Anyone who's been outside in the last few weeks will have noticed that Sydney's been unseasonably warm. On Sunday it hit 22 degrees and last night the low was just 14 — in the sun you don't even need a light jacket. Although this undeniably adds to our ever-present anxiety about global warming, it's hard to deny it: this winter has been delightful. And you probably won't have to raid your house for your beanie anytime soon — well, not this week, anyway. Meteorologists have predicted that this winter weekend could be one of the warmest on record. According to Weatherzone, the temp is expected to hit 22 degrees on Saturday, July 29 before rising to 25 degrees on Sunday, July 30. The highest temperature on record for July is 25.9 degrees (back in 1990), so this weekend looks set to come pretty close, if not match it. It's going to be warmer still in northwestern NSW, with Bourke set to hit 28 degrees. This is a bit of contrast to this time last year, when it got so cold it snowed in parts of Canberra and Melbourne. If you've got the weekend off, make the most of it — visit a secluded beach, do a coastal walk or do bevs at a beachside pub.
Every phrase has to start somewhere, and "you had me at hello" started with Jerry Maguire. When it's uttered by Renée Zellweger to Tom Cruise, it's one of those big on-screen moments that lovers of romantic comedy-dramas will still be talking about decades from now — as they have been for the nearly quarter-century since the Cameron Crowe-directed movie first arrived on screens. Everyone knows that aforementioned piece of dialogue, and the film's other catchy line: "show me the money". You might recall that Cuba Gooding Jr won an Oscar for his supporting performance, too. But you may not always remember how astutely the feature steps through its narrative, spinning a story about a sports agent who has an epiphany about the ruthless business he's in, decides that both him and the entire industry should do better, subsequently gets fired from his high-paying job and then goes out on his own.
While the NSW Government attempts to improve music festival safety by introducing a tough new licensing regime and jacking up costs for event organisers, its ACT counterpart is throwing its support behind pill testing. As reported by the ABC, the ACT Government has given the green light for a pill-testing trial to go ahead at the Canberra leg of this year's Groovin' The Moo festival, held at Exhibition Park in April. It'll be only the second time Australia has seen a trial like this, allowing festivalgoers to have their illicit substances tested for dangerous ingredients. The first took place at the same festival last year, when 85 substances were tested and some potentially deadly components were found, as well as plenty of hidden extras like toothpaste, paint and lactose. Now, the government's on board for round two, with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr Tweeting after the decision, "Governments have a responsibility to not only try and prevent drug use but also to support initiatives that reduce the harms associated with drug use." https://twitter.com/ABarrMLA/status/1097411427709509634 The upcoming trial will be headed up by harm reduction advocates Pill Testing Australia. In its ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan released last year, the ACT Government stated it would continue to support pill testing and be "examining further opportunities to expand pill testing at events in the ACT". In the wake of a spate of festival deaths from suspected drug overdoses, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her government have remained staunchly opposed to the idea of pill-testing, despite international research and the success of last year's local pill-testing venture. Let's see if Canberra's controversial move to host a second trial makes them any more likely to change their minds. Via: abc.net.au Image: Jack Toohey.
When Sauron lurks, no good can come. If you've ever read or seen anything Lord of the Rings-related, you'll know how true this statement keeps proving again and again. It sits at the heart of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, too, aka the prequel series that started jumping into Middle-earth's history back in 2022 — and it's accurate again in the full trailer for the show's upcoming second season. Prime Video already dropped a teaser trailer for season two, and announced that it'll take the elves, dwarves, orcs, wizards and harfoots to your streaming queue again from Thursday, August 29, 2024. Now arrives a full sneak peek at what's to come. Contentious jewellery, talking and walking trees, giant spiders, Sauron's chaos: they're all covered. Set in the fantasy realm conjured by up JRR Tolkien — as The Hobbit movie adaptations and OG live-action Lord of the Rings films were — and telling a tale in Middle-earth's Second Age, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power boasts familiar names among its key figures. In season one, a young Galadriel (Morfydd Clark, Saint Maud) had a mission to hunt the enemy, after her brother gave his life doing the same. She saw fighting for fate and destiny as the work as something greater. A young Elrond (Robert Aramayo, The King's Man) was part of that journey, and the big bad who needed staving off was indeed Sauron (Charlie Vickers, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart). With the show charting how the rings were forged, Sauron's rise and the impact across Middle-earth, season two brings the latter back after he was cast out by Galadriel. So, it's a battle between good and ascending evil, then, as the Dark Lord keeps pushing his shadowy influence — and sporting a different appearance. Also, more rings will be created. Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur , Coffee Wars), Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova, Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities) and Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards, Under the Vines) are among the returning characters on the Prime Video hit, which was unsurprisingly huge when season one debut, attracting more than 100-million viewers. The platform first announced the show back in 2017, then gave it the official go-ahead in mid-2018 — so if it feels like this series has been hovering around for several ages even though it only has one season so far, that's why. If you're a little rusty on your LOTR lore, the Second Age lasted for 3441 years, and saw the initial emergence and fall of Sauron, as well as a spate of wars over the coveted rings. Elves feature prominently, and there's plenty to cover, even if Tolkien's works didn't spend that much time on the period — largely outlining the main events in an appendix to the popular trilogy. The Rings of Power remains separate to the big-screen Lord of the Rings revival that was first announced in 2023 and now has new movie Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum in the works. If you're a LoTR fan, there's no such thing as too much for this franchise, though — like breakfast for hobbits. Check out the full trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two below: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two will be available to stream via Prime Video from Thursday, August 29, 2024. Read our review of season one.
If a certain bespectacled boy wizard and two best friends have taught us anything, it's that life really is magical sometimes. Take the latest Harry Potter-themed event, which we're certain is going to become the next big pop culture/fitness craze craze. Who doesn't want to bend and stretch in a HP yoga class? Yep, on October 30, the folks at Circle Brewing Co in Austin, Texas did something even more wonderful than make delicious alcoholic beverages; they made many a Harry Potter fan's dreams come true. It's part of their Pints & Poses series (which seriously sounds like our kind of exercise), and was held as both a fun Halloween and Dia de los Muertos-esque shindig, and a celebration of the life of Lily and James Potter on the eve of the anniversary of their passing. Attendees worked Slytherin cobra and Whomping Willow poses, wielded wands to summon a Patronus and cast off Dementors, and were told to "imagine you're sitting on the Hogwarts Express," according to Cosmopolitan in the US. They also ate sorting hat-shaped cookies, visited a potion station, and, afterwards, everyone had a pint of Circle (non-butter)beer. Of course they did. The class was so popular that two more are now slated for November, should you happen to be in the vicinity this month. Given that we already have silent yoga, silent disco yoga, cat yoga, blindfolded yoga, hip hop yoga, brewhouse yoga, rooftop yoga, Beyonce yoga, Drake yoga and stand-up paddleboard yoga on our fair shores, it really is the kind of thing that someone in Australia ought to conjure up, and fast. Accio fitness, and all that. Images: Circle Brewing Co.
For fans of George Lucas' sci-fi phenomenon, it's easy to feel the force. More than four decades after Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope first hit cinemas, the space opera has spawned sequels, prequels, spin-off movies and TV series, all manner of celebratory events, and a near-unparalleled type of pop culture frenzy. Now, that humble 1977 movie has also given rise to a dedicated theme park zone, called Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. It's the next best thing to punching it into hyperdrive and zooming to a galaxy far, far away (and, also, it's something that flesh-and-blood folks who aren't fictional characters can actually do). Obviously, the force is particularly strong with this idea. Yes, we've definitely got a good feeling about it as well. First announced back in 2015, Disneyland Resort in California is now welcoming patrons into its 14-acre Galaxy's Edge after a star-studded launch this week — while Walt Disney World in Florida start doing the same at its own similar spot at the end of August. This concept has clearly been in Disney's sights ever since it bought Lucas' company, Lucasfilm, for more than $4 billion back in 2012. Now that it has come to fruition, a world of fun awaits wannabe jedis, rebels and siths (because we all have a dark side). [caption id="attachment_724265" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks[/caption] Galaxy's Edge is set on the outpost of Batuu, in village of Black Spire Outpost. It's a hive for smugglers and rogues (naturally), and it's where you'll be wandering around when you're not jumping into the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy and trying to become best buddies with a loveable wookiee. With Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ranking among the site's top highlights, you really do just that, aka sit in the driver's seat of Han Solo's beloved ship. It's not open yet, but later this year you'll also be able to take part in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where you'll get caught in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. [caption id="attachment_724272" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kent Phillips/Disney Parks[/caption] The theme park zone's other huge standout is boozy watering hole Oga's Cantina, which brings alcohol to the California spot for the first time. Here, the drinks come with names such as Carbon Freeze, Oga's Obsession and Cliff Dweller, and are served in unique vessels while you sit at the counter or get cosy in a booth. And because every good cantina has its own vibe, this one gets some help from DJ R-3X, the former droid pilot from Star Tours. Relax, sip and try not to shoot first. [caption id="attachment_724271" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] David Roark/Disney Parks[/caption] Elsewhere, if you're a hands-on type, you can construct your own R2-D2 or BB-8-style droids, which you can then take home with you. Or, build your own unique lightsaber, then take a few Jedi lessons so you know how to use it. You can also pick up Resistance or First Order supplies, look for rare goods at Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities and find a new friend at the Creature Stall (if you haven't noticed, plenty of these attractions involve purchasing some merchandise or a keepsake, because of course they do). And if all of this shopping is making you thirsty, the Milk Stand serves up exactly what everyone wants: blue — and green — milk. When you're not giving your Star Wars skills and your wallet a workout, you can enjoy the finest food that Black Spire Outpost has to offer. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo takes the form of a multi-purpose transport shuttle docked in a hangar, and is basically an intergalactic food truck, with 'Smoked Kaadu Ribs' (aka pork ribs) and 'Ithorian Garden Loaf' (aka a plant-based meatloaf alternative) on the menu. At Ronto Roasters, spit meats are cooked up on a recycled podracing engine, while Kat Saka's Kettle sells street food snacks. [caption id="attachment_724274" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Richard Harbaugh/Disney Parks[/caption] Expect to spy an array of beloved characters roaming around as well — there's certainly room for it, with Galaxy's Edge marking the biggest single-themed expansion to both parks. The guiding concept is to "transport guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life." And, to give this interactive experience the requisite soundtrack, it'll features new Star Wars music by the man behind its iconic score, aka Oscar-winning composer John Williams. If you're going to be on the US West Coast between now and June 23, tickets have already been snapped up; however once the booked-out opening period ends, you'll be able to head to Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge as part of your regular entry. Eventually, visitors in Florida will also be able to spend a night or several in an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel as well, although construction hasn't started yet and an opening date hasn't been announced either. That said, Disney recently revealed that a visit to the hotel will involve boarding a launch pod and taking part in "a fully-immersive, multi-day Star Wars adventure aboard a luxury starship", with high-end dining and cabins that apparently have a space view all part of your stay. For more information about Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, and to book park tickets, visit the park's website. Via Disney Theme Parks Blog. Images: Disney Theme Parks Blog.
You will rue the day that you balded your Barbie's golden locks and 'dyed' the remaining tufts rainbow with highlighters. You will regret dismembering her in the imagined fire that plagued her doll house in the summer of '96. One day she'll be crawling her way up and out of the rubbish bin that you tossed her in a la The Ring’s Samara and seek the vengeance that is rightfully hers. Ew. But seriously, how creepy are dolls? The answer is very, and if you're like me, many a horror film has seen you stare with terror through fingers as a doll turns its head 360 degrees. Yep, Sydney's famous 100-year-old Doll Hospital is a horror writer's dream, and in Sean Izzard's case, a photographer’s inspiration. Izzard, who has been working as a professional photographer for 25 years, initially expected his series, entitled 'Doll House', to consist of portraits of the owner and staff. But once he’d stepped foot into the Bexley hospital, which recently celebrated its 100th year, he-was-never-the-same-again. Not really, but his approach to the photographic series certainly wasn’t. The dolls had the artist question whether they're alive or dead (dead, plz dead), because they aren't just inanimate: they are personified, clothed, the embodiment of their owner. But it’s all kinds of enchanting, really. Most of the images are portraits and seem to give each and every one of those (predominantly maimed) dolls a personality and a backstory. View the full Doll House series in the fourth issue of The Pool Collective app, out now. The Pool Collective app is a free quarterly publication created exclusively for the iPad featuring photography, short film, interviews, music and more. See more photos in the The Pool Collective app.
As quickly as summer came, it's almost at its end. 2024 has been moving at a staggering speed. Blink and the next season will have hopped its way into town. That's right — it's time to talk about Easter already. You've probably noticed the return of hot cross buns and foil-wrapped chocolate rabbits on supermarket shelves, and now it's time to take notice of a series of Easter-centric foodie events across Sydney. The market maestros at Cambridge Markets are putting together seasonal editions of returning favourites in the season's spirit, each with dozens of vendors dishing out hot food, cool drinks and all sorts of homemade goodies, and each with a very special bunny in attendance. One of those returning favourites is Ryde Wharf Market, which takes place in Anderson Park fortnightly on Sundays, and will include an appearance from the Easter Bunny the week before Easter, Sunday, March 24, from 9am—2pm. Special occasion markets are also popping up at two Cambridge mainstays, Cronulla and Moore Park. First is the Cronulla Easter Market, running in Don Lucas Reserve on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, from 10am—4pm daily. Then, on Easter Sunday, March 31, the Ultimate Easter Market EQ will take over the Entertainment Quarter with 150+ stalls between 10am and 4pm. See the above panel for the dates of the Cambridge Easter Markets. For more information on Cambridge Markets or any of its events across Sydney, visit the website.
