He Made She Made, apart from being an awesome name, is also a spot for up-and-coming designers and artists (and all things in between) to show off their skills. It's fitting, then, that they want to help you get some random cool stuff for your loved ones in time for the baby Jesus's birthday. Their Random Xmas Markets might provide you with a prezzie for that extra difficult creative cousin. Or you might decide that she just isn't getting a present this year, because you're keeping it. What kinda stuff will be there? Included in the mix of small emerging studios are The Fortynine, a multi-disciplinary collaborative design studio who know how to make funky stools, Qwux and the Rah Collective (again, not just a rad name), Marcue for lovers of fancy shoes, Agogwe + Ötso and the creative workshop on wheels of Kit Palaskas.
When a huge global pride festival is heading Down Under for the first time — making its debut in the southern hemisphere, in fact — how do you celebrate? For Sydney WorldPride, there's a dazzling list of options. The LGBTQIA+ fest will hit town from February 17–March 5 with 300-plus events, and it's dropping its full lineup on Wednesday, November 9. It's also setting up a giant rainbow sand sculpture to help kick off the fun. On that very day, to add something else stunning to the program launch — other than the program itself, that is — a giant Sydney WorldPride rainbow sand sculpture will grace the Bondi Pavilion forecourt. The festival team are making a big deal of the occasion because it deserves it, and because it'll also be 100 days until the event itself kicks off, with this sandy rainbow taking up residence just from sunrise to sunset on the Wednesday. Head on down and you won't miss it. Expect it to feature in your social feeds heavily, too. The sculpture will measure 2.4 metres in height and 4.5 metres in width, and is apparently the largest rainbow sculpture of its kind. Spectacular sights and Bondi Beach naturally go hand in hand, of course. The famed Sydney stretch of sand is also known to host extra eye-catching attractions — a statue of Borat and a Stranger Things rift have all graced the spot in the past. Also, Sydneysiders have had plenty of rainbows to enjoy recently, all celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Darlinghurst is famously home to a rainbow crossing — and in Surry Hills, the City of Sydney implemented a lengthy path in Prince Alfred Park decked out in the same multicoloured stripes. Also, Coogee also has its own cheerfully hued monument, turning part of the suburb's beachfront into a rainbow walkway. Sydney WorldPride's one-day-only rainbow sand sculpture is the first in a whole heap of rainbow art and installations coming to the Harbour City, and Greater Sydney as well, courtesy of around 45 free public artworks spanning everywhere from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to the Scenic Skyway in Katoomba. Before the full lineup is announced, the fest has already unveiled big-name events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade to Oxford Street, Kylie Minogue headlining the opening concert, plus MUNA and G Flip doing the same at the closing gig. Find the Sydney WorldPride at the Bondi Pavilion forecourt from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, November 9. Sydney WorldPride will run from February 17–March 5, 2023. For more information, head to the event's website. Images: Destination NSW. Thinking about Sydney WorldPride's big opening gig, Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, too? General admission tickets have sold out, with only Sydney WorldPride's affordability option left — but you can still head along thanks to Concrete Playground Trips. The Sydney WorldPride package includes tickets to the Domain Dance Party and Live and Proud: Opening Concert, plus three nights at the PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney.
At a train station in India, a young girl begins to sing while a man watches, rapt. He is a tea seller, but no one seems to notice the small stall where he brews chai. He begins to tell a story — an Indian fairy tale. The station is crowded, but the stage contains only one performer. Guru of Chai is the latest work by New Zealand theatre company Indian Inks. Jacob Rajan performs the show solo, adopting seventeen different characters and a good deal of shadow puppetry to tell the tale of seven daughters plotted against by their stepmother. This one's been doing the rounds for a few years now and picking up glowing reviews all along the way. Diving through layers of truth narrative and style, Guru of Chai is pure storytelling and by all accounts a completely transporting experience. Image: Robert Catto.
Oz Harvest are a charity that rescues food that would be wasted and redistributes it to local charities. To date they’ve rescued almost 6 million kilograms of food that would otherwise have been landfill. For this Good Food Month, they have a series of food trucks which will be dotted throughout the CBD. By day they'll be offering affordable Middle Eastern favourites like hummus, tabouleh and falafel ($5-15). For every $1 the trucks raise, Oz Harvest will be able to provide two meals to people who need them. By night, the trucks will serve free meals to the homeless or hungry. You can also purchase a meal 'forward', meaning it goes to those in need. Check out the rest of our top ten picks of Good Food Month here.
When Bran Nue Dae started singing and dancing its way across Australia back in 1990, the production made history, becoming the world's first Aboriginal stage musical. In the years since, it has won awards, inspired a making-of documentary and been adapted into a film of the same name. Now, the show is returning to the country's stages for its 30th anniversary. In January 2020, a new production will open in Sydney, followed by seasons in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. While exact dates haven't been announced, the revival is being spearheaded by Australia's premier opera companies under the banner of Opera Conference — with Opera Australia, Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and the West Australian Opera all collaborating on the national tour. If you need a refresher on the story, Bran Nue Dae heads back to 60s-era Western Australia, with teenager Willie hitchhiking his way from his mission school back to Broome — all to reunite with the girl he loves. As written by Jimmy Chi and his band Knuckles, it also features two hippies, a wily Uncle and a German priest. While Chi sadly passed away in 2017, Knuckles will once again direct the musical component of the show. Original production director Andrew Ross is also returning, but just who he'll be gracing his stage hasn't been determined. Bran Nue Dae will feature a 15-performer cast, all except one of whom will be Indigenous, with auditions set to be held in Broome, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne. Check out the trailer for Rachel Perkins-helmed, Rocky McKenzie, Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan, Deborah Mailman and Ernie Dingo-starring 2009 movie version below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtLbLBi5Jyk Bran Nue Dae will play in Sydney from January 2020, then tour to Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, with dates yet to be revealed. For more information and to join the ticket waitlist, visit the production's website. Image: Bran Nue Dae, the film adaptation.
