odd Culture Fitzroy at Shop 1/296 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, from May. We'll share more details as they drop.
Less than two weeks after being released from the state's current lockdown — a lockdown that has been extended in Greater Melbourne until at least 11.59pm on Thursday, September 2 — regional Victoria is going back under stay-at-home conditions. From 1pm today, Saturday, August 21, the rest of the state will join the Victorian capital in lockdown. At present, regional areas will be under stay-at-home rules until 11.59pm on Thursday, September 2 as well. Announcing the news at Victoria's daily COVID-19 press conference, Premier Daniel Andrews said that "sadly the public health team have advised that given the Shepparton outbreak and the fact that at least one person travelled to Bendigo and potentially others travelled beyond, there is a very significant risk of transmission right across regional Victoria and not just in that Goulburn Valley area." Accordingly, "from 1pm today, all of regional Victoria will move to the same lockdown conditions as exist in Melbourne right now, with one important exception — the curfew will not operate in regional Victoria." The move comes after Victoria reported 61 new locally acquired cases in the 24 hours to midnight last night, and has already identified 16 more cases that'll be included in tomorrow's numbers. To keep Victorians safe, and on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, from 1pm today Regional Victoria will enter lockdown and additional measures will come into effect in Metro Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/YY6oeOGHYA — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 21, 2021 Regional Victoria has been in and out of lockdown over the past few months, including not only at the beginning of Melbourne's current lockdown in early August but also during the state's July lockdown as well. As a result, the stay-at-home rules should be familiar to folks who live in regional parts of the state, including the return of the five permitted reasons to leave your home: to shop for what you need, when you need it; for caregiving and compassionate reasons; to undertake essential work or permitted eduction that can't be done from home; for exercise; and to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Once again, regional Victorians must stay within five kilometres of their homes, too, unless you're leaving for permitted work or you're shopping for essentials if there are no shops in your radius. During the period that Melbourne remained in lockdown but regional Victoria didn't, some lockdown rules were tightened, and all of these restrictions except the overnight curfew will also apply throughout the rest of the state from 1pm today. That means that exercise must be limited to two hours a day with one other person, plus any dependents you both have, even if you live in a larger household. Also, playgrounds, basketball hoops, skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment are now required to close as well. Plus, authorised work permits will be reimplemented in regional Victoria, effective from 11.59pm on Monday, August 23. So, if you need to leave your home for authorised work, you have to get a permit to do so. Reported yesterday: 61 new local cases and 0 new cases acquired overseas. - 29,539 vaccine doses were administered - 45,670 test results were received More later: https://t.co/lIUrl1hf3W#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData [1/3] pic.twitter.com/cF6VGG7VKR — VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) August 20, 2021 Masks are required everywhere outside of your house, and you now can't take them off to drink alcohol outdoors. Private gatherings remain banned, just like during regional Victoria's last lockdown, and so are public gatherings. But, while you can't have any visitors enter your home in general, there are single bubbles, and intimate partner visits are allowed. So, if you live alone, you can form a bubble with another person or see your other half. Weddings are not permitted, unless on compassionate grounds, while funerals are limited to ten. Hairdressing and beauty services, indoor physical recreation and sport venues, swimming pools, community facilities including libraries, entertainment venues and non-essential retail venues will all close again — and hospitality venues will once again revert back to takeaway-only. Supermarkets, bottle shops and pharmacies will remain open — and professional sports can proceed, but without crowds. All of the current stay-at-home rules also remain in effect in Melbourne, obviously. As always, Victorians can keep an eye on the local list of exposure sites at the Department of Health website — it will keep being updated if and when more sites are identified. For those looking to get tested, you can find a list of testing sites including regularly updated waiting times also on the Department of Health website. And, has remained the case throughout the pandemic, Victorians should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste, symptoms-wise. Regional Victoria will go back into lockdown from 1pm on Saturday, August 21 until at least 11.59pm on Thursday, September 2. For more information about the rules that'll be in place during that time, head to the Victorian Department of Health website. Top image: Mattinbgn via Wikimedia Commons.