If you like your cinema experiences shaken, not stirred, then the 2022 British Film Festival has just the thing for you. Taking its array of Brit flicks around the country between Tuesday, October 18–Wednesday, November 16, this year's fest is turning itself into a big 60th birthday party — not for the Australia-wide cinema showcase itself, which only dates back around a decade, but for all things Bond, James Bond. 2022 marks six decades since Dr No, the first movie in the 007 franchise, first graced cinemas — and yes, it'll be the British Film Festival's screens to commemorate the occasion. Also hitting picture palaces in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Byron Bay: You Only Live Twice, because two Sean Connery-starring Bond films are better than one; On Your Majesty's Secret Service with Australia's Bond George Lazenby; and Daniel Craig doing his brooding Bond in Skyfall. They're just some of the titles among the fest's first lineup announcement, with the full British Film Festival program set to drop on Thursday, September 29. Can't wait till then? A handful of other flicks have already been announced — and, as always at this cinema showcase, they're filled with familiar faces. Arriving Down Under after wowing the global festival circuit, The Banshees of Inisherin marks the reunion of In Bruges writer/director Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and his stars Colin Farrell (After Yang) and Brendan Gleeson (The Tragedy of Macbeth). This time around, the latter pair star in a story about two lifelong friends who go for a pint everyday until a dispute gets in the way, with their feud also impacting the entire village. Also on the bill: an Emily Brontë biopic, aptly named Emily, directed by Australia actor-turned-filmmaker Frances O'Connor (The End); more sea shanties in song-filled sequel Fisherman's Friends 2: One and All; the Bill Nighy (The Man Who Fell to Earth)-starring Living, about a terminally ill man in the 1950s; and The Lost King, which takes inspiration from the IRL discovery of King Richard III's remains beneath a Leicester car park. And, opening the fest is Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, set in the world of French fashion, with Oscar-nominated Phantom Thread actor Lesley Manville in the titular role. BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: Tuesday, October 18–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Norton, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Electric, Canberra Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor, Melbourne Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace James Street and Palace Centro, Brisbane Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16— Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema, Perth Wednesday, October 19–Wednesday, November 16 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay The 2022 British Film Festival tours Australia between Tuesday, October 18–Wednesday, November 16. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website. We'll update you with the full program on Thursday, September 29.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this months latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from September's haul of newbies. BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW THE MAD WOMEN'S BALL Hitting streaming mere days after premiering at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, The Mad Women's Ball marks the latest thoughtful and enthralling stint behind the camera for Mélanie Laurent. The French actor who'll forever be known for Inglourious Basterds features on-screen in this, too, and turns in a layered and textured performance. But, behind the lens for the sixth time — and the first since 2018's Galveston — she transforms an already-gripping tale into a film that's vivid, passionate, empathetic and resonant. You could compare The Mad Women's Ball to One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, although that's oversimplifying things. Both are primarily set within comparable facilities, with the Salpêtrière neurological clinic the key location here, and both hone in on the power imbalance between those admitted and those running the show. But the Salpêtrière's patients are all women, most have been checked in against their will, the word 'hysteria' is thrown around too often by the male doctors, and 19th-century Paris treats anyone who doesn't conform to to the placid, dutiful female norm with contempt. That's what Eugénie Cléry (Lou de Laâge, who also starred in Laurent's 2014 film Breathe) learns after she starts hearing spirits. When her wealthy family find out about her new ability to communicate with the dead, she's packed away despite her pleas and protests, and confined to a place where she's little more than an inmate for men to torture with ice baths and other supposed cures. Laurent plays a nurse who becomes sympathetic to Eugénie's cause, but the film has just as much time for the sense of camaraderie that springs between the facility's wrongly institutionalised charges. It also offers space for other on-screen women to make an imprint, and serves up not just a potent but a handsomely staged adaptation of Victoria Mas' novel Le bal des folles. The Mad Women's Ball is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. SQUID GAME Exploring societal divides within South Korea wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but its success was always going to give other films and TV shows on the topic a healthy boost. Accordingly, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between the acclaimed movie and Netflix's new highly addictive Squid Game — the show that's on track to become the platform's biggest show ever (yes, bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton) less than two weeks since it released. Anyone who has seen even an episode knows why this nine-part series is so compulsively watchable. Its puzzle-like storyline and its unflinching savagery making quite the combination. Here, in a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup, 456 competitors are selected to work their way through six seemingly easy children's games. They're all given numbers and green tracksuits, they're all competing for 45.6 billion won, and it turns out that they've also all made their way to the contest after being singled out for having enormous debts. That includes series protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, Deliver Us From Evil), a chauffeur with a gambling problem, and also a divorcé desperate to do whatever he needs to to keep his daughter in his life. But, as it probes the chasms caused by capitalism and cash — and the things the latter makes people do under the former — this program isn't just about one player. It's about survival, the status quo the world has accepted when it comes to money, and the real inequality present both in South Korea and elsewhere. Filled with electric performances, as clever as it is compelling, unsurprisingly littered with smart cliffhangers, and never afraid to get bloody and brutal, the result is a savvy, tense and taut horror-thriller that entertains instantly and also has much to say. Squid Game is available to stream via Netflix. MIDNIGHT MASS No one can accuse Mike Flanagan of being lazy. In the past three years, he's made four different Netflix horror series, plus The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep. In the two years before that, he directed four other movies. Yes, he's prolific, and he also knows and loves his unsettling niche. Midnight Mass is the third of those aforementioned shows, and forgoes the ghostly setup of The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor — and it spins its musing on loss in multiple forms, faith in just as many varieties, and mortality and everything it means into a commanding seven-part miniseries. For Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford, Good Girls), the show's narrative begins with the biggest mistake of his life. After killing a woman while drunk driving, he spends four years in prison, haunted by her bloody face whenever he tries to close his eyes. Upon his release, he has no choice but to head home to Crockett Island, where his god-fearing mother (Kristin Lehman, Altered Carbon) is thrilled, his Ron Swanson-esque dad (Hill House and Bly Manor alum Henry Thomas) barely says a word, and his now-pregnant childhood sweetheart (Kate Siegel, Gerald's Game) has just made a comeback after her own absence. Also upsetting the status quo: the arrival of Father Paul (Hamish Linklater, Legion) to fill in for the island's ailing priest, and a wild storm that wreaks havoc. When he's spinning episodic stories, Flanagan likes to tease. He likes fleshing out his always-eclectic range of characters, too, and Midnight Mass is no different. Here, he adores monologues as well, but that's hardly surprising given the stellar cast he's writing for. It's been a great year or so for disquieting miniseries set on small, sparsely populated islands, thanks to The Third Day as well, and this is just absorbing. Midnight Mass is available to stream via Netflix. STRONG FEMALE LEAD When The Final Quarter opted to explore AFL footballer Adam Goodes' career purely using footage from the time — focusing on his stint on the field during its last stages, as the name makes plain — it weaved together media clips from his games, general AFL coverage, news stories, press conferences and interviews from the era. The result: a heartbreaking picture of the ex-Swans captain's experiences with racism that couldn't paint a clearer picture. Strong Female Lead does the same, but swaps sports for politics and discrimination based on race for prejudice predicated upon gender. Given that Australia has only ever had one female Prime Minister, that's where this fast-paced documentary heads, with director Tosca Looby (See What You Made Me Do) and editor Rachel Grierson Johns (Roller Dreams) letting existing media materials about Julia Gillard do all the talking. Anyone who can remember the headlines, news commentary, panel shows and talkback radio discussions from her 2010–13 spot in the nation's top job will know what they're in for, but seeing it all so deftly sliced together couldn't be more powerful. The sexism she faced at every turn isn't a relic of that not-at-all-distant past, of course. Indeed, Looby's approach makes all the horrendous words flung Gillard's way cut like a fresh wound, and simultaneously also sting like an old scar that won't heal. That's the cumulative effect of enduring the horrific things said, her overall treatment as PM, the odious behaviour of her parliamentary peers, and the belittling comments and placards, too. Strong Female Lead is a film to get angry with, as it's meant to be. It's also a celebration of Gillard's achievement in becoming Prime Minister, her work both along the way and in the role and other world leaders who've broken the glass ceiling. What lingers, though, is the fierce and formidable indictment of what women in positions of authority have been forced to navigate. Strong Female Lead is available to stream via SBS On Demand. EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE They're both underdog stories, they're both set in Sheffield in England's north, and they both have the accents to prove the latter. They each follow struggling locals trying to carve out a better life, and feature the entertainment industry prominently. And, they both chronicle characters breaking out of their comfort zones, shocking plenty around them, and working towards a big show, event or both. The movie that got there first: The Full Monty. The newcomer: Everybody's Talking About Jamie. That's about where the similarities between the two end, however, other than the inescapably feel-good vibe they both stir up. In this case, that crowd-pleasing sentiment springs from teenager Jamie New (first-timer Max Harwood), his quest to become a drag queen and his determination to chase that dream by first frocking up for his school prom. Already bullied, considered a disappointment by his soccer-loving father (Ralph Ineson, Gunpowder Milkshake), but adored by his mother (Sarah Lancashire, Yesterday) and best friend (fellow film debutant Lauren Patel), he isn't certain about showing his drag side to the world. He needs mentoring by a former drag icon (Richard E Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me?), in fact, to even get the courage to do so. And, from there, the path to unleashing his inner queen is nowhere near as sparkly as the red heels his mum gives him for his 16th birthday. Where Everybody's Talking About Jamie isn't at all surprising, whether you're familiar with the stage production it's based on, or the real-life tale it's inspired by — or if you've just seen other against-the-odds British flicks such as Kes and Billy Elliott. Nonetheless, from its first frame to its last, this lively and sweet musical still shimmers, glows and charms. Everybody's Talking About Jamie is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. NEW AND RETURNING SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE In the initial two episodes of Scenes From a Marriage, Mira (Jessica Chastain, IT: Chapter Two) and Jonathan (Oscar Isaac, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) brush their teeth in front of their ensuite mirror. It's an everyday task in a familiar place, spanning something we all do in a space we all use, but this five-part HBO miniseries turns these two scenes into a complex snapshot of its central couple. It takes not just skill but feeling and understanding to turn such a mundane activity into a must-see; however, that's this weighty show's remit. Scenes From a Marriage gets viewers engrossed in cleaning teeth because it's ordinary, and because everything within its frames fits the same description. Its central relationship careens from happy to heartbroken, comfortable to distraught, and assured to messy, but it also charts a path that countless others have. Accordingly, Mira and Jonathan start the series cemented in their routine, but with each of its five episodes dedicated to a significant day over the course of several years, much changes. The ambitious tech industry executive to his ex-Orthodox Jewish philosophy professor, Mira drops a bombshell, their lives shift over and over, and yet plenty stays the same as well. As penned and helmed by The Affair's Hagai Levi — remaking the 1973 Swedish TV miniseries by iconic film director Ingmar Bergman — Scenes From a Marriage is a show about patterns, cycles and echoes, in fact. It ponders how they ripple through relationships and, when broken or changed, how their absence is felt. The result is devastating and powerful, shot and scored with intensity, and home to exceptional performances from Chastain and Isaac, who prove just as irresistible in their second collaboration in a stormy union as they did in 2014 also-stellar A Most Violent Year. The first three episodes of Scenes From a Marriage are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING If you've ever listened to a true-crime podcast, decided that you'd make a great Serial host yourself and started wondering how you'd ever follow in Sarah Koenig's footsteps, then you should be watching Only Murders in the Building. The Disney+ series follows three New Yorkers who follow that same process. Actor Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin, It's Complicated), theatre producer Oliver Putnam (Martin Short, Schmigadoon!) and the much-younger Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez, The Dead Don't Die) are all obsessed with a series hosted by the fictional Cinda Canning (Tina Fey, Girls5eva), to the point of bonding over it as strangers. Then, when someone turns up dead in their building, they decide that they can sleuth their way through the case — by getting talking themselves, naturally. But being a true-crime podcast diehard and making a true-crime podcast clearly aren't quite the same thing, and turning amateur detective isn't clearcut either. Entertaining and exceptionally well-cast, Only Murders in the Building makes makes the most of its main trio's mismatched vibe. It's filled with hearty affection for everything it jokes about, resulting in an upbeat satire of true-crime obsessions, podcasting's pervasiveness and the intersection of the two. It adores its single-setting Agatha Christie-lite setup, it's always empathetic, and it also loves peppering in highly recognisable co-stars and guest stars such as Fey, Nathan Lane (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels), Amy Ryan (Late Night) and even Sting. The series is also written and acted with enough depth to pair relatable character insights with its bubbly, clownish fun. If Knives Out was a sitcom, and also a little goofier, it'd turn out like this — and that's a delight, obviously. The first seven episodes of Only Murders in the Building are available to stream via Star on Disney+, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS How do you match a season of TV that introduced the world to yet another ace Matt Berry character? That's a question What We Do in the Shadows faced with its third season, after its last batch of episodes featured Jackie Daytona — the "regular human bartender" persona adopted by Berry's bloodsucker Laszlo Cravensworth. Thankfully, this vampire sharehouse comedy found an easy solution. It's still doing what it does best, which includes gifting the glorious Berry (Toast of London) and his co-stars Kayvan Novak (Four Lions), Natasia Demetriou (Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga), Mark Proksch (The Office) and Harvey Guillen (Werewolves Within) reams of witty and hilarious dialogue. Picking up where the last season left off, the show's vamps now have a new job running the local Vampiric Council; however, the mockumentary-style series still knows that it's at the best when its stars are riffing either together or directly to the camera. Obviously, the Staten Island-dwelling bloodsuckers' new gig comes with ample chaos and, as it dives into everything that follows, What We Do in the Shadows is still one of the silliest yet smartest horror-comedies that's ever been made. But as proved the case with the movie it sprang from — aka Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's 2014 film of the same name — so much of the joy and laughs here come from watching exceptional comedic talents inhabit their characters' fangs, banter about undead tropes and bounce off of each other. That hasn't changed in season three, and the entire series is still a side-splitting gem in each and every episode. The first five episodes of What We Do in the Shadows' third season are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. Y: THE LAST MAN On paper, Y: The Last Man sounds familiar, even if you haven't read the source material. Based on the 2002–08 comic book series of the same name, it steps into a post-apocalyptic time where an eerie illness wipes out everyone with a Y chromosome — humans and other mammals alike. Accordingly, it initially resembles a reverse version of The Handmaid's Tale and Children of Men. Thankfully, this dystopian tale heads in its own direction. First, it spends an episode plotting out the pre-plague status quo for Yorick Brown (Ben Schnetzer, The Grizzlies), his US Congresswoman mother Jennifer (Let Him Go) and his paramedic sister Hero (Olivia Thirlby, Goliath). Then, it dives deep into the world-changing event that sees males wiped out en masse. It isn't a spoiler to say that Yorick survives, because the title ensures that's clear. Also making it through: his Capuchin monkey Ampersand. As the globe's women react, adjust and endeavour to traverse a whole new way of life, Yorick endeavours to do the same — and, based on its first episodes, it makes for gripping viewing. It's the type of show that starts out with an obvious been-there-done-that vibe, especially at the moment. Anyone who has filled even part of the pandemic binge-watching movies about contagions, outbreaks and infections will recognise plenty of elements, but this is also the kind of series that takes its time to settle in, and to expand and grow. It's ongoing focus on what comes next, rather than simply exploring what happened, is also filled with possibilities — timely ones, too, given the current state of reality. The first five episodes of Y: The Last Man are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. A RECENT MUST-SEE YOU CAN (AND SHOULD) STREAM NOW ANOTHER ROUND Even the most joyous days and nights spent sipping your favourite drink can have their memory tainted by a hangover. Imbibe too much, and there's a kicker just waiting to pulsate through your brain and punish your body when all that alcohol inevitably starts to wear off. For much of Another Round, four Copenhagen school teachers try to avoid this feeling. The film they're in doesn't, though. Writer/director Thomas Vinterberg (Kursk) and his co-scribe Tobias Lindholm (A War) lay bare the ups and downs of knocking back boozy beverages, and also serve up a finale that's a sight to behold. Without sashaying into spoiler territory, the feature's last moments are a thing of sublime beauty. Some movies end in a WTF, "what were they thinking?" kind of way, but this Oscar-winning Danish film comes to a conclusion with a big and bold showstopper that's also a piece of bittersweet perfection. The picture's highest-profile star, Mads Mikkelsen (Arctic), is involved. His pre-acting background as an acrobat and dancer comes in handy, too. Unsurprisingly, the substances that flow freely throughout the feature remain prominent. And, so does the canny and candid awareness that life's highs and lows just keep spilling, plus the just-as-shrewd understanding that the line between self-sabotage and self-release is as thin as a slice of lemon garnishing a cocktail. Another Round is available to stream via SBS On Demand. Read our full review. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August this year — and our top straight-to-streaming movies and specials from 2021 so far, and our list of the best new TV shows released this year so far as well.
