If you haven't heard the news, South by South West is officially coming to Sydney for its first festival outside of Texas later this year, and details of its massive gaming-focused arm of the conference, officially titled the SXSW Sydney Gaming Festival, have now been revealed. Running for the length of the festival, the gaming program will feature a Sydney edition of a global esports tournament, an indie game showcase, a tabletop game expo, hands-on demonstrations for AR and VR creations, panels, performances, a social hub and an investment summit for pitch sessions and general industry hobnobbing. The headline event will be the Intel Extreme Masters, which will arrive at the Aware Super Theatre from Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 22 following massive iterations in Katowice, Rio de Janeiro, Dallas, and Sydney back in 2019 when the event sold out Qudos Bank Arena. The longest-running pro gaming tour in the world, Intel Extreme Masters is the gaming world's equivalent of the World Cup or the Olympics and will bring some of the world's leading esports pros to Australia. The Indie Games Showcase will place the spotlight on 150 independent games from Australia, New Zealand and the globe, with sessions diving into the world of the indie open to both industry and general audiences. You can catch sneak peeks of a new animated word game called Gubbins, a highly stylised adventure puzzle game called Birth and a restaurant-set time management game called The Chef's Shift among the 150 titles. If you prefer your games more tangible, there will be a dedicated tabletop festival within the conference with exhibitors, demos, seminars, stage sessions and a freeplay area all dedicated to IRL card, roleplay and board games. [caption id="attachment_906082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gubbins[/caption] This is just the start of the gaming section of the SXSW Sydney program with more to be announced closer to the date. Beyond gaming, the world-renowned fest is bringing together innovators and venue-fillers from across a heap of industries between Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22. There's been an initial announcement of keynote speakers and musicians, plus a heap of local artists and a pair of parties so far, with more to come. On the previously announced section of the program, you'll find speakers like Chris Lee (also known as Lee Sung-Su), the Chief A&R Officer and former CEO of K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment; The Genesis Machine author and Future Today Institute founder Amy Webb; and Saudi women's rights activist Manal al-Sharif — plus a heap of musicians like Redveil, Connie Constance, Otoboke Beaver, Wallice, Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie, Teenage Joans, Phoebe Go, MALI JO$E, Ashli. [caption id="attachment_906083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Birth[/caption] The festival will take place within a walkable precinct within the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more. Think of the fest's footprint as a huge hub, with festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations popping up everywhere. So far, venues named include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. SXSW Sydney will run from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues — head to the festival's website for further details. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
A film festival that brings the best and brightest new Japanese movies to Australian cinemas each year is a film festival to cherish. Also ace: a film fest that features a solely digital lineup of flicks and TV shows from Japan that you can check out from your couch. So, while it isn't time for the IRL Japanese Film Festival for 2024 yet — it last hit locations around the country across September–November 2023 — the Japanese Film Festival Online will keep you entertained this winter. Both fests serve up a handy way to view the latest and greatest Japanese fare without hopping on a plane, but only the online version lets you do so from home. Running from Wednesday, June 5–Wednesday, July 3, 2024's version will feature 23 films and two TV dramas, the latter serving up 20 episodes. And, you'll be able to check out for four Japanese horror shorts, too, all of which initially debuted in 2023 at the first-ever Horror Film Competition in Japan. The other big drawcard: Japanese Film Festival Online screens its program for free. Accordingly, this lineup won't test your budget, whether you're keen on I Am What I Am, which stars Drive My Car's Toko Miura; Anime Supremacy!, about a new director and a hotshot facing off while making their own competing anime; Single8, a Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans)-influenced picture about Star Wars-loving teens making their own movie; or classic anime Kimba the White Lion from 1966. Film lovers will be catching the movies on the program between Wednesday, June 5–Wednesday, June 19. Fellow feature options include Father of the Milky Way Railroad, a biopic about poet and novelist Kenji Miyazawa; magazine drama Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction; Baby Assassins, where teen assassins are forced to give up the murderous life; and The Handsome Suit, about a magical outfit. TV fans will be tuning in from Wednesday, June 19–Wednesday, July 3, with 2017's Rikuoh starring Kôji Yakusho (Perfect Days), and stepping inside a traditional Japanese sock company — and 2015's Downtown Rocket based on Shitamachi Rocket novels about an ex-aerospace researcher who leads a factor that he inherited. While you won't pay a thing to watch, you do still need to register via the fest's website. Won't be in Australia at the time? The fest is available in 27 countries.
Since first opening its doors back in 2013, Sydney's Golden Age Cinema and Bar has proven a home for interesting and eclectic movies, screening new independent and arthouse fare alongside offbeat retro favourites. It's the kind of venue that shows flicks you won't see in multiplexes, all in boutique surroundings. And if you like its taste in films — or you're Melbourne or Brisbane-based cinephile who regularly wishes they could experience Golden Age's program, too — then you'll definitely like their latest venture as well. As plenty of other companies and cinemas have been doing during the COVID-19, Golden Age is getting into the streaming game. Now available online, Movie Night by Golden Age Cinema showcases movies that've graced the venue's screens over the years, as well as others chosen by the cinema's programmers. That includes a curated selection of recent and new releases, with extra films added to its lineup every week. At the time of launch, the service's range features The Trip to Greece, which was supposed to release in cinemas but has been fast-tracked to streaming instead; 2019 favourites Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Parasite; and thoughtful documentary For Sama, which hit the big screen earlier in 2020. Viewers can also revisit Bong Joon-ho's excellent monster movie The Host, see Nicolas Cage milk an alpaca in Color Out of Space, and enjoy Robert Pattinson's recent stellar work in High Life and Good Time. Spanning award-winners, cult favourites, fashion docos and collections of Asian, Aussie and European cinema, Movie Night's highlights also include 2018 Cannes Palme d'Or winner Shoplifters, adorable cat documentary Kedi and masterful German comedy Toni Erdmann — as well as Sydney Film Festival prize-winner Aquarius, Australian drama Judy & Punch, and docos about Yayoi Kusama, Roy Halston Frowick and Alexander McQueen. https://www.facebook.com/OurGoldenAge/photos/a.472586509492206/2993131060771059/?type=3&theater Films are available to watch on a pay-per-view basis, with prices varying per movie — from $4.99 for an older title to $19.99 to something brand new (such as The Trip to Greece). And, for Sydneysiders eager to physically return to Golden Age, it's also opening its doors for private screenings of up to ten people from June 1 — so you and your mates can pick a film to watch on the big screen, then get the whole place to yourselves for three hours. For more information about Movie Night by Golden Age Cinema — or to watch a movie — visit the streaming service's website. Top image: Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Madman.
At age 30, Michelle Ryan, one of Australia's most celebrated dancers, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Intimacy is a reflection, of sorts, on Ryan's life since diagnosis. It offers a fictional stage for her experiences and delves into her most private thoughts and feelings. The show is a collaborative work between Torque Show, Michelle Ryan herself and Lavender Vs Rose, who play their original score live. Performers Michelle Ryan, Vincent Crowley, Emma Bathgate and Simon Eszeky explore real-life experiences with a sense of humour, dignity and sensitivity. Fans of Ryan's work as a choreographer, dancer, artistic director and advocate should definitely check this intimate dance piece out, and newcomers should prepare to get intimately acquainted. Intimacy plays as part of the Helium season of independent works, risk-taking stuff that is given a stage and resources through Malthouse. You can also catch the YouTube Comment Orchestra, Applespiel Make a Band and Take on the Recording Industry and META, a multisensory nightmare riffing on Kafka's Metamorphosis. Intimacy plays at the Malthouse Tower Theatre from August 13-23, and tickets are $25 each. Thanks to Torque Show, we have two double passes to give away to the performance on Saturday, August 13, at 7pm. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Sister Akousmatica is radio like you've never heard it before. For this year's Next Wave Festival, over seven hours seven female musicians from around the country will perform on the banks of the Yarra. But that's not where you'll listen. Instead, you'll join curators Julia Drouhin and Pip Stafford as they lead a procession through the streets of Melbourne with an arsenal of portable radios, stopping at various landmarks along the way to tune in to each performance. The pair will leave from Signal, Flinders Walk at 11am on Sunday, May 8, but you can join them at any time and stay for as long as you wish. And don't worry if you can't make it into the city — you can still listen in on 3CR 855AM, or via stream at 3cr.org.au.
Among Australia's claims to fame, our love of a good shoey ranks right up there. We're not only a land girt by sea — we're a nation unrestrained by the idea that you can only drink booze from glasses. Fancy sipping alcoholic seltzer from a trophy instead? A coffee mug? A plastic hat? Whatever else you happen to own that holds a standard jug worth of alcohol? If you're in Melbourne, Moon Dog Brewing has the giveaway for you. When free drinks are on offer, no one needs to dress up the concept. Mention free booze, and we're all already sold. Still, Moon Dog has whipped up something special to celebrate not only the first day of summer, but also the arrival of the brewery's world-first post-mix machine for Fizzer, its alcoholic seltzer line. So, come Wednesday, December 1, it's pouring free Fizzers to everyone who brings their own vessel to Moon Dog OG in Abbotsford between 4–6pm and to Moon Dog World in Preston from 3–6pm. On the menu: freshly poured Fizzers in tropical crush, peach iced tea, raspberry sorbet and piney limey flavours. And yes, by vessel, Moon Dog means container — something that can hold booze naturally. There are a few caveats, unsurprisingly. Firstly, your chosen vessel needs to be clean. Secondly, it'll only be filled to the standard jug amount — so, to 1140 millilitres. Also, it needs to be watertight, and everyone only gets one vessel per person. Bring the best, most creative vessel to either venue and you'll also win a slab of Fizzer delivered to your door. That's worth scouring the cupboards for, clearly. If you're reading this from Sydney or Adelaide and you'd also like a free Fizzer, here's some good news for you, too: Moon Dog is doing giveaways in those two cities — and at other venues around Melbourne — but you'll have to stick to sipping your drink out of an ordinary schooner instead. At three Sydney spots, four Adelaide bars and three other places in Melbourne, the freebies will also be limited to the first 50 folks through the door from set times. Either way, kicking off summer by saying cheers to a free beverage obviously ticks a key box: starting the season as you mean to go on. Suddenly thirsty? Here's where you can nab your free drink on Wednesday, December 1: VICTORIA Moon Dog World, 32 Chifley Drive, Preston — 3–6pm Moon Dog OG, 17 Duke Street, Abbotsford — 4–6pm Concrete Boots Bar, 381 Burnley Street, Richmond — 4–6pm Lulie Tavern, 225 Johnston Street, Abbotsford — 4–6pm Yorkshire Stingo, 48 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford — 4–6pm NEW SOUTH WALES Sneaky Possum, 86 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale — from 12pm The Unicorn, 106 Oxford Street, Paddington — 5–7pm The Townie, 326 King Street, Newtown — all day SOUTH AUSTRALIA Stag Public House, 299 Rundle Street, Adelaide — from 12pm Lady Daly Hotel, 126 Port Road, Hindmarsh — from 12pm Uni Bar, Union House, Ground Floor of The University of Adelaide — from 12pm Cry Baby, 11 Solomon St, Adelaide — from 12pm Moon Dog Brewing's free Fizzer giveaway takes place on Wednesday, December 1 at a range of Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide venues. For further details, head to the Moon Dog website.
Just like their killer villains, some horror franchises never seem to die. In 2021, two big recent sagas have released their latest instalments, with Spiral: From the Book of Saw and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It keeping their respective spook-filled realms going. Alas, neither movie was anywhere near either series' best, but the fact that both Saw and Conjuring flicks are still reaching screens is a great testament to James Wan. The Australian filmmaker has been a key figure behind both franchises, directing their early instalments and still earning executive producer credits now — as he's followed the tried-and-tested path from horror movies to Hollywood blockbusters. Wan mightn't have been behind the lens of Spiral and The Devil Made Me Do It, but he is returning to his favourite genre this year — after detouring into action with Fast & Furious 7, Aquaman and the upcoming Aquaman 2. His latest flick Malignant will hit cinemas in September, marking his first horror film that isn't attached to an existing franchise since the initial Conjuring movie released back in 2013. This time around, he's playing with nightmares — but of the daylight variety. Malignant's protagonist Madison (Annabelle Wallis, Boss Level) keeps having visions of disturbing murders, only to find out that they aren't just figments of her imagination. Also complicating matters, as seen in the just-dropped trailer: the fact that, as a kid, she told people that she was speaking to the devil. The suitably moody and dark-hued trailer teases out this exact scenario, throws in a few bumps and jumps, but obviously leaves the key details for horror fans to discover when the film hits the big screen. Wan co-wrote the story behind the movie, with screenwriter Akela Cooper (upcoming Conjuring Universe sequel The Nun 2) penning the script. And, cast-wise, Maddie Hasson (Mr Mercedes), George Young (Containment), Michole Briana White (Songbird), Jacqueline McKenzie (Palm Beach), Jake Abel (Son of the South) and Ingrid Bisu (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) all co-star. Check out the trailer for Malignant below: Malignant opens in Australian cinemas on September 7.