One of the only things better than sitting down to a sumptuous multi-course dinner, is doing so knowing that you're helping out a great cause at the same time. And that's the sort of feel-good dining you're in for when Feast to Feed takes over the St Kilda Town Hall for one flavour-packed night on Thursday, April 27. A lineup of local culinary legends will be helping to bring this inaugural event to life, teaming up and hitting the kitchen to raise funds for Alex Makes Meals — a Melbourne-based charity that provides meals for those battling food insecurity. Snap up a $190 ticket and you'll be treated to a five-course degustation featuring dishes from the likes of Tom Sarafian, Attica alum Alessandro Luppolo, Lollo's Adam D'Sylva and more. Expect a globe-trotting feast starring plates like tortellini cacio e pepe, yellow curry with crispy duck, Sri Lankan-style curry leaf-cured kingfish and a chocolate limoncello tiramisu. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail on arrival, followed by a selection of Yalumba wines and beers by Deeds Brewing. There'll be goody bags to take home, too. Top image: Attica alum Alessandro Luppolo
I'm no kidnapper. I've never tried and, unless this film critic thing really falls through, I hopefully never will. That said, were I to give it a crack, I can't help but think the overarching guideline for a successful 'grab' must be that my victim isn't dead by the time I get him. But look, I'm getting ahead of myself here. To the movie... In 2013 the world found itself subject to a ridiculous 'White House Being Taken Over By Terrorists Only To Be Saved By One Gritty Muscled Dude' genre battle between Olympus Has Fallen and the far superior White House Down. Now, three years later, we get London Has Fallen – the sequel to the former nobody was calling for. Starring Gerard Butler as Secret Service agent Mike Banning, London Has Fallen chronicles a devastating series of attacks throughout London on the morning of a state funeral, with the goal of assassinating world leaders and kidnapping the US President (Aaron Eckhart). Ah. There we are again. Kidnapping. I guess I'm just saying I'd be reluctant to use explosives near my target because of the potential for hurting him. I probably wouldn't, for example, instruct one of my generic 'international terrorist' henchmen to spend several minutes simply lobbing rocket-propelled grenades directly at the President's car. Or his hiding spot. Or his face. Anyway, minor side point. London Has Fallen boasts arguably the most outstanding supporting cast of Academy Award winners and nominees asked to do nothing but stare at a screen. Morgan Freeman, Jackie Earle Haley, Melissa Leo and Angela Bassett all shine for the several seconds that they're given in the White House Situation Room, and... Sorry. Not to get sidetracked again, it's just – they shoot his helicopter down. The President's helicopter. While he's in it. From an aviation safety standpoint alone, statistically that's a huge risk to take when you want to capture him alive. It's like using a nuke to get the toy out of a Kinder Surprise. As for the script, the terrorists speak in advertising slogans like "Vengeance must always be profound, and absolute", while Butler's hero Banning consistently spouts racist gems like "why don't you go back to Fuckheadistan or wherever it is you came from?" In fact, London Has Fallen is so astoundingly jingoistic and overtly xenophobic, you half-expect the credits to conclude with "Paid for by Trump 4 President". Plus...they just shoot at the President all the time. Especially when he's in cars. And then they ram those cars with garbage trucks, even before they know whether or not he's wearing a seatbelt. And it's not as though seatbelts are a guarantee of survival in a major collision... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AsOdX7NcJs
Just a few short months ago, no one could've predicted that the Queensland border would become one of 2020's most debated topics. It's a subject that has inspired plenty of comments, especially among interstate and federal politicians calling for Queensland to open back up — with the state closing its border to help stem the spread of COVID-19, then keeping it shut while other restrictions have been easing. Come mid-July, all that chatter could finally stop, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirming Friday, July 10 as Queensland's target date for reopening to interstate visitors. As initially outlined in Queensland's COVID-19 roadmap, that's the date that the state's third stage of loosened coronavirus limits is due to come into effect. Included at that step: allowing interstate travel, which means opening up the border. While this isn't new news, just whether Queensland would forge ahead with — or consider — reopening the border in its next phase of eased restrictions has been far from certain over the past month. Premier Palaszczuk even suggested that the border could remain closed until September. After the last national cabinet meeting on Friday, June 12, however, Queensland officials have been quoting July 10 as the date the state is aiming for. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, June 15, Premier Palaszczuk said that "our roadmap clearly says July 10". She confirmed that the state government "will review at the end of the month, but it is our clear intention that July 10 would be the date for consideration". [caption id="attachment_743610" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] A day earlier, at a press conference on Sunday, June 14, Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young also stated July 10 as the target date, as dependent upon a review at the end of June. "At the end of this month, we will review all of that epidemiology — not only us here in Queensland, but across the country — to make those decisions about our border," she said. Young explained that just when Queensland opens back up depends on a number of factors, including the ongoing levels of community transmission in southern states, while advising that the target date would only change if "something was very different either way". Expanding upon that further, Young noted that "if something were to happen interstate, I'm sure everyone would expect that we then push that date out". In good news, she also advised that "if things were a lot better, then of course we could bring that date forward, as did happen for this month's stage two." Initially, Queensland's second stage of eased COVID-19 restrictions was due to kick off on June 12, but was then brought forward to June 1. At the same Sunday press conference, Deputy Premier Steven Miles also said that opening up to New South Wales but not Victoria is a possibility — depending on community transmission levels — and that some work had been done in exploring the logistics, although it's not a favoured option. "Our preference would be to lift the borders all at once, hopefully on the 10th of July," he noted. If you're a Queenslander hoping to hop over the border for a mid-year holiday — and come back home without any hassle — the confirmation of July 10 as the target border reopening date will be a welcome development. If you're a resident of the rest of the country eager to soak in the Sunshine State's splendours during winter, it will be as well. At the federal level, the Australian government has also been aiming for July as the date the country's internal borders are lifted, as noted in the national three-step roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May. But, like all coronavirus restrictions — whether being implemented or eased — each step has to be put in place by every state individually. 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. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Here's something that no one thought about before the pandemic: checking whether the border between Victoria and New South Wales was open or closed. Restrictions on travel between Australian states have been a big part of the past two years, as we've all had to live with. But overnight — from 11.59pm on Thursday, November 4, in fact — Victoria fully reopened to NSW. The change means that all of NSW is now classed as a green zone under Victoria's traffic light-style border permit system, allowing all NSW residents to head south without quarantining or testing. That applies to both travellers and workers, and marks the first time in more than six months that Victoria has deemed the whole of Australia — every Local Government Area within the country, in fact — as green zones. You do still need to get a permit under Victoria's border system, however, and you have to verify that you aren't COVID-19 positive — and that you aren't currently considered a close contact of a positive case and therefore required to isolate. But other than that, the border is open. And, it applies to everyone, whether or not you've had both jabs. That said, Victoria does have different rules in place for the unvaxxed under its reopening roadmap, which visitors will need to abide by. So, those who haven't had two vaccinations will be under much stricter conditions while in the southern state. BREAKING: the NSW-Vic border opens tonight at 11:59, allowing free travel between Australia's two biggest states well ahead of the Christmas period. #Reunited pic.twitter.com/MY5xhkqO7B — Dom Perrottet (@Dom_Perrottet) November 4, 2021 For the trip vice versa, NSW is allowing free travel to Victorians, but only if they've had two jabs. If you fall into that category, there are no other requirements for entering New South Wales unless you've recently been to a venue deemed "of high concern" in Victoria. Otherwise, if you're over the age of 16 and you aren't double-vaxxed, you still can't enter NSW for recreation. The border change comes just days after NSW dropped its quarantine requirements for double-vaxxed Victorian travellers, on Monday, November 1, and a couple of weeks after Victoria did the reverse. And yes, the summer of 2021–22 is shaping up to be the summer of travel, as Australia's borders start to reopen. That's now applying internationally, much to the delight of everyone who has long been dreaming of an overseas holiday. And, albeit at different stages as Aussie states open up at their own rates, it's kicking in domestically as well — with Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia recently announcing when they'll reopen their borders, too. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Victoria, head over to the Victorian Government's website. Top image: Mulwala Bridge by Yun Huang Yong via Flickr.
