The days are getting longer and the sun is shining ever warmer. Isn't this time of year just the best? You leave work and it's not pitch black, you don't have to pack a scarf and a coat, things are just nice. Spring and exhibitions just go together. And thankfully, being in Melbourne, we are truly blessed with a cornucopia of fun exhibitions to experience as we say goodbye to winter and start the exciting prelude to summer. Here's our pick of the absolutely unmissable exhibitions to check out this truly stunning time of year. DARK MATTERS AT SCIENCE GALLERY MELBOURNE Ever catch yourself staring into the night sky and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer wonder of it all? Are you enamoured by all things space, science, and the unknown? Are you just after a good old-fashioned fun time with mates? If you've said yes to any of the aforementioned, then We'd suggest hitting the group chat pronto and letting everyone know you've found the perfect exhibition to check out. Dark Matters is an exciting partnership between Melbourne University's Science Gallery and the world's top particle physics lab CERN. That's right, the minds behind the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and highest-energy particle collider. Co-curated with Monica Bello, Head of Arts at CERN and running until Saturday, December 2, the exhibition will host a range of art and science projects with the collective aim of probing the mysterious force that quite literally surrounds us: dark matter. NOCTURNAL: MELBOURNE MUSEUM AFTER DARK Speaking of dark, Melbourne Museum's after-dark showing, Nocturnal, is not to be missed. If the chance to see a triceratops skeleton up close and personal in a fun, slightly spooky, after-dark and adults-only setting doesn't entice you, then we're not sure what will. The fun doesn't end there. Expect live music, pop-up food stalls, cocktails, trivia, enlightening talks by experts and after-dark tours of some of the most fascinating exhibits Melbourne Museum has to offer. It's a great chance to not only catch up with friends with a drink, but also uncover some of life's deep mysteries — two pterodactyls, one stone. Lovely. MIRROR: NEW VIEWS ON PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE STATE LIBRARY Have you ever snapped a photo and taken a second to really think about what you've just done? You have captured time — isn't that cool? The fact that doesn't blow our minds on the daily is a testament to how far we've come as a species. Humans have been developing the art of the photograph for almost two centuries now, and The State Library's latest exhibition, MIRROR: New views on photography, is a true celebration of what a remarkable achievement the art of photography is. 140 photographs from the State Collection star in the exhibition, alongside words, performances and sounds from emerging and established Victorian artists to tell fascinating stories of Victoria through a modern lens. BACKWOODS GALLERY — MULTIPLE FREE EXHIBITIONS THROUGHOUT SPRING Backwoods Gallery, hidden amongst the cool and shadows of Collingwood's Paradise Alley, is hands down one of the hottest spots in Melbourne. Their Friday night openings are a collection of some of the most eclectic personalities in the Melbourne art scene — and that's just the crowd. The exhibitions are an ever-changing mosaic of classic and contemporary, local and international, experimental and eclectic — and always exciting. A Friday night spent at a Backwoods opening is a Friday night you'll wish didn't end. Be warned, once you go to your first, you'll end up obsessively checking the Backwoods website or Instagram for updates on their next opening. And though the opening nights — held every three or so weeks — are undoubtedly fun, the gallery itself is open to visit at any time between Thursday to Sunday, 12–6pm, if you're after a more relaxing affair. PIERRE BONNARD AND REMBRANDT: TRUE TO LIFE AT THE NGV It would be an insult to leave the National Gallery of Victoria's spectacular double whammy off this list. The genius minds of Pierre Bonnard and Rembrandt grace the hallowed halls of the NGV this spring, in the form of two truly gorgeous exhibitions. Bonnard is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. Adored for his use of colour in conveying a deep sense of emotion, the eccentric Frenchman was one of the leading figures in the transition from impressionism to modernism. Catch Bonnard from a unique lens as his works are presented within immersive scenography by Paris-based designer India Mahdavi, creating a truly enveloping experience that will surely dazzle new and seasoned fans of Bannard. Last but certainly not least, Rembrandt: True to Life, follows the Dutch genius's early life in Leiden through to his final years in Amsterdam. The exhibition will be made up of 100 etchings from the NGV collection, as well as loans from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, and the Teylers Museum in Haarlem. You'll want to hurry to catch this one, as it packs up on Sunday, September 10 — and given it's the most comprehensive exhibition of Rembrandt to be held in Australia in a quarter century, it's certainly not one you'll want to miss. Catch Dark Matters at Science Gallery Melbourne until Saturday, December 2, Image: Science Gallery Melbourne
Much to the delight of movie lovers, Palace Cinemas already boasts eight spots to worship the silver screen around Melbourne, including the historic wonder that is The Astor and Pentridge's picture palace in an old prison. Come spring, that number will rise to nine, with the independent cinema chain set to launch its latest venue in Moonee Ponds: Palace Penny Lane Cinema. The just-revealed site will feature 11 traditional screens indoors, all boasting the usual Palace experience. Think: leather recliners, 4K projection and, for fans of wine with their flicks, double pours. Fancy seeing a movie under the stars, too? Palace Penny Lane will also double as a rooftop cinema. Film buffs will find their next must-visit haunt on Puckle Street in the Penny Lane development, hence the name, and Palace has dubbed it an "entertainment hub". "We have listened to our customer's desires and recognised the need for a premium cinema experience in Melbourne's west. Palace Penny Lane Cinema aims to bridge that gap by delivering quality films in a luxurious setting," said Palace Cinemas CEO Benjamin Zeccola, announcing the new site. "We are dedicated to continuing the legacy of pairing a fine wine with an even finer film at Palace Penny Lane. From spectacular blockbusters to renowned international gems, our unique blend of entertainment and hospitality sets the stage for unforgettable memories and an elevated moviegoing experience." Palace's Movie Club will also make the jump to the new venue, of course, if you like cheaper seats, free entry on your birthday and access to special events. Exactly when the new site will open and what'll be playing upon launch hasn't yet been revealed — watch this space, then get ready to watch the big screen. Palace Penny Lane Cinema will open on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds in spring 2023 — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced. Head to the Palace website for further details.
Curating the perfect wine list is an oft-underrated skill. How do you balance pleasing the crowd while also pushing the envelope? Creating something far-reaching while still carving out an identity? Well, a group of Australian venues have been recognised at the international Star Wine List of the Year awards for 2023 for doing just that, with a Sydney bar taking out the top prize in one of the categories. The Star Wine List of the Year International Final took place in Stockholm in June, with Redfern's La Salut becoming the first-ever Australian venue to ever claim gold in one of its fields. The Cleveland Street haunt that specialises in Spanish and Catalonian wines, with an onus on minimal-intervention drops, was nominated for two different awards: Best Medium-Sized Wine List and the Special Jury Prize. While London's Michelin-starred Trivet took out the top mid-sized list gong for venues offering 200–600 wines, La Salut was crowned the champion in the Special Jury Prize. [caption id="attachment_860300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] La Salut, Dexter Kim[/caption] This award recognises "a venue that has done something extra with their wine list, such as the direction, the style or the value". La Salut beat out finalists from across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia to claim the prize, being praised for the exemplary spotlight it places on Spain's best vino and the storytelling it achieves through its curation. "It often feels like Spanish wine is largely ignored by wine-focused venues in Australia, which is a huge shame considering that Spain is currently producing some of the most exhilarating wine in the world," says La Salut co-owner Matt Swieboda. "I suppose our philosophy might be different to others in that we want to really push guests to try wine styles that they may never have had the opportunity to have tried." [caption id="attachment_658147" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Embla[/caption] Elsewhere, other Australian spots received nominations but didn't claim gold. Melbourne's Embla was nominated for the Best Short List for bars with under 200 wines, Bentley Restaurant & Wine Bar was nominated in the Grand Prix for bars with over 600 wines, and Perth's Rockpool Bar & Grill received nominations for both the best wine list with Austrian wines and Best Sparkling Wine List. A couple of regional favourites also picked up nominations, with Margaret River's Setter's Tavern recognised in the sustainability-focused category and Mornington Peninsula's Ten Minutes by Tractor earning some love in the Best By the Glass List category. You can start making plans for a few wine-fuelled nights around Australia — and abroad ‚ by browsing the full list of nominees and winners. [caption id="attachment_637744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bentley Restaurant + Bar[/caption] For more information about the Star Wine List of the Year, head to the awards' website. Top image: Nikki To.
Opposites attracting is a basic romantic-comedy staple. When it comes to folks from different worlds falling head over heels even though they're told they should stay apart, Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story have long been singing that tune, too. So, focusing two different elements — the fiery Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis, Nancy Drew) and go-with-the-flow Wade (Mamoudou Athie, Archive 81) — who cross paths and enjoy sparks flying, Pixar's upcoming Elemental obviously follows in some hefty footsteps. "Elements cannot mix," Ember is told sternly in the animated flick's just-dropped full trailer, which arrives after a first sneak peek back in late 2022. From there, of course Ember and Wade keep floating and sizzling in each other's orbit, all while living their daily lives as Captain Planet-like characters in the gorgeously rendered world that is Element City. The setup is classic Pixar, however, because the Disney-owned animation studio knows what it likes and what it does well — usually to heartfelt and delightful effect. So, add this to the pile of movies about whether toys, fish, monsters, feelings and more have feelings. The question this time: what if the elements, aka fire, water, land and air, had emotions? The film dubs its characters fire-, water-, land- and air-residents, but getting big Inside Out and Soul vibes comes with the territory. That said, the new full trailer plays up the romance angle, including walk-and-talks that could've jumped straight out of the Before franchise. So far, it all looks as adorable as you'd expect, too, even if you've ever just seen one frame of a Pixar picture. Big on pastel hues, that animation springs from director Peter Sohn (The Good Dinosaur), and hits cinemas on June 15. Literally a story of water and fire trying to get along — maybe Pixar is staffed by George RR Martin fans? — Elemental also features Ronnie del Carmen (Soul) as Ember's dad Bernie, Shila Ommi (Tehran) as her mother Cinder, Wendi McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs) as Wade's boss Gale, Catherine O'Hara (Schitt's Creek) as his mum Brook, first-timer Mason Wertheimer as Ember's neighbour Clod and Joe Pera (Bob's Burgers) as city bureaucrat Fern. And, when it hits the big screen, it'll come with a Pixar short that links back to 2009's Up. In Carl's Date, it's time to catch up with Carl Fredricksen (the late Ed Asner) and his talking dog Dug (writer/director Bob Peterson) after the former reluctantly agrees to go on a date, but is out of practice and needs the latter's help. Check out the first trailer for Elemental below: Elemental releases in cinemas on June 15, 2023. Images: © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Live life long enough and anything can happen. Enjoy an undead existence for hundreds of years and that feeling only multiplies, or so the wealth of movies and TV shows that've let vampires stalk through their frames frequently remind viewers. A sharehouse-set mockumentary focused on bloodsucking roommates who've seen more than a few centuries between them, What We Do in the Shadows embraces that idea like little else, though — as a Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi-starring movie, aka one of the funniest New Zealand comedies of this century, and then as a hilarious American TV spinoff. The premise has always been ridiculously straightforward, and always reliably entertaining. That dates back to Clement and Waititi's short film days, which is where this franchise began as 2005's What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires — and continues right through to the TV iteration's now-airing fourth season, which screens in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon. A camera crew captures the lives of the fanged and not-at-all furious, squabbles about chores, a rising body count and avoiding sunlight all included. Their domesticity may involve sinking their teeth into necks, blood splatters aplenty, sleeping in coffins and shapeshifting into bats, but it also covers arguing about paying bills, keeping the house clean and dealing with the neighbours. For fans of the film, the stakes were high with this leap to television. What We Do in the Shadows, the movie, had already given rise to a homegrown offshoot courtesy of Wellington Paranormal — the NZ TV show that trailed the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they kept investigating the otherworldly — which first arrived in 2018. But the small-screen version of What We Do in the Shadows has a few crucial and important things going for it: another killer cast, this time inhabiting a ramshackle, gothic-style abode in Staten Island; the same glorious sense of silliness, including everything from blood sprinklers and undead labour disputes to getting a genie to magic up a giant penis in the latest season alone; an eagerness to gleefully skewer the entire vampire genre; and well and truly letting anything happen within its frames. Season four picks up after a climactic end to the show's prior batch of episodes, which only finished airing back in October 2021. Its bloodsucking roommates were all set for their own adventures, after Nandor (Kayvan Novak, Cruella) decided to explore his roots in his ancestral homeland in what's now Iran, and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) took up a prestigious job in London with the Supreme Vampiric Council, who oversee the vampire world order. Her beloved Laszlo (Matt Berry, Toast of London and Toast of Tinseltown) stayed behind at the last minute to take care of the baby that burst its way out of energy vampire Colin Robinson's (Mark Proksch, The Office) body. To accompany Nadja, in his place he sent Nandor's familiar Guillermo (Harvey Guillen, Werewolves Within), who has also discovered throughout the first three seasons that he's a Van Helsing — yes, a vampire hunter. What We Do in the Shadows wouldn't be What We Do in the Shadows if its central quintet were scattered around the world, rather than bantering together, so homecomings are swiftly in order. A year has passed in the show, old grounds have been stomped, new jobs trialled and that infant is now a young boy — who, eerily, still looks like Colin. Nandor returns more determined than ever to find a wife, and thinks that one of his many from the Middle Ages could be the one again; bringing back a Djinn (Anoop Desai, Russian Doll) to grant his wishes helps. Nadja has big ambitions, too, but of the professional rather than personal kind. Taking over the local Vampiric Council again, she sets her sights on turning it into a vampire nightclub. Its custodian The Guide (Kristen Schaal, The Bob's Burgers Movie) is unsurprisingly far from thrilled. If vampire nightclubs and blood sprinklers sound familiar, that's because back in 1998, Blade got there first. That's the type of winking and parodying that What We Do in the Shadows loves — and keeps finding ways to turn into comedy gold. It'll always be difficult to beat the show's exceptional first-season episode that featured Wesley Snipes as a half-vampire version of himself, alongside everyone from Tilda Swinton to Paul Reubens referencing their own past undead film roles (Only Lovers Left Alive and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, respectively), but this series never stops trying. It's just as devoted to fleshing out the demonic world that exists beyond human eyes, with a new episode set at an anything-goes night market where the supernaturally inclined trade for everything they can a particular treasure. That nodding and nudging will never grow old, thanks to the stellar writing behind it, as well as the fantastic cast bringing it to the screen. Matt Berry should star in all comedies always (see also: the aforementioned Toast franchise, Year of the Rabbit, The IT Crowd, Snuff Box, The Mighty Boosh and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace), and his pronunciation, the way that Laszlo yells "bat!" when he turns into a bat and the character's general buffoonery will always be among What We Do in the Shadows' biggest weapons. Hearing him read In Cold Blood to the young Colin, as a bedtime story, is a scene for the ages alone. He's ably matched by always riotous Demetriou and the equally amusing Novak, who lean into their vamps' eccentricity-laced personalities with as much gusto. Nadja's unapologetic passion, pursuing whatever she wants whenever she wants, always feels fleshed out, as does Nandor's awkwardness despite a past as a bloodthirsty warrior. It was always going to take something special to match the big-screen What We Do in the Shadows. That's a task that its TV spinoff has always managed, however, and as enchantingly as the immediately catchy strains of theme song 'You're Dead' by Norma Tanega — a tune the two versions share. Nothing about this delight sucks, not for a second, and season four is as ace as ever. Check out the trailer for What We Do in the Shadows season four below: What We Do in the Shadows' fourth season streams in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon. Images: Russ Martin/FX.