Global ice cream company Ben & Jerry's is best-known for its chunk-filled scoops and bizarre flavour titles like Schweddy Balls and Dave Matthews Band. After releasing an over-the-top creation for both ice cream and burger lovers earlier in the year, the brand has now unveiled its latest frankencreation in its Fast Food Series. The Dough-licious Pizza is the ice cream-pizza hybrid that no-one asked for. Available by both the slice and as a whole pizza, the creation features a baked base made from Ben & Jerry's cookie dough and comes filled with a layer of the brand's chocolate chip cookie dough or chocolate fudge brownie ice cream. From there, you get the choice of two toppings — from chunky cookie dough pieces to brownie chunks, crunchy nuts and chocolate-dipped pretzels — plus a drizzle of either hot fudge or caramel sauce. Of course, hardcore ice cream lovers can push the boat out and select all of the above. The pizza is the second in a series of crossbreed creations from Ben & Jerry's inspired by Australia's favourite fast foods. The Impossible To Eat Burger was described as "the messiest ice cream ever". The 'Dough-licious Pizza' is available for a limited time at Ben & Jerry's shops and Scoop Stores across the ACT, NSW, Qld, Vic and WA. It's also available to order on Uber Eats.
Good Beer Week is back for its ninth year, taking over Melbourne and regional Victoria with a huge number of beer-related events running from Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 19. And, this year, the annual craft brewing celebration is expanding to focus on live music, art and culture, too. It'll all starts with a free party at the Beer Deluxe Federation Square festival hub, where Melbourne's own high energy act Sugar Fed Leopards will help kick the festival off in its new direction. The following day, on Saturday, May 11, Moon Dog Brewery will host its own mini festival of music, art and beer at its new Preston brewhouse. Dubbed A Day on the Cans, the lineup includes British India, Ali Barter and Tumbleweed Watch, along with DJs, live street art and tattooing. A comedy festival will take over North Melbourne warehouse space The Third Day in a night of stand-up, brews and fine-dining — the latter two are thanks to famed Aussie chefs Matt Stone and Jo Barrett of Yarra Valley's Oakridge and Queensland's Balter Brewing, who just topped the GABS Hottest 100 List. Some more out-there entertainment includes East vs West, a collab between Reservoir's Hawkers Brewery and Western Australia's Cheeky Monkey. The night is part-zombie apocalypse immersive reality experience and part-brew-off, with plenty of beer-related prizes to be won. Plus, beer masterclasses will run out of the festival hub all week, this year aimed at both home-brewers and industry folk. And Boatrocker is hosting a full 'university program' at Whisky and Alement — punters can explore the world of wild ales and sour beers, learn how to pair beer with food and discuss the ins-and-outs of cellaring. Check out the full program here. As with previous years, many of the events are free, but ticketed events are selling out fast. Best get to scheduling out your week now.
When a musical becomes a Broadway sensation, FOMO tends to sink in for theatre fans Down Under. Rave reviews might start pouring in, and awards as well, but seeing whichever production has New York talking usually requires a Big Apple trip — an expensive endeavour even for the biggest stage aficionado. The other option: waiting patiently for NYC's brightest shows to head Down Under. It happened with Hamilton, finally, and now it's happening with Dear Evan Hansen. A six-time Tony Award-winner, Dear Evan Hansen premiered in the US in 2016, then made the leap to the big screen in 2021. The next stop, back in stage form, is Sydney, with Sydney Theatre Company putting on the musical's Australian debut as part of its just-announced 2024 season. Michael Cassel Group is also behind the Aussie premiere, which will play at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from Saturday, October 12–Sunday, November 17, 2024. The two organisations are already teaming up on The Picture of Dorian Gray's upcoming run in West End in London next year — starring none other than Succession's Sarah Snook, too — following joining forces to take the STC show to Melbourne in 2022. With Dear Evan Hansen, STC and Michael Cassel Group will follow the titular anxious teen. He's advised by his therapist to pen letters to himself to highlight the good aspects of his day; however, when one of his notes ends up in a similarly lonely classmate's hands, it sparks a complex chain reaction. Created for the stage by songwriting and composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — who nabbed an Oscar for La La Land's 'City of Stars' — with playwright Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), the musical spins a coming-of-age story about a plethora of high school struggles. "This will be the first new, original production since the show's phenomenal Broadway debut. This is a real coup for Sydney, and we couldn't be in better hands than with the brilliant Dean Bryant at the helm — one of the best musical theatre directors in the country, and loved by STC audiences after his superb work recently on Hubris and Humiliation and Fun Home," said Sydney Theatre Company's Artistic Director Kip Williams. "Words fail to truly capture the profound impact Dear Evan Hansen has had on audiences and I am thrilled to be partnering with Sydney Theatre Company to create an entirely new version of the show for Australia," added Michael Cassel. "There are no other contemporary musicals that capture the challenges of being a teenager in such a distinguished way with such a phenomenal score." There's no word yet as to whether the STC production of Dear Evan Hansen will tour to other Australian cities — so start crossing your fingers. Check out the trailer for the Dear Evan Hansen film below: Sydney Theatre Company's production of Dear Evan Hansen will play the Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay in Sydney, from Saturday, October 12–Sunday, November 17, 2024 — with tickets available in stages via Sydney Theatre Company from Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Images: Universal.
They say a rose by any other name would still smell just as sweet. And yet when you're talking about something named Ecosexual Bathhouse, no other moniker is going to have quite the same effect. The latest live art encounter from Loren Kronemyer and Ian Sinclair — better known collectively as Pony Express — for Next Wave 2016, this immersive after-dark labyrinth in the Royal Botanic Gardens explores the concept of ecosexuality, an emerging queer identity that positions the environment as an erotic partner. Kind of gives a whole new meaning to the notion of getting in touch with nature, doesn't it?
Go to the movies, visit an exhibition and feel good doing it. Now in its seventh year, the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival will once again shine a light on contemporary human rights issues through a carefully curated line-up of film, art projects and forums. Things kicks off on May 8 with a screening of the Oscar-nominated doco The Square, which was shot on the ground during the Egyptian Revolution. It's one of more than a dozen hard-hitting documentaries on the program, whose subjects range from Brazilian police-officers, Indonesian sulphur miners and women imprisoned for "moral crimes" in Afghanistan. Thankfully, not all the movies at the HRAFF are quite so heavy. More esoteric options include a documentary on breastfeeding and another about sex amongst the elderly (don't act like you're not intrigued). There's also an assortment of short films in both local and international flavours, plus a whole afternoon's worth of animated propaganda. In the arts stream, Vietnam/Australia: Voicing the Unspoken brings together five contemporary artists, whose combined works explore the refugee experience in Australia. Also of note is Ryan Presley's Lesser Gods, an immersive media installation piece that reflects our colonial and indigenous history. Patrons will also be able to engage with the filmmakers and artists directly, through a series of Q&A panel discussions. Acclaimed Australian director Ian Darling will even host a documentary masterclass, for any eager patrons hoping to change the world themselves. The Human Rights Arts and Films Festival will run from May 8-22 at ACMI. For a full program, visit the festival website.
Weary of Westeros? Want a new formula to Breaking Bad? Zoned out of Walking Dead? Okay, perhaps not yet, but soon these shows will be over for the season (or *gulp* for good), and we'll be in the mood for something new. To pre-empt this moment, we've found five shows that might even top the hits we worship now. Here are the soon-to-air, highly anticipated television shows that are a must-see (and that we hope are fast-tracked on some Australasian network soon, but don't hold your breath). 1. American Gods Airing: late 2013/early 2014 Length: Six seasons of 10-12 episodes Based on Neil Gaiman's award-winning novel American Gods, the upcoming HBO series of the same name is expected to grab the attention of TV lovers worldwide. The series, written by Gaiman and produced by Playtone productions, is based on the idea that the gods of ancient mythology do exist in modern America and are kept alive by the people that believe in them. The main character, Shadow Moon, is an ex-convict recently released from prison. Unimaginable events begin to unfold in Shadow's life and he begins to question his perceived conceptions of the modern world. Producers have confirmed that the show will air for six seasons, so get ready to lose days to any binge watching you choose to get into. 2. Under The Dome Airing: June 24, 2013 Length: 13 episodes A television series brought to you by Steven Spielberg and Stephen King? That already sounds like a huge success. Under the Dome, a CBS series due to air June 24, has a star-studded cast and producing team, including actors Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre and Colin Ford and comics king Brian K. Vaughan. Based on the novel of the same name by King, who is also executive producer of the show, Under the Dome follows what happens to a town when they are cut off completely from the rest of the world. In Chester's Mill, Maine no one can come in and no one can go out. With 2000 people trapped under an invisible barrier, things are bound to get scary fast. 3. Family Tree Airing: May 12, 2013 Length: Eight episodes HBO, in collaboration with BBC2, just released its first teaser for the coming series Family Tree. The show, which stars the beloved Bridesmaids and IT Crowd actor Chris O'Dowd, is a single-camera, improvisational, documentary-style comedy series that follows the life of 30-year-old Tom Chadwick (O'Dowd) as he investigates his strange family lineage, travelling from the UK to Los Angeles. The series was created by Christopher Guest, one of the original mockumentarians who brought us This Is Spinal Tap, and frequent collaborator Jim Piddock and could well revive a flagging genre. 4. Masters of Sex Airing: September 29, 2013 Length: 12 episodes in season one confirmed so far Based on Thomas Maier's 2009 biography Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, Masters of Sex is a drama series set to premiere on September 29 on the always-impressive Showtime network. Starring Michael Sheen as William Masters and Lizzy Caplan as Virginia Johnson, the show follows the bizarre lives and romance of the real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality and leaders of the sexual revolution, Dr William Masters and Virginia Johnson. While not much else has been released about the series, this tidbit is enough to grab our attention. 5. True Detective Airing: Soon? Length: Eight episodes in season one With a superb, show-stopping cast, the new HBO series True Detective is without a doubt a show to look out for in the coming months. The series recently went into production and hopes to bring the contemporary crime underworld back to HBO. Starring talented doppelgangers Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, the eight-episode drama series has been in production since late 2012 but still no official word on when it will premiere. The series will follow an anthology vein comparable to the hit series American Horror Story, meaning the next seasons (if the first season is successful) will feature a whole new cast and a different storyline.
We normally associate Boxing Day releases with feelgoodery, dogoodery, comedy and special effects. Which is why it seems sort of hilarious when a film like Short Term 12 pops up at that time of the holiday season, determined to make its quiet realism heard. The SXSW Film Festival winner was number one on Buzzfeed's list of 'movies you probably missed in 2013 but definitely need to see', so if you get in quick, you can make it the no.1 movie you outsmarted Buzzfeed on instead. Short Term 12 is the kind of film that feels like a well-edited version of real life — though probably not a life that is familiar to you, if you grew up in safe, loving circumstances. Compulsively watchable and super emotional, it revolves around the kids and their barely adult supervisors at a temporary foster care facility. The plot is nebulous, but the anchor is social worker Grace, played by Brie Larson, who you probably remember from United States of Tara and who puts in an incredible, name-making performance here. Excellent at her job and in an adorable, supportive relationship with fellow supervisor Mason (John Gallagher Jr), Grace has her own childhood trauma that she's overcome (or at least repressed). But when a new girl, Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever), arrives at Short Term 12, she poses fresh challenges — particularly for Grace, who sees something of herself in the girl. Whether she'll be able to help Jayden, and herself, when the fog of emotion catches up to her is not a given. Short Term 12 is deeply funny, heartbreaking and brave, exploring some taboo topics sensitively without once being sensationalist. Perhaps most impressive is the way writer and director Destin Cretton is able to leap tall towers of everyday humour and humanity and then suddenly drop you into a pit of total, gut-wrenching sadness in a single bound. It's never overwrought; his execution is swift and precise, and he lifts you right out again. Often, it's through the kids' artistic expressions that their pain is most clear; a rap that guarded Marcus (Keith Stanfield) practices with Mason is wholly shattering, and Jayden, an avid drawer, has created a picture book that is not easy reading. The supervisors' calm, understanding reactions to all the crazy things that happen at the centre every day are a fascinating lesson in themselves. Short Term 12 is ultimately hopeful and bittersweet. It's not all hobbits and light, but to watch Short Term 12 is to be exposed to repeated acts of compassion. And practice, they say, makes perfect. Perhaps that's why Short Term 12 is on the Boxing Day release list: it might help guide you into a kinder New Year. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rETaWDZ57v0
Every film festival has its traditions. At the Sydney Film Festival, adding to its program just days before the curtain lifts is a tried-and-tested part of its annual cycle. First, the Harbour City's major cinema showcase reveals a few titles in April to start getting movie lovers excited. Then, it advises who'll be the focus of its big retrospective. Next, it drops its complete lineup in May, but it isn't actually quite complete. This year, closing night's film was unveiled after that. And, once the Cannes Film Festival takes place, SFF also throws in a few more picks from France's prestigious event. SFF 2023 starts on Wednesday, June 8, running until Sunday, June 19 — and the day before the fest kicks off, it has boosted its bill with nine more features. The huge drawcard: Anatomy of a Fall, a drama about an author (Sandra Hüller, Toni Erdmann) accused of her husband's murder, which just won French director Justine Triet (Sibyl) the Palme d'Or. She became just the third female filmmaker to earn the coveted prize after Jane Campion — the subject of this year's SFF retrospective — for The Piano in 1993 and Julia Ducournau for Titane in 2021. Also hitting Sydney after competing for Cannes' major prize are Club Zero and May December. Helmed by Little Joe's Jessica Hausner, the former stars Mia Wasikowska (Blueback) as a boarding-school teacher spearheading a conscious-eating movement. The latter hails from Carol director Todd Haynes, is led by Natalie Portman (Thor: Love and Thunder) and Julianne Moore (Sharper), and dives into a scandal. SFF has also added body-horror film Tiger Stripes, which is set in the Malaysian jungle and won the 2023 Cannes Critics' Week Grand Prize — and Inshallah a Boy, about a woman in Jordan who fakes a pregnancy because it's the only way she can secure her inheritance. Plus, from Cannes Directors' Fortnight comes Georgian feature Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry, about an autumn romance. Also from the Croisette: Anselm, Wim Wenders' (Submergence) portrait of artist Anselm Kiefer; and Four Daughters, which won Cannes' top documentary prize for its tale about a Tunisian mother and her missing children. And, while it screened at Sundance instead, The Persian Version — an Audience Award-winner at the Utah fest, focusing on Iranian American filmmaker Leila (Layla Mohammadi, The Sex Lives of College Girls), her romantic life and her mother Shireen's (Niousha Noor, Kaleidoscope) story before her — rounds out the new additions. SFF attendees, you'll now need to rejig your schedule. That's one of this film festival's annual traditions, too. Sydney Film Festival 2023 runs from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18 at various Sydney cinemas — head to the festival website for further information and tickets.