Fresh from hosting the Foo Fighters at Geelong's GMHBA Stadium, Victoria's new statewide contemporary music celebration Always Live has just added two new gigs to its lineup: the first stops in the Australian leg of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' Carnage tour. Mark Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 in your diaries and prepare to head to the Macedon Ranges, because the two Aussie music legends and their must-attend 2022 shows are heading to Hanging Rock. The pair are hitting the stage to support the 2021 album that shares the tour's name, which actually marks Cave and Ellis' first studio album as a duo. Bandmates across several projects since the 90s — including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Grinderman — Cave and Ellis are Aussie icons, with careers spanning back decades. Together, they also boast more than a few phenomenal film scores to their names as well, including for The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Road, West of Memphis, Far From Men, Hell or High Water and Wind River. Cave and Ellis will head home after an American Carnage tour, and following Cave's subsequent tour with the Bad Seeds in Europe. Yes, this is some news to come sail your ships around — although, given that Cave announced that the tour was in the works back in early February via his The Red Hand Files email list, you might've already started getting excited last month. [caption id="attachment_845538" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Laurine Payet[/caption] The Hanging Rock shows will have a limited capacity, with getting in quickly when tickets go on sale — at 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, March 15, with general sales available from 12pm local time on Thursday, March 17 — highly recommended. Courtney Barnett will join the duo for the two gigs — and details of shows in other cities around the country is expected soon, so keep watching this space. Fans of the pair have something else to look forward to, too: film This Much I Know to Be True, directed by Chopper, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Killing Them Softly filmmaker Andrew Dominik, about Cave and Ellis' creative relationship. Dominik also made 2016 Cave doco One More Time with Feeling, and his latest flick will hit Aussie cinemas on Wednesday, May 11. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' Australian Carnage tour will kick off at Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges on Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26, then continue throughout November and December 2022 — with other cities, dates and venues still to be announced. Pre-sale tickets for the Hanging Rock shows go on sale at 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, March 15, with general sales available from 12pm local time on Thursday, March 17. For more information or to register for pre-sales, head to the tour website. Top images: Laurine Payet, Palma Sabina.
With an abundance of art exhibitions, amazing creative institutions and all-hours eateries, Melbourne has well and truly cemented itself as Australia's cultural capital. And one of the best ways to explore it is by planning a night at the theatre — specifically, one where you catch a live performance of Cameron Mackintosh's The Phantom of the Opera — while also crossing a few other must-sees off your list. Whether you're a travelling out-of-towner or a local looking to enjoy a sophisticated city staycation, our essential guide promises to deliver the ultimate evening out. KICK OFF YOUR CULTURE FIX EXPLORE THE STREET ART AT SOUTHBANK Melbourne's labyrinth of lanes is a blank canvas for emerging artists. So when it comes to galleries, some of the most innovative ones on offer are outdoors. And while public artworks are spread across the city's streets, those on display at Southbank are truly striking. Our don't-miss-pick is the vibrant, neon floral Outdoor Living mural created on the outside walls of Hanover House by local artist Atong Atem. Otherwise, if you're keen to test your own creative snapping skills, then we suggest you take the time to stop for a good-for-gram shot on the Princes Bridge. VISIT THE ARTS PRECINCT A recent glow-up has seen the Melbourne Arts Precinct on St Kilda Road transformed into the largest cultural infrastructure project in Australia's history, and home to the most visited art gallery in the country. With a plethora of creative communities nestled between Federation Square and Southbank (as well as up to 3000 performances and exhibitions every year), we're confident you'll find a theatre, gallery, museum or music venue to get you into the mood for the main show. However, if you need a little inspiration to get started, we have a few suggestions. Like the aforementioned National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Australian Ballet school, the National Institute for Dramatic Arts and even the ABC. GO GALLERY HOPPING As the world's first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Federation Square rightly recognises the creative contribution of some of our country's best craftspeople. Take some time to explore this spectacular showcase comprised of over 20 galleries housed within a landmark architectural complex. Otherwise, check out the ACMI (formerly Australian Centre for the Moving Image) and navigate the universe of film, TV, video games and art, or the Koorie Heritage Trust — a not-for-profit First Nations-owned and managed arts organisation providing opportunities for all people to connect with the rich living cultural heritage of Aboriginal Victoria. Complete your experience with a walk by the banks of the Birrarung Marr or the River of Mists (also known as the Yarra River) INDULGE IN AN EARLY DINNER SPECTACULAR SUSHI AT SAKÉ Award-winning eatery Saké Restaurant & Bar offers contemporary Japanese cuisine, alongside an exclusive range of its namesake drink. And although the extensive cocktail list and exquisite sashimi are common across its various Sydney and Melbourne locations, only its Southbank outpost offers phenomenal Yarra River views courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling walls. PADDOCK-TO-PLATE AT PURE SOUTH KITCHEN This modern Australian