Feel the grass beneath your feet and the breeze on your face, as the silver screen lights up at this multi-venue outdoor cinema. After springing to life in Portsea in 2016, Barefoot Cinema now also screens films in Mount Martha, Elsternwick and the new 2020 venue of Victorian State Rose Garden at Werribee Park over summer. First stop is Point Nepean National Park in Portsea from December 26–January 7. Films on offer include some of 2018 and 2019's biggest hits, including A Star Is Born and Joker, plus the recent photo-realistic version of The Lion King. Next, it's off to the Mount Martha on the Peninsula, where movies like La La Land and The Princess Bride will be paired with more recent films like Hustlers, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Knives Out from January 10–26. Then, Barefoot Cinema will arrive at Elsternwick's Rippon Lea Estate with a lineup that spans the likes of Romeo + Juliet, Bohemian Rhapsody and Little Women, all from January 29–February 16. Finally, the projector will start whirring at Werribee Mansion from February 19–March 3, with the list of titles yet to be revealed. In addition to movies, Barefoot Cinema will feature live music, food trucks, a candy bar, local wines and craft beers.
Melburnians, you really love your cheese. You've tried a 150-cheese pizza, bought buckets of the stuff on the cheap and have entered cheese-fuelled comas in a cheese cave. Now, you can kick off 2020 with another ultra-cheesy experience: a 29-cheese gnocchi. South Yarra's Cucinetta is the eatery behind the wondrous creation, which it's bringing back for a second year, for lunch and dinner between Thursday, January 2 to Monday, January 20. The handmade potato gnocchi is oven-baked with 29 cheeses sourced from Thomastown's That's Amore Cheese, including buffalo mozzarella, truffled caciotta (a fresh cow's milk cheese), smoked scamorza, blue cheese and salted ricotta. Setting you back $34.90, it can be enjoyed with one of 29 wines on the regularly changing list and eaten inside the 29 square metre restaurant. Sensing a theme? Cucinetta really likes the number 29. If you, like us, fancy yourself a bit of a cheese fanatic, you're probably curious as to what the 29 cheeses are. Well, here's the full list: Fior di latte Buffalo mozzarella Burrata Scamorza bianca Caciotta Pepper caciotta Chilli caciotta Truffle caciotta Ricotta delicata Ricotta salata Mascarpone Squacquerone Buffalo bocconcini Buffalo ricotta Buffalo caciotta Buffalo mozzarella (smoked) Smoked bocconcini Smoked scamorza Smoked caciocavallo Diavoletto Secret of The Forest Drunken buffalo Lavato Panettone Panettone with truffle Caciocavallo Bufalotto Blue cheese Formaggio di vacca Cucinetta's 29-cheese gnocchi is available from 12–4pm and 5pm-late daily.
Ever wondered what goes on deep under the ocean, after dark? This month, you'll get to find out, when Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium keeps its doors open late for an after-dark session, uncovering all the murkiest of deep-sea secrets. Running on Thursday, February 20, from 6–9pm, the adults-only event will show off the aquarium's new multimillion-dollar Ocean Invaders exhibition in a whole new light (or lack thereof). Spread across 300 square metres and three multi-sensory zones, and featuring thousands of jellyfish from a range of species, this new zone has a special focus on its luminous, venomous and gelatinous residents. Marine experts will chat about the many facts (and myths) circulating around jellyfish, discussing mortality, painful stings, antidotes and urine. You'll also get to meet everything from blubber jellies to moon jellies and even upside jellyfish. Tickets will set you back $25 a pop, with drinks (and more snacks) available to purchase on the night, too. Jellies 101 runs from 6–9pm.
Across one weekend in July, if you're in the Geelong region and hankering for a glass of wine, then you'd better like Shiraz. Unsurprisingly given its name, that's the varietal in the spotlight at the Winter Shiraz Weekend Festival, which comes to the area's vineyards and wineries on Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8. It's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of fest, with wine producers in the Bellarine, the Moorabool Valley and Surf Coast all taking part — so pick your favourites and head on by. Keep an eye on the event website for the full program; however you can expect to pair your glasses of Shiraz with delicious dishes, chat with winemakers and — because it's the perfect weather for it — enjoy a tipple or several by the fire. If you head on down a night early, Friday night tastings will also be taking place at a selection of Geelong retailers. And, while you can expect parts of the lineup to be ticketed, the sampling is free — as is entry to the various wineries.
So you missed out on one of the free Love Is Love tees. And one of those bloody adorable pup raincoats. But all hope of fulfilling your Gorman dreams is not lost. This weekend, the Aussie brand is holding a huge two-day sale at Fitzroy Town Hall. That means you'll be able to nab a massive 80 percent off those instantly recognisable prints and geometric patterns. There will be pieces, accessories and shoes from previous seasons — apparently starting at as little at five bucks. Here's hoping you can nab a hard-to-find human polka-dot raincoat or a dress that's been hanging around from the Atelier Bingo collab. The sale will run from 8am–6pm on Saturday, June 23 and 9am–4pm on Sunday, June 24.
If you've been dreaming of a white Christmas in July, this isn't for you. This year, The Kraken Black Spiced Rum is turning tradition on its head by transforming Melbourne haunt A Hereford Beefstouw into a deep, dark, mysterious wonderland for one evening only. On arrival, you'll immersed in the sounds of a violin being played live within a giant snow globe. You'll then be met with a warming Spiced Egg Fogg. The cocktail is a take on traditional eggnog, spiked with orange marmalade and — you guessed it — The Kraken Black Spiced Rum. Next up is an enigmatic feast, featuring dishes infused with black or blackened ingredients. Among A Hereford Beefstouw's offerings, you'll find rum-cured gravlax with squid ink mustard; blackened turkey with an orange, chestnut and black breadcrumb stuffing; and ash pavlova with rum-marinated blackberries. Three adventurous cocktails — a Sucker Punch, Sea Spector and Kraken Espresso Martini — will be available to enjoy with dishes. And they're not the only surprises. The plan is to keep you entirely ensconced in The Kraken's wintry abyss with a scattering of unexpected events. We can tell you, however, to look out for snow and listen for a cappella carollers. Your ticket includes absolutely everything: cocktails, the feast, live happenings and a farewell gift to take home. Kraken Kristmas in July will take place on Wednesday, July 25 from 7pm-10pm. This is an 18+ event and you can snag a ticket here.
There's always some sort of party going at Welcome to Thornbury, and doggos are always welcome, the venue's Tiny Dog Festival will see the space swarmed by pups of the super small variety. If it's an adorable little barking creature, it'll be in the spotlight — so bring your own or prepare to pat plenty of others. And, while the site's food trucks and bars including Mr Burger, Connie's Pizza and Nem N' Nem will be catering to humans, the dog market will cater to your pooch's every need. Plus, there'll be beer (for you) and bone (for your four-legged friend) deals on offer. As part of the all-round celebration of pint-sized pooches over a few pints, the fest will also feature a tiny dog race and a best-dressed tiny dog competition. If your pupper is speedy or has great style, then you'll want to take part. Plus, Welcome to Thornbury also wants to find the inner north's tiniest adult dog, so prepare to spend a day staring at cute pooches that could fit in your pocket and wonder how you can get them in there without their owners noticing.