Catching public transport can be frustrating at the best of times, but there could be even more painful commutes ahead as Victoria's public transport union gears up for a big ol' strike. The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has filed an application with the Fair Work Commission to stop work for up to 48 hours, in response to ongoing, failed negotiations with Metro Trains. A strike could see frontline and back-of-house Metro staff taking industrial action for a couple of days, refusing to wear uniforms, check Myki cards, make announcements or alter timetables — which could lead to some serious train chaos. There's no word yet on when this would happen, though it'd likely take place in the next few months. And, if you're a public transport regular, you'll know for sure it won't be pretty. [caption id="attachment_701576" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josie Withers for Visit Victoria[/caption] The current workplace agreement for frontline Metro staff expires on June 30 and the RTBU has been negotiating a new one, gunning to retain current working conditions and achieve a wage increase that's better aligned with the current cost of living. With the industrial application lodged, members are now set to vote on whether or not they'll go ahead with the strike, as negotiations continue. "Metro must understand the importance of the employees doing the hard work to keep Melbourne moving," RTBU branch secretary Luba Grigorovitch said in a statement. "While industrial action will remain a last resort, the RTBU will keep pushing for a genuine offer." We'll keep you updated if and when the strike goes ahead. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
At the beginning of 2012, when the world discovered that Channing Tatum was starring in a movie about male strippers — and that it was based on his own experiences working in the field — everyone was a little sceptical. Which was understandable. Magic Mike boasts a great director in Steven Soderbergh, and a cast that also includes Matthew Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Olivia Munn, Riley Keough and peak McConnaissance-era Matthew McConaughey, but, on paper, it was hardly a sure thing. Of course, once the film hit the screens, it was a hit. More than that — it was a smart and sensitive look at men chasing the American Dream by taking off their clothes. Sequel Magic Mike XXL, which released in 2015, not only repeated the feat but added more depth, and Tatum successfully turned what could've been a forgettable chapter of his pre-fame life into a hit big-screen franchise. Actually, he's turned it into a stage and screen franchise. Yes, Magic Mike was always going to go back to where it all began. In Las Vegas, London, Berlin and Sydney so far, Magic Mike Live has been letting real-life male dancers strip up a storm for eager audiences. Not to be confused with Magic Mike the Musical — because that's something that's also happening — the "immersive" dance show is finally coming to Melbourne from June. When its Aussie leg was first announced in 2019, the show was set to debut in Melbourne — and in May 2020, too — however, then came the pandemic. After delaying those dates, Magic Mike Live unleashed its stuff in Sydney last December, and will hit Melbourne from Tuesday, June 8–Sunday, August 29, before heading to Brisbane in November. As it's doing around the country, Magic Mike Live will steam up a 600-seat spiegeltent called The Arcadia, which'll make its home at Birrarung Marr. It's the world's largest spiegeltent, because clearly this kind of show has plenty of fans. This tour marks the first time that the performance has been held in the pop-up two-storey spot, which comes with 360-degree views of the stage, a glass lobby, custom bars, a mini food hall, and a lounge area both inside and out. And while it's blazing a trail venue-wise, on the stage, the Aussie show combines elements of the Magic Mike Live's three other international productions. While Tatum came up with the idea for Magic Mike Live and co-directs the show, the Step Up, 21 Jump Street, Logan Lucky and Kingsman: The Golden Circle star isn't actually one of the performers. Instead, a cast of 20 — including 15 male dancers — showcase a combination of, dance, comedy and acrobatics. Continuing her role from the films, stage show co-director and choreographer Alison Faulk is behind the sultry moves, drawing upon a career spent working with Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Missy Elliott, P!NK, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin. It probably goes without saying, but if you're already thinking about buying Magic Mike Live tickets, expect to have plenty of hens parties for company. Magic Mike Live comes to Melbourne from Tuesday, June 8–Sunday, August 29, 2021. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the show's website. Images: Peter Brew-Bevan.
Peter Pan fans love Michigan’s latest public art experiment. Secret fairy doors have been appearing in walls, doors and windows all over the city of Ann Arbor. Even though it might break a five-year-old’s heart to say it, they’re not actually works of magic, but the creations of real-life artist and writer Jonathan B. Wright. Like Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows, Wright began his work with the desire to entertain his own family. Back in 1993, after planting a magical miniature portal in his own home, he found his children investigating it in fascination. ‘In 1993, the first fairy door that I know of was found in our house,’ Wright explains in an interview with the Michigan Daily. ‘The door was not necessarily attributed to a fairy. My wife was running a childcare program in our home and it was the kids who found the door and they speculated on what might be living there — which included a “lion mouse” and various other tiny beings.’ Twenty-two years later, in Spring 2005, a fairy decided to set up house in Ann Arbor’s popular café, Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, and it wasn’t long before others moved into gift shops, music venues and even the public library. Each door is a one-of-a-kind piece, imitating an aspect of the human-sized business, organisation or residence to which it is attached. Even the local Google office features a pint-sized entranceway titled ‘Giggle’. ‘I see [urban fairies] as a kind of new generation of fairies, maybe ones that have got beyond some of the traditional foibles of fairies — being allergic to iron, etc.,’ says Wright. ‘They’re a little bit more interested in people, and that’s why they live in closer proximity.’ He and his partner have been enthralled by magic and mythology for years. Wright has written several fairy-inspired books and is responsible for the running of urban fairies operations. [via PSFK]
When Joaquin Phoenix first played the Joker, he became the second actor in just over a decade to win an Oscar for donning the Gotham City villain's exaggerated clown makeup and killer smile. Returning to the role in the sequel to 2019's Joker, he'll now be taking on the character in a film that's also a musical. That movie: Joker: Folie à Deux, which hits cinemas in October 2024 and also just dropped its first trailer. Phoenix (Napoleon) has big-name company this time around from someone similarly taking on a famed comic-book character: Lady Gaga (House of Gucci). Just as Phoenix follows in the footsteps of Cesar Romero (in the 60s Batman TV series), Jack Nicholson (in the 1989 Batman movie), Heath Ledger (in The Dark Knight) and Jared Leto (in Suicide Squad), the pop star and actor treads where Margot Robbie (in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and The Suicide Squad) has most recently as Dr Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn. In this followup, the Joker and Harley Quinn meet at Arkham Asylum — and yes, romance blossoms. So, Arthur Fleck will no longer be alone. But everyone with even just a passing knowledge of the character knows that that still doesn't bode well for Gotham. Behind the lens, Todd Phillips (War Dogs) is back from the first film as both director and a co-writer, the latter with fellow returnee Scott Silver (The Finest Hours). On-screen, Phoenix and Lady Gaga are joined by Zazie Beetz (Full Circle), who was also in the initial flick — plus Joker newcomers Catherine Keener (The Adam Project), Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Steve Coogan (The Reckoning). Wondering how much of a musical Joker: Folie à Deux will be? Variety reports that it includes at least 15 songs, all covers, and may also feature original tunes. Based on the first teaser trailer, 'What the World Needs Now Is Love' is among the familiar tracks. The first Joker wasn't just a hit — standing apart from the now-defunct DC Extended Universe, where Leto played the Clown Prince of Crime, it took over a billion dollars at the global box office. And, as well as Phoenix nabbing an Oscar, the film took home the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival. Check out the first trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux below: Joker: Folie à Deux releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Back in January, it was announced that Patricia Piccinini's fantastical Skywhale, the 34-metre-long inflatable art piece that has repeatedly captured the attention and the hearts of Australians, would be joined by a new floating companion. Skywhalepapa, Piccinini's new other-worldly creation, stands as tall as a ten-storey building and was unveiled to the public in the early hours of Sunday, February 7. Both Skywhale and Skywhalepapa were scheduled to take off from the National Gallery of Australia on Saturday, February 6 as part of the Skywhales: Every Heart Sings exhibition, however, that date was postponed to Sunday in hopes of better flying conditions. Unfortunately, come Sunday, weather conditions hadn't improved enough to allow the Skywhales to fly. Despite being unable to take off over Canberra, the pair of fantastical hot air balloons were inflated and able to float tethered in front of the gallery. The Skywhales will have future opportunity to fly in the sky on Monday, March 8 and Saturday, April 3, too, with free tickets to the second and third flights set to be released in coming weeks. These flights are running concurrently with a multimedia exhibition at the NGA that includes Piccinini's new children's book Every Heart Sings, which tells the story of the Skywhale family. Skywhale-inspired croissants made by Three Mills Bakery, an open-source Skywhale knitting pattern and a Skywhale song titled 'We Are the Skywhales' were also created alongside the exhibition. Following the March and April flights, the Skywhales are scheduled to go on tour, floating across the skies of Australia throughout 2021 and 22. The tour will kick off in Albury, NSW sometime in mid-April and will make it's way around to several states, providing more Australians with the opportunity to marvel at the enormous art projects. Skywhalepapa was created using 3.6 kilometres of fabric and features nine baby Skywhales, safely tucked beneath their father's fins. To learn more about the Skywhale family, you can purchase the book Every Heart Sings from the NGA website. Skywhales: Every Heart Sings will take place at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes, ACT on Monday, March 8 and Saturday, April 3. For more information on the exhibition, visit the NGA website and follow the NGA on Twitter for regular updates on the Skywhales and on tickets to future events. Images: Skywhale 2013, Skywhalepapa 2020, Patricia Piccinini. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Copyright the artist.
If you've ever stumbled down Russell Street at midnight searching for something cheesy, chances are you know Connie's: a nostalgic, pizza-shaped hole in the wall, operating from inside Heartbreaker, arguably the CBD's best rock-n-roll dive bar. Well, hold onto your parmesan shaker, because Connie's will be slinging its signature NYC-style pizzas from a brand new, much larger home above Heartbreaker from January next year. It's Connie's first dedicated space, and co-owners Michael Madrusan and his partner Zara, have ripped their playbook straight from the Italian American eateries of the 1980s, with warm hospitality, cheesy mozzarella sticks, and a generous slice of nostalgia. [caption id="attachment_834208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Connie's co-owners Zara & Michael Madrusan. Photography by Pete Dillon.[/caption] "We had always planned for Connie's to evolve beyond Heartbreaker's four walls, into its own restaurant, but the right location had never presented itself," says Zara. "Michael and I have had our eyes on the space for some time and when it became available, we jumped at the opportunity and immediately started working on the new concept." The new concept is this: crimson vinyl booths, seating for over 70 patrons, leadlight pendants dangling from the ceiling and '80s Italian film posters plastered on the walls. There's a jukebox in the corner, a pool table ready to roll, and several revolving disco balls (because it wouldn't be the 1980s a double dose of kitsch). The new Connie's will also feature a rooftop deck overlooking Lonsdale St, with room for another 30 hungry diners. "I have so many great memories of my younger years spent at my family's Italian restaurants. I wanted the new Connie's to showcase the best traits of old school family-run pizzerias," says co-owner Michael. "It will be fun, familiar food and a really good time. Our venues are known for the theatre and attention to detail. With Connie's, the music will play a huge role in bringing the experience to life." [caption id="attachment_825640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Connie's Grandma Pies which ran as a lockdown special.[/caption] Cooked to a soundtrack of Soul and Motown classics, pizza will still be the star of the show. The new Connie's menu revolves around their signature deep dish and classic NYC 18-inch pizzas, but Michael is also running pasta, eggplant parmigiana, baked clams, mozzarella sticks, cheesy garlic bread and retro gelato desserts (courtesy of Mr Pisa). It's the closest you're going to get to 1980s Little Italy in Melbourne. Connie's new pizzeria is set to open in mid-to-late January 2022 at upstairs, 234B Russell Street, Melbourne, directly above Heartbreaker. It will be open from 5pm until late, Wednesday—Saturday.
It's no surprise the humble banana is a lunchbox staple. After all, they pack in essential vitamins while being ripe to eat on their own or paired with myriad ingredients. What's more, this much-loved fruit can even score you a free workout this Wednesday, October 8, in celebration of National Banana Day. Made possible by Australian Bananas — the national peak body advocating for the potassium-packed powerhouses — the Banana Gym Pass returns for a second year following its 2024 debut. Just show a banana to the team at over 900 participating gyms nationwide to receive a free guest pass for the day. Featuring more than double the gyms included in the first year, the campaign has been embraced with open arms by boutique studios and massive chains like Virgin Active, Fitness First and Anytime Fitness. That means it's likely a nearby gym is ready to peel open its doors so you can get in a session — just check for a participating location. "Bananas have always been one of my go-to snacks," says Australian Bananas ambassador Tim Robards. "They're natural, easy to grab and full of the energy you need for a great workout, to chase after the kids, or just keep on top of a busy day. National Banana Day is a great reminder that looking after your body and keeping it fuelled doesn't have to be complicated."
While most of us were urged to "stay home" by our Prime Minister (and have done so by kicking back on the couch and doing puzzles), Australia's healthcare workers were called to the frontline of COVID-19 — and have been working nonstop since. We all can't wait for our next holiday, but those in our hospitals probably need the biggest break of all. Helping out in a small way is Aussie startup Unyoked, which is offering 100 free getaways to Royal Prince Alfred ICU workers and has launched the Prescription to the Wilderness gifting initiative. The latter lets you buy a friend, family member or neighbour working on the frontline a stay at one of its off-grid cabins — once travel restrictions are lifted, of course — at a 20-percent discount. You just need to add in their place of work at checkout. The idea came about when Unyoked founders Cam and Chris Grant got off the phone with their mate Dr Jack Purcell at the RPA, knowing that, right now, our emergency services and hospital workers are working round the clock in very tense environments. So, once the crisis is over — or at least dialled down — they'll need a (very) well-deserved break. The discounted stays start at $178.4 for one night or $356.8 for two and can be used for any of Unyoked's 13 cabins across NSW, Vic and Queensland, including one designed by Matthew McConaughey. Unyoked's ethos is to connect back with nature to help unplug, alleviate stress and anxiety, which is something we're guessing many health workers are in need of right now. All properties have been placed in secret patches of wilderness, in the middle of nowhere, allowing you to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city. The off-the-grid experience brings you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Each cabin is designed to make you feel like you're part of the surrounding landscape, too. Think timber, oversized windows, solar power, composting toilets and a blissful lack of wi-fi. At the same time, though, simple comforts are taken care of, so you get a cosy bed, kitchen appliances, firewood, coffee, milk, herbs and the like. So, even if you're not working in on the frontline, you may want to consider booking yourself a remedial weekend away once allowed. Unyoked cabins are located across NSW, Vic and Queensland. While you shouldn't book just yet, you can check them out here.