restaurant is pure by both name and nature, with every single item on the menu made with ingredients that arrive daily from farmers, fisherpeople and artisan food producers across the Bass Strait. Expect dishes featuring handmade bresaola, sustainably caught cod and organic fruit and veggies, from Tasmania and Flinders and King Islands. Head upstairs to the elegant dining room for dinner with a view of the Melbourne skyline, or grab a quick bite at the more casual corner downstairs. AMAZING ARGENTINEAN AT ASADO Some of the most succulent steaks this side of Buenos Aries can be found at this sophisticated South-American-inspired bar in the heart of Southbank. As well as the range of specialities that you'll find roasted over the open fire pit and traditional three-metre bespoke charcoal parrilla — like the Tira De Asado (Argentinian style short rib), Polpo (Fremantle octopus, saffron & smoked paprika sauce, pickled fennel) and Cordero (pasture-fed lamb rump with chimichurri sauce) — expect a selection of tasty tapas and very impressive wine list. CELEBRATE THE STATE AT VICTORIA BY FARMER'S DAUGHTERS Fresh ingredients focusing on the best that Victoria has to offer come together at this farm-to-fork restaurant. Score yourself one of the 250 seats on offer at this venue and experience the Farmer's Daughters' philosophy of showcasing seasonal and regional produce that celebrates the finest offerings of The Garden State. The rotating "region in residence" ethos is embraced in the dining options and also extends to the drinks, which include only-in-Victoria wines, cocktails exclusively crafted with the state's best spirits and a selection of Victorian beers on tap. SAVOUR A PRE-SHOW SUPPER AT THE ARTS CENTRE "Dinner and a show" is an iconic pairing for an amazing evening out. And, one of the easiest ways to enjoy both is by taking advantage of the three-course prix fixe (fixed price) menu being served at The Arts Centre Melbourne, before finding your seats at your selected performance of The Phantom of the Opera. In addition to a glass of sparkling on arrival, The Phantom of the Opera Dining Experience will plate up fancy French-inspired fare like goat cheese and asparagus tart with black currant pearls and frisée, grilled ocean trout with lobster bisque and baked celery salad and a chocolate mousse cake (with chocolate crumble, white chocolate shavings and a chocolate macaron), for the final act. Simply add the dining package to your cart after selecting tickets for any of the performances or purchase separately. WIND DOWN WITH A POST-SHOW WINE COCKTAILS AT EAU DE VIE Intimate, cosy and discreetly nestled in Malthouse Lane, the bar considered by many as one of the best in Melbourne gives serious speakeasy vibes. Inspired by America's 1920s prohibition era, Eau de Vie will certainly recreate the mood of the show you just watched, with its theatrical cocktail creations, dramatic whiskies (secretly hidden behind the bookcase) and a selection of fine wines served by bartenders who have perfected their own art of performance. Choose a spot at the bar, or sink into one of the private booths towards the back and channel your inner Gatsby. ROOFTOP VIBES AT SIGLO Perched above Spring Street, this charming, old-world rooftop terrace bar serves cocktails, gourmet snacks and seriously impressive views of Parliament House, the Princess Theatre and St Patrick Cathedral's towering spire. While it's renowned for sparkling views as the sun sets over Melbourne city, its late-trade hours (it's open till 3 am), mean anytime is a good one to visit. LIVE MUSIC AT MUSIC ROOM Head to the first level of four-storey mega-venue HER and discover Melbourne's first official listening bar. Modelled on similar sound-proof spaces throughout Japan, Music Room is a little bit club, a touch of recording studio, a sprinkle of vinyl record store, and a whole lot of fun. Treat your ears to mixes by one of Music Room's exclusive DJ residencies or something from the 3000-strong collection of hard-to-find vinyl, before grabbing a neat whiskey to tend to your thirsty taste buds. ESCAPE TO AN ICONIC HOTEL SWEET DREAMS AT THE SOFITEL A year-and-half-long, $15 million renovation has revamped the Collin's Street location of this luxe hotel. The splash of cash has seen each of the 360 rooms re-imagined into uniquely designed accommodation fusing classic Sofitel French flair with all the latest tech, as well as a return of some decadent dining options such as Sofitel's famous afternoon tea experiences. As regular guests will confirm, one thing that has never really needed upgrading was the views, with the Sofitel continuing to deliver breathtaking vistas across Melbourne's main landmarks, including the Arts Centre, Flinders Street Station, Fed Square, and even Luna Park on a clear day. As the official hotel partner for the Melbourne season of The Phantom of the Opera, the Sofitel is also offering guests an exclusive Phantom-inspired cocktail menu. Head to the Atrium Bar on level 35 for decadent drinks with a touch of drama. LUXURY AT THE LANGHAM Opulent, old-school elegance is on full display at this iconic Southbank sleeping spot. Tear yourself away from the utter indulgence on offer in your room and head to the rooftop pool for a midnight swim and uninterrupted vistas across the Yarra River and the rest of Melbourne's cityscape. If you have time, we really recommend making a booking at the Langham Spa before you check out. The Chinese massages are so good, you may be tempted to book another night, just so you can enjoy them again. WELLNESS AT THE WESTIN As appealing as your surroundings may be, sometimes you just need a little time out to escape the hustle. In these instances, The Westin is where you want to head, with this idyllic urban sanctuary offering an exceptional opportunity to relax — without straying too far from the fun. Find your inner zen in the sauna, steam room or spa, lose yourself in the accommodation's enchanting aesthetics (which includes a dramatic staircase, deco-inspired lobby and a deluge of contemporary artworks lining the walls) or while away the evening with some bubbles and a good book by the fireside library at the plush Lobby Lounge. WRAP UP YOUR STAY WITH A REFUELLING BREAKFAST BAKED EGGS WITH