On the corner of Tucker and Patterson Roads in Bentleigh there used to be a rundown convenience store. But, in March, it was gutted and transformed into a pink and breezy cafe dubbed Good Times Milk Bar. Until recently, it had just been open during the day, serving up pastrami eggs benedict, crumpets and some standout shakes (including Golden Gaytime and lamington). Now, the eatery is adding burgers — and nights — to its repertoire, launching Good Times Burgers. Kicking off this Thursday, June 28, Good Times' old-school takeaway burger window will be slinging seven different creations, alongside sides and shakes, from Thursday to Sunday, 4pm–9pm. On the menu, you'll find the Classic (with a beef patty, American cheese and a pickle), the Seaside (with battered fish, wasabi peas and Kewpie mayo), a vegetarian option and seven different sides — including potato gems, onion rings, slaw and jumbo pickles. You'll also be able to get the aforementioned shakes at night, too. To celebrate the launch of its new offering, Good Times is giving away free burgers this Saturday. From 4–5pm, you can have any burger off the menu — for free. It is, however, limited to one per person. Good Times Burgers launched on Thursday, June 28. The free burger giveaway will run from 4–5pm on Saturday, June 30. Images: Jake Rodan
Join the salami army at the 2018 edition of this gastronomic gathering at Welcome to Thornbury. Now in its sixth year, think of the Melbourne Salami Festa as Woodstock or ComicCon — but for salami. So way better, is basically what we're saying. Running from 10am–10pm on Saturday, October 13 and 11dam–6pm the next day, the event — a bona fide cured meat carnival — will include workshops, demonstrations, DJs and bands, as well as a Grand Salumi Garage featuring dozens of producers from far and wide. Wander between the stalls and sample what's on offer, before returning on the Sunday to cast your vote in the highly coveted People's Choice Awards. Among other gongs, the event will also be giving out a Best Homemade Salami prize. Last time the festa was held back in 2016, more than 6,000 people went along — consuming a whopping 30,000 pieces of salami over the two days. If that sounds like your idea of heaven, we suggest arriving early and hungry. Image: Melbourne Salami Festa.
It's that time again: Jungle Collective is opening its Abbotsford warehouse for yet another huge event. The bohemian plant sale will welcome the public on Saturday, August 11 from 9am, offering hundreds of indoor plants from over 60 species. Greenery that thrives in low-light conditions will be in the spotlight, aka the kinds of plants that are perfect for winter. In addition, patrons can expect the usual array of hanging plants and ferns, along with rare finds like giant Birds of Paradise and east Asian-native rubber fig trees. For those who have a hard time keeping their new friends alive, the on-site horticulturist will again be in attendance to help answer all of your plant-based woes. As usual, they'll have jungle tunes and vibes going, along with themed dress-up specials — including five-bucks off if you wear a winter beanie No ticket rego is required for this sale, but takeaway boxes will be limited, so plan ahead and bring your own.
When the working week is done, Melburnians just want to get a drink and enjoy free tapas while they're doing so. And have fun, obviously. At least, that's what Messer is betting on, and you know that they're right. On Fridays in August, the Fitzroy spot will be serving up free tapas with every drink purchased. It'll also be slinging cheap tipples, making your cheap afternoon even cheaper — think $6 beers, selected wines at $9 a glass and Cava at $11 a glass too. Given that Messer's menu changes daily, just what they'll be serving up remains a tasty surprise, though we're guessing it won't just be pots of olives. Plus, if you're keen on a boozy lunch or can sneak away from the office early (or both), then you're in luck, with Free Tapas Fridays running between 12–6pm.
Haven't yet feasted your eyes on Wes Anderson's latest flick, the stop-motion animated delight that is Isle of Dogs? Loved it and want to see it again? It was one of our picks from this year's Berlinale, where it opened the fest and won best director, so we understand. The film is returning to the Astor Theatre for one night only — and, even better, you can bring your own pupper. The screening will kick off at 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 29, and is bound to turn the cinema's art deco lobby into an isle of dogs — just without the water. There'll also be prizes on offer, so you and your pooch might score more than just a night at the movies. If your dog is called Spots, then you have to go. The film follows a boy's visit to the titular land mass to find his beloved Spots, after all. The adventure that follows features the voices of a host of Anderson regulars and other ace talent — think Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Bob Balaban, Greta Gerwig, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Edward Norton and Frances McDormand — and proves as gorgeous as you'd expect. You'd be barking mad to miss it.
Melbourne's Chapel Street PROVOCARÉ Festival of the Arts is back for its second year, and it's bound to be as alluring, if not more so, than its first edition. With a new lineup of dramatic performances and artwork, as well as Spencer Tunick's distinctive nude installation, the winter art festival is set to be something completely unafraid and honest. From July 5–15, PROVOCARÉ offers a plethora of opportunities for you to immerse yourself in a world of pure creativity. With live performances, an art walk, blindfolded dinner, video art and much more, the festival will meet your art cravings and make you question reality. It's also a great excuse for you to explore the eateries and retail businesses in the area. At I Want to Know What Love Is, connect with the emotions attached to all things romance and heartbreak, while enjoying the stage performance centred around true confessions and tales of "love's gritty collision course". Get your shine on as Reuben Kaye makes you laugh and dance around with Glitter. From July 7–15 at Chapel Off Chapel, the show will transport you to a world of colour with all the filthy language, dazzling sequences and hopefully ridiculous sets (like a gin bathtub). And with only five shows during the festival, the Empty Bodies circus should be a priority on your list. Witness the dramatic display of life and identity, as elite graduates from the National Institute of Circus Arts perform the reflection of "chaos in conflict with order". If you're keen for an event that encompasses all the things PROVOCARÉ stands for, then join the club — literally. Starting at 8.15pm, Club PROVOCARÉ is serving serious seduction every night of the festival. With burlesque, drag shows and other tempting entertainment led by cabaret queen Bernie Dieter, you won't want to miss a minute of the fun. Lastly, EcoCaddy is providing free transportation all festival long to get you from one arty event to another without the worry of a ridiculous ride fee. For tickets and more event information, head to the PROVOCARÉ website.
