If you're looking to dip into a few fresh literary delights, why not opt for a deep-dive into some of the world's oldest storytelling traditions? That's what you can expect to enjoy when this week's Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival serves up a celebration of First Nations stories and writers, fusing tradition and innovation. Running from Thursday, March 17 until Sunday, March 20, the festival will spotlight over 67 talented storytellers — both emerging and familiar — across a program of conversations, workshops, readings and performances. Most events will be held at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre, with many also streamed online. The festival's launch night kicks off with a Welcome to Country and multi-disciplinary performance piece Solace, as traditional owners and artists Philly, Bryan Andy, James Henry and Steven Rhall explore ideas around men's mental health. During Borrow a Living Book, you'll have the chance to sit down with an elder at Indigenous-owned eatery Big Esso and immerse yourself in the stories of their lived experiences. With Kimmy Lovegrove as MC, Gammon (Aboriginal slang for 'joking' or 'kidding') delivers a serve of Blak comedy, while The Monologues showcases words from celebrated First Nations playwrights including Kodie Bedford, Anita Heiss and Jane Harrison. Elsewhere, you'll catch a series of ten-minute talks by social justice activists, an in-depth exploration of Aboriginal aesthetic within the Australian design landscape, and a group poetry read featuring writers like Jazz Money and Charmaine Papertalk Green. Can't make it in person? A stack of the events will also be available to enjoy streamed online, with various ticketing options on offer. [caption id="attachment_846280" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maurial Spearim, by Tiffany Garvie[/caption] Top Image: Richard Frankland and Stan Yarramunua, by Tiffany Garvie
Mockumentaries tend to get a bit of a bad rap in critical circles. 'Lazy filmmaking' is the most common smear, and — to be fair — they are a far gentler form of screenwriting than an out-and-out screenplay. They've also experienced massive growth in recent years, most notably in television, with the likes of Modern Family, The Office and Summer Heights High all achieving both popular and critical success. In film, This Is Spinal Tap set the benchmark way back in 1984 and has reigned supreme ever since — an 11 out of 10, if you will. The newest edition in the genre is What We Do In The Shadows, a collaboration between writer/directors Taika Waititi and Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine Clement. Billed as "a couple of interviews with a couple of vampires", it's a fly on the wall 'documentary' about four vampires sharing a flat in present-day New Zealand and is, quite simply, hilarious. The subjects of the film are: Viago (Waititi), an 18th-century dandy whose anal retentiveness makes him 'that' flatmate; Vlad (Clement), a legendary Lothario and formerly prolific hypnotist; Deacon (Jonathan Brugh), the self-proclaimed 'sexy one'; and Petyr (Ben Fransham) an ancient vampire from the early days. Key to its appeal is the way What We Do In The Shadows presents the needs, problems and activities of vampires as entirely commonplace. It makes them immediately relatable, treating something like the accidental puncturing of a victim's jugular and subsequent living room mess with no more pomp or fanfare than a spilled drink on a beige couch. The flatmates cruise the clubs of Wellington seeking victims like others seek a one night stand, they jeer each other on when a back-alley argument descends into a 'bat fight', and they projectile vomit blood when they absentmindedly eat actual food. Yes, they've their share of 'vampire' problems (sunlight, vampire hunters, etc), but also more normal ones, like having to tell your best friend you're the undead and suppressing the unceasing desire to kill him. What We Do in the Shadows also comes in at the welcome length of just 87 minutes, but its brevity doesn't come at the expense of jokes. It's packed with laughs, both visual and scripted, as well as offering a decent dose of improv (a common trait for mockumentaries). There's also more than a bit of horror and gore (so much so that with minimal tweaking this could easily have been reshaped as a solid B-grade scary film), yet there's no fear of fear thanks to the unbroken procession of gags. If this is lazy filmmaking, then bring on the trackies and couch surfing, because it suits us just fine. Check out Concrete Playground NZ's interview with Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Cv568AzZ-i8
This year, the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards will be held in Melbourne, and will see the globe's biggest culinary names descend on Australia to shed some light on what goes into creating the world's best dishes. But what about the food that gets left behind? Well, none other than the world's best chef Massimo Bottura will tackle the issue of food waste head-on when he teams up with a slew of local chefs and food waste charity OzHarvest for an exclusive degustation in Sydney on Sunday, April 2. Bottura — the super affable renowned chef behind Italy's Osteria Francescana, which was again named the number one restaurant in the world last year — will host the eye-opening event at OzHarvest's Alexandria headquarters. While he won't be cooking, he'll be joined by a hand-picked team of local chefs who will, including Rob Cockerill (Bennelong), Josh Niland (Saint Peter), Monty Koludrovic (Icebergs, The Dolphin), Clayton Wells (Automata) and James Viles (Biota). They'll plate up a fine dining feast made with food that's usually destined for the bin, matched to some top Aussie wines. The 130 lucky diners will enjoy sharp service led by Rockpool Dining Group's food and beverage director Jeremy Courmidas, the sommelier skills of Icebergs' James Hird, and a stunning setting designed by George Livissianis and decorated with works from some leading Australian artists. Plus, with everyone's time and all produce and products donated, all proceeds from the night will head straight to OzHarvest, as well as Bottura's Italian food waste non-profit Food for Soul. It's set to be a once-in-a-lifetime dining event, so, naturally, it comes with a once-in-a-lifetime price tag. Tickets will set you back a cool $1000. Tickets to Massimo Bottura's OzHarvest degustation dinner go on sale at 9am this Tuesday, March 14, and are available here.
The Apple iPod has been nipped and tucked since its original version to become the compact, nearly paper-thin music-playing masterpiece that it is today. We now have room for thousands of songs and videos on a piece of metal that's smaller than a playing card and lighter than a feather. Just when we thought there was no more improving the little guys, technology went ahead and proved us wrong. Scientists from Georgia University of Technology, lead by Dr. Zhong Lin Wang, are in the experimental stages of developing nanotechnology that will create self-generated energy that could power portable devices like iPods. In presenting their findings to the American Chemical Society, Dr. Wang explained that the devices would have a microchip made of zinc oxide nanowires (500 of them could fit on a human hair) that generate energy at any body movement, even just the beat of a heart. So far the human-powered technology has been used to power LCD screens and store radio signals. These advances may seem small, but Dr. Wang believes that the team's development of the microchip is a significant milestone in the creation of power that isn't battery-operated or plugged into an electrical outlet. "Their potential is only limited by one's imagination," he said. We're certainly looking forward to listening to beats powered by heartbeats. [via The Telegraph]
Fancy an art experience that extends beyond looking at works on a wall? Then prepare to be impressed by Melbourne's new 3000-square-metre, 11-metre-high immersive digital art gallery. Originally set to open in late 2020, then postponed till autumn 2021, and now finally set to launch when the first day of spring hits — so, Wednesday, September 1 — The Lume will make its home permanently at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The big drawcard: projections of some of the world's most celebrated artworks, which will be splashed across various surfaces. Those luminous displays will be backed by powerful musical soundtracks, too, and even complemented by aromas. The inaugural exhibition at The Lume will celebrate the works and life of Vincent van Gogh. So, you'll be able to walk through artworks like The Starry Night and Sunflowers while listening to a classical music score. If you were lucky enough to make it up to Sydney last year for Van Gogh Alive, expect something very similar. The project is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Grande Experiences, which, for the past 15 years, has hosted immersive exhibitions and gallery experiences in over 130 cities across the world — and is taking Van Gogh Alive around Australia this year, too. The company also owns and operates Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci. The Lume will open at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, September 1. General public tickets go on sale at 12pm on Thursday, June 3 — with wait list pre-sales from Monday, May 31.
As the Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region, we can certainly assume they know what they're doing when putting on food and wine events. Ready to confirm this is Uncorked Balmoral, a day of celebration of the tasty things you can eat and/or drink that hail from the Hunter Valley region. Wine and food stalls will be set up on the day for drifting to leisurely, and there's a serious smorgasbord to attend to as well. Allandale Winery, Briar Ridge Vineyard, Colvin Wines, McLeish Estate Wines, Tyrrell's Wines and Vinden Estate are just a few of the names that will be serving up a slosh of your fave pinot. Restaurants and producers on display include the Hunter's Muse Restaurant, Bar Coco, The Cellar Restaurant, Hunter Valley Cheese Company and Pukara Estate — and while you're putting all of that in your gob, Soul Shack Entertainment will be providing the soundtrack. Wine tasting vouchers will be going for $4 each and Hunter Valley Riedel wine glasses for $15, while those who've got their sights set on a winey time already can pre-purchase glasses and 4 tasting tickets for $31. There's also a free shuttle bus from Mosman and Spit Junction to Balmoral Beach every 15 minutes, so you've really got no excuse.
Forget socks and jocks this holiday season. This year it's all about experiences. So why not give the gift of local travel and send your friends and family on an enviable journey that sets them up for a stellar 2022? Plus, you'll be helping Australia's tourism industry get back on its feet. It's a win-win. If you know someone who's itching to reunite with big adventure travel experiences, you can stock up on multi-day hike vouchers or surprise them with a whale shark swimming adventure. In partnership with Tourism Australia, we've pulled together a list of thrilling experiences to help you pick the perfect present for the adrenaline seeker in your life.
