Brain freeze or caffeine hit? Sweet, sweet sugar in ice-cold slushie form, or a soul-warming cup of joe? Melburnians, you have an important decision to make on Tuesday, November 7: would you like a free slurpee or a free coffee? Pay particular attention to the date, not just to put in your calendar, but to explain why you're scoring freebies. It couldn't be the more perfect time for 7-Eleven giveaways, on a day that the convenience store chain has dubbed 7-Eleven Day — and the celebrations will be running at the brand's 740 stores Australia-wide. Here's how it works: head to a 7-Eleven store all day — so, from 12.01am–11.59pm —then purchase anything other than tobacco or tobacco-related products to receive your choice of either a free regular coffee or a large slurpee. In more great news for your wallet, you can spend as little as 25 cents on a lollipop or 50 cents on a chocolate to still score a free drink.
You might never make it to the South Pole, but you can experience it at the world premiere of Polar Force. Taking over the the Playhouse Rehearsal Room in Melbourne's Arts Space from November 24 until December 1, this performance will immerse you in a massive inflatable space where you'll be surrounded by Antarctic winds, crackling ice bergs and blinding whiteness. At its aural centre are hundreds of field recordings made by Dr Philip Samartzis, an Associate Professor in Sculpture, Sound and Spatial Practice at RMIT, who travelled to the South Pole in 2009 and again in 2015, on Antarctic Arts Fellowships. This soundtrack of extreme weather will combine with live percussion, played by Speak Percussion on instruments built at the RMIT School of Industrial Design. "Polar Force allows audiences to understand, through sound, the phenomenal energies at play in Antarctica," said Eugene Ughetti, creator, co-director, composer and instrument designer. "It also points to the excessive infrastructure and power required for humans to safely exist there and therefore our impact on the environment."
One of the permanent markered events in the Sydneysider spring calendar, Newtown Festival remains one of Sydney's go-to events for grass lawn sprawlers, like-nobody's-watching dancers and festival food stall enthusiasts — and it's still only a gold coin donation. The always-anticipated festival in Camperdown Memorial Park has announced its 2014 program — this year in celebrating the Day of Independence for Australia's newest micronation, 'Newtown Republic'. Heh. Themes. Sitting at the top of the lineup are shiny handclap-triggering foursome Deep Sea Arcade, beloved punk rockers Straight Arrows, reggae-driven hip hip crew Astronomy Class and epic prog-rock favourites sleepmakeswaves. Magical Mystery Tour-like psychedelics Richard in Your Mind, rascally garage punk trio Bloods and Sydney's suavest disco-funk-cranking-epic-shoulder-pads-wearing smooth talker Donny Benet will be hangin' out too. Country bluegrass supergroup The Morrisons will soundtrack your spring festival meandering, Day Ravies will psych you out, newcomer East is a definite bright spark to catch, party-triggering hip hop crew Daily Meds will be an undoubtedly must-see set, while sassy vintage rock-n-rollers The Fabergettes will be sure to have you mum dancing like a boss. This is just the start of the huge local lineup — we haven't even talked about the dog show. Or the live art hub with Phibs, Peque and Unique painting all day. Or the writer's tent with talks from Dr Karl and the Moriarty Sisters. With over 80,000 people making their way through the gates every year, Newtown Festival remains one of Sydney's best local 'how sweet is Sydney' ops — also still raising funds for the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Full program details can be found at the festival website. NEWTOWN FESTIVAL 2014 LINEUP: DEEP SEA ARCADE ASTRONOMY CLASS SLEEPMAKESWAVES DONNY BENET & THE DONNY BENET SHOW BAND STRAIGHT ARROWS TIGERTOWN RICHARD IN YOUR MIND BLOODS EAST DAILY MEDS DAY RAVIES THE FABERGETTES THE LULU RAES THE MORRISONS BRAVE Newtown Festival 2014 is on Sunday, November 9.30am – 5.30pm in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Newtown. Entry is by gold coin donation, there's no glass or BYO and there's no entry after 5pm. For more info head to the festival website. Top image: Newtown Festival.
My my, it's almost Christmas already — where has the time gone? Where has the year gone? Not that we're complaining, because Christmas time is magical and few things are more fun than Christmas shopping at a market. Enter the Makers and Shakers Market, which is setting up shop in Williamstown for a festive bonanza from 10am–4pm on Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12. The market promises a treasure trove of 100 artisanal stalls where the only thing mass-produced is good vibes. Expect a variety of stalls showcasing homewares you won't find at IKEA, fashion that's far from fast and made with care, and a number of food and drink options — including a fully licensed outdoor bar. The soundtrack of the day will be brought to you by a number of DJs spinning vinyl sets, including Emma Peel and MzRizk. And for those who've not yet nailed this year's awkward family Christmas card, Awkward Portraits has your back (and front) from just $20 a pop — no bookings, no fuss. It'll cost $4 to get in for adults and $2 for kids — a small price to pay for access to all of the above plus crafty workshops, product sampling and creative installations. Plus, your support helps the local makers. So forget the Chemist Warehouse perfumes and boring gift cards — grab some gifts with heart and soul this Christmas. And grab a little something for yourself, too. You deserve it.
When October rolls around, movie lovers turn their attention to one thing: films of the spookiest, eeriest, most terrifying and frightening variety. When Halloween is upon us, 'tis the season for bumps, jumps, screams, creepy celluloid dreams and getting scared while sitting in a cinema — but there are halloween marathons, and then there's the Astor Theatre all-night movie-watching extravaganza. Back after a pandemic hiatus, The Great Astor Spooktacular knows how it wants you to feel while you're watching — and this year's event knows that it's been there and done all of this before. So, 2022's festivities have been dubbed The Great Astor Spooktacular — The Sequel, with the program all about follow-ups to some of cinema's most unsettling franchises. And grooviest horror franchises, too — yes, Evil Dead II, screening in spectacular 4K, is on the bill. From 9.15pm on Saturday, October 29, it'll be joined by Scream 2 and Final Destination 2, both on 35mm, plus A Nightmare on Elm St 3: Dream Warriors, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Demons 2 and Jason X. Ash, Ghostface, Freddy, Leatherface, cinema's most famous son of a summer camp cook, bizarre and inescapable accidents, iconic Italian filmmaker Dario Argento: they're all covered. Seven horror movies makes for a hefty marathon, but that isn't all that's on the agenda. This year, there'll also be two secret flicks — sequels, naturally. You can start guessing what they are now. Our dream pick: Halloween III: Season of the Witch, because surely Michael Myers has to be represented as well. Top image: Charlie Kinross Photography.
Right now 3D printing is best known for its fun applications, such as making action figures of yourself or of your foetuses. But 3D printing is also a technology that's hugely useful and has the potential to reshape many industries. Somewhere in between is the 'Landscape House', the first 3D printed house, to be built in 2014. The house, by Janjaap Ruijssenaars of Dutch architecture studio Universe Architecture, has a two-storey design in the form of a single, flowing Mobius band. The architect worked with mathematician and artist Rinus Roelofs to develop the design, which will be printed in pieces and then assembled (ruining our daydream of a giant, multi-storey printer that spits out houses existing somewhere in the world). The Landscape House is part of the Europan competition, which gives 15 architects 15 blocks of land and two years to create something impressive with. Via 3ders. Images from Universe Architecture. Read more about 3D printing in our interview with The Beehive.
It's times like these that you can add a big summer gig to your diary, with Foo Fighters coming to Melbourne in December. The Dave Grohl-fronted rockers will embark on their first headline tour of Australia since 2018. It's also their first visit Down Under since drummer Taylor Hawkins passed away in March 2022. Foo Fighters were last in Australia that same month and year, playing a huge Geelong show to help launch Victoria's post-COVID-19 lockdowns live music program. The band unsurprisingly took a break from touring after Hawkins' death, only returning to live gigs in 2023. In Melbourne, they're headed to AAMI Park on Monday, December 4 with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Hot Milk in support — and more tickets are going on sale at 3pm AEDT on Friday, October 13. [caption id="attachment_903613" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scarlet Page[/caption] Picking up the sticks: ex-The Vandals, Devo, Guns N' Roses and A Perfect Circle drummer Josh Freese, taking on the likely-daunting task of being the touring drummer in a band led by Nirvana drummer Grohl. Freese's stint with the band was announced in May, ahead of their first tour dates. When they hit our shores, the new-look Foo Fighters will weave in tunes from their new record But Here We Are, which released in June. Of course, all the hits from across their career will get a whirl, with their current setlist including everything from 'This Is a Call', 'Big Me' and 'Monkey Wrench' through to 'Learn to Fly', 'The Pretender' and 'Best of You'. And, yes, 'Everlong', because it wouldn't be a Foo Fighters show without it. 'I'll Stick Around', which is also on the list, isn't just a song title from the group's first album. Given that their new tour comes 28 years after that debut release in 1995, it perfectly sums up Foo Fighters' longevity. Over the years, they've made it Down Under a heap of times, released 11 studio albums including the just-dropped But Here We Are, and made 2022 horror movie Studio 666. [caption id="attachment_903619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Rossi vi Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Top image: Jo via Wikimedia Commons.