When The Incredibles first leapt onto cinema screens 14 years ago, it earned its title several times over. Exploring the exploits of a super-enhanced family trying to live a normal life, the movie served up an all-ages superhero story with smarts and heart. Moreover, the savvy Pixar flick successfully predicted two things. Back in 2004, when no one had even heard of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man was played by Tobey Maguire and Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy hadn't yet made its mark, The Incredibles pre-empted society's current love of caped crusaders. Indeed, that film began at a time where spandex-clad folks like Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) are constantly seen, heard and talked about. But it also foresaw the flipside to this obsession, recognising that the public's love of costumed crime-fighters has its limits. In the world of the movie, everyone listing 'saving the world' as their occupation was banned when the world had had enough. If you've been caught up in superhero fever over the past decade, only to catch a case of superhero fatigue as more and more comic book heroes soar across our screens, you can surely recognise all of the above. In fact, blending fantastical elements with relatable components was one of The Incredibles' greatest super powers. Caped crusaders are just like us, the picture made clear – attempting to juggle their personal and professional lives, battling to achieve their dreams, and fighting for their place. And while long-awaited sequel Incredibles 2 repeats the same basic premise, the franchise's canny ability to combine cartoon antics with cutting societal commentary ensures this is no mere rehash. Picking up where the first film left off, Incredibles 2 sees its central family — Mr. Incredible aka Bob Parr, Elastigirl aka Helen, and kids Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Huck Milner) and Jack-Jack (Eli Fucile) — trying to fend off burrowing, bank-robbing villain The Underminer, then coping with the aftermath. No one is happy about their efforts, and the fact that people with enhanced abilities are still illegal means a life without crime-fighting awaits. Enter telecommunications company head Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) and his sister Evelyn (Catherine Keener), with a plan to restore the heroes to their former glory. With Elastigirl leading the charge, the siblings have masterminded a rebranding campaign designed to make super folk popular again. And, thanks to body cameras and media appearances, this revolution will be televised. Drama comes in the form of an incredibly apt nemesis: Screenslaver, who interrupts Elastigirl's broadcasts with mind-controlling signals and raves about humanity's reliance on screens. Accordingly, Incredibles 2 slings statements about today's social media saturation, the valuing of appearances, and the fact that we live in a society where someone is always watching — for better or worse. It's a movie about the power of perception, one that rallies against making, filming or viewing something simply because you can. They're all observations that apply to the picture's specific story, to the broader superhero realm, and just to life in general. Plus, thanks to a subplot following Bob's attempts to hold the fort at home while Helen is off championing the caped crusader cause, the film also has plenty to say about gender equality and the role of women. Still, none of this would mean anything if returning writer-director Brad Bird didn't pair his story with engaging action, a playful tone and genuine emotion. Although not for people who are sensitive to flashing lights, an early strobe-lit confrontation ranks among the most inventive scenes in a superhero flick — animated or live-action — while an altercation between Jack-Jack and a racoon is just as memorable. Filled with both zippy battles and quiet character moments, Incredibles 2 mostly gets the balance right, even if it does feel a little padded towards the end. Interestingly, Bird (whose CV also includes The Iron Giant, Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol and Tomorrowland) is the only person in Pixar history to assume total control for scripting and helming any of the company's features without any co-writers or co-directors. The result is not only one of Pixar's original standout movies, but its best sequel in nearly a decade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5qOzqD9Rms
If you thought gin season was over, think again. Saturday, June 9 is World Gin Day and you won't find a better excuse to raise a glass to this botanically-driven spirit. Especially since Wilson & Market is marking the occasion with a World Gin Day pop-up tasting festival, putting its 50-strong collection of gins from around the world to very good use. You'll have the chance to sample an array of top-quality drops, from homegrown heroes like Adelaide Hills Distillery and Brunswick's Patient Wolf, to international treats like London's Fords Gin and Sweden's first dedicated gin distillery, Hernö. Your $45 ticket includes five tastings, matched to a selection of canapes. Guests will also have the chance to sample a range of specialty cocktails and G&T varieties, like the zesty combination of Patient Wolf, cumquat, cucumber and sage. The festivities are set to continue well into the night, with everything from the bar's hefty gin collection offered at two-for-one prices from 6pm until 10pm. Image: Patient Wolf.
The start of winter is always a period of adjustment — the days are shorter, the nights are icier and summer schedules are thrown all out of whack. Luckily, when the weather gets cooler, Melbourne always ups the ante in its events offering, meaning you have plenty of options that aren't going straight home when you leave the office every evening. Like this Thursday, for example. The Craft & Co. — Collingwood's restaurant, cafe, brewery, distillery and workshop — is holding an after-work market dedicated to gin. From 6–9pm, some Australia and New Zealand's best bottles of gin will be cracked open in the venue's event space. Four Pillars, Patient Wolf, Poor Toms, Anther and Cedar Fox will be a few of the gins you can try and, if you're impressed, take home a bottle of. If you want to sit down and enjoy your gin of choice, you'll be able to do that too. A G&T lounge will be set up and the kitchen will be putting together some charcuterie boards that are specifically designed to be enjoyed with gin.
Come hear the music play at the ninth annual Melbourne Cabaret Festival. Returning to Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, this year's festival will feature 20 new shows from established and emerging cabaret performers across two weeks. The fun begins on Tuesday, June 19 with a opening night gala emceed by the festival's artistic director Dolly Diamond — tickets are $65 and get you a taste of six of the festival's standout shows. If you're looking to head to a few solo shows, you'll be spoilt for choice — there are up to ten shows on each day. Get a full rundown of The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson's music catalogue as performed by Drew Downing, see a James Bond cabaret, and hear the music of Twin Peaks performed in a haunting on-stage reimagining of the series. You can browse the full program here.
This winter, the seaside town of Queenscliff will be anything but sleepy. Playing host to the inaugural Low Light Festival, the Victorian spot will be brought to life across a month-long feast for all of the senses. A celebration of music, food, art and culture delivered by a huge lineup of homegrown and international talent, the event takes place over four weekends, running from June 22 to July 14. If anything's going to pull you out of hibernation and down to the beach in the heart of a frosty Melbourne winter, it's this. Teaming up with the Icelandic Dance Company, along with local groups the Lighthouse Arts Collective and Bellarine Lighthouse Films, Low Light is set to screen exclusive Aussie premieres of three exciting new films. Catch the hypnotic ÖRÆVI or Life in the Undergrowth, with music by the legendary Sigur Ros, as it's screened under the stars, or immerse yourself in Gabríela Friðriksdóttir's compelling film Des Irae. Or, enjoy the goddess tale Union of the North, a collaboration between Matthew Barney, Valdimar Jóhannsson and Erna Ómarsdóttir. Music lovers will find their festival happy place within the Queenscliff Town Hall, as it hosts a series of one-night performances from the likes of folk-pop four-piece All Our Exes Live In Texas, and American alt-country star Justin Townes Earle. A tasty program of one-off food events will also feature throughout the festival, with highlights including a Bastille Day dinner with a French musical twist, and a four-course progressive feast showcasing the region's best produce and chefs. And you'll get even more of a taste for this charming corner of the world with a series of local art exhibitions, creative workshops, gin and whisky tastings, and heritage walks. Low Light events feature Friday through Sunday across each week of the festival: June 22–24, June 29–July 1, July 6–8 and July 13–15.
For its 2018 edition, Melbourne's Human Rights Arts and Film Festival is starting as it intends to go on: with a topical film about an important subject that's certain to get audiences talking. The movie in question is After the Apology, an Australian documentary that explores the aftermath of Kevin Rudd's apology to the country's stolen generations — and the fact that forcible removals of Indigenous children have increased in the years since. Leading a lineup that spans more than 50 movies and events, it's just one of HRAFF's eye-opening features from a program that casts its eyes across a broad spectrum of human rights issues. Other films of note include closing night's Last Men in Aleppo, which earned an Oscar nomination for its examination of life in Syria; local effort Guilty, an intimate portrait of the final 72 hours of Myuran Sukumaran's existence before his execution; and global festival favourite A Better Man, a personal doco from a woman coming to terms with domestic violence. Or, viewers can ponder women's reproductive rights courtesy of the US-focused Jackson, witness the on-the-ground reaction to the Brexit vote in Brexititannia, step through war-torn Africa in This is Congo and tackle food waste in Food Fighter. Panels, shorts, exhibitions and a selection of movies for younger audiences also form part of this year's fest, which screens at ACMI, Cinema Nova, Lido Cinemas and The Sun Theatre from May 3 to 17.