There are some places in which you don't want to be locked in — like in an elevator with your ex, for example. But locked inside a pub, with a bevy of bartenders whipping up speciality cocktails that will be doing the rounds? Well, lock us up and throw away the key, baby. Luckily, we've got tickets to the lock-in event of the year. To celebrate the launch of their new cinnamon and chilli Fiery Irish Whiskey Liqueur, the crew at Dubliner are hosting a one-night-only lock-in at the freshly renovated Bitter Phew pub in Darlinghurst on September 16 — and you can be in to win. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a lock-in, it's a historic bar movement in Ireland — and if you were invited to join, you'd done something right with the locals. After everyone else went home, it was a chance for some lucky punters to stay on with the bartenders to enjoy more drinks and camaraderie when the pub became 'private property' for the evening. Now Dubliner is bringing this concept to life at the Bitter Phew's brand new secret bar area, in a special treat for some lucky Concrete Playground readers. There are 25 double passes to the lock-in up for grabs, so you can bring a mate (or a spice-loving date). Don't worry, we're using the term 'lock-in' fairly loosely here. Those lucky enough to attend will just enjoy a bloody good night out and be the first to party in the exclusive new event space. It's a pretty ace way to christen the new area — enjoying tasty eats, live music from a leading Sydney DJ, and of course, deliciously spicy cocktails using the new Fiery Irish Whiskey Liqueur. If you want to recreate those cocktails at home, you can nab Dubliner's Fiery Irish Whiskey Liqueur from Dan Murphy's and BWS from $49.99. But we recommend coming along and seeing how the experts mix 'em first. If you're keen to throw your hat in the ring for tickets, firstly, make sure you're over 18 — for obvious reasons. (Yes, IDs will be checked at the door.) Then make sure you can get along to the Bitter Phew at 1/137 Oxford St in Darlinghurst on the night in question — the lock-in will be taking place from 7pm—9pm on Friday, September 16, making it the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Want to nab tickets to the hottest party in town? Just answer the question below. [competition]866418[/competition]
For one special night, join the boozy ranks of sailors and bootleggers at this chaotic gin-fuelled stage show Hot Gin Punch. Hosted by Maeve Marsden and Libby Wood – the standout leads in the critically acclaimed production, Mother's Ruin: A Cabaret about Gin – Redfern's Giant Dwarf theatre will come to life with a stellar evening of musical theatre, cabaret and comedy, plus a few potent cocktails. Held Saturday August 11, at the heart of this event is a shared passion for everybody's favourite juniper-based liquor. On arrival to this "vaudevillian wonderland", audience members will be greeted with a complimentary G&T, while throughout the evening the bar will be serving up Four Pillars gin and tonics and barrel-aged negronis. There'll also be a menu of gin-spiked snacks, designed by Bloodwood chef Claire Van Vurren. Headlined by celebrated stage performer Queenie van de Zandt, she'll be joined on stage by fellow entertainers Brendan de la Hay, Toby Francis and Sepora. The show kicks off at 7.30pm, but get down early for a winter warmer from 6.30pm in the theatre's courtyard. Hot Gin Punch takes place at Giant Dwarf, 199 Cleveland St, Redfern, from 7.30–9.30pm.
You may remember Ben Lee as the 13-year-old singer in the band Noise Addict, or for his ARIA Award-winning record Awake Is the New Sleep that changed the face of contemporary Australian music. Lee has gone in a new direction with his new album, which will be showcased on Thursday, April 11, at Paddington Uniting Church. The Sydney-born and LA-based singer-songwriter has travelled back to Sydney to celebrate the release of Ayahuasca: Welcome to the Work, which will hit stores April 23. This will be Lee's ninth solo album, and maybe the most controversial, as the album focuses on his experiences with the South American psychoactive brew, Ayahuasca. All of the album's profits will be donated to charity, half to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and the other half to the Amazon conservation team.
A tiger, or even a volleyball called Wilson, wouldn't go astray in Adrift. Instead, this seafaring survivalist drama attempts to keep afloat on the strength of Shailene Woodley's performance. The talented star can do many things, from bringing a semblance of life to the bland Divergent franchise, to comfortably holding her own against some of today's best actors in TV's Big Little Lies. But she's given a tricky task in this unremarkable drama, with Adrift wading through waters tackled by better, similar films, even though it's actually based on a noteworthy true story. Woodley plays the real-life Tami Oldham, a restless twentysomething who finds herself in Tahiti in 1983. Eager to explore the world — and to avoid going home to San Diego — Tami is looking for her next globe-trotting adventure, but finds love instead with fellow sailor Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin). Their courtship is as quick and breezy as the wind their shared passion for boating relies upon, making the decision to take a friend's yacht nearly 6000 kilometres to America a relatively easy one. Once the couple are on their way, however, a thunderous hurricane has other ideas for their planned romantic journey. With Oldham's ordeal having taken place more than three decades ago, director Baltasar Kormákur (Everest) and his team of three writers clearly hope that the details have slipped from the public's collective memory. Or, at the very least, that no one in the watching audience knows what happened or has ever read Oldham's memoir. They're the only reasons that can possibly explain Adrift's two storytelling missteps: sticking to a unimaginative formula and leaning too hard on its love story.When the movie isn't charting a course straight through the same territory previously traversed in All is Lost, The Mercy and Life of Pi (in the last decade alone), it's jumping backwards and forwards in its timeline to ramp up the amorous aspect of the narrative. To the film's detriment, neither following the usual template nor mixing a potential tragedy with romance proves anything other than routine. Still, just as it takes grit to try to stay alive when nature trashes your boat in the middle of the ocean, it also takes fortitude and determination to play someone trapped in such stressful circumstances. Woodley is at her near-best as Oldham, never giving the plucky protagonist superhero-like strength or abilities, and never losing sight of both the physical and emotional toll that arises when you think your life is about to end. It's the same kind of empathetic portrayal that has served Woodley well across her career, and it's well-suited to this rare female-centric dive into the survivalist pool. Her co-star Claflin is given little to do other than take on the token love interest part. Pushing a determined woman to the fore and rendering the male character as a supporting player, it's a role-reversal that doesn't escape attention, although Adrift doesn't capitalise upon it as much as it could've. As Everest illustrated, Kormákur is fond of tense true tales about courage in the face of seemingly fatal adversity. As his 2012 Icelandic movie The Deep also demonstrated, the filmmaker is similarly drawn to life-or-death exploits in the water. Adrift owes a little to both but falls somewhere in the middle; it's as driven by incident and spectacle as the former, yet also proves as intimate as the latter. As a result, when Woodley isn't stealing the show, her unforgiving surroundings — and Robert Richardson's (Breathe) glossy cinematography — jostle for attention. Indeed, a stripped-back version of the story that simply focused on its star tussling with the sea would've made for compelling viewing. But by giving it the standard disaster flick approach and trying to tug at the heartstrings as well, Adrift sadly starts to sink. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LunQJEnmNdU
Pubs, restaurants and cafes around the country have been forced to close, meaning the loss of many hospitality jobs — and it's all happened very, very quickly. According to website I Lost My Hospo Shift, at last count, 2585 Aussie hospo workers had lost their jobs and 13,195 shifts had been cut, which equates to over $2 million in lost wages this week alone. To help those impacted by the sudden changes — and those without access to Job Keeper, such as those on temporary worker visas — a bunch of top Aussie chefs, including Matt Moran (Aria, Chiswick, Barangaroo House), Luke Mangan (Luke's Kitchen, Glass Brasserie) and Neil Perry (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Rosetta, Spice Temple), are getting behind a new financial relief initiative: Help Out Hospo. Started by Sydney group Momento Hospitality, the 'by hospo, for hospo' program works on a donation basis, providing you with access to a bunch of how-to videos featuring culinary legends, so, you can take your cooking and cocktail game to the next level while you're stuck at home. In turn, your donation will go directly towards supporting bartenders, chefs and waitstaff in need. It's a win-win. Donations start from $10 per video course — a pretty small price to pay when you're learning how to master a roast porchetta, barbecue pulled pork, stir a mean negroni or dry martini, and whip up a big, comforting bowl of pasta that even nonna would approve. Taught by some A-class chef and bartenders, no less. So far, the initiative has raised over $35,000. While it was started by Momento, any venue can sign up, post a video and receive financial support, too. So if you're in the industry and would like to get involved, you can make an enquiry via support@helpouthospo.com.au. To check out the courses on Help Out Hospo and donate, head helpouthospo.com.au.
