If you dote over your vinyl collection with obsessive passion — or even if you just casually collect whichever albums you happen to come across whenever you're in your local record store — then you probably have one Saturday in April permanently marked on your calendar. That'd be Record Store Day, the annual celebration of ace music, a beloved format and the shops that trade in both. As happened last year, RSD has been postponed in 2021. Instead of its usual timeslot, the huge vinyl event will now take place in June. But that doesn't mean that your record pile has to remain static for the next couple of months, with record companies banding together for a huge vinyl sell-off: The Great Australian Warehouse Sale. Across the weekend of Saturday, April 17–Sunday, April 18, music aficionados will be able to snap up vinyl galore via indie record stores. Record companies such as Universal, Sony, MGM, Warner and more will be diving into their vaults, clearing out their warehouses and making as much stock available as possible, while individual shops will also be adding their own spin to the fun. Different stores will have different items on offer, so going crate-digging at your favourite shops is highly recommended. For further details — including which places are taking part — head to The Great Australian Warehouse Sale website.
Usually when September rolls around, the AFL finals take over Melbourne. But 2021 isn't a normal year, just as 2020 wasn't before it. With Melbourne currently under its sixth lockdown, all of the footy finals have been played elsewhere — in Tasmania, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth — with the grand final also heading out of town for the second year in a row. On Saturday, September 25, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will battle it out at Perth's Optus Stadium, with whoever emerges victorious taking home the 2021 AFL premiership cup. Yes, two Victorian teams will face off in Western Australia in the decider, just like two Vic teams did at the Gabba in Brisbane last year. Thankfully for Victorians, one thing about the grand final is staying the same this year: the annual public holiday on the Friday beforehand. Last year, it moved dates when the game shifted to October. This year, it'll remain in September — on Friday, September 24, in fact. So, you'll still be able to celebrate the pinnacle of this year's footy season, and get excited about watching the Dees take on the Dogs. That said, Melbourne will still be under lockdown, so the city's residents will be doing so at home — and without a grand final parade, obviously. [caption id="attachment_823646" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Optus Stadium, Government of Western Australia[/caption] Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed last month that the public holiday was gazetted, and would go ahead as planned. "I think it might be a 'go and get vaccinated' day. Yes, it's a gazetted public holiday, as we've committed," he said. "What I want is to get all of us vaccinated and get to the other side of this so that certainly next year's grand final Friday, we can be at a parade. I think that'd be a fantastic thing — and then go to a packed MCG," the Premier continued. Not into AFL? You can still look forward to a long weekend. Victoria's AFL Grand Final public holiday will still go ahead on Friday, September 24. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Victoria and how to protect yourself, head to the Victorian Department of Health website.
If you know no other Shakespeare, you probably know A Midsummer Night's Dream. It’s the one with fairies, often seen being put on in parks and botanic gardens. Expect no prancing or wing-and-tutu ensembles from this latest version by Bell Shakespeare, however. So determined is this production to separate itself from the usual woodland fantasia aesthetic that it is being presented simply as The Dream. It aims to be a darker version of the play, the focus more on the dramatic elements of a script usually played as a fluffy comedy. It has also been economised and the cast streamlined, with actors switching roles as scenes jump abruptly from one story thread to another. One moment, they’ll clown about as the amateur actors preparing a play for the king, then they’ll throw on robes and thunder as outraged nobility and star-crossed lovers, then the lights go dim and a sinister soundtrack indicates it’s fairy time. The fairies are played as creatures of the night, wearing leather jackets and moving animalistically, heightening the sinister nature of a myth usually painted in gloss. It’s bold in concept and fast-moving in execution, certainly different from any Botanic Gardens Dream you’ve seen, but it does rely on you having some familiarity with the play. If you don’t already know who the characters are, the fast pace is likely to confuse the fairy dust out of you, especially at the beginning. There is also a tendency to rush over some of the gentler moments. The scenes which work best are those involving conflict or madcap comedy but romance scenes, so central to the story, are lacking tenderness. The romantic leads, eloping lovebirds Hermia (Lucy Honigman) and Lysander (Gareth Reeves) and unlucky in love Helena (Nikki Shiels) and Demetrius (Johnny Carr), are never quite believable as couples. The constant bluster between them, combined with the inexplicably ocker accents used for these characters, makes their relationships seem more like ones you'd see unravelling on Swanston Street at 2am rather than coming together in a fairy-haunted forest. Oberon (Ray Chong Nee) and Titania (Janine Watson) are delightful though, the thunderous and manipulative nature of their relationship perhaps more more forgivable in a fairy king and queen. Julie Forsyth is memorable as Puck and Richard Piper gives the role of Bottom both its comic dues and some character nuance. All the cast deserve credit for the energy and physicality of their performances, which sees them on stage constantly, often clambering over the set or executing whirlwind scene changes. Despite all the energy, it kind of fizzles out at the end. This is partly due to the reduced cast. In the original, the performance of the peasants’ play prompts an all-cast-on-stage moment with the nobles watching the peasants and the fairies watching the nobles, a classic Shakespeare performance-within-performance moment. With only one set of actors to represent all three groups, this isn’t possible and the performance of the peasants’ play after the plot has been resolved and the romantic leads have all left feels unnecessary. Ah well, if you want to see a classic take on this play, one’s sure to pop up in a park near you soon enough. The Dream, while perhaps overshooting its mark in going dark and dramatic with a story about fairies and love potions, certainly offers some new perspectives on a work more complex than it is often given credit for.
The National Gallery of Victoria has your summer art fix sorted, showcasing works from over 100 artists as part of its ambitious NGV Triennial exhibition. And now the fun is set to continue after hours, too, with the ultimate supporting act — a month-long series of tunes, performances, eats and drinks, dubbed Triennial Extra. Taking over the NGV International precinct nightly from Friday, January 15–Sunday, February 14, this free festival will be making the most of those balmy summer evenings to come. As well as late-night access to the NGV Triennial from 5-9pm, visitors can tuck into an exclusive menu of modern Indian eats, with a pop-up restaurant from Adam D'Sylva's acclaimed Tonka descending on the NGV's Garden Restaurant. Elsewhere, you'll find pop-up bars from the likes of Asahi and Yering Station, and bespoke Triennial-inspired pastries from the famed Lune Croissanterie. [caption id="attachment_796275" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tonka's modern Indian fare, by Tim Grey[/caption] Meanwhile, Melbourne Music Week has jumped on board to help curate a lineup of DJ sets, gracing the Triennial Summer Stage in the fairy-lit Grollo Equiset Garden each night. Across the month, you'll catch sounds from the likes of Andee Frost, Pjenné, Sui Zhen, Claire Knight, IN2STELLAR, Edd Fisher and many more. And that's just a taste of what's on offer, with the full Triennial Extra program dropping on Monday, January 11.
It has been an immensely tough few weeks for southeast Queensland's Binna Burra Lodge, with the beloved Gold Coast hinterland site devastated by bushfires at the beginning of September. While the heritage-listed venue is currently planning its reconstruction process, including when it'll welcome patrons back through the doors, the iconic spot has announced a piece of good news — a new climbing attraction that'll open in 2020. While a specific launch date is yet to be revealed — unsurprisingly, given that the 86-year-old site is in rebuild and fundraising mode — Binna Burra Lodge will become home to Australia's first commercial via ferrata. The Italian term translates to "iron path", and is used to describe cliff-face climbing routes that use steel cables, fixed metal rungs, bridges and ladders to let folks of all skill levels to make the journey. Receiving $1.48 million in funding from the Queensland Government, the via ferrata will open up a section of cliff that's usually only accessible to highly experienced rock climbers (and even then, only by using special equipment). When it launches, anyone will be able to scale the track safely, enjoying its adventurous thrills and impressive views, with 30 people at a time able to use the system. Binna Burra Lodge expects that its new addition will be popular, anticipating that more than 50,000 Australian and international visitors will flock to the region as a result. The via ferrata will join the site's range of existing outdoor activities, which — when the venue becomes operational again — include bushwalking, abseiling, flying fox, archery, camping and trekking through the hinterland. [caption id="attachment_742692" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Binna Burra Lodge's sky lodges, before September's bushfires. Via Binna Burra Lodge.[/caption] Via ferratas are common in Europe, especially through the Alps — and particularly in the Dolomites in Italy, as well as throughout Austria, Germany and Switzerland. If you're wondering how they work, they typically rely upon a length of steel rope, which is affixed to the rock at certain intervals. Climbers then attach themselves to the cable, while also stepping on metal pegs and rungs, and using ladders and bridges, to make their way through the course. Binna Burra Lodge's via ferrata is expected to open in 2020. For more information, visit the site's website. To donate to the venue's reconstruction fundraising campaign, visit the GoFundMe page. Top image: Binna Burra Lodge.
UPDATE, APRIL 4: Disney has announced a new release date for Mulan, with the film now hitting cinemas on July 23, 2020. UPDATE, MARCH 13: Due to concerns around the coronavirus, Disney has announced that Mulan will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, March 26, 2020. At present, a new release date has not been announced — we'll update you when one has been revealed. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. In Chinese history, the legend of Hua Mulan dates back to the sixth century. At the movies, the formidable female warrior first fought her way across the big screen in a 1927 silent film. The character is no stranger to the page, stage or cinema, but many folks know the tale thanks to Disney's 1998 animated musical. Now, as it has done with everything from Alice in Wonderland to The Jungle Book to Aladdin, the Mouse House is turning the story into its latest live-action remake. Once again, Mulan (played by Chinese American actor Liu Yifei) will evolve from dutiful daughter to kick-ass combatant, all to protect her family in a time of war. She's originally due to be married off to a husband chosen by a matchmaker, until the Emperor of China issues a decree stating that one man per household must serve the Imperial Army as it endeavours to fend off northern invaders. To save her ailing ex-soldier father from having to fight, Mulan disguises herself as a man, takes on the name Hua Jun and becomes an icon. Forget rousing tunes and talking dragons voiced by Eddie Murphy — this time, the tale hits the screen without the singing and smart-talking sidekicks, but with plenty of sword-swinging, arrow-flinging antics. In New Zealand director Niki Caro's (Whale Rider, The Zookeeper's Wife) hands, this version of the story goes heavy on the action and empowerment, as seen in the spectacularly choreographed scenes in the just-released first trailer. As well as Liu (whose resume includes The Forbidden Kingdom and The Assassins), the new Mulan features Jet Li as the Chinese Emperor, Gong Li as a witch, Donnie Yen as the protagonist's mentor, Jason Scott Lee as a villainous army leader, and Yoson An (The Meg, Mortal Engines) as her fellow fighter and love interest. The film hits cinemas next year — check out the teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01ON04GCwKs After being delayed from its original release date of March 28, 2020, Mulan will now open in Australian cinemas on July 23, 2020.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER What do you call a movie filled with giant screaming goats, magic weapons vying for attention like romantic rivals, a naked Chris Hemsworth and a phenomenally creepy Christian Bale? Oh, and with no fewer than four Guns N' Roses needle drops, 80s nostalgia in droves, and a case of tonal whiplash as big as the God of Thunder's biceps? You call it Thor: Love and Thunder, and also a mixed bag. The fourth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to focus on the now 29-title saga's favourite space Viking, and the second Thor flick directed by Taika Waititi after Thor: Ragnarok, it welcomely boasts the New Zealand filmmaker's playful and irreverent sense of humour — and the dead-serious days of the series-within-a-series' first two outings, 2011's Thor and 2013's Thor: The Dark World, have definitely been banished. But Love and Thunder is equally mischievous and jumbled. It's chaotic in both fun and messy ways. Out in the cosmos, no one can swim, but movies about galaxy-saving superheroes can tread water. Thor Odinson (Hemsworth, Spiderhead) has been doing a bit of that himself — not literally, but emotionally and professionally. Narrated in a storybook fashion by rock alien Korg (also Waititi, Lightyear), Love and Thunder first fills in the gaps since the last time the Asgardian deity graced screens in Avengers: Endgame. Ditching his dad bod for his ultra-buff god bod earns a mention. So does biding his time with the Guardians of the Galaxy crew (with Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper and company popping up briefly). Then, a distress call from an old friend gives Thor a new purpose. Fellow warrior Sif (Jaimie Alexander, Last Seen Alive) has been fighting galactic killer Gorr the God Butcher (Bale, Ford v Ferrari), who's on a mission to do exactly what his name promises due to a crisis of faith — which puts not only Thor himself but also New Asgard, the Norwegian village populated by survivors from his home planet, at grave risk. In MCU movies before Ragnarok, many of which Thor has smouldered and smiled his way through, he would've attacked the problem — this time literally — with enchanted hammer mjolnir. It's been in pieces since the last standalone Thor film. Courtesy of the god's ex, it doesn't stay that way for long. Love and Thunder nabs itself two Thors for the price of one, after Dr Jane Foster (Natalie Portman, Vox Lux) hears mjolnir a-calling following a stage-IV cancer diagnosis. Soon, the astrophysicist is also the Mighty Thor, brandishing the mallet, wearing armour and sporting flowing blonde locks. When the OG Thor finds out, he's overcome with post-breakup awkwardness, but there's still a god killer to stop and also kidnapped kids to rescue. Cue a couple of Thors, plus Korg and New Asgard king Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson, Passing), trying to prevent the worst from happening. Love and Thunder is a film where those yelling oversized goats pull a boat into the heavens; where Hemsworth is gloriously in the goofiest mode he has, aka the best mode; and where Russell Crowe (Unhinged) plays a tutu-wearing, lightning bolt-flinging Zeus with the worst on-screen accent this side of House of Gucci (Greek instead of Italian, though). The movie is rarely more than a few seconds from a one-liner or a silly throwaway gag, and it loves colour more than a rainbow does — except when it doesn't, including in the desert-set opening that introduces Gorr and his god-slaying necrosword, and when it follows him into an eerie shadow realm. Love and Thunder also adds Bale, an actor forever linked with helping bring superheroes back to the blockbuster realm via Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, to the ranks of terrific caped crusader foes. This Thor flick contains plenty, clearly; however, for everything that works, something else doesn't. Read our full review. COMPARTMENT NO 6 Handheld camerawork can be a gimmick. It can be distracting, too. When imagery seems restless for no particular reason other than making the audience restless, it drags down entire films. But at its best, roving, jittery and jumpy frames provide one of the clearest windows there is into the souls that inhabit the silver screen in 90-minute blocks or so, and also prove a wonderful way of conveying how they feel in the world. That's how Compartment No. 6's cinematography plays, and it couldn't be a more crucial move; this is a deeply thoughtful movie about two people who are genuinely restless themselves, after all. Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen (The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki) wants what all of the most perceptive filmmakers do — to ensure his viewers feel like they know his characters as well as they know themselves — and in his latest cinematic delight, he knows how to get it. How Kuosmanen evokes that sense of intimacy and understanding visually is just one of Compartment No. 6's highlights, but it's worthy of a train full of praise. With the helmer's returning director of photography Jani-Petteri Passi behind the lens, the film gets close to Finnish student Laura (Seidi Haarla, Force of Habit) and Russian miner Ljoha (Yuriy Borisov, The Red Ghost). It peers intently but unobtrusively their way, like an attentive lifelong friend. It jostles gently with the locomotive that the movie's central pair meets on, and where they spend the bulk of their time together. It ebbs and flows like it's breathing with them. It rarely ventures far from their faces in such cramped, stark, 90s-era Russian surroundings, lingering with them, carefully observing them, and genuinely spying how they react and cope in big and small moments alike. Pivotally — and at every moment as well — it truly sees its key duo. With their almost-matching names, Laura and Ljoha meet on a train ride charting the lengthy expanse from Moscow to Murmansk. She's taking the journey to see the Kanozero petroglyphs, ancient rock drawings that date back the 2nd and 3rd millennium BC, and were only discovered in 1997; he's heading up for work. Laura is also meant to be travelling with Irina (Dinara Drukarova, The Bureau), her Russian girlfriend, but the latter opted out suddenly after an intellectual-filled house party where mocking the former for her accent — and claiming she's just a lodger — threw a pall of awkwardness over their relationship. Making the jaunt solo is still sitting uneasily with Laura, though. Calls along the way, answered with busy indifference, don't help. And neither does finding herself sharing compartment number six, obviously, with the tough- and rough-around-the edges Ljoha. It's been 71 years now since Alfred Hitchcock gave cinema the noir thriller Strangers on a Train. It's been 27 years since Richard Linklater also had two unacquainted folks meeting while riding the rails in Before Sunrise, which started a terrific romance trilogy starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Accordingly, the idea behind Compartment No. 6 is instantly familiar. Here, two strangers meet on a train, a connection sparks and drama ensues. Kuosmanen, who nabbed an award at Cannes for The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki and then earned the 2021 competition Grand Prix, which comes second only to the prestigious Palme d'Or, for this, is clearly working with a well-used setup. But even though this isn't a movie that's big on surprises, it's still a stellar film. It's also a reminder that a feature that's personal and raw, also attuned to all the tiny details of life in its performances, mood and style, and firmly character-driven, can make even the most recognisable narrative feel new. Read our full review. SUNDOWN In Sundown's holiday porn-style opening scenes, a clearly wealthy British family enjoys the most indulgent kind of Acapulco getaway that anyone possibly can. Beneath the blazing blue Mexican sky, at a resort that visibly costs a pretty penny, Alice Bennett (Charlotte Gainsbourg, The Snowman), her brother Neil (Tim Roth, Bergman Island), and her teenage children Alexa (Albertine Kotting McMillan, A Very British Scandal) and Colin (Samuel Bottomley, Everybody's Talking About Jamie) swim and lounge and sip, with margaritas, massages and moneyed bliss flowing freely. For many, it'd be a dream vacation. For Alice and her kids, it's routine, but they're still enjoying themselves. The look on Neil's passive face says everything, however. It's the picture of apathy — even though, as the film soon shows, he flat-out refuses to be anywhere else. The last time that a Michel Franco-written and -directed movie reached screens, it came courtesy of the Mexican filmmaker's savage class warfare drama New Order, which didn't hold back in ripping into the vast chasm between the ridiculously rich and everyone else. Sundown is equally as brutal, but it isn't quite Franco's take on The White Lotus or Nine Perfect Strangers, either. Rather, it's primarily a slippery and sinewy character study about a man with everything as well as nothing. Much happens within the feature's brief 82-minute running time. Slowly, enough is unveiled about the Bennett family's background, and why their extravagant jaunt abroad couldn't be a more ordinary event in their lavish lives. Still, that indifferent expression adorning Neil's dial rarely falters, whether grief, violence, trauma, lust, love, wins or losses cast a shadow over or brighten up his poolside and seaside stints knocking back drinks in the sunshine. For anyone else, the first interruption that comes the Bennetts' way would change this trip forever; indeed, for Alice, Alexa and Colin, it does instantly. Thanks to one sudden phone call, Alice learns that her mother is gravely ill. Via another while the quartet is hightailing it to the airport, she discovers that the worst has occurred. Viewers can be forgiven for initially thinking that Neil is her cruelly uncaring husband in these moments — Franco doesn't spell out their relationship until later, and Neil doesn't act for a second like someone who might and then does lose his mum. Before boarding the plane home, he shows the faintest glimmer of emotion when he announces that he's forgotten his passport, though. That said, he isn't agitated about delaying his journey back, but about the possibility that his relatives mightn't jet off and leave him alone. Sundown is often a restrained film, intentionally so. It doles out the reasons behind Neil's behaviour, and even basic explanatory information, as miserly as its protagonist cracks a smile. The movie itself is eventually a tad more forthcoming than Neil, but it remains firmly steeped in Franco's usual mindset: life happens, contentedly and grimly alike, and we're all just weathering it. Neither the highs nor lows appear to bother Neil, who holes up at the first hotel his cab driver takes him to, then starts making excuses and simply ignoring Alice's worried calls and texts. He navigates an affair with the younger Berenice (Iazua Larios, Ricochet) as well, and carries on like he doesn't have a care in the world. His sister returns, frantic and angry, but even then he's nonplussed. The same proves true, too, when a gangland execution bloodies his leisurely days by the beach, and also when violence cuts far closer to home. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on April 7, April 14, April 21 and April 28; and May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26; and June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23 and June 30. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Fantastic Beasts and the Secrets of Dumbledore, Ambulance, Memoria, The Lost City, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Happening, The Good Boss, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, The Northman, Ithaka, After Yang, Downton Abbey: A New Era, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, Petite Maman, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Firestarter, Operation Mincemeat, To Chiara, This Much I Know to Be True, The Innocents, Top Gun: Maverick, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Ablaze, Hatching, Mothering Sunday, Jurassic World Dominion, A Hero, Benediction, Lightyear, Men, Elvis, Lost Illusions, Nude Tuesday and Ali & Ava.
If acts of kindness are among your new year's resolutions, then the Lost Dogs' Home would like to invite you to a garden party. The organisation currently has more than 100 cats and kittens in need of homes, and what better way to meet them than at a summery evening gathering, in between snacks and chats? The Meownificent Garden Party will be happening at the Home's shelter in North Melbourne, on Wednesday 24 January from 4pm. All felines in attendance will be desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and treated for worms and fleas. Should you find a cat that takes your fancy, you can take him/her with you for free. Meanwhile, kittens will be $110 each — that's half the usual price. To take a peek at the guests' profiles in advance, head to their website. "What better way to start 2018, than by welcoming a new furry family member to fill your home with fun and companionship?" said Ben Pocock, general manager, shelter and outreach services at the Lost Dogs' Home. "Your perfect match is bound to be here waiting for you." The party, which will go on until 8pm, will also feature summery treats, giveaways, games and activities, with people of all ages welcome. Don't forget that, even though kittens and cats are easy to fall in love with at first sight, they do need years of ongoing cuddles and care, so have a good, long think before bundling a cutie into your arms and rushing off into the sunset. The Meownificent Garden Party takes place at 4pm on January 24 at The Lost Dogs' Home, 2 Gracie Street, North Melbourne. For more information, visit their website.
If you're a dinosaur fan in Sydney, life keeps finding a way to indulge your interest in prehistoric creatures. Sydney's latest: Jurassic World: The Exhibition, which roars into town with life-sized, lifelike critters, as well as a celebration of 30 years since the first Jurassic Park movie initially rampaged across the big screen. A showcase with the same name displayed in Melbourne back in 2016, but this Harbour City visit comes after stops everywhere from London, San Diego, Paris and Madrid to Seoul, Shanghai and Toronto — running from Friday, September 22, 2023–Sunday, February 18, 2024. Expect to feel like you've been transported to Isla Nublar, complete with a walk through the big-screen saga's famed gates. From there, you'll walk through themed environments featuring dinos, including a brachiosaurus, velociraptors — yes, get ready to say "clever girl" — and a Tyrannosaurus rex. Also linking in with the animated Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous series, there'll be baby dinos, including the show's Bumpy. Sydneysiders and visitors to the New South Wales capital can get roaming, and staring at animatronic dinos, at the 3000-square-metre SuperLuna Pavilion at Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park. Now, all that's left is to decide which Jurassic franchise character you want to emulate (the best choices: Laura Dern's palaeobotanist Ellie Sattler, Sam Neill's palaeontologist Alan Grant and Jeff Goldblum's mathematician Ian Malcolm, of course). And no, when Michael Crichton penned Jurassic Park in 1990, then Steven Spielberg turned it into a 1993 film, they wouldn't have expected that this'd be the result three decades — and five more movies — later.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE People have orgasms every day, but for decades spent closing her eyes and thinking of England in a sexually perfunctory marriage, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande's lead character wasn't among them. Forget la petite mort, the French term for climaxing; Nancy Stokes' (Emma Thompson, Cruella) big wrestling match with mortality, the one we all undertake, has long been devoid of erotic pleasure. Moments that feel like a little death? Unheard of. That's where this wonderfully candid, intimate, generous and joyous sex comedy starts, although not literally. Flashbacks to Nancy enduring getting it over with beneath her now-deceased spouse, missionary style, aren't Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde (Animals) or British comedian-turned-screenwriter Katy Brand's (Glued) concern. Instead, their film begins with the religious education teacher waiting in a hotel room, about to take the biggest gamble of her life: meeting the eponymous sex worker (Daryl McCormack, Peaky Blinders). For anyone well-versed in Thompson's prolific on-screen history, and of Brand's work before the camera as well, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande inspires an easy wish: if only Nancy had a different job. Back in 2010, the pair co-starred in Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, a title that'd also fit their latest collaboration if its protagonist cared for kids rather than taught them. Jokes aside, the instantly charming Leo is used to hearing that sentiment about his own professional choices. Indeed, Nancy expresses it during their pre- and post-coital discussions, enquiring about the events that might've led him to his career. "Maybe you're an orphan!" she says. "Perhaps you grew up in care, and you've got very low self-esteem," she offers. "You could have been trafficked against your will — you can't tell just by looking at somebody!" she continues. There are plenty of "if only" thoughts and feelings pulsating through Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, a film where its namesake's tongue couldn't be more important — yes, in that way, and also because talk is as crucial as sex here. If only Nancy hadn't spent half of her existence in a pleasure-free marriage. If only a lifetime of being middle class and socially conservative, and of internalising Britain's stereotypical 'keep calm and carry on' mentality, hadn't left her adrift from her desires. If only being a woman in her mid-50s wasn't seen as a libidinous void by society at large, a mindset that's as much a part of Nancy as the wrinkles and ageing body parts she can barely look at in the mirror. If only prioritising her sensual needs wasn't virtually taboo, too, especially in her mind — even after, two years since being widowed, she's booked an expensive rendezvous with Leo. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande unpacks those if onlys — not the Nanny McPhee one, obviously, but the idea that Nancy's life is immovably stuck in the same rut it has always been. As played by Thompson at the height of her acting powers, at her absolute splintery, finicky yet vulnerable best even with Last Christmas, Years and Years, Late Night and The Children Act on her recent resume, she's nervous, anxious, uncertain and always on the cusp of cancelling, including once Leo strolls into the room, beams his easy magnetism her way and starts talking about what she wants like it's the most natural thing in the world. Slipping into the sheets and knowing what excites you is the most natural thing in the world, of course, but not to Nancy. As her four appointments with Leo progress, she comes up with a lineup of carnal acts she'd like to experience — and she may as well be reading from her grocery list. But getting her to shed her inhibitions is as much his focus as shedding her clothes, and the twentysomething won't let Nancy keep getting in the way of herself. Read our full review. CRIMES OF THE FUTURE It takes a brave filmmaker to see cancer and climate change, and think of art, evolution and eroticism in a possible future. It takes a bold director to have a character proclaim that "surgery is the new sex", too. David Cronenberg has always been that kind of visionary, even before doing all of the above in his sublime latest release — and having the Scanners, Videodrome and The Fly helmer back on his body-horror bent for the first time in more than two decades is exactly the wild and weird dream that cinephiles want it to be. The Canadian auteur makes his first movie at all since 2014's Maps to the Stars, in fact, and this tale of pleasure and pain is as Cronenbergian as anything can be. He borrows Crimes of the Future's title from his second-ever feature dating back 50-plus years, brings all of his corporeal fascinations to the fore, and moulds a viscerally and cerebrally mesmerising film that it feels like he's always been working towards. Long live the new flesh, again. Long live the old Cronenberg as well. In this portrait of a potential time to come, the human body has undergone two significant changes. Three, perhaps, as glimpsed in a disquieting opening where an eight-year-old called Brecken (debutant Sotiris Siozos) snacks on a plastic bin, and is then murdered by his mother Djuna (Lihi Kornowski, Ballistic). That incident isn't unimportant, but Crimes of the Future has other departures from today's status quo to carve into — and they're equally absorbing. Physical agony has disappeared, creating a trade in "desktop surgery" as performance art. Also, a condition dubbed Accelerated Evolution Syndrome causes some folks, such as artist Saul Tenser (Viggo Mortensen, Thirteen Lives), to grow abnormal organs. These tumours are removed and tattooed in avant-garde shows by his doctor/lover Caprice (Léa Seydoux, No Time to Die), then catalogued by the National Organ Register's Wippit (Don McKellar, reteaming with Cronenberg after eXistenZ) and Timlin (Kristen Stewart, Spencer). When Crimes of the Future stages one of Saul and Caprice's gigs, it drips not with blood but spectacle and seduction. Indeed, it's no wonder that a curious Timlin utters that catchy observation about medical slicing and intimate arousal shortly afterwards. Alluring, eerie, grotesque and enthralling — and the epitome of the feature's sparse yet entrancing look and mood in the process — it's a powerhouse of a scene, with a self-autopsy pod at its centre. Saul lies still, Caprice uses an eXistenZ-esque fleshy video-game controller to get the contraption cutting, and an enraptured audience hang on every incision. Saul and Caprice do, too, although their visibly aroused reactions have nothing on their time later in the suite alone. (Cronenberg does love eschewing traditional ideas about what titillates; see also: his 1996 film Crash, about characters excited by car crashes. It's a clear precursor to this, and the movie that purred so that 2021 Palme d'Or winner Titane, by filmmaker Julia Ducournau, could rev.) Crimes of the Future's scalpel-equipped coffin is just one of Saul and Caprice's Lifeform Ware gadgets; if eXistenZ, Naked Lunch and Dead Ringers procreated, these are the devices the three flicks would spawn. HR Giger could've conjured them up as well, and thinking of the biomechanical artist's contribution to Alien, which saw him share an Oscar for visual effects, is as natural as feeling spellbound and perturbed by Cronenberg's movie in unison. This is a grimy world where a bed covered with skin and tentacles floats in Saul's home, calibrated to cater to his "designer cancer"-riddled body's needs as it slumbers — and where a chair that looks like a skeleton reassembled as furniture contorts Saul as he's eating, something he is having increasing trouble with otherwise. In other words, it's a world where the old flesh isn't doing what it always has, new flesh is sprouting in a changing and devastated reality, and technology fills in the gaps as it is always designed to. Read our full review. BOSCH & ROCKIT Remember the name Rasmus King. Based on 2022's slate of Australian films and television shows, that shouldn't be hard. The Byron Bay-born newcomer hadn't graced a screen, large or small, before this year — and now he has no fewer than four projects pushing him into the spotlight before 2023 arrives. Most, including surfing TV drama Barons, capitalise upon the fact that he's a pro on the waves IRL. Two, 6 Festivals and the upcoming sci-fi featurette What If The Future Never Happened?, get his long blonde locks whipping through the Australian music scene. The latter is based on Daniel Johns' teenage years, actually, and has King playing that pivotal part. If he's half as impressive in the role as he is in father-son drama Bosch & Rockit, Silverchair fans will have plenty to look to forward to. When writer/director Tyler Atkins opens his debut feature, it's in the late 90s, along Australia's east coast, and with King as eager surfer Rockit — son to weed farmer Bosch (Luke Hemsworth, Westworld). Sometimes, the titular pair hit the surf together, which sees Rockit's eyes light up; however, Bosch is usually happy tending to his illicit business, making questionable decisions, and coping with splitting from his son's mother Elizabeth (Leeanna Walsman, Eden) with the help of other women. Then a couple of unfortunate twists of fate upend Rockit's existence, all stemming from his father. Begrudgingly, Bosch is pushed into stepping outside his drug-growing comfort zone by an old friend-turned-cop (Michael Sheasby, The Nightingale) and his corrupt partner (Martin Sacks, Buckley's Chance). When a bushfire sweeps through the region shortly afterwards, he's forced to go on the run to stay alive. Bosch & Rockit approaches Bosch's absconding from Rockit's perspective, adopting the line that the former gives his boy: that they're going to Byron for an extended holiday. Atkins doesn't feed the same idea to its audience, but ensures that viewers understand why a bright-eyed teenager would take his dad at his word — not just because he doesn't know what Bosch does for a living, which he doesn't; or he's naïve, which he is; but also because he's eager to hang onto his biggest dream. There's sorrow in King's spirited performance, with Rockit more affected by his parents' split, bullying at school and the isolation that comes with finding solace in the sea, usually alone, than Bosch has the shrewdness to spot. There's earnestness as well, because what struggling kid who's desperate for the kind of love that genuine attention signifies, as Rockit visibly is, won't blindly believe whatever fantasy their dad or mum sells them for as long as possible? King does a magnetic job of conveying Rockit's inner turmoil, and expressing his uncertainty, too. There's an effortlessness to his portrayal, whether Rockit is lapping up Bosch's presence like a plant swaying towards the sunlight, listlessly left to his own devices when his dad decides he'd rather chase Byron local Deb (Isabel Lucas, That's Not Me), or finding a kindred spirit in Ash (Savannah La Rain, Surviving Summer), another restless and yearning teen vacationing under less-than-ideal circumstances and feeling like she's alone in the world. Avoiding formulaic plotting isn't Bosch & Rockit's strong suit, however, as the film makes plain at every turn. That's evident in both of its namesakes' trajectories, for starters — with Bosch a small-time crim falling afoul of the wrong people, with help from bad luck, then trying to start anew; and Rockit an innocent kid stuck with subpar parents, forced to grow up faster than he should, but hanging onto whatever he can. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26; June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23 and June 30; and July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 28, and August 4 and August 11. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Petite Maman, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Firestarter, Operation Mincemeat, To Chiara, This Much I Know to Be True, The Innocents, Top Gun: Maverick, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Ablaze, Hatching, Mothering Sunday, Jurassic World Dominion, A Hero, Benediction, Lightyear, Men, Elvis, Lost Illusions, Nude Tuesday, Ali & Ava, Thor: Love and Thunder, Compartment No. 6, Sundown, The Gray Man, The Phantom of the Open, The Black Phone, Where the Crawdads Sing, Official Competition, The Forgiven, Full Time, Murder Party, Bullet Train, Nope, The Princess and 6 Festivals.
Succession with BDSM. A reminder that love can sear. A slinky two-hander that's sometimes about only having one free hand. Sanctuary is all of the above, plus a psychosexual battle and a romp of a twisty erotic thriller-meets-romantic comedy — and also a reminder that there's something about Christopher Abbott in chic hotel rooms being teased out of his comfort zone by blonde sex workers (see also: Piercing). There's something about the actor in confined settings in general (see there: Possessor, The Forgiven and Black Bear), but only this supremely confident affair about a significantly complicated affair pairs him with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood breakout Margaret Qualley. As they verbally tussle and sometimes physically tumble, unpacking class, control, chemistry, intimacy and authority along the way, they're a chamber-piece dream. Sanctuary's chamber: a sleekly appointed suite decked out in saturated colours and ornate patterns at one of the 112 hotels that share Hal Porterfield's (Abbott, The Crowded Room) surname. And the piece's point? The thorny, horny relationship between the born-to-privilege heir and Rebecca (Qualley, Stars at Noon), who enters his room with a sharp knock, a no-nonsense stare, business attire and a briefcase filled with paperwork. Hal's father has just passed away, and he's now Kendall Roy awaiting the anointing that he's been promised since birth. His companion runs through background-check questions, veering into the highly personal. Soon, after drinks, dismay and a snappy debate, he's on his hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom while she watches on. Now he's Roman Roy, complete with dirty-talk banter, but in a film directed by sophomore helmer Zachary Wigon (The Heart Machine) and penned by Micah Bloomberg (Homecoming). The early reveal that isn't really, because it's evident to everyone who can spot that Rebecca's pale bob is a wig? That she's being paid to be there not as a paralegal, but to satisfy her client's sexual whims. She's a no-contact dominatrix, in fact, and she's stellar at her job. Their entire opening exchange comes with a script — not just Bloomberg's, but one by the future hotelier CEO himself — although she doesn't stick to it slavishly. While this rendezvous isn't Hal and Rebecca's first, she isn't aware that it's meant to be their last until he gives her a $32,000 Audemars Piguet watch as a retirement present over post-submission, post-humiliation steaks and martinis. Now that he's taking on the big gig, he needs his insides to match his outsides, he tells her. Farewelling their arrangement isn't something that Rebecca planned on, however, and she wants — nay demands — more compensation for ending their ongoing transaction, and for her part in moulding Hal into soon-to-be-crowned corporate head honcho material. There's a puzzle-box feel to Bloomberg's clever and arching screenplay, with the narrative's layers matching the film's own, getting Sanctuary's characters and its audience playing the same game. Both groups slide into a scenario that swiftly flips, delivers danger in a meticulously orchestrated scenario, and where knowing what's real and what's purely an act is a riddle to be solved. For Rebecca and Hal, the stakes keep raising — both negotiate and threaten, cycle between flirtatiousness and bitterness, and dictate increasingly more drastic outcomes — in a cat-and-mouse fashion as desires, ultimatums, dance moves and furniture all fly. For viewers, picking how much truth sits in the pair's back-and-forth, where fantasy ends and reality begins, who really wants what, which is winning (and, if anyone can, or even genuinely hopes to) and when the next reversal will spring is just as lively. With plain-as-day resemblance to her mother, her Maid co-star and Sex, Lies and Videotape lead Andie MacDowell, to prove it, Qualley might be a nepo baby like Hal — and excellent at acting like Rebecca — but via Palo Alto, The Nice Guys, The Leftovers and Fosse/Verdon, too, she's been demonstrating her bright on-screen future for a decade now. She makes savvy role choices, including Sanctuary, which paves a way for a gleaming path in screwball comedies if that's all that she wanted to focus on (it won't be but, even just on paper, her upcoming parts in The Favourite director Yorgos Lanthimos' Frankenstein take Poor Things, plus Drive-Away Dolls, Ethan Coen's first solo stint away from his brother Joel, are glorious choices). As Rebecca, she's pulled in a thousand different directions, all heightened. She can be cool, calm and commanding in one moment; raw and wild the next; then deeply vulnerable after that. She's oh-so-gifted at saying everything with her eyes, but makes every barbed and spiky line land. Qualley's is an electric performance that's always a million things at once, and also astutely incisive at helping to interrogate a loaded haves-versus-have nots, employee-employer, battle-of-the-sexes dynamic. Crucially, she bounds through the feature with such alluring force that the movie's two blatant oversimplifications, equating sex work with scheming and sex workers with yearning for a romantic end, aren't story killers. She's well-matched by Abbott, who is as skilled as conveying introverted and repressive but posturing as Qualley is at getting fiery, exacting and expressive. Indeed, as Wigon clearly recognised, this duo makes slinging words a spectacle — among recent feuding film and TV couples, they're up there with Scenes From a Marriage's Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac for sheer potency. Sanctuary is infinitely more playful than that TV miniseries but, as it also gets heated in a claustrophobic setting where emotions run high, it still blazes. Wigon doesn't solely rely upon a war of words and feelings, as flung around by two actors giving their all and relishing it, though. Visually, cinematographer Ludovica Isidori (The Harbinger) actively pans, shifts, moves and spins, all while never giving even a moment's reprieve from the two quarrelling folks having showdown after showdown across one chaotic night. If a film's frames are a box, then Sanctuary keeps rattling every aspect that it can within that crate, then witnessing everything bounce. Just like Rebecca with Hal and vice versa, the end result is impossible shake off. And the title? That's Hal's safeword — but neither him or Rebecca, nor the shrewdly, saucily entertaining examination of sex, pleasure, ambition, entitlement and inhabiting a part that they're in, prefers playing it safe.
Modern day love dramatically differs from the romance of yesteryear due to courtship via digital means. While this is certainly not the case for everyone and their relationships, social media and hook-up apps undeniably play a huge part in navigating today’s love landscape. A new publication, created by Clara Bradley, looks to explore how digital communications have affected the way we love with a little help from some talented folk. A collection of artists, photographers, writers and designers have contributed to Tenderness Journal. Producing a tangible piece of print media that explores the implications of digital media is interesting in itself; perhaps the old ways are the best? We’ll soon find out. Along with the book launch there will also be an exhibition of the artists’ photographs at Fitzroy’s latest venue dedicated to the arts scene, Grey Gardens Projects. Contributors to Tenderness include James Andrews, Kiah Pullens, Kirrilee Bailey, Clara Bradley, Benjamin Chadbond, Hugh Coldwell-Ross, Mim Connell, Melissa Edwards and many others.
Whether they riff on fairy bread or come packed with pretzels, plenty of Gelato Messina's popular desserts turn other foods into a frosty sweet treat. For the chain's next endeavour, it's taking that process a step further. This time, it's transforming a heap of its gelato flavours into a variety of different chocolates. Nine different types of blocks, bars and other bites are on the menu thanks to Messina's latest special — which means that they'll only be available to order on a set day, as always happens with the brand's limited-edition wares. And, they're being sold pick 'n' mix-style. So, you can choose as many as you like, with discount codes on offer if you're nabbing three, six or nine. Some of these chocolates will sound familiar, as Messina first broke out a few of them for Father's Day. Back then, it was the first time that Messina had ever made chocolate bars and blocks itself, with the team at its Rosebery headquarters doing the honours. Clearly, it went well. Loved Messina's recent cone-ception cookie pies? That's where one of these choccies takes its cues, combining sable biscuit, waffle cone spread and cone crunch, then covering it all in caramelised white chocolate. There's neapolitan chocolate blocks, too — and yes, they're made with milk chocolate, white chocolate that features Heilala vanilla, and strawberry chocolate infused with freeze dried strawberries. Or, you can opt for fairy bread white chocolate blocks that come mixed with dehydrated toast crumbs and sprinkled with 100s and 1000s, clusters of potato chips and salted peanuts coated in white chocolate, candied pistachios covered in strawberry chocolate, and Messina's own version of chocolate honeycomb. Plus, the range also includes roasted hazelnuts coated in milk chocolate and wafer flakes, pretzel crunch covered in milk chocolate and choc-covered house-made nougat as well. However many of these choccies you now need to add to your snack rotation, you'll want to place your order at 9am AEDT on Wednesday, October 13. They'll then be shipped within five working days. Gelato Messina's pick 'n' mix chocolate range will be available to order from 9am AEDT on Wednesday, October 13.