Horse Bazaar has clocked up five years under its current ownership and, to celebrate, it's throwing a big ol' party in the bar's signature Melbourne-meets-Tokyo style. Firing up the Little Lonsdale Street bar on May 19, expect a big evening of beats and eats, with exclusive appearances from some pretty special guests. Award-winning DJs Budamunk and Aaron Choulai will be flying in from Japan for the occasion, hitting the decks alongside homegrown tune-makers from Lab Co and producer DJ Snuc. Tickets to the party start at $20, including entry and a drink, plus a spread of Japanese tapas dishes from 7–9pm.
World Whisky Day is approaching and Starward Whisky is preparing for it in good form. The distillery is set to open its doors on Saturday, May 19 for a day of tastings, mini masterclasses and paired foods to match the whisky they'll have on offer. Nine various tasting stations will be hosted at Starward's base in Port Melbourne, celebrating some of the distillery's favourite drops and pairing them with food. Tropical pork tacos, pineapple whisky cocktails and a whisky-poached pear crème brûlée are all on the agenda, so you can be assured you'll be eating well — the team's even throwing in a sausage from Wvrst with your ticket so your stomach will be sufficiently primed for the whisky feast. Also included in the ticket price is a tour of parts of the distillery normally off-limits to the public, cocktail demos and a live DJ. Plus, you get to learn about how exactly the golden goodness is brewed and distilled, and how Starward manage to work a veritable buffet of flavours into their offerings — tropical fruit, cereal, caramel and vanilla are among them.
If you've been meaning to make plans to head down the rabbit hole at ACMI's new Alice in Wonderland exhibition, consider putting your plans off for a few hours, having a bite to eat first and then rolling up on a Friday night once the sun has gone down. Wonderland Late Nights will be a series of monthly nighttime escapades that will accompany Alice's adventures at ACMI. First up in May is Nai Palm, describe by Pitchfork as a "wildling rock star" and also claiming the title of being one quarter of jazz-funk-soul quartet Hiatus Kaiyote. Her solo album Needle Paw was released last year, she'll provide her captivating voice and stage presence as a counterpoint to the Alice business going on inside. The next four nights are locked in already too, and include sets from Melbourne's own Habits, local producer duo Saatsuma, rock band Liars and queer disco slingers Honcho Disko. Cocktails, live art performances and a DJ decks will top off a solid weekend night for you. Tickets cost $30 and include entry to the exhibition as well. WONDERLAND LATE NIGHTS LINEUP Friday, May 25 — DJ Mz Rizk, Nai Palm Friday, June 29 — Habits, Jay Boogie Friday, July 27 — Saatsuma Live, Isaak and Marcus Friday, August 31 — Honcho Disko, The Huxleys, Rachel Burke Friday, September 28 — Liars, Go Get Mum, Muma Doesa
Elsternwick's Classic Cinemas are back, bigger and better than ever. And we mean that quite literally — the complex has had a hefty revamp that's added four new screens and an entire third level of the building. To celebrate, it's slashing the price of movie tickets to all regular film sessions this Sunday, May 20 down to the bargain price of $5. The new cinemas each boast luxurious wide seating for about 45 to 70 moviegoers to match the new bar and street-facing box office. Having started out life in 1911 as The Elsternwick Theatre, the family-owned Classic is the state's longest continuously operating cinema. This beefed-up offering will make way for an even larger screening program as it continues to cement its place in the hearts of movie buffs across Melbourne.
Fitzroy's Rose St Artists' Market has been teaming up with the Heide Museum of Modern Art for regular instalments of the Heide Makers' Market for almost two years now. This Saturday, May 12 will be the last market for the season — and, conveniently, it's the day before Mother's Day. Taking over the lush surrounds of the gallery's sculpture park, the market will once again celebrate talented local makers. It'll showcase a broad range of handmade goodness, across art and design, jewellery and homewares. Visitors will get the chance to chat one-on-one with stall holders, or just saunter through the gallery's grounds with a cup of coffee in hand. If you're looking for something to do that afternoon, the gallery is running a crafternoon tea at 2pm.
Melbourne winters mightn't be known for their ice and snow (just yet, anyway), but that doesn't mean you can't slide across a frozen surface in the centre of the city. From June 22 to July 15, the corner of Acland and Barkly streets will become a winter wonderland thanks to the return of the Skating At St Kilda Festival. With the event back for another year, all of the frosty fabulousness Melburnians know and love is back, too: ice skating, obviously, but also music, food and more. It's the next best thing to heading to Europe when Melbourne's at its iciest. Entry to the area is free, but you'll have to pay for all of the fun stuff, with the fest open from 9am–9pm Monday to Wednesday and 9am–10pm Thursday to Sunday. The lineup of events includes not only regular ice skating, but a romance-themed 'date and skate' night each Tuesday, plus an 'Ice Ice Baby' disco evening every Thursday. And if you're not in St Kilda, you can head along to the CBD's rink instead.
Sound the trumpets and let the good times roll, because the Melbourne International Jazz Festival is back. Bustling into town for the first ten days of June, this year's festival will see more than 100 events (and 400 musicians) pop up around the city. As expected, the 2018 program is packed to the brim with concerts, workshops, panels and late-night jams. Standout guests include American saxophonist Maceo Parker, who'll join forces with Melbourne's own soul-jazz-blues outfit The Meltdown in a special tribute to the music of Ray Charles, and French-American jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux, who's been hailed as an heir apparent to the legendary Billie Holiday. Most events are ticketed, but there is a decent amount free gigs happening at bars and public spaces around the city. If this is your first Jazz Fest, this is a good way to dip your toe into the musical pool. Amateur musicians can also take part in the fittingly named Jazz Massive, where members of the public will be invited to join players from the Horns of Leroy, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Papa Chango on the lawn outside the State Library. BYO instrument.
For the fifth year running, Fitzroy's Builders Arms Hotel will play host to the celebration of wine, food and associated good times that is Handmade. Held this year on Sunday, June 3, the annual wine party not only showcases some incredible drops and talented winemakers from across the globe, but it does so with the aim of making the whole experience fun and approachable for all. 2018's event will take over the entire venue and feature a lineup of 40–50 top producers and importers, who will be on hand for tastings, chats and general brain-picking throughout the day. Of course, the food situation will be equally impressive, with chef Chris Watson from neighbouring Cutler & Co. firing up the barbecue in the pub's courtyard and Hector's Deli supplying the sangas. All this while DJ Iron HandmadeN works magic on the decks in the public bar. Tickets to Handmade are $35 per person, and include wine tastings, some accompanying snacks and a beer on arrival. Images: Harvard Wang.
