Inspired by the theme "what matters", the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is promising more than colourful, queer and fearless events and a slew of international artists running across 17 days. In addition to the signatures — including the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 29 — there's a bunch of new happenings this time round. One of the most anticipated is the return of the Kaftan Party to be held at the Ivy on Wednesday, February 19. Don your favourite kaftan or hottest moo-moo and spend the day kicking back to the Sugar Fed Leopards and various DJs. There'll be prizes for Best Kaftan, Best Cabana Lounging Ensemble and Most Outrageous Summer Accessory. Meanwhile, the Sissy Ball is back for another round, after selling out last year. Taking over Enmore Theatre on Saturday, February 22, this NYC ballroom-inspired event centres around vogue battles in the categories of dance, movement, fashion and air. In between watching acts of unabashed self-expression, you'll be kicking back to live music and DJs. [caption id="attachment_758453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeffrey Feng[/caption] Luna Park will transform into a rainbow wonderland for Family Fun Day and the AGNSW will once again host its free Queer Art After Hours session, while Newtown's Seymour Centre will host the festival hub. Head down there to catch theatre, music, dance, circus, cabaret, burlesque shows and late-night parties from Thursday–Sunday. Among the headliners is the world premiere of Fuck Fabulous — "an unforgettable night of debauchery" — and Hot Brown Honey: a genre-defying show about colour, culture and controversy. Expect a big injection of Eurovision talent, too, especially when 2014 winner Conchita Wurst joins Aussie cabaret star Trevor Ashley for Conchita Wurst and Trevor Ashley in Concert. The pair will play the State Theatre with a full orchestra in tow to deliver a night dedicated to their greatest hits. [caption id="attachment_758451" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Smith[/caption] And the chuckles will be flowing freely when Laugh Out Proud pulls together a sparkling lineup of homegrown and international acts into one side-splitting variety comedy event. Hosted by Nath Valvo, this one features appearances from the likes of Rhys Nicholson, Cassie Workman, Zoe Coombs Marr, Geraldine Hickey and Myra DuBois. You can look forward, too, to the return of longstanding favourites, including Fair Day at Victoria Park on Sunday, February 16; Pool Party at the Ivy on Monday, February 24; and Laneway – the Parade's official recovery party – on Sunday, March 3 at The Beresford in Surry Hills. And, of course, the Mardi Gras Party on Saturday, February 29 at Hordern Pavilion, which this year has a host of special guests: Dua Lipa, Kesha, Pabllo Vittar and Sam Smith. You'll be 'Dancing With a Stranger' to 'New Rules' and 'Tik Tok'ing the night away. Top image: Jeffrey Feng
If you're a vegetarian, keen home cook or worshipper of eggplant, chances are Yotam Ottolenghi has had some impact on your life. Now, it's time to meet him in the flesh. On January 29, the cult Israeli chef will appear at the Sydney Opera House for a long chat about food. Happening as part of the Opera House's Talks and Ideas programme, the date marks the release of Ottolenghi's latest book Simple filled with 130 easy-to-make yet super-tasty dishes. But, he'll be talking about much more than that. Firstly, there are all his other books, like the Middle Eastern-inspired Jerusalem, the vegetarian-friendly Plenty and the dessert bible Sweet, a collaboration with Melbourne pastry chef Helen Goh. Then, there are his documentaries and his regular writing gigs: a weekly column in Feast magazine and a monthly column in The New York Times. Before becoming a world-famous chef, Ottolenghi worked as a journo in Amsterdam. On deciding to delve into food, he trained at the Cordon Bleu, as well as a bunch of Michelin-starred restaurants in London, before taking on the role of Head Pastry Chef at Baker and Spice, where he befriended Palestinian chef Sami Tamimi. The two teamed up to found the Ottolenghi deli in Notting Hill — the first of many, many projects. An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi pre-sale tickets are available from 9am on Wednesday, December 19, with general tickets on sale from 9am Friday, December 21. Image: Prudence Upton
Get set for a day of tunes and poolside fun at this brand new Mardi Gras event at the Ivy Pool Club. Kick back in your comfiest kaftan, muumuu or most stylish poolside fashion, sip on some retro cocktails and enjoy tunes from New Zealand comedy music duo Topp Twins and various DJs. Plus, you can enjoy the sunset while watching the debut of water ballet troupe the Fabulous Drowning Flamingos. Not to mention that there'll be prizes for Best Kaftan, Best Cabana Lounging Ensemble and Most Outrageous Summer Accessory up for grabs. Tickets start from $52.20, and you can jump in from 4pm till late. And if you're feeling peckish you can get stuck into an Italian two-course dinner for an extra $15, with two seatings running at 6pm and 8pm.
Sydneysiders, get ready for mud crab mayhem at Kingsleys Woolloomooloo. The waterside restaurant is celebrating mud crab season with $69 Queensland muddies for the whole month of April. Mud crabs are usually sold at market price — which can push $100 a kilogram — so this deal is one not to be missed. The hefty crustaceans come served one of three ways: piled high with Singapore chilli; steamed with salt and szechuan pepper; or chilled with cocktail sauce. If you want to go really crab crazy, Kingsleys is also offering a special crab-themed set menu for $120 per person. The six-course meal begins with crab croquettes, Alaskan king crab rolls and pickled Queensland mud crab crostini with truffle oil, avocado and orange cream topped with black caviar. Next up, there's gnocchi with mud crab, sage butter and porcini before you move on to the main event — digging into half a mud crab with your choice of sauce. This decadent feast finishes with a dark chocolate mousse and, to really sweeten the deal, it also includes two hours of bottomless Cape Mentelle wines Between bites and shell-cracking, you can sip the sauvignon blanc semillon or the Trinders cabernet merlot — or opt for the chardonnay or the Wallcliffe cabernet sauvignon cabernet franc for an additional $10. With plenty of (sea)foodies expected to take advantage of this crab extravaganza, booking is highly recommended. Muddy Mania will run from Monday, April 1 to Sunday, April 31. Head to the Kingsleys website to book a table.