You eagerly await the arrival of summer. You picture yourself hitting the beach multiple times a week — sunrise walks, swims in your lunch break and sundowners at a waterside bar. Then suddenly the end of the sunny season is nigh and you realise you've not spent nearly as much time with sand between your toes as you'd hoped. It happens to the best of us. Thankfully, Sydney is blessed with dozens of beautiful beaches that'll help you enjoy those summer vibes a little longer. Exhibit A: Manly Beach. Even if Manly is your local, when's the last time you spent a full day enjoying what it has to offer? So, we've teamed up with White Claw to curate a sunrise to sunset itinerary to show how to pack the most into an excursion to the legendary Sydney beach. 7AM: GO FOR A SUNRISE SWIM You may have seen those bright pink swim caps on a rare sunrise stroll in Manly — or, more likely, you've seen them on Instagram. But since today is about changing up your routine, why not throw one on yourself and join the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad for an early morning dip? The squad meets at 7am, seven days a week, in front of Manly Life Saving Club, before diving into the deep blue and making the journey to Shelly Beach and back — it's 750 metres each way. Who needs coffee when you can wake up with an ocean swim instead? [caption id="attachment_717595" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] 8AM: PICK UP A PASTRY AND COFFEE AT ROLLERS BAKEHOUSE You've likely worked up an appetite so, after you've dried off, make tracks to Rialto Lane where you'll find Rollers Bakehouse. This Palm Springs-inspired spot is home to some of the tastiest (and most decadent) pastries in Sydney, including sweet and savoury croissants, pies and scrolls. The flavours are constantly changing, but you can expect creative spins like sticky oat chai croissants, cereal milk cruffins and duck pancake sausage rolls. In fact, the options are so innovative that you'll struggle to select just one. Order a few — you've earned 'em — along with a batch brew or latte, nab a bench in the bright pink courtyard and enjoy. [caption id="attachment_784919" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NSW National Parks[/caption] 9AM: HEAD TO COLLINS FLAT BEACH FOR SOME LEISURELY BEACH TIME Instead of heading to Manly's main beach, opt for Collins Flat Beach, a tiny little harbour inlet that sits between North Head and Little Manly Cove. Here, you can have a splash in the calm, shallow waters and admire the views across the harbour to The Heads — all sans crowds. There's also a legit waterfall to enjoy. Though it feels quite remote, it's quite easy to get to Collins Flat. You can drive down Collins Beach Road and park near the Australian Institute of Police Management, which marks the start of a small track to the sand. Or you can drive or catch the free Hop Skip & Jump bus from Manly Council Chambers to Little Manly, walk down Stuart Street towards Skinner's Reserve and then follow the short track to Collins Flat. 11AM: TAKE A SURFING LESSON Is learning how to surf one of those things that has always been on your bucket list but you've never gotten around to actually doing it? There's no time like the present, friends. Manly Surf School runs lessons every single day for people of all ages and abilities. Adult lessons cost $75 per person (but get cheaper if you buy multiple) and last for 90 minutes. All equipment, including a surfboard and a wet suit or rash vest, is included. All you need is a towel, sunscreen and a good attitude. We're not going to sugar-coat it — it's pretty tricky. But it is also a whole lot of fun. And when you finally manage to stand up (and stay standing), the sense of achievement you'll feel is on par with winning an Olympic medal (we're guessing). [caption id="attachment_717428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] 1PM: GET A LITTLE RETAIL THERAPY It's no secret that the water is Manly's main drawcard, but the beachside community has plenty more on offer, including several boutiques worthy of a visit. Spend a little time wandering the streets and poking your head into the retail stores that catch your eye. Looking for an outfit for a special occasion? Pop into Sir for chic minimalist designs or Coco and Lola to shop labels like Ena Pelly, Bec and Bridge and Manning Cartell. If you're more interested in dressing up your home, visit Nordic Fusion to browse chic Scandinavian-designed furniture, decor and accessories. And, of course, no trip to Manly is complete without a visit to boutique bottle-o Winona to replenish your stores of natural wine and craft beer. [caption id="attachment_715896" align="alignnone" width="1720"] Kitti Gould[/caption] 2PM: ENJOY A CONVIVIAL LUNCH AT CHICA BONITA We're not sure what it is about Mexican cuisine and salty sea air that pair so well together. But a long lunch at much-loved Chica Bonita may be the best way to figure it out — short of booking a flight to Cancun, that is. Settle in for lunch at this brightly coloured arcade bar to snack on guacamole, fish tacos and tuna tostadas before sinking your teeth into a hearty chicken burrito, loaded with black beans, red rice, chorizo and cheese. Or, you could opt for a bowl filled with crispy eggplant, chipotle, macadamia, caramelised carrot and quinoa. Pair your feast with a margarita — there are eight varieties to choose from. 3PM: CRUISE THE STREETS ON AN E-BIKE We know it's tempting, but try not to order that second serving of guacamole at lunch because the next activity is, well, active. Head to Manly Bikes on West Espalanade and hire a two-wheeler so you can spend the afternoon exploring more of the neighbourhood at your own pace. Of course, a cute aqua cruiser bike ($18 for one hour or $24 for two) will look the best against the beach backdrop but if you're feeling a little lazy after lunch, opt for an e-bike ($32 for one hour or $39 for two). The friendly staff will be happy to share route recommendations but we suggest pedalling along the beachfront from Manly Lagoon to Shelly Beach — then, if you have time, you could keep going all the way up to North Head and the Q Station. [caption id="attachment_827084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliott Kramer[/caption] 5PM: DRINKS AT THE OFFICE If there's one quintessential Manly pasttime that needs to be on your hit list, it's sundowners at The Office. How the nickname for the small stretch of grass at East Esplanade Reserve came about is something of a mystery, but the main takeaway is this: between the hours of 8am–8pm, alcohol consumption is permitted. It's one of the very few outdoor spots in Manly where you can BYO booze, so it's best to take advantage. Swing by a bottle-o, grab a four-pack of White Claw hard seltzers and watch the ferries zip across the harbour as the sun begins to set. 7PM: WATCH THE SUN SET OVER DINNER You're coming to the end of your long day in the seaside suburb. If you're keen to grab one last drink and a bite to eat before waving goodbye, stop into the recently renovated Wharf Bar. Here, you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters, tiger prawns, salt 'n' pepper squid and sweet potato fries while watching the sun set over the harbour. Alternatively, you can extend the adventure by jumping on a ferry over to Watsons Bay (it takes just 15 minutes) to enjoy dinner and a boogie at the ever-reliable Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. For more information on White Claw, head to the website. Top image: Paros Huckstepp
Sydneysiders, prepare to get hopelessly devoted — again — to Rydell High, summer lovers reuniting at school, leather jackets and Pink Ladies. Because giving Grease a prequel streaming series wasn't enough, the 50s-set musical is returning to its original home, with Australia's brand-new multimillion-dollar theatre production of the five-decade-old show set to be the one that local audiences want from Sunday, March 24–Sunday, May 26, 2024. Grease is shaping up to be Sydney's big autumn hit, zipping into the New South Wales capital's Capitol Theatre like lightening in January. Everyone knows the plot by now, given how popular the 1978 movie adaptation of the musical rom-com still is, especially Down Under. It is about an Aussie transfer student, after all, who falls in love with an American high schooler in California. After Grease sped from the stage to become a silver-screen classic, it spawned a 1982 Michelle Pfeiffer-starring sequel, too, then streaming's Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Cast-wise, Joseph Spanti (Friends! The Musical Parody, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) and Annelise Hall (The Marvellous Elephant Man, Aspects of Love) are slipping into John Travolta (Paradise City) and the late, great Olivia Newton-John's (The Very Excellent Mr Crocodile Dundee) leathers as Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. Also featuring: Jay Laga'aia as Vince Fontaine and Marcia Hines as Teen Angel. The above stars, plus their fellow T-Birds and Pink Ladies, will obviously be belting out all the famous tunes — including the titular 'Grease' and fellow earworms 'Summer Nights', 'Sandy', 'Hopelessly Devoted to You', 'You're The One That I Want', 'Greased Lightnin' and 'Beauty School Dropout'.
Peace, love and picklebacks, another Sydney venue has decided to throw in the towel. This time, it's the long-loved Darlinghurst bar, The Flinders. Announcing their closure on Facebook this evening, the owners have directly blamed the lockouts for the closing of doors. "It's been a good run but Barry got us in the end," the team posted at 6pm. "We know it's sudden but please come in tonight and pour one out for your fallen homie. Thanks for all the good times. Peace, love, and picklebacks, from all of us at the Flinders." This announcement comes just months after Kings Cross venue The Backroom directly blamed the Barry O'Farrell-led government and their lockout legislation for the closure, prompting the controversial (and let's be honest, straight-up jerk-style) #notearsshed response from the former Premier. Jason Ryan, owner of The Flinders, talked to us about the lockouts in January 2014 after the opening of The Hide wine bar upstairs. When asked about how the bar would be affected by the proposed legislation changes (i.e. the lockouts), Ryan already knew the impact on the hotel. "We have already begun the awful task of reworking rosters and cutting back staff in preparation. The effects on our business will be dramatic … The Flinders is a safe and well-established late-night venue. We have also just invested large amounts of money into trying to develop The Hide, our new bar upstairs." "At the moment we are reliant on the cash flow from late-night business to support and pay for this investment," he said. "Now that late-night trade is being severely compromised, it’s a real worry as to whether we can sustain cash flow over the next few months whilst developing the rest of the business. This may ultimately jeopardise the future of The Hide. We hope people we still turn out in force at The Flinders for the lock-in!" The Flinders are shutting up shop super speedily, even holding a closing party tonight on Thursday, January 8. This seems a super fast closure for such a longtime Sydney bar. Very sad stuff. Throw back a few Picklebacks with the Flindies crew tonight at 63-65 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst.
The Stoned Crow has been a fixture of Willoughby Road for many years and, as such, has undergone several transformations in its time. Situated in the middle of a bustling restaurant district, this local favourite offers a slick interpretation of the classic local watering hole. The interior features long wooden tables and plenty of hanging plants in a dimly lit setting. Stop by for a beer — there's a great mix of entry-level craft brews, including jugs of Young Henrys for $20. The menu has staple pub feeds and includes $18 specials from Monday to Wednesday, including rump steak, schnitty and parmy respectively. An impressive cocktail list of in-house specials and classics is also available, with a cocktail happy hour available from 9–11pm Friday and Saturday nights. In the past there has been both live music and DJs and, COVID restrictions permitting, we will hopefully see them returning soon.
New Shanghai's genre-busting soupy and crispy pan fried pork buns have achieved a certain level of fame. No one else in these parts does their dumplings quite like it. The crystal prawn dumplings and crab xiao long bao are also not to sniffed at. The striking interiors of their restaurants aim to take you back to the 1930s Shanghai streets, with a live dumpling making theatre where diners can watch the chefs in action. New Shanghai is also at Chatswood Lemon Grove, Bondi Junction and Ashfield.
While the original Golden Century sadly closed its doors last year, the rest of its stable of Cantonese restaurants is still going strong with The Century at The Star, XOPP and now, a second Darling Square restaurant that's focused on traditional Cantonese barbecue. The newly opened Golden Century BBQ sees the group lean into a more casual dining experience that's more akin to the maiden venue, while also highlighting the beauty of barbecued meats. "We want our customers to feel like they're eating at a restaurant without actually having to dine inside a restaurant," Golden Century Group's Billy Wong said. The new restaurant is open for lunch and dinner six days a week, set inside Darling Square's Exchange Building on the level below XOPP. Highlights on the menu include roast duck accompanied by rice or noodles, barbecued char siu, and a variety of dim dum created in-house and steamed to order. The real table-pleaser is likely to not even be a main menu item, but the XO pippies sauce that you can order as a $4 side to bring that signature Golden Century kick to any dish. When Golden Century's Sussex Street home closed last year after more than three decades, owners the Wong family took the opportunity to revamp XOPP, bringing it closer to the experience of the original, beloved restaurant. "XOPP at Darling Square has reopened with the installation of live seafood tanks and a new menu more aligned to the original Golden Century," Billy Wong told Concrete Playground at the time. "We listened, and many of our chef and front-of-house team members have joined from Sussex Street to continue serving our customers their GC favourite dishes." Now with the addition of this more casual barbecue eatery, Darling Square has become a one-stop-shop for any Golden Century fans. Golden Century BBQ is located at 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket. It's open 11.30am–8.30pm Wednesday–Monday.
It seems Sydney street artist Scott Marsh didn't spend too much time celebrating his alleged $100k profit last week (or drinking it at The Glad, for that matter). After his seven-metre Chippendale mural of Kanye West kissing himself went viral last month — and garnered interest from Yeezy himself, who apparently paid $100,000 to have it painted over — Marsh has come back with a new piece that is arguably even more relevant than Kanye's narcissism: a mural of NSW Premier Mike Baird. Great photo of me finishing up last night by @colebennetts 📷 Caught @mikebairdmp out on a big Friday night he was happy to pose for a few reference flicks 👍🏻 #casinomike #keepsydneyopen A photo posted by Scott Marsh (@scottie.marsh) on Apr 17, 2016 at 3:52pm PDT The mural, which was painted last night, Sunday, April 17, has popped up on the side of the Lord Gladstone Hotel in Chippen Lane. Dubbed #casinomike by Marsh, it depicts the Premier on a "big Friday night" past lockout time at 1.31am, complete with casino chips, an illicit late night kebab and a bottle of Penfolds Grange that he assumedly bought before 10pm. It's smug as all hell. Not sure that Mike Baird will be able to shell out Marsh's high wall buffing fees to get the mural removed, but maybe he'll be willing to bargain with some policy. A photo posted by Danny Clayton (@dannyclayton) on Apr 17, 2016 at 4:09am PDT Top image: Danny Clayton via Instagram.
The first major Australian exhibition from Ghanian artist El Anatsui, Five Decades is an ambitious compilation of works inside Carriageworks running Sydney Festival all the way to March. Showcasing more than 30 works from the 1970s to the current day, this highly ambitious exhibition will reflect a broad thematic spectrum of the artist's themes and media, from large-scale installations to works on paper. Beginning from Anatsui's early flair for mixing different aesthetic styles, the exhibition will trace the evolution of his practice. From 1998 onward, the artist became fixated with repurposing materials, such as wood, aluminium printing plates, tin boxes and liquor bottle tops. Also bubbling underneath his work is the rich cultural imagery of West Africa, which is tied to deeper issues around colonisation and post-colonisation. More recently, Anatsui nabbed the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2015, proving himself to be one of the most compelling contemporary artists to watch. From January 7 to March 6, Five Decades offers the opportunity to take in some truly unique art in unique spaces. Image: El Anatsui, Stressed World (2011), found aluminum and copper wire, 4.4 x 6.0m installed dimensions, ©El Anatsui. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.