A Secret Service agent-turned-bodyguard falls for the superstar singer he's been hired to protect. It's pegged as one of cinema's most iconic love stories, with Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner first tugging at our heartstrings back in 1992. And now, The Bodyguard is set to come alive for the Australian stage, with producers David Ian, Michael Harrison and John Frost bringing their award-winning musical show Down Under next year. Kicking off in Sydney in April 2017, this local production of The Bodyguard — which follows the just-as-awesome news that Moulin Rouge! will finally be made into a stage show — comes off the back of a wildly successful and star-studded run in London theatres, and record-breaking UK tour, which commenced in February this year. Paulini (of Australian Idol fame) will play Houston's Rachel Marron. Based on the eponymous Warner Bros. film and adapted for the stage by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris, The Bodyguard musical features all those epic Houston tracks that audiences fell in love with the first time around. According to co-producer Frost, the emotionally-charged storyline, along with those "soaring ballads" — like 'Queen of The Night', 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' and the legendary 'I Will Always Love You' (you know the ones) — were simply destined for the stage. The album is still the biggest selling movie soundtrack of all time. Yep. Still.
After weeks of protest and a snowballing boycott by artists, the Biennale of Sydney has cut ties with its longtime sponsor Transfield. Philanthropist and Transfield Holdings director Luca Belgiorno-Nettis stepped down from his position as chair of the Biennale board, which went on to end the partnership agreement, effective immediately. Until it happened just now, this was a moment that seemed pretty unlikely. However, a point was reached where the negative publicity was doing neither brand Biennale nor Transfield any favours, with nine artists having withdrawn from the event and many art fans considering staying away. These artists have 'imagined what they desired', in keeping with the theme of the festival. "I hope that blue sky may now open up over this 19th Biennale of Sydney," said the departing Belgiorno-Nettis. This does nothing to fix Australia's repulsive treatment of refugees in detention, of course, but it means the focus of protest can shift, and Sydneysiders can enjoy and engage with the Biennale in full. Here's the statement from the Biennale: Today the Board of the Biennale of Sydney received the resignation of its Chairman, Luca Belgiorno-Nettis. With deep regret, the Board reluctantly accepted the decision of the Chair to resign. We gratefully acknowledge the personal contribution of Luca as Chair over the past 14 years. We also acknowledge the enormous contribution of the Belgiorno-Nettis family over 41 years. The Board also discussed its relationship with its founding partner Transfield. We have listened to the artists who are the heart of the Biennale and have decided to end our partnership with Transfield effective immediately. The Board and the extended Biennale community owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Luca and his family. Luca Belgiorno-Nettis said: ‘I wear two hats: one as Chair of the Biennale of Sydney and the other as a Director of Transfield Holdings; both organisations conceived by my father and nurtured by my family over many decades. I am deeply thankful to the many friends of the Biennale, and my personal friends who have supported me and the teams throughout my tenure, especially in recent weeks. I also express my gratitude to my Directors and Marah Braye and her beautiful team, and Juliana Engberg for their unequivocal allegiance to the Biennale. ‘I hope that blue sky may now open up over this 19th Biennale of Sydney: You Imagine What You Desire and its future incarnations.’ Deputy Chair Andrew Cameron will be interim Chair until the Biennale appoints a new Chair following the close of the 19th Biennale of Sydney. The Board look forward to working with Juliana Engberg and the Biennale team to realise an enormously successful 19th Biennale of Sydney.
Love it or hate it, winter is on the way out. Whether you're celebrating the coming of spring or mourning the end of the cooler months, your last and best chance to do either is at the Northern Beaches Market, which marks the end of the season on Saturday, August 31. Organised by Cambridge Markets, the masters of any event with artisanal goods and collapsible stalls, it's what the business does best: a gathering of makers, growers and artisanal wizards from all over a region of Sydney (north of the bridge in this case) for a day of browsing by locals. With markets usually coming in at a bustling total of 100-150 stalls, you'll have from 10am to 3pm to visit James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why to browse to your heart's content. Bring deep pockets, a deeper bag and an empty stomach. You'll be strolling among homewares and fashion, hot food and cold drinks. It'll make for an exceedingly fun day out. Northern Beaches Market runs from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, August 31. For more information, visit the website.
If you're going to celebrate Christmas in July, as Sydney's returning festival of the same name is, then you can't forget one of the most-beloved ways to get into the festive spirit: seasonal movies. Is watching Home Alone one of your merriest traditions? Are you certain that Die Hard is a Christmas flick (because it is)?. Do Elf, The Nightmare Before Christmas or Last Christmas spark a jolly old time for you? Enjoying them under the wintry stars around a fire awaits in the Harbour City in 2025. Meet Sydney Firepit Cinema, which will have flames crackling and projectors whirring across Friday, July 11–Sunday, July 20 at The Rocks, with Cadmans Cottage as a backdrop. Will Ferrell (You're Cordially Invited) venturing from the North Pole to New York is kicking off the program, with the rest of the movies mentioned above screening. On the bill as well: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer, Saving Santa, Home Alone 2, The Santa Clause, The Holiday, The Grinch and Love Actually. A ticket to Sydney Firepit Cinema doesn't just include the movie, but also a reserved firepit for between two and six people, plus blankets to get cosy under. The basic watch-and-roast pass will also get you toasting marshmallows over the flames. From there, you can also add mulled wine and/or hot chocolate. The Christmas in July Festival, which runs from Friday, July 11–Sunday, July 20 itself, isn't the only event that's bringing a slice of Europe to Sydney this winter. Doing the same is the Bastille Festival at Circular Quay and The Rocks from Thursday, July 17–Saturday, July 20. Accordingly, while festive flicks are on Sydney Firepit Cinema's program for the first six of its ten-day run, it's then switching its lineup to movies from, set in or that nod to France. In past years, Bastille Festival has featured Le Mulled Wine Cinema; however, Sydney Firepit Cinema is doing the honours in 2025 instead — and doing its part to remind everyone that seeing a movie outdoors can be a winter activity, complete with snuggling up next to your nearest and dearest, soaking in the brisk night air and drinking hot booze. The Bastille Festival-related portion of but Sydney Firepit Cinema's bill gets underway with Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, then features perennial favourite Amelie, Pixar's Ratatouille, Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge!, the behind-the-landmark tale of Eiffel and Carême's Benjamin Voisin getting poetic in the 1800s in Lost Illusions. Sydney Firepit Cinema runs from Friday, July 11–Sunday, July 20, first as part of the Christmas in July Festival and then during the Bastille Festival, both at The Rocks, Sydney. Head to the cinema's website for more details.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. From the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from August's haul of newbies. (Yes, we're assuming you've watched Clickbait already.) BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW CODA When CODA screened at the Sundance Film Festival back in January, it made history. Film distributors always clamour to snap up the event's big hits, and this four-time award-winner — which received the fest's US Grand Jury Prize, US Dramatic Audience Award, a Special Jury Ensemble Cast Award and Best Director — was picked up by Apple TV+ for US$25 million. Even though the sophomore feature from writer/director Sian Heder (Tallulah) remakes 2014 French hit La Famille Bélier, that's still a significant amount of money; however, thanks to its warmth, engaging performances and a welcome lack of cheesiness, it's easy to see why the streaming platform opened its wallet. Fans of the earlier movie will recognise the storyline, which sees 17-year-old Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones, Locke & Key) struggle to balance her family commitments with her dreams of attending music school. She's a talented singer, but she's only just discovered just how skilled she is because she's also the child of deaf adults (hence the film's title). At home, she also plays a key part in keeping the family's fishing business afloat, including by spending mornings before class out on the trawler wither her dad Frank (Troy Kotsur, No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie) and older brother Leo (Daniel Durant, Switched at Birth). Heder helms this still sweet and moving feature with a distinct lack of over-exaggeration, which plagued its predecessor. The fact that Kotsur, Durant and Marlee Matlin (Entangled), the latter as the Rossi matriarch, are all actors who are deaf playing characters who are deaf really couldn't be more important. Their portrayals are naturalistic and lived-in, as is much about this rousing but gentle crowd-pleaser — including tomboy Ruby's blossoming romance with fellow wannabe musician Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Sing Street). CODA is available to stream via Apple TV+. HACKS It sounds like an obvious premise, and one that countless films and TV shows have already mined in the name of laughs. In Hacks, two vastly dissimilar people are pushed together, with the resulting conflict guiding the series. Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder, North Hollywood) and her new boss Deborah Vance (Jean Smart, Mare of Easttown) couldn't be more different in age, experience, tastes and opinions. The former is a 25-year-old who made the move to Hollywood, has been living out her dream as a comedy writer, but found her career plummeting after a tweet crashed and burned. The latter is a legendary stand-up who hasn't stopped hitting the stage for decades, is approaching the 2500th show of her long-running Las Vegas residency and is very set in her ways. They appear to share exactly one thing in common: a love for comedy. They're an odd couple thrust together by their mutual manager Jimmy (Paul W Downs, Broad City), neither wants to be working with the other, and — to the surprise of no one, including each other — they clash again and again. There's no laugh track adding obvious chuckles to this HBO sitcom, though. Created by three of the talents behind Broad City — writer Jen Statsky; writer/director Lucia Aniello; and Downs, who does double duty in front of and behind the lens — Hacks isn't solely interested in setting two seemingly mismatched characters against each other. This is a smart and insightful series about what genuinely happens when this duo spends more and more time together, what's sparked their generational conflict and what, despite their evident differences, they actually share beyond that love of making people laugh. And, it's a frank, funny and biting assessment of being a woman in entertainment — and it's also always as canny as it is hilarious. The first season of Hacks is available to stream via Stan. Read our full review. THE CHAIR In its first episode of its six-instalment run, The Chair sports a breezy, effortless tone, while still managing to ripple with always-thrumming tension. Newly appointed in the titular position at Pembroke University's English department, Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh, Killing Eve) has much to juggle — as excited as she is about the role. The college dean (David Morse, The Good Lord Bird) has given her a list of faculty members with high salaries and low class enrolment rates, and made it clear that something needs to change. Kim wants to champion a new rising star among the teaching cohort (Nana Mensah, Queen of Glory), but knows that that'll require challenging the engrained establishment. So too does another fight, this time against one veteran professor's (Holland Taylor, Bill & Ted Face the Music) unceremonious move to a basement office. Kim also has responsibilities at home thanks to her adopted daughter Ju-Hee (Everly Carganilla, Yes Day), and struggles with work-life balance. And, there's the not-at-all-minor matter of her predecessor, the school's rockstar literature academic (Jay Duplass, Search Party), who can only be described as a mess following the death of his wife and the fact that his daughter has just left for college — and, including in the lectures he never prepares for, leans into that characterisation. In a smartly written series, and one that is acutely aware of how to make the best use of its 30-minute episodes, The Chair charts the dramas that ensue as all these facets of Kim's existence coincide. As created by Amanda Peet (Dirty John) and debutant Annie Wyman, the result is instantly engaging, as well as ambitious in its exploration of academia, of battling a system that's hardly been historically welcoming to women and people of colour, and of cancel culture. It also draws strongly from the always-excellent Oh, and from the rest of its top-notch ensemble cast. The Chair is available to stream via Netflix. VIVO When it comes to making a splash on-screen, Lin-Manuel Miranda hasn't been throwing away his shot. In just the past year alone, the phenomenal filmed version of Hamilton reached streaming, then the cinema adaptation of In the Heights finally hit cinemas — and now animated musical Vivo joins them. Co-written by In the Heights' Quiara Alegría Hudes with co-director Kirk DeMicco (The Croods), it both stars Miranda and features toe-tapping new tunes by him. He voices the eponymous kinkajou, which has spent its life living and making music in Havana with the now-elderly Andrés Hernández (Buena Vista Social Club musician Juan de Marcos González), and would be happiest if their comfortable routine never ended. But then fate shakes up their status quo, including via a letter from famous singer Marta (Gloria Estefan, One Day at a Time), who Andrés worked with — and pined for — before she moved to Florida decades back. Soon, Vivo is determined to make the trip to Miami for Marta's last-ever show, even if that means buddying up with Andrés' music-loving, fiercely individualists, often chaotic niece Gabi (first-timer Ynairaly Simo). Unsurprisingly, the film's soundtrack is a delight, brimming as it is with catchy tunes enlivened by Miranda's now-trademark witty wordplay. His vocal performance, and that of a cast that also includes Zoe Saldana (Avengers: Endgame) as Gabi's mother, echoes with emotional complexity in what's both an upbeat and wistful movie. The blue-soaked animation stands out as well and, while this is a firmly family-friendly affair, so does the feature's commitment to entertaining viewers of all ages. Vivo is available to stream via Netflix. NEW AND RETURNING SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK KEVIN CAN F**K HIMSELF There's never been a show on TV quite like Kevin Can F**k Himself, but there have been too many series that resemble half of this clever and cutting dark comedy. Whenever Allison Devine-McRoberts (Annie Murphy, Schitt's Creek) is around her manchild of a husband Kevin (Eric Petersen, Sydney to the Max), she's clearly in a sitcom. The lights glow brightly, her home looks like every other cosy abode in every other apparently amusing show about an obnoxious man and his put-upon wife — including all the ones starring Kevin James — and multiple cameras capture their lives. Also, canned laughter chuckles whenever something supposedly funny (but usually just cringeworthy) occurs between Kevin, his ever dimwitted best pal and neighbour Neil (Alex Bonifer, Superstore), Neil's one-of-the-guys sister Patty (Mary Hollis Inboden, The Righteous Gemstones) and Kevin's ever-present dad (Brian Howe, Chicago Fire). We've all seen this setup before, and Kevin Can F**k Himself's creator Valerie Armstrong (Lodge 49) definitely knows it. But, whenever Allison is blissfully free from her horrible hubby, murkier tones and a much more realistic vibe kick in. Just one camera films her struggles, and she's clearly in a premium cable drama. This is when Allison starts trying to do something about her terrible marriage, including a plot not just to leave Kevin, but to ensure that she'll be free of him forever. On paper, the creative decisions behind Kevin Can F**k Himself's two halves are a high-concept gimmick, and purposefully so. They're deployed devastatingly on-screen, however, in what proves one of the best new shows of 2021. Thankfully, Kevin Can F**k Himself has just been renewed for a second season, too, so more of its savvy charms and astute social commentary — and Murphy and Inboden's memorable performances — await. The first three episodes of Kevin Can F**k Himself's first season are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. RESERVATION DOGS Not content with just having two of the best current sitcoms on his resume — that'd be Wellington Paranormal and What We Do in the Shadows — Taika Waititi has gone and added a third. If you didn't know that he was one of Reservation Dogs' creators, executive producers and writers, you'd likely guess from the laidback tone; however, this is firmly a case of Waititi helping to get an exceptional show off the ground, and also lending his star power to assist emerging voices and under-represented communities. The 'reservation' part of this comedy's title is literal. In rural Oklahoma, that's where Indigenous American teenagers Bear (D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Beans), Elora (Devery Jacobs, Rutherford Falls), Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis, also seen in Beans), and Cheese (debutant Lane Factor) live, spend their days and meander about while dreaming of being somewhere else. Their ideal destination: California. Their number-one pastime: rustling up cash by whatever means they can to fund their big getaway, including by hijacking a delivery van filled with potato chips in the show's first episode. It's that heist and the aftermath that gives this quartet their Quentin Tarantino-style nickname, but Reservation Dogs isn't about bold and flashy moments. It's about the daily reality as Bear and his pals navigate their present existence and hope that they can soon escape it. In other words, this is a series that's deeply steeped in conveying the small details in its characters' lives, and giving audiences the chance to spend time with them. It's a show that's as much about hanging out as propelling a plot forward and, in the hands of Waititi and fellow co-creator/executive producer/writer Sterlin Harjo (Mekko), it's a coming-of-age gem. The first four episodes of Reservation Dogs are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. THE NEWSREADER The hair: big. The wardrobe: teeming with shoulder pads. The attitude towards women, and anyone who isn't a blokey Aussie male: abysmal at best. That's the slice of 80s-era Australia that The Newsreader recreates with meticulous period detail, with this six-part ABC drama stepping into the world of TV news. It's 1986, and Paul Hogan has just won the Australian of the Year award, which budding reporter Dale Jennings (Sam Reid, Lambs of God) covers (after a swift fix when a tape machine chews up some crucial footage moments before the segment goes to air). He'd rather be sitting at the big desk as an anchor, though, but that's veteran Geoff Walters (Robert Taylor, The Meg) and the hardworking Helen Norville's (Anna Torv, Mindhunter) job. Dale gets his chance before the first episode is out, however — although blustering newsroom head honchoLindsay (William McInnes, Total Control) needs persuading, and nothing proves smooth-sailing from there. Deftly and convincingly weaving in real-life events, including the Challenger explosion, to ground the fictional interplay, The Newsroom hones in on its two ambitious, frequently cast-aside figures. Dale and Helen have both become accustomed to being ignored, overlooked and talked down to by their colleagues, and to having to work harder than anyone else to get ahead, and the series plots out exactly what it takes for them to chase the careers they've always dreamed of. Indeed, one of the show's key strengths is seeing how these layered characters unfurl — and unite — thanks to both Reid and Torv's multifaceted portrayals. The first three episodes of The Newsreader are available to stream via ABC iView, with new episodes dropping weekly. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Beloved by audiences for seven seasons so far (even if its original TV network didn't always feel the same way), Brooklyn Nine-Nine faced a dilemma moving into its eighth — and final — batch of episodes. After the murder of George Floyd, the long history of police violence in the US and the poor treatment that law enforcement has historically afforded people of colour, as well as the reckoning with all of the above that has sprung up across America, how does a sitcom keep pushing a 'comedic cops' angle? Season eight of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is still as funny as fans expect. It still follows all of the same characters, and most of them are still police officers. It still finds plenty of time for silly gags, including a competition between Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews, Deadpool 2) and Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio, Reno 911!) to sell the most candy to Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller, Big Love), too. That said, it's now as interested in interrogating what it means to truly uphold the badge in a way that protects and serves everyone — and what its characters can do to both to achieve that, and to stamp out anything "uncool, uncool, uncool" that fails that aim — as it is in palling around with its beloved detective squad. Six episodes in, this last run of episodes has the feeling of a farewell as well as an awakening, all while also seeing Rosa Diaz (Stefanie Beatriz, In the Heights) become a private investigator, Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg, Palm Springs) and Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero, Diary of a Future President) endeavour to balance work with being parents to baby McClane, and Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher, Spirit Untamed) navigate marital troubles. The first six episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's eight season are available to stream via SBS On Demand, with new episodes dropping weekly. NINE PERFECT STRANGERS Lavish locations just screaming to fill Instagram feeds, wealthy clientele whiling away their hours in luxury, a significant chasm between the haves and the have nots: like The White Lotus, that's the setup behind Byron Bay-shot thriller Nine Perfect Strangers. Here, in the latest collaboration between Nicole Kidman (The Prom) and writer/showrunner David E Kelley (Big Little Lies and The Undoing), an upmarket resort called Tranquillum House welcomes in a new group of clients; however, they get more than just R&R. Among those seeking their bliss under the care of Masha Dmitrichenko (Kidman) and her offsiders Delilah (Tiffany Boone, Hunters) and Yao (Manny Jacinto, The Good Place): school teacher Napoleon Marconi (Michael Shannon, Knives Out), his wife Heather (Asher Keddie, Rams) and their daughter Zoe (Grace Van Patten, Under the Silver Lake); plus novelist Frances Welty (Melissa McCarthy, Thunder Force), ex-footballer Tony Hogburn (Bobby Cannavale, Superintelligence), influencer Jessica Chandler (Samara Weaving, Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins) and her husband Ben (Melvin Gregg, The United States vs Billie Holiday), the newly divorced Carmel Schneider (Regina Hall, Breaking News in Yuba County) and journalist Lars Lee (Luke Evans, Crisis). Nine Perfect Strangers draws out its mysteries, but it also lets its audience start guessing from the outset. Casting Kidman as a Russian-accented wellness guru who wades in and out of her clients' days at random, and also happens to be getting death threats via text messages, will do that. This Jonathan Levine-directed (Long Shot, Snatched, The Night Before) show is ensemble piece, though, and knows how to lure its audience in and keep them watching. The first four episodes of Nine Perfect Strangers are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. A RECENT MUST-SEE YOU CAN (AND SHOULD) STREAM NOW MONOS Set in a camp of teen guerrillas, Alejandro Landes' Sundance's Special Jury Award-winning third film Monos follows gun-toting rebels that have barely said goodbye to childhood, but are still tasked by their unseen leaders with holding an American woman (The Outsider's Julianne Nicholson) hostage. Unsurprisingly, even with nothing around but fields, jungle, a cow to milk and occasional enemy fire, little goes according to plan. The relentlessness of modern life, the ongoing unrest in Colombia, and the ceaseless trials and tribulations that plague all teens facing adulthood — they all sit at the centre of this stunning South America-set thriller. Echoes of William Golding's Lord of the Flies are evident (and Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, the book that inspired Apocalypse Now, too), but Monos firmly tells its own story. Engagingly lingering between a dark fairytale and a psychological treatise on war, combat and humanity's dog-eat-dog nature, the result is one of the definite standouts of recent years (of 2019, when it premiered overseas and did the rounds of the local festival circuit, and of 2020, when it finally released in Aussie cinemas). That status is assured thanks to everything from the eye-popping landscape cinematography to the needling tension of Mica Levi's (Under the Skin) score and the commanding performances from the young cast. Monos is available to stream via SBS On Demand. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June and July this year — and our top straight-to-streaming movies and specials from 2021 so far, and our list of the best new TV shows released this year so far as well.
Just about every video clip Mumford & Sons have ever made follows a fairly predictable pattern, and their latest for 'Hopeless Wanderer' isn't much different. Mottled light shining through golden leaves? Check. Impossibly whimsical vests? Check. Banjo-led hoedowns in Ye Olde Barns? Check. Jason Bateman and SNL's Will Forte wearing fake beards and thrusting their crotches at each other? Check. Hang on. What? That's right — Mumford & Sons have procured the services of some of the world's funniest comic actors for a pitch-perfect parody of their own pastoral proclivities in a move that suggests M&S might not take themselves too seriously after all. Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, Jason Bateman and Ed Helms go all out here, and their utterly straight-faced commitment to the bit is amazing. I couldn't keep a straight face watching it, so goodness knows how they were able to while filming. Truly, you haven't lived until you've seen Sudeikis fall to his knees on a dusty road because of all the feelz, and Bateman's furious banjo shredding is the most metal thing you'll ever see. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rId6PKlDXeU
Bungalow 8, King Street Wharf's buzzing social spot, is ending the year with a little Cuban flair and creating Little Havana. So on Monday, December 31, you're invited to join these Caribbean vibes for a lively New Year's Eve fiesta. It's time to farewell the year that was while sipping Bacardi mojitos — found on tap — under luxurious cabana or in the pop-up botanical garden upstairs at The Loft. While you're downing the rum goodness, enjoy the entertainment lineup which will include Aston Shuffle and Luke Million. General admission is from $49 per person but, let's face it, New Year's Eve is time to go all out. And what better way to treat yourself one final time (this year) than securing a drinks and food package? No street kebabs tonight, thank you. Bungalow 8 is offering a variety of packages to suit you and your mate's needs. Single tickets start at $120, providing a steady flow of beer, wine and sparkling from 6–8pm. Or up that to $150, and you'll add an extra hour and spirits to the mix. Alternatively, you can get all your mates to chip in together and score one of The Loft VIP Balcony Packages for either $2500 or $5000, depending on how many bottles of Champagne magnum and spirits you'll be requiring. Plus, all packages come with canapés so you won't have to worry about asking the bartender multiple times throughout the night for beer nuts. Spots are limited, so move fast to secure yours and see in 2019 overlooking the harbour with a mojito in one hand and a canapés in the other — it's a sure way to make sure your Havana good time. For more information on the New Year's Eve Packages and to book your tickets, visit the Bungalow 8 website.
Fantasy fans, and lovers of small-screen trips to wondrous other worlds in general, the past few months have been your time to shine. First, Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon arrived, wigs, fire-breathing creatures and terrible family relationships all included. Next, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power magnificently recaptured Middle-earth's magic, also by hopping back into the beloved franchise's past. And, although it's sci-fi as well, Andor has been sweeping Star Wars fans to a galaxy far, far away again. Two of those shows have already ended their first seasons, however. And, by the time November comes to a close, all three will be off the air following their debut runs. Thankfully, arriving to fill that gap is the new season of His Dark Materials — returning for the first time since 2020 with its long-awaited third batch of episodes. First premiering late in 2019, and then dropping its second season in 2020, His Dark Materials is one of HBO's additions to small-screen fantasy — the one that popped up in the period between Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, in fact. It's based on Philip Pullman's award-winning young adult trilogy of books of the same name: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. And if it sounds familiar, and not just because you watched the first two seasons, that's because The Golden Compass was already turned into a movie back in 2007. HBO has been keeping things simple with its adaptation by sticking with the franchise name, instead of individual book monikers — hence the His Dark Materials title. But when season three arrives in December in the US (with Australian and New Zealand dates to be confirmed), it'll tell the tale covered in The Amber Spyglass, which sees Lyra (Dafne Keen, Logan), aka the show's prophesied child, journey somewhere that no one has ever returned with Will (Amir Wilson, The Secret Garden). The third season will drop its eight episodes over four weeks, with two a week — and it's bringing back the rest of its hefty cast. That includes James McAvoy (The Sandman), Ruth Wilson (See How They Run), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Andrew Scott (Catherine Called Birdy), for starters. If you're new to His Dark Materials, Keen plays an orphan by the name of Lyra Belacqua, who initially seems just like everyone else, but hails from an alternate universe where a person's soul manifests as a shape-shifting animal called a daemon. In the show's first season, as Lyra looked for a kidnapped friend in the Arctic, she discovered a church-run stolen children ring, learned about mysterious particles known as Dust and ventures through different worlds, including the one we all know. McAvoy pops up as a powerful aristocrat, Wilson is his ex, and Miranda plays a balloonist and adventurer. Check out the trailer for His Dark Materials season three below: His Dark Materials' third season will start airing from Monday, December 6 Australian time in the US — and streams via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Images: HBO.
Chvrches are back again with all music guns a blazing, Crystal Fighters will make you feel so special and Will Smith reminds the world that he is once was the coolest human being on the planet. 1. 'GUNS' - CHVRCHES The band who spell churches wrong this week unveiled their newest track 'Guns' and it is a veritable feast of sensational synth, fierce beats and glorious hooks that combine for a tune best described as huge. This is pop in its purest, most enjoyable form and gives Australian fans yet another reason to get excited for their upcoming August tour. 2. 'CAPE TOWN' - CLUBFEET Melbourne five-piece Clubfeet dropped this track earlier this month and released the accompanying video this week, providing a perfect opportunity to showcase this brilliant track. The clip itself was filmed in Cape Town, a favourite haunt of the quintet, and the method actors look like they are having a pretty great time. Not suprising really, as when you strip back the visual aesthetics 'Cape Town' is a classic jam for all party times. 3. 'NATURAL LOVE' - CRYSTAL FIGHTERS This track comes from Cave Rave, the album released this week by the half Spanish, half English, all fantastic band named Crystal Fighters. The entire album provides an endless selection of tracks that put a smile on your face and a hop, a skip and a jump in your step, triple jump style. This is the most jovial of the songs and if you put it on you may just have the most delightful weekend of your life. 4. 'TWISTED' - FRACTURES Fractures is incredibly just a one man band comprising the multi-talented Mark Zito. He is all about experimentation and as such is almost impossible to classify into a genre. The track title 'Twisted' could be appropriate though as he twists his fragile voice amongst a haunting melody to create an atmospheric auditory stimulant. 5. The Fresh Prince Reunion It's the little things in life we need to appreciate, but this week we were treated to a great, big, whopping thing. Having watched this on repeat I have concluded that the primary purpose of creating the Internet was for the spreading of this video to the masses. What the world thought was an ordinary interview between Graham Norton, Will and Jaden Smith turned into the Fresh Prince stealing the show just like last time, as himself and Jaden surprised us all by bringing out DJ Jazzy Jeff, and if that wasn't enough we then got treated to Carlton in all his dancing glory. If you have not seen this yet, you are welcome. If you have, watch it again and again and again.
If December to you means luminous festive decorations, then simply driving through your neighbourhood can be a jolly good time. Wherever you look, there just might be a glowing set of Christmas lights sharing its seasonal merriment and brightening up the suburban streets. Of course, these lit-up displays really shouldn't cause such a fuss. They pop up everywhere every year, after all, and we're all well and truly aware of how electricity works. But twinkling bulbs are just so hard to resist when it's the happiest portion of the calendar. Perhaps you're a casual Christmas lights fan, and you're completely fine just checking out whichever blazing displays you happen to pass in your travels. Maybe you have a few tried-and-tested favourite spots, and you return to them every year. Or, you could want to scope out the best and brightest seasonal-themed houses and yards. Whichever category you fall into, an Australian website called Christmas Lights Search is likely to pique your interest. [caption id="attachment_882324" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Donaldytong via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Christmas Lights Search is as nifty and handy as its name suggests, covering festive displays all around the country. To locate all the spots that you should head to, it's as easy as entering your postcode or suburb — or those of places nearby — and letting the site deliver the relevant options. Plus, it also rates the lights displays, if you want to either go big or stay home. It's also constantly being updated, so, like the best combos of glowing trees, sparkling bulbs and oversized Santas, you might want to check it out more than once. [caption id="attachment_882325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] When you pick an individual address listed on the site, you'll be greeted with some key information, too. The level of detail varies per listing, but expect to potentially peruse photos, the ideal hours to swing by, a date range and a description of what's on offer. All that's left is to get searching, plot out where you'll be heading every night between now and Christmas Eve, and get ready to see oh-so-many reindeer, candy canes and snowmen. To find festive displays near you, head to the Christmas Lights Search website.