Ever wanted to start an art collection but remembered you’re too poor? Yeah, us too. Thankfully, Art Pharmacy has the remedy for our woes. In their one-off exhibition, Stimulate/Sedate, over 100 pieces from 20 artists will be available for purchase starting at just $70, no prescription necessary. As suggested by its name, the exhibition is an artistic exploration of "moments of complete invigoration and tranquillity that unravel into mystery and transform the mundane”. Mediums range from watercolour to oil, so there is something for nearly every taste. For those looking to satisfy their actual palate, the Veggie Patch Van will be there with their signature vegetarian specialties. Beverages from Rutherglen Wines, Nudie Juices, Elk Cider and Mountain Goat will also be available. To spice things up even more, live performances will be put on during the event. These include an art show by four of the Art Pharmacy’s talented artists, as well as musical acts Tristan Grassik, Burn Antares and Letters to Lions. Stimulate/Sedate is the final exhibition of the year for aMBUSH Gallery, and an exhilarating show to bring 2013 to a close for both it and Art Pharmacy.
Over a hot, tumultuous summer, a group of teenagers struggle with love, sex and betrayal. Like an artsy Australian version of an episode of Skins, writer-director Rhys Graham's debut feature Galore is an earnest and technically confident piece of filmmaking but noticeably lacking in stakes. Like so many other tales about teens behaving badly, the overblown drama on which the movie hinges never really seems that important. Lush cinematography and natural performance ultimately make little difference when you just don't care about the story. The film takes place around the outskirts of Canberra, a few weeks before the devastating 2003 bushfires. Puberty Blues star Ashleigh Cummings plays 17-year-old Billie, whose voiceover bookends the film. Her best friend is Laura (Lily Sullivan), an aspiring writer and the girlfriend of skater boy Danny (Toby Wallace). She's thinking about giving Danny her virginity, and goes to her life-long BFF for advice. What Laura doesn't know is that Billie is already sleeping with him. In short, it's exactly the kind of angst-ridden rubbish that makes you glad you're no longer in high school. Petulant and manipulative, Billie treats life like a sordid little soap opera in which she's the tragic star. The reality of the situation is far less kind, not to mention a whole lot less interesting. The movie's dramatic inflation of Billie's selfish behaviour may strike a chord with teenage audiences, although they'll probably be bored by the film's deliberate pacing. Adults, on other hand, will just want to throttle her. The poor plotting is unfortunate, because in other areas the film is quite strong. Despite Cummings being saddled with a deeply unsympathetic character, both her and Sullivan give intensely authentic performances. The same is true of newcomer Aliki Matangi as Isaac, a troubled but good-natured youth who gets caught up in Billie's drama. The weak link is Wallace as the mopey, uncharismatic Danny, whose blandness makes the love triangle that much more difficult to comprehend. Graham also deserves credit for his graceful visual direction. While handheld camerawork and sun-dappled cinematography aren't exactly new tricks for an Australian made indie, there's no discounting the beauty of the film's setting, nor the elegance with which Graham, a Canberra local, brings the sleepy location to life. But the skill all comes to naught in the service of such an uninvolving narrative. Both Graham and his cast likely have bright futures ahead of them, sure to be filled with far more accomplished projects. Go and see them, but give Galore a miss. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iRWbh_TOLdw
When Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) leaves a rambling voicemail message for her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne) detailing her every move since relocating to Los Angeles, adult-aged children everywhere will nod in recognition. We've all been there: the missed calls, the text messages, the snooping. And yet while writer-director Lorene Scafaria initially appears set to provide a comic look at coping with an overbearing mother, The Meddler soon proves a different film entirely. Instead, it's an honest, heartfelt exploration of a relatable family dynamic, and of the role of mums everywhere. Marnie's new LA existence isn't just a case of not being able to stay out of her offspring's business. A year after the death of her husband, she's forcing herself to stay positive and find a sense of purpose, even if she's actually avoiding her grief in the process. But with Lori depressed over her breakup with film star Jacob (Jason Ritter), and trying to get her latest TV pilot made, mother-daughter bonding time isn't a priority. So instead, Marnie channels her well-intentioned interfering into paying for a wedding for one of Lori's friends (Cecily Strong), driving her local Apple Store employee (Jerrod Carmichael) to his night classes, volunteering at a hospital and meeting retired cop Zipper (J.K. Simmons) after wandering onto a film set. In the absence of any cynical laughs, two elements ensure The Meddler avoids any resemblance to the saccharine soul-searching quest it might sound like on paper: its ripped-from-reality feel, and its remarkable lead performance. The former comes courtesy of Scafaria's own experience, with the Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist writer having undergone a similar process with her own mother when she started working in Hollywood. It's the latter, however, that helps the film overcome a few sitcom-like developments, and truly makes proceedings seem sincere. Sarandon doesn't just play her part with a broad Brooklyn accent and a smile plastered across her face. She also shows grace and care in a role that could've easily been a caricature, yet never becomes one. There's an openness and earnestness to her portrayal that works just as well when Marnie is unable to resist overstepping her bounds with Lori (checking her browser history, for example), as it does when she's forming a connection with the chicken-raising, Dolly Parton-playing Zipper. Both Byrne and Simmons prove up to the task set by their co-star, bringing the requisite depth to their supporting but pivotal roles. Of course, where the story heads is far from surprising, with The Meddler designed to be both reflective and upbeat. With a tender touch and a sunny disposition, Scafaria isn't just working through her complicated relationship with her mother. She's also allowing viewers to do exactly the same thing.
