National Reconciliation Week is here for 2022, running from Friday, May 27–Friday, June 3 — and The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation and Australian clothing label Deus Ex Machina have just the threads for the occasion. Collaborating to raise awareness about the ALNF's efforts to transform and empower First Nations communities around the country via literacy, language and education, the two organisations have teamed up on a new range of 'Literacy Is Freedom' t-shirts. And, as well as adding to your wardrobe, they'll help you support Indigenous Aussies as well. On sale from today, Friday, May 27, the limited-edition shirts come in black and white, both featuring the same 'Literacy Is Freedom' logo on the front. Printed upon 100% cotton, that design emulates the colours and format of the Aboriginal Flag. But, it's the fact that 100% of the profits from the tees are going to the ALNF's work with First Nations communities that's even more exciting. To launch the shirts, the ALNF and Deus Ex Machina have launched a campaign featuring a heap of familiar faces — including ALNF ambassadors — all decked out in the new gear. Doing the honours: everyone from AFL legends Adam Goodes and Lance Franklin through to ex-footballer and ABC News Breakfast sports reporter Tony Armstrong, plus Baker Boy, Casey Donovan, Brooke Blurton, Isaiah Firebrace and Hugo Weaving. The list goes on, with Michala Banas, Isaiah Firebrace, Benjamin Law, and Chloe Zuel and the cast of Hamilton all involved, too. And, so are Miriam Margolyes, Tim Minchin, Asher Keddie, Vincent Fantauzzo, Virginia Gay, Jesinta Franklin, Nathan McGuire, Luke Carroll, Clare Bowditch, Eddie Perfect, Zoe Norton Lodge, Alan Brough, Narelda Jacobs and Zindzi Okenyo. If you're now keen to slip on a tee and help a fantastic cause, you'll find them on sale for $59.99 from David Jones online, in-store at select David Jones locations, and in-store at Deus Ex Machina Camperdown and Good Ways Deli Redfern. "We need collaboration, bravery and commitment if we want to pave the way for a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities," said ALNF Co-Founder and Executive Director Kim Kelly, launching the shirts — and the campaign. "We are excited to be partnering with an iconic Australian brand, standing with us and supporting our goal to give every single Australian a voice through literacy, language and education. Reconciliation is everybody's responsibility, and it's an important time for us all to reflect on what we can do to be part of the change. The simple act of buying and wearing this powerful t-shirt contributes to the creation of a fairer and more just Australia," Kelly continued. Deus Ex Machina and The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation's 'Literacy Is Freedom' shirts cost $59.99, and can be purchased at David Jones online, in-store at select David Jones locations, and in-store at Deus Ex Machina Camperdown and Good Ways Deli Redfern. For more information about the ALNF, head to its website.
In the opening monologue of The Glass Menagerie, Tom Wingfield (Luke Mullins), a thinly veiled portrait of Tennessee Williams, informs the audience that he intends to give them "truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion". Soon after, he casually remarks that "The play is memory … it is sentimental, it is not realistic." So which is it to be? Truth or sentiment? Belvoir’s latest production grapples not only with Williams’ text but also his disdain for the theatrical conventions of his time. The Glass Menagerie was Williams’ first commercially successful work and a very personal one; the story of a struggling writer abandoning his volatile mother and fragile sister reflected, to a greater or lesser degree, his own experiences as a younger man. Adamant that it should not be performed naturalistically, however, Williams located the play in the uneasy space between memory and theatrical contrivance, a fact that director Eamon Flack and his cast have exploited to great effect. The stage has more than a whiff of the film set about it. The kitchen and sitting room of the Wingfield residence take up the majority of the space, flanked by two big screens and a huge bank of lights which, at the appropriate time, bathe these rooms in dazzling artificial sunlight. Several cameras dotted about the place complete the effect. In addition to the action on stage, Tom periodically crosses the boundaries of the house into the theatre and commandeers a camera, recording these bastardised memories or perhaps scrutinising them for any signs of the original. The black-and-white live feed footage Hollywood-ises the scene it has captured, pinning its subject and romanticising it relentlessly before finally letting it go. A slight (though deliberate) lag in the footage continually confounds the lip-synch, a message from Tennessee Williams himself — "Doesn’t matter how good it looks. It can never be like it was." Of course, none of this would matter if you didn’t have a cast who could carry the text. Pamela Rabe is excellent as Amanda, a force of nature in a lacy pink dress, flattening anything she comes into contact with. Rose Riley brings a great charm and tenderness to Laura and her latter scenes are riveting. Mullins is impressive as Tom, a man yet to find himself, and Harry Greenwood’s perpetually surprised Jim is funny, but also wonderfully gentle when he needs to be. Belvoir’s The Glass Menagerie is not only compelling theatre, it is proof that you needn’t take a hatchet to the classics if you want to make them say something new.
From The Muppet Christmas Carol to The Santa Clause to The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Disney has long been fond of Christmas films. And now that the huge entertainment company is about to launch its own streaming platform, we can foresee plenty more festive Mouse House flicks in movie-lovers' futures — starting this November with Noelle. Vying to become your next seasonal favourite, Noelle stars Anna Kendrick as the titular character, who also happens to be the daughter of Kris Kringle. When her dad retires, her brother Nick (Bill Hader) is supposed to take over the reins (and reindeer). But, after he gets even colder feet than usual at the North Pole and heads south to become a yoga instructor, it's up to the perennially perky Noelle to save the day. Festive film fans can look forward to Kendrick being oh-so-bubbly, Hader in the slacker mode he plays so well and Billy Eichner as the Kringle siblings' sarcastic IT worker cousin Gabriel. Based on the trailer, this streaming flick is firmly aiming for feel-good territory — not just because it tasks one of Hollywood's most likeable actors with salvaging Christmas, but because it's directed by rom-com veteran Marc Lawrence (the filmmaker behind Two Weeks Notice and Music and Lyrics, and the writer of Miss Congeniality and its sequel). Get festive watching the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBDnQkQUTGU Noelle will be available to stream on Disney+ when it launches Down Under on November 19.
When you can't venture to an art gallery, let the exhibition come to you. It's been a challenging year for artists and art institutions across the nation, but one of the good things to come out of this global pandemic has been the number of ways Australians have been able to access art without leaving their homes. Whether it's through online talks, tours or filmed performances, galleries have found alternative ways to share art with us. One of the institutions leading the way is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), which is the host of 2020's Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards exhibition. For the first time this year, the gallery in Darwin is accessible no matter where you live, as you can explore all 65 artworks on display via its virtual gallery. To give you a taste of what you can expect, we've picked out five artworks that drew our attention — and some of the stories behind them. [caption id="attachment_782787" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlie Bliss[/caption] 'NGALYOD AND KOLNG (PALM TREE)' BY PAUL NAMARINJMAK NABULUMO One of the first works you'll see when you enter the virtual gallery is a hollow log burial pole painted with the image of a serpent. That's Ngalyod, the Rainbow Serpent, who is an important ancestral being for the Kuninjku people. Northern Territory painter and sculptor Paul Namarinjmak Nabulumo, who lives and works in Yikkarrakkal Outstation, created 'Ngalyod and kolng (palm tree)' in 2020. He only paints depictions of his ancestral country, as, he says if he painted other people's "it would kill us". The 49 year old is the son of acclaimed artist Mick Kubarrku (who passed away in 2008), and Nabulumo says his father's art practice had a huge influence on his work. In this artwork, you can see Nabulumo's fine, elegant rarrk (cross-hatching) work and the Rainbow Serpent emerging from a palm tree (kolng) at an important site called Dilebang. It's believed that Ngalyod supports the growth of water lilies, vines and palms that grow around freshwater sources. 'MUM BETTY' BY BESSIE DAYLIGHT In the same gallery space, point your cursor to a picture on the wall of a woman with angel wings. Western Australian artist Bessie Daylight has adorned a digital print of her mother Betty Carrington (also an artist) with a halo and wings to show just how precious our mothers are. "She worked all her life supporting us children," says the 53-year-old artist from Warmun Aboriginal Community. "Mothers are angels in disguise and we don't appreciate what our mothers do." Daylight says she painted Joonba dots on her mother's face as when Bessie was growing up, Betty was always singing and speaking in language. She grew up with traditional lore and culture and, along with other senior women, taught Daylight how to collect, grind and paint with natural ochre. "She is a mother, a grandmother, a friend. She is a councillor, a support person to many who come in contact with her, and she's an artist in her own right," says Daylight. [caption id="attachment_782271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lynnette Griffiths & Erub Arts[/caption] 'EUM NORR (DYING REEF)' BY JIMMY K THAIDAY Digital metres away from 'Mum Betty' is a display unit, on top of which is Torres Strait Islander artist Jimmy K Thaiday's work 'Eum Noor (Dying reef)'. Thaiday has used clay and reclaimed ocean rope to make a statement about our ongoing environmental impact on the Great Barrier Reef. The 32-year-old artist says the balls represent the isolated bleaching incidents on the coral reef as the sea temperatures rise. They "bloom like flowers". The artwork is a timely reminder of the importance to care for our planet, and especially our waters. For the artist, whose clan is Peiudu, one of four tribes on Erub (Darnley Island), the waterways and the reef play a vital part in his daily life and culture. "We do not want to see our reefs suffer the fate of other coral reefs," he says. The netting used in his art has drifted into the water where he lives. "I feel that by combining clay with reclaimed rope, I can highlight an important message: look after the sea and the sea will look after you." 'BATJBARRA' BY MARY DHAPALANY Click through to the second exhibition room to find Mary Dhapalany's 'Batjbarra' (2019), seemingly suspended from the gallery ceiling. The Northern Territory artist and Mandhalpuy woman has been a practicing artist for four decades, and her weaving artwork is representative of traditional craft passed down through generations of women weavers in her family. The 70-year-old artist uses natural dyes, extracted from earth pigment or plant roots, to colour the pandanus leaf (gunga) used in her work. Batjbarra is the name of a scooping object that's used to gather water chestnuts (rarrgi/rakayi), and the artist has honoured the traditional object with her choices of colour, size and perspective. You can take a 360-degree view of the work in the virtual gallery. 'MY STORIES FROM ERNABELLA MISSION' BY NYURPAYA KAIKA BURTON Found in the far exhibition room, to the right of 'Batjbarra', is a photographic work by South Australian multidisciplinary artist Nyurpaya Kaika Burton. Three black and white photos printed on Belgium linen are covered in writing, in Pitjantjatjara language. Burton, who is a longstanding director of Tjala Arts in Amata Community and chairwoman of the APY Art Centre Collective, wants to share the stories of her time growing up at Ernabella Mission. The now published author, singer, weaver and former teacher, says she started going to school there without any clothes. The 71 year old says, "We lived the traditional way, in a wiltja (shelter), no house with no clothes, a long way from the mission." Burton says she walked to school every day, hungry to learn. "We'd get water from the hose to shower, and after the shower we'd wait for the bell to ring and we'd line up ready to go in." Burton's images are of her and her brother on a donkey's back looking for wild figs, of children and teachers playing games, and of teenagers sitting in front of a teacher's house. "I loved learning to read and write and still do today." Discover more artworks in the Telstra NATSIAA exhibition, here. Top image: Charlie Bliss
It seems Sydneysiders can't get enough of making what's old new again. With the wave of gentrification hitting pubs, hotels and long forgotten spaces across the city, once lifeless urban spots have now been given a second chance. Hidden among the high-rises of the CBD's bleak concrete jungle, an oasis from the daily grind awaits. Wearier office dwellers delight, we've found just the place for you to escape. Tucked away behind King Street, Skittle Lane Coffee is a welcome breath of fresh air for inner city locals. Featuring New York-inspired interiors, the cafe's high ceilings and large steel windows demand attention from the casual passer by. Yet once you push through those sleek glass doors, this striking light-filled store makes you feel right at home. Behind the machines, the friendly Skittle Lane crew is ready to serve Sydney up some seriously killer brews. Owners Jodie Foster and Dean Wooding wanted to create the same laidback ambiance of Melbourne's iconic laneway cafes in this inner city location. "When we first viewed the space we instantly fell in love," says Jodie. "The building is grand and elegant and the Skittle Lane is being restored to its former glory. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to create something unique in the Sydney CBD." The laneway itself has been given a major revamp by The Crown Group over the past few years, seeing the thoroughfare dotted with boutique shops, eateries and most recently apartments. Keeping things sleek with a monochromic colour scheme, Skittle Lane Coffee is cool and contemporary. From the black marble block counter to the modern light fittings hanging overhead, they know how to nail the finishing touches. Aside from its aesthetic charm, these guys deliver first and foremost as a top-notch coffee shop. Serving up their own roasted coffee, Skittle Lane's seasonal blend offers a punchy full-bodied cup while their rotating selection of single origins keeps coffee geeks on their toes. With guest appearances from Marvell Street, plus specialty made ceramic mugs, plates and bowls courtesy of Melbourne designer Takeawei, diners can take these gorgeous goodies home thanks to Skittle Lane's stellar retail section. Pop in on your way to the office for a quick Brewtown Brewnut or pastry from Penny Fours, or stop by for a tasty grab-and-go Sonoma toastie to curb that lunchtime rumble. With everything from cold brew to espresso on the menu, Skittle Lane brings a slice of Melbourne's coffee scene to Sydney's burgeoning new alleyway. Images: Daniel Kukec.
Throughout history, art and politics have been connected in so many ways. At times their relationship is hostile and tumultuous, at other times, it is unexpectedly fruitful. Curated by Macushla Robinson, this show draws on a vast array of artists who have something to say. Featuring the likes of the Guerilla Girls and Redback Graphix, See You at the Barricades also exhibits work from 19th-century artists and activists. One of the main goals of this exhibition is to track historical patterns of protest. Do we fall back on nostalgic and romantic ideals? How do past events inform contemporary realities? What is the “dissident aesthetic” gaining momentum in today’s art world? In addition to this show, check out Saatchi artist Jitish Kallat’s whopping installation in the gallery foyer, Public Notice 2. This work spells out the speech delivered by Ghandi in 1930 before the infamous ‘salt march’, commemorating a nation-forming act of civil disobedience.
While Vivid's annual celebrations will be taking over Circular Quay and Tumbalong Park in May, Western Sydney residents who don't want to battle the public transport and huge crowds can rejoice — Sydney Zoo's festival of lights is returning for its third annual instalment — and its set to be the biggest iteration yet. Glow will take over the Eastern Creek zoo between Friday, May 10 and Saturday, June 15 with a plethora of light installations and activations. Each night between 5.30–10pm, patrons can wander the zoo and discover its revamped Light Walk, which stars a safari of luminous animals and a huge range of interactive installations. Immerse yourself in the dazzling Water Walk, catch the huge lion lantern and keep an eye out for the event's centrepiece, a fiery installation called Ignite. Accompanying the iridescent art will be a KIIS.FM ferris wheel, a vortex tunnel, a maze, carnival rides and glow-in-the-dark golf. Plus, you'll even be able to explore the zoo's aquarium and reptile house after dark. Food trucks will be on-site, as well as a pop-up bar slinging beer, mulled wine and the event's signature cocktail. There's also be eats including deep-fried doughnuts, paella and treats from Enzo's Pizza. The activations have been designed to be mobility-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, with no hills or steps throughout. General admission tickets to the event start at $30 for adults and $25 for children, with infants scoring free entry.