After nearly a decade of Westerosi power struggles, obsessed fans and soaring ratings, HBO found itself with a Game of Thrones-sized gap to fill last year. The network isn't completely saying goodbye to the world created by George RR Martin, with at least one spinoff in the works — but it's also eager for something else to help pick up where GoT left off, fantasy-wise. First debuting late in 2019, and due to return for a second season in November, His Dark Materials is one of the US network's prime candidates. It's based on Philip Pullman's award-winning young adult trilogy of books of the same name: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. And if it sounds familiar — and not just because you watched the initial batch of episodes — that's because one of the tomes, The Golden Compass, was already turned into a movie back in 2007. HBO is keeping things simple with its adaptation by sticking with the franchise name, other than individual book monikers — hence the His Dark Materials title. It has also bet big on star power, with the series boasting a hefty cast. James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda, Da 5 Bloods' Clarke Peters and Logan's Dafne Keen all feature, while Fleabag's Andrew Scott and Phoebe Waller-Bridge will also pop up in the second season. Yes, it'll be a reunion for the two series newcomers, although you'll be seeing Scott on-screen as Colonel John Parry and hearing Waller-Bridge's voice as Parry's daemon. What's a daemon? It's one of the key parts of His Dark Materials. Here, Keen plays an orphan by the name of Lyra Belacqua — who seems just like everyone else, but hails from an alternate universe where a person's soul manifests as a shape-shifting animal called a daemon. In the show's first season, as Lyra looks for a kidnapped friend in the Arctic, she discovers a church-run stolen children ring, learns about mysterious particles known as Dust and ventures through different worlds, including the one we all know. McAvoy pops up as a powerful aristocrat, Wilson is his ex, and Miranda plays a balloonist and adventurer. If you're eager for the next season, HBO dropped its first sneak peek a few months back, releasing a trailer as part of this year's Comic-Con at Home — and it has just revealed a new trailer as well. As for when you'll be watching it, it returns to screens on Tuesday, November 17, Australian and New Zealand time. In Australia, it airs on Foxtel. Check out the latest trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CdQm6gLHUM His Dark Materials' second season will start airing from Tuesday, November 17 on Foxtel in Australia, and will also be available to view on-demand. Images: HBO.
There's nothing particularly noteworthy about British actors playing Americans, since by now they've pretty much all done it. But it is a little weird when (a) every single one of a film's American characters are played by Brits, and (b) none of them actually need to be American for the story to make sense. In fact, in Bastille Day, the fact that all but one of the Americans also work for the CIA only adds to the mystery, given the film is set entirely in Paris, has nothing to do with America and any other spy agency would have made as much sense, if not more. Still, Americans they all play and – to be fair – they do a fine job playing them. Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) plays Michael Mason, a gifted American pickpocket who steals and then discards a bag from an anarchist bomber's naive girlfriend Zoe (the delightful Charlotte Le Bon), unaware that it contains a powerful explosive. When the bomb goes off killing several French citizens, Mason is presumed to be a terrorist, and – for no particular reason – the CIA decides they want to nab him before the French do. Sent in to retrieve him is the gruff, burly and comically maverick agent Sean Briar (Idris Elba), whose 'to hell with protocol' attitude is so inexplicably extreme it borders on parody. When Briar realises Mason is innocent, the pair teams up to track down the real bombers before they can carry out their final objective: setting Paris ablaze with race riots to provide cover for a daring robbery. Filmed on what appears to be a shoestring budget, director James Watkins (also British) manages to keep the pace snappy and the action altogether interesting, enough to gloss over most of the threadbare plot. The film's rooftop chase sequence would feel comfortably at home in any Bourne movie, while a close-quarters fist-fight inside a minivan provides Bastille Day's most inventive and engaging scene. Everything has a real Luc Besson feel about it, but not always in the good way. Secondary characters are just caricatures, the violence is hyper-stylised and rarely believable, and what little dialogue there is tends towards corny cliches. Bastille Day also contains perhaps the greatest line of instantly-dated dioalogue ever recorded, with one of the villains saying (without a single shred of irony) "the hashtags will tip them over. Release the final hashtag." Much has been made recently of Elba's potential selection as the next Bond, and this film certainly does nothing to harm his action man credentials. Elba is a giant, unstoppable juggernaut whose impressive physicality imposes itself in every scene. When asked early on why he ran from Briar, Mason's reply of "because you were chasing me. Have you seen yourself!?" is as amusing as it is fair. Still, it seems a waste to squander all this acting talent on a film that asks so little of its players and gives so little in return. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5R0bI8EJCQ
Believe: it's the one-word slogan that helped a fictional football club change its mindset and its fortunes on the turf, and truly become a team. IRL, it was even adopted by the AFL's Brisbane Lions on their way to winning the 2024 premiership. It's also what Ted Lasso fans have been doing since 2023, having faith that the kindhearted Jason Sudeikis-starring Apple TV+ hit would return after its third season seemed to wrap up the show's storyline. That belief has proven well-founded: Ted Lasso is officially returning for season four. And yes, lead and executive producer Sudeikis (Hit-Monkey) will be there with it, stepping back into his two-time Emmy-winning role, donning the American-in-London coach's moustache again and presumably continuing to improve the character's knowledge of soccer. Keen to know what's in store? Other details are scarce for now, including who else among the cast will be returning. Brendan Hunt (Bless This Mess), aka Coach Beard, has been named among the new season's producers, however — a behind-the-camera role he also held in the first three seasons — so fingers crossed that he'll be back on-screen, too. Announcing Ted Lasso's fourth season, Sudeikis did provide broad details about the theme in the spotlight this time around. "As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap', in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it's exactly where they're meant to be," he shared. "Ted Lasso has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fanbase all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief. Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show," said Apple TV+ Head of Programming Matt Cherniss about the fourth season. Bill Lawrence, who co-developed Ted Lasso with Sudeikis, Hunt and Joe Kelly (Detroiters) — and who has been busy on the also-warmhearted Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking, which he co-created with its star Jason Segel (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) and Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein (The Garfield Movie) — will be back for season four as an executive producer as well. How will Ted Lasso pick up from the end of season three? Will Goldstein return — and be here, there and everywhere — as Roy Kent? Is everyone from Juno Temple (Venom: The Last Dance), Hannah Waddingham (The Fall Guy), Jeffrey Swift (Sweetpea) and Nick Mohammed (Renegade Nell) to Phil Dunster (Surface), Toheeb Jimoh (The Power), Cristo Fernandez (Sonic the Hedgehog 3), Kola Bokinni (Foresight), Billy Harris (The Outlaws) and James Lance (The Famous Five) also coming back? Hopefully more will be revealed soon, although recent reports have mentioned Goldstein, Waddingham, Swift and Mohammed's involvement, as well as possibly Hunt and Temple. There's no trailer yet for Ted Lasso's fourth season, understandably, but check out the trailer for season three below: Season four of Ted Lasso will stream via Apple TV+ — we'll update you when a release date is announced. Read our full review of season two and season three, and our interview with Brendan Hunt.
Call it a thrill, call it a joy, call it a delight: whichever you prefer, one of the key characteristics of live theatre is the fact that anything can happen. That said, the exact same show with the exact same cast usually plays out in the exact same way each and every time that it is staged. Created by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour and set to make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre in July 2025, ECHO: Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen definitely isn't that kind of production. The international theatre hit is the opposite of a night-after-night-after-night repeat performance — and not just because its Aussie-debut season is brief, running between Monday, July 14–Saturday, July 19. Leaning as far into the stage's immediacy and ability to surprise as a play can get, ECHO unleashes a completely unrehearsed and unpredictable solo performances every time that it treads the boards. Not even each evening's lone cast member knows what's coming. Here's how it works, as audiences at London's Royal Court Theatre have been enjoying: when the night's performer takes to the stage, they're guided through the script by White Rabbit, Red Rabbit and NASSIM's Soleimanpour, plus Italian Palestinian director Omar Elerian. This happens in real time. Cold reads, as the technique is called, are Soleimanpour's signature — and he'll be in Berlin during ECHO's first-ever Aussie run, aiding his latest cast via technology over 90 minutes. That lineup: actors Pia Miranda (Invisible Boys), Nadine Garner (Savage River) and Ben Lawson (Mixtape); journalists Stan Grant and Jan Fran; presenter and musical theatre veteran David Campbell; and comedian Michelle Brasier. Whatever they each bring to the stage will be unique and never repeated again. The show's Australian stars are following in impressive footsteps, given that London's 2024 season featured the likes of Benedict Wong (Bad Genius), Fiona Shaw (Echo Valley), Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) and Toby Jones (MobLand) — and 2025's includes Daniel Kaluuya (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), Dominic West (The Agenct), Milly Alcock (Sirens) and Lolly Adefope (The Franchise). Soleimanpour himself describes ECHO: Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen as a "long-distance magic show". He continues: "It's the unpredictability of this style of performance that I find so thrilling." "It's the most alive theatre can get. Imagine watching a football match — Melburnians especially will know what I mean — and you already knew who would score and when. It'd be less fun. That's why we don't want to spoil it!" ECHO: Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen is taking to the stage at Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank, Melbourne, between Monday, July 14–Saturday, July 19, 2025 — head to the theatre's website for more information and tickets.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Whether you want to board in your bikini in Californian sunshine, conquer some of the most extreme territory in the European Alps or rehearse your newly acquired Snowboarding 101 skills on friendly slopes, there’s a snowboarding spot somewhere on this planet of ours that’s made just for you. Here’s our pick of the world’s ten most exciting, beautiful and terrifying destinations. MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CALIFORNIA, US If you fancy hitting the slopes in your boardies or bikini, Mammoth Mountain is the place to do it. You can realistically expect 300 days of sunshine and clear skies out of every 365. Plus the snow season lasts ten months, kicking off in October yet not seeing the final flakes melt until July. While you’re cruising around Mammoth’s 3,500 or so acres or testing your prowess on the 6.7 metre Super Duper Pipe, there’s a chance you’ll catch snowboard champ Shaun White in action — it’s his preferred training ground. NISEKO UNITED, JAPAN Welcome to the second snowiest resort on the planet. The first, if you’re wondering, is Mount Baker, which you’ll find in Washington state. Most seasons, the slopes of Niseko United (situated on Hokkaido Island) are covered in a minimum of 15 metres of the white stuff. The Japanese skiing authorities are astoundingly relaxed about their guests going back country, so freeriding is the order of the day. That said, it’s an awful lot safer with a guide leading the way. Boarders of all levels will find a trail to keep them keen and floodlights mean Niseko is open until 9pm. ST ANTON, AUSTRIA For freeriders, St Anton is Europe’s holy grail. There are 180 kilometres of marked off-piste possibilities, featuring challenging steeps, open tree-lined glades and powder to die for. If, however, your preference is to stick to tried and tested trails, you have 280 kilometres to play on. That said, St Anton is certainly a destination for boarders of intermediate ability and above. Novices are likely to find it scarier than a Freddy Krueger movie. THREDBO, AUSTRALIA For a world-class experience that doesn’t involve long-haul flight prices, there’s Thredbo. The beginningest of beginners can rehearse their moves on the utterly non-threatening, 12 degree-angled Friday Flat before stepping things up on the resort’s gloriously wide, tree-fringed intermediate trails. And for hardcore carvers, there’s the rest: vertical drops, naturally formed jumps, wind lips, sizeable powder bowls and some of the finest off-piste terrain this side of the equator. If your muscles ache after a day on the slopes, a swim in the Rekorderlig Hot Pool should put you right. VERBIER, SWITZERLAND For some of Switzerland’s most extreme snowboarding, Verbier is your destination. To get the most out of it, you need to be on top of your game — you’ll be boarding alongside some of Europe’s most passionate and skilled riders. One lift pass enables access not only to Verbier but also to four other linked resorts — Val de Bagnas, La Tzoumaz, Veysonnaz and Nendaz — meaning 400 kilometres of trails. For beginners, Nendaz is the best bet. TIGNES, FRANCE This resort, situated at 2,100 metres, was one of the first in France to roll out the red carpet for the snowboarding community. While skiers in other places were warily guarding their territory, the Tignes crew was begging baggie-panted ones to come carve it up. The variety of terrain — both in terms of piste action and sheer visual beauty — is mind-blowing. There’s a glacier, a lake and runs to suit all shapes, sizes and ability levels. MOUNT BACHELOR, US Mt Bachelor might not have the steeps necessary to thrilling adrenalin junkies, but what it does have is some of the cruisiest, most enjoyable freeriding in to be found anywhere — which means that you can revel in the freedom of going off-piste without having to be as wary as you do in other places. Plus, if you want to brush up on your freestylin', there are three terrain parks and a half pipe to keep you happy. CHAMONIX, FRANCE For rugged mountain tops and that je ne sais quoi, Chamonix is the one. It's one of France's oldest resorts and was the site of the very first Winter Olympics back in 1924. Rough and ready is the vibe — there's less infrastructure in comparison with other places — but if you're keen on atmosphere and some opportunities for wild adventure, it's hard to beat. WANAKA, NEW ZEALAND Boarding on New Zealand’s expansive, uncluttered snow fields is a bit like surfing on an impossibly white, open sea. It’s often rather surreal, ridiculously fun and incredibly liberating. Rather than having to follow fellow boarders and skiers down particular trails, you can choose your own adventure. Plus you’re nearly always treated to the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps. From Wanaka, you can reach Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Park NZ easily, meaning you can pack three resorts into one mighty vacation. WHISTLER-BLACKCOMB, CANADA This one comes as no surprise, right? The thing is, it’s not exactly possible to compile the world’s top ten snowboarding spots and leave out Whistler-Blackcomb. As far as North America goes, it’s the jewel in the Snow Queen’s crown. Between them, the two mountains offer 8,171 acres of snowboardable land. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. For views worthy of a Peter Jackson trilogy, Whistler’s got the goods. For more Narnia-esque tree-lined runs, the world-famous Nintendo Terrain Parks and the second biggest vertical drop on the planet (at 5,222 feet), head for Blackcomb.
White Rabbit Gallery's spring/summer exhibitionRitual Spirit promises to transport you to a world that's half-godly and half-human — that in-between place where the afterlife and the spiritual meet the earthly. The works of more than 20 artists from China and Taiwan, both young and old, will feature. Among them is Geng Xue, who was shortlisted for Young Artist of the Year 2017 in China. She sculpts in bronze and ceramics, among other materials, and her recent solo show explored Mount Sumeru, which, for Buddhists, is the centre of the universe: physically and spiritually. In addition, there's Yu Hong, who's known for her powerful, intimate figurative paintings; Tianzhuo Chen, whose multimedia works combine colour and kitsch to comment on celebrity, fashion, drugs, hip hop, New York vogue, Japanese Butoh and London raves; Cheng Ran, who explores philosophical issues, such as identity and dying, through video; and Xu Bing, whose installations and print mix images with text.
