Melbourne-based jewellery designer Susan Cohn has had an incredible career with her unique creations since the 1980s, and her exhibition at the Anna Schwartz Gallery is a testament to her ability to impress and inspire. UNcommon Moments focuses on three distinct moments determined by Cohn that we experience universally: Dying, Welcoming and Continuing. Death and its inevitable yet unbearable connotations are represented in Toe Tag, a talisman not for death but for life. Whether you’re beginning life as a child or entering into a new community as a stranger, we all require inclusivity into the unknown. Styx is jewellery to say welcome, to a new home and a new life. Finally, Cohn’s work recognises that sometimes the hardest part of existence can be found in the everyday. Whether suffering through the mundane or the awful, Ganbatte jewellery lets us know that our struggles are seen, and that someone is thinking of us.
2020. It's a year so difficult to summarise that even the Oxford Dictionary couldn't decide on a single word of the year. But in Melbourne's hospitality scene, one in particular rings true: resilience. Despite months of restrictions and some devastating closures, its cafes managed to proliferate. And, impressively, they continue to push the boundary further. We've seen zero-emission street food spots land in the CBD, one of the country's best roasters take over a warehouse in Brunswick and a patisserie with croissants so good they sell out in hours. So, we're celebrating the good that's come from the past 12 months by rounding up the best new cafes to open in 2020.
We were stoked to hear of Chapel Street Festival's return — planned for February this year — 25 years after it was last held. We were expecting live bands and DJs, countless food and drink stalls, a chap laps car show, and plenty more entertainment, but it has just been announced that the festival is currently delayed until further notice. It is not officially cancelled, but we are yet to receive another date for when it will return. With Chapel Street and the surrounding area really surging back to life over the past few years, this festival really would have been huge. Nonetheless, the Chapel Street Precinct Association (CSPA) is still committed to bringing back the community event. [caption id="attachment_919983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lamb on Chapel - Kebabs Melbourne[/caption] The CSPA board shared, "While the event will no longer proceed on February 23, 2025, we remain dedicated to bringing this exciting celebration to life at a later date. "We are committed to continuing our work with stakeholders, businesses, and the community to identify a new date and ensure we deliver an event that showcases the best of the Chapel Street Precinct. This decision reflects our determination to create a festival that not only meets but exceeds expectations for our vibrant community. "We would like to thank everyone who has supported the festival planning journey thus far—your enthusiasm and encouragement have been truly appreciated. [caption id="attachment_858287" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Miyagi[/caption] "As we move forward, the CSPA remains focused on advocating for and supporting the businesses and is excited to continue marketing the iconic destination that is Chapel Street. "We look forward to sharing updates with you as we refine our plans for the festival and will continue to celebrate everything that makes Chapel Street a unique and thriving hub for our community."
After a not-so-funny, lockdown-filled 2021, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is once again bringing the laughs, returning for its huge 36th edition from Wednesday, March 30–Sunday, April 24. As always, it's dishing up a bumper program of stand-up shows, comedy showcases and other hilarious events — all featuring a top-shelf lineup of both local and international acts. Among the more than 500 shows in this year's lineup, you can catch global stars like Arj Barker, David O'Doherty, Fern Brady, Stephen K Amos and Ross Noble working their magic in solo performances, or do a little globe-trotting at the International Comedy Showcase. The 32nd Annual Great Debate will see some of your favourite funny folk duel it out in a battle of comedic critical thinking; while Ali McGregor's Late-Nite Variety-Nite Night shows will showcase a handpicked curation of MICF's top comedy, cabaret, burlesque and circus acts, set to a glittering soundtrack. There's also the Neighbourhood Sessions, which'll venture out of the city for a series of suburban showcases starring the likes of Kirsty Webeck, Carl Donnelly, Luke Heggie and more. The Festival Club will transform Max Watt's into an almost nightly haven of chuckles, hosting cheeky late-night performances, improv throwdowns, lip syncing battles and everything in between. And of course, venues across the city are firing up each night for a smorgasbord of gigs and events, including Storyville, the Carlton Club, Kewpie and the Toff in Town. Top image: Jim Lee.
There are a few different holy experiences you could choose to indulge in over the Easter break. But only one of them will find you getting good and weird with live tunes and party vibes in the central Victorian countryside. From April 19–21, Boogie festival returns to its Tallarook farm digs for edition number 13, where it'll again deliver a three-day extravaganza of eats, drinks, music and shape-throwing. The just-dropped artist lineup is better than any Easter egg you'll unwrap, the one stage playing host to a truly mixed bag of musical goodies. There'll be all-American sets from Kurt Vile and his band the Violators, and folk artist Nathaniel Rateliff. Local bands The Chats, Goons of Doom and Hexdebt are just a few acts on the rest of the lineup. Of course, the tunes are just one part of the festival fun, backed by a tidy array of pop-up bars and food vendors to ensure your boogie games stays strong across the long weekend. BOOGIE 13 LINEUP Kurt Vile and the Violators Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats The Chats Jade Imagine Shogun and the Sheets Goons of Doom Leah Senior Spiral Stairs Laura Imbruglia Fulton Street Van Duren The Smallgoods Hexdebt Constant Mongrel Grinding Eyes Bunny Racket
Kano — "a computer anyone can make" — will soon be a widespread reality, following a Kickstarter campaign that's raised more than US$1 million. London-based tech geniuses Alex and Jonathan came up with the concept about a year ago. They felt that, in comparison with the toys they had growing up, today’s technology is inaccessible. Alex’s seven-year-old cousin, Micah, clarified the issue — and set the challenge — when he asked why couldn’t computers be “as simple and fun as lego”? Over the following 12 months, Alex and Jonathan travelled the world, talking to children, parents, educators and artists. All the research led to the development of Kano. According to Alex, "It’s based on three principles — simple steps, storytelling, physical computing — and tying them all together, with a sense of play and exploration.” Kano arrives in the consumer’s hands as a kit. Starting from scratch, the user builds the computer, powered by Raspberry Pi, as well as a speaker, a wireless server, HD video, music, and a custom-designed case. A basic introduction to coding enables the step-by-step construction of simple games such as Pong and Snake, as well as the modification of more complex games like Minecraft. Beyond that, the possibilities are limited only by the user’s imagination. Kano is open source, so there’s access to an abundance of software. Back in May, Alex, Jonathan and their team released a run of 200 prototypes, which sold out quickly and inspired plenty of positive reviews. When it came to expanding their scope, they turned to Kickstarter. Upon going live last month, the campaign achieved its initial goal of US$100,000 within 18 hours. Since then, a stretch goal of US$1 million has been conquered. Open until December 19, the campaign is still accepting donations of $119, which buys a Kano kit.
If you only managed to watch a handful of 2021's best new TV shows, odds are that you still saw one knockout newbie starring Jean Smart. The veteran actor turned in two stellar performances in two exceptional television series last year, starting with murder-mystery drama Mare of Easttown, then following it up with comedian-centric comedy Hacks. Clever, hilarious and insightful, the latter earned her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe, too, and deservedly so. And, if the about-to-drop season season of Hacks proves anywhere near as great, she might just repeat both feats in the next 12 months. It's obviously impossible — and also flat-out ridiculous — to pick whether someone will nab a shiny trophy for their work based on a trailer alone. Smart was that phenomenal in Hacks' first season, though, so it's a fair prediction even without seeing any upcoming footage. In the just-released full sneak peek for season two, she's once again playing seasoned Las Vegas comic Deborah Vance, of course, who viewers saw notch up 2500 shows in last year's episodes. Now, after taking stock of her career, the character is headed out on the road. Still by the acerbic Deborah's side: Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder, North Hollywood), who started as her assistant last time around. As the first season charted, the chalk-and-cheese pair hardly got along. Deborah is a comedy legend, while Ava is a 25-year-old who made the move to Hollywood, has been living out her dream as a comedy writer, but found her career plummeting after a tweet crashed and burned. That said, the series is far, far more than just an odd-couple comedy. Season two's eight episodes will follow the duo as they workshop Deborah's new standup set around the US — and will start dropping Down Under on Friday, May 13 via Stan. They'll arrive the same day as they air in America, in fact, which means that you'll be watching two episodes per week rather than binging on all of Hacks' next season in one go. Also returning: Broad City's Paul W Downs as Deborah and Ava's mutual manager Jimmy, Megan Stalter (The Megan Stalter Show) as his clueless assistant Kayla, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Kaitlin Olson as Deborah's daughter DJ, Carl Clemons-Hopkins (The Chi) as Deborah's Chief Operating Officer Marcus and Christopher McDonald (Ballers) as casino owner Marty. They'll be joined by Hacks newcomers Laurie Metcalf (Lady Bird), Martha Kelly (Euphoria), Ming-Na Wen (The Book of Boba Fett) and Susie Essman (Curb Your Enthusiasm), as well as guest stars Margaret Cho (The Flight Attendant) and Devon Sawa (Chucky). And if you're wondering why Hacks has proved so ace so far — other than Smart and her co-stars — it was created by three of the talents behind Broad City: writer Jen Statsky; writer/director Lucia Aniello; and Downs, who does double duty in front of and behind the lens. Check out the trailer for Hacks season two below: Season two of Hacks will start streaming via Stan from Friday, May 13. Season one is available to stream now. Read our full review of season one.