No one wants to live in a world where Parasite, the best movie of 2019, doesn't exist. But if it didn't for some reason, it's highly likely that Corpus Christi would've been this year's Best International Feature Film Oscar-winner, rather than just a nominee. This Polish drama also focuses on people pretending to be something they're not. As directed by Warsaw 44 and The Hater's Jan Komasa, and written by the latter's screenwriter Mateusz Pacewicz, it casts a wry eye over much about life in their homeland today, too. And it isn't afraid to call out hypocrisy, societal divisions and greed, either — literally in the latter case, via its protagonist's speech at the local sawmill. There are few other similarities between Corpus Christi and the movie it lost to, but perhaps the only one that really matters is how potently, blisteringly and rousingly it unfurls its on-screen gifts. Well that, and how striking every second of the film looks, pairing its ashen, almost-hazy aesthetics with its complicated account of an ex-juvenile delinquent who poses as a small-town priest. The imposter's name is Daniel and, as played with soulful intensity by star-in-the-making Bartosz Bielenia, he's a complex figure. First seen serving the final days of his reform school sentence, he has made a fan out of the facility's head priest, Father Tomasz (Lukasz Simlat). In fact, if Daniel's criminal record didn't preclude it, he'd desperately love to follow in the elder man's footsteps and join the seminary. While the correctional centre's hierarchy means that he has to take on look-out duties when his fellow inmates brutally rough up one of their own — lest he be on the receiving end instead — the look in the 20-year-old's eyes whenever he's reminded that his past choices have stripped away his preferred future is haunting. There's much about Bielenia's exceptional performance that sears itself into memory, but that firm, mournful gaze that adorns his face again and again is unshakeably powerful and poignant. When Daniel is released to work at the aforementioned sawmill in rural Poland, it's better than incarceration. Of course, it's hardly what he has dreamed about. Call it fate, call it divine intervention, or call it either good or dumb luck, but he's soon given the chance to pursue his calling. Through a series of events that never feels convenient or strained, Daniel claims that he's a priest — and that contention largely goes unquestioned. In a close-knit community of devout but struggling souls, with the area rocked by a recent tragedy that still lingers, locals eagerly welcome him as their new spiritual advisor. Daniel's devotion to the task helps to mask his youthful years. With those around his age, he's particularly at ease. He also genuinely has faith and believes in the job, so the jump from jailhouse scraps and drug-addled post-release parties to assisting his surprise congregation is both easy and natural. Corpus Christi is loosely inspired by real-life details, but even though this is a movie about an unconventional priest, it isn't the type of religious true tale that might instantly spring to mind. It couldn't be further from the dutifully pious standard, which remains the case even as it gifts its young protagonist with an unexpected second chance — an unlikely opportunity to follow his heart and make a difference to an insular yet divided town, too — and demonstrates that he's not the only one within the movie's frames with a troubled past to overcome. Whether he's attempting to convince the locals that an old grief-fuelled grudge reflects badly upon their character or getting closer to parishioner Marta (Eliza Rycembel) to an ungodly degree, Daniel is a wiry and magnetic bag of contradictions. Much the same can be said of his potential absolution, too. His motives are sincere, but his shot at vindication springs through subterfuge — well-meaning subterfuge that's purely a result of grasping an opportunity, rather than any misdeeds or maliciousness, but subterfuge all the same. Crafting a film that starts with grey hues, grim visuals and a mood to match, and never buffers out or prays away the grit in its aesthetics, Komasa uses Daniel's situation to veer down an important path. Benevolence and redemption are key tenets of Catholicism, and of many faiths, but there's a difference between speaking of them and putting them into action — which Corpus Christi explores in every reaction that comes its central figure's way. The film doesn't deify its protagonist, nor shy away from his mistakes and woes, but it clearly sees and accepts his desire to aid others. And, in the process, it asks what might be considered a sacrilegious question to some: if people can find the solace, warmth and comfort they yearn for in biblical characters who teach compassion and charity, why can't they in a tattooed, scarred, street-smart ex-criminal standing in front of them, getting to know them, willingly dedicating his time to helping them, and driven by the same kind intentions and aspirations? If that train of thought sounds thorny, tricky and even anxiety-inducing, that's Corpus Christi. When he's lost in prayer, Bielenia's face may look angelic; however, nothing else about this movie is ever so blissful or simple. As a film about a rehabilitated crim-turned-masquerading cleric, tension and foreboding unsurprisingly seethes through every second. First, Daniel wonders how he'll ever be seen as anything other than "scum", as he's called. Next, he worries about maintaining his deception and keeping the position he treasures. As it bubbles and broods, Corpus Christi doesn't ever offer simple answers — to audiences or to its lead character. That's to be expected; this is a feature that spends its entire time rallying against easy solutions, after all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU-Z90SEqGQ&t=20s
Surry Hills cafe Meet Mica is turning two this week, and it's celebrating with free coffee for all. This isn't your 'one-and-done' type offer, either — you can order three complimentary coffees at a time, and come back as many times as you'd like. It's all going down this Wednesday, July 17, from 7am–3pm. While pour overs aren't included, all other caffeinated and hot drinks are up for grabs — including any sizes, milks and add-ons. Flat white with macadamia milk? You got it. Double macchiato with mocha? Absolutely. Ginger latte or hot chocolate with soy? Those too. To keep the line moving, each person can order three at a time, but multiple visits and orders are allowed throughout the day. The freebie applies for dine-in, takeaway and advanced orders on the Heyyou app, too. And the coffee is courtesy of another Surry Hills favourite, Reuben Hills, so you know you're getting top-notch cuppas to boot. Whether you need to earn some brownie points at the office or its your shout with the mates, you've really lucked out this week.
When Harvest Rock announced that it was making a comeback for 2025, it locked in a big return for a music festival that's boasted killer lineups on its two past spins: for its debut in 2022 and its second spin in 2023. This year's roster of acts for the two-day Adelaide music festival is again a list to get excited about. There's no "someday" about when The Strokes will next be in Australia: headlining Harvest Rock and doing an Aussie-exclusive show, they're the main event on Saturday, October 25. Also taking to the stage on the fest's first 2025 day are The War on Drugs, also doing an Australian-exclusive gig. Vance Joy, M.I.A., Lime Cordiale and Genesis Owusu will be wowing Saturday crowds as well, as will The Presets, The Jungle Giants, Cloud Control, Bag Raiders and more. If you're a fan of Wolfmother's self-titled debut album, you're also in luck: the Australian band will play it in full. Harvest Rock's Sunday, October 26 lineup boasts Jelly Roll as its headliner, followed by Royel Otis, Groove Armada doing a DJ set, Shaboozey, PNAU, Lauren Spencer Smith, Ruel and Sneaky Sound System — and others. The fest's second day is also scoring the Ministry of Sound Classical treatment, aka dance music hits played live by an orchestra. The venue: Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina. When the event was first born, hailing from the Secret Sounds crew — who were also behind Splendour in the Grass — it not only aimed to get everyone dancing in a park in Adelaide each spring, but also delivered a weekend-long blend of music, food and wine. That's once more the setup. Accordingly, the festival also spans Adelaide's top restaurants and eateries serving up dishes, a culinary-focused stage and wine tastings. In 2025, the Amuse-Bouche Stage is part of the lineup, for instance, bringing together culinary figures, podcasters and comedians — with Ben Harvey and Belle Jackson, Nat's What I Reckon, the Marmalade trio and folks from the music bill also featuring. For a bite and a sip, Wildwoods & Cellar Door by Duncan Welgemoed & Nick Stock, Denny Bradden's Dirty Doris Diner, Regent Thai, Africola Canteen, Anchovy Bandit and Gang Gang are among your options. And, label-wise from the vino selection, so are Ochota Barrels, Yangarra, Basket Range Wines, Murdoch Hill, Grant Nash, Sherrah, S.C.Pannell / Protero, Shaw + Smith / Other Wine Co, Henschke, Les Fruits / Parley, Bloomfield, Stoke Wines, Worlds Apart, Koerner, First Drop, Torbreck, Adelina and Champagne Taittinger. Harvest Rock 2025 Lineup Saturday, October 25: The Strokes The War on Drugs Vance Joy M.I.A. Lime Cordiale Wolfmother The Presets Skream & Benga Genesis Owusu The Jungle Giants Cloud Control Vacations Bag Raiders (live) Teenage Joans Divebar Youth Sunsick Daisy Oscar The Wild Any Young Mechanic
For its latest special event, Restaurant Hubert is whisking patrons off to Italy — or, given everyone will still stay nestled in Sydney, doing the next best thing. A collaboration with Giorgio De Maria, Magnums & Movies will screen an Italian cinema classic, accompanied by plenty of wine (in magnums, of course) plus the restaurant's interpretation of Italian theatre and film snacks. And, it'll all take place in Hubert's 120-seat Theatre Royale, to really ramp up the film-meets-cabaret-meets-dinner vibe. To assist, there'll also be a cabaret performance featuring Ashley from Two Metre Tall and Tom from Shobbrook Wines. They'll be picking the tipples as well. Tickets don't come cheap, at $135 per head — but it's the kind of decadent evening out you don't get to enjoy everyday. To head along, contact the restaurant to make a booking. Images: Daniel Boud.
When Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi invited the world to experience the vampire sharehouse mockumentary genre, one of the best comedies of the decade wasn't the only result. Every film seems to spawn sequels, remakes, spinoffs and the like these days, but no one's complaining about spending more time in the What We Do in the Shadows universe. A follow-up, We're Wolves, is in the works, focusing on the undead bloodsuckers' Rhys Darby-led lycanthrope enemies. And six-episode television spinoff Wellington Paranormal, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural, is now streaming on SBS On Demand. Add a US TV remake of the original flick to the pile as well, but withhold any "do we really need a remake?" judgement. First revealed by Waititi last year, given a pilot order earlier in 2018 and now officially moving ahead with a ten-episode first season, the American version will be written by Clement and directed by Waititi, The Hollywood Reporter notes — and will see a documentary crew follow three vampire flatmates living in New York City, according to Variety. The series will star Toast of London's Matt Berry, Four Lions' Kayvan Novak, British stand-up comedian Natasia Demetriou and The Magicians' Harvey Guillen. It's unknown whether Clement and Waititi will reprise their on-screen roles in a guest capacity, but you can watch the first two (very brief) teasers here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLdeHQ_0nts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0idSAp9HRk With What We Do in the Shadows actually starting its life as a short back in 2005, the concept of flatting members of the undead arguing about bloody dishes has taken quite the journey since those early beginnings. If any idea was going to come back in multiple guises, it's this one. Of course, so have Clement and Waititi. Clement has a new Flight of the Conchords TV special airing on HBO this month, while Waititi two post-Thor: Ragnarok flicks in the works — a stop-motion animated effort called Bubbles, about Michael Jackson's chimp, and another by the name of Jojo Rabbit, set during World War II and starring Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell. The US remake isn't set to air in America until early-to-mid 2019. Via The Hollywood Reporter / Variety. Image: Kane Skennar.