Swap your tired Monday gym routine for something a little left-of-field at The Fitness Playground — their Circus Fit class is so much fun you won't even know you're working out. Most of the action takes place on a low-hanging trapeze (nothing too Cirque du Soleil), focusing on toughening up your core to make you stronger and leaner. The Fitness Playground have somewhat crazy classes happening at all three of their locations (Surry Hills, Newtown and Marrickville), but Surry Hills is the only place you'll find Circus Fit. Your coach will be Laura Basta — she's performed as an acrobat and circus entertainer all over the world.
Having been a teenage basketball player, collector of basketball cards and aficionado of the brilliant and ridiculous NBA Jam video game, Full Court Press, a new basketball-themed exhibition curated by Alaska Projects director Sebastian Goldspink, hits a nostalgic sweet spot. The Sydney-based artist and gallerist has talked of the 80s and 90s NBA boom as providing some of his fondest memories, including the ritual of watching games with his father. Yet this collection goes way beyond rehashing past glories, though it certainly does that through an enviable stash of vintage sneakers and trading cards, but instead fashions a kind of alternative mini-history of the sport's growth spurt and re-imagines the game's familiar visuals as art objects. The main exhibition room has been transformed by Biljana Janic into a basketball court, complete with a regulation hoop. On one wall hangs Phil James' series of oil paintings which place basketballers in flight against a glossy black background, highlighting some of their most balletic moves from the NBA slam dunk contest. The image of an airborne Michael Jordan, legs pinned back and majestic in flight is iconic, but the series also includes his great slam dunk contest rival Dominique Wilkins as well as the largely forgotten Boston Celtics forward Dee Brown, a player who excelled in the artistic arena of dunk competitions (this work depicts his distinctive 'no-look' dunk) but was less effective in the grind of day to day NBA competition. The slam dunk competition is an interesting focus: completely divorced from modern basketball, a multi-billion dollar business where every athlete's action is measured, scrutinised and crunched through computer analysis, the annual dunk context takes place during the game's All Star weekend, the NBA's equivalent of an end of term party. It stands as a rare, possibly unique example of the sport played for purely aesthetic reasons: the prettiest, most eye-catching dunk wins. This competition, and Michael Jordan's domination of it, is also one of the themes Goldspink discusses in a video interview with Tristan Chant. The competition highlights the kind of spectacular action and outrageous showmanship which elevated basketball from something of a second tier game (the first finals series Magic Johnson played in wasn't even televised live) to the crossover commercial behemoth it became during the 80s. Goldspink has long had an interest in the power of commercials and in this interview he talks insightfully about how Nike latched onto Jordan's artistic style, adopting a silhouette of him in mid-flight, as a key branding strategy to sell the game to non-believers. Other contributors include Danny Morse, whose acrylic work En Court reproduces the court markings with a striking colour scheme, suggesting the line markings aren't just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Mark Whalen contributes a basketball-like sphere transformed into a magic orb, while Nicole Breedon's beaded basketball net freezes that perfect split second as the ball swishes into the net. Hamishi contributes a portrait capturing Magic Johnson's infectious grin, another key image from the game's push into mainstream acceptance. The intersection between sport and art is far from an obvious one, but this is an inspired and cohesive collection. The common theme here is that within the 100 games a year grind of the NBA, the sport contains the possibility for eye-catching spectacle and almost otherworldly moments of magic. Interestingly, the NBA would later adopt the marketing slogan 'Where Amazing Happens', suggesting the game's marketing gurus recognised, as this exhibition does, that the game's moments of artistry and flair remain its strongest selling point. Artereal is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 11-5. Image: Danny Morse, En Court.
It seems like the legends at burger joint Mary's don't just want us to be spoilt for choice, they want us to be absolutely swimming in it. This week, the Sydney group went ahead and launched a surprise attack, opening the doors to a brand-new Pitt Street venue, in a move that pretty much no one saw coming. The 60-seat table-service restaurant has made its home at the Surry Hills edge of the city and embraces a classic Mary's offering. Alongside tried-and-true favourites — like the signature Mary's burger, the 'shroom burger and that fried chicken number — this one's dishing up the same gangbusters vegan menu that first launched at Mary's Circular Quay earlier this year. Think, outrageously crispy fried cauliflower, plant-based mash and gravy, and burgers oozing with vegan cheese. To match, there's a high-energy soundtrack of blues and rock, a largely Aussie and New Zealand wine lineup courtesy of Mary's award-winning Group Sommelier Caitlyn Rees, and an all-new, rum-heavy cocktail list with a little something for all tastes. And if you're a planner, this newest Mary's outpost will really float your boat – unlike its siblings, the Pitt Street eatery actually takes bookings, for tables of 8 to party groups of 60. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2dkhQIFR8N/ In terms of decor, expect exposed bricks, comfy banquettes, a skeleton or two and chandeliers for swinging a la Sia (and Smyth, above). According to Smyth, the venue is a slightly more mature than its Newtown and Castlereagh Street counterparts. "Pitt Street looks, feels and tastes like Mary's, but one that may have taken some advice from two old fuckers that used to be young fuckers," Smyth said in a statement. This latest outpost marks Mary's third CBD venture and wraps up what must have been a pretty darn busy nine months for the crew. Owners Kenny Graham and Jake Smyth (also The Lansdowne, The Unicorn, Mary's Pizzeria) opened that new Circular Quay restaurant in April and took over the basement space below for new venue Mary's Underground a short while later. They even enjoyed a spin down to Melbourne somewhere along the way, for a two-month kitchen residency at cocktail bar Fancy Free. But hey, who's arguing? The more Mary's, the better – right? Head into Mary's Pitt Street between 5–6pm for the rest of opening week (September 18 to 20) and you can nab yourself a $5 burger to celebrate its arrival. Find Mary's latest venture at 410 Pitt Street, Sydney. It's open midday–midnight, daily. Top image: Mary's Newtown.