Deciding on a birthday dinner destination isn't easy — you need somewhere that's well priced, has an excellent atmosphere and, of course, delicious food. When you or people in your group are vegetarian, this can make the parameters even tighter. Luckily, Sydney has a host of vegetarian-friendly venues ready to host you for a tasty celebratory lunch or dinner. We've selected some top-notch options for your next birthday bash, whether you're totally plant-based or an omnivore who can really appreciate the beauty of a wholly vegetarian meal. Bonus: they are all BYO, meaning your pals can save a few bucks and bring a bottle of bubbles to celebrate your existence.
Wonder Woman. Ghostbusters. Annihilation. Hollywood has come a long way since the film days of yore, when female characters were under-represented and over-sexualised. Hasn't it? Well, maybe not quite. The costuming in this year's Tomb Raider reboot isn't quite as pervy as in the 2001 original, but outside of that there isn't much improvement. Certainly, things aren't different enough to really warrant a remake – or to catch the franchise up with the momentum of progressive feminism. This new film sees a young, broke Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander, replacing Angelina Jolie) follow in the footsteps of her mysteriously deceased adventurer father, crossing land and sea to find out what happened to him. Vikander does her best as the butt-kicking, braid-flicking protagonist – her guts and grizzle were enough to make me ponder my own laughable levels of fitness. That said, the fact I found myself thinking "grrrl you are ripped" about a zillion times gives you an indication of how little else there is to latch onto. Turns out a kick-ass heroine isn't enough to counteract crap writing. The dialogue in Tomb Raider is horribly stilted, so much so that the film's villain sounds like a parody of himself. If you had a dollar for every cliché out of his mouth – or for every time someone says something along the lines of "that's not the type of Croft I am – you'd easily have enough to cover the cost of your ticket. Despite what the writers might think, you can't just take a sub-par line of dialogue and repeat it until it becomes a zinger. The film's plotting, meanwhile, plays like a lazy mix of tropes from Raiders of The Lost Ark and The Hunger Games, with the moody origin story vibes of Batman Begins thrown in. Director Roar Uthaug doesn't manage any of it particularly well, although there are – spoiler alert – a lot of scenes where Vikander struggles in bodies of water, and they're all convincingly shot (I wrote the word "STRESSFUL" several times in my notes). The film also fails to take advantage of its strong supporting cast. Kristin Scott Thomas is chronically underused, while Nick Frost shows up all too briefly to deliver one of the movie's only genuinely funny moments (as opposed to its many unintentionally funny ones). At least the producers thought to cast someone other than a generic Hollywood white guy as Lara's partner in crime. Sadly, Daniel Wu's Lu Ren is relegated to the background in no time, and only pops up when required by the plot. The best bit of the entire Tomb Raider ordeal? To be honest, it was the very attractive promo men swinging around ropes in the foyer before the media screening. When that's the case you know you've got a dud on your hands. Our advice: give this flick a miss. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ndhidEmUbI
As if the shorter days and cooler evenings weren't already reasons enough to turn to comfort foods, these strange times are causing us to do so now more than ever. And up there with the ultimate belly-warming bites are those from Taco Bell. The Tex-Mex giant now boasts one Sydney store in Blacktown, so if you're a big fan of Mexican-inspired food, chances are you've already started to make your way through its extensive menu. And, in some very good news, you can keep the flavour fiesta going while stuck at home in isolation. Yep, Taco Bell has teamed up with Menulog to offer free delivery for a limited time from its western Sydney outpost. That means you and your housemates can get stuck into its signature tacos, cheesy quesadillas and the fan favourite Crunchwrap Supreme, which is stuffed with your choice of meat, nacho cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and crunchy tostada shell, without being stung with delivery fees. And don't worry if you live alone or nobody else is hungry as there's no minimum spend — not that we'd judge you for ordering all of those tasty items mentioned above solo anyway. So, if you're all tucked up in your blanket burrito and suddenly get a craving for an actual burrito, you can stay cosy and warm inside your home while the food comes to you. All you need to do is head to Menulog to place your order. Taco Bell is offering free delivery across western Sydney via Menulog with no minimum spend for a limited time only. To place your order, head here.
Winner of Concrete Playground's Best New Pub of 2015. Standing proud in Millers Point, the Hotel Palisade forms a unique and improbable part of Sydney's foreshore history; when it was built a century ago, it was the city's highest building. Having sat sadly vacant for years, it's now been revived with a smart new maritime design by Sibella Court which nods to the area's industrial and nautical heritage. There are diagrams of seafaring knots on the distressed walls and the inscription 'Think Like a Pirate' on one arched doorway, as well as a painting of a ship battling treacherous seas. Old school pub tiling, vintage lamps and some priceless old signage round out the olde world feel. A rooftop cocktail bar is due to open soon and will offer extensive views of the bright lights of the Barangaroo complex. But for now there's the downstairs pub, which pumps out food that avoids the familiar schnitzels and steak sandwiches and opts instead for snacks like creamy chicken liver pate with a sweet Young Henrys cider jelly ($12). There's also a salmon tartare with plenty of freshness and flavour from crunchy cress, roe, thin sliced radish and citrus creme fraiche. A beef brisket sanga ($18) is filled with meat soft enough to fall apart at the touch of a butter knife and comes with a mug of salt and vinegar chips. Once a popular drinking hole for workers building the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Palisade now offers a diverse drinks list which includes top-notch craft beers like Little Creatures Pale Ale ($6.50) as well as wines from across the nation. Go for the fruity Cooter & Cooter Shiraz ($9/$42) or one of the thematically fitting rums, like a Pirate's Grog ($13) or Sailor Jerry ($8.50). The cocktail list by Mikey Enright (of The Barber Shop) is also on point. It includes a refreshing Governors Gimlet ($16) with house-made celery liqueur and dehydrated lime, and a Spiced Negroni ($17), which is heavy on cinnamon, cloves and star anise. A Larrikin Old Fashioned ($17) adds IIegal mezcal for a cheeky twist on the evergreen cocktail. Heartbreak Hotel ($17) is probably the pick though, and not just for jilted lovers. Combining Chivas whisky, Pierre Ferrand cognac, rockmelon, fennel seed honey and bitters, it's floral, smoky and sweet all at once — an ideal drink to raise in celebration to this reborn gem of Sydney harbour history. Images: Destination NSW
More than two decades ago, Australian coffee roastery Single O took its first steps right here at home. Soon, the Sydney-based brand will boast more locations to its name in Japan than Down Under. A decade since heading overseas, four years after opening its first international cafe in the country's capital back in 2021 and just a year since its last Tokyo expansion, Single O is launching a new concept in the must-visit city: its first-ever day-to-night venue. Located near Akihabara, the neighbourhood of Kanda Awajicho is your next destination for one of the chain's cuppas in Tokyo — and for cocktails, wine and beers as well. Opening on Thursday, April 24, 2025, this will be Single O's largest venue in the city, as well as its new Japanese flagship. "We're excited to open our newest Single O location in Kanda. We've been in Japan for over ten years now, and it's unreal to be part of specialty coffee's growth here and support a thriving independent cafe scene," said Single O CEO Mike Brabant. "It's a sister to our Surry Hills site in Sydney, seating a community of coffee lovers, locals and travellers alike," he continued. "We're calling it the mothership and we hope people will come in, discover something new and feel at home — whether they're here for our signature Reservoir St flat white, [to] experience the latest single origin on tap from our producer partners around the world or grab an after-work drink." For the new 50-seater venue's look, Single O have gone with a space-age theme. "Mixing futuristic, industrial aesthetics found us celebrating the brand's DNA, Australian roots and celebrating Japan's vibrant culture," advised Stuart Krelle, with Sydney-based design firm Luchetti Krelle behind the aesthetic. The brand's commitment to sustainability remains in place, however, including in the Kanda cafe's recycled plastic countertops, upcycled plywood chairs and reused central communal table. Among the sips, coffee on tap is a feature, of course, with six free-pour options available. The lineup of drinks running through them will rotate between origins, blends and seasonal choices. Or, order something else caffeinated and get the cafe's staff to put the espresso machine to good use. When it comes time to say cheers to a boozy beverage, expect coffee cocktails, naturally. Single O has even whipped up its own piña colada featuring a pineapple and coconut coffee clarification that's created with spent coffee grounds, plus washed coconut rum and soda water. Australian craft beers and wines are also on offer. Yes, the banana bread with espresso butter is on the food menu. So is The Avo Show, aka rye, achiote cashew cheese, pickled fennel, seasoned crumb, chilli oil and sweet lemon aspen. You can also tuck into the Mothership Bowl (made with brown rice, caramelised mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, pickles and a soft boiled egg) and the Yuzu Benny (which features a poached egg, sourdough, smoked salmon, yuzu hollandaise, cucumber, mint, coriander, pickled apple, lemongrass sate, chilli oil, crispy rice and shallot crumb). In another first for Single O, the Kanda outpost also sports its debut range of pastries baked onsite thanks to Head Chef Yoko Kobayashi (an alum of Bills in Australia) and Pastry Chef Johnny Pisanelli. Single O's Kanda location joins its Hamacho spot, plus Ryogoku Roastworks — which initially started as a roastery and tasting bar before its initial Japanese cafe, then moved into bigger digs and added its second space for aficionados to grab a brew — and its Shibuya coffee bar. In Australia, the chain has venues in Surry Hills and at Carriageworks in Sydney, and in Newstead in Brisbane. Find Single O's new Kanda cafe at at 〒101-0063 3F Waterras Tower 101, 2-chome Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, from Thursday, April 24, 2025 — open from 8am–9pm weekdays and 9am–6pm on weekends. Head to the brand's website for more details.
On the Gold Coast, sun, surf and sand go hand-in-hand with high-rise buildings, busy bars and plenty of theme parks; however one patch of the city still keeps things relatively low-key. While The Spit at Southport is home to Sea World and the Palazzo Versace, it's also filled with parkland, naturally vegetated sand dunes, a huge expanse of beach and the sand spit that gives the area its name — and soon it'll all be part of Australia's biggest ocean park. Announced by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and expected to take up to a decade to come to fruition, the Gold Coast Ocean Park will span 201 hectares, with 140 hectares earmarked for park activities. The green space north of Sea World is set to retain its current natural splendour while adding other attractions, from a restored 4000-square-metre rainforest by the water to an underwater sculpture garden. Crucially, existing favourites and features will remain as part of the just-released draft master plan, including the kiosk, marine rescue and boat ramps. As for the extensive sand dunes, they'll benefit from improved cycle and walkways. Splitting the area into seven precincts — the top of The Spit, Wave Break Island, the Federation Walk coastal reserve, Muriel Henchman Park, a village centre, Philip Park and a southern gateway — The Spit is also set to boast light rail through to Sea World, a super yacht marina, a seaside promenade as well as a broadwater boardwalk, an island viewing platform, a waterslide park and a selfie tower. The list of features continues, complete with picnic and event spaces, bird lookouts, an Aboriginal cultural centre, a new resort and a public beach club, with the latter concept floating around in different guises for a while. If that sounds like a lot to fit into one place, that's because the entire space will eclipse Brisbane's South Bank eight times over, the city's Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens by two-and-half times, and also prove 12 times bigger than the public areas at Sydney's Barangaroo. On the world front, the Qld Government has its sights set on ranking among global landmarks — with New York's Central Park coming in at 340 hectares and Hyde Park London spanning 142 hectares. Parts of The Spit — specifically areas around Fisherman's Wharf and Sea — have been earmarked for commercial development, and a cruise ship facility is still a possibility for Philip Park. The potential terminal been long been one of the contentious aspects of The Spit's proposed redevelopment over the years, with the controversial project earning a hefty outcry of opposition. While the current blueprint is the result of more than 21,100 pieces of feedback and over 2500 folks dropping by consultation sessions according to the government, interested parties can still have their say until 5pm on Sunday, March 31. For more information about the Gold Coast Ocean Park and the Southport Spit draft master plan can be viewed online.
When it comes to decking out your home with impressive but affordable homewares, Kmart has been giving IKEA a run for its money in recent years. Indeed, if you're already a convert, you probably know just how popular the Aussie department store gets whenever it drops a new range — or, you've likely seen everyone else's Instagram snaps that prove it. Spent too much timing staring at your same old furniture this winter, thanks to the cold and the pandemic? Wish you were somewhere beachy? Always wanted to kit out your place with a bohemian vibe? Today, Thursday, July 28, Kmart has just unveiled its latest home-focused lineup, and it takes care of all of the above. Expect it to fly off the shelves as always. With prices starting at $1.75 — for bowls, should your kitchenware need a revamp — the August Living range goes heavy on pastel hues, natural materials and coloured glass. There are two main themes: timeless and urban. The former skews soft, delicate and homely, with curvy shapes, chambray fabrics and pops of block colour. The latter, which is still designed to mix-and-match with the rest of the range, is where bold silhouettes and gleaming surfaces come in. Covering items for the dining room, bathroom, bedroom and living room as well, Kmart's current drop spans everything from fringed cushions and swivelling single-seater couches through to coastal pics, palm tree-adorned bed linen and cane bathroom furniture. Yes, it's all very 70s chic, too, especially the pink, brown, mustard and other earthy colours. Among the standout pieces: two-packs of cute sea shell-shaped candles for $5, shaggy cushions for $14, cane chairs to pop them on for $149 each, and wicker lampshades and bases ranging from $39–59. If you'd like to throw in some marble, there's three different tables, all with metal bases, including a $49 side table, $69 hallway table and $89 coffee table. And white-panelled bathroom storage starts at $69. You know how they say that change is as good as a holiday? It isn't, obviously, but swapping your home decor to the kinds of items that you might find in a Byron Bay beachhouse should help lift the vibe at least. The August living range is on sale online and in-store from Thursday, July 28–Wednesday, August 17, and also includes wallpaper, flooring, curtains and blinds, as well as a new DIY line. Kmart's August Living range is on sale online and in-store from Thursday, July 28–Wednesday, August 17.