The last known Tasmanian Tiger (or thylacine) died almost exactly 80 years ago — on September 7, 1936 — at Hobart Zoo. Although many Aussie species have been driven to extinction since then, none has lingered in our collective imagination with quite as much power. A new play from Human Animal Exchange takes this phenomenon as its dramatic starting point. Titled They Saw A Thylacine and showing at Q Theatre on April 23, the two-woman work stars Sarah Hamilton and Justine Hamilton. Taking on the roles of a thylacine tracker and a zookeeper's daughter, the two conjure up the Tasmanian Tiger's ghost out of death and darkness. Along the way, they reimagine the creature's vanished history, explore the meanings and ramifications of extinction, and reflect on humanity's survival. Following a highly successful run at Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre, They Saw A Thylacine is the first production in this year's Brave New Work, an annual season of new and innovative Australian theatre, presented at The Joan, Penrith. Image: Pia Johnson.
Portrait of a Distant Land brings together six bodies of photographer Ricky Maynard's work, varying in style and subject. His most recent photo series, and his first ever series are displayed together in the first room and there is a nice counterpoint as we see Maynard's development in style and perspective, yet constancy in tone. The iconic first series, The Moonbird People, documents the muttonbirding season in Tasmania and highlights include Rookery, Trefoil Island, an elegantly composed and textured image, and the exhausted figure in Jason Thomas, the last evening load. Providing a unique historical context to the show is another exhibition upstairs which is curated by Maynard. Here he displays those documentary photographers who have informed his practice, including Dorothea Lange, Paul Strand, Walker Evans and Lewis Hine. Image: Ricky Maynard, Untitled from the series No More Than What You See 1994, 29 x 46 cm, black and white gelatin silver print, courtesy the artist and Stills Gallery Sydney.
Two rules govern the Color Run. First, turn up at the start line at 9am, dressed according to the official dress code: a white shirt. The adornment of the rest of your anatomy is a matter of personal choice. Rainbow tutus, crochet moustaches and leg warmers resembling packets of Life Savers are often part of the scenery. Second, appear 5 kilometres later at the finish line, doused in colour. How you get there is up to you. Even though the event is known as a 'fun run', travelling methods tend to vary from traditional marathon style to human wheelbarrow-ing to commando crawling. The colour part is easy — every kilometre, participants find themselves in a sea of bright cornflour pigment. None of the usual running event conventions apply. Time keeping, winners, divisions, Personal Bests and the like are all overwhelmed by the focus on having a good time. "[It's] less about speed and more about enjoying a colour crazy day with your friends and family," the Sydney Color Run site reads. To secure your spot in the run, head to the Color Run website.
No longer just the realms of Monica Trapaga yazz residencies and kiddie-aimed pantomimes, the Twilight at Taronga series is taking it up a huge, cred-worthy notch. One of the most contemporary lineups the series has seen in its 19 years running, the feathered, furred and finned will have plenty to choose from after hours this summer — with huge concerts spanning each Friday and Saturday night from Friday, January 30 through Saturday, March 21 at the zoo. Being one of Australia's most high-fiveworthy zoos, Taronga's drummed up one genuinely killer lineup. Bright Eyes' soul-searching dreamboat Conor Oberst will spin his heartfelt tales among the giraffes. That's right, the Conor Oberst, hangin' out at the zoo. Twee monarchs Belle and Sebastian, the one and only Rufus Wainwright and Powderfinger's legendary nice guy Bernard Fanning will share the season with Paul Kelly presenting Merri Soul Sessions, You Am I, Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan, Something For Kate, Little May, Jack Ladder and the Dreamlanders, Hiatus Kaiyote and more; all fronting that top notch Sydney Harbour backdrop. Likewise, the Melbourne Zoo Twilights series is worth going interstate for — they get the motherflippin' Village People. Every Friday and Saturday evening from January 30 - March 7, Victorians will also bliss out to the sounds of local classics like Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan, Bernard Fanning as well as Conor Oberst, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, and yes, the Village People. Genre-wise, there's genuinely something for everyone; the lineup has you thoroughly covered in the realms of indie, folk, rock, bollywood and cult '70s disco (because why not). Of course, you're welcome to bring along your own picnic basket with loads of food, but you'll have to leave that bottle of wine at home. The event is fully licensed, but there's no BYO — an important measure to keep rubbish and glass away from the poor little animals. Conor Oberst plays Twilight at Taronga on Friday, March 6 — supported by The Felice Brothers. Thanks to Twilight at Taronga, we have one double pass to give away to one lucky CP reader. 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
With the innumerable Animal Collective ‘homage’ bands circulating the local live scene, it’s a wonderful and refreshing thing to hear a performer who borrows sounds of now, but uses them to create something engaging and unique. With roots in pop, r&b and atmospheric electronica (think Stereolab and Prefuse 73), Danimals recordings are as fun as they are interesting.His reverb-soaked summery vocals layered and looped over and over, strong groove rhythms, and playful accents of quirky R&B pop initially hold your attention because of their charm, but the longer you listen the more the nuanced, developed production shines through. The Sydney artist writes music solo but performs live on synthesiser accompanied by three drummers; Julian Sudek from Mercy Arms, Moses Macrae from Good Buddha, and Sherlock’s Daughter drummer Will Russell. See Danimals supporting Shady Lane at their album launch show August 22, or on September 10 at the Hopetoun Hotel
Christmas shopping can be a drag — sometimes it's best to get it out of the way before it depletes your much-needed December brain power. But when you find yourself browsing stalls of designer products with giveaways, barbecued food, wine and margaritas, it's suddenly become a pretty good-looking evening out. A few of the residents of Rosebery's artisan centre Saporium are holding a Christmas market with designer homewares, perfect for an after-work session of shopping and eating. You'll be able to snap up gifts from Australian designer furniture and homewares store Koskela (with a 15 percent discount all evening, no less), with neighbouring cafe Three Blue Ducks barbecuing chicken skewers, pumpkin and sausages. Five buck wine and beer will be on-hand too, along with activities for both kids and easily distracted adults. Interior stylist Megan Morton will also be on-hand over the night and you'll be able to peruse her MM Souvenirs range, featuring treasures from around the world. And by simply making a food purchase, you'll go into the draw to win hourly giveaways including Three Blue Ducks cookbooks, homewares and restaurant vouchers. Image: Three Blue Ducks.
After the success of their production Bennelong earlier this year, Indigenous Australian dance company Bangarra Dance Theatre is back with three homegrown dance stories performed as ONES COUNTRY — the spine of our stories. Commissioned by Bangarra's long-time artistic director, Stephen Page, the program presents three dance works, each taking viewers on a journey across Australia — from the desert and rough terrain of Arnhem Land to the waters of the Torres Strait Island to the urban life of Indigenous Australians. To bring you his first choreographic work, Place, Bangarra choreographer Kaine Sultan-Babij draws on his own experiences as a young, queer Aboriginal man living in a global society. Fellow Bangarra dancers and Torres Strait Islander women Elma Kris and Nicola Sabatino join forces in Whistler, an authentic story from their land, inspired by the call of the dugong. And finally, Elder, Yolgnu songman and Bangarra foundation member Djakapurra Munyarryun returns with his first choreographic work for Bangarra, Yalu. ONES COUNTRY — the spine of our stories opens Friday, November 24 at Carriageworks and runs until Saturday, December 2. Image: Edward Mulvihill.
