Renovating a house is stressful, as no shortage of television shows keep stressing. Trying to flip a house when you've been hexed for snatching back a $100 bill from a child? That sounds disquieting, and it also looks eerie and sinister in the just-dropped full trailer for The Curse. Forget the usual series about household makeovers, buying real estate, blitzing backyards and building dream houses — even though it's about a couple who hosts their own home reno program, this isn't that kind of show. Indeed, no one has watched an entry in bricks-and-mortar genre quite like this spoof, which gets Emma Stone (Cruella) and Nathan Fielder (The Rehearsal) playing a focusing on home improvement on-screen — and having some bad luck. An initial teaser arrived in September, and now a full trailer has hit for the A24 effort, which looks like far from your average series on this topic. Unsurprisingly, Fielder doesn't just star but also co-created, co-writes and co-directs. In the first sneak peek, the Safdie brothers' collaborator Oneohtrix Point Never set the unsettling mood — and yes, not just the talent that made Good Time and Uncut Gems sound so unnerving but the sibling filmmakers behind both flicks are also involved in The Curse. Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer) co-stars, co-created, co-writes and co-directs, with Josh Safdie an executive producer. Fielder and Stone play Asher and Whitney Siegel, who host a show on HGTV — American pay TV network Home & Garden Television — called Fliplanthropy. Newly married, they're trying to have a baby, but find their plans disrupted after that incident with a kid in a carpark. Cue The Curse's title, obviously. Benny Safdie plays their producer, with Barkhad Abdi (Little America), Corbin Bernsen (White House Plumbers) and Constance Shulman (Search Party) also featuring. Like everything almost everything of late, it seems — Close, Beau Is Afraid, You Hurt My Feelings, Past Lives, smash-hit Australian horror movie Talk to Me, fellow TV series Beef, the return of iconic Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense to cinemas, the Nicolas Cage-starring Dream Scenario, Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, wrestling drama The Iron Claw — The Curse hails from A24. In Australia, it'll stream from Saturday, November 11 via Paramount+. Check out the trailer for The Curse below: The Curse will stream from Saturday, November 11 via Paramount+. Images: Beth Garrabrant and John Paul Lopez/A24/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7KkP68RZE THE DRY In The Dry, a man heads back to the drought-stricken town he grew up in for the first time in two decades, returning in the aftermath of a new tragedy and unearthing the still-blistering remnants of an old one in the process. An Australian Federal Police officer who left the regional farming community of Kiewarra under terse circumstances, Aaron Falk has the look of someone who long ago let the ability to display his feelings dry up — and while that isn't what the film's title refers to, Eric Bana plays the movie's protagonist as if it was. He's dogged and no-nonsense. He can shoot a glare at someone that's as severe as his profile, and often does. Twenty years after Chopper made Bana's name as a dramatic actor, rather than a sketch comedy star whose movie career began with The Castle, he's a canny pick for The Dry's lead role. As he stalks through his first Australian movie since 2007's Romulus, My Father, he silently simmers with intensity in every gaze; however, viewers already know that Bana never just plays the hard man — or, in his comic days, just one type of funny guy either. And so, in this big-screen adaptation of Jane Harper's award-winning novel of the same name, the audience can also spot that his unrelenting exterior holds back a storm of Aaron's pain and loss, all lurking behind an expression as parched as the yellowed fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Conveying that balance of steely focus and buried heartache isn't a new task; tales on the page and screen are filled with characters, typically men and often those with a badge, who fit the type. But one of the reasons that Bana is so right for The Dry is that, in his hands, Aaron isn't merely the sum of his well-worn traits. Similarly, he isn't just a cookie-cutter conflicted cop in yet another small-town murder-mystery about a community torn apart by a young woman's death, never recovering, then rehashing their woes when another trauma arises. Directed by Robert Connolly (Paper Planes) and co-written with Harry Cripps (the forthcoming Penguin Bloom), The Dry is a whodunnit multiple times over. It boasts a vast lineup of characters and a stellar array of talent behind them (including Glitch's Genevieve O'Reilly, 1%'s Matt Nable and filmmaker John Polson, acting for the first time since Mission: Impossible II), but it's Aaron's journey that always demands attention. Indeed, one of the most intriguing aspects of this solid, engaging but rarely surprising Australian crime movie is how it's clearly stitched together from familiar elements — not just regarding its central character, but throughout the entire narrative — but, through Aaron, this tale of grief, guilt, secrets, stark truths, dusty fields and emotional desolation finds a way to resonate. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zLKbMAZNGI PIECES OF A WOMAN Everyone has heard the claim that women forget the pain of childbirth, with hormones and maternal stirrings washing away the agony of labour once a mother meets their bundle of joy. But in Pieces of a Woman, Boston-based expectant mother Martha (Vanessa Kirby, Fast & Furious: Hobbs and Shaw) won't forget what occurred when her water broke, her husband Sean (Shia LaBeouf, Honey Boy) remained by her side and midwife Eva (Molly Parker, Words on Bathroom Walls) delivered her baby. Neither will viewers of this daringly intimate drama from White God and Jupiter's Moon director-writer duo Kornél Mundruczó and Kata Wéber, thanks to a tense and harrowing 23-minute home birthing scene that plays out in one continuous take. The shot isn't the movie's first, but it does precede its title card — with the filmmakers making it plain that, after getting a front-row seat to Martha's trauma, the audience will now witness her attempts to stitch herself back together. That's Pieces of a Woman's storyline. Shattered instead of feeling ecstatic and complete, as she had anticipated, the feature's protagonist tries to work out how to go on. But her marriage has lost its lustre, her overbearing mother Elizabeth (Ellen Burstyn, House of Cards) won't stop giving her two cents and, at Sean and Elizabeth's urging, there's also a court case to deal with. Pieces of a Woman doesn't lack narrative developments, involving both Martha and those in her bereaved orbit. However, after stepping through her life-changing moment in realistic detail, the movie makes the bold choice to explore its protagonist's emotional and mental state. The ravenous monster that is grief is just one factor. Pieces of a Woman is heartbreakingly unrestrained in showing how it feels to navigate loss, specifically the kind that isn't often addressed in society let alone in cinema. Just as effectively, though, the film also unpacks how women are constantly expected to stick to set roles, even when tackling what might be the most distressing thing that'll ever happen to a mother. No matter what's going on, Martha is always supposed to fit a type dictated by long-held ideas about being a woman, and her husband, mum and anyone else with an opinion can't quite accept her refusal to adhere to convention. Accordingly, in a career-best performance, Kirby weathers an ordeal rarely laid bare with such candour, does so via a dynamic and lived-in portrayal, and remains resolute about Martha's right to fracture and fray however she needs to. She's compelling to watch, in a feature that plunges viewers headfirst into Martha's experience. Nothing has been sanitised here, either by the filmmakers or by their unforgettably real and raw central character. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovIfo0Saht0&list=UUQ2zp9FmJzOG_JzUJ0A-FlQ MONSTER HUNTER It has been nearly two decades since writer/director Paul WS Anderson turned a video game hit into an action-horror franchise starring Milla Jovovich, so it must be time to try to achieve the same feat again. In good news, the married couple seem to have farewelled all things Resident Evil after 2016's abysmal Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (a reboot is in the works for a 2021 release, but neither are involved). In bad news, the dull and derivative Monster Hunter is on par with the worst that its zombie-fuelled predecessor served up — and, other than 2002's original instalment, the bulk of the undead saga is flat-out terrible. A filmmaker who also has 1995's Mortal Kombat on his resume, Anderson has a knack for bringing elaborate new worlds to the screen in detail, as video games always strive to. The ability to translate that task to the cinematic realm can't be underestimated. Anderson clearly agrees, because Monster Hunter even begins with text waxing lyrical about new worlds; however, once you create an intricate visual space, you need to do something with it. Monster Hunter's sandy deserts and craggy rocks aren't just a backdrop here, linking into the action and the movie's imagery in clever ways. But, they really shouldn't be the most interesting and inventive thing about the film. Given the storyline — also penned by Anderson, as based on the Capcom game series that dates back to 2004 — that outcome hardly comes as a surprise. Jovovich plays US Army Ranger Captain Artemis, but she really could be playing Resident Evil's Alice in a military uniform. Even with oversized critters roaming around and wreaking havoc, that's how generic Monster Hunter always feels, Jovovich's routine performance as another nondescript hero included. During a mission in the desert, Artemis is inexplicably sucked through a portal to a different dimension, watches giant monsters attack her team, and is then forced to befriend a warrior known only as The Hunter (Tony Jaa, Jiu Jitsu) in order to survive. The reluctant new pals don't speak the same language, which is where most of Monster Hunter's non-creature feature tension (and misplaced comedy) is supposed to spring from. When the titular beasties become involved, which is often, an onslaught of CGI monopolises the movie — and it really isn't as unnerving or engaging as Anderson hopes. At its most basic level, Monster Hunter delivers exactly what its moniker promises. There are monsters, there are hunters, and the two cross paths. A bewigged Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy) also pops up, as does a human-sized cat cook called Meowscular Chef, but they're rare over-the-top highlights in a film that is too bland to be entertaining in a mindless, ridiculous way, and just meandering and monotonous in general. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been throughout the year — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30; August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27; September 3, September 10, September 17 and September 24; October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22 and October 29; and November 5, November 12, November 19 and November 26; and December 3, December 10, December 17 and December 26. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves, The King of Staten Island, Babyteeth, Deerskin, Peninsula, Tenet, Les Misérables, The New Mutants, Bill & Ted Face the Music, The Translators, An American Pickle, The High Note, On the Rocks, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Antebellum, Miss Juneteenth, Savage, I Am Greta, Rebecca, Kajillionaire, Baby Done, Corpus Christi, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, The Craft: Legacy, Radioactive, Brazen Hussies, Freaky, Mank, Monsoon, Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt), American Utopia, Possessor, Misbehaviour, Happiest Season, The Prom, Sound of Metal, The Witches, The Midnight Sky, The Furnace, Wonder Woman 1984, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles and Nomadland. Images: Pieces of a Woman, Benjamin Loeb/Netflix.
Not only home to one of Sydney’s best weekly markets and the craft beer aficionados of The Little Guy and Mr Falcon's, Glebe showcases its eclectic bohemian culture on an annual basis at the beloved Glebe Street Fair. An unusual mix of belly dancers, bagpipers and stilted figures toting festively-dressed poodles, Sydney’s oldest street fair promises three stages of live music accompanied by buskers, street performers, and the Latin Dance Australia parade this year. The fair's entertainment will be paired with equally internationally-focused food options, like Hawaiian-style sushi, Mexican churros and German bangers. With 100 local businesses involved and over 200 stalls to choose from, all you'll need at this fair trade and homemade event is an empty stomach and your dancing shoes. Stalls for vintage eyewear, Turkish towels and terrifying t-shirts will stand alongside henna tattoo artists and glass blowers — you'll find something to blow your pocket money on.
Ben & Jerry's climbed to ice cream icon status with its pop culture-riffing flavour names like Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yoghurt, Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream and, of course, Schweddy Balls. On Free Cone Day you can score an ice cream on the house, as part of the company's yearly, worldwide tradition thanking its fanbase for all the gluttonous support. Suss out your nearest Scoop Shop purveyor of frozen dairy heaven here, and rock up on April 9 to claim your cone. Will it be Chunky Monkey, Phish Food, Cookie Dough? Probably advisable to start planning now. Check out Ben & Jerry's Facebook page for updates.