Writer/director Paolo Sorrentino itched to create a character based on The Cure's Robert Smith. After seeing that Smith doesn't shed his '80s goth punk gear when he leaves the stage, Sorrentino became fascinated with the idea of "a 50-year-old who still completely identified with a look which, by definition, is that of an adolescent," and all the contradictions in character it implies. That's how we get Cheyenne (given life by Sean Penn), a former rock star who once fronted Cheyenne and the Fellows and now lives a quiet life on an Irish estate with his countervailing, down-to-earth wife (Frances McDormand). There's a little bit of Ozzy in him, too; after years taking drugs (though never booze), he moves slowly, dragging his grocery trolley behind him. He's prematurely old, but also stuck in youth. He's sweet, but petulant. He insists on living in the world the way he wants to live in it. And, yes, he still paints a red oblong over his lips and tucks his black jeans into Docs. This Must Be the Place is a unique comedy where you laugh with someone who's slow-paced, not quick-witted, and you laugh with him. Cheyenne's sentences are a meandering journey whose end you can't envision when you're at the beginning. Or in the middle, usually. It's uniquely funny, and in a gorgeously big-hearted way. There's a couple of lines in here so hilarious and inimitable they alone are worth watching the film for. Concrete Playground has four DVD copies of This Must Be The Place to giveaway. To go in the running, just subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email your name and address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=MuvFmg_Ge9k
The 2020 edition of Melbourne Fringe is pencilled in for November, but in the meantime, organisers are serving up a little taster of things to come, by way of new digital arts celebration called Virtual Common Rooms (VCR) Festival. It's a smorgasbord of performance, music and conversation, mostly live-streamed out of Fringe HQ at Trades Hall's Common Rooms, from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2. Beamed to screens across the weekend will be an inclusive, diverse program of works from some much-loved local artists, complete with pay-what-you-can pricing. Comedy darling Zoë Coombs Marr will unleash her latest show, Born Slippy, delivering a wild mix of lecture, laughs and live musings. Then, you can sink your teeth into Biladurang 2.0 — a new solo play from First Nations artist Joel Bray, streamed live from a Melbourne hotel. Those in the mood for some tunes can catch a virtual music theatre sing-along with Marie's Crisis, played live from New York, or shed a few uninhibited tears with a high-voltage set from noise-pop favourites Cry Club. And a special edition of dance party series Mr McClelland's Finishing School promises to transform your living room into a sweaty indie-pop rave. [caption id="attachment_778310" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cry Club by Giulia McGauran[/caption] Elsewhere in the lineup you'll find comedy, cabaret, and a series of arts-focused chats and discussions, including a panel hosted by artist and activist Carly Findlay on the future of access in the arts space. VCR Fest will feature an interactive digital foyer where you can mingle with artists and other audience members between shows. You'll need to register online in advance for performances, but tickets are purchased via a pay-what-you-can format, after each act. Biladurang 2.0 image: Pippa Samaya
Inspired by musical scores and how sound can be physically transcribed, The Score considers how the emerging art trend of cross-disciplinary works might be further explored through colour, performance and other unexpected creative formats. As dance, music and vocal performance become increasingly often featured in visual works, The Score highlights artworks that shift between disciplines and defy our experiential expectations. Taking up the full three floors of the Ian Potter Museum of Art, this significant international group exhibition presents numerous and varied examples of music and dance notation — from medieval manuscripts to paintings being 'played' by musical ensembles, hand gestures communicating sound and translating a ballerina's emotive diary into choreography. Throughout this exhibition you'll experience how visual metaphors can reinterpret sound, presenting new experiences for your eyes and ears. The Score runs from Tuesday, August 1 until Sunday, November 5 at the Ian Potter Museum of Art.
While so many hospo businesses are playing it safe right now, Mamas Dining Group (Hochi Mama, Straight Outta Saigon, Kiss and Tell) is executing its growth plans at a rapid rate. Just last month, the crew opened Windsor Wine Room on Chapel Street, bringing a contemporary sip and snack wine bar to the strip. And on Thursday, July 18, Mamas opened two-storey Chinese restaurant Suzie Q on the Prahran stretch of Chapel Street. The 150-seat site is the team's biggest venture to date, and it includes not only a large main dining room and bar, but also a private mezzanine level and karaoke room. Suzie Q takes its cues from an underground Chinese restaurant in San Francisco in the 1980s that went by the same name — and everything here is inspired by that very diner. Mitchell and Eades (Beverly, Grill Americano, Hawker Hall) was tasked with designing the space, which the team says embodies "the hedonism and rebellion of the underground nightlife scene in the 80s, re-imagined through a modern lens". Expect plenty of red accents, exposed brickwork, plush booths and a striking black marble-topped bar with green leather stools that you can park yourself on for a long boozy feed. Within these retro surrounds, punters will dine on nostalgic Chinese eats inspired by the food served at the original Suzie Q. Head Chef Michael Stolley (ex-Ish Restaurant, Eazy Peazy) is executing this all with playful contemporary flair, just as he has done with Windsor Wine Room's new menu. At Suzie Q, this kicks off with a bunch of yum cha bites, including candied pork buns, prawn toast and a selection of dumplings. With 12 options available on this side of the menu, you can easily build a sharing feast just out of these. But it would be a shame to miss larger dishes like Suzie Q's mapo tofu, roast duck, crispy egg noodles with mixed seafood and fried rice packed with sausages, prawns and spring onions. A few different set menus are also up for grabs, making group dining a whole lot easier. On the drinks side, you'll find signature cocktails, beers on tap, an Australian-leaning wine program and a sizeable back bar that includes a solid selection of sake. It's clear that the Mamas crew is having plenty of fun with Suzie Q, bringing the San Francisco diner back to life, but this time on Melbourne's own Chapel Street. You'll find Suzie Q at 247 Chapel Street, Prahran, open 5–10pm from Sunday–Thursday, and 5–11pm from Friday–Saturday. For more details and to book a table, head to the venue's website.
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes pinot noir as 'sex in a glass'. Winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. Broadway wannabe Titus Andromedon loved it so much he compares it to 'caviar, Myanmar, mid-size car' (see below). No wonder the good folk at Revel — who bring Game of Rhones, Malbec World Day and Vin Diemen our way each year — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things peeeno noir. For just one day, Melbourne wine connoisseurs will have the chance to sample more than 100 drops, direct from Australia and New Zealand's best producers. Expect drops from Macedon's Curly Flat, Shaw and Smith (which will be coming in from the Adelaide Hills), Orange's Swinging Bridge, and Akarua and Pegasus Bay from NZ — and that's just the first few leaves on the vine. Whether you're a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there'll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you'll be catered for. Food will include barbecue from Burn City Smokers, Milk End bagels, raclette from Maker and Monger and Yarra Valley caviar. Pinot Palooza will hit the Royal Exhibition Building on Saturday, October 6. Early bird tickets are available up until August 1 for $60, and include all tastings and a take-home crystal Plumm RedB glass. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (as well as their tastebuds) can spot $95 for a VIP pass. For that you'll get access to the VIP area, a glass of bubbles on arrival, entry into wine talks and some one-on-one with one of the event's sommeliers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6yttOfIvOw
Get together with your fellow film buffs and chat all things Scorsese at ACMI's new fortnightly film club. Held every second Sunday between June 12 and July 24, these guided discussions are the perfect chance to unpack the movies in the Essential Scorsese film season, screening at ACMI as part of the ongoing SCORSESE exhibition. Free to attend for Essential Scorsese ticketholders, each session will tie-in with a pair of films on the program, beginning with Mean Streets and Taxi Driver, followed by Raging Bull and Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, then an organised crime double in Goodfellas and Casino, before rounding out with period dramas The Age of Innocence and The Aviator. So grab a drink from the ACMI Bar, because yes, we are talking to you.
Strap in, Melbourne: it's time to finally control the weather. That's right, Rain Room is back in town for its third season. The installation is a former resident of world famous art spaces including New York's MoMA and The Barbican in London, and the ever-raining-but-you-never-get-wet experience is not to be missed. It's basically a dark, rainy room you can stroll through without needing that umbrella you always leave behind at bars. Housed in the Jackalope Pavilion in St Kilda, Rain Room covers a 100-square-metre space, and merges art, technology and nature into a single immersive experience. As you move, so does the rain. How neat? The whole experience isn't just a stroll in the rain; it's designed to make us reflect on our relationship with nature and the environment. Thinking of diving in? The Rain Room runs from Wednesday, November 1, 2023–Sunday, March 31, 2024. It's open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am till late, with specific child-friendly slots in the mornings (10am–11.30am) and afternoons (3pm–4pm) for little rain dancers. Adult tickets go for $29, kids and concessions at $19, and families at $89. If you're after a fun group adventure, a cute date, or some introspective solo time, this is the spot. Go on, enjoy yourself, go make it rain.
