When the colonising British left Nigeria in 1960, the nation welcomed a new era of transformation, but with independence came instability. This festering civil unrest forms the backdrop of Half of a Yellow Sun, with personal troubles coloured by political uncertainty. As the country attempts to cope with the fighting of power-seeking factions, two sisters become immersed in the conflict. In her 2006 bestseller and Orange Prize for Fiction winner, author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie balanced the broader context of the war with the circumstances of twins Olanna (Thandie Newton) and Kainene (Anika Noni Rose), their efforts to forge lives beyond their well-to-do Lagos upbringing forever shaped by Nigeria's volatility. The film adaptation, written and directed by novelist and playwright Biyi Bandele in his directorial debut, sparkles with potential but plays out with predictability. The setting and the characters may be unique to this tale, but audiences have seen the story — or one just like it — many times before. Providing the punctuation between handsomely shot scenes, archival newsreel footage furnishes chapter stops to the episodic slices of the siblings' lives, with Olanna the film's centre. A sociology professor freshly returned from London, she struggles with her romance with revolutionary-leaning fellow academic Odenigbo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), blissful domesticity never a potential outcome. Odenigbo's overbearing mother (Onyeka Onwenu) is forceful with her disapproval, and instrumental in his affairs. Running the family business, Kainene flits in and out of Olanna's orbit with her British lover, writer Richard (Joseph Mawle), offering her own headstrong opinions and status-climbing ambitions. As a melodrama of strained interpersonal relationships that threatens to betray its based-on-a-true-story origins, Half of a Yellow Sun makes its emotional arcs apparent. As a portrait of the Biafran war, it goes to great efforts to show the wide-ranging impact upon the Nigerian populace, never shying away from the many horrors. What proves less successful is the use of the former to enhance the latter. An emotionally embellished narrative isn't needed to emphasise the devastation and turbulence of the civil war, nor is the absence of subtlety to the feature's benefit. Within such confines, the cast switch between concentrated emoting and smouldering restraint, Newton and Ejiofor faring best as the obvious points of focus. Their innate talents anchor the sentiments beyond their sweeping treatment in the story, even if the feature's female leads swiftly stand in their male co-stars' shadows. Sumptuous but strained, Half of a Yellow Sun thus waxes and wanes between its aspirations and authenticity, reaching for more but restricted by its adherence to convention and cliche. Resonance lingers, but more so in the reality than the depiction. The true scenario speaks for itself, with the incursion of overt theatrics lessening the film's power. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WlINmnyLO9E
The fact that it took 50 years to bring Misbehaviour's true tale to the screen is nothing less than remarkable. Following the protests staged by the women's liberation movement at the 1970 Miss World Pageant in London, it harks back to a noteworthy and important chapter of history — so much so that you would've expected filmmakers to have been clamouring to give it the cinematic treatment. A plethora of compelling topics are baked into this story, after all, including calling out the gross sexism inherent in objectifying women and ascribing their worth according to their looks, questioning society's narrow view of beauty and making plain the racial prejudice that's also frequently in play. But you don't need a movie about all of the above to tell you the obvious, and also the probable reason that a film about this incident hasn't existed until now. Much may have changed in the past half-century, but the feminist quest for recognition, fairness and equality in every way isn't over yet. Indeed, it's galling how many of Misbehaviour's observations about the way women are treated — and how women of colour fare on top of that — continue to ring true in 2020. Also rather telling: that, of the two big controversies that surrounded the pageant that year, this is the one that has finally reached movie-watching audiences. Again, Misbehaviour focuses on crucial events. It's a tale that should be told, about a battle that isn't over yet, and focusing on women who helped kickstart the progress that has been made over the last five decades. Still, the uproar that arose afterwards in response to the pageant's winner also speaks volumes. The result was questioned, for reasons this review won't give away even though it's a simple matter of record, and the extent of the narrow-minded attitudes cultivated and encouraged by such exercises in objectification couldn't have been more blatant. This film comes to a conclusion before then, however, simplifying what deserves to be a complex and multifaceted examination of the entire affair. Audiences might've endured a hefty wait to see the 1970 situation get any big-screen attention, but they don't have to wonder why Misbehaviour favours the approach its does for very long. Director Philippa Lowthorpe (Swallows and Amazons) and screenwriters Rebecca Frayn (The Lady) and Gaby Chiappe (Their Finest) are eager to pay tribute to pioneering feminists, but they're also very keen to make a feel-good, cheer-inducing movie that fits a clear formula. So it is that a seemly mismatched group comes together, united by the shared goal of improving how women are regarded by society, and decides to target the giant, glitzy and televised spectacle that is the Miss World Pageant — which 100 million people will watch. The two main instigators, aspiring history academic Sally Alexander (Keira Knightley, Official Secrets) and graffiti-spraying anarchist Jo Robinson (Jessie Buckley, I'm Thinking of Ending Things), are initially worlds apart, but squaring off against a common enemy has a way of bringing people together. Making a TV appearance after the protestors make their plans publicly known, Sally stresses one huge point: they're not rallying against the Miss World contestants themselves, but at the institution they're interacting with. Misbehaviour takes that view too, splitting its time — not in equal portions, though — between Sally, Jo and their pals, and also the women vying for the sash and crown. Jennifer Hosten (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Farming), aka Miss Grenada, receives the lion's share of attention among the contenders. That said, Swedish favourite Maj Johansson (Clara Rosager, The Rain), US entrant Sandra Wolsfeld (Suki Waterhouse, The Broken Hearts Gallery) and 'Miss Africa South' Pearl Jansen (Loreece Harrison, Black Mirror) — a late addition after a journalist constantly questions why South Africa's competitor is always white — also get their moments. The film spends time with pageant founder Eric Morley (Rhys Ifans, Berlin Station) and the year's host Bob Hope (Greg Kinnear, Strange But True) as well, serving up two prime examples of the kinds of attitudes that Sally and Jo are trying to tackle. The result is exactly the type of rousing, overt and easy movie that Lowthorpe and her colleagues set out to make — a film that ticks all the boxes it has placed on its own checklist, but doesn't do anything more. That makes Misbehaviour spirited, heavy-handed and well-intended in tandem, and also immensely straightforward. Anyone familiar with the likes of Calendar Girls, The Full Monty and Swimming with Men will able able to spot the template at work, for instance, even though the narrative specifics vary significantly. Misbehaviour has the same shine and energy, too, and the same crowd-pleasing nature. Its recognisable cast all do what's asked of them as well, as seen in Knightley and Buckley's fight against the patriarchy, Mbatha-Raw's quiet determination to give women of colour more prominence, Ifans and Kinnear playing the slimy villainous roles, and Keeley Hawes (Rebecca) and Lesley Manville (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) as the latter pair's other halves. In other words, being caught up in Misbehaviour's plot, purpose and impressively staged climax is almost a foregone conclusion. Being happy that it's hitting screens and telling this tale at all after all of these years is as well. But so is knowing that this is the most standard and clearcut rendering of this story possible — and noticing that, even as it completely avoids one big part of the pageant's aftermath, the film always keeps viewers well aware that there are other tales related to these events it could and definitely should be exploring and unpacking in more detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp3WjuJJYB8
Trivia nights usually mean teaming up with your mates, enjoying a few beverages and trying to convert your respective stores of knowledge into glory. At this particular trivia night, you can do all that — just virtually, from your own (possibly orange) couch. And, you can do so while celebrating 90s TV series Friends, which is in the spotlight at this online battle of pop culture tidbits. If you think you know everything there is to know about the show that caused viewers to agonise over whether Ross and Rachel would get together, wish that Joey and Chandler lived next door, and get their hair cut like Jennifer Aniston, here's your chance to prove it. Play along from 7.30pm AEST on Friday, April 24, with a live host overseeing the live-streamed Friends Virtual Quiz — and tickets costing $10, There'll be prizes, and if you want to break out those 90s and early 00s fashions while joining the fun from home, absolutely no one will stop you. No one told you that watching endless television reruns could turn out this way — or binging on episodes on Stan, either, if you you want to boost your knowledge with a marathon in the lead up to the quiz. Images: Friends via Stan.
Teenagers lay slain on the steaming streets of Manila as audiences surround the survivors, baying for blood. Some of the frenzied cries are rehearsed, others not so much — the lines between theatre and reality have been severed and everyone involved must decide for themselves whether it's for better or worse. Kids Killing Kids is an introspective show that tells this story. In 2011, four young Australian writers travelled to Manila to collaborate with local artists from the Sipat Lawin Ensemble on an adaptation of the famous novel Battle Royale. The story was to revolve around a class of teenagers held captive by a teacher and forced to murder one another until just one survives. The show attracted huge crowds as each performance birthed a cultish following. It received massive international media coverage, and suddenly people were asking questions of it: in this culture, at this time, in this place, was it all just fun and games? Written and performed by the playwrights as a unique combination of documentary, lecture and narrative, Kids Killing Kids has some obvious tensions. To start with, you want to see the blood. You can't help but feel desperate for the action and mayhem on those streets — the exhilaration of the experience. But instead, you are kept at a distance. Everything is methodical and sanitised. When there is blood, it is handled delicately in a glass jug with a lid — those on stage wear plastic ponchos and take the time to lay sheeting on the ground before a controlled usage. At one point there's a slide projector, a metal pointer and an overhead projector. Not to shun one of the iconic devices of my public school education, but had anyone else forgotten these existed? This is all so excellently deliberate though. Through each step of the story, the audience is positioned alongside them. We are polite tourists trying to respect the Filipino culture while being pushed around Manila's gritty streets. We experience the success and the failures of the show as the writers explore their role and seek absolution from it. The retelling is so honest, precise and relatable, the performance can effortlessly springboard from violent civil war to the straight-up hilarity that is six-year-old street kids krumping to Lil Jon. It would be easy for Kids Killing Kids to fail. The form is experimental, the story itself demands a lot of catch-up to fill you in on the background knowledge, and to a disinterested audience member it could come off as pretty egotistical — four writers telling you what a bang-up job they did on this thing a few years ago. Cool story, bro. But that's just it, I don't think you could be disinterested in the story that's being told and it really does deserve the examination given to it. For all this ambition, Kids Killing Kids comes together seamlessly. In just over an hour it addresses our fascination with violence, the problems with cross-cultural collaboration, an entire nation's political history, and the role of theatre itself. Who would have thought such a beautifully surreal and thought-provoking story would involve little more than some milk crates, a few plastic blood packs, and an OHP?
