The second production on the lineup for Malthouse Theatre's 2014 Helium program, Intimacy tells the story of Michelle Ryan, a dancer diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 30. The show will be a fictionalised version of real life events and performed by Ryan herself. Devised by Torque Show, the piece will feature a live score by Lavender vs. Rose and will no doubt continue the hybridity of the Helium program with some inclusion of dance. Now in its third year, Malthouse Theatre's Helium is a celebration of independent theatre-makers and original ideas; the realms of high and low culture coming into proper alignment. Partnering up with Next Wave and the Melbourne Fringe for certain productions, this year's initiative from the highly respected Malthouse Theatre is quickly building momentum and looks to be a major player in this year's already bustling cultural program. Intimacy runs August 13 – 23, tickets available via Malthouse Theatre. To check out the rest of the 2014 Helium program, we've got the wrap up over here.
Prior to 2020, if someone told you that Chess the Musical was a very real thing that definitely exists, you could've been forgiven for being a little perplexed. But it does and, with everyone obsessed with the chess-focused Netflix series The Queen's Gambit over the past few months, it's hitting Melbourne's Regent Theatre between Thursday, April 22–Saturday, April 24. Chess the Musical actually dates back decades, first hitting London's West End in 1986. In line with that era, it's set against the background of the Cold War. Here, Soviet and American forces both try to use an international chess championship for political gain, and manipulate the outcome. The tale that also involves a love triangle, between Hungarian-born refugee Florence Vasse and two chess grandmasters. If you thought that singing about chess mightn't be all that exciting, ABBA's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus wrote the tunes, while Ulvaeus and musical veteran Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King) penned the lyrics. And, if you've ever heard 80s tracks 'I Know Him So Well' and 'One Night in Bangkok', they actually hail from Chess the Musical. Keen for a glimpse of what you're in for? Check out the video for Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson's 'I Know Him So Well' below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2SDInk6voA
Game Masters is one of the biggest exhibits ever at ACMI, containing a massive amount of content. A single modern game contains upwards of eight movies' worth of information. But this is also the downfall of the exhibit – it's literally impossible for one person to experience the whole of it. But some people come close, namely the kingpins of the whole event - the curators - who work tirelessly for months to choose games, contact designers, and arrange consoles. Come and hear Fiona Trigg, also curator of last year's Indie Game exhibit talk about some of the most inspiring game designers of the last decade. At Game Masters Curator Talks: Indies she will be discussing the people, companies and stories behind games including modern timewaster favourites Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja, postapocalyptic puzzler Machinarium, and classic platformer Another World. Image by Reinis Traidas.
Playwright Sandra Thibodeaux interrogates Australia's controversial treatment of asylum seekers, as well as the people smugglers who ferry them across the treacherous seas, in a fantastical dark comedy at La Mama Theatre as part of the Asia TOPA festival. Combining music, video and Indonesian shadow puppetry, The Age of Bones tells the story of Ikan, a young boy who finds himself locked up in an Australian jail after he is roped into working on a people smuggling boat. But the bulk of the action takes place in an underwater courthouse, complete with shark lawyers and an octopus judge. The magical setting should add a touch of surreal humour to a troubling tale of actual injustice, inspired by the experiences of around 60 underage Indonesian boys who spent years in prison after being falsely identified as adults.
One of the most celebrated voices in American independent cinema will be the subject of a retrospective at ACMI. Beginning Tuesday, December 27, Jim Jarmusch: Rock 'n' Roll will examine Jarmusch's frequent collaborations with rock music luminaries across a career that spans more than 30 years. The season is centred on this year's Gimme Danger, Jarmusch's adoring documentary about legendary rockers The Stooges and the band's notorious frontman Iggy Pop. The doco will screen until January 18, and shapes up as a must-see for music lovers. Of course, Gimme Danger isn't the first time that Pop and Jarmusch have crossed paths. The musician also appeared as a cross-dressing fur trader in Dead Man, and as a fictionalised version of himself in Coffee and Cigarettes. The latter film saw him share the screen with fellow musician Tom Waits, who also worked with Jarmusch on Mystery Train and Down by Law. All four films will screen as part of the retrospective on 35mm film prints.
It’s time to get your nails did. Work-Shop are running a nail art class with the Super Rad Nail Sisters, so you can learn how to keep your nails looking cute without having to fork out for a manicurist. Sisters Rohani and Rosalie Osman will be your nail art gurus for the evening, sharing their tricks for your fingertips. Currently the Super Rad Nail Sisters work out of their headquarters in Brunswick and also at Miss Gertrude Salon in Fitzroy, and their designs are both gorgeous and lots of fun. The techniques they cover will include ombre, leopard print, graphic eyes, confetti and galaxy. Once you’ve got these basics down, you’ll be ready to make up your own designs. The Super Rad ladies will provide you with the polish, practice nail art wheel, and all the fun bits and bobs like dotting tools and nail art pens. There’s also a goody bag to take home, which is just as well because once your friends/sisters/housemates see your super fly nail art, they’re going to want you to deck out their fingertips too. Make sure you arrive with bare nails so you can leave with something fabulous adorning your talons.
Homegrown Cajun-inspired seafood chain Kickin' Inn is dialling up the flavour this weekend, in support of Mardi Gras 2022 and the LGBTQIA+ community. From Friday, March 4–Sunday, March 6, all 11 of its restaurants will be breaking out the decorations and popping bottles for a three-day Mardi Gras Long Weekend celebration. Taking the sparkly crown as the weekend's special guest of honour is none other than Tik Tok star, Instagram favourite and drag darling, Carla From Bankstown. Thanks to this glittering partnership, $1 from each signature shrimp martini sold across the weekend will go towards Carla's LGBTIQA+ charity of choice, Twenty10 — an organisation that provides support services for LGBTQIA+ youth. Not only will you be dining for a great cause, but if you book your table in advance you'll score a free glass of rosé to enjoy with your meal — the tipple Carla fittingly describes as "the gayest of all the wines". Melbourne's currently home to two Kickin' Inn outposts, in Port Melbourne and Highett. [caption id="attachment_844422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Carla From Bankstown[/caption]
Remember those childhood days sat in front of the television, watching your beloved Disney flicks over and over? Of course you do. In fact, you might even be spending some of your social-distancing time recreating that period in your life — thanks to Disney+, there are plenty of nostalgic flicks to stream. Of course, back in the day when you were binging on The Lion King or The Little Mermaid on repeat, you probably weren't thinking about your future adult self partying to 'Hakuna Matata' or 'Under the Sea'. Let Beyond Cinema blow your inner kid's mind, because even in lockdown it's putting on a virtual Disney-themed party. From Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas to Aladdin and Frozen, if it's a piece of music from a Disney flick, you'll likely hear it at the Magical Sing-Along. A heap of Sydney performers will croon out the studio's best tunes, which'll be streamed to ticketholders — and you're encouraged to dress up, let out your best renditions, play games (including dance-offs and lip sync battles) and win prizes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GibiNy4d4gc Kicking off at 7pm on Thursday, April 30, this virtual shindig will get you dancing to your Disney faves and belting out many a tune while you do so — all in your lounge room. Tickets cost $10 per household, so you can share the fun with everyone who lives under your roof.