Last night, the best chefs in the world descended on Spain's Bilbao for the annual World's 50 Best celebrations. Among them, was Australia's Ben Shewry. Shewry is no stranger to the awards, his Ripponlea restaurant Attica has appeared on the list every year since 2013, but this is the first year he's cracked the top 20. Attica was the only Australian restaurant in the top 50 — which jumped 12 spots from No. 32 to No. 20 this year — with Victoria's Brae falling to No. 58, compared to a ranking of No. 44 last year. Attica also took out the coveted Best Restaurant in Australasia award. The top five restaurant for 2018 aren't dramatically different from past years, with Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana rising from second place to once again take out the top gong. Spain's El Celler de Can Roca rose from No.3 to No.2, while Southern France's Mirazur rose from No. 4 to No.3, and New York's Eleven Madison Park dropped from No.1 to No. 4 — it was closed for renovations for a portion of last year. Rounding out the top five was Bangkok's Gaggan, a restaurant known, among other things, for its emoji-only menu. It was a bittersweet awards for Australia, which has oft had up to four restaurants on the list — the award's debut year, in 2002, saw Melbourne's Flower Drum, Sydney's Tetsuya's and Neil Perry's Rockpool (which has now closed) all in the top 50. This year, only one made the cut. The award's often-criticised gender imbalance was once again evident, with only five women making the list (an increase from last year's three). You can check out the full list at the World's 50 Best website.
Travel is a salve to all of life's problems. There's something truly healing about that first dip into a faraway sea, a bite of a food you've never heard of before, or the background hum of a language you can't understand. But sometimes, all it takes is a hotel to have you packing your bags and buckling into your plane seat. There's no better place to find that holiday feeling than in Asia. From the patchwork blue seas of the Komodo Islands to the tranquil jungles of Ubud and into the hawker centres of Singapore, Asia is dotted with spectacular hotels that are worth making the trip for. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can access exclusive rates immediately on stays at participating properties (700 of them in Asia alone). Membership is free, so once you've signed up, book with the app and earn points for future stays worldwide. [caption id="attachment_1045361" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TA'AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa[/caption] TA'AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia Depending on who you ask, there are anywhere from 16,000 to 18,000 islands in Indonesia. Flores, Bali's quiet neighbour, may just be the most underrated of them all. The town of Labuan Bajo on Flores is the gateway to the Komodo Islands—a patchwork of sparkling blue water, technicolour coral reefs and sacred Komodo dragons. It's quickly becoming Indonesia's best-kept treasure and is only a one-hour flight from Bali. When in town, TA'AKATANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is the place to stay. The resort's over-water villas draw inspiration from Flores' distinctive spider-web style rice paddies, offering epic views that look out over the Komodo Islands. Here, your villa also includes a luxurious butler service. Inspired by the mystical caves of Rangko and Batu Cermin, Di'a Spa is where hot tubs and cold plunge pools overlook the turquoise Flores Sea, offering not just relaxation but also renewal. It's your chance for a soulful pause in one of Indonesia's most captivating settings. [caption id="attachment_1045362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel[/caption] The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok is a direct flight away from most Australian capitals, but the second your feet hit the buzzing streets, you feel a world away. You arrive to tropical warmth, towering, gilded temples, and fragrant, heaped bowls of street food passing by on vendors' carts. Not to mention, Bangkok is quickly earning a reputation as one of South East Asia's creative hotspots with galleries, bars, endless vintage shopping and local fashion labels popping up across the city. When in town, our editors check into The Athenee Hotel. Here, you're staying on the grounds of Kandhavas, the palace of Princess Valaya Alongkorn, the daughter of King Rama V. The five-star, luxury hotel is also located right in the heart of Bangkok—perfect for a trip spent hitting the city's exceptional shopping malls like Siam Paragon. After a day exploring Bangkok, head back to your hotel to de-stress with a holistic treatment at the Athenee Spa. W Singapore - Sentosa Cove, Singapore Sentosa Island is Singapore's island getaway—yet, you're still connected to the mainland. Singapore's hawker centres, futuristic skyline and unrivalled shopping make it one of the best city breaks going. W Singapore - Sentosa Cove is one of the coolest places to stay when you're in town. The hotel's sleek design and freshly-renovated rooms were born from blending city and sanctuary. The result is a space that channels the tropical microcosm that is Singapore: abundant energy, buzzing atmosphere, and an element of surrealism. While on Sentosa Island, check out Universal Studios, laze your day away at Siloso Beach or Palawan Beach (the southernmost point of continental Asia) or simply unwind in W Singapore's free-form outdoor pools. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud, Indonesia Found deep inside the Balinese jungle, on the shores of the Ayung River, sits Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property. Ubud, a green, spiritual enclave in Bali, is often overlooked in favour of beach clubs. But, check into Mandapa — within an Indigenous village — and you'll soon realise that this is the best way to experience Bali. You'll find 35 suites, 25 pool villas and four unique dining concepts dotted across the resort's lush grounds. The best part, though, is their restorative spa and Disconnect to Reconnect Wellness Journey Program. You'll receive a personalised wellbeing and health program tailored just for you. The experience is guided by three pillars: wellness, gastronomy, and sustainability. For those seeking a stay that truly renews, this is your sanctuary. [caption id="attachment_1043648" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Juliana Barquero[/caption] Aloft Osaka Dojima, Japan If you're anything like us, your social feeds are currently filled with friends living it up in Japan. And, with ski season approaching, your jealousy is about to get worse. If you've always wanted to go, let this be your sign to book that trip now. The vibrant, technicoloured streetscapes of Osaka's litter social feeds everywhere — especially with the city's vintage designer shopping. But they're really just the backdrop of Aloft Osaka Dojima. The sleek, design-focused hotel is for the traveller who likes being in the heart of the city. Stay here, and you're never more than a short walk from Osaka's viral food spots and expansive train network. Take a day trip to Kyoto or Nara, stop into Universal Studios or try the world-famous Kobe beef before heading back to base. [caption id="attachment_1051746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, Malaysia[/caption] Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, Malaysia Think of Malaysia, and chances are your mind rushes to steaming bowls of fragrant laksa, a buzzing Kuala Lumpur and its Petronas Towers at night (or that scene from Entrapment). But, did you know its coastline is dotted with tropical islands and pristine beaches? One of our editors' favourites is the Perhentian Islands on the east coast of Terengganu. It's here, on Perhentian Kecil, that you'll find Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa. Their private villas are perched on the cliffside with panoramic views out onto the azure shores of the Perhentians, and even come complete with a private pool and luxurious baths. Outside the resort grounds, island hop the day away, swim with turtles and snorkel through pristine coral reefs, then watch the sun slip below the horizon on a sunset cruise. Become a Marriott Bonvoy member (for free) for access to the best rates on the website. Then, download the app to discover a world of unparalleled rewards and earn and redeem points for your next trip with Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace. And, to celebrate the end of 2025, you can even earn 2,025 bonus points when you book if you register at Marriott's website.
No matter what our television screens told us about the 21st century, it looks like we probably won't gain access to hoverboards, robot maids or teleporting stargates any time soon. Sorry guys. However, recent news from the US may offset every other sci-fi-based hope that has been dashed by the underwhelming reality of 2013. NASA has just announced that it is dropping US$125,000 on the development of a 3D food printer. Yes, you heard right, a sort of inkjet for pizza. And they're actually starting with pizza. The 'universal food synthesiser' will be designed by mechanical engineer Anjan Contractor (who has already constructed a chocolate printer, the likes of which you can play with at the Sydney Powerhouse Museum event Eat the Collection) and turn powder into a three-tiered space-age Italian snack. While it may not exactly rival your local woodfired joint, the advantages of this technology could have galactic consequences. First, because powder has a longer shelf-life than organic food (it can last for decades), astronauts will be able to survive epic interplanetary voyages. The 15-year journey to Mars, for example, would be much more bearable with some powder and a printer than it would be with stale Weet-Bix and rock-hard peanut butter. But the designer of the universal food synthesiser has even higher hopes for his machine that could have an impact right here on Earth. Contractor imagines a world where every kitchen contains a 3D food printer stocked with nutritious meals bought cheaply from the local grocery store. A future where powder enables the full flourishing of human life. Indeed, he believes that the synthesiser could end world hunger. It's crazy that TV never told us about that. Via Quartz.
If you're just a hunk, a hunk of burning love for the one and only Elvis Presley, and you live in Australia, you've been having quite the few years. A massive exhibition dedicated to the king of rock 'n' roll came our way, Baz Luhrmann's AACTA-winning and Oscar-nominated biopic Elvis wowed fans, and Sofia Coppola's Cailee Spaeny-starring Priscilla has also hit the big screen. Also on offer: a new Presley-focused stage musical that debuted in Sydney last year — and is coming back from Sunday, February 4. Called Elvis: A Musical Revolution, this production features more than 40 of the singer's hits, because there's just that many songs to include. All of the expected favourites are worked into the biographical musical, which means everything from 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Hound Dog', 'That's All Right' and 'All Shook Up' through to 'Suspicious Minds', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Burning Love' and 'Blue Suede Shoes'. 'Good Rockin' Tonight', 'Earth Angel', 'Don't Be Cruel' and 'Are You Lonesome' get a whirl as well, as do 'Blue Moon of Kentucky', 'See See Rider', 'Can't Help Falling in Love' and 'A Little Less Conversation'. That's what the show's audience hears. As for what everyone sees — what makes the musical one for the money, naturally — the production's story tells Elvis' tale from his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi through to his triumphant '68 Comeback Special. If you've seen the aforementioned Elvis, none of it will be new news, but Elvis: A Musical Revolution works its hip-swinging magic anyway. In Sydney, Elvis will be in the building at the State Theatre again. Starring Rob Mallett (House Husbands, Singin' in the Rain), Elvis: A Musical Revolution hails from David Venn Enterprises, which has also been behind Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical, The Wedding Singer and Bring It On: The Musical — and arrives via a partnership with Authentic Brands Group, the owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Also behind the scenes, the musical's book comes courtesy of David Abbinanti and Sean Cercone — who have Saturday Night Fever: The Musical and Ghost: The Musical on their resumes — with Abbinanti also composing the orchestrations, arrangements, and additional musical and lyrics. Images: Ken Leanfore / Daniel Boud.
Whether you know that little spot behind the El Alamein Fountain as Potts Point or Elizabeth Bay, likelihood is you know Gazebo. You may also know that this Sunday drinks staple, tucked underneath apartments of the same name, has had quite the extensive refurb. The result: a sophisticated hotel-style restaurant and bar that locals of both suburbs will find it hard not to fall for. Owned by the large lifestyle group Keystone, the new and improved Gazebo has well and truly shaken its garishly colourful and quirky character other ‘stone establishments like the Winery in Surry Hills are renowned for. It’s now a chic and elegant, two-part venue divided into a casual outside bar and dining space channelling a touch of West Coast LA, and a curving, low-lit restaurant sporting a water-droplet inspired chandelier and a grand piano, to name just a couple of art deco vibes this once hotel for the ‘60s international in-crowd would be proud of. Manager Michael Gavaghan tells us Gazebo was “long overdue” some love, especially with the likes of The Apollo and Monopole upping the ante mere moments away, and with a menu designed to share created by ex-Est. head chef Jason Dean on offer, long gone are the days of oversized sausage rolls and double dipping. We began by crunching through some carrot crisps with Chantilly goat's curd and a delicious blast of balsamic ($6) before flipping textures with kingfish in smoked oyster dressing, cured with cucumber and freshened further with apple and lime ($19). For mains, we devoured the tiger prawns in green chilli, daikon and coconut ($21) before moving onto the spiced lamb ($27) — both cooked by wood oven, by the way — and the duck ($28). The lamb accompanied by butternut, roasted lettuce, black quinoa and parmesan was very nice, especially the black quinoa with its amazing nutty, almost popcorn flavour. The duck, however, clinched the title as best dish, cooked perfectly and dripping with all the flavours — including beetroot, smoked almond and salted honeycomb. As wine goes, there isn’t a huge selection, but the staff will still happily suggest something to complement your meal, so certainly shout for their recommendations if you want/need. When our bottle of Some Young Punks' Double Love Trouble Nebbiolo arrived ($53), we were glad we did. Cocktails-wise, pre-meal we tried the house special Chilcano de Pisco of lime, honey, ginger, soda, bitters and Campo de Encanto pisco ($13 and on tap), and the tequila-based Tommy’s Gazebo of Don Julio Blanco with pomegranate, coconut nectar, bitters and lime. Both are sweet and refreshing and just what you fancy if you’re looking to soak up some outside and feel a little fabulous. And to be honest, while personally I’m a little biased as a pianist myself, if you manage to score yourself a table on a Wednesday or Friday when the grand piano is being played (beautifully, may I add), it’s kinda tricky not to feel a little fabulous in here. The transformation is a success, the food is excellent and the service is genuinely friendly and knowledgeable. Nicely done, indeed.