Ah, gluten. Scourge of coeliacs and trend-dieters alike, this humble wheat protein has been making life difficult for as long as we've been eating sliced bread. But fortunately for all the gluten-intolerants out there, this long weekend the Food Truck Park will be a strictly gluten-free zone. Starting 5pm on Friday, June 9, more than a dozen mobile food vendors will roll into Preston, slinging tasty treats without a single bit of wheat, rye or barley in sight. Woking Amazing, The Pizza Doctor, Babuji's Kitchen, Nem N Nem, Two Fat Indians and Sweet Forbidden Journey are but a few of the rolling restaurants who'll make an appearance. There'll also be a number of stalls selling a variety of gluten-free products to take home.
Only a 70-minute drive from Melbourne, Trentham is easy enough to get to — yet it's still most definitely a country town. At the heart of it all is The Cosmopolitan Hotel, with its 150-year history making it a chance for you to step back into the past. Renowned for serving up robust Australian pub classics, the pub's timber-clad building is perfect for a wintertime jaunt. The Cosmopolitan works with some of the region's top producers, including the highly respected Sher Wagyu, which supplies the pub's beef from the nearby community of Ballan. There's also a woodfired pizza menu, and you can end the meal with a cheese plate loaded with fruit loaf, quince paste and muscatels. If you're staying in the area, make sure you take a short hike up to Victoria's highest waterfall — Trentham Falls — which should be flowing heavily come wintertime. Images: Visit Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria has today revealed its summer centrepiece: a bold new world premiere exhibition pairing the work of Dutch artist M.C. Escher and Japanese design studio Nendo. Much like the NGV's 2016's Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei show, Between Two Worlds celebrates two very different creators, bringing them together in an assembly of immersive art and design. More than 150 of Escher's prints and drawings created between 1916 to 1969 have made their way to Melbourne from the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague for the artist's first ever major exhibition in Australia. Optical illusion is what he's best known for — his intricate pieces use patterns and design to warp space and perception. You'll need to take second, third and fourth looks at pieces like Day and night and Drawing hands. To really mess with your mind, Nendo — led by designer Oki Sato — has created an immersive gallery space that's just as trippy. The studio has taken inspiration from Escher to manipulate geometry and space to warp perception, giving you an imagined sense of what it would be like to enter Escher's mind boggling world. Expect lots of mirrors, shrinking corridors and projections that will mess with your brain (in a good way). The exhibition will officially open tomorrow with the gallery's exclusive black tie NGV Gala. Then it opens to the public on Sunday, December 2 and will run until April 2019 alongside a public program of talks, workshops and the NGV's Friday night parties. Escher x Nendo: Between Two Worlds will run from December 2 until April 2019 at NGV International. Images: Eugene Hyland and Sean Fennessy.
Here's one way that 2025 is certain to dazzle: with Lightscape and its luminous path through the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne making a comeback this winter. Walking through stunning lights as far as the eye can see, moseying beneath a canopy of glowing multi-coloured trees, wandering between ribbons of flashing beams, taking the most lit-up route through nature that you can imagine — you'll be able to do all of this again, just like in 2022, 2023 and 2024. If you attended in past years, this fourth Lightscape stint does have surprises in store. 2025's event will feature 20-plus stunning new installations. So, no matter whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, you haven't seen this. Exactly what'll be on offer hasn't been revealed as yet, but it'll be on display from Friday, June 20–Sunday, August 10. Lightscape first hit Australia in 2022 after initially taking over gardens across the United Kingdom and the United States. Developed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the UK, it has understandably proven a huge success — and more than two-million people wandered along its glowing trails in a season overseas. 2024's Melbourne event featured the return of the popular Winter Cathedral, which is made out of glowing bulbs — and also the vibrant Laser Garden. Also included last year: Submergence, letting patrons move through suspended — and colour-changing — lights by the thousands, for instance, and Lili with its glowing three-metre-tall flowers. Whatever is on the agenda in 2025, prepare to see the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne illuminated by immersive and large-scale pieces scattered along that lengthy walking route, including sparkling trees, shimmering walkways and bursts of colour that look like fireworks. Prepare to feel like you're being bathed in radiance — and ample neon — as well. Pop-up food and drink stalls are usually a feature, too, as scattered throughout Lightscape — selling, we always hope, mulled wine to keep hands warm in the thick of winter.
This coming August, your daughter probably isn't getting married. In fact, you mightn't even have a daughter at all. But if you'd like to spend the month saying "you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married" while holidaying in the very mansion featured in The Godfather, that's now a genuine possibility. Movie lovers have Airbnb to thank for this opportunity, with the accommodation service adding the chance to follow in the footsteps of the most iconic gangster movie ever made to its list of pop culture-themed one-off experiences. Just this year alone, it has listed the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge! and the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine for stays. If you wanted to solely plan your getaways around living life like you're in your favourite movie or television show, Airbnb has definitely here to help lately. The platform's current impressive home away from home arrives to celebrate The Godfather's 50th anniversary, and will have one lucky person and up to four of their pals whiling away an entire month in the Staten Island mansion in New York that's seen in Frances Ford Coppola's masterpiece. The film features the outside of the house, but you'll get to scope out the inside as well — all 6248 square feet of it, which was built in 1930. When you're not channelling your inner Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan or Diane Keaton, you'll have plenty to do — there's a big saltwater pool, a pub in the basement, a game room and a gym. In fact, you'll have the run of the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom abode, other than the basement closets and the attic. You do need to be keen for a lengthy trip, with just one reservation available for 30 nights from August 1–31. And, like all of Airbnb's similar offerings in the past, you're responsible for getting yourself there and back — so if you do get lucky and score the booking, travel isn't included in the price. For those making the jaunt from Down Under, that turns this stint of The Godfather worship into a more expensive option. That said, the mansion itself will cost you just US$50 per night. And, if your bank balance is up to it, a stay here will get you away from Australia and New Zealand's frosty climes and into a Staten Island summer. If you're still keen, you can apply to book at 3am AEST on Thursday, July 28 via the Airbnb website. Another caveat: this is a family home when it's not welcoming in Airbnb guests, and it's located in a quiet neighbourhood, so stays are strictly limited to you and the four folks you take with you — with no outside guests allowed. If the timing doesn't work for you, it's likely only a matter of time until Airbnb finds another pop culture-themed getaway that'll tempt your wanderlust. Here are two places on our wishlist: Buffy's house from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twin Peaks' Black Lodge. For more information about the The Godfather mansion listing on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 3am AEST on Thursday, July 28, head to the Airbnb website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Marc McAndrews.
If your life could use a bit more Pixar magic at the moment, then Disney is here to help, with the Mouse House rushing the beloved animation studio's latest film to Australian and New Zealand audiences via digital rental and its streaming platform Disney+. Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer, Onward was originally slated to release on the big screen Down Under on Thursday, March 26; however those plans changed when cinemas were ordered to shut. While the movie did play in Australian theatres for a few days over the weekend immediately beforehand, giving dedicated audiences a sneak peek, cinemas were hardly packed at the time — so, if this elf-filled adventure is still on your must-watch list, you're not alone. Pixar fans will be able to get their animation fix via video on demand from Friday, April 3, which'll require paying separately to view the film. Or, if you're already a Disney+ subscriber — or you've been thinking of becoming one — you'll be able to watch Onward on the company's own streaming platform as part of its regular package from 6pm on Friday, April 24. Story-wise, Onward tells the tale of brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot (Marvel co-stars Holland and Pratt), two teenage elves who've grown up without their dearly departed dad. Thanks to an unexpected flash of long-dormant magic, they're given the chance to spend one last day with their father — but, in order to do so, they'll have to undertake a perilous quest in Barley's rundown van Guinevere. From the above description, you might've noticed that Pixar's usual formula isn't at play here, with the company branching beyond the "what if toys/cars/rats/robots/monsters/feelings had feelings?" setup that's served it so well in everything from the Toy Story franchise to Inside Out. Rest assured, however, that Onward's central elf siblings do indeed experience a whole heap of emotions as they cast spells, try to decipher mysterious maps, endeavour to avoid curses, explore their complicated brotherly relationship and team up with a part-lion, part-bat, part-scorpion called The Manticore (Spencer). Fast-tracking Onward to digital platforms is the latest example of film industry's efforts to adapt to the changes forced by the spread of COVID-19. In Australia and New Zealand, Disney follows fellow distributor Roadshow's lead — with the latter also speeding up the online release of a number of its big titles as well. Check out the trailer for Onward below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKXiQvyG_o Onward will be available to purchase separately on digital platforms in Australia and New Zealand from Friday, April 3, before hitting Disney's streaming platform Disney+ as part of its regular package at 6pm on Friday, April 24. Images: © 2019 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Whether you're trying to find your way around your a far-flung holiday destination, a part of your own city you're not so familiar with or your own neighbourhood, Google Maps has probably helped you out of a bind more than once. Over the years, you've been able to play everything from Pac-Man and Mario Kart to Where's Waldo and Snake via the online service, too — so using it for a global Easter egg hunt really isn't too far out of the ordinary. Because it's almost that time of year, and because Cadbury wants to remind us all to eat chocolate, the brand has teamed up with Google Maps for the second year in a row to create a virtual way for you to hide and search for Easter eggs. It's all digital, though, so it does mean that you won't actually be eating any choccies. If you want to dive into your own stash while you're clicking and scrolling away, though, absolutely no one is going to stop you. Here's how it works: you head to the worldwide Easter egg hunt website, sign up and then get hiding. Once you've picked your spot — somewhere of significance to you and the person you're hiding it for — you'll write a clue, which'll then get sent to your chosen person. For those on the receiving end, it's up to you to decipher the details and find the virtual egg. If it's too hard, that's all down to whoever enlisted you in the hunt — so, if you can't find your digital egg, you might want to ask them for more hints. You can only hide one egg at a time, and only send the corresponding clue to one person. But, you can repeat the process as many times as you like. While there is a physical component, it sadly doesn't involve racing around the world, the city or even the house actually trying to get your hands on chocolate. Instead, you can arrange to send one of seven Cadbury products to someone in Australia, including tins and hampers. Staying virtual doesn't cost a thing, however, if that better suits your budget. To take part in the worldwide Easter egg hunt, head to the Cadbury website.
Have you ever felt overshadowed by a more successful sibling? Chin up. Odds are you never felt it as bad as poor old Edmund Shakespeare. A struggling actor fifteen years the junior of his rather more successful older brother, little is known about the youngest Shakespeare boy — well, other than the fact that he may have been the inspiration for the villainous bastard Edmund in his brother's play King Lear. Ouch. Now, some four centuries later, another playwright will draw his inspirations from the life of anonymous Edmund, along with a multitude of other characters both historical and imagined. Edmund. The Beginning is the new one-man show from veteran theatre maker Brian Lipson, who'll take the stage for a limited season at Arts House in North Melbourne. It's Lipson's first solo outing since his acclaimed show A Large Attendance in the Antechamber won a pair of Green Room Awards back in 2000.
Charging your phone is probably one of the most mundane things you do each day. Your phone's on three percent, you scramble to find your charger cord, you plug it in, it makes a noise and, hey, it's charging. But a Canadian startup has decided to take the downright borezo process of charging your phone and make it look like literal magic — they've created a charger that makes your phone levitate while it's powering up. The OvRcharge is a wireless charging base that puts your smartphone on show. While it's charging your device it not only suspends it in mid-air, but it can slowly rotate it too through an invisible magnetic field. The product, which has been created by Toronto studio AR Designs, is currently being funded on Kickstarter, and is $10k (Canadian dollars) off their $40,000 goal. Of course, it's not actual magic. The OvRcharge is able to simultaneously charge and suspend the device through magnets, which will transmit from the base to a special phone case that plugs into your device. "It consists of two main technologies: electromagnetism and induction," AR Designs' founder and CEO Rukhsana Perveen told Digital Trends. "Electromagnetism is responsible for maintaining its altitude and balance, [while] induction is for wireless power transfer." The charger is set to be compatible with the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Sony Xperia and a few other models. If you want one, you'll have to pledge to the Kickstarter campaign — there's 15 days left. Via Digital Trends.
UPDATE Thursday, January 27: The Big Bounce has rescheduled dates for its Melbourne appearance, now hitting Flemington Racecourse from April 15–18 and April 21–24. For more info and to buy tickets, head to the website. No longer confined to children's birthday parties, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle sources and blow-up labyrinths have become hot property for adults (and their inner kids, of course). And the next blow-up event to return to Melbourne is big. Really big. Dubbed 'The Big Bounce Australia', it's an inflatable theme park made up of the world's biggest bouncy castle — as certified by the Guinness World Records — plus a 300-metre long obstacle course, a three-part space-themed wonderland and a sports slam arena. You're going to need a lot of red cordial to bounce your way through all of this. Set to take over the Flemington Racecourse between January 28–30 and February 4–6, The Big Bounce is open to both littl'uns and big'uns, but there are a heap of adults-only sessions — so you don't have to worry about dodging toddlers on your way through. Tickets for adults will set you back $59, which gives you a whole three hours in the park. Yes, you'll need it. Inside, you'll encounter the aforementioned bouncy castle — aptly named The World's Biggest Bounce House — covering a whopping 1500 square metres and, in some spots, reaching ten metres off the ground. In this house, you'll encounter a heap of slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and (if you can believe it) a stage with DJs, confetti cannons and beach balls. Then, there's The Giant, with 50 inflatable obstacles, including giant red balls and a monster slide. Before you hit the next, three-part section of the extremely OTT theme park, you may need to pause, down some red frogs and maybe even have a nap. Or not, as you do only have three hours to explore it all. Either way, at Airspace, aliens, spaceships and moon craters collide with a five-lane slide, some more ball pits and an 18-metre-tall maze. After that, you'll certainly need a nap. And, new for 2022, there's also the Sport Slam, which is rather self-explanatory — and will be a must of you're keen to add a competitive spin to all that bouncing. [caption id="attachment_825374" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarasota Experience[/caption]
They're taking to hobbits to Isengard at the Astor Theatre this January, with one movie marathon to rule them all. Round up the Fellowship, stock up on lembas bread for sustenance and hide your finest pipe-weed from the Southfarthing for one sitting of all three of Peter Jackson's beloved OG Tolkien film adaptations — in their extended forms. Kicking off with The Fellowship of the Ring and ending with The Return of the King, this cave troll of a marathon clocks in at 686 minutes plus intermissions, starting the journey at 10am and including two 20-minute meal breaks (breakfast and second breakfast, if you will). If you make it to the final handful of endings, you can pat yourself on the back and smash a ringwraith screech at the nearest St Kilda resident on your way home (note: do not actually screech at the residents). Tickets are the precious and come in at $35 for the whole ordeal. And, to help ramp up your excitement, watch the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_WZxJpHzEE
Wave your crab claws in the air, because the CBD's newest pop-up is dedicated to two of life's finer things: seafood and Champagne. After a successful run at HWKR Melbourne back in 2017, Pinchy's has a returned to the city with brand new menu. Located on Emporium's level three food court, Pinchy's will serve up prawn, Alaskan king crab and Maine lobster rolls along with killer sides like truffle fries and creamy crab croquettes. Head chef Thibault Boggio, previously of Vue De Monde, has big plans to expand the menu, too, with dishes like smoked ocean trout and octopus on the horizon. There's also a big focus on sustainability, with the team sourcing from environmentally conscious suppliers in the US. And, because a lunch break lobster roll wouldn't be complete without a glass of something bubbly, the pop-up will also offer a selection of signature pours courtesy of Veuve Clicquot. The pop-up is open from 10am–7pm Saturday to Wednesday, and until 9pm on Thursday and Friday.
The noticeable buzz around town when a new westside cafe is set to open is almost palpable. But, what once used to be an isolated event is now one of regularity. With a wave of venues popping up west of the city — most recently the much-hyped Cobb Lane in Yarraville — The Little Man in Seddon could have easily gone unnoticed. Set on Seddon's main drag, the cafe sits in place of the old Victoria Street Post Office. While the post office drab has been eradicated, a few PO boxes stacked against the wall remain. It's a small detail, but one that shows loyalty to the area and the buildings past. The space is otherwise pleasant, although it's a little too IKEA display kitchen to express much character. Everything is white, blue and light timber, irrevocably in place and new. There's a precision in placement that can't be faulted on paper, but you get the feeling a few scuffs and coffee stains will erase the sterile brand-newness. Having only been open since early December, it's an element easily forgiven — certainly when everything else overcompensates. First there's the smell of coffee (Seven Seeds, no less) and the ensured sight of at least one cafe-goer hoeing into an enviable Little Man's Burger with a handful of rustic hand-cut chips. But if it hasn't quite hit lunchtime, the all-day breakfast menu covers all bases. The basics, including chilli and herb scrambled eggs ($12) and corn fritters with smoked salmon ($16), are solid; the more surprising dishes — yoghurt panna cotta with fresh fruit and pistachio praline ($12), espresso ricotta crepes ($14) — make it interesting. If you're going for aesthetics, the brioche French toast with nectaries, candied hazelnuts and mascarpone ($15), is very filter-friendly. With less-than-exorbitant prices, a modest concept and comforting cooking, The Little Man is a westside local in every sense of the word. A few more months of service is sure to inject some character into the space — the cafe is characterised by a chimp, after all — as well build a loyal fan base and steady slew of Seddoners.
We are all well acquainted with the fascinating leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Shrouded in mystery, marvelously eccentric and either architecturally amazing or atrocious, leaning towers and buildings are simply fascinating structures, which arouse our amazement and curiosity. However, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is far from being the only leaning tower in the world; in fact, it doesn't even top the list for being the oldest, tallest or having the greatest lean. Here are ten of the most stunning, mystifying leaning buildings from around the world that will be sure to make you look at buildings from a new angle. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi Granted the title of the world's furthest leaning man-made tower, the recently built Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi boasts of a whopping 35 stories, all leaning at an impressive 18-degree slant. This structural wonder is a 520-foot sleek and futuristic design which requires 49 piles drilled 100 feet into the Earth to maintain its integrity. Qianwei Leaning Tower, China In Huludao City in China's Liaoning Province lies the world's first leaning tower. Aside from it's rich historical background, the Qianwei leaning tower is believed by many to also have the largest lean in the world, yet it is not recognized by Guinness World Records. Leaning Tower of Barceloneta, Spain Situated on Barceloneta Beach in Spain, this iconic tower features four cubes stacked precariously on top of each other at varying angles. Scores of tourists and visitors flock to this beautiful part of the country, not only for the sun and sand, but also to take in the view of this unorthodox building. Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, Malaysia The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, formerly known as just the water tower, is one of the major attractions of this small Malaysian town. Shortly after the construction of the tower the building began to tilt due to the stream of water running through the ground below, which made the foundation soil weak. Neuer Zollhof, Germany Part of the redeveloped port in Dusseldorf, this unconventional building was created by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The three buildings curve and lean in varying directions and are made of different cladding, whether that be white plaster, red brick or reflective stainless steel. Leaning Temple of Huma, India The only leaning temple in the world, the Temple of Huma was built in 1670 on the banks of the Mahanadi at an angle of 17 degrees, and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It is said that the construction of the temple came about due to enquiries made because of a milkman's daily ritual of crossing the Mahanadi and offering his milk to the rock which cropped out on the bank, and the rock would miraculously consume the milk each time. Tilting Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank, Italy This eco-friendly building is an architectural feat in its own right as, rather than using shading devices to protect the south-facing walls, the solar passive design instead uses its own floors with the 14 degree tilt. The office also features a myriad of sustainable building strategies to provide comfort and save energy. Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Russia The mysteries surrounding this Russian tower work to make this ethereal building all the more stunning. No-one knows exactly what the tower/prison/science lab for secret experiments is actually for, when in the 18th century it was constructed, by whom, or the origins of its tilt. Although there are bizarre speculations including crying walls or throwing architects off the balcony, this one is better shrouded in mystery. Gate of Europe, Madrid The twin towers that make up the Gate of Europe are named as such for good reason. These foreboding structures, known as Puerta de Europa, lay at the top of a stone staircase and appear to barricade the city of Madrid. The 114m towers have 26 floors of office space and have fittingly appeared in a number of movies, such as The Day of the Beast. Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Germany Before the Capital Gate was built in Abu Dhabi, this medieval steeple held the title of the most tilted tower in the world. Located in a village in North Western Germany, the 14th century church was built with oak tree trunk foundations, which rotted in the surrounding marshy land.
Facebook is swiftly becoming the radar of global activity, now obtaining the power to track not only people's social networking patterns but also their travel paths, their ages and even their political inclinations. With over 800 million active users the social networking site is rampant, with immense data processing required for the constant stream of check-ins, status updates and photo uploads. Data scientist at Facebook, Justin Moore, created these global maps as a captivating visual indicator of where and who the world's Facebook users are to make sense of some of the unique data. SEASONED TRAVELLERS WHO WANT TO MAKE IT KNOWN Forget the old maps of showing aeroplane's routes across the globe because we can now follow travel patterns through Facebook users' check-ins. This map uses check-ins at two far off locations as a way of tracing globe-trotting journeys. NYC HUSTLE AND BUSTLE Check-ins over several days in New York City alone reveal the heavier users are situated around more heavily trafficked commercial and tourist areas. Shouldn't you guys be working or studying or something? NEW VS. OLD The colour ranges of this dazzling map represent the ages of users, again through their check-ins on Facebook. The green zones constitute the older and more established Facebookers whilst the blue are the younger rookies. PRETTY POLITICAL Although what may look like some sort of beautiful and rare star constellation, this last image actually maps American users' political affiliation. Democrats are shown as blue and the Republicans are red. Better pick up your game Obama, the social world has spoken.
The Olympic Games bring nations together in a worldwide contest of sport and competition. But the Olympics do much more than this too by providing an arena for remarkable triumphs, terrible failures, true perseverance and utter determination. Even through devastating wars, ongoing global conflicts, drastic terrorism acts and natural disasters, nations of the world have managed to unite (almost) every four years for over a century in a demonstration of friendly competition and unity. With the approaching London Olympics, it got us thinking about the spectacular images from past Olympic Games — photos that make you think, laugh, cringe or cry. Here is our pick of the best photographs from each summer Olympic Games throughout history. Athens 1896 - The Starting Gun Fires The first international Olympic Games to be held in the modern era. Being the 'birthplace of the Olympic Games', Athens was a suitable first venue. Athletics events obtained the most international field of the sports on offer, with the major highlight being the marathon; this was the first time the event had been held in international competition. Paris 1900 - Women Compete for the First Time Women donned their sporting caps and get-ups (apparently dresses in those days) for the first time at an international sporting event in Paris in 1900, with Charlotte Cooper being crowned the first female Olympic champion. 1000 competitors took part in 19 sports at these Games, which was held during the 1900 World's Fair. St. Louis 1904 - 3rd Time Not Such a Charm The St. Louis Olympic Games almost became the last due to such poor management. Making the same mistake as Paris did four years earlier, the World's Fair was run at the same time, causing audience members to be lost to other cultural exhibitions and events. Many athletes were also a no-show due to the Russo-Japanese War. London 1908 - Kings, Queens and Cramming London only had a short amount of time to ready themselves for these games as the original location, Rome, had to focus funds on restoring Naples following the destruction of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius two years earlier. The London games saw the setting of the new official distance for the marathon; in an attempt to restore the importance of the monarchy, British officials changed the track to start below the window of the Royal Nursery and finish in front of the King. Stockholm 1912 - Women's Gymnastics The Olympic Games in 1912 was the year of many firsts - and one last. The final Games to issue solid gold medals, Stockholm also held the first Olympics to have art competitions, the first to feature the decathlon and pentathlon, the first to have an Asian nation participate (Japan), and the first death during competition after Portuguese competitor, Francisco Lazaro, died from hyperthermia in the marathon. The Games also had a whopping 48 women compete (most of which appear to be in the Norwegian's Gymnastics team above). Berlin 1916 - A No-Show The Olympics were due to take place in Berlin in 1916, and it was expected to be a grand affair with the development of the new 'Deutsches Stadion'. The stadium was released with a parade, 10,000 pigeons and 60,000 people. If only they could get that many people to turn up to the real event though, because the Games didn't go ahead in this year due to the turmoil embroiling Europe at the time with the outbreak 0f the Second World War. Antwerp 1920 - Return to the Stadium The Games of the VII Olympiad were offered to Antwerp to honour the suffering the citizens had endured during World War I. The Games had originally been set to appear in Budapest, however as a German ally, Hungary, and many other nations such as Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey, was banned from competing. France appeared strong in the games, as is evident through Suzanne Lenglen's valiant effort on the tennis court. Paris 1924 - The Old Switcheroo Known as 'The Flying Scot', Britain's Golden Boy, Eric Liddell, stubbornly refused to take place in the 100m finals, as the event was to take place on a Sunday. The devout Christian thus decided to simply swap events in favour of the 400m sprint, ignoring the vast differences in distances and strategies. Despite the public's low expectations of his abilities, Liddell managed to not only win the competition, but also tied the Olympic record. Amsterdam 1928 - Jumping for Joy After being denied the ability to play host to the Games in both 1920 and 1924, the Olympics were finally celebrated in Holland in 1928. This was the first games to have an Olympic flame lit during the event and was also the first time that 400m athletics tracks were used. Los Angeles 1932 - Jumping Hurdles Mildred Zaharias wasn't the only one overcoming hurdles and breaking records in 1932, with California attempting to look past the worldwide Great Depression plaguing the globe at the time. These Summer Olympics held less than half the number of participants that competed in its previous location, Amsterdam, because many nations were unable to pay for the trip to Los Angeles. However, this didn't seem to impact the US too negatively as newspapers reported that the Games nevertheless reaped a profit of US$1,000,000. Berlin 1936 - Showing Off After being denied their chance to host the games in 1916, Berlin gained a second opportunity in 1936. The games were held on the eve of the Nazi Regime's rise to power in Germany, which occurred two years later. In an attempt to outdo the Los Angeles Olympics four years prior, the Nazis built a new 100,000 seat track and field stadium, six gymnasiums and many other small arenas. London 1948 - Third Time is a Charm After the Games were cancelled in Tokyo in 1940 and again London in 1944 (due to the Second World War), the Olympics finally returned to the world stage in 1948. Due to the destruction the war had caused in Europe, the games became known as the 'Austerity Games'. No new venues were built for the games and rather than being housed in an Olympic VIllage, athletes were housed in existing accommodation. Helsinki 1952 - A Record Breaking Event Known for being the games in which the most number of records were broken (until the 2008 Olympics in Beijing that is), Helsinki also saw the return and first appearance of a large number of nations. A total of 69 nations competed in the games, a figure 59 higher than that of the 1948 Games. Japan and Germany both appeared this time, along with 13 totally new nations such as The People's Republic of China and the USSR. Melbourne 1956 - Exceeding Expectations Melbourne was selected by a mere one vote margin and many were skeptical of its suitability as the reversal of seasons would mean that athletes would be unaccustomed to the wintery weather at the Summer Games. The Games proved to be a success and later became known as the 'Friendly Games'. Betty Cuthbert (above) was a star for the Australian nation by securing three gold medals, in the 100m, 200m & 4 x 100m sprint relay. Rome 1960 - Frozen in Time After emerging from the quarter and semi-finals of the 100m with the quickest times, German Armin Hary jumped the gun by false-starting twice in the finals. By the third, time, he seemed to have honed his panther-like reflexes to run a speedy 10.2 second and take out the Gold Medal. Tokyo 1964 - Savvy Games The Olympic Games held in the Tokyo in 1964 were the first Olympics to be telecast internationally without the need for tapes to be flown overseas, as was required previously. They were also the first games in which South Africa was barred from participating due to its apartheid system. Mexico City 1968 - Black Power Although you've probably seen this image a thousand times, the use of sport for making overt political statements and to become a vehicle for change, which is embodied in this photo, cannot be ignored. The Black Power Salute, made by African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the 1968, was a contentious gesture. Ostracised at the time, their demonstration only became recognised as a demonstration for dignity years later. Munich 1972 - Shadows The Games in Munich were largely overshadowed by the Munich Massacre, in which eleven Isreali athletes and coaches, a West German Police Officer and five terrorists were killed. Despite the event, the West German Government was determined to present a new democratic government, after the last games held in Germany was under the Nazi Regime. To this aim, the official motto of the games became 'the Happy Games'. Montreal 1976 - A Perfect Performance Romanian Gymnast Nadia Comaneci made Olympic history in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal by becoming the first female gymnast to ever be awarded a perfect score of 10 for her wondrous display on the uneven bars. Comaneci was also the the first Romanian gymnast to win the all-round event and was only 14 at the time - no wonder she appears to be floating on air. Moscow 1980 - Boycott Because of the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, the United States and a number of other countries boycotted the games in Moscow. As a result the games garnered a mere 80 participating nations, the smallest number since the 1956 Olympics. All in all a fairly non-eventful Games evidently. Los Angeles 1984 - Yep, another Boycott In retaliation to America's boycott four years prior, this time the Eastern Bloc nations boycotted the games. Seems like the fighting fire with fire approach is being employed here. Seoul 1988 - Cracking Under Pressure In the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the world's best diver at the time. Greg Louganis seemed to crack under the pressure - and that's not the only thing he cracked. In his attempt to complete a reverse 2 and a 1/2 pike somersault, the diver didn't get enough distance from the board and hit his head on the board, requiring temporary sutures. Barcelona 1992 - A Family Affair Renowned 400 metre sprinter Derek Redmond tragically tore a hamstring in the middle of the semi-final race at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. However, after his father tore past the security to go to his son's aid, Redmond was able to fight through the pain to complete a full lap, finishing with a standing ovation from the crowd. Atlanta 1996 - A Bombshell of an Olympics In the middle of the Atlanta Games in 1996, Eric Rudolph conducted his first of four terrorist bombings, killing two people and injuring 111. Rudolph bombed the Centennial Olympic Park, which was designed as the 'town square' of the Olympics. Sydney 2000 - Controversial Cathy Making the history books, Freeman brought glory to the Australian population by claiming the title of winner of the 400m track event. She was only the second ever Australian Aboriginal Olympic Champion. Following the race, the sprinter proceeded to (somewhat controversially and against Olympic norms) take a victor lap carrying both the Aboriginal and Australian flags. Athens 2004 - Making Waves Charnvudth Saensri of Thailand made waves with his strong stroke in the men's swimming 1500 metre freestyle heat in Athens. (Ok he didn't do that well but you can't go past the beauty of the photograph and his sheer determination). Beijing 2008 - As Fast as a Bolt Despite unfavourable wind conditions, Usain Bolt smashed through the 100m sprint world record with a swift 9.69 seconds. If that wasn't enough Bolt then went on to win gold and set another world record in the 200m. This made Bolt the first sprinter to ever break both records at the same Olympics.
Apart from some amazing authentic Middle Eastern and Turkish restaurants that serve great food but lack presentation and ambience (that won't stop us going, mind you), Coburg is a veritable dining wasteland. And while the options may be limited, there are one or two that shine. The Post Office Hotel, for one, is a well-rounded gastro-pub experience, complete with bandroom and regular music gigs. The dining hall to one side is expansive and offers elegant, tasty food at a price only justified by sitting squarely in the 'gastro' category. Exposed brick walls and an open fireplace are matched by large terrariums that adorn the recycled timber tables, many surrounded by large booths, and an open kitchen that gives this space a contemporary restaurant feel with a menu to match. Share plates include charcuterie ($25), pickles and breads ($20) and pork hock and gruyere croquettes ($15), while entree and main menus are brief but well-rounded. The dill-crumbed smoked eel with spiced beetroot, aioli, capers and white anchovy ($15) is an interesting starter and the pan-fried Blue Eye with prawn ravioli, brandy and ginger bisque, celery and leek ($32) a hero of the mains. If that all sounds a little too upmarket for you (and we wouldn't judge), the bar next door offers a more humble experience. Here, the new lounge features Chersterfields and an open fire, with a front bar for gigs and a leafy beer garden for summer nights. The bar menu echoes the dining hall next door in a few of the prices — a chicken parma will set you back $25 — but offers some more down-to-earth options such as a burger with shoestring fries for $17 and a beef and bean chilli with corn relish and rice for $20. While this review may sound a little price-obsessed, it's important you know what you're in for. In search of some good ol' pub grub at the local? This is not the joint for you. Seeking a cosy place to sit with a glass of wine and well-considered bar food? The Post Office bar and lounge has what you need. And if you're wanting a sophisticated dining experience with good food, great service and the atmosphere to match, head into the dining hall and forget that this is supposed to be a pub. The reality here is a little bit different — not very 'Coburg' in any sense of the suburb — and the results more refined.
UPDATE: MARCH 2, 2021 — Creed Bratton's Australian tour has been postponed to September 2022, with The Office star now playing Melbourne on Sunday, September 25. Current tickets will still be valid for all upcoming tour dates. The below article has been updated to reflect this change. Dunder Mifflin's most eccentric employee is coming to Melbourne, and he has plenty of stories to share. Best known for playing a highly fictionalised version of himself on the US version of hit sitcom The Office, Creed Bratton isn't someone that viewers will forget quickly — and if you enjoyed his antics as a quality assurance director at everyone's favourite Scranton paper company, then you just might want to check out his live stage show. Beyond The Office, the real-life Bratton has quite a history. He started as a travelling musician, played lead guitar on the first four albums by American rock group The Grass Roots, and has released his own solo records, too. On-screen, he has also popped up in Grace and Frankie, western flick The Sisters Brothers, and Comedy Bang! Bang!. Bringing his variety show to Melbourne's The Corner on Friday, October 15, Bratton is continuing what he's doing for years — solo stage shows, that is. As well as music and comedy, he'll chat through the ups and downs of his career, including the obvious: his time on The Office. If you've ever wanted to know why Creed loved spider solitaire so much, whether he actually did any work and if the character was ever really in a cult ("you have more fun as a follower, but you make more money as a leader," he once claimed), this might be your chance.
Hiatus Kaiyote will be taking up residency at Howler on Wednesday evenings for all of May. The contemporary soul outfit will be performing songs from their highly-acclaimed record Tawk Tomahawk, which is sure to enthral audiences with their unique genre blending sound. Lead singer Nai Palm's soulful vocals perfectly accompany rather than outshine her fellow band members Perrin Moss on drums, Paul Bender on bass and Simon Mavin on keys, and to witness these four come together live is something of wonder. With a Grammy nod last year for their song 'Nakamarra' featuring Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, and accolades from modern soul royalty such as Erykah Badu and The Roots' Questlove, who are we to argue? Be sure to check out the support acts too. Not only is the lineup totally worthwhile in itself — Kirkis, Sex on Toast, Ainslie Wills and Low Leaf — but thanks to new initiative Support the Supports, you'll score some free wine if you get along early. Read more here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ozr4KsZBTvQ
Australian artist and filmmaker, Amiel Courtin-Wilson returns home to share his experiences in the United States with his latest solo exhibition, The American Experiment. Over the last 17 years Courtin-Wilson has worked in filmmaking in the USA, and the exhibition is set to feature a range of his works in a variety of mediums, including moving image installation, audio recordings and “diagrammatic endeavours to find new graphic representations of cinematic structure”. Gertrude Contemporary has recently been exploring interdisciplinary exhibitions, and Courtin-Wilson’s work fits the bill perfectly. The American Experiment specifically explores the intersection of contemporary art and documentary film. Emma Crimmings, director of Gertrude Contemporary, describes Courtin-Wilson’s work as “not strictly documentary in nature or form, but rather carefully contrived portraits of trauma and survival. "Straddling a space somewhere between the real and unimaginable, his work is characterised by its combination of highly authored realist narratives with imagery that is raw, fragile, violent, impressionistic — and often times staggeringly beautiful.” Well if that’s not a tick of approval, we’re not sure what is. Catch this acclaimed, multi-award winning filmmaker’s work while you can.
Have you got a sweet tooth that just won’t quit? Fancy yourself a bit of a whiz when it comes to baking and cake decorating? Or maybe you find yourself drooling over display cabinets at your local patisserie more than you’re willing to admit? We hear you, so let us point you in the direction of this year’s Cake Bake and Sweets Show at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This three-day live event is packed to the mixing bowl brim of celebrity chef demos, classes and interactive workshops so you can create the cake magic at home. As well as picking up some new tips and tricks, now’s your chance to stock up on the perfect baking supplies and sample the goods from Melbourne’s best pastry and dessert chefs. We don’t want to alarm the chocoholics out there, but there will be a Willy Wonka-inspired chocolate river and garden created by Kirsten Tibballs and Savour Chocolate School. Run, don’t walk. Image: Katherine Sabbath/Cake Bake & Sweets Show.
Utterly gorgeous local legends, The Harpoons, are about to Walk Away (‘scuse the pun) from Melbourne for a spell to traipse around Europe. It’s not all fun and games though (although hopefully they’ll be a bit of that) — they’re off to write some more of their experimental pop bangers, and who are we to stand in the way of greatness? In fact, we’re going to give them the send off they deserve. While their first show with HABITS and DJ Simon TK has sold out, they have just added a new show for a soulful Sunday session, with guest appearances from Milk Teddy and DJ Frankie Topaz. Prepare to experience their flawless vocals paired with hypnotic beats for the last time for a little while. Ciao for now, lovely ones.
Anything Jamie Dornan can do, Zac Efron can, too? That's the situation that'll play out on streaming service Stan this January. First, Dornan will get stranded in the outback in TV thriller The Tourist, and then Efron will do the same in Gold — aka the movie he shot when he decamped from Hollywood to Australia during the pandemic and seemed to be the only thing other than COVID-19 that was making headlines. Gold will also play in some cinemas, if you'd like to watch Efron try to survive the Aussie landscape on the big screen — with the film receiving a theatrical release on January 13, then streaming via Stan on January 26. Wherever you choose to watch it, you'll see the High School Musical, The Greatest Showman and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile actor get a serious case of gold fever after stumbling upon the biggest gold nugget ever found. Efron's character, known only as Man One, discovers the huge chunk of gold with the movie's writer/director/co-star Anthony Hayes (Total Control) — who, yes, plays a figure known as Man Two. The pair of drifters then come up with a plan to excavate the precious metal, but it involves Man One staying behind to guard it while Man Two goes to nab the necessary equipment. As the just-dropped first trailer for Gold shows, that doesn't look too promising for Man One. Gold also features Wentworth and Cargo's Susie Porter as a stranger who crosses Man One's path — and obviously features oh-so-many lingering looks at the outback backdrop that filmmakers have loved ever since 70s greats such as Wake in Fright and Walkabout. Plonking big-name stars against Australia's striking terrain is only a small genre, but it's still a growing one — with Gold joining everything from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Australia to The Rover and The Dressmaker. Check out the trailer for Gold below: Gold will screen in selected cinemas from January 13, and stream via Stan from January 26.
Red Stitch Theatre's About Tommy sees the company follow their established inclination towards challenging, subversive subject matter. The translated Thor Bjorn Krebs play, directed here by Kat Hendry, transports the audience back in time to war torn 1990's Yugoslavia to explore the emotional realities faced by soldiers, both on and off the battlefield. Hendry aims to challenge her relocated viewer by telling the horror tales of wartime through the innovative use of live-action performance, intermingled with actual newsreel footage of the conflict. Within this creative, unorthodox composition, cast members Matthew Whitty, Kate Cole and Paul Henri collectively play 11 characters, compellingly conveying the maelstrom of emotions evoked in the context of conflict, particularly in the minds and hearts of UN peacekeepers who are given the impossible task of merely monitoring war rather than engaging in it. Image via Red Stitch Theatre.
If you've got a hard-earned thirst for some spiffy beer merch, the folks at Victoria Bitter have you covered, and that's been the case for a couple of years. Already decked out most of your wardrobe with VB gear, but still looking for something to splash around in at the beach? Then you'll be pleased to discover that the famed Carlton & United Breweries beer has just joined forces with Budgy Smuggler on a new range of swimwear. Available via Budgy Smuggler's website, the Victoria Bitter collection includes briefs for men — budgie smugglers, obviously — plus one-piece swimmers for women, with both types available in multiple designs. If you're keen to have the classic beer logo emblazoned across your body, you can choose between green and white backgrounds. You can also opt for a 'sticker bomb' design, which features multiple different VB logos, or pick one with cartoon beers as well. Whether you're a beachgoer or you prefer lazing around a pool, you'll need a towel, too, with four different types available with the same imagery. They'll set you back $55 each, while the mens' bathers cost $65 and womens' togs cost $100. If you're keen on other VB-themed items as well, you can still head to the brand's site to check out its retro-styled collection, which nods firmly to the brew's lengthy history quenching the thirst of hardworking Aussies. There are crewneck jumpers, t-shirts, hoodies, beanies and caps, all emblazoned with that instantly recognisable logo. Alongside all the clothes, you'll also find VB jigsaw puzzles — plus glasses, water bottles, coolers, speakers, bar mats and even fridges. And, as part of its ever-expanding range of merch, don't forget that VB also has its own scent now, too. The Victoria Bitter Collection is available to purchase from Budgy Smuggler's website. Top image: VB.
If you love meat, smoke and maybe a bit of hot sauce and kimchi, then you're in the right city. In Melbourne, there's no shortage of quality barbecue, whether you're looking for American-style brisket in Brunswick or Korean cuts in the CBD. Our barbecue is so sophisticated that, these days, barbecue had infiltrated fine dining and, at some spots, even vegetarians are fully catered for. One place even has a karaoke room. As luck would have it, these joints have also perfected the art of barbecue drinking — crack a tinnie just like you're in your mate's backyard, order a glass of funky orange riesling or go for soju in every variety available. Here are some of our top picks for all things barbecue (and booze) in Melbourne. Recommended reads: The Best Steak in Melbourne The Best Hot Pots in Melbourne The Best Pubs in Melbourne The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
Look, some things are definitely better fresh. Things like like produce, sashimi and hot chips. But other things get better with age, things like you and, surprisingly, beer. There's an idea floating around that beer only belongs in the former category, but in celebration of Cooper's 2017 Vintage Ale release, we're shedding some light on the beers that age gracefully. If you're intimidated by the idea of a cellar, don't be. Modern cellaring doesn't require you to own a sprawling mansion with a decked-out cellar door. All you need is a dark, cool and consistent space to cellar beer and bring out its mature flavours. A basement or garage will do the trick, as long as the temperature stays between ten to 12 degrees celsius and doesn't fluctuate. Also, keep the space between 50 and 70 percent humidity if you can, but if you can't, an air humidifier will help control any mould issues. The other very important item you'll need is self control — don't go downing your cellared beers just because they're there and you can. Good beers come to those who wait. (And so do some pretty tasty food and beer pairings.) Once you've got the set-up, which beers should you choose? Which actually age well? Well, that's where we come in. Follow our lead, and look to these brews for your home beer cellar. In a year or so, you'll be thanking us. STOUT A good rule of thumb is that heavier beers with a higher alcohol content will cellar the best. Aim for beers that are heavy on malt and have an alcohol content of eight percent for good results. Stout is an excellent beginner's brew for cellaring. The word stout is even a synonym for heavy, determined and forceful, making it an ideal candidate to develop some extra depth. The rich, dark (but never heavy) texture of a stout starts off great, but is made even better with time. The roasted malt component, which is what gives the beer its depth, becomes even more complex. The consensus on how long to cellar a stout for is mixed, but the best approach for a DIY beer-ager is through experimentation. Buy the brew of your choice in bulk (like Cooper's Best Extra Stout) and drink a few fresh, making sure to take notes as you go. Age the rest and every six months, repeat the experiment, each time taking notes. Everyone has different tastes, but when you have your perfectly aged stout, pair it with a slow-cooked pork roast or oysters. DARK ALE Dark ale is one of the lesser known dark beers, but its reputation (or lack thereof) is undeserved; this beer warrants a place in your DIY cellar, especially if you're into chocolaty, coffee flavours. Think of dark ale as a dessert beer — heavy, creamy and rich. This strong flavour profile is what makes the beer excellent for cellaring, as it gets stronger, yet subtler, after a few years in the dark. For your home cellar, look for either barrel-aged or bottle-conditioned beer, like Cooper's Dark Ale. The active yeast contained in the bottle means they were designed to cellar well. Also note, thanks to their high alcohol content, dark ales can withstand a slightly higher temperature — between 12 and 14 degrees celsius — compared to their wheaty brethren, making this one a kinder brew for the home cellar novice. VINTAGE ALE From time to time, brewers will develop and release beers that are designed to age. Cooper's Vintage Ale is the perfect example and a must have for any DIY beer cellar — trust us, you'll be glad you added it in couple years. In its infancy, it has a bitter and punchy flavour with pineapple and pear undertones (unusual flavours for such a heavy beer, but somehow it works). During the production process, the introduction of live yeast as a conditioner gives this brew its longevity. So, if you're patient, you'll notice as the beer ages that the bitterness evolves into a sweet, caramel palette. Keep an eye out for these kinds of limited releases at your local as they're often designed — bottle and all — to be cellared, and may even become collector's items in years to come. SPARKLING ALE Now, we have just said that dark and heavy beers age well, so it may surprise you to see sparkling ale on this list. As a lighter brew, it may not be a go-to for most cellars, but sparkling ales do actually age beautifully and (if you do it right) you'll end up with a rich brew a lot faster than the heavier drops. The cellaring process takes the sparking ale's fruity, floral notes and smooths them out. Any acidity, over-the-top sweetness or rough edges age into honeyed undertones. But make sure you check these beers more regularly than their darker counterparts as they'll mature a little faster. Also, make sure to keep the temperature under control; these brews won't react well to any heat. Once you've nailed your desired aged flavours, pair them with bold tastes. Spicy food will match with the bubbles, and charcoal and rotisserie barbecue flavours will sit well with fruity tones. SOUR BEER If you like your beer a little bit tart, then turn your attention to sour beer. These acidic brews famously cellar well, but be warned, they're an unpredictable beer to begin with. Sour beers have always been brewed differently from other beers. Before modern brewing, beer was intentionally soured by introducing wild yeasts into the fermentation process — a method still used today. And although the modern brewing method is a little more controlled — brewers often use a Belgium yeast called brettanomyces to sour, instead of leaving the beer out to the elements — things can still go wrong. On the plus side, if the initial brew goes well, the beer will taste even better a few years down the track, since brettanomyces take months to develop a full flavour profile. Even if you don't traditionally like sour beer, we recommend you hop on down to your local and try an aged sour — you might be pleasantly surprised. (Beer pun intended.) A limited number of the 2017 Coopers Vintage Ale cartons have been released, so get to stocking your cellar with these brews quickly. Otherwise, you can find the vintage available on tap at a few key venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond. Find your closest pub serving the brew here.
The young-gun chef behind globe-trotting restaurant concept Atlas Dining is teaming up with one of the OGs of Melbourne's Italian food scene, for a one-off feast fuelled by fire. On Tuesday, October 4, you can catch Charlie Carrington as he ventures north of the river and joins Joe Vargetto at his Kew mainstay Mister Bianco. Guests are in for a smoky, seasonal four-course spread, guided both by Carrington's affinity for cooking over flames and Vargetto's signature Sicilian flavours. The collaborative menu might feature hits like smoked goats cheese and pine nut tortellini in a smoky parmesan and pumpkin broth, duck matched with eggplant caponata and smoked capsicum sauce, and a semifreddo of smoked milk finished with grilled berries and rich chocolate ganache. Included in your $135 ticket is a series of matched sips, with Scorpo wines and cocktails crafted on Brogan's Way gin among the night's drinks curation. Top Image: Mister Bianco
They call it Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, oh Tina — The Tina Turner Musical — and, while it finally arrived in Australia in May, it now has more dates around the nation. After premiering in London back in 2018, this stage ode to the music icon that's had Aussies dancing to 'Nutbush City Limits' for decades will tour Down Under, following up its current first local stint in Sydney with seasons in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. No, it isn't taking to the stage in a church house, gin house, school house or outhouse — or on highway number 19, either. But Tina — The Tina Turner Musical will obviously have Crown Theatre, Festival Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Princess Theatre enjoying Turner's greatest hits in one massive show. The list of musical numbers includes 'Nutbush City Limits', naturally, as well as everything from 'River Deep, Mountain High' and 'Proud Mary' through to 'Private Dancer' and 'What's Love Got to Do with It?'. Tina — The Tina Turner Musical has made its trip Down Under courtesy of TEG DAINTY, Stage Entertainment and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner herself before her passing in May this year. Announcing the show's stint on our shores back in 2022, the singer said that "Australia has always shared abundant love with me, going back to my early concerts in the late 70s through the uplifting partnership with the National Rugby League. It is very special for me that we will be reunited." "The joy, passion and message of resilience in my musical is so important now as ever. Thank you from the bottom my heart for welcoming me with open arms once again," Turner continued. The singer didn't mention her appearance in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, but she is indeed part of the beloved Mad Max franchise, too. In Australia, The Lion King, We Will Rock You, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ragtime and Moulin Rouge! The Musical star Ruva Ngwenya plays Tina, with In the Heights, Fame: The Musical and fellow Moulin Rouge! The Musical alumni Tim Omaji as Ike Turner. Penned by Tony Award-nominee and Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, plus Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, and directed by fellow Tony-nominee Phyllida Lloyd, Tina — The Tina Turner Musical clearly has quite the story to tell. The show steps through Turner's life and fame, including growing up in Nutbush, Tennessee, the hard work that led to her career, all of those aforementioned hits, her 12 Grammy Awards, her volatile time with Ike and her huge solo success. If you're a fan, Turner herself summed it up — yes, it's simply the best. "I first heard about the possibility of a stage musical portraying Tina's life eight years ago and I immediately reached out to Tali Pelman at Stage Entertainment. At that point there was no script and no book; however, I was hooked on the idea of it," said TEG DAINTY CEO Paul Dainty about Tina — The Tina Turner Musical. "We have been on that journey ever since, and here we are today announcing the Australian tour! Australians love this theatrical masterpiece which tells the story of Tina's life, of empowerment and success, and is ultimately the best music industry comeback story of all time." TINA — THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL AUSTRALIAN DATES: Now until Sunday, December 31, 2023 — Theatre Royal, Sydney From Tuesday, February 27, 2024 — Crown Theatre, Perth From Wednesday, April 24, 2024 — Festival Theatre, Adelaide From Sunday, July 2, 2024 — Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane From Tuesday, September 24, 2024 — Princess Theatre, Melbourne Tina — The Tina Turner Musical is currently playing in Sydney, and will tour the rest of Australia in 2024. For more information and tickets, head to the musical's website. Images: Daniel Boud.
In October 2024, Melbourne's southeast scored a huge Asian-fusion restaurant and bar — Chicki Chan — thanks to Johnny Jong and Kelvyn Yeoh. Jong is running the back of house as Director, leaning on his hefty 28-plus years experience to create this venture — having worked as Executive Chef at both Crown Sydney and Lucas Restaurants. And he has enlisted the help of Yeoh to run the kitchen, who's also worked at Crown and Lucas Restaurants — overseeing venues like Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Yakimono, and Grill Americano. With such impressive credentials, you can't help but have high expectations for the duo's own restaurant. Similar to Lucas Restaurants venues (where the duo previously worked and seem to have gained inspiration), Chiki Chan is big on the vibes, decking out the two-storey space with a long bar backed by wave-like walls (plus another bar in the room out back), neon artwork, polished concrete floors, screens showing futuristic videos, and pumping music. They have clearly learned a few things from the one and only Chris Lucas, making the space ooze cool. When it comes to food, you can expect an eclectic mix of Asian-fusion eats — think Italian-style burrata with Szechuan chili oil, fennel jam and macadamias; crispy barramundi with an Asian remoulade, jalapenos and palm sugar sauce; and a coconut chantilly served with strawberry conssomme, Thai basil oil and raspberry sorbet. Set menus are also on the docket — a necessary addition to any restaurant these days — which cost an easy $55, $65 and $85 per person. As expected, Asian-inspired cocktails make it onto the menu alongside Aussie wines and beers on tap, either found in the restaurant or adjoining Hiki Bar. At the cocktail bar, you can also find a tapas-srtyle food offering to appease the sip and snack crowds and those waiting for a table in the main dining room. Jong and Yeoh are ticking all the right boxes with Chiki Chan, clearly understanding how to stand out (while also fitting in enough as to not scare off customers) within Melbounre's highly competitive hospitality industry.
Bringing the beloved Mattel doll to cinemas in live-action for the first time, Barbie wasn't specifically made for concert screenings. But with a soundtrack filled with Oscar-winning and -nominated tunes, as well as tracks by Dua Lipa, Haim, Dominic Fike, The Kid LAROI, Pink Pantheress and more, it's certain to prove quite the treat when the film returns to the big screen in Melbourne with a live orchestra playing its music. Yes, Greta Gerwig's (Little Women) take on the iconic toy is returning for another movie date, this time with Billie Eilish's 'What Was I Made For?', the Ryan Gosling (The Fall Guy)-crooned 'I'm Just Ken' and more performed by the orchestra as audiences watch — all thanks to Symphonic Cinema Presents. In Melbourne, you'll be heading to Plenary Theatre at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Expect Kenergy aplenty. It's a Barbie bonanza in the city of late, given that it is also currently playing host to the Malibu Barbie Cafe's first-ever Australian appearance until the end of summer. As viewers already know from the Margot Robbie (Asteroid City)-starring flick, Barbie can be anything. Although screenings of the film can't be President, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, a diplomat and a Supreme Court justice, or a mermaid, doctor, lawyer and Pulitzer-winner, they can take many guises, such as movie-and-music events like this.
Since launching over two decades ago, the Peninsula Hot Springs have become a go-to wellness and pampering destination for locals and visitors alike. A trip down to leafy Fingal to soak in the stunning geothermal pools or indulge in a couple of spa treatments — it's a popular choice for a de-stressing day out of the city, as about 500,000 annual visitors can attest. But come this summer, you'll have yet another place to sate those pamper cravings, with the owners confirming their new regional hot springs outpost is on track to open within the year. Thanks to a final boost in funding from government grants and a partnership with local tourism operators, the Metung Hot Springs are set to launch by summer 2021–22, in the heart of East Gippsland — an area that's been impacted by bushfires, severe drought and a global pandemic in the past year alone. While the region is a favourite summer destination for many, it's hoped this new multi-faceted attraction and wellness precinct will help pull visitors all year round, what with all those steamy thermal pools and sauna options. But the choice of location is also a nod to Metung's past — the lakeside town was actually the setting of Victoria's first hot springs bathing, before it closed to the public in 1992. So, what do we have to look forward to? Well, work is set to kick off soon on the first phase of the project, which clocks in at around $6 million. This initial part will encompass various hot springs bathing facilities at the main King Cove site — sweeping views of the Gippsland Lakes, included — along with a dedicated glamping village like the one recently unveiled at the precinct's Mornington Peninsula sibling. There'll also be a spa relaxation centre and further hot springs constructed at the nearby King Cove Golf Club, for what will become the country's first golf course-hot springs situation. A second phase is set to include something called a 'bathing valley', a hotel, and a marina with various pools and saunas featuring views across Lake King. Of course, with Metung located around 3.5 hours out of Melbourne, the new hot springs is set to be less of a day trip and more of a weekend away. But hey, at least you've got a good few months to plan your visit. Metung Hot Springs is set to open within the Kings Cove Estate, Metung, in summer 2021-22. Stay tuned for more details over at the Peninsula Hot Springs website.
Earlier this year, Mamas Dining Group (Hochi Mama, Straight Outta Saigon, Kiss and Tell) announced it was opening two new sites on Chapel Street. We're still waiting for two-storey restaurant Suzie Q to open, but the team's Windsor Wine Room has started pumping out its Euro-inspired eats and pouring from its hefty list of wines by the glass. Chef Michael Stolley (ex-Ish Restaurant and Eazy Peazy) is running the kitchen, plating up a mix of small and large sharing plates that are loosely inspired by a range of European cuisines — mostly Italian, German and French creole. Start off with small plates like mussels escabeche paired with a fennel aioli and potato crisps, tuna crudo with fig, pickled shallots and mint and burrata served with a vodka-spiked sauce. Bigger bites include a reasonably priced $38 bavette steak, an octopus and nduja gnocchi, and a hearty cauliflower pie with French onion gravy — perfect for those seeking some winter-warming eats. As is in the name, wine is the star of the drinks list. And there's plenty to get through. An impressive 23 drops are available by the glass, while the eight pages of bottles span Australian, New Zealand and European varietals. These cover a vast range of vinos, with plenty on offer for both traditional wine lovers and fans of new-wave natty numbers. Cocktails, beers, and a pretty far-reaching collection of spirits round out the booze options. To celebrate its launch, Windsor Wine Room is currently offering a $45 set menu every night of the week, which includes two small dishes, two large dishes and a side. If you need an excuse to try this new spot out, this set menu is it. You'll find Windsor Wine Room at 60 Chapel Street, Windsor, open 5–10pm from Tuesday–Thursday, and 5–11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information and to book a table, visit the venue's website.
Sydney's city centre has been overrun by birds — though they're not the usual kind. Rather, these dainty bronze bird statues gracing spots along Bridge and Grosvenor streets are part of the latest public work by acclaimed artist Tracey Emin. The Distance of Your Heart, which was commissioned by the City of Sydney back in 2014 and unveiled by Lord Mayor Clover Moore for the City Art collection yesterday, features over 60 of the handmade sculptures, carefully placed atop doorways, awnings and poles around the CBD. A birdbath inscribed with the work's title forms a centrepiece in Macquarie Place. Emin is perhaps best known for her work My Bed, which included items from her own bedroom, including dirty sheets, cigarette butts and condoms, but the message behind this work is much less controversial. It's about comfort — a kind of reflection on Australia's distance from the rest of the world and a little piece of hope for those who might be feeling homesick or detached. "Sydney is big but the birds are small, tiny, delicate, fragile — just like we are as human beings," Emin explained. "Sometimes we can feel lost and sad, but the sight of a bird can give us hope." The Lord Mayor said that "with its underlying concept of global migration and travel, this artwork will particularly resonate with the many Sydney residents born overseas and the millions of visitors who visit our shores each year". The Distance of Your Heart is a permanent addition to Sydney's collection of public art — you can find the birds on Bridge and Grosvenor streets in the CBD.
Love, sex, internet dating, a charismatic conman, psychological abuse, murder — in the realm of true-crime stories, Dirty John had it all. Hosted by Los Angeles Times journalist Christopher Goffard, the podcast became a huge hit when it dropped back in October 2017. Now the tale of John Meehan has been adapted into a TV series, and it's heading to Netflix. Come Thursday, February 14, you'll be able to watch Aussie actor Eric Bana step into the notorious con artist's shoes, opposite Connie Britton as interior designer and Meehan's mark, Debra Newell. The high-profile cast also includes Juno Temple and Maniac's Julia Garner as Newell's daughters. If you've listened to the podcast, you'll know that all four actors will be re-enacting quite the ordeal. The eight-episode series has just finished its week-to-week run on US television, but Netflix will drop all eight episodes when Valentine's Day hits. It's a stroke of great timing on behalf of the streaming platform — if you were looking for alternative plans for what's supposed to be the most romantic day of the year, consider yourself sorted. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG70KroYlik&feature=youtu.be An anthology series, when Dirty John was picked up by its US network Bravo, two seasons were ordered. That means there's more to come; however, when the next season will arrive — and what it will focus on — hasn't yet been revealed. Dirty John drops on Netflix Australia/New Zealand on February 14, 2019.
Chef Alejandro Saravia is building his restaurant empire at a cracking pace. He's already made a name for himself in Melbourne with contemporary Australian restaurants Farmer's Daughters and Victoria by Farmer's Daughters. And in April this year, he launched the ambitious 220-seater Morena Sydney, which champions South American flavours. But that ain't all. Come spring this year, he'll open two neighbouring venues in the 80 Collins precinct that build upon the original concept of Morena Sydney. The first is Morena Restaurant, which offers a formal dining experience much like the Sydney outpost. Here, Saravia is pulling inspiration from his homeland of Peru, alongside Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico in crafting the menu. [caption id="attachment_964136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morena Sydney[/caption] When it comes to bevs, there'll be a focus on Spanish and South American wines as well as signature cocktails heroing Latin American spirits. The second site, sitting right next to Morena Restaurant, is Morena Barra. Here, you'll find an all-day dining experience that's focused around a central bar and inspired by the vibrant cantinas found throughout Latin America. When it comes to this food and drink lineup here, you can expect slightly more casual renditions of Morena Restaurant's offerings. Much like Saravia's other Melbourne venues, locally sourced seasonal produce will be at the heart of both Morena Restaurant and Morena Barra. He's worked in Australian restaurants since 2006, developing mighty strong relationships with Victoria's top growers, graziers and fishermen. [caption id="attachment_964133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morena Sydney[/caption] "After the outstanding reception to Morena Sydney, I am so excited to be bringing the Morena concept to life in the heart of Melbourne," shares Saravia. "With Farmer's Daughters around the corner, Morena will be continuing to deliver warm hospitality and exciting culinary experiences in Melbourne's CBD. The new venues will refocus the ways that Melburnians engage with the diverse cuisines from across Latin-American cultures. "For me, opening Morena in Melbourne represents a full circle of my time in this industry in Australia. Since arriving in Australia in 2006, I have been working to shine a light on the unique flavours and hospitality of Latin America; and here in my hometown of Melbourne I am excited to bring this to life in two unique venue offerings. "At Morena Melbourne, we will continue to transform Australians' perspective of Latin-American cuisines, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage whilst preserving the rich cultural roots and authentic flavours that define it." [caption id="attachment_964135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morena Sydney[/caption] [caption id="attachment_964134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morena Sydney[/caption] Morena Melbourne will open on Little Collins Street in spring 2024. For more information on the new restaurant opening, check out the venue's website. Top image by Katje Ford and all other images by Arianna Leggiero.
This bakery, based in Croydon, is not about doing things by halves. Each doughnut is visually pleasing: they're big, glossy and topped with crazy things like gold leaf, rose petals and fairy floss. But the painstaking presentation does not overshadow the more important job of pleasing those taste buds. Which they do - very, very well. The filled variety include crowd-pleasing flavours like cookies 'n' cream, Golden Gaytime and Milo. What really put Goldeluck's on the radar is their take on a croissant-doughnut hybrid. Goldeluck's 'dossant' sandwiches a creamy filling, be it honeycomb custard or chocolate cream- between flaky, sugary pastry. It leaves the conventional cronut in its (sugar) dust.
Come on Barbie, let's go party. Let's go to the real world, too. In the second sneak peek at Greta Gerwig's Barbie, the eponymous doll (Margot Robbie, Babylon) and her also-plastic beau Ken (Ryan Gosling, The Gray Man) are living life in Barbie Land, which is meant to be perfect. If you like pink and pastel hues aplenty, which the film splashes through its frames heavily and happily, it'd clearly be a dream. But that supposed bliss brings an existential crisis for the movie's main figure, plus ample everyday angst for its central Ken. Marking Gerwig's third solo stint behind the camera after Lady Bird and Little Women, scripted by the actor-turned-director with fellow filmmaker Noah Baumbach — her helmer on Greenberg, Frances Ha, Mistress America and White Noise, and real-life partner — and boasting a cast that's a gleaming toy chest of talent, Barbie might be the most anticipated toy-to-film release ever. There's that pedigree, of course. There's also the picture's patently playful vibe, which first shone through in an initial teaser trailer that parodied the one and only 2001: A Space Odyssey, and beams just as brightly in its just-dropped next look. Here, there are Barbies everywhere, with Rae (Insecure) as president Barbie, Dua Lipa (making her movie debut) as a mermaid Barbie, Emma Mackey (Emily) as a Nobel Prize-winning physicist Barbie, Alexandra Schipp (tick, tick... BOOM!) as an author Barbie and Ana Cruz Kayne (Jerry and Marge Go Large) as a supreme court justice Barbie — and Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) as diplomat Barbie, Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live) as a Barbie who is always doing the splits, Hari Nef (Meet Cute) as doctor Barbie, Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) as a Pulitzer-winning Barbie and Sharon Rooney (Jerk) as lawyer Barbie. There's also a whole heap of Kens, including Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami), Ncuti Gatwa (the incoming Doctor Who) and Scott Evans (Grace and Frankie). And, Michael Cera (Arrested Development) plays Alan, Emerald Fennell (The Crown) plays Midge, Helen Mirren (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) is the narrator, America Ferrera (Superstore) and Ariana Greenblatt (65) are humans, Jamie Demetriou (Catherine Called Birdy) is a suit, Will Ferrell (Spirited) wears a suit as Mattel's CEO and Connor Swindells (also Sex Education) is an intern. Barbie brings all those characters to the screen across its dream house-filled Barbieland and its version of the real world, as its main doll seems to realise that life in plastic mightn't be so fantastic after all. The new trailer provides more of a storyline than the first did, while also teasing the film's sense of humour — largely around Gosling's Ken, whether he's insisting that him and Robbie's Barbie are boyfriend and girlfriend, fighting with Liu's Ken about "beaching" each other off or sneaking into the Barbie convertible with his rollerblades ("I literally go nowhere without them") when Barbie is driving off to reality. What happens from there, and whether this'll be the best figurine-to-film adaptation yet in a mixed field that also includes the Transformers series, Trolls, The Lego Movie and its sequel, Battleship and the GI Joe films, will all be pulled out of the toy box in cinemas on July 20 Down Under. And no, there's still no signs of Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' on the trailer's soundtrack; however, you'll likely get it stuck in your head anyway just thinking about this movie. Check out the latest trailer for Barbie below: Barbie releases in cinemas Down Under on July 20, 2023.
Even if you've lived in Melbourne for years, you can always discover new things in nooks and crannies around the city. Blender Lane is the perfect example of one such nook. Housed just off Franklin Street this cramped little alley — even by Melbourne laneway standards — is an epicentre of the city's famous street art scene, and home to this weekly market every Wednesday night. The market was launched by the acclaimed Blender Studios, whose artists have played a vital role in cementing the place of street art in the city’s folklore as well as giving birth to iconic labels like Everfresh. Together with artists' stalls there’s also live music on offer each night, and with the wares on offer ranging from handcrafted wallets to bespoke fashion it's the perfect place to track down a Christmas present for those particularly artsy friends or family members.