When you think of Phillip Island, you probably think of penguins (not that we blame you — they're adorable). But this remarkable setting offers so much more than just our furry friends. Whether it's the outstanding dining possibilities — think fresh seafood, seasonal produce, top-notch wines and killer views — or the coastline that features some fascinating rock formations and the opportunity to spot some migrating sea life, at less than two hours' drive from Melbourne's CBD, Phillip Island is an awesome place to spend a cooler weather getaway. We've found the best spots to eat, play and stay on a weekend away if you want to escape our big island to find a smaller, cosier one. [caption id="attachment_724044" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phillip Island Winery, Jackson Grant[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Although surrounded by water, Phillip Island isn't a tropical isle where you sip on coconuts. It's wild, rugged and full of cosy eateries and bars to stop at and escape the cold. And, just because you're leaving behind Melbourne for the weekend doesn't mean you have to give up the coffee that you know and love. Start your Phillip Island getaway at The Store, which is where you'll find the best cup of java to kickstart your trip. There's also a selection of flaky pies and steaming hot toasties that'll help rid you of the daybreak chills. Now that you've had your morning pick-me-up, what better way to dive into the pleasures of Phillip Island than by taking a quick drive south through the picturesque plains to the Phillip Island Winery? From here, you'll experience stellar panoramic views from the winery's vantage point — make the most of them by sitting outside next to the roaring fire pit and sipping a shiraz alongside a cheese platter. Once you've sampled enough of the island's top wines, you'd be remiss if you didn't give the beer the same opportunity. Fortunately, Ocean Reach Brewing's mellow brewpub is only ten minutes away. Start with a tasting paddle, which will give you four flavourful offerings from the core range. [caption id="attachment_722687" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Cape Kitchen[/caption] By now, the morning is probably done and dusted and it's time to figure out your lunchtime plans. Serving up everything from breakfast bagels to birria queso tacos, Kelp is a popular pit stop for lunch a brunch seekers on Phillip Island. Located right by the bridge connecting Newhaven and San Remo, the charming venue features an interior inspired by the surrounding seaside with a rustic fit out. Another option is Saltwater, a laidback eatery situated on the most eastern tip of the island. Here, you'll be tucking into woodfired pizzas, charcuterie and, unsurprisingly, plenty of seafood while overlooking the wild sea. When the sun goes down, we recommend getting cosy with another glass of red at Grenache Wine Bar. Alongside an extensive wine list, featuring both local and international drops, it also has a great reputation for beautiful meals that wouldn't be out of place at a trendy inner city spot. The relaxed, intimate atmosphere pairs perfectly with a belly-warming feast that could entail grilled chorizo oysters with balsamic glaze or snapper with pepperberry hollandaise. These options not enough for you? Check out our food and drink guide to Phillip Island to find more local wineries, breweries, cafes, bars and restaurants. [caption id="attachment_704319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] DO Phillip Island undoubtedly offers some incredible gastronomic options, but the scenery is just as good. From striking clifftop hikes to astounding whale watching spots, there are plenty of things to see and do to keep your weekend away lively. One of the island's most popular adventures is the Cape Woolamai Circuit. Starting from the island's southern point and travelling up to its highest peak, this trek combines three separate walks that range in length from four to almost seven kilometres long. Each section is a rather easygoing walk with no prior hiking experience required. You'll probably want to rug up — you'll be battling the elements, after all. But you'll be rewarded with moody ocean vistas and stunning rock formations, including the Pinnacles Lookout and the Old Granite Quarry, which highlights a bit of local history — much of Melbourne's building materials came from here in the late 19th century. [caption id="attachment_724590" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Any weekend escape to Phillip Island needs to include a visit to Kitty Miller Bay — the 500-metre long stretch of sandy dunes is one of the prettiest in the region. There's also the remains of the SS Speke, which ran aground in 1906, and is now a popular spot for surfers and snorkellers in warmer months. In cooler months, stay dry (and warm) while whale watching. If you head to Pyramid Rock, you'll find yourself at one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales and orcas that cruise by heading to warmer waters. Take a stroll down the boardwalk and experience the rugged coastline from the excellent viewing platform. [caption id="attachment_724589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] To up your chances of seeing whales, the self-guided Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail is your insiders' map on where you need to go and it advises you on the bays, headlands and beaches you have to hit. Even if you don't witness the majestic creatures this time around, these incredible sights are still worth a visit. If you'd prefer someone to lead the way for you, Wildlife Coast Cruises offers a variety of tours. Consider the Winter Whale Cruise, which takes a tour of four whale watching hotspots or go in search of the island's resident fur seals with this two-hour cruise. For more exciting things to do on Phillip Island, read our full outdoor adventure guide or hit up Concrete Playground Trips — where you can book two-day cruises, day trips from Melbourne and tours to the penguin parade. [caption id="attachment_724571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Cabin, Hilary Walker[/caption] STAY After a day of exploring this charming island in all its windswept glory, you're going to want somewhere cosy to retreat to and thaw out — preferably in front of a fireplace with a glass of red. We do have a specific guide to the best places to stay on. Philip Island but here are some of our faves. Our first pick is Cape Cabin, a mud-brick and timber home that boasts direct beach access and sweeping views across Bass Strait and Cape Woolamai. Hidden among native plant life, it's ideal for big groups as it sleeps up to nine guests across five large bedrooms. There's loads of space to spread out, with fully equipped indoor and outdoor kitchens, plus massive entertainment and living areas. [caption id="attachment_723598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Five Acres[/caption] For those looking for a more rural retreat, the Five Acres farm stay offers just that, while remaining easily within reach of Cowes. From here, your deck showcases sprawling views across Western Port Bay, while a fireplace makes for snug evening warming back up. Or, you could opt for an even more rustic approach with a stay in one of The Sheltered Glamping Co's luxury glamping tents. The largest, Emperor Safari, even comes with an outdoor tub to soak in. Meanwhile, if style is the name of the game, then the Anglers Shack likely wins. Owned and decorated by prominent stylist Simone Haag, this chic beach cabin on Sunderland Bay shows off some of her best work. Enjoy the ocean views and the skate ramp — if that's your kind of thing. Down the road in the lush community of Smiths Beach, the five-bedroom Beachwood Luxury Villa will have you within close proximity to a wealth of restaurants and parks. The balcony is great for celebrating, plus you can get a glimpse of Pyramid Rock and the nearby beach, all from the comfort of your weekend home. But if you travelling on a budget, think about some laidback holiday parks by the beach. There's Comfort Resort Kaloha and NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park just outside of Cowes, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island in the countryside and BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park by Newhaven. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
New season, new you, right? Those planning on a spot of springtime self-improvement will find plenty of gems among The School of Life's (TSOL) just-dropped spring term program — and what better way to yank yourself off the couch and out of hibernation mode? The global organisation is on a long-running mission to help people lead more fulfilled lives, offering a jam-packed seasonal program of classes, courses, workshops and events aimed at boosting self-knowledge. And the Melbourne chapter has not only unveiled its new season schedule, but it's celebrating with a brand-new home, moving from its former CBD digs to a stately, historic mansion in the heart of St Kilda. Designed by renowned Australian architect Albert Purchas over 160 years ago, The White House will now house TSOL's classroom, acting as a breeding ground for some fresh perspectives and blossoming self-awareness. The thought of studying philosophy in the mansion is giving us some serious Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters vibes. [caption id="attachment_738600" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The School of Life[/caption] TSOL's latest program is all about blowing away those winter cobwebs and re-energising those emotional intelligence levels for the rest of the year — a personal spring clean, if you like. Classes cover topics including How to Identify Your Career Potential, How to Find Love and How to Be Confident, while a series of full-day workshops will teach you about things like Making Relationships Work (November 9) or The Serious Business of Playfulness (September 21). You might fancy boosting your business smarts with dedicated workshops on the likes of Leadership (October 11) and Adaptability (November 8), or jump right into TSOL's five-day springtime intensive, taking an enlightening journey through all areas of emotional intelligence. Those keen to dabble in some big ideas might also be tempted by the spring edition of Philosophy Salon – this time, a two-hour exploration of Plato. The School of Life Melbourne's Spring Term classes will mostly be held at The White House, 11 Princes Street, St Kilda. The Spring School Intensive will take place back at the former site, at 669 Bourke Street, Melbourne. You can catch the full program and snap up tickets here. Classes range from $60–80, full-day workshops from $180–220 and the Spring School Intensive $1008–1260.
Since 2008, it's been oh so quiet in Australia. Since the Big Day Out that year, Icelandic icon Björk hasn't toured the country to perform full shows, only coming to Sydney to do DJ sets at Vivid in 2016. But that'll change in 2023, all thanks to the singer's Cornucopia tour; however, if you're keen to check it out — which you should be — then you'll need to make sure you're in Perth. Perth residents, congrats — you're in for a treat, as every Björk show always is. Everyone else, heading to Western Australia should be on your must-do list on March 3, 6, 9 or 12, the dates that the star will take to the stage at Langley Park during 2023's Perth Festival. [caption id="attachment_875283" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Warren Du Preez and Nick Thornton-Jones[/caption] These will be Björk's only Aussie gigs, and take place in a purpose-built, 100 metre by 55 metre pavilion at the venue — which is being badged "a cybersonic Garden of Eden where nature and technology come together in perfect harmony" — that can host almost 5000 people per evening. Expect colours, futuristic screens, a whole lot of nature imagery, stunning costumes, Björk's tunes (obviously) and a multi-sensory experience all round. The musician's 2017 album Utopia is the focus of the Cornucopia tour and the production that goes with it, which debuted back in 2019 in Manhattan. Still, Björk has been playing a few songs from the rest of her career as part of the setlist, including 1993's 'Venus As a Boy', 1995's 'Isobel', and 2001's 'Hidden Place' and 'Pagan Poetry'. [caption id="attachment_875280" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Santiago Felipe[/caption] Fans of tunes like 'Army of Me', 'Hyperballad', 'It's Oh So Quiet', 'Violently Happy' and 'Big Time Sensuality' mightn't hear their favourite track, sorry — but the dazzling spectacle of the Cornucopia gigs, which is co-directed by acclaimed Argentinian filmmaker Lucrecia Martel (Zama) promises to be a sight to behold. The tour comes to Perth after previous other stops in Mexico City, Brussels, Luxembourg, London, Glasgow, Dublin, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Los Angeles and San Francisco — and before two Tokyo gigs. Tickets go on sale from 12pm AWST on Thursday, October 27 (for pre-sales) and 12pm AWST on Thursday, November 2 (for general sales). As for the rest of the Perth Festival lineup — if you're looking for other things to do around Björk's shows, whether you're a local or plan to be a visitor — it's announced on Thursday, October 27. Bjork will play Perth Festival 2023, at Langley Park, 103 Birdiya Drive, Perth, on March 3, 6, 9 and 12, 2023. Ticket pre-sales start at 12pm AWST on Thursday, October 27, with general sales from 12pm AWST on Thursday, November 2. For more information, or to sign up for pre-sale access, head to the Perth Festival website. Top images: William Murray via Wikimedia Commons / Santiago Felipe.
In the heart of the King Valley, the tiny town of Milawa is known for its gourmet food and drink offerings, including the famed Milawa Cheese Company and Brown Brothers winery. But come September, the area will have another major pull — and a sleek new base for your future gastronomic wanderings — as it unveils the multimillion-dollar refurb of Lancemore Milawa. Located at the base of Alpine National Park, the boutique High Country hotel is out to deliver a reimagined country estate, with a fitout by award-winning interior designer Hana Hakim (The Stella Collective) complementing the idyllic mountainous, vineyard-filled surrounds. The 40-room hotel's free-flowing, open interiors pull inspiration from the region's four seasons, zen with plenty of clean lines and palms, and giant windows taking advantage of the stunning outlook. You can look forward to cosying up by toasty fires each winter, while balmy summers will be all about al fresco eats and sessions in the Palm Springs-inspired pool area. Of course, local produce will be celebrated throughout, whether you're keen to kick back over a grazing platter loaded with the aforementioned cheese, or to sip your way through an offering of local vino. Lancemore Milawa also features its own paddock-to-plate fine diner called Merlot, which will continue to be helmed by chef Aaron Jose (Greg Malouf's MoMo, Fifteen), but with a new-look dining room. Lancemore's other boutique hotels include luxe venues in the Melbourne CBD, at Werribee Park Mansion and among the vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula's Red Hill. [caption id="attachment_862631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rhiannon Taylor[/caption] Find the new-look Lancemore Milawa at 223 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa, from September. Images: Renders courtesy of Lancemore Milawa.
It should come as no great surprise that the next venue from the minds behind multifaceted food truck park The Ascot Lot won't be just one venue at all. Rather, Jacob Bettio, Lachlan Taylor and David Bartl are once again trying their hand at a whole entertainment precinct. The trio has taken over the Moonee Ponds site once home to the long-running Russo's supermarket, and is currently busy transforming it into a sprawling hospitality hub, complete with 400-seat mess hall, laneway bar and boutique bottle shop. The first part of the project is already open, with craft-focused beer and wine store Fizz & Hop relocating from its original pop-up space, into its permanent corner within the 500-square-metre Holmes Road building. This cosy bottle shop and lounge bar is stocked with a 250-strong selection, including drops available to drink in (for a small corkage fee) or take home. It's working a laidback living room feel, with lots of reclaimed timber, exposed brickwork and comfy armchairs to kick back in, and regular Friday night tasting sessions featuring some of the country's hottest producers. Right now, you can order in delivery from one of the nearby eateries, though a menu of toasties and charcuterie is set to drop in the coming weeks. Next up, is the headline act: Holmes Hall. Slated to open its doors this April, the roomy mess hall will see the light-filled building pared right back to its historic bones, with original brickwork and concrete flooring elevated with warm timber finishes and plush velvet booths. This one's set to be a drinker's haven for sure, boasting a hefty 25 beer taps and a solid rotation of tinnies sourced from Fizz & Hop, along with local wines, spirits and crafty cocktails. As for the food, Byron Bay chef Angus Adams (Vue de Monde) is pulling together a tapas-style menu with plenty of American influence. Alongside a slew of plant-based options, expect bites like buffalo wings, gooey truffle mac 'n' cheese balls and some modern revamps of your fave pub grub. As is the case at sister venue The Ascot Lot, Holmes Hall is set to play host to a program of regular events, parties and mini festivals, while pinball, shuffleboard and live tunes should keep you more than entertained across the rest of your visits. An adjoining Miami-themed laneway bar will also join the family, set to open in September. Find Fizz & Hop from 2–9pm Tuesday–Wednesday, 12pm–late Thursday–Friday and 11am–late Saturday at 15 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds. Holmes Hall is slated to open at the same address in April.
When Indigenous Australian artist Archie Moore made history at the 2024 La Biennale de Venezia, aka the Venice Biennale, in April by winning the event's coveted Golden Lion for Best National Participation, he also did Brisbane's major art galleries proud. When the First Nations talent earned Australia the top gong at the Olympics of the art world for the first time ever, he did so with an exhibition curated by Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art's Ellie Buttrose, and with a date with the Brisbane sites as part of their 2025–26 program. kith and kin will open in South Brisbane in August 2025 — and it's also being gifted to QAGOMA permanently. The Australian Government has just announced that it has acquired the work to give it to the Brisbane art institution, as well as the UK's Tate, its acquisition partner. Accordingly, gallery visitors both in Australian and the United Kingdom will be able to explore kith and kin after its current Venice run. In Italy, the work is on display until Sunday, November 24, 2024. "I am so grateful for this generous donation that enables kith and kin to be seen both here in Australia and overseas, in the near and distant future," said Moore of the news. "Encountering Archie Moore's kith and kin at the Venice Biennale was a spectacular and moving experience that resonated with the weight of history and ancestry. In its unimaginable endeavour to map a personal genealogy through more than 2000 generations, Moore has summoned up an extraordinary image of human connection through deep time," added Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art Director Chris Saines. "kith and kin has that rare power to still you into silence and reflection. We are profoundly grateful to be the joint custodians of this historic work and we look forward to showing the project, curated by QAGOMA's Curator of Contemporary Australian Art Ellie Buttrose, in Brisbane from August 2025." kith and kin didn't just make history with its Venice Biennale accolade. A hand-drawn genealogical chart that spans back 65,000 years, the piece also chronicles it. Both a personal and a political work, kith and kin steps through Moore's Kamilaroi, Bigambul, British and Scottish heritage across the installation's five-metre-high, 60-metre-long black walls. More than 2400 generations are covered. The exhibition uses chalk on blackboard, with a reflective pool sitting in the middle of the room and 500-plus document stacks suspended above it. Every aspect of kith and kin makes a statement. With its size and scale, it speaks to Australia's Indigenous peoples being among the world's longest-continuous living cultures. The use of black is also designed to look like a celestial map, and therefore nod to the resting place of First Nations ancestors. Highlighting the decrease in Indigenous Australian languages and dialects since colonisation, the fragility that stems from not being able to pass down knowledge and injustices such as deaths in custody are all also part of the work — with the aforementioned piles of paper primarily from coronial inquests. "The phrase 'kith and kin' now simply means 'friends and family'. However, an earlier Old English definition that dates from the 1300s shows kith originally had the added meanings of 'countrymen' and also 'one's native land', with kin meaning 'family members'," notes Moore's explanation of the work. "Many Indigenous Australians, especially those who grew up on Country, know the land and other living things as part of their kinship systems — the land itself can be a mentor, teacher, parent to a child. The sense of belonging involves everyone and everything, and for First Nations peoples of Australia, like most Indigenous cultures, is deeply rooted in our sacred landscapes from birth until death." "I was interested in the phrase as it aptly describes the artwork in the pavilion, but I was also interested in the Old English meaning of the words, as it feels more like a First Nations understanding of attachment to place, people and time." kith and kin will display at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane, from August 2025. We'll update you with more details when they're announced. kith and kin is on display at the Australia Pavilion, Giardini di Castello, 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, until Sunday, November 24, 2024 — head to the exhibition website for further details. Images: Archie Moore / kith and kin 2024 / Australia Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2024 / Photographer Andrea Rossetti / © the artist / Images courtesy of the artist and The Commercial.
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is a hugely significant cultural holiday for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs — celebrating the triumph of good over evil. To mark the occasion, Daughter in Law is hosting four days of eating and partying till you drop (or fall into a glorious food coma) from Thursday, October 20 to Sunday, October 23. Chef Jessi Singh is injecting the Diwali feast with some of Daughter in Law's signature dishes alongside a few new creations inspired by India's thriving street food scene. He's known as being a bit of a rule-breaker when it comes to Indian cuisine, so do expect the unexpected. Lunch and dinner set menus from Thursday to Saturday are both priced at $65 per person, while Sunday menu is going for $75 per person (which includes a glass of bubbles). Expect the likes of curried chicken sandwiches, curry croquettes, chicken tikka, 'unauthentic' butter chicken and plenty of sweets. "For Indian people everywhere, Diwali is a festival full of sweet childhood memories, a sky full of fireworks, a mouth full of sweets, a house full of diyas and a heart full of joy. After what has been a difficult few years, we hope you can join us to celebrate this significant Indian celebration of good over evil, with delicious curry, cocktails, and sweets!" Singh says. Top image: Peter Tarasiuk.
Whether you're a political junkie or simply appreciate the 44th American President's annual end-of-year culture lists, block out your diary for March: you've got a date with Barack Obama. The former US leader is heading Down Under in autumn 2023 for a two-date, two-city speaking tour about leadership — marking his first Australian visit since 2018. President Obama is making the trip for an event dubbed An Evening with President Barack Obama, as presented by business leadership and events provider Growth Faculty. He'll be the organisation's first headline speaker as part of its return to in-person events, in fact — and restarting with the ex-US leader is quite the statement. Obama will take to the stage on Tuesday, March 28 at Aware Theatre in Sydney and on Wednesday, March 29 at Melbourne's John Cain Arena. For folks who can't make it, won't be in either city or miss out on tickets, the Sydney session will also be livestreamed. As for exactly what Obama will be focusing on — leadership is a broad topic — Growth Faculty quoted the man himself, from back in November 2019, as a guide. "Being a leader is not a matter of having your name up in lights, making speeches or corralling power at the top. It's identifying the power in other people and unleashing it," Obama said. The former US President will also cover unpredictable futures and how to navigate them, something that comes with his past job. In-person tickets start at $195, or there's a VIP option in Sydney with a pre-speech cocktail party — although Obama won't be there sipping drinks before taking the stage. AN EVENING WITH PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA 2023: Tuesday, March 28 — Aware Theatre, Sydney Wednesday, March 29 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne An Evening with President Barack Obama heads to Sydney and Melbourne in March 2023, with tickets on sale from 9am on Thursday, November 24. Head to the Growth Faculty website for further details. Top image: Carol M Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons.