When you woke up this morning, Thursday, February 18, your Facebook news feed probably looked a little different. Instead of news about the pandemic, restaurant openings, events and all the usual things you're used to seeing as you scroll, it was filled with memes, photos from distant family members and groups you don't even remember joining. So, what on earth is going on? Well, there's been a bit of standoff between the Australian Government and Facebook and Google, because of the Federal Government's controversial media-bargaining code, which passed through the House of Representatives on Wednesday night. In response, Facebook has banned Australian users and publishers from viewing or sharing any "news articles" on its platform. And it hasn't just banned news. Everyone from embattled Sydney art institution Carriageworks to state government-run Queensland Health, which posts daily COVID-19 updates and streams press conferences, and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival have been kicked off the social media platform. And we have, too. That means, to keep up to date with all the exciting things going on in your city, you need to track us down in other spots. Like, right here on our website, over on our Instagram pages (@concreteplayground, @concreteplaygroundmelbourne and @concreteplaygroundbrisbane), or on Twitter (@concreteplay) and by signing up to one of our newsletters. If you're in Sydney, you can sign up here: Melburnians, get your fix here: And Brisbanites, discover all the best things to do right here. You can also bookmark some of your favourite content of ours. Like the best waterfalls to swim under around Sydney, the best things to do on the weekend in Brisbane and Melbourne's best boozy bottomless brunches. Just because Facebook is boring RN, doesn't mean you have to be. Top image: Kitti Gould
From the poster, you’d assume The Haunting of Daniel Gartrell is a one-man meditation on the perils of drinking solo and shirtless after Mardi Gras. In reality, the lights go up on a gleefully naked Daniel Gartrell (Mark Sheridan) sitting in a vinyl lounge chair. He is playing the famous bush poet of the title, a reclusive but remarkable wordsmith who is – in Gartrell’s hands – alternately whimsical and venomous. The writer, Reg Cribb, is a NIDA graduate who co-wrote the Bran Nue Dae screenplay. He is arguably best known for his feature film adaptation, Last Train To Freo, which was nominated for an AFI award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and went on to win the 2005 WA Premier’s Script award. It seems fitting that Cribb is now dealing with the poetic pretensions of the deeply disturbed Daniel Gartrell given that his play Last Cab to Darwin won the 2003 Patrick White Playwright’s Award, a prize one presumably has to be as stubborn-minded as Patrick White himself to win. At the Old Fitzroy Theatre, the width of the stage is the width of the seating, and the set design is used to great effect to pull you into the characters’ past. A towering pile of moldering books and collapsing chairs cover the stage, signaling Daniel Gartrell's decrepit mental and physical state. Craig Castevich (Joshua Morton), an ambitious actor who is preparing to play the haunted hermit in a forthcoming biopic, arrives with industrious intent to gain intimate insights into the man's poetry, and is clearly immediately out of his depth. Gartrell’s stormy bush poetry stems from disappointment and heartbreak, and once Castevich starts dredging up dissolving details, it's uncertain whether he'll deal well with his discoveries. Despite the poetic intensity of the script, there is a lot of humour to be found in this play, particularly in the daughter who provides psychologically creepy comic relief. The impressive mirroring of the two men’s characters is done subtly - after all, only one of them gets naked.
It happens every year, but 2023 is certainly going by in a flash — it's hard to believe that we've already farewelled summer. With the end of the warmer weather, it's easy to let the weekend roll around with no plans besides a couple of drinks at the pub and then a finale of cosy TV-watching and ordering in. But, we think it should be different. Let's think bigger, and ensure we milk every second from our precious days off. Spectacular stretches of sand and fresh autumn oceans, bushwalks and scenic vistas, sitting around a campfire sharing a bev or two — it's the nature life for us. Along with The Bottle-O, the store slinging your favourite boozy sips all over Australia, we've rounded up some amazing road trip options so you can make the most of your sweet freedom. Get ready to dust off your tent and hit the road. TO BE OCEANSIDE: ROAD TRIP TO SEAL ROCKS, CAMP AT YAGON Head a bit over three hours north of Sydney to an oceanside oasis. Seal Rocks is an idyllic locale to escape to, with remote beaches and lakes situated along the Barrington Coast. Famous for its iconic lighthouse, it's the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a delicious craft beer in hand. Drive through the small oceanside town and turn down Yagon Road. After a short stretch of dirt road, you'll find yourself at Yagon campground, a bushy spot that'll have you set up just a quick walk from the beach. With all the facilities for a barbecue, you can spend the day exploring beautiful walking tracks and surfing, fishing, paddling or swimming in the wild and remote beaches. Don't forget to pack an esky for your brews from The Bottle-O en route (The Bottle-O at Wickham is on your way, Sydneysiders) — it'll be needed to enjoy your sipping on the sand with your mates. [caption id="attachment_891378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Love Leah[/caption] TO GET INTO THE BUSH: ROAD TRIP TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, CAMP AT DUNPHY'S If you're more inclined to hit quaint countryside villages then head into bushland, the Blue Mountains is the obvious choice — it's the ideal combination of sweeping scenery and small-town charm. Plus, there's a plethora of activities for any adrenaline junkies. Plan your trip around a rock climbing adventure from Katoomba or get your thrills on a two-stop canyoning adventures. After your escapades, pick up some good-value drinks — like a spicy shiraz to sip in the crisp mountain air — at The Bottle-O Hazelbrook, as you make your way to Dunphy's campground. After your stop for provisions, you've got just over an hour's drive — that'll have you snaking through Leura, Blackheath and Megalong Valley — to this perfectly remote spot, where you can wind down and sleep under the stars with your nearest and dearest. You will enjoy mountain views and be around plenty of nature walks — just make sure you keep a look out for kangaroos and wombats. [caption id="attachment_891379" align="alignnone" width="1920"] In Syde Media[/caption] FOR EPIC HIKES: ROAD TRIP TO THE CENTRAL COAST, CAMP AT TALLOW BEACH If going on more hikes was one of your New Year's resolutions, then head up to the Central Coast's Bouddi National Park, which is teeming with scenic trails to explore. Grab some friends and set up camp at Tallow Beach campground — it's a goodie. The campsite is a bit of a hike to reach from the carpark, so make sure you come prepared. But, we promise it'll be all worth it for that secluded, seaside feel. Camping here is free but only accommodates six tents so make sure you book in advance to secure a spot. From the beach you can enjoy a swim and a surf and even try out some rock fishing. Then, enjoy a 3.1 kilometre walk along the Box Head Track leading to a lookout with beautiful views across the Hawkesbury River. You can also check out the Flannel Flower Track, which takes you through the angophora forest to the picturesque Lobster Beach (which you could very well enjoy to yourselves). After your day of exploring, share a bottle of crisp rosé (which you'll need to nab from The Bottle-O at Point Clare before you arrive) with your gang, perfect to enjoy with some freshly caught fish (if you packed your rod). FOR CLOSE PROXIMITY TO CREATURE COMFORTS: ROAD TRIP TO WOLLONDILLY, CAMP AT THE RIVER STATION About an hour-and-a-half from Sydney you'll find the charming Wollondilly Shire. Affectionately known as The Dilly, this picturesque riverside spot is an easy getaway that feels worlds away from the city life — but still provides all the comfortable extras you could want. After you've brunched at Picton Social or had a pub feed at George VI Inn, pick up your drinks from the The Bottle-O at The Oaks to sip happily at your campsite at the Wollondilly River Station. There's kayaking opportunities aplenty, or if you're simply looking to kick back and spend the long weekend riverside with your friends, soaking in the scenic wonders, there's that too. Lock in the good times with an ice-cold Aussie beer once you get back to camp. [caption id="attachment_891377" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Bay of Fires - Tasmania[/caption] IF YOU'RE GOING FOR LONGER THAN THE WEEKEND: FLY TO HOBART, CAMP AT BAY OF FIRES Not technically a road trip per se, but if you have managed to score a few extra days off, why not take a flight to Hobart and see what Tasmania has to offer? You could head to Bruny Island, where you can take an expertly-curated tour through a pristine natural wonderland. Or, take a trip to visit Mount Wellington, discovering its views and vibrant vegetation, before experiencing MONA, a true must-see for any Tassie tourist. But, if you're set on a camping adventure, the Bay of Fires is for you. Just under four hours from Hobart, you'll be settled in this idyllic paradise — where white beaches and crystal clear waters backdrop staggering boulders set alight with naturally occurring orange lichen. Before you go, stop in at The Bottle-O Bevvies Howrah and grab a pack of fruity seltzers — once you're in the uniquely breathtaking landscape you won't want to leave. Wherever the road leads you this weekend, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website.
While Messina's main jam is usually crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. The cult gelateria has often teamed up with savoury-focused culinary heroes, throwing big ol' food parties. While these tasty pop-ups used to be hosted in the carpark of Messina's Rosebery store, the recent unveiling of a massive new Marrickville HQ means they're on the move, kicking off with a huge two-day collaboration with a pair of local favourites. For the inaugural Messina Eats Locals at the expansive new outpost, the dessert specialist has enlisted the help of Marrickville's own Baba's Place and Whole Beast Butchery, which have pulled together a street food menu that will be tough to pass up. The eats will be available in the Rich Street carpark from midday till late across Friday, May 12–Saturday, May 13. The Baba's Place section of the menu features falafel wraps, chicken skewers marinated in a fermented garlic caramel glaze, and the restaurant's famous taramasalata served with salt and vinegar chips. Or, opt for the huge mixed plate, which boasts two skewers, two lamb chops, two spicy pork kolbas, pickled turnip, Lebanese bread, house toum and a Baba's Place x Messina sauce. Whole Beast Butchery is keeping things a little more simple with one menu item based around a whole pig, which will be spit-roasted over charcoal. The spit will be pulled and placed on a long crunchy bread roll, then topped with house vinegar sauce, cabbage salad and pickles. There will also be key lime pie-lova sundaes made with lime curd gelato, pie crust, baked meringue, whipped cream and lime zest on hand — as well as all of the regular Messina treats from inside the flagship store, which offers 40 flavours of gelato, cookie pies, Messina chocolates and Bavarian cream pies. Both of the participating venues will be serving up their signature drinks as well, with Whole Beast Butchery's lemonade and Baba's Place and DNA Distillery's rakija and tonic cans available to quench your thirst.
A Noel Coward play, a series of Haydn string quartets, a concert by Clannad — wait, is this Melbourne Festival? It is, but it's the new-look Melbourne Festival, now in its first year under new artistic director Josephine Ridge. Ridge's goal with her first program has been to broaden the festival's appeal. While there will as always be a range of offerings on the weirder side of wonderful, from an epic dramatisation of a verbatim phone conversation (Nature Theater of Oklahoma's Life and Times), to an artist who makes playable musical instruments out of disarmed assault weapons (Pedro Reyes), the 2013 program is also aiming to draw in audiences who may normally have seen Melbourne Festival as not their thing. An expanded music program is a big part of that, bringing an eclectic range of acts from pop bands such as British India and Polyphonic Spree to a celebration of ska, a classical program put together with the help of the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Richard Tognetti and a concert in the dark by blind artists Amadou and Mariam. This year also sees a greater focus on commissioned works, both from local artists such as Eddie Perfect and Daniel Schlusser and from big international names such as British choreographer Hofesh Shechter. Other guests of note include much-loved Indigenous singer Archie Roach, who will be playing in a grand welcome to country to kick the festival off, Hollywood legend John Landis and celebrated French ballerina Sylvie Guillem. There’s plenty for free and even if you can’t get yourself to a single film screening, gallery exhibit, concert or performance, the art will be coming to you anyway, via a series of decorative 'art trams'. Ridge has just come from nine years working on the Sydney Festival, an event which she says seems to draw more emotional engagement from its audience, compared to the intellectualised response typical of Melbourne. She’s hoping this year to bring a bit of that passion south, with a program that truly gets into Melbourne's heart. Tickets for the Melbourne Festival are on sale on Friday, 16 August. For tickets and the full program, see the festival website.