CHORIZO AT HARDWARE SOCIÉTÉ Both branches (Katherine Place and Hardware Street) of this Melbourne brunch institution are within walking distance of the Arts Centre, meaning you have no excuse not to pop in. And although the lines can be long it's truly worth the wait. Our suggestion is their signature Baked Eggs Deux, made with spicy Spanish sausage, potato, piquillo peppers, queso manchego, almonds and aioli. But by all means, peruse the menu and pick anything that catches your eye. It's all undoubtedly good. BREAKFAST RUBEN SANDWICH AT BOWERY TO WILLIAMSBURG Make like a New Yorker and head to this classic diner-style joint — an ode to the Big Apple's Bowery subway station. Nab one of the 50 seats on offer at the large communal table inside or settle in for your "caw-fee" (using Padre beans from Brunswick) at one of the undercover cafeteria-style tables outside. A QUICK COFFEE AT KING STREET ESPRESSO BAR The name of this hole-in-the-wall coffee shop (formerly known as Sbriga) may have changed. But its commitment to churning out quality cups of caffeine continues. Inspired by the old-school espresso bars of Italy, King's Street's early hours of operation — you'll find the doors flung open from 6am — make it perfect for a short black by sunrise, paired with a sliver of biscotti. A SLICE OF DACQUOISE AT BENCH COFFEE CO Juxtaposed amongst the urban, utilitarian architecture of this coffee shop (which gets its name from the modernist glass bench centrepiece) is one of the sweetest ways you could possibly start your day — a slice of dacquoise. With variations of this baked meringue and buttercream dessert the only food item on the menu (alongside an extensive selection of brews) you can be sure that Bench is raising the bar when it comes to doing breakfast right. For the ultimate Melbourne escape, don't forget to grab your tickets to The Phantom of the Opera. The show is now playing, with best availability for January 2023. Top image: Southbank Melbourne at night by Lycheeart.
Some may call it ambitious, given the mess of uncertainty that 2020 has been. Most will simply celebrate having something big, loud and live to look forward to. But whatever your thoughts, music agency Novel has announced plans for its next huge live music event and you're all invited. Set to take over an undisclosed space on March 7, 2021, and headlined by Berlin DJ great Ben Klock, is Novel's grand post-pandemic debut, Smalltown Street Rave. The COVID-safe dance party will be the first IRL outing in about 12 months for the group, which is the same crew behind events like Let Them Eat Cake and Pitch Music & Arts. Crowd restrictions have meant that it's been a tough year for the music industry as a whole, with Novel managing to squeeze in just a handful of shows before COVID-19 swooped in. And of course, that's off the back of its 2019 venue dramas, which involved VCAT hearings, a head-to-head with local council and the last-minute relocation of one of its huge Smalltown events. But next up, Smalltown Street Rave looks set to close curtains on past issues and end Novel's hibernation with a bang. And a big one at that: the team's managed to nab a 5000-person-capacity inner-city venue for the occasion. They're keeping the exact location under wraps for now, but we're told it's in a secluded industrial area, with minimal sound restrictions and acres of space. The secret will be out soon, but in the meantime, just think back to past Novel offerings at sites like Marvel Stadium's underground carpark, St Kilda Foreshore and Werribee Mansion, and let your imagination run wild. [caption id="attachment_671505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] B3 underground car park[/caption] There's also no word yet on exactly who will be joining Ben Klock in making excellent use of the Funktion-One Soundsystem, though Novel is, of course, well-known for pulling the big guns. Past Smalltown events have drawn such heavy hitters as DJ KOZE, Nina Kraviz and Stephen Bodzin. For now, just know there'll be international guests among the lineup, with names to be revealed in the coming months. The music agency is countering the uncertainty that this year's pandemic has thrown our way by initially selling tickets for just 25 percent of the venue's capacity, until future crowd restrictions become a little more predictable. You can snap one up from 12pm this Wednesday, October 7, safe in the knowledge that both refunds and ticket exchanges will be offered in the case of any postponement. Smalltown Street Rave will also be compliant with all regulations, including following a COVID-19 Safe plan. Smalltown Street Rave is set to takeover a yet-to-be-announced Melbourne location from 12–11pm on Sunday, March 7. Tickets go on sale from 12pm, Wednesday, October 7. You can grab yours here. Top image: Let Them Eat Cake
While most people think of Hollywood as the movie capital of the world, in reality that title belongs to Mumbai. With an output of more than 1,000 feature films a year, India’s big-screen industry dwarfs its American counterpart, churning out comedies, dramas, action flicks and — of course — musicals, the best of which will be showcased in Australia as part of the third annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Held at Hoyts Cinemas in Melbourne Central and Chadstone, this year’s festival will begin with a special 3D restoration of the 1975 action epic Sholay, introduced in person by its legendary star Amitabh Bachchan. From there the festival splits into four streams: Hurrah Bollywood focuses on the years’ biggest commercial hits, while Beyond Bollywood draws attention to smaller films produced outside Mumbai’s studio system. The New Voices section highlights independent works by fledgling directors, including Ritish Batra’s international festival favourite The Lunchbox. Lastly, From the Subcontinent features a collection of films from India’s neighbours in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. In addition to the movies, the IFFM 2014 program contains a host of special events, including filmmaking masterclasses, guest Q&As and free screenings at Fed Square, plus a live Bollywood dance contest with a free trip to India for the winner. For the full IFFM program, visit the festival website.