Stonnington's four-legged residents are set to take centre stage this month when the annual Pets in the Park celebration returns for its 22nd edition. On Sunday, March 24, Malvern East's Central Park will host a family-friendly celebration of pets — and it's your furry mate's time to shine. Head along from 11am to catch live entertainment, food vendors, competitions and a range of market stalls with the latest and greatest pet-centric goodies. Learning more about your dog is a big part of Pets in the Park, too. Head to the stages for an interactive health check presentation by Dr Melissa Meehan, trick training demonstrations from the Melbourne Canine Freestyle crew and a talk about de-stressing your pets by Lara Shannon from Channel 10's Pooches at Play. Guide Dogs Australia will also be sending down some experts and pups to give visitors tips on how to raise puppies. But it isn't only about the canine crew. Dr Caroline Cook will be decoding our feline friends with '10 Ways to Make Your Cat Happy' and Conservationists WildlifeXposure returns to host some native animal encounters, highlighting the threats faced by many of our endangered Australian species. Pop by to check out snakes, lizards and other scaly animals and learn how we can all play our part in protecting native species. And if you know a star in the making, get them set for the Superstar Pet Competition, which'll have the day's four-legged guests battling it out for titles like Best Trick and Best Dressed.
It has finally happened again, Melburnians. The city's projectors remained silent, its theatres bare and the smell of popcorn faded over the recent almost two-week lockdown; however, Melbourne's picture palaces are now back in business. Under stay-at-home restrictions, no one is ever short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made over by now, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent more time than usual over the past 18 months 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 films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that. And, we've rounded up, watched and reviewed the new movies that have just arrived in theatres this week. JUNGLE CRUISE Take two charming actors, then couple them up for a feature-length volley of fast-paced banter: that's the screwball rom-com formula. Place this pleasing pair in a scenic but challenging setting — one that'll highlight their individual strengths, see them turn seeming weaknesses into new skills, and will obviously bring them closer together — and that's exactly how plenty of action-adventure movies have unfurled. Sending the always personable and likeable Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt to the Amazon, Jungle Cruise stitches together these two well-established formulas. It traverses its cinematic rapids in the slipstream of 80s fare like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Romancing the Stone (and their respective sequels), and even rollicks along in the footsteps of The Mummy franchise of the late 90s and early 00s (a series which actually gave Johnson his first big-screen roles). But, as anyone with even a passing knowledge of Disney's theme parks knows, Jungle Cruise also falls from the attraction-to-film mould that the Mouse House clearly loves. Pirates of the Caribbean is an overt influence, right down to the way that some of this new flick's villains look, and thrusting all these blatant templates to the fore — and together — doesn't quite result in movie magic. Indeed, despite Johnson and Blunt's charismatic and capable pairing, as well as the movie's visually boisterous imagery, the film's modest pleasures all fade oh-so-quickly, as happens with every amusement ride. Directed by Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night and The Commuter's Jaume Collet-Serra, who makes a workmanlike but hardly memorable jump from unleashing Liam Neeson's special set of skills, Jungle Cruise wants to whisk viewers off on a spirited ride. That's the experiential aim of most theme park-based films: these flicks want audiences to feel like they've stepped inside the attraction from their cinema seat. So, before the movie's title card graces the screen, two sequences endeavour to set this tone. It's 1916, and Dr Lily Houghton (Blunt, A Quiet Place Part II) sneaks into an all-male science society to look for a treasured arrowhead from the Amazon. She's tasked her fussy brother MacGregor (Jack Whitehall, Good Omens) with deflecting the organisation's members by telling them her theories about a fabled South American tree, called the Tears of the Moon, that can cure any illness or break any curse. The men are dismissive, but she knows they will be. She's there to steal the trinket so it can lead her to the mythical plant, all while Prince Joachim of Germany (Jesse Plemons, Judas and the Black Messiah) tries to get his hands on it as well. When Lily comes out on top, the Houghtons are off to Brazil to hit the river, but they'll need a captain to guide their watery jaunt. In his introductory scene, the roguish Frank Wolff (Johnson, Jumanji: The Next Level) is spied conducting tourist trips down the Amazon, every step choreographed like an amusement park ride, and with his own pun-heavy showman patter narrating the journey. He's corny, and he has a jaguar in on the act, too. Accordingly, there are zero surprises when Lily enlists his services reluctantly and after some subterfuge on his side, or when he keeps trying to trick her into giving up her quest. Read our full review. THE MISFITS Imagine Robin Hood meets Ocean's Eleven meets the Fast and Furious franchise, but helmed by the filmmaker behind Deep Blue Sea, and somehow starring the unlikely combination of Pierce Brosnan (Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga), Tim Roth (Luce) and rapper/comedian/TV presenter Nick Cannon (Chi-Raq). Then, picture a film set in the fictional Jeziristan, because appropriating a particular culture and applying it to a made-up place is apparently okay by this flick's powers-that-be — and also envision a movie so blatant with its Islamophobia at every turn that Cannon's character is almost constantly making fun of Middle Eastern accents and Arabic names, citizens of this part of the globe are largely depicted as terrorists or psychopaths, a group of villains is called the Muslim Brotherhood, but all the gloss and glitz of Abu Dhabi, where the movie is shot, is leered at (as are the scantily clad women seen in its hotels, too). No one wants to visualise this flick, but unfortunately it exists. And yes, The Misfits is as atrocious as it sounds. Director Renny Harlin (who also has Cliffhanger and The Long Kiss Goodnight to his name) seems like he's simply trying to recreate shots, looks and scenes he likes from far better films, but badly. And, the fact that co-screenwriter Kurt Wimmer also has the atrocious 2015 remake of Point Break on his resume makes a huge amount of sense, because this bag of tripe just stitches together plot points from almost every other heist feature there is (as exacerbated by dialogue as bland and cliched as every aspect of the narrative). A big contender for the worst movie to reach Australian cinemas this year, and a film that surely wouldn't have ever gotten the chance if the pandemic hadn't upended the theatrical release slate, The Misfits brings together a ragtag gang of well-meaning criminals. They anoint themselves with the movie's moniker after ruling out 'motley crew' for obvious reasons, if you're wondering how stupid and inane this feature gets — and quickly. Bank robber Ringo (Cannon) usually flexes his light-fingered skills to rip off the wealthy and give back to the poor, so obviously he's keen to form a makeshift family with martial arts expert Violet (Jamie Chung, Lovecraft Country), who likes punishing terrible men; explosives-obsessed Wick (Thai popstar Mike Angelo), who blows up nasty businesses; and 'the Prince' (Rami Jaber, Tough Love), who may or may not be royalty in another made-up country. Their next target: a vault of gold hidden inside a maximum-security Jeziristan jail overseen by nefarious businessman Warner Schultz (Roth). Their latest recruits: UN-employed humanitarian Hope (Hermione Corfield, Sea Fever) and, if she can convince him, her conman dad Richard Pace (Brosnan), who of course has a history with their mark. Much that happens is nonsensical, which also applies to the messily staged and shot action scenes. The movie's sexism goes hand in hand with its blatant racism, too. Daddy issues, second chances, car chases, slow-motion explosions, pointless visual tricks — that's all part of this hideous package as well, alongside absolutely zero subtlety or enjoyment. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately before lockdown — check out our rundown of new films released in Melbourne on March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25; and April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22 and April 29; May 6, May 13, May 20 and May 27; June 3, June 10, June 17 and June 24; July 1 and just this week, when the last lockdown ended. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Chaos Walking, Raya and the Last Dragon, Max Richter's Sleep, Judas and the Black Messiah, Girls Can't Surf, French Exit, Saint Maud, Godzilla vs Kong, The Painter and the Thief, Nobody, The Father, Willy's Wonderland, Collective, Voyagers, Gunda, Supernova, The Dissident, The United States vs Billie Holiday, First Cow, Wrath of Man, Locked Down, The Perfect Candidate, Those Who Wish Me Dead, Spiral: From the Book of Saw, Ema, A Quiet Place Part II, Cruella, My Name Is Gulpilil, Lapsis, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Fast and Furious 9, Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks, In the Heights, Herself, Little Joe, Black Widow, The Sparks Brothers and Old.
Lynn Ruth Miller started her comedy career at the ripe old age of 71. More than a decade later, she's the oldest working stand-up in the world, and in possession of one of the sharpest wits in the business. At a certain age, we suppose, nothing is off limits — so don't be surprised to hear Miller riffing on her sex life, her two failed marriages, and why she decided to get her nipple pierced at her Melbourne International Comedy Festival show This is Your Future. If we're this fiery at her age, we'll count ourselves very lucky indeed.
Red Stitch’s last play for the year is fittingly titled Midsummer. The summer in question though is not the sunny Australian one we’re all hopefully heading into but the more dreary Edinburgh version. The play is by Scottish playwright David Greig and tells the story of a whirlwind romance between petty crook Bob and divorce lawyer Helena. The unlikely couple have a wild weekend funded by money lifted from one of Bob’s criminal bosses, spicing up this thirty-somethings looking for love comedy with a touch of crime caper. With songs by Gordon McIntyre (of Ballboy), it’s also a kind of indie folk musical. The play made waves at 2009’s Edinburgh Fringe. While a British version of it did tour to Sydney earlier this year, this one at Red Stitch is a local production, featuring Ben Prendergast and Ella Caldwell. Sounds like it will be quirky, funny and smarter than your average summer romance.
Are you Ready For the Floor? Are you itching to "do it do it do it now?' Naturally. Hot Chip want you to dance your stripy little socks off and then some. After they do Falls and Southbound Festivals, Joe Goddard, Alexis Taylor, Felix Martin, Al Doyle and Owen Clarke are coming to Melbourne with their own kind of electro pop. They almost challenge you to keep to their infectious tunes. Yeah they've got some Mercury Prize and Grammy Awards, and yeah their fifth album has received critical acclaim, triple j love to play them and they've been in the top 20s charts for ages now. But we know what you're interested in — can you dance to their stuff? Hell yeah. As The Independent says, their shows are all about "blinding lights pulse at disorientating speed in time with a fierce percussive onslaught." Yes – be afraid. But in a good way. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zd_JW73R1Wk
If you're a fan of Gelato Messina and its frosty sweet treats, 2020 is the year that just keeps on giving. That saying doesn't apply to much over the past 12 months, but it definitely fits in this situation. The dessert chain has released all manner of one-off specials, launched a new range of chocolate-covered ice cream bars in supermarkets, dropped a new merchandise line and brought back its Christmas trifle, for starters — and now it's aiming to take care of your summer drinks list. Teaming up with Cocktail Porter, Messina is now serving up DIY kits that'll let you make your own boozy beverages — either using Messina's gelato or its just-as-beloved toppings. Basically, it's the answer to a familiar dilemma, especially when the weather is warm. No one likes choosing between tucking into a chilled, creamy dessert or having another boozy beverage, after all. The Messina dessert cocktail packs come in two flavours: dulce de leche espresso martinis, and gin-fuelled coconut and lychee piña coladas. In the former, you'll get Ciroc vodka, coffee liqueur, premium cold-drip coffee and Messina's dulce de leche topping, plus Messina's chocolate hazelnut spread and shaved coconut to go on top. In the latter — which are being called 'giña coladas' — you'll receive Tanqueray gin, coconut water, pineapple juice, verjuice, and vouchers to go pick up a tub of Messina coconut and lychee gelato. As well as choosing with variety you'd prefer — caffeinated and zesty or fruit and refreshing, basically — you can pick between two different-sized packs. A mini espresso martini kit costs $85, while a mini giña colada kit costs $89, and both serve up six drinks. Or, you can opt for the large ($149/159), which makes 18 dessert cocktails. Cocktail Porter delivers Australia-wide, if that's your summer drinking plans sorted. To order Cocktail Porter's Gelato Messina cocktail kits, head to the Cocktail Porter website.