From October 31–November 3, The Rocks — an area infamous for its ghostly history — will be transformed into an otherworldly realm of fear-inducing fun featuring a zombie dance party, a horror-filled food market, a Halloween parade and much more. First Fleet Park will transform into the Haunted Woods, where 22 food stalls styled as eerie cabins will create a New Orleans-inspired food and drink market where you can indulge in bone-rattling bites and channel your inner Dracula with cocktails served in blood bags. While navigating through the creepy complex, enjoy chilling music, ghastly performances and perhaps a ghostly encounter or two as you learn Sydney's most disturbing urban legends. This event is free to enter and all ages are welcome. By day, Playfair Street in The Rocks is filled with local vendors selling seasonal treats while visitors wander the historical streets. However, as dusk settles, a more ominous side will peek through the gloom as Ghost in the Rocks' Two-Faced Halloween Market conjures the perfect balance of delight and fright. As you explore this daunting space, look out for theatre troupe Deadhouse, who will be sharing chilling stories of the area's haunted past. The open-air Ghost Cinema will host screenings of horror films sure to scare even the most seasoned scary movie connoisseur while the Zombie Silent Disco dishes up bangers from beyond the grave. This outdoor party hosted by Poliakov Vodka on the Tallowoladah Lawn in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art will spin sickening tunes on an undead dance floor, complete with a five-metre zombie head DJ booth. Revellers can also test their mettle at Poliakov's Reborn from Ice experience, which invites guests to take a plunge into an ice bath before warming up with a vodka tasting. The Ghost in the Rocks Halloween Parade will summon a spooky spectacle inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras. The monstrous procession will take place on November 2, with a horrifying hoard of marchers taking to the streets between The Rocks and Circular Quay. Visitors can also get a ghoulish glow-up courtesy of the Crossing Lane makeover experience, where Sydney's best makeup and body paint artists will transform festivalgoers into nightmarish creatures to truly embrace Halloween spirit. Other highlights include The Murder Bar, an interactive experience where a total of 25 guests will sip on intriguing cocktails while investigating a choice of three different murder mysteries where anyone could be the culprit. The House of Horrors party will also fascinate thrill seekers. Set in a real haunted heritage house — the Union Bond Store where eerie sightings have been reported since 1841 — this hell-raising shindig will feature the most wicked DJs, formidable dancers and horrifying actors for one night of heinous hedonism. Meanwhile, younger scare seekers can also enjoy festivities as The Rocks hosts a trick and treat trail filled with both tricks and treats.
There's something oh-so-relaxing about staring at the sea, even if you're feasting your eyes on the water via the big screen. That's the concept behind the Ocean Film Festival Australia. You can't always spend all your time at the beach, by the river or in a pool — but you can spend an evening peering at the next best thing in a cinema. On select dates in March, screening at either 6.30pm or 7pm depending on the venue, the festival will unleash a cinematic feast of water-focused wonders onto the silver screen at various venues around Sydney. This is the event's 11th year, and it's heading to Randwick Ritz Cinemas on Wednesday, March 6, then Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne from Thursday, March 7–Friday, March 8, and also Event Cinemas George Street on Wednesday, March 13. Film-wise, viewers will spend time both above and below the ocean's surface thanks to a compilation of shorts from around the world. Expect to chase big waves, explore a range of sea life and get a hefty ocean rush, plus a heap of other sea adventures. One big highlight for 2024: Ice Maiden, about Lisa Blair's attempt to become the first woman to sail solo — and also without assistance, and non-stop — around Antarctica. The full program is united by a love of the ocean, an appreciation of the creatures who dwell in its waters and a curiosity to explore the substance that comprises more than two-thirds of the earth. It's the next best thing to diving in, all without getting wet.
Details on what you can expect from Smoke and Mirrors, the new show debuting at this years Sydney Festival, are about as vague and mysterious as the show's name would suggest. We could tell you that it's a "part vaudeville, part fantasy" and also that it's "a lavish and lyrical journey across an illusory landscape". But that doesn't really mean much. What we can definitely tell you is that its directed by Craig Illiot and stars iOTA – those same guys who brought us the awesome and super camp musical Hedwig and The Angry Inch back in 2007. And we also know that it’s been produced by the people behind La Clique, the astonishing cabaret crowd-pleaser that’s been rocking the Spiegeltent for the last three years. So then, we can also safely assume that Smoke and Mirrors will be a world-class anarchic cabaret masterpiece, full of songs and magic and dirty jokes. And that it will be gayer than Liza Minnelli.
After a long, hard day, the last thing you want to do is cook. So many ingredients and so many measurements to contend with. Then comes the boiling pot, the whirring of the extractor fan, the mess — it's all too much. There is something super comforting about Indian and Pakistani cuisine — between the nourishing ingredients, creaminess and tantalising spice, it's the perfect remedy to a bad day. Thankfully, you can get heart- and stomach-warming South Asian dishes delivered straight to your sofa. The only effort required on your part is to decide what to order, get some cutlery ready and put some pants on before you answer the door. Here, we'll get you started on the first part by suggesting some top-notch dishes from reliable, family-run restaurants all across Sydney. You're on your own with the pants though.
With the reopening of the Hotel Palisade, the controversial re-do of Durty Nelly's as The Village Inn, the revamp of the Bellevue Hotel, and the recent Vic on the Park-steered reno of The Lord Gladstone, the debate over great and terrible pub renovations is rife in Sydney at present. Now there's another on the table, with Petersham's White Cockatoo set to reopen as The West Village in October. Celebrated as a tried and true 'sham local with a schnitzel worth crossing the city for, the White Cockatoo is now under new ownership — ex-Drink 'n' Dine ownership. Locky Paech, former general manager of the Forresters in Surry Hills, is one of the new co-owners of the Petersham pub. Alongside business partner James Bodel, Paech has created a new Sydney hospitality group, Goodtime Hospitality. They've recruited lauded design crew Alexander and Co. for the job, renowned for such restaurant and bar fitouts as Surly's, Daniel San, The Print Room, Watsons Bay Hotel, The Morrison and the new Village Inn. Paech told Good Food the pub won't be gimmicky, so here's hoping the pub keeps some of its integrity. If you're worried about the schnitties, Paech is apparently going to keep a version of the dish that made the White Cockatoo famous in Sydney over 12 years of glory (in case you're after the real deal, the original schnitties are now being served at The Goni's Schnitzelria in Marrickville). We're not completely sold, but we'll give it a go. Paech has also recruited former Catalina chef Sam Thomson to create an original, gastropub-style menu for the West Village, with a focus on organic, ethically-produced ingredients. The West Village will open at 30 Terminus Street, Petersham, opening in October. The White Cockatoo's famous schnitzels can now be found at The Goni's Schnitzelria, 296 Marrickville Road, Marrickville. Via Good Food. Images: The White Cockatoo Hotel, Dollar Photo Club.
CBDs all over the world are battlefields where vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians collide. In response, cities like Copenhagen and Vienna have long prided themselves on the creation of central car-free areas. In Sydney, Lord Mayor Clover Moore has been barracking for a sizeable pedestrian zone in George Street, where trees and promenades would replace traffic lights and road rage. You might remember being treated to an all-too-brief taste of the concept back in October 2012, when Art and About’s closing night manifested as a Moveable Feast. A totally tranquil Sydney CBD isn’t happening quite yet, but NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay has announced a pedestrian-friendly move. As of the end of 2014, a significant section of the CBD will receive a decreased speed limit of 40km/h — a 10km/h reduction on the current 50km/h. The limit will apply to the area bordered by Castlereagh, Pitt, Kent and Hay Streets. You can think of it as a major extension of the 40km/h section that already applies in The Rocks. The main motivation for the legislation is increasing pedestrian deaths. Seven have been killed in the CBD since 2008 — three of those in the past year and six of those in the area outlined here. "More than 90 per cent of trips made every day in the Sydney CBD are made on foot," Minister Gay announced. "We know that speed is a critical factor for the safety of pedestrians. A vehicle that hits a pedestrian at 50km/h is twice as likely to cause a fatality as the same vehicle travelling 10km/h slower." However, he also acknowledged pedestrian misbehaviour as a factor. "Pedestrians also need to play their part to reduce the number of crashes," he said. "The Sydney CBD Motorcycle Response Team will continue to monitor poor pedestrian behaviour... Pedestrians should always cross at the lights, obey traffic signals, look both ways before they cross and stay alert by not getting distracted by phones or music." Via SMH.