Stretchier clothing, stomach-warming comfort foods, tastebud-tempting drinks: these are some of the small things that help make lockdowns more bearable. Only two of the above feature in the newest indulgent dessert that'll whet your appetite, though, but we think you might want to break out your cosiest outfit as well. There's boozy cobbler to be eaten, after all. The indulgent dish stems from a collaboration between Fireball Whisky and Potts Point eatery Sunday, with the two teaming up on a limited-edition rhubarb, pear and blood orange cobbler. That might sound fairly standard, but the dessert comes infused with Fireball's cinnamon whisky and also includes a Fireball butterscotch sauce. Basically, with each bite, you can avoid a familiar dilemma — because no one likes choosing between dessert and a drink. Sydneysiders keen to tuck in will need to order their own from Sunday, with the dish available for two weeks only from Friday, July 23. There'll only be 100 on offer each week, and you can either pick it up from the Morgan McGlone-owned restaurant or get it delivered. If you're reading this from Melbourne's lockdown, you can also sink your teeth in. You will have to commit to a new baking project, however. Sunday has also shared the cobbler's recipe, so you can whip up your own and get eating at home. FIREBALL, RHUBARB, PEAR AND BLOOD ORANGE COBBLER WITH FIREBALL BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE Serves two Ingredients Cobbler filling: 60 millilitres Fireball cinnamon whisky 200 grams of rhubarb, peeled and cubed Half a blood orange, peeled and diced Half a pear, peeled, de-cored and diced One eighth of a teaspoon of allspice 75 grams of brown sugar One eighth of a teaspoon of vanilla essence A two-gram pinch of kosher salt Cobbler topping: 50 grams of butter 50 grams of self-raising flour 25 grams of sugar One egg One eighth of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon Fireball butterscotch sauce: 90 millilitres Fireball cinnamon whisky 75 grams of brown sugar 75 grams of heavy cream 75 grams of unsalted butter, diced Two grams of smoked salt Method Cobbler filling: Place all ingredients into a heavy based pot, then bring to the boil with the lid on. Simmer for seven minutes, then set aside — and, once cool, place into a baking dish. Cobbler topping: Blend butter, flour and sugar inside in a food processor. Add egg and cinnamon, and keep blending until completely combined. Then, place mixture onto baking paper, roll into a sausage form and pop into the freezer until ready to cook. Fireball butterscotch sauce: Put brown sugar and cream into a saucepan, then bring to the boil. Reduce by a third, then add the whisky and reduce by another third. Let cool by 25 percent, then blend in butter and salt. Overall: Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Slice cobbler top into one-centimetre discs and place six pieces on top of the rhubarb mix, then and bake for 25–30 minutes. Allow to rest of ten minutes afterwards, then dust with icing sugar. To serve, spoon cobbler onto a plate or bowl, pour the butterscotch sauce over the top, and add either vanilla ice cream or whipped double cream. Fireball Whisky and Sunday's Fireball rhubarb, pear and blood orange cobbler will be available to order from Sunday from Friday, July 23 for two weeks — for pickup and delivery.
They offer you frosty, cold refreshments and award-winning surroundings but now, much-loved bar and music venue Howler are giving you a month-long selection of movies. Tricking out the bandroom as a makeshift cinema every Tuesday of October, Howler are treating us to a series of sunny, light-hearted flicks to celebrate the newly blossoming spring. Kicking off on Tuesday, October 7, the Spring Break program will start with an art house gem that made its Australian premiere at MIFF earlier this year. Set in the '90s, L is for Leisure is a quiet comedy about a group of students on summer vacation. Once you're thoroughly in the mood for fun in the sun, week two will deliver some sweltering soul music with music documentary Charles Bradley: Soul of America. Down a few beers while watching infectious indie flick Drinking Buddies in the third week, or keep things hyper local with Autonomy and Deliberation at the end of the month. At just $15, these flicks give the major cinemas' Cheap Tuesday deals a serious run for their money. We think it's time to swap that overpriced movie Coke for a cold pint of beer. The films start at 7pm every Tuesday. Grab your tickets in advance via Moshtix.
A new restaurant in Fitzroy is putting a Latin American twist on the classic charcoal chicken joint from your childhood. Opening August 5 on Brunswick Street, Che takes its name from the Argentinean slang word for 'buddy', which hopefully serves as a good indicator of the kind of atmosphere punters can expect. It's also an acronym for chef Alejandro Saravia's three specialties: chicken, helados (ice cream) and empanadas. Saravia, who is also executive chef at Pastuso, really knows his charcoal chicken. Drawing on fond memories of his childhood in Lima, chef will marinate the chicken in Peruvian chilli and dark beer, before cooking it over a custom-made charcoal smoker and grill. He'll also be making his own chicken salt from dehydrated chicken skin that's been smoked and ground into powder. The empanadas, meanwhile, will come in a variety of flavours, including beef, chicken and a vegetarian number made with pumpkin, pesto and feta. Just make sure you leave room for dulce de leche soft serve with blueberry, crushed macadamias and Malbec jam. Complimenting the food will be a selection of beers and Argentinian wines. Che can sit up to 40 customers at a time, while the entire menu will also be available for delivery. You'll eventually be able to buy marinades, too, for those that want to get a little bit creative at home. Look for Che at 296 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy from August 5. For more information follow them on Instagram.
With international travel banned indefinitely and many Australian states and territories closing their borders, travel is in no one's immediate plans — and the airline industry is responding accordingly. In late March, Qantas and Jetstar suspended all international flights and cut domestic flights by 60 percent, temporarily stepping down two-thirds of their 30,000-person staff in the process. Virgin Australia also suspended all international flights from March 30 — and cut domestic flights by 50 percent — but is now reducing its local capacity even further. From yesterday, Friday, April 10, Virgin Australia has suspended all domestic passenger flights except for a return service between Melbourne and Sydney, running once daily except Saturdays. In a statement on the airline's website, the group said "Demand for travel has continued to decline with border restrictions and the need for people to stay home due to social distancing measures." https://www.facebook.com/virginaustralia/photos/a.10151888728861990/10156927916476990/?type=3&theater Tasmania, WA, SA, NT and Queensland have all closed their borders to non-essential travel and require interstate visitors to quarantine for 14 days. And, as of yesterday, Queenslanders are required to obtain a permit to cross back over the border from interstate, too. These measures are similar to those currently in place for Australians returning from overseas, which mandates compulsory 14-day isolation periods for all international travellers Qantas and Jetstar haven't yet announced further cuts to their domestic flights, and all three airlines currently working with the government to help bring stranded Australians home. Qantas is helping bring Aussies back from Peru, Argentina and South Africa, while Virgin Australia is running flights to Los Angeles and Hong Kong. If you have ticket for travel up to June 30, 2020, Virgin Australian will let you change your booking or cancel and request a travel credit with no change and cancellation fees. You can find out more about this on its website. For more information about Virgin Australia's reductions, visit its website. For further details about Qantas and Jetstar's plans, visit the company's website.
When Flee won the World Cinema Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, it collected its first accolade. The wrenchingly affecting animated documentary hasn't stopped notching up deserving acclaim since. A spate of other gongs have come its way, in fact, including a history-making trifecta of nominations for Best International Feature, Best Documentary and Best Animated Feature at this year's Oscars, becoming the first picture to ever earn nods in all three categories at once. Mere minutes into watching, it's easy to glean why this moving and compassionate movie keeps garnering awards and attention. Pairing animation with factual storytelling is still rare enough that it stands out, but that blend alone isn't what makes Flee special. Writer/director Jonas Poher Rasmussen (What He Did) has created one of the best instances of the combination yet — a feature that could only have the impact it does by spilling its contents in such a way, like Ari Folman's Waltz with Bashir before it — however, it's the tale he shares and the care with which he tells it that makes this something unshakeably exceptional. Rasmussen's subject is Amin Nawabi, an Afghan refugee using a pseudonym. As his story fills Flee's frames, it's also plain to see why it can only be told through animation. Indeed, the film doesn't cover an easy plight — or a unique one, sadly — but Rasmussen renders every detail not just with eye-catching imagery, but with visuals that flow with empathy at every moment. The filmmaker's protagonist is a friend of his and has been for decades, and yet no one, not even the director himself, had ever previously heard him step through the events that the movie chronicles. Amin is now in his 40s, but he was once a kid in war-torn Kabul, then a teenager seeking asylum in Copenhagen. His life to-date has cast him in other roles in other countries, too, on his journey to house-hunting with his boyfriend as he chats through the ups and downs for his pal. That path — via Russia and Sweden — is one of struggle and acceptance. It's a chronicle of displacement, losing one's foundations and searching for a space to be free. It's also an account of identities fractured and formed anew, and of grasping hold of one's culture and sexuality as well. Flee explores how global events and battling ideologies have a very real and tangible impact on those caught in their midst, a truth that the feature's hand-drawn look underscores at every turn. And, it's about trying to work out who you are when the building blocks of your life are so tenuous, and when being cast adrift from your family and traditions is your status quo. It's also an intimate portrait of how a past that's so intertwined with international politics, and with the Afghan civil war between US-backed rebels and the nation's Soviet-armed government, keeps leaving ripples. Plus, Flee examines how someone in its complicated situation endures without having a firm sense of home, including when acknowledging he's gay after growing up in a place where that wasn't even an option. Clearly, Flee is many vivid, touching, devastating things, and it finds an immense wealth of power in its expressive and humanistic approach. There's a hyperreality to the film's animation, honing in on precisely the specifics it needs to within each image and discarding anything superfluous. When a poster for Jean-Claude Van Damme's Bloodsport can be spied on Amin's 80s-era Kabul bedroom, for instance, Rasmussen draws viewers' eyes there with exacting purpose. There's impressionistic flair to Flee's adaptive style as well, with the movie firmly concerned with selecting the best way to visually represent how each remembered instance felt to Amin. A scene set to A-ha's 'Take on Me' presents a fantastic example, especially given that the Norwegian group's pop hit is famed for its animated music video — something that Rasmussen happily toys with. Flee uses its music cues bewitchingly well across its entire duration. The sounds of Swedish duo Roxette are never unwelcome echoing from screens large and small, as everything from Pretty Woman and Long Shot to Euphoria have capitalised upon, and the use of 'Joyride' during a plane trip is a sublime masterclass in emotional juxtaposition. And, when the movie lays bare its most stunning sequence in a club where Amin wholeheartedly embraces his sexuality, it's immaculately soundtracked to Daft Punk's 'Veridis Quo'. Flee isn't the first feature to lean on that particularly enchanting song to such strong effect, after Eden did as well, but the tune's use here is nothing short of divine. Of course, any movie can whip up a killer soundtrack, but it's how these songs are deployed to so perfectly encapsulate exact slices of Amin's life that's repeatedly phenomenal. We all listen to music to help us process the world, and our traumas. We're all drawn to images to aid in doing the same, and we each have recollections of life-changing events that are tied to pop culture — the songs we heard, the movies we loved and the like. Flee is as skilful as films come at conveying this sensation, which is a coming-of-age staple. Yes, that's another genre that this animated documentary biography, which boasts actors Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) among its executive producers, also slots into commandingly. How astoundingly it achieves everything it sets its mind to is breathtaking, especially the feat that it its number-one aim: giving Amin's plight the attention, justice, respect and room to resound that it deserves, all while making it clear that this is just one of countless refugee stories with similar complexity. Evocative from its first glimpses to its last (including when it weaves in IRL footage from news clips and protests), Flee overflows with individual successes, be it scenes that glow with potency, animation choices that express a world of feeling, pitch-perfect needle drops or the pure details of Amin's life. Every description they earn applies to each second of this poignant and shattering feature, too, which manages something truly extraordinary overall. To peer into Amin's eyes, as painted here with nothing but lines, shapes, colours and pixels, is to feel like you're staring deeply at the flesh-and-blood Amin. Flee takes us home to him, while mirroring the reality that home has been a constantly shifting concept for its subject, and for everyone else who has shared even part of his journey. No wonder this film proves so innovative, sincere, heartbreaking, harrowing and poetic in tandem, and also simply astonishing.
Combining art classes with alcohol — it's what Cork & Chroma is all about. And for five nights, Melbourne's source of boozy creativity is taking its wine-fuelled sessions outdoors to the Night Noodle Markets. Between Thursday, November 17 and Friday, November 23, South Australian winery Brands Laira will set up a pop-up crafty cellar door at the Birrarung Marr markets. Cork & Chroma will have everything set up for you to create your winery-inspired masterpiece, so all you need to do it get comfy at an easel, drink vino and snack on Asian snacks. Tickets cost $60, and include talented folks giving you expert art advice, some wine and food from the market, as well as all the supplies that you'll need on the evening. The classes run from 6–8pm and bookings are essential. Consider it a ready-made date idea or just a nice way to experience the Night Noodle Markets without having to queue up at each stall.
Footscray's small bar scene might be booming, but its patrons have been faced with a little bit of a food conundrum. With most of these drinking dens operating sans kitchen, dinner options are largely limited to whatever nearby eateries are on the bars' delivery radars. Enter, Slice Shop Pizza: the latest offering from Burn City Smokers' Steve Kimonides and Raphael Guthrie. Slinging New York-style pizza by the slice, as well as 18-inch pies, it's the culinary accompaniment Footscray's drinking crowd has been waiting for. You'll find it perched on Nicholson Street, sporting just a few metres of standing room and four stools for those speedy dine-in sessions. Grab a slice to go, or order in from one of the nearby watering holes, including craft beer bar Mr West, which sits just across the street. The owners, both locals, have transformed a former discount supermarket into a laid-back lunch and dinner pit-stop, with a new home-spun fit-out thanks to the pair's own handiwork. Neon Slice Shop signage — in the AFL Western Bulldogs' signature red, white and blue — beckons from the window. [caption id="attachment_723046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain.[/caption] The menu rotation runs to around seven core creations, with a daily special thrown in for good measure, and all slices kept to an easy $5. There might be a pork and fennel number — starring Italian sausage, mozzarella and roast peppers — a classic capricciosa or margherita, and maybe a mushroom, thyme and truffle concoction. Vegans will always find a plant-based pizza on offer, too. Glimpses of the duo's other life as barbecue masters shine through the menu every now and then, too, with the likes of Burn City's brisket or some slow-smoked pig's head making the odd cameo appearance. Regardless of toppings, expect chewy, foldable New York slices, crafted on tipo 00 flour and fired in an impressive Italian Moretti Forni oven. This beauty fits ten whole 18-inch pies at once and cooks them in about five minutes flat. Find Slice Shop Pizza at 101a Nicholson Street, Footscray. It's open for lunch from 11.30am–2.30pm, Wednesday–Friday; and for dinner from 4.30–10pm, Wednesday–Thursday and Sunday; and 4.30pm–midnight, Friday–Saturday. Images: Parker Blain.