If I were to present you with a map and ask you to direct me somewhere, you'd say something along the lines of "Huh? Where's the GPS on this piece of paper?" I am universally acknowledged as being useless when it comes to directions. I will frequently ask people to turn left, then yell "no! I meant the other left!" For this reason my friends forbid me to offer any form of direction on any means of transport and have been known to resort to violent swearing. I use Google Maps every day. But never have I been lost and resorted to an actual map. Google Maps rules the field of location and direction these days. People Finders connect you with others during times of disaster, Street Art View allows you to tag art from around the world, and with a new and improved view you can take a virtual stroll through the streets of Stockholm and Mexico City. An oversized and confusing piece of paper simply can't compete. Now, a series of collages entitled Map Works by American artist Matthew Cusick have taken what has essentially become a dead medium and turned those maps into beautiful and intricate collages. By rescuing them from the landfill and thrusting them into the retro-chic realm of cassette tapes and typewriters, it's work like this which will make us appreciate old-fashioned maps in years to come.
This year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras brightened up the Harbour City back in February and March, complete with help from The Wiggles — but today, Friday, June 24, marks a huge milestone for the event. On this day back in 1978, Sydney's first-ever Mardi Gras was held. So, to celebrate, what better day to create a human progress pride flag on the Sydney Opera House steps? That glorious display has already happened, taking place around lunchtime today. That said, like most things in life these days, there are photos. Nearly 1000 Sydneysiders lined up on the steps for the multi-hued display, arranged in colourful lines beneath one of the city's — and Australia's — most recognisable landmarks. [caption id="attachment_859007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] As well as commemorating the date, the flag was created — albeit temporarily, obviously — in the lead up to Sydney WorldPride in 2023. The New South Wales capital will host the global event from February 17–March 5 next year, which'll span 17 days and 300-plus LGBTQIA+ festivities. Included on the Sydney WorldPride bill: the Mardi Gras Parade, of course. It'll make its way down Oxford Street for the first time in three years, after the pandemic scuppered its usual plans and sent it to the SCG in 2021 and 2022. Sydney WorldPride will also feature a huge opening concert hosted by Courtney Act and Casey Donovan, pride villages set up in sections of Crown Street and Riley Street, a giant weekend-long street party on Oxford Street, a Bondi beach party that'll turn the iconic sandy stretch into a club for 12,000 people, and a Blak & Deadly First Nations gala concert. [caption id="attachment_859015" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Getty Images[/caption] Plus, there'll be a dance party in The Domain for 10,000, which is being dubbed as the biggest LGBQTIA+ outdoor dance party in Australia; a pride march, sending 50,000 people across the Sydney Harbour Bridge; and huge queer show Rainbow Republic, again at The Domain, this time with six hours of live music, DJs and performances spanning both international and local acts. The Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference is also on the bill, as is a six-night First Nations gathering space at Carriageworks — and Ultra Violet, an inclusive LGBTQIA+ women's party at Town Hall. Yes, it's going to be huge — and it's expected that more than 500,000 people will participate. [caption id="attachment_859017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Getty Images[/caption] Sydney WorldPride will run from February 17–March 5, 2023. For more information, or for general ticket sales from 9am AEST on Friday, July 15, head to the event's website. Images: Daniel Boud / Getty Images.
Its name might be a playful reference to its Brunswick East location, but that's not stopping long-running locals' haunt The B.East from expanding the family and opening a second outpost, this time in the heart of Fitzroy. Launching this February, The B.East of Brunswick Street is the latest venture from hospitality crew Cast of Falcons, who also brought you hits like Section 8, Globe Alley and Radar. It's dishing up the same burger-heavy food offering and raucous, rock 'n' roll vibes as its sibling, though with a few twists and surprises to suit its new northside home. Taking over the two-storey corner space most recently home to short-lived vegan joint Henry's, this new edition of The B.East is serving up a hefty lineup of burgers and sides, with plant-based options galore. You'll spy fan favourites like the southern fried chicken-loaded Clint Beastwood and the Filthy — a beef smash patty teamed with cheddar, house-made chilli paste, pickles and jalapeño aioli — alongside a handful of exclusive new creations. Vegan burger fiends can get excited for the likes of the mock fried chicken Bam Bam Buffalo number, and the Ad-Rock, featuring a Moving Mountains patty, maple facon, vegan cheddar, mustard and hickory barbecue sauce. The food is backed by a lineup of craft beers, local wines and fun cocktails. While the OG Lygon Street venue boasts a jam-packed program of live tunes, the music focus at Fitzroy is instead be DJ-driven. Regular crowd-pullers like trivia nights and competitions are also on the cards, with more details to drop later. We're crossing our fingers that new The B.East venue lasts a little longer than its Brunswick Street predecessors — in the space of just a few years, the site has been home to San Churro, US-inspired burger bar Chiquito & Co and Henry's, to name a few.
For many, the rise in cost of living has made fancy dinners out a thing of the past — or at least a thing on hold, until things improve. Pinchy's, the CBD's pink paean to lobster rolls, has decided to offer a helping hand. Throughout autumn and winter, the eatery is bringing you affordable seafood specials every night of the week. Head in on Monday for all-you-can-eat mussels and chips for $30, or on Tuesday for half-price tacos packed with your choice of king crab, tuna, fish, or spicy chicken. Come Wednesday, you'll be chowing down on half-price lobster rolls, before returning on Thursday for more lobster in the form of linguine at 25 bucks a plate. Between 4–7pm on Friday, there'll be half-price oysters, wine and cocktails soundtracked by DJs, while Saturday is dedicated to surf 'n' turf. That means half-price wagyu and lobster burgers, alongside half-price cocktails. Finally, if you want to put cooking firmly off the agenda on a Sunday, swing by for half-price fish and chips. Pinchy's regulars will know that whichever night you go and whatever you order, the servings will be generous and the seafood fresh and tasty.
Excellent casting doesn't guarantee an excellent movie, but it can get you booking tickets ASAP. And All of Us Strangers might just have the best lead duo there is right now, pairing the internet's boyfriends Paul Mescal (Aftersun) and Andrew Scott (Fleabag). Just as exceptional: the film marks the latest from Weekend's Andrew Haigh, who both writes and directs. Any of those three talents alone is cause for excitement. Mescal has had the world swooning since Normal People, scored an Oscar nomination this year for Aftersun, then danced spectacularly in the desert in Carmen. Scott has proven a must-watch in everything from Jimmy's Hall and Pride to Sherlock and Black Mirror. And, as well as one of the best queer romances ever made in Weekend, Haigh also worked on TV series Looking, and has 45 Years, Lean on Pete and The North Water on his resume. With All of Us Strangers, the trio tell the story of Adam (Scott) and his neighbour Harry (Mescal), who fall in love as the film's just-dropped trailer shows. Their relationship sparks as Adam is peering back to his past, to when his parents passed away when he was 12. Then comes ghosts, perhaps — because, heading back to the town he grew up, Adam's mum and dad seem to still be alive. In a feature that adapts Taichi Yamada's 1987 novel Strangers — and a movie with a stacked roster of talent all round — Claire Foy (Women Talking) and Jamie Bell (Shining Girls) join Scott and Mescal on-screen are as Adam's mother and father. And the mood around them, based on the sneak peek, which is soundtracked by the Pet Shop Boys' version of 'Always on My Mind'? Mysterious and yearning. After premiering at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival, All of Us Strangers is set to hit cinemas Down Under on Thursday, January 18, 2024 — so there's one of your first must-see movies for next year. If you're in Brisbane, you can catch it in October and November first thanks to the 2023 Brisbane International Film Festival. Check out the trailer for All of Us Strangers below: All of Us Strangers will release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Images: courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
No matter the occasion — whether it's a celebratory drink or a deluxe date — popping open a bottle of bubbly makes any outing far more special. So, if you're looking to take things up a notch, head to Newport's Junction Hotel for a luxe wine and food pairing available till the end of April. For $185, you'll get a Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial and the hotel's specialty ploughmans board, loaded with cured meats, terrine, caper berries, mustard, relish, and a wedge of cheddar cheese. The pink-hued champagne, with its brightness, red fruit aromas and slightly dry finish, will pair nicely with your spread — plus it's sure to elevate any date, party or dinner. You'll be saving some pennies, too, as a bottle of Moët Rosé and the ploughmans usually comes to $215 when bought as separate items. If you're after a more casual setting head to the the pub's airy beer hall. Or, settle into a leather booth in the sleek, dimly-lit wine room for a fancier affair. To book your spot, head here.
For decades, Australians have been told that a hard-earned thirst needs a big, cold beer. In Iceland, a well-deserved soak also needs just that — and a whole tub full of brews. Helping keep the Scandinavian nation on the top of everyone's travel bucket list, it now boasts its first ever beer spa. Yes, that involves sitting in yeasty goodness while drinking it. Just opened in Árskógssandur in the country's north, Bjórböðin features nine tubs just waiting for beer lovers to take a dip in their favourite beverage. Seven two-person baths, made from Kambala wood, can be found inside, while two larger hot tubs capable of seating 8 to 10 people take the brew-soaking action outside. Each is filled with beer, water, hops and yeast, and don't worry — while you can knock back a few draughts while they're there, drinking the bathwater isn't on the agenda. Visitors steep themselves in the warm brew for 25 minutes at a time, then head for a 25-minute spell in a relaxation room. To get the most out of the soak (because bathing in beer is all about boosting your skin and hair, not just sitting in the tasty amber liquid), showering for a few hours isn't recommended. For those keen on making the trek, there's also a restaurant on site, helping everyone pair their drinking with a meal. And if you're eager to bathe in brews in more than one place, plan an Iceland-US round trip, with a beer hotel planned in Columbus, Ohio. Image: Bjórböðin.
Few actors have splashed into Hollywood like Maria Bakalova. Few actors have had Sacha Baron Cohen completely change their lives, too. Jump back to 2020 and the Bulgarian talent was 24, working since she was 12, but a fresh face internationally. Then, mere months into 2021, she was the Oscar-nominated breakout star of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan — for playing Borat's teenage daughter Tutar Sagdiyev with fierce comic commitment that upstaged everyone around her, even Baron Cohen. How do you follow up that kind of whirlwind? For Bakalova, the challenge is seeking out interesting approaches, "because at the end of the day, all of the scripts, all of the stories have been written back in the day," she tells Concrete Playground from a hotel room in New York. "It's only the way that this production company, this director of photography, this filmmaker are going to share the story that's the difference between stories that have been the same over and over and over," Bakalova notes. Cue Bodies Bodies Bodies. Bakalova is spot on; there's much that's familiar about the latest horror gem from audience-darling studio A24. It brings together a group of wealthy twentysomethings in an empty mansion, where a party naturally ensues. It strands them with an encroaching hurricane, but that's the whole reason they're drinking tequila by the pool anyway. As the Halina Reijn (Instinct)-directed film's name makes plain, there are soon bodies, bodies, bodies, starting when the gang play the Mafia- and Werewolf-style game that also shares the movie's moniker. Avoiding becoming the next victim, pointing fingers among themselves while looking for the culprit, working through their Gen Z baggage: if you've seen a slasher flick, a whodunnit or Euphoria, you've seen plenty of Bodies Bodies Bodies' components before. Bodies Bodies Bodies isn't the film that audiences expect from there, though. It's savage, hilarious, playful, twisty, raucous and chaotic all at once — and it makes the utmost of a cast that enlists Bakalova as Bee, the quiet, working-class girlfriend to Amandla Stenberg's (Dear Evan Hansen) Sophie, and the outsider in the group of rich kids played by Pete Davidson (The Suicide Squad), Rachel Sennott (Shiva Baby), Chase Sui Wonders (Generation) and Myha'la Herrold (Industry). It's another movie-stealing performance and, with Bodies Bodies Bodies opening in Australian cinemas on September 15, Bakalova chatted us through fangirling over A24, seeking out a character far removed from Tutar and, yes, playing Bodies Bodies Bodies with her costars. ON DECIDING WHAT TO DO AFTER BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM "To be honest, I believe that most of the actors I like and most of the people that I look up to — I have been acting for a while, because I started when I was 12, it's been 14 years so far — most of the people that I admire in their work have always wanted to have longevity. That's pretty relevant to me as well. So that's why I always try to find something that is different than what I did before, something that is completely the opposite of my last character. Reading the script of Bodies Bodies Bodies and seeing that there is a character like Bee — somebody that is exactly the opposite of Tutar in Borat, the role that took me to America and made people somehow relate to me and root for the character — was challenging and interesting to approach and try to work on. Because she has nothing in common with Tutar, and she has nothing in common with myself. And I wanted to work with A24 as well — a lot. I love most of their movies, if not all of them. I believe they're all of them, but to not sound like a creeper, I will say most of them. Plus, I loved Halina's work. She's also a theatrically trained actress, as I am, and I was interested to work with her. I always like to work with women in charge, because every time you see a movie that has been led by a woman, there is this specific sensitivity that somehow triggers you in a different way. So with this script, with Halina in charge, with all of these female characters involved, I was excited to explore what's happening." ON GETTING DRAWN INTO BODIES BODIES BODIES' TWISTS "I was very happy to read a script where people are speaking the way that we're speaking. Bee is not the most outspoken person in the script, but the dialogue itself is just beautifully written, so all my respect towards Sarah DeLappe [Bodies Bodies Bodies' screenwriter]. You see these people, you hear them, you feel them. You see a real person in front of you. So I was excited while I was reading it, and I was questioning myself: 'Who is it? Who is it? You have to know! You have to feel it! You have to sense it!'. And at the end of the script when I get to the point that, 'oh my god, it's this!'. It's quite relevant to the decade that we live in, because we're all a little bit manipulated by some of the tools that we have access to. And we often forget to communicate, and just sit down and discuss what's happening — 'who are you, why are we friends, why are we a couple, what are we doing now?'. You just jump and judge and start blaming each other because the trust doesn't exist and you're not honest with each other. I was very thrilled by the script and the twist at the end, because that's what's the most exciting part of every single script that you're reading — you cannot wait to get to the end and see how this mystery will be solved." ON PLAYING THE OUTSIDER OF THE GROUP — AND FINDING AUTHENTICITY "I respect Bee's decisions — some of her decisions… She's way smarter than people think she is, and way stronger than their perception of her. The only similarity between me and Bee is that we're both from different countries, but that can be universal as well, because every one of us has felt sometimes where you're in a place and around people that you do not really know, do not really relate to, and you try to belong. So as much as she's similar to people like me, like Halina, as newcomers to this new big beautiful country dreamland, it's also a universal feeling of the desire to belong somewhere with someone. The process of Bodies Bodies Bodies has been really interesting because we got to work, to experiment, to think, and then shoot for a very quick period of time — and work with one location and a lot of settings, a lot of physical blocking. That's difficult for a theatrical play, which of course came from Halina and her desire to make this as authentically as possible — and with as long takes as possible. And Jasper Wolf, our director of photography, has just been a dream because he was following every single movement and every single decision we make in the moment. He captured things that haven't been written, haven't been rehearsed, they just happen in this moment, because Halina never said — not never, but a lot of times — she didn't say cut or stop, and we just kept going." ON PLAYING BODIES BODIES BODIES WITH THE CAST OF BODIES BODIES BODIES "We were shooting in this humongous, tremendous villa in the middle of Chappaqua [in upstate New York] in the woods, and we were staying at this very scary hotel around Chappaqua. Every single night, we wanted to spend time together rehearsing — and just hold hands and tell each other that we're worth it, we're loved and we're good, we're not bad people, because we were traumatised by the movie we were shooting somehow, and by the horrible people that we had to play. One of the nights we wanted to play Bodies Bodies Bodies, or as we call it, Mafia or Werewolf. And if was very interesting. I think it made us more into the game. And it was one of the first nights we were together, so it was interesting to explore what happens there." ON HOW LIFE HAS CHANGED SINCE BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM "It became more bicoastal, universal. I've been working like crazy ever since I was a child, and trying to do as many things as possible — if they're good quality — but I just want to keep working, it makes me happy. It makes me happy to have the chance to portray all of these different people and try to think like them. And maybe somehow, it makes me understand people more, because I have to read the lines of this character, create their backstory and believe them. When you get the chance to explore different characters and their reasons, you are not so judgemental when you meet people in real life. That's why I'm passionate about acting and working. But the biggest change is that I hope people will pay more attention to people from my region of the world, people like me, people who haven't been in the spotlight yet and haven't been given a chance." Bodies Bodies Bodies screens in Australian cinemas from September 15. Read our full review. Images:Erik Chakeen / Gwen Capistran / The cast and crew of Bodies Bodies Bodies / A24.