New Zealand's far north is rich in history and beauty. Just a three-hour drive, or a 50-minute flight, from Auckland is the Bay of Islands, a breathtaking destination where the British first settled and the nation's founding document was signed. A journey off the beaten path will give access to sleepy towns that roll on to crystal clear inlets and more than 144 undeveloped islands up for exploration. In the colder months you may struggle to pass another soul on the streets but the region still boasts mild temperatures that welcome outdoor adventures and even a dip with some wildlife — there's a reason why they call it the winterless north. In anticipation of your next weekend getaway, this is our guide to New Zealand's Bay of Islands. SEE AND DO It's called the Bay of Islands for good reason; there are 144 islands that make up the region. A good way to cover the region is by going off-land for a water cruise. Explore Group's Hole in the Rock tour journeys out to the Bay's most iconic geological formation. But before even approaching, and potentially sailing through the giant opening, you'll be treated to a display of wildlife in the area. Dolphins are abundant. So much so that the company promises a 90 percent hit rate of spotting the ocean mammals. Elsewhere, you can expect to spot the smallest penguins in the world, large schools of mullet and blue maomao and the New Zealand fur seal. On the way back the trip stops off at the secluded Otehi Bay on Urupukapuka Island for lunch. Afterwards, you can venture out for a swim, go for a walk and catch sweeping views across the Bay. Boasting kilometres of white sand coastline, kayaking is great way to explore the area without forking out on boat hire. Coastal Kayaks hosts tours out of Paihia and Waitangi, covering the stunning Haruru Falls and historic lagoon which is abundant with native birdlife. One particular excursion with the company involves a five-kilometre walk through native bush and mangrove forests to the falls, with a three-kilometre guided kayak return through the country's first river port. In large groups it's all about fun and owner Chad heightens the experience with interactive games, onboard water pistols and lighthearted yet informative banter. On the other side of the one-way bridge lies the official birthplace of New Zealand, Waitangi. In 1840, British representatives and a number of high ranked Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi to share ownership of the land — albeit only the English version was signed, leaving little in favour for the land's original inhabitants — you'll learn more in the onsite museum. Guided tours of the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds give insight into Māori culture, the arrival of the British and subsequent Treaty signing. You'll also discover a traditional Māori waka (or canoe) that gets its yearly outing on Waitangi Day and the restored cottage of the former governor. For further interest, there's the option to book the interactive Māori cultural show showcasing traditional music, weapons and games and sample the goods from a hāngi — a traditional Māori earth oven. FOOD AND DRINK It's all about local, seasonal produce in the Bay which opens up a whole world of fresh meal options. A good place to start is at The Old Packhouse Market. Found in Kerikeri (in an old packhouse, no less) the weekly vendor gathering is the perfect spot to load up on supplies before hitting the road. Expect to pick up everything from homemade pies to raw milk, deep-fried oyster po' boys and fruit and vegetables from literally just around the corner. Enjoy your finds while listening to live music, receiving a palm reading or getting a reflexology massage. Across the road is another must-visit attraction. As soon as you enter the Makana Confections giftshop the smell from the adjoining factory will be tugging on your heartstrings. The best part is that free samples are handed out upon arrival so you can try before you buy — you'll also see staff crafting the exact same thing through the window, so you know it's fresh. The cafe offers a selection of gelato, chocolate truffles, cakes and slices. While in Kerikeri head to The Rusty Tractor for a modern interpretations of breakfast classics and a four-shot bucket of coffee, Cafe Jerusalem for authentic Israeli cuisine, and La Taza Del Diablo for portions of Mexican cuisine that not even the ravenous could get close to finishing. Not many would relate the far north to wineries but there are plenty worth stopping into. At Kerikeri's Marsden Estate you can enjoy an educational wine tasting before settling on your preferred varietal and sampling a platter under the vines in the courtyard. Found just outside of Russell, Paroa Bay Winery is a family-owned property set against the rolling hills. Stay for a flight and try the Mediterranean-inspired menu at newly opened restaurant, Sage. Elsewhere is Russell, The Crusty Crab is the place to order piping hot fish 'n' chips to enjoy on the beach; in the warmer months Hone's Garden offers wood-fired pizza, fresh beer and friendly community vibes; Hell Hole is a great option to start your day with loaded bagels and fresh coffee; and Gables offers both bistro fare and a history lesson as the oldest licensed restaurant in the country. Check out our full guide to eating and drinking in the Bay of Islands here. STAY Thirty minutes from Kerikeri, well off the beaten path down a gravel road, you'll find Takou River Lodge. Once owned by a pair of bachelors, the 150 acre site is now the pride and joy of environmental scientist Anna and engineer Ian O'Reilly. Nestled in the surrounds of certified organic beef farm and regenerating native bush are five luxury cabins for all different price points and occasions. The pick of the crop is the aptly titled Magic Cottage. Set on the edge of the Takou River, the property ticks all the boxes for a romantic escape, including an open-air bath and early morning birdsong. Along with the accomodation, guests can explore the native forest, use supplied kayaks for an adventure to the beach and book the riverside hot tub, which after-dark is the perfect place to spot glowworms. Unless you plan to make the trek back into Kerikeri, you'll need to bring your own supplies. A dinner option can be provided by the highly regarded Food at Wharepuke by chef Colin Ashton who presents a blend of modern European and Thai-inspired cuisine. With the ocean practically lapping into its foyer, The Duke of Marlborough is a pristine destination to unwind in four star accommodation or simply stop by for a bite to eat in an award-winning restaurant. The property was erected in 1827, originally operating as an unlicensed grog shop by an ex-convict. It later became the first licensed hotel in New Zealand. The property still retains its vintage appeal; the rooms are grand with high ceilings, the walls are covered with marine memorabilia and the solid furniture certainly has a story to tell. The restaurant is all about showcasing local seasonal produce and modern interpretations of classic favourites. You can expect to sample local oysters or oven roasted fish that was caught directly in front of the hotel. The beverage list is extensive with over 100 wines and 30 beers from the region and further abroad. The wine tasting rack is a good option for indecisive diners, offering three generous samples to sip back as the sun drops over the inlet. GETTING THERE Kerikeri Airport is the region's main port of call. From Auckland Airport it's a breezy 50-minute flight to the sleepy terminal. Alternatively, it will take you just over three hours to drive from Auckland to Paihia and Russell. Feature image: The Duke of Marlborough.
Each year since 2014, Melbourne's Queen Victoria Gardens has scored an impressive new addition, all thanks to MPavilion. When the end of each year rolls around, a new, specially commissioned temporary structure pops up to host a summer-long festival of free events — with the pavilion itself designed by a top architect, and the accompanying community-focused cultural program covering talks, workshops, performances and installations that highlight design as well. In 2020, however, something different is happening. Yes, that's an easy way to sum up this strange and chaotic year in general; however, for MPavilion, it means that a new structure won't be commissioned. Instead, in a decision made in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will activate the six pavilions from previous years rather than build something new. Accordingly, if you loved 2019's white lantern-like piece by Glenn Murcutt, you'll get to see it again. The same applies to 2018's floating geometric building from Spanish architect Carme Pinós, 2017's inside-outside contemporary take on the ancient amphitheatre by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten, and 2016's huge bamboo structure from Indian architect Bijoy Jain as well. And, Amanda Levete's forest-esque 2015 piece and Sean Godsell's 2014 creation will also be part of the fun, which'll be spread around different locations across the city. [caption id="attachment_772470" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rory Gardiner[/caption] Expect to find the six MPavilions around town from Thursday, November 12, 2020–Sunday, March 21, 2021, all as part of a program that'll contemplate sustainability and architectural reuse. The events lineup is being announced in stages, but it focuses on supporting emerging creatives and designers. Each month will highlight a different theme, too, with celebrating the power of community on the agenda in November, exploring both physical and virtual social spaces in December's spotlight, and preserving and propagating knowledge getting attention in January. February will highlight relationships of all kinds, while March will wrap things up with a month of temporal experimentation. Among the already-revealed highlights: a chat with British design critic and author Alice Rawsthorn about design in the time of COVID-19, livestreamed music from different spots around the city, weekly dance classes, morning yoga sessions and an online library curated by various guests. Chunky Move will also undertake a residency at MPavilion Monash, MPavilion Docklands will be transformed into an operating hair salon and London's Bombas & Parr will create an inflatable design work, called Happiness Now, that's meant to evoke that very emotion. Top images: Simon Terrill; Buckingham jelly by Ann Charlott Ommedal. Updated October 13.
When Midnight Special starts, TV news reports splash Roy Tomlin's (Michael Shannon) face across the screen. He's wanted for kidnapping eight-year-old Alton Meyer (Jaeden Lieberher), with the film swiftly showing him and his accomplice Lucas (Joel Edgerton) holed up in a motel with the kid. They're about to leave, but when Roy picks up the goggle-wearing Alton to carry him outside, the boy clings to him lovingly. That's not typical abductor-captive behaviour — and this isn't your typical film. A host of questions spring up, as audiences find themselves asking who, why and what's really going on. A cult leader (Sam Shepard) gives two men four days to find Alton shortly before FBI agents interrupt his evening sermon. By the time beams of light shine from Alton's eyes, and a storm of fiery space debris showers down upon him, it's clear we're in entirely uncharted territory. That's by design. Midnight Special asks its characters and viewers alike to wonder, but refuses to flesh out too many details or offer up easy solutions. Indeed, as filmmaker Jeff Nichols tells Roy and Alton's tale — tracking their drive through America's south, picking up Alton's mother (Kirsten Dunst) along the way, and attracting the attention of NSA officer Paul Sevier (Adam Driver) — he seems to have stolen Fox Mulder's catchphrase. He wants to believe, or, more accurately, he wants to tell tales about people who place their faith in something, in the hope that audiences will too. His three previous features may appear a diverse bunch; however 2007's Shotgun Stories, 2011's Take Shelter and 2012's Mud all focused on figures who chose to trust in a force other than themselves, be it vengeance, apocalyptic dreams or the power of love. Now, with Midnight Special, he veers into science-fiction to explore the conviction that comes from a parent's bond with their child. It's an ambitious task, but if anyone is up to it, it's Nichols. With a command of visual and emotional storytelling, he crafts a film that's a road movie, chase thriller, intimate drama and otherworldly adventure all in one, yet remains united in tone and mood. Everything from the cinematography to the evocative score feels heartfelt and mysterious. And then there's the pitch-perfect performances, particularly from the filmmaker's continued main man Shannon, who provides yet another quietly haunting portrayal. Of course, Nichols' latest offering doesn't just follow in his own footsteps, even though he's clearly carving out his own niche. Courtesy of its supernatural narrative, it also conjures up thoughts of '70s and '80s sci-fi fare. Think John Carpenter's Starman and Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. A lingering sense of awe emanates from not only the writer-director's material, but from the genre greats that inspire him. It's no surprise that the movie that results proves as enigmatic as it is enchanting, delivering Nichols' fourth knockout in a row.
Looking to add some structure and purpose to your otherwise laissez-faire Sunday daytime drinking habits? Good news: The National Hotel in Richmond is hosting a pan-Asian bottomless brunch every Sunday afternoon this summer. From noon every weekend the bar will be serving up three hours of bottomless sparkling cocktails and bloody marys along with an Asian tapas plate for a very reasonable $50 per person. If you book ahead of time, you get 10 percent off. Drinking during the day offers the unique advantage of letting your hangover hit Sunday night rather than Monday morning when you're at work — at least, that's what you can tell yourself three Bellinis in. To kick the whole bottomless brunch season off — and to celebrate the arrival of summer — The National Hotel is throwing an afternoon beer garden party on Sunday, December 3 featuring DJs and special drinks. Book a table by emailing functions@thenationalhotel.com or calling (03) 9429 8811.
NGV International has just dropped the new Friday Nights lineup, and, as always, it's a cracker. A mix of local and international music acts make up the latest late-night roster, which will tie in with the NGV's new Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Van Gogh and the Seasons. Throw after-dark gallery access and killer food and beverage options into the mix, and the cold winter nights suddenly look a lot more appealing. UK blues singer Gemma Ray, New York folk-rocker Steve Gunn, and local music legends The Blackeyed Susans are just a few of the names on the winter roster, which also features rising Indigenous singer Gawurra, and Youth Group's Toby Martin – the latter of whom will perform with a five-piece band featuring Arabic and Vietnamese instruments. There'll also be a special Saturday night performance by The Panics on July 8, and series of art talks related to the exhibition, which runs from April 28 to July 19. NGV FRIDAY NIGHTS WINTER 2017 LINEUP 28 April – Gemma Ray (UK) 5 May – Toby Martin (Youth Group) 12 May – Gareth Liddiard 19 May – Emma Russack 26 May – Gawurra 2 June – Two Steps on the Water 9 June – The Fauves 16 June – Grouper (US) 23 June – The Blackeyed Susans 30 June – Ben Salter Band 7 July – Steve Gunn (US) 8 July – The Panics
Yeah, we're thinking he's back — John Wick, that is. Five years after Keanu Reeves introduced everyone's favourite assassin (and dog owner) to the world, and two years after the film scored its first sequel, the action-packed franchise is bringing its third instalment to the big screen in 2019. Entitled John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum and due to hit cinemas in May, the series' latest follow-up picks up where the last flick left off, aka with Wick being hunted down by his fellow killers. With a $14 million price tag on his head, plenty of hitmen and women are out to collect the bounty. And all of this because, in the first film, he became the proud owner of an adorable puppy. If you're not up on your Latin, parabellum means 'prepare for war', which is just what a kick-ass Keanu looks primed to do. This time, he'll have Halle Berry in his corner — and he's not adverse to brandishing some firepower while riding a horse. As for the rest of the cast, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick and Jason Mantzoukas all return from the previous flicks, as does Reeves' The Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne, while Anjelica Huston ranks among the new additions. Check out the first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2P3cpPOXY&feature=youtu.be John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum releases in Australian cinemas on Thursday, May 16.