Renowned all-day King Street eatery and wine bar Odd Culture is adding a Sydney favourite to its already eclectic menu — bottomless brunch. As with most of the things you'll find at Odd Culture, the Newtown bar is doing brunch a little differently. Instead of your standard selection of free-flowing house wine and beers, the Odd Culture bottomless brunch features two hours of natural wines from Jumping Juice. A range of wines from this minimal-intervention producer has been selected to partner with the brunch spread, including a fun and fizzy pét-nat which will be used to make mimosas paired with freshly squeezed orange juice. As for the food, it depends on when you sit down. The bottomless is available from 7am Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week. From 7am–midday, patrons will be served the brunch-specific menu, including seasonal fruit, a choice of porridge, a bacon butty with tonkatsu sauce, ocean trout with potato waffles, creme fraiche and eggs, and buttermilk pancakes topped with miso caramel and banana. From midday, guests will be served the lunch menu. This sharing-based feast will feature the likes of koji-roasted chicken, chicken-fat congee, green beans, eggs and a leafy green salad. Au (Pet) Naturel will set each diner back $85, but there are a few luxe extras you can add on if you're feeling particularly lavish. Start your meal with an Odd Culture bloody mary or brown butter espresso martini for an extra $22, or add a half-dozen or dozen oysters to the spread ($42–84). Images: Kitti Gould
Last month marked a step in Google's expansion beyond cyber space and into the physical realm, with the opening of the world's first Google store in London. The store is officially known as 'The Chromezone' and will be followed by a second store in Essex. But Google's colonisation of time and space is still in the exploration stage, the store selling only Google's Chromebook laptop and a few accessories. Arvind Desikan, head of consumer marketing at Google UK, said the "foray into physical retail" is "something Google is going to play with and see where it leads." Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Google has been busy scoping out the territory in India in its very own bus. Since 2009, the Google bus has functioned as a mobile internet cafe, stopping in a new town every few days to offer internet access to the local residents. The Google bus is a clever foray into an essentially untapped market, as internet usage in India currently lags well behind the West. Now we know what Google employees are doing with that paid weekly 'creative time' that makes the rest of us consider enrolling in an IT degree. While the Chromezone opening had nothing on the hype that surrounded the launch of Apple's Regent Street flagship, it nevertheless fuels tension between the two technology empires. Hopefully we've learnt a thing or two from the great clashes of empires past, and the two can figure out how to share the realm of time and space peacefully . https://youtube.com/watch?v=W4Faoo1wDag
It was Britney Spears who said it best. There are only two types of people in the world: the ones that entertain, and the ones that observe. Whichever category you fall into, there's no denying that, when done right, a dinner party is one of life's great pleasures. And, don't be fooled, there is definitely a right way to go about it. It's not rocket science, though — and that's where we come in. We've teamed up with Tempus Two to create your ultimate dinner party checklist. CURATE YOUR GUEST LIST (AND SEND OUT A PROPER INVITATION) So, you want to host a dinner party? First things first — who's around the table? Perhaps even more so than the food, the guest list is the most important element for a host to consider. It's all about striking the right balance between people who will keep the conversation both interesting (and, more pertinently, actually going), and a bringing together group of people who will get along. The guest list also hinges on the reason you're hosting in the first place — do you just feel like getting your people together? Looking to make an introduction? In this case, the 'why' will determine the 'who'. Guest list finalised, the next thing is to send out an invitation. This will set the tone from the outset — a casual text has a different vibe to a well structured e-invite or even a paper invitation. We love the touch of a proper invitation (be it paper or virtual) as it automatically makes your dinner feel like an event worth attending. SET THE MOOD Music is an often overlooked element of a dinner party. Ideally you want to soundtrack the evening with tunes that will both blend into the background while being interesting enough to cover any potential gaps in conversation. Low-tempo jazz and electronica are always winners — but a good DJ always knows how to read the room, so you shouldn't be afraid to mix it up if you feel the night going in a different direction. Although, we'd suggest that a dinner party probably isn't the right occasion to show off your latest Scandinavian scream metal find — it's probably better to keep the tunes a little more neutral. If the music provides the soundtrack for the night, how you prepare the room is akin to setting the stage. Lighting is key here — too bright and it might feel like you're in the office, too low and it might look like you forgot to pay your bills. Soft lights — think floor lamps and candles — are your friends here. Another nice touch is to bring in something from outside. Nice artwork is always a lovely touch, but flowers and the like really make a room come to life. PREP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN IN ADVANCE — OR EVEN GET IT CATERED As a host, it's all too easy to forget to actually enjoy yourself. And it makes sense — you're probably too worried about everyone else having a good time and making sure glasses stay full. But ideally, a dinner party is an opportunity to enjoy yourself and the company of the people you've invited. Do yourself a favour and do as much prep as you can before your guests arrive, so you have more time to have a good time rather than having to run back and forth from the kitchen. Want to really sit back and enjoy yourself? Go to the next level and get it catered — sure it's a little extra, but after all, it's hard to know these days just when you might be able to host your next dinner party. SERVE A LOW-ALCOHOL WINE TO KEEP THE GOOD TIMES GOING LONGER While you probably don't want to host a dry dinner party, you probably also don't want the night to potentially get out of hand. Plan ahead with an easy compromise: serve low-alcohol vino and keep the good times rolling. Tempus Two has just dropped an excellent range of low-ABV wines — they've got 30 percent less booze and calories than a standard bottle. The Lighten Up range includes top-shelf, low-alcohol pinot noir, prosecco and rosé, with each bottle clocking in at just four standard drinks. BEGIN WITH A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL This slick move is a surefire way to class up even the most casual of dinner parties. Yes, it's probably easier to pop a bottle of something, but a cocktail on arrival works better for two reasons. Not only can you serve these up to order, meaning latecomers can still enjoy a fresh drink when they arrive, but shaking or stirring in front of your guests adds a touch of theatre to the evening. And what's a dinner party without a bit of theatre? You could even go low-alcohol here, too — make a bubbles-based bevvie with a generous splash of Tempus Two Lighten Up Prosecco to start the night on the right note. For more information about the low-alcohol Tempus Two Lighten Up range, head to the website. Top image: Supplied
As the creator and host of This American Life, one of modern radio's truly great story hours, Ira Glass needs little introduction. But now Ira is trying his hand as a film producer. Marcus Costello caught up with him ahead of the Australian release of Sleepwalk with Me, a comedy based on the life of, directed by and starring Ira's longtime friend and collaborator Mike Birbiglia. There's a sequence in Sleepwalk when Matt (Birbiglia) stays overnight in a hotel. For a guy who moonlights in a bar to support himself, this is the sign of making it — so he orders room service and dances on the bed. You also had a day job when you first started making radio: temping as a secretary. Was there a jump-on-the-bed-moment when it dawned on you that radio was going to work out? There were a few moments, but they were not early in my career! I took longer to figure out how to make a living making radio than anyone I've ever met. I was always a very good editor but all the other parts of making a radio story — being a solid interviewer, writer, knowing how to write something that could be read out loud — I was just so bad at these things. And I don't say that with false modesty. If you poke around you can find examples of my early stuff. I have. And, yeah, well, you only got better and better. [laughs] All through my twenties my parents kept telling me "you've got to get out of radio, you've got to get out of radio!" and I always thought they were being so unsupportive. But when I go back and listen to what I was producing, I completely understand where they were coming from. Did you ever turn to them and say, "look at me now"? Yes. Well, not in so many words. When they saw me on The David Letterman Show they stopped telling me I should go to medical school. Nice. Staying with the hotel experience, I have you as saying, "Just when did I get to the point when staying at a hotel wasn't fun?" I have a cousin who's a composer, Philip Glass, and when he was starting out his mother said to him, "You're just going to be travelling around staying in hotels", and he said, "Yeah, exactly!" But, you know, the novelty comes and goes. These days, I've come back around to embracing the escapism of hotels. In that scene, Matt looks around the hotel room sort of awestruck and I remember seeing it in the script and thinking "Well, that's going to look stupid" but it worked! It's a perfect example of something that's utterly convincing on film but if you think about it, 100 percent BS. And that was one of the key things I've learnt about filmmaking. And what about bumping into famous people at fancy hotels and thinking "I'm famous too, I can talk to them!" Is there still novelty in that? I mean, This American Life is a show about ordinary people's stories. Tell me, who's the most memorable person you've met? I can definitely answer this question but it's hard because if an interview is going well I fall in love with that person a little bit... Are you falling in love me with, Ira? Exactly. And after this interview, where are you taking me, Marcus? [laughs] I guess, be it with a man, woman or child, any age, I know an interview's going well, that we're both feeling good about it, when I start talking honestly about myself with them. Okay, here's something that really stands out in my memory. We did a show about babysitting and I interviewed a guy called Myron Jones. It was one of those stories that starts out light-hearted and funny but gets darker and sours. The deeper into it we went, I realised the story wasn't about what we thought it was about but actually about his mum; she was kind of crazy. At one point she actually followed through with her threats to send him away to an orphanage, like, who does that? It was the kind of complicated, emotional story that is so hard to come by. I mean, he was from another generation, another part of the world, there's no other way I would have had access to a story like his. And he really opened up to me. But the thing that touched me most was how graceful he was about his past. I mean, his mum did some terrible things, some really terrible things, and yet he had no bitterness about it. He was beyond bitterness and almost onside with his mum. I remember thinking to myself after that interview, when I get old I want to be like Myron. It's so touching and telling that people open up to you. I wonder, if you're asking someone who you've just met to talk about a traumatic period of their life, have you ever felt you've pushed too hard, gone too far? Hmm. Well, there have certainly been times when people have told me too much without having to push for it. I remember when I was a producer for the daily news back in the '80s when AIDS first hit, I was interviewing this couple and I asked them, "Do people still have sex when they have HIV?" And then they gave the most graphic, like, graphic, account of how they do it. I thought, wow, you are just so much less inhibited than I am. Well, journalists are compelled to get the truth out there in all its graphic detail. On the other hand, artists are compelled to create truths. As a sort of hybrid of these two, what compels you? Truthfully, I feel that my interests are really basic. I'm looking for something that is exciting or amusing. I like to be entertained. Balancing funny moments with emotional moments in the one story is always powerful. I like being told stories about people I don't know or places I haven't been but told in a way that I can relate to. I certainly relate to This American Life, and I'm an Australian. Have you ever thought about selling the concept to other countries? Say, This Russian Life? [laughs] The name of the show goes to show just how shortsighted we were! Back in the early '90s when we started out, we honestly never thought anyone outside of America would ever hear us. I don't know how we'd go in Russia, but we're on in Canada and they're such chauvinists up there we actually thought about inserting a little snippet into the intro so it's like, 'This North American Life'. I often reflect on what you have to say about starting out, "For the first couple of years you make stuff and it's just not that good. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. You gotta know it's normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work." (Read the full quote here.) I loved This American Life the TV series, but it was abandoned so early on! Yeah. Basically, for things to work in the This American Life format things have to unfold, somebody has to learn something, somebody to change. On radio, we get people to tell us what happened to them but on TV you want the cameras to be there rolling as the events transpire. So it becomes a really tall order to find something worth filming before it's happened. Look, I'm proud of what we produced and we even won some awards for it, but it was just so hard, like, really hard, and we had trouble meeting our deadlines. And it's so much more expensive to experiment with stories in TV than it is to run with something in radio then let it go if it's not working out. We asked to be taken off television and very graciously Showtime let us out of our contract. You seem to have a love-hate relationship with hard work. Speaking about your first time producing a film, you said, "It was a shocking amount of work — the despair-making sort of work where you aren't really sure if it's ever going to work." And yet your team is ploughing ahead with six more films. Something tells me it's all going to work out just fine. [laughs] Thank you. Ira's Sleepwalk with Me collaborator Mike Birbiglia is currently in Australia with his show My Girlfriend's Boyfriend, on at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 4 and at the Sydney Opera House on April 6. He'll also be appearing at a special Q&A session and Sleepwalk with Me screening at the Dendy Newtown on April 5. Read our review of Sleepwalk with Me here.
High School is already hard if you speak the language. Arriving from another country in turmoil, not knowing how to communicate, what to do when the bell rings or how to ask for the toilet makes it all considerably harder. Having a go at being articulate and stylish in public can be a big confidence boost, not to mention quite cool in and of itself. At the Carriageworks until March 5th, Art and Australia magazine, working with the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), is putting students front and centre with the Subtext exhibition. Students from Lurnea High School in western Sydney worked with artist Locust Jones to produce the exhibition's star work — a 25 metre canvas illustrating the students' experiences. The ALNF already puts out a collection of student-told stories with the Bankstown Youth Development Service called Westside Jr, which launched last year at the National Young Writer's Festival. Subtext is raising money for the ALNF's Refugee Action Support program, and as well as the Locust Jones canvas there are contributions of text-based art from over a dozen other artists on sale for the cause. Image by servantofchaos.
Whether you're trying to find your way around your a far-flung holiday destination, a part of your own city you're not so familiar with or your own neighbourhood, Google Maps has probably helped you out of a bind more than once. Over the years, you've been able to play everything from Pac-Man and Mario Kart to Where's Waldo and Snake via the online service, too — so using it for a global Easter egg hunt really isn't too far out of the ordinary. Because it's almost that time of year, and because Cadbury wants to remind us all to eat chocolate, the brand has teamed up with Google Maps to create a virtual way for you to hide and search for Easter eggs. It's all digital, though, so it does mean that you won't actually be eating any choccies. If you want to dive into your own stash while you're clicking and scrolling away, though, absolutely no one is going to stop you. Here's how it works: you head to the worldwide Easter egg hunt website, sign up and then get hiding. Once you've picked your spot — somewhere of significance to you and the person you're hiding it for — you'll write a clue, which'll then get sent to your chosen person. For those on the receiving end, it's up to you to decipher the details and find the virtual egg. If it's too hard, that's all down to whoever enlisted you in the hunt — so, if you can't find your digital egg, you might want to ask them for more hints. You can only hide one egg at a time, and only send the corresponding clue to one person. But, you can repeat the process as many times as you like. While there is a physical component, it sadly doesn't involve racing around the world, the city or even the house actually trying to get your hands on chocolate. Instead, you can arrange to send one of three Cadbury products to someone in Australia, starting at $50. Staying virtual doesn't cost a thing, however, if that better suits your budget. To take part in the worldwide Easter egg hunt, head to the Cadbury website.