Australia may be out of the World Cup, but that doesn't mean you need to be. Futbol gives way to foosball over at The Rocks between now and September 20. As part of a live art installation titled Arena Calcetto (which means 'arena for little football'), six 10m-high towers will each encase a publicly accessible foosball table. Created by non-profit Sydney collective Archrival, the work is the result of collaboration between more than 100 designers from ten countries around the world. Every member of every foosball team is a unique, custom-made creation, while the wooden towers are inspired by Venetian sailing boats. Originally made for the Australian Pavilion at the 13th Venice International Architecture Biennale, the work had a stint at Paddington's Reservoir Gardens during last year's Art & About. But with the World Cup on, this seems like the installation's true time to shine. “With its laneways and historic buildings, The Rocks is a great setting for Arena Calcetto's extraordinary timber towers and their hidden foosball tables,” Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority CEO Catherine Gallagher said. "This fantastic installation will transform observers into contestants as they discover the custom-made tables hidden within the sculptures." See more images of the elaborately carved little players and imposing frames of Arena Calcetto here.
Better known as the organisation behind uni-student guzzling grounds Manning Bar and Hermann's Bar, the University of Sydney Union has been quietly adding to their art collection over the years. In Reticulation, the official 2014 Annual USU Art Collection exhibition, the art normally kept behind closed doors comes out to play. The two USU Art Collection officers Esther Rolfe and Julian Woods have curated this year's exhibition and have asked 12 other art-minded USU folk to select some of their favourite works. Celebrating the progress of the art collection and the dedication of the wider USU community, Reticulation will boast works from famed photographers like Bill Henson and Trent Parker, artist and filmmaker George Gittoes and renowned artists such as Vergil Lo Schiavo, Euan Macleod, Terry Ngamandarra, Arthur Streeton, Imants Tillers and Tjapaltjarri Warlimpirrnga. Image: Trent Parke, Untitled (from Dream life Series), 2000.
A food truck park with laid-back summer vibes, games and mini festivals has landed on the northern beaches. Sydney's first permanent food truck destination, Truck Stop is set to makes its home inside Mona Vale's sprawling food and entertainment hot spot Park House Food & Liquor. Truck Stop is home to a rotating lineup of food trucks as well as some pretty impressive permanent features, including a bar in an old-school 50s Airstream, a pizza kitchen and a taco truck in a vintage school bus. In between eating and drinking, you'll be able to listen to live music, on a stage made from an old flatbed pickup truck, and play a round of hand ball, croquet or ping pong. On top of all that, the food truck park will also play host to a series of pop-up events, including Craftoberfest (September 28–October 7) and Pound Paws Doggy Day (November 3). So there's already a fair bit on the agenda to draw you north of the bridge (if you're not already there). Truck Stop will be open throughout spring and summer, from 5–10pm on Fridays, and 12–10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
It has only been a few months since the seventh season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine hit screens — which means you've either eagerly caught every second, or you've got some catch-up binging to do. Either way, if you've been watching and rewatching the hit sitcom since it first premiered back in 2013, then you also have something else to pop in your calendar: Isolation Trivia's upcoming B99-themed online quiz evening. How long did Charles Boyle spend dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? And which one of the latter duo has a twin? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's kids, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're set for this virtual trivia night. Live-streaming from 6.30pm on Sunday, September 6 this online trivia contest is completely devoted to the show that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours, then was renewed for an eighth season before its seventh one even aired, and features more Die Hard references than you'd think possible in one sitcom. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night. If you're as keen to take part as Terry is about a tub of yoghurt, you just need to head to the Isolation Trivia Facebook page and clear out your Sunday night. That'll be your time to shine (and that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). Isolation Trivia's 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' edition takes place from 6.30pm on Sunday, September 6. Images: SBS
Kensington Street is home to countless fantastic restaurants including the endless collection of south-east Asian cuisine found in Spice Alley. The Chippendale food and drink precinct is ringing in the Year of the Tiger with a series of activations and banquets for Chinese New Year. At Spice Alley, diners can expect to see iconic dragon dancers make appearances on Saturday, February 5, and can win prizes on the Wheel of Luck when they spend $20 or more on February 5, 12 and 15. Spice Alley restaurants Shanghai Dumpling Bar and Hong Kong Diner are both offering exclusive Chinese New Year dishes including an assortment of steamy delights featuring dumplings, shumai and xiao long bao for $22.80. Elsewhere on the street, Holy Duck and Mekong are all ringing in the new year with special dishes and feasts. Holy Duck is hosting a $69 Tiger's feast banquet for group of four or more people which will include assorted rainbow dumplings, duck spring rolls, crispy duck with pancakes, salt and pepper king prawns, seafood noodles and a red envelope for each guest. Over at Mekong, you'll be treated to another $69 set menu, featuring six courses with highlights including crispy braised pork belly with chilli caramel and ginger canna cotta. [caption id="attachment_652632" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spice Alley via Destination NSW.[/caption]
For pet owners, spoiling your chosen animal companion is easy at the best of times. When it's winter — and when the country has spent months indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic — stocking up on cute, cosy pet accessories is even less difficult than usual. Who doesn't want their schnauzer to look both snappy and snuggly, and their shih tzu to look rather nifty, too? Plenty of pet-loving shops have been willing to help, including The Iconic and Big W, with both releasing dapper pet lines this year. Now, Petstock has released a new range aimed at cooler conditions, keeping your four-legged friend looking and feeling luxe as the frostier weather settles in. Sure, most dogs are happy cuddling up in a regular old blanket, and many a cat loves jumping in an average, ordinary box. That's all well and good — or you can opt for plush beds that match your indoor decor. And, you can dress up your pooch in chunky jumpers, shiny parkas, sporty jackets and wool-lined coats, with petwear starting at $19.99. Spanning coordinated leads and collars as well, Petstock's new lineup is designed for pets of the barking kind. Of course, if you want to try to get your meowing pal into one, then best of luck to you. Petstock's winter range is currently available to purchase in-store and online, with contactless click and collect purchasing available.
Australia's annual Alliance Francaise French Film Festival marked its 30th year back in 2019, and celebrated the big occasion with no troubles at all. Proving that no one loves entering their 30s, however, the event hit a few struggles when it turned 31. That happened in March 2020, when Australia started to go into lockdown. The fest was already underway, so AFFFF had to stop screening, postpone its plans, then pick things up again in July and August after cinemas started reopening. Here's hoping that 2021, the fest's 32nd year, all runs smoothly. AFFFF has 37 films on its hefty lineup this time around, and it's touring them around the country. The event will be making its usual capital city stops, so French movie fans in Sydney can expect to spend plenty of time at Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne between March 2–31 — and there'll also be seasons playing in Byron Bay and Parramatta as well. As for what you'll be seeing, AFFFF will open its 2021 lineup with Eiffel, a new biopic starring Romain Duris (All the Money in the World) as the civil engineer who gave Paris' most famous attraction its name. At the other end of its program, the fest will close out with rom-com #Iamhere, which follows a French chef who falls in love via Instagram. And, in-between its two big bookending events, viewers can look forward to a heap of movies starring recognisable faces — including Monica Bellucci, Lupin's charming Omar Sy, the incomparable Isabelle Huppert and Kristin Scott Thomas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXVezkYnDL0 Highlights include The Man Who Sold His Skin, a twisty tale about a Syrian refugee, a tattoo artist and an unusual bargain; Summer of 85, the latest film from acclaimed director François Ozon; and police drama Night Shift, which dives deep into not only law enforcement, but alsoits handling of immigration matters. Or, there's Fahim, the Little Chess Prince, about the Bangladeshi refugee who became a national French chess champion; The Godmother, which sees Huppert tussle with the drug game; and Aline, which is inspired by the life of Céline Dion. Elsewhere, the story of France's first restaurant hits the screen via 18th-century-set period drama, Delicious; Final Set sees an ageing tennis player try to win the French Open; Miss follows a boy who'd like to enter the Miss France beauty pageant; and delightful animated feature Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary imagines Calamity Jane's early years. Fans of Deerskin filmmaker Quentin Dupieux can also check out his latest, Mandibles — and, because AFFF always shows at least one absolute classic French flick, this year it's screening Jean-Luc Godard's 1959 masterpiece Breathless.