If you're a fan of all things garlic, you'll find yourself in excellent company with a visit out to Meeniyan, next Saturday, February 16. That's when the famed annual Meeniyan Garlic Festival sees over 8000 punters descend on the Gippsland town for a jam-packed day of garlic-infused fun. This year's food program is as big as ever, with a sprawling lineup of chef appearances, markets, talks and events to tempt just about every palate. Catch garlic-driven cooking demonstrations from the likes of Tamsin Carvan (Tamsin's Table), Hogget's Kitchen's Trevor Perkins and Gippsland Food Ambassador Alejandro Saravia (Pastuso), and browse garlic-infused products from milkshakes to beer at the dedicated garlic marketplace. The town's Main Street eateries will be getting into the spirit, too, with a slew of special festival offerings — including garlic ice cream at The Meeniyan Store. What's more, you can load up on all sorts of knowledge with a series of talks and presentations led by the team at The Garlic Institute. They'll cover everything from garlic's many health benefits through to how to get started as a commercial grower.
Fitzroy North's Horn Please has a surefire way to cure your Sunday hangover: all-you-can-eat curry. But, it's not just curry. It's six different vegan curries, plus rice and a couple of starters. And you can dispel any worries you've got about spending too much cash — all of this will only cost you $30. It's not just a great deal for those with day-after regrets, either. Can't be bothered cooking? Want a cheap date night? Have a vegan mate to entertain? Tick, tick, tick. [caption id="attachment_775009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk[/caption] The all-you-can-eat deal is available across three 90-minute sittings every Sunday — 5pm, 6.30pm and 8pm. You'll kick things off with two entrees — maybe some cauliflower and spinach fritters — before digging into unlimited serves of curry. The lineup's set to vary, though you can bank on Horn Please favourites like chana masala and butternut squash curry, alongside newcomers like aloo gobi with cauliflower and potatoes. And as always, you can pair that food with wine, signature cocktails or brews from the legendary Horn Please beer fridge. You'll need to make a booking if you want to head along, so head over to the website quick smart. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
Since it first lit up Flinders Street back in 2013, White Night has quickly become one of the biggest events on the Melbourne cultural calendar. Last year, more than half a million people flocked into the CBD for a night of music, projections, installations and performances, from the spectacular to the downright strange. For Melburnians, the after-dark arts event represents a chance to see their city — quite literally — in a whole new light. But a single night of live art requires months of behind the scenes planning. There are sites to secure, routes to plot and transport to wrangle. Managing all that — while also recruiting hundreds of artists and performers and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the night — is no easy feat. "There's a mountain of things that are taking place," Artistic Director David Atkins tells Concrete Playground, less than two weeks out from the main event. "The works that are being created for the program are all in various stages of being delivered. We're attending rehearsals and looking at digital content and looking at projection materials. We're looking at screens, fine-tuning some of the bands and the musicians, and looking at all of the risk and safety stuff." It's Atkins' first year at the helm of the festival; he previously worked on major events including the ceremonies for the Vancouver Winter Olympics and the New Zealand World Cup. Still, from the sounds of things, he seems to be more or less on top of things. "Frantic isn't the world I'd use," he laughs. "But it's busy." [caption id="attachment_609855" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Amanda Parer: Intrude[/caption] DESIGNING THE PROGRAM "With something like White Night you are inheriting expectations," says Atkins of the way he approached this year's lineup. "[You have] an audience that has an understanding of what they're coming to see, and an expectation around that. So we're not going to dramatically depart from that, but then we also want to give them new things to look at, and some installations and activities that they might not have experienced before." This year, says Atkins, there's a bit more performance and interaction than there might have been in previous years. Punters can also expect a slightly more political bent to some of the installations. "I think when you've got an audience of half a million people, it's really behoven on you to actually use that to bring some issues to attention," he says. "Not to make judgments, but to at least make people aware." Asked for specifics, Atkins points to Home Less, a projection on the exterior of St Paul's Cathedral inspired by "the dreams of homeless people", as well as Rebel Elders in Rainbow Alley which explores "ageism and perception". [caption id="attachment_609854" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tilt: Peony[/caption] PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER Of course, it's one thing to commission the art. It's another thing to deliver it all simultaneously on the night. "As we get closer to [White Night] the focus changes and we get into the real detail," says Atkins. "We run a whole series of tabletop exercises and 'what ifs' in terms of running the control centre…we're [also] working with all the various stakeholders as we get closer in terms of event messaging for public transport, emergency services and how we interface with them." "It's about managing a whole range of different things on the night, and being sure that we're prepared for them," he says. "You work on the basis that you want everything to run smoothly, but you need to be really well prepared, and have everyone else well prepared in case something goes awry on the night." They even have a plan in case of bad weather. "There are lots of things that are still happening indoors, and we have safety measures to deal with inclement weather," says Atkins. "We're still in a really good part of the year, so it's not cold. And I think if you live in Melbourne and you're not prepared for the rain, then you've not lived in Melbourne very long." [caption id="attachment_603012" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Eness: Sonic Light Bubble[/caption] WHAT NOT TO MISS Alright, so now we have an idea of how the whole thing comes together. But the question remains: what are we actually going to get? Atkins was keen to share his recommendations for the evening, starting in the Carlton Gardens. "On the Royal Exhibition Building you've got a piece called Rhythms of the Night, which I think is going to be a really popular projection this year — the guys have gone to a lot of trouble mapping that building and I think it's going to be one of the highlights," he says. "In that same area, you've got Sonic Light Bubble which is an interactive dome, and then you've got Pixel Fruit which is an LED installation. So there's a lot up there to enjoy." Moving through the city, Atkins spotlights Swing City on Collins Street, a never ending dance marathon featuring a 13-piece big band, ballroom dancers, vintage cars and more. "Then you look at the southern end of the city where you've got Alexandra Gardens, and the White Knight Messenger, which is an automated puppet which involves projection, sound and performance," Atkins continues. "So that's a fantastic piece that's going to be down there, along with The Medusa, which is a huge jellyfish suspended from the trees." Still, of all Atkins' recommendations, we reckon his best one isn't about what to see, but when. "If you haven't got kids and you can come after midnight, then that's the time to come," he says. "If you go later, you can avoid the crowds, [and] if you can spend Sunday in bed, that'd be my advice. I'd make a night of it."