Australians, if you like your burgers cruelty-free, then you've probably been keen to introduce your tastebuds to Impossible Foods. One of the big names in plant-based meat, the brand has built up quite the following in the US — and, from today, Thursday, November 4, it's finally available Down Under. Known for making not just meat alternatives but also dairy substitutes out of plants, Impossible has launched in Australia with two big collaborations: with burger chain Grill'd and Sydney fried chicken joint-meets-sneaker shop Butter. Nationwide, you can now tuck into four Impossible burgs made with the brand's beef alternative. If you're a Sydneysider, you have a couple more options at Butter's Chatswood and Parramatta outposts, and you'll also be able to try a broader menu at Butter's upcoming Impossible pop-up in The Rocks. For burger fiends, those four new additions at Grill'd Australia-wide include a cheeseburger (complete with vegan cheese and vegan mayonnaise), the 'Simply Grill'd' which recreates the chain's standard burg, a vegetable-heavy option that comes with beetroot and avocado, and an Aussie spin on the concept that also adds beetroot and barbecue burger sauce. In Sydney, Butter is doing an Impossible cheeseburger and an Impossible classic burger, marking the first time it's ever had plant-based meat alternatives on its menu. Butter will also be adding a new Impossible burger to its lineup every fortnight, and slinging Impossible lasagnes and meatball subs via its home-delivery brand Mumma Julian's. And, at a yet-to-be-revealed date sometime later in November, Butter's Impossible pop-up in The Rocks will only serve items made with Impossible beef. Think: meat-free katsu, cheeseburgers and chilli cheese fries, plus whatever else Butter co-owner and executive chef Julian Cincotta comes up with. In total, Impossible's meat-less 'beef' is now available in more than 150 restaurants around the country — and you can expect more places to join the list. And if you're wondering what makes the brand's plant-based options stand out, it was named the best plant-based burger by The New York Times. Grill'd's Impossible menu is available in stores from Thursday, November 4. Butter is serving two Impossible burgers at its Chatswood and Parramatta outposts, and will set up an Impossible pop-up in The Rocks later in November. For further details about Impossible, head to the brand's website.
Dust off your sombreros, amigos. The latest international excuse for a good time to reach our shores is Cinco de Mayo — a celebration of all things Mexican (which, if we’re being nit-picky, is really more of an Americanisation than anything but shh, let us party). In celebration, the folks at Corona and Beach Burrito Company Coogee are putting together a fiesta, complete with face painting by local street artists and the first ever Taco Time Trials Eating Contest. For the less competitively inclined but equally taco-happy, Cinco de Mayo falls conveniently on a Tuesday, and Beach Burrito Co’s regular $3 taco deal applies, so your pesos’ll stretch further. With what you’ve got left, you can sip salt-rimmed margaritas, down trays of tequila shots (not recommended) or share a bucket of ice-cold Coronas. And, of course, come prepared to smash and whack your way to glory, because they wouldn’t be doing Mexico right without pinatas.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it both, in a way? Next time you see something hovering in the sky in southeast Queensland, the answer to that last question could be yes. Not content with simply serving up fried chook on land as it's done for decades, KFC has taken to the skies to pilot a new delivery method — ferrying its finger-lickin'-good chicken pieces, burgers, nuggets and fries around select suburbs via drone in an Australian-first for the chain. If you've always wanted your lunch or dinner to swoop in from above, to feel like you're living in the future or to take the whole pandemic-era contactless purchasing setup literally to another level, you'll need to live in the SEQ suburbs of Kingston, Logan Central, Slacks Creek, Underwood and Woodridge to get your flying KFC fix. And, you'll also have to download the Wing delivery app, too, with the fast-food chain teaming up with the on-demand drone delivery service on its new way to get chicken direct to your door. Where your chicken is going, it doesn't need roads. And no, it isn't yet April 1, so this is genuinely happening. KFC has also set up a dark kitchen just to cater to drone orders — which it's calling a 'cloud kitchen', but obviously still sits on the ground — and says that some deliveries might arrive within minutes. Here's how it works: once you place your order, the drone will fly to the KFC kitchen to pick it up, and will then head back up to flying altitude to get to its delivery destination. With packages of up to 1.5-kilograms, it can travel more than 110-kilometres per hour. When it arrives at your house, it'll slow down, bring itself to a delivery height of about seven metres above the ground, and lower your food on a tether — which'll automatically release. You don't need to unclip anything, and the drone doesn't need to land, either. Wing advises that on-demand drone deliveries have proven quite popular in Logan over the past year, with more than 100,000 deliveries made in 2021, if you're wondering why it was chosen for this trial. If you're a Brisbanite who doesn't live in any of the pilot suburbs but resides nearby, KFC and Wing are also gradually planning to expand the delivery radius to neighbouring spots sometime in the future — but exactly where and when hasn't been revealed. For fried chicken lovers elsewhere, cross your fingers that your next zinger or three-piece feed will be taking to the air sometime in the future. To order KFC via drone if you live in Kingston, Logan Central, Slacks Creek, Underwood and Woodridge, download the Wing delivery app.
Little Red Pocket and The Irish Times are joining forces once more for their annual end of year blowout. A New Year's Eve tradition, this masquerade-themed street party will stretch across both venues, happily located on opposite sides of Little Collin's Street. Expect DJs spinning a mix of house, R&B, retro hits and top 40 favourites, and other live entertainment. Your ticket also gets you unlimited drinks (beer, wine, sparkling and basic spirits) between 7pm and midnight, along with complimentary Japanese and European snacks.
It was a sad day for Melbourne's dining scene when Teage Ezard's CBD institution Ezard announced its closure last June, after an impressive 20 years of operation. They're some pretty big shoes to fill. But if anyone's going to do it, it might just be Sydney's much-loved Mediterranean restaurant Nomad. Yep — the team's just revealed its first Melbourne outpost will open in the iconic Flinders Lane space from mid-November. Owners Rebecca and Al Yazbek have been busy transforming the Adelphi Hotel's lower ground floor into Nomad's new 100-seat southern iteration, replicating the ethos of the original, while championing a whole new menu filled with local produce. Celebrated executive chef Jacqui Challinor has been working closely with Nomad Melbourne's new head chef Brendan Katich (Gingerboy, Ezard) to develop the eatery's signature offering, centred around house-made cheese and charcuterie, and the kitchen's prized wood-fired oven. [caption id="attachment_829999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The team[/caption] Fans will find just a handful of menu mainstays, backed by a lineup of brand new dishes, with plenty of locally-sourced meat and veggies cooked over flames among the mix. A sprawling wine list will focus on homegrown drops, with Victorian wineries and smaller producers given lots of love. And an extensive all-Aussie pouring list will rotate regularly, offering the chance to sample new wines with every visit, including premium creations served via Coravin. The space itself has been imagined with the help of Melbourne-based architect Clare Cousins, its elegant interiors tucked away behind a hidden entrance. Concrete columns and beams that were unearthed during construction have been used to help section the restaurant into various moody dining areas. The newcomer won't be Nomad Group's sole Melbourne operation for long, with further plans to open another restaurant and bar in The Cathedral Room of the Queen and Collins precinct next year. Find Nomad Melbourne at 187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, from November 15. It's open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, and daily for dinner.
Co-ordinating your outfit for the Blue Light Disco. Feeling so nervous about slow dancing at the formal you could hurl. These are iconic experiences of youth, shared whether you were cool or a dork. School Dance finally brings these experiences to the stage, with emphasis on the undervalued dork. "Darwin's theory of evolution at its cruellest," the omniscient narrator reminds us. Windmill Theatre, who produced the show, are actually a children's theatre company, but with School Dance they expand their remit to include adults who like an excuse to get a bit silly. Director of both company and show Rosemary Myers decided to prod the seeds of an idea that had been planted in an earlier collaboration with writer Matthew Whittet, sound designer Luke Smiles and set and costume designer Jonathon Oxlade, who reminisced on their teenage nerdom while working on the show Fugitive. The men play Matthew, Luke, and Jonathon, three fictionalised versions of themselves at an earlier, unaware age. Best of all, the now mid-30-year-olds grew up in the 1980s, so references to Gremlins, E.T. and acid wash denim abound, wrapped up in a high-energy, Scott Pilgrim-esque package. Was music ever finer than in the '80s? The answer is clearly no, because each track played tonight is better and more rapturously received than the last (although Bonnie Tyler and Spandau Ballet are undeniably climatic points in the mix). The action veers onto course when Matthew literally starts to disappear, shortly after being ignored by the popular girl Hannah Ellis (Amber McMahon, who adroitly handles all the female roles). His legs go first, followed promptly by his torso and head. On stage, this is shown through the wearing of a black, slightly sparkling body stocking — one of the many creative, smoothly plausible tricks of staging going on. The set, lighting, and foley provide constant wonder. To rescue Matthew from the 'land of invisible teenagers' (a tentative title), the teens will need to call on Jonathan's knowing older sister, He-Man, a unicorn, and a massive act of bravery. The experience of watching this show is one filled with laughter, cheering, applause and squeals of recognition. It's ecstatic and triumphant, bonkers yet homey. It's not highfalutin — there's hand farting, an extended, glorious passage of it, causing the kid behind me to lose his head — but School Dance reaches special heights all of its own. It's obvious a lot of love went into it and the audience can't help but reciprocate. This review was written in January 2013 based on the Sydney run of School Dance. Image: Jonathon Oxlade, Luke Smiles, and Matthew Whittet by Lisa Tomasetti.