When it comes to books, not everyone can completely embrace the digital age. The texture and smell of a book is something that no iPad or Kindle can copy. To help you embrace your love of books without breaking the bank this festive season, the Abbotsford Convent is hosting a huge book market. If you ever visited Fed Square's packed book market, you'll know what to expect: this one's run by the same people. More than 5000 pre-loved and new books on every topic under the sun — from history to gardening, travel to art and literature — and a heap of second-hand vinyls will fill the Convent. This should make for some very happy browsing and even happier reading later on. The Melbourne Book Market has relocated to the Convent permanently and will be holding monthly fairs for bibliophiles. And it's in good company, with the Convent already being home to Lentil As Anything, a pay-as-you-feel vegetarian that's open all day on Saturdays. We'll update you as soon as more MBM dates are announced. The Melbourne Book Market will run from 10am–5pm.
If your pre-Christmas routine involves watching as many festive flicks as possible, then you might want to head to Cinema Nova between Thursday, December 13 and Monday, December 24. Every evening across the almost two-week period, the picture palace is projecting an Xmas great onto one of its big screens — and letting cinephiles get very merry indeed. There'll be 12 movies over 12 nights, with the whole program called 12 Nights of Christmas. No matter what type of Christmas film takes your fancy, you'll find it here. Say yippee ki-yay to the season with Die Hard, which kicks off the whole event; delve into the madcap mind of Tim Burton with The Nightmare Before Christmas, his gorgeous stop-motion animation effort; and, of course, revisit the rom-com that everyone either loves or hates, aka Love Actually. Other movies on the bill include zombie comedy musical Anna and the Apocalypse, perennial favourite It's a Wonderful Life and the 80s fun of Gremlins — plus the Will Ferrell-starring Elf, 90s-style superheroes in Batman Returns, party flick Go and the film everyone adored as a kid, Home Alone. Or, of course, you can say "bah humbug!" to it all with Bad Santa and Scrooged.
Like karaoke? Fond of singing in public in general, whether you're solo or in a group? Then it's time to up your crooning game. Boozy Choir is exactly what it sounds like — aka a gathering of folks belting out a tune, together, over drinks. It's basically what happens whenever someone puts 'Wonderwall' or 'Weather With You' on the jukebox, but in a more organised fashion. Occurring on the second Wednesday of each month from August 8, Boozy Choir takes place in Welcome to Thornbury's private event space The Showroom, which means that the food truck hangout will be alive with the sound of music. Participation is free, although you'll need to pay for whatever you'd like to drink — and yes, singing and sipping go hand-in-hand. And, if you're not usually the type of person to unleash their inner Beyonce in front of the masses, don't worry. The great thing about choirs is that everyone is singing, so you are literally a voice in the crowd. You'll be taught a new song by a local musician each month, and you might just find joining in the fun cathartic. If you can't feel free when you're crooning along with a group, when can you?
Playing a 13-year-old in Atonement, Saoirse Ronan changed lives with a series of lies. As a twenty-something newlywed in On Chesil Beach, she slings the truth, but its piercing impact is just as sharp. Both roles stem from the pen of British author Ian McEwan and, while Ronan's career hasn't lacked highlights during the 11 years between the two, both demonstrate the depth of her talents. In the Brooklyn and Lady Bird star's hands, the two distinctive yet relatable characters are much closer than they might initially seem: a petulant, misguided teen misconstruing the facts as a way of coping with her own feelings, and a kind, exacting woman sharing what's really in her heart in an effort to do the same. Mere hours after saying "I do", Ronan's Florence has her whole married life in front of her. It's 1962, she's honeymooning by the pebbly shore of Dorset with her new husband Edward (Billy Howle), and when to have dinner seems like the duo's biggest worry. And yet, before darkness falls on their first night away, their wedded bliss will prove short-lived. First, they're playfully disagreeing about music choices. Next, they're trying to stay polite around interrupting wait staff. Soon, they're awkwardly trying to consummate their nuptials — which, instead of bringing the couple closer together, only drives them apart. Where romantic splendour becomes matrimonial sorrow, that's where On Chesil Beach finds its story. With a bittersweet mood painted across its frames, the film burrows into the heart of a fresh but fraught relationship — one that's just getting started, but is already saddled with heavy expectations and weighty complications. That said, this isn't a simple case of opposites attracting and then imploding, or of two besotted paramours following their feelings instead of their thoughts, although both ring true in some fashion. Classical violinist Florence is sweet and driven, from a middle-class family, and has a very clear view of her future. Edward is an English graduate with no set career path, harking from a much more modest background, and fond of rock and roll. What plagues the couple, however, is a dilemma that everyone faces at some point in their lives: the consequences of truly being honest with each other. As Florence and Edward's marriage wilts faster than the flowers that Florence undoubtedly carried down the aisle that same day, an intimate tale begets an intimate picture. Indeed, it's fitting that On Chesil Beach heralds the filmmaking debut of theatre and television director Dominic Cooke, with conversation — and the gaps between the sometimes passionate, sometimes tentative chatter — reigning supreme. Still, marking just the fourth time that prolific novelist McEwan has adapted his own work for the screen, the movie benefits from one of the writer's trademarks. Conveyed here through flashbacks to various points during the couple's courtship, On Chesil Beach never forgets that every single moment, act and discussion is the culmination of a lifetime's worth of desires, woes, emotions and experiences. Unsurprisingly, the resulting film is filled with complex characters not only navigating a difficult situation, but brandishing intricate histories. Meticulously and delicately directed by Cooke with an eye for the blandness of routine British life, the scenic glory of the movie's titular location, and the growing space between his protagonists, On Chesil Beach is also a film that's vastly improved by its stars. As astute and insightful as McEwan's narrative is, it's the performances that give texture to a tale that otherwise works better on the page — including in its ending. That Howle more than holds his own against three-time Oscar-nominee Ronan is no minor achievement, and together they make this thorny fictional romance seem devastatingly real. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9ChbMk1e6Y
Truth is going on trial at Theatre Works this July, where acclaimed local theatre ensemble Optic Nerve is presenting a limited season of Robert Lepage and Marie Brassard's Polygraph. Billed as a mix of metaphysical thriller, murder mystery and love story, the play concerns a young man suspected of murder who finds himself caught up in the making of a movie about the crime he's thought to have committed. But Optic Nerve has put a twist on its production, transforming the text written in the 80s to reflect contemporary fears about the nature of truth in a post-truth world. The production at Theatre Works stars Grant Cartwright, Lachlan Woods and Emily Thomas, and is directed by Optic Nerve artistic director Tanya Gerstle.
Bursting with energy, eager to get active, but find your motivation flagging part way through your workout? Perhaps you just don't have the right scenery. Forget whatever happens to be on TV at the gym, or even staring out over the splendour of nature — working up a sweat in Melbourne's galleries ought to do the trick. Created by New York City's Monica Bill Barnes & Company, and first performed at the Metropolitan Museum, The Gallery Workout invites you bend, stretch and undertake a series of choreographed dance-inspired moves in spaces normally reserved for quietly viewing and watching. Over 50-minute sessions, you'll take exercise your way through Arts Centre Melbourne and the NGV. Yep, it's the kind of tour — and fitness class — that you definitely won't take every day. No one will shooshing you here — and there's a suitably pumping soundtrack of course, as well as instructors wearing formal attire. Part of Melbourne's MEL&NYC Festival that's taking over the city until the end of August, the sessions run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings at 7am and 8.30am until August 18.