Can you feel a tingling in your toes as your feet start to defrost? That's the feeling of winter slipping away, or maybe you've been sitting cross-legged for too long. Either way, with the cold weather fading into the past for another year comes the return of a warm-weather favourite: Australia's beloved Moonlight Cinema. Ahhh balmy nights on the grass, we have missed you. Heralding the arrival of the sunnier months, Moonlight Cinema is a summertime tradition that will make its usual annual comeback at the end of 2022, then roll into 2023. As it always does, it'll hit up screens in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth for a few months of movies in the open air, under the stars and soaking in another Aussie summer. Nosh-wise, Moonlight Cinema will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks (no alcohol in Brisbane, though), but the unorganised can also enjoy a plethora of bites to eat from food trucks — perfect, messy treats made for reclining on bean beds. The overall season runs from November through to March, although it varies city by city. As for what'll be screening, expect to hear what's on the bill closer to the outdoor cinema's return for the year — before the season kicks off in Brisbane and Sydney on Thursday, November 24, obviously. And, while the 2022–23 locations haven't yet been confirmed, Brisbane's season tends to pop up in Roma Street Parkland, Sydney's in Centennial Park, Perth's in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Adelaide's in Rymill Park and Melbourne's in the Royal Botanic Gardens. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2022–23 DATES Brisbane: Thursday, November 24–Sunday, February 19 in Roma Street Parkland Sydney: Thursday, November 24–Sunday, March 26 in Centennial Park Perth: Friday, November 25–Sunday, March 26 in Kings Park and Botanic Garden Adelaide: Thursday, December 1–Sunday, February 19 in Rymill Park Melbourne: Thursday, December 1–Sunday, March 26 in Royal Botanic Gardens Moonlight Cinema kicks off in November 2022, running through until March 2023. For more information, visit the cinema's website — and we'll update you with program details when they're announced.
If you're already making travel plans for next year, you might want to consider a destination close to home: New South Wales' Lord Howe Island. Located 600 kilometres off the state's northern coast, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed spot has just been named one of the best places to visit in 2020 by travel publication Lonely Planet. The only Australasian location to make the list, Lord Howe Island ranked fifth in Lonely Planet's rundown of top regions, which forms part of its Best in Travel 2020 guide. The publication heaped plenty of praise on the NSW spot, noting that the "visually stunning island makes an instant impact on the senses". It also called out Lord Howe's "soaring green mountains", "perfect lagoon", "perfect crescents of beach" and "splendid hiking trails" — as well as calling it "a shining example of sustainably managed tourism". If you haven't yet experienced Lord Howe's wonders for yourself, only 400 people are allowed to visit the island at a time — which is why its approach to tourism earned a specific mention. That means you won't have too much company when you're trekking up Mt Gower's 875-metre one-day climb, swimming among 60 species of coral and more than 500 species of fish, surfing at Blinky Beach, visiting the world's largest sea stack or sleeping in a rainforest. [caption id="attachment_747140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zach Sanders[/caption] On the top regions list, the Aussie spot was in great company. The Central Asia's Silk Road took first place, Le Marche in Italy nabbed second, Tohuku in Japan ranked third and Maine in the USA came in fourth. Further down the rankings, China's Guizhou Province took sixth spot, followed by Spain's Cádiz Province, Northeast Argentina, the Kvarner Gulf in Croatia and the Brazilian Amazon. Lonely Planet also compiles lists of top cities, countries and best-value places to visit; however, no Aussie or NZ spots ranked among the selections. Salzburg in Austria was named the best city, Bhutan topped the best countries and East Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia emerged victorious among the publication's best-value picks. You can check out Lonely Planet's full Best in Travel 2020 lists over here. Images: Zach Sanders.
If there's one thing Sydney has a lot of, it's water. Whether it's the gobsmackingly beautiful harbour, the many rivers snaking their way to the sea from the west or the scores of pristine white sand beaches that stretch along the city's giant coastline, this whole place is full of H2-oh-wow moments. They're basically at every turn. But sometimes heading to Bondi Beach for the umpteenth time just won't cut it. So here are a few ideas to help you get wet, steal some sea spray and cool down creatively. [caption id="attachment_556149" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jason James via Flickr[/caption] STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING AT BALMORAL BEACH There are a heap of places to rent a paddleboard in Sydney, but head northside to the stunning harbour beach of Balmoral to be rewarded with calm waters, beautiful views of the bay and island and several options for top-notch coffee when you've conquered the board. Hit up Balmoral Boatshed on The Esplanade, where you can hire a board and get taught the basics before being sent out on your own. It's $30 for the first hour, with discounted rates for subsequent hours. [caption id="attachment_545050" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Andrew JWC via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] GRAB A KAYAK AT ROSE BAY If you've accidentally skipped arm day at the gym, a session in a kayak at one of Sydney's eastern suburb beaches will help you even things out. The folks at Rose Bay Aquatic Hire will fit you out with a life jacket, paddle and your choice of a one- or two-man kayak for around $25 an hour per person. The lightweight boats are surprisingly easy to manoeuvre and, once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to explore a pretty large section of the bay and harbour. Kayak out to Shark Island (if you buy entry first) or pull up at Milk Beach for a little rest and/or lunch break. They don't require a hefty deposit either — just some photo ID to be left behind as security. And if you're keen for more kayak time, check out our other favourite places to kayak in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_551558" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Dollar Photo Club[/caption] TAKE A SURFING LESSON AT MAROUBRA Maroubra is one of the most underrated beaches in Sydney's east. The parking is considerably easier and cheaper than Bondi or Bronte, and the waves are consistently good. It's the perfect spot to try your hand (or feet) on a surfboard. A two-hour beginner's lesson with Let's Go Surfing is only $60 and includes all equipment and instruction. Classes are kept to a maximum of six people too, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one help — and if you want to keep practicing after class, board hire is available for around $20 an hour. And if you can't get to Maroubra, try one of these prime surfing spots for beginners. [caption id="attachment_556134" align="alignnone" width="1280"] EastSail[/caption] HIRE A BOAT AND EXPLORE SYDNEY HARBOUR You do need a boat license for this one — so if you don't have the paperwork, find a mate who does. It'll be totally worth it — because once you've got control of the boat, you'll have the freedom of exploring all the amazing nooks and crannies of Sydney Harbour. Spend a few hours cruising around the eastern suburbs playing 'which waterfront house would I buy if I won Lotto?', and then head to a secluded inlet like Milk Beach or Chinamans Beach to drop anchor and have a swim. There are a heap of places around Sydney that will rent you a vessel, but we like EastSail at Rushcutters Bay, which is reasonably priced and has a good selection to choose from. [caption id="attachment_556132" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Dollar Photo Club[/caption] RIDE THE FERRY TO MANLY This one might not be that exciting for those who do it as part of their commute every day, but it's a classic Sydney experience for a reason. There aren't many views of the harbour city more beautiful than from the deck of a giant yellow (or green) ferry as it glides past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge. Pack a picnic and take it to Manly; Little Manly Cove is perfect for a quiet afternoon, otherwise smash some fish and chips on Manly Beach and have a quick dip before jumping on a ferry home. Hot tip: make it a Sunday journey and you'll pay only $2.50 on your Opal card for the entire return trip. [caption id="attachment_556135" align="alignnone" width="1280"] phonetography101 via Flickr[/caption] TAKE THE RIVERCAT UP THE PARRAMATTA RIVER For a unique look at Sydney that you may not have yet considered, jump on a RiverCat and make the trip west without having to deal with traffic, freeways and the endless car yards that line Parramatta Road. The catamaran hits decent speeds on the way, and the journey takes about 45-minutes from Circular Quay. Once you arrive, head into Parramatta's CBD to explore an area that is bustling with great cafes, bars and restaurants. There's even a Gelato Messina. The Village People were right – 'Go West', life is peaceful there. [caption id="attachment_556136" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Thunder Jet Boat[/caption] GET YOUR HEART PUMPING ON A JET BOAT You might dismiss this as a tourist trap, but the Sydney Harbour jet boat rides are actually pretty fun. You'll hit high speeds, get spun in circles all over the place, and the ratio of splashes to enjoyment is pretty high. Add in the incredible views you'll get of Sydney Harbour and you've got yourself a pretty sweet little ride. Thunder Jet Boat and Harbour Jet are both good options. Book online for better deals. [caption id="attachment_556137" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sydney Seaplanes[/caption] GET A BIRD'S EYE VIEW FROM A SEA PLANE Yes, we're moving into seriously luxe, seriously expensive territory here — but if you have the funds, the opportunity to see the city from above is totally worth it. Taking off in a sea plane is unlike anything you'll have ever experienced — it's sort of a cross between a speedboat and a go-kart. But then, all of a sudden you'll lift up and above what is arguably the world's greatest harbour. Go all out and book a fly-and-dine package at Jonah's through Sydney Seaplanes for a harbour tour followed by a fabulous meal and a view of Whale Beach. It's certainly not cheap — but for an anniversary or special occasion, it will be utterly unforgettable. EXPLORE CLARK ISLAND If it's a picnic with extremely good views of the water you're after, pack your rug and basket and head to one of Sydney's islands and most unique national parks. You can get to Clark Island either by water taxi, private boat or kayak — just note that a $7 landing fee applies. There are gorgeous shaded gazebos dotted about the island, and plenty of places for a swim. You'll just need to book your trip in advance through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. TAKE A SAILING LESSON Sailing has so many excellent words: Dinghy! Starboard! Ahoy! Use them with confidence after you've felt the sea spray in your face and the wind through your hair. Sydney By Sail offers one-off day cruise sailing trips where they'll show you the ropes (quite literally in this case), or you can sign up for an intensive two-day 'Introduction to Yachting' course that will build you some serious sea legs. They're located right near the Maritime Museum as well, for more #boatspiration. Top image: Visit St. Pete/Clearwater via Flickr
When Australian men cross-dress, it's usually very camp or very bogan. When young English boys do so, it's civilised, or so it would seem from watching Sasha Regan's production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic The Pirates of Penzance. Regan has mentioned in her program notes that she has tried to re-create the days of single-sex high school productions, which necessitate cross-dressing to cover all roles. She's certainly managed to give the production a high school revue air, whilst elevating it to a professional, technically sound show. This is not some edgy interrogation of gender but rather a well-executed piece of good clean fun. It's respectable for musicals to entertain for entertainment's sake, and it's even better if they're done with this level of flair and aplomb. Some of the best comedy arises out of subjects taking themselves far too seriously and these corseted men are deadly sincere. The hilarity of cross-dressing wears off quickly and the story takes precedence, even if W.S. Gilbert's plot is basic. Alan Richardson as Mabel is the main reason for this. His solo, 'Stay Fred’ric, stay' verges on moving. He uses a squawky falsetto judiciously for comic effect and impressively sings the rest in a genuine soprano range up to a high D flat. As castration has long since been outlawed in his native England, his range can only be attributed to some serious dedication. One of the standout performers is Lee Greenaway playing the incidental character of Connie, a bashful, bespectacled young maiden extremely keen to be married off to one of the dashing pirates. By evoking a sublime mixture of coyness and romantic mania, Greenaway all but steals the show. Although he is doubtless an accomplished singer, every time he opens his mouth as Connie a histrionic shriek emanates that would wake the dead. He is very funny, along with other comic gems such as Joseph Houston playing the dowdy but loyal Ruth. An all-male cast of sailors and maids sounds like Sydney's idea of paradise. It's not all camp spectacle — there are also some fine moments of plain good performance — but yes, let’s face it; there are many robust young men on stage at one time. As Cate Blanchett put it on opening night, “Welcome to Sydney, boys.” Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.