The Lipton Chai Latte Winter Festival will be returning to Bondi Beach this weekend, celebrating the winter season in true alpine style. This year's festival is set to be 'cooler' than ever before with a whole suite of exciting events appearing on and around the huge open air ice rink. A hot chocolate or glass of wine at the Alpine Ski Hut in front of a roaring fire provides the perfect way for skaters to warm up after their skating fun. The mulled European wine, Glühwein, is making an exclusive appearance on Australian shores, being sure to warm you from the inside out. Also on offer is a whole array of specialty European Alpine Cuisine as well as a large variety of live bands and DJ's for your entertainment. Two particular highlight events at the Bondi Winter Festival are the Sk80's Disco Night on this Saturday and the Skate of Origin on Wednesday 4th July. If skating to the catchy beats of the 80s whilst wearing fluorescent leg warmers or cheering the NSW Rugby team to victory whilst witnessing your own live Ice Hockey state of origin game tickles your fancy then book now before tickets run out! Tickets include a 45 minute ice rink session and a warm Lipton Chai Latte at the end of each session. Tickets are limited so get in quick to receive your dose of Winter magic. Click here to win tickets.
Each year, we all anticipate the arrival of December 25. Because of the day off, that includes the promise of an afternoon spent dozing in a hammock — and for dessert fiends, it also includes Gelato Messina's annual Christmas cake. We hope you like a certain quintessential Australian dish, because that's what is on the gelato chain's menu again. Yes, Messina is bringing back its version of the trifle. The Christmas Coma will return for its sixth year running — and, although it seems like we say this every festive season, this time it's especially decadent. In fact, it's a sticky date and toffee pudding turned into a trifle, combining multiple beloved desserts into one seasonal — and epic — treat. 2022's Christmas Coma will once again feature layer upon layer of everything that is good about Christmas — but instead of being soggy and slightly regrettable, this one will have you licking the glass bowl. So what's in it? Well, Messina is going with layers of caramel cremeux, that all-important sticky date and toffee pudding, crème fraîche chantilly and chocolate-coated biscuit crumble. On top? 'Tis the season to eat a handmade white chocolate and coffee chocolate wreath. Plus, it'll come with some Messina brandy custard to douse all over the mess. And, it all serves 20–30 (or less if you really commit). All of the above comes in a Christmas Coma mega pack, which costs $250 and can be pre-ordered from Tuesday, November 1 — with times varying depending on your state, as the gelato chain has been doing with its specials lately. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am AEDT, Victorians at 9.15am, and New South Wales customers are split across three times depending on the store (with Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick, Circular Quay and Miranda on sale at 9.30am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 9.45am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Norwest, Rosebery and Penrith at 10am). You'll then be able to pick up your Christmas Coma between Wednesday, December 21–Saturday, December 24, all within regular store opening hours — and from all Gelato Messina stores across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It comes in a Messina cooler bag and, if you keep it in there all sealed up, can survive for up to one hour. In each of the last few years, the trifle sold out ridiculously fast, so we suggest you don't wait on this one. The 2022 Christmas Coma will be available to order from Tuesday, November 1 for $250. Head to on the Messina website for further details.
If you reckon VB is the worst thing you could drink on Australia Day, this craft beery do just might. From 10am, the crew from the Keg & Brew will be celebrating the best beers and beats of 2015. Dubbed the 'Hoppiest 100 Beach Party', the event will see the heritage pub counting down and serving the year's hottest 100 craft beers as voted by their loyal patrons. It's not at the beach per se, but go with it. With a live stream of Triple J's top tracks of the year, you'll have plenty of entertainment on the road to No.1. There’ll be $5 Yulli’s Norman Aussie Ale tinnies, $6.50 Riverside 69 Summer Ale, $6.50 Hills Apple Cider, $6.50 Coopers Pale Ale and — most importantly — $5 Reschs. There'll be a 'Aussie BBQ menu' and you're encouraged to wear your best Aussie attire. Topping off one person's Australia Day? A limited edition deluxe wooden ice chest of Coopers Pale Ale will go to one happy little Vegemite.
It's the moment that many a price-conscious Australian fashionista has been hoping for — the opening of our very own H&M. Yes, right here, Down Under, we'll soon be able to indulge in the highly trendy yet easy-on-the-budget range that shoppers across five continents have been enjoying for seasons. The store, to be launched during the first few months of 2014, will be occupying a space in Melbourne's illustrious 150-year-old GPO building. With 5,000 square metres of area and three floors, it will be a full concept flagship number, as well as one of the most expansive H&M shops to be found anywhere on the planet. What's that sound I hear? Your bank account heaving an enormous sigh? "We are very excited to announce that we will be opening the first H&M store in Melbourne, Australia during 2014," commented Hans Andersson, country manager for H&M Australia. "We look forward to bringing fashion and quality at the best price to Australian customers." Watch this space for more launch news.