Mindfulness practice — achieving the mental state of focusing on the present moment — is gaining popularity as people attempt to regulate their stressful lives. People have turned to everything from meditation to colouring books to achieve mindfulness, but perhaps few people would think of doing a triathlon to achieve inner peace. Take three activities that promote mindfulness — specifically running, yoga and meditation — and you've got yourself a 'mindful triathlon'. Wanderlust 108 has been running these triathlon festivals since 2014, and the standard day has a few main components. First, there's the five kilometre run, although the site reassures you that you can walk instead of running — or even "prance, skip, stroll or strut" — as long as you reach the finish line. After that, theres 75 minutes of yoga accompanied by a DJ set, and finally 30 minutes of meditation to round out the whole-group activities. Once the structured section of the day has wrapped up, participants can also head to activities such as aerial yoga, acroyoga and hooping, or to lunch. It's part exercise, part dance party, part fest — and 100% focused on helping attendees feel great inside and out. Also on the agenda: walking meditation, essential oil classes and the Kula Markets, which will help you take your new blissed-out state home with you.
A good film festival gives attendees a little of everything, and that's certainly the case at the returning Korean Film Festival in Australia. For its ninth year, the touring event jumps from the drama of opening night's A Taxi Driver, to the comedy of Midnight Runners, to the scares of Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. The first was this year's Korean submission to the Oscar's foreign-language category, the second serves up Korean's take on the buddy cop storyline, and the third haunts and thrills in the found-footage mould. They're just some of the titles on the lineup for 2018's festival, which comes to ACMI from September 6 to 13. Other highlights include Little Forest, the kind-hearted tale of a woman leaving city life behind to head back to her small home town; The Vanished, a psychological thriller that has been compared to Alfred Hitchcock's work; and Believer, a slick crime flick about a determined detective on the case of a drug cartel that's also a remake of acclaimed Chinese-Hong Kong effort Drug War. In total, 16 films will screen across KOFFIA's eight-day Melbourne run, with the fest coming to an end with closing night's Microhabitat. It's about an ageing housekeeper who just wants to make enough money for her cigarettes, whiskey and boyfriend, and it's the acclaimed first effort from female filmmaker Jeon Go-woon.
Sometimes, after a long day at work, you don't feel like cooking. You just want to eat endlessly without any effort. And, that's why Oriental Teahouse invented its unlimited yum cha sessions. Running across two nights — Tuesday, August 7 (at the South Yarra store) and Friday, August 17 (at the CBD store) — the restaurant is serving up endless dumplings and snacks for $45 a pop. Two two-hour sittings will be held each night, at 6pm and 8pm, and we suggest you arrive hungry. They'll be serving up san choi baos, rice paper rolls, barbecue pork buns, shredded steak, Chinese broccoli, salt and pepper calamari and chicken ribs. Oh, did we forget the dumplings? You'll have endless access to prawn dumplings, shu mai, roast duck dumplings, chilli wagyu dumplings, chilli pork dumplings, and, yes, dessert dumplings — including white chocolate dumplings and custard buns. We did recommend you arrive hungry. On the Friday night, at the CBD store, you'll also be able to add unlimited wine to your meal for only $25. Unlimited Yum Cha will be held on Tuesday, August 7 at 455 Chapel Street, South Yarra and on Friday, August 17 at 378 Lt Collins Street, Melbourne. To book, head to the website.
After bringing Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban back to the big screen with a live orchestra soundtrack, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is giving the fourth film in the franchise the same movie-and-music showcase. Across four sessions from Thursday, January 31 to Sunday, February 3, Hamer Hall will come to life with the sights and sounds of the Yule Ball, the Triwizard Tournament and the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, because JK Rowling's boy-who-lived and his pals are never far away from a theatre — or a concert hall. This time around, viewers can expect something a little different. While the event will run as usual, it's the score itself that'll stand out. After doing the honours on the first three HP flicks, veteran composer John Williams stood aside for the fourth film, with two-time Oscar nominee Patrick Doyle (Hamlet, Sense and Sensibility) in charge of whipping up a wondrous wizarding soundtrack. Tickets start at $99 for C Reserve seats, with restricted view and music-only options available from just $29. To purchase tickets, visit the website.
Springvale Snow Fest returns this winter, setting its frosty self up on Buckingham Avenue in the midst of Springvale. Complete with real snow, rides and food stalls, Snow Fest takes place on Sunday, July 29, running from midday till 7pm. Shipping 80 tonnes of real snow over from Mt Buller, it'll be like you've hit the real slopes for a day (but avoided the fights in the car over directions, as well as the ski hire fees). Over the course of the day there'll be live ice sculpting, live stage shows, amusement park rides, and plenty of food stalls to keep you nourished and warm inside. Also, FYI, there will be huskies running around, partaking in photoshoots with festival goers. There's a silent igloo disco on the agenda if you've ever wanted to tick that off your bucket list, plus a giant slide for kids and bigger kids, like you, the adult who will never not love giant slides. Everything is finished off with a fireworks display finale at the end of the day, so keep riding that slide until the end so you don't miss it.
If you're citybound and missing out on New Year's Eve festivals like Falls and Beyond The Valley this year, don't fret. Let Them Eat Cake is your inner city solution to satisfy those festival urges. Held on New Year's Day at Werribee Park, LTEC is not only great for the music, but also plays host to installation art, open-air exhibitions and some killer food offerings. But back to what you're all here for: the music. This year's lineup is headed by Irish electro duo Bicep, best known for their self-titled 2017 album. On the program you'll also find futuristic German house from Motor City Drum Ensemble, graceful sounds and visuals from UK's Ama Lou — who's in the midst of creating and co-producing a three-part film and EP — catchy dance tunes from Australia's own CC:Disco! and chilled vibes from Nightmares on Wax, whose career spans twenty years and features 95's Smokers Delight and this year's Shape the Future. While you're there — shaking off your hangover — you'll also have the chance to dance to Moxie, Midland, Peggy Gou and Chaos In The CBD. Have your cake and eat it too, guys — you've earned it this year. FULL 2019 LINEUP Bicep Motor City Drum Ensemble Ama Lou CC:Disco! Chaos In The CBD DJ Boring DJ Tennis Esther Silex Flava D Joe Kay Kahn and Neek Midland Moxie Nightmares on Wax (DJ Set) Opiuo Peggy Guo + More to be announced Let Them Eat Cake 2019 tickets go on sale at 9am, Tuesday, September 18, at letthemeatcakenyd.com.au.
The meat industry is on the chopping block in this thought-provoking dance piece at the this year's Melbourne Fringe. Presented by New Zealand company Dance Plant Collective in collaboration with Dutch choreographer Tui Hofmann, MEAT invites audiences to chew on the social and environmental implications of meat consumption through the medium of contemporary dance and physical theatre. Hope you're feeling hungry. Dance Plant won the Best Newcomer Award at the Auckland Fringe Festival back in March, and will stage the show in Melbourne for three nights only on September 28, 29 and 30.