Your bags are packed, you've caught the Airtrain and you've navigated the check-in process. All that's left is to sit and wait until your flight boards, and then your holiday will be underway. That's how most of us approach airports, admit it. But we've all been forgetting a very important piece of travel advice: your trip actually begins when you walk through the airport doors. Once you've collected your boarding pass, dropped off your bags and passed through security, you're basically on your way. So, you might as well enjoy it. Most of us are guilty of finding the nearest seat, pumping out a few last-minute emails and tapping our toes impatiently as we scroll through our newsfeeds for the 1000th time until it's time to hop on the plane. But Brisbane Airport offers a range of alternatives at its Domestic Terminal. Whether you're a local starting your trip or you're a visitor with a spare window between connecting flights, coffee, shopping, music and more await. GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX Airports and coffee are one of life's essential pairings. Most of us can't even contemplate making our way through the building — let alone the flight — without a good caffeine hit. Of course, as every coffee fiend knows, there's a difference between an average takeaway brew and a proper coffee — and Fonzie Abbott is onsite at Brisbane Airport to deliver the latter. Open from 4.30am weekdays and 5am on weekends, the coffee roasters brew up flavoursome beans that are widely considered among the best in Brisbane. Otherwise, rich hot chocolates are on offer — if that's your preferred warm beverage. Pair your coffee or choccie with a muffin or slice of banana bread, and sit by the cafe's windows for a bit of plane-spotting. And, if you're worried about the coffee situation when you land, you can also grab a bag of beans to take with you. HIT THE SHOPS One of the best views in the Brisbane Airport isn't at any of the boarding lounges, it's in the Lorna Jane store. If you find yourself staring outside rather than rifling through the racks, that's understandable — although shoppers will find plenty to keep their attention. Those needing something comfy to wear on the flight will be in the right spot, but whatever you're after, you'll likely find it among the Domestic Terminal's mini mall. You'll find the usual shopping centre suspects including Witchery, Seed, Peter Alexander, Typo and Sunglass Hut — great for when you realise you left your sunnies on the kitchen bench. There's also a Mecca Maxima should you need some skincare to help you stay fresh on the plane. Finally, there are, of course, spots like Newslink, Watermark Books and News Travels, where you can pick up a book to really sink your teeth into on your long-haul. EAT A DECENT PRE-FLIGHT MEAL Kimchi-filled Korean-style chicken sandwiches, slider platters and a pie tasting plate might not sound like your usual airport fare, but they're all available at the Domestic Terminal's Glasshouse Bar. Named after the nearby mountains on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, the restaurant and watering hole places a particular emphasis on local produce. Expect to also find a Darling Downs rump steak and a caesar salad with soft-boiled Tamborine Mountain free-range eggs on the menu, plus a range of Queensland brews. Settling in by the mountain mural is a great, leisurely sit-down option, but if you only have time for a food court meal, you can still have something a few steps above the reheated and fried meals that can plague food courts. At the Qantas food court, you'll find Vietnamese joint Roll'd with an array of vegetable-stuffed rice paper rolls, pho and banh mi, and Sumo Salad serving an array of fresh salads, grain bowls and made-to-order wraps at the Virgin end of the terminal. RELAX OVER A PRE-DEPARTURE BEV You might not be heading from Brisbane Airport to Cairns, but you can still enjoy some of the tropical Queensland city's best brews at the onsite Great Northern Bar. Because it's always 5pm somewhere, the bar stays open from 5am until late, with the closing time depending on the flight schedule. Expect a hefty lineup of beers and other alcoholic beverages, plus pub-style food and a nice view out over the tarmac. GET YOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ORDER Arrived at the airport after a busy day at work with a phone battery that's fading fast? Want to get in a few episodes of your favourite Netflix show during your flight, but forgot to download them? Finished shopping, eating and drinking but still have a couple of emails to write? That's where Brisbane Airport's free wifi and free charging stations come in handy; let's face it, hopping on a plane staring at the red power meter on your phone is the stuff nightmares are made of. With wifi throughout the terminal, you can get your affairs in order while you browse or sit at the bar. And as for charging up, you'll find a number of outlets scattered throughout the terminal's two food courts. Next time you find yourself at Brisbane Airport, pass the time pre-flight eating, drinking and shopping your way through the terminal. Images: Atlanta Bell.
Tasmania may sit forgotten and ridiculed on the outskirts of our borders, but every January it truly shines. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country, MONA's annual Festival of Music and Art is a cultural icon. Now, in its seventh year, it's still bringing in the goods. The just-released 2015 lineup will include legendary post-punk outfit Swans, Dan Deacon, Amanda Palmer, Paul Kelly and — because why not — author Neil Gaiman. And that's not even mentioning the art. Curated by Brian Ritchie of the Violent Femmes, the musical program is incredibly eclectic — a tasting plate of genres for those not quite so fascinated with predictable summer festivals like Laneway or Future. In 2015 you can relax whileNeil Gaiman reads you a story accompanied by the ambient sounds of Jherek Bischoff, go local with Paul Kelly's Soul Sessions featuring Dan Sultan and Kira Puru, or melt your brain with some Dan Deacon goodness. MOFO caters to all. The art on display will be just as strange. UK group Architects of Air will be bringing their giant inflatable sculpture — read: artsy bouncy castle — EXXOPOLIS down south from the Brisbane Festival. Melbourne artist Atticus J. Bastow is acting as maestro to an orchestra of iPhones. Johannes S. Sistermanns will be wrapping thing (and possible people) in cling wrap to create terrifying sound art. Then, Alvin Curran will combine both art and music while mobilising rafts and dinghies to make music on the Derwent River. "We are thrilled that the audience for MOFO has developed to the point where we can present this dazzling array of creativity and know the people are ready, willing and able to come along for the ride," said Ritchie. "It’s a party with brains, heart and soul." For a little look at what you're missing, check out our write-up from last year's Dark Mofo. January's festivities are bound to be about the same with 100 per cent more sunshine. What's not to love? MONA FOMA will run from January 15-18, 2015 in Hobart. Tickets are on sale now via the festival website. Full lineup: Alvin Curran Allan Halyk And Adam Wojcinski Amanda Palmer & The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Amir Farid Anna Von Hausswolff Architects Of Air Ava Mendoza Atticus J. Bastow Ben Frost Brendan Walls Chordwainers Dan Deacon David Francey Trio Debashish Bhattacharya Emma Dean And The Hungry Truth Faux Mo Francesca De Valence Gabriella Smart Genevieve Lacey Jim Moginie Johannes S. Sistermanns Li Binyuan Marduk Martine Corompt And Philip Brophy Melisandre Michael Kieran Harvey MOFI Eastern Sho MOMA (mona Market) Neil Gaiman Omar Souleyman Paul Kelly Presents The Merri Soul Sessions – Featuring Dan Sultan, Clairy Browne, Kira Puru & Vika And Linda Bull Phillip Johnston Rektango Robyn Hitchcock Ruth Roshan And Tango Noir Senyawa & Lucas Abela Shonen Knife Speak Percussion Swans The Clean Tim Hecker Xylouris White Young Wagilak Group & Australian Art Orchestra Zammuto
Cold and dark and gloomy, winters in Hobart aren't exactly the most attractive proposition. Or at least they weren't until the birth of Dark Mofo. Presented by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), for the past few years this immersive arts festival has disturbed and dazzled locals and mainlanders alike with a mix of music, performances, installations, light and sound works, and art that simply defies categorisation. And from the looks of things, 2017 will be no exception. Revealed today at the stroke of midnight (of course), the latest Dark Mofo lineup is an expectedly weird and wondrous beast, featuring all manner of artists from around Tasmania, Australia and the world. Creative director Leigh Carmichael has called the program their "most ambitious yet", while pointing to a number of works — including iy_project 136.1 Hz, a large-scale laser work by the UK's Chris Levine, and Siren Song, a city-wide audio piece involving a range of female artists — as highlights sure to keep "the audience, the organisers, and some of the authorities enthralled." [caption id="attachment_616924" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] Carmichael also draws attention to 150.Action, from Austrian artist Hermann Nitsch. The dark, disturbing performance piece involves an orchestra and around 500 litres of blood, and is sure to be one of the standouts of the final weekend. "This work will be extremely confronting and challenging, but we would encourage our audience to embrace the opportunity to witness the intensity of the ritual, in this one-off exclusive performance, unlikely to ever happen in Australia again," said Carmichael. Then there's Crossing, a 200-kilometre pilgrimage down the Midlands Highway, which will take participants on a pilgrimage to six different churches over six consecutive nights. They'll experience a mix of light, sound and video art along with organ and theremin performances from Melbourne's Miles Brown. [caption id="attachment_616925" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: Antony Crook. Courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] Of course it should go without saying that this is just the tip of the iceberg. This year's enormous music lineup features the likes of Scottish art-rock legends Mogwai, indigenous hip-hop act A.B. Original, and Norwegian black metal pioneers Ulver in concert with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. There'll also be an industrial-scale transcendental rave at Hobart City Hall presented by the Red Bull Music Academy. MONA, meanwhile, will use Dark Mofo as a platform to unveil its latest exhibition, The Museum of Everything, described by its curators as "an astonishing assortment of artworks from the world's first and only wandering institution for the untrained, unintentional, undiscovered and unclassifiable artists of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries." The exhibition will have its grand opening on the first Saturday of the festival, and will be on display at MONA until early April 2018. Then there are the Dark Mofo staples. The annual Winter Feast will once again feed all comers, while Dark Mofo Films will feature a selection of big screen curios new and old. And who'd want to miss the annual Nude Solstice Swim, a communal dip in the ocean at sunrise the day after the longest night of the year? Just remember, winter in Hobart can be pretty bloody cold. Dark Mofo runs from June 8-21. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday April 11. For more information visit www.darkmofo.net.au. Top image: MONA/Rémi Chauvin, 2014. Courtesy MONA Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
If soaring down a snowy mountain is your idea of fun, then Switzerland's icy peaks have long been on your bucket list. And if you've always wanted to zip down the country's famous frosty alps but don't all have the coordination and dexterity to ski or snowboard — which is perfectly acceptable — then you can now enjoy the trip via train on one of the world's steepest railways. Opening in mid-December after a 14-year construction period — and 52 million Swiss francs (AU$68 million) in funds — the Stoos Bahn journeys from the town of Schwyz to the nearby village of Stoos, carrying 34 people at a time in less than five minutes. Replacing an older funicular railway, aka a cable-attached railway used near cliffs and on inclined surfaces, it not only spans a distance of 1738 metres, but a height difference of 744 metres. Overall, it boasts a maximum gradient of 110 percent. That makes the Stoos Bahn the steepest funicular railway in Europe, the steepest in the world that regularly ferries passengers and second on the planet overall. If you're wondering which other dizzy-inducing train track pips it for the top spot, that honour goes to an Australian tourist attraction. First created for mining purposes in 1878 and now operating as part of Katoomba Scenic World, the Katoomba Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains holds the Guinness World Record for the steepest railway gradient, clocking in at 128 percent over its 310-metre expanse. Via Lonely Planet. Image: Stoos-Muotatal
The Crown has reached that part of its story: the details that everyone knows no matter how invested you are in Britain's royal family, headlines about them or Netflix's regal drama. With its sixth and final season, the series will step into the relationship between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, including the tragic events of their trip to Paris — all of which will be the focus of its four-episode first half. As the just-dropped trailer for the opening part of the show's goodbye demonstrates, heartbreak is on its way. Australian Tenet, The Burnt Orange Heresy and Widows star Elizabeth Debicki earns the bulk of the spotlight as Diana, including the frenzied attention she received from the media. Also seen in the sneak peek: the news arriving of Diana and Dodi's car accident, and the Palace's reaction. Start practising your royal wave: it's time to bid farewell to the hit drama in two sittings, with both arriving before 2023 is out. The first four episodes will stream from Tuesday, November 16, and then the second from Saturday, December 16. As well as saying goodbye to the series overall, viewers will also be moving on from The Crown's time in the 20th century in this sixth and final season. After covering Diana's death and the aftermath, the hit show will embrace the 21st century in its latest run. Accordingly, The Crown will cover the early days of Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship, and focus on the man currently second in line to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022. Screen debutant Ed McVey takes on the role of Prince William, while newcomer Meg Bellamy is slipping into Middleton's shoes. The show's sixth season will follow the IRL pair's first meeting at university in St Andrew's, starting the story that's played out in plenty of headlines and a ridiculous amount of worldwide media coverage since 2001. This dramatised take on history's last season will also cover the Queen's (Imelda Staunton, Paddington) Golden Jubilee and Charles' (Dominic West, The Pursuit of Love) marriage to Camilla (Olivia Williams, The Father). When The Crown began, it kicked off with Queen Elizabeth II's life from her marriage to Prince Philip back in 1947. The first season made its way to the mid-50s, the second season leapt into the 60s, and season three spanned all the way up to the late 70s. In season four, the royal family hit the 80s, while season five hopped to the 90s. Just like in season five, Game of Thrones and Tales from the Loop's Jonathan Pryce wears Prince Philip's shoes — and Princess Margaret is played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. News around the show's fifth and sixth seasons has changed a few times over the past few years. At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced that it would end the royal drama after its fifth season. Then, the streaming platform had a change of heart, revealing it would continue the series for a sixth season after all. Check out the trailer for the first part of The Crown season six below: The Crown's sixth season will hit Netflix in two parts, with the first four episodes streaming from Tuesday, November 16, and then the second from Saturday, December 16. Images: Daniel Escale, Netflix / Leftbank.
Battery power: we all want it for those devices that are always in our hands, pockets or bags — and, we rarely have as much as we need. Carrying a charger or power pack around with you is just one of the joys of being a modern smartphone user. And then there's the cable side of things, whether you're carting them from place to place, or seeing them sprawling through your bedroom or living room. Wireless technology seemed to offer the solution to at least some of these #firstworldproblems; however, it's not quite the always-available, always-charging saviour we all want — yet. Enter Disney, their research team and a new room that'll juice up your phone, tablet and more, no strings attached. Given the name quasistatic cavity resonance, the entertainment company has created spaces that keep things buzzing while still remaining safe for people to enter. Aaah yes, that minor matter of not being adversely affected just so that you can keep posting on social media. The areas in question consist of aluminium panels lining the walls, floors and ceiling, plus a floor-to-ceiling electric pipe running through the centre — with a current surging through it and an electromagnetic field radiating from it. Unsurprisingly, the current design isn't much to look at, but who needs something pleasing to the eye when your phone is always charged? It makes sense, really — if Disney can resurrect Star Wars and actually make it great, shower our screens with superheroes for a decade and counting, and bring just about every fairy tale to the live-action realm, they can probably whip up a dose of non-movie magic to solve this annoying issue. Just what happens next is a watch-this-space kind of deal, but we're guessing that charging your phone at Disneyland might just be a whole lot easier in the future. Via: Mashable. Image: Disney Research.