UPDATE, October 12, 2020: The Shape of Water is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, Amazon Video and iTunes. A secret lies inside every fairytale and monster fable, whispering to those who dare to enter. It's an obvious one, though it's not always fully appreciated. As we wade through narratives about dark forces and strange, enchanting creatures, it's not just their fantastical or fright-inducing aspects that enthrall us; it's also the fact that they beat with a warm human heart. Like Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and countless other storytellers before him, filmmaker Guillermo del Toro knows this — and he's eager to prove it every chance he gets. Since taking on the undead in his quietly unnerving debut Cronos more than two decades ago, the Mexican writer-director has approached his gothic tales with empathy and curiosity. His films might be filled with bugs, ghosts, vampires, beasts and kaiju, but at their core they ponder what it means to be alive. Accordingly, when Pan's Labyrinth follows a young girl as she plunges into a mysterious garden underworld, del Toro charts the relatable need to explore, connect and fight back in trying circumstances. Likewise, when The Shape of Water brings together a mute woman and a man-like amphibian against the backdrop of Cold War-era USA, he spins a story about the power of love and the resilience of outsiders searching for a place to belong. As often seen in the director's work, the enemy here isn't the monster, but rather the idea of judging something just because it's different. A moving horror-romance that splashes its devotion across every gorgeous teal and butterscotch-hued frame, The Shape of Water swims into the realm of Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins). When she's not working nights cleaning at a government facility with her chattering colleague Zelda (Octavia Spencer), she finds company with her lonely artist neighbour Giles (Richard Jenkins) and comfort in her daily routine. But things change when security operative Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon) marches into her life, along with the water-dwelling being (Doug Jones) he's brought back from the Amazon. While everyone else is fearful, cruel or primarily interested for scientific reasons (such as Dr. Robert Hoffstetler, played by Michael Stuhlbarg), Elisa finds a kindred soul in the captured creature. The idea of outcasts finding solace in each other's arms is hardly new, but while del Toro's movie seems to dive into busy waters, he's really wading through a stream all of his own. In the crowded field of monster flicks, The Shape of Water cherishes and celebrates its big-hearted heroine and her aquatic companion with love and care, ensuring every emotion they express also washes over the audience. Equally vivid and violent as it jumps between matters of the heart and moments of espionage, the film entrances with its sweet, soulful, delicate approach while never shying away from weighty themes of persecution or oppression (and at the same time, it remains remarkably light on its feet). In short, it's a whirlpool of intensely felt, vibrantly realised wonder — one that's both frothy on the surface, and dark and deep underneath. A sea of perfectly assembled elements, The Shape of Water truly feels like a film that no one else could have made. Working from a script co-written with Vanessa Taylor (Divergent), del Toro is operating at the top of his game, and his fingerprints can be seen in every exquisitely detailed image. With its stylistic odes to both creature features and the Golden Age of Hollywood, succumbing to the movie's seductive visual charms is easy. Falling for the sensitive way in which it handles its underwater lovers is as well. Assisting in that department, Hawkins and Jones couldn't be better, fashioning their performances out of glances, movements and the things that words just can't say. Often they're floating, either literally or emotionally. Thanks to the story's depths of affection and acceptance, so is the audience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQH3jqetJoY
Do you like horror films? Australian director Mark Hartley obviously does. His infectious, gleeful enthusiasm for his popular if sometimes critically reviled genre of horror makes this a blood-soaked treat for like-minded fans. Having previously explored the rich if somewhat forgotten back catalogues of Australian exploitation cinema horror in his excellent doco Not Quite Hollywood, he takes the next logical step here, remaking Richard Franklin's 1978 cult favourite B-movie. The tagline of the original also serves as a neat plot summary: 'He's in a coma…yet, he can kill!' He is Patrick, a patient who somehow maintains his excellent condition while those around him waste away in a vegetative state in a creepy, isolated hospital. When a young nurse makes a ghoulish discovery that leads to her grisly end, the bright young Kathy 'Jac' Jacquard (Sharni Vinson) is recruited to the facility, which is overseen by Dr. Roget (Charles Dance) and his dead-eyed daughter, Matron Cassidy (Rachel Griffiths). Jac has just broken up with her boyfriend Ed (Damon Gameau) and is seeking a clean break. She soon finds an ally in the spirited Nurse Williams (Peta Sergeant), who fills her in on the shady happenings in the facility, a dimly lit Gothic hellhole. She takes a special interest in Patrick, who Dr Roget has adopted as his special project, administering electro-shock therapy and other techniques not prescribed in any medical journal. Alarmed at the bizarre experiments and freaked out that the comatose Patrick seems to be able to communicate with her, Jac confides in Brian (Martin Crewes), a former doctor and writer who advises her to report Dr Roget to the authorities and get out of town. But this wouldn't be a horror film if its hero took the safe option, and as Ed arrives in town to reconcile with Jac, he too gets drawn into the escalating terror wreaked by malevolent forces at the hospital. Patrick rattles through genre tropes (creaky elevator shafts, dirty-looking syringes, zombie-like patients wandering blackened corridors, moments of silence shattered by a pounding at the door) with an expert's assurance and a fan's relish. This is a film that knows exactly what it is, and that recognises that some things are cliches for a reason. Vinson, last seen in You're Next (a more nasty and realist film than Patrick) makes for a plucky heroine, while it's a shame Sergeant's character fades into the background somewhat as Jac delves further into Patrick's story. Their performances form part of an impressive film seemingly destined for cultish devotion. While Patrick may not convince the unconverted, horror fans will lap up every minute of its lean, gore-splattered running time. https://youtube.com/watch?v=0N5iCcPGqoY
Federation Square is about to be overrun by legions of ravenous zombies, as part of a Halloween promotion for Call of Duty: Black Ops III. A partnership between the game's developers, Activision and Secret Squirrel (aka the awesome folks behind Underground Cinema), the Black Ops III Zombie Escape Room will throw you into a real-life version of the game's popular zombie mode — albeit without the live ammunition. Popping up at Fed Square from October 30 until November 6, the immersive experience brings to life Shadow of Evil, the film noir-inspired horror narrative from Black Ops III, in which four strangers must work together to fight off the undead hordes. So too will Escape Room participants have to work together uncovering clues and solving puzzles, in order to find a way out before it's too late. Participation is free, but places must be booked online. To secure your spot, head to the registration site.
At last year's Melbourne International Film Festival, Perth-set apocalypse film These Final Hours beat out high-profile competition, including The Turning and Mystery Road, to snag The Age Critics Award for Best Australian Feature. Now, almost 12 months later, the film has finally arrived in theatres. Trust us when we tell you that this movie, blending heart-pounding thrills with character-driven drama, is well worth the wait. By the time the story gets going, the end has already begun, courtesy of a devastating meteor strike somewhere in the North Atlantic. Europe is reduced to a cinder in an instant, while a rolling wall of fire promises to annihilate everywhere else. We're never deluded into thinking that survival is even remotely an option. The only question that remains is what to do with the time that's left. Nathan Phillips, most easily recognisable as one of Mick Taylor's ill-fated victims in the original Wolf Creek, plays James, a self-absorbed screw-up with no intention of going out sober. But life, even in its last few moments, has a way of messing with your plans. So it is that on the way to an end-of-the world blow-out, James becomes the reluctant protector of a 12-year-old girl named Rose (newcomer Angourie Rice). After James rescues her from a pair of would-be rapist, she asks him to help her find her family. Perhaps sensing a chance to atone for his squandered life, our dubious hero agrees. In his first feature outing, writer-director Zak Hilditch seems remarkably assured. His native Perth provides a unique and unsettling backdrop for the film, the haunting images of forsaken Australian suburbia striking eerily close to home. Visuals like that contribute to a suffocating sense of bleakness that hangs over the film like a scorching summer heat. But These Final Hours is not entirely devoid of hope. Fundamentally, in fact, it's a film about redemption — about a single act of kindness in the face of common fear. Phillips' performance is one of resounding emotional honesty, while Rice displays a maturity that far exceeds her years. An unlikely pairing, both James and Rose bring out the strength and humanity in the other. In the face of imminent extinction, it's a surprisingly comforting thought. https://youtube.com/watch?v=QaoF6byFQFU
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 two big ol' strikes. The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has voted to proceed with industrial action, with 98 percent of members in favour of the strike, in response to ongoing, failed negotiations with Yarra Trams. A strike could see frontline and back-of-house tram staff taking industrial action for up to 48 hours, refusing to wear uniforms, make last-minute changes to timetables (including short shunting), accept roster changes or do voluntary overtime — which could lead to some serious tram chaos. https://www.facebook.com/RTBUVic/photos/a.486088274788960/2539626552768445/?type=3&theater The RTBU has been negotiating a new wage deal and improved working conditions with Yarra Trams for months, with the existing agreement expiring on June 30. "Yarra Trams have pushed drivers to breaking point to meet impossible targets, it's no wonder they are mad at their further attempts to strip away conditions," said RTBU Secretary Luba Grigorovitch in a statement. There's no word yet on when this would happen, though it'd likely take place in the next 30 days. And, if you're a public transport regular, you'll know for sure it won't be pretty — especially since it could coincide with another public transport strike. Melbourne's train network is about to be affected by its own strike, with the RTBU set to kick off industrial action on Monday, August 12. On the Monday — and the following Monday, August 19 — all train travel will be free for commuters as RTBU members keep ticket barriers open and refuse to sell, upload or check Myki cards, all day long. Commuter-facing train employees will also scrap their uniforms indefinitely from August 12, too, and workers will refuse to participate in any training for Melbourne's soon-to-launch high-capacity trains between August 12–18. Between these dates, drivers will also refuse to operate any train that doesn't have fully operational public address systems and passenger emergency intercoms. And there'll be no skipping stations, alternate services running, or announcements by drivers to alert when their trains are running late. The industrial action could carry over to V/Lines, too, with an RBTU Victoria member commenting on the above Facebook post: "V/Line has only just come to the table to start bargaining. Their day will come if they don't take the talks seriously." We'll keep you updated with that. For the moment, no date has been set for the tram strike, but we'll let you know as soon as there is. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
South Coast-raised, buzzed-up designer Emma Mulholland has been raiding the stationery cupboard. Taking inspiration from Melanie Griffith's secretarial stylin' in 1988's Working Girl and John Hughes' timelessly cool brat pack, Mulholland's Risque Business line hits the shelves this week. One of our favourite collections from this year's Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Australia at Carriageworks, Mulholland's Spring/Summer '14 line moves away from her signature in-face neon preferences to a more eighties-style pastel vibe — but keeping that acclaimed surf/streetwear schtick intact. Hinged around and unlikely design trigger, office supplies, the collection is made for jaded nine-to-fivers who relish in that glorious post-5pm period. Super bright bomber jackets, sheer zig-zagged shifts, clock face bikinis; the collection fuses workplace references (paper clips, post-its) with made-for-summer resortwear. Sequins rule the roost in Mulholland's new line, especially on one of the most adorably summery one-piece swimsuits you can actually get away with as a grown up. Accessories aren't left in the drawer for this collection either; Mulholland has teamed up with designer Celeste Tesoriero to craft ten new jewellery pieces for Risque Business, all taking inspiration from boring ol' office stationery. "The jewellery was inspired by what I used to make for myself in class at school, playing around with paper clips, bull clips but I wanted it to have a much more sophisticated look to it, hence getting together with Celeste," says Mulholland. The line also heralds a collab between Sam Stevenson from Pared Eyewear — six new bangin' pairs of 'wave temple' shades you'll want permanently on your face this summer. The perfect line for bringing summer music festival vibes to the staff common room, the arrival of Risque Business will infuse a little holiday in your daily grind. Now for a scrollfest: Emma Mulholland's Risque Business hits shelves this week. Check here for your nearest stockist or shop online here.