There's nothing like watching a film at the planetarium, but it's something most of us don't do all that often. Daytime sessions cater to school groups, and the Melbourne International Film Festival's full-dome program only comes around once a year. Thankfully, Scienceworks' late-night series changes that. Every Friday evening through November, once the planetarium's usual working day is done, adults can have some after-hours fun in its impressive space. That means sitting in the reclining chairs, looking up at the 16-metre domed ceiling, listening to the 7.1 surround sound system and soaking in the best the full-dome video projection system has to offer. Reopening after lockdown, the Planetarium's November Friday night program will be peering at the stars during the 7.30pm session, thanks to a full-dome film called Starlight. Then, at 9pm, Particle/Wave will serve up a multimedia exploration of gravitational waves. Making things even better is the fact that the whole thing is boozy, so you can grab a drink from the bar, take it into the auditorium and sip while you watch.
Melbourne's Midcity Centre on Bourke Street is now home to Tokyo Motto, a new eatery poised to offer an enticing experience, transitioning from a casual Japanese restaurant by day, to moody izakaya bar by night. The brains behind the operation is Spring Chee, a seasoned pastry chef and restaurateur with more than two decades of experience in Melbourne's hospitality scene, having previously worked with Le Mille Creperie, Sugar Labo and Sweetie Moustache. With Tokyo Motto, Chee hopes to bring everyday Japanese-style dining to Melbourne, with a menu focused on championing locally sourced ingredients. During the day, patrons can expect a mix of traditional (with a spin) and not-so-traditional Japanese dishes. A menu highlight is the Japanese curry made with "Golden" curry sauce infused with a blend of stone fruits and fresh bee honey — a recipe discovered by Chee during her travels in Japan. Other menu highlights include the omurice, showcasing a tornado egg omelette and thick-cut katsu, a take on a recent Japanese trend using a pork loin done sous vide style for 24 hours. For those looking to have some fun, the Ice Cream Spicy Miso Ramen offers a blend of spicy and sweet, thanks to the literal ice cream cone floating in the middle of the spicy ramen bowl. It's all about balance. As evening approaches, Tokyo Motto transforms. Starting from 9pm, the venue becomes an izakaya bar, offering a range of classic izakaya snacks, including everyone's favourite karaage, alongside a selection of Japanese cocktails, beer and sake. Tokyo Motto will be open from Sunday, January 21. It's hours are 12pm–11pm from Sunday–Thursday, and 12pm–1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Find it at shop 23 & 23A Midcity Centre, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne.
Déjà vu might strike when 2024 arrives, at least when it comes to one of your first TV shows of the year. Jamie Dornan (A Haunting in Venice), Danielle Macdonald (French Exit), amnesia, a past coming back to haunt, an early-January release: the first incredibly easy-to-binge season of The Tourist back in 2022 ticked all of those boxes, and now so will the second next year. When the series first arrived, it was swiftly renewed for another go-around — and, although plenty is clearly remaining the same, that follow-up does involve one big shakeup. While the initial season of The Tourist was set in Australia with Dornan as the titular figure, the season takes place in Ireland. This time, it's Macdonald's Aussie cop Helen who is travelling abroad. As the show's just-released first trailer for season two illustrates, however, not being able to recall anything remains part of Dornan's remit as Elliot. The character's lack of memory ties into a plot that bring secrets from his past into play, as well as a family feud. Audiences will be able to see the end result from Tuesday, January 2 via Stan in Australia and Monday, January 1 via TVNZ+ in New Zealand, with The Tourist season two spanning another six episodes. Screenwriters Harry and Jack Williams (Baptiste, The Missing, Liar) return as well, but Dornan and Macdonald will have Conor MacNeill, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre), Olwen Fouéré (The Northman), Diarmaid Murtagh (Outlander), Nessa Matthews (Inspektor Jury: Der Tod des Harlekins), Mark McKenna (The Miracle Club) and Francis Magee (Then You Run) for new on-screen company. If you missed The Tourist's first season, Dornan's Elliot was caught up in a mystery, which unfurled its specifics in cliffhanger-heavy instalments. The show also had fun with its premise — and its onslaught of twists and turns. It knew that zigzagging thrillers that work from a clearcut roadmap should make their familiar pieces feel anything but, and should take their audience along for a wild ride. And, it was well aware that that should all be the case even when largely driving down a recognisable road. An Irish traveller in Australia, Elliot was run off the street by a steamrolling long-haul truck, sparking his fogginess about his own moniker and everything else about his past. Macdonald's Local Constable Helen Chalmers took a shine to him anyway, but piecing together his history was far from straightforward. His other immediate questions in season one: why is he in the middle of Australia, why does a bomb go off in his vicinity and why is he getting calls from a man trapped in an underground barrel? Check out the trailer for second season of The Tourist below: The Tourist season two will start streaming from Tuesday, January 2 via Stan in Australia and Monday, January 1 via TVNZ+ in New Zealand. Read our full review of season one.
Melbourne Place has been in the works for a few years now, but the team behind this boutique hotel has finally announced that it will open in October 2024. The new hotel on Russell Street will be 14 stories high, have 191 luxury rooms, and house a basement bar and rooftop restaurant that are set to become destinations in their own right. When it comes to places to rest their heads, guests can choose from a number of room formations, from simple rooms to a totally lavish penthouse. The team isn't shying away from colour or multiple textures throughout the rooms, and is adding luxury elements with bespoke finishes and furnishings. Melbourne Place is also taking its drinking and dining destinations very seriously. Hatted Young Chef of the Year Nicholas Deligiannis (ex-Audrey's) has been enlisted to run the hotel's culinary program, giving particular attention to its rooftop restaurant Mid Air. When it comes to the ground-floor dining room and basement bar, Ross and Sunny Lusted (Sydney's Woodcut and Aman Resorts) are in charge. They haven't shared their concepts for these spaces yet, but we expect them to be totally luxe — like each of the other venues they've worked on. "Neighbouring the city's best restaurants, bars, nightlife and retail, [Melbourne Place] will be the place to be, providing guests with a unique lifestyle and cultural experience situated among the best offerings in the city. It is the ultimate location to experience the pinnacle of Melbourne's life and spirit," says Executive General Manager Tracy Atherton. Melbourne Place is slated to open in October 2024 at 130 Russell Street, Melbourne. For more information, visit the venue's website.