You can always count on Jurassic Lounge to produce the goods when it comes to an all-out themed super-fun time. Considering the location at the Australian Museum, it's easy to see why the Lounge is one of Sydney's favourite adult playground. This year for Halloween, Jurassic Lounge is back with a whole mess of artists, scientists, chefs and musicians to bring your weekend fright-fest to a helm. There'll be a secret trick or treat room, live taxidermy, an intense DJ battle and the obligatory ghost stories, plus a bunch more. Last year, the event sold out, so make sure to book your tickets in advance. Image: Karina Nash.
Put away the gadgets, turn off the Netflix, round up the family and lace up your (and the little guys') joggers. If you're up for a domestic holiday with a difference, exploring the great outdoors of regional Victoria may be the answer. Its variety of scenic walking trails offer the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and quality time with the whole family — all the while surrounded by the pristine natural landmarks that make it a hiker's dream. To help you get out there with the entire fam, we've teamed up with our mates at Macpac to track down getaways perfect for all ages. These family-friendly hikes are well within reach of Melbourne, so you can add it on to a standard city break. The kids won't get bored in the car — and you'll make it back to the city in time for dinner. Load up that picnic basket and head to these coastal adventures and lakeside saunters that everyone will love. [caption id="attachment_717127" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] MORNINGTON DOG-FRIENDLY WALK The Mornington Foreshore offers everything from stunning camping spots and sandy beaches to great quality food and drinks. Featuring a dog-friendly path and modern playground, the walk begins in native bushland and includes many vantage points to glimpse a spectacular water view. Along the way, you'll get to explore Mothers Beach and its vibrant boat houses before arriving at the popular Mornington Pier. Good news if you brought your fur baby along for the family holiday, too — the Royal Beach is leash-free, and the water and rock pools provide a great spot to rest. Pack this: Kahuna 18L Urban Backpack ($71.99) [caption id="attachment_717128" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] YOU YANGS BIG ROCK WALK Set between Melbourne and Geelong, the You Yangs Regional Park is a great place to visit if you want to get back to nature but not too far away from the city. Home to towering granite rock formations that rise out of the volcanic soil, this place is most popular among rock climbers and mountain bikers. The Big Rock Walk is a leisurely 30-minute stroll winding its way between thick vegetation, eventually arriving at said 'big rock'. The name may lack some imagination, but you'll be inspired by the view from the top. On those cooler Victorian days, the rock soaks up the sun and makes for a pleasant picnic spot with incredible scenery. Pack this: Soft Touch Water Bottle 1L ($24.49) [caption id="attachment_717130" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] WADAWURRUNG COUNTRY WALK Beginning at Point Impossible, the Wadawurrung Country Walk showcases incredible white-sand beaches and coastal shrubbery that attract visitors from near and far. Plus, you can learn about the traditional Wadawurrung people that lived there for thousands of years as you journey along its path. The Torquay Sundial is another highlight and, set near the playground, is a great spot for the kids to discover. Designed by local artists Claire Gittings and Glenn Romanis, the sundial's art combines flora, fauna and oral stories significant to the local community. As you make your way along this 90-minute walk, make sure to stop off at the likes of Whites Beach Playground and the Elephant Walk Park to keep the kids entertained and their energy high. Pack this: Summit Ridge 22L Daypack — Kids ($80.00) [caption id="attachment_703508" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brianna Laugher via Flickr.[/caption] LERDERDERG GORGE Only an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD, Lerderderg State Park is a sprawling spot that spans 14,250 hectares. Begin your descent into the gorge from MacKenzies Flat, then follow the well-signed track towards the river that carves through the landscape. Roam the sandstone and slate rock formations of this 300-metre deep gorge and spot some of the beautiful flora and fauna dotting the area. The kids will have fun leaping across the stepping stones and splashing around int he shallows. Pack this: Cub 10L Daypack — Kids ($54.99) [caption id="attachment_717125" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] LAKE ELIZABETH WALK The Otway Ranges are home to some challenging climbs, but this walk is accessible for the whole family. Take a relaxing stroll around Lake Elizabeth and find out why this tiny section of the Otways is so beloved. Located just a ten-minute drive from the tight-knit community of Forrest, the Lake Elizabeth Walk offers the opportunity to wander through the ferns and even spot a platypus or two. Towering trunks burst from beneath the lake's surface, remaining from when the valley was flooded more than 50 years ago. There's also a small jetty where you can bring a dingy and paddle your way across the water. Pack this: Possum Child Carrier V2 ($239.99)
While Sydney yesterday experienced an unseasonably mild day, our southern counterparts were experiencing the next ice age. It got so cold yesterday that it started snowing in parts of of Victoria, and this morning residents in Melbourne's outer northwest woke up to a nice blanket of snow covering their properties. Current 'feels like' temperature? Zero degrees. That's literally freezing. Here's what it looks like: A video posted by Brad Clark (@bradclark) on Jul 12, 2016 at 2:36pm PDT A photo posted by Matt Anderson (@mattriand) on Jul 12, 2016 at 2:41pm PDT Closer to home, that chilly city Canberra was also hammered by cold weather, with temps dropping to just one degree overnight. Looks fun. But also horrendously cold. Black Mountain is a white mountain. #CanberraSnow pic.twitter.com/p41SjyeFOJ — ABCcameramatt (@ABCcameramatt) July 12, 2016 A photo posted by Andrew Barr MLA (@andrewbarr) on Jul 12, 2016 at 2:32pm PDT So, yeah, it's freezing. But before you start feeling smug about the warm 11 degrees it is outside, know that the freeze is coming for us. It's gonna be a chilly one tonight. Top image: Matt Anderson via Instagram.
It has been three months since the Australian Government implemented an indefinite ban on international travel due to COVID-19, only allowing Aussies to leave the country in very limited circumstances. And, while other restrictions across the nation are starting to ease as part of Australia's overall roadmap out of lockdown, jetting overseas won't be on the agenda any time soon. This isn't surprising news. In fact, back in April, Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy advised that international travel wouldn't be back for at least three-to-four months. But now Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham has confirmed that opening our border to the rest of the world is still some way off. Speaking at the National Press Club on Wednesday, June 17, the Minister said that "international border restrictions are likely to be there for some time to come" — and that "keeping those border restrictions largely in place is a price we're going to have to pay to keep COVID under control". Given that the status of COVID-19 in Australia is vastly different to most other countries around the globe, again, that's hardly an unexpected revelation. Expanding on the subject, Senator Birmingham explained that "in terms of open tourist-related travel in or out of Australia, that remains quite some distance off, just because of the practicalities of the volumes that are involved and the need for us to first and foremost keep putting health first". And, when specifically asked if it was more likely to happen next year rather than this year, he said, "I think that is more likely the case". [caption id="attachment_769188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A trip to Sicily might not be possible till next year.[/caption] There are exceptions to Australia's border stance, however. The Minister noted that "international students and other categories of visitors to Australia who stay here for a longer period of time can more easily be accommodated, because we can simply work through the 14-day quarantine periods that have worked so well in terms of returning Australians to this country safely to date". Indeed, in the Australian Capital Territory, plans for a pilot scheme allowing around 35o students to enter the country are progressing. Senator Birmingham also advised that the government is trying to "find safe pathways to deal with essential business travel that helps to contribute to jobs across our economies". And, as has come up frequently over the past few months, implementing a 'travel bubble' with New Zealand — aka reinstating international travel just between the two countries before Australia's international border reopens to all nations worldwide — is still under consideration. "We will progressively and carefully step through what we can do to reopen," the Minister noted. "That's what talks with New Zealand are about, and I hope we can see that advance." He also touched upon opening up the travel bubble to other short-term visitors from countries with low COVID-19 rates. "That becomes much more challenging once you move beyond New Zealand. But not impossible and I hope that we can look eventually at some of those countries who have similar successes in suppressing the spread of COVID to Australia and New Zealand." It's worth noting, of course, that many of Australia's state borders are still closed, too. Queensland is working towards reopening to visitors from other states on July 10, although that hasn't been officially confirmed as yet, while the Northern Territory just today, Thursday, June 18, announced it'll reopen on July 17 — and South Australia is slated to do the same on July 20. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Since the first Iron Man film in 2008, Marvel has trained superhero fans well. Notching up 33 movies in its enormous cinematic universe with 2023's The Marvels and showing zero signs of stopping, the comic book company has basically taken over the big screen, with this year delivering Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, too — and, as always, there's plenty more flicks on the way. Marvel hasn't just taken over picture palaces. Via Disney+, the small screen is also home to many a MCU story, including Secret Invasion and season two of Loki in 2023. Keen to see your favourite spandex-clad crime-fighters try to save the world in person as well? Along with splashing Marvel's heroes and villains across every screen it can find, that's also coming — and soon. Marvel Universe LIVE! is exactly what it seems — and if it sounds familiar, that's because it was meant to head Down Under in 2020, but then the pandemic hit. So, when it makes the trip to Australia in April 2024, it'll be unveiling its show to Aussie audiences for the first time. Sydney's season takes place from Friday, April 19–Monday, April 22 at Qudos Bank Arena. The production takes more than 20 characters such as Spider-Man, The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy, teaming them up on stage and letting audiences marvel (pun intended) at their exploits. Featuring everyone from Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther and the Hulk to Captain America, Doctor Strange and Black Widow, it tasks the beloved superheroes with facing off against some of Marvel's infamous villains, including Nebula, Loki and Green Goblin. And, it packages their antics with video projections, special effects, pyrotechnics, martial arts, and both aerial and motorcycle stunts. The performance is aimed at all ages and, in news that's about as unsurprising as most wisecracks that Tony Stark ever uttered, the show has proven a massive success in the United States, Latin America and Europe. As a result, it was only a matter of time until it hit Australia after its pandemic delay. Obviously, attendees won't be watching Robert Downey Jr (Oppenheimer), Chris Hemsworth (Extraction II), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), Scarlett Johansson (Asteroid City) and Tom Hiddleston (The Essex Serpent) — or any of the many, many other high-profile stars who feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, because that list truly seems endless. But, if you're happy to get your Marvel fix however you can, add this to your 2024 calendar.
Party, protest, remember. These three words encapsulate the ethos of Carriageworks' latest multi-arts event, which celebrates the National Black Theatre's 50th anniversary since its founding. On Saturday, November 12, this free series of events will take over the Carriageworks precinct with live performances, art installations, weaving circles, documentary screenings and music. Each of these inclusions will celebrate First Nations arts and culture. It all kicks off with PROTEST. At 2pm, Thomas Mayor will lead a citizen's assembly which will primarily focus on discussions, questions and talks about the importance of a First Nations Voice in Parliament House. Next up is PARTY. The all-ages party begins at 4pm with acclaimed First Nations performing arts shows, drag performances by Nana Miss Koori, Josie Baker and Mariah Kenny as well as live music from Nadeena Dixon and Izzy + Monks. After that, DJs come in to keep the party going till late. [caption id="attachment_874129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Redfern Story, Film Still.[/caption] And lastly, for REMEMBER, Darlene Johnson's The Redfern Story documentary will be playing throughout the evening. The documentary revolves around the formation of the National Black Theatre and those behind the efforts. Anna Penrith will also perform a series of monologues during the evening. Drinks will be in plenty of good form, too, with Aboriginal-owned and led Sobah, non-alcoholic Dhuwa and native cocktails by Archie Rose in the mix. For more information on these events, and many more taking place on Saturday, November 12, head to the PARTY | PROTEST | REMEMBER website. Top image: Nana Miss Koori by Jacquie Manning.