Bodysnatchers is a young theatre company formed by playwright Mark Rogers and director Sanja Simic. Their latest show, Blood Pressure at the Old Fitz is an excellent domestic drama that incorporates some fascinating bioethical questions, from euthanasia to the legal status of dismembered body parts (it's finders keepers, in case you were wondering). Two adult brothers, Michael (Alexander Millwood) and Adam (Wade Briggs) meet up after a time apart on the evening of Michael's piano recital. Preparing to leave for the big night, younger brother Adam holds things up with his chronic illness. Susan Sontag's famous quote from Illness as Metaphor about our dual citizenship to the kingdom of the sick and the kingdom of the well is included in the program notes, and under Simic's detailed direction, this production articulates beautifully what those two kingdoms look like. Rogers has created a believable relationship between the brothers, who have the ability unique to siblings to adore and despise each other simultaneously. Millwood and Briggs bounce off each other well, particularly in the comic scenes, although Millwood seems to have some trouble executing the choppier parts of the text. The wider arguments that arise about organ donation and whether foreign tissue in a body can really influence personal tastes are interesting. But the debate about the nature of consciousness in which Adam reveals himself to be a materialist and Michael a more metaphysical type is unnecessary and thankfully brief. Their return to the business of being brothers is welcome. Theoretical arguments on stage are always inadequate because an essay could do it better. But where theatre triumphs is its capacity to move us. The emotional insight imparted by this play is that pathos is not a weak thing. Rogers has written a sick man who is good-humoured and practical, and Briggs embodies him with humility and grace. The only drawback of the piece is the ending. Because it is not well rooted in the preceding play, it doesn't resonate with the story thus far and impact as it should. Nevertheless, the spirit of this production is courageous and tender. Go and see this and then go home and write your living will, dictating the treatment you want when you enter the kingdom of the sick.
Across the last few months of 2021, and spilling into 2022, there'll be something strange happening in Australian cinemas. This'll be the case in places where big screens have still been showing new movies over the past few months, and also in Sydney and Melbourne when they're permitted to reopen following the two cities' respective (and long, and ongoing) lockdowns. The flicks that'll be playing? Many will be films we've been hearing about for a few years now because they were meant to release in 2020, and were then pushed back a few times due to the pandemic. But, there'll be something different going on Down Under, because a heap of these already-delayed movies have just been postponed again — only for Aussie viewers. Been waiting for No Time to Die, Dune, The French Dispatch, Halloween Kills and Ghostbusters: Afterlife? You'll now be waiting a bit longer. They're just some of the movies that've delayed their Aussie releases because cinemas in our two biggest cities have been closed due to lockdowns. Instead of hitting the silver screen in places around the country that are open, then perhaps being fast-tracked to digital — as In the Heights, The Suicide Squad and a range of other titles have lately — these movies have been pushed back nationwide to wait for projectors in Sydney and Melbourne to start whirring. So, if you like your spy movies shaken, not stirred, you'll now be holding out until November 11 to see the latest Bond flick. Fancy sand worms and seeing Timothée Chalamet follow in Kyle MacLachlan's footsteps? Mark December 2 in your diary for your date with Dune. Wes Anderson's suitably star-studded latest movie, The French Dispatch, will now arrive on December 11, while Michael Myers will get slashing again in Halloween Kills on October 28 (because this horror sequel was always going to stay in October, at least). And, wondering when there really will be something strange in your neighbourhood again? That'll come with Ghostbusters: Afterlife on January 1, 2022. Venom: Let There Be Carnage will also releasing later than expected, hitting on November 25 this year — and, like all of the above movies, it'll arrive locally after it releases in the US. So, you might see your social media feeds filled with chatter about flicks that you've been looking forward to, are out overseas, but haven't yet opened in Australia. Aussies will also be waiting longer to see a few films that haven't been pushed around for a year or so — movies that've only dropped their first trailers in past months — such as Malignant (October 21), The Many Saints of Newark (November 4), Last Night in Soho (November 18), The Last Duel (November 18), Dear Evan Hansen (December 9), House of Gucci (December 26), The Matrix Resurrections (January 1) and King Richard (January 18). There's also Zola, which'll now hit on November 18 after being delayed everywhere until 2021, releasing in the US midyear, then having its Australian debut pushed back. And, some long-delayed flicks have kept postponing their releases worldwide, too, such as the Spider-Man-related Morbius, featuring Jared Leto (January 20); The King's Man, the next instalment in the Kingsman franchise; and Top Gun: Maverick (May 26), because it doesn't feel the need for speed just yet. If you're living somewhere where picture palaces have been shut for months, you're probably just keen to see whatever you can whenever you're allowed — understandably. In Sydney, that's due to happen when New South Wales reaches the 70-percent fully vaxxed mark, which is expected in mid-October. In Melbourne, no timeframe has been given for reopening cinemas just yet, or easing out of lockdown in general; however the travel radius will expand to ten kilometres and outdoor exercise will be allowed for three hours once 70 percent of Victorians have had their first jabs. Of course, moving release dates around was a regular part of movie-going life before the pandemic, too. More often than not, big blockbuster titles had been hitting Aussie cinemas at the same time as overseas, though. New films are still releasing in cinemas Down Under each week at the moment, where they're open, and will continue to do so; however, you'll just be waiting longer for some movies, including a number of big-name flicks, in some instances. To check out the new releases screening in Australian cinemas each week, check out our weekly rundown, complete with reviews. Image: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2021 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved
Faces. Faces and fields. They don't always spring straight to mind when you're talking about great art. But they're stomped all over the history of art, obsessed as it was with the human body and the unreal rustic idyll. These are also the ingredients of the Archibald, and Wynne prizes, about to go on show with the Sulman at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The Archibald entrants compete in portrait, the Wynne in landscapes, and the Sulman in paint both big and small. This collection of collections will judged by the non-artist Trustees and the general public, already having been judged by a benign autocracy of art storeman. This year's Archibald finalists include the stunning Klimt-like family portrait of previous winner Kathryn del Barton, a Love and Rockets-styled self portrait by Kate Beynon and Ben Quilty's fine-cut Margaret Olley. The exhibition also has a flm program, featuring Basiquat and The Lady Eve by epic O Brother Where Art Thou influence Preston Sturges. The weighty Archibald is orbited by satirical Bald Archies and more elevated Salon de Refuses exhibitions, too. So there's lots of fodder for you to indulge in an epic day of art, and of judging for yourself. Image: Nicholas Harding, Hugo at Home
UPDATE: DECEMBER 24, 2019 — Turns out muggles are quite keen on leaving their muggle lives behind for a few hours, because The Wizard's Cauldron sessions have been very popular. As such, the event will now continue into next year, until Sunday, January 12. After that, the bar will move onto Melbourne. In recent times, this fine country has seen Harry Potter brunches, dinners, movie marathons and trivia nights. And that's not to mention the Cursed Child mania that's happening down in Melbourne. But are you sick of it? No chance. If there's one thing we know, it's that the demand for Harry Potter will never die — and this latest pop-up, along with the fact that there is a seemingly endless stream of Harry Potter events to come, proves that. The next piece of mainstream Harry Potter fandom to hit Sydney this August will be the Wizard's Cauldron. Inspired by the experiences that the gang had in potions class — and hopefully avoiding the botched polyjuice potion episode — the pop-up bar will mix magic and mixology. That's to say, there will be cocktails. Probably with some dry ice and bubbling substances. It'll be sort of like a science class, except you'll wear robes and mix your drinks with a wand. And drink what you mix, of course. The 'experience' will take 90 minutes and will cost you $49. For that, you'll get a hot mug o' mead and help from a (probably) greasy-haired Potions Master to mix a potion or two for yourself. You may or may not have to take your O.W.L exam after. Either way, there'll be a cash bar so you can celebrate or commiserate your results for further drinks and snacks. The Wizard's Cauldron will run sessions on random days between August 28 and December 8. Session times vary from afternoon right through to 9pm.
Some film festivals whisk you away to far-off countries without leaving your cinema seat, or your home. Others expand your knowledge about the state of the world and what might be to come. Screening both in-person in Melbourne and online nationally from Friday, February 18–Sunday, March 13, Australia's annual Transitions Film Festival does both. And, after more than a decade of pondering the future of the planet, changing technologies and our evolving world, this film fest is showing no signs of stopping — with more than 20 titles on its 2022 lineup. Mostly, you'll be diving into docos, but German drama Ecocide takes a different route, putting world leaders on trial in 2034 for their inaction to combat climate change in our present. Other highlights include A.rtificial I.mmortality, about a life that might extend beyond our bodies; 70/30, following a quest in Denmark to reduce greenhouse gases by 70 percent by 2030; First We Eat, where filmmaker Suzanne Crocker bans grocery shopping for a year; Mountains of Plastic, where plastic pollution still finds its way to some of the earth's most isolated regions. Or, because the list goes on, there's also a movie-length economics lesson via Hot Money; Dear Future Children, about the new generation of global protesters; Forest for the Trees, which focuses on community of 100 tree planters; and Dream On, Yearning For Change, where five people endeavour to make the world better in their own ways. Top image: Dream On, Yearning For Change.
Want to be whisked away to another, more fantastic realm? Le Salon Dada is all your surrealist dreams come true. Taking over French restaurant Claire's Kitchen every Sunday, the three-hour dinner-and-show experience promises unpredictable performances and art, plus canapes, heady cocktails and a five-course feast. Best of all? We're giving you the chance to go to this eccentric night out for free. Should you get your mitts on this lavish prize, you and your date will be heading to Le Salon Dada on Sunday, December 15, where you'll be greeted with a cocktail and some snacks. Then, expect a playful French feast, with each course inspired by a famous piece of art, from Dali's Mae West Lips Sofa to René Magritte's The Son of Man. In between dishes, you'll be transported into an alternative world, inspired by the over-the-top costume parties of the Rothschilds in the 70s as well as the art of Dali, Miro, Duchamp and Magritte. There'll be a mixture of circus, cabaret, deviant art and bizarre theatrics, so don't expect to get bored at this dinner party. And, if you're not lucky enough to win tickets, fret not. As a loyal Concrete Playground reader, you'll get $30 off your first Le Salon Dada visit. If you're keen to book for Sunday, December 1 head here. Or, if you want to go on Sunday, December 15, book here. To be in the running, enter your details below. [competition]750414[/competition]
Parramatta locals have scored a brand-new Japanese joint — and it's harbouring major culinary talent. Inside the suburb's long-standing Heritage Lounge precinct you'll now find an elegant Japanese restaurant called Oribu. This sleek addition to Church Street aims to redefine perceptions of Japanese cuisine in the area by offering a lavish dining experience. It also boasts top-notch hospitality talent with Head Chef Harry Cho (ex-Nobu) leading the charge. Chef Cho brings his Korean and Japanese roots, decades of expertise and technical precision to an impressive food offering. Peruse the menu and you'll find highlights like popcorn prawns paired with creamy spicy sauce and a splash of yuzu juice; lamb cutlets with saikyo miso, custard crumbs and grilled cherry tomatoes; and a selection of premium caviar if you're ready to splurge. Each dish is plated with the thought and detail of a minor work of art. "Shaped by the precision and discipline instilled during my military years, Oribu is more than a culinary venture; it's a testament to my story of service to the delicate artistry of cuisine," said Chef Cho. "It's also an opportunity to create something truly special that the community can proudly call its own." Oribu's sophisticated fit-out features black interiors with flashes of greenery, including a humble tree situated at the centre of its dining area. Its moody ambience creates an atmosphere fit for a celebratory dinner or an intimate date night. You'll find Oribu at 215 Church St in Parramatta, open from 5pm–10pm Wednesday–Sunday. Head to the Heritage Lounge website to make a booking.