One of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of the 21st century, Chan Marshall — aka Cat Power — is no stranger to a cover. She's been transforming other people's work into something entirely Power-esque across her entire career, including honing the art on her 2000 album The Covers Record and 2008's Jukebox. In 2022, she again dropped a project devoted to reshaping songs originally sung by others with the aptly titled album Covers, unveiling versions of tracks by Frank Ocean, Nick Cave, Lana Del Rey and Iggy Pop. Now, Power has embarked on her most ambitious cover-based project yet, covering Bob Dylan's legendary 1996 Royal Albert Hall set in full in 2022 at the titular venue in London. Receiving rapturous praise, the show is a track-by-track recreation of a legendary set that Dylan performed on his first tour after polarising attendees at the Newport Folk Festival with his new electric sound. Sydney is lucky enough to be the second-ever city to see Power perform this set, with Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert coming to the Sydney Opera House as part of the Vivid Live program. Concrete Playground chatted with Marshall before she headed to Australia to discuss why this set is so important to her, the reaction to its debut in London and the new music she has on the way. ON WHY SHE CHOSE THIS PARTICULAR BOB DYLAN SET "I got an offer to play the Royal Albert Hall in London on Bonfire Night, Guy Fawkes Night... and I was like 'well if I play there, I only want to do Dylan's songs'. And that was just a no-brainer of which songs I would do. I felt pretty alone when I was young — when he was running around being a rockstar and stuff. I wasn't a rockstar, but just knowing that someone was kind of scuzzy, and writing his own shit and saying what he wanted to say and doing his own thing, that was that peer thing he gave people. He narrated and was able to articulate people's points of view during a time of mass confusion and that confusion is the thread of our social constructs." ON HEARING THE SET FOR THE FIRST TIME "It was the film, so it might have been [in] 91 — it was the film Don't Look Back... I just felt transported to this place that reminded me of just floating and thoughts and poetry and the absurd." ON THE TEAM SHE PULLED TOGETHER FOR THE SHOW "We had a rehearsal and I tried to figure out who would be best. Because it's really specific, the style of playing — the heartbeat of that is Bob's style — and on top of that, The Band and that movement of playing. Because I could say that it's a style but there was a certain feeling, I think, that was happening at the time. I asked my friend Henry Munson, he's playing with me. He's in Arsun's band, he has his own bands, too. But he was, no-brainer, going to be the Bob guitar. I had never heard the drummer play before or seen him play or met him, but I said 'well, tell me what kind of band he's in before I go jam with him' and [my friend] said 'oh, he's in a Grateful Dead cover band'. And I said 'okay perfect, he sounds great'. " ONE DEBUTING THE SET AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL "Oh my god. So, for me, I'm secondary to the nature of what's happening when I'm doing it — I feel secondary. My major concern is for the song itself. It's not psychological, it's like I have to do it justice. I don't know. I'm secondary, my physical being is secondary but the song is always the point of me doing what I'm doing. And, I can be very hard on myself but it's the only way that I can be. In the back of my mind, you know, my consciousness, my awake mind was like 'oh yeah, I'm fucking terrified'. I've never been inside that place. I used to walk around it. I used to stay at the Hotel Columbia across the park from there, you know, the rock 'n' roll hotel or whatever. And I'd always walk around that place. I'd never been inside, and to be able to play there, it was some kind of a magic gift or something. That's how it felt. It means something individually to me to do those songs in that venue 'cause of how much I loved Bob growing up." ON THURSTON MOORE'S REACTION TO THE LONDON SET "One thing was that, at the end, there were a bunch of friends there and Thurston Moore was in town and he said — he's gonna kill me — but he said 'Mr Tambourine Man' made him cry. Isn't that sweet?" ON THE MAGIC OF COVERING OTHER ARTISTS' WORK "I knew those songs already, as a little kid, so it was like — I don't want to say second nature because, as someone who's loved all kinds of music my whole life and different things besides music, it wasn't second nature to me — it was just familiar and just easy, because it was like being a kid and singing along. If I play Michael Jackson's song or something, play me the Thriller record, I'm going to sing backup on the whole fucking record with my own harmonies, because I've been singing that shit forever. And different singers bring different shade or colour, or smell or taste, to the same old song. And that's what speaks to a new generation or a new group of people, just different emulations of one song." ON HER CONNECTION TO THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE "I did a record of mine called Moon Pix. I think it was the 25th anniversary. [Editor's note: it was the 20th.] I did another Vivid fest, actually... I have the poster for all two of them. And I hope to get the poster for the third. The Moon Pix thing was really moving because I was alive, you know. I wasn't dead. I never thought I'd live this much and I was there and it was great and it was beautiful. I was with Mick [Turner, from Dirty Three] and Jim [White, also from Dirty Three] and we were, all three, alive. And it was beautiful, and it was real, and it was really nice." ON WHAT'S NEXT FOR CAT POWER "I'm going right back into the studio and doing my new record. There's a song called 'Brave Liar', I think it's the good one. Another home recording." Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert is coming to the Sydney Opera House for Vivid Live on Wednesday, May 31. Head to Sydney Opera House website for tickets and further details.
Most families have road-trip stories and vacation tales embedded not only in their memories, but in their lore. Cherished holiday moments, whether joyous, chaotic or everything in-between, help cement the picture of who a brood is beyond the bonds of blood. So too does recalling those getaways in frequently wheeled-out anecdotes. This is all true for the Hammar family, which spent every summer during now-journalist, TV presenter and writer Filip's childhood heading from Sweden to France. With patriarch Lars behind the wheel, they'd venture for a stint of fun and sun — plus Lars whipping up ratatouille in the kitchen — at Beaulieu-sur-Mar in the French Riviera. Plenty of families talk about recapturing that magic years later. Some make the same pilgrimage again. For Filip, taking Lars back to the spot between Nice and Monaco, driving there in the same type of orange Renault 4, staying in the apartment they always did, and re-orchestrating some of treasured incidents and instances, wasn't just about nostalgia, however. That's an undeniable aspect of the trip captured in documentary The Last Journey, but so is rekindling the now-octogenarian Lars' lust for life — which was flagging after retiring from his beloved job as a teacher after 40 years and biding most of his time in an armchair at home, with his energy, physical and emotional alike, waning. Co-directed with Fredrik Wikingsson, who Filip has collaborated with professionally for a quarter of a century, the film that chronicles the Hammars' new south-of-France jaunt is now Sweden's highest-grossing doco in history. "We didn't expect this," Filip tells Concrete Playground about the reaction to the movie, which premiered in March 2024 in Swedish cinemas, was selected as the Scandinavian country's submission for the 2025 Oscars' Best International Feature category, and opens in Australia on Thursday, February 27, 2025 and in New Zealand on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Included in that sentiment: the response to the film as it has played well beyond Filip, Lars and Fredrik's homeland. "This was just a small, small project that we thought would be very domestic in a way," Filip continues. "Yeah, this is incredible for us," adds Fredrik. With Fredrik also travelling to Beaulieu-sur-Mar with Filip and his father, this is a deeply personal picture. A son trying to help his dad reclaim his zest for living was always going to be — even if the travelling party hadn't had to navigate setbacks such as Lars' hotel-room fall, which results in a broken bone, a hospital stay and almost calling the whole thing off. But as specific to the Hammars as the whole endeavour is, as filled with recreated moments for Lars and Filip, and as layered with minutiae from their family's experiences, The Last Journey also achieves the holy grail of personal filmmaking: ensuring that such an individual quest is always movingly universal. Again, road trips and fondly remembered holidays, tales about them, nostalgia and wanting to recapture family glory days are familiar to almost everyone; however, The Last Journey resonates well beyond the obvious, and long past the broad strokes. While they mightn't have when they were starting work on the movie, Filip and Fredrik — as they're known in Sweden, including via TV shows such as Sunday Party with Filip and Fredrik and Breaking News with Filip and Fredrik — understand this as filmmakers. Their documentary charts their French trip, plus Filip's journey to accept his dad's ageing and his grappling with mortality, through Filip's eyes, but its guiding forces now know that their viewers will see themselves in every Hammar family-centric detail. [caption id="attachment_991498" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Margareta Bloom Sandebäck[/caption] There's a moment in the film in France, in the apartment that he visited yearly when he was a boy, where Filip comments that being there now feels like being in a museum — and that the memories of his dad from past holidays are everywhere you look. There's so much in that statement about the way that we adore and look back on memories and experiences with our loved ones, as there is in the film. Indeed, amid The Last Journey's efforts to recreate key memories for Lars, and its commitment to not shying away from tough moments, Filip's words and the sensation they describe — a feeling that viewers will be able to recognise instantly in their own lives — perfectly sums up the entire documentary. That's an immense achievement for a movie that its directors were "very nervous about this being a very personal, small story that maybe nobody would give a shit" about, as Fredrik advises — even if they did come to realise that for audiences, "when you watch the film, you probably sit and think about the stuff you did with your parents when you grew up and the places you stayed at," Filip notes. Digging into the reaction to the doco, exploring why it's so relatable, unpacking that museum-like sensation, stepping through Lars' seemingly reluctance at various stages, examining why it was so crucial to include difficult moments, uncovering what Filip learned along the way: that's all a part of our chat with Filip and Fredrik as well. On Filip and Fredrik's Journey with the Film So Far, Including Notching Up the Highest-Grossing Swedish Documentary in History Fredrik: "First and foremost, we were very nervous about this being a very personal, small story that maybe nobody would give a shit, because it was just like maybe people will think 'good for you, good for your dad, you made a trip, why should we care?'. And especially abroad, that's even crazier. But the reactions from so many people, we got emails and text messages and stuff of people having seen the film and made their own versions of this journey. Like going to Italy with their 97-year-old grandfather, having one last beer at his favourite restaurant, or a smaller, more reasonable version — 'I just went to a museum with my mother' — and that whole almost-movement has been incredibly rewarding." Filip: "I think that when you start out, when we had this idea — this started out as just me and my dad going on a trip without cameras, when me and Fredrik started talking, 'maybe we should document this somehow'. And we decided to do that. I'm not sure it's a good idea if you start thinking about 'will this resonate?'. Of course you ask yourself those questions, like 'what's the story here?', but I don't think we understood how well it would resonate with people. Because this was my sort of issue — I felt like 'this is me, this is my dad, I want to reverse time, I want him to be the guy he used to be'. I think we underestimated how common that is in a way, how people could truly relate to this. And first off, we discovered that 'hey, they can relate to this in Sweden' — and then we started slowly to screen it outside of Sweden, and then you realise that 'hey, this is a very universal thing'. I mean, it's not that we're stupid. We knew that some people would relate. But I think it's really common now where you don't want your parents to get old, because it also makes you aware of your own mortality. And you also love your parents. So it's a very universal story, I think." On the Movie's Museum Comment, How It Sums Up the Film and How We All See Our Memories in Spaces That Are Important to Us Filip: "Thank you, first of all — that was just something I improvised. It just came." Fredrik: "Yeah, yeah." Filip: "I think people could relate to that as well. I remember, just a while ago, I went down to an apartment, my grandad's apartment — that's not in France, that's in Sweden — and I opened the door and immediately the smell was the same, and I immediately see my granddad was sitting there in his oversized bathrobe in the mornings, whatever. So there are several museums, because you associate places with certain things and memories. And I think that for everyone, like Fredrik talks about — I mean, in the beginning of the film, I talked about that last bend. We drive down to France and my dad always said 'kids, this is the last band. Then we arrive in our paradise'. But Fredrik had his own paradise. You probably had your own paradise. And those are museums, I guess, for all of us. So that's also one of the reason I think you can relate, because when you watch the film, you probably sit and think about the stuff you did with your parents when you grew up and the places you stayed at." On the Quest to Help Lars Recapture His Lust for Life — Even with His Seeming Reluctance About the Journey at Times Fredrik: "I've known Filip since the mid-90s and I've known Lars for as long. And he knows me well, and we love each other. We had a very, very small crew — and I think there is a part of him being a teacher for 40 years, a very beloved teacher. And he was he was beloved because he was also a performer. He was one of those like Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society-type teachers. So I think in a way, I think the camera for him was like a return to performing again." Filip: "That's true. You never said that before." Fredrik: "So even though it could be strange to be on-camera for a person who's not used to it, he was such a natural, if you want to call it that. Also, I think the camera made Lars listen better, because he has all kinds of diagnoses, so he is not the greatest of listeners. But everything, because of the camera, because we filmed everything, the tempo was really slow, and I think he just loved being seen and heard because he hadn't been that for a while sitting at home." Filip: "Some people perceive it as him being reluctant, and that's true at times, but also everything, I try to with my mum, I want her to greenlight everything first. She really approved of this idea. She felt he has to do this. She's there with him every day, and if you're depressed, like my dad is, you rather say 'no' than 'yes' — because you are worried, that's just part of it. We wouldn't, of course, have pushed him if he said 'no, no, no, no, no'. We wouldn't have done it. Or if a doctor would say 'this is not possible'. But I know my dad good enough, my mum knows her husband good enough, to understand that, well, you need to convince him — and sometimes you just need to tell him 'Lars, this is what you've got to do', because we knew that he would enjoy this. There were times when he's worried, of course, because he's lost a lot of self-confidence maybe. But he also enjoyed it. Even Fredrik knows this, because he'd seen my dad throughout the years. You can see when he suddenly tells the story about the parrot, when he starts remembering stuff that happened during the heydays of his life on the French Riviera, he smiles. He loves this. He forgets that he's depressed." On the Importance of Recreating Pivotal Moments From Lars and Filip's Family Holidays — and Managing to Pull Them Off Fredrik: "I think this trip could have been only sunsets and beautiful dinners, and having a good lunch with some great French food, but for us that would not do justice to who Filip's dad is. He is original, and the way he looks at France is not like the typical Eat, Pray, Love bullshit, which is all like the good food and stuff." Filip: "Fredrik sometimes calls this film 'an Eat, Pray, Love for smart people'." Fredrik: "Occasionally. But we wanted this to be a fun trip for him, and we wanted it to be like a reverse bucket list, if you will. Instead of doing things he never did before, let's make him — and for god's sake also let Filip, because he wanted this as well — experience the greatest moments of their lives together, and maybe that could reignite his zest for life. It didn't really work out that way, but I think it made the movie better. And also I think that it made the journey more memorable for him." Filip: "Instead of having him experience new things, like 'oh, my dad wants to swim with dolphins' — for some reason that's always on top of a lot of people's lists. It's hanging in there for decades. It's still there — for him, I think we knew that it's better. It's like you get a ticket to your own museum. Let's do this. And I think that was the key to why it felt, for us, relevant to make this film. And also, this is a film about a good human being — but like Fredrik said, then if it could be only like sunset sand great talks, what's good? There's an edge to this film as well that we're both proud of, and I think it's a funny film, and I think those moments we want him to re-experience are obviously not your average moments. It's like having him retell a pretty shitty story about Harry Belafonte, but he loves that story, and it was part of our summers when he tells this story about Harry Belafonte. And I think that's important for the film. Otherwise film could have become quite ... " Fredrik: "Predictable, I guess." Filip: "Yeah, I guess — and bland, like nothing. There is an oddness to it. But still a relatability. Because you probably have that story in your family when your dad is about to — and 'okay, here we go again, he's going to tell this story'. So we all have our Harry Belafonte stories in our families." On Knowing How Crucial It Was to Share the Tough Turns Along the Film's Journey Fredrik: "You never plan for those. When Lars claims, Filip's dad claims, that he makes the best ratatouille in Europe — and every summer, he made that once every summer, and that was the highlight of his summer, spending hours in the kitchen — so of course we wanted that to happen again. And when you plan that as a co-traveller and also filmmakers, you have an idea, 'this is going to be a beautiful scene, one last ratatouille'. And then when you realise quickly that 'oh my god, he can't even cut through the vegetables anymore because he's too frail', your first instinct is panic, to feel like 'oh whoa, this is not what we planned'. But after a while, if you embrace the truth of the moment, which is 'okay, this is a different Lars now, and maybe this means something for this whole experience' — then, if you include that in the film, which we of course did, it becomes more true, and I think even more relatable. Filip: "This film plays a bit, I think, like a feature. It's a doc, but it could just as well almost been a film based on some book or a script or whatever. But what we love is, talking about whatever plot points, that scene, we didn't see it coming. It was just like 'hey, have dinner'. But we realised that, wow, me being desperate — I can't, I don't remember this hardly — how desperate I am trying to find a sharper knife because I really want my dad to be able to cut through that eggplant. That's a very surprising plot point, but that is probably the scene where I give up, or where I come to terms with my dad's age. 'Hey, he's not going to be the same again'. It's hard to write that. That's why I love making documentaries. It's a scene that would have been hard to come up with if you just fantasise. On What Filip Learned on His Trip with His Dad and Fredrik — and From Making a Documentary About It Filip: "It sounds like it's a film about my dad, like his last journey, but I think the person that makes the biggest journey is definitely me. Because I think I really come to terms, or I finally just come to terms, with 'okay, my dad is not going to be who he once was. This is who he is now. But please, Filip, enjoy this'." Fredrik: "Embrace it." Filip: "And embrace it. This chapter in his life and in our lives together also has a silver lining. So I think that has really, truly changed me. And I think maybe people can relate to that as well. Or if you haven't really come to terms with that, maybe people will. And now me and my dad's relationship is better. Before this, every time I called him, I really pushed him. I told him 'come on, stop being depressed, show some fighting spirit' or whatever. Now I feel like 'okay, it's fine. Let's complain, if you want to do that. Then we can talk about other things'. Because I think he felt the pressure before to sort of perform to make me happy, by saying 'no, I'm really trying, Filip'. So that is good. There's a moment in the film where he says 'I hope you're not disappointed with me', and that sort of reveals a lot how, I guess, a lot of parents feel — how they feel like 'oh, I want to be someone else because my kids want me to be who I once was'. I think that's sad. When I think about that line, I think that changed me in a way. 'Of course, I'm not disappointed in you, dad. You can be whoever you want.'" The Last Journey opens in Australian cinemas on Thursday, February 27, 2025 and in New Zealand on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson are in Australia for preview screening with Q&As on Sunday, 16 February at Sydney's Hayden Orpheum Cremorne, and on Tuesday, February 18 at Cinema Nova and The Astor Theatre in Melbourne.