The historic Normanby Chambers site at 430 Collins Street has notched up some serious culinary street cred over the years, first home to Shannon Bennett's Bistro Vue and more recently housing his follow-up, seafood restaurant Iki-Jime. Now, fellow renowned chef Scott Pickett is hoping to continue the venue's tradition with his latest venture Chancery Lane. Opening its doors just before Christmas, the European bistro is certainly off to a good start, settling into the space with its moodily lit dining zones, curved banquettes and arched windows framed in dapper black steel. Raft Studio and design firm Bergman & Co have teamed up with Creative Director Stuart Neil (Ezard, Estelle by Scott Pickett) to bring the vision to life, with finishes showcasing bespoke wares from local artisans, as well as a collection of antique finds. Head Chef Rob Kabboord (Lekker, Quay, Merricote) is plating up a menu of Euro-accented bistro fare that's at once timeless and unafraid of modern technique. An expansive seafood selection kicks things off, featuring a range of caviar served by the gram or the tin, alongside bites like the Storm Bay clam finished with chive and cucumber, and Hervey Bay scallops starring fennel and finger lime. If this section is where your heart lies, you can even opt for a two- or four-person seafood platter. [caption id="attachment_797481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tania Bahr Vollrath[/caption] A rich black truffle and foie gras toastie makes for a decadent snack, as does the gruyère-laced dry-aged duck and shiitake burger — surely a cult favourite in the making. Deeper in, you might find yourself tucking into a delicate Robbins Island tartare topped with a potato crisp and caviar, the 'poulet au cidre' chicken done with calvados and apple, or a generous Yarra Valley Berkshire pork cutlet teamed with vichy-style carrots. And, while the cheese selection features an impressive, global lineup, prepare to be more than little swayed by lush desserts like the raspberry and gin baba. A grand, broad-ranging wine cellar rounds out the fun, including drops sourced from across Australia and the world, and a pick of top-shelf wines displayed artfully in a former safe within one of the dining room walls. Find Chancery Lane at 430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open 12pm–10pm Monday–Friday and from 6pm–10pm Saturdays. Images: Tania Bahr-Vollrath
By now, Melburnians are no stranger to the concept of a bottomless, boozy brunch, though Jamu's version plays a little differently to most. The Richmond eatery has fast made a name for its fusion of Malaysian flavours and modern Australian techniques; now, it's reworking them into a beloved weekend brunch, and serving up a bottomless feast from 12–2pm and 3–5pm every Saturday and Sunday. For $58 each, you can graze your way through a free-flowing feed of punchy, Asian-inspired eats. Head Chef Calvin Wong is whipping up bites like edamame guacamole and lotus chips, pillowy bao, steamed dumplings and saucy chicken wings. We suggest you wear stretchy pants. To pair with all this — and kick your weekend into gear — there are also free-flowing drinks from the bar. Choose from tap beer, prosecco, Pimm's, Aperol spritzes and juicy mimosas. If you'd prefer to go a la carte for brunch, you can do this, too. The restaurant is serving up housemade crumpets ($12), buttermilk pancakes with grilled banana and croissant ice cream ($21) and Meredith goat's cheese scrambled eggs ($18) from 7am weekdays (closed Wednesday) and 8am on weekends. To drink, there are — wait for it — Milo martinis ($14). Yep, the boozy concoction of your wildest kidult dreams. It's made with cognac, milo and condensed milk and available from 10.30am. Images: Simon Shiff and Jake Roden. Updated: August 30, 2019.
Don't you hate those little stickers that come with pieces of fruit? Of course you do. Everyone does. I somehow always forget to peel these off before I eat fruit. They say that practice makes perfect, but I still struggle with this after all my years of eating apples and nashi pears. However, Scott Amron has come up with an ingenious and hygienic way to get rid of these once and for all. Amron has recently unveiled his 'Vanishing Fruitwash Labels', which are stickers that turn into organic soap when washed. Even though the stickers are water resistant, rubbing them with water will trigger the sticker's transformation. This way, you don't have to peel the fruit sticker off and stick it to your kitchen bench. Rather, it will just disappear when washed and you'll get a much cleaner fruit which is free of all the pesticides that your mother warned you about. Generously, Amron is offering people to invest in a 10% stake in the Fruitwash Label Intellectual Property (patents). [Via PSFK]
A four-and-a-half hour opera may seem like a hard sell, but keep reading! Einstein on the Beach is no ordinary theatrical experience. First performed in 1976, combining the talents of three of America's seminal modern artists — composer Philip Glass, stage designer Robert Wilson and choreographer Lucinda Childs — it virtually reinvented opera as an art form. Conceived as a portrait of the 20th century's greatest scientist in sound and movement, the piece follows no storyline but rather seeks to represent Einstein and his ideas through a series of abstract movements with names like 'Night Train', 'I Feel the Earth Move' and 'Spaceship'. Mathematical choruses, abstract poetry, whirling dancers, evocative backdrops wrought in light and, of course, Glass's epic soundscapes combine to make a piece definitive of the modern age. This revival, which last year saw the piece return to stage for the first time in two decades, was overseen by Glass, Wilson and Childs themselves and provides a rare opportunity to see this unique work performed. While the audience are free to come and go during the performance, under the spell of Glass's music the long running time may simply slide by. Time is, after all, relative.
Big names from Australia and overseas. A new stage dedicated to dance music. A health and wellness zone with guided meditation and ice baths. With the returning lantern parade, too, as well as Steven Bradbury hosting the Great Australian Pineapple Toss and the onsite ferris wheel offering a helluva view, that's how The Big Pineapple Festival is making the most of its 2025 event. After announcing its Saturday, November 1 date earlier in the year, the Sunshine Coast fest has unveiled its lineup and more about its plans to mark its ten-year anniversary. Leading the bill: Hilltop Hoods, The Cat Empire, The Jungle Giants and PNAU, as well as Polaris, SIX60, Hands Like Houses, MKTO, Rum Jungle and Thelma Plum. Superlove Arena, that purpose-built haven for electronic tunes, will feature Baauer, Bushbaby, Anna Lunoe B2B Nina Las Vegas, KLP B2B Mell Hall, Little Fritter B2B Wongo, Paluma B2B Kessin, Shimmy and Raw Ordio. And Betty Taylor, Beckah Amani, HEADSEND and IVANA are also on the fest's lineup as well, all helping the event back up being named the Festival of the Year for the fourth time at the 2025 Queensland Music Awards. For those keen to dance in the shadow of a giant piece of tropical fruit — and one of Australia's most-famous big things — hitting Pineapple Fields in Woombye also comes with the option of camping, whether you'll be bringing your own tent, hiring one onsite or glamping. "When we started this festival years ago, our goal was to put Australian artists front and centre, and create an unforgettable experience for fans," said Mark Pico, The Big Pineapple Festival's Founder and Festival Director. "To be here over a decade later with the festival stronger than ever and even earning industry awards again ... is incredibly humbling. It's a testament to the amazing community of artists, attendees and partners who have believed in The Big Pineapple Festival from the start." The Big Pineapple Festival 2025 Lineup Hilltop Hoods The Cat Empire The Jungle Giants PNAU Polaris SIX60 Hands Like Houses MKTO Rum Jungle Thelma Plum Baauer Bushbaby Anna Lunoe B2B Nina Las Vegas KLP B2B Mell Hall Little Fritter B2B Wongo Paluma B2B Kessin Shimmy Raw Ordi Betty Taylor Beckah Amani HEADSEND IVANA The Big Pineapple Festival returns on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with presale tickets available from 8am AEST on Monday, July 28 and general tickets from 8am AEST on Tuesday, July 29. Head to the fest's website for more details. Select images: Claudia Ciapocha / Charlie Hardy.
