Imagine a fully immersive theatre experience with a choose-your-own-adventure twist and lots of macabre nods to Edgar Allan Poe, and you'll have some idea of what to expect when A Midnight Visit takes over an abandoned Melbourne warehouse this winter. Unlike any theatre offering the city has seen before, this captivating experience is part performance, part playground and part film set. And it's being brought to life across 36 rooms of an eerie North Melbourne warehouse. Audiences will find themselves transported into a dream world that takes its cues from those notoriously macabre works of Edgar Allan Poe, as imagined by a team of local actors, circus performances and burlesque dancers and a crew of innovative sound, film-set and costume designers. Expect an air of David Lynch and some Stanley Kubrick vibes, with a spot of steam-punk thrown in for good measure. [caption id="attachment_690993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A Midnight Visit, Sydney by Anna Kucera.[/caption] "We wanted to create an experience that explores themes of madness, guilt, death, impermanence and memory — just the small things in life," explains director and co-creator Danielle Harvey. "It's sometimes funny, sometimes sexy, sometimes wistful, and yes, sometimes a bit scary." It won't be for the faint-hearted, with hints to uneven floors, suffocatingly small spaced and many 'troubled characters'. The one-of-a-kind experience took over a Newtown warehouse late last year, before heading to Perth. A Midnight Visit will run from July 30 to November 3, at an undisclosed address in North Melbourne. Tickets cost between $44–79 and are on sale now. Images: A Midnight Visit, Sydney by Anna Kucera and Tim Da-Rin. UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 — Due to overwhelming demand, A Midnight Visit has extended its Melbourne season from September 15 to November 17. The above article has been updated to reflect this.
For every great story there exists, somewhere, a pornographic adaptation of it. However, it is rare for the adaptation process to go the other way and for pornography to be turned into art. This is just one of the things that makes The Rabble's Story of O such a remarkable work. As a choice for source material, 1950s French titillater Histoire d’O is certainly an outré choice. The novel tells the story of a beautiful Parisienne who is induced by her lover to become a sex slave for a bondage club, who operate as a kind of secret society in a country chateau. The slide into depravity is framed as a romance — the heroine, known only as O, consents willingly to all manner of indignities, driven by the desire to please her lover — and the book was doubly scandalous because the author was a woman. The Rabble’s interpretation is not so much a straight telling of the story as an evocation of its mood and an exploration of the broader social issues it raises. And what issues, with a questioning eye turned to the meanings of eroticism, power, free will and identity. As a piece of theatre, it’s a scorcher. The cast, a striking assemblage from the moment they appear posing louchely on carousel horses, deliver powerhouse performances, with Mary Helen Sassman giving raw intensity to the role of O. With a script incorporating snippets from De Sade and symbolist poet Renée Vivien, as well as ideas from essayist Susan Sontag, it is a far more artful text than the notoriously clunkily written original. The intellectualisation of its subject matter is openly and powerfully expressed at the same time as the show virtually redefines viscerality in its ingenious theatrical depictions of graphic sex. The gender blurring of some key roles — most notably Sir Stephen, the master of the sadomasochistic circle, being played by a woman (Jane Montgomery Griffiths, who delivers the role with a double serving of panache) — enables power to be examined as a symbolic entity, potentially if not entirely free of the scenario’s patriarchal overtones. Sex is by turns shown as garishly carnivalian, coldly clinical or, at times, downright harrowing. It makes for frequently confronting viewing but far from being relentless, the play is expertly timed, shock points spaced among moments of gentleness and humour. It is as if the play itself acts as dominus to the audience, with a fire and ice approach, alternating warmth and brutality, each heightening the other, dragging you ever deeper under its influence. Some may find it too shocking and I did see one walk out. It was telling though that half way through the act of leaving, the departing lady paused, transfixed by a development on stage, her decision to go made but the power of the piece not releasing her. I couldn’t have looked away for a second. Story of O is theatre that absolutely commands attention.
Feel like your interior space needs a 2023 refresh, but don't want to spend thousands on a couple of exxy cushions? We get it. Luckily the cost-effective homewares market is just getting better and better these days — and of course, a huge player is everyone's fave Aussie department store, Kmart. Well, take an extended lunch break or block out some time in the diary for online shopping — we mean, a 'meeting' — because today, Thursday, February 2, Kmart has just unveiled its latest home-focused lineup. Expect it to fly off the shelves. With prices starting at $3.50 — for dinnerware, should your kitchen need a revamp — the February Living Range goes heavy on colourful hues, natural materials and vintage inspiration. There are three main themes: timeless, natural and urban. The first two themes skew soft, gently preparing us for autumn with shearling fabrics, hygge-friendly throws and rugs, curved shapes and delicate glassware. The latter theme, which is still designed to mix and match with the rest of the range, is where bold silhouettes and gleaming surfaces come in. We also have it on good authority that deep purples and red wine tones are going to be big this year. Covering items for the dining room, bathroom, bedroom and living room as well, Kmart's current drop includes some 70s-inspired picks like a cream cloud chair (available online only), an arched bedside table and some funky vases and candles — all of which you'll probably see on TikTok in about six minutes flat. And it being Kmart there are all the classic beachy and boho tones that have become synonymous with the brand: think rattan baskets, chambray throws and fringed ottomans. Our top picks? The new coloured and curved water glasses are guaranteed to go viral — especially starting at just $14 for a set of four — while the coupe glasses are screaming cocktails in the sunshine to us. Scatter them along a long table for your next dinner party, amid your new pastel $5 candles and scallop-edged placemats. Oh and you can probably cater the party using Kmart's new outrageously affordable pizza oven and LED-screen air fryer (complete with a dehydrator for DIY cocktail garnishing). For the bathroom, make sure you grab the plush towels that are in our eyes a total dupe for Missoni — except they're only $13 each. But be warned — you only have a short period to get your mitts on your favourite pieces. The February Living Range is on sale online and in-store from Thursday, February 2 until Wednesday, February 22. This drop also includes a newly increased DIY line of decorative pieces like wallpaper, adhesive tiles, window dressings and door handles, for refreshing tired existing spaces around the house. Kmart's February Living range is on sale online and in-store from Thursday, February 2 until Wednesday, February 22.
Looking to be a little more mindful this year? Perhaps a get a bit more spiritual? Make tracks to Bendigo's impressive Buddhist structure, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion (which also happens to the largest stupa in the southern hemisphere) in May. The annual appreciation for Buddha and his life, known as Illumin8, will take place across Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. If Buddha is your jam and light installations and fireworks are your peanut butter, then roll on up. Illumin8 2019 will incorporate light sculptures in The Great Stupa's Peace Park, roaming performances and vegetarian and vegan food and market stalls. Be sure to visit the giant Jade Buddha while you're there, too (it's his day after all). The centrepiece of the whole shebang is a light projection show each night telling the story of Buddha's life, topped off by fireworks. Open your mind and let the light in (just don't get too close to the fireworks). Illumin8 2019 will run from 4–8pm on Friday, May 17 and 10am–8pm on Saturday, May 18. To purchase tickets, head to The Great Stupa's website.
Rolling hills flanked with eucalyptus trees, and the distant roar of the Indian Ocean — the Margaret River region looks calm, almost lazy. But there's serious work happening in the region's wineries. Some of the best chardonnays and cabernet sauvignon in Australia come from Margaret River, and Vasse Felix is the legacy winery that started it all. For one night only, Stokehouse will celebrate Margaret River winemaking with a four-course seasonal menu by Executive Chef Jason Staudt and, of course, the perfect pairings for the occasion by Head Sommelier Wil Martin. Canapes go with the blanc de blancs from Idée Fixe, Vasse Felix's spinoff dedicated to sparkling wines. The night goes on with a selection of Vasse Felix wines, including the 10th release of the acclaimed 'Tom Cullity'. With over two decades at the helm of winemaking at Vasse Felix, Virginia Willcock will walk you through its wines and the tales behind them. Willcock was also recently recognised as the winemaker of the year at the Halliday Wine Companion awards — you'll be dining with a legend.
Goodbye golden arches, hello golden fries: that's McDonald's new makeover at its world-first fry-thru pop-up. And if you're wondering what a fry-thru is, that's the term that Macca's has coined to describe it's new fries-focused restaurant, which will make Tumbalong Park in Sydney's Darling Harbour its home for the duration of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. This fries-adoring McDonald's outlet won't just be serving up hot and crispy slivers of potato heaven in medium servings. It'll definitely be doing that, of course, but the space that it's selling them from is just as noteworthy. Head to the FIFA Women's World Cup Fan Festival to get some chips and you'll be ordering them from an eatery that's shaped like a giant packet of fries. If you've ever needed to see what a five-metre-tall version of Macca's potato slices looked like — and then get some fries from it — this is your chance. It's the dream that no chips lover ever realised they had, and it's coming true from Thursday, July 20–Sunday, August 20. Here, the question isn't "would you like fries from that?", because you're definitely getting fries. Instead, it's "would you like fries from that?". The giant packet of chips is pairing its medium fries with a couple of Macca's sauces of the world condiments, with outback barbecue sauce and wasabi-flavoured mayonnaise on offer to tie in with the Women's World Cup's participating countries. Not getting in on the fan fest fun but just want to drop by the restaurant? The fry-thru is open to both football fans hitting up the Fan Festival and the general public. Outside stadiums hosting Women's World Cup matches in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, Macca's is also setting up an interactive photobooth that'll gives you a personalised collectable card, plus Macca's swings. [caption id="attachment_907652" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Johannes Simon - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images[/caption] Find the McDonald's fry-thru in Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Sydney, as part of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Fan Festival from Thursday, July 20–Sunday, August 20.