Dust off your petticoat and get your doublets out of the attic — because London's historic Globe Theatre is heading online. You can't currently visit the site itself, which was originally built by Shakespeare's playing company and housed his greatest works; however you can watch six of the Bard's plays performed on its stages thanks to Shakespeare's Globe On Screen. History buffs and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike now have the opportunity to soak in productions on the venue's YouTube channel, with a different pre-recorded performance made available every fortnight. And, checking out these acclaimed works won't cost you a cent, with the six plays streaming for free. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TuR24xhtYg Until Sunday, April 19, ponder whether to be or not to be with a 2018 production of Hamlet. Then, between Monday, April 20–Sunday, May 3, revisit the star-cross'd romance of Romeo and Juliet, as performed in 2009. The fortnight spanning Monday, May 4–Sunday, May 17 will be all about a 2013 version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, with The Two Noble Kinsmen (from 2018; streaming from Monday, May 18–Sunday May 31), The Winter's Tale (from 2018; streaming from Monday, June 1–Sunday, June 14) and The Merry Wives of Windsor (from 2019; streaming from Monday, June 15–Sunday, June 28) all following. Top images: John Wildgoose / Shakespeare's Globe.
There's never been a better time to head out on a road trip and explore everything Australia has to offer. Lockdowns are ending, borders are reopening, live music is taking over regional NSW, and country towns need visitors more than ever after a year void of tourism and the fallout from the devastating 2019/20 bushfires. If you are heading out on the road you may want to bring your pet, after all, what good is a holiday if your four-legged best friend can't come with you. It's also completely fair to have some nervousness about travelling with your pets. Nobody wants to deal with a car-sick pup, or get to their lavish coastal accommodation to find it's not pet-friendly. We talked to veterinarian and Snooza Pet Products ambassador Dr Katrina Warren to ask all the questions you may have before you're joined by your favourite furry buddy on a week away to a pet-friendly stay. To help, we've also rounded up some of our favourite dog-friendly hotels around Australia. What's the best way to find pet-friendly accommodation? "These days, most booking websites have an option to search for pet-friendly accommodation, but just because a property says it accepts pets doesn't mean that it's well set up for pets. It is important to check individual house rules, such as whether the property is fenced and if pets are allowed inside." How often do dogs get car sick and what should I do if my dog does get car sick? "It is quite common for puppies and young dogs to get car sick, but they usually grow out of this. This is because the ear structures that are used for balance are not fully developed yet. Make sure you don't feed them before you start driving and stop frequently for breaks. Like us humans, it can help to have a window open to circulate fresh air and keep the car cool. Some adult dogs can still get car sick, which is when it's best to consult your vet about an effective plan, as there are some medications that can help." How often should we stop for water and toilet breaks for my pet? "I recommend stopping every couple of hours. Always make sure you have your dog on a leash when you bring them out of the car as dogs can panic in new environments and may run. Pack a portable dog bowl and clean water so you always have easy access to cool water." Is there a way I can test if my pet is well suited to travelling before we leave? "Most people have an idea of their pet's personality. A pet that does not enjoy car travel or gets anxious when they go to a new environment would probably be happier to stay home with someone caring for them. Crate training your puppy or adult dog can be extremely helpful, ensuring they are more comfortable when confined to their crate no matter where they are." Are pets likely to be stressed about sleeping in a new environment? How can I help comfort them if they are? "It really depends on the individual pet, but some pets may be anxious when away from their home base. I recommend packing your pet's own bedding so they have something familiar to sleep on. Some beds are easier to travel with than others — I love the Snooza Futon because it's warm in winter and cool in summer. The cover is removable and easy to wash and it doesn't take up a lot of space in the car. Anxious dogs may enjoy snuggling into the Snooza Calming Cuddler Bed." Should I get any specific vaccinations or tick/flea treatments before we leave? "You should make sure your pet's vaccination, worming and flea treatments are all up to date before you travel. If you are travelling to coastal areas of Victoria, NSW or Queensland you should also use a paralysis tick preventative. If you're unsure if there are paralysis ticks in the area you are visiting, I suggest calling ahead to the local vet in the area to ask." Any tips on how to keep pets happy and calm in the car? "While it may be tempting to cuddle your dog on your lap during a car trip, dogs should be restrained when travelling in the car. Keeping them secured behind a grill, in a crate, wearing a harness or dog seat belt are great ways to keep your pets safe, all of which are easiest to teach from when they are a puppy. Using a crate for small dogs and puppies helps keep them safe and comfortable. The Snooza Road Tripper is a handy way to keep your pets secured if they're travelling in the backseat, looking after your dog and your car interior in case they get dirty during walks throughout your trip."
Who knew that a simple zoom out could be so heartbreaking? Iranian-Kurdish journalist and Manus Island detainee Behrouz Boochani, that's who. Secretly recording his indefinite detention in Papua New Guinea's controversial facility for asylum seekers, it's a filmmaking flourish he uses several times throughout Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time. Shooting his restrained surroundings on a mobile phone, his camera captures images both scenic and ordinary — a beach and a communal space, for example — only to then lurch backwards to reveal bars obscuring the view. The statement Boochani makes with this stylistic choice might be obvious, but it's important. For the incarcerated, freedom and normality is so close and yet so far. That applies not only to peering beyond their fenced-in confines, but trying to flee oppression in search of a better life. They're ostensibly right next door to their ideal destination, Australia, and yet the place they're forced to inhabit couldn't be further from their dreams. Indeed, as they struggle with their imprisonment, endure a climate of violence, and make calls to their families back home, their situation more closely resembles a nightmare. Of course, this has all been splashed across countless news headlines; in fact, when the documentary was released in June last year, the Australian government had just that week settled a $70 million lawsuit with Manus Island detainees. But as 2016's Chasing Asylum demonstrated, there's a difference between hearing about the harsh conditions Boochani and company suffer through, and seeing them first-hand; just as there's a difference between seeing asylum seekers as a faceless mass, and getting to know their individual stories. A collaboration with Iranian-Dutch filmmaker Arash Kamali Sarvestani, who produced, edited and composed the suitably emotive score, the movie is less an interview-filled expose, and more a moody portrait of the daily reality of life on Manus Island. Men share tales of bleak incidents within the facility, and try to speak to wives, children and mothers left behind. In between, the camera roams — sometimes over bunk beds no one would want their worst enemy to sleep in, sometimes finding a kitten fenced in behind the wire. Poetic in its depiction of the banality of detainment while offering an impassioned polemic on a punitive regime, Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time is a film of juxtapositions — its subjects yearn for beauty while experiencing abject horror. It's no wonder, then, that Boochani and Sarvestani have chosen to name their feature after a term with a significant double meaning. 'Chauka' refers to both a local bird known for emitting noises at specific times, and the solitary confinement facility within the camp. The film is showing on Sunday, April 22 at the MCA as part of the 21st Biennale of Sydney. Tickets are only $10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwaVMPYEzrA
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
With his Edward Scissorhands hair and big staring eyes enlarged with his wife's eyeliner, Tim Minchin has made a name for himself as Australia's most ridiculously talented comedian and musician. In what seems like a surprising, but genius, move, he's taking to the road again, but this time he's bringing a 55-piece orchestra with him. Tim Minchin's most well-known songs include the 'Peace Anthem For Palestine,' which implores "if you don't eat pigs and we don't eat pigs why not not eat pigs together," 'Inflatable You,' about a man's love for his inflatable, anatomically correct lady friend, and 'If You Really Loved Me,' which outlines the reasons why real love is letting someone videotape you while you pee. The Sydney Symphony, on the other hand, is generally associated with more civilized fare, and seen by most of us at the free events they put on in the Domain during the summer. So surely, the combination of the two has to be a glorious thing. The show will combine new material that Minchin has specifically written with his orchestra in mind, as well as his more familiar songs. Tickets have been selling fast, and while the Opera House has added some extra dates it's probably a good idea to get in while you can for what will surely be an awesomely funny show. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZGzhutyOMSk
Woolloomoolo's The Old Growler has (sadly) closed its doors, and an 80s-themed dive bar has taken its place. Chachi's takes 1980s kitsch to a whole new level with a loud fit-out, neon cocktails and trite food menu names. Like the 80s, the bar is home to some seriously bold patterns and a bright colour palette. Think vibrant painted tables, a Grace Jones mural and old-school arcade games. Behind the bar, it's got nostalgic wares like Polaroid cameras, Legos and Rubik's cubes, too. Even the drinks will match the colour scheme, with a neon blue Socom sour and seriously orange Hemmingway daiquiri joining modern favourites like negronis, espresso martinis and manhattans on the menu. The pub grub is over-the-top in its own right, with burgers like the Kevin with Bacon (chicken with bacon and beetroot) and Molly Ringwald (beef with wasabi beetroot coleslaw on brioche), and the Balboa on White jaffle — that's canned spaghetti with cheese. Though we wouldn't pay $12 for it, it is definitely a throwback to our microwaved Heinz days. The cauliflower and mac 'n' cheese jaffles are accompanied by loaded fries and fried chicken plates, plus a baked potato with sour cream. While the venue does sound like a bit of a gimmick to us — and we were big fans of The Growler — the Kings Cross location is well suited to a loud and proud dive bar. And Sydney could definitely do with a few more of those. Chachi's is now open at 218 William Street, Woolloomooloo. It's open Wednesday through Saturday from 5.3opm to midnight. For more info, visit chachis.com.au.
This autumn, the sweet fiends behind Victoria's hot chocolate and ice cream festivals launched a virtual month-long sugar extravaganza dedicated to sweet, nutty, marshmallowy rocky road. In place of its usual Yarra Valley Rocky Road Festival, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery hosted online tasting sessions and giant boxes filled with 31 different flavours of rocky road. As metropolitan Melbourne reenters lockdown this July, it has brought back the latter. Until the end of lockdown (expected to be August 20), you can get the mammoth Ultimate Rocky Road Box delivered to your door for $110. Flavours include Golden Gaytime, Tim Tam, salted caramel macadamia, salty pretzel, Sour Patch, rum and raisin and many, many more. You can check out all of them here. Elsewhere on the shop's delivery menu, you'll find one-kilogram slabs of rocky road, a chocolate breakfast box and high tea sets. The boxes can be delivered anywhere within Australia for a flat rate of $15.
Are Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally comedy's funniest couple? Both together and apart, their resumes make a strong case for it. Here's another way to make that call: catching them live onstage together in Australia in their first-ever shared in-conversation session. It's a one-night-only date for the Parks and Recreation co-stars, happening to close out Vivid Sydney 2025. If you're as obsessed with one of the best American sitcoms of the 21st century as everyone should be, you will have spotted a trend at Vivid in the past two years. At 2024's festival, Amy Poehler was on the lineup, also getting chatting. Fingers crossed for Adam Scott or Rob Lowe in 2026. Yes, you should get the bacon and whisky ready for Offerman and Mullally. You should also prepare your ears for some high-pitched laughter. Making your own canoe? If you can, that's an appropriate way to celebrate, too. Taking place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney, Offerman and Mullally's exclusive Vivid show is called Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally, and falls into the Harbour City event's Global Storyteller series — which is also bringing Martha Stewart to the New South Wales capital in 2025, was why Poehler was on 2024's lineup, and has also seen The White Lotus' Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White, filmmakers Baz Luhrmann (Elvis) and Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods), and Australia singer Troye Sivan get talking in past years. Parks and Recreation's on-screen Ron and Tammy Swanson were meant to tour to Australia together in 2016, but Mullally had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict, so Offerman came solo. When they finally make the trip by each other's side, the husband-and-wife duo have everything from their multi-hyphenate individual careers to collaborating as creative and real-life partners to dig into, alongside their LGBTQIA+ and environmental activism. "Megan and I are powerfully chuffed to get back to town for Vivid Sydney, but also to reprise our lovemaking session atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Once we have recharged those particular batteries, we'll be thrilled to transfer our slatternly energies to the Vivid Sydney audience," said Offerman, announcing Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally. "Come for the anecdotes and the burlesque lust in our every turn of phrase, then get stretched out before you get home, because there's gonna be some canoodlin'." "We couldn't let Vivid Sydney take place this year without treating visitors to a masterclass in comedy. Nick and Megan are one of the funniest couples alive, and this conversation is set to be equal parts unpredictable and hilarious. Bolstering Vivid Sydney 2025's lineup alongside lifestyle icon Martha Stewart and the formidable Nigella Lawson, there really is something for everyone," added Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini. Offerman and Mullally have also appeared on Will & Grace, Childrens Hospital, Smashed, Somebody Up There Likes Me, The Kings of Summer, Bob's Burgers, The Great North and Party Down together, to name just a few of their shared credits. The Last of Us, Civil War and the upcoming Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning are some of Offerman's recent other projects, while Dicks: The Musical, The Righteous Gemstones and Reservation Dogs are among Mullally's. Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally takes place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney, with tickets on sale on sale at 9am on Friday, May 9 via the festival website — and presales from 9am on Thursday, May 8 for Stan subscribers Vivid Sydney 2025 runs from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 across Sydney. Head to the festival website for further information. Top image: Emily Schur.
Michael Hing returns to the Sydney Comedy Festival with arguably the greatest pun title of the season. His show itself promises to be filled with terrific content too, for he’s one of the best storytellers on the Australian scene. By the end of the evening, you’ll realise you not only laughed a lot but learned a lot too, and that is a rare gift. This is one of our top picks of the Sydney Comedy Festival. Check out our full top ten.