Today marks the last day of Dark Mofo and, for those of us on the mainland, this means today is the last day our social media news feeds are bombarded with Tasmanian whimsy. Over the past few days you may have asked yourself what this congregation of lights and bearded men actually is. You may have wondered what kind of wizardry has conjured all this neon and Hogwarts-esque feasting, and how you can become a part of it. Well, we've scoured our Instagram feeds and compiled a handy outsiders' guide for you. Organisers may declare the festival a celebration of "large-scale art, food, music, light and noise," but we feel it's best summed up by the following. Here's what went down at Dark Mofo 2014: People spent their time washing ice This was probably the most confusing thing that's popped up in your feed over the past few days. In an act of — let's face it — supreme futility, Mofo-goers have been caught this year scrubbing a large tower of ice (although we guarantee they didn't keep it up for long once the photo had been uploaded). Watching this ice slowly, slowly erode into separate smaller blocks has been like a deeply unsatisfying game of Tetris played in reverse. Explanation: It's actually an artwork by Chinese artist Yin Xiuzhen. After freezing water from the Derwent River, Xiuzhen asked festival patrons to scrub the dirty water clean. It's a symbolic act that she terms an artist's solution to pollution. This radioactive bunny made its way down from Sydney Tasmania has stolen Sydney's giant neon bunny rabbit! How rude. You probably recognise this critter from your jaunts down to Vivid Sydney earlier this month. It's the kind of thing that definitely sticks in your mind (and your Instagram feed, for that matter). Because of this, Sydney-siders really can't be too jealous of its presence at Dark Mofo. But, for everyone else across the country, this is the holy grail of public art and the number one cause of jealousy. I maintain that if I got one hug from this amazing bringer of joy, at least half the problems in my life would be solved. Explanation: The bunny is the work of Tassie artist (and Sydney expat) Amanda Parer. We can neither confirm nor deny that it's radioactive, but we can say that it's maybe the greatest thing we've seen for awhile. There was a cat shooting laser beams from its eyes We can't even. This needs all of the explanations. Explanation: Disappointingly, we can't find out much about this little treasure. From the almighty power of hashtags we can deduct it has something to do with Dj Kiti playing at the festival club Faux Mo on Saturday night. We don't know how big the cat was. We don't know how strong its powers are. We don't know what it wants from us. We do however know that it's maybe the most mesmerising thing we've seen since Hypnotoad and we feel strangely compelled to obey it. If you know more, please get in touch! It's a good place to be if you like to feast From all the photos of mood-lit dining halls and opulent dinners, we can only reasonably deduct that Dumbledore and/or representatives from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have made their way to Tasmania. Sure, there are no ghosts flying around, but the twigs cascading from the ceiling do look suspiciously like broomsticks and the feast speaks for itself. Explanation: This is more or less right. The Winter Feast is one of the hallmarks of the festival and consists of a "three-night Bacchanalian banquet of feasting and fire, drinking and celebration, music and performance". Apparently there were some problems with capacity this year, but with the amazing spread on offer it's easy to understand why. Everyone got naked for some reason It's a strange thing to wake up to as you check your phone, but this morning we were treated to the sight of hundreds of bums along a beautiful beach at sunrise. Accompanying them (on what looked like a freezing morning) were a couple of old men in beanies shooting orange smoke into the air because, hell, why not? Explanation: This nude run into the water was in fact to commemorate the winter solstice. It's an annual event at Dark Mofo that's now in its second year. And, despite the unpleasant temperature, this year saw 700 people get on board! We're going next year Confusing art, giant animals, laser beams, opulent feasts, and reckless nudity — why is it that we don't live in Hobart, again? Photo credits in order of appearance: jackjesta, melfiddles, angela__g, katesaunders002, chdaku, rosiehastie.
As any Sydney seafood aficionado should know by now, The Morrison has a constant focus on the not-so-humble oyster. But in August, when the month-long Oyster Festival takes over, that focus turns into an overwhelming obsession. From Tuesday, August 1 through to Thursday, August 31, the Sydney bar will become a shucking shrine to the freshest oysters around, which will be delivered daily. One of the major drawcards is Oyster Hour. Between 6pm and 7pm every single day, you'll be able to eat as many oysters as you can handle at just $1 a pop. Throughout the month, Head Chef Sean Connolly will be conjuring up his favourite oyster dishes, from carpetbag steak, chowder and omelettes to southern fried oyster tacos and a beer battered variety. Plus, there'll be special bevs — like oyster shooters, paired cocktails and Champagne (of course) — as well as masterclasses aplenty for those really looking to further their oyster knowledge. What's the ideal number of times to chew an oyster? Brush up on your knowledge of the mollusc with our Bluffer's Guide to Oysters.
For the past few months, the New South Wales Government has been handing out $25 food and entertainment vouchers as part of its Dine & Discover program. The scheme aims to get the state's residents out of the house and patronising both hospitality businesses and cultural institutions, with four vouchers available to everyone in NSW over the age of 18 — two $25 vouchers to use at restaurants, cafes, clubs and other food venues, and another two $25 vouchers specifically for performing arts, cinemas, amusement parks and the like. After rolling out the scheme statewide from mid-March, Dine & Discover was meant to come to an end on Wednesday, June 30, which gave folks in NSW more than three months to use their vouchers. But with the deadline just a few weeks away, the State Government has announced that it is extending the program for another month — to give NSW residents even more time to apply and then head out. Haven't used any of your vouchers yet? Still have a couple left to redeem? Haven't registered? Either way, you now have until Saturday, July 31. That's the big change — however, you can also now redeem both types of vouchers seven days a week, including on public holidays. The vouchers can be used at a hefty number of participating COVID-safe registered businesses, with the full list available on the Service NSW website. You still can't use them on tobacco, alcohol or gambling, though — and you can only use each voucher once, including if your transaction totals less than $25. You'll also need to use all of your vouchers separately, actually, because the idea is to get NSW folks heading out several times to several different places. And, they have to be redeemed in-person while you're spending time out of the house. No, that doesn't cover takeaway. [caption id="attachment_779831" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] To access the vouchers, you'll need a MyServiceNSW account — and the corresponding Service NSW app, so you can use the vouchers digitally. Wondering where to visit once you've registered? We've put together a rundown of deals that'll help you get the most out of your vouchers. The Dine & Discover program was announced as part of the NSW Government's State Budget 2020–21 in a bid to help NSW's hospitality and entertainment businesses, which have had a rough run during COVID-19. Originally called Out and About, the program is designed to encourage folks to head out of the house, have a meal, and see a movie or show. And, to do so on multiple occasions. The NSW Government's Dine & Discover scheme will now run until Saturday, July 31. For more information, visit the government's website. Top image: Kitti Gould
Like the rest of 2020, New Year's Eve is going to be a little different this year. Well, significantly different. In a bid to contain the northern beaches outbreak, and a new Croydon park cluster, new restrictions have been implemented in Greater Sydney for the final night of the year. For New Year's Eve, Greater Sydney has been broken into five areas: the northern part of the northern beaches; the southern part of the northern beaches; a green zone, which encompasses the main fireworks vantage points in the CBD and North Sydney; a yellow zone, which encompasses more of North Sydney and the CBD; and the rest of Greater Sydney, which includes Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. Depending on what zone you're in, you're allowed to do different things. Here, we've broken down exactly how you can watch the fireworks and catch up with friends. HOW CAN I WATCH THE FIREWORKS? All residents of Greater Sydney are encouraged to watch the seven-minute midnight fireworks display on TV, where it will be live streamed on ABC. "My strong message to everyone in Greater Sydney this year is to watch the fireworks on TV," Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement. If you're in either of the northern beaches zones, which are both under stay-at-home orders, you'll have no choice but to watch them from home. For the rest of Greater Sydney, those who'd like to go out can watch the fireworks from the designated green zones along the harbour foreshore in Circular Quay and North Sydney (shown in the map below) — but only if you have a permit. You can only get one of these permits if you are a resident of the green zone, are visiting a resident in the green zone or have a reservation at a bar, hotel or restaurant in the green zone. You can apply for a permit over at Service NSW. North Sydney Council has announced that no businesses within the green zone will be open on NYE. You don't need a permit to visit the yellow zone, but the NSW Government has warned that "people gathering in these areas in large numbers may be moved on by police". That said, many councils, including North Sydney, City of Sydney and the Inner West, have closed parks along the foreshore — both inside and outside the yellow and green zones. CAN I HAVE PEOPLE OVER TO MY HOUSE? Yes, but only five. For all of Greater Sydney — including the northern and southern northern beaches zones — you are allowed five visitors in your home (including children and adults) per day. This new limit is down from the previously announced ten for Greater Sydney and the southern part of the northern beaches and will remain in place "until further notice". If you are in the northern beaches, however, you must stay in your zone. So, you can't have visitors from the other northern beaches zone or from other parts of Greater Sydney. You can check out a map of the two zones below. Those located in the remainder of NSW can have up to 50 people in their homes. CAN I CATCH UP WITH PEOPLE OUTDOORS? Yes, but there are different numbers depending whereabouts in the city you are. Those in the northern half of the northern beaches, can have gatherings of up to five people outside, while those in the south can have gatherings of up to ten. Once again, you cannot leave your zone, so outdoor gatherings can only be with people from your area. A reminder here that under the stay-at-home orders, northern beaches residents can leave there homes for four reasons: shop for food or other goods and services; travel for work or education, where you cannot work or learn from home; to get medical care or supplies, or to fulfil carer's responsibilities; and for exercise and outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation includes picnics, golf, tennis, swimming, boating, jet-skiing, fishing and paddle boarding. You can find a full list here. For the rest of Greater Sydney, outdoor gatherings of 30 people are allowed, at places like public parks, reserves, beaches, public gardens and spaces. But, keep in mind, to reduce the risk of large gatherings, some councils have closed certain parks and beaches — including North Sydney, City of Sydney and the Inner West. If you're located in regional NSW — outside of Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Wollongong — outdoor public gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed. ARE THERE ANY TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE TO HARBOURSIDE EVENTS? Surprisingly, there are. You can enjoy the fireworks side-by-side with giraffes at the Taronga Zoo's New Year's Eve celebrations, with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, live entertainment and a visit to see the animals. Some harbourside restaurants still have reservations available, too, including Bar Ombre, which is pairing the fireworks with a five-course Italian feast and free-flowing booze; and Sydney Tower's Bar 83, where you can watch the lights from 83 levels up. O Bar also hosting a sky-high NYE event — and reservations are still available. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW and current restrictions, head to NSW Health.