One of Sydney Festival 2017's most Instagrammed events was The Beach, an enormous ball pit inside a human-made cave, as created by Brooklyn-based design studio Snarkitecture. Tonnes of the city's residents spent at least some part of January diving, cannonballing and floating about in a sea of plastic bliss. Understandably. If you've been fretting about whether this kind of fun would ever come to Melbourne, here's your answer. Another ball pit, this time called The Ballpit!, is on its way around the country. It was first slated for Sydney, but now Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have been added to the agenda. Like The Beach, it'll be a behemoth, made up of one million balls. Rather than filling up just a single space, they'll be arranged across several, creating a kind of playground — but for adults. On top of that, the balls are of the glow-in-the-dark variety, illuminated by LED lights that will pulsate to a soundtrack provided by some of Melbourne's best DJs. There'll also be an onsite cocktail bar, to let you rest and refuel in between dips and dives. Just when and where The Ballpit! will pop up is yet to be revealed, but expect it in early 2018. Entry will be via ticket, available online. Sessions are likely to sell out pretty quickly, so get in early by registering on The Ballpit!'s website. Image: The Beach, Sydney Festival 2017 by Shannon Connellan.
This Sunday session sees Sydney's Wayward Brewing Company bring its smash hit Sydney Beer Week event down to Two Birds Brewing's nest bar for the second instalment of Fempocalypse on May 13. The day brings together female brewers, musicians and artists in an arvo that celebrates the boss women of the hospitality and creative industries. For Melbourne's Good Beer Week, expect beers from both breweries on tap, along with four live music sets (Nimbus Trio, Old Hat Jazz Quartet, The Hosies and Alison Ferrier) and two DJ sets (Whiskey Houston and Renee Delay), plus circus, dance and burlesque performances. Female-operated food stalls will sit next to artisan craft stalls by the likes of local illustrator Hannakin, shoemaker Betty Bossy Boots and graphic designer Refiloe Khobane's African-inspired wares. Included in the $15 ticket price is a half-pint on arrival, a brewery tour voucher for two and special release brews, along with a full day of tunes. Images: Simon Shiff
Another week, another chance to fill it with as much fun as possible. Thankfully, Melbourne is a place that knows how to deliver. All-you-can-eat sushi on a Tuesday, planetarium parties on a Friday, deep dives into pop culture icons on a weekend — that's just life in this busy city of ours. No day is ever the same, and no span of seven days either. Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way. Too much to do, too little time? If that's how you're feeling, don't worry, we've got you covered. To help you get the most out of every moment across this particular week, we've teamed up with Australian Red Cross and Uber to cast our eyes over the best events happening around town from Monday to Sunday. The result is a jam-packed agenda that not only takes care of your free time but makes sure you're having a mighty fine time while you're at it, too. If you need a ride to or from your destination, Uber can obviously assist — but the ride-sharing service and Australian Red Cross also have your Sunday sorted. That's when they're holding their annual Uber x Red Cross clothing drive, and will even send a driver to your house to pick up your unwanted threads. As well as helping clear out your wardrobe and helping those in need, it's the perfect way to cap off your busy week. Spend Monday to Saturday at movie retrospectives, pop-up eateries and seeing ace new plays, then chill at home, donate to a good cause without leaving the house, and make a date with your couch.
When Our Flag Means Death arrived in 2022, earned itself a spot among the best new TV arrivals of the year and charmed everyone who watched it, it left viewers thinking the same thing: all television comedies should be pirate romances starring Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby. Only this show earns that feat, however, and it's turning out wonderfully so far — for audiences, that is, with chaos surrounding the seafaring characters played by two of New Zealand's best-known comic names. Expect more choppy seas in store for Stede Bonnet (Darby, Home Economics) and Edward Teach aka Blackbeard (Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder) in Our Flag Means Death's second season. The swashbuckling series was renewed for a second run in 2022, and next sails back into streaming queues in October. After a teaser in August, it also now has a full trailer — complete with Stede and Blackbeard reuniting. No, Taika's stint playing a pirate isn't over yet, in supremely welcome news for everyone who cruised through Our Flag Means Death's first season and adored it. His latest collaboration with Darby after also working together on Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, Wellington Paranormal and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, the show satirises the buccaneering times of the 18th century. As its first season unfurled, Our Flag Means Death also proved to be a sweet and warmhearted love story, as well as essential viewing. HBO clearly agreed, greenlighting the show's second season for its streaming service Max. You'll be able to watch the results from Thursday, October 5 via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Spanning eight episodes, season two picks up where its predecessor left off. If you haven't hopped aboard already, Stede is a self-styled 'gentleman pirate', a great approximation of Flight of the Conchords' Murray if he'd existed centuries earlier, and a man determined to bring a bit of kindness and elegancy to the whole swashbuckling game. He's based on an IRL figure, who abandoned his cosy life for a seafaring existence. The show is a loose adaptation of Bonnet's tale, though. As for Waititi, he dons leather, dark hues aplenty, an air of bloodthirsty melancholy and a head of greying hair as Blackbeard. While the famed pirate seems like Stede's exact opposite, disproving that is a big part of the show's narrative. After sparks flew, then season one came to a memorable end, season two will follow what happens next for Stede and Edward. Also featuring among Our Flag Means Death's cast: Samson Kayo (Bloods), Vico Ortiz (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Ewen Bremner (Creation Stories), Joel Fry (Bank of Dave), Matthew Maher (Hello Tomorrow!), Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Con O'Neill (The Batman), David Fane (The Messenger), Samba Schutte (Forspoken), Nat Faxon (Loot) and Leslie Jones (BMF), all returning from season one. This time around, they'll be joined by a heap of new recurring guest stars in Ruibo Qian (Servant), Madeleine Sami (Deadloch), Anapela Polataivao (The Justice of Bunny King) and Erroll Shand (The Clearing), plus Minnie Driver (Chevalier) and Bronson Pinchot (The Mysterious Benedict Society) as guest stars. Check out the full trailer for Our Flag Means Death season two below: Our Flag Means Death will return for season two on Thursday, October 5 in Australia via Binge and New Zealand via Neon. Read our review of season one. Images: Nicola Dove/ HBO Max.
After revealing its December and January programming late last year, Moonlight Cinema has unveiled the next part of its 2018–19 program. As always, one piece of advice bears repeating: pack your picnic basket and get ready to watch a heap of flicks under the summer evening sky. While the outdoor cinema runs until Sunday, March 31 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, it's latest announcement focuses on February — so if you're keen to catch a movie under the stars while it's still officially summer, take note. As always, plenty of recent favourites are on the bill, plus a smattering of all-time greats and a few sneak peeks at new movies coming out soon. The March lineup will be announced in February. Tried-and-tested highlights include Aquaman, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Bumblebee and The Favourite, plus the return of A Star Is Born and a sing-along session of Bohemian Rhapsody. You'll also be able to catch retro titles such as Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Devil Wars Prada and The Princess Bride, and new nerve-wracking rock-climbing documentary Free Solo just as it hits regular cinemas. In the sneak peek camp, there's gender-flipped rom-com What Men Want, Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic On the Basis of Sex and Natalie Portman as a pop star in the must-see Vox Lux, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMCYE9hKP68 Moonlight's usual food truck and licensed bar offering will continue, as will its reserved bean beds. You can also BYO booze everywhere except Brisbane. And Brisbanites have been benefiting from two big changes, with Moonlight Cinema saying goodbye to Brisbane Powerhouse after a more than a decade and settling in at Roma Street Parkland instead. Even better — it's running all the way through until March 31 for the first time, like its interstate counterparts. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2018–19 DATES: Sydney: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park) Melbourne: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Central Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens) Brisbane: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Roma Street Parkland) Perth: Dec 1–Mar 31 (May Drive Parkland, Kings Park & Botanic Garden) Adelaide: Dec 8–Feb 17 (Botanic Park) Moonlight Cinema runs until March 31. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Moonlight website.
What's better than watching a heap of top Australian talent sit around and talk about music? Watching them do all of the above while answering questions, competing for points and just generally being funny, too. That's the concept behind ABC TV show Spicks and Specks, which took a few cues from the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, pit Aussie musos and comedians against each other, and has proven a hit several times over. It was a weekly favourite when it first aired between 2005–2011 — and it will be again from today. As fans will already know, Spicks and Specks just keeps coming back; however, that has meant different things over the years. When the program was first revived back in 2014, it did so with a new host and team captains, for instance. And when it started to make a return with its original lineup of Adam Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough, it first did so via a one-off reunion special. That 2018 comeback proved more than a little popular. It became the ABC's most-watched show of that year, in fact. So, the broadcaster then decided to drop four new Spicks and Specks specials across 2019–20 and, for 2021, to bring back Spicks and Specks in its regular format. As first announced last year, the show is returning for a full ten-episode season — and, as the broadcaster revealed last month, it'll kick off on Sunday, April 18 at 7.40pm. You'll be able to watch it on TV when it airs, or stream it via iView afterwards. Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough are all settling back into their old chairs, obviously — and, guest-wise, they'll be joined by music stars such as The Teskey Brothers, Alice Skye, G-Flip, Vika and Linda, and Missy Higgins, as well as comedians including Anne Edmonds, Nazeem Hussain, Luke McGregor, Dave O'Neil and Denise Scott. So, add playing along with the show from your couch to your end-of-weekend plans from tonight onwards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT5t-G4iGDc Spicks and Specks returns to ABC TV for a regular full season from 7.40pm on Sunday, April 18, with episodes airing weekly afterwards. You'll also be able to stream the series via ABC iView.