Whether it's in the insect-dappled heat of an outdoor cinema or in the sweet smack of an airconditioned theatre, summer is the season of movies. We just have more time for leisure this time of year, and not all of it can be spent running and swimming around. Many of the year's biggest releases are coming out in the next three balmy months. These are the ones you should start getting excited for now. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wceaLzbtuDY The Spectacular Now Out: Now A teen movie about a cool guy and a dorky girl falling in love that's somehow real and honest? It's a Christmas miracle. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WRY2ogQpbvg Kill Your Darlings Out: Now Daniel Radcliffe kills off the memory of Harry Potter with a convincing portrayal of US beat poet Allen Ginsberg for which he has a heady trinity of straight sex, gay sex and self-sex. https://youtube.com/watch?v=h5Cb4SFt7gE American Hustle Out: December 12 Clearly knowing he was on to a good thing, Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell reunites Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper and adds Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Robert De Niro and Louis CK. Other good omens: this screenplay once made the famous 'Black List' of unproduced screenplays and used to be more blatantly titled 'American Bullshit'. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Elczv0ghqw0 Anchorman 2 Out: December 19 If that maxim about the strength of the marketing being inversely proportional to the quality of the film holds true, Anchorman 2 will be the worst movie ever. Still, we've got our fingers crossed for this sequel ten years in the making. https://youtube.com/watch?v=OPVWy1tFXuc The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Out: December 26 There's nothing like Boxing Day tradition, and Peter Jackson and Warner Bros. Pictures are hoping that yours only grows stronger with a fifth year of epic Tolkien adventure. It's a no brainer. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ksrkKXoEJbM The Railway Man Out: December 26 The combination of Colin Firth and Burning Man director Jonathan Teplitzky make The Railway Man worth seeing. It's also the go-to Boxing Day film for people who like crying and catharsis around the holidays. https://youtube.com/watch?v=0XBPEUXMtMw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Out: December 26 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is Hollywood at its best. Deeply funny, optimistic, life-affirming and full of pretty pictures, the film follows a quiet LIFE magazine staffer, played by Ben Stiller, who learns to seize the day. Kristen Wiig is in it, too, so yay. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rETaWDZ57v0 Short Term 12 Out: December 26 Hot for: This is all a bit deep and wounded for a Boxing Day release, but try it, okay? With one of those hard-to-summarise plots centring around the kids and their barely adult supervisors at a temporary foster care facility, it's compulsively watchable and super emotional. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rD8f9kn7D2U Philomena Out: December 26. On the one hand, Philomena looks a bit fusty and British. On the other, it's written by Steve Coogan, directed by the indomitable Stephen Frears (The Queen, High Fidelity, Dangerous Liaisons, etc etc), stars Dame Judi Dench and will probably kick arse if you give it a chance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9Hd_uO72h1s August: Osage County Out: January 1 This may look like blatant Oscar bait, but it's too fucked up for that. Which isn't to say it won't win anyway, with incredible performances from Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, among a star-studded ensemble cast. Based on probably the best play of the last decade, it's genius-level hilarious. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6dRuGwS1gWU The Book Thief Out: January 9 Your favourite adorable Nazi Germany bibliophilic bildungsroman has been made into a film. Now with extra adorableness thanks to the girl child from Monsieur Lazhar. Saving Mr Banks Out: January 9 Disney engages in a spot of personal myth-making with a story about the meeting of Walt Disney and PL 'Mary Poppins' Travers. A bit off-putting, but it involves Emma Thompson being excellent as the steely Travers. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ne6p6MfLBxc Her Out: January 16 Anticipation is through the roof for this, the dystopic love story from cult filmmaker Spike Jonze (Where the Wild Things Are, Being John Malkovich). Joaquin Phoenix is the brooding protagonist, and Scarlett Johansson is the operating system he falls in love with. https://youtube.com/watch?v=fmyglO2Zr0E Inside Llewyn Davis Out: January 16 You can't not pay attention to a Coen Brothers release. It's not heavy on plot, but proceedings definitely include a '60s folk singer, a cat and Carey Mulligan. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iszwuX1AK6A The Wolf of Wall Street Out: January 23 If you thought Leonardo DiCaprio was draped in obscene riches in Gatsby, you ain't seen nothing yet. This three-hour Martin Scorsese comedy, of sorts, is based on a real person's memoir of pre-recession fraud and fun times. The Great Beauty Out: January 23 On the one hand, this is an unassuming Italian number about a one-hit wonder novelist coming down to earth in a beautiful way. On the other, it's made a lot of international critics' top ten lists for the year, so we're all ears. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1bQSOBJCPQE Grudge Match Out: January 30 We're not necessarily recommending you should see this. But you should most definitely be aware that a movie exists in which Sly 'Rocky' Stallone and Robert 'Raging Bull' De Niro fight each other. https://youtube.com/watch?v=z02Ie8wKKRg 12 Years a Slave Out:January 30 Splashed on best-of lists the globe over, 12 Years a Slave is the third film from the unflinching director of Hunger and Shame, Steve McQueen. The wonderful Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in this surely harrowing slavery story you just have to sit through. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xPLSpmAtc1Q Robocop Out: February 6 Look, this could go either way. It's summer, so let's be optimists. https://youtube.com/watch?v=GAglZjX3HOk Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Out: February 6 Reviews haven't been all positive, but it can only be worthwhile spending time with such an incredible life story. Universally praised at least is Idris Elba's performance in the lead role. https://youtube.com/watch?v=U8utPuIFVnU Dallas Buyers Club Out: February 13 Matthew McConaughey gets skinny and gives a performance that no one can pay him out for. His Ron Woodroof, an '80s cowboy diagnosed with AIDS who takes to smuggling the pharmaceuticals he wants, has some cut-through lessons about the medical profession. https://youtube.com/watch?v=s4bqeT5edbs Wolf Creek 2 Out: February 20 It's been nearly ten years since the first instalment of this Australian 'torture porn' flick. And because its iconic status just seems to keep on building, we may as well have another. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UT5tqPojMtg Nebraska Out: February 20 You can tell it's the end of summer, because, like the fashion, the movies get more monochrome. Nebraska is the latest from Alexander Payne, director of The Descendants and Sideways, and follows a quirky father-and-son road trip.
Sick of playing Scrabble in generic sans serif? Lovers of words and type alike can spell their way to satisfying word play with these designer Scrabble sets by Andrew Capener. Capener wanted to "excite people about typography by giving them the ability to choose what font their scrabble set would come in." Beauty and quality are Capener's design priorities, with solid walnut and birch woods used to create the board, pieces and box. The A-1 Scrabble designer sets come in a single font of choice, or you can always mix and match with the assorted font pack. [Via Flavorwire]
Calling all sleuths of Australia — again. If you haven't fulfilled your murder-mystery fix on the big and small screens over the past few years, and if you missed a whodunnit play hailing from the one and only Agatha Christie in both 2022 and 2023, then you'd best make a new date with The Mousetrap. Here are two questions for you to solve first: why is this play coming your way once more a big deal, and when is it doing the rounds again? The answers: as well as being penned by Christie, it's the world's longest-running play; and, because its past Aussie seasons have proven such a hit, it's returning to a heap of cities from May–September 2024. As well as heading to Hobart and Darwin, this tour is favouring regional and smaller spots. That means seeing The Mousetrap in Newcastle, Wollongong, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Geelong and Frankston — among other stops — for audiences in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Initially premiering in London's West End in 1952, The Mousetrap has been treading the boards in the UK ever since, only pausing during to pandemic venue closures. When theatres reopened in Britain, so did the show. Indeed, when it arrived in Australia in 2022, The Mousetrap did so 70 years to the month that it first debuted. Unsurprisingly, that hefty run means that the show has enjoyed the longest stint for any West End production, and for any play anywhere in the world. So far, there's been more than 28,500 London performances. To answer the other obvious question, yes, it's all about an unexpected body. The murder-mystery starts with news of a killing in London — and with seven people snowed in at a guest house in the country. They're strangers, which is classic Christie. When a police sergeant arrives on skis, they're told that the murderer is among them (which, again, is vintage Christie). They all have wild pasts, too, and all those details are spilled as they're interrogated, and also try to work out who among them is the killer. Those guests at Monkswell Manor include a pair of newlyweds who run the house, a spinster, an architect who is handy in the kitchen, a retired Army major, a man who says his car has overturned in a drift, and a jurist. Naturally, there's another death as they're all puzzling it over — and a twist conclusion, which audiences have been requested not to reveal after leaving the theatre for seven decades now. Again, it's all Christie all over, which'll be evident if you've seen the recent film versions of Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile — or the original cinema adaptations, or read the books, or devoured anything else that Christie ever wrote. And, if you caught 2022's See How They Run, you'll be more than a little familiar with The Mousetrap as well. This theatre work started as a short radio play, which was written as a birthday present for Queen Mary. It aired in 1947 under the name Three Blind Mice, after which Christie rewrote it as a short story, then adapted it again for the stage as The Mousetrap. And no, there isn't a movie of it — because Christie stipulated that it can't leap to the screen until at least six months after the West End production closes. Clearly, that hasn't happened yet. In Australia, the play boasts Robyn Nevin directing and John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia producing. AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE MOUSETRAP 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Saturday, May 11–Saturday, May 25: Newcastle Civic Theatre, Newcastle Thursday, May 29–Sunday, June 2 — HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Tuesday, June 11–Monday, June 24 — Theatre Royal, Hobart Thursday, June 27–Sunday, June 30 — Civic Theatre, Orange Thursday, July 4–Sunday, July 7 — Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Thursday, July 11–Saturday, July 13 — Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin Wednesday, July 17–Friday, July 19 — Glasshouse, Port Macquarie Tuesday, July 23–Wednesday, July 24 — Empire Theatre, Toowoomba Wednesday, July 31–Saturday, August 3 — Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston Thursday, August 8–Sunday, August 11 — Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury Thursday, August 15–Sunday, August 25 — Glen St Theatre, Frenchs Forest Thursday, August 29–Sunday, September 1 — Entertainment Convention Centre, Mackay Thursday, September 5–Monday, September 16 — Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap will tour Australia in 2024. For further details and tickets, head to the play's website. Images: Brian Gleach.
When Jetstar launched a big domestic flight sale in mid-June, it sold 70,000 seats in just five hours, with Australians keen to travel when and where they can in this pandemic-afflicted year. Today, Tuesday, November 17, the airline is kicking off another one — so get your clickers ready. The Return for Free sale kicks off at 3pm AEDT today and runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Thursday, November 19 — if it doesn't sell out prior. In the sale, you'll find cheap flights across 51 routes from destinations right across the country. And, as the name suggests, it's doing return flights for free. So, you buy your ticket to your destination and then Jetstar will cover your trip home. Of course, before you book one of the 400,000 return trips available, we suggest you check on the status of interstate borders wherever you'd like to visit. As everyone should know by know, border restrictions are still changing quite frequently depending on COVID-19 cases around the country. The NSW and ACT borders are currently open to everyone except those from Victoria, for instance, although that'll change come 12.01am on November 23 when the two regions reopen in full. As for Victoria itself, it is currently open — as it didn't shut its border, even during the state's recent lockdown. Queensland is still shut to Victorian and Greater Sydney residents, and will close to folks from Adelaide at 4pm on Tuesday, November 17. The Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia are all open to parts of the country — with restrictions in the NT on folks arriving from metropolitan Melbourne and South Australia; in Tasmania on people from Victoria and SA; and in WA on those heading in from Victoria, NSW and SA. And in SA, it's open to everywhere except Victoria, with inhabitants of the latter allowed to visit from December 1. [caption id="attachment_773285" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Now you know where you can and can't go, here are some of the deals — because, again, 51 routes are include in the sale. Sydneysiders can snag return tickets to Victoria for $65, Launceston for $89, Brisbane from $92, the Sunshine Coast for $96 and Hamilton Island for $151. Melburnians can book trips to Uluru for $165 and Darwin for $205. And Brisbanites can head to the Whitsundays for $89 and Hobart for $159. Yes, the list goes on. Tickets in the sale are for trips from February–August 2021, with exact dates varying in each region. So, if you're keen to get away, book some now and start planning. Jetstar's Return for Free sale runs from 3pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 17 until 11.59pm AEDT on Thursday, November 19, or until sold out.