Anthony Bourdain once said, "Too lazy to peel fresh? You don't deserve to eat garlic." Honestly, it's hard to disagree, as this versatile kitchen staple takes just about any meal from good to great. If you're keen to explore the best of Australia's local growers, the South Gippsland Garlic Festival is the place to be. Held on Saturday, March 8 in Korumburra – about 90 minutes drive from Melbourne – this is your chance to head home with a boot full of incredible produce. Forming part of the festival, a sprawling market will feature 80 stallholders spruiking an exceptional range of fresh garlic and garlic-related products. Also in attendance will be local fruit and veggie producers, food vendors and coffeemakers, ensuring plenty of top-notch cuisine accompanies your visit. Once you've stocked up, head to the Garlic Festival Bar to encounter much-loved Gippsland winemakers, brewers, and distillers, such as Fleet Wines, Gurneys Cider, Burra Brewing and Mates Gin. Then, the Garlic Festival Kitchen sees former MasterChef contestant Simon Toohey welcome esteemed chefs, including Messmates Dining's Jodie Odrowaz and Michael Clarke, for live cooking demonstrations that hero the headline ingredient. Meanwhile, there are kids' activities – including a visit from Bluey – and a host of live entertainment to make this aromatic event fun for everyone. When you've finished exploring the festival grounds, the rest of Korumburra is also getting in the mood, with nearby restaurants, pubs, cafes and bakeries offering one-off treats to garlic-loving punters. [caption id="attachment_992308" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: Ken Spence[/caption] Top image: Ken Spence
Another week, another Gelato Messina special. That's been the dessert chain's contribution to making lockdown a little more bearable over the past 18 months, and it isn't changing that tactic now. So, if you're under stay-at-home conditions in Sydney and Melbourne, you now have another decadent sweet treat to look forward to. For folks in southeast Queensland, you've got an excuse to eat dessert even now that the region's latest lockdown is over. On the menu this time: the return of the brand's sticky brioche snails, complete with plenty of caramel. Basically, it's Messina's interpretation of a Cinnabon-style scroll, and it's another limited release. It also comes paired with a tub of cheesecake gelato — because Messina always likes to team up its baked goods with the frosty dessert it's known for, obviously Wondering what exactly Messina's latest sticky snail entails? It comes stuffed with caramel custard and choc chips, and covered in malt caramel — and the latter is oh-so-gooey. As for the accompanying tub, it's filled with layers of vanilla custard gelato and cheesecake mousse, and then topped with cheesecake crumble. Dubbed a 'lockdown snack pack', this special can only be ordered online on Monday, August 16. It will set you back $69 for both the snail and the tub of gelato — and, because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand is staggering the on-sale times. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.30am, and New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (with pies from Circular Quay, Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick and Miranda on sale at 10am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 10.30am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Rosebery and Penrith at 11am). The catch? You'll have to peel yourself off the couch and head to your local Messina store to pick up your order. They'll be available for collection between Friday, August 20–Sunday, August 22. Sydneysiders, remember to abide by lockdown restrictions when it comes to picking up your pie — with a ten-kilometre limit in place for picking up food in most lockdown areas, and a five-kilometre limit in place in Local Government Areas of concern. Melburnians, if lockdown is extended again until then, you'll also only be permitted to travel within a five-kilometre radius to pick up food. Then, after you've got the sticky snail safely home, you just need to whack it in the oven for 20–25 minutes at 160 degrees and voila! You can preorder a Messina lockdown snack pack from Monday, August 16, to pick up from Friday, August 20–Sunday, August 22.
Just when you thought they couldn't possibly squeeze any more shiny new additions into Chadstone's newly-launched Social Quarter precinct, along comes the final piece of the puzzle. Introducing, Cityfields — an all-day bar and diner with a European lean from the team behind South Melbourne's much-loved Half Acre. It's the realisation of a plan that's been a long time in the making and it's well worth the wait. The polished yet effortlessly chic venue really impresses. Unfolding across two levels, this grand, light-filled space makes a statement, imagined with the help of designers Pasquale Cook and Studio Manifold. It's got a show-stopping curved staircase lit by vintage chandeliers, lofty 12-metre-high ceilings and an assortment of seating, indoors and out, with soaring double doors to greet you as you enter. On the ground floor, both the public bar and restaurant plate up the same day-to-night culinary offering; the menu taking cues from Half Acre, then adding a dash of European bistro flavour. There's a touch of Aussie influence, an abundance of local produce and plenty of wood-fired elements on show throughout. That might mean kicking things off with the wood-roasted pumpkin dip, dainty olive and anchovy gildas, kingfish crudo finished with native lime, and hand-cut salami with caperberries and pickles. There's even a nod to the potato cake done with goat milk yoghurt and a sweet pickle relish. Vibrant salads range from a classic niçoise to a seared beef and lentil number, while pasta fiends can cosy up to the likes of gnocchi cacio e pepe with shaved pine mushrooms, and a hearty pairing of Sicilian tomato pesto and bone marrow. Or, dig deeper with the porchetta sided with rich quince jus, a cheeseburger or one of four wood-fired steak cuts teamed with very French accompaniments. You'll also find a roving dessert cart doing the rounds, though it's hard to pass up the house-made soft serve in flavours like anzac biscuit and olive oil, and macadamia Milo affogato. Locals lead the crafty beer lineup and the wine list is expansive, with a handful of signature cocktails headlined by a riff on the gin fizz. Taking pride of place atop the bar, the Sling Shaker jiggles away blending the contents of up to six cocktail shakers at once. And just in case you needed any more excuse to stop by for a tipple, happy hour runs from 4–7pm every Monday to Thursday. But, despite the impressive offerings of Cityfields' ground floor, that's far from it. Set to open next month is the venue's sophisticated second level, home to a 40-seat dining room as well as the Terrace Bar and Terrace Garden. Rooftop sips and al fresco long lunches await. Find Cityfields at Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone. It's open daily from 12pm–late. Images: Pete Dillon
Futurama is coming out of stasis, and a pandemic, vaccines, bitcoin, streaming and cancel culture all await. How will the Planet Express crew deal with all of the above, plus a massive disruption in the flow of time, when the Matt Groening-created show about life in the 31st century returns in July? As seen in the comeback season's initial teaser and now its just-dropped full trailer, they'll cope the same way they always have in this beloved animated sitcom: by knowing that anything and everything can and will happen. If a pizza delivery guy was to accidentally wander into a cryogenic chamber back in July 2013, get stuck frozen inside for ten years, then wake up in July 2023, plenty that he knows about the world will have changed — but Futurama would remain a constant. Back then, the series was still on-screen. Now, it's finally being defrosted after a decade off the air. Good news, everyone! — it's back, baby, after US streaming platform Hulu first announced plans to go back to the future in 2022. Futurama was renewed for a 20-episode run, with the first ten new instalments arriving from Monday, July 24 Down Under via Disney+. Say hello again to the 20th-century's Philip J Fry (voiced by Billy West), distant uncle to Planet Express cargo company Professor Hubert J Farnsworth (also voiced by West), plus the rest of the outfit's crew. Yes, that means more antics with one-eyed ship captain Turanga Leela (Katey Sagal); fellow employees Hermes Conrad (Phil LaMarr), Amy Wong (Lauren Tom) and Zoidberg (also West); and everyone from self-obsessed starship captain Zapp Brannigan (West again) and his amphibious 4th Lieutenant Kif Kroker (Maurice LaMarche) through to scheming corporation owner Mom (Tress MacNeille). And, yes, it Bender Bending Rodríguez will be causing chaos, with John DiMaggio also back with the cast. When the revival was first announced, that wasn't the case — but it wouldn't be Futurama without its constantly sauced robot exclaiming "bite my shiny metal ass!". You can put a beloved show into suspended animation, but someone is going to thaw it out one day — and more than once. Initially airing from 1999–2003, the futuristic series then returned from 2008–2013, before now being given another run. Hulu is calling this comeback season 11, even though Futurama spans a past seven seasons and four direct-to-DVD movies so far. As for what this return is about, other than satirising life in the year 3000 and beyond — and parts of life today — the streaming service is promising more about Fry and Leela's love story, what's in Nibbler's litter box, evil Robot Santa's secret history, and Kif and Amy's tadpoles. Check out the full new Futurama trailer below: Futurama season 11 will stream via Disney+ Down Under from Monday, July 24.
For everyone who's yearned for a sunny, sandy, surf-filled holiday over the past few years, screens big and small have come with a warning: be careful what you wish for. In M Night Shyamalan's Old, hitting a gorgeous beach meant ageing quickly. In The White Lotus, it sparked eat-the-rich dramas. While the horror movie remake of Fantasy Island arrived just before lockdowns and travel restrictions, it unleashed terrors in scenic surroundings (and a terrible movie upon audiences). And in the Tim Roth-starring Sundown, escaping to Acapulco permanently isn't as blissful as it sounds. Come the end of July, The Resort will keep this chaotic vacation streak going, all via an eight-part streaming series that'll hit Australia via Stan from Friday, July 29. Here, Nick Offerman (Pam & Tommy), Cristin Milioti (Made for Love) and William Jackson Harper (The Good Place) star in a comedy-thriller that's also a mystery and a coming-of-age love story. Plenty can happen on a getaway, after all. Milioti and Harper play Emma and Noah, two high-school teachers who've been married for ten years and head off on a trip to the Yucatan to celebrate. But while seeking a stint of vacation bliss, as well as attempting to reinvigorate a routine relationship and life that Noah at least is content with, they stumble upon a 15-year-old mystery involving Sam (Skyler Gisondo, Licorice Pizza) and Violet (Nina Bloomgarden, Good Girl Jane) — when they were each making the trip to Oceana Vista Resort with their respective parents back in 2007, but weren't seen again. As The Resort's trailer shows, Offerman plays Violet's father, who is still looking into the mystery, too. Also making an appearance: Luis Gerardo Méndez (Narcos: Mexico) as Oceana Vista Resort's head of security a decade and a half back, Gabriela Cartol (Hernán) as the concierge where Emma and Noah are staying, and Parvesh Cheena (Mythic Quest) and Michael Hitchcock (Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar) as two Teds who are married to each other. The cast also includes Ben Sinclair (Thor: Love and Thunder) as resort owner, Debby Ryan (Insatiable) as Sam's girlfriend, and IRL couple Dylan Baker (Hunters) and Becky Ann Baker (Big Little Lies) as Sam's parents. Behind the scenes, The Resort hails from showrunner, writer and executive producer Andy Siara (Palm Springs, Lodge 49), as well as producers Sam Esmail (Mr Robot) and Chad Hamilton, and was shot throughout Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Check out the trailer for The Resort below: The Resort will start streaming in Australia via Stan from Friday, July 29. Images: Marisol Pesquera / Peacock.
It's almost time to tick over into another trip around the sun. But before our current rotation is complete, we have to give this year a massive send-off that celebrates the ups and, hopefully, helps us forget the downs. Fortunately, this New Year's Eve in Melbourne is stacked, with these dining encounters, late-night parties and luxe galas making for a memorable final night on the town. Cosmic Discoteca at Johnny's Green Room Bring your dancing shoes and send it intergalactic style, as Johnny's Green Room rings in NYE with the all-inclusive Cosmic Discoteca. Priced at $300 per ticket, this rooftop shindig kicks off with champagne on arrival, before guests indulge in a once-off menu created by chef Karen Martini. Then, catch sweeping city views of the fireworks and free-flowing drinks until 1am. Find out more here. New Year's Eve at The Royce's Showroom Bar NYE is a glamorous affair at The Royce — a former Rolls-Royce showroom turned coveted hotel and dining destination. Ease into the evening at the Showroom Bar, where guests can sip Taittinger champagne, knock back a negroni and snack on signature nibbles, like hibachi-flamed ocean trout. Open for walk-ins throughout the afternoon and evening, this spot is ideal for late planners. Find out more here. Midnight Merchants' Ball at Mill Place Merchants Look ahead from a throwback speakeasy, as Mill Place Merchants celebrate NYE with the Midnight Merchants' Ball. Ticketed from $358 per person, guests dressed in their best 'trades of the past' outfit score unlimited cocktails, canapes and live entertainment, including a three-piece jazz band. With prizes awarded for best costume, don your suspenders or feather boas and get immersed in this Prohibition-era party for the ages. Find out more here. [caption id="attachment_845602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] New Year's Eve Dinner at Luci See out 2025 with a touch of elegance, as Luci offers a four-course NYE dinner brimming with old-world romance for $135 per person. Seated in the restaurant's heritage-listed dining hall, guests receive a selection of snacks — sourdough focaccia, taleggio arancini and more — before choosing an enticing entree, main and dessert. Plus, you're welcome to add a half-dozen oysters on arrival or a 2.5-hour bottomless drinks package. Find out more here. Baby Oliv B2B Cabu at Mr Mills Rounding out Mr Mills' Summer Music Series, presented in collaboration with Untitled Group, this happening subterranean spot is ending the year on a high note. With tickets available for $49, including a cocktail on arrival, guests can party late as Baby Oliv serves up a b2b set with Cabu, combining electronic, house and baile funk tunes. Pair with the Festive Set Menu upstairs at Marmelo for extra NYE indulgence. Find out more here. NYE Masquerade Party at VIVA Melbourne Looking for an event you'll still be talking about in a year's time? That might be VIVA Melbourne's NYE Masquerade Party. Ticketed at $155, this eclectic cabaret venue invites guests to wander its transformed spaces, with each brought to life with roaming musicians, comedic performers and immersive theatre moments. Building to a high-energy dance party, masquerade or formal attire is required, elevating the experience even further. Find out more here. Italian Dinner Party at Marameo Sometimes the best New Year's Eve party is the least complicated one. CBD Italian diner Marameo is keeping the formula simple: loads of delicious food. With two sittings available — early birds from 5.30pm or 8.30pm 'til midnight for those counting down — expect a stack of starters, blue swimmer crab linguine, braised lamb shoulder and a boozy tiramisu that's perfect for closing out the year. Find out more here. Archie Rose NYE Martini Menu at Commune Group Venues Love an Archie Rose cocktail? This New Year's Eve, Commune Group is elevating its six bustling Melbourne restaurants with the limited-edition Archie Rose NYE Martini Menu. So, shake and stir your way into Studio Amaro, Tokyo Tina, Firebird, Moonhouse, New Quarter and Hanoi Hannah Vol. II, to sip back five concoctions, like the Signature Martini, featuring Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin, Voir Cherry Blossom and lychee liqueur. Find out more here. New Year's Eve at The Waterside Hotel Eight years in the making, The Waterside Hotel has arrived just in time for its inaugural New Year's celebration. The crew has gone all out, with all four levels of this CBD pub resonating with luxe ticketed experiences. The main event is happening on the first two levels, featuring DJs until 3am and an all-inclusive package of roving canapes and drinks. Upstairs, indulge in a lavish banquet or party with prime views of the city's fireworks. Find out more here. New Year's Eve Feast at Hawker Hall You won't start 2026 hungry, as Hawker Hall hosts a jam-packed feast stacked with Singaporean and Malaysian hawker fare alongside crowd-pleasing DJs. Keep it simple with the $66 per person Feed Me Banquet, or step up the celebratory mood with the $99 NYE Yum Cha Feast, combining a massive dim sum spread with 90 minutes of bottomless Chandon Blanc de Blancs. Find out more here. Sunset Sitting and Midnight Soiree at Beverly Catch the final sunset of 2025 from the ideal vantage point — Beverly's 24th-floor rooftop. For $160 per person, you'll savour a Chef's Selection menu and take in the views. Then, from 8pm, the Midnight Soiree takes over, offering a Met Gala-esque experience, complete with a $250 set menu featuring lobster cannoli, MB4+ dry-aged T-bone and tiramisu lollipops. Meanwhile, you'll get first-class views of the fireworks from high above Chapel Street. Find out more here.