How far would you go to keep a roof over your family's head? That's the question posed by 99 Homes, the blistering new moral melodrama from writer-director Ramin Bahrani. Set in Orlando, Florida during the height of the 2010 foreclosure crisis, it is perhaps the most compelling film yet made about the global economic downturn and the everyday people whose lives it tore apart. Forget serial killers wielding machetes. This is a horror movie for the modern age. Trading his spandex and web-shooters for a toolbox and blue collar, Amazing Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield plays protagonist Dennis Nash, a construction worker and single parent forced to move his family into a motel after they're thrown out of their home. Adding insult to injury, the only work Nash is able to find is as a day labourer for Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), the same ruthless real estate broker who evicted him in the first place. But Carver soon sees potential in the desperate young father and invites him to take a greater role in his business. But what will it take for Nash to sell his soul? 99 Homes is Bahrani's fifth feature effort, although it's the first to receive a significant release here in Australia. Still, those who have seen his earlier work, including Chop Shop, Goodbye Solo and At Any Price, will recognise his signature motifs. He's an unapologetically earnest filmmaker with a strong social conscience, taking major issues that dominate headlines and using them as a basis for intimate human stories. During the film's numerous eviction scenes, he employs handheld cameras and a low, pulsating score, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming helplessness. Watching Carver throw Nash and his family out of their home will likely leave viewers feeling nauseous – although not half as nauseous as they'll feel later in the film, when Nash begins evicting families on Carver's behalf. After a few years languishing in superhero limbo, Garfield recaptures the stellar dramatic form seen in The Social Network and Never Let Me Go. Every compromise Nash considers the actor makes us understand, forcing us to ponder what we'd do in the same situation. Laura Dern is likewise strong in the admittedly thankless role as Nash's kind-hearted mother. Both, however, are overshadowed by Shannon. With the same simmering intensity he brought to Take Shelter and Boardwalk Empire, the Oscar-nominated actor is captivating whenever he's on screen. A callous big screen capitalist in the vein of Gordon Gecko, Carver is at once repellent and uncomfortably persuasive – characteristics best exemplified in a monologue midway through the film in which the e-cig smoking realtor gives us a glimpse into what drives him while raining rhetorical fire down on everyone from federal regulators to homeowners themselves. It is, quite simply, one of the best written, best acted scenes you'll see in a cinema this year. That's not to say that Bahrani's screenplay isn't also without its weak points. Nuance isn't exactly his strong suit, and there are stretches of the film that feel rather histrionic. More frustrating is the ending, in which the writer-director strips away any sense of moral ambiguity in favour of a simpler, less interesting conflict between right and wrong. Yet even in the moments where the narrative falters, the weight and sincerity of Bahrani's intention are enough to carry you through. That, along with the phenomenal work of one of the finest actors working today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfttvNCIJvE
While much of the country is slowly starting to creep back to normality — and Melbourne has a roadmap to get there — there are some basic activities that'll be looking very different post-COVID. That includes the humble music gig and festival. With large crowds seen as a potential risk for virus transmission, all Australian states and territories still have density limits in place for gatherings and events, meaning that this year's festival season is set to be in stark contrast to all those before it. While it's hard to tell exactly what the future of music shows looks like locally, plans for an upcoming Western Australian event could help shed some light. Hitting the Busselton Foreshore on Saturday, October 31, the inaugural Good Day Sunshine festival is set to debut a new COVID-safe festival format, featuring a revolving stage and four separate crowd areas. The design will allow event promoters Macro Music to safely host 5000 punters. In the plans, the aptly named Turntable Stage sits at the centre of the site, rotating between four separated audience zones, each with a reduced 1250-person capacity. The lower numbers and crowd split will allow the festival to meet the state's current density restrictions of two-square-metres per person, while improving ease of contract tracing. Each of the four areas will operate as a separate event, complete with its own entry and exit point, and own amenities including bars, toilets and food outlets. A static sound system will service the entire site, while on-stage LED screens will provide all punters with concert visuals at each point of the stage's revolution. After purchasing tickets, Good Day Sunshine patrons were required to nominate one of the four quadrants, which is where they'll remain for the entirety of the festival. Each of the zones will have its own COVID safety officer, leading dedicated teams of staff that will continuously clean shared facilities and top up hand sanitiser stations. The event is set to be closely monitored and, if it proves successful, could pave the way for future Aussie festivals. "I would be flattered if this format was to be used by other events in Australia and across the world," said Macro Music CEO and festival designer Ross Macpherson. "The sooner we can get large-scale live events back up and running, the better for everyone." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeYsTUQ9D34&feature=youtu.be The Good Day Sunshine lineup has met some issues thanks to Western Australia's hard border lockdowns and difficulties securing approval for artists to enter the state. At this stage, acts including Eskimo Joe, John Butler Trio and Xavier Rudd are set to headline the October 31 debut. Good Day Sunshine will debut at Barnard Park, Busselton, on October 31. Learn more about its new format at the festival's website.
We could probably all do with some more phone-free time, what with today's always-connected society, not to mention the cancer scares. But sometimes it's handy to have a functional phone even when you're trying to get away from it all. Music festivals are a prime example: you're out in a paddock enjoying music all day and when the speakers fall silent you need to call your friends to find your tent. So, UK phone company Orange teamed up with renewable energy experts gotwind to develop some new ideas for Glastonbury this year: wellies with thermocouples that harness the funky heat of your feet after throwing shapes all day, and a shirt that charges your phone by converting soundwaves into electricity. And if you're getting back to nature by going camping, you might just need that phone to make a call if something goes wrong... or to post a photo of what a great time you're having away from all your facebook friends. Japan's TES New Energy have come up with what is basically a cooking pot with a power cord, so that you can harness the extra heat from boiling the billy to charge your smart phone. [via PSFK]
The Australian Centre for Photography will be hosting two thought-provoking, colourful and daring exhibitions this autumn. On display from Saturday, March 1, until Sunday, May 18, S/M Wonderland and We Are Family are two free exhibitions you won't want to miss from the Oxford Street gallery. Curated by C. Moore Hardy, We Are Family is a series by emerging and established female artists Michele Aboud, Deborah Kelly, Annie Magdalena, r e a, The Twilight Girls and Waded. The works take a varied look at what family means today, challenging our understanding of the GLBTQI community and so-called traditional values. Sounds like somebody should send Cory Bernardi an invite, eh? Loosely based on Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, Adam Geczy's S/M Wonderland is a video and photography installation that follows a curious girl through an alternative world. Inspired by the developments in music videos, fashion films and sex and gore cinema, Geczy challenges the perception that contemporary fine art is separate from other streams of pop culture.
Thelma and Louise. Chocolate and peanut butter. Romeo and Juliet — all iconic pairings. Now, rosé wine and gin creators Maison Mirabeau might have introduced a new contender to the mix in the form of its signature drop: the Mirabeau Dry Rosé Gin. As you might have guessed, it's created via the power pairing of Provençal pink wine and gin. The low down? It's a fresh drop that you will want to enjoy in an appropriately refreshing environment. So, fantastically, a great introduction to the drop is on offer at the Maison Mirabeau x Four Seasons Sydney poolside pop-up this summer. From Monday, December 5 to Monday, January 23, you'll have the chance to channel a South of France sojourn by heading to Four Seasons Sydney and sipping a selection of delicious rosé- and gin-based cocktails from the comfort of your sun lounger. Whether you like a traditional dry gin (tinted pink), or are a purist and opt for a glass of Pure Rosé, you can expect subtle, stylish drops. There's Mirabeau's Riviera Gin & Tonic served with Mediterranean tonic water, fragrant rosemary and zesty lemon peel; and a chilled Rosé Negroni served with Lillet Rosé, Campari and orange peel — a particularly decadent indulgence when coupled with a stay at one of Sydney's most fabulous five-star hotels. Alternately, if you can't quite find the time to stop and smell the rosé, then Maison Mirabeau is making it easy to create a piece of Provence at home with bottles of Mirabeau Dry Rosé Gin now stocked at Dan Murphy's. For more on the Maison Mirabeau x Four Seasons Poolside Summer pop-up, head to the website.
Due to the extreme weather Sydney has been experiencing, Carriageworks and Force Majeure have regretfully had to cancel the season of Byron Perry’s Obscura. This work, where a large scale camera obscura is created, is unfortunately at the mercy of the elements, which have not been kind to the artist. Light enthusiasts, you'll like this one. It turns out there's a happenstance large-scale camera obscura inside Carriageworks, and Byron Perry of Force Majeure (the dance theatre masters responsible for Culminate and Double Think) is using it in his new site-specific dance work, Obscura. The camera obscura brings the outside world inside, upside down. It's astonishing enough to witness the phenomenon on its own, let alone when there's a dancer interacting with it. After his first encounter with a camera obscura, Perry says he became obsessed with "the realisation that the air around me was thick with criss-crossing streams of coloured light all passing through the same space and not distorting or blocking each other." In Obscura, he interacts with and manipulates all of this as he dances, a system of shutters, mirrors and lenses shaping the small stream of natural light. Sounds cool, right? Each performance is limited to 30 places — all that'll fit into the black box environment — so get your tickets quick.
On May 3, 2012, over 3000 women came together in Sydney's iconic Centennial Park for the inaugural Nike She Runs the Night event. It made Australian history by being the country's first women-only night race. After a sell-out in 2012, the course has expanded for the 2013 race, giving more space for more runners. With a now 90,000-strong Facebook community, the 2013 Sydney race will without a doubt attract even more racers. The event includes bands and DJs throughout the course to help motivate the runners, and after the run participants are invited to a post-celebration with live music, massages, giveaways, refreshments, Nike Free Run+ 3 trials, Nike+ demos, and a photo booth. The Nike She Runs campaign has become something of a movement for Australian women to share their common love of running and sport together. If you're a female runner looking for a fun and challenging race, this is certainly the event for you. Registration opened Thursday, February 14, 2013, and continues until the event date. There are 6000 available spots, but do make sure to sign up before those 90,000 Facebook fans swoop in.
Been spending the first few months of 2021 pondering the future? Given how the past year has panned out, that's only natural. But tonight, on Tuesday, April 27, you might want to look to the skies as well — and feast your eyes on a luminous lunar sight. For folks located Down Under, this is when you'll see this year's 'pink supermoon'. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — two usually happen each year — there are plenty of reasons to peer upwards this time around. If you're wondering why, 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. They're not all that uncommon — and because April 2021's supermoon is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. It's also a pink moon, too, which doesn't refer to its colour but to the time of year. In the northern hemisphere, April and spring go hand-in-hand — which means the April full moon usually arrives with the onset of the year's floral blooms, and with the first flowers from the pink-hued wild ground phlox specifically. Of course, it's currently autumn in the southern hemisphere, and the wild ground phlox are native to North America — but the name still sticks. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside on Tuesday, April 27. While timeanddate.com notes that the super pink moon is expected to be at its peak at 1.31pm during the day today in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — and at 1.01pm in Adelaide, and 11.31am in Perth — it's still worth looking up for once evening hits. If you're eager to take some pictures — and see if you can outdo previous supermoon snaps — moonrise is expected at 5.33pm AEST tonight. That's when the moon will first peek above the horizon for the evening, and it'll move higher into the sky across the night. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Typically, haze is predicted for Sydney, and Brisbane and Perth have partly cloudy forecasts — but the Bureau of Meteorology only tips light morning showers for Melbourne, and sunny conditions for Adelaide. If you miss out tonight, another supermoon is due on Wednesday, May 26 — and it's called the flower moon. Via timeanddate.com / space.com. Image: Andrew C.