For a month in autumn, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains transforms its stunning rainforest surrounds into a spectacular outdoor gallery. Over 30 artworks from local, national and international artists will adorn the green floors and walls of the ancient rainforest. As you meander along the 2.4-kilometre Scenic Walkway, you'll see interactive installations and subtle artworks that blend seamlessly into the environment. Look out for Corrie Furner's This Is Not a Still Life glowing neon amongst the ferns, and peer through a large orange screen to view the mountains through the perspective of artists Elin and Keino. Get the adrenalin pumping by taking the world's steepest passenger train, the Scenic Railway, to the walkway. And, if you want even more excitement, head to the glass-bottomed Scenic Skyway — an invigorating ride on the 270-metre high cablecar that takes in some of the mountains' most spectacular vistas, including the Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls. To complete your journey (of literal highs and lows) make a visit to Sculpture Otherwise, an exhibition of smaller sculptures held at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre. [caption id="attachment_716576" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Corrie Furner: This Is Not a Still Life[/caption] [caption id="attachment_716572" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wendy Teakel: Cycle[/caption] [caption id="attachment_716575" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elin and Keino: Blue Blue Mountains[/caption] Updated: April 12, 2019.
Leaping into the spotlight this year, Jagwar Ma have been busy creating a buzz overseas and back home in Australia. Their recent Glastonbury set brought in waves of acclaim from prominent music publications like NME, who listed Jagwar Ma as the #1 Must See Act, and the Independent, who labelled the Sydney trio as "the ideal Glastonbury band". The outfit even received a nod of approval from Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher, who proclaimed his love for the Australian rock band in a recent interview. With their debut album, Howlin' now unleashed to the masses, the duo continues to impress. Their trippy, blissed-out sound is a perfect marriage between pulsating dance rhythms and gritty guitar riffs. To celebrate the release of the record, Jagwar Ma will be heading out on a national album launch tour with two Sydney shows at The Standard, the first of which has already sold out, before taking a spin around Europe and The States. Supporting duties for both evenings go to solo electronic producer Guerre and DJ Angelo Cruzman. Update: Friday's show is sold out, a second show is on sale for Sunday. https://youtube.com/watch?v=K8KCPw9kYpo
Trevor Powers is the man behind the Youth Lagoon moniker, under which he explores precious memories of the past, personal thoughts and feelings via his unique brand of melancholic pop. His first collection of songs became known as The Year Of Hibernation, Powers’ strong debut, which saw drifting melodies flirt with sample-heavy rhythms. His lyrics are highly evocative with such expressive lines as, “When I was seventeen my mother said to me, 'Don’t stop imagining, the day that you do is that day that you die'”. Powers was last in the country in February where he played a string of sold out shows. He now returns to Australia for Splendour In The Grass as well as a couple of sideshows, bringing with him a stellar line-up of supporting artists, including Sures and Bearhug.
Belles Hot Chicken is set to open its third and most impressive Sydney outpost in March, bringing its cult-favourite fried chicken to Circular Quay. The Belles team has built a passionate fanbase — and landed on our favourite Sydney fried chicken spots — through its Glebe and Barangaroo eateries in Sydney, alongside multiple Melbourne venues. Now, it's bringing its fun and flavoursome approach to Nashville-style takeaway to a 130-seat restaurant-style opening. Arriving in the Quay Quarter Tower on Friday, March 3, Belles Hot Chicken Circular Quay will bring the expected hallmarks of the chain to an expansive new space with spectacular harbour views. Belles' vintage Americana style is here in spades. Fresh from working with Lune, Ewert Leaf has collaborated with Belles' Design Director Vicki Punch to create a warm, welcoming space fitted out with neon signs, vintage tiles and vending machines, plus an entirely chrome ceiling and cork detailing. On the menu, things will stick close to the other locations, with an elevated and varied drinks menu to complement the eats. Pair tenders, drumsticks, wings and buffalo cauliflower — all available in heat levels ranging from chicken salt to Really F**king Hot — with Belles Original Draught, orange wines and house cocktails like spiked iced tea. Spicy chicken sandwiches and loaded fries also feature, with a highlight-reel set menu available for $40 per person if you want the decisions taken out of your hands. Some of the more extravagant or unique drinks you'll find at the Circular Quay spot include Pappy Van Winkle 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon available for $85 a pop, Louis Roederer Cristal Brut (because who doesn't want to pair champagne and fried chicken?, and Baba's Place and DNA Distillery's canned rakija and tonic RTDs. "Belles Circular Quay feels like a real coming of age for our eight-year-old brand. Off are the training wheels, it's full noise from here," says Joss-Jenner Leuthart, Belles Hot Chicken's Managing Director. Rounding out the vibrant energy of this new outpost is a set of vinyl turntables ready for a DJ to take hold and spark a party at any point in time. With enough champagne and spiked iced tea, it could just happen. As a special gift to the Belles fans that have helped the brand blossom since hitting Sydney in 2015 (after launching in Melbourne in 2014 first), the team is opening up the preview night — an event that would usually be reserved for those in its inner circle — to the public. There's 100 spots available to head along on Thursday, March 2 and experience the restaurant before it opens. If you want to be a part of the sneak peek, you can register your interest at the Belles website. Belles Hot Chicken Circular Quay will open on Friday, March 3 at Quay Quarter Towers, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney — and operate from 11.30am–9pm Monday–Thursday and 11.30am–10.30pm Friday–Saturday.
The Northern Beaches aren’t famous for their burgeoning art scene. Not yet, anyway. Enter Fifty-One: curated by The Bubble Co., it's a monthly event founded with the purpose of uniting creatives on the Northern Beaches and developing the art scene. Promising pizza, beer, music, local art, and plenty of people with whom you can hold an interesting discussion, there are huge things that can be expected of Fifty-One. This month is the second Fifty-One, with a Dia De Los Muertos theme. Hosted by the Pony Room with a live Mariachi band, Mexican-themed life drawing classes, Mexican beers and tequila sunrises, the setting is perfect for a showcase of the work of local underground artists such as Louis Leinbach, Sabina Fatt, Nick Bazarow, and Billy Reilly. So, come check out the creative side of the Insular Peninsula.
Looking for another idea for date night? There are stacks of things to do in Sydney, but coming up with something novel isn't always easy. Good news: Scout, the sleek cocktail bar within The Dolphin, has come to your rescue with a brand-new cocktail to kick off your next romantic night out. And you won't be sipping on any old cocktail either. The 'Papaya Don't Preach' ($21), a delightfully refreshing tasting concoction, is Scout's take on the classic whisky highball. Plus, one of the world's most celebrated bartenders is behind it. Talented mixologist Matt Whiley is the man behind London's famed cocktail bar, Scout, which was named one of the World's 50 Best Bars earlier this year. Now, he's in Sydney. So, if it's been a while — or never — since you last visited this Surry Hills spot, there's never been a better time to stop by. Scout's Sydney outpost is known for its unusual cocktails, made with fresh ingredients, including lots of native Australian ones. And Whiley's highball is no exception. He's joined forces with Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky to come up with a brand new take on the classic. For one, he's tossed out your regular supermarket soda and replaced it with tea tree distillate, papaya cordial and pluot (apricot and plum hybrid) soda. Plus, your A-class 'Papaya Don't Preach' will come topped with a papaya glass garnish. Just swing by Scout any time from Thursday, September 17 onwards. Luckily, if you and your date get a bit peckish, you can head downstairs to The Dolphin's hatted dining room – overseen by Icebergs' Maurice Terzini – for Italo-Australian fare, including next-level pizzas and pastas. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Beginning to feel anxious out about Christmas? If the holiday season is a stress-fest for you, then maybe a little deep breathing and downward dog will do you some good throughout the month. In December, World Square will host three charity yoga sessions on the rooftop of the Ernst and Young Tower. Taught by yogi masters from Life and Balance Yoga School, each hour-long session starts at 7am. The cost is $15, with all proceeds going towards MS Australia. After the stretch-sesh, participants get a free voucher from Crave Frozen Yogurt for some tasty brekkie. Rooftop views, good deeds and froyo? We can't think of a better way to start the day. Classes are held on December 4, 11, and 18, with registration commencing in the lobby at 6.45am. All you need is your mat, warm layers (as it can get a bit windy), and a cheery attitude. RSVP to worldsquare.admin@au.brookfield.com to guarantee your spot.