There's no Academy Award solely for vocal performances. If there was, Lupita Nyong'o might've added another of Hollywood's prized statuettes to her mantle when the 2025 ceremony rolls around. A decade after taking home an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave, her first feature, and following standout work in everything from Black Panther and Us to Little Monsters and A Quiet Place: Day One since, she's the voice of Roz — short for ROZZUM unit 7134 — in the big-screen adaptation of Peter Brown's The Wild Robot. Unsurprisingly, she's marvellous and moving, taking viewers on an emotional journey even while playing a robot without facial expressions. When Roz is fresh out of the box, powering up on an animal-filled island devoid of humans in a futuristic vision of earth, Nyong'o lends her vocals to the perky Siri and Alexa peer that audiences will wish spoke back to them from their own devices. As the task-oriented mechanical helper learns that there's more to life than her programming — as she befriends a gosling that she names Brightbill (Kit Connor, Heartstopper) and a fox called Fink (Pedro Pascal, Drive-Away Dolls), too, and wins over other wild critters who are initially fearful of the metallic interloper — the warmth that begins to infuse Roz's tones couldn't feel more genuine. The Wild Robot doesn't only prove a gem thanks to Nyong'o's pivotal performance, but it wouldn't be even a fraction of the film that it is without her. In 2024, the actor has had two movies in cinemas. In A Quiet Place: Day One, speaking was one of the worst things that anyone could do. In The Wild Robot, Nyong'o's entire portrayal comes down to talking. "I love that you made that comparison. I hadn't even thought about it that way," she tells Concrete Playground when we point out the contrast, and also ask what she seeks out in new projects at this point in her career. "What gets me excited? I think about the character that I've been offered to play, and I think about what I will require to play the character — and what I could learn as well from playing the character, what I'm curious about. If the character makes me ask questions of the world and of myself and I'm excited to find out the answers, then I want to play that character," Nyong'o explains. When The Wild Robot came her way, she didn't say yes immediately, however. For Nyong'o, voicing Roz was always going to need to be a creative collaboration; just showing up to speak her lines and leaving it at that isn't how she wanted to work. "I don't know how to be just a voice for hire. I have opinions and I want to share them, and I want to make sure that the person I'm sharing them with wants to hear them," she notes. Nyong'o joined the film after meeting with director Chris Sanders and understanding his vision. "You shape these things together. You go on this journey together, and she is a creative force just like every other artist in this film, for sure," he tells us. "And I have to say, she's an absolute genius. Taking Roz apart bit by bit to understand her thinking kept me honest as a writer," he continues. The Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon and The Croods director — and voice of Stitch — couldn't be more enthusiastic about the latest picture that now sits on his packed resume (also on his filmography from the 90s when he was starting out: production design on The Lion King, visual development on Beauty and the Beast, and story credits on both alongside Aladdin). Before signing on for The Wild Robot, Sanders describes himself as "book-adjacent" to Brown's illustrated tome, as his daughter had read it. "I saw it sitting around the house and I'd actually forgotten about it until the day I came into DreamWorks to look at what was in development. And there was the book, and they described it, and I thought 'that's the one I'm interested in'," he advises. As the feature's writer and director, he's crafted a version that takes inspiration from Hayao Miyazaki's enchanting Studio Ghibli fare, classics such as Bambi and the work of painter Claude Monet, too — and a gem for all ages. How does Nyong'o tackle a voice-acting part — and, whether she's seen on-screen or heard echoing from it, how does she find the right voice for a character? What kind of thinking and planning goes into expressing Roz's inner journey? How important was it to Sanders that the film didn't shy away from animals being animals, not just in appearance but also into recognising the food chain and cycle of life? We chatted with the pair about all of the above as well, and more, including how animated movies trade in big emotions —because we all have that flick, or several, that we'll never forget — and how that sits in your mind when you're making one. On How Nyong'o Approaches a Voice-Acting Part, Especially Playing a Character Without Facial Expressions Lupita: "I think the animators did a great service to Roz — and a great service to an audience — by not giving her facial features. Because then we stay truer to the fact that Roz is not a feeling entity. She is a robot and has a goal — she's goal-oriented and her goal, luckily, is to be of service to whomever purchased her. So that lends itself to kindness. And she's also very adaptable, so she's able to adapt to the behaviours and expressions of the wild animals that she is now living with. And through that, you can adopt sensibilities akin to emotional expression. I like figuring that out cerebrally. How do I play a character without emotions but still be able to convey a bunch of emotions, and then trust that an audience will project their emotions onto her? We are given that license because she doesn't have facial expressions, so she's not doing it for us. We were very much a part of the performance." On Finding the Right Voice for the Right Character Lupita: "It starts off with understanding the given circumstances of the character. What are the facts, right? And so for Roz, one of the main facts that was very important was that she is a programmed robot. That was very informativem and it led me to listen to automated voices like Siri and Alexa, the voices on TikTok and Instagram — they were an inspiration, their relentless, positive vibrancy was the inspiration there. For someone like Red in Us, I knew that there had been a strangulation at some point, and so that fed my imagination on what could that sound like if you were strangled. Things like that. Then I also work very closely with a vocal coach, and I worked with her on both Us and The Wild Robot, and that's really helpful to just externalise my ideas and make sure that I'm doing it in as healthy a way as possible to stave off injuries." On What Sanders Was Excited to Bring to the Screen in Adapting The Wild Robot Chris: "The story for sure. I've always wanted to do a robot movie. And the other thing that I never thought I'd get a chance to work on would be an animal movie like this. This is a lot like Bambi — the forest, the animals, the creatures. And it's a real forest, they're only slightly anthropomorphised. Bambi is a huge favourite. It always will be. One of the things I think that you cannot understate is the emotional power of that film. It has a staying power and a beauty that we wanted to emulate. Aspire to it, actually, is a better way to say it — that and the art of Miyazaki films. These are things that have a huge influence on us as animators and filmmakers. So we had big boots to fill if we were going to equal the power and the scale of those of those stories. Our animators really took to it, by the way. I didn't understand until they started working on the film the level of excitement that they had to do animals that were animals. That kind of movement, I guess, is really a huge thing for an animator. They're usually doing animals carrying cell phones and they have jobs, etcetera. Animals that are animals, there's a purity to the motion that I was really struck by. The animation went unusually quickly because of the lack of things, like jackets and coats and stuff. And so it was a joy to see all of this come to life day by day." On the Importance of Not Shying Away From the Reality of Animals Being Animals Chris: "It was critical because if there isn't consequence, then the story is just not going to work. We don't want to shy away from any of those things because we need that kind of ballast. I would actually harken back to things in The Lion King — if you don't have consequences, you're not going to have that emotional resonance, and I don't think you going to have a movie that works. So death shows up several times in this movie. The first time, of course, is the critical and pivotal event where Roz accidentally, quite literally, runs across this goose's nest by accident and that sets this whole story in motion. Later on, we revisit it, but we often revisit it with humour. We get a laugh out of it. It's a dark kind of humour, but boy is it effective. The animals on this island have programming, and that's the way that Roz looks at it. She's a creature of human programming, and she sees the animals as running programs as well. I thought that was a really interesting way to look at the world, and one of the load-bearing ideas and themes of the film is the idea that someday you may have to change your programming in order to survive. In our lives, we are creatures of habit, we resist change, and we may have to change the way we think. I think that sometimes we're so fearful of losing ourselves for some reason. I think we're very protective of ourselves. I can only speak for myself, but I get that — but whenever I've been forced to see things in a different way, I've been better for it." On What Goes Into Conveying Roz's Inner Journey Through a Vocal Performance Lupita: "I would say the intention was set at the beginning. Before I took on the role, I asked Chris why he thought I would be good for it, and he said he liked the warmth of my voice. So that was very good information for me, so that I knew what I had for free to offer Roz, and so that was where we would end up — that's the voice when Roz has taken on and embraced the role of mother most fully, that she sounds most like me. And then in the process, a two-and-a-half-year process, the script is developing, and along with it our understanding of who Roz is and how we experience her evolution is also developing. That was really quite technical, and we had certain markers, certain benchmarks for where the quality of my voice was shifting. And I did it quite technically, so it dials up in a way that when you're watching the performance is perhaps, hopefully, quite subtle and unnoticeable — until you meet the robots that are more like the other robots like her, towards the third act of the film." On the "Miyazaki by Way of Monet" Visual Approach to the Natural World Within the Film Chris: "All these things we've been talking about, what a perfect line of questioning actually, all these things are linked together like spokes of a wheel. I felt that it was absolutely critical, and I pushed very hard for this level of sophistication in the look of the movie. Think back to what we were talking about with Bambi, that level of sophistication, I felt, would make our audience see this film in the right way, if that makes sense. This is a film that kids will love. Kids should go see it. Families should go see it. But it's not a little kids' film — it's a film. And that's how Walt Disney looked at those stories as well, he always said so. So that level of sophistication helps us to get into the film in a certain way, and it really immerses us in a way that I've never seen a film like this accomplish. I have gotten so much feedback since we finished the film that it really blurs the line between a live-action film and an animated film, frankly, the way that you see it — and that was very deliberate. And I have to credit the artists and the incredible advances that DreamWorks had made technologically that allowed this look. The funny thing is all that technology opened this film up so that humans are more present than ever before. Literally everything is hand-painted. It would be as if I took out a brush and started painting dimensionally in space. That's exactly what they were doing. So there are no forms underneath the trees or the rocks. It's free handed. So the beauty that you get from that, there's no substitute for it. There's an analogue warmth that we reconnected with on this journey that we've taken through CG." On How Animation Allows Audiences to Have Big Feelings — and Thinking About That When You're Making an Animated Film Lupita: "You have to keep the audience in mind. One of the things that I remember us discussing, Roz has a lot of robotic language, just mumbo jumbo that she says — and you want to keep that in a way that allows for children to grow their vocabulary, and also a way for adults to understand and appreciate what she is saying. But you can't make it too difficult that you lose the children altogether. So those were fun workshops where we tried different words. I remember in the script, there was a time when a character asks Roz something and she goes 'hmm, let me see'. But 'hmm', that's a very human expression, and so I said 'processing' and everybody broke out laughing, and it became part of Roz's vocabulary. For children, that is perhaps maybe a new word — children never say processing, I can't imagine they do. But in that sense, you've expanded their vocabulary and stayed true to the character." Chris: "It's something I don't know if I'm really thinking about it, but in a sense I'm striving for it as I'm working on scenes. I'm scaling things. I think one of the neat things about taking a story like Peter Brown's to the screen is the potential for how big these feelings can be. I'm always going for audacity and scale. And I will run a scene over and over and over in my head, modifying it before I even commit anything to paper a lot of the time, until I'm feeling I've found every edge of the boundaries of that particular moment, and I've built it as large as it possibly can be. Because why wouldn't you, you know? Why wouldn't you? And then the really amazing thing is, I take it only so far, and then we have our actors and our and our animators — and eventually the cinematographer, the lighting, and then eventually Kris Bowers [who composed The Wild Robot's soundtrack]. I cannot overstate his contribution as well. I credit him for, I think, the gosh-darn best score I've ever heard in a movie ever." On What Nyong'o Makes of Her Career Over the Past Decade Since 12 Years a Slave Lupita: "I was sitting at the premiere of The Wild Robot at TIFF [the Toronto International Film Festival], and there was a moment, I think it was a moment when Brightbill is flying away and a feather floats into Roz's hands. And it's a very emotional moment within the story. But in that moment, I was just caught, I was struck by the truth that I have been living out my dreams and this project is another dream come true. I was just filled with gratitude, because not everybody gets to live out their dreams so exactly. And I've had that wonderful, wonderful privilege, and I just don't take it for granted. It's been deliberate. It's sometimes been scary. I've had to say no before I knew I could in order to wait for the project that felt like it would give me the kind of expansion I was looking for. And those times that I've said no have paid off. And looking at the last ten years, I'm very, very proud of the work that I've been able to do, and I look forward to continuing to live out my dreams one decision at a time." The Wild Robot opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
The full 2023 Splendour in the Grass lineup isn't here just yet, but the festival's only announced headliner so far is planning a decent stay Down Under around her trip to Byron Bay. Whether you know that you can't make it to the annual fest or you're just keen to see the 'Tempo', 'Juice', 'Truth Hurts' and 'Rumors' singer more than once, Lizzo has just announced four arena shows in Australia and New Zealand this winter. Here's some news that's as good as hell: Lizzo will play Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland in July, with dates both before and after her Splendour stint. Given that she's set to take to the Qudos Bank Arena stage in the Harbour City on Sunday, July 23, she clearly won't be doing the same in Byron the same night — so, if you're headed to North Byron Bay Parklands, you'll be seeing the songwriter, singer and flautist (and Grammy- and Emmy-winner, too) on either the Friday or Saturday. Back to the solo show: it's tied to Lizzo's 2022 album Special, including, of course, Grammy Record of the Year-winning single 'About Damn Time'. But attendees can expect to hear hits from 2019's CUZ I LOVE YOU as well — and an overall set filled with dance-ready beats. Joining Lizzo on all shows as a special guest is Tkay Maidza, which means two must-see talents for the price of one. [caption id="attachment_750739" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Gilford[/caption] While a Lizzo tour is always a welcome announcement, fans in Brisbane will note the usual Splendour setup — that is, when someone plays the fest and does their own gigs around it, Brissie is considered close enough to Byron to not warrant a separate stop. And if you're somewhere other than Auckland in Aotearoa, you'll need to head there as that's her only NZ concert. LIZZO — THE SPECIAL TOUR 2023: Friday, July 14 — RAC Arena, Perth Monday, July 17 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Sunday, July 23 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, July 26 — Spark Arena, Auckland Lizzo will tour Australia and New Zealand in July 2023. The American Express presale runs from 11am Friday, March 24–11am Tuesday, March 28, followed by the Live Nation presale from 12pm Tuesday, March 28–10am Wednesday, March 29 — and general sales from 11am Wednesday, March 29 — with all times local. For further details, head to the tour website.
Already in 2023, Cate Blanchett has scored her seventh Oscar nomination. Thanks to her phenomenal performance in conductor drama Tár, she's likely to win her third Academy Award, in fact. However her luck pans out on Hollywood's night of nights in March, she'll be towering over Melbourne in June regardless — in a historic space built in 1867, across a film installation spanning an array of huge screens, and in one mighty impressive 360-degree display. The first event announced for this year's RISING, Melbourne's major annual arts festival, will feature Blanchett in her latest starring role for artist and filmmaker Julian Rosefeldt. The duo reteams for Euphoria after working on 2015's stunning installation Manifesto together. Set to take over Melbourne Town Hall from Friday, June 2–Sunday, June 18, their new multichannel work doesn't just focus on the acclaimed Australian actor playing multiple parts, however, instead honing in on the weighty topic that is capitalism. The Berlin-based Rosefeldt tackles his current topic — aka two thousand years of greed and the effect that unlimited economic growth has — via a spiral of screens that'll sit throughout the venue. On the ground floor, 24 screens will showcase a life-sized choir of Brooklyn Youth Chorus singers, while five jazz drummers will duel on the screens above them. And, there'll also be five theatrical vignettes looping above, too, which is where Blanchett playing an anthropomorphic tiger stalking supermarket aisles comes in. Those drummers? They include Grammy Award-winning drummer and composer Antonio Sánchez, who also composed the score for 2014 film Birdman. And those vignettes? They'll also feature Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul favourite — and recent Kaleidoscope star — Giancarlo Esposito among a cast that'll speaking thoughts penned by economists, writers and thinkers like Warren Buffett, Ayn Rand, Angela Davis and Snoop Dogg. As well as Blanchett as a jungle cat, RISING's first major international commission — which hits this year's fest as an Australian exclusive, and enjoyed its world premiere at the Park Armory in New York back in November 2022 — features homeless men chatting about economics, executives getting acrobatic in a bank lobby, and an all-round unpacking of capitalism via its own excess. Paired with it, Euphoria's original score by Canadian composer Samy Moussa and British saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi goes big on jazz, the tunes sung by the children's choir and those uttered ideas. Befitting the theme, the installation will run with a pay-as-you-can pricing model, and welcome in visitors for free on Fridays during its season. 2023 is turning out to be a stellar year for spectacular takeovers of town halls by citywide arts fests, after Sydney Festival turned Sydney Town Hall into an indoor beach — temporarily, of course — for an opera performance back in January. Check out the trailer for Euphoria below: RISING 2023 will take place across Melbourne from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18, with Euphoria displaying at the Melbourne Town Hall on from Friday, June 2–Sunday, June 18. Tickets for Euphoria go on sale to RISING subscribers from 12pm on Tuesday, February 14, with general sales from Friday, February 17. First top image: Katja Illner.
Melbourne is no stranger to a Korean barbecue restaurant. You'll find them all over the CBD and out in the burbs. We've also got all kinds of them — there are cheap BYO joints and all-you-can-eat affairs, as well as fancier varieties. Melbourne CBD's newest KBBQ spot Woo399 lands on the more premium side of things. Don't get us wrong, it's not a hushed-voiced fine-diner. There's still plenty of fun to be had fighting over the gas-fired grills in the 104-person restaurant. We say it's more high-end because of the quality of meat that's up for grabs. The team sources its pure-bred wagyu from Elbow Valley in Queensland, where the cattle are fed a combination of orange pulp and locally grown grains like wheat, barley and corn. This results in outstanding meat quality, with the team sourcing plenty of cuts with a 9+ marble score. And unlike most Korean barbecue joints, you don't just choose a banquet or selection of meats from the menu. At Woo399, you make your way up to the butcher's fridge, where top-grade meat has already been sliced and packaged for you. Either take this meat home or stick around to dine in. When dining in, simply pick the wagyu with your desired marbling (and price), add some other meats to your basket (pork belly and ox tongue are also available), pay at the counter and then start cooking. Choose from beef cuts like chuck eye roll, short rib, flat meat and the holy oyster blade. Each person is charged $9.99 to use the grills, which also gets you complimentary sauces, three side dishes and unlimited soft drinks. For an extra cost, you can order kimchi, croquettes, soups and a bunch of vegetables. And if you'd rather pair your KBBQ with some booze, Cass Korean larger and soju can be ordered from the waitstaff. Woo399 is ideal for Korean barbecue fans who are incredibly particular about the cuts and quality of meat they want to grill. There are absolutely no surprises here. You'll find Woo399 at 399 Lonsdale Street in the CBD, open from 5:30–10pm every day of the week. For more details, visit the restaurant's website.