It's safe to say Gami Chicken and Beer has secured its status as one of Australia's go-to fried chicken joints, slinging its signature Korean-style chook from 28 locations across the country. To celebrate the opening of its latest outpost in Lilydale Village, Gami is giving Melburnians a very good reasons to jump on board, handing out a whopping 1000 boxes of fried chicken — for free. These fried chicken morsels — RSPCA-approved and rocking Gami's signature blend of 17 herbs and spices — will be up for grabs from 12–12.30pm and again from 5–5.30pm on Thursday, March 25 and Friday, March 26 at the new location. There will only be 250 free boxes available at each session — so you should head in early if you want a freebie. Once you're hooked, you're probably going to want to schedule a return visit pretty quick, to try other Gami favourites like the chicken spare ribs or the aptly named Potato Heaven, featuring three layers of cheesy potato goodness, as well as chilled Gun:bae lagers from Brunswick's Thunder Road Brewery. And if you can't make it down for a free piece, the Lilydale store is already open for lunch and dinner daily.
They say oysters are the food of love. But you don't have to have romance on your mind to enjoy the heck out of a few ocean-fresh bivalves. And on Sunday, February 13, singles and loved-up couples alike are invited to slurp freshly-shucked oysters — for free — at Preston Market. Yep, the food precinct is getting into the spirit of love a little early, with an afternoon of oyster appreciation on Valentine's Day Eve. Swing past from 12pm when resident fishmonger O Psaras will be handing out complimentary freshly-shucked oysters until they're all gone. You read that right: top-quality oysters, for nada. There's a limit of one freebie per person, but if you're a total sucker for seafood with a boundless appetite for those tasty morsels, you're in luck: the crew will also be slinging oysters by the dozen for just $20 a pop, through the afternoon.
Do you sometimes get frustrated with your real, life-sized world? Everyone needs an escape from time to time and, if you've seen everything good at the movies, I Think I Can could prove the perfect way to relax. Terrapin Puppet Theatre are presenting a tiny world for you to navigate with a personalised figurine. Sure, it's primarily made for kids, but all of your problems look so tantalisingly small when they're 5cm tall and made of plastic. Created by director Sam Routledge and artist Martyn Coutts, this work isn't just a model train gone wild. Before playing with the set, each audience member/prospective puppet is asked to take a short personality test, the results are then used to assign them with a figurine, and they can move about the tiny world. Each puppets movements are then tracked, filmed and collated into a surprisingly entertaining online newspaper called The Tiny Times. Don't worry, this little gem can be enjoyed by adults too. It was a hit at the Perth Festival earlier this year and comes personally recommended from The Guardian. If you feel a little shy about elbowing kids out of the way to play, there's a special adult's session on Friday, October 3 from 5.30-8.3opm.
Winter has taken a toll on us the last few months. Long gone are our fond memories of summers spent on the Peninsula and Surf Coast. We can barely remember what a potato cake tastes like at this point. So, to farewell this dreaded season in style what better place to be than at the heart of Victorian sunshine itself? Lorne is holding a big party with musicians, artists and performers aplenty, and you're all invited. Lorne Festival of Performing Arts is admittedly a lesser known name on the Melbourne festival circuit. Now in its fourth year, this seaside event is characterised by cabaret, comedy, circus, dance and music, and features an eclectic group of local performers. Opening night is kicked off in the legendary Circus Oz Big Top and the acts on show include Finucane & Smith, League of Sideshow Superstars, Mighty Duke & The Lords, Trash Test Dummies, Kate McLennan & Wes Snelling, and the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. With a wealth of street performers and seaside party vibes, this will no doubt be a satisfying way to ease into the hectic festival season. Check out the festival website for the full program and ticketing options.
If you're keen on bending and flexing in Melbourne's south-east, Oakleigh has the new spot to get your stretch on: Tidal Flow Yoga. Setting up shop on Portman Street, the studio wants you to channel the ocean's power into your fitness and wellness routines — and, it wants you to give it a try for free as well. While Tidal kicks off its regular classes on April 9, if you drop by on April 7 and 8, you can get active without spending a cent. Go with the flow at sessions dedicated to meditation, alignment, slow movements and power moves — just make sure you book online in advance. Along with the free launch weekend celebrations, Tidal is also offering 14-day memberships for $39. Classes are open to all skill levels, including experienced yoga fanatics and newcomers alike.
History is just the result of a few precarious moments – at least according to the latest exhibition at the Tarrawarra Museum of Art. All that is solid… is the third instalment of the Tarrawarra International series and presents the work of five local and international artists across film, photography, video art and more. The exhibition takes its cues from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' seminal 1848 political pamphlet The Communist Manifesto, with the exhibiting artists producing works that imagine "connections between the past and the present". Many of the artists have chosen to reappropriate historical events and archival fragments, while others have used current social and political struggles as a starting point for these provocative pieces. The numerous works take to the creative extremes, including sewn books, automated vacuum cleaners, cremated encyclopaedias and contrasting architectural and nature sites.