Summer may be over, but the cooler months offer an excellent opportunity to check out parts of Australia's great outdoors — beyond the plethora of beaches and beachside suburbs, that is. Whether you're a local or just visiting, greater western Sydney has an abundance of great outdoor activities certain to entertain the whole crew, including nature walks, river boats, historical tours and adventure parks. If you're not sure where to start, we've teamed up with our friends over at Stockland to highlight six essential spots to check out next time you're up for a dose of outdoorsy fun. [caption id="attachment_810084" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] TAKE AN INDIGENOUS CULTURAL WALK THROUGH PARRAMATTA The history of Parramatta is filled with significant events involving Indigenous Australians and their earliest encounters with white colonialists. It was the site of the annual Native Feast, bringing many prominent Indigenous leaders to the region. It's also where the first diplomatic protests against dispossession took place. And, it's where the first institutional removal of Indigenous children occurred. Take a walk, led by an Indigenous guide, to discover more about this oft-confronting history. During First Contact — The Imbalance of Power (Aboriginal Cultural Walk), you'll learn about major historical events and frontier conflicts, plus occasional moments of cooperation as well. [caption id="attachment_810086" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] WANDER AROUND A FARM WITHOUT LEAVING THE CITY Keen on a real country farm experience, without having to go all the way out to the countryside? Located just off the M7, Calmsley Hill City Farm is an interactive farm complete with native and farmyard animals, beautiful grounds and all manner of shows and demonstrations about rural life. A great spot to take the kids, it has a strong focus on sustainability and education, as communicated through everything from milking cows and shearing sheep to a working dog show and a koala exhibition. Pop on down for a picnic lunch or make use of the onsite kiosk or barbecues, and then take in all that the Abbotsbury site has to offer. [caption id="attachment_810087" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] ZIP, SWING, JUMP AND CLIMB THROUGH THE TREES Ziplines, swings, ladders and all manner of contraptions decorate the tree line at Western Sydney's Tree Tops Adventure Park. Situated in the heart of the Western Sydney Parklands, this eco-friendly haven for thrill-seekers provides a variety of adventure options to suit children and adults alike. Different colour-coded courses, varying in difficulty and challenges, will take you on a fast-paced adventure — including swinging through the trees, obviously. It's also a great shout for a bucks or hens daytime activities, or for a family day out. No prior experience is necessary; just show up with your sense of adventure and off you go. MOSEY AROUND THE CITY'S OTHER EXCEPTIONAL ZOO Taronga Zoo might be Sydney's best-known place to peer at all manner of animals, but the city's west now houses a zoo to rival or even surpass it. Built between 2015–2019, the modern 16.5-hectare zoological park that is Sydney Zoo houses a hefty array of native and international species — more than 1000, in fact — across over 30 exhibitions. Visitors can get up close to camels, giraffes, meerkats and more. There is also a strong focus on education, including a program that lets kids become a mini zookeeper for the day. [caption id="attachment_748515" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] City of Parramatta[/caption] EXPLORE — AND HELP CLEAN UP — A MANGROVE FOREST Badu Mangrove Walk takes you through the largest remaining mangrove forest in the Parramatta River region, showcasing the ethereal beauty of these and many other water plants — all as you mosey across a winding boardwalk. There is plenty of native fauna to observe, including mud crabs and a variety of native water birds that call the swamp home. All of this is conveniently housed within Sydney Olympic Park, which is just a stone's throw from Homebush Bay Drive. You can also take part in clean-up sessions, helping the park's rangers keep the area in top shape for its animal and plant inhabitants. [caption id="attachment_810085" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] LISTEN TO FROGS AT SYDNEY'S OLD BRICK PIT Originally the site of a brick manufacturer — and also a filming location in the mid-80s for Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome — this part of Sydney Olympic Park was slated for redevelopment for the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Due to conservation efforts to protect the endangered species of green and gold bell frogs that have made their habitat here, the process was halted. Now, the area operates as a conservation park, complete with a huge ring bridge that towers 18.5 metres above the base of the pit. Visitors can get a stellar view the frogs' habitat, as well as the wetlands and the disused brickworks site, all from a safe distance. Visit Stockland's pop-up fashion event House of Kicks at Stockland Merrylands (May 3–16) to take part in sneaker customisation, street styling and street art workshops. To secure your place in a workshop, head this way. Top image: Tree Tops Adventure Park, Destination NSW.
Twenty-four Australian Border Force officers in full combat gear toting semi-automatics now overlook Bondi Beach. Standing under the words 'Welcome to Bondi' — with a small red 'not' prefixed at the start — the black-and-white officers make up the beachside suburb's latest large-scale mural. Located on the Bondi Beach Sea Wall, the stencil artwork is by prolific Australian street artist and Archibald Prize finalist Luke Cornish (aka ELK). It's a commentary on Australia's treatment of asylum seekers in on- and offshore detention facilities. As Cornish explains in a post on Facebook, "the 24 Australian Border Force officers represent the 24 suicides in these detention facilities (onshore and offshore) since 2010". This statistic is particularly poignant at the moment with the government currently in the process of repealing the medical evacuation bill, which gives doctors more say in the transfer of sick (physically and mentally) asylum seekers from offshore detention to mainland Australia for treatment. The repeal passed the House of Representatives late last week, and it is expected to head to the Senate in October. [caption id="attachment_734637" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Cornish by Enzo Amato[/caption] Despite the mural's relevance to modern politics, not everyone is happy with it. Even Cornish admits he's had "a mixed reaction" to the work. One local took to social media to say that the mural was "likely to offend families and turn away visitors" and another said it was "inappropriate and hateful", while others have supported the artwork, calling it "brave", "impressive" and "brilliant social commentary". The Waverley Council website also comments on the appropriate use of the art-covered wall, making direct mention to artworks of a political nature, saying the wall has "been in operation since the late 1970s and has featured a mix of street and contemporary art with strong social and political messages throughout the decades". Artists must also seek Council permission before painting an artwork, and the application form specifically calls for an outline of the artist's mural concept. Cornish is no stranger to political artworks, either. His latest exhibition at the Bondi Pavilion Gallery, called The Sea, is an exploration of and response to his three recent trips to war-torn Syria. Some of his other works have touched on France's recent Gilet Jaune movement and the destruction of war. Despite community outcry, it's looking (for now) as if the mural will stay up for the rest of the year. Each painting on the wall is up for approximately six months — so, if you're interested, make sure you visit it before January. Luke Cornish's The Sea is on show at Bondi Pavilion Gallery until Thursday, August 8. It's open from 10am–5pm daily. The Bondi Sea Wall mural is expected to be up for another six months. If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or Headspace. Images: Enzo Amato.
While the winter winds blow us indoors, resist the urge to go right for those bottles of red. The crew at Batch Brewing Company has just the thing for your winter woes — a beer class that will give you a true appreciation of the dark side, as part of their Beer Geek series. For only $45 per person, you’ll get a tasting of four Batch dark brews: the luscious London Porter, the fan favourite Milk Stout, the newly released Chocolate Raspberry Stout and the infamous Russian Imperial Stout. These will be paired with homemade fudge and a dark beer oral history by Batch’s resident beer ambassador (and beer geek himself) Johnathan Hepner. You’ll not only walk away with a new appreciation for the style, you’ll also takeaway a bottle of the Imperial Stout and a renewed love of craft beer. Batch is all about keeping it local and serving the community top-quality brews. The brewery's become a bit of a local Marrickville hangout and is a great place to spend a cosy Wednesday night, so lock this one down.
Dinner parties always seem like a good idea. But just thinking about the shopping, setting up, cooking and cleaning can be enough to drive you to drink, often at a pricey bar. Never fear, there are some easy tricks to hosting a cracker of a meal that is easy on the wallet and won’t test your sanity. As spring beckons urging us to act on our festive impulses, many of us will brave it. Let us present to you our tips for the time poor and culinary challenged in our bluffer’s guide to hosting the perfect dinner party. Setting Up Alfresco dining is always preferable. As George Michael will tell you, people just have more fun outside. And don’t worry if your backyard is wearing the wounds of less classy occasions. Do a quick sweep-up (no need to be too fussy) and fill the place with random objects, fairy lights and lots of candles – I like to stick them in old booze bottles. Imperfections, somehow, become charming in dim lighting. Light a fire. Cover the table in something black - it’s forgiving - and pour all the wine into carafes. It is an undeniable fact that wine tastes more expensive when poured from a carafe. Vases or glass containers of any description will work also. Once setup, get the tunes going. It’s important that your playlist is tailored to accompany the swim of lady alcohol through your guests. Regardless of your preferred genre, there is a formula I’ve found never fails. Start with something new, slowly move into some cult classics, finally, if the mood is right, get a little bit tragic. Entrée Save the unnecessary effort, and washing up, that comes with preparing individual dishes and simply throw a nice platter together. The key is to know where to pick up some good grub for picking. Thankfully the city is teeming with amazing delis. I swung by two of my favourites, Gourmet Grocer in Balmain and Delicado in McMahons point. The former a trusty fort of some of Sydney's best cheese and the latter my go to for all things authentic Spanish produce. Throw everything straight on the platter, no little dishes. And you need some bread. This is not the time for Wonder White, though. Sonoma bake some of Sydney's finest loaves and have shops spotted all over town. They also do some delicious spelt and kamut options, too. Rip it up and serve straight on the board with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic for dipping. Discarded jar lids come in handy. Set it beside the table and let the guests graze casually. Main course I opted for a vegetarian risotto. It’s cheap, easy and will keep your vegetarians and gluten haters at bay (you can hold out on the cheese if need be, but it seems lactose intolerance has become a bit passé). Any old Google recipe will do, just toss through your favourite bits and pieces and be sure to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Throw together a simple salad. Rocket, pear, walnut and parmesan is my go-to. The nightcap As the evening curtails, it is nice to introduce a new beverage. Boil some cheap plonk with oranges, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla (or whatever condiments you’ve got!) and voila! Mulled wine. I like to throw some rhubarb in also. And maybe a splash of port if it’s on hand. Whether the night evolves into a political debate or a living room dance-off, you’ve certainly set your guests up for a good one. Sit back, relax and bask in the host’s glory.
At hundreds of cocktail competitions being held worldwide every year, competitors dish up insane spirit concoctions that blow the minds of rivals, judges and hobby drinkers all over the planet. And our home-grown heroes are right there, taking the world by storm — no surprise when you consider Melbourne and Sydney's much-beloved small bar scenes are on the up and up. A fine example of this new thoroughbred of Australian barkeep is Mike Tomasic, who recently took out the top gong at the Global Angostura Cocktail Challenge. Mike mixed up two of his signatures, one of which can only be described as the cocktail of the gods, and is aptly named Olympia. It combines fig jam, citrus, egg whites, Cuban cigar cognac and Ximinez sherry to create a superb twist on an ancient recipe. "I read a lot," says Mike. "I've got a couple of hundred books at home about cocktails, and this St. Charles Punch recipe which I twisted on, it was in the world's first ever cocktail book, which goes back to the nineteenth century" It's the twist, however, that makes it so important. Even as we explore new recipes, and rediscover old ones, Tomasic reminds us that as the times are changing, so are we, and so are our tastes. "If I made that cocktail exactly how it was, today, everyone would hate it," he says. "Everyone's got a different palate, and especially modern palates tend to be a little bit sweeter." To be unique and interesting on the global scale, Tomasic is a huge believer in the cocktail as an experience, not just a fancy drink. At the Global Challenge, he threw tobacco leaves into the mix, instructing the judges to roll them up in their hands and take a good breath of them to wake up their senses. "These days, cocktail making is not about making a drink and leaving in the glass, you've got to think about every aspect," he says. "It's got to be a little bit elaborate, a little bit out there, and at the same time you have to incorporate all the senses … you try and incorporate an interactive experience." Back home, Australia's enjoying what Tomasic calls "a golden age of bartending". He's settled down at one of the new landmarks, Mr Moustache in Bondi, a bistrot serving up a mezcal-themed cocktail menu and bringing a unique twist to a typical tequila drink with its rarer younger brother. "You ask any bartender worth their salt, they've always got an interest in unique and rare ingredients, things which most people haven't heard of before," he says. Although, having been named Angostura's ultimate cocktail champion of the world as well as their new global brand ambassador, Tomasic is sure to see that mezcal doesn't stay unheard of for very long.
When Pharrell Williams first made contact with Morgan Neville, the Oscar-winning documentarian behind 20 Feet From Stardom, their conversation could've started like this: "it might seem crazy what I'm 'bout to say". The famed producer, N.E.R.D. co-founder, 'Happy' singer, and Daft Punk and Snoop Dogg collaborator's proposal to the filmmaker also behind the Mr Rogers-focused Won't You Be My Neighbour?, then Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain and STEVE! (martin): a Documentary in 2 Pieces, was for Neville to tell Williams' life story — a request that doesn't seem out of the ordinary. But Pharrell wanted this journey through his upbringing in Virginia Beach in Virginia, his music dreams as a kid and a teenager, and then the ups and downs of his career to solely be relayed using Lego animation. How do you explore anyone's existence, let alone someone so influential in music for decades, while rendering them, other interviewees and everything else that's seen on-screen only in the style of The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie, The Lego Ninjago Movie and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part? Just as importantly, why would you? Piece by Piece, the film that results, sits alongside Brett Morgen's David Bowie-adoring Moonage Daydream as recent music docos that know how to expertly takes their cues for their approach, aesthetic and vibe from their subject. In both cases, it's instantly apparent that any other method wouldn't have done the folks at their centre justice. Piece by Piece boasts the childhood details, the stories shared by loved ones and colleagues, the glimpses into the studio and the examples of Pharrell's work, his music and the videos that go with them alike. As the movie's title states so clearly, however, they have all been built piece by piece in Lego animation. This effectively meant making the film twice, first featuring the raw materials, including chats with Williams, his N.E.R.D. bandmates Shae Haley and Chad Hugo, his distant cousin Timbaland, fellow Virginia Beach residents Pusha T and Missy Elliott, and then everyone from Daft Punk and Snoop to Gwen Stefani and Kendrick Lamar — and secondly with that initial cut, which Neville dubs the "radio edit", animated frame by frame in the Lego fashion. Spliced into the initial version were storyboards for scenes that simply wouldn't have been possible to realise without Piece by Piece's unconventional biodoc technique, many of which bring Pharrell's synesthesia to the screen. Music appears to him as colours, and shapes as well. The film not only recreates that sensation for the audience, but does so with exacting detail: when the beats that Pharrell creates appear as pulsating bricks, be it for N.E.R.D's 'Rock Star' or No Doubt's 'Hella Good', or for Snoop Dogg's 'Drop It Like It's Hot' or Williams' own mega hit from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack — and much more — the forms and hues depicted are exactly what Pharrell sees. In every piece, frame and moment, this is a documentary that's intimately in tune with its subject, then. It celebrates a dreamer by crafting those dreams out of bricks. Yes, it all clicks. It's an ode to creativity and imagination, too, right down to deploying one of the first formats that almost every child uses to make new worlds, because that's what Lego lets us do. While there are tie-in kits available for sale, as happens with Lego-based movies, the medium matches the man perfectly. Indeed, that's so accurate that the feature wouldn't have happened otherwise, including if Lego hadn't be on board with the idea, Neville told Concrete Playground. "We'd thought about it, whether there were other ways of doing it if Lego said no. And I think we all agreed if Lego said no, there was going to be no film," the director shares. "It just felt like Lego itself was actually an important piece, as it were, of what the film was — that it wasn't just a gimmick, that it actually felt part of who Pharrell is in his story and how he sees the world." We also chatted with Neville about how you respond when Pharrell asks you to make a movie about him using Lego — a version of which is seen in the film — plus creating a type of music documentary that hasn't been made before, the added possibilities that come with examining someone's life and career in Lego, heroing creativity, his starting point whether he's making docos about Williams or Bourdain or Martin, and more. On How You React When Pharrell Suggests That Lego Would Be the Perfect Medium to Tell His Story "What happens in the film is a version of what happened in real life. But that was the one moment that I didn't actually record, because the first time I met Pharrell, he pitched me on this idea where he said 'I want you to make a movie about me, and then I want you to throw away all the visuals and do it again in Lego'. And honestly, when he said that I was totally hooked. So that's the difference. I think in the movie I'm a little unsure, but I think in real life I jumped right into it. That was the thing that got me incredibly excited, because I didn't know what it was going to mean. It was a crazy idea, but I love crazy ideas." On Making a Type a Music Documentary That Hasn't Been Made Before — and Whether It Feels Daunting, Freeing or a Bit of Both "I feel like being a film director, there's a kind of wilful amnesia that you have, where you intentionally forget how difficult it is to make films. Because if you remembered, you wouldn't make them. So I vaguely knew that this was going to be climbing a mountain, but I really just looked at this path in front of me and said 'well, this is interesting. What if I do this, and what if I think about this? And, well, let's talk to Lego. They could kill it. It might go away'. We talked to Lego and they said 'we love it'. And then we just kept trying things. And so step by step it came together, but it was five years of work to get there." On How Using Lego Allowed the Film to Explore and Expand Areas and Details That Wouldn't Have Been Possible Otherwise — or in Such an Evocative Way "That was the amazing realisation I came to early on, was that because of the Lego, we could do things you can't normally do — you certainly couldn't do in a documentary and you couldn't do in a lot of films — which is visualise imagination, or visualise things in somebody's head. And so the synesthesia was an important thing because Pharrell sees colour when he hears sound. We wanted to get that right. We actually brought in Michel Gagné, who's a famous animator, who had done the synesthesia in Ratatouille, to work on this — to think 'how do you do synesthesia, but in Lego?'. But then also the idea that we can visualise beats — the beats that Pharrell has made are physical Lego objects. And every beat in the film is actually reflective of how Pharrell sees that song. So the colours and the shapes of the beats in the film are accurate to what Pharrell sees in his head, even though nobody else knows what that is. Every song, we're like 'Pharrell, okay what are the colours? How does this look?'. Because it's interesting, he has a library in his head of every song you mention, he'll tell you what the colours are of that. So things like that you could do in Lego, which I don't know how else you would do that." On the Importance of Connecting Celebrating Creativity and Imagination with One of the First Gateways to Unlocking Both for Children "I think many people, most people, probably grew up with some connection to Lego toys. I did. I was of the era where when I bought a set of Lego, you would just get a big box of pieces. There were no instructions, it was just 'okay, make whatever you want'. I always ended up with a big tub of random pieces and you would just make stuff. I think Pharrell, also Lego he said was a really important toy his parents would give him when he was young. And it's interesting how much it comes up in the creative community. I've talked to architects and artists and designers, and Lego actually is kind of a building block of creativity. It's this thing that I think is just pure imagination in that way. And so imagination is a huge theme of the film. I love making films about creative people and how they think, and Lego just felt like this perfect way of exploring that. And the idea that it was Pharrell's conceit makes it even more organic to why it works in this film." On Neville's Starting Point When He's Making a Documentary, No Matter Who or What His Subject Is "My starting point on every project, I do a couple of things. I start a playlist of music. So for every film, I have a playlist of music, even if it's not about music. I'm a musician and I've made a lot of films about music, and it helps me get a feel for the tone of what a film could be. In this case I had like ten playlists, because Pharrell had done so much music. So I had solo work and produced by, and with the bands he had done and influenced music. And I spent months listening to all of it, waiting for songs to pop out and for me to hear them and say 'oh, I could see this, it feels like this song belongs in a scene' or 'this song has a theme that could work to the story'. So that's a big part of it. Then I gather visuals and references, and all that kind of stuff. So all that just goes into a pod as I start to conceive of what this film might be. But I think all that other stuff, tone and aesthetic, are all things I'm thinking about in the beginning. And then I just talk as much as I can to the subject or other people. I just am trying to take in as much input as I can get. Then it starts to form in my head and little things start coming together." On the Difficult Task of Knowing What to Include and Leave Out When You're Making a Film About Someone with Such a Wide-Ranging Career "It always is. This was difficult because Pharrell has done so much, but I always think about it more like 'what are the things that influenced his life?'. I mean, a big part of this movie is his childhood, which was a huge part of what made him who he is. But it's not his career. So in that way, the career stuff, he had so many more hits that aren't even in the film. He's done so much. But to me it's about the moments where things turn. It's where maybe a failure — failures are as interesting as successes when it comes to looking at a narrative of a person's life, because that's where we learn. So I think it was really identifying the moments where something felt different, or where he learned something, or where something clicked or didn't click. I always try to avoid what I think of as 'the Wikipedia version' of a person's life, because it's not that interesting to just go through everything they accomplished. But to hit the moments that actually meant something to them, that were part of their personal growth or their creative growth, that's what I try to zero in on, and so that helps me cut stuff out unfortunately." Piece by Piece opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Images: courtesy of Focus Features / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
What's better that seeing world-famous operas on a regular stage? Watching one iconic production performed on Cockatoo Island, then sleeping over afterwards — and seeing another come to life on a floating theatre right on top of Sydney Harbour. While the latter is usually a standard part of Opera Australia's annual program, the organisation has just announced that it's doubling the openair fun in its 2022 lineup. If witnessing Cockatoo Island get turned into an opera venue sounds like your idea of an unforgettable night out, that's exactly what's happening from November 25–December 18, 2022. The production: Georges Bizet's Carmen. It's been staged in Opera Australia's harbour program before, but now it's getting its own island. And, you'll have a few options when it comes to watching — including booking seats on Cockatoo Island, or mooring a boat and viewing the performance projected onto a big screen. Keen for a sleepover? You can choose between the waterfront campsite, a holiday house or an apartment with a harbour view. For those eager to see the latest iteration of Opera Australia's regular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour series, that'll take place from March as usual — from March 25–April 24, 2022. While previous shows have spanned everything from West Side Story to La Traviata, next year's season will involve the music of the night and someone who was wearing a mask long before the rest of us. Yes, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera will take to the floating stage. The show planned to debut locally (and on land) in 2021, but that was postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is usually extremely popular, with more than 400,000 people attending between its 2012 premiere and 2019 — when, in one year alone, it sold 62,000 tickets. If you're keen to head along to either Carmen on Cockatoo Island or The Phantom of the Opera as part of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour — and to see two of opera's biggest titles staged in stunning surroundings — the waitlists are now open before tickets go on sale in November. The Phantom of the Opera as part of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will take place from March 25–April 24, 2022, while Carmen on Cockatoo Island will be held from November 25–December 18, 2022. For further details, or to join the ticket waitlist, visit the Opera Australia website. Images: Opera Australia / Hamilton Lund.
Come on Barbie fans, let's go party — under the stars, in costume, while watching the biggest movie of 2023 and not thinking about dying. Moonlight Cinema is returning for 2023–24, with its November–December lineup celebrating Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie's pink-hued big-screen comedy. The openair cinema season is throwing Barbie-themed shindigs where wearing pink, rose or similar shades is encouraged while watching the film beneath the evening sky. That's just one of the highlights of this summer's (and late spring and early autumn's) date with Moonlight Cinema, which kicks off in Sydney on Thursday, November 23, 2023 and runs till Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Centennial Parklands. Also worth getting excited about: festive flicks ('tis the season), nostalgic sessions of Jurassic Park and The Mighty Ducks, The Hunger Games prequel Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Sydney-shot Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria)-starring rom-com Anyone But You. If nothing says Christmas to you like catching a festive film under the heavens, ideally while kicking back on bean beds and eating a picnic, then you're in luck as usual. When the beloved Australian outdoor movie-viewing setup returns, it'll again show some of the merriest pictures that it can find. On the list: Love Actually, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Die Hard, Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf — so, the usual selection, not that these jolly pictures ever get old. Movie lovers can also look forward to seeing preview screenings of Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins, plus the Natalie Portman- (Thor: Love and Thunder) and Julianne Moore (Sharper)-led May December. Throw in the animated Trolls Band Together, plus everything from The Little Mermaid, The Creator, Joy Ride and Asteroid City to No Hard Feelings, A Haunting in Venice, Dumb Money and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and there's already a heap of titles on the bill. If you're wondering what else Moonlight will screen across its full season, it now drops its program month by month. The films and the setting are just two parts of the Moonlight Cinema experience. Also on offer: an official Aperol spritz bar, which is new for 2023–24. Nosh-wise, the event will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks, but the unorganised can enjoy a plethora of bites to eat onsite while reclining on bean beds. A beauty cart will be handing out samples, too. And, dogs are welcome — there's even special doggo bean beds, and a snack menu for pooches.
With Splendour in the Grass and other winter festivals approaching, you're going to need a little more than a tent - even if it is one of the adorable Fieldcandy tents that we found the other week. There's still campfire eating to think about, as well as that necessary cup of caffeine after a night spent in the great outdoors. Thanks to the creative and over-the-top genius of these 10 'glamping' products, this list will have you covered. 1. Bell Tent Recall the circus of yesteryear in a retro striped bell tent. All that is missing is the bedecked elephants. 2. Faux-Fur Throw What better than a faux-fur blanket to keep the winter chill out? Your inner diva needs it. 3. Wine Glass Clamp You've reclined into the comfy canvas recesses of your camping chair. But where to place your glass of pinot? An age old dilemma solved with a simple clamp that can attach to just about any camping chair. 4. Star Solar Lights Keep the stars with you on a cloudy camping night, or even inside your tent. This outdoor string of star-shaped is powered by a separate solar panel and will light automatically when the sun goes down, lending your campsite a magical feel. 5. Heart-Shaped Marshmallow Toasting Fork As if s'mores could get any better, you can now toast your marshmallows on a heart-shaped stick. 6. Cafe Latte Set There is no need to compromise on the quality of your coffee just because you are outdoors. This set contains a French press and a milk foamer to satisfy even the most hardened coffee snob. 7. Portable BBQ Grill This retro and portable grill is too cute. Perfect for roasting burgers and hotdogs! 8. Phone-Charging Gumboots Even the most avid campers miss their mobiles when roughing it. Keep yours charged with these functional and fashionable wellies. After a day full of running around at a festival, simply slide your phone into the charger at the top of the boot, where it will receive a charge from heat energy you have generated all day.