Cinema Nova will once again play host to the Transitions Film Festival, screening docos from around the globe with a focus on sustainable living. Beginning February 15 with a free screening at Federation Square, the documentary fest will then take root at the Lygon Street location for eight straight days of socially conscious cinema. This year’s schedule contains plenty of highlights, including multiple Australian premieres. In Project Wild Thing, a worried father attempts to market nature to his kids, while Musicwood sees three famous guitar manufacturers travel to the Amazon in an attempt to stop over-logging and save the acoustic guitar. On the local side of things, Aim High in Creation! follows Anna Broinowski, whose crusade against coal seam gas mining takes her from Sydney to North Korea, where she learns propaganda filmmaking from the nation’s leading directors. A majority of festival screenings will also be followed by Q&A discussions, either with the given film’s director, or academics and social entrepreneurs. Environmentally friendly patrons can also get tickets at concession prices by presenting their bike helmets, or by recycling their old mobile phones at the Cinema Nova box office. For the full Transitions program, including Q&A speakers, visit their website.
Uber's really gunning on the whole transportable goods monopoly, huh. Transport's youngest taxi-threatening empire moved to explore the billion-dollar food delivery market, after the recent Messina delivery hootenanny (which didn't actually work for hundred of new Uber — Newber? — users). But that type of gimmicky PR stunt is going one step further into an actual delivery service: lunch delivered by taxi driver, in under ten minutes. UberFresh is the idea, with the plan to make Uber drivers into the ultimate vehicular-based slashie: equal parts taxi driver and delivery person. Planning to take you "happy to hungry in under ten minutes", the service is capitalising on that bout of hanger that sets in when your delivery snail takes an age to show up. But you can't just order any ol' extravagant, slow-cooked short rib for lunch and expect it to show up in ten. UberFresh works on a limited menu, daily specials restricted to sandwiches, salads or soups from local businesses (with a little side cookie thrown in). You'll have to meet the driver on the street to pick up your lunch, but you just skipped a 20-minute lunch line, so hush. The UberFresh program is currently only available in Santa Monica and on weekdays until September 5. Plans to bring the service to Australia or New Zealand haven't yet been announced, but with the rising rates of Uber users (and the anger at Cabcharge's sneaky extra fees) rising, shouldn't be too long before your lunch is just ten minutes away. Delivery.com and Seamless probably need new pants. Via Grub Street.
When something shows you its true colours, believe it. The Kingsman franchise certainly did when it debuted in 2014, as viewers have been witnessing ever since. That initial entry, Kingsman: The Secret Service, gave the espionage genre an irreverent and energetic spin, and landed partway between update and parody. But, while making Taron Egerton a star and proving engaging-enough, it didn't know when to call it quits, serving up one of the most ill-judged closing moments that spy flicks have ever seen. Since then, all things Kingsman haven't known when to end either, which is why subpar sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle arrived in 2017, and now unnecessary prequel The King's Man. Another year, another dull origin story. Another year, another stretched Bond knockoff, too. Stepping from 007's latest instalments, including No Time to Die, to this pale imitation, Ralph Fiennes takes over leading man duties in this mostly World War I-centric affair. He looks as if he'd rather be bossing Bond around again, though, sporting the discomfort of someone who finds himself in a movie that doesn't shake out the way it was meant to, or should've, and mirroring the expression likely to sit on viewers' faces while watching. Simply by existing, The King's Man shows that this series just keeps pushing on when that's hardly the best option. It overextends its running time and narrative as well. But as it unfurls the beginnings of the intelligence agency hidden within a Saville Row tailor shop, it ditches everything else that made its predecessors work — when they did work, that is. Most fatally, it jettisons its class clashes and genre satire, and is instead content with being an outlandish period movie about the rich and powerful creating their own secret club. Adapted from Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar's 2012 comics, the Kingsman series hasn't cut too deeply in its past two movies, but it did make the most of its central fish-out-of-water idea. It asked: what if a kid from the supposed wrong side of the tracks entered the espionage realm that's so firmly been established as suave and well-heeled by 007? Finding out why there's even a covert spy organisation staffed by the wealthy and impeccably dressed for that young man to join is a far less intriguing idea, but returning filmmaker Matthew Vaughn — who has now helmed all three Kingsman films — and co-screenwriter Karl Gajdusek (The Last Days of American Crime) don't seem to care. Vaughn has mostly ditched the coarse sex gags this time, too, and for the better, but hasn't found much in the way of personality to replace them. It's in a prologue in 1902 that Fiennes makes his first appearance as Orlando Oxford, a duke travelling to South Africa during the Boer War — and soon made a widower, because The King's Man starts with the tiresome dead wife trope. Twelve years later, Oxford is staunchly a pacifist, so much so that he forbids his now-teenage son Conrad (Harris Dickinson, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) from enlisting when WWI breaks out. But the duke hasn't completely given away serving his country himself, overseeing an off-the-books intelligence network with the help of his servants Shola (Djimon Hounsou, A Quiet Place Part II) and Polly (Gemma Arterton, Summerland). That comes in handy when a nefarious Scottish figure known only as The Shepherd interferes in world affairs, with King George V of England, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (all cousins, and all played by Bohemian Rhapsody's Tom Hollander) his targets. Using real-life history as a backdrop, The King's Man weaves in Rasputin (Rhys Ifans, Spider-Man: No Way Home), too. If only it possessed the sense of humour to include Boney M's 70s dance-floor filler of the same name, or even a vodka-filled shot glass of its vibe. Rasputin, the character, is actually the best thing about the film, and solely because he's the most entertaining. Ifans plays the part like he's in on a joke that no one else in the production has gotten, amping up a goth mystic, busting out dance-inspired fighting moves and proving the liveliest thing in a feature that's frequently ridiculous yet rarely fun. Making a screwy but banal First World War spy-fuelled action flick surely wasn't on the franchise's agenda, but The King's Man can barely be considered a comedy. Vaughn does stuff his overladen plot with lip-service sentiments fired in a few directions, however, tearing into war and colonialism — but that, like everything that The King's Man purports to do, comes across as half-hearted. In showing the horrors of combat, it doesn't help that 1917 is so fresh in cinematic memories (and it's definitely unfortunate that Dickinson could easily play the brother of 1917's star George MacKay). It's also hardly handy that Vaughn and Gajdusek's script manages to both rally against imperial rule and eagerly celebrate monarchies and the British Empire. That's the kind of thematic muddle the film wades through, making it clear that no one has thought too deeply about any of these concepts. The same applies to Oxford's pacifism, given that The King's Man heartily splashes around OTT violence. Here, an idea or position is only convenient when it's needed to further the story, and it's thoroughly disposable seconds later. Manners may maketh man, as the series' eponymous society has intoned in three pictures now, but throwing together whatever disparate parts happen to be at hand doesn't make a good movie. If the same approach was taken to tailoring, the resulting suits wouldn't pass the central secret service's sartorial standards. Poking fun at the past, name-dropping historical figures, giving Hounsou and Arterton so little to do: none of that turns out well, either. Plus, while zippily staged, all of the film's action scenes that don't involve Ifans get repetitive fast. But The King's Man still commits to its franchise duty, pointlessly setting up a sequel that no one wants in its dying moments. A follow-up to The Golden Circle, called Kingsman: The Blue Blood, is also in the works, as well as a TV show about its American Statesman offshoot. Keeping on needlessly keeping on: that's still this spy series' main trait, as it always has been.
Perhaps you're a diehard Tetris fiend. Maybe you just can't get enough of Mario Kart. Or, you could be an avid Untitled Goose Game devotee. Whichever video game takes your fancy, it has likely robbed you of more than a little precious slumber — so you might as well lean into it and enjoy your next overseas getaway in a video game-themed hotel. Catering for folks who really do want to eat, sleep and breathe the button-mashing pastime, old-school gaming company Atari is getting into the accommodation business. Launching its own line of places to stay, it's planning to open at least eight hotels across the US. Construction on the first — in Phoenix, Arizona — is due to start in the middle of this year, with other sites in Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco and San Jose set to follow. Keeping to the theme, guests can expect plenty of gaming — obviously. That'll apply to the hotel's look and feel, as well as to the activities on offer. Design-wise, the aim is to make you feel like you're staying inside an Atari console. The Atari Hotels website calls the hotels "a unique lodging experience", and notes that they'll combine the brand "with a one-of-a-kind video game-themed destination". That'll include both virtual reality and augmented reality, while some sites will also feature venues and facilities to host esports events. Given that Atari has been around since the 1970s, was one of the industry's pioneers, and is known for a hefty range of games — spanning classics like Asteroids, Centipede, Pong and even Rollercoaster Tycoon — it's safe to assume that the company's big-name titles will all pop up in some shape or form as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnfvlqjvk7A Other than that, just what the Atari hotels will entail is being kept pretty close to the organisation's chest for now. Opening dates haven't been announced yet either, if you're eager to make travel plans. Atari Hotels' first site will begin construction in Phoenix, Arizona in mid-2020. Visit the chain's website for further details.
Regional Victoria is set to score its own taste of Melbourne's late-night White Night magic when Ballarat plays host to a one-night-only spectacular of light and sound on Saturday, September 21. Themed around the idea of lighting 'a spark', White Night Ballarat 2019 promises an illuminating showcase of local talent, featuring over 50 artworks and experiences across a diverse range of mediums. You can paint with LED water at Antonin Fourneau's Waterlight Graffiti, walk through a storybook-like installation made almost entirely from wool in Kathy Holowko's Spidergoat & The Insect Electro, step inside calming musical clouds and visit giant animal lanterns. The Ballarat Anglican Church will also be transformed into a Versailles-inspired fantasy land and artworks by award-winning artist Wathaurung/Wadawurrung Elder Marlene Gilson will be projected onto the facade of the Old Bank of NSW. A crew of emerging and established local special-needs artists will show a series of works inspired by the ways in which words can hurt our feelings, and one of the world's best aerial acts will transform the night sky into a stage for Heliosphere. Throw in a program of roving entertainment, live tunes and captivating projections, and you'll find yourself happily wandering the historic centre right through until White Night wraps up at 2am. White Night Ballarat will run from 7pm–2am.
Transforming Docklands into a glowing after-dark haven, Firelight Festival returns this winter from Friday, July 4–Sunday, July 6. Radiating with a family-friendly program, each of the festival's three jam-packed nights is filled with dazzling flames, immersive art, show-stopping music and warming winter bites. Presented in Melbourne for the first time, internationally renowned Tasmanian artist Amanda Parer will debut her large-scale inflatable sculptures, Man and Fantastic Planet. In another first, the festival will extend onto the Yarra River, with the 'Light the Night Boat Display' inviting boat owners to decorate their vessels with twinkling lights and compete for the Firelight Festival People's Choice Award. Throughout the weekend, almost 50 fire artists, dancers, musicians and roving performers will keep this free festival's vibe burning bright. Plus, 40 or so food trucks will help stave off winter's chill, dishing up a soul-stirring selection of winter treats, from sizzling street food to seasonal favourites like s'mores and hot chocolate. "Firelight Festival is the blazing hearth of Melbourne's winter events calendar — the perfect way to spend a night out with friends or family," says Lord Mayor Nick Reece. "Alongside fiery favourites like fire pits and flame jets, this festival will shine even brighter with Amanda Parer's luminous, larger-than-life art installations."