Sydney Craft Beer Week runs from 20 to 28 October with a wide range of events for craft beer lovers, foodies, and the brave. Even if you're not yet a fully converted beer lover, there might be some events to change your mind, or if you are already crazy about your hops, it's a great chance to learn a little more and try out some new brews. The week-long beer extravaganza has been organised by the guys behind Beermen.TV and will bring together famed brewers including The Lord Nelson Brewery, 4 Pines Brewery and Murray's Brewing Co. Here's Concrete Playground's top ten picks to get you amped to pop a few coldies. 1. 4 Pines Keller Door vs. Beer Mimics Food Adriano Zumbo, Three Blue Ducks, Rob De Paulo (4 Pines Head Chef) and Myffy Rigby (Chief Food and Drink Critic for Time Out Sydney) have all decided to throw their pans (or laptop away) for the night and give beer brewing a go. They'll be creating some one-off brews that mimic food, that will then be launched as the “Keller Door” set of four. This will be a beer party like no other. 7pm, 23 October; 4 Pines Brewing Company, 49/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 2. Beerme.TV presents Hair of the Dog Breakfast We all know that the most important meal of the day is Breakfast. So why should it not be served with beer? This is a six course meal, served alongside a selection of 10 specialty and rare beers. The Beermen.TV boys will be serving up the courses, including some interesting ones like fried crickets, blood sausage and confectioner. 10am-12.30pm, 20 October; The Union Hotel, 576 King Street, Newtown; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 3. Beer Lovers Guide to Extreme Beer Extreme. Beer. Extreme beer. These words don't usually sit side by side, but at the beer lovers guide to extreme beer they will. You'll be served a tasting paddle on arrival at The Local Taphouse and then you'll be talked through the 5 extreme beers. You'll also get to walk home with The Beer Lovers Guide. 7-10pm, 23 October; The Local Taphouse, 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 4. Food Flight at Danks Street Depot You like food and beer, that's why you're here. You'll be served a specially designed menu by renowned chef Jared Ingersolls, created to match beers from those crafty brewers Riverside Brewing and HopDog Beerworks. Menu items include Slow cooked carrot in fermented grapes, pork scratching, malt and nut crumble, matched with Riverside 44 Amber Ale. 6.30-9pm, 24 October; Danks Street Depot, 1/1-2 Danks Street, Waterloo; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 5. Women's Beer High Tea at The Pumphouse Diaries at the ready, ladies. All is about to change after you've matched beer with your high tea. In an attempt to remove the association beer has with men chatting around a bbq, the Pumphouse is holding a Women's Beer High Tea. There will be five beers, picked by two of Australia’s leading female brewers, matched with traditional canape style high tea. 3-5.30pm, 28 October; The Pumphouse, 17 Little Pier St, Darling Harbour; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 6. Chocolate and Beer Flights at the Pumphouse This night is all about pairing chocolate with beer; yet another event designed to challenge your beer preconceptions. There will be four courses that combine the sweet and savoury of the high quality Belgian chocolate variety with five rich dark beers. 6.30-9.30pm, 24 October, The Pumphouse, 17 Little Pier St, Darling Harbour; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 7. Food Truck Ambush One of the many free events as part of SCBW, two food trucks, Eat Art and The Veggie Patch will be heading to aMBUSH Gallery. Matching craft beers will be compliments of Stone & Wood Brewing Co. You'll also get a side of live art and tunes with this one. Do it. 5-8pm, 26 October; aMBUSH Gallery, 4 James Street, Waterloo; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 8. Young Henrys House Party Young Henrys Brewing wants us all to know about their Sydney Rock and Roll collaboration brews, Fresh Six and Black En More. Their brews, inspired by the tunes of Front End Loader and Peter Fenton from Crow, will make an appearance at The Union Hotel, alongside the bands. And if you're lucky enough the brewers might even join in too. 7.30pm-12am, 25 October; The Union Hotel, 576 King Street, Newtown; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 9. Doctors Orders Tap Takeover & Beer Launch Don't mess with the Doctors Orders. As part of the tap take over series, Doctors Orders Brewing will be taking the reigns at the East Village Hotel for the night. They'll be bringing their special type of medicine with five of "Docs" limited release special brews, as well as a brand spanking newly delivered one. The flavours will be big, they'll be bold and you don't want to miss this opportunity to get access to some usually sold out brews. All day-12am, 23 October; East Village Hotel, 234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst; sydneycraftbeerweek.com 10. Beer, Cheese & Chocolate Just as its title suggests this events experiments with beer, cheese and chocolate. Paired with Josephan's Fine Chocolates, punters can expect to indulge a custom-made chocolate cup from which they'll drink a barrel aged Rum Porter. Ah, yes please. 7-10pm, 22 October; Harts Pub, Corner of Essex & Gloucester St, The Rocks; sydneycraftbeerweek.com
Sydney doesn't lack spectacle. Whether it's the brash fireworks of summer, growling football stadia or just the blue novelty of the harbour itself, spectacle is ground into the city's fabric. Guest curated by Superkaleidoscope, Firstdraft's new show, Spectacle / Obstacle critiques the fabulous displays, cosmic excess and ordinary indulgences meant to distract you from the every-day with the over-awing. Artists on show include the geometrically minded Justin Balmain, who in his previous work for Superkaleidoscope, A Room for Emma Goldman, [warning: rude words] warned us not to confuse the image with the idea, unwrapping the less violent political tides of Anarchist Emma Goldman from the pipe-bomb-throwing men who got all the press. Internationally exhibited Perth artist Rebecca Bauman makes art that implies rich worlds behind thin curtains of streamers and tinsel, while Michaela Gleave is just back from a residency setting fire to wheelbarrows in Iceland. She'll be exhibited alongside a woman more usually associated with mechanical pyrotechnics, Sydney Dorkbot Overlord Pia Van Gelder, along with Spanish artist Greta Alfaro, who recently got some notice for her video installation of vultures at supper. Firstdraft is open Wednesday - Sunday. Still from In Ictu Oculi by Greta Alfaro
Pollution in big cities is a big problem, but thankfully there are people out there taking steps to make cities sustainable. Aluminium producer Alcoa has developed a building material which feeds on smog to clean itself and the surrounding air. Reynobond with Ecoclean is an aluminium panel coated with titanium dioxide which decomposes fumes and pollutants using sunlight as a catalyst. Only the smallest amount of rain is then required to wash away the now harmless particles. Pilot testing of the panels is taking place in Europe and North America. We all know trees have air-cleansing properties, but Alcoa claims that just under 1000 square metres of the panelling would be the equivalent to the power of 80 trees. And while the parts can be pricey, they will mean a reduction in maintenance costs for buildings. [Via Fast Company]
Rosebery's foodie precinct, The Cannery, is about to add some Parisian flare to its ever-expanding repertoire. Frenchies Bistro and Brewery will launch this August by head brewer Vincent De Soyres and head chef Thomas Cauquil. The craft-obsessed, French-born duo will join a roster of heavyweight neighbours, including Saporium wholefoods market, Archie Rose Distillery, Black Star Pastry and Kingsmore artisan butcher. Inspiration for the space came from (of all things) the team's time spent trekking Eastern Siberia. "We spent two months hungry, talking about food and beer", says De Soyres. The 'French-industrial' fitout promises warm bistro lighting that will compliment the dark beams of the Rosebery warehouse, along with lots of personal touches — including the venue's hand-crafted wooden tables, made by De Soyres' dad at his farm in France. The brewery, kitchen and bar sit on the ground floor, while the upstairs mezzanine houses the bistro where Cauquil will show off his world-class repertoire — he's cooked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the globe, including Paris restaurants Le Miroir and Le Violon d'Ingres, Madrid's El Chaflan and Sydney's Moxhe. "It's food that is affordable, with a lot of work behind it," says De Soyres. The menu will adapt on a daily basis, depending on the seasonal and regional produce available. "We will not be serving asparagus in winter," says De Soyres. Despite being local as, the bistro menu features dishes not commonly found in Sydney, much less at a brewery — think veal tongue carpaccio, quail and pig trotters pie and bone marrow stew. But the menu doesn't only appeal to more adventurous types, either, with a North African-style confit lamb and traditional Toulouse sausage with rosemary jus also present on the menu. For takeaway, Frenchies will sell Cauquil's specialty terrines, pâtés and meat parfaits, recipes he learnt while training under world renowned charcutier Arnaud Nicholas. The brewery side also focuses on seasonality, with the beer produced on site and meant to pair with the menu. De Soyres flexes his international brewer's muscles with the Biere de Garde range, which he describes as "a bit like white wine, refreshing while complex and interesting." De Soyres takes a very organic approach to brewing, and finds it important to convey each beer's terroir, or sense of place — a term ordinarily only used to refer to wines. The Frenchies core range also includes their Comet Pale Ale, made with wild American Comet hops, along with a German Kölsch, French IPA and an Aussie Red Rye. Whether you're a Francophile, craft beer lover or both, keep an eye on this space. Frenchie's Bistro and Brewery is set to open this August at 61-71 Mentmore Avenue, Rosebery.