Over the weekend, thousands of punters pulled on their gumboots and descended on Canberra for the annual Groovin the Moo festival. And, while they were there, many festivalgoers had their illicit substances tested at the the country's second ever pill testing trial. Taking place on Sunday, April 28, the trial was deemed "an overwhelming success" by organisers, with 171 illicit drug samples tested on the day — a huge increase from the trial's debut at the same festival last year, when 85 substances were examined. Headed up by harm reduction advocates Pill Testing Australia, again with the backing of the ACT Government, the 2019 trial tested samples from 234 participants and identified seven dangerous substances containing potentially deadly n-ethylpentylone. The punters carrying those were advised of the dangers and all turfed them in the amnesty bin provided. Among all of the day's tested substances, MDMA appeared most often, with cocaine, ketamine and methamphetamines also identified. Health warnings and safety information were given to every festivalgoer who had their drugs tested. Our second #pilltesting trial in Canberra was an overwhelming success with over 171 samples tested and 7 dangerous substances identified. All used the amnesty bin to discard these drugs. We have published our full media release here: #harmreductionhttps://t.co/yEzfcc1JtO pic.twitter.com/dYaWpYJUJm — Pill Testing Australia (@pilltestingaus) April 28, 2019 Despite a stack of international research, support from local experts and now two successful local pill testing trials, many Australian politicians — including the NSW and Victorian Premiers — have stuck firm on their anti-pill testing stance, even in the wake of a spate of deaths from suspected drug overdoses at NSW music festivals last year and a thousands-strong rally in Sydney earlier this year. In response to the deaths, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian introduced a strict new licensing regime for festivals — which doesn't include pill testing. However, according to the ABC, the pill testing trial did attract interest from Queensland Health and New South Wales Coroner's Office representatives — along with a group of Victorian crossbenchers — who visited the testing site as it was being set up on Saturday. So, while the ACT is currently the only state that allows pill testing, maybe this means we'll see pill testing once again up for debate across the rest of Australia. Especially since, just last week, according to the SMH, Premier Berejiklian gave the go-ahead for a government inquiry into illicit drug use to examine the merits of pill testing. Pill Testing Australia is also currently raising funds to roll out free trials across the country. It will need the support of the respective state governments to do so. Image: Groovin the Moo by Jack Toohey.
In life and in horror movies, don't pick up a book bound in human skin. Just don't. Anthropodermic bibliopegy is the name of that gruesome covering process, and it isn't a fictional creation of the Evil Dead world — so heeding this guidance really is sensible. Of course, there wouldn't be any films in the boomstick-waving franchise if its characters listened to such a warning. There'd be no cabin-visiting folks battling Deadites again and again, and no chainsaws coming in mighty handy, either. Evil Dead Rise, the fifth big-screen instalment in the saga that also started Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell's careers long before the OG Spider-Man flicks, Burn Notice and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, does indeed include that flesh-wrapped Necronomicon Ex-Mortis. Also, the terrifying tome is grabbed, opened and unwittingly allowed to unleash its gory chaos. The body count rises, demons hop into bodies, and shotguns and power tools become necessary weapons. That said, while Evil Dead Rise definitely knows the series it's in, it's no mere exercise in blasting expected targets. There will be blood in this addition to the Evil Dead fold, and not just inking The Book of the Dead's pages. There's gallons of it, in fact, with assistance from an elevator overflowing with crimson liquid. Writer/director Lee Cronin is clearly happy to jump from his 2019 debut The Hole in the Ground to this beloved horror franchise while giving The Shining some love as well. And yet, nods to past Evil Dead films and scary fare in general aren't the main point of Evil Dead Rise, even though they're still there — loudly when "dead by dawn", words that are also part of Evil Dead II's title, is yelled. It shouldn't feel so rare to see a feature that isn't solely kept beating by gobbling up as many pieces of its predecessors as possible, but that's these nothing-must-die times. (When intellectual property is revived repeatedly by Hollywood's intonations, bringing back Evil Dead over and over couldn't be more appropriate.) Consider this another play around with recognisable parts — and with mutilating them, with Cronin showing no signs of holding back with his setpieces, gleefully unhinged onslaught of carnage or visual compositions. Or, think of it as striding into a lived-in hut with a keenness to make something already-beloved new again. With Raimi and Campbell only involved as executive producers, the film also doesn't ever feel like Cronin wrote a different script, then just dumped in a Necronomicon here and a Deadite there. Again, it's well-aware of the path it's treading, and of what's done so before. Still, amid the ample guts, the obligatory creepy pages and the eerie incantations (which for viewers unlike the movie's characters, are well-worth listening to closely), this saga-extender finds the right balance between affectionately savouring Evil Dead's groovy history and being its own fright-inducing meal. Familiar swooping and whooshing camerawork kicks Evil Dead Rise into gear, though, knowingly so. In a clever touch, it stems from a is doing the shooting, not due to supernatural nefariousness. There's a remote abode in the woods — an A-frame shack this time, levelled up to match 2023's travel aesthetic — and unsettling things afoot; however, the bulk of the film takes place a day earlier. That's when guitar technician Beth (Lily Sullivan, Picnic at Hanging Rock) cuts out a the worldwide tour to surprise her sister Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland, New Gold Mountain). The latter is a tattoo artist and mother of three who has recently been left parenting solo, and is interrupted dying her hair 'cool mum' red when her sibling arrives. There's baggage between the pair, but there'll soon be viscera as well when Ellie's teenage son Danny (Morgan Davies, Blaze) finds a certain text — and, because he's a budding DJ, some dusty vinyl sporting words that no one in an Evil Dead movie should be saying or hearing. There's that trusty advice being disregarded. Danny's sister Bridget (Gabrielle Echols, Reminiscence) is on hand with an "I told you so" or several, mirroring what viewers are thinking. Actually, Evil Dead Rise inspires a new take on the old "don't pick up a book bound in human skin" counsel: don't go plunging into a hole in the ground when the condemned high-rise you're living in cracks in an earthquake and you spot an old bank vault in the newly opened void, then 100-percent don't pick up some literally underground tunes and the entombed, flesh-packaged tome they're buried near. But Danny does all that, thinking the volume might be worth something to help his mum's money worries. Bridget scolds and youngest sister Kassie (Nell Fisher, My Life Is Murder) is quickly scared by the aftermath. The trapped inhabitants of the about-to-be-demolished building are all unnerved, to say the least, as the Evil Dead realm's wicked spirits let loose their hellish waking nightmare. There will be splatter, too, as the 1981 original introduced on a supremely low budget. Each Evil Dead chapter loves imparting its own vibe, after the second film got funnier, 1992's third effort Army of Darkness became a dark fantasy, then 2013's Evil Dead snatched out every trace of absurdity — and, on the small screen, Ash vs Evil Dead got amusing again — but gore usually flows eagerly. Like grated cheese, there's no such thing as too much in Cronin's eyes. Like making that shredded dairy, a particular kitchen utensil gets a workout. With cinematographer Dave Garbett, an Ash vs Evil Dead alum, Cronin also frequently draws attention to the act of seeing, while making sure there's almost always something savage to lock one's peepers on. A fish-eye peephole earns some savvy use, and the overall cavalcade of mayhem just keeps mounting to the point where it's so purposefully ridiculous that you can't look away. Evil Dead Rise isn't going for a Raimi-and-Campbell mood. It isn't aiming for the pair's laughs and slapstick since the OG flick, either. But it spies that constantly ramping up the slashing, stabbing, scalping, ripping and gouging is as relentless as it is OTT, especially when paired with devilishly delivered lines like "mommy's with the maggots now". And, although its guiding force takes too long establishing the new characters' family dynamic, then does too little with the themes of trauma and parenthood it starts flirting with, the franchise's latest cast is up to the task when things get demonic. Australian trio Sutherland, Sullivan and Davies each leave an imprint, with one also giving the saga one of its best Deadite performances. No Evil Dead fan will ever want Raimi and Campbell to stray too far from this series, but this latest bite doesn't ever feel like it needs them, or leave its audience wishing it was watching Ash J Williams instead.