Takeaway or dine in? It's the question that everyone who can't be bothered cooking dinner has faced, and it is more complicated than it sounds. Perhaps you'll be flying solo with your containers of food, but feel like some company? Or, maybe you and your pals all want meals delivered from different places, but know that's a bit impractical. A Helsinki pop-up has the answer, whether you're looking for an alternative to eating alone or trying to keep your gang of fellow diners happy. Called Take In, the kitchen-less venue is all about pulling up a chair, picking from around 20 restaurants, and enjoying the space as your dining room away from home — plus, making sure you have someone to share it with, even if your mates are all already busy. There's also a bar on-site, so that's the drinking side of the equation taken care of (or some liquid courage if chatting to folks you don't know makes you a little nervous). Customers can drop in just for a tipple, too; however eating out alone, but not alone is the main aim of the game. For anyone finding themselves in Finland in in the near future, the pop-up runs until April. Via Eater.
We're all partial to indulging with a little treat at the end of a long, hard day. For some, it's dessert. For others, it's a nip of single malt scotch. So it was only a matter of time before someone brought those two things together to create one decadent treat. Yes, we talking about a dessert-inspired whisky. That's exactly what Glenmorangie's Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden has done with his newest release, A Tale of Cake. Unafraid to take on a challenge, Lumsden started experimenting years ago by using dessert wine casks, sourced from Hungarian's award-winning producer Royal Tokaji, in the whisky aging process. He was interested to see how the distinctive sweetness of the dessert wine could complement the whisky. He began with the usual process of making Glenmorangie's single malt: distilling it in the towering copper stills and aging in bourbon casks to give its signature citrus notes. The product was then transferred to the Royal Tokaji casks for further aging. The end result was A Tale of Cake, a complex drop that releases tropical fruit aromas (passionfruit, peach and mango) and sweet candy-like flavours — think honey, white chocolate and apricot — followed by a smooth aftertaste of honeycomb, chocolate and nuts. If that description has your mouth watering, you'll be very pleased to learn that we have a bottle of this limited-edition drop to give away. Just enter your details below to be in the running. Can't wait that long? A Tale of Cake is also available to purchase from Boozebud, Porters and other leading independent bottle shops. And keep an eye out for the activation at Barangaroo's Smoke Bar later this month, where you'll get to try the new whisky in an experimental cocktail alongside an expertly paired dessert (aka the Glenmorangie Caketail). [competition]788757[/competition] Image: Kimberley Low
Finally you can pay for your daily soy latte with a picture of David Bowie's face. If you're in the London suburb of Brixton and have a couple of Brixton Pounds on you, that is. To mark the anniversary of the UK's first urban local currency, Brixton has issued a new edition of notes featuring some famous ex-Brixton residents, including the infamous face of glam-rock. A Ziggy-era picture of Bowie now graces the £10 note, while former Chicago Bulls basketball player Luol Deng and WWII lady-spy Violette Szabo appear on the £5 and £20 note respectively. The Brixton pounds were launched in 2009 as a way to support independent business and encourage local trade and production. The Brixton pounds don't replace regular British pounds, rather they work alongside them, much in the same way Scottish pounds do. Brixton is a notoriously volatile area of South London - one night I walked in the wrong direction and ended up there, only realising once all the street lights had been blacked out and a gentleman enquired as to how much I was charging for my 'time'. The Brixton pounds are an effort to improve perceptions of the area (perpetuated by people such as myself) and ensure that local businesses can keep afloat in the face of recession and competition from big chain stores, while working to reduce the area's carbon footprint. It's actually a fantastic strategy, and one that's worked well in several towns around the UK. Now that they've put David Bowie on a valid form of currency, you can bet that Brixton's going to be doing a whole lot more business, because at the end of the day it's just not as exciting buying groceries with a picture of the Queen than it is with Ziggy Stardust. [Via PSFK]
Spender understands the adaptability of a chair, Jeremy Neale and Go Violets team up and Bonobo are ready to help you relax on a Sunday. Here are five tracks to soundtrack your weekend. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HgU3rROkeIE 1. 'Bed & Chair' - Spender Spender dropped this pop tune densely wrapped in deep synth only yesterday, meaning you could be one of the first to own it, and then when your friends catch up and start talking about him in a month, you can be that person who says "I knew him before he was big". Be quick though; this window will only be open a short time, with Spender set to soar into stardom off the back of this dance-inducing smash. Also, we don't recommend trying his chair positions at home. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JyqemIbjcfg 2. 'Recover' - CHVRCHES CHVRCHES announced this week their plans to tour Australia in early August (with Splendour in the Grass rumours swiftly following), and their tickets will be in hot demand. Their debut EP Recover was released only two months ago and has since gained worldwide acclaim, and the title-track here is a fine example of just why everyone wants a piece of the Scottish trio. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bpm8VV8O93E 3. 'Antenna' - Bonobo Bonobo are the masters of making music that suits every occasion, and their newly released album, The North Borders, showcases this to perfection. Play this track at that house party on Friday night, whilst nursing that hangover on Saturday morning or whilst having the in-laws over for supper on Sunday, and nobody will be disappointed, especially not you. 4. 'In Stranger Times' - Jeremy Neale & Go Violets Jeremy Neale is the garage guru of Brisbane. Not only does he front the voracious Velociraptor, but he also creates his own catchy tracks in his spare time. Now he has teamed up with the guru-esses Go Violets to create a delectable harmony that transports you back to the '60s. So open all the windows and doors and blare 'In Stranger Times' to all of your neighbours — they deserve to hear it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tBsRvthVhdw 5. 'Entertainment' - Phoenix Phoenix's new album Bankrupt is finally released in only 11 short days. The French rockers have been teasing us ever since the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix with hints about when they would release new music and what it would sound like. Well, ladies and gentlemen, it sounds incredible. 'Entertainment', the first track off the soon-to-be-released album, is a ballistic blend of pop, orient-inspired synth and bass guitar that will populate every party playlist you hear this weekend.
There's something a little bit unnerving at the Art Gallery of New South Wales this summer, with ghouls, goblins and shapeshifters hidden around every corner of the blockbuster Japan supernatural exhibition. Three centuries of fantasy and folklore in Japanese art are explored throughout the exhibition, in more than 180 pieces from artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Takashi Murakami. To celebrate, Chiswick at the Gallery's head chef Tim Brindley is unlocking his supernatural ability with food to create a special dining experience. For $82, you can enjoy a two-course meal of Japanese-inspired dishes, an Asahi beer or glass of wine and entry into Japan supernatural. Tuck into a bento box, which includes white miso ocean trout skewers with yuzu sesame; fried pork and ginger gyoza; and a crunchy chicken katsu sando with white cabbage and bulldog sauce. Or, pick the seared snapper with spring vegetables or the eggplant with cashew chipotle cream and toasted sunflower seeds. Sides-wise, you can opt for a green salad, steamed broccolini or chips for an additional $12. For dessert, you can choose from either yuzu cheesecake or coconut sorbet. [caption id="attachment_756161" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] For those after a strong tipple with their food, try one of the specially created Japanese-inspired cocktails on offer, and a sip of a traditional saké, yuzushu citrus liqueur, or umeshu, made from ume fruits. Then, when you're close to bursting, wander through the gallery and go check out the landmark exhibition, including these five must-see artworks. The dining package is available at Chiswick at the Gallery throughout the duration of the Japan supernatural exhibition. It's available for lunch daily and for dinner on Wednesday nights until Sunday, March 8. The price also includes entry into the exhibition. To make a reservation, head to the restaurant's website.
If you want a trip to remember full of endless sunshine, tuk tuk rides and temples (but you don't fancy the idea of going within sniffing distance of Denpasar) then Cambodia might be the place for you. The Kingdom of Cambodia is home to a generous and open people, incredible and fragrant food, staggering temples, and a truly incredibly history. When you combine all of this with 24-hour action, scooters piled high with chooks and kids, and a country still in recovery from recent turmoil, you get a formidable destination for the fearless. Cambodia has been steadily building a reputation as both a place to immerse yourself in history and culture — and, more recently, as a place to party. It's a place of highs and lows. Your first glimpse of the formidable Angkor Wat will leave you in no doubt as to its status as one of the most incredible feats of ancient architecture on the face of the Earth; your last glimpse of the party beaches of Koh Rong Island will remind you of why your liver is hurting. But when you've had your fill of temples and you're sick of the endless party scene in Sihanoukville, you should make for the peaceful riverside town of Kampot. Steeped in French Colonial history — but without the big-names of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh — this beautiful and fascinating spot in southwest Cambodia is well worth a stay, especially when some R&R from constant travel is required. Need some help on how to fill your days? Here's ten things to do while kicking it in Kampot. [caption id="attachment_578323" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Aram Visser via Flickr.[/caption] VISIT AN ABANDONED LUXURY RESORT This remote and once-grandiose luxury resort was dreamed up by colonial French settlers in 1922. Now abandoned, Bokor Hill Station's buildings are still standing (no mean feat, given that this spot was one of the last strongholds of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s) and make for an eerie day trip. The best way to get out there is to jump on a scooter and ride out yourself — but if you're not confident on a bike, there will be a tour or ten being spruiked in town. Cap your visit off with a drink in the creepy and almost completely patronless, brand spanking new casino which has been curiously constructed on a very out-of-the-way hilltop. Not weirded out enough? Check out the abandoned Catholic church, which is complete with a still-standing altar. WATCH A FILM AT A ROOM SERVICE BED CINEMA So we know you can do this anywhere in the world, but sometimes you just want to take five and watch a film in a foreign country. Watching a film on your laptop will suffice — but watching one in a private bed cinema is approximately one million times better. At Ecran Movie House, you get to splay out over a massive bed in your own private viewing room with air-conditioning, room service drinks and on-demand dumplings from the adjoining noodle joint. Can Hoyts take cues from this? EAT VEGO NOSH BY THE RIVER AT BANTEAY SREY SPA Travelling around Cambodia is tough. Reward yourself with a soothing oil massage or a facial. Banteay Srey Spa is women-only — with the exception of yoga in the morning — and is a great place to enjoy a spa treatment, as well as a swim in the river and some vegetarian and vegan food afterwards. Didn't bring your swimmers? No problem. The spa provides traditional Khmer wraps, which perfect for taking a dip. [caption id="attachment_578321" align="alignnone" width="1280"] James Antrobus via Flickr.[/caption] VISIT THE GIANT DURIAN Surely this one needs no more explanation. The giant fruit sits in the middle of a roundabout in the centre of town and is something of a spiky statue sister to our own Big Pineapple. Plus, there's no smell. [caption id="attachment_578349" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Blake Wheeler.[/caption] ROPE SWING INTO THE RIVER Like swinging off ropes into the river? Great. Get thee to Arcadia Backpackers for the highest of rope swings, the best tower jumps and one of the busiest backpackers in Kampot. If you're looking for a travel buddy as well as a bit of adrenalin, you'll find one here. [caption id="attachment_578333" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Oliver Townend via Flickr.[/caption] EAT PEPPER CRAB AT KEP Unless you're on a secluded romantic vacation (or don't mind everything being a bit of a drive away), don't bother staying in Kep. Head there on a day trip instead. You'll be able to feast on the famous pepper crab, which is local Kep crab served with Kampot green pepper. It's only forty-five minutes away by tuk tuk, so you can be back at your riverside bungalow in Kampot by sundown. EXPLORE KAMPOT'S CAVES Craving caving? Visit the guys at Climbodia. They'll lead you into a dark abyss of limestone caves, and then lead you back out again into the light. No experience needed — just a willingness to explore Kampot and enter dark spaces. [caption id="attachment_578337" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marie via Flickr.[/caption] TASTE THE BEST PEPPER IN THE WORLD Fun fact: Kampot is the pepper capital of the world. Khmer people have been cultivating the spice in the area from as early as the 13th century — and up until the Khmer Rouge occupation from 1975, there wasn't a hatted restaurant in Paris worth their salt that wasn't using this piquant spice. If you want to try the best pepper in the world, straight from the source, head to one of Kampot's pepper farms for an insight into the industry. [caption id="attachment_578339" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marie via Flickr.[/caption] WATCH THE FISHING BOATS ON KAMPOT RIVER This massive gulf of water is home to an abundance of fish, and is basically life for the Khmer people in Kampot. Sit by the river at sunset and watch the stream of green fishing boats puttering out to sea for the night. [caption id="attachment_578340" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ruben I via Flickr.[/caption] HAGGLE AT THE NIGHT MARKETS These markets start from about 4pm down near the durian roundabout and are worth a look — although, be warned, they're super dense and truly packed. Haggle hard, people. Top image: P W via Flickr.