Australia has so much wonderful wilderness that spending a few days trekking up hills and down mountains is something everyone should try at least once. But doing so is not something that anyone should take lightly — from safety steps, to preparing food and drink, to having the ideal gear, being suitably prepared for your journey is a must before heading off. Since 1973, Macpac has been ensuring that both new and experienced hikers get the most out of their overnight treks, all thanks to a range of technical clothing and outdoor gear that can handle any type of climate. So, we teamed up with the brand — in celebration of the opening of its new Adventure Hubs — to help you get properly kitted out and put your plan in place. It's time to go trekking. HIKE AT THE RIGHT TIME It probably doesn't come as much of a surprise, but Australia's weather can be pretty temperamental. So when it comes to overnight hiking, it's important to choose a track that's going to have the right conditions for when you're planning to set off. Throughout the year, many hikes can change dramatically thanks to heavy rain or snow, with some becoming inaccessible altogether. Ensure that you're not caught out in the wrong place at the wrong time by researching exactly where you're heading — and by keeping an eye on the weather forecast so you always have the appropriate gear. Pack this: Less is Less Rain Jacket in women's and men's styles ($329.99) MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT Whenever you set out for an overnight trip into the hills, having a travel plan that you can stick to is the best way to avoid a bad situation. There are plenty of things to consider but, if it's possible, you should seek advice from the local Parks Victoria office or experienced local hikers so that you know what to expect when you arrive. (Plus, this way you may get some hints to some epic sights and views.) But bear in mind that if conditions change and any dangers arise, it's better to scrap the plan and cut your trip short than to keep pushing forward. Also crucial: making sure that you leave a detailed itinerary for someone at home, who can then raise the alarm if you don't return by your expected time. Include where you're going, the route you plan to take and how long you think you'll be gone for. You can also head to the Macpac website to make use of its helpful planning tool. Pack this: Suunto Spartan Sport Watch ($699) TAKE EXTRA FOOD AND WATER — JUST IN CASE More is more when you're heading off on an overnight hike — that is, it's always advisable to take more food and water than you think you'll need. And while packing food can be a bit of a challenge, you'll be thanking yourself if you largely opt for lightweight, dehydrated and non-perishable foods. As a general guide, you'll want to try to consume around 12,500 kilojoules or more per day; for water, it's recommended that you drink 250 millilitres for every 30–45 minutes of hiking. In terms of what to pack, many hikers prefer simple products that are easily stored like muesli bars, oatmeal sachets and basic pasta. But if you're feeling ambitious, here are a host of awesome camp food ideas that you can try if you consider yourself a bit of a chef around the fire. Pack this: Hydration Reservoir 3L ($59.95) PICK YOUR GEAR WISELY Bringing all of the right gear is going to make your overnight hike smoother and more enjoyable — plus, you'll feel like a seasoned adventurer. If you're the forgetful type, pack early and have a checklist of all the things you know you'll need. One thing that people often don't remember is just how useful a headlamp is, especially if you've ever tried cooking in the dark with one hand occupied by a torch. That also means bringing along some spare batteries, while sunscreen, a first aid kit and a paper map are always good ideas as well. Next, you need to consider if the gear you currently own is going to be suited for the climate that you're heading into. Consider upgrading your tent, sleeping bag or winter clothing if you think things might get a little chilly. Many popular hiking destinations also have online packing lists, so checking them out will also help. Pack this: Petzl Headlamp ($59.99) LEAVE NO TRACE Everyone loves Australia's pristine nature, so we all need to work together to keep it that way. Always plan to leave no trace when you go out hiking — that means carrying your rubbish with you and staying respectful of any wildlife you come across. Also, make sure that you're aware of any local camping regulations or environmental concerns in the area. One particular warning to take note of: total fire bans. While everyone wants a campfire when they set up their tent for the night, bans are commonplace across Australia and must be followed. If having a fire is allowed, try to keep it small while also using fire pans or mounds, which help keep the flames safely under control. Pack this: Scarpa Kailash Boots in women's and men's styles ($399.99) DON'T FORGET ENTERTAINMENT If storm clouds roll through and you find yourself stuck in your tent for a few hours, you might find that the conversation becomes a little stale. That's why bringing some light form of entertainment to keep yourself and others occupied never goes amiss. A deck of cards weighs next to nothing and is easy to carry, while paperback books (or a Kindle), magazines and audiobooks are other great ways to pass the time before you can hit the track again. Top image: Visit Victoria.
With almost every new Kristen Stewart-starring movie that has reached screens since her Twilight days, a distinctive feeling radiates. It was true with Clouds of Sils Maria, Certain Women and Personal Shopper, and then with Happiest Season, her Oscar-nominated role in Spencer and also Crimes of the Future as well: each of these films are exactly the types of flicks that one of the most-fascinating actors working today should be making. Then arrived Love Lies Bleeding, which partly sprang from that very idea and couldn't perfect it better. This revenge-driven, blood-splattered, 80s-set romantic thriller about a gym manager and a bodybuilder who fall in love, then into a whirlwind of sex, vengeance and violence, was written with Stewart in mind. As Saint Maud writer/director Rose Glass must've imagined while putting pen to paper, she's stunning in it. Love Lies Bleeding casts KStew as Lou, whose days overseeing the local iron-pumping haven — well, unclogging its toilets and scowling at meathead customers from beneath her shaggy mullet — are shaken up when female bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O'Brian, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) enters her remote New Mexico hometown. This is a girl-meets-girl tale, but it's also about the chaos of finding the person who best understands you, dealing with a lifetime's worth of baggage and trying to start anew. Here, amid neon hues and synth tunes, that means navigating Lou's gun-running dad (Ed Harris, Top Gun: Maverick) and abusive brother-in-law (Dave Franco, Day Shift), trying to protect her sister Beth (Jena Malone, Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire), chasing Jackie's competitive dreams and attempting to leave complicated pasts in the rearview mirror. Co-writing with Weronika Tofilska (a director on His Dark Materials and Hanna), Glass didn't just conjure up Lou with Stewart as her ideal lead; she also leapt into a helluva sophomore project that follows quite the experience with Saint Maud. The 2019 movie, Glass' feature directorial debut, marked her as one of the next exciting filmmakers out of Britain. But little about getting the psychological thriller to audiences, and to adoring acclaim, was straightforward. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival as all very well and good. So was A24 coming onboard afterwards. The timing of Saint Maud's original April 2020 US release date says everything, though. The early days of the pandemic might've derailed getting the picture to viewers, but it didn't stop it becoming one of the standouts of the past five years. "The release was very odd, because we went down well at festivals, and then 24 picked us up," Glass tells Concrete Playground. "And they'd been planning on doing this whole wide cinematic release in America, and everyone kept saying to me 'oh my god, this never happens with a debut, this is incredible'. And I said, 'oh wow, okay, amazing'. It didn't quite feel real anyway, and then we're literally days away from getting on a plane to come out to America to do a whole fancy press tour, which felt so surreal in and of itself, and then lockdown. Obviously, we all know what happened next." "I'd been nervous about bringing the film out into the world, and people's reactions, but I think a global pandemic certainly helps put things in perspective. It certainly helped to not take it too seriously, I think," Glass continues. Before that, writing Saint Maud was "very stressful and got very unpleasant, because you're plagued by so much uncertainty about whether it's actually going to happen," she shares. Then, "making it was wonderful and just very collaborative — it was just a massive relief that it was actually happening". Consider Glass' Saint Maud journey fuel for Love Lies Bleeding; the filmmaker herself does. The latter veers in an array of vastly different directions from its predecessor; compare Saint Maud's claustrophobic focus on a highly religious carer who becomes obsessed with saving her latest patient's soul versus Love Lies Bleeding's frantic lovers-on-the-run antics. And yet, as much as Love Lies Bleeding can play like a heel-turn response to Saint Maud, they also boast more than a few things in common, such as a fascination with transformation, a deep willingness to push boundaries and, of course, an uncompromising vision. We chatted with Glass about being motivated to make Love Lies Bleeding after her Saint Maud experience, how the idea for her second feature came about, the difference between writing a part for KStew and getting her to actually play it, finding IRL bodybuilder and former cop-turned- The Mandalorian and Westworld actor O'Brian as Jackie, the film's wild ride and more. [caption id="attachment_804112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saint Maud[/caption] On Glass' Approach to Love Lies Bleeding After the Response to (and Chaotic Release for) Saint Maud "I'm sure it lights a fire under the arse, or whatever the expression is. I mean, it's wonderful. It definitely exceeded anything any of us were expecting or hoping to happen on the film, so that was very cool. And I think maybe because also it happened during lockdown, so I was getting a sense that people were responding to it well, and it was going down well, but because it was all basically just through [online] — I wasn't used to doing everything over Zoom at that point — it all felt very removed. I was just in my house with my flatmates in lockdown like everyone else, so it sort of felt like it wasn't happening. [caption id="attachment_804111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saint Maud[/caption] But, in a way, because we didn't get to do the proper release then with the film, it did mean there was a pent-up frustration, which probably spilled over into making this next one, I think. It definitely gives you a confidence and a fearlessness, which I hadn't really felt before. And definitely there's this feeling of 'oh, wow, I get to make another one — I don't know if I'll get to do another one again after that', so you treat it as if it's the last one. I think maybe also Saint Maud's kind of uptight, obviously, and quite insular and claustrophobic — so I think maybe that combined with lockdown, probably this when I was like 'let's do something bombastic and a bit more extroverted, and try something risky and irresponsible and see what we can get away with'." On Coming Up with the Idea and Story for Love Lies Bleeding "Initially, it was just wanting to do something about a a female bodybuilder. That seemed psychologically and visually exciting territory. And I guess I feel like I'm probably the polar opposite of a bodybuilder — and the obsessive level of discipline is something I can only be fascinated by and aspire to myself, but never quite achieve. So maybe, maybe that's how it became a two-hander between a bodybuilder and a woman who's basically just 'oh, my god, you're amazing'. But I decided that I wanted to try co-writing. I had this initial germ of an idea about a bodybuilder who kind of loses her mind while she's training for a competition. And then I teamed up with my co-writer Weronika Tofilska, who I've been friends with for years. Then, so the rest of the story, all the twisty-turny rest of it, we basically came up with together just bouncing back and forth." On Having Kristen Stewart in Mind While Writing "She's just, I think, a very natural fit for the character. I guess it was just a quite instinctual thing. I like the idea of her playing a moody heartthrob in loose, boyish way — like she's playing someone who's kind of an asshole but you kind of really like her as well. Kristen, she's actually, in person, she's very twinkly and energetic and stuff, but there's I think a more famous version of her which is much more held back and a bit aloof, all this kind of thing, which I think is really what the character needs. She's kind of an enigma, like a mystery — she keeps a lot held back, and then hopefully throughout the film you pick her apart a bit. I just thought she'd be a really hot, moody heartthrob." On Getting Kristen Stewart Onboard as Lou "I couldn't believe it. I met her for the first time — we had an awkward blind date kind of thing, and it was the morning after they'd released Spencer in the UK, I think, so she'd had a late night. I was basically suddenly very starstruck and quite nervous, and just as far as I saw it, I just waffled at her incoherently for an hour, and she went 'mmmm'. But then, luckily, afterwards she sent me a really lovely message, and then I sent her the script. It's weird and awkward having a meeting where you don't actually have something specific — because I hadn't shared the script with her then, it was this awkward thing where I was told that I wasn't actually allowed to, even though I wanted to offer the her the role outright. It was more of like a temperature check. So it's much nicer to have a conversation when you're actually talking about a specific script, and she's agreed, and there's none of this weird awkwardness. Anyways, she basically said she really likes Saint Maud. She's said in interviews since then that she was up for doing whatever I wanted to do next — which is very obviously a very lovely feeling and takes the pressure off a little bit, because I thought I did a really bad job of pitching it to her. But anyway, she was all in." On Finding Katy O'Brian to Play Love Lies Bleeding's Pivotal Female Bodybuilder "Katy's just — I think both her and Kristen, just on a basic level, they're just incredibly charismatic and incredible to look at. They're two people that I'm like 'I would love to watch these two people falling in love with each other'. A lot of the film just has to play on you being like 'oh, these people are amazing'. But with Katy specifically, it's the duality. On the surface, she's obviously got this incredible physicality and a very imposing physical presence, or can be. And so this more steely action-hero stuff comes very easily to her. But actually naturally, in terms of how she is and as a person, you scratch just underneath that and she's incredibly warm and soft. She's described herself as like a snuggle bear. And also, her character goes on a pretty tumultuous up and down, and does some pretty terrible things, but ultimately is still the innocent of the film. There's a naivety to her. Katy is just so incredibly empathetic, I think, which the character needs — because otherwise she'd just lose her and it'd just be 'oh, it's just this crazy woman doing crazy things'. But Katy just makes you so care for her so much. Given it was her first big lead dramatic performance — she's acted before, but more as supporting roles, normally previously in roles which have mostly been requiring her just to do the physical kind of stuff — she jumped into this. We cast like two weeks before we started shooting, and then a few weeks later she's doing all these quite tricky scenes with Kristen. I immediately would just completely forget that it's the first time she's doing a role like this." On Making a Film That Feels Like It Can Go Anywhere and Everywhere, Even While Building in Familiar Elements "In terms of the surrealism, and some of the weird combinations of things, I think it's what comes naturally. Me and Weronika, when we were writing it, we were playing with a lot narrative and character tropes. There's quite a few formulaic elements in the story, which probably are quite familiar to people, which hopefully we then take off course into somewhere a bit more surprising. There's definitely a framework in this. I think there's a lot of elements in the film which are very recognisable and which will probably feel familiar in some way. So hopefully it's setting up an expectation of something to happen — and then, because you know what the expectation is, it's easy to go 'let's go the other way'." On Taking Love Lies Bleeding in the Opposite Direction to Saint Maud in So Many Ways, But Still Finding Connections Between Them "It's kind of intentional. I mean, I think there are quite a lot of things which do connect the films. But each film, you spend a few years of your life just obsessively thinking about that — so I think after several years of just thinking about one particular tone and style of story, it's definitely, I think, a natural instinct to want to mix things up a bit. So yeah, the idea of wanting to do something which was more extroverted and bombastic than Saint Maud was definitely a deliberate, instinctual kind of thing. And I guess also Saint Maud was kind of about loneliness, so in a way this one was like 'oh, if you think being lonely is hard, try being in a relationship'." Love Lies Bleeding released in Australian cinemas on Thursday, March 14, 2024, and opens in New Zealand cinemas on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Read our review. Images: Anna Kooris.