It's been a year filled with drinking at home, rather than out on the town, yet Melbourne's bar scene has continued to shine. Luke Whearty's famed local cocktail haunt Byrdi has just been named among The World's 50 Best Bars' extended 51-100 list for 2021, ranked the 56th top bar on the planet. It was the only Aussie venue to make this year's secondary lineup, which was revealed overnight. The 51-100 list comes one week ahead of the release of The World's 50 Best Bars main award list, which is set to happen at a ceremony in London on December 6. The annual ranking list is a huge deal among the international bar industry, voted by a panel of over 600 drinks experts, including bartenders, writers, consultants and mixology specialists. The 2021 51-100 list was heavy on entrants from the States, with seven USA bars including New York newcomer Double Chicken Please and LA's Thunderbolt. Five London bars also ranked among the secondary list and Nairobi's Hero Bar became the first-ever African bar outside of South Africa to make the cut. [caption id="attachment_748363" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Byrdi, by Kate Shanasy[/caption] Last year, on its debut entry, Byrdi came in 80th on the extended list, ranking close to fellow Melbourne bars The Everleigh (73), Above Board (84) and Black Pearl (98). Sydneysiders Maybe Sammy, Cantina OK! and Bulletin Place all placed among 2020's top 50, which means we could see plenty more Aussie representation among next week's top 50 lineup reveal. Byrdi was launched in 2019 by Whearty and co-founder Aki Nishikura, who were also behind Singapore's multi award-winning — and World's 50 Best Bars regular — Operation Dagger. You'll find the Melbourne favourite nestled within the CBD's Ella precinct, whipping up some truly exceptional, innovative drinks. Byrdi was one of the many bars sating cravings for well-crafted cocktails during lockdown this year and last, with lots of punters making use of its home-delivery service. Stay tuned and we'll share the winners of the World's 50 Best Bars 2021 list when they're revealed next week. For the full 51-100 list of the World's 50 Best Bars 2021 (and past years' lists), see the website. The top 50 rankings will be revealed from 8.15pm GMT on December 6, via Facebook and YouTube. Top Image: Byrdi cocktail, by Kate Shanasy
Since COVID-19 was first reported in Australia at the end of January, 6606 cases have been recorded across the country (as at 3pm on Sunday, April 19), bringing with it 70 deaths and a drastic change to life as we know it. As the coronavirus has spread, travel has been banned and restrictions on everyday movement have been implemented, good news has been few and far between of late — which makes the past weekend's significant drop in reported cases across Australia a welcome development indeed. In Queensland, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that zero new cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, which comes after just five cases were announced on Sunday morning and eight on Saturday morning. It's the first time in more than six weeks that the state has recorded no new cases overnight, with the state's total currently sitting at 1019 out of 85,870 tests administered. In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that only one new case was confirmed overnight. That news comes after just nine new cases were announced on Sunday, with the state's total currently sitting at 1329. https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/photos/a.523591701005345/3097645476933275/?type=3&theater And while overnight numbers in New South Wales haven't dropped quite as low, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that only six new cases were confirmed overnight last night — from almost 3500 tests conducted yesterday — which is the state's lowest total in five weeks. As Australia's worst-affected state, NSW's total currently sits at 2963. Whether the drops in new cases will eventually lead to a loosening of current restrictions might vary state by state — with the Federal Government already outlining the three conditions that need to be in place before Australia-wide rules surrounding social distancing and public gatherings could start to be relaxed, and announcing that the earliest that this might be possible is in four weeks. Announcing today's news, Queensland Premier Palaszczuck noted that, "if we can keep this up over the coming weeks, I'm sure this is going to mean that we will be able to make some changes and ease some of those restrictions on the population." In Victoria, where a State of Emergency is in effect until at least midnight on Monday, May 11, Premier Andrews advised that "these numbers are not an invitation for us to roll back all the rules". 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. Image: Julia Sansone
When the Victorian Government revealed its reopening roadmap to take the state out of its strict current COVID-19 lockdowns, it flagged a big shift for Melbourne's hospitality scene. While outdoor dining isn't an unfamiliar concept, it's a key part of Victoria's plans to allow restaurants, cafes and eateries to start welcoming customers back onto the premises. In fact, when hospitality businesses in the metropolitan Melbourne area are permitted to move away from takeaway and delivery-only operations — earmarked for Monday, October 26, as long as the state has a state-wide average of less than five new COVID-19 cases over the previous 14 days, with less than five cases coming from an unknown source in the same period — they'll be asked to run "predominantly outdoor seated service only". Just what that requirement entails has received plenty of attention over the past few weeks, with both the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne providing some details. Both outlined a similar al fresco approach to the one currently being employed in New York City, which allows food venues to temporarily use sidewalks and curbs for openair dining to cater to more customers within health restrictions — and now the local powers-that-be have unveiled a temporary extended outdoor dining permit scheme, and explained what said permits can be used for. When eat-in service recommences, Melburnians won't just tucking into a meal outdoors — they'll be dining on footpaths, in on-street car parking spaces that have been taken over by adjacent businesses, in laneways and even on the street. All four options are listed by the City of Melbourne as reasons to obtain a free permit, with the plan forming part of the City of Melbourne and Victorian Government's $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund. "We're reopening the city for business and will work with venues to find outdoor dining opportunities appropriate for their unique part of the city," said Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp in a statement. "We will continue to advocate for flexibility so restaurants and cafes can open indoors in a COVID-safe way sooner," she continued, while also noting that the city "will balance the expansion of outdoor dining with the needs of our residents" — considering traffic conditions, the safety of patrons, and maintaining access for pedestrians, residents and essential vehicles. [caption id="attachment_697521" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Duke of Kerr by Kate Shanasy[/caption] The Lord Mayor also gave an indication of what street closures could look like, with roadways shut down to create more space for dining and entertainment on weekends. "Temporary street closures would create a festive atmosphere for outdoor dining. We could temporarily close locations such as Bellair Street in Kensington and Faraday Street in Carlton to help businesses trade safely," she explained. Among the other sites that could be temporarily closed for dining, Bourke Street between Exhibition and Spring streets, Russell Street between Lonsdale and Bourke streets, Domain Road in South Yarra and Errol Street in North Melbourne have all been floated. For businesses that don't have access to an outdoor space — that can't trade in front of their premises on a footpath, on-street car parking spaces, laneways and or on the street — the City of Melbourne is also looking to create hospitality hubs a to around town that let these venues come together. Obviously, exactly when these outdoor dining plans will come into effect is dependent on COVID-19 case numbers. That said, businesses can start applying for permits from Thursday, October 1. For more information about the City of Melbourne's extended outdoor dining permits, visit the local government body's website. Additional details about the City of Melbourne's COVID-19 response are also available on its the website. And for more information about the Victorian Government's roadmap, head to vic.gov.au. Top image: Good Times by Kate Shanasy
When and where domestic border rules and COVID-19 restrictions have permitted, travelling throughout Australia has been on the agenda across the past year. With the country set to remain closed to international jaunts until at least mid-June, that isn't changing yet — but you can still hop on a plane and head over the ocean thanks to Qantas' just-announced new flights to Norfolk Island. Of course, travelling south to Tasmania remains a trusty option if you're eager to get off the mainland. Everywhere from Kangaroo Island and Rottnest Island to Fraser Island and Daydream Island also fit the bill. But a trip to Norfolk Island means you'll be venturing more than 1400 kilometres east from the Aussie coastline, and to an external territory of Australia that sits between New Zealand and New Caledonia. Yes, you'll only be spotting water below you while you stare out of the plane windows. Qantas' flights will kick off on Friday, March 19, and head to the Pacific Ocean spot six times a week — three from Sydney and three from Brisbane. Prices start at $412 one-way from New South Wales and $390 one-way from Queensland, with the routes using Boeing 737 aircraft, which means there'll be 2000 seats available each week. Obviously, if you live somewhere other than Sydney or Brisbane, you'll just need to get to either of them first. For now, the two routes are set to run for three months, as part of a contract that the Federal Government has awarded to Qantas. There is a possibility that it'll be extended, and that the routes will stick around for the longer term. If you're keen to spend some time soaring over the sea, then kicking back on a South Pacific getaway, you'll be departing from Sydney and Brisbane's international terminal — so you really will feel as if you're jetting abroad. There's no need to prepare yourself for a lengthy flight, though, with the trip taking around two-and-a-half hours from Sydney and two hours from Brisbane. For Sydneysiders and Brisbanites who'd rather jet off to colder climes, Qantas has also this month announced new routes from the two cities to the Snowy Mountains and the Victorian Alps. There, you're clearly definitely staying on home turf — but when it comes to making holiday plans for the next few months, before a potential travel bubble with Singapore could possibly come into effect, you definitely have options. Qantas' new flights to Norfolk Island from Sydney and Brisbane will start flying from Friday, March 19. For more information, or to book, head to the airline's website. Top image: Roderick Eime via Flickr.
The first time that filmmaker Justin Kurzel and screenwriter Shaun Grant tackled a recent dark chapter in Australia's history, in 2011's Snowtown, they both earned AACTA awards for their efforts — and their film picked up six gongs in total. Ten years later, they've bettered the feat with Nitram, which explores the lead up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Both Kurzel and Grant again collected trophies, while the feature nabbed eight awards all up. One of those prizes: the AACTA for Best Film, beating out The Dry, The Furnace, High Ground, Penguin Bloom and Rams. Nitram also swept all four acting prizes in the film fields, with its four key cast members — Cannes Film Festival Best Actor-winner Caleb Landry Jones, plus Aussies Judy Davis, Anthony LaPaglia and Essie Davis — emerging victorious. That's the big story from the 2021 AACTA Awards, which announced its nominees back at the beginning of November, then handed out its trophies on Wednesday, December 8. Nitram scooping the pool isn't surprising, given that it's powerful, haunting and the best Aussie movie of the year — and that AACTA has a history of going all on features it loves. Last year's Best Film recipient, Babyteeth, won seven awards, while The Nightingale picked up six the year before, Sweet Country did the same the year before that and Lion nabbed 12 in 2017. (Thanks to the likes of Hacksaw Ridge, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dressmaker, The Great Gatsby and The Sapphires before that, the trend goes on.) The Academy's gongs also span television — so, if you've watched The Newsreader or Fisk this year, then you've seen 2021's Best Drama and Best Narrative Comedy Series. Across both the big and small screens, other winners include Ellie and Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) for Best Indie Film, My Name Is Gulpilil for Best Documentary, and Fires for Best Telefeature or Miniseries. Here's a rundown of the major nominations — and you can check out the full list on AACTA's website: AACTA NOMINEES 2021 FILM AWARDS: BEST FILM The Dry The Furnace High Ground Nitram — WINNER Penguin Bloom Rams BEST INDIE FILM Disclosure Ellie and Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) — WINNER Lone Wolf Moon Rock for Monday My First Summer Under My Skin BEST DIRECTION Rob Connolly, The Dry Roderick MacKay, The Furnace Stephen Maxwell Johnson, High Ground Justin Kurzel, Nitram — WINNER Glendyn Ivin, Penguin Bloom BEST LEAD ACTOR Simon Baker, High Ground Eric Bana, The Dry Caleb Landry Jones, Nitram — WINNER Ahmed Malek, The Furnace Jacob Junior Nayinggul, High Ground BEST LEAD ACTRESS Rose Byrne, Peter Rabbit 2 Judy Davis, Nitram — WINNER Noni Hazlehurst, June Again Genevieve O'Reilly, The Dry Naomi Watts, Penguin Bloom BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Michael Caton, Rams Baykali Ganambarr, The Furnace Anthony LaPaglia, Nitram — WINNER Sean Mununggurr, High Ground Jack Thompson, High Ground BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Essie Davis, Nitram — WINNER Claudia Karvan, June Again Esmerelda Marimowa, High Ground Miranda Tapsell, The Dry Jacki Weaver, Penguin Bloom BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Monica Zanetti, Ellie and Abbie (& Abbie's Dead Aunt) Roderick McKay, The Furnace Chris Anastassiades, High Ground JJ Winlove, June Again Shaun Grant, Nitram — WINNER BEST SCREENPLAY Rob Connolly and Harry Cripps, The Dry — WINNER Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps, Penguin Bloom Will Gluck and Patrick Burleigh, Peter Rabbit 2 Jules Duncan, Rams BEST DOCUMENTARY Girls Can't Surf I'm Wanita My Name Is Gulpilil — WINNER Playing with Sharks Strong Female Lead When the Camera Stopped Rolling TELEVISION AWARDS: BEST DRAMA SERIES Clickbait Jack Irish Mr Inbetween The Newsreader — WINNER Total Control Wakefield Wentworth BEST TELEFEATURE OR MINISERIES A Sunburnt Christmas The End Fires — WINNER New Gold Mountain The Unusual Suspects BEST NARRATIVE COMEDY SERIES Aftertaste Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Fisk — WINNER Frayed Preppers Rosehaven BEST COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM Dom and Adrian 2020 Hard Quiz — WINNER The Moth Effect Spicks and Specks The Weekly BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Rudi Dharmaligam, Wakefield Guy Pearce, Jack Irish Sam Reid, The Newsreader Richard Roxburgh, Fires Scott Ryan, Mr Inbetween — WINNER BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Deborah Mailman, Total Control Mandy McElhinney, Wakefield Miranda Otto, Fires Pamela Rabe, Wentworth Anna Torv, The Newsreader — WINNER BEST COMEDY PERFORMER Mark Samual Bonanno, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Kitty Flanagan, Fisk — WINNER Tom Gleeson, Hard Quiz Broden Kelly, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Sarah Kendall, Frayed Nakkiah Lui, Preppers Luke McGregor, Rosehaven Celia Pacquola, Rosehaven BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Harry Greenwood, Wakefield William McInnes, The Newsreader — WINNER Matt Nable, Mr Inbetween Stephen Peacocke, The Newsreader Justin Rosniak, Mr Inbetween BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Michelle Lim Davidson, The Newsreader Marg Downey, The Newsreader Harriet Dyer, Wakefield Rachel Griffiths, Total Control — WINNER Noni Hazlehurst, The End
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's 22nd film might be called Endgame, but we all know there's more where it came from. Of course there is. In July, Spider-Man: Far From Home will swing into cinemas, continuing the MCU and the story of everyone's favourite friendly neighbourhood web-slinger (the Tom Holland version — sorry Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield fans). If you haven't seen Endgame, and you're averse to spoilers, we're not going to tell you anything that isn't already widely known. Far From Home has been in the works since 2017's immensely fun Spider-Man: Homecoming proved a hit, it released its first teaser back in January and it's officially considered the end of the MCU's phase three. But if you don't want to know what follows on from the huge Avengers showdown that's currently in cinemas, then you definitely won't want to watch Far From Home's new trailer. Consider this an official spoiler warning — something that the trailer itself includes at the start. Yes, really. By getting Holland to deliver the caution to camera, Marvel and Spider-Man distributor Sony shows it clearly has a sense of humour, especially since the young star is known for being loose-lipped with important MCU details. Picking up where Endgame left off, Far From Home sees Peter Parker pondering what the end of its immediate predecessor means, all while he's headed to Europe with his friends. Step up for the good of the world, or pursue his crush on MJ (Zendaya)? They're some of Spidey's options. Once again directed by Jon Watts, who helmed Homecoming, the movie also features Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio — as well as familiar faces in the form of Marisa Tomei as Aunt May, Jacob Batalon as Parker's best friend Ned, and Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan. Oh, and because it's an MCU film, Samuel L Jackson as well. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFoz8ZJWmPs Spider-Man: Far From Home releases in Australian cinemas on July 4.