If you've ever thought about professionally recording those tracks you've been working on in your bedroom, you probably haven't. That's because getting studio time can be difficult when you don't have the contacts, the cash or any real knowledge about what you're doing (but just wanna lay down some sick tracks). But studiotime.io is aiming to change all that with their Airbnb-like listing platform for musicians, producers and recording studios. The site works in the same way as any in the sharing economy. Recording studios will advertise their availabilities, details and daily rates, and then musicians and producers can contact the studios for more information and to book in a time. Just like Airbnb, you book and pay through the website, and you can leave feedback on the listing's page. Booking in studio time in this way is beneficial to both parties, as musicians now have an easy way to lock in a day in the studio, and the studios can advertise last-minute availabilities to ensure they're always booked. It might even mean you can snag a bit of a discount if you're lucky. The website initially launched last year in LA, New York and London, but it's quickly spread to other cities across the world. You can search for studios in Australia too, with listings spanning everywhere from Bondi to St Kilda to Wollongong. Image: Dollar Photo Club
Whisky buffs of Sydney, it's time to clear those calendars, because Glenmorangie is hosting an exclusive pop-up bar for one weekend only. From Thursday October 20, until Saturday October 22, the single malt Scotch whisky label will transform Market Street's Parlour Lane into a swanky speakeasy called After Hours. Here, punters will be transported to the Scottish Highlands, enjoying live-cross tastings run by the distillers at Glenmorangie House and guided tours led by local whisky experts. A curated cocktail list will feature whisky-infused creations from bartenders at Pocket Bar and Melbourne's Katuk, promising something for connoisseurs and rookies alike. Meanwhile, grazing feasts of freshly shucked oysters and charcuterie have been designed to perfectly complement the flavour profile of Glenmorangie Original. Keep your ear out for a few surprises, too, like a secret password that might just score you a sample of something rare and luxurious from the bar. Glenmorangie's After Hours pop-up bar will run from 6pm-midnight, on Thursday October 20 – Saturday October 22. Find it at 49 Market Street, Sydney. Entry is free and walk ins are welcome. Tickets are available on the door, or here.
Located in the sleepy backstreets of Rosebery, The Cannery is a hub of butchers, bakers, coffee roasters and world-class restaurants. It houses Sydney favourites like Archie Rose, Three Blue Ducks and Black Star Pastry. Each year the shopping and food precinct runs a special Christmas edition of its market full of festive cheer. Live music and a visit from Santa will create the Christmas atmosphere and there will be plenty of local businesses on hand to support over the weekend. While the full lineup of stalls hasn't been announced, you can expect gifts, jewellery, flowers and cookies among the goodies. Last year there was also gin tasting with a limited-edition gin from Blue Mountains Grown Gin, which is raising money for regeneration efforts at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. If you're interested in setting up your own store at the market, you can email markets@canneryrosebery.com.au. The Cannery Christmas Market are open from 10am–3pm.
When Australia's international border reopens and holidaying overseas resumes, a long list of experiences we've all been missing will be back on the agenda. Some of those are great, such as being somewhere other than our own backyard. Some just come with the territory, like spending all that time in the air. And others will probably seem more exciting than they really are after such a long period without them, such as hanging out in airports, sipping drinks at the bar before your flight and browsing through gift shops. We all have our own balance when it comes to all of the above elements, how we handle tham and what we prefer. But if you're the kind of traveller who likes fewer stopovers and can cope with spending almost a whole day on a plane non-stop, you're probably a fan of — or dreamed of hopping on — Qantas' direct Perth-to-London route. It launched back in 2018, and it takes around 17 hours each way. It's certainly an experience, from the layover time you'll spend in the Perth airport if you're starting out from another city, through to what it feels like to sit on a plane (or get up and walk the aisles every now and then, for exercise) for that very lengthy spell. That flight won't be on the itinerary when Qantas restarts its international trips, however, with the airline opting not to resume the leg straight away due to Western Australia's strict border rules. Instead, the carrier is aiming to recommence the Perth-to-London route from April 2022 — and, if you think that means more stopovers in the interim, it's also looking into doing non-stop flights from Darwin to London over that gap period. "At this stage, WA doesn't intend to open to international travel until sometime next year, so we'll unfortunately have to temporarily move our Perth-London service until at least April 2022," said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce in a statement. "Instead of operating from Melbourne to Perth and then on to London as it usually does, this flight will operate from Melbourne to London via either Darwin or Singapore, depending on conversations we're having with the NT in the coming weeks. We look forward to operating this flight via Perth again when circumstances allow." So, only needing to hop on one plane to get to the UK from Australia will ideally remain a reality. But, for that super-long flight, there'll be a different starting point. If you're currently thinking about your travel plans — when that's possible, of course — the Northern Territory is doing discounts of up to $1000 on trips if you're fully vaccinated and coming from an area of Australia that isn't considered a hotspot. Yes, that means that starting with a NT holiday and then heading overseas could be an option if your budget allows it. You might remember that, pre-pandemic, Qantas was contemplating starting non-stop routes from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to both London and New York, too. In fact, it had even run two trial journeys, and was poised to announce whether it was feasible in March 2020. We all know what happened to international travel then, though, so clearly the topic hasn't been a priority since. For more information about Qantas's plans for non-stop flights from Australia to London when Australia's international borders reopen, head to the Qantas website. Images: Qantas
With 2022 coming to a close, Sullivan+Strumpf is presenting its final major solo exhibition later this month. Featuring the works of Sydney-based artist Karen Black, the upcoming Gentle Pulse showcase will run from Thursday, November 24—Saturday, 17 December. Black's works will be presented at the gallery, which capture her take on radical care — being more kind, soft and loving. The painting process of her pieces was intentionally slowed down in order to deliver a softer touch through the mind and hand. Additionally, Black notes that each brushstroke on her canvas reveals a side of vulnerability. The exhibition will also feature Black's towering raw clay sculptural installation, which will be constructed over the course of two days. Head over to the Sullivan+Strumpf website for more information about Gentle Pulse. [caption id="attachment_877352" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Pakorny[/caption] Top image: Karen Black, Sullivan+Strumpf and Nic Walker
Filmed in Melbourne, sci-fi thriller Predestination circles around the life of a Temporal Agent who travels through time in pursuit of the one criminal who has taunted him his whole career. The film is written and directed by Australian brothers Michael and Peter Spierig, known for their previous futuristic outing, Daybreakers. Based on the 1958 sci-fi classic short story All You Zombies by Robert A. Heinlein, Predestination stars Ethan Hawke as the agent a mission to stop the elusive terrorist The Fizzle Bomber from massacring over 10,000 New Yorkers. During this process he comes across a new recruit called John Doe (played by Australian actress Sarah Snook). The film shifts in and out of different time-periods, executed in a way that is described as "futuristic and nostalgic" by the Sydney Morning Herald. Predestination is in cinemas on August 28, and thanks to Pinnacle Films, we have 15 double passes to give away, as well as three DVD prize packs of Drive, Jobs, Welcome to The Punch, Dark Skies and The Expatriate. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=UVOpfpYijHA
Umbrellas at the ready, Sydneysiders. Spoons full of sugar, too. In the most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious news you'll hear all day — and all year as well — the Mary Poppins musical is making its way Down Under. Between May–October 2022, you'll be able to revisit the tale of the singing nanny onstage at the Lyric Theatre Sydney. Disney and theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh's current version of the show tells the same tale that everyone knows from the 1964 film — which, as well as inspiring this stage adaptation, also gave rise to big-screen sequel Mary Poppins Returns in 2018. Everything to do with the English governess harks back to PL Travers' books about the character, of course, and pop culture has been thankful for and downright delighted with her stories for almost six decades now. Exact dates for the musical's Sydney season haven't yet been revealed, but theatre fans can look forward to a new version of the show that last graced the city's stages — and won eight Helpmann Awards — back in 2011. Since Mackintosh first teamed up with writer Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) to bring Mary Poppins to the theatre in 2004, the production has won four Olivier Awards and a Tony as well. Mackintosh is bringing The Phantom of the Opera to Sydney this year, too, and a Cinderella musical is also headed the city's way — so it's a great time to love stage musicals based on classic tales, clearly. Whether Mary Poppins will float on elsewhere in Australia hasn't yet been announced; however, Sydney's season has been marked as the Australian premiere. So, residents of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide – and everywhere else in the country — you can start crossing your fingers that Poppins, the Banks family and their Cherry Tree Lane abode might also come your way in the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiT6Og3lDbw Mary Poppins will play the Lyric Theatre Sydney from May–October 2022, with exact dates yet to be revealed. To sign up for the ticket waitlist, head to the musical's website — with tickets due to go on sale in August 2021. Top image: Johan Persson.
Want to keep your building cool in summer but are self-conscious of the impact it may have on the environment? Well, those worries could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the environmentally friendly wooden skin erected by French architect Stephane Malka on student housing in Paris. The wooden skin is constructed on the exterior of buildings and consists of a host of pallets of varying dimensions that can be mechanically expanded or contracted, via horizontal hinges, to let in more or less ventilation and daylight as required. Stephane constructed The AME-LOT project, named after the rue Amelot the housing resides on, in response to ecological strategies that "often generate an over-production of materials". By building on top of pre-existing structures, Malka hopes to showcase a sustainable and ecological alternative that does not require new construction by 'energyvores'. As well as its environmental benefits, it would certainly look incredible on the body of a skyscraper. [Via PSFK]
M.I.A just added another notch to her rebellious belt, calling in Julian Assange to open her gig at NYC's Terminal 5 via a live Skype feed. In what some might say is a canny publicity move (her fourth album, Matangi, has just been released today), the performer took her fans by surprise when Assange appeared on an enormous screen over the stage. After briefly lamenting he couldn't be at the show due to his ongoing confinement in London's Ecuadorian embassy, the WikiLeaks founder told the American audience "your government sucks", stressing the seriousness of the sinister relationship between government and media in the west. Assange spoke for just over ten typically glitchy Skype minutes, declaring that "we are in a battle" and stressing to his listeners that truly caring means getting personally involved, which in turn could lead to an enormous collective power. He also expressed his admiration for the politically passionate English/Sri-Lankan artist, saying “I think she is the most courageous woman working in western music.” Assange actually helped write one of the tracks on M.I.A's new album, 'aTENTion', for which he seemingly hacked the word 'tent'. They have previously collaborated in his promotion of M.I.A's free 2011 mix tape Vicki Leekx, and she later contributed music to Assange's TV program The World Tomorrow. You can watch an audience member's recording of the unexpected address below. The sound isn't great, but if you fiddle around with the volume levels you can catch most of it. Via New York Times and Spin.
Nature lovers, listen up. Australian Geographic has brought an immersive exploration of Australia's rich flora and fauna to the ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre. Running until Sunday, February 5, the impressive installation features large-screen projections of works by 25 accomplished cinematographers including Peter Nearhos, a frequent collaborator of David Attenborough. Nearhos has worked on documentaries such as One Life and David Attenborough's Tasmania, and it's this type of close-up look at Australia's wildlife that you can expect from the multi-sensory exhibition. As visitors wander through the 40-plus screens, they'll encounter mist, starry night skies and a 360-degree soundtrack, adding to the immersion of Our Country. Each screen will be presenting previously unseen footage collected from over 100,000 hours in the field from the 25 cinematographers. Emmy Award winner Karina Holden was tasked with the challenge of whittling down this footage, curating an intimate look at ecosystems across the country. Bustling bushland, expansive desserts and vibrant rainforests all make an appearance. Tickets are available for $34 for adults, $24 for kids under 16 and $94 for families. Images: Ben Broady.
Puppets! Puppets are so rarely seen in this city, and it's a sad oversight. Who doesn't love, loath, or at any rate feel towards a puppet? Puppetry is one of the most ancient of theatrical arts, and aside from the possibilities it affords to take a more lateral tack with staging, we attach a lifetime of connotations to the living dolls — naive, playful, magical, murderous — and those feelings are ready to be tapped at several times, in several ways by a good show. The Splinter, by acclaimed Australian playwright Hilary Bell, is a good show doing just that. The new work, long in development at the Sydney Theatre Company, began life as a play for children — a fact which seems comically disturbing after you've seen the current version up on stage. Its puppet is a child, Laura, a girl of four returned to her parents, played by Helen Thomson and Erik Thomson, after having been missing for nine months. They don't know what's happened to her in this time, and in many ways, she's a vastly different little individual for it. But while her mother embraces Laura back into her life, for her father, she is too different, and he is tormented by the provenance of this changeling in his house. The title of The Splinter is inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale The Snow Queen; it only takes one shard to lodge in your eye for your whole vision of the world to be irrevocably tainted. The play centres on showing the effect this has on the father. As such, it's a very internal drama, and until the moodiness substitutes for tension, the sparse text isn't necessarily exciting. Yet when the show's manipulators of puppet and props start playing their tricks and your own sense of certainty is upended, it becomes an insidious and unnerving psychological thriller. The Splinter employs a bunraku style of puppetry, which means the puppeteer is not concealed. It's a fun and complex method, perfect for adult theatre, and it works particularly well in The Splinter, where performers Julia Ohannessian and Kate Worsley alternately look like they're playing with the doll, becoming one with the doll, and ditching the doll altogether to transform into representations of the child's personality. The two women also happen to be dressed in identical girlish, dropped-waist dresses, recalling the creepiness of the twins in The Shining. If anything, there isn't enough time with the puppet before she begins to devolve into more metaphorical fragments. It's also frustrating that her hair mostly falls wildly over her eyes; an audience needs to connect with a puppet through its face just as it would with a human actor. But the overall impression left by The Splinter is of the richly realised worlds that are possible when a deft playwright leaves her isolated writing desk and really works with the stagecraft pros that will bring the story to life on the stage.
If you're keen to learn how to say a few words in Sydney's indigenous language, don't miss Bayala. Named after the word for "speak" in local language, this annual series includes a free one-hour introductory language class taught by Darug woman Aunty Jacinta Tobin and Gadigal man Joel Davison. In under 60 minutes, you'll learn basic greetings, place names, and songs. Not a bad way to spend an hour. History and language buffs can also check out the Out of the Vaults show at the State Library of NSW, where a rarely-exhibited collection of items relating to the history of Sydney language will be available for public viewing. Image: Jamie Williams
If the recent temperamental weather wasn't enough to give you the hint, winter is fast approaching. And with winter comes early nights, chilly weather and warm clothes. If you're an urban bike rider you'll be well acquainted with the importance of visibility in adverse conditions. Thanks to Irene Posch, there is now a product on the market which is sure to pass the tests of functionality and aesthetic when it comes to bike gear. Early Winter Night Biking Gloves look and feel like normal knitted wool gloves but have added conductive areas on each fingertip as well as on the palm of the hand which light up a LED turn signal when the hand is stretched out and a fist is formed. A 3V coin cell battery needed to power the LEDs is hidden in the cuff of the gloves. In addition, the conductive glove fingertips are compatible with gloved use of touchscreen devices. Sold out on Etsy, there are two options for those keen to get their hands on these gloves.