Well and truly over tired, dry CBD sandwiches for lunch? The business folk of Melbourne are getting a host of new lunch options, with the imminent arrival of a newly minted food precinct at the west end of Flinders Lane. Nestled on the corner of Flinders and Katherine Place, just a couple of minutes walk from Southern Cross, The Archway is the latest addition to the city's bustling laneway culture. With three tasty operators already up and cooking, and another three expected to open by the end of next month, The Archway is set to dominate CBD lunch breaks for the foreseeable future. Located in Melbourne's so-called New York end, it's only fitting that The Archway includes a selection of NYC style bagels, baked fresh daily by the team at 5 & Dime. Variations include poppy, rye, cinnamon and raisin, along with spreads like maple bacon chipotle, lemon curd and hazelnut chocolate cream cheese. Just in case that wasn't decadent enough, they’re also running a rotating sweets menu, from homemade smores (!) to snickers chocolate tarts. That said, when it comes to tarts, your best option is T by Luxbite. The latest venture by pastry chefs Yen Yee and Bernard Chu, the dessert options here are almost beyond belief. Slices include jackfruit, chilli salt, vanilla and kaffir lime sherbet; salted caramel, marshmallow, chocolate, orange and gold, and the particularly delicious-sounding lemon peel, meringue, vanilla and bamboo charcoal. Seriously, just go and look at their website. It's insane. If you're search for a caffeine hit to go along with your tooth decay, you can head to Altius Coffee Brewers. Run by Hannah Alderton and Jarrod Pageot, formerly of Market Lane, it's one of the few good coffee options west of William Street. In addition to the vendors already in operation, The Archway will soon be welcoming a pair of Asian lunch joints. Delhi Streets promises old school Indian street food, while Mr Huang Jin specialises in Taiwanese dumplings. Rounding out the precinct with a healthier option will be Hunters Roots, an organic cafe serving salads and freshly squeezed juices. The Archway is located at 517 Flinders Lane. For more information visit The Archway's website.
In A Wrinkle in Time, a giant-sized Oprah towers over the world like a goddess, arching her bejewelled eyebrows, wearing glittering outfits and dispensing advice. Mindy Kaling offers wisdom in quote form, cribbing as much from age-old sages as current popular culture. Meanwhile, Reese Witherspoon is full of goofiness and good cheer — when she's not turning into a flying lettuce leaf. With names like Mrs. Which, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Whatsit, the three actresses play magical beings intent on helping 13-year-old Meg Murry (Storm Reid) find her missing astrophysicist father (Chris Pine). They're also pivotal to this fantastical film. Make no mistake: A Wrinkle in Time is Meg's movie. Based on the 1962 novel of the same name, it's the story of a girl who's not only uncertain in her own skin, but is uncertain about her place in the world since her dad disappeared. When the three Mrs arrive in her life — claiming to know where her father is and eager to spirit her away to a parallel dimension — Meg is instantly wary, even when her super-smart younger brother (Deric McCabe) tries to quell her fears. Meg has other things on her mind as well: she's being bullied by the girl next door (Rowan Blanchard), particularly about her hair, and she's not quite sure why her cute classmate (Levi Miller) suddenly wants to be her friend. Still, she's intrigued by her new celestial pals (as odd and otherworldly as they clearly seem), largely because they're also so sincere and genuine. That's the kind of film that Meg and the Mrs are in, after all: earnest from start to finish, and unashamed to wear its heart on its sleeves and every other piece of multi-coloured clothing in sight. It's the type of movie that really isn't made all that often these days — a movie that owns its brand of sentimental optimism, doesn't try to be anything else, and doesn't really try to appeal to adults either. While A Wrinkle in Time has garnered significant attention thanks to its high-profile stars, it's ultimately an upbeat and affectionate kids' sci-fi/adventure flick through and through. Filled with child-friendly messages about believing in yourself and your intelligence, choosing hope over darkness, and trusting that good will prevail over evil, the film is basically an Oprah-style empowerment lesson for everyone under the age of 15. Pre-teen and teenage girls will be wrinkling their faces with happiness. For those familiar with the book, this shouldn't come as a shock. The source material has been considered unfilmable for decades, with the only other attempt coming courtesy of a 2003 TV movie. Given that the episodic narrative toys with time travel, hops between wondrous planets, and tasks Meg with evading a tentacled monster, it shouldn't surprise anyone who hasn't read the novel either. That said, A Wrinkle in Time proves a nice throwback to the live-action family fare that Disney used to pump out in the '60s, '70s and '80s, including on television. Indeed, even if you're not in the obvious target market, the fact that the movie is so committed to its old-school, old-fashioned vibe is admirable. Jumping from powerful civil rights drama Selma and race-relations documentary 13th to something completely different, director Ava DuVernay hits the mark in more places than just the film's all-ages vibe. She gets the best out of her diverse cast, especially the younger players, with Reid a picture of relatable, youthful awkwardness, and Aussie actor Miller (Jasper Jones, Better Watch Out) continuing his great run of late. From the bright costumes to the overall explosion of special effects, DuVernay also ensures that everything looks and feels like a larger-than-life fantasy in every frame. Her quest to make a big-thinking, big-hearted kids' flick is always apparent, but like A Wrinkle in Time's gossiping flowers — yes, there's a field of flowers that literally gossip — the movie's beauty and its limitations go hand-in-hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwlZ1r-BiQA