It's Australia's annual slice of Italian cinema, and it's back for 2018 in its usual jam-packed fashion. That'd be the Italian Film Festival, which not only returns for its 19th year, but does so with a hefty touring lineup of 37 features and two short films, including 33 Australian premieres. It heads to Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from September 13 to October 7. Bookending the festival are two movies that couldn't be more timely, one delving into a media tycoon who becomes a world leader (no, not that one), and the other a stone cold horror classic that has just been remade by one of today's best Italian filmmakers. Exploring the scandals surrounding former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Loro kicks off this year's fest with an epic, nearly two-and-a-half hour drama from The Great Beauty and The Young Pope's Paolo Sorrentino. Then, at the other end of the event comes Dario Argento's original 1977 giallo masterpiece Suspiria — just weeks before the new Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson-starring version from Call Me By Your Name's Luca Guadagnino hits cinemas. Elsewhere, IFF also boasts three of the biggest Italian flicks doing the rounds of this year's international festival circuit, courtesy of Dogman, Happy as Lazzaro and Daughter of Mine. A diverse trio from a diverse range of Italian talents, the first sees Gomorrah's Matteo Garrone spin a story about a criminal who loves dogs (winning this year's Palm Dog Award at Cannes for its canine cast), the second unravels a time-bending fable from The Wonders' Alice Rohrwacher, and the third offers a devastating look at two mothers and the daughter they share courtesy of Sworn Virgin's Laura Bispuri. Other highlights range across the entire spectrum of Italian offerings — think comedies based on off-Broadway plays, such as My Big Gay Italian Wedding; underworld dramas like Boys Cry; and an amusing mystery about an inspector investigating the death of a local prosecco wine maker, as aptly called The Last Prosecco. Or, there's also detective thriller The Girl in the Fog, based on the best-selling novel and starring Italian veteran (and Loro actor) Toni Servillo; plus Italian box-office hit Couples Therapy for Cheaters, which focuses on exactly the narrative you think it does. And, looking back at cinema history as film festivals crucially do, this year's IFF retrospective will showcase the work of Italian-Turkish filmmaker Ferzan Özpetek. If his name sounds familiar, that's because he had a hand in movies such as Naples in Veils, Facing Windows and Ignorant Fairies — and if his name doesn't ring any bells, here's your chance to discover his celebrated filmography.
How better to make the most of Melbourne's balmy, summer evenings, than a poolside deck, a few dreamy gin concoctions and sweeping views across the city skyline? If that sounds like your kind of after-work heaven, you'll be happy to know that the Adelphi Hotel is bringing the goods, teaming up with Four Pillars to launch the second season of its popular Rooftop Gin Sessions on Friday, January 18. This time around, the sky-high fun is happening from 5–9pm every Thursday and Friday night, right through until Friday, March 29. Against the chic backdrop of the Adelphi's rooftop pool deck, guests can spend the evening quaffing signature Four Pillars cocktails, such as the tropical Gin-a-Colada, crafted on Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin, coconut and pine-lime. If malt and hops are more your jam, you'll also find a brand new range of brews from Yarra Valley newcomer Detour Beer Co, unveiled ahead of its official launch on January 26. Of course, seasonal bar bites from the hotel's lauded Om Nom Kitchen will also be doing the rounds. Entry is free, though this rooftop has a limited capacity — best knock off work early so you can be guaranteed a prime sunset spot. Adelphi Hotel Rooftop Gin Sessions run from 5–9pm.
If you enjoy scouting out fresh, local design talent and, of course, shopping up a storm, The Melbourne Collective's seasonal market is probably already one of your favourites. But it's about to get even better, with the next edition also hosting its own 100 percent plant-based sister market. Setting up shop at Deakin Edge in Federation Square, just around the corner from the original, the Melbourne Collective Vegan Market is set to feature a tidy curation of organic, plant-based and ethically made goodies for every aspect of your life. Find edible treats from the likes of Tiramisu' Lift Me Up, Hopper Waffles, Manny's Donuts, Ace Cookies and even Wings Of Glory — they'll be dishing up their must-try vegan chicken wings. There'll also be a range of ethical fashion from labels like Sometimes Sundays and Moral Fibre, alongside body products, accessories, health and wellness products and gourmet pantry goods. As always, the design market will feature live tunes and DJ sets to enjoy while you shop. Images: The Melbourne Collective.
While the holidays are beginning to become a distant memory, you can still make the most of summer with Movies Under the Stars at Yarra's Edge in the Docklands. For three nights from Thursday, February 7, Point Park is hosting a free outdoor cinema showing a selection of blockbusters including Oscar-winning The Great Gatsby, Marvel's Black Panther and family-friendly Peter Rabbit. Gates open at 6.30pm — and if you're one of the first 100 movie goers, you nab a free bean bag to enjoy both the pre-film entertainment and the movie from. There will be food options on-site, or you can stop in at The Boatbuilder's Yard at South Wharf for a bite to eat beforehand. Otherwise, pack a picnic or and settle in with your kids, friends, or work buddies for a night by the river. Find out what's on and book your tickets here. Plus, you can leave your transport worries behind with trams, ferries, and street parking all available to take you there and back.
If jungle vibes inside a Melbourne warehouse sounds like your perfect outing, head along to the Jungle Collective's indoor plant sale on Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20. It's the first greenery-filled market for 2019 from The Jungle Collective, a Melbourne nursery that stocks all kinds of weird and wonderful species. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it here. Have a reputation for killing your cacti? Overwatering your ferns? Don't worry — there'll be horticulturalists onsite to give you advice and chat through any questions you might have. With the party and sale taking over a space in Abbotsford, you can be inspired by greenery aplenty and learn to incorporate plants into your home and living spaces, all while browsing and soaking up some tunes. Best get in quick though — these markets are always popular, with more than 150 different species usually on offer. The sale will be running all day on Saturday (9am–4pm), with leftover stock available at discounted prices for just one hour on Sunday (5–6pm). The Jungle Collective will be posting photos of the plants up-for-grabs on its event page. Plus, given that the Jungle Collective likes to theme its sales, this one is all about rare plants and (surprise) jungles. There'll be lots of hard-to-find green babies for sale this time round and if you dress up in your best jungle-printed attire, you'll get $5 off your purchase. Images: Alexandra Cohen.
In 2011, in this very country and galaxy, a pop culture favourite gained a singing, stripping burlesque parody. It's the mash-up that was bound to happen. Who hasn't looked at George Lucas' space opera, its sprawling drama and ample spectacle, and wondered what a steamier, funnier version with more visible butt cheeks would look like? Russall S. Beattie clearly did, and had a good feeling that other people would give it a shot. The Empire Strips Back was the end result. It became a hit around Australia, then took itself overseas to much acclaim. Now it's returning home for a 2019 tour — once again showing local audiences that lightsabers aren't the hottest thing in the Star Wars galaxy. The saucy show promises "seriously sexy stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, some tantalising Twi'leks, a delightfully lukewarm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker [and] the droids you are looking for", according to its website. Apparently Yoda doesn't get the sexed-up treatment, but there is plenty of song, dance, acrobatics and — because it's burlesque — the removal of clothing. A dancing Chewie and Han is just the beginning of this cheeky take on Star Wars cosplay. Given that it's got an upbeat soundtrack, the costumes are extremely detailed and the show throws out lots of references to George Lucas' original plot, it's not surprising that local audiences — presumably the same ones that pack out Star Wars parties and large-scale screenings with a live orchestra — have latched onto the production. Heading to the Palais on Friday, January 18, The Empire Strips Back sits alongside Dame of Thrones in Beattie's pop culture parody stable — so if you've already seen one of your fantastical screen obsessions get the burlesque treatment, then you know what you're in for. If you're super keen, you can also nab a Wookieerotica magazine online: a 116-page, 70s-style men's mag, just casually featuring all of your favourite jedis, siths, ewoks and other Star Wars characters. Either way, it could be a great introduction to burlesque or Star Wars, depending on which way you're coming at it. Images: Jon Bauer, Leslie Liu and Josh Groom.