Early 2000s, Apple-powered minimalism. It's a thing. At least one this designer is running with. German designer Klaus Geiger has resurrected the now-retired Apple Power Mac G5, the once proud must-have of the post-millennium hoo-ha, in a stunning new furniture line we're chomping at the bit to have in the office. If it's not too painful, cast your mind back to 2003. Botttles full o' bub were being swilled by Fiddy Cent. Ol' Delta Goodrem gave the finger to Neighbours. The US launched a slight little you know, invasion of Iraq. Things were on the move. Apparently the still slick-looking Mac was the fastest in the Apple family when it hit shelves in the same golden year of 2003, now it lies dormant, superseded by Airs and Pros. But old models don't just vanish into the ether. Geiger's elegant-as-blazes project BENCHMA(®)C rounded up the old towers and transformed them into sleek desks, shelving units, drawers that make you remember the Macs of the millenium not as this: but as sleek marvels of minimalist design. Like this: We're signing up now. Via The Verge. All images Klaus Geiger
Head over to the revamped Australian Museum after work for DJ tunes, dinosaurs and more thanks to its much-loved after-hours series. Running every Thursday evening from 5–9pm, Nights at the Museum is part of the NSW Government's Culture Up Late initiative, which sees cultural institutions opening with extended hours. The best part? It's completely free. Kidults and kids alike can unleash their creativity in the Prehistoric Playground or spend time exploring the Museum's new and permanent collections after dark. If you're keen to see something new, book into a tour of the newly opened First Nations-curated exhibit Unsettled for an undiluted perspective on what life has been like for First Nations peoples since European invasion. Then, check out fellow new display Spark to learn about the Australian inventions and innovations that are providing positive solutions to the climate crisis. Here, you'll get a first-hand look at some of the technologies helping us work toward a liveable future through creating affordable and clean energy, reducing pollution and supporting our plant and animal life. After checking out the Museum's collections, you can kick back with drinks from the pop-up bar and catch live music from local favourites. Want a souvenir to remember your after-dark experience? The on-site shop is also staying up, so you can do some late-night shopping. Tickets are not required for Nights at the Museum. All you need to do is rock up, check in for COVID-19 contract-tracing purposes and enjoy the free, after-hours museum experience with your mates. Nights at the Museum runs every Thursday from 5–9pm. For more details, head to the website. Images: Anna Kucera
There's no way that Dream Scenario could've been a horror movie, even if it does hail from A24 and boast Hereditary, Midsommar and Beau Is Afraid filmmaker Ari Aster as a producer. Constantly having one particular person pop up in your head as you slumber is indeed eerie; however, when that person is the one and only Nicolas Cage, who'd be scared? Cage doesn't play himself in Dream Scenario — so, it isn't going down The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent's path — but the characters played by actors other than the Renfield, Pig, Willy's Wonderland, Face/Off, Con Air, Wild at Heart, Vampire's Kiss and Raising Arizona star do indeed keep dreaming of his likeness. And, when it won't stop happening, it earns plenty of attention in this new sci-fi comedy from Sick of Myself writer/director Kristoffer Borgli. Paul Matthews is just an average family man and college professor when Dream Scenario kicks off, as the movie's trailer shows. And, if the Cage-inhabited figure didn't start haunting everyone's sleep, that would've remained the case. When we say everyone, we mean it, with millions of folks getting acquainted with Paul when their eyes are closed — his daughter, his students, old loves and then basically the entire globe. "It was one of the best scripts I've read, quite frankly, and I think it's my best performance and probably the best movie I've ever made," said Cage about the end result. The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, will release in the US in November, but doesn't yet have a big-screen date Down Under. Borgli's English-language debut, Dream Scenario also stars Julianne Nicholson (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story), Michael Cera (Barbie), Tim Meadows (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson), Dylan Gelula (Loot) and Dylan Baker (Hunters). And, it's another glorious chapter in the best Hollywood guessing game there is as long as Cage keeps hopping in front of the camera, aka where will the inimitable actor show up next? Check out the trailer for Dream Scenario below: Dream Scenario releases in US cinemas on November 10, but doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced. Images: courtesy of A24.
A Twitter-famous writer with a bestseller to her name and plenty of online fame, Arabella (Michaela Coel) has a deadline. Overnight, she needs to finish the first draft of her second book or her publishers won't be happy. But when her mates suggest that she comes out for a couple of drinks, the London-based scribe quickly acquiesces. The next morning, though, she doesn't feel okay — and it isn't just a hangover, with Arabella slowly realising that she has been the victim of sexual assault. It's best to take I May Destroy You's title literally from the get-go — in reference to how this show will make you feel, that is. Turning a traumatic experience into blistering television, the 12-part series is easily 2020's best, and it is definitely a phenomenal effort from creator/writer/co-director/star Coel. Watching Arabella come to terms with what's happened to her, and to regain her sense of self, isn't easy viewing — but it's absolutely must-see TV.
Today, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the new arrangements for NSW, specifically for Greater Sydney, in relation to New Year's Eve. Back in November, the Government announced it would be allocating spots along the Sydney Harbour foreshore for frontline workers to view the seven-minute fireworks display at midnight. While the Premier has confirmed the fireworks will be going ahead, the vantage point offering for frontline workers is no longer available, stating the government "don't want any crowds on the foreshore around Sydney whatsoever". Instead, she encouraged everyone to watch the fireworks on television. Events at hospitality venues are permitted to proceed provided they adhere to the four-square-metre rule and have a COVID-safe plan in place, and all patrons who have a reservation must apply for a permit through Service NSW to attend. In keeping with the current restrictions on indoor gatherings, residents of Greater Sydney (outside the northern beaches), Central Coast and Wollongong are allowed to have ten visitors in their home. If you are a resident or guest of a resident within the designated green zones on New Year's Eve, you must also apply for a permit through Service NSW. Meanwhile, outdoor gatherings, including picnics and barbecues, are restricted to 50 guests (down from 100). Stay-at-home orders remain in place for northern beaches residents until January 2 for the southern zone and January 9 for the northern zone, with some easing of restrictions for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Residents of the northern zone are allowed to have indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to five visitors provided they are also from the northern zone. Meanwhile, those in the southern zone can have indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to ten visitors from within their zone. Restrictions on gatherings in regional NSW remain unchanged, with 50 allowed at indoor gatherings and 100 at outdoor. The announcement comes as NSW records five additional cases of locally acquired COVID-19 in the 24 hours leading up to 8pm on Sunday, December 27. Four of those are directly linked to the Avalon cluster with one under investigation. Yesterday saw around 15,364 tests — a significant drop from the high testing numbers between December 24–27 — with the Premier stating she wants the testing rates to "go higher and stay high to give us confidence about the decisions we can take moving forward". For more information about NSW's coronavirus restrictions and NYE plans, head to the NSW Government website. Top image: NYE Fireworks 2016 by City of Sydney.
"Darling it's better down where it's wetter" isn't just a line that The Little Mermaid fans have had stuck in their head for the last two decades. It's also the first thing likely to pop into the minds of anyone heading to one particular Norwegian restaurant. Now open in the coastal village of Båly in the country's south, Under plunges hungry patrons into watery surroundings, offering more than just the usual scenic vistas. At this eatery, diners tuck into their dishes underwater. As first announced in 2017, patrons feast on seafood under the sea. If you're going to open a space underneath the ocean, you have to serve up the fish, which is just what head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard is doing. There's just one food option, with a seasonal set menu serving up 18 courses and taking around four hours to get through — with optional wine or juice pairings. Here, however, the surroundings are as much of a drawcard as the cuisine. Visitors descend down three colour-coded levels to sip sparkling tipples in a champagne bar that boasts views of the shoreline, then enjoy dinner in the completely submerged dining room. The latter sits five metres below the water's surface, and is surrounded by panoramic acrylic windows for quite the aquatic view. For those wondering about pressure and safety, metre-thick concrete walls will keep everyone nice and dry, in a structure designed by architecture firm Snøhetta. Describing the space as "a sunken periscope", the building was constructed not only to wow those stepping foot inside, but to fit in with its surroundings. The grey exterior colour scheme is designed to blend in with the rocky coastline, with coarse surfacing that encourages molluscs to cling on. Indeed, over time it's hoped that Under will become an artificial mussel reef. As well as offering quite the place to eat, the project also aims to champion biodiversity, functioning as a research centre for marine life. This includes informational plaques educating visitors about the area, helping to expand not only the list of places you've tucked into a meal, but your knowledge. Bookings are open — start planning your next Scandinavian trip now. Images: Snohetta.
Finally, the wait is over. Erskineville's Imperial is back in action after an eight-month, $6 million makeover — set to be bigger, bolder and more colourful than ever before. And kicking off the first phase of the pub's relaunch is flamboyant bar and restaurant, Priscillas, rocking a clever, veggie-driven menu and a live 'drag & dine' entertainment offering. It'll help push the venue into its next era of life, building on that long-held reputation for great live shows and performances, while upping the ante in the food department. In the Priscillas kitchen, vegetables are the stars of the show, the menu heroing plant-based options like island-style coconut ceviche, and 'crabless crabcakes' made with spiced jackfruit and palm hearts. They'll sit alongside a handful of carnivore-friendly offerings, and a trio of paellas — vegetarian, pescetarian and meaty. Meanwhile, vibrant signature cocktails pay homage to some of the Imperial's most fabulous characters and a late-night Espresso Martini Club will be serving up the goods from 10pm each night. Following shortly, with a launch later this month, is late-night haunt The Basement — a space for drag shows, colourful performances, DJ tunes and a whole lotta dancing. Later in the year, the pub will add a top floor event space, cocktail lounge and LGBTIQ hub, and come early 2019, the adjoining building will play host to Australia's first same-sex wedding chapel. The Imperial will open at 5pm on Friday, March 2, to host a series of events and parties over Mardi Gras weekend, before Priscillas makes its official public debut on Monday, March 5. For more information, head to the website.
Real life has enough drama, as we all well and truly know at the moment. When it comes to getting cosy on your couch, you can be forgiven for wanting to forget the world's troubles — and your own, and this year's — and get caught up in a side-splitting comedy instead. Our tip: pick a top-notch TV series of the rib-tickling kind and stream (or re-stream) your way through it. Some you can knock out fairly quickly, filling your weekend with laughter. Others will take weeks and months, and will constantly brighten up your days in the process. From acerbic delights and absurd wonders to heartwarming gems and instant classics, streaming platform Binge isn't lacking in the comedy department. Because being able to lose yourself in a hilarious TV series is one of life's simple but much-needed pleasures, we've teamed up with the Australian service to highlight five shows that are guaranteed to have you giggling and guffawing — including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
Lorde, that dynamo 17-year-old with the Grammys and the dance moves and the best friend named David Bowie, has been hit by illness after a gargantuan string of performances including Coachella, forcing her to postpone her Australian tour dates. Set to hit our shores in just a couple of days, Lorde was set to perform at eight shows across the country including Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane. The Pure Heroine issued a statement via press release today: "It breaks my heart to have to postpone these shows as the band and I absolutely love playing to Australian crowds, and it was not a decision we made lightly," she said. "I know I need to focus on getting better in order to perform at my best. We'll be with you as soon as we can, Aussies." After a heartbreaking cancellation earlier in the year, this will (hopefully) eventually be Lorde's first Australian stadium tour since playing smaller club venues and the Laneway circuit. And while we were sure to get the full royal treatment from her 2013 breakthrough album Pure Heroine, this 2014 tour was said to have some surprises in store. It's been announced there will be a huge light show component, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a cameo from Ziggy Stardust. Management have yet to release further information or rescheduled tour dates as yet, or whether refunds will be issued. Stay tuned for more details, for now give your neighbours a little singalong concert. Here's where the postponed tour dates currently sit: Thu 24 Apr — Festival Hall, Melbourne (All Ages) POSTPONED Sat 26 Apr — Festival Hall, Melbourne POSTPONED Sun 27 Apr — EC Theatre, Adelaide (All Ages) POSTPONED Tue 29 Apr — Challenge Stadium, Perth (All Ages) POSTPONED Fri 2 May — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (All Ages) POSTPONED Sat 3 May — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (All Ages) POSTPONED Sun 4 May — Entertainment Centre, Newcastle (All Ages) POSTPONED Tue 6 May — Riverstage, Brisbane (All Ages) POSTPONED
Photographs have the ability to allow us to view situations from new angles and provide us with new perspectives, altering our preconceptions. Simply changing the angle of a camera, for example, can create immense and unique beauty that changes the way we see spaces, as well as the colours and patterns within them. In Room Portraits, German photographer Menno Aden does just that, transforming drab, everyday rooms into fascinating works of art that make you want to sprout wings. The Bedroom The Renovator's Dream The Shoe Store The Grocery Store The Double Room The Convenience Store The Bar The Living Room The Dentist's Room The Kitchen The Rehearsal Room The Picnic The Hotel Room The Kitchen II The Classroom