Selling records, winning Grammys, putting on huge tours, making concert films, sparking free public transport: Taylor Swift can do it all. In excellent news for Swifties heading to the first two shows on the singer's Australian leg of her Eras tour at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, getting there by tram just got cheaper, with the Victorian Government temporarily including the venue in the city's free tram zone. Swift plays the MCG from Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, in gigs that might become her largest ever, with 86,000 people expected to attend each night. That's a whole lot of people heading to the stadium — and not just locals, given that the pop superstar is only doing shows in Melbourne and Sydney when she visits Down Under. So, making using public transport easier is a no brainer. [caption id="attachment_939191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paolo Villanueva via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Across the three days, the Victorian Government has announced that the free tram zone extend to the MCG via routes 48,70 and 75. Obviously, expect them all to be busy as they travel to the Melbourne Park precinct along Flinders and Collins Streets. To cater to demand, approximately 150 extra services are running over the three nights, too. And, regional lines as well V/Line train services have added as extra capacity also, including on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Seymour lines. [caption id="attachment_939194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] "We've added hundreds of extra train and free tram services across the three days to get Swifties to the shows as easily and safely as possible," said Victorian Minister for Active and Public Transport Gabrielle Williams, announcing the public transport changes. "Taylor Swift's biggest ever Australian shows will have the same impact on the transport network as three AFL grand finals back to back — that's why we're encouraging everyone attending to plan ahead and take public transport to get to the 'G." This is the state that declared the 'Fearless', 'Enchanted', We Are Never Getting Back Together' and 'Blank Space' talent's shows a major event under its Major Events Act 2009 act, to ensure that Swift fans don't get ripped off by ticket scalpers. And, it's the home of Australia's only official offsite merchandise pop-up before Swift's gigs. Is Victoria aiming for "The Swiftie State" to be its new nickname? This is Swift's first tour Down Under since 2018, when she brought her Reputation shows to not only Melbourne and Sydney, but Brisbane and Perth, too. On the Eras tour, she's following up her three nights in Victoria with four in New South Wales. Melbourne's free tram zone will be extended to the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, 2024. For more information, head to the Public Transport Victoria website. Taylor Swift is bringing The Eras Tour to the MCG from Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, 2024. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Paolo Villanueva via Wikimedia Commons.
Internationally and at home, borders have been opening up to tourists. Finally, we can get back to crossing destinations and experiences off our ever-growing travel bucket lists. We can run away to remote beaches. We can get lost in bustling cities full of culture. And, at last, we can go to a place which isn't full of your neighbours – don't be mad, sometimes it's good to be around different people. All in all, it's time to go exploring (or escaping). To get out of our local towns and cities and experience something new. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing where to go next, so let us help you. We've created this list of incredible locations and paired them up with some exclusive holiday deals. All you've got to do is pack your bags and put your out-of-office on. [caption id="attachment_872774" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Taweeroj Eawpanich (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Japan Why: Thank the travel gods for Japan's reopening to tourists. This country is on so many people's travel bucket lists for so many reasons. Nature lovers, foodies, thrill seekers and culture kids are all offered something entirely unique in a place that's unlike anywhere else on earth. Who could say no to sake-fuelled karaoke nights, whacky themed restaurants and remote onsen baths? How: Get through your Japan bucket list using the country's famously elite rail system and staying in a mix of traditional ryokan accommodation and modern hotels. Experience the can't-miss places by starting in Kyoto — where you'll get the best of 'old' Japan (including the iconic Golden Pavilion and historic geisha district of Gion), making your way to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, before experiencing the sensory overload and diverse culture of one of the world's most dynamic cities, Tokyo. You'll need at least 10 days to do it properly. Go if you want to... experience a collision of cultures, both ancient and ultra-modern, in one of the most tourist-friendly places on earth. Book it now: Book the ultimate first-timer's cultural tour of Japan here. [caption id="attachment_872751" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sorasak (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Auckland Why: Based around two stunning harbours and surrounded by picturesque islands, Auckland is a city like no other. Yes, nature is on your doorstep. Wineries are just a short drive away. As are remote beaches and Lord Of The Rings-esque mountain ranges. But this city is worthy of visiting in and of itself. You've got world renowned galleries, exciting restaurants and bars opening up all the time, theatres packed with long line-ups of comedians and musicians and a heap of other cultural happenings. How: First things first, we will do you the service of directing you to the Auckland section of Concrete Playground but here's a few of our personal selections. You can explore world-class exhibitions at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, find all the best local wares and fresh produce at the Farmers Market in Matakana, visit the island of wine (Waiheke Island), do some whale watching in the Hauraki Gulf or go on a road trip up on the west coast to find some of New Zealand's best beaches. Go if you want to… see what all the New Zealand hype is about — exploring endless natural landscapes as well as experiencing the city's thriving arts and food scene. Book it now: Book the ultimate VIP Spring City Music Festival trip with access to all of Auckland's best offerings here. [caption id="attachment_872969" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sulthan Auliya (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Cook Islands Why: Each of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands is a tropical paradise. We could gawk at photos of the palm-lined beaches, vast turquoise lagoons and coral reefs full of your Finding Nemo favourites for days on days. But that's just pure masochism. Get on a plane and visit the Pacific paradise instead. The Cook Islands are on the bucket list of so many beach-loving travellers — be they snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts, or lovers of luxury resorts and beachside glamping experiences. How: Located a six-hour (ish) flight from the east coast of Australia, your first port of call will be Rarotonga. Within an hour of landing, you can find yourself at a beach bar sipping cocktails or floating around in your own private plunge pool — forgetting that the rest of the world exists. You can then go further afield on a series of island cruise tours, hikes up into the rainforests, or go snorkelling around coral reefs. Alternatively, hire a bike and find your own private patch of Rarotonga to call home for the day. Go if you want to…. escape to a tropical island paradise. Book it now: Book a peaceful getaway at a Rarotonga retreat with luxury glamping here. [caption id="attachment_872741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christoph Burgdorfer (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Cambodia Why: You can live out your best Lara Croft fantasies in Cambodia's jungles (with less stealing of local artefacts and blowing up of beautiful ancient sites). The underrated Southeast Asian bucket list location is a land of spectacular ancient temples that nature is slowly claiming as its own. The villages and cities each have their own bustling markets full of local wares and tasty street food. And the welcoming locals will help you better understand their own captivating culture. How: When in Cambodia, you must visit the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap (or lesser-known Ta Prohm nearby) and learn the secrets behind Khmer cuisine in bustling food markets and at some of the countless street food stalls dotted about the country. Phnom Penh is, of course, a city that also deserves your time and attention. Reflect on Cambodia's tragic history at sobering sites such as the S21 school and the Killing Fields before taking in their spectacularly colourful palaces and pagodas. And, while you're in the area, try to fit in a visit to one of Cambodia's hot ticket neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Laos. Go if you want to… explore ancient temples surrounded by nature and wildlife as well as get a culture overload within seemingly chaotic cities full of incredibly welcoming locals who will feed you all the best local grub. Book it now: Book the complete Cambodia adventure tour here. [caption id="attachment_872744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Wheeler (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Byron Bay Why: let's just say this from the get-go — Byron Bay is so much more than just the home of soulless influencers and the brothers' Hemsworth. Byron Bay and its surrounding regions are an embarrassment of riches when it comes to incredible beaches, one of Australia's most exciting food and produce scenes, and is the ultimate wellness playground with resorts, retreats and experiences that are dedicated to losing yourself or finding yourself. How: Set yourself up in accommodation that is social. It's a great place to meet likeminded people — do some group yoga classes, find your zen during a guided meditation, or set out on a sea kayaking adventure to spot turtles and dolphins. Spend your nights out at great restaurants, hit up some local bars and stroll through the town and beyond. You don't need to go full luxury here. You can enjoy Byron's vibe on a decent budget too. Go if you want to… live without shoes for an entire week by the coast, treating yourself to all the best self-care experiences. Book it now: Book a restorative Byron Bay wellness escape here. [caption id="attachment_872743" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jake Charles (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Morocco Why: This North African country is bursting with natural wonders, from the beaches lining The Med all the way through to the red sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert. And the cities are just as special. Get lost in maze-like markets where you'll find locals selling just about anything (from extraordinary spices to beautiful textiles), before exploring a range of cities and villages steeped in history and eclectic architecture. How: Casablanca and Marrakech are the spots to set up your base. Within Casablanca, you can visit the famous Villa des Arts Gallery & Museum for world-class exhibitions and visit the mind-blowing Hassan II Mosque located right on the water. And, from here, you can get a taste of Morocco's rural culture in colourful towns such as Rabat and Meknes. Marrakech, an ancient city wrapped in European modernity is where you'll find bustling bazaars and hammams for all the best pampering. It's also close to the Sahara Desert, where you can find the quintessential camel ride experiences and luxury camps. To get the most out of Morocco, you'll want to spend a couple weeks jumping from city to city. Go if you want to... mix remote desert glamping with bustling cities steeped in culture — expressed through food, art and architecture. Book it now: Book an exclusive Morocco getaway with all the trimmings here. [caption id="attachment_872748" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Lau (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Bali Why: Bali is beautiful. That's undeniable. And it's been on the top of the travel list for many Australians for decades. But some of the best parts of Bali exist in the remote areas where nature is mostly untamed. Walk along empty beaches and through dense jungles or simply swim in your pool overlooking all that natural beauty. How: Zip around the winding roads of Bali on a quad bike (or just get a taxi if you dare not undertake this feat) to explore the temples, holistic centres, yoga studios, rice fields and stacks of local markets of the Ubud region. You won't see quite as many Bintag singlets in these parts. You can also visit Canggu and Uluwatu to find the best surf or Kuta and Seminyak for those famous Bali party vibes. Choose your own Bali adventure. Go if you want to... run away to a remote jungle paradise and live that luxury lifestyle without breaking the bank. Book it now: Book an indulgent bail holiday away from all the crowds here. [caption id="attachment_872752" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Niklas Weiss (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Mexico Why: Why the hell not?! Mexico has it all. Urban cities full of modern art and culture — and let's not forget the legendary and world class cuisine. Then you've got long white sand beaches that stretch on for miles as well as dense forests with hidden waterfalls for the adventurers. Small villages are also full of vibrant indigenous cultures where residents still live the traditional way of life. There are boundless ways to fall in love with Mexico. How: Mexico City is a mighty fine starting off point. The Leon Trotsky and Frida Kahlo (La Casa Azul) Museums are must-see. As are the colourful Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum. Make sure you carve out some time to get lost in the Juarez neighbourhood too. This area, full of young creatives, has evolved in recent years. Once gritty, it is now teeming with great boutiques, bars, parks, and restaurants. Smaller cities such as Izamal and Merida are also great for a less crowded cultural experiences. You've then got Teotihuacan, Mitla and Oaxaca, where you'll find countless ancient archaeological sites steeped in history. And lastly, there is the one and only Playa del Carmen. Sit by the pool (finishing that book you've been working on for far too long) or get a little more active with snorkelling excursions. We could go on and on about the abundance of joy to be found on a journey to Mexico. Just make sure you give yourselves two weeks to see as much of this country as you can. Go if you want to… experience an intoxicatingly joyful culture — expressed through warm hospitality, flavour-packed food and all manners of modern and ancient art. The famous beaches and coastal towns aren't so bad for pure relaxation either. Book it now: Book an epic journey from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen here. [caption id="attachment_872767" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Vives (Unsplash)[/caption] Where: Phuket Why: There are over 1400 islands in Thailand. And they range in reasons to visit. Visitors choose where to go depending on whether they're after party vibes, quiet escapes, family-friendly fun or adventure activities. But the beauty of Phuket is that it offers up a little bit of everything. You can do it all here — all while being surrounded by 50 kilometres of dazzling shoreline. How: First off, Mai Khao Beach is a big bucket list destination. This seemingly infinite stretch of sand lined with trees is what postcards are made for. It's stupid beautiful. Plus, it's also a national park and sea turtle zone. That means it's the perfect place to get your snorkel on. Patong is the nightlife epicentre of Phuket — for better or for worse. Here you'll find a booming party scene, busy beaches and neon-lit streets full of people having a ball. But if this one island isn't enough, you can easily jump on a ferry to nearby islands or take a day-long cruise around a bunch of the best. Go if you want to... get all the best bits of staying on an island without emptying your entire savings account. Book it now: Book a surprisingly affordable luxury resort in Phuket here. [caption id="attachment_872775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ratul Ghosh (Unsplash)[/caption] Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world. Top Image: Danny Lau (Unsplash)
Getting philosophical about existence can mean bobbing between two extremes. At one end, life means everything, so we need to make the absolute most of it. At the other, nothing at all matters. When genre-bending and mind-melting time-loop comedy-drama Russian Doll first hit Netflix in 2019, it served up a party full of mysteries — a repeating party overflowing with chaos and questions, to be precise — but it also delivered a few absolute truths, too. Fact one: it's possible to posit that life means everything and nothing at once, all by watching Natasha Lyonne relive the same day (and same 36th birthday party) over and over. Fact two: a show led by the Orange Is the New Black, Irresistible and The United States vs Billie Holiday star, and co-created by the actor with Parks and Recreation's Amy Poehler, plus Bachelorette and Sleeping with Other People filmmaker Leslye Headland, was always going be a must-see. Russian Doll's first season wasn't just one of the best TV shows of 2019, but one of the smartest, savviest and funniest, all while making the utmost of its Groundhog Day-meets-The Good Place setup. It tasked Lyonne's chain-smoking, acerbic and misanthropic New Yorker Nadia Vulvokov with cycling through the same date again and again, experiencing both gruesome and mundane deaths, and attempting to work out what this whole life business is all about. It was dark, heartfelt, amusing and innovative, as well as clever and compelling, especially in examining fate, logic, life's loops, wading through limbo, what counts in the time we have and if anyone can ever truly make a difference. (Also, it made the world appreciate how Lyonne pronounces "cockroach", something that never, ever gets old.) It took three years, but Russian Doll has finally returned for its seven-episode second season. The glorious news for sweet birthday babies who've gotta get up, gotta get out, gotta get home before the mornin' comes: it's smarter and weirder than its predecessor, and just as delightful. In the process, it achieves a tricky feat, because making more of a show that's already about duplicating the same events could've proven a lazy and easy rehash. Indeed, Russian Doll season two stresses another key fact: that taking a leap, twisting even further, and seeing life's ups and downs as a trip is always better than treading water. At the end of Russian Doll's first season, self-destructive video-game designer Nadia closed the live-die-repeat dilemma plaguing both her and mild-mannered fellow NYC-dweller Alan Zaveri (Charlie Barnett, You). The pair found a way to wind up "the one about the broken man and the lady with a death wish that got stuck in a loop," as Nadia describes, and the series came to such a glorious conclusion that no follow-up was really necessary. But in season two, death isn't the problem. Instead, time is. It was an issue before, given the duo couldn't move with it, only back through the same events — but now, via the New York subway's No 6 train, Nadia and Alan are speeding into the past to explore cause and effect, inherited struggles and intergenerational trauma. "Inexplicable things happening is my entire modus operandi," Nadia notes — with Lyonne as dynamite as ever in the wisecracking, angry-yet-tender, career-reshaping part — but it's also Alan's as well. They're now time prisoners, and their efforts to improve the present through the past leave sizeable ripples upon the pair themselves. There's no party as a catalyst, but there's still a birthday, with the narrative unfolding as Nadia's about to turn 40. Reaching that age has long been shorthand for reflection, crisis, taking stock of regrets and rethinking the future; however, it doesn't usually mean hopping to Berlin and Budapest from years gone by to learn not only how to stay alive, as the first season covered, but how to truly revel in every heartbeat regardless of whether it counts for something, nothing or everything. It's impossible to imagine how Russian Doll would work without Lyonne at its centre. Its mood, humour and look are so tied to the actor, who spits out sharp lines as naturally as breathing, wears the hell out of Nadia's overcoat and cascading crimson curls, and ensures that the flimsy chasm between being carefree and reckless is layered and relatable. Season two sees Lyonne also take over showrunning duties from Headland — and writing and directing three of its episodes, including its first and last instalments — so the fact that it dances so firmly as one with its leading lady is unsurprising as well as thrilling. Barnett's Alan doesn't get as much screentime as viewers would like as a result, but he's just as adept at making a splash in the time he has as he was in season one. (Add that to the show's list of truths across its entire run, clearly.) Sprawling and surreal, inventive and heartfelt, and somehow both skeptical and sentimental, Russian Doll is many things in season two, as it was in its debut airing. Now, it's also home to more of the always-welcome Chloë Sevigny (The Girl From Plainview) as Nadia's late mother Nora, the similarly returning Greta Lee (Sisters) as party-throwing pal Maxine, plus Schitt's Creek and Kevin Can F**k Himself star Annie Murphy and District 9's Sharlto Copley as series newcomers. Naturally, the twists that lead the latter two into the story are best discovered by watching, but they arise within a show that jumps backwards and keeps questioning that move simultaneously. That comes through stylistically — see: the visual cues taken from 70s cinema — and in snappy dialogue, profound themes and wily plot developments that muse on constant change versus hard-earned acceptance. Yes, Russian Doll is definitely back, entertainingly so, and serving up another wonderful on-screen matryoshka doll of life-pondering insights and time-twisting trickery for audiences to entrancingly unstack. And, it inspires its own IRL loop for beguiled viewers, too — because once you're done watching it, you'll want to cycle back and start all over again. Check out the full trailer for Russian Doll's second season below: The second season of Russian Doll is available to stream via Netflix. Read our review of the first season. Images: Netflix.