It's true of every great arts festival lineup: pick three highlights from the program at random and a clear snapshot of the event's diverse array of experiences emerges. For a trio of picks from Sydney Festival's just-announced 2025 bill that does exactly that, turning the Harbour City's Town Hall into the wild west, exploring a true-crime case in an IRL courthouse, then getting Avatar, Titanic, The Terminator and Aliens filmmaker James Cameron chatting about shipwrecks all paint a clear picture. As it has done for 49 years now, this fest adores having something for everyone on offer. Just two years after Sydney Town Hall became an indoor beach complete with 26 tonnes of sand for the festival, the venue will transform into a pioneer settlement for Dark Noon, which builds its setting in real time as the audience watches on. A hit at Edinburgh Fringe, playing Australia exclusive to Sydney Festival and heading Down Under after a run in New York, the production from Danish director Tue Biering explores the power dynamics, race relations and colonial impacts inherent in its chosen chapter of history, all by subverting the wild west tropes established by cinema over the years — and with a South African cast. [caption id="attachment_977489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Teddy Wolff[/caption] Also a standout on the full program, which'll pack Sydney with more than 130 shows and events from Saturday, January 4–Sunday, January 26, 2025: A Model Murder at the Darlinghurst Courthouse. Playwright Melanie Tait (The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race) and director Sheridan Harbridge (44 Sex Acts in One Week) aren't just recreating model Shirley Beiger's trial for shooting her cheating boyfriend — they're staging it at the same spot where it took place seven decades ago. For something completely different, one of the biggest names in blockbuster cinema is also on the Sydney Festival lineup, with James Cameron's experience in the water — including diving to earth's deepest point — the topic of conversation on the talks section of the bill. Or, still thinking about the sea, a giant whale is popping up in Bondi, courtesy of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. The fest's 23-day run has a date with 43 different locations around town, ensuring that every corner of Sydney gets in on the action. One such location: Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, where The Thirsty Mile is returning as a hub featuring much to see by day and night. Think: free live music across 12 evenings, yoga classes, a heap of productions, public art and, for a beverage, the Moonshine Bar, where artist Telly Tuita is decking out the joint — as he's also doing with the SS John Oxley and via ten-room 'Tongpop' installation Colour Maze. Blak Out joins the favourites making a comeback, this time with Sydney Festival's Creative Artist in Residence Jake Nash curating the program. With Barangaroo Reserve as its base, this pivotal part of the fest includes Belvoir Theatre's Jacky, album launches for DOBBY and Radical Son, a woven canopy that'll host conversations, a celebration of Redfern's 70s-era National Black Theatre and more. [caption id="attachment_977492" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tashi Hall[/caption] From there, the world premiere of Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera, Sophocles' Antigone reimagined on the edge of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and a twist on Shakespeare via Cliff Cardinal's As You Like It or The Land Acknowledgement should get your eyes glued to the stage. Also in the same category: Back to Back Theatre's Multiple Bad Things at Sydney Opera House, Opera Australia taking on Cendrillon (Cinderella), Christie Whelan Browne exploring her childhood. First Nations drag performer Miss Ellaneous honouring a simply-the-best icon with Tina — A Tropical Love Story and Greek mythology-inspired dance piece AFTERWORLD. Elsewhere on the bill, Rufus Wainwright is heading to town, William Yang's Milestone marks his 80th birthday, Katie Noonan is paying tribute to Jeff Buckley's Grace for its 30th anniversary, Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden is hosting five gigs, the Future Frequencies bill is all about music up and comers such as Yaya Bey and Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, Sydney Symphony Under the Stars is back and audiences can take part in interactive dance piece Cowboy. [caption id="attachment_977485" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dahlia Katz[/caption] "Sydney Festival has long held summer's cultural pulse and this year is quite the heartbeat. Stories of Oceania, destiny and what we leave behind through to bold explorations of utopia and dystopia, Sydney Festival 2025 promises an exhilarating and thought-provoking journey through the arts with exceptional talent at the reins," said Festival Director Olivia Ansell, announcing her fourth — and final — program. "This January, immerse yourself in a summer of unforgettable performances, groundbreaking new works, and exclusive experiences that reimagine the world around us." There's clearly a wealth of reasons to head along, whether you're a Sydneysider making the most of your own town or you're planning an interstate trip to kick off 2025 — and the fact that the fest is also doing $49 early-bird tickets across the entire program until early December is yet another. [caption id="attachment_977488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Lindberg[/caption] [caption id="attachment_977486" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeff Busby[/caption] [caption id="attachment_977487" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bill Cooper / Royal Opera House / ArenaPAL[/caption] Sydney Festival 2025 runs from Saturday, January 4–Sunday, January 26 at venues across the city. For further details and to buy tickets from 9am AEDT on Wednesday, October 30, visit the Sydney Festival website.
This year has been one of the most challenging faced by Sydney's hospitality industry in decades, eclipsing even the turbulent and uncertain periods during the COVID-19 shutdowns and the gruelling months of trading restrictions that followed. The industry has been rocked by a drastic downturn in revenue driven by a number of factors, but chiefly the soaring cost of living, which has forced many consumers to give up dining out regularly. Josh and Julie Niland, the hospitality heavyweights behind celebrated low-to-no waste seafood venues including Saint Peter and Fish Butchery, have already lost two venues to the closure crisis: the OG Fish Butchery in Paddington and their fast-casual concept Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay, which both closed in April. Now, another Niland restaurant has been forced to close permanently. [caption id="attachment_983665" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petermen[/caption] Petermen, which opened in St Leonards on the North Shore in February of 2023, will serve its last service on Sunday, December 15. In a statement, Josh and Julie Niland cited the challenging economic conditions hammering the hospitality sector as the main reason for shuttering the business. "Our time on Chandos St, St Leonards, has brought a lot of joy to us and our team, and we have welcomed the most incredible guests. However, the past 12 months have been extremely challenging for independent businesses within the hospitality industry." the statement reads. [caption id="attachment_826356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay[/caption] "Sadly, Julie and I have had to make the decision to close Petermen. Our last day of trading will be Sunday, December 15. We wish to thank the local community for all their support. We are incredibly grateful to our team, who will continue with us at Saint Peter and Fish Butchery. A big thanks to our suppliers, incredible guests, and everyone who has assisted in making Petermen a special restaurant to dine in." While this is no doubt a disappointing outcome for the Nilands, 2024 hasn't been all bad for these leading lights of Australian dining. In August, the couple's flagship restaurant, Saint Peter, relocated to The Grand National Hotel, expanding its dining room substantially. In November, the pair also announced the opening of a new restaurant at the new luxury Hamilton Island resort The Sundays, expanding the Niland's Australian footprint beyond NSW for the first time. [caption id="attachment_739656" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fish Butchery. Image by Cody Duncan[/caption] Petermen will open for its last service on Sunday, December 15. For more details and to make a booking, visit the Petermen website.
After collaborating with The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne, nabbing a Coachella spot and spinning her way to international success over the past year, Sydney's Alison Wonderland is embarking on her second tour of industrial warehouse parties. Wonderland Warehouse Project 2.0 is set to hit the road nationwide from late May, the highly anticipated sequel to her wildly successful 2014 tour of the same name. Armed with a fresh set of tracks from debut album RUN, Wonderland will be popping up in secret locations across the country for what's pinned to be some seriously huge shows. Bringing electronica out of the clubs and into a string of mystery warehouses, this powerhouse Sydney DJ is going to run some rather unconventional, mega-scale dancefloors. Set to make her first appearance at Coachella in the States in April, off the back of casually working with Wayne Coyne for her latest record, Wonderland appears to have quite the 2015 in store. After last year's sell-out tour, get in quick to secure your spot at these epic warehouse shindigs. Tickets are only $40-45, so they sell quicker than you can fall down a rabbit hole. WONDERLAND WAREHOUSE PROJECT 2.0 DATES Brisbane — Friday May 22 Melbourne — Saturday May 30 Sydney — Saturday June 6 For tickets and more info, head to wonderlandwarehouseproject.com.
In 2022, Sydneysiders were hit with a devastating development: the closure of longtime Enmore Road favourite Stanbuli. With that sad news, however, came the exciting announcement that beloved chef Ibrahim Kasif would be at the helm of a new venue, a wine bar and manoush restaurant that NOMAD Group had first announced back in 2021. Beau is a multi-faceted 100-seat venue divided into two sections. The first, Beau & Dough, opens its doors on Reservoir Street in Surry Hills on Tuesday, February 7, while Beau Bar will officially launch on February 24. Open from 7am till late seven days a week, Beau & Dough is all about manoush all day every day. Kasif has created a menu that champions this form of Lebanese flatbread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you arrive in the morning, pair a carby treat in the form of a breakfast manoush with a cup of joe made using Beau's signature house blend of Single O coffee. "I can't wait to see people walking down the street with a manoush in their hands," says Kasif. When lunchtime rolls around, you can still opt for flatbread, topped with the likes of za'atar and cheese, spicy lamb, or sujuk and egg. Alternatively, you can dive further into the all-day offerings, which is where you'll find a crumbed blue-eye trevalla burger topped with yoghurt and tahini remoulade, achiote-spiced spatchcock, twice-cooked lamb neck and a Middle Eastern-style chopped salad. "Beau has your whole day sorted, from manoush to go, a sit-down breakfast or lunch in the laneway, or dinner and a glass of wine from our expansive and ever-changing list that focuses on unique and interesting Australian wines," NOMAD Group co-owner Rebecca Yazbek says. Once Beau Bar swings its doors open, you can expect an impressive 300-strong vino list offering different varieties and price points, plus a more lavish selection of eats featuring chilled seafood platters, lobster thermidor, flank steak, and an ox tongue bun with Moreton Bay bug and Russian sauce. Beau will be located just down the road from NOMAD. The manoush restaurant is housed in a bright sunlit street-level building, while the wine bar will have a more secluded, moody atmosphere, with private use of Fracks Lane which connects Reservoir Street to NOMAD's Foster Street. The opening of the Beau Bar will, in fact, reinstate the laneway for the first time in a century. Find Beau at 52 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills. Beau & Dough is open 7am–late seven days a week from Tuesday, February 7. Beau Bar will open on Friday, February 24 and will be open from midday for lunch and 5pm for dinner seven days a week.
Another historic Sydney boozer has been given the makeover treatment. With more than 140 years under its belt, Surry Hills' Keg & Brew Hotel reopens its doors this week, launching into the sunny season with a brand-new look (and rooftop) courtesy of a $10 million revamp. At the hands of owners The Good Beer Company (who also own Paddo's Four In Hand Hotel, Randwick's Duke of Gloucester (DOG) Hotel and The Commodore Hotel on the lower north shore), the former Foveaux Street terrace house has copped a complete overhaul, however a few heritage touches and its historic facade kept intact. It's the second time the group has renovated the venue, having also given it a spruce when it took over the pub in 2014. Head in from today — Thursday, October 3 — and you'll be first met by the ground floor public bar, which still has a solid pub menu of burgers, parmas and steaks, and over 30 taps with rotating craft and mainstream beers. Another 20 beer taps feature throughout the rest of the pub. One level up, the former guest rooms have been transformed into a new 70-seat restaurant and second bar (which will open next month), while above that lies a series of function spaces with room for up to 120 punters. [caption id="attachment_744424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The new rooftop.[/caption] But perhaps the biggest pull for the impending summer months is the Keg & Brew's new openair rooftop, which not only has its own bar and pizza oven, but some ripper city views, too. Surprisingly, Surry Hills doesn't have too many rooftop bars — save the ones at The Dolphin and The Horse — so we're sure this will become a go-to for cocktail jugs on balmy days and nights to come. This is the second The Keg & Brew is just the latest in a string of recent big-dollar pub revamps in Sydney. Lower north shore gem The Oaks is reopening this month following an ambitious top-to-bottom makeover and in Erskineville, the pub formerly known as The Swanson was recently reincarnated as The Kurrajong. The new-look Keg & Brew Hotel is now open at 26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills from 10am each day.
Before Michael Crichton conjured up an island theme park filled with cloned dinosaurs as seen in Jurassic Park, he took audiences to a different but just as eerie attraction. The year was 1973. The film was Westworld. And it was not only written by the author, but it was also directed by him as well. That's where HBO's futuristic show of the same name starring Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Anthony Hopkins, Jeffrey Wright, Liam Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Aaron Paul first started. Yes, life really does find a way. Series creators Jonathan Nolan (brother of Christopher Nolan) and Lisa Joy have taken the central idea and expanded it, though, as Westworld's first three gripping TV seasons have shown since 2016. When it comes to tales about a technologically advanced amusement park where people pay to experience Wild West times, and where androids play the park's roles but don't realise that they aren't human, there are oh-so-many stories to tell, after all.