You'll find UTS Gallery, perhaps unsurprisingly, inside the University of Technology Sydney in Ultimo — on level four, to be specific. The space was established in 1995 to exhibit emerging and established artists across a diverse range of disciplines. The gallery's permanent art collection ranges from large-scale installations and sculptures to small sketches, with an aim to represent life on campus and broader social issues and trends. And, of course, it hosts temporary exhibitions, which are planned up to two years in advance, by its artists in residence and other emerging creatives. It also hosts free events, including curator talks, audio tours, film screenings and workshops.
When you're in lockdown, you're only meant to go to the shops to buy essentials — and while creative cocktails may be crucial to your stay-at-home experience, gathering all the ingredients to make them doesn't really fit with the intention behind the rule. Thankfully, delivery services have been filling in the gaps. Cocktail Porter is one of them, bringing DIY kits to your door featuring everything you need to whip up inventive beverages. And yes, it's mighty handy even if your part of the country doesn't happen to be locked down at this very moment. Already, the service has delivered three different types of Gelato Messina cocktail kits — including summery concoctions, Easter cocktails served in Easter eggs and dulce de leche espresso martinis. The next packs on its list also feature a beloved ingredient, although Messina isn't involved. But hey, everyone loves Wizz Fizz, right? Yes, we know the answer to that question. Every Australian kid loves Wizz Fizz, and every Aussie that's ever been a kid, because that's something your tastebuds can never outgrow. Cocktail Porter's new DIY Tommy's margarita kits feature the little bags of sherbet alongside Tromba Blanco tequila, agave syrup and Listo Tommy's margarita mix. It also comes with chilli salt, if you'd prefer to spice up your drink. You can pick between two different-sized packs, with a small kit costing $75 and serving up six drinks — and a large pack priced at $135 and making 18 dessert cocktails. Cocktail Porter delivers Australia-wide, if that's your spring drinking plans sorted. The DIY Tommy's margarita kits will be delivered from Wednesday, September 15, and you'll need to have signed up for one by Sunday, September 12. They're actually part of Cocktail Porter's monthly subscriptions, which see a different kit sent to your door each and every month. To order Cocktail Porter's DIY Tommy's margarita kits, head to the Cocktail Porter website.
Approaching its 100th year in Darlinghurst, The Strand is set to have a huge makeover, with the longstanding corner pub being transformed into a multi-venue hotel, bistro and rooftop bar. Part one of this transformation is already complete, with the French bistro occupying the pub's ground floor now open to the public. At The Strand Bistro, you'll find all the trimmings of a classic French diner. Inspired by 1920s Paris, the venue boasts a sleek wood and gold fit-out with a menu that rolls out expected favourites from the region's cuisine. There's caviar service, steak frites with bearnaise sauce, creamy garlic mussels, pissaladiere topped with caramelised onion and anchovies and a French leek tart made with watercress, pear, walnut and goats cheese. It's a far cry from standard pub fare. Similarly, the drinks menu has undergone a dramatic change. Take your pick from the bistro's expansive Australian and French wine list, or opt for a selection from the aperitifs and cocktails. A 49-strong whiskey list is also on hand, featuring highlights from Japan, Scotland and Ireland. Over the next couple of months, the bistro will be joined by a second new space inside The Strand. Head up to the William Street building's rooftop and you'll discover a casual al fresco bar. Expected to open during winter, the rooftop will facilitate snacks and cocktails with sunset views and DJ sets. The final piece to The Strand's shiny new puzzle is a 17-room boutique hotel sandwiched by the two hospitality spaces. The accommodation will feature an array of areas designed to make your stay comfortable and memorable, including a library and common spaces for work and cooking. Located a short walk from the heart of Sydney's CBD, it's sure to be a go-to for tourists and staycationers alike. The renovation and conversion of The Strand is the handy work of Public Hospitality, who have big plans for several other heritage buildings throughout the city. The hospitality group has taken ownership of The Camelia Grove in Alexandria, Erskinville's The Kurrajong and The Town Hall in Balmain, with the processes of giving them all a similar facelift already underway. The Strand is located at 99 William Street, Darlinghurst. The Strand Bistro is open 6am–midnight Sunday–Thursday and 6am–2am Friday–Saturday.
Food is usually the gift you give when you can't think of anything else. Come on, you know it's true. That said, anyone getting their dad Gelato Messina's latest special Father's Day creation can't be accused of that. Actually, anyone who buys it for their dad instead of just nabbing it for themselves deserves to be the family favourite. As it did last year — and for the past few years for Mother's Day, too — chocolates are on the brand's Father's Day menu in 2022. Chocolate biscuits, to be exact. Are mint slice biscuits a staple of your parents' pantry? Do they make you feel nostalgic for that exact reason? Well, now you can get your daad the Messina version. The gelato chain does love taking other beloved desserts and giving them its own spin; see also: honey joys, Bounty and Chokito bars, Iced VoVos, Viennetta and Golden Gaytimes, just to name a few. Messina's minty biscuits, as these bikkies are called, come in 12 packs, and feature chocolate sablé biscuits with a soft mint centre that are then covered in 65-percent single-origin Messina dark chocolate. They're being made at the brand's Rosebery headquarters, and you can only pick them up online, for $25 a box plus shipping, from 9am, Monday, August 22. Then, they'll be sent by Monday, August 29. If you really are ordering them for your dad and yours come early, try not to eat them, obviously. Gelato Messina's minty biscuits will be available to order from 9am, Monday, August 22.