Counting out your pennies till pay day? No problem. Even with less than $10 in your pocket, you don't have to resort to Saladas with Vegemite you found in the work cupboard. You can still get out of the office to feast on noodle soups, Turkish street snacks, pork belly bao and even meals from a Michelin-starred restaurant. So don't sit around moping about your inability to do a banquet at Chin Chin. Round up your coins and head straight to these ten eateries where you can eat a meal for less than ten bucks. $2.70 PORK BUNS AT WONDERBAO Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Swanston Street, Wonderbao is a pocket-sized slice of bao heaven that won't stretch your lunchtime budget. Treat yourself to the barbecue pork bun for only $2.70, or if you're after a bao assortment that will keep your stomach from rumbling until dinner, the Veggie Pack of 3 bao will sort you out for a low $9.70. $6.80 CHICKEN AND RICE AT HAWKER CHAN Who would've thought that scraping together all your pennies, could get you a Michelin-starred meal? World class eateries and scraping together your lunch money pennies don't usually go hand-in-hand. Hawker Chan, however, is out to make your working week just that much better. For just $6.80, you'll be presented with the restaurants famed chicken rice dish, featuring chicken poached in chicken stock, soy sauce and ginger, the meat then blanched to give the skin a gelatinous texture, and served on a fluffy pile of jasmine rice. $8 ROTI AT MAMAK For only $8, Mamak's famed roti is an absolute steal. Served straight from the kitchen where you'll see four chefs in action flinging and grilling this doughy roti to perfection, two curry dips and a spicy sambal sauce will set you back just $8. Add cheese or onion for $1 — or both for $1.50. $10 THAI BOWLS AT SOI 38 Take a quick side-trip to the side streets of Bangkok inside a car park in Melbourne's CBD, at Soi 38. Here, $10 can get you any dish on the menu, whether it's a boat noodle soup, tom yum noodles with wontons or braised duck noodle soup you're craving. Plus, your $10 won't limit your choice, with the option to pair your choice of soup with noodles such as vermicelli, rice or egg noodles. $7 PIDE AT GOZ CITY A hunk of hot bread with toppings is good for any time of day — but especially good for lunch. Goz City doles out its generous-sized pides for just seven bucks, and it gives you a couple of options, too: sausage and egg, tomato and egg, or breakfast pide. Though the star of the show over here at Göz City is generally the gozleme, don't underestimate the power of a $7 pide filled with egg and meat. We've said it before and we'll say it again: carbs will get you through the week. [caption id="attachment_682137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Morrison via Instagram[/caption] $7.70 CURRY DON AT DON DON Don Don on Little Lonsdale is a little cramped, always has a steady flow of people in and out and there'll be a couple of "sorrys" and "excuse mes" as you make your way in, but the food is hot, incredibly quick and — most importantly — cheap. It's just $7.70 for a beef or chicken curry don (rice and pickle included) or $6.50 for the tofu version, so you need do very little else than shovel it down and be out the door, joining the constant flux that enters and exits Don Don. $9.50 ROTISSERIE CHICKEN AT BELLEVILLE Belleville is a three-birds-one-stone venue in that you can go for a meal, a drink, or some live music – or all three. Open from 11am till 11pm (and later on Thursday to Saturday), you can walk in at any time to this laneway dive bar for a quick feed, and their lunch menu is certainly willing to play along. If you're craving chicken, you're in luck — the rotisserie special is a quarter chook for $9.50. The hot bird is glazed with miso butter glazed already, but you can also add sauces of your choosing. $4.50 BAGELS AT SCHMUCKS BAGELS Don't be a fool (or, in this case, a schmuck), and head down to Schmucks Bagels between Little Bourke Street and Guests Lane for a good ol' NYC bagel, with a twist. Schmucks' bagels go way beyond your average poppyseed- or sesame-topped snack, serving adventurous bites that will take your $10 to the next level. Try the $9 Hippie Slicker, a seeded bagel with turmeric-roasted cauliflower, hummus, tomato and lemon-dressed watercress. If cauliflower isn't your thing, for 50c less try the Avo Our Way, filled with smashed avocado, pickled red onion, capers, and lemon-dressed herbs on a seedy bagel. For something a bit more on the safe side, pick up a sesame bagel with your choice of spread for just $4.50. $10 FALAFEL AT TAHINI Brought to you from the team behind Code Black Coffee, Tahini in Collins Square, gives you some serious bang for your buck. For only $10, an array of traditional Lebanese dishes awaits you — whether you're after something fresh, like the $6 fattoush salad, or meaty, such as the $8 slow cooked spiced lamb sharwarma bowl with pomegranate molasses and tahini. Although, if you can't look past some good old-fashioned falafels pick up one of Tahini's falafel wraps — they're $10, or $8 when you take away Monday and Tuesday. $8.90 CHASHU DON AT SHUJINKO Lunch at midday, 7pm or perhaps 2am? Russell Street's 24-hour ramen restaurant Shujinko has got you covered for cheap eats at all hours of the day. $7.80 will buy you five pieces of kaarage chicken and $6.90 will get youhalf a dozen dumplings at Shujinko, coming in at $1.15 a piece. But for something a bit more jam-packed, try the chashu don, with grilled pork belly, rice, red ginger, spring onion and oyster sauce for just $8.90. $9.95 CHICKEN POKE AT POKÉD For $9.95, the world's your oyster at Pokéd. Whether you're after the Hula Hula Cook bowl (chicken with pineapple teriyaki, pineapple salsa, corn, edamame, sweet potato crips and roasted sesame), or wanting to satisfy some veggie cravings (with a roasted eggplant, sesame mayo, spinach, sweet potato salad, marinated mushrooms, pickled cabbage, edamame with sweet potato crips bowl), get down to Pokéd ASAP.
With the cost-of-living crisis still hitting Melburnians, places that offer unlimited food and bottomless booze experiences are gaining popularity. People still want to go out with mates, but they don't want to leave hungry after splashing a decent amount of cash. Jumping on this trend is W Melbourne's Culprit. But it's not just offering one kind of booze- and food-filled experience like you find at most Melbourne bottomless brunch spots. It's got three, running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5–7pm. Tuesdays are the most luxe, with the team serving up unlimited oysters and sparkling wine for just $50 per person. This is a pretty epic deal, as you can get through quite a lot of oysters within two hours. And if you are feeling a little fancy, there's an option to upgrade to premium Aussie bubbles for an additional $39 a head or to French champagne for an extra $79. Come Wednesdays, it's all about bottomless margaritas and margheritas. For $50 per person, you can down as many pizzas and margs as you can. And on Thursdays, Culprit patrons get access to a huge cheese buffet and bottomless wine for $69. Park yourself right up at the cheese station, snacking the two hours away while drinking sparkling, rose, red or white vino. These have got to some of the best after-work food and drink deals in Melbourne right now. If you're in the area, seriously consider getting around to W Melbourne's Culprit for a proper feed.
After opening seven Queensland locations in the past two years and announcing plans to launch 50 more Australian stores over the next three years, Taco Bell is set to launch not one, but two Victorian stores by the end of the year. And the first one is swinging open its doors on Chapel Street in just one week, on Saturday, December 7. If you make it along to the opening day, you'll be able to score some limited-edition merch and one lucky taco fan will win a year's supply of food. The second Victoria store is set to open in Hawthorn later this year. Menu-wise, the usual Taco Bell range will be on offer, complete with burritos, quesadillas, nachos and, of course, tacos. For those dining in, frozen margaritas and a range of craft beers will also be available. https://www.facebook.com/tacobellaus/photos/a.1461510760603853/2591202694301315/?type=3&theater Taco Bell's Australian arm currently includes stores in Annerley, Cleveland, North Lakes, Robina, Southport, Logan Central and Townsville, with two more set to open in NSW before the year's out. With promises of more than 50 across the country, we can expect a few more to open in Melbourne in the upcoming months and years, too. This is, however, Taco Bell's third attempted foray into the Australian market. The chain tried to launch here in 1981 (and was then taken to court by Sydney store Taco Bell's Casa) and again in 1997 — but both attempts were unsuccessful and the brand withdrew. Find Taco Bell at 352 Chapel Street, South Yarra from 10am on Saturday, December 7.
UPDATE Wednesday, January 19: Boiler Room x Sugar Mountain Festival has been postponed and will now take place in the same location on Saturday, February 26. Find updated ticket info here. If nothing says summer to you quite like dancing in a crowd, here's another event for your calendar: the return of Melbourne's Boiler Room x Sugar Mountain Festival. It's coming in hot on Saturday, January 22, 2022, to its brand-new home in Williamtown's Seaworks Maritime Precinct. Complete with its famed 360-degree stage and a supersized lineup of acts, no less. Welsh techno producer and singer/songwriter Kelly Lee Owens leads the bill, in what'll be her first-ever Australian performance — and she'll be joined by London-based Aussie DJ HAAi, Brisbane Spotify favourite jamesjamesjames, European-based Aussie Lauren Hansom, and locals Darcy Justice, C.FRIM and Bertie. If you can't make it along, the fest will also be broadcasting live from 3–10pm. Tickets go on sale at 2pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 23. [caption id="attachment_833149" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Stanjo[/caption] BOILER ROOM x SUGAR MOUNTAIN 2022 LINEUP: Kelly Lee Owens HAAi jamesjamesjames Lauren Hansom Darcy Justice C.FRIM Bertie Top image: Mushroom Creative House.
Renowned for its martinis, late night snacks and popularity with both insomniacs and Melbourne's hospitality crowd, it's a great location to bag a bartender after a long shift. Rich, luxurious and flush with cushioned surfaces and secretive enclaves, it almost begs for a sneaky pash on a dim corner lounge. Ever better, escape with your date to the hidden, fairy-light-lit den that links the venue to Bar Ampere next door...
Turning your phone off during a movie is cinema etiquette 101. Not kicking the seat in front of you, or talking during the film, or taking in food with aromas so pungent they stink out the whole theatre — they're all on the list as well. Usually, so is wearing clothes; however, the returning Fantastic Film Festival Australia is making attire optional for some of its 2022 sessions. One of Australia's film fests dedicated to weird and wonderful cinema — a tranche of flicks so glorious that several events celebrate them — FFFA is back for another year, screening at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick in Sydney and Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn in Melbourne from Thursday, April 21–Friday, May 6. It has just unveiled its full 2022 lineup, too, and its naked screening certainly deserves attention. The fest debuted the concept last year, and it's bringing it back this year. Even better: you'll be getting your kit off to mark the 25th anniversary of The Full Monty. Stripping off while seeing a classic movie about men stripping isn't the only highlight of this year's program, of course — and yes, if you want to see Robert Carlyle and company while remaining dressed, you can leave your hat on (and the rest of your clothing as well). The attire-optional session sits alongside other standouts such as opening night's viking epic The Northman, starring Alexander Skarsgård and Nicole Kidman, and directed by The Witch and The Lighthouse's Robert Eggers; closing night's New York Ninja, which was shot in 1984, only finished in 2021 and follows a vigilante tale; and a 4K restoration of the inimitable 1981 great Possession starring a young Sam Neill and always-wonderful Isabelle Adjani (The World Is Yours). In total, 22 features and eight shorts and special events sit on this lineup of strange, surreal, out-there and purposely offbeat flicks. We're All Going to the World's Fair arrives from Sundance, combining psychological horror with a coming-of-age story — and a storyline about an online roleplaying game — while French film After Blue is a sci-fi western fantasy about a mother and daughter tracking a killer in toxic forests. There's also indie animation Absolute Denial, which has been compared to Frankenstein but in a digital world; Agnes, which explores a case of demonic possession in a convent; Japan's Dreams on Fire, featuring acclaimed dancer Bambi Naka in her first lead role; Norwegian nightmare The Innocents, as directed by The Worst Person in the World co-writer Eskil Vogt; and The Timekeepers of Eternity, which is adapted from Stephen King novella The Langoliers. On the events bill, FFFA is hosting Music Video Blind Date, to connect Melbourne musos with filmmakers in the hopes of making music video magic — and, thanks to an evening called Cinema 1 Nightclub, it's getting DJ Female Wizard to spin tunes inside a theatre while artist Baben Shin provides the visuals. And if you're keen to celebrate the launch of the program, the fest is also hosting a sneak-preview session of Michelle Yeoh-starring multiverse gem Everything Everywhere All At Once in advance — on Saturday, March 26. Fantastic Film Festival Australia runs from Thursday, April 21–Friday, May 6 at Ritz Cinema, Randwick in Sydney and Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn in Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the FFFA website.
Docklands' winter forecast is looking very warm and toasty, as the annual Firelight Festival returns to the precinct from Friday, June 28 till Sunday, June 30. The festival's third outing promises to totally eclipse the others, featuring a sprawling program of events and activities, and some particularly lavish celebrations. Victoria Harbour is set to be transformed into its biggest, brightest self, playing host to nightly fireworks displays, 40 roving performers, flame jets, fire cauldrons, water and light shows and striking installations. You'll even catch two giant fire sculptures of a phoenix and a deer set ablaze on New Quay Promenade and Victoria Esplanade, as well as giant bonfires along Harbour Esplanade. Local and international entertainers will also descend on the festival's three live performance spaces. Expect to see everything from Bollywood dancers to Mariachi bands. The festival, which coincides with the winter solstice — the shortest and darkest day of the year — will have a hefty food lineup, too. Warming and smoky will be the order of the day with local favourites Limp Brisket, the Soup Factory and Frencheese all making an appearance. Firelight Festival will run from 5–10pm with nightly fireworks expected to start at 8.45pm. Image: Grace Petrou.
Tempted by all your friends heading to Europe this winter, but cost of living got you down? If it's time for a getaway that's not going to set you back a couple of months' rent, perhaps a staycation is your best bet – and lucky for us, Victoria has delivered a swathe of brand spanking new hotels with all the luxe vibes of a southern White Lotus. Warm weather not guaranteed. Here are three of the best new openings in Victoria right now – from a converted Rolls Royce showstopper in South Yarra, to an interior designer's dream in Ballarat. THE ROYCE Following a two-year renovation of their gorgeous heritage building, The Royce has opened in the most understated way possible – which is perfectly befitting the luxury hotel, formerly a Rolls Royce showroom but now aimed at high-end business clientele and weekend travellers looking for impeccable service, generous rooms and luxe amenities. Speaking to Nick McLennan, General Manager at The Royce, he tells me they're not looking for a packed roster to fill their 94 rooms and suites – but rather a repeat customer who values discretion and design detail in equal parts. And the detail really has been carefully considered here; everything from the second bathroom in the two-level suites that repurpose the old mechanic's workshop offering a guest option for in-room meetings that ensures no awkward moments, to the separated lounge areas ensuring the bed is out of mind, and out of sight, when a client pops in for a nightcap. Breakfast in the Parisian glass conservatory is a treasure trove of Instagramable moments – particularly as you wander through the hand-painted chinoiserie frescos, matched perfectly to sorbet velvet armchairs, evoking the building's art deco bones without any of the pomp. The elegant Showroom Bar delivers sophisticated, but classic, dining almost all day and night, with an impeccably detailed marble staircase leading up to a mid-sized ballroom for any dramatic event moments in mind. The Royce is delightfully decadent, but never garishly so – and its spot on St Kilda Road in South Yarra delivers city fringe convenience with excellent location amenity for those keen on a morning run around The Tan or a late night cocktail on Chapel. Their press release may have described the "capacious lounge" adorned with a 2-metre wide chandelier and a 14-metre curved marble fireplace, but this is certainly no Burberry tote housing fold-up ballet flats. HOTEL VERA Tucked away behind the façade of a quiet heritage townhouse on Ballarat's main drag is an interior designer's dream. As you enter through the front door, Hotel Vera's masterclass in colour theory unfolds before you – the inspiring result of owners David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew's impeccable taste. With only seven spacious suites on offer, Vera's focus is on a personalised experience that translates into easy-going hospitality, long chats over breakfast, and a fascinating tour of their 19th-century mansion – now transformed into a contemporary, lovingly-crafted modern guesthouse. Each room has its own unique flavour: individual two-tone wall colours are complemented by textured, sculptural design choices, original artworks and locally-sourced decorative pieces; a pet friendly suite offers a private courtyard and convenient, separate shower bench for dog washing; and an accessible suite redefines what is often an afterthought, featuring gorgeous interior touches that allow for easy use. As Cook-Doulton leads me through the building, pointing out intricate historical details that they have weaved into their contemporary renovation, it's clear that this is a heartfelt project lovingly brought to life. As custodians of the history they've inherited, Cook-Doulton and Shew clearly understand that their properties (they also run Hotel Ernest in Bendigo) can offer modern amenities whilst still respecting the unique fabric of the regional towns they reside in. And Hotel Vera is just that: a quietly luxurious home away from home – with repeat visitors who request specific suites they've come to love – that also embraces its historical context. Add a table for the night at the 14-seat, intimate in-house restaurant Underbar, helmed by Michelin-trained chef Derek Boath, and you've got the ultimate weekend getaway on your hands. That it offers a treasure trove of interior inspiration for anyone looking to update their own space back home? Well, that's just a bonus. LE MERIDIEN MELBOURNE Walking into Le Meridien on a Friday night straight from the office, the day after their rollicking Parisian-themed opening launch (featuring a sparkling champagne tower), is admittedly not quite as glamorous – but still enjoyable nonetheless. Positioned at the top end of Bourke Street and occupying the former Palace Theatre site, the Melbourne iteration of Mariot Bonvoy's five-star brand is smack bang in the middle of the theatre district. So, with its film-themed fine diner Dolly downstairs, and movie concession-style ground floor café Intermission, it takes its cues from its own rich creative history on site. Now a 12-story building featuring 235 rooms tucked behind a heritage art deco façade, its design encompasses the performing legacy of previously hosting a theatre, cinema, nightclub and live performance venue at various times in its 180 year history. And although there are many subtle nods (like an incredible popcorn-flavoured bomb Alaska desert at Dolly, and the restaurant's name itself referencing – no, not Parton, but an obscure camera technique), its presentation is thoroughly modern. With rooms and suites overlooking either Parliament or the city – with a view to the chic pool deck below – there really isn't any bad room on offer, although the lower-pricepoint rooms are admittedly on the smaller side. Its selling point for weekenders is definitely Le Splash, a poolside dining offering featuring a small selection of cocktails and luscious lobster rolls delivered straight to your deckchair, with a view to Parliament House. Outdoor pools are a rarity in Melbourne, for obvious reasons, but when you get the weather just right, this is the place to be. Images: supplied.
Over the past few years, Gelatissimo has whipped up a number of creative flavours, including frosé sorbet, ginger beer gelato, Weet-Bix and fairy bread varieties, hot cross bun gelato and even gelato for dogs. For its latest offering, the Australian dessert chain is taking inspiration from an extremely popular drink: bubble tea. Yes, bubble tea is now a thing you can eat, not just drink, thanks to Gelatissimo. Launching this Friday, July 24, the brown sugar bubble milk tea flavour is made from a combination of organic assam tea and black tea, which are infused in creamy gelato and mixed with a swirl of brown sugar syrup. As it wouldn't really be a bubble tea without pearls, each cup or cone comes topped with chewy brown sugar tapioca pearls. If you order a takeaway tub, pearls come packed separately. Prefer sipping on your bubble tea rather than scooping it? Gelatissimo is also whizzing the limited-edition flavour into gelato shakes. As Victoria is in lockdown and NSW residents have been advised against non-essential travel, Gelatissimo is bringing the gelato to you and offering delivery through UberEats, DoorDash and Deliveroo. Gelatissimo's brown sugar bubble milk gelato flavour is available from all 43 stores nationwide for a limited time.
The Melbourne International Arts Festival will be putting the Famous Spiegeltent to good use for Mirror on Melbourne, a rich array of free daily events that run late into the night. Celebrating the best of Melbourne's local musical and performance talent, the series presents everything from toe-tapping jazz bands to DJs serving up tunes that wouldn't be out of place in the city's underground clubs. Meanwhile, each Sunday session sees leading Indigenous and multicultural voices host a special series of events. The full program is still yet to be announced, but you'll be happy to know that Archie Rose Distilling Co. and Código 1530 will be on-hand to serve up some delightful springtime drinks. Mirror on Melbourne will run every night from October 3–20, except Monday, October 14. The festivities kick off from 9.30pm each night (and 7.30pm on Sundays) so it has your late-night post-show fun covered.
When it happened, the global financial crisis wasn't funny, and frankly it still isn't. That The Big Short manages to find humour amidst the ruins is a credit to writer-director Adam McKay — even if it is a very different brand from his usual shtick, seen in Will Ferrell flicks Anchorman, Step Brothers and The Other Guys. "What else can we do but laugh?", the film asks, tell-it-like-it-is style. It's a brand of humour informed by outrage: horrified at what happened, determined to explain it and furious that little has changed. That air of impassioned incredulity suits the facts the feature concerns itself with, namely the bubble in the U.S. housing and mortgage market that very few people saw coming. It also suits the source material, a non-fiction book of the same name by Moneyball author Michael Lewis. If you're still not certain how such a film could garner laughs, that's understandable. In telling a true tale that still inspires disbelief — and sifts through some complex economic concepts in the process — The Big Short benefits from McKay's savvy stylistic choices. Accordingly, when viewers meet the rare folks who thought something was wrong prior to 2008, they're not just following a straightforward narrative. Rather, they're switching between larger-than-life players, and listening to knowing narration by Ryan Gosling in character. In between, celebrities playing themselves help break down the complicated economic jargon, while the audience is given a glimpse of society's obsession with wealth and excess through rapid, infomercial-like montages. Taken together, it paints a slick, cynical, at times farcical picture, though the details themselves remain potent. Dr Michael Burry (Christian Bale) first notices the potential for the bubble to burst and decides to bet against the market by buying credit default swaps, something that money-hungry bankers had to create because no one had asked for anything like them before. Deutsche Bank trader Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) starts shopping around the same products, convincing crusading hedge fund manager Mark Baum (Steve Carrell) that a collapse is imminent. Meanwhile, up-and-comers Charlie Geller (John Magaro) and Jamie Shipley (Finn Wittrock) are trying to move their garage-operated fund into the big leagues when they get wind of the situation. As the characters wait for the market to topple over, McKay delves into the shady practices that brought about such a precarious scenario. His sly tone and smart approach to the topic lays the circumstances bare in accessible terms, while making his anger perfectly clear. It's the closest a film can get to simultaneously educating, entertaining and shouting at its audience, and it makes for highly compelling viewing. The high-profile cast — which also includes Brad Pitt as a retired banker pal of Charlie and Jamie — are further weapons in McKay's arsenal. In fact, so skilled are their efforts that you might not grasp the movie's biggest joke until the end. Burry, Vennett, Baum and company might be the film's protagonists, but they're just as immersed in the fiscal mess as everyone else. In a situation where there can be no winners, they're the sympathetic parties only because they know that that's the case.
The Emirates British Film Festival is back for another year, with more Benedict Cumberbatch than ever before. The Sherlock star gives a sure-to-be-Oscar-nominated performance in The Imitation Game, about mathematician Alan Turing, the man who cracked Nazi Germany's Enigma code and, in doing so, helped turn the tide of the war. The historical thriller is one of 15 recent films on the festival program, which kicks into gear at select Palace Cinemas this week. Other standouts include the Belle & Sebastian-infused musical God Help the Girl and the intense action-drama '71, set on the streets of Belfast during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. There are also new films from acclaimed directors including Liv Ullmann, Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, in the form of Miss Julie, Jimmy's Hall and Mr. Turner, respectively. The contemporary contingent is bolstered by a selection of six beloved classics from the 1960s. Get a dose of kitchen-sink realism with Billy Liar, go on the run with Michael Caine in The Italian Job or experience full-blown Beatlemania with A Hard Day's Night.
How do you say goodbye to one of Australia's great music festivals? Bringing together as many local acts as possible, filling the event's stages with homegrown talents, is one excellent option. When Bluesfest bids farewell with its 2025 fest, it'll also have help from international artists, but so far the lineup is jam-packed with Aussie names. It's the end of an era, and it's going out with some impressive assistance. Come April 2025, Crowded House, Ocean Alley and Vance Joy will lead the roster of talent getting behind Bluesfest's microphones in Byron Bay for the last time, as already revealed back in August. The festival has now dropped its second lineup announcement, which adds everyone from Hilltop Hoods and Budjerah to Kasey Chambers and The Cat Empire to the bill — and there's more on the list now, and still more to come. [caption id="attachment_969986" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LD Somefx[/caption] On their return to Bluesfest, Hilltop Hoods will headline Sunday night lineup. Also no strangers to the event: Xavier Rudd and John Butler. From there, the bill also features Miss Kaninna, Velvet Trip, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, CW Stoneking, Lachy Doley Group, Ash Grunwald and Kim Churchill. The new additions will join Tones and I, Gary Clark Jr, Rag'n'Bone Man, RY X, Allison Russell, Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram and plenty others across Thursday, April 17–Sunday, April 20, 2025. Another announcement is on its way soon, which is when international artists will start hitting the roster. [caption id="attachment_969990" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joseph Mayers[/caption] "While this lineup focuses on our homegrown talent, it's still a strong blues and roots announcement, staying true to the heart of what Bluesfest has always been about. I can't begin to tell you how many incredible artists have reached out, wanting to be part of our final festival," said Festival Director Peter Noble about the second Bluesfest 2025 lineup drop. "Scores of amazing talents from across the country have thrown their hats in the ring. It's a testament to how special this festival is to the Australian music community. As much as I would love to include everyone, there are only so many spots we can fit into one lineup." "That said, I'm thrilled to welcome back some of our all-time favourites. You can't say no to artists who have helped shape this festival over the years, including Hilltop Hoods returning after a 20 year gap — and how can we be doing a best of Bluesfest without Xavier Rudd, John Butler, The Cat Empire and the incredible Kasey Chambers, alongside some rising Australian stars who represent the future of our music scene? This mix of legendary performers and up-and-coming talent is what makes this announcement so special and uniquely ours." The festival has been showered with affection since news arrived, also back in August, that it was planning to wrap up after the 2025 event. An ePetition has been launched by New South Wales MP Tamara Smith, asking the NSW Government to put together a rescue package for Bluesfest — a petition that'll be debated in the state's parliament if it hits 20,000 signatures. "It's been truly humbling to see how much Bluesfest means to so many of you. While the future remains uncertain, I am encouraged by the petition that's been raised to keep the festival going by our state member of parliament. There's real hope that with your continued support, and the backing of our community, we might just keep the Bluesfest legacy alive for generations to come," advised Noble. Bluesfest 2025 Lineup: First announcement: Crowded House Vance Joy Ocean Alley Tones and I Gary Clark Jr Rag'n'Bone Man RY X Allison Russell Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram Brad Cox Here Come the Mummies The California Honeydrops Marc Broussard Pierce Brothers Taj Farrant Fanny Lumsden 19-Twenty WILSN Cimafunk Neal Francis Second announcement: Hilltop Hoods Xavier Rudd John Butler The Cat Empire Kasey Chambers Melbourne Ska Orchestra CW Stoneking Budjerah Lachy Doley Group Ash Grunwald Kim Churchill Miss Kaninna The Beards Velvet Trip FOOLS ROSHANI Sweet Talk The Memphis Three featuring Fiona Boyes, Jimi Hocking and Frank Sultana [caption id="attachment_969988" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roger Cotgreave[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969989" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LD Somefx[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969987" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LD Somefx[/caption] [caption id="attachment_867504" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kurt Petersen[/caption] Bluesfest 2025 will run from Thursday, April 17–Sunday, April 20 at Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah. Early-bird tickets are on sale now — for further information, head to the Bluesfest website.
For the two past pandemic-affected years, the Melbourne International Film Festival has beamed its lineup to movie lovers online rather than in cinemas. Turning 70 in 2022, however, it's returning to where it has always belonged. After expanding its audience and going national with its virtual programs, MIFF isn't ditching its digital screenings — but once again showing hundreds of the latest and greatest titles in international cinema in Melbourne picture palaces is firmly the star of this year's show. That's the first piece of great news for Melbourne movie buffs. The second: while MIFF will grace the screens at a heap of inner-city favourites between Thursday, August 4–Sunday, August 21 — such as ACMI, The Capitol, Forum Melbourne, Hoyts Melbourne Central, IMAX, Kino Cinema and Cinema Nova — it'll also show in suburban Melbourne cinemas The Astor, Lido, Pentridge and Sun Theatre from Friday, August 12–Sunday, August 21, too. Throw in the online component as well, which runs from Thursday, August 11–Sunday, August 28, and that's almost an entire month of MIFFing to look forward to. Also among the ace announcements: the first 33 films that cinephiles can put on their must-see lists, whether on screens big or small. That includes homegrown titles to both open and close MIFF 2022, with the fest launching with the world premiere of coming-of-age feature Of an Age by director Goran Stolevski — then wrapping up with the Aussie premiere of documentary Clean, about Melbourne 'trauma cleaner' Sandra Pankhurst. Other highlights span 2022 Berlinale Golden Bear-winner Alcarràs; Australian docu-drama The Plains, which hones in on daily life and picked up an award in Rotterdam; Dual, the Aaron Paul (Westworld) and Karen Gillan (Avengers: Endgame)-starring latest by The Art of Self-Defense's Riley Stearns; and Aubrey Plaza (Best Sellers) slipping into the thriller genre in Emily the Criminal. Or, there's horror-comedy Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon from A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night's Ana Lily Amirpour, which focuses on a telekinetic young woman; Where Is Anne Frank, the first feature film in eight years by Waltz with Bashir director Ari Folman; and doco Jane by Charlotte, with actor Charlotte Gainsbourg (Nymphomaniac) exploring the life of her iconic mother Jane Birkin. It wouldn't be a MIFF without a film by South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo (The Woman Who Ran, On the Beach at Night Alone), which is where the Berlinale Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize-winning The Novelist's Film comes in. And, other standouts include New York-focused music documentary Meet Me in the Bathroom, about the 00s music scene; fellow doco Fire of Love, a Sundance-winner that surveys the lives of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft; and Reflection, about a man's experiences in post-Maidan Ukraine. Thanks to the MIFF Premiere Fund, which helps financially support local flicks, the Australian contingent also covers ten more titles so far. Among the must-sees: Greenhouse by Joost, a documentary about zero-waste pioneer Joost Bakker and chefs Matt Stone and Jo Barrett making a self-sufficient, eco-friendly residence; the Western Australian-shot Sweet As, starring Tasma Walton (How to Please a Woman), Mark Coles Smith (Occupation: Rainfall) and Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Firebite); and the film student-focused Petrol, from Strange Colours' director Alena Lodkina. Plus, there's Under Cover, a Margot Robbie (The Suicide Squad)-narrated doco that focuses on women aged over 55 facing homelessness — and Moja Vesna, a drama about the impact of grief upon a Melbourne immigrant family that first premiered in Berlin. The list goes on — and, it'll only grow, with the entire program will be revealed on Tuesday, July 12. That's when exactly what'll screen in MIFF's new competition, which'll boast a $140,000 Best Film Award, will also be unveiled. In the interim, start steeling yourself for almost a month spent in darkened rooms, basking in the glow of the silver screen, committing the fest's ads to memory, and doing the usual dash up and down Swanson Street. Or, for checking out the program in Melbourne's suburbs — or online nationally. The 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 4–Sunday, August 28 at a variety of venues around Melbourne and Victoria, and online. For further details, including the full program from Tuesday, July 12, visit the MIFF website.
Over the past few years, the air travel industry has been flitting back and forth between two extremes. The desire for longer flights — especially non-stop from Australia to London and New York — keeps getting stronger. At the same time, the push to reduce the environmental toll of soaring through the sky has also been growing. Where the latter is concerned, Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly set itself a goal of becoming the world's first plastic-free carrier. Closer to home, Qantas pledged to phase out single-use plastics and boarding passes — and has been using mustard seed biofuel to power its planes. For Canadian seaplane outfit Harbour Air, however, the solution is electric. And, this month, it launched the first fully electric commercial aircraft. So far, the ePlane — a six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver magnified by a 750-horsepower (or 560 kilowatt) magni500 propulsion system — has only just completed its first test flight, which took place in Vancouver on December 10. Still, with Harbour Air aiming to build world's first completely electric commercial seaplane fleet for its 30,000 commercial annual flights across 12 routes around Vancouver and Seattle, it's the first step. The ePlane's magni500 propulsion system is the key to turning Harbour Air fully electric dream — and its desire to focus on clean, efficient, environmentally friendly power — into a reality. It's created by a company called magniX, which has its headquarters in the US but actually started in Australia — on the Gold Coast, where it still has an engineering centre. Before Harbour Air can bring its fleet to fruition, the two outfits will first need to get the magni500 propulsion system certified and approved — and then retrofit the airline's aircraft. For further information about Harbour Air, visit the company's website. Images: Harbour Air
While in lockdown, you've probably been battling with your hairstyle a little. Should you attempt to trim your bangs? Shave your head? Dye it blue a la Hilary Duff? Well, if you decide to cut yourself a mullet, you'll score some free beer courtesy of the folk over at Melbourne's Moon Dog Craft Brewery. The team behind Abbotsford's OG Moon Dog and Preston's OTT Moon Dog World is celebrating the launch of its new strawberry sour ale, Jean-Strawb Van Damme, by giving away four-packs of the brew to everyone who takes on the mullet challenge. To prove you've gotten your new 'do in iso, you'll need to post a before and after photo and tag both @moondogbrewing and @beefsbarbers. And not only will you score yourself a four-pack, you'll also go into the running to win a year's supply of beer. The 365 days of brews — plus and epic prize pack — will go to the best/worst mullet, so go all out. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_EcsWFjDXs/ If you need some inspo, we suggest heading on over to the Mulletfest website. Held every year in the regional NSW town of Kurri Kurri, the festival awards prizes to the best mullet hairstyle in a heap of categories, from 'grubby' to 'extreme' and 'everyday'. Those who don't want to look like Patrick Swayze in Point Break (or Road House), can still try the tasty sour ale. Moon Dog is delivering it across Australia ($20 a four-pack or $100 a 24-pack) and it's available at select bottle-os across the country, too. To score yourself a free four-pack of Jean-Strawb Van Damme — and go into the running to win a year's supply of beer — you'll need to post a before and after photo and tag both @moondogbrewing and @beefsbarbers. To buy the beer, head to the Moon Dog website.
Melburnians, when it comes to burgers, puppies and glamping, you absolutely can't get enough. And now another opportunity to disappear into a bell tent has arisen. This time, you'll be heading to Terindah Estate, a winery on the Bellarine Peninsula, 20 minutes' drive east of Geelong and 80 minutes' southwest of Melbourne. Terindah has partnered with Twilight Glamping to bring you Glamping Amongst The Vines, a pop of up 15 luxury bell tents. Perched near a private beach, this temporary village overlooks epic views of Port Phillip Bay, backdropped by the Melbourne skyline. The scene is particularly dramatic, come sunrise and sunset. In between soaking up nature, kick back on a queen-sized bed (or a twin, if you're travelling with a mate), draped in luxurious linen and plenty of cosy blankets. Every tent also comes with a jute rug, chairs, side table, mirror, towels and USB-powered lantern. Shower facilities are also located on site. There's no need to cook – nor go anywhere – if you're not in the mood. For $25 per person, Terindah will deliver a French breakfast basket, packed with fresh pastries, chocolate bread, orange juice and coffee ($25 per person). To keep you going through the day, you can add a picnic hamper ($100 for two), crowded with terrines, smoked and cured meats, fresh sourdough bread, Manzanillo olives, cornichons and pickles. You can choose to devour this on the beach, or eat it amongst the wines. Another culinary option is The Shed, Terindah's onsite restaurant, which is open for brekkie on weekends and dinner on Saturday nights. If you don't have a car, you also have the option of catching a ferry to the new beachside glamping site. Jump on the Port Phillip Ferry at the Docklands and you'll be picked up when it docks at Bellarine's Portarlington Tents are $200 per night. Images: Ferne Millen.
It's one of the most famous lines in cinema history, and it just keeps proving true. When Arnold Schwarzenegger said "I'll be back" in 1984's The Terminator, he clearly meant it — and so did James Cameron's franchise. Like Skynet-controlled robot killing machines trying to exterminate humanity and take over the world, this series just keeps coming, with 1991's Terminator 2: Judgement Day, 2003's Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, 2009's Terminator Salvation, 2015's Terminator Genisys, TV's short-lived Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and animated show Terminator Salvation: The Machinima Series to its name. The saga's fortunes have been varied, to say the least, with the last few films hardly leaving anyone clamouring for more. But, no matter how Terminator: Dark Fate turns out, it does have one big trick up its sleeves. While Arnie has been a part of every Terminator movie except Salvation, which was made while he was the Governor of California, Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor hasn't had a significant part in the franchise since T2. The character has still popped up on-screen, played by everyone's favourite duelling Game of Thrones queens — that is, by Lena Headey in The Sarah Connor Chronicles and by Emilia Clarke in Genisys — but now the kick-ass Hamilton is making a proper comeback. Timeline-wise, Dark Fate actually takes place after T2, ignoring all of the other sequels. If it's a success, it'll start a new trilogy, although the same was expected of Salvation and Genisys, too. As well as the return of Hamilton as Connor — and Arnie as the T-800, of course — the movie stars Halt and Catch Fire's Mackenzie Davis as a new terminator-human hybrid sent from the future. She's charged with protecting Birds of Passage's Natalia Reyes from the deadly ways of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Gabriel Luna, who plays their not-so-kindly cyborg assassin foe. After writing and directing the series' first two flicks, Cameron returns as a producer, while Deadpool's Tim Miller is in the director's chair. Catch the trailer below — yes, the saga is back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCyEX6u-Yhs Terminator: Dark Fate releases in Australian cinemas on October 31, 2019.
They say that you can't improve on perfection, but the folks responsible for that oft-used quote mustn't have tried rac 'n' mac. It's exactly what it sounds like, it's Smithward's once-a-week special, and it's the pasta and dairy combination that takes a delicious dish and makes it even better. That sound you're hearing? Yep, it's your hungry stomach rumbling. Every Thursday evening from 5pm, the Collingwood wine bar whips up a baked, tasty, four-cheese macaroni and cheese, grills some organic raclette and then combines the two, scraping the gooey latter over the former. If you've tried their grilled raclette with potatoes, cornichons and sourdough, which is available every night of the week, then you're going to want to try this as soon as possible. Getting in early is recommended, with the weekly special only available until it sells out. And given that cheese on cheese on pasta is the main attraction, it's bound to be popular.
Pop-up bars are no stranger to Melbourne's streets — but none deliver a message quite as blatant as Trash Tiki. It's operating waste-free and travelling the world showing customers and bar owners how to do it too. In the hopes of drawing attention to over-consumption and single-use ingredients in the craft cocktail industry today, UK bartenders Kelsey Ramage and Iain Griffiths have designed the pop-up to be a launchpad for a conversation on waste. After a brief stint in Sydney last year, Trash Tiki will set up at The Beaufort for a whole two weeks from January 22 to February 3. The drinks selection will be themed around junk, including Young Henrys Junk Ale — it's a brown ale made from spent and surplus malt, mash and hops from other brews that are usually put straight in the bin. Also on offer: Tiki cocktails, plus their Citrus Off Cut Soda with bush honey and eucalyptus, as made in collaboration with Sydney's PS40 bar. Melbourne is the 27th stop for the globe-trotting pop-up. It's travelled Europe, Asia, South America and the US, with plans to head to Brisbane too. During their stay, the gang won't just be whipping up zero-waste drinks, but also throwing punk karaoke and trivia nights and hosting a kitchen takeover by Smith & Daughters' Shannon Martinez, as well as an all-day and -night Hottest 100 party and a hip hop-fuelled sustainable wine night with the Bar Liberty crew.
UPDATE: JUNE 28, 2018 — A second Melbourne show has been added on Tuesday, August 14. Tickets are on sale now. When Bob Dylan last toured Australia, it was billed as a 'once in a lifetime' experience. And, for all those who went, it was. It's just that now fans will be get the opportunity to have another such experience, because the legendary tambourine man will return to Australia for a national tour this August. This tour will be less exhaustive than his 2014 effort, with Dylan set to do seven shows — one in each of the usual capital city stops (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide), as well as one-offs in Newcastle and Wollongong. He will draw on his incredible 60-year career — which spans 36 studio albums and countless hits — for the shows, so you better start praying to the music gods that your favourite makes it onto the setlist. Dylan may be 76 years old, but he has certainly showed no signs of slowing down as he approaches 80. In 2016 he was awareded the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature and, just this year, he oddly released his own whisky. But still, it could be the last chance you get to see this living legend perform live. His last tour sold out, so you better have your fingers ready when tickets go on sale next week. BOB DYLAN 2018 TOUR DATES Wednesday, August 8 — Perth Arena, Perth Saturday, August 11 — Botanic Park, Adelaide Monday, August 13 and Tuesday, August 14 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Saturday, August 18 — ICC Sydney, Sydney Monday, August 20 — WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong Wednesday, August 22 — Entertainment Centre, Newcastle Friday, August 24 — Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Bob Dylan will tour Australia in August 2018. Tickets are on sale now here.
Robert Reid's The Joy of Text, directed here by Peita Collard, is meant to be punny. It straight-up references that 1970s classic and explores another radical, albeit fantastical text called The Illusion of Consent — a provocative novel that is being considered for the year 12 syllabus within the play. The four central characters are primed by the performance's focus on a hypothetical story to mar distinctions between truth and fiction. Danny (Colin Craig) is a smart but vindictive teenager. Flabbergasted by his spunky young teacher's refusal to see his assignment on satire as anything other than a smartass send-up of the system, Danny broods on how best to get his own back. What better way than intertextualising, aka intersextualising, his way through his next oral assignment? There's an immediate, juicy twist: Danny’s English teacher has her own relationship with the novel and some rather personal ideas about what constitutes appropriate behaviour between students and teachers. Inspired by famous literary hoaxes, The Joy of Text is packed with wordy dialogue and cultural references. Set designer Rob Sowinski has incorporated two onstage screens to provide intellectual 'footnotes' and Danny's peers are brought into context via large projection screen. Stylistically, the use of multimedia works better in some scenes than others, as at times the stage is distractingly busy. However, by the time Danny films the audience with a hand-held camera, effectively breaking the fourth wall, his explanation of satire is both pithy and poignant. True to its titillating title, The Joy of Text is comedy with an edge — more about literary allusions than laugh-out-loud moments. Overall, it is intelligent and interesting with a focus on clever dialogue, making it enjoyable viewing for big kids who like their schoolroom drama with a serious side of satire.
Guess who's back? Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known mononymously as Eminem — or as his alter ego Slim Shady — is back, again. So, get ready to relive your angsty teen years when the controversial rapper brings the second instalment of his Rapture Tour Down Under in February, 2019. While we can't promise any renditions of 'Without Me', Eminem will be performing songs off his tenth (and latest) album Kamikaze, which was produced by Dr. Dre and features hits like 'Fall', co-written by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, and 'Venom' from the new Marvel movie of the same name. The album also features appearances by American rappers Joyner Lucas and Royce da 5'9 and Canadian singer Jessie Reyez — and Ticketek has promised special guests will be joining Eminem on this latest tour, too. When Eminem last visited Australia — in 2014, for the first instalment of Rapture to promote The Marshall Mathers LP 2 — he brought Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Action Bronson with him, so we can expect some big names to join this time round as well. EMINEM RAPTURE 2019 DATES Brisbane — QSAC, February 20 Sydney — ANZ Stadium, February 22 Melbourne — MCG, February 24 Perth — Optus Stadium, February 27 Wellington — Westpac Stadium, March 2 Rapture 2019 pre-sale tickets are available from 10pm on Sunday, October 21, and general admission tickets will go on sale at 2pm on Monday, October 22. NZ tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday, October 23 and can be found here.
Yass, a small NSW town near Canberra received the signature Queer Eye makeover when the Fab Five descended on the town earlier in June. Well, the whole town didn't, but George — a cattle farmer and former rodeo cowboy — did. As did the local pub. A rundown of the show, for the uninitiated, the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy show hit screens a whopping 15 years ago — running from 2003 to 2007 — and the reboot Queer Eye returned to Netflix this year. The general premise is that the Fab Five give less-fashion-savvy men (and it seems, establishments) much-needed makeovers. In Yass, while three of the Fab Five, Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France and Karamo Brown, were looking after George the cattle farmer, the remaining two — Antoni Porowsi and Bobby Berk — renovated the local pub's bistro and introduced a new signature dish to the menu. Fittingly, the five were also crowned — by Yass Mayor Rowena Abbey — Yass Queens. Yas, queen. If this reference is lost on you, it's a term said to have originated in the 80s ballroom community, but recently surged to popularity thanks to this YouTube video. The Australian mini-episode of Queer Eye will is now available to watch, with Queer Eye's second season also streaming on Netflix since June 15. Check out Yass, Australia! below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM2zD5FtrkQ&feature=youtu.be
It's always hard for us to talk about our own possible obsolescence. Journalists versus blogs. Paper versus iPad. Yeah sure, vinyl came back, but not everything will be so lucky. This free talk at the Wheeler Centre will debate which category arts criticism falls into. Does we still listen to the reviewer? Is anyone even reading this sentence right now? As the newspapers buckle under the demands of the new digital era, what is next for the arts section? Perhaps it has been cannibalised by our Twitter feeds — 'lol#fail that play sucked'. Maybe its modern day equivalent can be found in that annoying onslaught of personal blogs your friends are always spruiking. All these questions will be covered in more eloquent detail by an esteemed panel of industry experts on the night. Katrina Sedgwick, head of arts at ABCTV, will lead the discussion between international design critic, Alice Rawsthorn; freelance culture writer, Jane Howard; Korean theatre critic and professor, Yun-Cheol Kim; ex-arts writer at The Australian, Deborah Jones; and editor of Art Guide Australia, Dylan Rainforth.
The art form of graffiti, one of the four sacred pillars of hip hop culture, has suffered a blow this week after Long Island City's epic aerosol art landmark, 5Pointz, the cathedral of cool, was whitewashed overnight. Who are the culprits that would destroy such a monument? Who would dare to deface creative defacement? None other than the building owners themselves, Jerry and David Wolkoff (which I choose to misread as Walkoff, as in, "It's a walk-off"). Also known as the Institute of Higher Burning, 5Pointz has for years drawn graffiti artists and appreciative crowds to Long Island City, and it's in good company, MoMA's PS1 being the other creative landmark in the area. 5Pointz curator Meres One had plans to turn the site into a museum and educational space, which certainly would have been both fitting and awesome, but those plans were dashed by the owners' envisioned residential redevelopment. The Wolkoffs have big plans for the site, hoping to erect a double high-rise apartment complex serving young New Yorkers and empty nesters. Is it another case of irreplaceable cultural riches sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed? Probably, although the Wolkoffs do pledge (via Twitter, anyway) large walls available for future graffiti art. In an ironic twist, the graffiti artists who painted 5Pointz did so with permits, but the whitewashing ninja attack was carried out completely sans permit. Thus, traditionally legal and illegal forms of public mark-making appear to have swapped places in this particular case. After months of local 5Pointz loyalists striving to get the building complex listed as a landmark in a last-ditch attempt to save it from being demolished, its fate now seems sealed. What is perplexing to everyone is why the Wolkoffs had to go and stealthily paint over the artwork, using police protection, in the small hours of the morning, rather than allow it to meet its end with dignity. It takes a sufficiently large and unguarded canvas, and a big creative community, to make something like 5Pointz. Hopefully its ilk can exist again. Check out the full report and all the devastating photographs at Hyperallergic. Below: 5Pointz in happier days.
Waiting in line at the game for a measly beer has driven many a tormented, forward-shuffling queuer to madness. Sweating brows, heavy tsking and dancing tip toes are the marks of those desperate to balance missing chunks of team victory and avoiding sobriety. But those purveyors of everything fast and novelty, the US, have solved that pesky problem of waiting in line for your frosty beverage. Concessionaire Delaware North and Anheuser-Busch have created Draftserv, a self-serve beer vending machine because BASEBALL. Although regular beer vending machines have been a Thing for some time now, this one's a draft pourer. The slightly gaudy machines appeared at a Minnesota Twins baseball game on the weekend and caused spontaneous jigs and raised eyebrows across the joint. You pay by the ounce (per 28 grams) and the machine cuts you off if it knows you've chugged too much. Bonafide genius. Thirsty beer lovers flash their ID and buy a preloaded $10, $20 or $50 card, then head on over to the Draftserv and scan it for frothy goodness via touchscreen. The machines serve Bud and Bud Light for 38 cents an ounce (about US$4.50), which is almost, almost, almost considered beer but quintessential for sportswatching. Fancy beer drinkers can up it to 40 cents an ounce for Shock Top Lemon Shandy and Goose Island 312 Pale Ale (just under US$5). You can even order half beers. But if you try to pass that 48-ounces-every-15-minutes limit you'll be cut off, because The Machine Knows. "It's a way to engage with the customer and allows the fan to have greater control of what they're drinking," said Jerry Jacobs Jr., principal of Delaware North. "There's obviously some novelty value to this, but it also allows people to pour what they want. If they want half of a cup, that's all they will pay for." Whether or not the machines will make it to Australia remains to be seen, we'll just have to chug a few self-serve beer slushies while we're waiting in line. Via ESPN and Gizmodo.
It's the best action movie of this century. The best Australian flick of the same period, too. And, it's one of the very best in general as well. But, because the arid expanse that usually surrounds Broken Hill was too green when filming took place, six-time Oscar-winner Mad Max: Fury Road was actually shot overseas. That won't be the case with its follow up Furiosa, though. Focusing on a younger version of the character played by Charlize Theron in Fury Road, Furiosa is actually a prequel — and it'll begin filming in New South Wales in June this year. The Queen's Gambit lead Anya Taylor-Joy will be stepping into the formidable figure's shoes, and starring opposite Chris Hemsworth. Watchmen's Yahya Abdul Mateen II will also feature and, although no other cast members have yet to be announced, it's safe to expect that plenty of local faces will pop up as well. It has been six years since Fury Road first motored its way across the big screen, so Furiosa can't arrive soon enough. Exactly when the latter will actually hit cinemas is yet to be revealed, but it'll do so after a relatively short gap by Mad Max standards. If you feel like you've been waiting for ages to see the franchise continue, it's worth remembering that there was a 30-year gap between 1985's not-so-great Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Fury Road's triumphant arrival in 2015. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the news today, Monday, April 19, noting that the shoot "is expected to support more than 850 local jobs and bring in around $350 million into the NSW economy". And while it's all good and well that the Mad Max series is continuing, that it'll be shot in Australia and that it has quite an impressive cast, that'd really mean nothing if director George Miller wasn't involved. Thankfully, he'll be back behind the lens, as he has been on 1979's Mad Max, 1981's Mad Max 2, and both Beyond Thunderdome and Fury Road as well. Obviously, a sneak peek of Furiosa won't be available for quite some time given that it hasn't even begun shooting yet, but you can relive Fury Road's glory in its trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEJnMQG9ev8 Furiosa will start filming in NSW in June. Exactly when the film will hit cinemas hasn't yet been revealed, but we'll update you with details when they're announced
Twelve years after RuPaul's Drag Race first sashayed its way onto US television, viewers Down Under have finally been gifted a local version. Currently streaming via Stan, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under is exactly what it sounds like — the hit series, still hosted by RuPaul, but featuring Australian and New Zealand drag queens. And, if you'd like to see more of this year's competitors, you'll be able to head along to the program's new live stage show. All ten of this year's drag queens will be hitting up Sydney's Hordern Pavilion, Melbourne's Palais Theatre, Perth's Crown Theatre, Brisbane's QPAC and Canberra's Canberra Theatre as part of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under Live on Stage. It too is rather self-explanatory, and it'll obviously have quite the cast when it hits the road this September. If you've been watching the TV series, you'll already know which contenders have been strutting their stuff for drag supremacy. The lineup spans seven Australians and three New Zealanders, including Art Simone from Geelong, Melbourne's Karen from Finance, and Sydney's Coco Jumbo, Etecetera Etcetera and Maxi Shield. Newcastle's Jojo Zaho and Perth's Scarlet Adams round out the Aussie queens, while Auckland's Kita Mean, Anita Wigl'it and Elektra Shock comprise the NZ contingent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdcgf5I6Qb8&feature=youtu.be RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE DOWN UNDER LIVE ON STAGE TOUR DATES: Saturday, September 18 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Tuesday, September 21 — QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane Thursday, September 23 — Crown Theatre, Perth Saturday, September 25 — The Palais, Melbourne Tuesday, September 28 — Canberra Theatre, Canberra RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under Live on Stage will tour Australia from September 18–28. For further details — and to buy pre-sale tickets from 12pm on Friday, May 21 and general tickets from 12pm on Monday, May 24 — head to the Live Nation website.
From the heartfelt animation of Studio Ghibli to the sword-swinging excess of Takashi Miike, if there's one thing that Japanese cinema is known for, it's variety. And while neither feature on this year's Japanese Film Festival program, there's plenty more where they came from— including true tales of dentists who became pop stars, watercolour explorations of the impact of war and Tokyo murder mysteries. Screening at Hoyts Melbourne Central and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image from November 23 to December 3, JFF 2017 continues the annual festival's fondness for diversity as it showcases the latest and greatest movies that Japan has to offer. Take its opening and closing films: kicking things off is historical ninja flick Mumon: The Land of Stealth, while acclaimed drama Radianceheads from Cannes to the fest's last night. Other highlights include Japan's next Oscar submission, Her Love Boils Bathwater; a haunting modern take on an ancient ghost story in Snow Woman; and perhaps the movie with the best moniker in the lineup, Hamon: Yakuza Boogie. Throw in Sion Sono's lurid Antiporno, darkly comic coming-of-age tale Love and Other Cults, and alien takeover effort Before We Vanish — as well as a lineup of Seijun Suzuki classics — and the scene is set for a delightful dip into Japan's movie magic.
The laughs are served up a little differently at The Arbory's annual MICF series, the Silent Comedy Festival. Returning for another round of hilarious stand-up showcases from Wednesday, March 30, the fan favourite event sees some of Australia's top comics taking to the riverside stage to perform... in total silence. Or at least, that's how it appears from the outside. Rather, audience members enjoy the stand-up acts through noise-cancelling headphones; kind of like what you'd expect from a silent disco. Running Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights throughout MICF (until April 21, with the exception of April 19), the Silent Comedy shows will each feature a trio of side-splitting comedians, with Fox Sports funnyman Andrew Barnett in the role of MC. Included on this year's bill are the likes of Jimeoin, Bev Killick, Luke Heggie, Lawrence Mooney and Dilruk Jayasinha. Tickets are $25, which gets you an evening full of chuckles, plus a pair of headphones to use for the night. And if you fancy some refreshments, you'll also find a $25 MICF pre-show burger and beer special, teaming your pick of Arbory burger with a schooner of Mountain Goat summer ale. [caption id="attachment_804282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jimeoin, photographed by Simon Shiff.[/caption] Images: Simon Shiff
A longtime winter staple of Melbourne's inner-north, the Gertrude Street Projection Festival returns for its luminous 14th year this month, once again set to light up the area with a program of after-dark art. Running from Thursday, July 28–Sunday, July 31, presented by the Centre for Projection Art, this year's festival speaks the theme 'A Soft Pulse'. And it's increased its footprint, spilling beyond its usual home of Gertrude Street into the surrounding precincts, and with a new hub at Collingwood Yards. After dark each night, the festival precinct will come alive with a trail of projection artworks by names like Anna Schwann, Edwina Green, Henry Wolff, Josef Gatti and more, splashed across buildings, footpaths and windows. Rug up and explore them on a self-guided art tour. Meanwhile, Atherton Gardens will host the opening night festivities on July 28, featuring live performative storytelling by local elders sharing their own pieces of Gertrude Street history. You'll also catch a series of artist conversations and panel chats at Collingwood Yards, with post-talk drinks at Hope St Radio, and a DJ-fuelled festival block party featuring tunes by General Feeling Sound System. [caption id="attachment_861954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Centre for Projection Art[/caption] Top Images: Mathew Lynn and Chris Cohen
Wiseman's Ferry is a teeny, tiny village perched on the banks of the mighty Hawkesbury River, surrounded by national park and with a population of just 220. The settlement gets its name from one Solomon Wiseman, an ex-convict who, in 1827, organised the first river crossing by ferry. And his service still runs today. A weekend at Wiseman's usually involves hours lolling by, on and in the river; pretty walks through nearby Dharug and Yengo National Parks; some pub grub at Wiseman's Inn and perusing paintings by local artists. On top of that, the annual Return To Rio rolls into town in November for three days to add even more reason to make your way to the idyllic village. This year, Carl Cox and Eric Powell will be powering through their Mobile Disco, a twelve-hour (yep) marathon of funk, soul, disco and classic house, pumped out by a live, twelve-piece band. Also in the line-up are Incognito, Lee Foss, &ME, Fabio and Grooverider, Bedouin, Neil James and loads more dance music legends. When you're not furiously making shapes, you can take a timeout at yoga classes, meditation sessions, markets and swimming holes. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you make the most of your Return to Rio. Here are the best options for what to eat, what to do and where to stay during the festival weekend. EAT AND DRINK At Return To Rio, expect an array of food stalls, peddling all kinds of international cuisines, from steaming pho to massive burgers, designed to fuel all-night dancing. Vegos and vegans, fear not: you'll be well catered for, too. Also, if food options are any worry, you're invited to pack your own steak or haloumi slab and fry it up on one of the barbecues provided. Outside of the festival, no visit to Wiseman's Ferry counts without a visit to Wiseman's Inn. Built in 1827, this sandstone retreat was once Solomon Wiseman's stately home and is now owned by ex-Wallaby Bill Young. On cool days, relax by the open fire; on hot ones, head into the shady beer garden. Either way, keep an eye out for the local ghosts who are said to be roaming the halls of the inn. Meanwhile, you can find coffee, house-made pies and wraps at Wiseman's Ferry Grocer, and a solid modern Australian offering at Busby's Cafe, where dishes include garlic prawns in creamy chive-white wine sauce, as well as baby barramundi fillets with kipfler potatoes and tomato-rocket salad. For a fancier bite, reserve a table at Riverbend Restaurant, within the idyllic, landscaped gardens of The Retreat. The ever-changing menu is big on local, seasonal produce. DO Festival bound? Your first job is to dance until you're wrecked. After that, wander around the Return To Rio markets, relax at a yoga session and restore your energy by the pool, complete with cocktail bar and soundtracked by reggae. Your ticket also gets you access to the resort's facilities, which include a nine-hole golf course, volleyball and tennis courts and plenty of river frontage. When you're ready to find out what lies beyond the festival gates, a bush walk is a good starting point. For a piece of convict history, as well as some stunning Hawkesbury vistas, there's the Old Great North Road World Heritage Walk, a nine-kilometre loop that begins on the river's northern bank (you'll need to catch the ferry). If you're short on time, it's possible to stroll along just one section, such as Hangman's Rock. A more challenging adventure is the 11 Kilometre Walking Track, which takes in ferny forests, friendly creeks and some steep sections. Next up is the question of getting onto the water. Hawkesbury House Boats hires out various vessels, from kayaks to speedboats. Meanwhile, Xterra Adventures offers guided tours in the form of a four-hour escapade up MacDonald River, a tributary of the Hawkesbury that includes morning tea. Keen to meet a few arty types? Wiseman's Ferry's natural beauty and isolation have been attracting them for years. Check out their work at Ferry Artists' Gallery, a community-run venture that exhibits painting, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics and glassware. There are occasional workshops, too. STAY The festival grounds give you pretty much every accommodation option under the sun: camp it (with your own tent), glamp it (with Simple Pleasures providing all your needs) or tipi it (in one of Rainbow Tipis' magnificent creations). Should you seek the protection of four solid walls, book a cabin, lodge or home — depending on the size of your crew. Last, but not least, you're welcome to bring your own mobile digs, be they van, car or motorhome: just make sure you book a spot before leaving home. Like the idea of popping in and out of the action? Get some buddies together and sleepover on a houseboat. Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats have them for all budgets. At one end, there's the five-star Spa, with five queen-sized ensuite bedrooms, a ten-person jacuzzi, full kitchen, lounge room and wrap-around deck. At the other, there's the humble Aquavan two to four berth, with sleeping space for up to four on day lounges that turn into double beds, a shady front deck and a barbecue. The benefit of the Aquavan's littleness is that you can go exploring on the Colo and MacDonald Rivers. Back on land, the aforementioned Wiseman's Inn harbours a bunch of straightforward, affordable rooms. Or, if you want to go all out on a luxe stay, check into The Retreat, a 50-acre property with 54 rooms, including spa suites, as well as a golf course, tennis courts and pool. Return To Rio takes place at Del Rio Resort from November 3 to 5. Personalise your next adventure via The Playmaker, driven by Mazda3.
Back when streaming platforms and digital television were just a futuristic dream, and when every Australian TV network only had one channel, SBS was an Aussie cinephile's go-to source for free international cinema. The public broadcaster has continued to uphold that role over the past decade or so, especially via its online service SBS On Demand. But now it's giving movie buffs what we've always wanted: a new, free-to-air, 24-hour world movies channel. SBS World Movies will launch on Monday, July 1 on channel 32, playing flicks from around the globe all day, every day. Prepare for quite the movie marathon, as more than 700 films will be broadcast each year. The channel will also become the network's third in HD — a far cry from the days when folks at home would record the station's international movies on grainy VHS tapes to watch again later. While the full launch slate hasn't been revealed, a selection of recent high-profile titles will be heading SBS World Movies' way, including Yorgos Lanthimos' dark and twisty The Killing of a Sacred Deer with Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman; moving French drama Amanda, which just screened at this year's Alliance Française French Film Festival; and applauded 2018 festival hit Ash is the Purest White, the latest film by acclaimed auteur Jia Zhangke. Norwegian historical drama The 12th Man, French thriller Just A Breath Away and Belgian Cannes winner Girl round out the just-announced first movies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=QT3KlMWHfzw The channel will also showcase women in film via a weekly double focusing on female filmmakers and lead actors, highlight favourites from the international film festival circuit, delve into up-and-coming cinema from far-flung corners of the world, and curate seasons around events like Diwali, Lunar New Year, International Women's Day and Mardi Gras. Along with programming world movies on its existing channels, as well as on SBS On Demand, SBS is no stranger to the dedicated film channel game. For nearly a quarter of a century up until January 2018, World Movies was available via subscription TV services such as Foxtel. When SBS World Movies joins the network's lineup, it'll sit alongside existing channels SBS, SBS VICELAND, SBS Food and NITV. SBS World Movies launches on Monday, July 1 on channel 32.
As its name suggests, Melbourne's newest Japanese-accented restaurant leans right into the contemporary. The Future Future has officially arrived — in Richmond, at least — and it's already wowing with its incredibly considered offering. Design-wise, the Swan Street eatery wholeheartedly embraces that Japanese concept of wabi-sabi — that is, exploring the beauty in imperfection — as well as the philosophy of omotenashi, which is the concept of offering primo service without expectation of a reward. Out of the kitchen comes a technique-driven menu that's high on creativity and filled with revamps of classic Japanese dishes, that are fun, yet innovative. Unsurprising, given head chef Atsushi Kawakami's resume includes stints at some of Melbourne's hottest Japanese eateries, including Kappo, Izakaya Den and Hihou. You're in for plates like raw wagyu teamed with puffed wild rice and a wasabi-infused creme fraiche, meatball katsu-sandos, and donburi rice bowls filled with combinations like sweet-soy salmon, crisp tofu skins and green tea dashi broth. The hibachi grill also gets a solid workout, turning out skewers threaded with panko-crumbed barramundi, kewpie and tobiko, or maybe Japanese chicken meatballs, matched with sweet soy and an onsen egg. The drinks offering champions quality over quantity, running to an interesting lineup of whisky, sake, wine and beer from both Australia and Japan. Right now, you'll find the likes of a friulano and a pinot noir, both on tap, from the Mornington Peninsula's legendary Quealy Winemakers, alongside selections from one of the world's only female-owned and -led sake breweries, Japan's Imada. Crafty cocktails include the likes of the Tokyo Express-o, blending vodka, cold drip coffee, umeshu and maple syrup, and the Harajuku Highball, featuring strawberry whisky and vermouth. Meanwhile, a custom line of dapper tea cups, sake sets and candle holders round out the slew of thoughtful touches, courtesy of Copenhagen's Studio Arhoj. Future Future is now open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and lunch on Friday and Saturday, at 191 Swan Street, Richmond. Images: Josh Robenstone
Another year, another new version of Cinderella. Some stories just can't stay away from the screen, and this is one of them. Filmmakers have been drawn to the fairy tale since the silent era, resulting in beloved animated flicks, playful takes on the tale such as Ever After and Ella Enchanted, and Disney's 2015 live-action adaptation. Arriving next, and soon: a new musical that combines glass slippers and pining for a better life with singing, dancing and a fairy godparent named Fab G — with the latter played by Pose's Billy Porter. This version of Cinderella stars singer Camila Cabello as the titular character, while The Craft: Legacy's Nicholas Galitzine plays Prince Robert. Also popping up: Idina Menzel (Frozen II) as Cinders' stepmother, Minnie Driver (Starstruck) and Pierce Brosnan (Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) as the king and queen, and Romesh Ranganathan (Staged) and James Corden (The Prom) as both footmen and mice. The latter is a producer, too, and came up with the idea for the film, while Pitch Perfect writer and Blockers helmer Kay Cannon sits in the director's chair. Clearly, if a new version of Cinderella doesn't hit the screen every few years, Hollywood must turn into a pumpkin. While musical takes on the tale aren't new — see also: the stage version that's slated to hit Australia — this one is set to feature pop songs. So, you'll be seeing Cabello, Menzel and company singing tracks you know, as well as crooning their own new original tunes. Just how that'll turn out will be revealed on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, September 3, with the film originally slated for a cinema release, but then snapped up by the streaming platform instead. In both the initial first-look trailer and a just-dropped first new sneak peek, there's plenty of songs, colour and empowerment. Cinders won't stand for her stepmum's terrible treatment, or for simply being a dutiful princess when she hits it off with Prince Robert. There's also humour in this version, crucially, including around Fab G and the abilities that come with being a fairy godparent. "Do you want to go to that ball?" asks Fab G, to which Cinders replies: "yes, I was just crying and singing about it like two minutes ago". Check out the latest Cinderella trailer below: Cinderella will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Friday, September 3. Top image: Kerry Brown.
Collingwood has a new event space and cafe that provides support to homeless and disadvantaged youths. Cromwell Streat is the latest project from local social enterprise Streat (and, yes, it's located on Cromwell Street), which, since 2009, has offered opportunities and hospitality training to at-risk young people, via employment in their numerous cafes as well as fundraising initiatives such as the Melbourne Central Sleepover. Streat was gifted use of this epic 150-year-old heritage-listed mansion by a very generous supporter and — having secured funding through a successful crowdfunding campaign — was able to turn it into a multi-purpose space. It's not only a cafe, but an artisan bakery, coffee roastery, function space and youth training academy, too. The 80-seat eatery also features a big outdoor area (with hammocks!), all-day breakfast and lunch from 11am. Pastries and fresh loves of bread are available from 7.30am and Streat's own blend is going into coffee cups.
When cash is running low (or when payday is far off in the horizon), first survival instinct tells us to curl up at home, eat rice and watch a movie. Every day. But this tactic gets old quickly, and after a while you start craving some budget excitement. They say the best things in life are free. Sometimes that's true. In collaboration with Bank of Melbourne, we've come up with three handy guides that will help you save some money while living in the world's most liveable (but expensive) city, Melbourne. Here's your guide to the best free activities and events. Hopefully it will tide you over until payday. MONDAY Monday is definitely the worst day of the week. Don't let it consume your hard-earned dollars. Maintain that sombre mood with a trip to the Shrine of Remembrance – tours kick off each day from 11am and 2pm (they last around 55 minutes), and will walk you through every section of the Shrine. After the tour, take a lush walk back towards the river and Federation Square, you can lighten the mood with some people watching and some free wifi. TUESDAY Tuesdays are the universal "Help me, I'm poor" day. Jump on the City Circle Tram and make a day of cruising the city and people watching. The rickety old tram does a loop of the CBD and will usually deliver a mix of bizarre and cool folk to keep you entertained for hours. From around 7pm on a Tuesday, trivia nights kick off around the city. Most venues offer free team entry and, if you're so inclined, cheap eats and drinks. You might even make money on the night by winning prizes or bar tabs. Some of the funniest trivia nights are hosted by Quizmeisters at locations around the city, you can check them out here). [caption id="attachment_585958" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Photo by Rexness[/caption] WEDNESDAY It's mid-week and it's time to get out of the house. Head down to Fitzroy Gardens for a morning stroll and stop by the Conservatory, a quaint Spanish-colonial building with free horticultural displays that rotate throughout the year. The miniature Tudor village is also worth a look, if only so you can imagine what it's like to be giant. While you're on a park roll, head over to Carlton Gardens. There's always free entertainment in the form of buskers, street performers, skateboarders and rollerblade clubs and hordes of Pokemon Go players. If dog spotting is what you're after, Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy North is always overrun with puppies during summer. THURSDAY One of the best free activities unique to Melbourne is the swathe of art galleries on offer, with no entry fee and internationally renowned exhibitions. The National Gallery of Victoria is an obvious one, and should be on your to-do list anyway. It's the perfect place to spend a morning strolling through a free exhibition (their permanent collection is always free). Only a hop, skip and a jump away is ACCA (the Australian Centre for Contemporary Arts) with their unbelievable (and unbelievably free) public talks program. It's worth a visit even just to experience the bizarre, brutalist architecture of the site, but pre-plan and stop by for a talk if you want to get schooled in the nuances of contemporary art. ACMI is another must-do. They are regular, free exhibitions and film screenings throughout the month. FRIDAY Fridays are best spent in the CBD, where everyone is fizzling with excitement about the week's end and party-goers swarm the streets. On Friday afternoon, street performers come out in force on Bourke Street Mall and put on prime-time shows. Many of them are professional musicians, some are performers who busk for the hell of it. Park yourself on the steps outside GPO and take it all in. For a little more free entertainment, make your way over to Jankara Karaoke Bar on Russell Street. They host public karaoke every night of the week so it's always weird, entertaining and (as the night progresses) awful. If you want to participate, grab a drink from the bar – each drink gets a song ticket which, frankly, is a flawless system. SATURDAY Saturday is the perfect day to take it slow and rejuvenate after a big week. Take a walk or a cycle along the Merri Creek trail and on the way, stop in at Ceres Community Environment Park. Ceres is a magical place to wander through, with their community gardens, free range chickens (all outrageously plump) and beautiful grounds. There's always something going on at the community hub, including workshops and classes. From Friday to Sunday you'll find a group of cycling enthusiasts fixing and rebuilding bikes at the Bike Shed. You could also head over to the Abbotsford Convent. The beautiful gardens give way to a children's farm full of bossy animals who love to play. Melbourne establishment Lentil as Anything is housed in the convent itself. They serve food on a pay-what-you-can basis which is great for leaner weeks but make sure you head back when you can and pay it forward (or risk being haunted by a ghostly lentil forever). SUNDAY Sunday is traditionally a market day which is great for everyone on a budget because markets are traditionally free. The Queen Victoria market in the CBD is the best place to start as the markets themselves are large and chock full of interesting weirdos. Wander the permanent market stalls and you might just come across some free cheese samples. In the CBD, check out the Docklands Sunday Market, a flea market where you'll come across anything and everything – it's fun to browse. Bank of Melbourne has collaborated with the National Gallery of Victoria to bring ancient art to life via interactive water projections. Watch the Wishing Well experience here.