Have you ever needed to convey an important message to someone in a big way, but sweated to find the perfect gift to do so? Maybe you needed to say, 'sorry for being a jerk', 'thanks for being a great mate', or simply, 'I love you'. Well, perhaps not surprisingly, there’s a website to fix that problem. Sorry Thanks I Love You is an online store that’s working to reignite the culture of giving. By taking a short personalised shopping quiz based on the person in mind (with questions such as ‘What were they like a kid?’ or ‘What would they do with 24 hours in NYC?’), Sorry Thanks I Love You has everything you could ever need to help you say any of those five little words (you'd hope). The site features handmade accessories, homewares, gourmet foods, fresh flowers from boutique florists and craft beverages sourced from around the world. And now you can see and try out all these goodies for yourself at Sorry Thanks I Love You's pop-up store in Martin Place, open right up until Christmas. The store will feature tons of products, including knives carved from Scandinavian reindeer antler, hand-woven Kashmiri scarves and traditional Japanese furoshiki wrapping cloths. Gourmet goodies include wheels of Bruny Island cheese and premium single malt whisky distilled in highland Tasmania, which you can taste test in the store. You'll also find colourful wares from the iconic Finnish design brand Marimekko. The Sorry Thanks I Love You store is open: Monday: 8am - 5.30pm Tuesday and Wednesday: 8am – 7pm Thursday: 8am – 8pm Friday: 8am – 7pm Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Add another impressive name to the long list of shows, plays and musicals alike, that've been treading the boards across Australia in recent years. That roster has spanned everything from The Book of Mormon, Hamilton and Moulin Rouge! The Musical through to Come From Away, SIX the Musical and The Mousetrap — but only Choir Boy hails from the Oscar-winning writer of the famously not-La La Land drama Moonlight. Tarell Alvin McCraney's other queer coming-of-age play premiered in London in 2012, then did the rounds of the US before opening on Broadway in 2018. It might've taken more than a decade since its stage debut for the show to make its way Down Under, but fans of Moonlight are in for a tale about sexuality, race, hope and gospel music, all focused around a young gay man finding his voice, that's certain to prove worth the wait. Story-wise, Choir Boy follows Pharus Young, who is determined to be the best choir leader that the Charles R Drew Prep School for Boys has ever seen in its 50-year history. That's easier said than done, though, given the rituals that've long been a part of the school, and the masculine expectations as well. Filled with a cappella gospel tunes, Choir Boy scored four Tony Award nominations back in 2019, including for Best Play and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play — and won Best Sound Design of a Play, while also nabbing music director Jason Michael Webb a Special Tony Award. In Sydney, it is playing as part of Sydney WorldPride from Tuesday, February 14–Saturday, March 11 at Riverside Theatres Parramatta. Leading the cast is international musical theatre performer Darron Hayes, joined by Tony Sheldon (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Robert Harrell (The Shield), Zarif (Lonesome), Quinton Rofail Rich (Godspell), Theo Williams (Passing Strange), and debutants Gareth Dutlow, Abu Kebe and Tawanda Muzenda, while Dino Dimitriadis (Overflow, Cleansed) and Zindzi Okenyo (seven methods of killing kylie jenner, Orange Thrower) direct.
Before the year is out, Bondi Beach will have a brand new pub. And the folks behind it are no strangers; at the helm is Maurice Terzini, king of the Icebergs and Surry Hills' Dolphin Hotel, in this latest venture after just launching his own gin. But, unlike his other projects, the Bondi Beach Public Bar (BBPB) won't have a dedicated dining room. Instead, the venue is going for a casual, old-school feel, inspired by Aussie pub culture of the '70s and '80s, when rock reigned supreme and the likes of AC/DC and Midnight Oil dominated the charts. As a soundtrack, expect a steady stream of rowdy tunes, reeling from rock and roll to surf rock to proto-punk. The drinks list, taken care of by wine director James Hird, also has its origins in the '70s and '80s — but with some modern polishing. Forget anything remotely post-mixed and keep a look out for Terzini signatures, including the Negroni Spritz and the No. 8. New creations will include the Harvey Wallbanger and the White Russian, with the latter landing in your hand in a can. As you might've guessed, there'll be an Italian bent to the food offerings, with dashes of Australiana. Leading the feast are a flat, crispy Romanesque pizza; the Double Patty Bondi Matty burger; Bella's Fried Chicken, which is an homage to Belle's Hot Chicken chef Morgan McGlone; and gelato-based sweet hits created by Jaclyn Koludrovic, who is responsible for The Icebergs' desserts. According to Terzini, the design brief, as implemented by designer George Livissianis, went like this: "I told him to think [American fashion designer] Rick Owens goes to Palm Springs via Bondi". Get ready a raw, punk-influenced interior, featuring loads of concrete. BPPB will open in late December, seven days a week, at 203/180 Campbell Parade, Bondi. Keep an eye on the pub's website and Facebook page for further details.
If there's an ideal tipple for a wintry night, it's surely a warming whisky. And what's even better than that? Three top-shelf single malts with three matching dishes — right on Sydney Harbour. Introducing The Perfect Match from Kingsleys. On any Wednesday night, head to the restaurant at Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, where your adventure will start with a half dozen mixed oysters — served with chilli and coriander or Kilpatrick-style — accompanied by a ten-year-old Talisker. Next up, you'll get a ribeye with red wine jus paired with a ten-year-old Ardbeg. Then, for a sweet farewell, it's dark chocolate ganache or Fourme d'Ambert (French blue cheese) with 12-year-old Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or (which means golden nectar — an apt description for this luxe drop, which does its final maturing in Sauternes casks). The Perfect Match menu isn't Kingsleys' only news. To mark the coming of winter, head chef Lars Svensson has created a new, share-style, charcoal-driven menu. One of the best ways to try it out is with the Feast set menu which, for $79 a head, gives you a cornucopia of meats — think wagyu on the bone, pasture-fed lamb shoulder and glazed beef short ribs — accompanied by a bunch of sides, sauces and bone marrow. You'll need at least five buddies to book. The Perfect Match menu is available for $85 per person, every Wednesday for lunch and dinner, and the Feast menu is available daily, at $79 a head and for groups of six and more. Bookings are recommended via phone or the website. Images: Leticia Almeida
Okay, so free shipping and a 0% chance of being talked into buying a bag you don't need because it would look so cute with those shoes is great, but shopping IRL has plenty of bonuses, too. You'll find pretty much all of them at Fashion's Night Out, which is probably the best idea to come out of Anna Wintour's brain since she decided Seth Meyers should wear a lacey Marc Jacobs dress to the CDFA awards. Fashion's Night Out was initiated by Wintour four years ago to pump money back into the flailing retail economy, and Sydney's own edition is now bigger and better than ever. Excuses you didn't really need to buy a whole bunch of nice new things for spring include pop-up beauty bars, free champagne, complimentary nibbles, gifts-with-purchase, and photo booths, with the majority of them taking place around Westfield and the CBD. Get a free beauty consultation and eye mask at Clinique, a hand massage at L'Occitane, head to Mulberry for an evening of prizes and Polaroids, or chill out at the pop-up Galliano bar with a tasty Ristretto cocktail. As luck would have it, this year's theme is 'Fashion Meets Music', with world-class DJs and talented classical pianists putting the remixed remixes of Carly Rae Jepsen happily to rest.