Who doesn't love a pie? These flaky, buttery shells full of thick soupy goodness come in infinite forms. They can be sweet or savoury, meat-packed or vegan, and the fillings can be inspired by just about any cuisine. Finding the best pie in Victoria is almost impossible, but the city of Ballarat is spending an entire month trying to find its greatest local pie. From now until the end of August, 28 local chefs, restaurants, cafes and bakeries are gunning for the top spot, and you, dear readers, can try each and every one of them. [caption id="attachment_969123" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 1816 Bakehouse[/caption] Fans of the classic meat pie can sample 1816 Bakehouse's beef filet mignon pie, and traditional sweet tooths can score a slice of Aussie Oggie Pasty Co's apple crumble pie. But most spots are flipping the script, creating altogether wild and unusual fillings. Hope Bakery at Sovereign Hill has a Vegemite and cheese pie, Hot Temple has cooked up a green chicken mole version, The George Hotel has filled its with beef rendang, and Flying Chillies has gone all out with a curry laksa pie. The organisers have also been gracious enough to draw up an official Ballarat Pie Trail for those seeking to try as many creations as possible when visiting this regional city. Just make sure you stop by Itinerant Spirits — the winner of Ballarat's Best Pie competition — which is serving up a moreish sweet apple and vodka pie served warm with creamy pine nettle ice cream. [caption id="attachment_969126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Itinerant Spirits[/caption] Top images: Grainery Lane and Beechworth Bakery.
If you're looking for a way to get inspired by exceptional women and witness some live talent for International Women's Day this year, check out the happenings at Melbourne Quarter between Monday, March 6 and Friday, March 10. This year's International Women's Day theme is Embrace Equity, encouraging us to imagine a fair and impartial world and to see how gender equality can benefit communities everywhere. Melbourne Quarter will be home to a series of free events to commemorate all the inspirational women in our lives. From live music, guest speakers and art installations — there is so much to discover this March. To start, there will be a free (but ticketed) event – a conversation with Sarah Davidson. The commercial lawyer turned entrepreneur (founder of Matcha Maiden, host of Seize the Yay podcast and bestselling author) will speak of her own experiences and invite additional surprise panellists from the tech and education fields to discuss the theme of IWD and how we can all embrace equity. You can book your spot to the panel here. You can also check out other interactive and limited-time experiences, like a fashion installation from Tuesday, March 7 displaying female First Nations Creatives' fashion designs, curated by local label and retailer Ngali, or a free masterclass on Thursday, March 9 on the art of perfume making from The Powder Room. Bookings are essential, so make yours here. Be sure to visit the Gunpowder Walk at any point during the week, because local Melbourne artist Justine McAllister will be painting a mural inspired by this year's theme. You can also enjoy a bite to eat from local retailers and live music from an exciting lineup of Melbournian musicians on Monday, March 6, Wednesday, March 8 and Friday, March 10 between 12pm-2pm. Check out the full lineup for International Women's Day at Melbourne Quarter at the website.
Docklands' culinary offerings are nothing if not diverse. The area plays host to a broad lineup of cuisines and has a restaurant or bar to suit just about every mood, occasion and palate. Trek through the regions of Asia, chow down on European favourites or take the opportunity to revel in a classic Aussie-style fish 'n' chips. Best of all, there's waterfront dining aplenty, inviting long, lazy lunches and romantic date-night dinners alike. Head to these spots for a good feed and some bevs to go with. BANOI Sister to the popular CBD outpost, Banoi Docklands brings fresh, fun Vietnamese fare to the western tip of Bourke Street. Its menu blends tradition with a contemporary edge. You'll sense a respect for time-honoured, homestyle family recipes, but also a taste for adventure. Regional favourites like steaming bowls of pho, vermicelli salads and crispy Hoi An-style crepes are the kind you'll want to linger over, while grab 'n' go options like fresh rice paper rolls and loaded banh mi prove a huge win for the area's lunchbreak set. Don't miss the proper Vietnamese coffee, sweetened with a lug of condensed milk. TAP831 Tap831 is an all-day operation that skips easily from work lunches to knock-offs to dinner feasts on the upper balcony, proving to be a winner at just about any time of day. Championing Victorian produce, the kitchen plates up a lively mix of contemporary pizzas, house-made pastas and globally inspired mains, while an array of great weekly specials will inspire you to make plenty of regular return visits. The beer fridge features a considered range of crafty gems from both near and far, and the wine list celebrates locality. Don't miss happy hour, running 4–7pm Wednesday through Friday. POK POK Plating up a contemporary riff on Thai street eats, Pok Pok has cemented its status as a much-loved Docklands dining destination. Packed with flavour and big on vibrancy, the food offering trips across all regions of Thailand while mixing in top local ingredients. Current highlights include the tender beef cheek curry, a seafood-laden fried rice and Pok Pok's signature green papaya salad. This spot even has the goods come knock-off time, with happy hour specials on Thai beer and local wines from 3–6pm on weekdays. WATERMARK A restaurant, tapas bar and events space, Watermark has an offering to suit every occasion, whether you're hunting a few after-work drinks by the water or throwing an elegant cocktail do. From the kitchen flies a selection of gourmet pizzas, hearty share platters and contemporary bites, like angus beef meatballs and slow-cooked pork ribs. The tap rotation is a roll call of international favourites, the wine list is equally well travelled and cocktails celebrate the classics. Fancy a dance? Check out Thursday night's weekly Timbalero sessions, where you can let your hair down to salsa, bachata and zouk tunes courtesy of DJs Alberto and Truongy. BLACK COD You simply can't have a waterfront dining precinct without some top-notch fish and chips, which means Black Cod is a no-brainer addition to the Docklands area. Helmed by fourth-generation fishers, this spot is your go-to for ocean-fresh goodies served in classic combo packs that'll have you reminiscing about childhood holidays to the beach. Also on offer is a solid range of burgers, including an Asian-style soft shell crab number and a good old-fashioned steak sanga. Team your feed with some sunshine and good vibes out on the restaurant's waterfront terrace. A25 PIZZERIA For a sexy take on a globally loved Italian classic, see the young, fun A25 Pizzeria on Collins Street. Here, tradition meets innovation in the most delicious way, producing a cracking range of handcrafted pizzas built on stand-out seasonal ingredients. Breakfast time also offers Euro-inspired dishes like frittata and pancetta bruschetta, while at lunch, those pizzas are backed up by a range of salad bowls and generous Italian sandwiches. It proves extra great value each Monday when all pizzas are slashed to just $14.50. ROSETTA — SOUTHBANK The brainchild of acclaimed chef Neil Perry, Rosetta — just over the Yarra in Southbank — is your destination for stand-out Italian fare with a sophisticated edge. Here, plush designer interiors provide a backdrop for a culinary tour of Italy. Pasta is the unquestionable hero, made fresh each day by the kitchen's own resident sfoglina (pasta specialist). Meanwhile, wine sourced from all corners of the homeland has been carefully chosen to complement the menu's various regional influences. LUME — SOUTH MELBOURNE Renowned for its creativity and theatrical edge, South Melbourne's esteemed fine diner Lûmé serves up a multi-sensory dining experience. Head chef Shaun Quade's technique-driven menu invites you on a journey of flavour and texture with dishes that are sure to impress. There are two dining options: a seven-course menu called An Incitation and an even more extensive experience of about 14 courses dubbed The Road. The drinks offering is every bit as considered and innovative, running from seasonal cocktails through to a stellar crop of wines. Opt for one of three beverage pairings and leave the decision-making to the professionals. SMALLS — SOUTH MELBOURNE This South Melbourne wine bar is as small as its name suggests — the room fits 24 — though it's big on personality. The focus here is on small producers from across the globe, with a food and drink offering that changes up on the regular. The wine list champions the interesting, so a night here might find you sipping the likes of an orange wine from Georgia or something adventurous from closer to home. To match, expect a seasonal array of share plates, both big and small. BANGPOP — SOUTH WHARF For punchy, vibrant Thai fare overlooking the Yarra, it's hard to beat South Wharf's BangPop. A festival of colour, the bright decor here works as an upbeat setting for any meal, and the dishes prove every bit as lively. Nab a table in the lofty dining hall, or opt for a sunny spot on the riverside terrace and prepare to feast. The menu's a tantalising spread of modern creations and old favourites, featuring share-friendly small bites, noodle dishes and spice-driven salads, along with hearty curries and stir-fries. Look out for the Aussie-led wine list and range of Asian-inspired signature cocktails. Surround yourself with everything Docklands has to offer at the new 883 Collins Street development. Top restaurants, cafes, bars and activities are just a stone's throw away.
It's been an unusual year for Melbourne's music scene across the board, but one of its most iconic live music venues now looks set to face its biggest change yet. The legendary Festival Hall has been snapped up by Christian superchurch Hillsong, earmarked to become the new city location for Hillsong Melbourne. As reported by The Age, the new owners forked out a cool $23 million to acquire the historic site, whose stage has played host to a roll call of musical greats including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Hillsong announced the new via YouTube video over the weekend, with Global Senior Pastor Brian Houston telling viewers: "by God's grace, we've been able to purchase Festival Hall." He explained that a new entity called Community Venues had been set up to acquire the site and that Hillsong would be the anchor tenant. "In other words, every Sunday night, or Sunday morning, or whenever we have church, to be honest, it will be our venue," he says. "But we're going to continue running it as a community venue, it's to reach the community." According to Houston, the purchase had been in the works for a while and was made using designated funds that were planned ahead of the pandemic. Hillsong also revealed plans for a complete renovation of the inner city building in the near future, though it won't have free rein. Any future works would have to be keeping with Festival Hall's permanent heritage protection status, which was granted back in 2018. Originally constructed in 1915, then rebuilt after a fire in 1955, the hall has enjoyed a colourful history. As well as its many famed musical guests, the space has hosted its fair share of significant boxing matches over the years, and even held a number of events during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Festival Hall is located at 300 Dudley Street, West Melbourne. We'll let you know when more dates and details of the renovation are announced.
Because you're reading this, we know you're not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. And now more than ever. We understand your yearning, and so does the RSPCA. And, to find permanent homes for pups, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs surrendered into its care, it's calling out to the community to help look after its many animal during this tough time. While more of us are working from home and practising social-distancing (and increasingly wanting a four-legged friend as a comforting companion), the RSPCA is encouraging Australians to foster or adopt. So, if you've been thinking about adding a pet to your fam (and have considered it thoroughly), now might just be the time. Last year, the RSPCA found new homes for 2654 pets Australia-wide. Right now, RSPCA NSW has 2577 animals in its care, ready for new homes full of love and pats — temporarily or forever. In a statement, RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said, "As this pandemic escalates, we are asking for your help to find forever homes for the animals in our care." The Victorian and Queensland branches echo this sentiment, with one website saying, "our foster program is now more important than ever". If you're keen to foster a furry friend, you can register in NSW, Victoria and Queensland as usual; however, for adoption, the process has changed a bit in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As of today, Friday, March 27, you must make an appointment before visiting one of the RSPCA NSW's locations, which can be done by filling out this form. Once that's done, they'll arrange a time for a meet-and-greet with your potential new family member. A similar process is in place at RSPCA Queensland's locations — you'll need to fill out this pre-adoption form before heading in — and in Victoria, you must submit an application before you can set up a time. According to the RSPCA, at present there is no evidence that you can contract COVID-19 from a companion animal or that they can become sick if exposed to the virus. If you're thinking about adopting, you can check out all the good boys, kittens, bunnies and birds looking for new homes in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. For details about adopting and fostering animals, head to the RSPCA NSW, Victoria and Queensland websites. If you are going out to meet a potential new family member, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
When Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25 roll around, Melbourne fans of a certain former boy band star-turned-actor-turned-Coachella headliner will be heading in one direction: to Marvel Stadium to see Harry Styles finally bring his latest tour Down Under. Given the fame he's enjoyed in One Direction and now as a solo music superstar, the Grammy Award-winning, Don't Worry Darling and Dunkirk co-starring talent is going big with his postponed Aussie visit — so you'll be singing along to 'Watermelon Sugar', 'As It Was', 'Adore You' and 'Sign of the Times' in a crowd. It's a case of better late than never, of course. Styles was originally headed our way in November 2020; however, we all know how that panned out and why those shows didn't eventuate. That delay means that he doesn't just have two albums to play, but three, with Styles' third solo studio Harry's House releasing last year. And, attendees will also be listening to UK duo Wet Leg, who've scored the supporting slot.
Rocco's Bologna Discoteca made a big name for itself among local sandwich fiends during the era of neverending lockdowns. So you can bet there are good things in store for us with the team's latest collaboration involving things between bread. Rocco's is helping to kick off Molly Rose's new guest toastie series, reviving one of its smash-hit sangas to star on the Collingwood brewery's menu from Thursday, August 25–Wednesday, September 21. The signature Fried Bologna Sandwich comes stuffed with bologna, olives and oozy mozzarella, as well as signature pickles that were made onsite at the brewery. It's available each day the venue's open, clocking in at $14 a pop. Molly Rose's beer experts have even selected a top-notch drinks pairing for it, in the newly-released New Toys golden IPA — a fresh, zesty creation that holds its own against the sandwich's rich, salty, cheesy elements. A pot of the beer will set you back $8, with a sanga-and-beer combo priced at $19.50.