Fast forward to the end of December and we all know we're going to be committing to staying fit come 2021 for our New Year's resolution. We may not follow through, but a fresh sportswear outfit can be some good motivation. If you're looking to get in early, LSKD is lending a helping hand by taking up to 70 percent off its sportswear in its huge Black Friday sale. Formed in 2007, LSKD (pronounced loose kid) is an Australian-owned and operated clothing company specialising in sportswear, streetwear and accessories. The company produces high-quality, stylish clothes for both men and women ready for a trip to the beach, gym or a night out. From 6pm Tuesday, November 24 until Thursday, December 3, LSKD will be offering a heap of its threads wildly low prices, from women's tights, tanks and sports bras to men's tees, hoodies and shorts. This is the brand's only sale of the year so check out the store and maybe save a few bucks. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
We're always coming up with new excuses for a road trip, from spectacular waterfalls to craft breweries. But one of the best is also one of the oldest — food. Drive two hours or less in any direction from Sydney and you're sure to come across at least one restaurant serving up lip-smackingly good dishes. Plus, these venues are usually surrounded by some dreamy views. For rolling vineyards and mountainous backdrops, head northwest to the Hunter Valley, while in the southwestern Southern Highlands you'll find landscaped gardens and magical forests. If you're after invigorating oceanic panoramas, then head up along the Central Coast. To make your next foodie road trip planning easier, we've teamed up with Citi to give you some of the best restaurants well worth the drive. Even better? With the Citibank Dining Program, if you pay with your Citi card at participating restaurants, you'll also receive a free bottle of wine. So, next time you need a break from the big smoke, jump behind the wheel and make a beeline for one of these beauties. The current bushfire season is particularly dangerous. Before you head on an out-of-town adventure, check the RFS NSW and NSW National Parks websites and heed any alerts and warnings. [caption id="attachment_679291" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW.[/caption] BIOTA DINING, BOWRAL Biota Dining takes native ingredients seriously, bringing them to the forefront of most dishes. For head chef and owner James Vile, local produce isn't just a buzzword, but an ethos. In fact, even the word 'biota' refers to the animal and plant life of a particular region. Take a seat in the light-filled dining room and prepare for a genuine taste of the Southern Highlands. Working with the seasons, Vile's menus are ever-changing, with autumn dishes including a kangaroo bolognese jaffle as well as mud crab and creamed eggs with fushimi pepper. Choose between five or seven courses, with or without matching wines. Or, select from a complimentary bottle of Hunter Valley shiraz fiano or semillon thanks to the Citibank Dining Program. Biota Dining is a 90-minute drive southwest of the Sydney CBD or two to three hours by train from Central to Bowral. [caption id="attachment_556709" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bells at Killcare[/caption] BELLS AT KILLCARE, CENTRAL COAST At the southern end of the Bouddi Peninsula, Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant and Spa sits on a magnificent acreage of landscaped gardens that look like they could be the set of Downton Abbey. Book a table on the indoor terrace, at the bar or in the dining room and enjoy a free bottle of Barwang Tumbarumba pinot gris thanks to Citi. The menu is dedicated to authentic fare using seasonal produce from the estate's vegetable garden. Tuck into rigatoni with cuttlefish, nduja and pangrattato or the chicken ballotine stuffed with luganica sausage, farro, mushroom purée and pancetta. Bells at Killcare is a 90-minute drive northeast of the Sydney CBD. RESTAURANT BOTANICA, HUNTER VALLEY For vineyard views, Spicers Retreat's Restaurant Botanica is hard to beat, so we recommend you reserve a table by the window (if you can). Head chef Shayne Mansfield (ex-E'cco Bistro in Brisbane and City Social in London) whips up hearty, nourishing dishes with ingredients sourced from local Hunter Valley farmers and growers. The Hunter gets cold in winter so get started with a shiraz from nearby winery Mount Pleasant, which is on the house if you're a Citi cardholder. Or if you're more of a white drinker, there's also the winery's cellar-aged Elizabeth semillon available thanks to Citi. Foodwise, there's wagyu beef tartare with coal-roasted beetroot, onion buttermilk and sorrel oil and a pork dish with burnt butter roasted pumpkin, smoked pecans, orange and clove, among many other delights. You have a choice of two courses ($69) and three ($79). Plus, there's an extensive plant-based menu available, too. Restaurant Botanica is a two-hour drive north of the Sydney CBD. MUSE RESTAURANT, HUNTER VALLEY Found in the middle of Hungerford Hill Wine Estate inside a former industrial building, Muse Restaurant makes for a cosy escape from the city with a roaring fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. And, wherever you sit, you can watch the double-hatted open kitchen in action. For a long, lazy weekend lunch, the lunch tasting menu ($125) changes seasonally and is the way to go. This season, dishes include poached Hiramasa kingfish with Jerusalem artichoke, Lovedale finger lime, wakame and coastal succulents as well as a slow-cooked lamb breast with black garlic glaze, salt baked beetroot, plum and garlic chive. Being in the Hunter, Muse pours a bevy of local wines, including Mount Pleasant shiraz and chardonnay, both of which are free thanks to Citi. Let your free bottle of vino be the aperitif to what's to come — go the whole nine yards and opt for wine pairings with the tasting menu ($65 or $100 for premium wine pairings). You are dining at a vineyard, after all. Muse is a two-hour drive northwest of the Sydney CBD. CAVEAU, WOLLONGONG Caveau is found inside a cosy, low-lit space in downtown Wollongong. Since opening the restaurant back in 2005, head chef Peter Sheppard has scored a Good Food Chef's Hat every single year — so you know the meal that awaits you is well worth the trip. His ever-changing creations are works of visual and culinary art, where native ingredients are the heroes. Think crocodile ham with green ants, smoked black lip abalone with spanner crab and tomato, and magpie goose with onions, quandong and sea parsley. To complement these true blue Aussie treats, grab a bottle of the Yarra Valley Coombe Farm pinot noir for free thanks to Citi. Otherwise, Citi's offering the Framingham Marlborough sauvignon blanc if white's more your thing. And, assuming you're not the one driving, the seven-course degustation with wines to match is the encouraged way to go. Better yet, save the petrol, save the planet and take the train so all can enjoy those matching wines. Caveau is a 90-minute drive south of the Sydney CBD or just under two hours by train from Central to Wollongong. To get a free bottle of wine at your next meal, book at any one of Citi's participating restaurants, mention the offer at the time of booking and pay your bill with your Citi card. Top image: Biota Dining.
If seeing a flick at an Alamo Drafthouse cinema across the US, or at Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn, has always been on your film-watching to-do list, you'll soon be able to enjoy a similar experience without the overseas trip. Australia is set to welcome the homegrown FoMo Cinemas, which takes its cues from those two cult-favourite American names in the movie theatre business, has a December opening locked in and will set up shop at East Brunswick Village in Melbourne. When the Angelika Film Centre launched in Brisbane earlier in 2023, it brought a New York-born American arthouse cinema chain to Australia. Now, when FoMo Cinemas starts welcoming in patrons, it'll take its cues from US picture palaces, too. The concept: seeing films, of course, but making in-theatre eats as much as a drawcard. So, you'll watch blockbusters and retro titles, and you'll have a meal from a specialty menu brought to you. Barry Peak and Natalie Miller AO are behind FoMo Cinemas, with both boasting Carlton's Cinema Nova on their resumes. With this new independent venture, combining film and food is firmly the focus — and not just via popcorn and choc tops. Think of it as dinner and a movie all in one place, as the flick plays, in a cinema that's devoted to the concept. A chef will design the menu, with dishes made onsite and able to be ordered on-demand to be brought directly to your seat. Also a highlight: a 20-minute pre-show presentation. Alamo Drafthouse is particularly known for the latter, as specifically curated to suit its movies — and featuring clips sourced far and wide. Exactly what bites and sips will be available hasn't been revealed, and neither has the exact opening date or the on-screen lineup, but the latter will show latest releases, classics and curated picks. Cost-wise, movie tickets will be standard prices, the venue's website advises. When it starts its projectors whirring in East Brunswick Village, which is also newly opened itself, FoMo Cinemas is aiming to be a cinema experience rather than just another place to see a film. Melburnians, you'll have a new movie-worshipping spot to head to. Tourists from elsewhere, you'll have another entry on your next Melbourne itinerary. The Victorian capital will gain not one but two new cinemas in December, with Palace's latest Melbourne cinema in Moonee Ponds also launching the same month. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FoMo Cinemas (@fomocinemas) Find FoMo Cinemas at East Brunswick Village, 133 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick from December 2023 — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced.
Throughout January, 2025, summer evenings will come alive at Manly's waterfront gallery. Art, music and ideas collide in a vibrant celebration over three programs every Thursday, January 9—23. The Manly Art Gallery and Museum invites you to explore The Water Understands exhibition, offering fresh perspectives on the curator's process. Visitors will also enjoy live music, art-making activities and thought-provoking talks while sipping on a glass of wine from Little Ripples. Whether you're interested in discovering new works or engaging with artists, these free evenings promise an immersive experience, blending creativity, culture and conversation against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
Have you ever wanted to learn the art of watercolour? How about a dabble in floristry? It all sounds rather appropriate for spring, doesn't it? Throughout November, Tramsheds is offering watercolour and floristry workshops as part of its spring fete, RAW. And while you're channelling your inner-Albert Namatjira or arranging pretty blooms, your tummy will be taken care of, too. Learn the art of watercolour with Sydney artist Yakultboyy as you enjoy bite-sized treats, like chicken tenders from Belle's Hot Chicken or strawberry crumpets from Garçon. Alternatively, try your hand at floristry with flower aficionados Blume Flower School in a spring floral workshop. These are offered either alongside coffee, tea and pastries from the Heritage or with your choice of wine, beer or house-made soda and bites from Butcher and the Farmer. Pop down to the heritage-listed former tram depot and learn a new springy skill. Full details on the workshops below. WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP WITH YAKULTBOYY Saturday, November 3: 10.30am–1pm ($90). Catered by Garcon. Saturday, November 3: 2–4.30pm ($90). Catered by Flour Eggs Water. Monday, November 12: 10.30am–1pm ($60). No food. Saturday, November 17: 10.30am–1pm ($90). Catered by Bekya. Saturday, November 17: 2–4.30pm ($90). Catered by Belle's Hot Chicken. To book a spot at Watercolour with Yakultboyy email: yakultboyy@outlook.com FLORAL WORKSHOP WITH BLUME Wednesday, November 14 and Saturday, November 24: 10am–12pm ($95). Catered by Heritage. Wednesday, November 14 and Saturday, November 24: 12.30–2.30pm ($95). Catered by The Butcher & The Farmer. To secure a place at the Floral Workshop with Blume, head to Blume's website.
The iconic Nobbys Headland boasts 360-degree views of Newcastle and the surrounding coast, offering the area's furthest views over the Pacific. The lighthouse grounds are only open Sundays from 10am till 4pm, but it's the perfect place not only for whale watching but also to catch a view of dolphins and seals. Watching so many majestic sea creatures migrate at once is truly a sight to behold. The simultaneous city and sea lookouts also allow for a unique viewing experience — so be sure to remember your binoculars for this one. Image: Destination NSW
Campos Coffee: it's a brand we've all come to love and know. And this is where the story started. This hole-in-the-wall spot just off buzzing King Street is easily recognisable — the building swathed in the brand's trademark green. Coffee is undeniably the main affair here, with a simple lineup of pastries on offer to accompany your brew. Swing by to sample from its extensive range of blends and single origin roasts.
Sydneysiders venturing outdoors today could find the whole breathing thing a little less fun than usual — as you may have noticed, it's getting smoky out there. As the result of bushfires burning across both New South Wales and Queensland, a layer of smoke has made its way across the city and is expected to stick around for at least the next 24 hours. Needless to say, it's affecting air quality, with the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's air quality monitor giving a "poor" air quality forecast for Tuesday, November 12. The inner city, Randwick, Earlwood, Rozelle, Parramatta and Rouse Hill are among the regions affected — so, a big chunk of the city. Southwest Sydney — including Campbelltown, Liverpool and Camden — is also affected. This is largely do to particles in the air. Also in NSW, Newcastle and the Lower Hunter is listed as "hazardous", while Wollongong and the Illawarra — where lots of schools have today closed — is currently marked as "poor". NSW BUSHFIRE UPDATE 11/11/19: Smoke from bushfires continues to affect large parts of NSW. People with existing lung and heart conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina should avoid outdoor activity and follow your disease management plan. #NSWFires pic.twitter.com/gHGJITAWJa — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) November 11, 2019 With air quality levels dropping yesterday, NSW Health has issued a smoke health alert for Sydney and the Hunter. The government body suggests that everyone cut back on strenuous outdoor activities, as well as going outside in general — if you can. Those with chronic respiratory or heart conditions are especially advised to avoid all outdoor physical activity and stay indoors where possible. It's also recommended that you carry your inhaler, follow your Asthma Action Plan, and keep your other medication with you for all breathing-related conditions. If you start experiencing symptoms, even if you're otherwise fit and healthy, seek medical advice. For those staying indoors, NSW Health also suggests turning your air conditioner on — if you have one — and using it on recirculate mode to keep the particles from outside out. With Sydney firmly in the grip of warm end-of-year weather, and temperatures expected to reach 37 otoday, residents are also advised to be wary of the heat, as well as its combination with the hazy air. Drinking plenty of fluids, taking cool showers to keep your temperature down, soaking your feet in water and draping a wet cloth around your neck are also recommended. Smoke from fires in northern NSW is starting to settle in parts of the state including Sydney. People are advised to only call 000 for fires, not smoke. If you need more info on fire danger in your area, call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/U9CjiZpvWk — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 11, 2019 With a catastrophic fire danger level declared across the Sydney, the Hunter and the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas for today — and with the NSW Rural Fire Service continuing to battle numerous blazes across the state — this situation isn't likely to change quickly, even with a cool change set to come in this evening. It should go without saying, but as part of the State of Fire Emergency, the lighting of all types of outdoor fires is banned. At 9am, the service confirmed there are 57 current bushfires burning in NSW, and 28 of them are uncontained. You can keep an eye on the fires burning across the state at the NSW Rural Fire Service website. For more tips on staying safe during smoky conditions, head to the NSW Health website. Image: NSW Rural Fire Service.