Some TV shows start with a wild and wonderful premise, such as strange things happening in a small town, teenage girls fighting to survive in the wilderness and solving mysteries across America because you're a human lie detector. Others stick with everyday scenarios, which is what Beef has chosen. So, if you've ever been involved in a road-rage incident, or witnessed one — if you've ever held a grudge against a stranger for a petty reason, too — you'll instantly empathise with this newcomer's concept. In the ten-episode Netflix and A24 dramedy — which marks the latest show from A24 after everything from Ramy and Euphoria to Mo and Irma Vep — Danny Cho (Steven Yeun, Nope) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong, Paper Girls) get in a fender bender, and neither handles it well. Cue a feud that they can't shake, infiltrating their lives and relationships. If their quest for revenge each other just fizzled out, there obviously wouldn't be a series. Part of Beef's ongoing beef stems from a comedy staple: putting opposites together and seeing what springs. Danny is struggling as a contractor and isn't happy about it, while Amy lives a seemingly idyllic life thanks to her success as an entrepreneur. They both share a need to get back at each other, though, as the just-dropped first trailer for the show makes clear. The series premiered at this year's SXSW — the OG version in the US, not Sydney's offshoot to come later in 2023 — before plunging streaming viewers into its faceoff on Netflix from Thursday, April 6. Yeun and Wong also executive produce, while Beef hails from creator and showrunner Lee Sung Jin (a veteran of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Dave and Silicon Valley). On-screen, as well as Minari Oscar-nominee Yeun and Always Be My Maybe's Wong, the series features Joseph Lee (Searching), Young Mazino (Prodigal Son), David Choe (The Mandalorian) and Patti Yasutake (Pretty Little Liars) — plus Maria Bello (NCIS), Ashley Park (Girls5eva), Justin H Min (After Yang), Mia Serafino (iCarly) and Remy Holt (The Afterparty). Check out the trailer for Beef below: Beef streams via Netflix from Thursday, April 6. Images: Netflix.
The Opera Centre is essentially the operations headquarters for Sydney's world-class opera scene. Setting foot inside is entering another world — all manner of artisan crafts and trades are on display here. The creation of an opera employs professionals from many different areas. You've got milliners (hat makers), wig makers, carpenters, scenic designers, cobblers and costumiers setting the scene. Then there are the performers and trainers — choreographers, language coaches, musicians, stage managers, conductors and singers — who all coming together to produce a live, visually and audibly spectacular production. For a crash course in all things opera, The Opera Centre offers guided tours of their workshops and rehearsal studios so you can get an intimate look at all that goes into putting a show on the big stage. Tours run every weekday at 10am and 2pm for groups of two and up to 40 people. It's recommended you book two weeks in advance so a knowledgeable guide can be assigned to your group.
Whether you've actually feasted at a bountiful Thanksgiving table surrounded by your friends, or the experience exclusively lives in holiday-themed American rom coms, we're all familiar with the setting: warm lighting, roast turkey at centre of table, overflowing bowls of accompanying dishes. It's a feast that the team at NOLA Smokehouse and Bar know well — and are offering for the first time this year in its luxe Barangaroo digs. On Thursday, November 24, the New Orleans-inspired venue is hosting an exclusive Thanksgiving Feast. Holding the spotlight to all the Americana classics, there will be mac 'n' cheese, devilled eggs and charred corn, as well as pillow-soft potato bread and Brussels sprouts topped with maple bacon. The main attraction? A barbecued turkey, Creole style, that's been smoked in-house. The feast is $130 per person, and you'll have to find room for both a slice of pumpkin pie and bite of choc-chip snickerdoodle. You'll also have your pick from the spot's vast whiskey bar and drinks list, as well as the option to sip two cocktails that are pouring for November only: the Southern Belle Spritz (a fizzy flute that's an optimal way to start your Thanksgiving celebration) and the Banana Ballroom (a dark, sweet sip that's a stand-out finisher). Can't make it on the 24th? Head in any time throughout November to taste the bespoke cocktails and pumpkin pie. Book in to the Thanksgiving Feast at NOLA Smokehouse and Bar on Thursday, November 24, via the website.
To feel perplexed is to feel completely baffled by something complicated or unaccountable. Aptly titled, Perplex, is a fantastically absurdist German play by Marius von Mayenburg that delves into all the bourgeois contemporary problems a Sydney Theatre Company audience could ask for. Paying bills, dealing with stifling relationships, exploring sexuality, quitting work, renting holiday apartments, employing au pairs and cleaning ladies, being a bit racist and dealing with weird friends at parties is all subject matter ripe for farcical unpicking, and Mayenburg digs in with no holds barred. Directed deftly by Sarah Giles (Mrs Warren's Profession), this is theatre beyond theatre — a highly self-conscious meta work with existentialist philosophy centre stage, wreaking havoc for the four actors and dishing out humour as if it were going out of style. It's a laugh a minute. Nobody and nowhere is what you thought it was, is or will be. Is anything even here or there or anywhere at all? The performances, particularly Andrea Demetriades' realness (even in an outrageous volcano costume) are a highlight. Glenn Hazeldine is also hilarious as a tantrum-throwing 11-year-old-turned-Nazi. The hour and a half is packed with good old-fashioned slapstick, full frontal nudity, fancy dress costumes, a mysterious smell and an unopened package. The setting is a simply furnished apartment living room, which serves as a generic background for the overlapping scenes. The actors keep their same names throughout, though slip into different characters and situations at the seemingly skittish whim of the writer. One character is often left momentarily in the previous scene, a sort of glitch that incites confused questions of identity and truth before he or she adapts to the new truths insisted upon by the newly transformed characters. Tiny fragments — from props to phrases — are woven through the work, another tactic to prompt the residual feeling that everything is, in the end, all the same as everything else. By and large, the writing is intelligent, quick-paced and unpredictable. At its best, the dialogue is sharp and minimal. But this drops off towards the end as the fourth wall breaks down and the actors descend into long, heavy-handed existential musings that kill off a bit of the charm and slow it down. It's saved again though, by the sheer weirdness of the ending. And after all that, you can't help but laugh. Image by Lisa Tomasetti.
Blooming gardens, citrus fruits and delicious local food and wine are on the lineup of the annual Griffith Spring Fest. Headlining the event — which will run between Sunday, 8 October and Sunday, 22 October — is the Garden Festival where green thumbs can wander through six delightful landscaped sites, created and nurtured by local gardeners. If you can make it to the official launch party on Friday 13 October, we highly recommend you do. If for no reason other than to tuck into the super-sized communal paella that will be whipped up on the day (it's served in a very covid-safe and hygienic way, just in case you had concerns). Other standout activations include over 50 unique citrus sculptures which will line Banna Avenue for two weeks. Made from more than 100,000 locally grown oranges and grapefruit, these displays are proof that when life gives you lemons in Griffith, you transform them into robots, reclining chooks or a giant giraffe. Go old-school and join a guided bus tour, or DIY and discover the best that Griffith has to offer all by yourself. The only non-negotiable is that you squeeze the day. (Sorry). Griffith Spring Fest will run from Sunday, 8 October till Sunday, 22 October 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
Cheese cubes, cabanossi, crackers, a couple of dips and some packets of chips emptied into plastic bowls — it was the food table spread at many the Aussie gathering when we were younger. Nowadays, events of all kinds — weddings, backyard barbecues, baby showers and even kids parties — opt for a more elegant snack setup: the grazing table. And if you're ready to wade into the waters of designing your very own aesthetically pleasing grazing table, board or platter for an upcoming do, then Panetta Mercato is where to shop. The Marrickville Metro store, which is primarily a grocer, has a pretty epic deli setup that is chockers with imported cheeses, cured meats, olives, sundried tomatoes and more. Not confident enough to build your own yet? You can order a ready-made platter from the deli instead. Elsewhere in the store, you'll find meat, gelato, pantry staples, dips and more. Panetta Mercato has also outposts in Leichhardt, Baulkham Hills, Kirrawee and Macquarie Centre. Plus, it has set boxes packed with fresh produce and other essentials starting from just $15 available for delivery from its website.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said that "a bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking". Gleebooks on Glebe Point Road, the original of a small forty-year franchise with stores also in Dulwich Hill and Blackheath, captures the serious and delightful business of buying a new book in a elegant well-tended store. It's right next door to second-hand book shop Sappho, so visit back-to-back. Apart from selling books, Gleebooks also holds various talks, events and book launches which take place in an upstairs room. Forget "that new car smell", it's the scent of freshly printed pages that truly piques your interest. Images: Kieran Gilfeather
A Smart Dollar shop on Marrickville Road has been reimagined as a retro pub by a team of hospitality veterans. The Marrickville Hotel boasts an old-school Aussie pub vibe, and was created by some of the people behind Arcadia Liquors, Redfern Continental, GDR and Ron's Upstairs — namely Pascale Crouche-McDonald, John Archinal, Kim Fasher and David Jank — all of whom live in Marrickville. It's a pub by locals, for locals. The pub's fit-out is laid-back and a little eclectic — exactly what you'd expect from a classic Aussie pub. There's space for big groups, casual dates or solo drinks at the bar, and the outdoor courtyard is ready to go for the summer. It even features a shiny new disco ball for upcoming party nights. Elsewhere, you'll spot a large photo of a young Anthony Albanese, now Leader of the Opposition, knick-knacks and fairy lights behind the bar, and a painted slogan proclaiming "Marrickville — The Greatest Country on Earth!". The space also has a noticeable industrial feel, which is thanks to its history. "After we started the build, we found out it used to be an industrial paint shop [before it was a Smart Dollar shop]," says Crouche-McDonald. "And we were able to utilise some of the existing elements to revive its industrial feel." Old paint samples adorn the ceiling in the main bar, and the atrium showcases the building's original support beams. [caption id="attachment_742145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] Behind the bar, expect Aussie mainstays VB and Reschs, as well as Marrickville's own Grifter on tap at all times. The remaining taps will rotate regularly and feature local talent — at the moment, that includes Batch's milk stout on nitro and 4 Pines kolsch. For wine lovers, the drops are mostly minimal intervention Australian labels, along with some international numbers. A classic cocktail list is best enjoyed during one of the daily specials, which include $10 margaritas all-night on Monday, $10 spritzes until 6pm on Saturday and $10 bloody marys until 6pm on Sunday. For spring, the bar is serving up a special Poor Toms spritz, too. The simple food offering is reminiscent of Arcadia Liquors and includes antipasto and cheese boards, along with a regularly changing menu of toasties. For more substantial eats, the team has partnered with neighbouring Vietnamese shop Pho Phd to offer the likes of salt and pepper eggplant and a range of vermicelli salads. The Marrickville Hotel is now open at 244 Marrickville Road, Marrickville. Opening hours are Monday–Thursday 4pm–midnight, Friday 2pm–1am, Saturday midday–1am and Sunday midday–10pm. Venue images: Kimberley Low. Food images: Kitti Gould.
Bulletin Place — the street — is quite the anomaly. Not only is it one of the more aesthetically pleasing side streets in the CBD, with its Victorian pastel-coloured building facades, but it also harbours some of the best beverages Sydney has to offer. By night, Bulletin Place — the bar — is the place to be. But during the day, crowds flock to Cabrito Coffee Traders to get their caffeine fix. The team here takes the bean business very seriously. Produce is ethically sourced from the global coffee capitals and house-roasted to perfection. Blends are on constant rotation and the old-school felt menu is a cheat sheet to nailing the tasting notes. Coffee geeks are also spoilt for choice in serving options: filter, cold drip, batch brew or plain ol' espresso. With coffee as the main affair, things are kept simple food-wise. 'Something between bread' is the general theme; there's toasties for breakfast and burgers for lunch. If you're after something sweet, the unconventional lamingtons from LusciousKiki are unmissable. In a jungle of poor coffee choices, it is clear to see why this small laneway shop generates such a buzz — and not just from the caffeine.