The party never stops for Alison Wonderland. After hosting a slew of warehouse parties earlier this year, as well as playing just about every Australian music festival you can poke a stick at, Wonderland has dropped her Calm Down EP featuring all new original songs. Wonderland's DJ sets are known for their ability to ignite any dance floor, with her special mix of old school hip hop and modern indie dance. We were lucky enough to get Wonderland to sit still just long enough to tell us what we should look forward to with her new EP and her 'Rural Juror Touror' tour. The Calm Down EP Wonderland has previously released a compilation mix called Welcome to Wonderland, but the Calm Down EP is her first release to feature all original material. A more personal side of Wonderland will be coming through this EP, which her vast fan base has been eagerly awaiting. "This EP will be more songs rather than club jams," says Wonderland. "I'm excited and nervous to hear what people think about them." So far two singles from the EP have been released, 'Lies' and 'I Want U', the latter of which has a killer video clip, directed by local Melbourne maverick Prad Senanayake. Wonderland says the concept for the clip, which casually features possessed nuns and an old man being coddled by a younger temptress, was a collaborative effort between her and Senanayake. "It was super nice to work with Prad," says Wonderland. "He gets it, he's super smart." While Wonderland may be most well known for her work as a DJ, spinning tunes is not her first foray into music. Wonderland is a classically trained musician; she was a principal cellist with the Sydney Youth Orchestra and played bass in an indie band for a spell. "I think that the classical education that I received definitely helps me write music," says Wonderland. "I don't try and keep it at the forefront of my mind when I'm writing — I try to do that with feel — but I definitely think in the back of my mind somewhere it's a big reason why I make the music that I do." The Love Of Vinyl Wonderland is clearly excited for the release of her EP, but what's more, it's coming out on vinyl — a medium she has favoured since childhood. "When I was eight my Dad gave me his vinyl collection from when he was a teenager," explains Wonderland. So then, what was her last vinyl purchase? We don't want to be presumptuous, but it might not be what you'd first expect. "My latest vinyl purchase is actually kind of embarrassing!" admits Wonderland. "My favourite film ever is The Princess Bride, which is a 1980s fantasy film. I have the first ever release of the soundtrack on vinyl, played by Mark Knopfler." The Party Starter Before embarking on her Rural Juror Touror, earlier this year Wonderland hosted a series of warehouse parties across Australia. All the shows, held in secret locations, sold out almost immediately and in some cities venues had to be upgraded to keep up with the demand. The Wonderland Warehouse Projects were a huge success, and as per usual with Wonderland's gigs, the crowds were lively, sweaty, and brimming with riotous enthusiasm. "Getting up on stage and seeing the crowd, that was a pretty crazy feeling," explains Wonderland. "There was 2,000 people at each show." Despite being thrilled with the turn out to these events, there was one audience member in particular that Wonderland was especially thrilled about. "My Mum came to one of my shows, which was exciting!" says Wonderland. "She's only seen me play twice before, it was cool for her to see what I did." The Rural Juror Touror Wonderland has already performed the first few shows of her 'Rural Juror Touror', which will send her to all corners of Australia. The desire to take on a national rural tour was sparked after performing at Groovin the Moo last year. "I enjoyed it so much that it was kind of the inspiration for this tour," explains Wonderland. For Wonderland, there is no difference between playing to a crowd in a major city or a smaller rural venue. "I think they draw a certain type of crowd when I play," explains Wonderland. "They're usually quite educated in the type of music I DJ wherever I am." ALISON WONDERLAND'S RURAL JUROR TOUROR: Fri 27 June — Discovery, Darwin NT Sat 28 June — Argyle House, Newcastle NSW Sun 29 June — Flinders Social, Townsville QLD Thurs 3 July — Southern Cross Uni, Lismore NSW Fri 4 July — Fitzgeralds, Bunbury WA Sat 5 July — Toucan, Mandurah WA Fri 1 Aug — Star Bar, Bendigo VIC Sat 2 Aug — Amaroo Hotel, Dubbo NSW Thurs 7 Aug — World Bar, Queenstown NZ Sat 9 Aug — Movitas, Mackay QLD Sat 16 Aug — Karova, Ballarat VIC Fri 22 Aug — Secret Show, Taiwan Sat 23 Aug — Warehouse 82, Bali Fri 29 Aug — Observatory, Hobart TAS Fri 5 Sept — Plantation, Coffs Harbour NSW Sat 13 Sept — Smirnoff Snowdome, Thredbo NSW AW's Calm Down EP is out now. https://youtube.com/watch?v=YLCm9lP-3Uk
When it comes to cute Japanese desserts, you just can't hold us Aussies back. First we went nuts for those golden yellow Hokkaido baked cheese tarts. Then we were queuing for hours to get our mitts on the producer's famed Pafu pastry puffs when they also spawned a series of local stores. Now, the same creators (ST Group) are gifting us with yet another buzz-worthy sweet treat, with the Australian debut of Kurimu. A new Melbourne store will be dedicated entirely to its namesake dessert creation – an éclair-inspired choux pastry, piped full of crème custard and rolled in a nutty crème patisserie topping. Each Kurimu is also filled to order to maximise crispiness and crunch. Set to open its doors in Melbourne Central mid-July, the new Kurimu store will be pumping out scores of fresh choux treats daily, crafted from local ingredients and baked on-site. The colourful space has been designed by Melbourne architect and design studio T-A Square – the same minds behind the Hokkaido Cheese Tart and Pafu stores – with an open kitchen situation allowing punters to watch their desserts being made. The Kurimu will be budget-friendly, too, clocking in at $3.90 each or $14.90 for a four-pack. Following its first Melbourne store, the brand has plans to expand into the rest of the country. Stay tuned for a Kurimu outlet coming your way (hopefully) soon. Find Kurimu's first Australian store at LG19A, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne from mid-July.
From the ground level on Swanston Street, you'll see an unassuming black steel door with the words 'Stairway to Meat-Heaven' plastered across it. It's easy to miss, but once you notice it — and the glowing staircase behind it — you'll no doubt feel the allure of the Dexter team's new untraditional meat-focused restaurant, Cheek. To get there, climb the stairs to the dining room, which can comfortably cater up to 70 bums on seats. It's the first floor of what will eventually be a three-level venue — with a bar called Peaches and a rooftop called Cream slated to open in the upcoming weeks. But, for now, it's just Cheek — a narrow restaurant with an industrial aesthetic and strong black and white contrasts with softening pops of light blue. Like Dexter in Preston, it's a bit of a no-rules barbecue joint. The menu here, though, leans heavier on Asian influences, taking inspiration from Korean, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. You'll find Japanese dried powders, miso ranch, sweet and sour flavours of plum, yuzu and smoked hoisin throughout the menu. A carefully curated wine list accompanies the food, and more inventive cocktails are added to Dexter's repertoire, such as the Cheek Fizz with gin, pecan, honey, lemon and fizz, and the PB Oldie with peanut butter bourbon and pickle juice. "Essentially our philosophy hasn't changed, we're just taking the concept further," says Sam Peasnell, who co-owns Dexter, Takeaway Pizza and now Cheek along with his brother Tom Peasnell and old friend Adam Goldblatt. "So we're still very much dedicated to finding the best meat we can and serving it in interesting and complementary ways." "We spent most of the money on the massive dry-ageing fridge," says Peasnell. "So we can control our own in-house dry ageing and butchery, but it's also a big visual part of the restaurant and separates the kitchen from the dining area." Some options on the large-plate section of the menu include a half duck with smoked hoisin, a whole baby snapper and smoked short ribs with sesame caramel. Dry aged steak and pork cuts are expected to fly through the specials board, too. Those looking for something smaller will find mapo tofu empanadas, sweet 'n' sour cauliflower and pork cheek with crisp skin and pickled apples. "It's incredibly buttery and benefits from every second it gets during the 40-minute rendering down process," says Peasnell of the latter. While you're deciding what to eat, start off with the house-made meat bread — made by cooking bone marrow damper over charcoal — served with Cheek's own butter. Or, order a round of the barbecue prawn crackers. When complete, the entire (three-storey) venue will accommodate a generous 220 people — so get ready for some frozen margaritas and peaches and cream cocktails this summer. Find Cheek from today at 1/301 Swanston Street, Melbourne. It's open from 5pm till late, Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Kate Shanasy
If you've ever wanted to take a deep dive into some of the most iconic moments of the late 1960s, here's your chance. Kicking off this April, a major exhibition devoted to the huge international impact of these five momentous years is coming to the Melbourne Museum. Dubbed Revolutions: Records and Rebels, the exhibition originated at London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), and it pulls together over 500 objects sourced from the famed art and design museum, as well as international loans and Melbourne Museum's own impressive collection. It's a captivating exploration of 1960s youth culture and how collective action at the time spurred revolutionary shifts all across the Western world, from the tunes to the fashion to the political protests and defining moments and events like Woodstock. You'll revisit these game-changing elements in the context of their lingering impact today, five decades on. To that end, expect to catch a rare glimpse of items like Mick Jagger's signature stage costume, John Lennon's legendary glasses, handwritten lyrics for 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' and even a guitar that was smashed on stage by Pete Townsend of The Who. Closer to home, historic items will reference pivotal Australian moments of the time, such as the anti-Vietnam War protests and the recognition of Australia's First Peoples in the 1967 referendum. State-of-the-art audio guide technology will feature a carefully curated musical soundtrack played through Sennheiser headsets, changing according to your position in the gallery. Think, Jimi Hendrix's live Woodstock set, Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are A-Changin' and a whole lot of The Beatles, interspersed with interviews, videos, film screenings and light shows. Revolutions: Records and Rebels shows at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, from April 27 to August 25. Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase now. Images: V&A Museum,
To celebrate the latest drop in its Bonded series, Triple Mash, Jack Daniel's is hosting a series of immersive whiskey tastings dubbed Triple Mash Medley. It promises to be a sensory session like no other, featuring whiskey (of course), country music compositions crafted for the tasting, cocktails and canapes. It's landing in Melbourne at the returning rooftop bar Blue Diamond on Monday, October 7. The Bonded Series is named for The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, which stipulates that the whiskey must be from a single distillery, a blend of whiskies from a single distilling season, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof (American parlance for 50 percent ABV). The Triple Mash meets these requirements as a blend of three straight bottled-in-bond whiskies made in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It is 60 percent Jack Daniel's Straight Rye Whiskey, 20 percent Jack Daniel's American Malt Whiskey and 20 percent Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. Triple Mash is a bold whiskey ideal for sipping. Its dried fruit aromas, warm, rounded mouthfeel, and honeyed sweetness are balanced by subtle grain spice and a spicy finish. It also serves as a rich base for complex whiskey cocktails. Triple Mash is best enjoyed with soothing country music, which is exactly why the Jack Daniel's crew is curating a series of sonically immersive tastings in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The Melbourne event is happening at the soon-to-be reopened Blue Diamond, a luxe rooftop bar perched 15 floors above the CBD. Boasting decadent cocktails and excellent views, the Blue Diamond is set to be the go-to spot in the city. Music is a big game here, with beats from resident DJs and international acts. Now, Jack Daniel's is bringing a country element. At the tasting, guests will be invited to put on headphones — but rest assured, this isn't a silent disco. They'll be guided through a one-of-a-kind sensory journey, listening to tracks created by Professor Charles Spence, a leading sensory expert from the University of Oxford, alongside award-winning musicians from String Musicians Australia. These tracks pair classic country sounds — acoustic guitar, fiddle and double bass — with the whiskey tasting and experience how the music can bring out tasting notes like grassy herbs, peppery spice, rich toasted oak and deep caramel to enhance the whiskey's flavours. If you're a whiskey lover, get yourself to the Blue Diamond. Book your spot via the link. Please drink responsibly.
On the lookout for a dope new denim jacket? Or do you want to be rid of that weird-looking lamp taking up space in the living room? Then, by golly, you're in luck. The Garage Sale Trail works with local council partners Australia-wide to get as many trash-and-treasure troves happening on the same day as possible. This year, more than 300,000 Aussies are expected to take part at this festival of pre-loved stuff, and hold more than 11,000 sales. A huge array of events will open their doors to bargain hunters, selling millions items. And, when the Garage Sale Trail sprawls across two big spring weekends — between Saturday, November 12–Sunday, November 13, and then again from Friday, November 18–Sunday, November 20 — online garage sales will once again be part of the fun. According, whether you're buying or selling, you have two options: do so in person, or take the virtual route. It's only the third time ever that the Garage Sale Trail is going digital, too. And, digital workshops are still also on the bill, so you can learn everything from DIY wardrobe tips to hosting the best sale. Aside from the retro goodies up for grabs, the Garage Sale Trail is all about sustainability. Instead of ending up in landfill, unwanted clutter becomes a fantastic find. So get that tight pair of sunnies for peanuts and help the environment at the same time. The Garage Sale Trail began humbly in Bondi in 2010 and is growing bigger every year. There'll be a right slew of sales happening all around Melbourne, so keep your eyes on the event website — or register online to make a quick buck from your old junk and hang out with the friendly folks in your hood. [caption id="attachment_783811" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jo Lowrey[/caption] Images: Garage Sale Trail.