An evening where you surrender yourself to an immersive theme, have no hand in what lies ahead and are left to simply hope for the best? Secret Foodies, Underground Cinema, and Bright Young Things give you Decadence. Secret Foodies have been taking Sydneysiders on secret dinners for a while now — why doesn't anyone nice like that ever ask us out to tea? After partnering up with guerrilla film initiative Underground Cinema, the surprise chefs are kicking off what will hopefully be a long relationship with Melbourne with their first event, Decadence. In a secret location, revealed through a series of elaborate clues, diners will be treated to canapes, a three-course meal, free-flowing drinks, and a role in a multisensory live cinema experience. We hear the actors take to the tables. Who knows what will happen from there? The first event sold out in eight minutes flat, so those wishing to find out must act fast. Image via UGC
Norma Jeane Mortenson, better known as Marilyn Monroe, helped shape popular culture in a way that few actors ever have. Now, a brand new exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery will examine her life and legacy as one of Hollywood's biggest stars. With more than 20 original film costumes, as well as movie posters, studio portraits, costume test photographs and items from her personal wardrobe, this comprehensive exhibition is essential for classic film lovers, or anyone captivated by the concept of celebrity. The exhibition will also feature Seward Johnson's famous eight metre high sculpture of Monroe, appearing for the first time outside of the United States.
It's not like you need much of an excuse to partake in a margarita or three. But when International Margarita Day is upon us... well, it'd simply be rude not to. And if you're kicking it westside on Saturday, February 25, you're really in luck because Superchido will be shaking up a whole swag of wallet-friendly Margarita Day specials for the occasion. Swing past Seddon's colourful Mexican joint during the lunch shift (12–3.30pm) or for dinner (5–10.30pm) for your Saturday cocktail fix and you'll discover six different margs going for just $12 a pop. Among the variations getting mixed will be a hibiscus tea-infused Jamaica Margarita, a passionfruit number done with cacao bitters, and a spiced apple version with hints of lime and cinnamon. Of course, Superchido's food menu is brimming with tasty things to match — from prawn aguachile and chargrilled corn with chipotle mayo, to baja fish tacos and Jalisco-style birria done with slow-braised beef brisket.
The best of Bollywood and beyond is on its way to Melbourne, as the Indian Film Festival returns for 2017. The largest annual showcase of Indian cinema in the southern hemisphere, this year's IFFM lineup is built around the theme of diversity, with everything from blockbusters to rom-coms to indie productions to documentaries on the docket. The festival begins on August 10 with Lipstick Under My Burkha, a critically acclaimed film about the struggles of four different women from four vastly different backgrounds. Other highlights include the world premiere screening of the short documentary Tramjatra — about a Melbourne tram conductor who travels to Kolkata to try and save the city's trams — as well as Chronicles of Hari, an intimate drama that explores sexual identity through its depiction of traditional yakshagana theatre.
Melburnians, if you've been seeing this fair town of ours in a completely different light this year, that's to be expected. After spending so much time at home and indoors during the city's two periods of lockdown, even the most familiar places around the place look a little different. So, you're probably paying them more attention than usual. Fancy doing some peering around the top of Bourke Street? If so, you'll spot some great art while you're there. As supported by the City of Melbourne, and curated by Fiona Scanlan and Robert Buckingham, Uptown: An Art Exhibition for Our City is turning the roadway between Exhibition and Spring streets into an outdoor art gallery. Expect a blend of art, architecture and streetscapes, with the works of 26 contemporary artists displayed across vacant shops, restaurants, store windows, building exteriors and laneways. From Tuesday, December 15–Sunday, February 28, you'll be feasting your eyes on an array of pieces. A 17-metre billboard will feature a Bill Henson image of a woman floating above the city lights, while Peter Atkins is turning the window of Mitty's newsagent into a celebration of 80s TV personalities and magazines, and the old Job Warehouse will see art plastered across its windows. There'll also be laneway posters, drawings that use wordplay heavily scattered around the place, and also disco costumes and mirror balls, too. It's all free, obviously, and it'll be on display 24 hours a day during its two and a half-month run. And yes, it's designed to get you scoping out the CBD again — and doing more than just looking at art while you're there. Images: John Betts
On the hunt for some top-notch gifts for those cheese-loving mates of yours? Or maybe you just want to be stocked up on the good stuff for all the festive dinner parties to come. Either way, you'll find yourself in utter cheesy heaven at Cornelius Cheesemongers' Cheese Cave Pop-Up this month. Running every Saturday from December 2–23 and then daily between December 27 and 31, this temporary cheese shop is where dairy dreams come true. The online cheesemongers are opening the doors to their Brunswick cheese cool room from 10am till 2pm, offering tastings and showcasing a changing array of their favourite dairy-filled products. Those keen to take their cheese board game to the next level will find lots of limited edition, specialty goodies, like the J.J. Sandham Lancashire Bomb from Goosnargh in the UK and a Rogue River Blue Special Reserve out of Oregon. There's also a truckload of present ideas for the cheese obsessives in your life, from a personal raclette party set, to a four-piece cheese knife collection. There's even an epic goodie pack filled with cheese slates, Champagne and cheeses that's guaranteed to win you serious brownie points on December 25. Image: Kimberley Low.
The stars are shining bright at the 2015 BBC First British Film Festival. Returning to Palace Cinemas around the country for another year, the three-week celebration features some of the most acclaimed and anticipated movies of the past 12 months, plus a look back at that most British of genres: the big screen romance. The festival opens with Paolo Sorrentino's Youth, an introspective buddy comedy about a pair of elderly artists, played by Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel, vacationing together in a luxurious Swiss resort. Other standout titles include Lance Armstrong biopic The Program starring Ben Foster and Chris O'Dowd; women's voting rights drama Suffragette starring Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep; and dark comic crime thriller Kill Your Friends starring Nicholas Hoult. Film buffs looking for a good date option can also check out the festival's retro stream, featuring ten iconic British love stories. Whether you're into lavish period dramas or just want to watch Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant making out in the rain, we guarantee there's something on there to make you swoon.