If you're starting to think hard about next year's travel plans, we've got a stay that warrants an extra stop on the list — and it's not a beachfront villa or five-star skyrise. South Island sheep and cattle farm Lake Hāwea Station is the only New Zealand property to have made Condé Nast's prestigious Gold List of accommodation options for 2023. Now in its third decade, the international publication's hand-selected Gold List consists of the international team of writers' favourite places to stay around the world. And, recognised for its eco-practices and luxe transformation of the farm's historic cottages, Lake Hāwea Station made the cut in the publishing house's Best Sustainable Hotels category. [caption id="attachment_882820" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thomas Greenway[/caption] We can see why — just 15 minutes from Wanaka, Lake Hāwea Station is the first certified carbon-zero farm in Australasia, offering travellers an authentic farm experience while they stay on-site in one of its four luxe accommodation options. In their notes, Condé Nast editors wrote that it was "simply, one of the most impressive, can't-believe-this-place-could-possibly-exist retreats you'll ever be lucky enough to stay in." "[The] property's true point of difference is its pioneering ethos in New Zealand's approach to cultivation and sustainability." [caption id="attachment_882821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thomas Greenway[/caption] The farm has four accommodation options available: the three-bedroom glass-walled Lake House, the studio-like Little L tiny house (which comes complete with a miniature library), the simple two-bedroom Homespur cottage and the historic Packhouse cottage, which sleeps six. All houses boast stellar lake views, outdoor firepits, hot tubs and outdoor dining. [caption id="attachment_882819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thomas Greenway[/caption] Owners Jussie and Geoff Ross received recognition for their renovation and transformation of the 16,000-acre property which they purchased in 2018. They were also recognised for the farm's focus on animal welfare practices, enhanced farm biodiversity and their work to slow climate change — including the planting of more than 100,000 native trees. [caption id="attachment_882818" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thomas Greenway[/caption] Jussie says that it's a sign of a changing travel industry to see a working farm on a list usually reserved for luxury hotels. "It shows that high-end travellers want to be part of a climate-positive experience," she said in a statement. "In an age of increasing demand for both climate action and transparency, Lake Hāwea Station immerses its guests in every aspect of their fight for the climate." [caption id="attachment_882817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thomas Greenway[/caption] Lake Hawea Station is the only New Zealand property to be crowned in Conde Nast's Gold List for 2023. You can find more info about the station's sustainability practices — and perhaps book your stay — on the official website. Top image: Thomas Greenway
Upon returning from a winter escape to sunny Vietnam, my response to the obligatory "how was it?" was consistent in message, and in enthusiasm. "THE FOOD! Oh my God!", pretty much sums it up. Most surprising was just how regional the cuisine is and how it can differ from the north to the south, east to the west. Of course, if you go along looking for pho, spring rolls and banh mi, you will indeed find — and no doubt enjoy — them everywhere. However, if you open your eyes and mind a little wider, you'll discover each region has a set of specialties, and an approach to food that differs slightly from everywhere else. What does consistently run through the entire country is a commitment to freshness and flavour; fragrant fresh herbs liven even the simplest of meals, and local dishes are borne from what's available to be caught from the sea or picked from the ground. In one reasonably short trip you can experience vast differences in not only the food, but also in the scenes and 'scapes. From city madness — which mostly entails throngs of scooters careering around the roads and tourists closing their eyes and hoping for the best when crossing the street — to beautiful beaches, and mountain peaks to rice fields in the valley. Here are a few highlights to be discovered with eyes, mind and mouth wide open. HANOI Hanoi in the north is the country's capital, and yet seems a touch more modest and visitor-friendly than Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). The traffic system will leave you aghast for the first day, and after that you must embrace it, roll with it and trust in the controlled chaos of the road when you close your eyes and run towards the other side. Taking the city on foot will let you discover hidden laneways, a hint of French architecture, buzzing street food stalls, plenty of cheap fake goods for sale, and a snippet of local life. The Old Quarter and area around Hoan Kiem Lake is the perfect base to explore the city. Hit the lake early one morning to get a glimpse of what keeps the locals so happy, healthy and vibrant: plenty of Tai Chi, stretching, breathing and all manner of interesting morning rituals. HANOI FOODNOTE Here it seems nearly all to do with rice noodles and soup (yes, you will find pho aplenty in Hanoi). One of the local specialties here is bun bo nam bo — which is not only delicious, but incredibly fun to pronounce. This is a beef noodle dish of vermicelli, barbecued beef strips, a tasty stock sauce, chopped peanuts and lashing of fresh herbs on top. At Bun Bo Nam Bo (67 Hang Dieu – be careful of imitators who have popped up nearby), you need only to walk in and tell them how many serves and you will be presented with a bowl of this tasty meal for all of about $2.50. Similar local options include bun cha (pork and noodles) and bun ca (crispy fish and noodles, this time served in a soup), while cha ca is a slightly different local treat – barbequed fish with chilli and lemongrass, served with dry rice paper, fresh salad and peanuts, and a dipping sauce all to be wrapped, dunked and downed. An unsung hero of Hanoi cuisine, cha ca will prove its worth if you seek it out. MAI CHAU Mai Chau lies about four hours south-west of Hanoi and is home to a White Thai community of people. There are small villages that can be reached by wandering through the rice fields (among the song of frogs, geese and cows), where you'll find homestay options, stalls selling woven scarves, bags and clothing, and even a few traditional looms on display or in use. It's a beautiful change from the city and a real taste of rural life. If you stay at Mai Chau Lodge, there are plenty of activities to book, such as walking tours with local guides, cave explorations, market trips and cooking classes. MAI CHAU FOODNOTE Because this area is inhabited by White Thai people, the food is highly varied and pulls strong influences from Chinese and Thai cuisines. So while dishes such as tom ka ghai and fried noodles might have you wondering if you've strayed from traditional Vietnamese cuisine, just think of how little you worried about the 'Frenchness' of that banh mi baguette. The cuisine here holds a very interesting identity, and that is precisely thanks to the different influences. Of course, being in the rice fields, the ubiquitous white grain features heavily, and is served with pretty much everything. As are the flavours of lemongrass, lime, garlic, chilli and salt. And, somewhat surprisingly, sweet potatoes that are grown in the fields and sold at the local markets in abundance. HOI AN Hoi An in central Vietnam is a quaint little delight of a town that seems highly geared towards tourism, yet still retains some element of small-town charm. Lanterns hang outside the shops and the old town's cobbled streets are filled with wanderers of the non-motorised variety, in very European fashion. Don't be overwhelmed by all the clothes tailors and shoemakers. Save time and energy and head straight to Miss Forget-Me-Not (37 Phan Chu Trinh Street) for clothes and shoes, and Tu Chi (24 Phan Boi Chau Street) for bags — they come highly recommended by many travellers, including this writer. Then find respite from it all at An Bang Beach, about four kilometres out of town. My recommendation is to base yourself out there, in one of the few homestay properties (there are no hotels, per se, but Beach Hideaway and Seaside Village both offer glorious villa-style cottages), and cycle into town when the days calls for dining or shopping. For the other times, the beach provides long stretches of white sand dotted with traditional fishing coracles, warm calm water to float about in, and a stretch of bars and restaurants with shaded beach lounges for their customers. Watch the local families descend on the beach as the sun recedes — they bring tables, chairs, big pots of rice and grilled meats, make a fire and settle in for an evening on the sand. It's quite a sight. HOI AN FOODNOTE Perhaps the jewel in Hoi An's food crown is cao lau, a traditional dish of noodles made using water from the well to give them a heavier, chewier texture. These noodles are sandwiched between rich, salty stock at the bottom and grilled pork and fresh leaves on top. It's served at breakfast time (although you can find it any time of the day) and is a surprisingly great way to start the day of eating. Other treats specific to Hoi An include white rose (rice paper dumplings filled with minced prawns) and com ga, shredded chicken with yellow rice. Of course, being by the sea, fresh seafood also features heavily. Ordering the fish special often means whatever the local fishermen have brought back in their coracles that morning, so you can guarantee it will be fresh, and local. Beyond all that, wherever you are in Vietnam, remember to wear sunscreen, cross the road with bravery, barter with a smile, look for regional specialties and try ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) at least once, if not daily. Photography by Greg George and Julia Gaw.
There's a new gin in town and it's pink. And when we say pink, we mean really pink — like, Grease girl gang pink. This delightful concoction will be in glasses for spring and its creators are the master distillers at Bass and Flinders, which you'll find on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Dubbed Cerise, the gin gets its pinkness from a blend of cherries and raspberries, which is layered with hibiscus and orange blossom aromas. These ingredients are sourced from farms at nearby Red Hill. All bottles are made in small batches, to keep the gin's high quality and delicate flavour profile. Apparently it will have a slight sweetness, similar to Turkish delight. As with all Bass and Flinders gins, the spirit is based on grapes. "Using grape spirit for gin provides another dimension to the gin's botanicals and adds to the viscosity, texture and flavour — this, combined with seasonal produce, produces extraordinary spirits," says head distiller Wayne Klintworth. The gin will go on sale on September 12. It'll be available for a limited time, only at the cellar door and via the distillery's website. Bass and Flinders have been making unusual gins and other spirits, including vodka, limoncello, grappa and a five-year-aged brandy called Ochre, since 2009.
UPDATE, NOVEMBER 13: SBS Viceland has confirmed that it'll screen Brooklyn Nine-Nine's seventh season from Friday, February 7, 2020 in Australia. The below article has been updated to reflect this announcement. The fine fictional detectives of Brooklyn's 99th precinct have long held a soft spot in sitcom viewers' hearts, but that hasn't always proven the case for TV's powers that be. After airing on America's Fox network for five seasons between 2013–2018, the show was cancelled in May last year — only to be picked up for a sixth season by rival US channel NBC just 31 hours later. That 18-episode sixth season finished airing back in May, screening on SBS Viceland in Australia. Thankfully, the show was renewed for a 13-episode seventh season in March — and, if you've been missing everyone's favourite comedic cops, as well as their Die Hard gags and 'title of your sex tape' jokes, it now has a 2020 release date. Yes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine fans can't utter "noice" fast or often enough. Or, as Andy Samberg's Jake Peralta would say: cool cool cool. The sitcom will return on Thursday, February 6 in the US — which is Friday, February 7 in Australia — with an hour-long season premiere. Aussie fans have been very fortunate in recent years, with SBS dropping new episodes in line with their US screenings, and that'll continue in 2020. https://twitter.com/nbcbrooklyn99/status/1192882629671997440 Breaking out a celebratory yoghurt, Terry Jeffords-style, is definitely in order. If you're more like Captain Raymond Holt, perhaps you'd like to treat yourself to a trip to a barrel museum. Or you could channel your inner Gina Linetti and dance about your happy feelings. However you choose to mark the news, it's worth it. Brooklyn Nine-Nine's seventh season will start airing from Friday, February 7, 2020, Australian time on SBS Viceland. Via Deadline / SBS.
Next time you work up a sweat, you could be surrounded by neon lights, wandering through plenty of concrete and descending into a South Yarra basement. That's what's on offer at 1R Melbourne, the first Australian outpost of the UK-based fitness club chain, which has just opened its doors on Chapel Street. Spread across 800 square metres, the Melbourne venue is 1R's biggest site to-date out of its eight worldwide. But, like its sibling venues in London, it's hardly your usual gym experience. That's a fairly familiar claim these days — Melbourne has also just welcomed its first Barry's Bootcamp studio, from another company that endeavours to give your standard workout routine a twist — but 1R tackles its task with industrial-style decor, high-intensity classes, music curated by local DJs and free prosecco on Friday nights. If you're all about exerting some energy, 1R's sessions fall into three categories: 'reshape', 'rumble' and 'reformer'. The first provides a full-body workout, while the second puts the site's boxing bags to good use — and also focuses on speed, footwork and high-intensity interval training. In the third group, pilates meets cardio, with everything once again dialled up to get the blood pumping. Whether one of the above classes has already piqued your interest, or you're keen on trying them all, 1R does memberships, packages and pay-as-you-go sessions — so you can choose how much you're keen to commit. One-off visits cost $25 a pop, newcomers can sample three classes for $30 in total, or gym diehards can opt for 28 sessions per month for $320. Thanks to the fitout by Foolscap Studios, 1R's decor and design is as much of a drawcard as its fitness routines, starting with its calm, crisp ground-floor reception area. That's where you'll also find the smoothie and coffee bar — which serves up the aforementioned sparkling to end the working week — as well as a retail space showcasing local activewear designers. Downstairs, each of 1R's different workout concepts gets its own room. When the sessions start, you'll be doing so in moody lighting and to a beat timed to match your movements. Then, afterwards, you can head to the repair rooms, which stock Grown Alchemist products and Dyson hair dryers, and are designed to look futuristic but also relaxing. You can also call upstairs to order a post-workout drink from the bar, too. Find 1R Melbourne at Shop 10, 625 Chapel Street, South Yarra. For more information about its sessions and prices, visit the fitness club's website. Images: Simon Shiff.
From Monday through until Saturday, each and every week, the aroma of freshly made coffee wafts from Bourke Street's Federal Coffee. But from 11am–12pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays between February 9–March 4, we expect that it'll smell a little stronger. On those days and at that time, the CBD cafe will be serving up free brews — so expect its baristas to be busy. The free coffee is in honour of Melbourne's return to work. Yes, it's now February, so the festive holidays finished long ago — but from February 8, Victorian workplaces will be able to welcome back 75-percent of their employees in-person. So, with more people heading to their desks, Federal Coffee is handing out free caffeine hits. Unsurprisingly, there is a caveat: you can only grab one free coffee per person per day. Still any free coffee is better than no free coffee, especially when it arrives mid-morning — just when your energy is starting to flag. You'll also be able to try out Federal Coffee's menu if you're feeling peckish, although that part isn't free.
First there was payWave, then there was Cardless Cash (thank you, Commonwealth), and also PayPal Here, which allows you to pay for coffee and things via Bluetooth from your PayPal account. These got us closer to the minimalist, tech-driven dream — a cashless, cardless (and, effectively, wallet-less) society — but not quite there. That's all set to change though, with Apple switching on their mobile payment system, Apple Pay. Launching today with payments provider eWAY, Apple Pay will make poor buying decisions even more effortless, with one-touch payments online, within apps and IRL — if you have an iPhone and use AMEX, that is. At the moment, Apple Pay can only be used on the Apple Watch or iPhone 6 and above, by those with a directly-issued American Express credit card. Which would seemingly rule out most people under 50. But I digress. Already in use in the US and the UK, the Australian launch comes in a rather inevitable move towards doing everything on that little pocket-sized piece of machinery you call your iPhone. For the moment, Apple Pay is accepted at around 21,000 retailers, including David Jones, Coles, Woolworths and Zara. You can even pay for your Uber ride with it and, most deliciously, your late-night pad Thai deliveries from Eat Now. To use Apple Pay, you'll need to add your card to the Wallet app. Then, just use the iPhone's Touch ID to make in-app purchases, or hold your phone near the contactless reader in-store. If Australia is to follow suit of the US, Visa and MasterCard should be accepted by Apple Pay in the near future. At least, let’s hope so. That extra bit of plastic in your pocket is weighing you down.
Saying goodbye to 2025 at Lost Paradise means farewelling the year with a jam-packed lineup of tunes. Ben Böhmer, Chris Stussy, Confidence Man, Duke Dumont, I Hate Models, KETTAMA, Marc Rebillet, Maribou State, Underworld, X CLUB: they're all headlining the annual end-of-year music festival in Glenworth Valley on the New South Wales Central Coast this year. So, mark Sunday, December 28, 2025–Thursday, January 1, 2026 on your calendar — and prepare for a huge few days. Other acts on the bill include Anna Lunoe, BIG WETT, Channel Tres, Fcukers, DJ Heartstring, Hot Dub Time Machine, Omar+, VTSS and plenty more. Some people love last-minute New Year's Eve plans, going wherever the mood takes them. Others can't start planning early enough. If you fall into the latter category, this December is for you. For Lost Paradise newcomers, the multi-day event turns a slice of its setting — which is located an hour out of Sydney — into one helluva shindig, complete with live music and DJ sets spanning both international and Australian talents. This year, organisers are promising newly reimagined versions of the festival's Arcadia, Lost Disco and Paradise Club stages. Tunes are just one part of the Lost Paradise experience, though. Here, art, culture, wellness, and food and drink also get a look in. And, at Shambhala Fields, you can hear talks and take part in workshops — so that's where you'll find the likes of Dr Karl, Eric Avery, Deano Gladstone, Lara Zilibowitz, Kath Ebbs, Sez, Tom Carroll, Simon Borg-Olivier, Gwyn Williams and others. Since first unleashing its specific flavour of festival fun back in 2014, Lost Paradise has become a go-to way to wrap up one year and welcome in the next — including if you're keen to camp for its duration. Lost Paradise 2025 Lineup Ben Böhmer Chris Stussy Confidence Man Duke Dumont I Hate Models KETTAMA Marc Rebillet Maribou State Underworld X CLUB Anna Lunoe Baby J Bad Boombox & Mischluft Balu Brigada Bella Claxton BIG WETT Blusher Bullet Tooth Cassian Channel Tres Dameeeela DJ Heartstring Dombresky presents Disco Dom Dr Banana Fcukers Folamour Heidi Hot Dub Time Machine INJI Jazzy Josh Baker Juicy Romance Kilimanjaro Luke Alessi Merci, Mercy Narciss Notion Odd Mob Omar+ Pegassi Prospa Riria Ross From Friends presents Bubble Love Sex Mask Silva Bumpa Sim0ne Sumner Swim (live) Two Another VTSS Wolters Alex Dowsing Badassmutha Bella Backe Caleb Jackson Couch Mechanic Cricket Dayzzi B2B Daug Disco Dora Elijah Something GMOZ Grooveworks Kai Kawai Large Mirage LAYTX Lily FM Lost Soundsystem Madame Reve Maina Doe Mash Middle James Mina Tonic Oscill8 Pamela Penelope People's Party Roxy Lotz Salarymen Selve Siila Silly Lily Sim Select Tia Lacoste Tokyo Sexwale Tseba Waxlily Yasmina Sadiki Shambhala Fields: Benny Holloway Catriona Wallace Chanel Contos Deano Gladstone Dr Karl Eric Avery Gwyn Williams Kath Ebbs Lara Zilibowitz Plastic Free Mermaid Sez Simon Borg-Olivier Tom Carroll Lost Paradise mages: Jess Bowen, Jordan K Munns, Byravyna and Amar Gera.