Yeah, yeah it's chilly. We know. We get it. Polar bears get it. Uniqlo gets it. Layer up, ditch that scummy polar fleece rug and get out of the house this weekend. After you've briefed up on Melbourne's latest music strategy and settled dinner plans, hit up one of these sweet things happening aroundaboutown. At the very least you'll have 'grammable material for your friends still wallowing at home. Domestique Tour de France Pop-Up Bar Is your sleep schedule still ruined from the FIFA World Cup? Are you gradually making your way to being fully nocturnal? Good news, sleepyheads: the Tour de France is about to touch down on the streets of France (and late night SBS), and we have the perfect place to huddle up and watch it. Presented by the legends from The Shadow Electric, Domestique is a pop-up bar now in its third annual form. Far from the bogans that pack our your local while the footy's on, the organisers of this slick little happening knowingly describe it as "a sports bar for those who prefer bars to sport". Domestique will feature a live feed of the mountain stages and time trial via HD projection, music, drinks, food, heating and ping pong. Friday and Saturday nights will offer food from Fancy Hank's BBQ and DJs, and every other night you can snag yourself some Polish dumplings from Peirogi Peirogi. Domestique will be open 7pm till late on select dates of the Tour de France. Head to their Facebook page for more details. When: Saturday, 5 July - Friday, 25 July Where: Domestique Pop Up Bar , 83 Kerr Street, Fitzroy How much: FREE Alien In space, no one can hear you scream. But the darkened aisles of the Astor Theatre are quite another matter. 35 years after changing the face of science fiction forever, the terrifying final journey of the star-freighter Nostromo will light up the screen once more, followed by a special Q&A with two of its ill-fated crew. Presented at The Astor on 35mm in its extended director's cut version, there will never be a better way to view Ridley Scott's masterpiece, a film that demands to be seen in a theatre. After the screening, actor Tom Skeritt aka Captain Dallas will take to the stage to answer questions about their experience making the film. For more information and to book tickets, visit The Astor's website. When: Friday, 4 July - 7:30pm Where: Astor Theatre , 1 Chapel St, St Kilda How much: $24 - $28 Independence Day at Le Bon Ton Known for their smoky meats, stiff drinks and saloon style, these proven purveyors of American eats, Le Bon Ton, are hosting a big party on Sunday, July 6 from 2-9pm. And, though it may not be the official date of Independence Day itself, everything else about the event screams tradition. For $75, patriots can treat themselves to a fully-fledged Texan barbecue of pulled pork, smoked chicken and brisket with all the trimmings. There will be brass bands, hot rods out the front, and a portion of the street closed to accommodate all the rollicking New Orleans jazz. Time to forget your winter woes, and grab an ice-cold Budweiser. Book your tickets by emailing bookings@lebonton.com.au or calling (03) 9416 4341. When: Sunday, 6 July - 2:00pm Where: Le Bon Ton , 51 Gipps Street, Collingwood How much: $75 Henry V - Bell Shakespeare Battles will be had, blood will be shed, and brothers will unite on stage in this Bell Shakespeare production of Henry V, but not quite as you remember it from high school lit. Shakespeare's tale tells the story of King Henry V who, having ascended the throne following the death of his father, promptly — after a few people tell him he should probs do something else — declares war on France. In this production, director Damien Ryan is bringing the story to life with a contemporary take, inspired by a true story. During the London Blitz in 1941, a group of young men, bored and stuck in a bunker, started a club, where they would rehearse and perform plays to others in the shelter. When: Tuesday, 1 July - Saturday, 12 July Where: Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio How much: $65 - $79 Aldous Harding Heads up Australia, Aldous Harding is one of those Kiwi musical talents we'll casually be calling our own in a few years. You may not have heard much from her yet, but this Christchurch folk queen is just about to drop her debut album and head out on her first tour of Australia. Be sure to check her out — by all accounts, she's killin' it across the Tasman. Her self-titled debut so far has just the one single, 'Hunter', with the rest to be released on July 25. Harding's shows are sure to be a very chilled affair — perfect for red wine, big jumpers and melodious swaying. When: Sunday, 6 July - 7:30pm Where: The Public Bar , 238 Victoria Street, North Melbourne How much: $FREE Tim's Vermeer Watching a man painstakingly recreate an oil painting doesn't exactly sound like the basis for a winning documentary. Yet in the hands of popular TV double act Penn and Teller, that's exactly what it turns out to be. Told in clear, accessible terms that laymen can understand, Tim's Vermeer is a lively, intriguing look at the line between artist and inventor, one that challenges the very notion that the distinction should be made at all. When: Thursday, 3 July - Wednesday, 30 July Where: Selected Cinemas How much: $15 - $25 Melbourne Magic Festival While there are lots of words you might use to describe Northcote, 'magical' wouldn’t normally be one of them. But that all changes for two weeks in July, with the arrival of the largest magic showcase the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. With more than 50 different acts hosted at the Northcote Town Hall, the seventh annual Melbourne Magic Festival looks to have plenty of tricks illusions up its sleeve. The MMF Galas highlight top acts from the festival, although you'll need to act fast to grab tickets before they sell out. Of the individual shows, some of the more intriguing titles include Sarah Jones' Talking to Yourself: A History of Ventriloquism and Dane Certificate's Vanishing Elephant. High profile international performers, meanwhile, include America's Got Talent finalist Dan Sperry, and Singapore's enchanting Yong Tian. Just try not to set yourself on fire. For more information about the Melbourne Magic Festival, check out the website. When: Monday, 30 June - Saturday, 12 July Where: Northcote Town Hall , 189 High Street Northcote VIC 3070 How much: Various Unplugged Live: Portrait of an Artist The National Gallery of Victoria are hitting all the right notes this month with the introduction of their musical programs. Last week the much-loved Friday Nights series kicked off for another year, now there's this: a series of thoughtful discussions examining the boundaries of art with some of the country's top musicians. Led by Jae Laffer of The Panics, these weekly laid back wrap sessions will see the likes of Bob Evans, Adalita and Paul Dempsey tackle the themes and meanings of art in the NGV Australia collection as well as some related songs. With all sessions being followed by an intimate live performance, this a great chance to see some amazing Aussie talent on the cheap. And by cheap, we mean entirely free. Unplugged Live: Portrait of an Artist will be held on Level 2 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Check out the full program here. When: Sunday, 6 July - Sunday, 7 September Where: National Gallery of Victoria , 180 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC How much: FREE Words by the Concrete Playground team.
Roll up, roll up. The unique travelling venue that is the Famous Spiegeltent throws opens its doors at the Arts Centre Melbourne on Wednesday, with a spectacular Opening Night Gala. Audiences will be treated to a test taste of the Spiegeltent's 2013 season, which runs until April 21 and will showcase an array of circus, cabaret, music, and and comedic performers, all served with a side of 1930s glamour. Set to grace the tent in the coming weeks is Sydney songwriter Brendan Maclean, soon to star on the silver screen in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby, opera diva and Spicks and Specs regular Antoinette Halloran, Melbourne theatre favourites Bernadette Robinson and Lucy Maunder and a dance show by Jason Coleman, of So You Think You Can Dance fame.
That pup of yours (or that pup you've been thinking about getting) is about to score a whole bunch of new places to sniff, socialise and play, with the Victorian Government announcing plans to create 33 new dog parks across the state. After revealing funding for an initial batch of new green spaces in the first round of the Government's $154 million Suburban Parks Program — which covered 16 sites for your pooch — the state's powers that be have announced that number will be boosted by 17, this time via $2.5 million from the Government's Building Works package. For your pupper, that's a hefty increase in off-leash areas, both in Melbourne and throughout the rest of the state. Locally, the newly announced dog parks will be in the outer suburbs — in Pakenham, Carrum Downs, Dandenong North, Eynesbury, Belgrave, Mill Park and Altona. The Mill Park site is due to open in the coming months, while the rest are either in the works or slated to start construction by the end of the year. They'll join sites in Carrum, Cranbourne East and Rowville in Melbourne's south; South Yarra in the east; Eltham North and Mickleham in the north; and Maribyrnong, Cairnlea and Werribee in the west, all of which are set to open from 2021. Regional areas such as Ararat, Buninyong, Yarragon, Portland, Kilmore, Belmont, Shepparton, Mildura, Swan Hill and Warracknabeal will also receive new dog parks as part of the just-revealed announcement. In total, the Suburban Parks Program will create total of 6500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails and bike trails across the city. Announcing the news this week, on Wednesday, August 26, Victorian Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio noted how important parks are to Melbourne neighbourhoods. "Now more than ever, we realise the value of having open green space close to where we live. These dog parks are not only important for pet owners — building them will create local jobs and boost local businesses as re rebuild from the pandemic," she said. According to the Government, the locations have been chosen based on accessibility by public transport, road or walking and biking trails, as well looking at what dense, urban areas were lacking green open spaces. A heap of new pocket parks will also be created in Melbourne — 25, in fact — popping up everywhere from Flemington to Moorabbin, as well as fringe suburbs such as Officer, Clyde, Craigieburn, South Morang and Sunbury. [caption id="attachment_781920" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] New pocket and dog parks projects to be funded under the Suburban Parks Program via the Victorian Government[/caption] It's not the first time that the Andrews Government has proved itself pet-friendly, having recently introduced new rental reform laws making it way harder for landlords to ban pets, too. For more information about Victoria's new parks, head to the state government's Suburban Parks Program website.
You might not be jumping on a plane anytime soon, but you can still enjoy those European summer vibes, with a spot of Greek-style plate smashing right here in Melbourne. This month, the guys at The Food Truck Park and The Break Room have joined forces to offer a dedicated plate smashing space, as part of the Greek Food Festival running from July 20–22. In between smashing serves of moussaka, souvlaki and haloumi chips, punters can head in here to let their hair down, alleviate some stress and show that crockery who's boss. Open from 5pm each day of the festival, The Break Room pop-up will offer made-to-smash plates at various prices. Grab six for $15, 12 for $25, or get extra destructive with 18 plates for $30. Mary And A Little Lamb, Greek Street Food and Kalloni Little Dessert Island have already been confirmed for the festival's food truck lineup, with more to be announced soon. Greek Food Festival will run on Friday, July 20 from 5pm–10pm, Saturday, July 21 from 12pm–10pm and Sunday, July 22 from 12pm–9pm.
It feels like the winter season of Friday Nights at the NGV just ended, but, turns out, they're already gearing up for summer — and we couldn't be happier about it. Complementing their current exhibitions — which include Lee Mingwei's The Moving Garden, Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists and David Hockney: Current — the gallery is inviting visitors to enjoy another jam-packed late-night summer program complete with food, booze, talks and live performances. The huge 18-week program will kick off on opening night of the Hockney exhibition this Friday, November 11 with Brisbane '90s favourites Custard. Other musical guests on the program include Julien Baker, El Guincho, Gold Class and Olympia before culminating with a performance by the one, the only Amanda Palmer. In addition to the music lineup, other Friday night activities include talks, DJs in the NGV garden and drinks and snacks in the Great Hall. All in all, it should make for many top-notch Fridays at the gallery between now and March. NGV FRIDAY NIGHTS SUMMER 2016-17 LINEUP 11 November — Custard 18 November — Sarah Mary Chadwick 25 November — Julien Baker (USA) 2 December — Dappled Cities 9 December — Tangents 16 December — Models 23 December — Damian Cowell's Disco Machine (With Tony Martin) Presents: Disco Christmas 30 December — Cash Savage and the Last Drinks 6 January — Gold Class 13 January — I Heart Hiroshima 20 January — Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (USA) 27 January — The Comet is Coming (UK) 3 February — Olympia 10 February — NO ZU 17 February — El Guincho (Spain) 24 February — PVT 3 March — Dave Graney 'n' the Coral Snakes 10 March — Amanda Palmer (USA)
It's been 12 months since much-loved brewery Kaiju opened the doors to its first brewpub in the heart of Huntingdale. And, of course, that means it's time for some beery birthday celebrations. From 12pm on Saturday, February 11, you're invited to help the venue mark its first year of life with a huge free-entry, family-friendly birthday party. As you'd expect from a brewery with 16 taps and a stellar reputation, the brews will be flowing, complete with a brand-new beer release dropping on the day. Kaiju Cantina's legendary pizzas will also be flying from the oven, with hits like the barbecue chicken combo, the cheeseburger-inspired pizza and the classic capricciosa all on offer. There'll also be a new pizza creation unveiled especially for the occasion. What's more, there'll be giveaways running throughout the day, and they'll be pulling out the plinko table for some carnival game fun, offering a stack of great prizes for high scorers. Images: Kim Jane Photography
It's that time again: to wish that you're in Germany for the next month, or to do your best to pretend you are even while you're right here at home. That's the kind of response that Oktoberfest inspires, because we can't all always head over to Europe just for the annual brew-fuelled celebration. Melburnians can hit up The Bavarian's various locations around town between Friday, September 16–Sunday, October 9 instead, though. On the menu: parties, German-style beers, schnapps, giant pretzels, pork-heavy menus, Sunday sausage sizzles and, at Knox, Oompah bands providing a soundtrack. So, everything you could want and need to mark the occasion. The venues will sport all the Oktoberfest trimmings — greenery, ribbons and bright tables cloths included — and staff will be decked out in dirndls and lederhosen. Yes, you're encouraged to dress up as well. If you're most excited about the drinks, there'll be eight types of beers, plus tasting paddles to sample them all. Also, the final week of the fun — so, from Monday, October 3 onwards — has been dubbed Big Beer Week to ramp up the brews. Fancy living your best Oktoberfest life all year round afterwards? You can purchase one of The Bavarian's one-litre steins to take home with you and— for $40, which includes a beer that you'll drink onsite first. Food-wise, options start with the OktoberBoss set menu, which serves up a feast of pork knuckle, pork belly, sausages, schnitzels and sides (plus a schnapps on arrival) for groups of four-plus for $49 per person. If it's just you and one mate / your date, there's the Oktoberfest Mate set menu is for two-plus diners for the same price, spanning pretzels, pork belly, sausages, schnitzels and sides. Brews can be added to each menu for an extra $45 per person — and you can cap things off with an apple strudel for $7 a pop. Love pretzels? A special lineup of giant versions is on offer for the first few days of The Bavarian's Oktoberfest shenanigans, from Saturday, September 17–Friday, September 23 — including ones topped with bacon, filled with cheese and covered in sprinkles (no, not all at once). Or, there's a black forest doughnut pretzel. The word for that is yum. Snag fans can make a date with those sausage sizzles, which are available on Sundays in October. There'll be six types of traditional bangers, served solo in a roll (from $10) or via a sausage wheel on a stick.
Don't forget to look up this January: Australia's largest ever drone show is coming to Melbourne's night sky. After originally being slated to kick off on New Year's Eve, but then postponed due to the pandemic, a spectacular sea of 350 drones is set to engulf the sky above Victoria Harbour between Saturday, January 15–Sunday, January 30. If you fancy staring upwards, you'll be able to catch two eight-minute shows each evening. The luminous display was designed by drone art company Celestial, who was previously responsible for drone exhibitions as part of the Edinburgh 2020/21 New Year's Eve celebrations and Amnesty International's 60th anniversary. The free show will take place at around 9.30pm and 10.30pm each night, and feature poetry soundscapes. Until Sunday, January 24, the drones will be accompanied by Ren Alessandra's poem Melbourne, Feel the Sound, which is about emerging into our lives again and rediscovering Melbourne — while from Monday, January 25, the Wurundjeri creation story of How The Platypus (Dulai Wurrung) Was Made will hit the sky, as told and illustrated by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung artist Mandy Nicholson. Tickets aren't necessary, but the show will only go ahead each evening if weather conditions allow. Updated January 13.
In the mood for a Friday lunch splurge, without the pre-weekend budget blowout? This week, Neil Perry's fine dining institution Rockpool Bar & Grill has you covered, when it hops across the river for a special lunchtime pop-up in Alfred Place. The event is part of Rockpool Dining Group's June Producer Series, which heroes top local produce and suppliers. Pay a lunch visit from midday this Friday, June 22, and you'll be able to sink your teeth into a selection of primo Rockpool dishes, at around half of the usual price. That means both your wallet and your tastebuds are in for a serious treat, with entrees like oysters with mignonette clocking in at $19, and sides, including those legendary hand-cut chips a mere $6. A selection of mains from the wood-fire oven come in at just $29 a pop, including fish teamed with green olive butter, and a succulent Cape Grim scotch fillet with veal jus (which would usually be $70 at the restaurant). Make it a long lunch with one of the restaurant's famed passionfruit pavlovas ($12), and wine by the glass, bottle or carafe.