Abacus Bar & Kitchen is hoping to take some of the sting out of Lockdown 6.0, with a tidy lineup of takeaway sambos and coffee now available from 8am–4pm each day. But when the weekend rolls around, the southside spot's lockdown pop-up promises to have you feeling extra fine, thanks to its special edit of tasty dishes and boozy treats to-go. The coffee machine will be cranking from 8am daily for all your caffeine needs, with hefty sandwiches to match. Then, from 10am daily, this Friday, August 13–Sunday, August 15, the kitchen is serving up limited-edition plates like a spanner crab macaroni with a roasted prawn sauce and parmesan crumb ($16), and a barbecue wagyu steak teamed with a three-cheese corn croquette and jalapeno ($18). To wash it all down, you'll find the bar's lemon myrtle margaritas and a winter spritz, available takeaway for $12 a pop. What's more, Abacus is sending out some extra love to the hospitality community, with free coffees and half-price margaritas for all hospo staff who pop by from August 13–15.
If you've been making plans to revamp your style, but haven't been able to rustle up the coin, here's your chance. For two weeks, Hugo Boss will be hosting a mega sale at its outlet stores. You'll be able to score a further 50 percent off a massive range of premium clothing — from comfy t-shirts and soft sweaters to suave suits and women's dresses. Whether you're after a suit for a special occasion or looking to level-up your wardrobe, Hugo Boss's end-of-year outlet sale will have you sorted for a fraction of the fashion label's usual prices. You'll have to get in quick to score though, with the sale running from Wednesday, December 16 to Friday, January 1. Hugo Boss end-of-year outlet sale will run from Wednesday, December 16 to Friday, January 1. To find your closest outlet store, visit the website.
We can't think of a much better cure for those wintery midweek blues, than a quick trip to Japan. And if that's not quite feasible, you'll find the next best thing awaiting you at Supernormal Canteen this August. Andrew McConnell's St Kilda eatery has kicked off a new series of weekly food and beer sessions, running every Thursday from 5–11pm until the end of the month. The Yakitori & Biiru nights offer up a taste of Japan, without the hefty price tag. The kitchen's firing up the hibachi grill and turning out a rotation of $5 yakitori skewers, featuring combinations like king prawn with lemongrass butter and kaffir lime, and corn-fed chicken thigh with green miso. To match, there's a selection of beers from Abbotsford brewery Moon Dog, going for just $10 a tinnie. You can team those skewers with drops like the zesty Thunder Lips yuzu red IPA, the Old Mate pale ale and the moody Mack Daddy dark ale. Images: Nikki To
Is it your New Year's resolution to eat healthier? In that case, you should probably stop reading this story right now. January's only just started, and already chef Pierre Roelofs has unveiled his new belt-bursting endeavour. Teaming up with Jesse Gerner of Bomba, Roelofs will be serving sweet, sweet ice cream from a pop-up soft servery at Green Park Dining. Oh Pierre, why must you tempt us so? Best known for his now-finished extravagant (and we mean extravagant) dessert evenings, Roelofs has been teasing the pop-up on social media, promising a rotating lineup of flavours "hand crafted with love". They're set to include the Milli Vanilli — soft serve topped with vanilla meringue, jellies and pound cake — and the Puffed Daddy, a soft-serve topped with dulce de leche, puffed millet, puffed golden syrup corn and date balls. Housed at Green Park on Nicholson Street in Carlton North, Pierre's will open on Saturday January 9, and will operate from noon to 6pm on weekends all summer long.
In his third motion picture as writer/director/star, comedian Chris Rock is the funniest he’s been in years. But then again, that’s not saying much. While comedy fiends will always remember Rock for his fearless, foul mouthed stand-up routines, his movie career — particularly in recent times — has smacked of safer choices. Madagascar and Grown-Ups are hardly the best outlets for one of the greatest living comedians to work his magic — which is a big part of why Top Five feels like such a pleasant surprise. A smart, self-effacing send-up of the entertainment industry, the film, like most of Rock’s best material, feels at least partly autobiographical. Rock plays Andre Allen, a comedian turned Hollywood superstar and recovering alcoholic, best known for his role in the million-dollar Hammy the Bear franchise. Unfortunately, Allen’s funny bone has been blunted since going sober, and his first attempt at a ‘serious’ film — playing Haitian slave revolutionary Dutty Boukman — is shaping up to be a box-office bomb. Even more out of control is his upcoming televised wedding, to Kardashian-esque reality star Erica Long (Gabrielle Union). Enter Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson), a sardonic, whip-smart writer for the New York Times, who’s been assigned to profile Allen over the course of a single day. Although initially suspicious of Brown and the Times, whose resident film critic has made a career out of tearing his movies to shreds, Allen soon finds himself opening up to the writer, as the pair begin to trade stories while walking around NYC. In a lot of ways, Top Five feels like the work of an artist finally free to speak in his own voice. From Allen laying out his theory about the racist undertones of Planet of the Apes to debating his agent (Kevin Hart) about whether a black man can get fired for using the N-word, the writing here feels like vintage Rock: free-flowing, profane and absolutely hilarious. He also manages to insert two of the most gleefully obscene on-screen sex acts this side of Nymphomaniac. Without going into details, let’s just say you’ll never be able to look at a bottle of chilli sauce the same way again. Dawson makes for a worthy comic counterpart, the playfully antagonistic chemistry between her and her director/co-star helping keep the film on track. Beyond this central pairing, Rock stacks the deck with a ton of famous faces, from Tracy Morgan to DMX. The highlight, though, is at Allen’s ribald bachelor party, where he receives marital advice from Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg and Adam Sandler. Frankly, the site of a balding Seinfeld making it rain is worth the price of admission alone. If we have any complaint of Top Five, it would be a lack of internal structure; in a lot of ways the film feels more like a collection of scenes than it does a cohesive whole. Still, when they’re all this damn funny, it’s sort of difficult to object. Where Rock’s career goes from here is anyone’s guess. Regardless, it’s nice to have this reminder of just how good he can be.
From Lebanese rom-coms to Iraqi road movies, you'll find a remarkable mix of Middle Eastern cinema on the program at this year's Arab Film Festival. Return for its 13th year with stops in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth, the festival will once again showcase films from across the Arab world, while shining a light on the diversity and eccentricity of its people. The festival begins with an opening night screening of Halal Love, a romantic comedy about a group of devout Lebanese Muslims who find that love and religion don't always mix. It's one of a number of Lebanese films on the program, which also includes a new film version of the classic stage comedy Bennesbeh Labokra, Chou? that incorporates footage from performances more than 35 years ago. Also in the mix is El Clásico, about a pair of brothers trekking from Iraq to Madrid to deliver a pair of shoes to soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Roshmia, a documentary about an elderly Palestinian couple in a standoff with Israeli authorities who want to demolish their home. For the full Arab Film Festival program including session times, go here.