If snacking on fresh seafood is one of your go-to summer pastimes, Cutler & Co has a little extra goodness in store for you right now. The acclaimed fine diner is seeing out the end of summer with a bonus menu of ocean-fresh fare and seasonal sips for its Summer Crustacea Bar offering. It's starring at the Cutler & Co Bar on Thursday to Sunday nights, as well as Sunday lunch, up until Sunday, February 27. The weekly-rotating menu is inspired by the sea and peppered with premium Aussie produce; featuring treats like Shark Bay scallops with nori and pickled fennel, devilled crab toasts, poached Torrumbarry yabby served chilled, and Skull Island tiger prawns paired with marie rose and Scotch Bonnet hot sauce. You'll even find serves of Giaveri beluga caviar, and whole Fraser Island spanner crabs matched with brown butter sauce and warm brioche. As you'd expect, there's some top-notch drinking to be done also, across a tight curation of fizz and classic cocktails. Team your seafood feast with a glass of Tassie's Ghost Rock Catherine Cuvée Brut or a frozen vodka martini and you're looking at one heck of a summer session. Both bookings and walk-ins are welcome. [caption id="attachment_841983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jo McGann[/caption] Images: Jo McGann
Thanks to the wonders of smartphones and dating apps, making connections has never been easier — and that now includes swiping your way to new pals. Launching in Melbourne this week, social media network Hobspot uses location-based services to connect like-minded people via their shared interests. That's right, there's finally a Tinder for making mates. Hobspot's co-founders Sam Ethell and Alfonso Ordonez met in a bar in 2014 and bonded over a mutual love basketball. Their friendship is what inspired them to create an app that would make it easier for people to connect and bond over shared interests, just like they did. Aaaawww, cute. The Hobspot smartphone app is available on iOS and Android. It has an easy to use interface, allowing users to create a profile, select their interests and start finding folks with the same hobbies to hang out with in their local area. Don't worry — there are hundreds of interests to choose from, including camping, sailing, bike riding, chess, movies, arts and crafts, and more. Whatever you like to do, now it's easy to find a friend to do it with. Ethell and Ordonez believe that for people moving to a new city, in particular international students, Hobspot could be a real game changer. The other major demographic they believe could greatly benefit from the app is recent parents. "Priorities change dramatically for this demographic and current friendships can be hard to maintain if you're the first person in your friend circle to have kids," they stated. Whoever you are, Hobspot breaks down the barriers that exist on other social media networks, allowing you the opportunity to make genuine friendships — and, while female friend-matching app hey! VINA has been bringing ladies together since early 2016, Hobspot is open to all genders. So, if you are looking to break outside of your regular social bubble this weekend, Hobspot might be the answer. Your new best bud could be waiting just around the corner. For more information on Hobspot, download it for iOS or Android, or head to the app website.
You've watched the original movie to death, surely had some of that sweet 80s merch, and probably watched the all-female reboot flick when it hit cinemas in 2016. Now, you can take your Ghostbusters obsession to the next level, as a spooky new escape room inspired by the cult film lands in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne just in time for Halloween. Dubbed GhostMaze, the immersive pop-up will take over a secret location in each city, where you can live out your wildest ghostbusting fantasies and soak up some old-school gaming nostalgia. Details are scarce, but we do know that this movie-inspired adventure will take the form of a full-sized maze, with dark corners to navigate, prizes to hunt down and ghosts to avoid... unless you fancy being slimed. GhostMaze will be held across various sessions, with each one will featuring DJ tunes, a pop-up bar pouring Ghostbusters-themed cocktails and, of course, more prizes for the punters with the best costumes. Better start rounding out some mates to join in the fun — who you gonna call? In the meantime, you can rewatch the trailer for outfit inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vntAEVjPBzQ To find out more details as they drop and to register for pre-release GhostMaze tickets, sign up now at the website.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinemas. With music by day, movies by night and all of the ice cream you could possibly inhale, St Kilda beach will be your go-to hangout all the way up until Christmas, thanks to the folks at Melbourne's most buzzworthy outdoor cinema. From a solid lineup of live gigs to your favourite Hollywood musicals, here are three ways to enjoy music at Ben and Jerry's Openair Cinema. LIVE MUSIC PROGRAM While the screen doesn't flicker to life until sundown, there are plenty of reasons to head down to the esplanade during daylight hours. Get there early for a kickass music program headlined by Melbourne's own Husky, who'll kick off the season's opening night on November 30 with a show in aid of WWF - Australia. Other must-see artists on the lineup include Sierra Jane, Iris, Reuben Stone and more. RETRO CLASSICS Dust off your spandex for a pair of '80s music-fuelled classics. David Bowie's codpiece stars in Jim Henson's Labyrinth on December 2, although in terms of sex appeal, the Diamond Dog might just be outdone by Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing on December 16. Either way, as movie soundtracks go, you can't get more iconic than these. SING-A-LONG SESSIONS Of course, true music lovers aren't content to just sit back and listen. Belt out your best rendition of 'Greased Lightning' at a sing-a-long session of Grease, and then 'Let It Go' with Frozen the weekend after. Just remember: we make no apologies for the musical 'talents' of the Idina Menzel imitator sitting next to you. Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema runs from November 30 to December 21 at South Beach Reserve, next to the St Kilda Sea Baths. For the full program see their website.
Are you the kind of person who starts plotting your next meal before you've even finished the last? Love eating more than anything else? Well, you can get right to the guts of our global food obsession when the Sydney Opera House streams its 2018 chat with culinary legend Nigella Lawson. Streaming at 3pm AEST on Sunday, April 19, the talk has a fitting topic of conversation: home cooking. Lawson's Aussie visit followed the publication of her book At My Table: A Celebration of Home Cooking, which celebrates the joys of comfort food. The famed cook will be in conversation with SBS Food Safari's Maeve O'Meara and they'll be discussing everything from frozen peas to food trends. One of the most successful food writers of all time, cooking up more than ten million book sales worldwide with her 11 culinary bibles, Lawson started out as a book reviewer and restaurant critic, going on to become the deputy literary editor of The Sunday Times. She is responsible for numerous award-winning books, including How to Eat, How to Be a Domestic Goddess, Nigella Bites and At My Table. The talk is part of the Sydney Opera House's three-month digital program From Our House to Yours, with free content streamed nightly from Wednesday–Sunday. While you wait for the full talk to stream on Sunday, you can watch some highlights below. https://youtu.be/P-Ua3wrT3o8
A Brush With Fame is a fundraiser that gives us 'normies' the chance to own a one-of-a-kind work of art made by some of our favourite bands and musicians. After years of hosting some of the world's best musical artists, Sydney's FBi Radio is releasing a collection of artworks created specially for them by everyone from Yeasayer to Iggy Pop, Vampire Weekend to Boy and Bear. As these acts passed through the hallowed halls of Sydney's favourite indie radio station, they were asked to stick fabric markers to plain white canvas, and let those creative juices flow. The visual ramblings were then collected, and will soon be on sale for the public to own. In addition to the possibility of owning a piece by a favourite musician, works by visual artists like Archibald finalist Abdul Abdullah and street artist Beastman are up for grabs. There's also a canvas doodled on by acerbic wit-smith, Marieke Hardy, and one by the brains behind Mambo, Reg Mombassa. The sale goes down on November 22 via the wonder of eBay, with bids starting at $50. All the funds go towards running the not-for-profit public radio station. Head to the FBi site to see a list of all the artists, pictures of their many varied visual offerings, and all the other necessary details.
Pizza and beer are a timeless combo — one that is miles ahead of bread and butter or even salt and pepper, in our opinion. This Good Beer Week, the kind folks at Collingwood's beloved Lazerpig pizza parlour are teaming up with Thornbury's 3 Ravens Brewery to bring you the best-of-the-best of this winning pairing. They've searched the globe over and have created a craft brew that perfectly pairs with Lazerpig's woodfired pizza. The brewery's beer is hand-crafted and small batch, which already pairs nicely with a pizza that is made from a house-made sourdough culture, proved for 72 hours, then hand-stretched. The beer will launch on Saturday, May 12, and the unveiling will be to the tune of a guest DJ — and the pizza joint certainly gets in some good'uns. What will this beer taste like? Will it really be the ultimate pizza pairing? And who will this "very special secret" DJ be? You'll just have to go along on the night to find out.
A year after Queensland finally introduced a container refund scheme, and 16 months after scrapping disposable plastic bags, the Sunshine State is set to ramp up its war on waste once again. As part of the just-released Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan, the government is proposing a ban on single-use plastics — and while it's just an idea at this stage, legislation could be introduced as early as next year. In the crosshairs are plastic straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers, with the Qld Government also committing to investigate banning coffee cups, plastic cups and heavy-weight plastic shopping bags as well. Crucial to the plan is the existence of already-available alternatives — whether they're reusable, in the case of cutlery and plates, or 100-percent compostable, as seen with paper straws and stirrers. Before anything official is put in place, the state will undertake consultation with the community and various stakeholders, including people with disability. For the latter group, some alternative products to plastic — such as bamboo, paper and metal straws — aren't always a viable option. From 2020, the Qld Government will start by banning the products from their own events; however an exact timeline from there hasn't been revealed. Also on the state's agenda: developing facilities to process and repurpose plastic, mandating the use of recycled plastics, and expanding the Plastic Free Places program, which works with retailers, events and markets at the community level to wipe out single-use water bottles, straws, coffee cups and lids, takeaway containers, food ware (such as cutlery, plates and cups) and bags. In Noosa, more than 200 businesses have signed up to the scheme. While Qld's powers-that-be are calling their proposal an Australian first, they're not the only authority figures looking to tackle the growing waste problem. Similar laws are being drafted in South Australia, Hobart is progressing down the same track and, as a nation, Australia is working towards banning all non-recyclable packaging by 2025. That's on top of plenty of smaller-scale initiatives, not only including bag bans and container schemes, but the phasing out of single-use plastics in various guises at the company level, with McDonald's, IKEA, Coca-Cola Amatil and Qantas among those making steps in the plastic-free direction. You can read more about the Queensland Government's Plastic Reduction Plan over here.
Your weekly grocery shopping adventures (or misadventures) could soon be given a shake up, with Amazon set to launch a series of bricks-and-mortar stores and an online supermarket within the next two years right here in Australia, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. The retail giant has been flirting plenty with the grocery sector of late; its most recent global initiatives include the Prime Now program — an impressive US service where you can get everything from groceries to restaurant food to clothes and household items delivered in less than two hours — and Amazon Fresh, an online grocery delivery service that recently entered the UK market. Both of these programs now look set to land in Singapore, Southeast Asia, and on our own shores — a move that could see Amazon snap up between $3.5 and 4 billion in Aussie sales within five years, according to Citi's Australian retail analysts. Each of these new multi-function stores would be about the same size as an Aldi supermarket, but stock only items like meat, dairy, alcohol, fruit and veggies — all the bits and pieces you like to have a proper squiz at before buying. Tens of thousands of other items would be stored offsite in fulfilment centres and available to order via a mobile app or in-store kiosk for delivery to your doorstep. Word is, the stores will even have drive-through lanes, where you can pick up groceries you've ordered online, without leaving your car. Not quite as exciting as those Macca's runs, but pretty darn convenient nonetheless. The shift from online to bricks-and-mortar stores is a stupefying one, but not new for Amazon — last year they opened their first physical bookstore. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
My high school art teacher would call Esther Mitchell a sicko. She thought it of all hard-edge artists, and I suppose I can understand. The process must be painstaking — forever trying to remove any trace of the artist's hand. The artwork's final sheen harbouring no trace of free movement or sporadic whim. But there's something beautiful to it as well. The clean lines, the methodically organised colour — it's a perfectionist's dream. It's clear to see this beauty in Esther Mitchell's work, and her new exhibition, Geometric Colour, should be no exception. In a dynamic fusion of art, craft, and design, Mitchell creates bold and entrancing works that explore the relationship between — you guessed it — geometry and colour. But through these simple means, the work also explores the nature of objects as a whole. Each artwork breaks down the visual plane into seemingly disparate elements and exposes how they are able to interact and bounce off one another. Far from what you may have learnt in Year 10 mathematics, geometry can in fact be engaging, and this new exhibition is your best chance to embrace it.
Mary Eats Cake celebrates the timeless tradition of pairing a nice cuppa with some delicious small bites, calling it a "high tea" and making you feel just that little bit fancy. With two teahouses — one in Brunswick and one in Montrose — Mary has hosted countless high teas, and now she's upping the ante by serving them alongside plenty of gin. Running on six spring Saturday afternoons between October 5 and November 9, the gin-fuelled high teas will be hosted in collaboration with Yarra Valley distillery Four Pillars. They're happening at the Montrose venue, over a two-hour period between 4–6pm. The gin high tea will set you back $74 a head and $78 if you have dietary requirements (with Mary's catering for vegetarian, vegans, gluten free, gluten free and vegan, halal, nut free and pregnant people). Your indulgent afternoon out includes a gin and tonic on arrival, a full high tea menu of sweet and savoury treats matched to two more Four Pillars gin cocktails, and teas designed by a tea sommelier. And, in perhaps the most important news, you'll also have access to unlimited scones with endless jam and cream. Four Pillars Gin High Tea runs from 4–6pm.