When writer, dancer and choreographer Jacob Boehme was diagnosed with HIV, he turned to his Indigenous heritage in search of answers. Nearly two full decades later, he's the writer-in-residence at ILBIJERRI, the longest-running Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre company in the country. Premiering this week, Boehme's new solo work Blood on the Dance Floor will pay homage to the ceremonies of his Narangga and Kaurna nation ancestors, while examining the politics of queer, Blak and poz identity in modern day Australia. The limited run show will be performed at Arts House in North Melbourne from June 1-5. Through a combination of theatre, dance, images and text, Boehme will explore concepts of fear, love, legacy and community in what is described as an "unapologetic, passionate and visceral narrative". The performance on Thursday, June 2 will be followed by an audience Q&A.
To mask up or not to mask up? Over the two years of the pandemic to-date, that's been a big question, and one that the Victorian Government has frequently changed the answer to. The rules around covering your face have tightened and loosened depending on case numbers, lockdowns and other restrictions, including bringing back in compulsory indoor masks in mid-December in response to the Omicron wave — but just in time for the coming weekend, that mandate is easing. At 11.59pm on Friday, February 25 — so practically on Saturday, February 26 — masks will no longer be mandatory in most indoor settings. Instead, as the Victorian Government announced today, Tuesday, February 22, you will only have to don a mask in certain scenarios. And if this sounds familiar, that's because Victoria has been in this situation plenty of times before. From the weekend onwards, you'll now just have to mask up on public transport, in taxis and rideshare services, on planes, and indoors at an airport — and if you're working in hospitality, retail and the court system, and either working in or visiting hospitals or indoor areas at care facilities. Masks will also remain mandatory for folks working indoors at an event with more than 30,000 people in attendance, for workers at justice and correctional facilities, for workers at early childhood centres and primary schools, and for kids in year three and above at primary schools. Also, if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact are you're leaving home in special circumstances, you'll need to keep masking up, too. While it won't be compulsory, wearing masks if you work in a job where you're serving or facing members of the public — if you're at reception, meeting guests or serving customers — is also recommended moving forward. As well as easing the mask rules, the Victorian Government is ditching the recommendation to work and study from home at the same time. So, you'll be seeing more people in general, as well as more of their smiles. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Victorian Government's coronavirus website.
It seems there is no better time to bust out the picnic rug and lap up the sunshine with your closest pals than right now. Since it's also barbecue season, we've teamed up with Jim Beam to bring you five public barbecue spots where you can crack open a cold one and enjoy a leisurely afternoon cooking up a feast. [caption id="attachment_794065" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] ALBERT PARK Albert Park is right near Port Melbourne Beach, so you can take your afternoon from barbecue to sandy beach. Extending from St Vincent Gardens to Mills Street, the park has lots of land for you to set up your picnic rug and gather your pals for a good time. The space is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend with you. Plus, Albert Park has over nine areas with public barbecue facilities, which means there's plenty to go around. You'll often see people rowing or paddle boarding in the lake too, which sounds like the ideal long afternoon activity after your feast. [caption id="attachment_794134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Creative Commons[/caption] PRINCES PARK Princes Park is a classic Carlton barbecue spot due to its expanse of land. With a playground, soccer field, barbecue grills and plenty of areas to lounge around, it is a great option for those with larger groups, or with kids in tow. Princes Park often has sports games during the mornings on weekends, so we suggest heading there for an afternoon feed for more space to spread out. As it is further away from Faraday Street, Princes Park is a great option for those who want to BYO barbecue, rather than fight for a public one. WERRIBEE PARK Built beside a mansion and the Victoria State Rose Garden, Werribee Park is a fun place to pretend you've stepped into an episode of The Crown. The estate is heritage listed and boasts a beautiful rose garden and manicured landscape, as well as a picturesque lake for a wonderful post-feed stroll. Parks Victoria has tried to restore the original orchard that was planted by the Chirnside family in the late 1880s, which makes for a good place to wander. Werribee Park has electric barbecues, public toilets and decent parking, too. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS If you prefer eating city-side, head to the famous Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Next to some great bars and restaurants in Melbourne's south, as well as the Yarra River, the Gardens are a very convenient and scenic spot for a barbecue. Woodland Picnic area has free barbecue facilities, or you can bring your own. After you eat, head to the National Gallery of Victoria, or take a walk around the lake up to Melbourne Cricket Ground. Or, stay put. There are just over 86 hectares of the Botanic Gardens to explore. [caption id="attachment_784754" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CARLTON GARDEN One of Melbourne's most famous barbecue spots, Carlton Gardens spreads over 26 hectares and contains the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum and the IMAX Cinema. Adjoining Rathdowne and Victoria Streets, the park has lots of BYO food options nearby, as well as barbecue facilities onsite. It is also home to wildlife, an award-winning children's playground and a maze, so it has heaps to entertain the whole family at your next get-together. Top image: Carlton Gardens; Visit Victoria
THE Rodriguez is coming back to Australia. Touring nationally this October and November, the 72-year-old enigmatic legend was last here in 1981 playing with Midnight Oil, after touring in the late '70s to small success. Now he's riding a wave of newfound support back to our biggest venues, thanks in part to two South African fans. Most people had no idea who Sixto Rodriguez was until the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man dropped in 2012, prompting longtime fans to shake a fist and spin a bitter "I told you so." A self-taught guitarist, Rodriguez played around the traps in Detroit during the '60s but saw no real success in the States with his two albums Cold Fact (1969) and Coming from Reality (1971). Different story in South Africa, where he was pretty much bigger than Elvis — inspiring South African anti-Apartheid activists and musicians alike (unbeknownst to Rodriguez himself). One of music's most mysterious heroes, Rodriguez was even thought to have died until two Cape Town fans in the late 1990s, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom went to find out if the rumours were true (cue Oscar-winning doco). The man also has a cheeky bachelor's degree in philosophy from Wayne State University, he ran for political office and he's had to work construction jobs to support his family. Undeniable and relatively unknown legend. Rodriguez will play Brisbane Convention Centre, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne's Palais Theatre, Adelaide's AEC Theatre and Perth's Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Tickets on sale on Thursday August 28 at 12pm local time. Members of the Niche mailing list and ticket agent mailing lists can purchase pre-sale tickets on Tuesday 26 August at 12pm until Wednesday 27 August at 5pm. For further details or to sign up to the mailing list please visitwww.nicheproductions.com.au. Rodriguez Australian Tour Dates: Sunday October 19 — Convention Centre, Brisbane. Tickets via Ticketek or 132 849. Tuesday October 21 and Thursday October 23 — Sydney Opera House. Tickets via Opera House Box Office or 02 9270 7111. Saturday October 25 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne. Tickets via Ticketmaster or 136 100. Wednesday October 29 — AEC Theatre, Adelaide. Tickets via Ticketek or 132 849. Friday November 7 — Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth. Tickets via Ticketmaster or 136 100. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qyE9vFGKogs
One of Australia's most beloved film critics is coming to a cinema near you — and she's bringing some of the greatest movies ever made along for the trip. Co-curated by Margaret Pomeranz, the Hollywood Retro Film Festival will showcase 22 classic titles from the 1930s to the 1960s, many which have not been seen on the big screen in decades. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Trying to narrow down the program into a list of highlights is all but impossible — after all, there's not a single weak film on there. The Searchers, Spartacus and Gone with the Wind should please fans of historic drama, while lovers of film noir can catch Sunset Boulevard and The Maltese Falcon. If you want something a little lighter, try It's a Wonderful Life, or tap your toes along to Singin' in the Rain. And if you're really undecided, perhaps try Citizen Kane. We hear that one's meant to be pretty solid. See the full Hollywood Retro Film Festival program here.
In 2011's The Raid, a squad of 20 elite police officers took on a tower block ruled by a crime lord, making their way up the 30 floors through a mixture of gunplay and extreme martial arts. The film was a thrilling surprise, a fun and visceral action ride that we hadn't seen in some time. In the end of that film, our lead, Rama, limps off, after encountering his estranged brother — one of the criminals! — in a tantalising promise of a story that would continue later. That story does not actually continue in The Raid 2. Though it picks up immediately after the events of its predecessor, it tells a whole new story about criminals and corruption. In fact, this film was written before The Raid, and it was only later that writer/director Gareth Evans decided to create a link. It might not have been the wisest idea. Part of the joy of The Raid lies in its almost video game-like simplicity. A bunch of cops making their way up a building, defeating nefarious figures, until they finally reach the big boss. Easily digestible. The appeal of creating a story like Infernal Affairs (or, if you prefer, The Departed) is obvious, and there's certainly nothing wrong with Evans wanting to delve deeper into the world of gangs, corruption, loyalty, double-crosses and general intrigue. The problem is that action films such as these are essentially delivery systems for the action sequences, and so the convolution in this film after the relative simplicity of The Raid is a bit jarring. I'm not one to shy away from a complex plot, but it feels tonally wrong in this film, like someone crowbarred it in, amongst the scenes of actual crowbarring. Whether or not you like The Raid 2: Berandal will depend on which direction you're approaching it from. If you're looking for a crime epic in the vein of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather or Kinji Fukasaku's Battles Without Honour or Humanity, you might find it a fairly unoriginal exercise. But if you're after an action film full of the visceral fight scenes that have been lacking in the recent spate of CGI spectacle, you'll get a lot of out this. Some of the sequences are truly awe-inspiring, particularly a martial arts-filled car chase. Some moments of reflective beauty demonstrate that Evans can go quiet when he needs to, and there's certainly no denying his ability to create memorable, distinctive characters. It may be missing the refreshing simplicity of The Raid, but The Raid 2: Berandal is a thrilling film that revives the visceral, tangible hand-on-hand tradition of action cinema. Get past the serpentine plot contortions and you'll have an absolute blast. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MG9uFX3uYq4
For a cocktail bar, clocking up ten years of life is no mean feat, especially given the many months of curveballs COVID-19 threw our way. So the fact that acclaimed Fitzroy cocktail haunt the Everleigh is gearing up to turn the big 1-0 is cause for serious celebration — two months of celebrations, in fact. Yep, the Gertrude Street mainstay from Michael and Zara Madrusan (Made in the Shade — Heartbreaker, Connie's, Bar Margaux) is rightly going all out for its 10th birthday, with a slew of festivities planned for the coming weeks. [caption id="attachment_854509" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zara and Michael Madrusan[/caption] It all kicks off with a bar takeover of somewhat epic proportions — famed New York bar Attaboy will descend on the venue for a one-off night of very fine boozing, on Sunday, May 29, helmed by owners Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy. Not just an excuse to indulge in some world-class sips, the event will also see Madrusan getting back to his roots, with the owner-bartender a proud alum of Milk and Honey, Attaboy's pioneering predecessor. There'll be four ways to enjoy the Attaboy takeover: a front-row seat at the bar with a signature bottled cocktail included in your $150 ticket, a table for two in the main bar ($75pp), a table in the drawing room ($75pp), or, if you've got a crew of 10 to 15, an exclusive group-friendly spot upstairs ($75pp). All tickets include a drink on arrival, two signature Attaboy cocktails and an array of snacks, served with the Everleigh team's usual hospitable flair. And if you miss out — or simply can't get enough — the venues have just dropped two signature bottled Attaboy cocktails, available on the website, one designed by McIlroy and the other by Ross. You'd best hurry though, as there's only 100 of each on offer. [caption id="attachment_854514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of the Attaboy x Everleigh cocktails[/caption] The festivities continue on Wednesday, June 29, with the return of the Everleigh's Classic Cocktail Book Club. Madrusan will join a bunch of special guests for an entertaining, cocktail-matched deep-dive into historic tome, The Bar-tender's Guide or How to Mix Drinks, by Jerry Thomas (1862). And on Thursday, July 28, the bar's tenth anniversary gala will deliver an evening of signature sips, live entertainment and surprises, in what's set to be one of the most memorable parties of the year. More on that to come. The Everleigh is among Melbourne's most esteemed cocktail spots and has made many an appearance on the World's 50 Best Bars List during its life. Catch the Attaboy takeover at the Everleigh, 150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, on May 29. For more info and tickets to all events, see the website. Images: Gareth Sobey, Pete Dillon, Jake Roden.
Fresh from curating Laneway's gourmet food menu, acclaimed Longsong chef David Moyle will join Flinders Island residents for the inaugural Food and Crayfish Festival. Taking place across April 14 and 15, the weekend festivities will focus on a special long lunch, celebrating the wealth of fresh produce and ingredients available on the island. To cook up a storm, Moyle has invited fellow chefs James Viles from Biota, Mark LaBrooy from Three Blue Ducks, and Matt Stone and Jo Barrett from Oakridge Wines to join him in creating the April 14 beachside feast. In line with the festival's first theme —Mother Nature + Human Nature — the quintet will spend a week on the island visiting local producers, foraging and diving to create the perfect menu. "It is such a great treat as a chef to be able to cook dishes directly from the location and connected to the land you are standing on" Moyle noted. Because all great meals need a nice drop to go with them, sommelier Alice Chugg from Hobart bar and bottleshop Ettie's will join the chefs, matching their culinary delights with a selection of Tasmanian wines and beverages. Fish for the festival will come from the island's only crayfish fisherman, 74-year-old Jack Wheatly, who captures the ocean's bounty like his father and grandfather before him. Other celebrated ingredients to be incorporated into the festival include saltgrass lamb, wallaby and mutton bird. The exact beach location of the lunch will be revealed 48 hours before the event, taking into account the microclimate. Islanders will lend chairs from their own dining tables for the event, and the local 'Men's Shed' is crafting the long tables for the lunch. Open to only 100 'off-islanders', tickets for the lunch — which has a dress code of barefoot cocktail — are currently available for the grand price of $240. Flinders Island Food and Crayfish Festival takes place across April 14 and 15 on Flinders Island. Visit www.visitflindersisland.com.au for tickets and further details. Image: Kara Hynes.