With its next big streaming series, Apple TV+ is managing to tick a heap of must-see boxes all at once. A dark comedy led by Anchorman co-stars Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell? Check. An adaptation of a hit podcast? Check again. A twisty true tale dramatised? Yep, check once more. Throw in WandaVision's Kathryn Hahn in a key supporting role (before she gets her own Marvel spinoff series), as well as Wet Hot American Summer's Michael Showalter behind the lens, and The Shrink Next Door just keeps giving you reasons to add it to your streaming queue. The eight-episode limited series will drop on Friday, November 12, making its first three episodes available then before releasing new instalments week by week afterwards — and, based on the just-released trailer, it's going to tell quite the story. Last seen on streaming in Netflix's Living With Yourself, Rudd plays Dr Isaac 'Ike' Herschkopf. He's a psychiatrist with to Ferrell's Martin 'Marty' Markowitz, and he amasses quite the sway over his patient. In the sneak peek clip, Ike doesn't hold back when it comes to dispensing life advice — and Marty, wanting to improve himself and his factory, listens to every word. But Ike just keeps pushing, which sends the doctor–patient relationship in unsettling directions. If you listened to the Wondery podcast of the same name, you'll know where The Shrink Next Door is headed. If not, expect to watch Ike charm his way even deeper into Marty's existence — including moving into Marty's home, and also nabbing the president slot of his business. Clearly, it's one of those stories that can only spring from truth. And no, no one reads the news here. As for Hahn, she co-stars as Marty's younger sister Phyllis, while Casey Wilson (Happy Endings) features as Ike's wife Bonnie. And yes, if you're looking for something to fill the Apple TV+ void now that Ted Lasso's second season has wrapped up, this just might be it. Check out the trailer for The Shrink Next Door below: The Shrink Next Door starts streaming via Apple TV+ from Friday, November 12, dropping three episodes to begin with and then releasing new instalments week by week afterwards.
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival's 2022 edition is kicking off with a bang in the form of the Village Feast — a two-day fiesta lighting up the Gippsland town of Thorpdale. Head along to the stunning country town to wine and dine with a talented team of chefs. Highlights include Alejandro Saravia's (Farmer's Daughters) trout tartare with Baw Baw wild herbs and gaufrette potatoes, as well as Trevor Perkins' (Hogget) wild venison cooked over charcoal. You can also snack your way through an array of food pop-ups from chefs including Danielle Alvarez (Fred's in Sydney), Tasmania's Analiese Gregory and Richmond's Hector's Deli crew. Elsewhere, the old general store is being reimagined into a pop-up wine bar featuring offerings from William Downie, ARC Wines and more local labels. Thorpdale natives are also adding their own flare to the feast such as fresh goods from the Thorpdale Bakery and Gippsland brewers dominating the taps. Live music, courtesy of Always Live, will be present throughout the weekend. Guests can expect names like Mia Wray, Dorsal Fins, Grace Cummings and other local talents to show up on stage. Find out more about The Village Feast on the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival website where you can also purchase your tickets starting from $32. [caption id="attachment_871091" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Clement[/caption] Top image: The Village Feast — supplied
Schlock, shock and devils, Monster Fest has it all. Organised by cult film distribution company Monster Pictures in conjunction with Cinema Nova, the festival, now in its third year, aims once again to shine a light on the most extreme, absurd and flat-out frightening horror flicks from Australia and beyond. With over 30 screenings, almost all of them Australian premieres, the 2013 program is the festival’s most impressive yet. Big titles include a 3D Dracula adaptation from Italian giallo master Dario Argento, a quintet of Japanese splatter films and a Los Angeles set creature feature about a big-ass spider titled, appropriately enough, Big Ass Spider! Opening night will showcase the new film by Melburnian director Daniel Armstrong, a roller-derby slasher pic called Murderdrome. Other highlights in the Australian section, christened Terror Australis, include porn-biz documentary The Last Days of Joe Blow from Melbourne Underground Film Festival founder Richard Wolstencroft, as well as the grand final of the inaugural Monster Micro-Nasties competition, wherein six budding filmmakers each pitch their version of a cannibal movie to a cinema full of genre-nuts. Rounding out the program are a selection of special events, including a VHS swap meet, a live Q&A with Linda Blair aka Regan from The Exorcist, plus a midnight ‘til dawn marathon screening of the first six Nightmare on Elm Street movies, collectively billed as A Nightmare on Lygon St. For tickets and the full Monster Fest program, see the festival website.
As the city kicks back into gear after a long Lockdown 6.0, we're set to see plenty of venue makeovers and some bold new additions to Melbourne's food and drink scene. Including the latest iteration of QT Melbourne's rooftop hideout, the Secret Garden, which has been reimagined as a vibrant, Italian-inspired oasis complete with colourful artworks and top-notch local vino. Embodying the motto of la dolce vita, the new-look Secret Garden will open its doors from Friday, October 22, for walk-ins until the end of summer. While its sights and sounds are wholeheartedly Italian, the food and drinks are set to be an all-Victorian affair, led by a collaboration with King Valley's Dal Zotto Wines. The celebrated winemaker will be pouring a selection of its Italian-leaning signature drops — sí, that includes plenty of prosecco — alongside a special appearance from the exclusive reserve list it usually keeps for its wine club members. It'll be the first time an Aussie venue gets access to creations like the 2015 Limmigrante Barbera and early 2000s vintages of the Riesling. [caption id="attachment_828903" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hayden Dib[/caption] Backing up the vino, you'll find beers from Beechworth's Bridge Road Brewers, gin and limoncello courtesy of Bass & Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, and salumi from The Meat Room in Kilmore, Central Victoria. While you're sipping and snacking beneath the festoon lights, you'll also soak up the artistic offerings of artist Rowena Martinich, and rounding out the vibe, there'll be bocce, plus a soundtrack heavy on 1920s Italia from QT's music collaborator Andrew Lewis. Secret Garden launches at 3pm on Friday, October 22, at 133 Russell St, Melbourne. It's set to stick around until the end of summer, open for walk-ins only, 2pm–late, Thursday–Sunday. Images: Hayden Dib
Since 1990, every child has wished for one thing: to get stranded home alone so they could relive the ultimate 90s Christmas movie. No one really wants to spend the festive season without their family — especially when their mum is Schitt's Creek legend Catherine O'Hara — but we've all wanted to follow in Macaulay Culkin's footsteps. Admit it, we've all yelled "keep the change, ya filthy animal!" in hope, too. Expect that line — and the entire seasonal cinematic treat that is Home Alone — to echo through Hamer Hall this festive season. Here's one way to relive the movie: watching it play in the hefty venue with a live soundtrack. As it did back in 2019, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is bringing the film back to the big screen in the best possible way, aka in concert, and welcoming the merriest time of the year in the most appropriate fashion. Home Alone made a star out of Culkin and, yes, made every 90s kid (and 00s and 10s kid as well) hope their family went on holidays without them. It truly is the best movie there is about an eight-year-old who outsmarts two burglars while living it up without his parents and siblings — and while it charts Kevin McCallister's antics, it also boasts a rousing Oscar-nominated score by iconic composer John Williams. That's what the MSO will bust out at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 14–Thursday, December 15 — and there's your essential end-of-year viewing taken care of. Home Alone isn't just any old Christmas flick. It's one of the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time. And, it's spawned sequels great (Home Alone 2: Lost in New York) and forgettable (all the other ones, including 2021's Home Sweet Home Alone). If your response to the above news is to hold your hands to your cheeks and exclaim, then you'll want to nab a seat. There's no need to set traps or play pranks to grab a ticket, though — they go on sale at 10am on Thursday, October 13.
Are you serious about your rum? Or just know you love the stuff? Either way, there's a rummy adventure happening in Melbourne throughout August and you can get involved. Fine purveyors and makers of rum for over 265 years, Appleton Estate will bring back The Appleton Trail, a month-long celebration of Jamaica's long-loved spirit. Throughout August Melburnians can pull up a pew at not one, but two rum-lovin' bars and taste the gems of the Appleton range and get into the summery Jamaican spirit. The Trail is headed both to Brunswick's Penny Black and Big Mouth in St Kilda — so no matter what side of the river you live on, you can still enjoy the festivities. Both venues will be serving up special Appleton cocktails and matched Jamaican snacks every night in August with some added surprises rolling out throughout the month. The Penny Black will have live music on Friday, August 5 and Sunday, August 12 as well as some super tasty jerk chicken from their pop-up bar — which is a total no brainer. Or get down to Big Mouth on Saturday, August 20 and 27 for complimentary cocktail tastings. Yep, it's time to switch to rum for winter — it's one of the best ways to keep warm, after all. By Lauren Vadnjal and Shannon Connellan.
"My whole life I got tangled up in complications. Today, I simplify matters," announces Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Michel Bouquet), and it seems director Gilles Bourdos tends to agree. Detailing the final years of the French Impressionist and those around him, Renoir falls short as a shallow and over-simplified biopic. In his Cagnes-sur-Mer retreat in the southeast of France, the 74-year-old Renoir is crippled by arthritis and tended to by a troupe of dedicated female servants who each began as a model for the late artist. After the death of his beloved wife (though apparently not beloved enough to keep him from infidelity), Renoir finds new inspiration when a 15-year-old model that "Titian would have worshipped" hits the screen. Sassy and ambitious, Andrée (Christa Theret), aka Dedee, refuses to meet the same fate as the models before her and for the most part sees through Renoir — basically just a self-absorbed tit — and his lack of genuine care for others. Though bratty at times, Dedee is otherwise the most likeable character and developed more than any other. But alas, her hyper-sensual representation lets the character down, occasionally reducing her to a frustratingly typical product of the male gaze. Nonetheless bewitching and enchanting, Dedee captivates both Renoir and his son Jean (Vincent Rottiers), who's returned home wounded from WWI. But the predictable love affair that ensues should have had a deeper focus. Jean promises that the pair will embark on a career in the burgeoning film industry. Though a far more interesting topic, we never learn how their relationship fell apart 16 years later and are left wondering how he died a prominent filmmaker — with titles Grand Illusion and The Rules of the Game under his belt — and her alone in poverty. Unfortunately, a bare script that's self-consciously romantic and wannabe poignant leaves the actors with little to work with and viewers little to follow. In its 111 minutes almost no drama or tension unfolds and every word spoken is either meaningless or starry-eyed. Thankfully, Taiwanese cinematographer Mark Ping Bing Lee (In the Mood for Love) redeems Renoir with lighting and picture that's splendid and majestic. Despite a numbing script, Renoir is worth the watch just for its beauty. No, seriously, it's gorgeous; an impressionist artwork brought to life. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3Cv9KxLIHAE
So far in December 2020, Australia has experienced heat, snow and a patch of wet weather that has caused a Byron Bay beach to erode. That's an erratic set of conditions — so if you're wondering what Friday, December 25 has in store, that's understandable. Is a sweltering hot Christmas on the cards, or is it literally set to rain on everyone's festive parade? According to the Bureau of Meteorology, most of the country's capital cities will fall in the middle of those extremes. On the east coast, it'll be warm, but not sweltering, and either cloudy or mostly sunny. If you're still making barbecuing, beach-going and festive-feasting plans, take note. In Sydney, a maximum of 28 degrees is currently forecast, with a medium (30–40 percent) chance of showers and rain possible across the partly cloudy day. It'll also be a little windy, with northeasterly gusts getting up to 15–25 kilometres per hour. Conditions are expected to be mostly the same on Wednesday, December 23 and Thursday, December 24, too. For Melburnians, prepare for a mild Christmas — with the mercury only set to reach 21 degrees maximum (and with a minimum of 12 degrees predicted). Like Sydney, the Victorian capital will be partly cloudy and experience winds up to 15–25 kilometres per hour. There's only a 20-percent chance of rain or a shower, though. In Brisbane, it'll also be cooler than usual. Yes, we know that 25 degrees isn't exactly cold, but it's much, much milder than usual Brissie summer weather. It's also cooler than the temps leading up to December 25, which'll range from 27–33 across the week prior. The temperature isn't forecast to fluctuate much on Christmas day, with a minimum of 21 degrees expected. Also, it'll be cloudy, with light winds and a 50-percent likelihood of showers interrupting your game of backyard cricket. https://twitter.com/BOM_au/status/1339866903884513282 Over in the west, Perth will be hot, getting up to 31 degrees — although, given that temps of 38 and 39 degrees are forecast between Tuesday, December 22–Thursday, December 24, it's likely to feel like a cooler reprieve. There is little expected chance of rain, at just five percent, but winds up to 15–20 kilometres per hour are possible on what's predicted to be a mostly sunny day. Folks in Adelaide can expect sun, warmth and wind. It'll be mostly sunny, like Perth, while the mercury will hit 29 degrees and gusts will get up to 25–35 kilometres per hour. Meanwhile, Darwin looks set to be the hottest state capital for Christmas, getting to 32 degrees with showers, light winds and a possible thunderstorm — and Hobart will be the coldest, at just 16 degrees, with a 40-percent chance of morning rain and winds of up to 15–20 kilometres per hour. And in Canberra, it's expected to hit 28, with a medium (30–40 percent) chance of showers and rain possible and gusts getting up to 15–25 kilometres per hour. Of course, while these are BOM's forecasts just under a week out from December 25, conditions may change — so keep an eye on the Bureau's website for the most up-to-date information. For further details about the Bureau of Meteorology's Christmas forecasts, head to the BOM website.