UPDATE: July 13, 2020: Animals is available to stream via Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. In the space between ignored dreams and shirked responsibilities, that's where Animals' Laura (Holliday Grainger) and Tyler (Alia Shawkat) largely live. Devoted friends to the point of codependency, and just as dedicated to their Dublin routine of drinking, debauchery and doing the bare minimum at their barista gigs, they've seen no reason to change their ways for the past decade. But, as Laura suddenly realises, they're not getting any younger. The pair's thirties are here. The book that Laura has supposedly been penning since the two first met remains little more than an idea. And, her younger sister (Amy Molloy) has traded partying for pregnancy on purpose. Tyler is near-aggressively happy with the status quo, however Laura's epiphany hits like the wine and MDMA the duo are so fond of — and leaves an unshakeable hangover. Directed by Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde (52 Tuesdays), and scripted by British writer Emma Jane Unsworth based on her own book, Animals finds its joined-at-the-hip protagonists at a crossroads. Glued together by choice for so long, they're now coming unstuck. Forget romantic turmoil; this is a tale of platonic heartbreak and existential malaise spiralling into an inescapable whirlpool. Animals isn't the first film to understand that drifting away from a friend is just as painful as ending a love affair, but it joins a relatively sparse dramatic subgenre. Indeed, there's a refreshing forthrightness to the story, taking Laura and Tyler's pseudo-couple status as a given. While jokes are made about wives, marriages and separations, particularly once Laura starts seeing more of her new musician boyfriend Jim (Fra Fee) and spending less time with her increasingly petulant bestie, they're hardly necessary — just how crucial the pair have been to each other for a third of their lives is constantly written across their faces. Girl meets girl, sparks fly, they live wildly and become each other's ride-or-dies — that's not a scenario that often gets such thoughtful big-screen attention. The importance of depth and detail in this situation, especially in leapfrogging any and all female friendship cliches, really can't be underestimated. Whether or not Hyde and Unsworth have overtly drawn upon their own respective experiences, the end result resonates with a lived-in air. Authenticity isn't just something their characters are searching for; it seeps from the movie. Frolicking or fighting, embracing firmly or steadfastly ignoring each other, the dynamic between Laura and Tyler feels like it could've moseyed out of any shared flat filled with retro furniture, piles of clothes and too many empty bottles (and, thanks to stellar production design and costuming work, it looks that way too). That said, Animals does come with a caveat, or a strength that could initially be seen as a flaw. Played to perfection by the two leads, the movie's main characters seem as genuine as the circumstances they're navigating, as well as the relatable emotions they're displaying. Unsurprisingly, that means they're not always wholly pleasant to spend time with. They needn't be, of course. They shouldn't be, in fact. No mere mortal is bearable every second of every day. Again, this warts-and-all approach is refreshing, not to mention teeming with meaning. Shawkat's Tyler can come across as abrasive and performative, and Grainger's Laura as uncertain and unfocused, with the picture calling out, sifting through and challenging common millennial stereotypes through these traits. There's no judgement here, but rather a commitment to seeing things like they are — even if the film styles its frames in a somewhat dreamlike way at the same time. As steeped in truth as Animals proves, bleak, stark reality isn't the name of its game — visually, at least. When you're caught in the hustle and bustle of life, it can be surreal. When you're reflecting on past choices, agonising over future paths and wondering if your most important relationship to date will survive the present, the right answer rarely stares you plainly in the face. With all of that in mind, Hyde gives her movie a flavour of hectic exuberance, with ample assistance from editor and cinematographer Bryan Mason. That mood couldn't be more influential, including when Animals leans into its more obvious developments and sentiments. In the easy, hard, routine and thorny moments alike, questioning everything you know and navigating a quarter-life crisis should feel energetic, jittery and a little uncanny, after all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FN_zr4rQzY
Last November Jim Finn, of Art vs Science fame, launched his solo project Vydamo with the single 'Gonna Make It', a user-friendly, catchy little anthem of a hit that almost fooled me into thinking the New Radicals had finally followed up their '90s one-hit wonder 'Get What You Give'. But this is real music that is real fun or, as Richard Kingsmill of triple j puts it, this guy (and this music) is "extremely likeable". Vydamo will kick off his first tour this Friday, April 19, when he plays to Sydneysiders at OAF before heading south for a Saturday at the Toff in Melbourne. Next weekend Brisbane will get their taste of Jim Finn solo and live at Alhambra on April 27. Art vs. Science first got our attention in 2008 with the call-and-response dance number 'Flippers'. The dynamic little three-piece have been on the up ever since, and with their most comprehensive tour of the States coming up in June, it could well be worth your while to catch their frontman doing his thing before it starts costing you $200 a pop. We have three double passes to Vydamo gigs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us with your name and postal address at hello@concreteplayground.com.au. https://youtube.com/watch?v=weZwxAv9j4I
If you, like us, long to spend every evening in the cinema but also need to preserve your doubloons to pay rent, this is the competition for you. To celebrate the release of Suburbicon, we're giving away 110 double passes to an early screening of the film. Suburbicon, just to pique your interest, is a film about dirty deeds happening in idyllic 1950s suburban America. In true Clooney style, it's not heavy, but more a dark comedy (that would be the influence of the Coen brothers, with whom he co-wrote the film). Matt Damon and Julianne Moore play a family who get in over their heads with with mob and are forced to navigate their way through some comically dark situations. They're supported by Josh Brolin and Oscar Isaac, all set against a vintage backdrop. Even though it's a little heretic to put George Clooney (silver fox and everyone's favourite Nespresso advocate – sorry Penelope Cruz) behind a camera, instead of dancing in front of it, the man has directing chops. And a double pass (for you and a lucky date) will let you watch his latest offering before the rest of Australia at the iconic Palace Kino cinema on Collins Street at 6.30pm on October 25. Truly, a very swanky way to spend a Wednesday night. To enter, see details below. Suburbicon is out in Australian cinemas from Thursday, October 26. [competition]640996[/competition]
When asked to sum up what 2020 has been like so far, Cottonmouth Records owner Zach Williams is dryly understated. "'Interesting' would be the best description of this year," he says. "Everyone's alcohol intake is definitely going up though, that's for sure." Cottonmouth Records, a bar meets record store, opened its doors in Enmore, Sydney, in 2019 and quickly grew a loyal following among local vinyl lovers and imbibers. The bar had just celebrated its first birthday in March before the coronavirus struck. Like other hospitality businesses, it was forced to close its doors for a few weeks but is now operating as close to normal as possible, with Williams and his teams adjusting to the new conditions. "It's difficult, I'm not going to lie," says Williams. "I mean, we went from a 60-person capacity, and having two staff manage that, to five staff managing 25 people. On top of that, there's all of the logistics. You're making less money and at the same time you're putting out more money." [caption id="attachment_781462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Reuben Gibbes[/caption] Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Williams is grateful to the community for getting behind the business. "In a year, we've amassed a lot of local support, which is fantastic, and we can't thank our locals enough for all the support they've shown in this pretty dire time. So many locals have been there supporting us, and, at the beginning, lots of people were buying records online and saying 'I don't even have a record player; I just want you guys to stay open'." This sense of community is central to Cottonmouth Records' ethos, says Williams. "It gets me a bit emotional when I think about it. We aren't in this for accolades, we aren't in this to win bar awards. I don't care about being rewarded for what we do. Our reward is people coming in and enjoying our venue. You can't put a price on that as far as I'm concerned. Just having this place and people populating it is a big enough reward for me." Customer comfort has been front and centre for Williams and his team as they adapt to the new trading environment. "We've got a hygiene marshal and a security guard on at all times. The community is our highest priority and we just want to make sure everyone feels safe," he says. "We have enough sections to be able to spread everyone out, to adhere to that 1.5-metre distancing [rule] and to give everyone a section where they feel comfortable has been fairly easy for us." [caption id="attachment_781468" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Reuben Gibbes[/caption] The COVID-19 marshal is also responsible for making sure patrons don't get too carried away when Williams gets behind the decks. "People just want to dance as soon as the music comes on," says Williams, but for now such things are not allowed. Instead, there's "lots of chair dancing". Another thing that has kept the business ticking along for Williams is Square, the contactless payment system and online store used by Cottonmouth Records. "Square was with us from day dot," says Williams. "It was a completely blank canvas where I could input every single thing I wanted and build it from the ground up. Now it's at a point where it perfectly runs itself." "It makes things so much easier for us, just being able to let the customer do their thing," he says. "They put in their payment, put in their tips and they can just do it all themselves." For Williams, another handy thing about Square is the integration between the in-store and online shop. "If I sell something on Square in store, within two seconds it's been taken off the website as sold. It's just fantastic. It's great functionality." While it may take a while for business to return to what we knew before COVID-19, Williams is grateful to be able to bring some cheer to Enmore and hopes the bar and record shop will be there for many years to come, chair-dancing or otherwise. Find out more about Square and how it's supporting small businesses in Australia, here. Images: Reuben Gibbes
Some gins taste best on their own, without anything else — even tonic — changing the flavour. Others, like Original Spirit Co's Ginfusion range, benefit from a mixer. In fact, this Aussie line is specifically made to go down smoothly with soda. Original Spirit Co started in 2007 with a German-style digestive made from a family recipe; however the family-run distillery has clearly expanded its remit in the years since. The blood orange and Japanese yuzu Ginfusion definitely stands out, though. Made with real fruit and the brand's dry gin, it's both citrusy and tangy, and is an easy go-to to make the simplest cocktail you've ever whipped up.Original Spirit Co's products, including its Ginfusion range, are available via its online store.
The Dexter boys have done it again with the opening of two more levels above their BBQ meat restaurant Cheek. New cocktail bar and rooftop Peaches marks the fourth venue by Adam Goldblatt and brothers Tom and Sam Peasnell, who not only co-own Dexter, Takeaway Pizza, Cheek and (now) Peaches, but are also the executive chefs and run the front-of-house across all restaurants. The first level of Peaches is a pastel pink fantasy land. It's intimate and flirty with a whimsical scattering of glowing peach-like light bulbs. At the centre of the room are two white terrazzo table tops surrounded by a neat row of circular moss green stools. Semi-private booths in soft shades of blush and oversized monstera clippings line the side of the room. Already, you find yourself boogying to the bar as you step over (or through?) the specks of light shimmering from the gigantic disco ball at the corner of the room. It's a visually stunning space and unlike anything we've seen in Melbourne's hospitality scene before. Interior designers Amy Pierce and Natalie Widera of design studio Pierce Widera have executed a fit-out that's quite an experience in itself. As is true across all four venues by the Dexter team, the vibe and overall food and drink offering at Peaches walks the fine line (well) between serious and fun. The cocktail menu is divided into four music-themed genres: 90s pop, funk, metal and disco. A favourite of ours is taken from first section — where all the "guilty pleasure" cocktails live. Aptly named 'It's Britney Bitch', it's packed with a delicious blend of Brookie's Slow Gin, dry vermouth, raspberry and basil. Head upstairs to the 80-person rooftop and get around, what we believe to be, one of the most enticing and best-value bar snacks in town. It's the classic chicken sanga, available 'hot' with Sichuan-spiced fried chicken or 'cold' with yuzu mayo and pickles, both served in a soft bun. It's a steal at $7 a pop during happy hour (normally $10) — which runs from 12–2pm and 12–2am — and the flavours and texture combinations of these sangas make them an absolute knock-out. The drinks focus up here differs from downstairs, and is all about cooling down in summer with light and breezy spritzes and blended cocktails. Expect creative interpretations of the spritz (beyond the Aperol) with flavours such as blood orange and pét-nat; apricot and walnut syrup; and pickled pear juice with mead and soda. And fun fact: during the summer months, the rooftop features cooling water misters for all-round spritzin'. Then, during the winter months, a retractable roof will be installed and bums will stay warm thanks to an ingenious built-in heating system under the concrete bench seating. You could, in a perfect world, spend a idyllic 12 hours (plus) in the newly complete three-level venue. Begin at noon, when the doors open, on the rooftop. After a few spritzes, and when the sun goes down, head to level one for a meaty dinner at Cheek. Cap the night off at Peaches cocktail bar on the middle level and tear up the dance floor until you're booted out at 3am. And don't forget the cheeky chicken sanga, which is available until close. Peaches is now open at Level 2, 301 Swanston Street, Melbourne. It's open 4pm–1am Monday to Thursday and midday–3am Friday and Saturday. Images: Kate Shanasy.
Initially, even getting just one COVID-19 vaccination was a struggle, after Australia's inoculation rollout took its time in its early months. Then, we all started focusing on those crucial second jabs, especially with roadmaps out of lockdowns and towards international travel highlighting double-dose thresholds. Now, with vax rates climbing quickly — as of Friday, October 8, 60.2 percent of Australians are fully vaccinated — third COVID-19 jabs have started gaining attention. Also called booster shots, they're designed to prolong the effectiveness of the coronavirus vax. And, they've just been given the go-ahead for Australians with severely compromised immune systems. For most Aussies, that means that third jabs aren't on the cards at the moment; however, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has now recommended booster shots for severely immunocompromised folks. Also, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has advised that they'll start being rolled out from Monday, October 11. "This is for the severely immunocompromised — a group of up to 500,000," said Hunt. "It's about providing additional protection." We're expecting to receive advice on booster doses for the general population in the coming weeks. With over 151 million Pfizer, Novavax & Moderna vaccines secured for supply into the future, Australia is prepared to provide booster doses if recommended by the medical experts. — Greg Hunt (@GregHuntMP) October 8, 2021 ATAGI has outlined exactly who falls into the severely immunocompromised category, and why it's making this recommendation. The group spans people with cancer, or who've had stem cell transplants or organ transplants; folks undertaking immunosuppressive therapies for cancer such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy; others taking immunosuppressive therapies and some certain steroids; and those born with immunodeficiencies. If you're an Aussie who fits any of these descriptions, you might not be as protected by the regular two jabs. It's also recommended that an mRNA vaccine (so either Pfizer or Moderna) is used instead of AstraZeneca's jab (which is now called Vaxzevria) for the third dose. That said, the latter can be used if you had the AZ vax for your first two shots and you didn't have a reaction, or you've had a reaction to either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations. Timing-wise, ATAGI recommends waiting between two and six months after you've had your second dose, although a four-week minimum interval will be considered if it's likely your immunosuppression is about to get worse or there's a big COVID-19 outbreak. Severely immunocompromised Aussies can talk to their doctors about getting the third jab, with ATAGI's recommendations and guidelines now being sent to GP surgeries, pharmacies and aged care disability care settings. For all other Aussies who aren't eligible for booster shots yet, Hunt said that news is on the way. "The next stage, the general population stage, of the booster program, we're expecting advice from ATAGI before the end of October," he advised. For more information about booster COVID-19 vaccinations for severely immunocompromised Australians, visit the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation website.