Another week, another cookie pie — again. That's how it often feels thanks to Gelato Messina's beloved dessert specials, but no, we're not complaining. After the gelato chain first introduced its cookie pies to the world in 2020, it has kept bringing the OTT dessert back over and over. We all need an extra dose of sweetness every now and then, clearly, including while both Sydney and Melbourne are in lockdown. So, it should come as no surprise that Messina is serving up the decadent dessert once more. This time, it's one of the chain's Frankenstein's monster-style desserts (although cookie pies generally fall into that category anyway). This version is also a returning favourite — and, if you like all things red velvet, prepare to get excited. Hang on, a cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of cookie dough. And it serves two-to-six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Now that you're onboard with the overall cookie pie concept, the red velvet version really is exactly what it sounds like. That crunchy, crumbly red velvet and choc chip cookie pie comes filled with a thick layer of cream cheese custard, too, so prepare to get a little gooey. You can only buy this pie in kits, which means that you'll get some of the cult ice creamery's famed gelato along with it. You can opt for a 500-millilitre tub for $38, a one-litre tub for $44 or a 1.5-litre tub for $48. If you're keen to get yourself a piece of the pie, they're available to preorder online on Monday, September 13. And, because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand is now staggering the on-sale times. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.30am, and New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (with pies from Circular Quay, Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick and Miranda on sale at 10am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 10.30am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Rosebery and Penrith at 11am). The catch? Most people will need to peel themselves off the couch and head to their local Messina store to pick up their order. The pies will be available for collection between Friday, September 17–Sunday, September 19. Sydneysiders, remember to abide by lockdown restrictions when it comes to picking up your pie — with folks in most suburbs required to stick to their Local Government Area, or within five-kilometres from home, and a strict five-kilometre limit in place in LGAs of concern. Melburnians, if the current lockdown conditions remain in place until then, you'll also only be permitted to travel within a five-kilometre radius to pick up food. Don't live near enough to a store in Sydney and Melbourne? Messina now delivers these specials as well, but only to select areas each time. It'll be bringing the red velvet pie to Sydneysiders in North Kellyville, Glenhaven, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Pennant Hills, West Pennant Hills, Baulkham Hills, North Rocks, Carlingford, Epping, North Epping and Beecroft. To get it brought to your door in Melbourne, you'll need to live in Heidelberg, Heidelberg West, Reservoir, Thomastown, Fawkner, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Maribyrnong, Footscray and Williamstown. Then, when it comes to cooking the pie, you just need to whack it in the oven for 25 minutes at 160–180 degrees and voila! You can preorder a Messina red velvet cookie pie from Monday, September 13, to pick up from all NSW, Vic and Queensland Gelato Messina stores — or for delivery in some Sydney and Melbourne suburbs.
How does this sound for a way to celebrate the end of the working week: live Christmas carols and Adriano Zumbo macarons, delivered straight to your office door? This Friday, December 13, for one day only, that's exactly what Uber will be offering to workers across Sydney. Between midday and 5pm, a new UberCAROLS option will show in the Uber app — on both iPhone and Android. Put in a request for instant carols, and within a few minutes, your very own private choir will arrive at your office door to sing three festive tunes at top volume. They’ll be armed with both powerful, classically trained voices and a dozen 'Zumbarons' in candy cane and Christmas pudding flavours. Total cost is $50, but given that the macarons are valued at $30, it's a fine deal. The singers come from the Ascoltati Choir and the Sydney Conservatorium, so you can count on professional-standard performances. Cash isn't necessary, as payment will be charged via your Uber account. The only potential hiccup is that Uber is expecting demand to be exceptionally high, so if you can’t access carollers immediately, they’re hoping that you’ll hang in there patiently until you can. Uber is a smartphone-facilitated car service that enables anyone to call a private driver on-demand at the push of a button. In Sydney, the company offers regular cabs (at no extra charge), unmarked Caprices (at 20-30% more than taxis) and luxury BMWs, Audis and Mercedes for special occasions. In July this year, Uber teamed up with Messina to deliver gelato to homes and offices Sydney-wide, providing relief to those put off by the famous queues usually seen winding down Crown Street. Adriano Zumbo, who became a household name after appearing on MasterChef as a guest judge in 2009, is renowned for his technically challenging and exceptionally tasty desserts.
From plot summary alone, it may not be easy to understand why this script would be awarded the Most Original Work at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Playwright Duncan Graham draws on one of the great industry standards – money-motivated businessman from the big smoke vs wild country boy – in a new adaptation of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel. However, beware ye old and cynical: the brilliance of Graham’s work is in his ability to seamlessly blend the real and the surreal, holding the audience hostage to their own expectations for the drama while making them believe every second of it. Graham, together with innovative Adelaide theatre company floogle, is undoubtably producing some of the best work that Australian theatre has to offer. Ollie and the Minotaur, another Graham/floogle collaboration which played at Belvoir Downstairs earlier this year, was similarly honest, unique and brilliant. Anyone even mildly interested in new theatre should head along to this production, and keep an eye out for future work from this pairing.
Stroll through the doors of The Green Park Hotel on Thursdays after 5pm and you'll find yourself in a juniper paradise. A defining part of the neighbourhood since 1893, the Darlinghurst pub has partnered up with Hendrick's Gin to kick off a weekly ode to the spirit dubbed 'Gin in the Park'. The Green Park's drink menu already boasts a large portion of G&Ts and retro cocktails ($18) but now, on Thursdays, you can expect $10 G&Ts and old-school picnic hampers with a side of 'lawn' games. If you've hung out at The Green Park before, you might be wondering what lawn we're talking about. Think small. The pool table will be adapted into the perfect place to challenge friends to a game of Jenga, ring toss or skittles, while you slosh down a G&T garnished with a cucumber slice. Plus, once a month, Gin in the Park will get a dose of extra flavour. Grab a bar stool and hear from experts about the art of craft gin, watch live performances and take part in immersive gin activities. Over the next three months, that activity is in the form of a 'sensory meditative martini experience'. We're not exactly sure what that involves either — but we're told blindfolds and silent disco headphones are involved. The Sensory Gin Experience is free to attend and will take place on April 18, May 16 and June 6. To register, visit The Green Park Hotel's website.
Fans of Merivale's wine curation can now bring the experience home with them, all at just a few clicks of a button. The group's boutique liquor retailer The Bottle Shop has just launched an online store, where you can order from a hefty lineup of beer, wine and spirits — all selected by their team of master sommeliers. The online offering sticks to the same laidback, approachable vibe as its bricks-and-mortar Palings Lane sibling, where many of the bottles come labelled with handy descriptions and suggested food pairings. In a similar vein, the web store's wine list is divided into categories that'll help smooth out the decision-making process, from the 'Weeknight Wine' lineup of affordable midweek drops, to the 'Point Scorers' showcase of more impressive tipples. As well as choosing from both everyday and top-tier vintage wines, vino lovers will find a solid spread of organic and natural drops, which is handy if you're an on-trend boozer. Spirits and brew aficionados are also catered for, thanks to a range of whisky, gin and craft beers. And if you'd prefer to leave the choosing to the professionals, The Bottle Shop even has a range of booze subscription packages. Have an expertly curated 'Savour' (from $60), 'Seduce' (from $80) or 'Splurge' (from $110) wine pack delivered to your doorstep each month, or snap one up as a gift for someone special. For orders other than subscriptions, folks in the Sydney metro area should expect to receive their purchases within three business days. Shipping costs $10 if you're spending $150 or less, with the fee waived for orders above that amount. To order from The Bottle Shop, visit the store's website.
The annual Parramatta Lanes festival is returning for its ninth year, bringing the finest feasts to the streets of the west. This year, thanks to COVID-19, the Paramatta palooza is moving its program online, but you can still expect the usual lineup of eats, beats and art. First up, the food aspect will be a bunch of virtual cooking demonstrations from some local favourites such as fried chicken institution Butter Parramatta, Japanese-inspired salad bar Fishbowl, Aussie burger chain Betty's and KOI, owned by Masterchef Australia's Reynold. You can also head to any of the festival's participating restaurants for a feed, or order in and have the Parramatta Lanes experience brought to your living room. Live tunes will be happening at various Parramatta venues, which you can also live-stream via the Parramatta Lanes website, with the likes of Donny Benet, Nardean, Youngn Lipz, Kwame, Milan Ring, Mariam Sawires and more on the bill. Beyond that, there'll also be a bunch of art-based videos — think poetry readings against a backdrop of three-dimensional visuals, a feature on Aboriginal artists from Boomalli Gallery, drag and numerous dance performances. Check out Parramatta Lanes' full online program here.
I'm sure the rise of garage rock in the 1970s ran correspondingly with the rise in guitar sales worldwide. Music was easy again – all you needed were some instruments, some friends and a garage. You could be famous, you just needed a little bit of effort and a little bit of luck. It faded though and music became a business again. In 2000, however, Swedish band The Hives led another revival of sorts. Music was back and music was fun, and it still is. The Hives are continuing to strip rock back to basics, delivering powerful performances wherever they go. With frontman Howlin' Pelle Almqvist, a force of nature on stage, the band is turbo-charged, full of showmanship and always, always well-dressed. Supported by The Grates on their Splendour in the Grass sideshow tour, do not miss The Hives because you'll miss what music can and should be. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1M02bAWDFkI