For locals and tourists alike, Mt Coot-tha is one of Brisbane's must-see spots, particularly if you like peering down on cities from a great height. As first approved in 2017, then confirmed in 2018, visitors will soon be able to do more than drive up to the lookout to enjoy the view, walk along its trails or picnic in its parklands — by the end of 2020, they'll also be able to glide through the treetops and soar down from the summit via a zipline. Given the official go-ahead by the Brisbane City Council this week after a public consultation period late last year, the Mt Coot-tha zipline is set to start construction later in 2019. It'll consist of three parts, each of which will open in stages. Actual ziplines comprise two of the components — and yes, there'll be more than one piece of wire for you to zoom along, with nearly three kilometres of zipline included in the entire project. Firstly, a treetop canopy tour will span 1.5 kilometres between multiple platforms, starting at the west of the summit and finishing to the west of JC Slaughter Falls. As its name suggests, it'll zip through the trees to take riders on a tour of the site's flora, fauna and indigenous cultural heritage. It'll be the first to open to the public, from sometime towards the end of 2019. In 2020, it'll be joined by a two-stage 'megazip' tour that features six parallel lines between the summit and the Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens. As well as that 1.1-kilometre stretch — all in a single span, without any platforms along the way, and with users reaching speeds of around 60 kilometres per hour — there'll also be a second 340-metre run within the gardens, taking patrons zooming over the Melaleuca Lake. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjjtLfALN48 The final section of the project will involve a guided indigenous experience across a new 335-metre suspension bridge that'll be built above JC Slaughter Falls, connecting to the treetop canopy tour and the new arrival centre on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. And, so that everyone can get between destinations other than via zipline, there'll also be a shuttle bus linking various points. Brisbane City Council will put $1 million towards the zipline, which will be built by Zipline Australia — and, once it's finished, it'll be the longest zipline in the country. Both before and during the public consultation period, the project has also attracted substantial criticism about its potential environmental and noise impacts, especially throughout Mt Coot-tha's vegetation-heavy area — which will likely require some amount of clearing. In response to concerns, Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk advised The Courier-Mail that "extensive independent expert studies have been undertaken as part of the project to ensure the Mt Coot-tha zipline design is sensitive to the environment, including the natural habitat and Botanic Gardens". Images: Brisbane City Council.
The Character is ostensibly about cinema — dissecting its construction, how we view it, and how it's absorbed and processed by an audience. The deeper you go down Candice Breitz's rabbit hole of mash-ups and remakes, however, the more depth you discover. Ultimately, Breitz is dissecting us societally, using cinema as a mirror that cuts surprisingly close to our collective core. Thankfully, though, she doesn't lose sight of cinema's first and foremost obligation: to entertain. Some of her works are conceptually identical to YouTube fan-videos, albeit executed on a phenomenal scale. Him + Her (2008 and 2009), for example, comprises two separate works that intercut over 20 different performances from the careers of Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep respectively, creating cacophonous symphonies (have you seen three Jack Nicholsons yelling at each other before? It's pretty special) of completely contextless dialogue. What do you discover about the American psyche from seeing 30 years of performances from their male and female idols? Well, Jack is a little worried about his sexual performance, and Meryl, it has to be said, is a bit quick to tears. Elsewhere, Breitz is imitating Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Lopez's performances from popular rom-coms in Becoming (2003). When we were kids, we didn't want to be actors, we wanted to be the characters from movies. Just watch King (2005), wherein 12 Michael Jackson fans imitate him in unison, each on their own screen. But something changed when we grew up. Being "in the movies" is almost more magical than being a fictional character, something explored in the epic video trilogy The Woods (2012), which features children auditioning to camera, desperate for your approval; successful child actors spouting inspirational acting quotes; and hugely popular adult actors discussing the fuzzy line between their fictional and real selves (they're very comfortable being referred to by their characters' names). The Woods is a real heavyweight piece, a recasting of the documentary form in an artistic context, an artwork without any available comparison. This is an enormously complex and accomplished exhibition, a fascinating and consuming body of work that would take days to completely consume. On one level, this is art for the YouTube generation — 20 screens to watch at once! — but it's also a sometimes disturbing meditation on the nature of screen entertainment that is hard to look away from.
After playing two balloted shows that sold out faster than you could say "Best New Music," The xx have made good on their promise that they would come back in 2013 to sate the appetites of everyone who missed out. Now that they've released their second album, Coexist, the buzz around the trio is only louder. But Jamie Smith, Romy Madley Croft, and Oliver Sim are capable of being heard above the din by turning up the volume on one of the most valuable (and most underrated) instruments of all — silence. Their strength is seen through the gaps between bone-chilling reverbs and papery vocals, and they're sexy because they don't specifically mention sex. That's not to say The xx don't get noise. They get much of their inspiration from London's dark techno dance scene, and Jamie and Romy both have thriving satellite careers as DJs. The trio's bankability is bigger than ever, so be sure your credit card is handy and your clicking finger poised when tickets go on sale at noon on January 15. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_nW5AF0m9Zw
On Wednesday November 28, Melbourne Central will be brimming with more than 150 fashion retailers offering discounts of up to 50% as part of the One Day Shopping Festival. Head to the centre from 10am to 9pm to catch the best deals, plus live music, street performers, massage stations (to relieve the stress from all that Christmas shopping, of course), speed dating, a furniture design exhibition from graduates at RMIT university – and food trucks Gumbo Kitchen, Taco Truck and Yogurddiction.
Recent years have seen the rise of musical comedies making their way back to the big screen. Enchanted,The Muppets and even the selection of High School Musical films have led music back to being a key feature in cinema. Throw Glee into the pop culture mix, and spontaneous singing in public is once again normal. In the middle of this comes Pitch Perfect. Beca (Anna Kendrick), is a college freshman and far too cool for any college society. With a not very well-written inciting incident, Beca ends up joining the Barden Bellas a capella group and finds a collection of rag tag gals to become bosom buddies with. While the sentimental scenes are corny and the plot drivers are crazy obvious, this is still a hilariously self aware, sharp and perfectly harmonised film. Rebel Wilson hits heights not seen in previous Hollywood flicks as Fat Amy, and despite Anna Kendrick's terrible posture (for acting classes on not giving a crap, just slouch), she plays college age well. And she can sing. They all can sing. America (and Tasmania, as Fat Amy claims to originate from) must train their kids in the womb to hit the high notes. With a collection of playful winks at the audience (an Australian audience particularly will get a few kicks — stay for the credits) and some good old competition movie fun, this film was a surprisingly raucous rendition. I'm getting the soundtrack.
Queen Vic Markets is famous for its fresh produce and interesting goods. But for a few months, each Wednesday will see them extended into the Suzuki Night Markets, with over 200 stalls full of food, clothes, art and performances. The list goes on. This is the 15th year the Suzuki Night Markets have been put on, and in 2012 they are larger than ever. With an international theme, delicacies can be found from all five continents. The website suggests 'a trip around the world, one dish at a time'. It's not just food though; you can buy hand-crafted jewellery from the artisan who produced it, and clothes made by local Melbourne designers. And it gets better. Live performances from hip-hop duo Flybz, roots-reggae artist Bobby Alu, and lots of other Australian acts will be on each week for free. There's no plausible reason not to get to the Suzuki Night Markets this year. The Night Markets are on every Wednesday until February 27 from 5pm-10pm.
DADo, a membership based film society that offers subscribers a carefully selected annual program of eight documentaries on architecture, design and urban life, is hosting a night of short films that examine the interplay between architecture and the Australian identity. Melbhattan, by Oslo Davis, plays with the opening of the 1979 Woody Allen film Manhattan, reflecting Melbourne in the form of animations that offer an ode to Allen’s better known romanticisations. Naomi Bishops and Richard Raber's Straight and True looks at the aesthetics of the Australian dream of home ownership, examining a group of post World War 2 architects who aimed to break the mould and create modern houses to better their suburban landscape. Hawes House, by the same directors, is a visual journey through a series of iconic houses, including the Heidi Museum of Modern Art's Heidi II building, designed in the late 1960’s by McGlashan Everist. Your House and Mine, directed by Peter McIntrye and written by Robin Boyd, looks at a range of styles of housing found throughout Melbourne. Cleverly edited content on demolition, housing needs and humorous DIY imagery act to create a progressive, innovative cinema experience. Discussion by expert guest speakers Olso Davis, Trance Films, Peter McIntyre and Dr. David Nichols will accompany the screening. Image credit Oslo Davis
Gelato. A wonderful addition to the sweets world. What you might not know is just how serious some people are about it. Enter the Gelato World Tour. Across five continents, eight cities will become ‘capitals of gelato’ as they teach people about the real nature of gelato, its flavours and history. Melbourne is up next. For each stage, 16 gelato artisans are chosen to create flavours that will go head to head. Guy Grossi, the president of the jury for Oceania's stage of the tour will decide just who gets a chance to present their gelato. May the best gelato win. Visitors can taste each artisan's offerings, watch as it is made before them and take part in short lessons on the art of making this sweet goodness from Carpigiani Gelato University. Guests also have a chance to vote for their favourite gelato. It is time to get serious about our desserts, folks. Sign us up. This magical happening will be going down from 12.30 - 9pm from October 25 - 27. To get the full experience, 'Gelato passes' are available for $10 at the gate which will give you two full cups, and three tastes of the different gelati on offer.
Bendigo Art Gallery is once again proving that it is worth a trek out of the city to witness an outstanding exhibition. Modern Love will feature 60 fashion-focused works from the post-punk era of the 1980s to today. All pieces have been gathered from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) Museum in Los Angeles. Items in the collection will range from the haute couture of Alexander McQueen to Adidas high-tops and t-shirts. The point of displaying such a variation of designers is to encapsulate contemporary fashion and style. Bendigo Art Gallery will be the only venue in Australia to display this specific collection, and it is the first travelling exhibition of its kind from the FIDM Museum. Designers that are featured in Modern Love include Thom Browne, Chanel, Comme des Garçons, Dior, Ferragamo, Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier, Carolina Herrera, Betsey Johnson, Patrick Kelly, Helmut Lang, Monique Lhuillier, Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, Moschino, Thierry Mugler, Hiroaki Ohya, Zac Posen, Prada, Christian Francis Roth, Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, YSL and more.
Are you about style and grace when it comes to afternoon snacks? Does cash rule everything around you? If so, then prepare to indulge your tastebuds and eardrums with this fanciful combination that frankly is such a great idea it's simply criminal that this is the first one ever to happen in Melbourne. Local DJ MzRizk — whose dulcet sounds and dope beats you might recognise from her KissFM show Urbanfervour — has put together the Hip Hop High Tea and will also be handling the decks. Her insistence on stringent tea etiquette (no milk allowed up in here) bodes well for those looking for a high-class tea drinking experience, and her solid track record on the local club scene assures good taste on the turntables as well. If that's not enough to seal the deal, then surely the puntastic names of the treats — 'KRS-Scone with C.R.E.A.M.', anyone? — should definitely get you down there.
Greek myths are always being remade. Like biblical stories, Shakespeare and Dracula, their appeal is universal, their stories are still as tragically powerful today as they were 3000 years ago. The Odyssey is one of these classics that is always finding a new voice, whether moved to the deep south of the US or deep space. Now indy theatre extraordinaire La Mama is housing a fresh take on the story: Penelope's perspective on the whole thing. Odysseus's wife doesn't get a whole bunch of play in Homer's original version, but Man Booker Prize-winning author Margaret Atwood filled in the gaps with her novella The Penelopiad. Now she has adapted it into a play for an all-female cast who sing, dance and chant their way through this alternate take on the classic story, and it's being staged in Melbourne by the Stork Theatre. Sexism, justice, family: all the Greeks' (and our) dirty laundry is aired here in a fashion by turns comedic and violent. Atwood is a writer of significant power, and the locals behind this production are sure to put on an intimate, engaging version of her story.
Docs have been kicking for decades. Your parents' soles are probably still relatively intact. Punks wear Docs. Pop stars wander to Starbucks in Docs. Somehow they've never lost that lovin' feeling since the first pair of Dr. Martens rolled off the production line in 1960. Now they're fusing their long-loved lace-ups with a solid live music lineup, with their #standforsomething pop-up store and concert series. Taking over Tongue & Groove on St Kilda's Grey Street, the Docs pop-up will stock boots, shoes, and Dr. Marten's products not available in Australia so you can be That Guy at your next coffee date. But it ain't all lace ups at the pop-up. Ahead of the general public launch Docs are hosting some pretty killer gigs in the space — Band of Skulls (June 18), Kingswood (June 17) and Stonefield (June 16). Unfortunately they've already closed the ballot for the gigs, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for any updates. After the gig-goers have checked out the merch, the Docs pop-up store will open up to the public from Thursday June 19 to Sunday June 22, so we can rifle through the Docs we'd usually only find online. You can find Docs at Tongue & Groove, 16 Grey Street, St Kilda from June 16. Hours are Thursday and Friday 11am - 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am - 5pm. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zxntDF0-5Uk
Omar Rodriguez Lopez is a man of many talents. He first made his musical mark in the early ‘90s as a guitarist in prolific post-hardcore band At The Drive In, followed by his work as guitarist and producer for the Grammy Award-winning progressive psych-rock ensemble The Mars Volta in the early naughties. Ten years on, Omar has established himself as a solo artist, as well as successful label manager, actor, producer and film director, having received cinematic acclaim for his first feature-length film “The Sentimental Engine Slayer” which appeared in film festivals the world over. Now, Omar Rodriguez Lopez is bringing his group to all major Australian cities, as well as co-headlining the Cherry Rock Festival in Melbourne. Be sure to take the rare opportunity to see such a well-established and multi-talented musical force in person.
It’s no secret which part of the world Bethany Consentino is talking about when she sings “We were born with the sun in our teeth and in our hair” and questions how you could possibly live anywhere else. But it is testament to her charm that even those whose Instagram feeds consist almost solely of Aussie beach pics are willing to listen to her latest 45-minute love letter to California without harbouring any feelings of resentment. Or maybe it’s just that it’s easy to graft pretty much any of Consentino’s sentiments on to our own. Her lyrics about boys and heartbreak and nostalgia seem appropriate whether you’re feeling a little emo or just a little bored. And even though most of the fuzzy reverberation and endearing sloppiness bleeding through Best Coast’s debut has been removed, The Only Place is still homey rather than slick. Supported by our own Pear Shape and Queensland’s Dune Rats, their Melbourne show will be a melting pot of blissed-out benevolent vibes.
Girls is a phenomenon. Everyone has an opinion one way or the other, whether you regard it as a groundbreakingly honest show with unprecedentedly strong female characters, or think it's overhyped trash that has a lot of problems. ACMI is hosting 'It' Girls as a panel discussion with some of Melbourne's hipster-iest cultural commentators to discuss the wildly divergent views of the show. With wits like Clementine Ford and Byron Bache on board, alongside talented writers/editors Sam Cooney and Michaela McGuire, the conversation is sure to be heated and insightful. Mediated by indy radio stalwart Jess McGuire and with musical interludes by the enchanting Kikuyu, this little microcosmic slice of Melbourne-meets-New York look to be an engaging and entertaining evening. Update: It Girls is now sold out.
Woody Allen in recent years has moved away from his relationship with New York. It's not that the two have broken up, he's just found a more mature mistress in the bosom of Europe. With the likes of Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Midnight in Paris and, now, To Rome With Love, Allen has started a new love affair in Europe - but it's truly a fine romance. Phyllis (Judy Davis) and Jerry (Woody Allen) are heading to Rome to meet their daughter Hayley (Alison Pill)'s new fiance Michelangelo (Flavio Parenti). While there, the retired opera director Jerry discovers Michelangelo's father is an undiscovered operatic talent. Meanwhile John (Alec Baldwin) is reliving his youthful love affair through the eyes of Jack (Jesse Eisenberg) and Monica (Ellen Page), while Anna (Penelope Cruz) is a prostitute in a mix-up playing the wife of a timid young newlywed Antonio (Alessandro Tiberi) who's trying to impress his wealthy relatives. It sometimes feels like a chaotic film, however the comedy keeps the pace, so while each story ramps up to a climax, they all feel like they're running the same marathon. Allen's scriptwriting wit isn't what it used to be, and he is certainly starting to show his age. But if for nothing more than to fall in love yourself with the eternal city of Rome, this is a sweet comedy for a Saturday night.
Fans of Mumford & Sons need sigh no more; the folk darlings are bringing their banjos and heartbreaking harmonies to Melbourne as part of their Australian Stopover Tour. The city is one of 10 stops on a tour which sees the gentlemen visit metro and regional venues across the country. Mumford & Sons, who gave us the #1 hit 'Little Lion Man' back in 2009, are a band whose music is orchestrated for live shows. Their latest offering Babel is even more adrenaline-filled than their debut, which is an exciting prospect for punters who have experienced Mumford shows themselves or are yet to. Supporting the lads will be North American singer/songwriter Willy Mason as well as equally as uplifting uber group, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.
If you thought home grown talent Hungry Kids of Hungary had fallen off the radar in the past couple of years, you could be forgiven. In fact, the boys have been busy recording their second album and jet-setting across the world playing to international audiences. Their second album, You're a Shadow, is due for release in March 2013 and has fans of the band's catchy indie pop tunes waiting with baited breath. Catch them at the Northcote Social Club as they embark on their national tour. The Brissie boys are playing in smaller venues this time around, so head along for what will be a special, intimate show. The foursome will be playing a mix of old favourites such as 'Set it Right' and new tracks including 'Sharp Shooter'. These guys are old hands in the music scene, so you are guaranteed a night of infectious and perfectly polished tunes.
Oh Mercy are back with their new album and a string of shows as part of the 'Deep Heat' tour. Fresh from their successful North American tour, as well as a recording stint in the States, the band is celebrating their third and most colourful offering. This time they are stretching their musical legs, delving into heavier grooves with reggae influences, still maintaining the wholly pop-rock sound they have garnered a strong following from in previous albums. Their latest single ‘Drums’ is a bass-driven, dance-worthy track that showcases the best of frontman Alexander Gow’s vocals. Supported by Brisbanites Millions and alt-rockers from Perth, Split Seconds, the trio of talented bands are a treat in the flesh.
Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks have been playing for over a decade and have perfected their unique sound, which drips with catchy melodies and bursts with intricate guitar riffs. With five successful albums up their sleeves, it's safe to say that they are onto a good thing. The band formed in the hiatus of indie rock royalty, Pavement, and is fronted by Stephen Malkmus, who was the main singer and songwriter of the successful '90's band. NME has called Malkmus a “blessing from the indie gods”, so you know you'll be in for a treat on Tuesday and Wednesday nights as they grace the stage at The Corner Hotel.
Released in 1945 and directed by David Lean, the film Brief Encounter was adapted from Noel Coward's one-act play, Still Life. It tells the story of Laura and Alec, who fall in love after a chance meeting at a train station but, both trapped in bland yet affectionate marriages, are never able to fulfil their mutual passion. The Guardian's 2010 critics' poll selected Brief Encounter as the best romance movie of all time. In 2008, dynamic UK theatre company Kneehigh (whose Red Shoes was a memorable part of the 2011 Sydney Festival) decided to return the tale to the stage with an epic production combining drama, film, live music and vaudeville. After a successful nine-month run at London's Haymarket Cinema, it toured the UK before jumping the Atlantic to play several seasons in the US. Now, it's on its way to Australia, playing Melbourne, Perth, Wollongong and Sydney. https://youtube.com/watch?v=GW6WDC4E2fY