Stealing from the rich isn't just the domain of Robin Hood. In Hustlers, it's exactly what a group of strip club employees decide to do, too. Fed up with putting up with wealthy, lecherous Wall Street types who happily rip off everyone they can, including ordinary hard-working folk, the gang of gals hatch a plan to even the score. And, they know that if they ring up extra charges on their clientele's credit cards, the fleeced men are highly unlikely to report it. It's the type of tale that can only be true, with Hustlers based on an article on The Cut about the real-life ladies who started swindling white-collar crooks between dances. It's also the kind of story that needs a killer cast to bring it to life, so the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Constance Wu, Cardi B and Lizzo are doing the honours. As written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, The Meddler), the film's stacked roster of stars also includes Riverdale's Lili Reinhart, Scream: The TV Series' Keke Palmer, The Handmaid's Tale's Madeline Brewer, Parks and Recreation's Jon Glaser, and Luke Cage's Frank Whaley. Oh, and Usher. Check out the trailer below — which, fittingly, is set to Cardi B's 'Money': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_dfc0iqmig Hustlers releases in Australian cinemas on October 10.
Thrilling crime sagas starring spectacular actors: on screens big and small, they've been one of the Australian film and TV industry's biggest successes over the past decade. The Guy Pearce-led Jack Irish franchise did it, starting with three telemovies, then releasing three seasons of television afterwards. Mystery Road managed hit the spot as well, beginning with that eponymous film, followed by big-screen sequel Goldstone, then spanning two seasons of TV so far — and an about-to-drop small-screen prequel series, too. And now The Dry is set to join them. When it reached Aussie cinemas at the beginning of 2021 — making the leap from bookshelves to theatres, adapting the debut novel from author Jane Harper — The Dry became an enormous hit. If you went to the movies at the start of last year, you likely saw it. It currently sits sixth at the box office among local titles over the past ten years, notching up more than $20 million in ticket sales. It also came in sixth in 2021 overall, after Spider-Man: No Way Home, No Time to Die, Godzilla vs Kong, Peter Rabbit 2 and Fast and Furious 9. That kind of response was always likely to spark a sequel (and it shouldn't escape attention that the five movies that made more cash in Australia last year were all either sequels themselves, or part of long-running franchises). So, adapting Harper's second novel Force of Nature, The Dry is now getting a big-screen follow-up. Yes, Eric Bana is back as Detective Aaron Falk. Now shooting in Victoria — with a release date yet to be revealed — Force of Nature focuses on a corporate hiking retreat attended by five women. Afterwards, only four return. So, alongside fellow federal agent Carmen Cooper, Falk heads deep Victoria's mountain ranges to try to find the missing hiker — who also happens to be a whistle-blowing informant — alive. As The Dry was, Force of Nature is being written and directed by Robert Connolly (Paper Planes). Again, it'll boast quite the pair when it comes to Aussie crime cinema — with Connolly the producer of one of the best local crime movies ever made, aka 1998's unnerving The Boys, and Bana was famously the star of the similarly excellent Chopper. Also featuring in Force of Nature, which'll have a powerhouse Aussie cast like its predecessor: Jacqueline McKenzie (Ruby's Choice) as Cooper, Anna Torv (Mindhunter) as missing hiker Alice Russell, plus Deborra-Lee Furness (Jindabyne), Robin McLeavy (Homeland), Sisi Stringer (Mortal Kombat) and Lucy Ansell (Utopia). Richard Roxburgh (Elvis), Tony Briggs (Preppers) and Kenneth Radley (The Power of the Dog) co-star, too, while Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor (Sequin in a Blue Room) is back in the role of Erik Falk. Check out the trailer for The Dry below: Force of Nature doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Read our full review of The Dry.
Be brave. Take a deep breath. Grab your popcorn and choc top and step into the unknown. Yes, the clandestine movie lovers at Underground Cinema are back — and we're giddy with anticipation. So here's what we know. Underground Cinema will host seven secret screenings of an unknown science fiction film between Thursday, November 10 and Saturday, November 19. Don't ask us what the movie will be, because we haven't the first idea. But then, isn't the mystery half the fun? Of course you're not just paying for a movie, but for a full-blown immersive experience. There'll also be hot food and a cash bar on site...wherever the site ends up being. Tickets are selling fasts, so get in quick, or be left to wonder what it is you're missing out on. Image: Nicholas Joel Photography.
Hurrah! Television and academia are no longer mutually exclusive! Welcome to the 21st century, y’all. That’s right, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image is set to bring you its next edition of Live in the Studio with 'The End of Enlightenment', a critique, dissection and salute of the bygone small-screen series Enlightened. Industry experts, academics and pop-culture aficionados Ronnie Scott (The Lifted Brow), Elmo Keep (Hungry Beast) and Amy Gray (The Drum) join forces this August 29 to analyse and reflect on the polarising program — prematurely cancelled after only two series — and conflicted protagonist Amy Jellicoe, played by co-creator Laura Dern. It all kicks off at 7pm on Thursday, 29 August, at ACMI Studio 1 with something pretty hard to come by — a literary analysis that is equal parts intellectual and entertaining. Grab more info on the talk at the ACMI website.
Over the past few weeks, Victoria's COVID-19 situation has changed rapidly, resulting in the reintroduction of strict stay-at-home orders for all of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. As part of reimplemented lockdown rules currently in place for at least six weeks, residents of both areas can only leave their homes for one of four reasons: for work or school (if you can't do this from home), for care or care giving, for daily exercise, or for food and other essentials. And, if you do venture out for one of these reasons, it's now recommended that you wear a face mask. On Friday, July 10, the Victorian Government advised that Victorians living in metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire should "wear face masks in situations where they are leaving their home and physical distancing is not possible", as recommended by the state's Chief Health Officer. The announcement came as the state recorded 288 new coronavirus cases, its highest daily rise in to-date — and the largest jump in Australia's history of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic — with Victoria's cases numbers now totalling 3379. Specifically, metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire residents should don facial coverings if it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres from other people — for example, when visiting crowded areas such as shopping centres, public transport or markets. The recommendation is in place for all adults over the age of 18, with both cloth masks and single-use face masks (aka surgical masks) considered suitable. The advice regarding masks isn't compulsory, and won't be enforced — so you won't be fined if you don't comply — but the government advises that, based on recent studies, "even when factoring in imperfections and human error, wearing face masks can reduce transmission of coronavirus by around 60 per cent". https://twitter.com/VicGovDHHS/status/1281535898090430464 If you're now wondering which type of face mask is best, where to get them or how to make your own, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website has put together a guide — including step-by-step instructions for putting together your own three-layer face mask at home. You'll also find information about how to wear a mask correctly, how to take it off, and when to wash and replace it. For more information about wearing face masks, and the Victorian Government's advice for metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire residents, head to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website.
Does your life feel like it could use a little more green? Well, if you're a City of Casey resident, Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre is helping you out by handing out a bunch of free plants over three days this week. The green giveaway is part of the Let's Grow Together Sustainability Festival, running from Thursday, May 17 until Saturday, May 19. A huge 3000 free plants are up for grabs across the weekend — simply head to the shopping centre during the festival, flash some proof of residence and you'll score up to two little plant babies to help green up your garden and the city. Other great festival initiatives include free coffees for anyone who brings along a reusable coffee cup, a pedal-powered machine that'll have you cycling your way to a free smoothie, and a series of educational workshops for kids. There's also a range of free information sessions covering tips for a more sustainable life, hosted by business owners, local council and special international guest speakers.
If you're exploring Brighton and find yourself in need of a stunning floral arrangement (it happens), Pash Flowers and Homewares has you covered. The team behind this local store sources only the best seasonal flora to create arrangements that celebrate the natural beauty of flowers. In addition to the potted plants, flowers and wild branches, Pash also offers a selection of gifts, including ceramics, candles, lotions, soaps and knitted toys. Simply entering this store will elicit a feeling of happiness — how good do flowers smell? — and the best part is you get to take some of it home with you.
Not all food collaborations are created equal — and for local meat-lovers, this one is set to be top-tier stuff. Famously beautiful butcher Victor Churchill is joining forces with beloved sandwich joint Hector's Deli to create a couple of one-off treats well worth crossing town for. From Saturday, December 3–Sunday, December 4, the dynamic duo is unleashing two dreamy collaboration goodies on the world, available in super limited amounts from Hector's brand-new Fitzroy store. And let's just say, they're really reaping the benefits of both Victor Churchill's top-quality meat offering and Hector's supreme sandwich skills. First, you've got the beef dip sandwich ($20), featuring rare roasted Black Angus beef piled into a sourdough hoagie roll alongside melty provolone, pickled onions and horseradish cream. There's a whiskey-spiked dipping sauce to match, too. And if you've got room for dessert, you won't want to miss the indulgent wagyu fat caramel and cream cheese doughnut ($7) they've dreamed up for the occasion. Here, buttery pastry is topped with a silky glaze made from cream cheese and Victorian wagyu fat, to create one glorious fusion of salt, fat and sugar. There'll be just 100 of each treat up for grabs each day, so you might want to skip the weekend sleep-in. (Hot tip: Hector's Deli opens at 7.30am). Images: Jana Langhorst.