Once, watching a movie in bed meant getting cosy indoors with whatever you choose to view on a small screen. Then Mov'In Bed came along. It takes the idea that catching a flick and lazing around on a mattress can go hand in hand, embraces it, and moves it outdoors. The crew behind it have delivered variations, too — on boats in Darling Harbour and in cars on Entertainment Quarter's rooftop in Sydney, for instance, and also on sand. Mov'In Bed has brought its outdoor beach cinema to St Kilda Beach in the past. Unsurprisingly, it proved popular. Accordingly, Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema is returning for another summer — this time for a hefty four-month run between Friday, December 6, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025, and at a new location at The District Docklands. The concept behind Mov'In Bed has always answered a question: can't choose between hitting up an outdoor cinema or watching a film in bed? Here, you don't have to. The outdoor beach setup stacks on another layer to that equation like it's building a sandcastle. Can't pick between flicks under the stars, going to the beach or being cosy? Again, this is the solution. Here's how it works: you have a choice of different mattresses, including bigger options than the pop-up's past season, or you can bring a towel to recline on on the sand. Whatever sits between you and all of those white grains beneath your feet — 280 tonnes of them — you'll be getting comfortable while peering at a massive silver screen and listening in via noise-cancelling headphones. The movie lineup features big names from 2024's cinema releases, including the upcoming Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers)-starring Gladiator II. Haven't seen Joker: Folie à Deux, Deadpool & Wolverine, Transformers One or It Ends with Us yet? They're also on the program. The Kate Winslet (The Regime)-led Lee, horror film Heretic and the first Wicked flick grace the bill as well. Given that the season runs over Christmas, yes, Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas are on the roster. More movies will be announced for the beach club-style cinema, sticking to the above mix — so recent favourites and classics. This time around, there'll be 150 queen- and king-sized beds, all with pillows and blankets. Or, if you prefer, you can just sit on the sand for a cheaper price. At the other end of the price range, tickets go up to $150 for two people and $225 for three for Mov'In Bed's VIP area, where you'll enjoy butler service, bottomless popcorn and a glass of sparkling wine. Snacking and sipping options for all ticket prices include pizzas, burgers, coconuts and vino. [caption id="attachment_975970" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Screenshot[/caption] Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema's 2024–25 beach stint in Melbourne runs from Friday, December 6, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025 at The District Docklands, Docklands. For further details or to book, head to the Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema website.
What's better than watching a heap of top Australian talent sit around and talk about music? Watching them do all of the above while answering questions, competing for points and just generally being funny, too. That's the concept behind ABC TV show Spicks and Specks, which took a few cues from the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, pit Aussie musos and comedians against each other, and has proven a hit several times over. It was a weekly favourite when it first aired between 2005–2011 — and it will be again this year. As fans will already know, Spicks and Specks just keeps coming back; however, that has meant different things over the years. When the program was first revived back in 2014, it did so with a new host and team captains, for instance. And when it started to make a return with its original lineup of Adam Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough, it first did so via a one-off reunion special. That 2018 comeback proved more than a little popular. It became the ABC's most-watched show of that year, in fact. So, the broadcaster then decided to drop four new Spicks and Specks specials across 2019–20 and, for 2021, to bring back Spicks and Specks in its regular format. As first announced last year, the show is returning for a full season — and, as the broadcaster has just revealed, it'll kick off on Sunday, April 18 at 7.40pm. You'll be able to watch it on TV when it airs, or stream it via iView afterwards. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ABC TV + iview (@abctv) Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough are all settling back into their old chairs, obviously; however, who'll be joining them as guests hasn't been revealed. Still, you can add playing along with the show from your couch to your end-of-weekend plans from next month. Spicks and Specks will return to ABC TV for a regular full season from 7.40pm on Sunday, April 18. You'll also be able to stream the series via ABC iView.
If you're after a cure for your Christmas meat-and-beer hangover, don't be put off by the hordes of children swarming the Moana showings. This Boxing Day, if you can block out their shrieks, you'll be rewarded with one of Disney's best animated films to date. Although to be honest, when you look at the team behind the film, that's not really that surprising. At the helm are The Little Mermaid directors John Musker and Ron Clements, kickin' it old school and revisiting a narrative structure as old as time. Moana (Auli'i Cravalho), the title character and daughter of a Polynesian prince, is launched on a quest to save her people after a curse threatens their island. After she's chosen by the ocean (who turns out to be a major source of comedic relief), she defies her sea-fearing father and seeks out Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Maui, a shape-shifting demigod, is the one who originally put the curse on the islands by stealing the heart of the goddess Te Fiti. Once Moana finds and wrangles Maui into submission, the pair travel together to recover his magical fish hook and restore the heart. Along the way, Moana discovers something about her people – they weren't always bound to their islands. Her quest isn't about seeking family honour, love, or personal development – she's an island chief with bigger concerns. The complete lack of any romantic notions is also refreshing. Moana is a cocktail of all of the best elements of the Disney princess tropes – a desperate quest, charismatic supporting cast, catchy tunes and an animal sidekick – but with one subtle but important difference. Unlike most Disney princesses, Moana doesn't need a training montage to become a boss bitch, because she's strong to begin with. Not only is she a dutiful and diligent chief-in-training, she respects her parents, listens to her grandmother, champions the underdog and walks to the beat of her own drum. She's superficially goofy, but not in a way that undermines her capability or authority. She's a beautiful role model, and maybe the best Disney princess so far. Moreover, the movie's score, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa'i, is the music its heroine deserves. Prepare your ears to hear the main refrain 'How Far I'll Go' more than that damn 'Let It Go' song from Frozen. We ain't mad, though, because it's the perfect summer jam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFuXETZUsI
