"Time is an open-ended narrative — there's no right or wrong way to experience the space. People make their own story and every person will experience it differently." This is how international street artist Rone (Tyrone Wright) describes his latest and most expansive beauty-meets-decay exhibition, which opens to the public tomorrow, Friday, October 28. More than three years in the making, Rone's ambitious new work will completely transform Flinders Street Station's hidden third floor and ballroom. "Flinders Street Ballroom is one of those urban legends — you hear people talk about it, rarely could you find a photograph of it, and access to it was near impossible," Rone says of Time's location. "When I began the process back in 2019, no one had really been up here for 40 years." [caption id="attachment_875111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Switchboard Room, RONE's Time[/caption] Running with newly-announced extended exhibition dates until Sunday, April 23, 2023, Time is a masterclass in storytelling and imbued with history. Like a sentimental love letter to mid-century Melbourne, it invites audiences to time-travel back to post-WWII, its 11 themed rooms sharing fictional histories that shine a light on the working class. "I let the space and architecture inform the installation. For each building, I try to do something that feels like it has always been there — or belongs," Rone tells Concrete Playground. [caption id="attachment_875112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: The Classroom, RONE's Time[/caption] "One of the biggest challenges was just the logistics — it's up on the third level, it's five flights of stairs, everything has to come through a very narrow doorway on an active train platform — so you can only move things when there's not a train at the station," Rone explains. "From the very beginning, I wasn't able to be onsite because of COVID — so I've only been in the space for about eight weeks ... I had to do it all offsite and on the computer in 3D before we actually constructed anything. So I designed something that could be built, and then taken apart into small pieces, and then reassembled." Each chamber is brought to life via a curation of original — and carefully recreated — heritage artifacts, lighting, soundscapes and historic architectural features; with the haunting female portraits that have become Rone's trademark. Prepare to be transported back to the public libraries, typing pools and machine rooms of yesteryear as you wander through the intricately designed spaces, pondering the meaning of time, progress and loss. [caption id="attachment_875121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: The Typing Pool, RONE's Time[/caption] The major installation has taken a team of over 120 people several months to deliver, including long-time Rone contributors such as interior set decorator Carly Spooner and sound composer Nick Batterham. "Nick, who is the composer and did the sound — he engaged 12-15 musicians to record the composition, plus there's a sound engineer who designs the speaker layout and installation. Then there are five or six people who install all that — so there ends up being 20 people just for sound." [caption id="attachment_875120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: The Work Room, RONE's Time[/caption] "There's been a couple of pieces that have really surprised me — that have been quite simple but come out really well, and quite beautiful," Rone says. Time follows similar large-scale transformations from Rone's famed back catalogue, including The Omega Project, which took over an abandoned Alphington cottage, and Empire, which transformed a deserted mansion in the Dandenongs. Both of these works presented imagined stories of the wealthy upper-class of old. The mysterious, long-closed Flinders Street Ballroom has enjoyed an artistic revival these past few years, having recently played host to Patricia Piccinini's otherworldly exhibition A Miracle Constantly Repeated. Find Rone's 'Time' at Level Three, Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, from October 28, 2022—April 23, 2023. Tickets are available online. Top image: The Glasshouse, part of 'Time', photo by Rone.
The centrepiece of the 2018 Biennale of Sydney was Ai Weiwei's 60-metre inflatable boat, a critique and exploration of the global refugee crisis. This year, when the Biennale returns to art galleries across Sydney, the lineup of 100-plus artists will be examining another poignant issue close to the heart of Australia: First Nations sovereignty and intergenerational trauma. Running from Tuesday, June 16 until Sunday, September 6, the 2020 Biennale is entitled Nirin, which means 'edge' in the language of western NSW's Wiradjuri people. This year's theme is timely, for two reasons: the 2020 blockbuster falls on the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's voyage to Australia — and it will be helmed by a new First Nations artistic director, famed Sydney-born, Melbourne-based interdisciplinary artist Brook Andrew. Andrew has selected an impressive lineup of artists and creatives — many of them First Nations — from around the world to exhibit at the Art Gallery of NSW, Woolloomooloo's Artspace, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Cockatoo Island and the MCA. The National Art School, which was originally part of the program, will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future, so the Biennale is currently looking to relocate its works to a new space. On the just-announced program, you'll find the Southern Hemisphere premiere of Arthur Jafa's Golden Lion-awarded work The White Album, Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens's immersive work symbolising the disproportionate number of incarcerated Indigenous Australian women and a large-scale political protest piece by Pitjantjatjara artist Kunmanara Mumu Mike Williams (who passed away last year). [caption id="attachment_764834" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hannah Catherina Jones, 'Owed to Diaspora(s)' (2020), courtesy the artist. Photo by Zan Wimberley. Installation view.[/caption] Cockatoo Island will be home to a wide range of works, including Ghanaian-born artist Ibrahim Mahama's sprawling installation of coal sacks; Tony Albert's interactive greenhouse, where you'll be invited to write and plant messages; and Tlingit/Unangax̂ artist Nicholas Galanin's excavation work that'll 'dig up' the land beneath the shadow of Hyde Park's Captain Cook statue. Elsewhere, Ahmed Umar's ceramic sarcophagus will be shown at the MCA; DJ Hannah Catherine Jones will perform an audiovisual work inspired by pop-culture, poetry and provocative imagery; Andrew Rewald's evolving community garden; and Leisa Reihana's multi-channel video installation and film will explore the history of Māori and South Pacific Islander peoples. Running at a later date will be Nirin Wir: a program of free and ticketed events taking place all over the city, from the Blue Mountains to La Perouse. You can listen to in-depth conversations between First Nations artists and other artists at the multi-location Aabaakwad, head to Cockatoo Island for 4ESydney Hip Hop Festival, watch an all-Indigenous Australian cast discuss Australia's 60,000-year history and debate the question "To cook Cook or not?" at Sydney Town Hall and join a performative walking tour of Parramatta Female Factory Precinct or a guided bushwalk through Dharawal National Park with Aunty Deirde Martin. Favourite events such as the Bankstown Poetry Slam and Sunday family day will also return for the festival. Dates for Nirin Wir are yet to be announced, but we'll be sure to keep you posted. Top images: Ibrahim Mahama, 'No Friend but the Mountains' (2012–20), Cockatoo Island, courtesy of the artist; Barbara McGrady, installation view, Campbelltown Arts Centre,c courtesy of the artist. Photos by Zan Wimberley.
If your 2024 resolutions involve seeing stunning art and travelling, here's one of the best ways to tick both boxes: a visit to digital-only art gallery teamLab Borderless in Tokyo. Not only is the Japanese venue finally set to reopen in a new location, but it'll welcome folks back in with a spectacular array of never-before-seen installations. If you fancy being surrounded by bubbles, jelly, flowers and oceans, you'll be especially thrilled. When it initially launched in 2018, teamLab Borderless instantly became one of the most spectacular must-sees on any Tokyo trip; however, the venue has been closed for a year and a half while shifting to its new site at Azabudai Hills. Come Friday, February 9, it'll reopen its doors with another dazzling array of artworks — pieces that epitomise terms like breathtaking, kaleidoscopic, glorious and delightful, and are worth a trip to Tokyo to see all by themselves. The new teamLab Borderless will span both evolved and brand-new artworks. So, even if you've been before at its old digs, you won't just be seeing the same things — even though they're definitely worth enjoying more than once. While the full range of works that'll feature at teamLab Borderless 2.0 still hasn't yet been revealed, the list keeps growing — and impressing. Pieces announced so far include the jaw-dropping Light Sculpture series, which cycles through an array of light formations and colours, as well as an eye-catching mirrored infinity room-style space that's tentatively been titled Microcosmoses. Among the world-premiere installations, there's also Bubble Universe: Physical Light, Bubbles of Light, Wobbling Light, and Environmental Light, which is comprised of spheres that look like soap bubbles and jelly, and will move through various colours. With Flowers and People — Megalith Crystal Formation, you'll spy florals bud and blossom, then wither and decay, repeating that pattern endlessly. And thanks to Black Waves — Megalith Crystal Formation, the sea gets a nod. Attendees can also enjoy Giant Solidified Spark, which is a sphere made from rays of light — plus Wall Without a Wall, which you'll see as a wall even though nothing physical exists. In its original guise, teamLab Borderless was also anointed the most-visited single-artist museum in the world during its first year of operation. Expect that to happen again in central Tokyo, where it's relocating to from its past Odaiba base. That means that you'll no longer be crossing over Tokyo's gorgeous Rainbow Bridge to get there — but your eyes will have much to feast on inside. If you were lucky enough to mosey around the OG spot before the pandemic, you'll know that the Borderless experience involves vibrant, constantly moving, always-changing interactive digital art keeps that keeps glowing and rearranging before your eyes. As the name makes plain, nothing is fixed or static here. Pieces move from one space to the next, and interact with other works. Sometimes, several different projections and installations mingle together. For attendees, peering at the end results isn't merely a passive experience, with the venue encouraging patrons to "wander, explore and discover". teamLab might be best-known for its Tokyo site, but it doesn't only operate in Japan. A second teamLab Borderless has already been open in Shanghai since 2019, and others are slated for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Hamburg in Germany — the former without an exact opening date, the latter slated to launch in 2025. The organisation also operates a different museum in Macao, and has its first teamLab Phenomena on the way for the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, again targeting a 2024 launch. The list goes on, with teamLab's works a drawcard wherever they pop up. teamLab Borderless Tokyo: MORI Building Digital Art Museum will reopen at its new location at Azabudai Hills, Garden Plaza B B1F, 1-2-4 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo sometime on Friday, February 9, 2024, with tickets on sale from Tuesday, January 16 — for more information, visit the museum's website. Images: teamLab, Exhibition view of teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, 2024, Azabudai Hills, Tokyo © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.
Before the Titanic collided with an iceberg, became one of modern history's most famous tragedies and inspired one of cinema's biggest box-office hits, a different cross-Atlantic liner sailed into chaos. So says Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, with the German pair's new — and wholly fictional — Netflix series 1899 taking place onboard the steamship Kerberos 13 years before the sinking that everyone knows about. This vessel is travelling from England to America with 1400 crew and passengers, filling everywhere from stately rooms to jam-packed halls, when it receives word of a missing craft. Owned by the same company, the Prometheus took the same route four months prior, and was thought to have disappeared without a trace until that distress signal beckons. Friese and bo Odar love a mystery, and 1899 has a hefty one right from the outset. Friese and bo Odar also love making labyrinthine puzzle-box shows that keep dropping clues, twists, and philosophical ideas about the meaning and point of existence in aid of the bigger picture — aka an approach that made their 2017–20 German-language effort Dark such a massive and deserving success. Over its three-season run, that series probed fate and destiny in a woodland town, not only diving into its residents' deepest secrets but charting the looping consequences backwards and forwards in time. Friese and bo Odar love grand ambitions as well, clearly, and Dark didn't just have them but fulfilled them, proving one of Netflix's best originals yet. How do the TV-making duo — Friese writes and co-writes, bo Odar directs and they both produce — ensure that sparks ignite twice? By diving even deeper into their favourite themes, tactics and flourishes, all in a series that couldn't spring from anyone else. If anyone familiar with Dark started watching 1899 without knowing their shared origins, they'd guess immediately. Everyone unacquainted with the former should end the latter desperate to seek it out ASAP. The one sizeable departure: inconsistent pacing, with 1899's first four season-one episodes glacial in setting the scene, and its last four busy to pack in as many revelations as possible. Still, taking the voyage comes with a boatload of thrills, suspense and intrigue; if Dark met Titanic, Snowpiercer, Black Mirror and Lost, and showed a ship's worth of love for the Alien franchise, it still wouldn't be close enough. Extra-terrestrials aren't the answer to this sci-fi/horror/mystery series, but the first Alien film started in the exact same way as 1899. Cue an unexpected transmission interrupting a trip, the crew committing to investigate, a derelict ship awaiting and a surprise making its way over from the abandoned vessel. Back on the Kerberos, like the Nostromo before it, cue crawling through passageways in search of answers, away from threats and to escape the discontent festering in the craft. In more than just the name of its other key ship, 1899 nods to the Alien saga's Prometheus as well — and for fans of the iconic Ridley Scott-created big-screen series, spotting the references adds a whole other game to a show that already has viewers sleuthing from the outset. Chasing clues is a prime pastime on the Kerberos, too — 1899's two ships draw their monikers from myth, aptly — with everyone from doctors, captains and sudden interlopers to enigmatic children and relocating Europeans trying to solve the show's puzzles. Chief among them are Maura Franklin (Emily Beecham, The Pursuit of Love), a rare female medical practitioner at the time; Kerberos' leader Eyk Larsen (Dark alum Andreas Pietschmann); and Daniel Solace (Aneurin Barnard, The Goldfinch), who climbs aboard while everyone's focusing on the Prometheus. As well as being perplexed by their situation, Maura and Eyk are haunted by their respective pasts; her brother is missing and her father (Anton Lesser, Andor) provides a firm presence in her dreams, while the captain can't stop thinking about, and believing he's seeing, the family he lost in a heartbreaking fashion. Traumatic histories are a common thread among the other passengers, too, as 1899 explores by beginning its early episodes honing in on a different character. Also onboard: Spaniards Ángel (Miguel Bernardeau, Everything Else) and Ramiro (José Pimentão, Teorias da Conspiração), one flouting wealth and the other posing as a priest; Ling Yi (newcomer Isabella Wei), who dresses like a geisha but speaks Cantonese with her travelling companion Yuk Je (Gabby Wong, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story); and Virginia Wilson (Rosalie Craig, The Queen's Gambit), who has more than a passing interest in the ship's Asian commuters. Then there's French couple Clémence (Mathilde Ollivier, A Call to Spy) and Lucien (Jonas Bloquet, Marie Antoinette), newlyweds hardly in the throes of marital bliss; stowaway Jérôme (Yann Gael, Saloum) and stoker Olek (Maciej Musial, The Witcher), found among the vessel's bottom levels; and a Danish family that includes religious fanatic Iben (Maria Erwolter, Outlaw), her husband Anker (Alexandre Willaume, The Wheel of Time), their pregnant daughter Tove (Clara Rosager, Morbius), scarred son Krester (Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Borgen) and youngest child Ada (Vida Sjørslev, Carmen Curlers). And, thanks to the Prometheus, there's a mute boy (Fflyn Edwards, The Snow Spider) as well. With Friese and bo Odar pulling the strings, Dark and now 1899 instantly grab attention with their riddles, nightmarishly brooding mood and — as one series put right there in its name — their willingness to get and stay dark. Throw in the pair's penchant for existential musings, trippy setups and premise-shattering revelations, and both shows are catnip for mystery lovers. This one sports a heavy eat-the-rich vibe as well (although nowhere near as strong as 2022's also ship-set Cannes Palme d'Or-winner Triangle of Sadness), and contemplates how the unwanted turns that everyones' lives take shape our future choices and selves. With a moniker from the past, 1899 understands that no one can ever truly evade theirs, with our own personal histories causing not just ripples but waves and tsunamis. Friese and bo Odar have another crucial skill, however: casting. 1899 features an international collection of characters, each speaking their own tongue, all adding to the show's exploration of immigration and played by a stellar lineup of actors. The series has its on-screen talent act against a virtual studio, with special effects-created sets and locations made during the shoot — crafting 1899's effects in-camera, rather than afterwards — and the resonant performances that result bear the benefits. A Cannes Best Actress Award-winner for 2019's excellent Little Joe, Beecham is always potent to watch, but alongside fellow leads Pietschmann and Barnard she helps ensure that this mind-bender is as emotional as it is cerebral. All aboard, obviously. Check out the trailer for 1899 below: 1899 streams via Netflix.
Lightning Ridge might be best known for its enduring opal mining history, but the community's collection of bizarre museums and creative spaces are definitely a close second. Kangaroo Hill Complex is the stop for you if you're into off-the-wall antiques and unusual souvenirs. Others not to miss are the Bottle House Museum, Amigo's Castle, Beer Can House and the Astronomers Monument. Image: John, Flickr
Located across from Narrabeen Beach, this Asian-fusion diner from the team behind Paddington favourites Chubby Cheeks and Armchair Collective showcases a menu developed by ex-Mimi's chef Julian Laczyc-Wyhowski. Featuring a mix of contemporary twists, Fat Pomelo offers small 'chubby bites' and hearty mains reflecting its warm and inviting atmosphere. Stunning interiors from Giant Design take their cues directly from the venue's name. The pomelo, a large citrus fruit often displayed and consumed for good luck over Lunar New Year, is a symbol of prosperity and fortune and the heart of this venue's concept. With a bright and lively main dining space as well as intimate private rooms, Fat Pomelo offers an ideal and welcoming space for any occasion.
The end of winter means warming temperatures, blooming flowers and summer inching closer. In 2024, it also means looking up. To close out August, a blue supermoon will take to the sky — or a super blue moon, if you prefer. Both terms fit, because the Earth's only natural satellite will serve up both a supermoon and a blue moon. The date to point your eyes to the heavens: the morning of Tuesday, August 20. Stare upwards with your own two eyes at 4.25am AEST and you'll see a noteworthy sight at its peak. Of course, if you train your peepers towards the sky the evening before or afterwards, you'll still be in for a glowing show. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — several usually happen each year — blue moons only tend to occur every few years. Wondering why else you should check this one out? We've run through the details below. What Is It? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. Again, they're not all that uncommon — and because the supermoon on Tuesday, August 20 is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. A blue moon refers to either the second full moon occurring within a calendar month, or the third in an astronomical season with four full moons. August 2024's moon falls into the second category. Despite the name, it isn't blue in colour. Also, despite the saying, they happen more often than you might think, but still only ever few years. The last monthly blue moon occurred in August 2023, and the next blue moon of either type isn't set to happen until the end of May in 2026. The August moon is also a sturgeon moon. The name doesn't refer to its shape or any other physical characteristics, but to the time of year. In the northern hemisphere, August is around the time that sturgeon fish start to show up in big numbers in North America's lakes. Of course, that doesn't apply in the southern hemisphere, but the name still sticks. When Can I See It? As mentioned above, the blue supermoon will officially be at its peak at 4.25am AEST on Tuesday, August 20, Down Under — but thankfully it will be visible from Monday night Australian time. The moon does usually appear full for a few days each month, so you should find the night sky looking a little brighter this week anyway. That 4.25am AEST time applies in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with folks in Perth needing to look at 2.25am local time and people in Adelaide at 3.55am local time. Where Can I See It? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking at glowing sights in the sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Fancy checking it out online? The Virtual Telescope Project is set to stream the view from Rome at 5.30am AEST on Tuesday, August 20, too. For more information about the blue supermoon on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 in Australia, head to timeanddate.com. Top image: NASA/Joel Kowsky.
Uber apparently just wants Australians to be effortlessly happy and righteously lazy, and nothing says bliss like enjoying a few cheeky brews in your underwear. If last year's introduction of UberEATS hasn't already made us lazy enough, the company has just announced that, as of today, March 23, they'll be delivering booze too, starting with Melbourne. As part of the launch, UberEATS has partnered with Carlton Draught to release their alcohol delivery service just in time for the start of AFL season tomorrow. On Friday, March 24 from 12pm, the general alcohol service kicks off, and from 5pm, Melbournian's can choose one of the nineteen $30 plus meal deals on their app and receive a free four pack of the specially brewed Carltons to enjoy with (or without) the game. After supplies run out, normal hours of alcohol service are midday to 9pm. Thirty liquor license holding restaurants across Melbourne's city and inner city suburbs are participating so far, and we're pretty confident the service will quickly spread to the rest of metropolitan Australia as well. There are a few things to note before rushing to your app — alcohol will only be delivered with a food order and only a bottle of wine or six pack of beer is permitted per order. The drivers won't deliver to intoxicated folk either, so if you answer the door looking like a hot mess you'll be denied your booze. Under 18s shouldn't be cheering either — you'll need proof of ID to accept the delivery. Obviously the service isn't meant to completely replace bottle shop runs, but is more about bringing a 'complete restaurant experience' into your home — something existing booze delivery services will need to consider. It comes well timed with the turn of the season as well, as the Melbourne winter sure doesn't promote outdoor activity. So go ahead and order from your favourite dumpling joint, pop open that delivered brew, turn on Netflix and let the pants-off binge-watching commence.
Let them entertain you: with Better Man, the Robbie Williams biopic that takes its name from one of the British singer's tunes, filmmaker Michael Gracey and actor Jonno Davies have a clear mission that's shared with the man in the spotlight himself. The Australian-made, 16-time AACTA-nominated movie tells the warts-and-all tale of the boy from England's Midlands who has become an international superstar. It charts Williams' path through a complicated childhood, teen boy-band fame, relentless press attention, struggles with drugs and alcohol, tabloid-fodder relationships, a well-publicised reputation for partying, going solo, huge hits, sizeable scandals and plenty of reinvention — and, while never shying away from the tumultuous times that its subject has endured, it matches its unflinching view of his ups and downs with his love of monkeying around and putting on a show. The simian aspect of Better Man is literal. More than 20 years after 'Me and My Monkey' was a track on Williams' fifth studio album Escapology — a record that skewed personal to explore his experiences with pop stardom, and made hits out of 'Feel' and 'Come Undone' — his story reaches the screen with the former Take That member portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee. The approach renders Williams both a cheeky monkey and a performing monkey, and also reflects a journey that's had him swinging from limb to limb in life's jungle. The conceit was Gracey's choice, but based on the musician's own descriptions when chatting the Australian filmmaker through his existence. Better Man's helmer and subject first met when the director needed the singer's assistance with the former's debut feature. One of The Greatest Showman's original tunes won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar; however, star Hugh Jackman (Deadpool & Wolverine) had doubts about the songs going in — and, because the actor kept referencing Williams as a touchstone for his lead portrayal in the movie, Gracey hit him up for his thoughts and powers of persuasion. From there, the pair kept talking, then started recording Williams recounting his life story in the latter's studio. Next sprang the idea to make Better Man, which is how an Aussie talent came to craft a homegrown flick about one of the UK's biggest music figures of the past three decades. The film was initially announced in 2021, and news of Davies playing Williams arrived in 2022. That Better Man was going ape remained a secret until initial viewers cast their eyes on the flick at its world-premiere at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival, which was no easy feat. "I was astounded, because we really didn't want people to see any images from the film, and it blew me away that we managed to keep that under wraps for so long — just because we did scenes where we had 2000 extras, so at any point someone could've even given away shots of Jonno in the motion-capture suit. Or some image from the work that Wētā were doing could've found its way online. And it just didn't," Gracey tells Concrete Playground. "We tried really hard to make that the case because we wanted it to land in a way that was a very unique way to lens this story. And also having pitched it unsuccessfully for many years to financiers, I also knew that it would never make sense until people got to watch it," the filmmaker continues. "So there was really no point having chatter about an image and the conversation of whether that looks like Robbie or doesn't look like Robbie. I think that the most overwhelming response has been from people who are even sceptical about the conceit, that once they watch the film, they understand. And so I just desperately wanted to get in front of people before the conversation about 'why the monkey?'." [caption id="attachment_985602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures[/caption] A decade on from his screen debut in British TV's Casualty, Kingsman: The Secret Service and Hunters alum Davies has notched up what might prove the most-unique role of his career: playing Williams via motion-capture, and also voicing him in his younger years (Williams lends his own vocals to the movie, too). For his efforts, he's among the AACTA contenders for Best Actor. A fan going in of the man that he's portraying and of The Greatest Showman, Davies was instantly keen to take on the part, and has been revelling in the reactions that the movie has been earning since. "What's brilliant is seeing different audiences respond to the movie, whether that's an age thing, whether it's different continents, people that are Robbie Williams fans, people that have never heard of Robbie at all, and seeing how different people respond to it in different ways," Davies shares. "And seeing it being universally accepted — I think that was something we always wanted to focus on, is that Robbie is an everyday man. There's something in him, whether it's the relationship he has with his nan, whether it's his fear of imposter syndrome, there's something in him that anyone can relate to. There's something there that people connect [to]. I know Michael's had people coming up to him and saying 'I spoke to my dad for the first time in seven years' or people watch it and go 'you know what, it's made me want to ring my mum more or get in touch with the people I love'. Having those different connections and different responses is why you want to make cinema, why you want to make a film — is to affect people. It's been a joy." Down Under, Better Man was already making a splash before it reached Aussie cinemas on Boxing Day 2024; breaking the record for the most AACTA nods in a single year will do that. In a country with well-known fondness for Williams — if a biopic wasn't going to come out of Britain, Australia always seemed the next logical place for it — its main man has been popping up headlining the ABC's New Year's Eve coverage and doing a free gig in Melbourne's Federation Square, helping to give the movie a push, too. For viewers not instantly enticed by its subject or approach, the flick's biggest enticement sits within the feature itself, though. When 'Rock DJ' breaks out in a sequence filmed on London's Regent Street, it's a spectacular movie-musical moment. Gracey and Davies are relaying the tale of another great showman, after all, although that standout scene almost didn't happen. We also spoke with Better Man's director and co-writer, plus its star, about that unforgettable segment of the film, stepping into Williams' shoes — or a chimpanzee's feet, to be more accurate — and why monkeying around was the best way to tackle Williams' tale, as well as fandom, resilience and the full impact of Hugh Jackman's Williams obsession on The Greatest Showman. On Davies Playing the Man Responsible for One of His First Music Memories Jonno: "I was definitely a fan growing up. I saw him concert when I was nine with mum and dad. It's one of my earliest music memories, really. And when you're a child, you have no idea what your identity is, you're just in for a good time — and seeing this rock star on stage, peacocking about like he does, connecting with an audience, seeing how he's there to entertain the crowd rather than entertain himself. So then to 25-odd years later to be the one to play him is quite a pinch-me moment. I think it helped being from the UK, understanding the peak of his fame, how heavily, heavily documented his life was — much to his detriment, the lack of privacy there when he was suffering — I think that was a nice insight to have. But then also meeting in-person when we were in Melbourne when we first started, and then getting the rest of the story and sitting down with him, and him sharing some of his more vulnerable parts of himself — because he wants to make sure that this was an honest depiction. It takes someone very brave to allow themselves to be painted in quite a bad light a lot of the times in the movie. And so the fact that he then gave us his trust to collectively tell his story in a very honest and truthful way, I think it shows a calibre of a person." On How The Greatest Showman and Hugh Jackman Helped Bring Better Man About Michael: "It all stems back to working on The Greatest Showman with Hugh Jackman. Whenever we would talk about PT Barnum and what it was to be a great showman, he would always reference Robbie Williams — which used to make me laugh, and then after a certain period of time really annoyed me, because it was just always his go-to reference. Whether he was talking about music, whether he was talking about his swagger, or his charisma, or whether we were talking about choreography, he's like 'you know, the way that Robbie sort of moves' and I was like 'you know, every reference can't be Robbie Williams'. So at a certain moment when we were close to going into production, Hugh had a lot of voices in his ear about the music not being good enough, and he started to question the music. And at that point, we'd been working on the film together for six years, so I'd lost a lot of weight in my voice — because I was always the boy who cried wolf, who was like 'no, it's going to be great. This'll be the year we make it'. After six years, people start losing faith a little bit. So in a moment where Hugh felt that we should start again on the music, and I knew that that would mean the end of the film — and this is the music that is in the final film that Benji Pasek and Justin Paul wrote — I got in touch through my lawyer, because his daughter is friends with Ayda [Field], who is married to Robbie Williams. You know how you're always just like three people away from the person you want to get to? So I got a meeting with Robbie on a Sunday at his house, where I told him the story of The Greatest Showman, and then I played him the music. And at the end of the meeting, I said 'look, the only thing more bizarre than me showing up at your house on a Sunday is what I'm about to ask you now. It's one thing for me to tell Hugh Jackman what you think of the music. It's another thing for you to tell him entirely. So if you don't mind, can I just video you and you just talk into the camera as if you're talking to Hugh Jackman?' And that's what he did. He did this video message, which, to this day, if I'd written the script and said 'can you please read this to convince Hugh that this music is going to be great?' — what he did off the top of his head with ten-seconds' notice is why he is such an amazing showman. He was so compelling, the way he spoke about the music, he basically said to Hugh 'I've spent the last year working on my new album. I would scrap that album to sing these songs'. He literally was that effusive about how great the music was for The Greatest Showman. And he was right. The music was great. And history went on to prove that. But in that moment, that's exactly what Hugh needed to hear to have the confidence to move forward and make the film. So in many regards, there would be no Greatest Showman if there wasn't that video message from Robbie Williams. That's how we started then talking, and I just really enjoyed whenever we would talk, when he would tell me stories about his life. And with no intention to make a film — because unlike Jonno, I didn't grow up a Robbie Williams fan. Obviously growing up in Australia, you can't escape him. He's everywhere, but it's not like I listened to him. [caption id="attachment_985603" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures[/caption] But what I really did love is I loved the way in which he talked about his life — and not just the events, but actually his delivery. I really enjoyed the manner in which, whether he's writing lyrics as a storyteller or telling you a story, he's a great storyteller. So I then just asked, knowing that he had a recording studio, when I was in LA, I would just drop over to his house and we would just sit in his recording studio and just chat. And those conversations took about a year and a half, and at some point during that, I started thinking 'wow, I could probably chop these up and make a radio play'. Then I went from there to 'actually this could make a really powerful film'. And in fact, those some of those recordings are in the actual voiceover of the film — those original recordings. But it was never the intention to make the film. It all stemmed from him and me just sitting in a studio just talking." On Why Portraying Williams as a Chimpanzee Was the Right Way to Tell His Story Michael: "I think that creatively, I just wanted to come at it with a unique angle. And also, I knew that narratively I wanted to explore both his internal life and his external life. So it was trying to find a device that would allow us to step between those two worlds, the world of the imagination and the world of reality. I think in a musical you're already in a heightened reality, because people are breaking into song, but I wanted something creative that would allow us to see more of Robbie than if it was just an actor playing him. And when I went back to those original recordings and I was listening to them, just time and time again Rob would refer to himself as a performing monkey. He would just say things like 'I was just dragged up on stage to perform like a monkey' or 'I'm up the back dancing around like a performing monkey'. And he said enough times that I was like 'there's definitely something to this performing monkey'. And when I looked at his story, whether it's him pretending to be tougher than he is in front of the kids in Stoke-on-Trent, where he grew up, or whether it's jumping up in front of the TV hoping that his dad would look at him the same way that he looks at Sinatra, there were just all these moments within the story that I was like 'he's always been that little performing monkey'. And the moment that I framed the entire film in that conceit, it just made me smile. I just thought 'this is going to work and it's going to work unbelievably well'. Convincing other people of that was the difficult part, but not convincing Rob. Rob was onboard in two seconds. I literally went to him and said 'if you're an animal, how would you see yourself?'. And he immediately said 'lion' and looked very proud. Then I sort of went 'really?'. And after about 30 seconds, he went 'nah, more of a monkey'. On Davies' First Reaction to Such a Unique Part Jonno: "There are so many challenges in this thing for an actor that every one is like 'oh my god, another reason to do it, another reason to do it'. One: motion-capture. Two: you are telling someone's story that's still alive, and someone that has many predetermined opinions on them, and so it's kind of up to you to try to shift those things. And I think that's what's useful about the monkey, is it separates people from Robbie Williams, and you follow this monkey story rather than necessarily this global superstar that people think they already know. But I was blown away by the concept. And I was I was blown away by the dream of it really. That's one of Michael's best assets, is he sells you the dream — but unlike many others, you get to actually go along with it. You get to join it. I was a massive fan of The Greatest Showman. I have always loved musicals. I love dancing, I love singing, but never thought I really had the chops to be a part of that world — certainly not a Broadway or a West End singer. So to be able to have Rob do the singing and me do the dancing, I was like 'how could I possibly not try to make this mine?'." On the Film's Celebration of Resilience and Persistence — and What That Concept Means to Davies and Gracey Jonno: "Resilience certainly comes in with the life of an actor. You are told 'no' many more times than you are told 'yes.' And you often value yourself on your last job, or the last job you did not get. I think it's about trying to stay resilient and trying to remember that you are authentically you, right? And so even though you're getting your nos, it doesn't mean you're crap, it means that you're just not right for this opportunity. It's a hard memory to keep inside, but I think it's one that is premier above all else. Otherwise you start to lose your identity. If you start thinking that 'I'm getting nos because I'm not good enough' or 'I'm not the right person', you start shifting your identity. Then you don't become what makes you, and that's essentially your best asset. And so resilience for me is about staying true to yourself, and if you're going to do something — Guy Chambers says it in our film, he says 'own it'. If it's crap, make it your crap. And I think that's a form of resilience that we can all take onboard." Michael: "Resilience is my entire life, because you have these grand ideas and it's up to you to continue to believe in them year after year after year. Showman took seven years to make, and at one point or another every single person involved in that project gave up hope — and you as the director cannot. Everyone else can lose faith, and you just have to keep on, you have to stand in that burning building and tell everyone it's going to be okay. This took six years. It was a high-concept idea that scared a lot of people, because the concept of the monkey immediately doubled the budget of the film. It made it a much more risky prospect. And it scared a lot of financiers away. The number of meetings that I had to do where people would just flat-out, the moment the monkey was mentioned, were like 'what are you talking about?' — and 'this is the end of the meeting'. That was the much more common response to that idea. And yet, I knew if there was a way to bring it into reality, it would be unique and it would be something that I'd be incredibly proud of. And so resilience is my entire career, and I would not be a director if I did not have that resilience. I think the joy you get as a director is finding other people to believe in that impossible dream, who stand alongside you and make it a reality, and that is the greatest privilege that you have as a director." On What It Took to Make the 'Rock DJ' Scene a Reality Jonno: "A lot of pogo-stick practice. It was the pinnacle of joy, right, in the film. It's the one moment that Robbie and the audience gets to really just live in dreamland, and there's no darkness that encases it, there's no version of himself telling him telling him he's rubbish. And so we were determined that when we arrived on Regent Street, that would be the feeling that we would feel. And, of course, you can only have that joy if you've put in the graft beforehand. And that's not just Michael. It's every department. It's Ash and Jen [Ashley Wallen and Jenny Griffin, both returning from The Greatest Showman], the choreographers, making sure that not only us, the Take That boys, but the 500 dancers were drilled so that we were never getting a bad take because of the dancing. You only have a set amount of time on Regent Street, so everyone had to just be shit hot, for want of a better term. We taped out a hangar, so the minute details, so every bush, every lamp post, was in its exact spot, so that when we arrived on the street, we were ready to go. It wasn't figuring out any proximity, etcetera. But it was a joy. It was one of my favourite experiences on set. I think you see it on our faces when we when we do Regent Street. I think you can probably see it in our pupils as well. There's kind of joy, combating a bit of 'we've got to get this done'. But it's such an iconic street, and it demanded an iconic routine — and I think Michael has delivered with that. Michael: "The practicalities of pulling that off were enormous. It was a year and a half in the planning. As Jonno mentioned, we rehearsed in a hangar the week before with the entire cast and crew, and double-decker bus and taxi, all those elements — only because the moment we got on the street, we had to start shooting, and we had very limited time overnight where we could lock down the entire street and film. It was shot over four nights, but after that week of rehearsal in the hangar, literally the day before we were about to start filming, the Queen passed away. And so we got shut down. There's ten days of mourning after the death of the Queen. Regent Street is crown land. So it was devastating because we paid out all of the costs to shoot. We'd locked down all those stores for those dates. We'd booked all of those dancers. So we lost all that money. There was no insurance for the death of the Queen. At that point, there were a lot of very serious conversations about cutting the number from the film. And I was like 'we've got to go out, we've got to raise that money again, we've got to get back onto Regent Street and we have to shoot this number — it is absolutely a cornerstone of this story'. It took another five months to find a window where we were allowed back on the street, and to raise the money again. And so every time that number plays, I just go in my head 'we were this close to that never happening' — but that comes back to your question about persistence. Better Man opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Michael Gracey will chat about the film at the 2025 AACTA Festival, which runs from Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, 2025 at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.
Here are your Friday night plans sorted: grab your best eating partner and head to the Chinatown Markets, making its return to a temporary new location this Friday, September 5. The markets will set up shop next to the Paddy's Market Light Rail stop in Chinatown, and will operate every Friday from 5 to 10pm. The new temporary location offers the perfect opportunity to explore the restaurants and stores along Dixon Street, which forms the heart of Chinatown, before heading to the markets. Expect over 40 stalls selling food and handcrafted goods, with cultural experiences throughout. With a selection of food from street vendors who have honed their recipes over decades, and from emerging young chefs creating new takes on old favourites, you won't leave hungry. Past favourites include dumplings, noodles, takoyaki, roti, pho, and curry. To the dismay of regular visitors, the markets had been closed for several weeks due to major infrastructure works upgrading the Chinatown precinct. However, the exciting announcement of the reopening of the markets means locals and newcomers alike can still enjoy all that the markets have to offer while the upgrade works continue. The vendors of popular Dragon Bearded Candy are "excited to be able to trade in this new location. We're not just selling food — we're sharing our culture and story with every creation." The Chinatown Markets return on Friday, September 5. While nearby parking is available, the new location offers convenient direct light rail access. Images: Supplied.
With music festivals popping up in every corner of the country with frequency, especially in these post-COVID-restrictions times, an event has to be mighty special to warrant travelling intrastate or interstate. Riverboats Music Festival is one such event, and the reason is right there in its name. A mainstay of Victoria's Echuca-Moama region that'll celebrate its 11th instalment in 2023, it usually hosts its fest on the banks of the Murray River — and includes intimate sideshows on the PS Pevensey paddlesteamer. Due to 2022's flooding of the event's usual home at Aquatic Reserve, the 2023 fest is actually moving to Echuca's Victoria Park Reserve when it returns from Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19. But the music on a riverboat part still remains, as ticketed separately. So, you can head to the region for three days of tunes as part of the broader event, spend your time on the river, or mix and match both. Heading the on-land lineup: Marlon Williams, Spiderbait, CW Stoneking & His Primitive Horn Orchestra and The Whitlams, plus The Rolling Stones Revue featuring Adalita, Phil Jamieson and Tex Perkins. That's a whole heap of big-name talent from across Australia and New Zealand right there, and it's just the beginning of the 2023 bill. Also on the roster, and playing the paddlesteamer as well, are Alice Skye, Felix Riebl, Andy Golledge, WILSN, Bones & Jones and Watty Thompson. If you go for the boat option, you'll hear their sets while cruising down the river, in the kind of fest experience you truly don't get at every event. "Echuca-Moama has gone through an incredibly challenging period over the last few weeks, and our hearts go out to all those affected by the recent floods," said Festival Director Dave Frazer, announcing the lineup. "Riverboats has been part of the Echuca-Moama community for over tehn years now, and whilst we're sad to be leaving Aquatic Reserve next year, we can't wait to put on a spectacular show at Victoria Park in a few months time," he continued. If you're keen, the last festival sold out in just six days, so nabbing tickets ASAP is recommended. RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 LINEUP: Marlon Williams Spiderbait CW Stoneking & His Primitive Horn Orchestra The Rolling Stones Revue featuring Adalita Phil Jamieson and Tex Perkins The Whitlams Felix Riebl Alice Skye Tami Neilson Thornbird Katy Steele Andy Golledge Band WILSN Bones & Jones Watty Thompson Bud Rokesky MC Brian Nankervis The 2023 Riverboats Music Festival will take place from Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19 at Echuca's Victoria Park Reserve, with tickets on sale now.
Exploring some of the darkest corners of society, the MCA's Taboo film series is a must for any cinephiles seeking a challenging respite from the usual summer blockbusters. Part of Brook Andrew's broader exhibition which includes artworks and talks on taboo themes, the film programming kicks off with Pier Paolo Pasolini's notorious Salo (120 Days of Sodom). A harrowing tale of teens kidnapped and sexually tortured, it was originally banned in Australia. Based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade, it has been rated amongst the most controversial films ever made. Later screenings take in some chapters of Australia's past many would rather not face, like writer/director Darlene Johnson's documentary Stolen Generations. There's also Scarlet Road, which, like the excellent 2012 film The Sessions, looks at the sexual lives of those with disabilities, following a sex worker who is passionate about her work catering to this overlooked clientele. A clear-eyed look at a subject which makes many uncomfortable, it's proof that sometimes these taboo subjects are worth tackling.
If you're a fan of caramelised white chocolate, then you're a fan of all the different types of food that've sprung up featuring Caramilk. You've sipped the cocktails. You've eaten the ice creams. You've had the dessert jaffles. If it features the famed Cadbury flavour, you've tried it. And now, you have something new to add to that list: Caramilk Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Krispy Kreme is still in the process of letting Australians catch all the Pokémon-themed doughnuts; however, it has also just dropped another new limited-edition special. Teaming up with Cadbury, the doughnut franchise has whipped up two new must-try sweet treats — and yes, they both come dipped in Caramilk. If you opt for the Caramilk Shell, you'll be munching into a full doughnut — sans that centre hole — that comes filled with crème, then covered in the coveted type of chocolate and sprinkled with Caramilk flakes. Or, if you need that gap in the middle, the Caramilk Ring takes one of Krispy Kreme's original glazed doughnuts, dips it in Caramilk, adds the Caramilk flakes and then splashes some white truffle drizzle over the top. You'll find the two Caramilk doughnuts at 7-Eleven stores only from Tuesday, September 28, but there's more than 700 spots to choose from — and they're also available via 7-Eleven Delivery where it's on offer. Krispy Kreme's Caramilk range is available from Tuesday, September 28 for $3.75 each at 7-Eleven stores and via 7-Eleven Delivery.
One mention of Queenstown and you'll likely think of bungee jumping, snow sports and picturesque landscapes in every possible direction. There's so much more to New Zealand's adventure capital if you're not in the market for an obvious head-first adrenaline rush and queuing all day for an Instagram-famous burger. Think backcountry cycle trails, irresistible tacos, bustling weekend markets and endless volumes of wine. This is your less obvious guide to Queenstown. EAT & DRINK A gothic portrait of Bill Murray takes pride of place above the fireplace at Yonder. The homage is the perfect example of the eccentric vibe you can expect from the eatery, which comes from Sydney's World Bar collaborators Steve Ward and Gary Livesey. Found in Queenstown's historic 1882 McNeill's Cottage, the space opened its doors last year and has since developed a reputation as the destination for generous share plates and great cocktails. As you enter the contemporary all-day eatery, you'll stumble across a cabinet stacked with mouthwatering treats like sticky date loaf, blueberry cheesecake and chocolate brownie. For a point of difference, pair your treat with a pitch black charcoal latte. Those who decide to eat in will have the option of kicking off their day or healing last night's wounds with the perfect early morning combo of a bacon butty, fries and bloody mary. After dark, the menu turns into a sharing affair with items like fall-apart brisket — an accompanying stack of white bread take pride of place on most tables. We can also vouch for the half chicken and ancient grain salad (much focus has been put on gluten and vegan dietary requirements). The fluorescently lit back bar is the place to continue your dining adventure — especially on weekends when live music kicks off. Our pick from the cocktail list? The Seven Year Sour, a tarty mix of rum, blood orange, citrus and lager. For something on the run, Taco Medic is the place to grab a bite and make some new friends in the process. The taco joint originally started as a food truck, though has since evolved into a permanent taco nook down the end of hospitality laneway Stafford Street. While there's an option to order at the pop-up window, we recommend heading inside and waiting for your order at the bar. Here you can wait with a frozen margarita in hand and watch the action unfold as the staff hand-roll corn tortillas and chips. The Bajaman is a must; it arrives with fried market fish, creamy jalapeño sauce, tomato salsa and lime to squeeze. For a special occasion, the stunning lakeside boutique Hotel St Moritz boasts award-winning restaurant Lombardi. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, a table in the restaurant allows you to sit back and enjoy your meal while spying everything from paragliders to shark-shaped jet boats and the historic Earnslaw Steamship floating by in a plume of smoke. Take it from us, splashing out on three courses is recommended. Start your experience with either seared scallops, manuka-smoked lamb tenderloins or the soup of the day before going large on the signature Fiordland venison loin or the duo of lamb. Elsewhere, there's an entire wood-fire menu featuring lasagne and a selection of pizzas. If room for dessert is limited, try one of the unique dessert cocktails — flavours include Toblerone, tiramisu and cremé brûlée. And if the cocktails become too much, there's always a room downstairs. If relaxing with a wine in hand is more your style, there's always the option of exploring wine country in your own time by car (with a sober driver, that is). Gibbston Valley is home to more than 75 wineries and cellar doors — some even home to Central Otago's oldest vines. The cooler climate and changes in elevation also provide some interesting drops for your tasting pleasure. For great wine and a picturesque setting, drop by Chard Farm. A visit to the family-owned winery in the Kawarau Gorge will lead you up a windy dirt road that was once part of the main coach link between Queenstown and Cromwell — just don't look over the edge of the precarious cliff. The vineyard sits at the top and specialises in single vineyard Pinot Noir — most which welcome descriptions like juicy, pure and crisp. We couldn't get enough of the incredibly fresh 2015 Pinot Gris. Tastings are complimentary though donations are gratefully accepted. Across the road is Penegrine, which feels more like steeping into the futuristic wine-tasting lab. Here, tastings are also complimentary and come with the option of choosing particular vintages or leaving your destiny in the hands or the host. Further down the road you'll come across the Gibbston Tavern — a watering hole where you can sample local wines, Southland beer and wood-fired pizza. SEE & DO If you're around on the weekend, an unmissable destination is the Remarkables Market. Sitting just a ten-minute drive from the city, the Frankton market is where you'll find proper locals stopping by for a caffeine hit or lounging about on the grass. Shopping-wise, you can pick up everything from chopping boards crafted out of French wine barrels to the famous Gibbston cheese, handcrafted jewellery and mega rocking chairs that come covered in cow hide and animal furs (good luck with getting these ones home). Self-proclaimed 'meat preachers' Zamora are one of the most in-demand stallholders at the market. From the smoking grill comes sausages on a stick and the renowned pork belly sandwich — the perfect combination of crispy pork and puffy bread loaded with coleslaw and creamy aioli. We suggest grabbing a spot at one of the communal tables and finishing off the experience with one of Plantera's vegan sweets. Around the Basin is a cycle company offering both self-guided and supported tours along the Gibbston wine trail and backcountry. The Arrowtown to Queenstown tour is exactly that: a 35 kilometre ride from the historic gold mining village back to the city. After shuttling from headquarters in Queenstown, you'll be left to make your way back at your own pace — peddling along the Arrow River Trail toward the Twin Rivers Trail, along the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and onward to Queenstown Bay. The trail is recommend as a full-day ride, which allows time for exploring, photo opportunities, café stops and, in this instance, getting lost in suburbia. It took roughly five hours to cycle the trail of isolated country roads and dirt tracks, across swing bridges and through pine forests. And if you'd prefer not to work the legs, Around the Basin also has the option of electric bikes. Hikes are a popular pastime in Queenstown and there's something for every skill level, from easy one-hour strolls to three-day high country treks. Let's start with the former: Queenstown Gardens offer an escape from the hustle of the city. Make your way through perfectly manicured gardens, past frisbee golf grounds, beneath the pine forest canopy and to the headland for a brilliant photo opportunity. Found at the base of the Arrow River, Tobins Track is a one-hour return walk that climbs to the Crown Terrace. While your legs may be screaming, the summit will welcome you with glorious views across the Wakatipu basin. For something excruciatingly hard, skip the gondola queue and take the trail by foot. GETTING THERE Queenstown has a fully functioning international airport so flying direct from across foreign waters is no problem at all. The airport is approximately ten minutes from the city centre and buses run to all major hotels every 15 minutes. Top image: Omer Faruk Bekdemir (Unsplash)
Parramatta has always had lots of good places to eat, but things are getting more and more refined. Just this year, modern Australian diner Husk & Vine recently arrived in the neighbourhood, the Speakeasy Group will open a much-anticipated rooftop bar, and big names Rockpool and Sake have announced they'll be part of the exciting development at 8 Phillip Street. Also keen for a piece of the Parramatta pie is the Aslan Hospitality Group, which has just opened its ambitious new all-day venue, Alex & Co. beneath Church Street's Meriton Altitude Towers. And it's a monster. The 600-square-metre, $2.5 million, 350-seat space is a restaurant, cafe and cocktail bar in one, featuring three separate menus, function spaces, sweeping river views and seating options for all occasions. It's open almost all the time — from morning till midnight every single night of the week. Fresh from the pans at NOLA Smokehouse in Barangaroo, executive chef Kyle Quy's delivering a menu of familiar favourites, cleverly executed and crafted around local produce and modern techniques. There's coddled eggs with blue swimmer crab in the morning, freshly shucked oysters and salt and vinegar calamari to scoff alongside after-work drinks, and the likes of oxtail tortellini and a three-hour braised lamb shoulder to see you through the evening. Meanwhile, Vasco's Max Greco lends his award-winning talents to the drinks list, across a range of bespoke cocktails designed to complement Quy's plates. Highlights include sips like the Riverside — made on dill-infused Bombay Sapphire, chamomile, fresh citrus, white chocolate and an absinthe mist — alongside a tight, yet wide-roaming list of wines and a solid little spirits selection.
Cronulla is best known for its two main surf beaches, but if you venture along the promenade that hugs the picturesque coastline, you'll find a treasure trove of smaller beaches and pools. Shelly Beach Rock Pool is one of them. It's the jewel in the crown of Cronulla's smaller swimming spots and a popular place for picnicking families — not only because of its quiet beauty, but also because it's easily accessible with a pram or wheelchair. Here, there's a ramp that leads straight into the water making it a more inclusive place for swimming. The ocean pool is a great place for beginner-friendly snorkelling, as it is closed off to keep out larger ocean creatures and large waves, but is home to small and friendly varieties of sea life. It is also right next to sprawling grass lawns and a playground so, after you're done swimming, you'll have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy lunch and a lie down in the sunshine. [caption id="attachment_805728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stef2230 via Flickr[/caption] Top image: Destination NSW
With a swag of popular ACT cafes under its belt, and a long, award-filled history to boot, Canberra's largest specialty coffee roaster Ona has finally taken on Sydney, opening a cafe in Marrickville. The acclaimed coffee brand's baristas and brews are often recognised as some of the best at the annual Melbourne International Coffee Expo. It also has a passion for top-quality, sustainably sourced coffee and it's eager to share the love. Step inside the Sydney cafe and you'll notice a huge central coffee bar, where you can engage with the baristas and letting you watch your cuppa being made. The bright, minimalist cafe space is a coffee-lover's heaven, offering espresso, filter and milk-based options, with a rotation of blends and single origins to choose from. [caption id="attachment_779137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] True coffee nerds will be all about the Marrickville store's special reserve coffee menu, offering dosed coffee beans that have been frozen and vacuum-sealed at their optimum freshness, effectively hitting pause on the ageing process. Those in the mood for food will find a simple, approachable lineup of cafe-style fare, including creations like the tomato stracciatella with grapes, olive, basil oil and rye, and a kingfish smørrebrød topped with lemon aioli, capers and pickles. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Comfortably settled into its home overlooking URBNSURF, RAFI Sydney Olympic Park is ready to celebrate its first birthday. Serving as a stellar outpost to the North Sydney original, this surprising location pairs elevated dining with panoramic views over the park's undulating lagoon. Plus, guests can expect a slightly more surf-focused and, seafood-first concept. Inviting visitors to ring in the milestone throughout June, the team has put together a special deal featuring its beloved banquet menu. Just book with six or more of your friends to receive a complimentary banquet on the house. With distinct menus available for $85 or $105 per person, bringing a big crew makes for a significant saving. Smaller groups are also welcome to get involved. Featuring a special dish and beverage pairing curated for this birthday bash, the entrée option ($40) sees scallops with horseradish, crème fraîche, white soy, green apple and cucumber served with a glass of MV Clover Hill Blanc de Blancs. For something sweet, there's also a dessert pairing for $35, as a double chocolate mousse with macadamia crumb, cacao crisp and Tasman salt is presented alongside a decadent Choc Mac Old Fashioned. Featuring Four Roses Bourbon, Brookie's Mac, chocolate salted macadamia and wattleseed, this luxe combo is definitely worth celebrating.
Hankering for a visit to Europe this year, but don't have the cash? Skip the plane trip and head along to The Rocks' French-inspired Christmas in July Village, set to coincide with Circular Quay's Bastille Festival. The market will take over Argyle Street for four days and nights, from Thursday, July 11 until Sunday, July 14. To make it feel as authentic as possible, 25 wooden chalets (more than twice as many as last year) will be shipped in from France. These little shacks will be set up around the area, with vendors serving up heart-warming snacks, mulled wine, freshly roasted chestnuts, a gingerbread house and Christmasy creations. The markets will open at 10am each day, but it's when the sun goes down that things will really get magical. Snow will be falling from the skies, all thanks to snowfall machines — and it'll pair perfectly with a very European blanket of fairy lights, Christmas pines, and a soundtrack of English and French Christmas carols. Expect a Club Med ski village vibe, too, with old ski racks dusted with snow, a pop-up ice skating rink for kids, and a Christmas-themed pop-up bar for adults (only) complete with cocktails and karaoke. The Christmas in July Village will take place over four nights, from from 10am–11pm each night except Sunday, which will wrap up at 9pm. If you can't wait till then, then visit the regular Friday Foodie Markets that take place in the Rocks every week from 9am–3pm. Updated May 19.
Get your weekend off to a strong start with Boogie Brunch at Manly's Little Pearl. Set right across from the beach, you can take a mid-morning dip beneath the waves and still have plenty of time to make your way to this upbeat two-hour session. Featuring a tantalising, Asian-inspired 6-course feast and bottomless spritz package, this brunch does things a little differently. Powerhouse pop collective Sexy Sunday Jam has put together a revolving lineup of musical talent performing lung-busting soul and R&B tunes. Whether you and your pals are fresh as a daisy or recovering from Friday night's festivities, dishes like karaage chicken betel leaves, wok-tossed king prawns and chilli-glazed cauliflower slides will have you feeling better than ever. Then, the spritz selection is bursting with fruity flavours, like wild hibiscus and limoncello. Alongside a huge range of house wines, beers and tasty non-alcoholic options, this free-flowing beverage offering hits the spot. Bookings are $95pp and run across 12pm and 2.30pm sessions every Saturday.
Rome is a must-visit city in your lifetime. You have ancient historic sites at every turn, iconic architecture, countless restaurants packed with some of the world's finest Italian fare, and bars pumping out spritzes and aperitivo experiences every day of the week. It is a magical place, a city bursting with culture and energy. If you travel to Rome on a budget, you can certainly go down the hostel route of accommodation and find no shortage of quality options. You can find charming smaller apartments a little further out as well. But there is a kind of luxury in Rome that should also be experienced. The city's spectacular collection of lavish hotels haven't been stripped of personality or colour or fallen victim of excessive modernisation. Instead, you'll be staying in historical buildings full of character and extravagant charm. Read on to find a handful of our favourites that you can book via Concrete Playground Trips right now. PARCO DEO PRINCIPI GRAND HOTEL Located by the stunning landscaped garden of Villa Borghese, this luxury hotel embraces the more is more design aesthetic. It's fabulously opulent with layer upon layer of jewel-toned interior styling and multi-textural decor. The drawing room is clad in antique wood panels, every room is decorated with traditional patterned drapes and you'll find a mix-match of colourful furniture and sculptures scattered throughout. Every corner is worthy of a photograph. BOOK IT NOW. TREE CHARME PARLIAMENT BOUTIQUE HOTEL This quaint, 14-room hotel is located right by the iconic Piazza Navona and Pantheon but is in a surprisingly quiet little street. You won't be disturbed by loud tourists while you slumber in one of the recently refurbished rooms. Expect a more modern affair when it comes to design and amenities as well as very personalised hospitality that you can only find in such a small hotel. BOOK IT NOW. ROME CAVALIERI Rome is a big and busy city, so sometimes it can be nice to stay a little further out. And Rome Cavalieri has got to be one of the greatest, set within 15-acres of parkland atop the city's highest hilltop. Look down upon St Peter's Dome and the sea of terracotta roofs from the restaurant, pool and luxe suites during your stay. Then jump in a cab or hit the public transport system to reach the centre of Rome within minutes. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL LORD BYRON Art Deco design never looked so good. This 1930's villa has been finished with luxe mahogany, marble and rosewood features throughout, making for an altogether opulent affair. It's like the Great Gatsby has come to Rome. But it has also been kitted out with modern amenities, bringing it right up to 21st Century luxury hotel standards. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL RAPHAEL-RELAIS & CHATEAUX We are obsessed with every part of this hotel. From the exterior covered in lush greenery to the ornately decorated rooms and incredible views from the rooftop, it's a stunning stay. Even if you aren't staying at Hotel Raphaël-Relais & Châteaux, be sure to book a table at the fine dining hotel restaurant so you can experience a small part of this hotel's luxury offerings. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL ROME GARDEN From the outside, this accommodation looks like most hotels in Rome. It's in a charming old building that looks a lot like the rest. But the boutique hotel has a hidden garden set within old Roman ruins. It's an ancient oasis. Enjoy a buffet breakfast out here or a few spritzes during a balmy evening before retreating to one of the 34 rooms. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL CESARI This boutique 51-room hotel expertly blends the historic with the contemporary. The old building has been totally transformed with a sleek updated fit-out. Design-wise, it's less maximalist than some of the other inclusions on this list, but it still holds onto all its old-world charm. Hotel Cesari is best experienced up on the rooftop terrace adorned with loungers, colourful umbrellas and fresh flowers aplenty. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL ART In many ways, Hotel Art feels more like a quirky contemporary art gallery than luxury hotel. Set within an former boarding school, you will find traditional design elements paired with bold artworks and installations. Receptionists sit in large white glowing pods, furniture is all bespoke, and each of the 46 rooms have been uniquely decorated with specially commissioned artworks and colourful fixtures. It's a great alternative place to stay in Rome. BOOK IT NOW. THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR Opulence abounds in this grand classic hotel. Everything is luxurious, from the large bedrooms with high ceilings and views across the city, to the elegant ballrooms and restaurants filled with marble and ornate chandeliers. The spa is also a big win. Get indulgent massages, body treatments and facials or simply relax in the large indoor pool and sauna. You'll be paying a lot for the experience but it's worth it for an unforgettably luxurious stay. BOOK IT NOW. HOTEL FORUM The Forum is one of Rome's most popular sites and is close to many must-visit sites — The Coliseum, Trevi Fountain and so forth. That's why staying in this area is fantastic. You don't need to fuss with public transport or lengthier strolls during hot summer days. Step outside the Hotel Forum to immediately find Rome's best bits at your feet — or head up to the rooftop terrace to get unique views of these sites lit up at night. BOOK IT NOW. AMBASCIATORI PALACE You'll be sleeping in a newly renovated palace that was originally constructed in 1900. It doesn't get much more special than that. The team at Ambasciatori Palace also add glam bars and restaurants under the same roof as well as a state-of-the-art spa. It was recently taken over by InterContinental so you know the service will be perfectly polished and seamless. BOOK IT NOW. J.K. PLACE The old and new seamlessly combine within this luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Rome. Enjoy the playful design features by the architect Michele Bönan — including colourful palettes, stately four-poster beds and common spaces decked out with Berber rugs, marble statues and a futuristic chandelier. The team will even rent you an e-bike during your stay and make up a unique picnic hamper to be enjoyed within one of the nearby parks. BOOK IT NOW. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top images: Hotel Raphaël-Relais & Châteaux.
There's no need to feel the cold this winter. Whether you have a date with skis or you'll be trying to get as cosy as possible going about your usual routine, Aldi's snow gear sale is back to keep you warm. Making a beeline to the middle aisle to rug up has become an Australian tradition, and this year marks the first time that the supermarket chain has held two of the sales in consecutive years since before the pandemic. In budget-friendly news, too, nothing will set you back more than $100. Winter is coming, as the country is just beginning to feel — and this batch of bargains, spanning everything from gloves to thermoboots, is on its way as well. Ski trips, snowboarding sessions, building snowmen: there's attire for all of the above, plus just not shivering at home. Mark Saturday, May 18 in your diary, then make a date with your nearest Aldi supermarket. Also, prepare to have ample company. Every time that this sale happens, it draws quite a crowd — and 2024's run again includes more than 70 products, with prices starting from $4.99. Available at stores across the nation, and made to withstand extreme weather conditions, the latest range of gear includes ski jackets from $59.99, both ski pants and hoodies from $49.99, and fleece jackets from $39.99. Or, there's also balaclavas from $9.99, snowboard and ski gloves from $14.99, touchscreen gloves for $9.99, ski socks for $8.99, and scarves and beanies for $6.99. Ski goggles cost $17.99, ski helmets come in at $29.99 and thermoboots are $34.99. Need a heavy-duty boot, shoe and glove dryer? Decided that you do now that you've just read that sentence? They're also on the list, for $79.99. Because layers are pivotal, Aldi's Merino thermal underwear range is also back, with items such as adult tanks and camisoles for $19.99. Kids clothing is part of the deal, too, if you'll be travelling with younger skiers — including being able to dress a children for the snow from top to toe for under $100. 2024's Aldi Snow Gear Special Buys range is available from Aldi stores nationally from Saturday, May 18.
One of Australia's all-time great comedies, an Oscar-winner for Best Costume Design and a film that's made the leap from the screen to the stage as well, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert turns 30 in 2024. But that isn't the only reason to celebrate the movie right now. The Guy Pearce (The Clearing)-, Hugo Weaving (The Royal Hotel)- and Terence Stamp (Last Night in Soho)-starring flick is receiving a follow-up, with writer/director Stephan Elliott announcing a sequel. The filmmaker with Welcome to Woop Woop, A Few Best Men and Swinging Safari similarly on his resume has confirmed that a second Priscilla, Queen of the Desert picture is on the way — with Pearce, Weaving and Stamp all returning. They'll reprise their roles as Adam aka Felicia Jollygoodfellow, Tick aka Mitzi Del Bra and Bernadette Bassenger, respectively, with starting shooting in Australia this year the plan. Elliott, who is writing and directing again, revealed the news to Deadline. "I'm not repeating myself, we'll start the new film in Australia, but by god, we're going on one helluva journey," he advised the publication. "The original cast is on board, I've got a script that everybody likes, we're still working out deals... It's happening," he continued. Alongside stepping back into the lives of the three drag queens who drove a bus across the outback in the 1994 movie, the as-yet-unnamed sequel will introduce new characters. Elliott flagged that Weaving's Tick had a seven-year-old son in the OG film; "he's grown up now," he said. Soundtrack-wise, after the initial flick featured ABBA, Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive' and Alicia Bridges' 'I Love the Nightlife', viewers can expect "old disco classics, but we'll be moving into contemporary as well," Elliott also noted. There's no word yet of a release date, or other cast members — or where in Australia the film will take place, after the first movie journeyed from Sydney to Alice Springs via Broken Hill and Coober Pedy. But it's certainly a big time for Aussie cinema greats with links to Broken Hill scoring new instalments right now, given that the Mad Max franchise is about to drop Furiosa. There's obviously no sneak peek at the sequel to The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert yet, but check out the trailer for the original movie below: There's no release date yet for sequel to The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert — we'll update you when more details are announced. Via Deadline.
A lot of sketch comedy on YouTube can be well...stupid. Not saying that these channels aren't, but they are definitely of the good (and funny) variety. Concrete Playground has come up with the cream of the crop as far as comedic YouTube videos go. Check them out whenever you need a laugh; there's parodies and hilarity galore. 1. Barely Political The guys behind Barely Political are best known for their politically charged parodies, of "I Got a Crush...on Obama" fame. They also produce a number of sketch comedy series;'The Key of Awesome', however, is definitely the most popular. Making fun of everything and everyone, Barely Political's videos show that no one is off limits. If you like parody songs and sheer ridiculousness, this channel is for you. 2. 5 Second Films These five-second-long films are "wasting your time, but not much". If you didn't think five seconds of one of these goofy skits is enough to make you laugh, you'll be proved wrong. We dare you to try and just watch one. 3. UCB Comedy If Saturday Night Live or The Office make you laugh, chances are so will the folks at Upright Citizens Brigade. Finding ridiculous in the everyday, these films will reveal humourous moments of truth amidst their hilarity. 4. Smosh Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox team up in these ludicrous pop-culture parodies. Over-the-top, always. Dull, never. The duo has several series under their belts, and are working on an upcoming cartoon series. 5. Funny or Die Founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, this site is spot-on comedy. Content is generated by high-profile contributors and skits often feature funny celebs. Stellar series include 'Between the Ferns', 'Billy on the Street', and 'Drunk History'.
It started with a twist: Severance, that is, as the Apple TV+ hit serves up one helluva take on work-life balance. In the streaming sci-fi mind-bender, employees at Lumon Industries — such as Mark S (Adam Scott, The Monkey), Helly R (Britt Lower, Darkest Miriam), Dylan G (Zach Cherry, Fallout), Irving B (John Turturro, The Room Next Door) and Burt G (Christopher Walken, Dune: Part Two) — seemingly live the clocking-off dream, although it turns out to be a nightmare. They have no choice but to leave their job at the nine-to-five grind each day, because they're physically incapable of thinking about it at home. Each has signed up for the show's titular procedure, where their personality and memory is split between their professional and personal spheres. Innies, as the series dubs them, navigate the corporate labyrinth with no awareness of what exists elsewhere. Outies, aka workers come quittin' time, have zero knowledge of what they get up to for a paycheque. The best new TV show of 2022, already proving one of the best returning television series of 2025 thanks to its stellar second season and a key reason that Apple TV+'s catalogue is among streaming's finest, Severance offers plenty more twists beyond its premise. One of them is right there in its core casting. The hair, the voice, the gaze: to see Walken on-screen — and to hear him echoing from it — is to experience all three, as remains the case here, but he's also in rare territory. It's "a different kind of part for me to play, the romantic interest, especially at my age", the acting icon and octogenarian tells Concrete Playground. "Also the fact that he's a decent, good person. I don't play a lot of those." Walken has rarely been out of the camera's gaze or away from the stage since he was a child. His first theatre credit came when he was just nine, followed by his debut TV appearance at ten. His famed way with monologues, a hallmark of his filmmography, springs from "a lot of big parts in Shakespeare", he notes. He has an Oscar for The Deer Hunter, a BAFTA for Catch Me If You Can and two Emmy nominations, one for the first season of Severance and the other three decades earlier for television movie Sarah, Plain and Tall. Busting out psychic powers in The Dead Zone, playing a Bond baddie in A View to a Kill, getting nefarious in Batman Returns, spouting Quentin Tarantino-penned dialogue in True Romance and Pulp Fiction, Saturday Night Live's viral 'More Cowbell' sketch, putting his dance training to great use for Fatboy Slim in unforgettable music video for 'Weapon of Choice', several acting parts in Turturro-directed films such as The Big Lebowski sequel spinoff The Jesus Rolls, his other excellent recent TV turn as an ex-conman in British dramedy The Outlaws: they're just a handful of his fellow standout parts. Severance's Burt G — Burt Goodman in his outie guise — is a wonderful showcase of a supporting role for Walken. Inside Lumon's fluorescent-lit walls, romance blossoms as the head of the company's Optics and Design department and Macrodata Refinement division employee Irving are drawn to each other, no matter how their employer's workplace setup attempts to place obstacles in their way. Walken's performance is tender, heartfelt and caring. Watching him light up with Turturro as their characters realise and process their feelings, and also dive into the idea that perhaps love transcends everything including having your brain severed, is one of the great joys of the series. When Irving is distraught and adrift without Burt after the latter's retirement, then driven to find his outie with his own, viewers feel that loss as well, so strong is Walken's imprint. It might be a part with a clear difference from most to his name, but he's as mesmerising as ever. History isn't irrelevant to Walken's Severance portrayal, though. His performance isn't just glorious because it allows him to step into shoes that he hasn't often been seen in, of course, but there's also no escaping that fact. Indeed, if viewers find themselves thinking about everything else that has brought Walken to this point in his career seven decades in — spying the contrasts to work lately and further back — while watching him in Severance, the man himself completely understands. He knows that an actor is never just seen as the one role that they're currently playing, and never can be, unless they've only ever played that one single role. What initially excited Walken about entering Severance's world, portraying a part that'll go down as one of his greats and making a rare return to TV, other than The Outlaws? How does the duality of the show's premise track with being an actor? What else on his filmography helped him with playing Burt? We chatted with Walken about all of the above, too, and also about his Shakespearean days, taking Burt beyond Lumon, working closely with Turturro and more. On What Initially Excited Walken About Severance — Especially with TV a Rarity, Outside of The Outlaws, on His Resume Since His Earliest Days as an Actor "Well, being with John Turturro and Ben Stiller. The script — you could see that it was a good part. Interesting, quite original, different. Also a different kind of part for me to play, the romantic interest, especially at my age. Also the fact that he's a decent, good person. I don't play a lot of those. Yeah, it was a lot to like." On Severance's Premise, the Similar Duality That Comes with Being an Actor, and the Idea in Burt and Irving's Storyline That Perhaps Love Transcends All "The premise is not something I ever thought about. And of course, being an actor, there's that dual-personality thing anyway. You are who you are, and then you're the guy who you are when you put the costume on. So that's kind of built in. I thought it was very interesting. I thought it was a little bit spooky and scary, not knowing — a little bit vampirish, almost, that you have this life at work and you have this life at home. It's sort of like you're alive at night and you're in a box somewhere during the day. Who knows? I didn't think about that part much, but I do think that that idea of love transcends all is probably true, and it certainly was useful in this case." On Meeting the Outie Version of Burt, and Stepping Into His Life, Expanding Beyond Burt's Time at Lumon "It was very interesting to have this new life, to see my house, to see the clothing that I wear, to see Fields, my husband — all of that was interesting. But I have to say that I have not seen the second season. You have, I guess. So I really, I can't really talk about it much — I don't know." On Whether Anything Else in Walken's Career Helped, Including Indirectly, with Playing Both Versions of Burt — Even Though This is Quite a Different Type of Character for Him "No, I haven't. I played, in a movie called The Dead Zone, I played a guy who has an accident and he kind of gets disconnected from his own mind because of being hurt in an accident. And it gives him certain qualities that he never had before. So I suppose that might be the closest I ever came." On Knowing That Audiences Always Bring Their Knowledge of an Actor, and the Baggage From Their Past Parts, to Any New Performance "Oh, absolutely. I think that when people talk about what it is to be an actor, to talk about, even think about what you doing when you're an actor, it doesn't get mentioned much, what you just did. But whenever you show up, you're not only showing up as the person you're playing, you're showing up as all the things that they've seen you in before. And things that they've heard about you, seeing things that maybe they've read in an interview or something that they've seen, like what we're doing right now. This interview that we're doing informs any part I might do in the future. It's all part of it. And as you use the word 'baggage', that can be good baggage and bad baggage. But it's always there. I don't think that anybody looks at an actor, particularly one who's been around a long time, and sees them as the word 'virgin'. I mean, there's no seeing things for the first time again, it's always with all that stuff." On How Working with John Turturro for Years, Including in Films That He's Written and Directed, Helped with Building Burt and Irving's Chemistry "Oh, very much. The fact that John and I know each other so well, I think shows up on the screen. You can tell — you know, you can't tell what they think of each other, but you can tell that they know each other. And that's very valuable in a case like this. Like how you see two people and you know they're married. I mean, they may not get along, but you know they're married. And in the case of John, I love John. He's my old pal." On How Walken's Way with Monologues Across His Career Stems From His Early Shakespearean Days "Early in my career, for some reason I got to play a lot of big parts in Shakespeare. And I had absolutely no background or qualification to do it. I just got these parts. I played Hamlet twice. I played Romeo twice. I played Iago. I played all these parts. I was part of a Shakespeare company and, as a result, I had to learn and perform these enormous monologues. Iago, I think, is the longest part in Shakespeare. You'd think it was something else. So I spent the early part of my career learning these big speeches. Now, I was never very good in these parts, but I did learn the lines and said them in front of a live audience to varying degrees of success. But it taught me how to do that. I think that's why I get all those big speeches." Severance streams via Apple TV+. Read our review of season one.
During lockdown, Tacos Muchachos transformed a Surry Hills cafe into a pop-up Mexican restaurant, serving up exciting Mexican street food dishes to anyone within five-kilometres of the shop. It proved a hit with locals — people flocked to their quesabirria tacos, takeaway margaritas and al pastor nights. Following lockdown, the cafe took back custodianship of the Surry Hills space, so Tacos Muchachos went looking for a new home. Now, they've settled on the ground level of Chippendale's new Mexican-inspired boutique accommodation, Hotel Hacienda. While the setup may be unconventional — the check-in area flows straight into the dining room and the team is cooking from the former hostel's breakfast kitchen — owner Daniel Hanssen is determined to bring the electric atmosphere of the Surry Hills pop-up to their new home. Hanssen has big plans for the venue, with the hotel's rooftop being earmarked as an openair dining space. Despite the new look, the most important thing from the pop-up has already been transferred over to Chippendale — the food. Hanssen, who quit his corporate job and trained at Bush to open his own restaurant, is joined by a seasoned head chef who brings experience spanning fast food joints through to Michelin-star restaurants across his home country in Mexico, as well as Spain, Brazil and Sydney. The menu has stayed consistent with the pop-up: nachos, consommé, street-style burritos and quesabirria tacos. These tacos are what will keep you coming back. The rich and cheesy showstopper are a must-try. And, Sydneysiders are sure to be excited by the unique flat and crispy burrito packed filled with refried beans, sautéed onions, jalapenos, cheese and your choice of fillings. An exciting rotation of weekly specials are continually popping up, with tortas and al pastor to be added to the menu soon. The Tacos Muchachos crew sourced their al pastor machine from Mexico and marinate their pork shoulder in achiote, pineapple juices and citrus. They hope to introduce more Sydneysiders to the beloved street food dish with Hanssen describing it as the perfect marriage of Australia's love for both Mexican food and kebab shops. "We love kebabs and we love Mexican food and yet nobody's kinda doing it right," he says. As for the drinks, a classic margarita or agua fresca spiked with tequila are currently on offer as well as a selection of beers and Jarrito sodas. Head in between 5–6pm and you'll be treated to a happy hour special on drinks, with more cocktails soon to be offered. Tacos Muchachos is located at 179 Cleveland Street, Redfern. It's currently open 5.30pm until late Thursday–Saturday.
Adelaide songsmith Jesse Davidson has been called prodigious and a wunderkind — and those Jeff Buckley comparisons just won't shake. This June and July, Davidson's taking his minimalist acoustics and dreamy vocals on tour, his first solo effort. The tour is set to draw a considerable loyal following who'll want seriously in-grill "I saw Jesse Davidson before anyone" bragging rights. Since being a runner-up in triple j's 2012 Unearthed High competition, the 18 year old has been signed for a Warner development deal, toured with Mac DeMarco and Ball Park Music, co-headlined with Eves, been signed to booking agency Select Music, finished school and released his debut EP Ocean — making you feel really great about having a good few years on him and feeling terribly unaccomplished in comparison. Davidson will play tunes from the Ocean EP, including 'Flaws' and the buoyant 'Big Bois Gotta Eat'. If you can brave the frosty winter nights, his deep baritone — mature beyond his years — is sure to warm you up. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hR4b_JAg7KI
Before 2022, no one knew that they needed to hear David Attenborough talk about dinosaurs while watching spectacular photo-realistic recreations of the planet's ancient creatures. Then Prehistoric Planet arrived, giving Apple TV+ viewers a five-episode documentary series all about the extinct beasts paired with the perfect narration. It was pitched to audiences as a one-off, and instantly and unsurprisingly proved one of 2022's best new shows. Indeed, it was such a success that it's now returning for season two in May — and that new five-instalment run now has its first trailer. Get ready for a brand-new run filled with dino love, plus Attenborough's trusty voice talking us through it. The streaming service announced the roaringly great news about the show's return back in March; however, the trailer provides a debut glimpse at what's in store. In the words of the one and only Attenborough himself, expect "more adventure, more danger and more dinosaurs". Prehistoric Planet's second season is a five-part nightly event again. Across Monday, May 22–Friday, May 26, one instalment will arrive each day, serving up more informative insights and more of Hans Zimmer's soundtrack as well. This time around, the team at BBC Studios Natural History will be using photorealistic visual effects by MPC — the kind that series executive producer Jon Favreau deployed in his versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King — to focus on new dinosaurs, habitats and scientific discoveries. So, you'll spend time with the long-necked, plant-eating Isisaurus, which inhabited an extreme volcanic region; the feathered bird-like dino Pectinodon; and prehistoric flying reptiles Quetzalcoatlus and Hatzegopteryx, which were the biggest creatures ever to soar the skies. That said, the Tyrannosaurus rex will be back among other prehistoric favourites. Of course it will. What's better than one of the Attenborough siblings marvelling over our planet's ancient creatures? None other than David following in his brother Richard's footsteps, of course, just as it was in 2022. While the latter showed dinos some love back in Jurassic Park — with the now-late actor and filmmaker even uttering the iconic words "welcome to Jurassic Park" — his broadcaster, biologist and natural historian sibling largely surveyed the rest of the earth's living creatures in his iconic documentaries before Prehistoric Planet. With its first season, the show instantly earned its place among David Attenborough other doco highlights — a list that spans The Living Planet, State of the Planet, The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, Blue Planet II, Our Planet, Seven Worlds, One Planet, A Perfect Planet and Green Planet, as well as Planet Earth and Planet Earth II, plus documentary David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet), just to name a few. Check out the first teaser trailer for Prehistoric Planet's second season below: Prehistoric Planet season two will hit Apple TV+ across Monday, May 22–Friday, May 26, with a new episode available to stream each day. Read our full review of Prehistoric Planet season one.
Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, President's daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after this morning's Coachella festival lineup announcement. Running over two weekends from April 14–23, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup. Big gun headliners Beyoncé, Radiohead and Kendrick Lamar mark the top of the weekend bills, with a bonafide metric fucktonne of squealworthy buds filling out the rest — the xx, Bon Iver, Justice, Lorde, The Avalanches, New Order, Future Islands, and Kaytranada to name a few. Even German composer Hans Zimmer is getting in on the action. Homegrown Aussie and New Zealand legends are heading on over and representing with gusto, with Pond, King Gizzard, Broods, Jagwar Ma, Anna Lunoe, What So Not and Empire of the Sun — as well as the aforementioned Avalanches and Lorde — on the bill. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: Coachella runs over two weekends, from April 14-16 and 21-23 in Indio, California. Tickets go on sale at 11am PST on Wednesday, January 4. For more info, visit coachella.com.
Get down to the waterfront this Anzac Day, as Felons Manly presents an Aussie-inspired showcase designed to commemorate the day. Sprawling out onto the brewery's jetty, punters can enjoy a rare (legal) game of two-up. Then, the pub will come to life with live music throughout the day and a selection of limited-run beers poured from the tap. Head over to the bar to sip down a Grapefruit Radler, Felon's patented thirst-crusher that bursts bright with grapefruit aromas and tart citrus notes. For something a little different, there's also the Dulce De Leche Porter. This English-style porter hits with cocoa and caramel aromas, blended with a smooth profile rich in creamy milk chocolate, toasted malts and dulce de leche. The relaxed, community-focused event has free entry from 9am until late. Throughout the day, the venue will be fundraising for RSL LifeCare ANZAC Village, which offers retirement living, residential care, home care and support for veterans. Get down for good food and drink with a worthy cause to match.
Prepare to say "accio remote!" and get comfier than Hermione Granger in a library. In news that'll keep you glued to your couch this winter — timely news given that Sydney is currently in the middle of a lengthy lockdown — everyone's favourite boy wizard is now working his magic on Netflix. You won't need the Marauder's Map to find these enchanting flicks. Today, Thursday, July 15, all eight movies in the Harry Potter series have hit the streaming platform, bringing their Hogwarts-set adventures to Australian subscribers. If you've watched your DVD copies from the 2000s so many times that they're showing a little wear and tear — or your laptop no longer has a disc drive — this is butterbeer-worthy news. Yes, everything from Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) first visit to Platform 9 and 3/4, the Yule Ball and the Triwizard Tournament to many a fluttering snitch and He Who Must Not Be Named are now at your fingertips. It's prime viewing for wizards, witches and muggles alike — all 19 hours and 39 minutes of it. The Fantastic Beasts films haven't joined them, though with wizarding journey keeping its focus on the original franchise. If you're thinking that a time-turner might come in handy over the next few months, we completely understand. And if this sounds like familiar news, that's because all eight movies were also available on Netflix back in 2019. They jumped to Binge after that, too, because the thing about streaming services — unless they're making and funding a movie or series themselves, films and shows can switch platforms as the rights deals behind them change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG37G--drDs&list=PLnpIp0ksj4UlQWQlPaRd6WrI9XSmS6B4u Find Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2 are all now streaming on Netflix.
The Inner West is filled with top-notch live music venues, comedy rooms and theatres — some harder to find than others. To help you plan your next night of culture in this bustling neighbourhood, we've put together our top places to see a live show. What's equally as important, and sometimes neglected, is the all-important pre- or post-show bev. Whether you want somewhere to warm up or wind down, we've got you covered with excellent establishments for wetting your whistle either side of a gig, too. Read on to find our perfect pairings of booze and tunes in the Inner West and fire up the group chat to organise your next night out.
When I first heard that Bills' former head chef Kentaro (Kenny) Takayama was due open a Japanese fusion cafe in Redfern, I knew this was one for the Google Calendar. Oratnek is located in a terrace house on the fringe of Prince Alfred Park. Grab a spot in the front herb garden, where chefs come to pick parsley, mint and chives to order, and where you can reach down and liberally garnish your own. Start with a Mecca coffee and choose from a selection of classic cafe favourites that have been subtly fused with Japanese flavours. Worn-out breakfast items such as mushrooms on toast are brought to life with a sweet and salty kick of miso ($13), and in some cases dishes have been totally reinvented. A prime example is the jamon serrano, pecorino, kale, mashed green pea and broad bean tartine ($13), which is a fresh and elegant take on a ham, spinach and cheese toastie. Their white chocolate and matcha green tea muffins ($5) will have you wondering why you ever gave up eating muffins in the first place. The lunch menu follows suit, serving salads and sandwiches which are a little bit spesh. Try the monster pork fillet katsu sambo ($10) filled with fresh cabbage, Japanese barbecue sauce and mustard on thick white bread with the crusts cut off (thanks, Mum). Served on a bread board, this epic schnitty sandwich will have everyone wishing they ordered the same, and at just $10, you're paying dodgy pub prices for some really high-quality fare. There's also a Japanese fried chicken sandwich ($10) with a brave helping of fermented kimchi, as well as a calamari, cabbage and fresh herb salad ($17) or a comforting steamed clam pot with sake and garlic ($19). While the cuisine has little in common with Bills, you can see the resemblance in the quality control; every punctured egg unleashes a gooey, golden stream of yolk, while each piece of fried chicken runs with perfectly clear juices. Food is fresh, faultless and fabulous. There may not be corn fritters or honeycomb butter on the menu, but for me this is classic Bills with a Japanese edge.
Sometimes, when a TV show is a hit, giant dolls pop up by Sydney harbour. At other times, when a movie is a must-see, one of its key locations makes its home on Little Bourke Street in Melbourne. Right now is one of the latter occasions, all to celebrate Everything Everywhere All At Once — aka the multiverse-hopping, mind-bending delight starring the one and only Michelle Yeoh that everyone is rightly talking about at the moment. In the flick, the Crazy Rich Asians, Last Christmas, Boss Level, Gunpowder Milkshake and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings actor plays middle-aged Chinese American woman Evelyn Wang, who runs a laundromat with her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom's Short Round and The Goonies' Data). That might sound straightforward, but the feature was written and directed by the Daniels, aka Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. If you saw Swiss Army Man, which cast Daniel Radcliffe as a farting corpse who doubled as a jetski, you should have some idea of the kind of wild and wacky on-screen chaos the filmmaking duo is capable of conjuring up. For Evelyn in Everything Everywhere All At Once, she takes a trip to her local tax office — and her tale soon goes hurtling through other dimensions from there. The full details are best discovered by watching; however, the end result is exactly what big-screen multiverse-focused fare should look like. While following in Evelyn's footsteps isn't something that anyone can truly do, Roadshow Films has set up a pop-up that'll let you pretend — only if you're in the Melbourne CBD from 1–8pm daily between Friday, April 22–Sunday, April 24. At Corrs Corner at 132–138 Little Bourke Street, you'll find the Everything Everywhere All At Once multiversal laundromat. Step inside, see crucial spots from movie right there before your eyes and feel like you've leapt into the film. While you'll enter a space that, yes, resembles a laundromat, that's just the beginning. From there, you'll find a spliced and angled mirror room as well, and different nods to places and moments in the movie. Having your senses overwhelmed comes with the territory — as it does, at least with your eyes and ears, while watching Everything Everywhere All At Once. Make sure that you peer inside the washing machines onsite, too, as they're designed to spin with a kaleidoscopic array of moving imagery — and make you feel like you're time-travelling between different dimensions. Obviously, taking snaps is a big part of the fun, so that's what you'll be seeing on Instagram all weekend. Find the Everything Everywhere All At Once laundromat at Corrs Corner, 132–138 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne from 1–8pm daily between Friday, April 22–Sunday, April 24. Everything Everywhere All At Once is currently playing in Australian cinemas — read our full review.
Come the really raw bits of winter, our gut instinct generally tells us to bunker down in our own homes with blanket forts and hot comforting stews. Nothing says 'let's stay home in our pyjamas tonight' like frosty air and something trashy on TV. But don't fret — mini-holidays are still achievable (even in winter) and in Melbourne weekends away are at your fingertips. All you have to do is jump into your car and go for a little spin. Cold places can make for beaut weekends away, and Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges are a very valid option. Only 35 kilometres east of the CBD, The Hills, as they're affectionately known, will make you feel like you're in a tiny European village at the best of times, or lost in the forest at the worst (hint: take a map with you). Stretching from the southern ranges to Belgrave, the foothills and hilltop villages like Sassafrass and Mount Dandenong, here are some tips for a weekend away in the area filled with woodfires, ferns and a plethora of dessert options. [caption id="attachment_581918" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hideaway Cottage[/caption] STAY Heading up to stay a few nights? Feeling cosy in Airbnb cottages are what it's all about up there, so have yourself a gander at this one. Hideaway Cottage is right up the top of the mountain in the area actually called — fittingly enough — Mount Dandenong, and it's a sweet little stone cottage house embodying all things quaint. There's a loft bedroom up a spiral staircase, a fireplace for those wintry times and even a veranda as an added bonus. You'll be sitting out the front wrapped in your blanket cocoon saying things like "this is what life is all about" before you know it — not even minding that your toes have gone a bit numb. If you want to step it up a notch and go full forest, head up to the Linden Rainforest Retreat; it's also in Mount Dandenong, but a whole level above when it comes to indulgence. You can choose from one of four 'designer suite' retreats, there's room service, and you can even pre-order a cheese platter and/or rose petals to be strewn about your bed before you arrive. It's prime fare for a couple celebrating something special, or just for a single really going for it in the treat yo'self stakes. 100 points for you. Alternatively, just go bush and camp somewhere in the basically enormous expanse of green camping possibility that the Dandenong Ranges are. There are a bunch of well-equipped camping grounds dotted around the ranges — here's a list to start you off. But a warning to you, the Dandenongs do tend to hover a few degrees lower than the mainland down below at all times, so nights outdoors in winter will be frosty indeed. [caption id="attachment_581920" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ripe Sassafrass[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Contrary to popular opinion, it's not all about scones up here. Okay, it is a little bit. A hot tip is avoiding the over-touristy and over-priced Miss Marple's Tearoom in Sassafras and heading a few doors down to Ripe. The café has a produce store attached, a heated deck so you can sit amongst the ferns, and a Devonshire tea that includes a hot drink in the price (unlike Miss Marple's). For those who aren't all about lashings of cream and jam, Ripe also does a solid baguette menu — and it almost goes without saying that the prosciutto, quince paste and brie is the winner over here. [caption id="attachment_581922" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Cafe de Beaumarchais[/caption] If you've done a fair whack of walking around the mountainous surroundings, it could be high time for some sweet treats. Café de Beaumarchais (also in Sassafras) has you sorted with a fairly hectic cake display and great coffee, and a general vibe making you feel like you're in a tiny village in France. For heavier fare head to Woods Sherbrooke — the Sri Lankan chef and owner's contemporary Asian menu will warm your belly on a cold winter's night. Drinking holes are a little harder to come by in the hills, so our first suggestion would be to make a big vat of your own mulled wine and drink it by the fireplace in your cottage. If you're very keen to venture on out, Belgrave is probably the place to go. Sooki Lounge on Burwood Highway isn't the hallmark that the bar it replaced, the famous Ruby's Lounge, once was, but it still does live music and organic tapas. Oscar's Alehouse, also just down the road, is a bit of Brunswick in Belgrave — there's a heap of different craft beers and you can even BYO pizza in. [caption id="attachment_581933" align="alignnone" width="1280"] RJ Hamer Aboretum, Matthew Paul Argall via Flickr[/caption] SEE AND DO Getting around in the Dandenongs can be slow-going — thanks to the one-lane Mount Dandenong Tourist Road starting at Tremont and running all the way up to Montrose — so don those old runners, flex your feet and set off on foot. It's like the hills are urging you to go a-hikin' through them, and there's plentiful walks to be done. A tip is avoiding the tourist-saturated 1000 Steps Walk on a weekend because it ends up being more of a shuffle/whoops-avoid-the-family-of-five-plus-their-dog type affair. Instead, head to the huge RJ Hamer Arboretum in Olinda. Here stand over 150 different types of trees and, when the leaves start to fall in cold weather, it has a real resemblance to Narnia. The National Rhododendron Gardens nearby are also beautiful, covered in colour, and quite hilly so you can get a bit of cardio in at the same time. [caption id="attachment_581935" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ashim D'Sliva[/caption] Rainier days might see you heading into Belgrave's Cameo Cinemas, an eight-screen effort showing arthouse and cult hits as well as blockbusters, with an outdoor cinema in the warmer months. But if you want some more R&R (that is, if watching the new Tarzan isn't relaxing enough for you), the Japanese Mountain Retreat in Montrose has more mineral springs and massage therapies than you could have time for over a single weekend. Shopping-wise, Sassafras has options that range from homey and fragrant (Tea Leaves) to tasty pantry things (Cream), to kooky wooden puppets (Geppetto's), if that's your jam. Or, if you're up there between November and April, take home some edible souvenirs from Blue Hills Berries & Cherries by picking your own strawberries, raspberries, or cherries as fresh as they come. [caption id="attachment_548957" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sherbrooke Falls Trail[/caption] ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS Public transport is sparse, but you can jump on a train and take the Belgrave line out to Upper Ferntree Gully Station, then wait for the 688 bus (every half hour or so), which runs along the Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road up the mountain. The drive is quicker — about 50 minutes from the CBD. The Burwood Highway and Mount Dandenong will take you up there pretty swiftly. Top image: Adrian Mohedano via Flickr.
Often when a musician or band announces a world tour, they start with dates in America and Europe, but leave fans Down Under waiting for local details to drop down the track. That isn't the case with Tyler, The Creator's new Chromakopia tour. Mark your diaries: as well as revealing US gigs, plus shows in a heap of European city, the hip-hop and fashion trailblazer has locked in a new trip to Australia and New Zealand. Tyler, The Creator last headed this way on a headline tour in 2022, and played Splendour in the Grass as well, and will now return in August and September 2025 on a five-city, seven-show visit that celebrates a new album also called Chromakopia. That record drops on Monday, October 28, 2024, and has unveiled its first single 'Noid' complete with a music video starring The Bear's Ayo Edebiri. [caption id="attachment_976993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Flickr[/caption] The tour details for your calendar: Auckland's Spark Arena is the first Down Under stop on Monday, August 18. After that, Tyler, The Creator is hitting up Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne for two shows across Friday, August 22–Saturday, August 23; Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney for another two gigs on Tuesday, August 26–Wednesday, August 27; Brisbane Entertainment Centre for one evening on Saturday, August 30; and RAC Arena in Perth on Thursday, September 4. On all local dates, the genre-bending rapper will have Lil Yachty and Paris Texas in support. The Chromakopia tour follows Tyler, The Creator's 2024 Coachella headlining set, on a bill that also included Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, No Doubt and plenty more. Before 2022 — which marked Tyler's first set of headline shows down under in over eight years — the last time that the star graced Australian shores was for a series of festival appearances over New Years 2020–21, hitting up the likes of Beyond the Valley and Field Day. [caption id="attachment_823369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Demxx via Flickr[/caption] Tyler, The Creator Chromakopia World Tour 2025 Monday, August 18 — Spark Arena, Auckland Friday, August 22–Saturday, August 23 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Tuesday, August 26–Wednesday, August 27 ‚ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Saturday, August 30 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, September 4 — RAC Arena, Perth [caption id="attachment_823366" align="alignnone" width="2556"] Luis 'Panch' Perez[/caption] Tyler, The Creator is touring Australia and New Zealand in August and September 2025. Ticket presales start at 10am local time in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and 12pm local time in Auckland, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 — with general sales from 10am local time on Friday, November 1, 2024. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
With venue restrictions easing and your bank account beginning to recover from Christmas, it's time to get out and about before winter returns. And the seaside suburb of Cronulla is the place to be when the sun goes down. New Shire establishments have opened over the past couple of years and there are some golden oldies worth returning to a second (or third or fourth) time. Here are our top picks for the best places to eat and drink in and around Cronulla after dark. Think ocean views, seasonal menus and tropical cocktails aplenty.
Welcome to the joys of major film festivals in spring, Sydney. Getting holed up in a cinema for a week or so is usually a winter activity in the Harbour City, because that's when Sydney Film Festival takes place; however, the first-ever SXSW Down Under is arriving in 2023 with its very own celebration of peering at screens. So, for eight October days, movie lovers can wander in and out of darkened rooms while the weather is pleasant outside, not frosty — and see everything from Saltburn, the new Jacob Elordi (Euphoria)-starring thriller from Promising Young Woman director Emerald Fennell, to the freshly remastered 4K version of iconic Talking Heads concert flick Stop Making Sense. After dropping a number of screening highlights over the past few months, SXSW Sydney's debut Screen Festival has unveiled the full 75-plus session bill that'll get projectors a-flickering from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22. So, opening night's Australian thriller The Royal Hotel from Casting JonBenet and The Assistant director Kitty Green (and starring the latter's Julia Garner) now has more company than just the world premiere of documentary Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles, plus nine other titles announced back in July that span everything from features starring Indonesian rappers and docos about Tokyo Uber Eats riders. Saltburn will enjoy its Australian premiere at SXSW Sydney, while Stop Making Sense will get The ICC's Darling Harbour Theatre echoing in glorious 7.1 surround sound. The venue will be home to the fest's biggest titles, which also includes opening night and The Wiggles doco; ONEFOUR: Against All Odds about the eponymous drill rap band; and Ryuichi Sakamoto|Opus, which covers the recorded concert by the late, great The Revenant composer, who passed away in March 2023. Also on the bill: supervillain parody The People's Joker, which gives the caped-crusader realm a queer coming-of-age spin; TLC documentary TLC Forever; Sleep, a Korean horror-comedy by Bong Joon-ho's former assistant; the Hugo Weaving (Love Me)-starring The Rooster, which follows a hermit and a cop who form a bond during a crisis; and a retro session of Aussie classic Lake Mungo. Or, SXSW Sydney's film fans can see Black Barbie, a Barbie flick that isn't filled affection; the Indian Australian Sahela, which tells a queer tale set in Western Sydney; Satranic Panic, a homegrown road movie and a creature feature; Milli Vanilli, another of the event's music docos; and Uproar, as starring Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Julian Dennison, Our Flag Means Death's Rhys Darby and Starstruck's Minnie Driver. As part of the fest's First Nations program, Fancy Dance explores being pushed to the margins with star Lily Gladstone just as she'll also be in cinemas in Killers of the Flower Moon — and, from the main program strand that heroes pushing boundaries and serving up surprises, attendees can see This Is Going to Be Big, about Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School in Bullengarook staging a John Farnham-themed musical. For fans of cult fare in the making, the SXSW Sydney Midnighters lineup includes the 16mm-shot Riddle of Fire and the Steven Soderbergh (Full Circle)-produced thriller Divinity, while the music selection will also celebrate Cyndi Lauper via Let the Canary Sing. Among a feast of screen content that also encompasses 40 shorts, plus 20 music videos and 13 XR projects, TV will get some love — that's why the event is called a Screen Festival, not a film fest. Standouts span Night Bloomers, a horror anthology from both Korea and Australia; Erotic Stories, another anthology that'll deliver exactly what it sounds like; and Doona!, a Korean rom-com led by Suzy Bae. If you recall hearing about SXSW winners from its Austin fests, Sydney's version is doing the same, with ten movies competing in its feature competition, another ten vying in the shorts field and eight XR works also seeking some extra love. Alongside indoor sessions at Darling Harbour Theatre and Palace Cinemas Central, free outdoor screenings are also on the bill at the SXSW Sydney 2023 hub in Tumbalong Park. The complete lineup there is still to come, but the program will survey the OG fest's best and brightest, starting with Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's What We Do in the Shadows — the movie, not the also-ace TV show — as well as classic anime masterpiece Ghost in the Shell and Richard Linklater's Dazed & Confused. "The first ever SXSW Sydney Screen Festival aims to platform the most exciting new voices, new forms and new ways of creating on screen. We hope to inspire our audiences and industry, by unwrapping the future of Screen innovation as it emerges," said Ghita Loebenstein, the event's Head of Screen, announcing the 2023 program. "Like our Austin counterparts, our festival presents global programming from leading creators, and our unique offer is this distinctive Asia Pacific lens. We also thematically lean into our sister pillars across music, games and tech, celebrating where our forms and communities converge. Most of all, SXSW Sydney is a festival which earnestly centres vision, irreverence and fun." Can't wait to watch your way through the everything that you can? SXSW Sydney Screen Festival wristbands are on sale now and will get you into unlimited screenings. [caption id="attachment_917938" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] As well as viewing movies and TV shows aplenty, the 2023 SXSW Sydney Screen Festival also features an array of speakers. Black Mirror's Charlie Brooker is one of the headliners — not just of the screen component, but of SXSW Sydney overall. Similarly getting chatting: Indigenous filmmakers Leah Purcell (The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson), Kodie Bedford (Mystery Road: Origin) and Jub Clerc (Sweet As); Osher Günsberg recording an episode of his podcast Better Than Yesterday with a yet-to-be-announced special guest; and Gone Girl, The Nightingale, The Dry, Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers producer Bruna Papandrea and Binge's Executive Director Alison Hurbert-Burns. Queer Eye star Tan France was also slated to attend, but has had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. SXSW Sydney will run from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues, with the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival running from Sunday, October 15–Saturday, October 21 at The ICC's Darling Theatre and Palace Cinemas Central. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
Manly Wharf has been taken over by Felons. And no, we're not talking about pirates, but the celebrated Queensland brewery that's opened Felons Seafood, a sprawling 300-seat seafood restaurant perched right at the water's edge, right next to its more casual offering that opened in October 2024. It's an impressive set-up — a breezy coastal aesthetic is anchored by white tones and raw, earthy textures, as well as plenty of sunlit space across the spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas. Inside, a 360-degree bar is framed by four stainless steel tanks pouring brewery-fresh beer, all backed by sweeping views across Manly Cove. [caption id="attachment_1011783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Helming the kitchen is Luke Bourke, a culinary wunderkind with a CV that belies his age. Most recently at Rockpool Bar & Grill — where he won Good Food Guide's 2025 Young Chef of the Year award — Bourke has also logged time at est., Noma Australia and The Ledbury in London. He's also a proud Palawa man and an alumnus of the National Indigenous Culinary Institute, and his elegant, produce-driven menu — which he's designed with fellow Rockpool alum and owner of Marrickville's 20 Chapel Corey Costello — reflects both his heritage and experience. The menu is very much an Australian expression of a classic seafood restaurant. Dishes range from the traditional — like prawn cocktail and a chilled seafood platter loaded with king prawns, Sydney rock oysters, tuna tartare, honey bug cocktail and lemongrass pipis — to the more creative — Bourke's signature tartar sauce features pickled warrigal greens and Felons IPA malt vinegar, while the abalone schnitzel sandwich with salted chilli mayonnaise already feels like a classic in the making. [caption id="attachment_1011781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ethan Smart[/caption] The drinks program is equally considered. Felons Super Cold Crisp Lager — Australia's coldest lager, poured at -2 degrees and served in thick-walled glassware designed to maintain the ice-cold temperature — headlines the tap list, while the food-friendly wine list showcases Australian and European makers. There's also a bright, coastal-inspired cocktail list, with highlights like a salt and vinegar martini made with oyster shell gin and caperberry brine, a coffee- and macadamia-infused old fashioned, plus frozen classics and a dedicated spritz selection. It all adds up to a venue that's set to reinvigorate one of Sydney's most iconic waterfront destinations. These Felons might be from Brisbane, but they've nailed the laidback Northern Beaches vibe to a tee.
When you don't have time for an overnight getaway, but desperately need a minute's break from traffic and deadlines, then heading to one of Sydney's vast, lush parks for a picnic is the perfect remedy. Given that Sydney and its surrounds are home to dozens of national parks, you're never far from an idyllic forest clearing, a sheltered beach, a rock pool or a lookout, where you can spread out your blanket, unwrap your cucumber sandwiches and crack open a bottle of bubbly (or sparkling water — make sure to check those BYO rules). And after your picnic, clean up any mess you may make — always leave the park how you met it (or even better). We've spent hours lazing about, eating and drinking in various national parks across the metro area to bring you a handpicked selection of the very finest picnic spots. Some are reachable only by boat, some by walking and some by car. However you travel, be safe in the knowledge that after an afternoon spent kicking back, immersed in trees, water and sunshine, you'll feel a whole lot less stressed. [caption id="attachment_647274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] National Parks NSW.[/caption] CLARK ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK Turn your picnic into a Robinson Crusoe-style escapade with a trip to Clark Island. Its hectare of harbour-encircled, inviting grass and shady trees lie just off Darling Point. There are footpaths to explore and mesmerising views of the Harbour in every direction. To get here, you'll need to book a water taxi or, if you're after some extra adventure, paddle your own kayak — just make sure you slip, slop, slap before you get out in the water. The island gets its name from Lieutenant Ralph Clark who, in the 1780s, picked it out as a top spot to cultivate a veggie patch. Keen to get to know some more of Sydney's islands? Check out our handy guide. Note: all vessels (including kayaks) need to pay a $7 landing fee per person by calling 13000 PARKS. Also, don't forget to bring plenty of water with you. [caption id="attachment_649049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Finn.[/caption] THE BASIN, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK Another picnic spot that's best reached by boat is The Basin on the western shores of Pittwater in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. You can catch a ferry from Palm Beach, but if you're looking to be a bit active, take the 2.8-kilometre Basin Track, which starts just off West Head Road. For swimmers, there's a protected beach and lagoon where you can snorkel through seagrass, meeting seahorses, starfish, bream and leather jackets. Meanwhile, walkers might want to do some adventuring along the Bairne Track. Should you find yourself having too good a time, stay overnight in The Basin Campground. BURRAWANG REACH, GEORGES RIVER NATIONAL PARK Pack your kayak; this pretty spot along the Georges River in the Sutherland Shire is ideal for a paddle. In fact, you can arrive by boat or drive to the nearby car park. The roomy, grassy picnic area provides stacks of space, and there are loads of large, shady trees to keep you sheltered on hot days. In between feasting, go exploring on the Ridge Walking Track. Along the 1.6 kilometre track you'll be able to take in some impressive rock formations and river views before you reach another picnic area, Cattle Duffers. There's also quite a few fish around, so you could think about taking your rod and catching your picnic yourself. JINGGA WATERHOLE, DHARAWAL NATIONAL PARK You'll need sturdy legs for this one; it's a steep, one-kilometre walk to Jingga Waterhole, a short trip from Campbelltown. However, the effort will be well rewarded, as you'll be picnicking alongside a freshwater rock pool, complete with waterfall — in Dharawal language, jingga is an adjective that means 'fresh' when referring to water. Several threatened species, including potoroos, have discovered the health-giving properties of this spot, so keep a lookout for them. Even though the water is fresh, drinking it isn't a great idea; be sure to carry in plenty. Also, always make sure to check for park alerts before heading out for a walk or swim. DAVIDSON PARK, GARIGAL NATIONAL PARK Davidson Park lies on the banks of Middle Harbour Creek, a pretty waterway that travels north from Mona Vale Road to join Middle Harbour. Here, it flows through Garigal National Park, near Roseville Bridge in Forestville. There's a car park, tons of space for picnic blankets and croquet matches, plenty of leafy eucalypts and free barbecues. When you're done eating, go for a paddle or take a stroll. If you're fit and have half a day to spare, conquer the 6.8-kilometre-long Natural Bridge to Davidson Walk or the easier 5.2-kilometre trail to Stepping Stone Crossing. Most of these picnic parks charge an entry fee, so ensure you've brought your wallet. Also, make sure you plan ahead for any trip to the national parks to ensure you have the best and safest experience. Check for park alerts, take care along any tracks as not all are signposted and there may be fragile native plant and animal communities nearby and ensure you bring proper gear and plenty of water. Find more information on park safety here. For more inspiration to get outside and explore, visit National Parks NSW and check out their Instagram @nswnationalparks.
The 200-acre property that makes up Bendooley Estate doesn't just offer a cellar door — it's also home to a luxe restaurant, an alfresco cafe and an outpost of the much loved Berkelouw bookshop. Located in Berrima, in the Southern Highlands, this multi-faceted winery has a focus on Australian and Italian varieties, including sangiovese, pinot gris and chardonnay. The cellar door offers stunning views across the vineyard, a large fire and lunch daily. For something fancier, though, you can dine in the main restaurant — attached to Berkelouw — which offers everything from chermoula braised lamb shoulder ($36) to blue cheese pizza ($26) and linguine with blue swimmer crab ($29). Don't feel like leaving? Book into one of the estate's cottages and enjoy a night out of the city.
Looking to give Valentine's Day a miss this year? Perhaps Galentine's Day is more your style. Get down to The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre's in-house Chinese restaurant, Lucky Prawn, to celebrate friendship with a special banquet just for the girls on February 13. [caption id="attachment_988435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Kicking off with crunchy prawn crackers, heart-shaped prawn toast and vegetable dumplings, this set menu ($49) soon moves to the main event; steamed fish with ginger and shallots, served with rice and steamed greens. Before the feast is over, Hong Kong-style French toast provides a suitably sweet finale for this celebration of kindred spirits. Popularised by the relentlessly optimistic Leslie Knope in the TV show Parks and Recreation, Galentine's Day has taken on a life of its own in recent years. So, follow Knope's advice and get around "ladies celebrating ladies." Top image: Jessie Ann Harris.
As Australia sweltered through its hottest month on record in January, one of Sydney's chilliest spots weathered a different kind of ordeal. After the Macquarie Ice Rink was initially being slated for demolition to make way for multimillion-dollar upgrades to the Macquarie Centre, plans were put on hold after community backlash — and now the shopping centre's owner, AMP Capital, has committed to retaining an ice rink as part of the revamp. In a statement, the company revealed that "any future redevelopment of Macquarie Centre will include a solution for an Olympic-sized rink", noting enormous local support for the existing facility. While the announcement doesn't specifically outline the future of the current rink, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that an interim heritage order has been issued for the beloved spot, so any changes to the site would require New South Wales government approval. Macquarie Ice Rink has been the training ground for Olympians and a cool escape from the summer heat for many little (and big) Sydneysiders since 1980. As part of AMP Capital's original plans, the facility was set to be torn down in January 2020. According to News Corp, the shopping centre's $195 million redevelopment would include improved links from the shopping centre to the train station and bus interchange as well as a public plaza, which would impact the space where the ice rink is currently located. After first revealing the rink's demolition in a press release last month — which revealed its lease would finish at the end of January next year — the ice rink's owners have welcomed AMP Capital's announcement, but note that the next steps haven't been finalised yet. "We welcome AMP Capital's decision to retain an Olympic Ice Rink at the Macquarie Centre," said Dr Frank Gregg in a statement, "but there is still a lot to work through". https://www.facebook.com/macquarieicerink/posts/2538389882844724?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCeBHnhRrTn-FNCtQRtV4NfvgsFdKMGpNJNlKBXaIjl_kk2tMYUBBE7eTe5jTL8QDcN93erdIGY4lbOmRDHQ-G2wKMzMzhr5er7VA35YFCWWDnXHtASsEeyLvjjEyCBgcsEZrNVRn7OlcQ3JHgQpMHJQ3uDYsOf4eWVnRuqj4lZ9ssPnVsPb3HJqkROMI4r2RAdsEMeiV_hLvMHr-oL-8umyXI0xVS9qwY4178RAJf0PfbVkvdVLNDIqQtVWIjAagXakuWtW0bqsKzauUxepD0LZVMAtNTl4F3GxPNAOluFAtj-3MF6z3CnQTCgsj5VT-nXVAJOaYs-iczltm7Rdg&__tn__=-R The initial news of Macquarie Ice Rink's demolition was a case of particularly bad timing, with the ice rink given a considerable upgrade just last year. "We recently spent millions of dollars refurbishing the ice rink and laying new ice for the athletes and the public," Dr Gregg originally revealed. In a further statement, he explained that "there is no way I would have spent $3.5 million dollars upgrading the rink if I expected it to close on January 31, 2020". While the situation continues to play out, you can visit Macquarie Ice Rink at various times throughout the week and all-day on Sunday, as well as for disco sessions on Friday nights. Image: Macquarie Ice Rink.
Roam the aisles for the camouflage two-pieces and glitter phone cases you never knew you wanted. The fresh produce markets run Wednesday to Sunday so you can stock up on groceries for the week or buy fresh flowers for your office.
Only one movie about a Griswold family getaway has ever hit the screen without Lindsay Buckingham's 'Holiday Road' echoing. What does the Nobody 2 trailer boast that National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation doesn't, then? That earworm of a tune, plus plenty more. The sequel to 2021's Nobody, aka the film that enlisted Mr Show with Bob and David, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul great Bob Odenkirk in a John Wick-esque part — its screenwriter Derek Kolstad created the Keanu Reeves (Sonic the Hedgehog 3)-played character, in fact — this is still a movie about a seemingly mild-mannered family man who had a previous life as an assassin. It's another chapter in a tale that acknowledges that those skills aren't just in the past, too. But it also takes Odenkirk's Hutch Mansell on holiday. "Let's just say the first film was a moody winter — this one will be a colourful summer," Timo Tjahjanto tells Concrete Playground. The Indonesian filmmaker is in the director's chair on Nobody 2, which is still an action-thriller. That said, it adapts to its protagonist and his loved ones — including his wife Becca (Connie Nielsen, Gladiator II), children (Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent's Gage Munroe and Harland Manor's Paisley Cadorath) and father (Christopher Lloyd, Hacks) — going on a getaway, as the just-dropped sneak peek demonstrates. The resort setting, the tropical attire, arcades, pool noodles and boat rides: they're all part of it, as is Hutch trying not to let discovering that the Mansells' destination is an old bootlegging route ruin their break. "I love moody winter. My films have always been very moody and very often depressive," Tjahjanto advises. "But I think a good challenge for me right now is 'how do we make this violent world of Hutch Mansell collide with this burst of summer vacation — like this burst of 'the family wants to have fun in this water park'?". He continues: "that's our approach to it, visually and tonally". Again, that comes through in the picture's debut glimpse, which features a number of sights that could've sprung from a Vacation or any other holiday-set movie, except for the frenetic fights everywhere from elevators to those aforementioned arcades and boats. The first time around, Nobody also operated as a character study. When you have multiple Emmy-nominee Odenkirk in the lead — and partly riffing on events that happened to him, with the franchise coming to fruition after his own home was broken into — that's the ideal approach. In Nobody 2, set four years after his altercation with the Russian mob, now the story broadens its focus to Hutch's nearest and dearest as well. The setup: the Mansells head away because Hutch begins to realise that his children are growing up and he's barely spending any time with them, so making the kind of memories that only family time can conjure up is in order. Nobody 2 is Tjahjanto's first full Hollywood picture. He's no debutant, though. For more than a decade and a half, Tjahjanto has been adding features to his resume, both solo and as part of the Mo Brothers with fellow Indonesian filmmaker Kimo Stamboel (Dancing Village: The Curse Begins). Together, they're behind 2009's Macabre, 2014's Killers and 2016's Headshot. Tjahjanto on his lonesome also contributed segments to American horror anthology flicks The ABCs of Death, V/H/S/2 (co-helming with The Raid, The Raid 2 and Havoc's Gareth Evans) and V/H/S/94. Plus, he's directed Indonesian pictures May the Devil Take You and its sequel May the Devil Take You Too, alongside The Night Comes for Us, The Big 4 and The Shadow Strays. He's also been attached to Train to Busan remake The Last Train to New York, and is helming The Beekeeper 2. How has that charting that path assisted Tjahjanto with hopping onboard Nobody 2? How did being able to ask Odenkirk's advice along the way — and co-star Sharon Stone's (The Flight Attendant) as well — help, too? And, like audiences watching, was seeing his lead in action-hero mode part of the appeal of the job? Tjahjanto spoke with us about all the above, plus his approach to stepping into a world already established by the initial Nobody, the action setpiece he's particularly keen on viewers to enjoy on a big screen, the theme of duality flowing through the feature, balancing tone and more. On Whether Seeing Bob Odenkirk as an Action Hero Was Part of the Appeal of Directing Nobody 2 "Yes — and also, in a way, we even try to dig deeper than that. So basically, look, we know by now, in the first film, that Bob can do action, right? But I think what's appealing to me is also that when Bob becomes an action man, he doesn't specifically transform himself into this one-dimensional action hero. He's not the all-knowing, the guy who thought about ten steps ahead — or like 'this is what I'm going to do'. He's not a fully in-control hero. And that's what I like about this character, Hutch Mansell. It's really, yes, he was on top of his game at some point. But now that he is a father of two kids, he's a husband, how does he juggle all these things? And often the greatest moment comes from the time in the film — especially in the second film, you'll see — when things are becoming out of control. And I love that. I never have any interest to make a protagonist who doesn't have any flaws. As a matter of fact, the more the protagonists have all these cracks, and sitting on a ship that is slowly sinking and he's trying to throw away all the water with a little cup, that's when it appeals to me. And that's pretty much what happens to the character here in this film." On How Tjahjanto Approached Taking on a World That Was Already Established in the First Film "The easy answer will be to sit very closely with Bob. Not a lot of people know that the first film is also sort of based on what happened to Bob in real life — the whole idea that he was confronting this thing that happened in his house, when somebody broke into his house. So he exorcised that sort of, I guess, trauma, by writing a script or writing a story. And in this one, he knows Hutch Mansell more than anybody else. And I think it's always good to sit with him and just really be like 'Bob, I don't want to overstep you, but how do we evolutionise Hutch Mansell as a character?'. And we found the fine line between 'well, in order for us to make him grow, we also need to make the family grow — we also need to sort of put the family at the centre of it all'. So that's what we did with this second film. We no longer tell a story about just Hutch Mansell. We also tell a story about Becca Mansell and Brady and Sammy, his kids. And then there's also grandpa and the brother Harry [RZA, Problemista]. So it's really a family affair in the end. " On the One Particular Nobody 2 Action Scene That Tjahjanto Is Most Excited for Audiences to See on a Big Screen "I think they definitely will have a smorgasbord, a buffet, a buffet table of different action setpieces in this film. But I'm definitely proud of the boat fight, just because how technical it is to achieve. We really shot that fight scene inside that boat, in a real location. When we read it in the script, we all had the unison sort of talk, like 'yeah, we're going to do it in the studio with the green screen'. But by the end of it, we decided that 'you know what? Let's torture ourselves further, let's really shoot it in a boat by down by the river'. So that's what we did. And sometimes we'll watch it on post, we'll watch it and Bob will say 'can you imagine this Timo, like we really did this?'. So it's great. I'm proud of that scene and I hope people will enjoy it, too." On the Kind of Direction You Give an Actor Like Bob Odenkirk When They're So Linked to a Film — Not Just Starring, But Writing and Producing as Well "I think the beauty is, I think I always think 'you know what, I'm a much darker person than Bob, I feel'. So I think sometimes there will be times when 'Bob, can I make you do this?'. And then he'll ask me 'aren't we being a bit too much, Timo?'. And then it's like 'you know what, Bob, let's do your take first, and after that, let's do a couple steps darker, you know?'. And that's always fun, just because we'll find the balance of like 'aaah all right, there you go'. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. And it's fine. I think the beauty will come when we both realise why I want things to be in a certain way — because, especially a lot of this film, it's about duality. So there's the doting father and husband who's trying so hard to please his family; to have this beautiful, magnificent memory; to be on a vacation. Because he realised his son's getting older, his daughter as well. Soon they'll be going to college and all that stuff. So there is that real-life issue that he's facing. But at the same time, we've got to remember this is also a man capable of violence. So I think the whole Jekyll-and-Hyde sort of play, it's really something that we both were kind of like 'okay, let's see where's the fine line between the father and the seasoned killer'. On How Tjahjanto's Decade and a Half-Plus of Directing, Both Solo and as Part of the Mo Brothers, Has Led Him to Nobody 2 "I would say I always approach every new project as if I haven't done anything before. I think that's my best preparation, just because that way I'll be very prepared. It's like a kid who's going to a chemistry test for the first time — you better bring the whole table and all that stuff. Because that's the only approach that I feel will prepare you for being from a small pool, suddenly jumping into this Olympic-size, ocean-size pool that is the Hollywood industry. And I always say it's always good to be very prepared. And when I talk to somebody who's in such a different calibre, such as Bob Odenkirk or Sharon Stone, it's always good to realise being a director, yes, you have to know a lot of things, but you should never be afraid to be sort of like 'hey Sharon, what do you think about this? Do you think there's a take that you think is interesting?'. Or even to Bob. These people have been around for decades, and sometimes it's also a situation where, as a director, I'm learning from them." Nobody 2 releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Maybe it was a breakfast staple, sipped as a chaser after a couple of pieces of toast. Perhaps heading home from school, scooping as many spoonfuls as you could into a tall glass of milk and watching whatever was on the ABC was a dedicated part of your daily routine. Either way, if you grew up in Australia, odds are that Milo played a significant role in your childhood — cold, hot, stirred in, left sitting on top or however else you like. Milo makes everything better. Still indulging the odd glass, piled high with that delicious choc-malt powder, now you're an adult? Have a soft spot for a warm Milo on a freezing day? You're not alone. Come the end of July, here's another way to get your Milo fix: via the new, soon-to-release Milo KitKats. Yes, it's a case of one childhood fave joining forces with another — and trust KitKat, the brand known for oh-so-many wild and delightful flavours in Japan (cough drop KitKats, anyone?) to be behind it. The Milo KitKats will indeed combine the former's choc-malt goodness, via a fudge in fact, with the latter's wafers and chocolates. Three varieties are on their way, too: a regular four-finger KitKat filled with Milo, a KitKat Chunky filled with Milo (both retailing at $2 each), and a big KitKat block also packed with Milo ($5). If you can remember the old Milo chocolates that were sold up until the early 2000s — which were basically condensed bars of Milo covered in chocolate — then your tastebuds are probably already watering. For Milo and KitKat lovers that simply can't wait, you can pre-order the new collaboration online now, too. Obviously, you know what to drink with them: a regular ol' Milo, of course, with as much or as little of the good stuff as you prefer. KitKat's Milo bars will hit store shelves from late July, retailing at $2 per bar and $5 per block — or you can pre-order them online in advance.
The posters for what's tipped to be Lars von Trier’s masterpiece — his upcoming five-hour sexual epic, Nymphomanic — have been unleashed, with the likes of Charlotte Gainsbourg, Willem Defoe and Stellan Skarsgard showcasing their best 'O' faces. The squirm-inducing effect of the promotion, shot by photographer Casper Sejersen, is only a taster for what's to come. Doubtless, the film will not shy away from unflinching portrayals of erotic ecstasy. In a typical von Trier rejection of cinematic convention, reportedly the genitals of porn actors will be spliced onto the bodies of the cast in the production process. Although it's not the first film to use unsimulated sex, evidently the avant-garde provocateur is continuing to uphold his reputation for revelling in a taboo style of filmmaking and subject matter. For example, according to Shia LeBeouf, a disclaimer at the top of the script reads: "Everything that is illegal, we’ll shoot in blurred images." Indeed, producing audience discomfort and sparking controversy is not new terrain for von Trier. Take, for instance, his grotesque tour de force Antichrist, a hard-hitting arthouse horror film that caused uproar for its scandalous depiction of genital mutilation. (If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, perhaps don’t read up on it now.) Although his films strongly divide audiences and critics, he is without question a major powerhouse of contemporary avant-garde cinema. His work is thought-provoking, technically assured, aesthetically radical and forever pushing boundaries. It is the dream of actors and cinematographers alike to work with this enigmatic artistic visionary. Nymphomaniac is due to be released in December of this year. Via Fast Co.Create