Step into an immersive light installation at Bruce Munro's new gallery exhibition, Bruce Munro: From Sunrise Road. Munro — a British artist well-known for his large-scale light installations — will be bringing his considerable talents to Melbourne this winter for the first time. The exhibition at Heide Museum of Modern Art is Munro's first installation in Australia and is a combination of indoor and outdoor experimental artworks and smaller, more intimate storytelling pieces. The exhibition aims to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the artist's work, with inspiration coming from both the personal as well as the literary, philosophical and spiritual. An interactive experience, Munro's exhibition aims to be both playful and contemplative. The exhibition will run from Saturday, June 25 until Sunday, October 16, and entrance to the exhibition is included with the Heide Gallery's $20 museum admission fee. [caption id="attachment_855625" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Time and Place - Palm Beach 2020, Australia. Copyright © 2021 Bruce Munro. All rights reserved.[/caption] Top Image: Time and Place - Sunrise Road, Australia. Copyright © 2021 Bruce Munro. All rights reserved.
It all gets a bit much sometimes, doesn't it? With global warming, economic collapse in America, riots in London, population explosions in India, the destruction of forest in Indonesia, the cost of housing in Sydney (in fact, the cost of everything in Sydney), even the optimists among us would have to agree that we have some serious challenges to meet, and we will need some seriously good ideas to meet them. So it is nice to know that there are people like Polish architect Aleksander Krasinski, a man whose foresight might prove to be as far reaching as his imagination. Krasinski, who already has a enviable architectural career, has developed and designed the concept of the floating artificial island in response the potential threats of rising sea levels. The artificial island, which resembles a giant skyscraper, would be approximately 1000 metres in height and diameter and would include luxury apartments, office spaces, an airport, a sea port, gardens and pubic areas, all of which would centre around inner atrium, which would be dedicated to commercial and recreational pursuits. It is also remarkably beautiful. Housing up to 52,096 people, the artificial island might be the antidote to some of the world's future potential geographical and ecological problems. And while realistically, it may not be something we see in our lifetime, it nice to know the grandkids might have somewhere nice to live.
Carlton's Argyle Square has recently been graced with a new outdoor eatery, though you may not immediately recognise it as such. Parco's middle-of-the-street courtyard digs better resemble a little kiosk for good reason. Originally built as a power substation, the tiny cottage-like building was most recently used as an information kiosk — though, according to locals, it's been vacant for nearly 20 years. Enter long-time mates Jarrod Balme and Adrian Pagano, who saw an opportunity to reclaim this space. They've turned the site into a cafe surrounded by outdoor park-bench seating — with space for 50 all up. It's uniquely situated in the centre of the street just south of Argyle Square. Fitzroy's Therefore Studios took care of the fit-out — having also been responsible for Richmond's Union House and Vacation cafe in the CBD — along with branding expertise by Australian designer Peter Jay Deering and drawings by Tokyo-based designer Yu Nagaba. "The inspiration behind the fit-out was to do something complementary to the space and not jolting to the surrounding environment," says Balme. "We really wanted to be seen as an extension to the beautiful Argyle Square through our space and our menu." To complement the space, head chef Piers Bielby has created a succinct menu that focuses on 'hand-to-mouth' eating, including all-day brekkie items like the banh mi — a miso-mayo dressed milk bun piled with maple bacon and a fried egg, then topped with pickled carrots, coriander and cucumber. The avo smash is a bit different, too, set on rye bread and topped with vegan cream cheese and a beetroot slaw. For lunch, think confit crispy duck salad with Thai spices or the salty-sweet Scuttlebut vegetarian ciabatta —with a boiled egg, avocado and feta, topped with fresh herbs, pickled veggies, olives and capers. Seasonal fare is sourced from local suppliers, with all meat from Meatsmith and bread from Dench Bakers in Fitzroy North, plus coffee by Coffee Supreme and tea by Love Tea. Fresh smoothies and indulgent milkshakes are also up for grabs, as are daily-baked pastries from the takeaway display (made both in-house and sourced from Dench). Sure, the all-outdoor seating may not be ideal for these winter months, but it does mean the cafe is dog friendly — and they've got plenty of blankets to keep you warm, too. We expect to see the space to really boom in the warmer days ahead. Images: Kate Shanasy
A trip to the movies doesn't usually involve donning a cloak and mask, but the Lido's January 12 session of Eyes Wide Shut isn't any old screening. Playing as part of the cinema's current Lido on the Roof series, they're holding a masquerade dress-up showing of the Stanley Kubrick-directed flick. Turning up in costume — that is, in Venetian-style facial disguises and something dark and silky draped over your shoulders — is highly encouraged. Oh, and you'll have to mention the password "fidelio" at the door to get in. There's no better way to enjoy an iconic filmmaker's last-ever movie, a real-life Hollywood duo diving into a tale of martial disharmony, and a film that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous shoot. Indeed, there's much that intrigues about Eyes Wide Shut — which took a whopping 400 days to make, had been on Kubrick's slate since the late '60s, and stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman back when they were the biggest couple in the world. And, that's before even contemplating the film's story, or the masked party at its centre. Cruise and Kidman play a married couple rocked by infidelity, and one particularly wild night, in an erotic drama that's provocative, probing and has to be seen to be believed. The fun kicks off at 9pm, with tickets ranging from $17 to $22.
Spend your Easter Sunday down at the Mornington Peninsula, where the team at the Portsea Hotel are throwing their first ever Easterpalooza. From 3pm onwards, the venue will showcase a massive lineup of local and national EDM, R&B, house and acoustic acts and DJs. Plus, it's a sweet spot with a view of the water. Early bird tickets have already sold out, so if you're keen you'd better hop to it.
Whether it's dropping Golden Gaytime-inspired Viennettas, cookie pies, Mint Slice-style biscuits, dulce de leche balm or its most-beloved gelato flavours — or just the usual frosty sweets lining its freezer cabinets — Gelato Messina sure does love giving dessert fiends a whole heap of treats. Come December, however, it's busting out 24 of them in the lead up to Christmas. Well, to be precise, you'll be busting them out of Messina's first-ever advent calendar. 'Tis the season to be jolly, and to enjoy opening tiny doors and eating the goodies within. First, the sad news for ice cream lovers: Messina's advent calendar won't need to be stored in your freezer, because it isn't filled with gelato. Next, the still-tasty news: it does come stuffed with Messina's delicious chocolate bites. (And it is recommended that you keep it in a cool, dark place, or in the fridge.) That means that this year, you can spend the first 24 days of December eating your way through mini waffle cone bites, salted cashew brittle, coconut rough, Messinatella biscuits, panned Panettone and other Messina wares. That's all that the chain is officially giving away, because part of the whole advent calendar setup is getting a surprise daily. That said, you can also expect to find little chocolate snowmen figures among the sweets. Handmade by Messina's in-house chocolatiers, every chocolate in the custom advent box is different — and, like all Messina specials, there's only a limited number available. In this case, only 300 calendars have been made. Christmas fiends (and chocolate lovers) will need to order on Wednesday, October 19, for pick up from Friday, November 25–Sunday, November 27. (Yes, that does mean you'll need to exercise some self-control for a few days, to stop yourself breaking open the calendar as soon as it's in your hot little hands.) Also like the brand's other limited-edition treats, this one is doing staggered 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 are split across three times depending on the store (with calendars from Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick, Circular Quay and Miranda on sale at 10am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 10.30am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Norwest, Rosebery and Penrith at 11am). Gelato Messina's advent calendar goes on sale on Wednesday, October 19, for pick up from Friday, November 25–Sunday, November 27. For more information, head to the Messina website.
The Lonely Hearts Club — known for running a few kick ass female-focused events around town — is teaming up with Two Birds Brewing for a beery night geared just for women. The craft brewers will take over The Smith from 6.30pm on Friday, April 13 for an empowering night championing birds that brew. The two-hour showcase will see Two Birds co-founder Danielle Allen and marketing manager Kerry McBride run through a tasting session of their brews, which are all handcrafted nearby at their Yarraville brewery. They'll chat with patrons on how they've made it in the male-dominated beer industry and give entrepreneurial advice on starting your own business, too. Early bird tickets have already sold out but you can still snag standard tickets at $45 a pop. It's a great way to support an event (and a business) that's run by strong women for strong women — plus, it's a great excuse for some cold Friday night brews.