Twelve of Australia's best young winemakers will be gathering in Melbourne on Saturday, June 1, and you're invited to spend an afternoon in their company. You'll be sampling their latest drops, asking all the questions and, ultimately, deciding who decides to get take home the 13th Young Gun of Wine People's Choice Award. To be part of wine history in the making — and play James Halliday for the day — you need to snag a $45 (or $55 after May 25) ticket and rock up at midday. The event, being held by City Wine Shop, will be happening at St Martins Youth Arts Centre. As well as wine, there'll be burgers and vegan fare from 24-hour Melbourne favourite Butchers Diner. Four states and some of Australia's most famous wineries are represented in the Young Gun list of finalists — including Andrew Scott from La Petite Mort in Queensland's Granite Belt, Sacha La Forgia from the Adelaide Hills Distillery, Ben Ranken from Macedon Ranges' Wilimee and Rhys Parker and Paul Hoffman from Vallée du Venom in the Margaret River. If, on the day, any particular drops takes your fancy, you'll be able to buy bottles at cellar door prices.
Everyone's favourite 'candy man' hit Aussie shores in January, with the smash-hit musical production of Charlie And the Chocolate Factory landing in Sydney. And now, it's Melbourne's turn, with the announcement that the show will do a season at Her Majesty's Theatre from this August. Roald Dahl's classic sugar-dusted tale is being brought to life in its Australian debut by a collaboration between theatre producers John Frost, Craig Donnell, Langley Park Productions, Neal Street Productions and Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures. Following the worldwide popularity of both the original book and the 1971 Gene Wilder film of the same name, the musical has been confirmed a sweet success internationally, scoring rave reviews during its stint on Broadway last year and selling out a heap of shows in Sydney. With original songs like The Candy Man and I've Got a Golden Ticket featured alongside new tunes from the songwriters of Hairspray, this confection of a show promises to lure audiences of all ages into, shall we say, a land of pure imagination. It's directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, with music by Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Marc Shaiman, lyrics courtesy of Grammy and Tony Award winners Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, and choreography by Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's Melbourne season will kick off on August 9, 2019, with performances running on Wednesday to Sunday. Top image: Joan Marcus, the original Broadway cast 2017.
By now, it's pretty common knowledge that businesses around Australia have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on what state the business is in, it's weathered multiple lockdowns, seating restrictions and ongoing financial uncertainty. And, through the hardest times, we've also seen resilience and adaptability from small business owners to meet these newfound challenges. Many businesses across the nation have changed the way they operate in order to stay afloat. And, so, in partnership with Square, we've spoken with five business owners across the country to find out how they adapted, what they changed, and what new elements they'll keep in the future. All these small businesses rely on business tools provided by Square, which helps the businesses with contactless payment systems, online stores and delivery services. So you can continue supporting your local with all the convenience you've come to expect from online shopping. THE BLOW DRY BAR THAT TURNED TO ONLINE COMMUNITY BUILDING The hair salon that keeps Melburnians looking photo-ready with exquisite blow drys and dry styles has seen its doors temporarily shut twice this year due to lockdown. The BLOW first closed its doors for seven weeks from March 17, and then again in July, which has meant Founder Phoebe Simmonds has looked to other opportunities to keep going. "We're focusing our efforts on community building activities, as well as expanding a new concept — The BLOW On-The-Go at Sephora Sydney," says Simmonds. For the hair salon, this time has been an opportunity to really connect with its customers online by sharing customers' stories via Facebook. Its Sydney pop-up offers a speedy dry styling service, which has an online booking system supported by Square. "Though we can't currently provide hair styling services or events in Melbourne, we can lean into our network of femme and fierce leaders to share stories of how they're conquering isolation with confidence," she says. "Our community has responded really well, and we love being able to maintain a connection with them. I've learnt a whole new level of resilience, creativity and flexibility. Owning a successful business now comes down to being able to manage ambiguity with grace, grit and a tonne of openness and positivity." THE COFFEE ROASTER AND CAFE THAT TURNED TO GROCERY BOXES AND TAKEAWAY MEALS Melbourne's beloved cafe and coffee roaster in the heart of Collingwood is usually known for its hustle and bustle, so when restrictions set in, Proud Mary had to pivot straight away. "We've completely changed our focus from bustling, noisy and vibrant dining in, to developing the best convenient and fast takeaway offering we can," says General Manager Tom Gunn. "We've pivoted to three different operational styles. Never let a good crisis go to waste, as they say. When we closed the cafe, we started doing delivery of grocery boxes and pre-prepared meals. The community has been fantastic; we've got to know so many more people who are more of the grab-and-go crowd, which we might've missed out on if things had remained normal this year." Gunn and his team has used the lockdown as a chance to develop the cafe's menus, ideas and processes. He says Proud Mary will continue its digital offering into the future, too. THE SPAGHETTI RESTAURANT THAT PIVOTED TO ONLINE STORE During Sydney's lockdown, Mark and Vinny's — the restaurant and bar in Surry Hills known for its spaghetti and spritzes — had to immediately adjust to manage the new dine-in restrictions. "We decided to try our hand at takeout as a matter of survival," says co-owner Vince Pizzinga. "One of the most successful initiatives was creating our own online store using Square, which was hugely helpful in allowing our customers to order directly with us." This was a game-changer for the business as it avoided the crippling fees of popular delivery services, which could exceed 30 percent. Now, post-lockdown, the venue is keeping up the online takeout service to complement the in-house dining, which helps the bottom line given its reduced seating restrictions. "This experience has forced me to take a closer look at how we operate and find ways to be more resourceful and pragmatic," he says. [caption id="attachment_780766" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaelah Ariotti[/caption] THE PLANT NURSERY THAT CHANGED ITS STOCK TO SUIT THE MARKET Bespoke plant store The Borrowed Nursery, in the sunny Gold Coast, saw a shift in customer behaviour as soon as lockdown hit. "We lost our venue and plant hire aspects of the business straight away," says owner Lauren Lance. "But we also saw immediate growth in the retail element, so we focused on stocking more items and different item lines, for example home entertaining items and serving ware. "There has been a huge growth in indoor plants with people spending more time inside; they're wanting to make their interiors into an oasis." Being in the lucky state of Queensland, the business hasn't seen a huge downturn during lockdown or endured a second, however, Lance say she's continuing to be adaptable: "Move quickly, read the situation and focus on what works," she says. THE FRIED CHICKEN BAR THAT TEMPORARILY CUT ITS HOURS AND MENU In Fortitude Valley, shipping container-turned-eatery The Lucky Egg had to plan its survival strategy early, as lockdown meant it wouldn't be seeing its usual late-night fried chicken-loving customers. "At the beginning of the lockdown, we closed Lucky Egg for a few weeks while we came to grips with the situation and developed a plan," says Founder Jesse Barbera. "We reopened offering delivery and pick-up with reduced trading hours, and cut back our menu to focus on our most popular products," she says. "Being in the Valley, a good share of our revenue comes from late-night trade on weekends, which we knew we wouldn't get, so we had to slim down as much as possible." Luckily, it did, and now, post-lockdown, the venue has reopened with limited capacity — and making use of its outdoor space — as it slowly returns to normal trading hours. The business has its full menu back, and is even looking to expand its offering. "We've learnt not to take anything for granted," says Barbera. "We've also learnt that our hard work has paid off, and the loyal customers we have are worth their weight in gold." Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. Top image: Vince Pizzinga, co-owner of Mark and Vinny's.
"For never was a story of more woe," said William Shakespeare of Romeo & Juliet. To be accurate, he had the iconic play announce that itself in its second-last line. In the four centuries since the famed tale was first penned, never was there a tragic romance that's better known, either. Few works have been adapted and performed as much as this story of the warring Montague and Capulet families, and the heartbreak that ensues when their children fall in love — but Benjamin Millepied's Romeo & Juliet suite still stands out. Australian audiences will be able to discover why for themselves when winter hits in 2024, when the world-famous choreographer's take on Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers will make its Aussie debut. Playing exclusively at the Sydney Opera House from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 9, the ballet will fill the Joan Sutherland Theatre and other spaces with a mix of dance, theatre and cinema that defies genres, as well as a modernisation of the narrative that sees love first, not gender. Three versions comprise the suite, each with a different couple. On the production's first night and its Saturday matinee, an all-male pairing will bring Romeo & Juliet to life. On the second evening and the Saturday night, two female dancers will play the lead parts. And on the Friday and Sunday, a male-female duo will take to the stage. Millepied's Romeo & Juliet hails from the LA Dance Project, which he co-founded and acts as its Artistic Director. The company's ensemble will perform on the opera house's stage and also throughout the building, which is then broadcast live back to the audience inside the Joan Sutherland Theatre. So, the Romeo & Juliet suite plays with form, too — and even if you think you've seen every iteration of R&J before, this one is unique. Bringing the ballet Down Under for the first time marks Millepied's latest project in Australia. His last: making his film directorial debut with Carmen, which starred Melissa Barrera (Scream) and Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers), reimagined Prosper Mérimée's novella and Georges Bizet's opera, and shot in the outback New South Wales town of Broken Hill. The dancer, choreographer and filmmaker's resume before that spans joining the New York Ballet as a teen, choreographing and co-starring in Black Swan, a stint as Paris Opera Ballet's Director of Dance and creating the sandwalk for Denis Villeneuve's versions of Dune. "I am deeply proud of LA Dance Project, the artistic journey I've embarked on over the past decade alongside my dedicated partner Lucinda Lent and our exceptional team. The opportunity for our company to grace the stage of the Sydney Opera House is a dream realised," said Millepied, announcing the Romeo & Juliet suite's Australian debut. "This moment holds profound significance, not only because the Sydney Opera House is an emblem of global culture, but also because Australia and its people hold a unique space in my heart. Sydney, I eagerly anticipate our reunion!" The Romeo & Juliet suite will take over the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 9, 2024. For more information and tickets, head to the venue's website — with presales from 9am on Tuesday, February 6 and general sales from 9am on Friday, February 9. Read our interview with Benjamin Millepied about Carmen. Images: Julien Benhamou, Paul Bourdrel and Josh Rose.
The human brain has been studied inside and out, and its complexities never cease to amaze us. We can make a fist, take a step or turn the wheel all because our thoughts are connected to our actions, but perhaps the new EPOC Neuroheadset will do away with the need for actions altogether. The neuroheadset is a brain-scanning device that allows you to control your computer with your mind. The headset detects brain signals to determine users' emotions and also contains gyroscope technology that reads your position, body movements and facial expressions to accurately communicate commands. Combined with the EmoLens application, the device can detect the emotions you feel as you browse through photos on Flickr and tag the photos accordingly - you don't even touch your mouse or keyboard. If you're bored of that trick, the headset can also use concentration, number of eye blinks or head shakes to determine how you're feeling. Among other applications that can be purchased include Mind Mouse, which allows the user to perform standard computer commands like clicking or double clicking a mouse or even sending an email, and Master Mind, with which users can play their favourite computer games with their minds. The applications and uses are quite limited at this stage, but along with other superhero-inspired technology coming to market, perhaps it won't be long before we can control things with our minds alone. Like a car.