Easter, arguably one of the most delicious times of the year, really brings out all the goods from the many neighbourhood bakeries, chocolate shops and gelato stores in Australia. If you've been waiting until the actual Easter weekend arrives before you tuck in to a freshly baked hot cross bun, wait no more, the hour is nigh. One of those neighbourhood bakeries joining the festivities is a Sydney favourite, Humble Bakery. Independent bakery-made buns are always better than the mass-produced store-bought variety, and these goodies are no exception. Freshly baked, fluffy, generously spiced and loaded with fruity flavour (specifically, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, spices, dried fruits, dried apricot, orange peel and honey), this is what it's all about. And no matter how you like your hot cross buns – neat, toasted, with or without butter – you can get them individually or in six or nine packs at all of Humble's Sydney stores for $5, $28 or $40, respectively. While the buns themselves are available at Surry Hills, Kent Street and Circular Quay stores, there's a special edition that you'll only find in Surry Hills. Hot cross buns with butter? A classic. Hot cross buns with ice cream? It's controversial, but it sounds great on paper. Hot cross buns with salted butter ice cream? That's crazy enough that it just might work. The Humble Hot Cross 'Ice Cream' Bun is made with CopperTree Farms naturally cultured butter, bringing a mix of sweet, salty and creamy that not only sounds delicious but just makes sense, and you can get one for just $12. Now, the bad news, like Easter itself, these treats are limited time only, and you've got until Monday, April 21, to try them. Humble Bakery is open at Shop 2, 50 Holt Street, Surry Hills; Shop 19, 16-20 Loftus Lane, Circular Quay; and Shop 1, 333 Kent Street, Sydney. The hot cross buns are available in-store or online until Monday, April 21. Images by Caroline McCredie
"He is the most accomplished man in Europe in riding, running, shooting, fencing, dancing, music." Writing in his diary in 1779 about Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, American Founding Father and future second US President John Adams didn't hold back with his praise. But the world has barely taken his cue in the nearly two-and-a-half centuries since, letting the tale of this gifted French Creole violinist, conductor and composer slip from wider attention. Within a sumptuous period drama that's charmingly, confidently and commandingly led by Kelvin Harrison Jr — with the Waves, The High Note, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Cyrano star full of mesmerising swagger, and also endlessly compelling as a talent forced to struggle as a person of colour in a white aristocratic world — Chevalier endeavours to redress this failing of history. Veteran television director Stephen Williams (Watchmen, Westworld, Lost) and screenwriter Stefani Robinson (Atlanta, What We Do in the Shadows) begin their Bologne biopic boldly, playfully and with a front-on confrontation of the "Black Mozart" label that's surrounded their subject when he has been remembered — even if they also commence Chevalier with likely fiction. In pre-revolution Paris in the late 18th century, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Joseph Prowen, Father Brown) has an enraptured crowd in his thrall as he both plays and conducts. He pauses, then prompts his audience for requests. The response comes as a surprise: Bologne striding down the aisle, asking if he too can pick up a violin, then getting duelling with the musical instrument against the acclaimed maestro. Williams and Robinson start their film with a statement, announcing that they're celebrating a life that's been left not only ignored and erased — especially in a realm that's so often considered old, stuffy and definitely not culturally diverse — but also been stuck lingering in someone else's shadow. Chevalier's opening scene is well-staged, instantly rousing and a clever kickoff that speaks volumes — also cheer-worthy, as its on-screen viewers heartily deem it — and, most crucially, it sets the tone for Bologne's continual battle. He won't go mano a mano with Mozart again, but he'll never stop fighting in various fashions. Being underestimated, undervalued and worse due to his race is sadly his life story, which Chevalier places front and centre. As 2013's Belle did in focusing on Dido Elizabeth Belle, the film makes plain the prejudices and politics of the era in a genre that too rarely genuinely interrogates either. The world of Bridgerton may now peer backwards with romantic fantasy and colourblind casting, but that isn't the same as stepping through the experiences of someone who should be far better known, and undoubtedly would be if not for the reaction to their heritage. When he's still a boy (debutant Reuben Anderson) being installed in the only boarding school that will take him, far away from the French colony of Guadeloupe that has always been his home, Joseph is told by his father (Jim High, Foundation) that he must always be excellent in order to be accepted. From that exchange onwards, Bologne chases greatness in all matters — with a foil in his hand, and both performing and writing music, most notably. But even as he impresses Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton, Barbie) as an adult, is bestowed the knightly chevalier title and gets a chance to compete to lead the Paris Opera, French society remains quick to drip scorn whenever he exceeds the parts that they'll let him play. Whatever heights he's allowed to reach, he's still viewed as the illegitimate son of white plantation owner and an enslaved Senegalese teen. Williams and Robinson unpack the complexities of Bologne's friendship with the queen, whose progressive ideals are pushed to the fore purely when she's confident in her popularity, and his, among the court. Over both of their futures, the French Revolution looms inescapably — although Chevalier stops before depicting Bologne's time leading an all-Black regiment. Instead, it hones in on two interconnected plot points: that attempt to obtain France's top music post and a romance. For the coveted job, he vies for glory against the snooty and dismissive Christoph Gluck (Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Marriage). In affairs of the heart, he falls for Marie-Joséphine de Comarieu (Samara Weaving, Scream VI), wife of the stern military figure Marquise de Montalembert (Marton Csokas, The Last Duel), after convincing her to sing in the opera that's meant to secure his dream gig. Chevalier repeatedly anchors Bologne's journey in a blatant truth, albeit one that he doesn't see: that the more entrenched he thinks he is within France's upper echelons, the more he's immersed in a discriminatory system that'll never truly welcome him. When his mother Nanon (Ronke Adékoluẹjo, Rain Dogs) re-enters his life, finally free after his father's death, she instantly spots what her son can't — "you are a tourist in their world," she advises — and he isn't thrilled. Whether Joseph is contentedly believing that he's close to carving out his niche or eventually angry at the grim reality, he's feverishly working or dashingly courting, or he's demonstrating his prowess with a rapier or a bow, Harrison Jr is consistently exceptional. He's excellent at conveying Bologne's certainty in his skills and worth, too, including when diva Marie-Madeleine Guimard (Minnie Driver, Starstruck) thinks that he'll bed her because she demands it, and at working through the fiery heartbreak when his society dream is broken. This biopic is an act of rectification. It's a dive into the forgotten past, sometimes taking liberties as it depicts its subject's pursuit of liberté, égalité, fraternité, with a clear purpose and point. The film benefits immensely from enlisting Harrison Jr as its lead. It also boasts fine performances by Adékoluẹjo, Boynton and Weaving, with the former playing plucky and proud, and the latter two each exploring the difficulties of your heart and mind being at odds with the role that you inhabit. Chevalier is gleefully happy to relish its genre's aesthetic and conventions as well, be it at lavish champagne-filled parties or behind opera's scenes, complete with sniping among the well-to-do. While it's the tale, reclamation and portrayals that shine brightest — even if detailing significant parts of Bologne's later story in the text-on-screen post-script is a curious move — reaching ample high notes comes easily.
As the silly season approaches, the days and nights are growing longer. Many businesses are opening doors to visitors with new and exciting offerings for anyone hoping for a good reason to stay out late in Sydney. You'll find the most celebrations collected in YCK Laneways, the city blocks comprised of York, Clarence and Kent streets just south of Wynyard. Sydney's Northwestern CBD corridor is kicking off a new offering with The Night is Young, four weeks of over 50 free, late-night cultural events across 15 venues, all within walking distance from each other — an underrated foundation of an ideal night out. The series is supported by City of Sydney, and runs from Wednesday, October 25, to Thursday, November 16, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with each event starting after 8.30pm. Now, in terms of what to expect, King Street's underground haunt Tiva is hosting a series of themed nostalgia nights, decking the venue and playlists up to suit the 80s, 90s and 00s. You can find other live music, like country star Blake Dantier, who will be performing gigs at York Street whisky-and-western bar Jolene's. Underground jazz bar The Swinging Cat is levelling up its weekly music offering with the resident band The Sazeracs, and voodoo-vibey bar Papa Gede's is bringing on the all-vinyl DJ Bexy J for late-night beats. You can also find local artists Lotte Smith and Styna working on 'SILY Spray Ups', two murals painted over four weeks soundtracked by live music in the Kent Street courtyard bar Since I Left You. You could also catch burlesque sideshow specialist Porcelain Alice performing at York Street's Stitch Bar. Or see what the future holds with US-based MYSTIX hosting tarot readings at Esteban on Temperance Lane. These are just the tip of a deep and vibrant iceberg of events. You can plan your route through the precinct using the interactive YCK Laneways map and even earn free cocktails from Bacardi by using Laneway Loyalty, a perfect way to explore the precinct while trying what every venue has to offer and racking up great rewards. So what are you waiting for? It's time to explore a night of possibilities. The Night is Young runs from Wednesday, October 25, to Thursday, November 16. For more information and to plan your night out, visit the YCK Laneways map.
As if IKEA wasn't already self sufficient enough — what with infinite clothing storage, affordable kitchenware and ready-to-eat meatballs — they've decided they don't just want you to enjoy your home like sleek, contemporary Swedish royalty, they want you to grow your own garden in it too. So they've added a new item to their expansive inventory: hydroponic indoor gardens. Hydroponics is a plant growing method that lets you grown your own greens without soil. It isn't exactly a new thing — the method has been used for years to grow plants in basically any conditions — but IKEA's introduction of their Krydda/Växer indoor gardening kits looks set to bring hydroponics out of the niche and into the mainstream. And, going by the number of people who own those Billy bookcases, it will probably do just that. The kits, which will launch in the UK later this year, are designed to sit on your benchtop so you can grow herbs and lettuce right in the middle of the kitchen, pick them, and pop them straight into your salad bowl like some fancy chef. It comes all ready to use, but you'll have to plant the seeds in absorbent plugs to get them going. Then, when the seedlings have sprouted, you'll need to replant them into tiny adorable planters with pumice stones, give them water, turn on the light (which acts as the sun) and watch them grow. Once they're big enough, you can go right ahead and pick them to eat. Like so: The indoor gardening range will go on sale in the UK in May, with the US set to follow next year. No word on an Australian launch yet, but we'll cross all our not-so green thumbs it won't be far behind. Via Fast Company.
Poor Will Smith. The former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star jumped from television to rap to film superstardom decades ago, but he just can't kick his habit of maudlin motion pictures. In The Pursuit of Happyness and Seven Pounds, he played sad and struggling. In I Am Legend and Hancock, he was lonely and misunderstood. In Winter's Tale, he made a brief appearance as part of the film's romantic fantasy about angels and fate. But combine all of that together, and it still won't prepare you for the nauseating disaster that is Collateral Beauty. Here, Smith plays advertising executive Howard Inlet, who falls into a deep depression in the wake of a personal tragedy. But with a takeover deal in the works, his colleagues Claire (Kate Winslet), Whit (Edward Norton) and Simon (Michael Peña) are worried that he'll jeopardise their big payday. So, they hatch a plan to capture his erratic behaviour on video. Enter three theatre actors (played by Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren and Jacob Latimore), who his friends pay to interact with Howard while pretending that they're the physical embodiments of love, death and time. Naturally. In a nutshell, the main thrust of Collateral Beauty involves gaslighting a bereaved man so that his work pals can cash in. Winslet, Norton and Peña's characters each have their own sob stories to justify their actions, but there's no escaping the underlying nastiness driving this supposedly upbeat tale, which is also set at Christmas to add even more cheer. Elsewhere, Naomie Harris plays a grief counsellor who helps flesh out the main backstory, but just ends up being saddled with terrible lines that attempt to explain the movie's title. Don't assume that director David Frankel or writer Allan Loeb haven't thought twice about the narrative, though. The filmmaker behind Marley and Me and the scribe responsible for the Kevin James vehicle Here Comes the Boom know exactly what they're trying to do. Bathed in warm shades, Collateral Beauty is happily packaged as comfortable, contemplative, festive fluff that will make audiences feel rather than think. Alas, it's pretty hard to be overcome with emotion when you're groaning at each calculated, predictable and downright unpleasant turn. A modern-day A Christmas Carol this most certainly is not, as much as the film tries to convince you otherwise. And if you're wondering if the onscreen talent can salvage the film, we'll save you the trouble: they can't. Almost all of the starry players, including sombre-looking Big Willie himself, sleepwalk through an effort that really doesn't demand much else of them. In fact, The Maze Runner's Latimore is the only actor who seems invested in what he's doing, and he offers Collateral Beauty's best performance as a result. Not that you can blame his co-stars for checking out. Viewers will almost certainly do the same.
When it comes to short-lived pop-up outlets, they're aren't really any official rules. Yet it seems that Poepke must be breaking a few with their Archives pop-up this May. Firstly, the Paddington boutique plans to host the temporary vendor within the four walls of their existing store. "Does that even count as a pop-up?" I hear you cry. "Isn't it just like having the same store, but with a different name?" Well, not quite, since part of the deal is that they'll be selling your stuff for you. That's right, you can submit items for consideration before Sunday, May 12 (dry cleaned, of course), from labels Peopke has carried or is currently carrying. Then they'll sell them on a consignment basis, and you'll pocket the cash. It's like a giant community garage sale, but instead of scoffing neighbours pretending they're from Antiques Roadshow, they'll just be other Poepke fans hungry for that silk shawl you snapped up last winter. It's part op-shop, part stocktake sale, part elusive event. Whatever it actually is, you'll be able to turn up and nab both unworn and pre-loved clothes, shoes and accessories. The pop-up opens on Thursday, May 16, and will continue running over the coming months.
As demonstrated by various creative ventures around the world — like Chicago's recent Saved by the Bell-themed pop-up diner and New York's summer museum dedicated to ice cream — people love niche. The internet loves niche. We all die over niche. The latest art show to pop up in London was also pretty niche — so niche that it couldn't even physically be enjoyed by humans. It's an interactive exhibition for dogs. Running for two days last week in London, Play More was the world's first interactive exhibition purely for canines — and, needless to say, the ultimate puppy porn situation. Designed by British artist and inventor Dominic Wilcox, the show was a collection of contemporary paintings, multimedia pieces and installations with which the dogs could interact. There was a massive dog bowl-shaped ball pit (filled with brown balls that resemble dog bikkies), a digital frisbee game and — our favourite — an open car window simulator that recreates the feeling of riding with the window down while a fan wafts happy dog smells like raw meat and old shoes into their adorable windswept faces. Some of Wilcox's own work was on display, along with other artists' creations. Was this made purely for the internet? Well, yes. The exhibition is actually an activation for UK insurance company More Than, who commissioned Wilcox to create a collection of works that would encourage their owner to spend more time with their pups. Either way, we're sad to have missed this glorious doggo day out. Via Dezeen.