If you've been out and about soaking up the best of what Melbourne's legendary dining scene has to offer, you would have enjoyed a taste of the city's new guard — the young gun chefs leaving their mark on restaurants all over town. Well, next month, you're in for even more of a treat, as the cream of this crop comes together to cook up a storm for the 30 Under 30 Gala Dinner. Kicking off Melbourne Food & Wine Festival's 30th anniversary celebrations, the showcase feast takes over the Regent Theatre's Plaza Ballroom on Thursday, July 28. In a fitting play on numbers, it'll star 30 dishes cooked by 30 of Victoria's best chefs under the age of 30. Guests will enjoy creative fare from the industry's rising stars, who've been killing it in kitchens like Attica, Amaru, Hazel, Vue de Monde, Gimlet, Bar Liberty, Monforte and others. Tickets to the gala come in at $250. Of course, the festivities don't end there. Throughout August, there'll also be a series of one-off dinners, each starring five or six different chefs from the 30 Under 30 lineup. They're happening at Matilda (August 2), Cutler & Co (August 3), Embla (August 7), Society (August 10) and Stokehouse (August 17). Hit the website to see the full program and grab tickets. [caption id="attachment_857685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlie Carrington, HyoJu Park & Giorgia McAlister Forte, image by Clint Peloso.[/caption] Images: Clint Peloso
It's not like you ever need much of an excuse to flee the city for a couple of days filled with top-notch wine, regional eats and entertainment. But hey, that's exactly what's calling you to jump in the car and head a few hours northwest of the city this weekend. Long-running flavour fest Grampians Grape Escape returns to Halls Gap Recreation Reserve from Friday, May 5–Sunday, May 7, dishing up yet another jam-packed program to mark its 30th instalment. Your tastebuds are certainly in for a treat as you spend your days sampling hundreds of local craft beers, ciders and wines, and sinking your teeth into a huge array of food stalls slinging everything from wood-fired pizza to paella. [caption id="attachment_711262" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tony Evans[/caption] You can pick up some new skills at one of the weekend's many masterclasses, and learn culinary secrets at cooking demos led by the likes of Miguel Maestre, Khanh Ong and toastie king Tim Bone. Vino-obsessed comic Merrick Watts will also be hitting the stage for a wine-tasting-meets-comedy-gig. There'll be loads of live tunes to groove to across all three days, plus market stalls brimming with artisan wares. You can even round up some mates and dig your toes in at a grape-stomping competition for the chance to win a helicopter picnic flight or wine tour. Admission costs vary depending on which day(s) you'd like to visit, starting from $50 online. Bus transfers and local glamping options are also available. Making a weekend of it? Here's a lineup of gorgeous Airbnbs you can book in the Grampians region right now.
Thanks to lockdowns, travel limits, and gathering and venue restrictions, Melburnians have been caught in a familiar cycle since the end of May. That's what happens when there's a COVID-19 outbreak, as everyone has become accustomed to over the past year or so. Also familiar, not to mention welcome: the further easing of the city's rules and caps now that the state has notched up seven days without any locally acquired cases. When Friday, July 9 hits (because, although the changes come into effect at 11.59pm on Thursday, July 8, we're being realistic), a heap of restrictions across Melbourne will loosen — allowing folks to spend time in more places with more people. As announced today, Wednesday, July 7, by Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley, the new rules will remain in place for two weeks at this stage. They'll also apply statewide, bringing all of Victoria under the same requirements. So, for the next fortnight, hospitality venues will be able to operate with a density cap of one person per two-square-metres — as will gyms and physical recreation venues, community facilities, creative studios and places of worship. They'll all need to have a COVID Check-in Marshal is onsite to ensure folks are checking in, though. Dance floors are allowed to make a comeback, again with a COVID Check-in Marshal overseeing the action — but they'll have a 50-person cap at any one time. At public events, crowd numbers will also increase. Outdoor stadiums can fill to 75-percent capacity up to 40,000 people — so yes, that means more people at the footy — and indoor stadiums can do the same up to 7500 people. Theatres can also open to the same capacity percentage, but up to a 2000-person maximum. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1412572978538188801 One thing that isn't changing: the at-home gathering cap. That'll remain at 15, so that's still how many people you can have over to your house per day. "Victorians need look no further than the outbreak across our border to know the risks of coronavirus spreading at big gatherings inside the home. That's why the limit on private gatherings will stay the same," the Victorian Government noted in its statement. Mask rules are getting a very slight shakeup, however. They still remain mandatory indoors in public-facing settings, but if you work in an office or a factory, you won't have to wear them — as long as you're in a workplace that doesn't interact with the public. Announcing the latest easing of restrictions, the Health Minister said that "today's changes show just how far we've come — thanks to the hard work of all Victorians we're able to once again have the same settings in place for the whole state.". He continued: "we're seeing across the country just how fast-moving the Delta strain is – which is why we need to remain vigilant and follow the directions to protect the gains we've made." Victoria currently has 24 active COVID-19 cases as at midnight last night. Melbourne's restrictions will ease again at 11.59pm on Thursday, July 8. For more information about the rules that'll be in place from that time, head to the Victorian Department of Health website. Top image: Julia Sansone.
If you're anything like us, you don't really feel like sipping on a tannic shiraz or a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon when the mercury hits above 26. And, if we're being totally honest with ourselves, we've really given the standard rosé (frosé, rosé icy poles, rosé spritz, rosé Christmas ornaments, rosé bath bombs…) a good run for its money. So, we think, maybe, it's time to branch out. This is where the orange wines, the skin-contacts, the pét-nats and the naturals step in. If you haven't had one yet, you've heard your friends talk about them. And they're perfect summer drinking — light, textured and exciting. To help you make some educated oenological decisions these holidays, we asked funky-wine aficionado Joel Amos, co-founder of DRNKS — an online wine store specialising in sustainable, organic and biodynamic wine — to give us a rundown of the top ten interesting drops to drink during the scorching summer months. To buy these wines, head to DRNKS (they're offering same-day delivery from now until Christmas in the Sydney metro), check the wineries' websites or ask your favourite local bottle-o. KIDS OF THE BLACK HOLE, OCHOTA BARRELS, ADELAIDE HILLS Ochota Barrels began as a conversation during a Mexican surf trip, now it's a name synonymous with natural wine. If you're a stranger to funky wines, this is a good place to jump in. This drop is a light skin-contact riesling, so it has a touch of orange colour but tastes fresh and zippy. For the uninitiated, skin-contact refers to white wines that are fermented with the grape skins left on for longer, which gives the wine an orange colour (usually the skins are removed before fermentation when making white wine). Amos says this wine is, "kind of like perfect perfection being made perfectly". So, perfect? SKINS, FROM SUNDAY, ORANGE "Orange wine from orange," says Amos. "It's always exciting to see interesting wines out of NSW." You'll notice that a lot of wines on this list are from SA, but NSW has been producing some interesting wines recently, too. This one is a skin-contact pinot gris — it's light, but textured, and way too easy to drink. It's also more rose-coloured than orange, but don't be tricked by its tint, we still recommend drinking it chilled. Then, taking it outdoors to a beach, park, forest or garden. RIESLING 2017, OISEAU ET RENARD, CLARE VALLEY Bird and Fox (the English translation of its name) made a similar skin-contact riesling in 2016 that was widely popular. This is the 2017 version and it doesn't disappoint. It's fresh and pretty, while still have a noticeable texture. It's also fermented in an amphora — a terracotta jar used often in Roman times — instead of barrels or stainless steel tanks. Amos says that it's, "pretty special stuff". We think you should order a bottle before it sells out. GEWURZTRAMINER, YETTI AND THE KOKONUT, BAROSSA VALLEY This wine label possibly has the best name in the business (yes, big call). It has also produced a might fine array of wines during its two years in production. A typically European grape, this gewürztraminer was grown in SA then fermented on skins. Now, you can find it in a host of restaurants and bottle shops around Australia. Amos says it's "fruit juice that can get you drunk", so we're going to recommend you drink with caution. RAINBOW JUICE, GENTLE FOLK, ADELAIDE HILLS Do you want to drink rainbow juice? We want to drink rainbow juice. We think the more rainbows in 2017 and beyond, the better. Gentle Folk is another big name in the funky-wine business, and another name that sells out quickly — so don't hesitate when buying your rainbow juice. It's made from 23 different red and white grape varieties, from around Basket and Forest Range, that spent some time fermenting in oak. Once again, Amos would like you to not be fooled by its colour — "serve it ice cold". PINOT BLANC, LUCY MARGAUX, ADELAIDE HILLS Last year's Lucy Margaux wines were pretty wild — highly textural and oft described as pond scum (which is not necessarily a bad thing with natural wine). This year they're slightly more pared back, light, fresh and really well priced. This pinot blanc is made organically (as are all the LM wines) and slightly dry and carbonated. We suggest pairing with a secluded beach. PINK, SI, MARGARET RIVER OK. We lied. We included a rosé. But it's not a typical rosé. It's a minimal-intervention cabernet sauvignon (with a touch of malbec) grown and fermented in Western Australia. Amos says, "this is really light and pretty — who knew you could have a not gross cabernet rosé?." Si knew. Now you know. And Santa won't cross you off his Christmas list if you turn it into frosé. PASH RASH, BORACHIO, ADELAIDE HILLS Luckily, this pash rash has nothing in common with the one you experienced during high school. It's a blend of pinot gris and sauvignon blanc and it's tart and easy to drink. The winemakers, Mark Warner and Alicia Basa — who can usually be found stomping grapes at another natural winery, Jauma — call it "boozy pub squash". GOOD TIMES, LATTA VINO, WESTERN VICTORIA Rounding out the lineup with a bang (literally), is this 1.5-litre bottle of pétillant-naturel. A pétillant-naturel, or pét-nat, is a sparkling wine made using the traditional méthode ancestrale — it's not a quick process to describe, but there's a full rundown here if you're interested. This juicy bottle is made using pinot gris and we highly recommend you ring in the new year with a bottle or two.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Wotif.com. You might know that Adelaide is the original home of the pie floater. But did you also know that it boasts more restaurants per head than any other city in Australia? For way too long, the South Australian capital has been Australia’s beleaguered middle child, struggling to get the attention of which it’s worthy, and defending itself against the nation’s collective jokes. But, earlier this year, things changed. When Lonely Planet published its 2014 Top 10 Cities of the World, the “city of churches, festivals and homicides” burst into the international spotlight at number nine. “Adelaide is effortlessly chic,” commented Lonely Planet media and communications manager Adam Bennett, “and like a perfectly cellared red, it’s ready to be uncorked and sampled.” And the especially good news? Wotif.com wants you to do the sampling. So, they’re giving away a holiday of epic proportions. One creative reader and their guest will score return economy flights to Adelaide from their nearest capital city, four days’ car hire and three nights’ accommodation. The first two will be spent in king-beds and deep baths at the luxurious Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, situated just 50 metres from the cultural epicentre of Rundle Street. On the third, the winners will find themselves at Mount Lofty House, a 160-year-old manor in the Adelaide Hills, where they’ll be treated to a five-course degustation with matching wines and wake up to a buffet breakfast. What’s more, to ensure a comprehensive experience of the food and wine adventures that so impressed Lonely Planet, there’s a Penfolds Magill Estate Tour, a Top Food and Wine Choco-latte Tour and an Adelaide Central Market Morning Tour thrown in. All you’ve got to do is give your creative fruit a squeeze and tell Wotif.com why they should send you to Adelaide, in 25 words or less. The video below might help you to get thinking left of centre.