If you’re a vegetarian, stop reading. You'll have more fun over here. If, however, you're a caring carnivore with a penchant for environmental protection, stay with us. A pop-up shop in New York City is helping to make your meaty inclinations more sustainable, by turning byproducts into fashion items. You'll find the Marlow Goods temporary store next door to the Reynard Restaurant, within the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It's the creation of husband and wife team Andrew Tarlow and Kate Huling — Tarlow takes care of Reynard’s culinary offerings, while Huling turns the restaurant’s waste into clothing, bags and accessories. 'Waste' refers to the parts of an animal left at the abattoir once the meat’s been extracted – leather and wool, mainly. Even though this is the duo's first pop-up, they've been doing the farm-to-table-to-fashion thing under the Marlow Goods label since 2008. Tarlow heads up several other popular Brooklyn eateries, including Diner, Roman's, cocktail bar Achilles and She Wolf Bakery. "When we thought of it, I don’t think we saw anyone else who was connecting restaurants and grass-fed meat and fashion," Huling told Vogue. "That was kind of a eureka moment." Huling also explained that her unique designs and Tarlow's restaurant aesthetics are mutually complementary. "I'm always driven to find styles that are as simple and as useful as possible," she says. "In many ways, my aesthetic is the same as that of Andrew's restaurants. We're very nostalgic for the way things used to be — the classic look of old fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Hermès, or the feeling of living in a village and selling your goods and wares." The Marlow Goods shop is popping up until December 31, 2014. Via Springwise.
In 2020, businesses around Australia have needed to think on their feet and adapt. Restaurants have introduced new takeaway menus, cocktail delivery systems and set up sandwich shops in the front of their business, all to adjust to the new realities of the hospitality industry. Now a much-loved Sydney food truck is turning back to more traditional dining options and opening a diner. Known for serving American and Mexican dishes from its eatery on wheels, Nighthawk has launched a brick-and-mortar restaurant to complement its impressive fleet of food trucks. The new diner has set up shop on Botany Road in Alexandria, and is serving lunch and dinner for both dine-in and takeaway customers from Wednesday through till Saturday. Nighthawk is hoping to adopt the American diner culture, but with a uniquely Sydney spin. The diner has unveiled a new daytime menu designed around locally sourced and seasonal ingredients — combining the food truck classics that Sydney has come to love with lunch items. You'll find Philly cheesesteak and eggplant parmigiana sandwiches side-by-side with green salads, jackfruit reubens and smoked salmon bagels. Accompanying the food is an all-star selection of local Australian beverages. Freshly brewed Mecca coffee, kombucha sourced from Melbourne's Monceau Kombucha and tinnies sent directly from The Grifter Brewing Co in Marrickville are all available. Nighthawk food trucks will still be out and about, including by offering catering throughout Sydney. The food trucks will remain available for events and office functions; however, not everyone has space for fully functioning mobile restaurant. So, now you can have the Nighthawk Ribwich and a kombucha delivered directly to your office or engagement party. Nighthawk Diner is located at 4/662 Botany Road, Alexandria. It is open Wednesday–Saturday from 12pm–2.30am and 5pm–9pm.
Every family has its own stories, but how many can you remember? Every Thursday for over 50 years, Ab Solomons drew a picture on his weekly wage packet for his wife to keep, creating a series of more than 3000 drawings that chronicled their daily life in London's East End. It wasn't until Danny Braverman discovered his great-uncle's doodlings, stored in an old shoebox, that these forgotten memories found a new life on stage. In his disarmingly simple, one-man production, Braverman projects a series of selected drawings and relates the stories behind them. After success at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe and winning the British Way Award for best new play that same year, Wot? No Fish!! has come to Sydney Festival for its Australian premiere. Don't miss this honest portrait of the ups and downs of family life – a production that reveals both the comic and affecting moments of the everyday, while exploring ideas of storytelling, forgotten memories and family secrets.
Over the course of seven episodes, during one of the most-watched Netflix series of 2020, Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) did many things. As a child (as played by Isla Johnston), she discovered an affinity for chess. As a teenager, she savvily turned that talent into a career, hopped around America and the world showing off her skills in fierce tournaments, exceeded everyone's expectations in a male-dominated arena, and battled with her personal struggles along the way. As Beth moved pawns, studied strategies and enjoyed more than a few drinks, she didn't sing about her feelings, though. Soon, in theatres, that'll change. Yes, following in the footsteps of everything from Heathers and Moulin Rouge! to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Shrek, The Queen's Gambit is set to make the leap from the screen to the stage. Just announced by US production company Level Forward, The Queen's Gambit musical is slated to become a reality, with the organisation obtaining the rights to turn the novel behind the show — as penned by Walter Tevis and first printed in 1983 — into a theatre performance. It'll join the Alanis Morissette-inspired Jagged Little Pill and the 2019 Broadway revival of Oklahoma! on Level Forward's resume; however, specific details about what the chess-fuelled song-and-dance show will entail remain scarce at this early stage. https://twitter.com/queensgambitbwy/status/1369014644560588806 So, just who'll star in the musical, which creatives will be behind it, how closely it'll resemble the Golden Globe-winning streaming series, which songs will feature, and when and where it'll premiere are all yet to be revealed. So is any news on whether it'll make the trip Down Under — although folks in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide can look forward to the 2021 season of completely unrelated Chess the Musical in the interim. In a statement, Level Forward CEO Adrienne Becker and producer Julia Dunetz said "it is a privilege for Level Forward to lead the charge of bringing The Queen's Gambit to the stage through the beloved and enduring craft of musical theatre," reports Variety. "Told through a brave and fresh point of view, audiences are already sharing in the friendship and fortitude of the story's inspiring women who energise and sustain Beth Harmon's journey and ultimate triumph. The story is a siren call amidst our contemporary struggles for gender and racial equity, and we're looking forward to moving the project forward." Obviously, a musical version of The Queen's Gambit will need to include singing and dancing chess pieces moving around on the ceiling. That just goes with the territory. If you need a reminder why — or, if you haven't seen the series, a few clues about why the program has become such a hit — check out the Netflix miniseries trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDrieqwSdgI The Queen's Gambit musical doesn't yet have a premiere date — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Via Variety. Top image: Netflix.
The first half of 2013 saw the world contract Gatsby fever as the literary classic received a visually stunning reinterpretation, and its lingering effects are clearly evident from the moment the audience enters Burley Theatre's latest production, The Importance of Being Earnest. The green light lending a haunting luminosity to the theatre and the modern melodies transplanting the timeless tale to the present parallel Gatsby, and director Brandon Martignago successfully rides this wave to present his own hilariously witty and visually excellent adaptation of this other famous text. No expense has been spared to convey the ugly side of the supposedly beautiful upper classes of high society. The clashing pastel colours, garish astroturf and fake flowers that occupy our vision for the show's majority remind us of the faux beauty embodied in the upper echelons of society, and how we should not be seduced by its charade of sincerity. It is beautiful in an incredibly ugly way. There is nothing ugly about the acting though. The Importance of Being Earnest is an inherently funny play but the cast takes the laughs to another level with their earnest (it had to pop up at some point in this review) portrayals and electric relationships. The interactions between Algernon Moncrieff (played by Kurt Phelan) and John Worthing (Michael Walley) are a laugh a minute, from Moncrieff's inability to discuss marriage to the duo's memorable muffin dispute. Their respective amorous relationships with the captivating Cecily Cardew (Katie McDonald) and flirtatious Gwendolen Fairfax (Paige Gardiner) are also very believable and consequently hilarious. However, the show is stolen by the vibrant boisterousness of Lady Bracknell (Andrew Benson). The decision to cast a male as the infamous female seneschal of Victorian high culture lends her an added formidableness that is impossible to withdraw your attention from. Benson performs Bracknell with perfect timing and detail, to the point that even the most ambiguous of entrances draws a torrent of anticipated laughter. What makes this production captivating is the abundance of energy that the cast radiates. Despite its modern refurbishment, the production cannot escape the staging difficulties of the dialogue-heavy script — it often becomes talking heads. Whilst this often leads to tiresome renditions of the play, this production avoids any potential lull thanks to the cast's exuberance, which transfers to the audience and animates them from beginning to end. It truly finds the modern importance of being earnest.
Take a deep breath and smell the sexual tension at Freda's Love Tunnel. Featuring Simon Caldwell with Turpin, Easy Access and Wild Sunset, Freda's Love Tunnel is sure to get everyone in the mood for a night full of shenanigans. With Valentine's Day activities include Spin the Bottle, Strip Twister, love song dedications and more to be announced, Freda's have got you covered if you've left booking that favourite restaurant too late. The venue is set to be decked out in all things romantic (think candles, velvet and roses as well as a grand entrance to the Love Tunnel), so this should be a Valentine you won't forget. Ignore the 'three-day call' rule and get in contact with Alex Turpin, Aaron Zanbaka or Michael Carr ASAP if you have a Love Song Dedication you would like to make.
From the deepest oceans to the highest peaks, the wonders of the Earth defy belief. To some Earth is a battleground, a place to be feared, and plays host to danger, torment, and horror. While the rich live in splendor, the poor fight, and die, for scraps. But a brave few dare to talk, to share the marvellous and the macabre, the savage and the serene. They are the documentary-makers, and their medium is showcased stunningly in another round of the annual Antenna Documentary Film Festival. There are more than 30 feature-length documentaries in 2012's festival, but here's a list of five most intriguing titles to get you started. 1. Tomorrow Outraged by a Russia gagged by Putin's regime, anarchist art collective Voina ('War') stage prankster stunts that have won them worldwide admiration and support from the likes of Banksy. Tomorrow, an unnerving but highly captivating portrait, follows the group as, led by the brave and fearless Vor, they plan to leave their mark on their authoritarian state that holds them in shackles. 2. The Ambassador Featuring murderous thugs, shady opportunists, and crooked diplomats, The Ambassador is a frank and daring but also comical investigation into the African diamond trade. Director Mads Brügger infiltrates this dark world, disguising himself with an alter ego that verges on being a Borat-like caricature and tests the limits of those he encounters. 3. Mongolian Bling Old meets new and east meets west as Benj Binks investigates the Mongolian hip hop scene, and its unique characters, all of who come together in a fascinating mix of bouncing beats and broken stereotypes in Mongolian Bling. 4. Girl Model In a film filled with shocking revelations and stark realities, Girl Model sees the dark truths of the beauty industry torn open and shows the world the shocking exploitation and global trafficking that exists at its heart. 5. We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists They started simple, just a group of pranksters working together to have a laugh, but the online activists known to the world as Anonymous grew serious quickly, attacking authority and spawning a global disobedience movement. We Are Legion is their story. The Antenna Documentary Film Festival screens at the Dendy Newtown and Dendy Opera Quays.
With its frosty cabinets filled with decadent flavours, Gelato Messina knows how to get sweet. Among its array varieties all ready for the licking, the chain isn't afraid to get saucy as well. And if you're the kind of ice cream fiend who adores nothing more than scoops piled high on a cone, drizzling down your fingers as they melt, you'll know that Messina might also leave you slippery. That's all before you try its new Standard Procedure collaboration, too: a finger bun gelato lube that's coming on Valentine's Day. When Messina created its extremely delicious finger bun gelato, it answered an important question: why just eat finger buns or gelato when you can combine the two into a glorious dessert mashup packed with brioche gelato, whipped cream, raspberry puree and coconut icing? Now, the chain has another query: why keep this covetable combo out of the bedroom? Launching online on Tuesday, February 14 via the Standard Procedure and Messina online stores, then also headed to Sephora's shelves at a yet-to-be-announced date, the limited-edition Standard Procedure x Messina's Finger Bun Gelato Lube does indeed play up all of the flavours that make the latter's finger bun gelato as tasty as it is. So, expect to smell raspberry as part of a coconut and brioche water-based personal lubricant. Expect to be hungry for a banging time and a freshly baked sweet treat as well. Made on the Sunshine Coast, the lube features aloe vera, Kakadu plum and chamomile extract, is pH-balanced and works as a natural anti-inflammatory. Crucially, it doesn't include any parabens, petrochemicals, palm oil, silicon, hormones, alcohol or glycerin. And, whether you're enjoying it with a partner or solo, it can used with toys. It's also safe with most condoms. While Messina has already dropped a Valentine's Day dessert which promptly sold out, as its specials always do, it's also scooping up its finger bun gelato across all of its 26 stores to celebrate its new lube. It's a get-in-quick affair, however, because it's only available from February 14 until sold out. Via UberEats from 7pm on Valentine's Day itself, Messina is also doing $32 packs featuring 500-millilitre finger bun gelato tubs and 125-millilitre bottles of Finger Bun gGelato Lube. Standard Procedure x Messina's Finger Bun Gelato Lube is available from Tuesday, February 14 via the Standard Procedure and Messina online stores, and will also hit Sephora's shelves at a yet-to-be-announced date.