For nearly two centuries, everyone has known the Artful Dodger's story. Charles Dickens wrote the character, aka Jack Dawkins, to life in 1838's Oliver Twist — and readers have thumbed through the pickpocket's part of the famous tale ever since. But what happened once the book's narrative ended? What if Fagin's light-fingered apprentice is on the straight and narrow 15 years later, living in 1850s Australia? What if he is a navy-trained surgeon now plying his trade while living on the other side of the world from London, and great at it? What if Fagin is still alive despite Dickens' words on the page, too? In fact, what if the thieving ringleader is the latest convict arrival to the penal colony, crossing paths with his old pal with a plan that cares little about Dodge's new upstanding reputation? If you're wondering how the Aussie-set The Artful Dodger can exist, that's how: by sinking into the above scenario. Australian-made as well, with Jeffrey Walker (The Clearing), Corrie Chen (Bad Behaviour) and Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) directing, the Disney+ series that arrived on Wednesday, November 29 is not an origin story — it's an after story. Getting caught with a silver snuff box might've wrapped up Jack's exploits for the author who created him, but the latest iteration of the figure lives on from there for The Artful Dodger creators James McNamara (also one of the show's writers), David Maher (The Commons) and David Taylor (Bloom). Their take also turns its antics in the fictional Port Victory into a riff on The Knick, plus a romance. Two decades on from Love Actually, Thomas Brodie-Sangster (The Queen's Gambit) plays the show's namesake, joining a long line of actors who've done the same — many musicians, including Davy Jones from The Monkees onstage in the 60s, earning a Tony Award nomination; Phil Collins, also in the theatre in the same era; and Rita Ora in 2021's worth-avoiding crime-drama movie Twist. As in his big Christmas-movie break, Brodie-Sangster is again concerned with affairs of the heart, with The Artful Dodger's lead casting benefiting from bringing its star's best-known role to mind. In the festive rom-com, he was a kid cutely grappling with adult emotions. Here, he spiritedly steps into the shoes of an all-grown-up figure who acted wiser than his years when he was a child, too-large attire to match. Although no one saw Brodie-Sangster as the Oliver Twist version of Dodge, imagining it is easy because remembering him as a 13-year-old is that instantaneous. Also similar from Love Actually: Brodie-Sangster's character having an older guiding hand by his side, albeit with mischief and scheming this time. David Thewlis (Landscapers) gets wily — one of his finest on-screen traits — as Jack's former mentor, who isn't willing to let their links fade away. The Artful Dodger isn't a two-hander, but its biggest international names make a lively and engaging pair. Thewlis' Fagin isn't the villain, either, with both the script and the Fargo, Macbeth and I'm Thinking of Ending Things talent's performance expanding the part beyond the scoundrel — even if much of the criminal mastermind's focus is on convincing Dodge that his illicit know-how shouldn't be retired. This eight-part series also enlists a hefty lineup of Aussies, from Damon Herriman (The Portable Door), Miranda Tapsell (Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe), Susie Porter (Mercy Road) and Tim Minchin (Upright) to Damien Garvey (Troppo), Jessica De Gouw (C*A*U*G*H*T) and Kym Gyngell (Black Snow). Chief among the homegrown cohort is Maia Mitchell (Good Trouble) as Lady Belle Fox, daughter of the Governor (Garvey) and an aspiring doctor herself — not that a female surgeon is approved of in the show's period. Familiar Australian faces aren't the only constant reminder that this is a local production. Beginning with Wolfmother's 'Joker and the Thief', the anachronistic soundtrack spins on average one Aussie track per episode, including from Spiderbait, Jet, INXS and The Living End. Playfulness abounds, then, in a series that's a caper as well. Narrative-wise, Dodge endeavours to keep on the up and up, despite a shady gambling debt to pay to crooked harbourmaster Darius Cracksworth (Minchin) on penalty of losing a hand. Given that he needs his two mitts to continue his line of work, his devotion to staying legit is quickly tested. Fagin is officially his servant, but is really the devilish force whispering in his ear — in-between ample gloating about how his pilfering instructions all that time back helped his protégé earn his new calling, teaching him the dexterity required as a cutpurse. Complicating the already chaotic situation is the ever-present Captain Gaines (Herriman), who loves nothing more than sending whoever he can to the noose. Once he becomes certain that Jack and Fagin have more than a few reasons to take the drop, he's relentless. Jack is the colony's best doctor, repeatedly besting the drunken professor (Gyngell) in charge of the hospital and his chosen successor Rainsford Sneed (Nicholas Burton, Safe Home). Accordingly, it's only in Belle that he meets his professional match. She's deeply uninterested in just finding a husband no matter what's expected of her. She's also an avid subscriber to and reader of medical journals. So springs an arrangement where her booksmarts help Jack with his patients — the very concept of germs and their role in causing infections isn't on anyone's radar until she mentions it — and he lets her put her self-taught skills to practical use. So flies sparks, too, amid an evident class clash, bloody surgeries with a live audience, Jack and Fagin trying to avoid the hangman, and a pilfering bushranger (Tapsell) drawing attention their way. As its fondness for Aussie rock makes plain, The Artful Dodger is energetically told, and also anything but an old-school period piece. Walker, Chen and Otto take the same cues visually and in the show's fast pacing, making for rollicking and always entertaining viewing. Wanting more comes swiftly, primarily thanks to Brodie-Sangster, Thewlis and Mitchell, however. While everything about the series knows that this is a lark, its key trio not only sell it but give it depth — no bait-and-switch required. Check out the trailer for The Artful Dodger below: The Artful Dodger streams via Disney+.
It might be the season for shopping and trying to find unique gifts; however sourcing design-focused fashion is a year-round affair. With that in mind, add Barangaroo's latest addition to your next outfit-buying trip. Run by the folks who gave Surry Hills the retail haven that is Somedays, The Waiting Room is a Sydney-based offshoot of the stylish Melbourne store of the same name. Curation is key at the fresh space on the corner of Shipwright Walk and Scotch Row on Barangaroo Avenue, with The Waiting Room as selective about what they sell as you should be about what you wear. Expect a careful balance of clothing and accessories from Scandinavian, European, American and local designers, including Aussie labels such as Backstage, Chloe Gard Pottery and Salty Beach Life, New Zealand favourite Kowtow, and the global likes of Céline, Samsøe & Samsøe, Eton and Royal Republiq. If that sounds like a hefty list to navigate — and there's plenty more where they came from, too — The Waiting Room's staff are on hand to give you an old-school shopping experience, boasting their own passion for design and helping the store hark back to a seemingly bygone era where being served by someone who had an artisan knowledge of their product was the norm. And as far as matching the products and vibe to the surroundings is concerned, architects Burley Katon Halliday have decked out the space with a marble mosaic floor, timber, brass and leather aplenty, and even a custom ottoman upholstered in Tibetan goats' wool. Find The Waiting Room on the corner of Shipwright Walk and Scotch Row, 200 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo. Visit their website for more information.
The Sydney Theatre Company has announced its 2013 season, the final one from Sydney's favourite theatre couple, Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton, as co-artistic directors. It's a season of weighty productions, but one stands out for sheer fun, and that's Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead with Tim Minchin and Toby Schmitz in the title roles. Minchin's been away for ages selling out stadiums and racking up successes like Matilda, and we're too charmed by Schmitz to give him leave from Sydney stages at all, so this is an exciting pairing of wits. That other absurd duo, Vladimir and Estragon of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, will be played in 2013 by Hugo Weaving and Richard Roxburgh, whom it was decided were destined for the parts during their turn in 2011's Uncle Vanya. They'll be joined by that play's director, Tamas Ascher, having together earned a whole year's worth of acclaim for the internationally touring production. Cate and Andrew, meanwhile, will team up for Jean Genet's The Maids, in a new translation by Upton and director Benedict Andrews. They're embracing the Frenchness of the play, apparently, as they'll be welcoming French actor Isabelle Huppert to the stage to be a murderous sister alongside Blanchett. Otherwise, the season is characterised by its engagement with the greats of Australian writing, featuring new plays by John Doyle and Joanna Murray-Smith as well as adaptations of Colin Thiele by Tom Holloway and of Kate Grenville by Andrew Bovell. Cult-statured Melbourne collective Sisters Grimm will inject some anarchy into proceedings with their Little Mercy (not their only show in Sydney in 2013), while the National Theatre of Great Britain's One Man, Two Guvnors, which had seven Tony nominations and one win in 2011-12, fills this year's (always must-see) international slot. It's an elegant and ambitious 2013 on the cards at STC, a fitting mark to be left by the departing Blanchett. Upton will continue on solo for the next three-year term, so we'll see a continuity of their long-term goals for the company. Full details of the 2013 season can be seen at the STC's website. Tickets are on sale from Friday, September 7, at 9am. Image: Richard Roxburgh and Hugo Weaving for Waiting for Godot. Photo by Ingvar Kenne.
Missed out on tickets to the hugely popular Day of the Dead 3.1 warehouse project, announced last month? You're in luck. An immersive El Dia de los Muertos-inspired experience curated by a group of Mexican visionaries and artists, the Day of the Dead announced plans to visit Sydney on October 24, then Melbourne on October 31 before ending in Brisbane on November 7. While all three cities sold out within hours, and the organisers were inevitably inundated with hundreds of emails requesting tickets, so the Day of the Dead team twisted some arms and managed to increase the event capacity. There'll be a new and final ticket release happening on Saturday, September 26 at 12.30pm, with tickets at $95. Tickets will sell out within hours, so be ready. Get tickets here. Currently sold-out, the Day of the Dead warehouse project takes cues from some of the world's most celebrated immersive spectacles, everything from Burning Man to Sleep No More. The one-off event will immerse ticketholders in a temporary world of interactive art installations, light projections, extravagant costumes, murals created by renowned street artists and an exclusive lineup of local and international DJs and musicians. Pop-ups by a handpicked bunch of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane's go-to local Mexican eateries, like Playa Takeria, have been selected to create special Dia de los Muertos menus. Plus, there'll be Mexican cervezas and tequila/mezcal cocktails from the newly announced principal sponsor Tequila Herradura and major sponsor Tequila Jimador to provide you with enough sustenance to dance the night away. With instructions being sent to ticketholders just one week before the event, and locations revealed just one day before the party, this is secret warehouse party business at its best. Honour the dead, celebrate the living. Be ready on Saturday. The Day of the Dead 3.1's new and final ticket release is happening on Saturday, September 26 at 12.30pm. Tickets are $95 and are expected to sell out within hours. Get tickets here. By Kimberley Mai and Shannon Connellan.
If you love film — enough to want to spend as much of your waking life watching as many movies as you can, that is — then you probably want to be Nashen Moodley. Since 2012, the Sydney Film Festival director has had the envy-inducing task of selecting the features, documentaries and shorts the city's cinephiles will devour each and every June. Yes, it's a year-round endeavour. Yes, it involves more than just sitting in a cinema. In fact, curating a film festival is a much more difficult job than it might seem. You don't just get a film about a rodeo cowboy who wants to work in fashion, a documentary about competitive endurance tickling and a funny, female-centric take on Frankenstein all in the same lineup by sheer luck, of course — or put together retrospectives on Martin Scorsese and modern independent Korean cinema, either. Programming SFF is a balancing act on many levels, particularly in trying to appeal to as broad an audience as possible. And, it's also a hunt to find the most interesting, diverse and exciting titles (and to lock them in before anyone else does). So with all that in mind, just how did Moodley put SFF's killer 2016 program together? We chatted with the man behind the feast of movies every Sydneysider should flock to. CHOOSE LOCAL FROM THE GET-GO (BY KICKING OFF THE FESTIVAL WITH IVAN SEN'S GOLDSTONE) "It certainly wasn't an obvious choice to open with Goldstone, but when we saw the film, it was very clear to me that when looking at a film that's made by one of Australia's greatest talents in filmmaking — a really multi-talented filmmaker who does it all himself, from directing to writing to editing to composing to the cinematography. He's truly a talent we should treasure in every way, and the opening film spot is right for him. I think that's a very important thing to do. There's no pressure to do so at all, but I think it is the right thing to do if we can do it. If we don't have the right film, then we certainly wouldn't do it." FIND BOLD, INNOVATIVE AND PROVOCATIVE FILMS FOR THE FESTIVAL'S OFFICIAL COMPETITION "We have criteria for the competition, and the films should be courageous, audacious and cutting-edge. We're looking for innovative films — sometimes they're quite provocative or controversial — and I think we certainly have that in a range of ways through the selection. These are very different films. Some are incredibly stylistically bold and are aggressively bold, in fact. Some are far more subtle. But I think they're all very effective films that are engaging with big issues in many cases, and in very clever ways. There's some filmmakers there who are quite established, and some filmmakers who are at the start of their careers. And I'm convinced these are filmmakers who will have very long, very productive careers, and we will be talking about them as masters in the years to come." BALANCE WELL-KNOWN AND OBSCURE PICKS "It's starting from the position that we know what we want to do with the festival. Of course we do want to acknowledge great directors who are making great films. We want to also acknowledge film stars — actors who are well known are often well known because they're good actors. At the same time, we want to introduce people to new forms. It's about taking people on a journey and really presenting them with the best films we possibly can, and before they get there, trying to explain why it is important that they see these films. So, that balance is very important, and we do think about that very much when we're making the program." MAKE ROOM FOR RETROSPECTIVE PROGRAMMING "It does many things in a way. I think partly we're hoping that we're going to get many people who saw these films on the big screen years ago and want to relive that experience — they love these films and they want to see them again. But at the same time, I think what we've done in recent years is, really, we've drawn a new audience to the retrospectives, and a young audience in particular. You know, it's quite easy to say, well "Martin Scorsese, everyone's seen every Scorsese film." But that's not quite true. Certainly, people who are in their early twenties and love cinema now would've had very little opportunity to see Scorsese films on the big screen, except for the most recent ones. And almost certainly not on 35mm, and that's what we've done with this program. Then when you look at our smaller retrospective on Korean independent cinema that's really taking an incisive look at Korean society, then that's introducing people to something that's very specific. We've certainly tried in the last few years to introduce an audience — or introduce to a new audience, or for an audience more familiar with the work, reintroduce it to them — a great master of cinema. But alongside that, we also do something very specific and quite niche in a way. With Korea on the Verge curated by Tony Rayns, it's looking at fairly recent Korean cinema but all with a particular bent and a particular type of critique of Korean society." BE READY TO BATTLE AUSTRALIA'S GROWING FILM FESTIVAL LANDSCAPE "It sometimes makes things more difficult in terms of competition over particular films. So I guess that way it can influence what's ultimately in the festival — that the more festivals there are and the more festivals that are looking for premieres, it makes it more competitive for particular titles. In the broad sense, we want there for to be a great cinema culture in Australia, and some festivals contribute to that, and we want for that to happen. And it can sometimes create difficulties for us, but that's the game. That's how it works, and it happens in different contexts and different ways, but all festivals around the world are fighting for particular films and face obstacles. Sometimes those obstacles are other festivals, so it's not something I'm unaccustomed to." The 2016 Sydney Film Festival runs from June 8 to 19. To check out the complete program and book tickets, visit the festival website. To check out our top ten picks for the festival, head this way. Image of Nashen Moodley: via Belinda Rolland