When Barry said farewell, it brought one of the best supporting performances in recent years to an end with it. Star, creator, writer and director Bill Hader wasn't the only talent scoring awards for the hitman dramedy, with Henry Winkler also earning plenty of love — and nabbing his first Primetime Emmy win more than four decades after he was first nominated in the 70s for Happy Days. That's quite the story from a career full of them, given that Winkler will always be known as Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli, for scene-stealing parts in Arrested Development and Parks and Recreation, and for popping up everywhere from the Scream franchise and The French Dispatch to multiple Adam Sandler movies as well. And, Winkler will tell those tales when he heads to Australia in 2024 on a speaking tour to reflect upon his time in Hollywood. [caption id="attachment_918614" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Eccles[/caption] Jumping sharks might not be on the agenda, but chatting about doing so more than once — and changing TV history when he made the leap the first time — likely will be. Acting classes also won't be on the itinerary, but hearing about half a century spent performing definitely is. Winkler's tour will follow the release of book Being Henry: The Fonz... and Beyond in October, which will also step through playing Fonzie, Barry Zuckercorn, Dr Saperstein, Gene Cousineau and more. On a six-stop visit, Winkler will head to Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne on Thursday, February 15. Hopefully also getting a mention: his role in helping develop the original MacGyver back in the 80s. Top image: HBO.
After a somewhat tumultuous history and an ever-shifting popularity over the decades, gin has fought its way back and into the glasses of today’s modern, sophisticated drinkers. It’s thanks, in no small part, to the well-loved and widely poured Bombay Sapphire. Uniquely crafted using the vapour infusion process, the spirit takes on broader, more balanced flavours, creating a complex drop that has changed the way we look at, and drink, gin. We caught up with Bombay Sapphire’s global brand ambassador, Raj Nagra, to find out about his work and to chat all things gin. How did you cut your teeth in the industry and what’s led you to your current role? When I finished school, I worked with some people that really led my interest into the industry with a bit more focus. Working at a Sheraton Hotel in Sydney, I met three very famous London bartenders and they really showed me the level of high-end cocktails. I worked in several Sydney bars in the '90s, went to London, then returned to help open Gas nightclub. I did some consulting in Dubai and Australia before Bacardi approached me with an Australian ambassador role, which I started in 2001. After that, I was given a full-time Asia-Pacific role, then moved to Miami seven years ago for a national role there, before I took on my current position. Talk us through some of the things that your work entails. Well, there’s a lot of travel, obviously. It can be anything from global competitions, going to various markets, supporting local activations to presenting at trade events, training programs and lots of PR-type stuff. So it’s a combination of many different aspects, but it’s really just speaking to any number of audiences on behalf of the brand. There’s a lot involved, so it keeps things interesting! How has Bombay Sapphire set itself apart from the rest? I think when Bombay Sapphire launched, it was singlehandedly responsible for gin’s modern renaissance. In the '90s we started to see a lot more style bars pop up, a lot more interest in drinking culture and Bombay was at the forefront of that. It really has led the modern gin charge that we have — it’s allowed modern gin to exist. How Bombay sets itself apart is the distillation process. The flavour infusion is really like the difference between steaming and boiling vegetables; what you end up with when steaming is a lot more expressive — more forward, more vivacious, a more engaging type of experience. As far as I know we’re the only gin company in the world to have a Master of Botanicals [Ivano Tonutti]. That’s quite unique to us — we have that interest in where our ingredients come from. What are some things people might not know about gin? It’s a lot more approachable than people might think and much more mixable than vodka, for example. It has a lot more to lend and it’s quite a refined taste. I think people are quite often surprised when they mix it, as to how palatable it really is. What excites you about Australia’s bar industry? Australia’s one of the leading cocktail markets in the world – it’s cutting-edge, it’s polished and it’s come such a long way. There are so many bartenders travelling globally and coming back with a lot of knowledge and experience — they’ve really pioneered an amazing array of bars. I think it’s a great showcase. Consumers are also a lot savvier these days and Australians like to go out and have fun, so there’s plenty of good drinking to be had. What has Bombay Sapphire got in store for us in the coming months? Well, Star of Bombay is just walking out the door now. It’s really one of the most incredible gins in the world, and I can say that, not just because I work for them! It’s a higher proof and we use a method called slow distillation where we slow down, and steam up and slow down the production process. Because we’re not boiling it, we have a lot more control over the aspects that we gain from the botanicals, so what you end up with is a full-bodied, textured, sipping style of gin which you can’t really find anywhere else. It’s bold, but it mixes in a lot of different ways. What are your favourite gin cocktails? At the moment I’m quite fond of the Clover Club. It’s a great classic, and a really approachable drink. I’ve also been getting into 50/50 martinis — half Bombay, half Noilly Prat Dry, with a dash of orange bitters and an orange twist. And of course, negronis. It’s not often I’m out and not drinking a negroni. Experience Bombay Sapphire in all its flavour at Project Botanicals. The pop-up will be open from June 24 to July 11 (Wednesday to Saturday) at 64 Sutton St, North Melbourne. Tickets $45pp (plus booking fee) via Eventbrite.
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It stops a nation, it makes us spend ludicrous amounts on dresses, fascinators, suits, shoes, booze, you name it. Yet someone has to back a winner and to be honest we always think it's going to be us. Whether you win $1000 or leave with only a few pennies left to rub together, Concrete Playground's here to suggest 10 ways to spend your Spring Racing bounty. 1. $4 Glass of Bubbles at Charlie's Bar Charlie's Bar, a little bit swanky but nowhere near pretentious. Tasty snacks like mini burgers and secret alcoves for conversation make Charlie's a great spot for a drink or two. So you went to the races and are now left with no money. Don't worry, us too. But fear not, Charlie's Bar run cheap drink specials every night for those of us on a budget. Try a $4 glass of bubbles (no, it's not Champagne) on Friday nights between 5-8pm. Basement 71 Hardware Lane, Melbroune; 03 9600 1545; www.charliesbar.com.au/ 2. $8.50 Huxtaburger Huxtaburger, from the lovely crew that brought us Huxtable and Bill's bar make some of the best burgers in Melbourne. Moondarra Wagyu beef served pink between two soft and slightly sweet buns is just the beginning. It may only have a handful of seats, but these burgers will do just fine as take away. For $8.50 you can get your hands on their 'Huxtaburger' which is a delicious beef pattie, mustard, mayo, tomato sauce, cheese, lettuce and pickles. Perhaps the perfect Spring Racing hangover cure. 106 Smith Street, Collingwood; 03 9417 6328; www.huxtaburger.com.au/ 3. $13.20 Plate of pan-fried dumplings from HuTong Dumpling Bar It's no secret Melbourne loves dumplings. And HuTong, tucked away in a side street off Little Bourke Street, know a thing or two about the humble dumpling. You can get prawn dumplings and boiled pork dumplings, but it's hard to go by a plate of their famous pan-fried. 14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne; 03 9650 8128; www.hutong.com.au/ 4. $20 Buckets of Coronas from Campari House Campari House, on bustling Hardware Lane offers three levels of food and drink fun. On the ground floor the restaurant serves up Italian inspired dishes including a seriously good range of pizzas. On the middle level you'll find a cocktail lounge and if you keep going up the stairs you'll find the rooftop. For just $20 you can get yourself a bucket, yes a bucket of Coronas to enjoy with your friends. 23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne; 03 9600 1574; www.camparihouse.com.au/ 5. $45 High Tea at Friends of Mine Friends of Mine in Richmond, sister café to both Snow Pony and Porgie and Mr Jones is a brunching favourite for many. On Sunday afternoons, you can channel your inner socialite and partake in their High Tea. For $45 you will get both sweet and savoury delights along with a glass of bubbles on arrival. 506 Swan Street, Richmond; 03 9428 7516; www.friendsofmine.com.au 6. $66 'Feed Me' menu at Chin Chin If you've ever tried to eat at Chin Chin you will know they don't take reservations and the waiting time is often hours. Conveniently for us they have a great little bar downstairs, GoGo Bar. For $66 a head you can simply let them feed you. You might be treated to a salad of sticky pork belly with crispy fried barramundi, or a starter of roll your own rice paper rolls with lightly tempura tofu. A dry salmon curry or a moist beef massamum curry might follow. You will probably need to be rolled out of there, but it's worth it. 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne; 03 8663 2000; www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au/ 7. $90 Odyssey at The Understudy The Understudy is the slightly kooky younger sister of cocktail bar 1806. Think Alice in Wonderland, a little confusing, but very intriguing. Cocktails are born here and they will surprise and delight. For $90 The Understudy guide you through a journey of the senses with a 5 course degustation with matched food ($75 a head for just the cocktails). It's a fun way to spend an evening and you'll be sure to taste something unlike anything you have before. 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne; 03 96637722; www.1806.com.au/understudy/ 8. $199 Mixed Dozen from City Wine Shop City Wine Shop is a wine lovers heaven. For $199 you can take away a mixed dozen from the wise wine lovers behind the City Wine Shop. They might push you out of your comfort zone with their choices, but where's the fun in sticking with what you know. 159 Spring Street, Melbourne; 03 9654 6657; www.citywineshop.net.au/ 9. $500 Degustation for two at Vue de Monde Vue de Monde, a Melbourne institution is an enchanting mix of culinary brilliance and theatre. While it is expensive, the degustation is an experience. It is more than simply food. Palate cleansers crushed at your table and dry ice add to the brilliant food. You will also be sent home with a bag of delights for the morning. It might include a tiny brioche loaf or some granola. It's like a grown up lolly bag. The experience of Vue de Monde will stay with you long after your last bite. Rialto Tower, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne; 03 9691 3888; www.vuedemonde.com.au/ 10. $1050 bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V at Eua De Vie Eau de Vie may be almost impossible to find. It was once suggested by an out-of-towner that I was making this place up, but once you have found it you won't look back. As you step inside it's like you step into another world where all that matters is which Whiskey or cocktail you should order. For those cashed up after a Spring Racing win, we suggest you indulge a $1050 bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V to stash in your very own personal drinks cabinet. You even get a key, awesome. 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne; 0412 825 441; eaudevie.com.au/Melbourne/
This review was written about the show's Sydney run in October-November 2014. Very rarely do you attend an STC show with no clue what’s waiting for you. Yet Sisters Grimm’s Calpurnia Descending allures, ensnares then disorients, till you’re not sure you're even in the theatre/on Planet Earth/in this dimension any longer. The Sisters Grimm (Declan Greene and Ash Flanders) are a spicy item on the Australian theatre menu, with their "gay DIY drag-theatre". Their newest creation, Calpurnia Descending, is a cynical farce, co-written by the Sisters and directed by Greene. Its witty, fast-paced dialogue and hilarious one-liners demonstrate why the company has burst beyond the confines of queer cabaret to stir up the Australian main stage. Despite its covetable spot at the Wharf 2 Theatre, Calpurnia refuses to behave politely. It pisses on the sanctity of theatre and is sometimes downright silly. It begins with abrupt fanfare, leaving no time for us to get our bearings and continues full-pelt until every sense has been saturated. The plot loosely follows the return to fame of washed-up New York actress Beverly Dumont, played superbly by Paul Capsis. Pack your asthma puffer for the stitches you’ll be in as Capsis performs the ageing diva, combining irreverence, melodrama and fragility in equal measure. His foil is Ash Flanders as Violet St Clair, the ever-recognisable ingenue who proves the age-old adage: anything too sweet will eventually kill you/make you fat. It's Sandy Gore who delivers the most laughs, though, as she channels the crafts(wo)manship of 1980s New York drag king scene. The voice work and choreography is astonishing, almost too good. At times you have to pinch yourself to remember it's all live. The show transports us to the silver screen of the '30s, which (thanks to the design team) is a surreal world of excess. Jed Palmer’s sound design playfully nudges us at key points of action, and Matthew Gingold and Matt Greenwood’s AV and animation overload us with colour, movement and product placement. Calpurnia never misses a cheap gag either. I found the mix of high-budget tech-experimentation with moments of daggy melodrama delightful. Calpurnia constantly undermines the drama it has set up, making us sprint to catch-up. The flouncing, pouting behaviour of Beverly Dumont is mimicked by the whole production: it asks, “Look at me! Look at me!” then leaves us embarrassed when the zoom-in results in overexposure. It’s as if Sisters Grimm received a healthy budget and so decided to Use. Every. Trick. I for one loved the splurge that afforded such vibrant, vacillating drag and disrobing.