In 2018, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a controversial change to the Oscars: creating an award for most popular film. The backlash was strong and swift, with the category quickly put on hold — and the fresh slate of Oscar nominees show why the new gong really isn't needed. From the Lady Gaga-starring fourth take on A Star Is Born, to Black Panther's comic book antics, to Bohemian Rhapsody's love letter to Queen, plenty of last year's huge box office hits are now multiple nominees for the 91st annual Academy Awards, which will be held on Monday, February 25 Australian time. They're joined by a heap of critical and audience favourites from 2018, including Alfonso Cuarón's highly personal drama Roma, deliciously dark historical effort The Favourite and Dick Cheney biopic Vice, plus two very different films about race relations: BlacKkKlansman and Green Book. By the numbers, Roma and The Favourite lead the charge with ten nods apiece, while A Star Is Born and Vice each scored eight, Black Panther received seven, BlacKkKlansman nabbed six, and Bohemian Rhapsody and Green Book took five each. Of course, the figures only tell part of the story — some of the biggest highlights from the list of nominees are hidden behind the numbers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp_i7cnOgbQ For only the sixth time in 91 years, a black filmmaker has been recognised in the best director category, with Spike Lee picking up his first-ever nomination across his lengthy career. Plus, for the first time since 1977's ceremony, two of the five best director contenders are for flicks in languages other than English — with Cuarón the favourite for Roma and Cold War's Pawel Pawlikowski a deserving but unexpected inclusion. Among the best picture field, Black Panther became the first Marvel movie to ever score a nod for the coveted award. And a movie star was born in Lady Gaga, who made history by becoming the first person to nab noms for best actress and for best original song in the same year (the latter of which, for A Star Is Born's heart-swelling banger 'Shallow', she's a shoo-in to win). On the surprise front, among Roma's huge haul, sit nods for two of its main on-screen talents, with Yalitza Aparicio in the best actress category and Marina de Tavira in the best supporting actress field. The Netflix title wasn't the streaming platform's only big contender, with the Coen Brothers-directed western anthology The Ballad of Buster Scruggs also picking up three nods. Of course, there are always gaps. After Greta Gerwig became just the fifth woman to be nominated for best director last year, the category went with an all-male lineup this time around — and among the exclusions, Can You Ever Forgive Me?'s Marielle Heller directed stars Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant to acting nominations, but didn't make the Oscar cut herself. And the list is light for Australian talents, with The Favourite landing the country's only contenders in the form of screenwriter Tony McNamara and production designer Fiona Crombie. The 91st Academy Awards will take place on Monday, February 25, Australian time. Here's the full list of nominations. OSCAR NOMINEES 2019 BEST MOTION PICTURE Black Panther BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Green Book Roma A Star Is Born Vice BEST DIRECTOR Alfonso Cuarón, Roma Yorgos Lanthimos, The Favourite Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman Adam McKay, Vice Pawel Pawlikowski, Cold War PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Yalitza Aparicio, Roma Glenn Close, The Wife Olivia Colman, The Favourite Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me? PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Christian Bale, Vice Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born Willem Dafoe, At Eternity's Gate Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody Viggo Mortensen, Green Book PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Amy Adams, Vice Marina de Tavira, Roma Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk Emma Stone, The Favourite Rachel Weisz, The Favourite PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Mahershala Ali, Green Book Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman Sam Elliott, A Star Is Born Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me? Sam Rockwell, Vice BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY The Favourite First Reformed Green Book Roma Vice BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY The Ballad of Buster Scruggs BlacKkKlansman Can You Ever Forgive Me? If Beale Street Could Talk A Star Is Born BEST ORIGINAL SCORE Black Panther BlacKkKlansman If Beale Street Could Talk Isle of Dogs Mary Poppins Returns BEST ORIGINAL SONG 'All the Stars', Black Panther 'I'll Fight', RBG 'The Place Where Lost Things Go', Mary Poppins Returns 'Shallow', A Star Is Born 'When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings', The Ballad of Buster Scruggs BEST FILM EDITING BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Green Book Vice BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM Capernaum (Lebanon) Cold War (Poland) Never Look Away (Germany) Roma (Mexico) Shoplifters (Japan) BEST ANIMATED FEATURE Incredibles 2 Isle of Dogs Mirai Ralph Breaks the Internet Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Free Solo Hale County This Morning, This Evening Minding the Gap Of Fathers and Sons RBG BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Cold War The Favourite Never Look Away Roma A Star Is Born BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Black Panther The Favourite First Man Mary Poppins Returns Roma BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Avengers: Infinity War Christopher Robin First Man Ready Player One Solo: A Star Wars Story BEST COSTUME DESIGN The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Black Panther The Favourite Mary Poppins Returns Mary Queen of Scots BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING Border Mary Queen of Scots Vice BEST SOUND MIXING Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody First Man Roma A Star Is Born BEST SOUND EDITING Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody First Man A Quiet Place Roma BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT Black Sheep End Game Lifeboat A Night at the Garden Period. End of Sentence BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM Animal Behavior Bao Late Afternoon One Small Step Weekends BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM Detainment Fauve Marguerite Mother Skin
HBO's Cordyceps infection isn't going anywhere soon — not for the seven more weeks that The Last of Us' first video game-to-TV season has left to air, and not for a further season after that either. In excellent news for fans of the PlayStation title, the Pedro Pascal (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent)- and Bella Ramsey (Catherine Called Birdy)-starring show it has inspired, and both, the US network behind it has officially announced that its first massive hit of 2023 will return for a second season. This development is hardly surprising, but still obviously hugely welcome. When it comes to mashing buttons, the 2013 game also inspired a 2014 expansion pack and 2020 sequel. Also, even just two episodes in so far, HBO's version has been attracting viewers faster than any sudden movement attracts zombies. When the series' debut episode aired on Sunday, January 15 in the US and Monday, January 16 Down Under — where it screens and streams via Foxtel and Binge in Australia, and on Neon in New Zealand — it became HBO's second largest debut ever. The first? A little show called House of the Dragon in 2022. In America alone, The Last of Us' movie-length first instalment has notched up more than 22 million viewers, while its second episode earned 5.7 million viewers just on one night — more than a million than that premiere chapter, and giving HBO its largest-ever growth from week one to week two of any series it has ever made. In other words, even after leaping to television with a huge gaming fanbase behind it, The Last of Us' popularity is spreading. Given how impressive the HBO series' first season is — how thoughtful, character-based, well-cast, and committed to exploring not just what's happening in its contagion-ravaged dystopian world but why life is worth fighting for — that too is unsurprising. For newcomers to the franchise on consoles and as a TV series, it's set 20 years after modern civilisation as we know it has been toppled by a parasitic fungal infection that turns the afflicted into shuffling hordes. Pascal plays Joel, who gets saddled with smuggling 14-year-old Ellie (his Game of Thrones co-star Ramsey) out of a strict quarantine zone to help possibly save humanity's last remnants. There wouldn't be a game, let alone a television version, if that was an easy task, of course — and if the pair didn't need to weather quite the brutal journey. As a television series, The Last of Us hails from co-creator, executive producer, writer and director Craig Mazin, who already brought a hellscape to HBO (and to everyone's must-watch list) thanks to the haunting and horrifying Chernobyl. He teams up here with Neil Druckmann from Naughty Dog, who also penned and directed The Last of Us games. Alongside Pascal and Ramsey, the series also boasts Gabriel Luna (Terminator: Dark Fate) as Joel's younger brother and former soldier Tommy, Merle Dandridge (The Flight Attendant) as resistance leader Marlene and Aussie actor Anna Torv (Mindhunter) as smuggler Tess. And, Nico Parker (The Third Day) plays Joel's 14-year old daughter Sarah, Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) and Nick Offerman (The Resort) feature as isolated survivalists Frank and Bill, Storm Reid (Euphoria) pops up as Boston orphan Riley, Jeffrey Pierce (Castle Rock) plays quarantine-zone rebel Perry and Yellowjackets' Melanie Lynskey also guest stars. HBO hasn't announced when season two will arrive, but cross your fingers that it drops early in 2024. Check out the full trailer for The Last of Us below: The Last of Us screens and streams via Foxtel and Binge in Australia, and on Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of the first season. Images: Liane Hentscher/HBO.
As the federal government continues to drag its feet resettling refugees fleeing the Syrian conflict (Australia had managed about 6000 by last November — Canada by comparison, was at well over 30,000), it falls once more to the non-political professions to show the government where the hands go on the 1humanitarian clock. This time, it's hospitality's turn. On March 6, UNICEF Australia will partner with 11 of the country's best chefs for a charity dinner celebrating Syria's strong culinary tradition. The Point Albert Park will host the posse of gastronomers as they prepare a banquet comprising their signature dishes with a few Syrian flourishes. If you've never been at the mercy of za'atar, pomegranate, Aleppo pepper or tamarind, this could well be a revelation. Tickets are a steep $329 per person (plus booking fee), but 75 percent of the proceed will go to UNICEF's Syria Crisis Appeal. The price includes canapés, cocktails on arrival, a shared Syrian-inspired feast and wine. It may seem on the surface like you're paying for the food, but ten professional chefs jammed into a single kitchen also suggests a night of great theatre. Movida's Frank Camorra and Lee Ho Fook's Victor Liong will be in the fray, with David Thompson of the newly opened Long Chim and Anchovy's Thi Le contending for next use of the colander with equal ferocity. If you've ever wanted to see Karen Martini trying to slice potato with steel wool or fighting a pitched battle for the top shelf of the oven, this could well be your chance. Other chefs rounding out the impressive lineup include Lûmé's Shaun Quade, Maha's Shane Delia, Embla's Dave Verheul, The Point's Andy Harmer, Jacques Reymond and David Moyle of Hobart's Franklin and soon-to-open Melbourne restaurant Longsong. While the top guns will have their turn on March 6, UNICEF Australia is encouraging anyone with passing knowledge of an oven to contribute. Restaurants and cafes can produce a limited edition 'Syria' version of a favourite dish throughout the month, of which a portion of the proceeds will go to UNICEF. For those who deal in culinary delight on a slightly smaller scale, bake sales are your recommended course. While you're waiting for the oven to pre-heat, there's more information here. The #CookForSyria charity dinner will take place on Monday, March 6 at The Point Albert Park. Tickets are $329 each and are available here.
On a stage or screen somewhere, the Jets and the Sharks are usually facing off — or, given how popular that West Side Story has proven for almost seven decades now, that's how it feels at least. The famous musical last popped up in cinemas in Australia thanks to Steven Spielberg. Next, it'll tread the boards again courtesy of Opera Australia. And, when it returns in 2024, it'll do so in spectacular surroundings. Sydney Harbour is set to experience a taste of Broadway magic circa 1957, with Handa Opera's famed floating stage playing host to legendary show — again. West Side Story returns to the yearly event after doing the honours in 2019 and proving a smash, unsurprisingly. Over 65,000 tickets were snapped up, making it the most-popular of Handa Opera's productions to-date. In 2024, the musical will light up the unique waterfront opera venue from Friday, March 22–Sunday, April 21, again reimagining the classic tale of star-crossed lovers in 50s-era New York City. If you've missed past versions — film, opera or otherwise — West Side Story tells the tale of two rival West Side gangs, plus the drama that ensues when people from each side fall in love. Acclaimed director Francesca Zambello, along with Brian Thomson and Jennifer Irwin, created this new take on the original Broadway favourite — following on from famed musical figures Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents, who originally did the honours in the 50s. And yes, the story is basically William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but revamped and transferred to the Big Apple. Sydneysiders and visitors alike will get to see the captivating production brought to life under the stars, from harbourside seats at Mrs Macquaries Point, while bopping along to all of the musical's iconic hit songs — 'I Feel Pretty', 'Maria', 'Somewhere', 'America', 'Cool' and, of course, 'Tonight'. Also included in this West Side Story experience: not just the show on the overwater stage, but also fireworks each evening, dazzling Sydney skyline views and hitting up pop-up dining spots that are constructed onsite each year. "West Side Story is a theatrical phenomenon, as is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. This combination has proved winning before and we highly anticipate that it will again," said Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan, announcing the 2024 season. West Side Story at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will run from Friday, March 22–Sunday, April 21, 2024 — with tickets via Opera Australia subscription packages available from Thursday, September 28 and general tickets from Thursday, October 5. Images: Opera Australia's 2019 cast of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour.
When the much-anticipated second season of Stranger Things hits Netflix next week, you could simply watch it from the comfort of your couch. Or you could mark the occasion with a proper spooky knees-up at Stomping Ground Brewery's Stranger Things '80s-themed Halloween party. On Tuesday, October 31, the Collingwood brewpub will be tripping back in time, with retro arcade games, '80s-style snacks and a soundtrack of vintage tunes to jam to. You'll even enjoy old-school drink prices, with your first beer costing just $1.65 — about the same as it would have back in 1985. To celebrate the arrival of a fresh batch of binge-worthy Stranger Things goodness, episodes of the show will be showing up on the big screen, including season two's long-awaited first episode. Enjoy it while you sip themed creations like Stomping Ground's one-off release Black Demoggorgan gose and the Upside Down brown ale.