Pakistani activist and history's youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai is heading Down Under, for two exclusive talks in Sydney and Melbourne this December. She'll appear as part of The Growth Faculty's thought-provoking Women World Changers speaker series — the same event that brought Hillary Clinton to Australia and New Zealand in May this year. Yousafzai was just 11 when she first launched her campaign to promote education for girls, penning a blog from her home city in Pakistan's Swat Valley. At 15, she survived an attack by the Taliban, and in 2014, went on to become the youngest person ever awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. Her remarkable story continues, as she sticks with the fight for education rights for every girl in the world. The activist co-founded the Malala Fund and currently studies at the University of Oxford. Now, for the first time, the inspirational 21-year-old will share her experiences with Australian audiences, speaking at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday, December 11.
What a difference a few drops of water can make. In The Insult, a spurting drainpipe sparks an altercation across religious and cultural lines, a highly publicised court case, and a probing look at Lebanon's volatile political climate. There's more to Ziad Doueiri's Academy Award-nominated drama, including the heated exchange of words that gives the film its title. But at the movie's heart, a simple situation embodies the tensions in the writer-director's fraught, fractious homeland. Just as right-wing Christian mechanic Tony Hanna (Adel Karam) is watering the plants on his Beirut balcony, Palestinian construction crew foreman Yasser Salameh (Kamel El Basha) walks underneath. Annoyed about getting wet and eager to do a good job around the neighbourhood, the latter knocks on the former's door and advises him to fix his drainage. When Tony refuses in an overt display of belligerence, Yasser takes matters into his own hands, repairing the pipe himself. Still irate, Tony then smashes Yasser's handiwork to pieces. In response and in obvious frustration, Yasser calls Tony a "fucking prick". Despite the film's moniker, that's not the only insult hurled throughout the course of the narrative, or the only display of violence. Whether the central duo are tussling on the street, facing off in Tony's workshop or watching their respective lawyers (Camille Salameh and Diamand Bou Abboud) duke it out in court, The Insult hinges upon exchanges steeped in anger, as well as the unrest ignited by a society simmering with division. Indeed, from the moment that Doueiri opens the movie with a Christian political party protest, he doesn't shy away from the broader context that's so pivotal to his plot. And while the filmmaker doesn't avoid emotive touches either — Tony has a heavily pregnant wife (Rita Hayek) as well as a tragic background, while Yasser has been a refugee in the country for decades — every aspect of the storyline helps flesh out the movie's many complexities. Doueiri's approach should feel familiar, and not just because he traversed comparable thematic terrain with terrorism drama The Attack back in 2012. Using a specific scenario as a stand-in for the Middle East's wider troubles is hardly a new cinematic tactic, as Iranian director Asghar Farhadi continually illustrates — and comparing The Insult to the likes of Farhardi's A Separation and About Elly is certainly a compliment. Like his fellow filmmaker, Doueriri possesses a way with words, both in slinging them between characters and in understanding their importance in trying circumstances. He similarly has an eye for nuanced performances, as El Basha demonstrates with a fine-tuned, lived-in portrayal that won him the Best Actor award at the 2017 Venice Film Festival. Furthermore, Doueriri knows how to unpack a moral quandary, sometimes bluntly but always effectively. If there's another filmmaker that The Insult also owes a debt to, it's a seemingly unlikely one: Quentin Tarantino. Doueriri was the first assistant camera operator on Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown, and clearly learned a few lessons in visual storytelling from all three movies. There's much greater restraint evident in his work with cinematographer Tommaso Fiorilli, of course, however movies so focused on searing dialogue rarely feel as fluid and energetic as this. A picture doesn't speak a thousand words here, given that so much conversation is flung about. But each frame lends weight, power and a crackling atmosphere to this riveting exploration of both everyday and historical conflicts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fd6gDd2f2k
Fancy prancing through fields laced with the charm of provincial France? It's just casual summer weekendery when So Frenchy So Chic is in town. The ever-popular one-day French festival is waltzing back to Melbourne's Werribee Park Mansion for its eight year running on Sunday, January 13. If you haven't been before, expect an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties, including (but not limited to) gourmet picnic hampers, tartlets and terrines, offensively good wine and croquet all to a chill French soundtrack. So Frenchy hinges around a solid lineup of eclectic artists you may be yet to meet — and this year, they're all female. Parisian solo artist — and former Nouvelle Vague frontwoman — Camille will top the lineup, returning to Australia for her first shows since 2011. Her most recent album was recorded in a 14th century monastery, which might give you a bit of an idea of what to expect from her otherworldly live set. Don't miss electronic pop trio Yelle, either — the group has performed at Coachella three times and its music is played in venues across France. Other on the lineup is up-and-comer Clara Luciani and jazz pop artist Cleéa Vincent. If you're not the most organised of picnickers, So Frenchy is putting on the works again with fancy picnic boxes and cheese plates. Filled with stuffed baguettes, niçoise salads, mini créme brûlées and goose egg meringues, the picnic boxes are one to preorder if you don't want to miss out. But So Frenchy won't let you go hungry; there'll be a huge banquet of seafood, charcuterie, crepes and more available on the day. And of course, there'll be plenty of Laurent Perrier Champagne, French beer, and rosé, red and whites whines as well. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $82 a pop. If you've got kids, you'll be happy to know that the whole thing is very family friendly, and children under 12 can get in for free.
Vegans, rejoice — whether you're looking for an alternative to your usual meat-free fare or you have an occasion you need to celebrate, Congress has the answer across two nights in September. Sure, it might sound like the Collingwood eatery is serving up exactly what you eat every night — aka vegetables for dinner — but you can trust that they're putting a delicious spin on the concept. From 6.30pm on Monday, September 24 and Tuesday, September 25, the restaurant is teaming up with Fitzroy's Northside Fruit & Veg for a five-course cruelty-free feast. Dishes include salt-baked beets with cashew cream and horseradish, as well as sticky rice cake with mushrooms and black garlic. There's also rye wholewheat sourdough slathered in whipped macadamia butter, radishes sourced from Congress' own community garden paired with sunflower tahini and chickpea wafers, and chocolate and wattle-seed mousse for dessert. Even better — each course comes with matched wines, with the entire dinner costing $90 per person. Bookings are essential, in what's turning out to be a bi-monthly events series at Congress. Their last dinner, a beer-focused menu in collaboration with Stomping Ground, sold out. Image: Morgan Higginbotham.