The sophomore film from John Michael McDonagh, Calvary begins with a simple conversation that sets the scene for everything that's to come. As the camera holds on the face of the quiet Father James (Brendan Gleeson), we listen to a man give confession. A victim of childhood sexual assault, the unseen man outlines the horrors that were inflicted on him by one of James's fellow members of the clergy. Now an adult, the man wants justice, but his assailant has long since died. So he has decided to murder James instead, giving the priest until the following Sunday to get his affairs in order. There are certainly similarities between Calvary and McDonough's previous film, the potty-mouthed buddy-cop comedy The Guard. Both feature standout performances from Brendon Gleeson, both have a distinctively un-PC sense of humour, and both populate their rural Irish setting with a collection of colourful characters. Dylan Moran, Chris O'Dowd and Game of Thrones' Aidan Gillen play a few of the more memorable townsfolk, any one of whom could be the murderer in waiting. McDonagh's comic pen is incredibly sharp, mixing caustic wisecracks with bemused non sequiturs and moments of perfectly timed profanity. But much more so than in The Guard, the humour here is heavily shaded with melancholy. McDonagh downplays the mystery; there's a feeling that it doesn't really matter who is planning to kill Father James, who does little to avoid his preordained fate. He himself is innocent, but knows that others in his station were not. Perhaps he feels obligated to do penance on their behalf. Certainly, the Irish felt the shock of the Catholic sex abuse scandals more than most. As Father James visits his parishioners for what may be the very last time, he's witness to a community scarred by cynicism and mistrust. His sense of personal isolation is enhanced by the rocky coastal setting, as bleak and unforgiving as it is beautiful. Gleeson's performance is one of the best of his career, full of wit, weariness and dignity. Father James is a good man, and no fool. Yet he's increasingly out of place in a world that is rapidly losing its faith. McDonagh tackles big ideas, from the need (or lack thereof) for organised religion to questions of death, responsibility and forgiveness. Blessedly, whenever things threaten to become too heady, McDonagh grounds them with a moment of deadpan comic relief. It's an incredible tightrope act. Black comedies have a habit of descending into snark, but here the balance feels just right. Tonally, emotionally and spiritually complex, Calvary comes highly recommended. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JErdUGpSYqI
It's the news Sydney burger lovers have been waiting for, even if they didn't know it yet. After setting up shop in Burleigh Heads and recently branching out to Brisbane, Queensland's Ze Pickle is forging ahead with their expansion plans. Next stop: Surry Hills. Foveaux Street will be your new go-to burger locale — or it will be on a yet-to-be announced date in February next year. Sure, you can't quite start counting down the days until you can lock your chops around a Pablo Escoburger (that's ground wagyu beef, cheese, guacamole, queso, smoked jalapeños, corn chips and optional pulled pork), but you can make trying every one of their meat and bread combos your new year's resolution. Ze Pickle's mouthwatering menu also includes the crispy chicken and mac 'n' cheese waffle mayhem that is the 4.20AM, as well as the Triple Loco: an infamous tower of beef, cheese, bacon and pork in-between grilled cheese sandwiches. If your tastebuds aren't already trembling with excitement, a quick squiz at their Instagram feed will do the trick. Case in point: A photo posted by zepickle (@zepickle) on Jul 10, 2015 at 6:41pm PDT When it comes to Queensland's favourite greasy treats making inroads into New South Wales, Ze Pickle follows in the footsteps of Doughnut Time, which has just started opening stores around Sydney. However, that's not the only thing they have in common, with the two about to join forces to unleash the ultimate sweet and savoury mashup. The word you're looking for? It's yum. Ze Pickle's Sydney store will be opening at Shop 6, 17-51 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills sometime in February 2016. For more information, keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Leaping from the screen to the stage in 2018, Mean Girls not only found a second life in the theatre, but did so with singing and dancing. Unsurprisingly, the production was a hit. With the musical's book written by Tina Fey, its tunes composed by her husband Jeff Richmond and its lyrics by Tony-nominee Nell Benjamin, the machinations of high-school cliques struck just as much of a chord with audiences when set to songs — and given that the show's tracks have highly appropriate names such as 'Meet the Plastics', 'World Burn' and 'Here (You Can Sit with Us)', that's to be expected. Also easy to predict: the musical's next leap, with Cady Heron's tale heading back to the cinema. No need to stress if you haven't seen the all-singing, all-dancing Mean Girls on Broadway, because a film version will soon be brightening up a picture palace near you. When the movie adaptation screens on a Wednesday, you'll want to wear pink. And, like the Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams-starring original film, as well as the stage musical that followed, you'll be basking in Fey's talents. She wrote the initial feature's screenplay and, as detailed by The Hollywood Reporter, she's now producing this new movie musical. So is Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels, although no other creatives — or cast, or a release date — have been announced. The story will stay the same, obviously, charting Cady's rough adjustment to American high-school life after spending the bulk of her childhood living in Africa — and her time spent with the resident popular clique, known as 'the Plastics'. If you're wondering how it all works as a musical, check out a clip from the stage show below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGmgEoOF7Gs Via The Hollywood Reporter.
Kiss the last (lunar) year goodbye and head to The Rocks this February to welcome the Year of the Tiger. There's plenty to see and do at the harbour-side precinct this summer, but come February it will transform for a Lunar New Year celebration with a stacked program of events. Soak up good fortune and prosperity among glowing red lanterns, traditional lion dances, the aroma of street food, live music and more. Here is how to ring in the Year of the Tiger at The Rocks. EXPAND YOUR MIND AT ADAM LIAW IN CONVERSATION Commence the festivities with some cultural and culinary expertise from one of Australia's most beloved foodies. The Lunar New Year In Conversation series will feature cook, writer and television presenter Adam Liaw. Drawing from his life and career, Liaw will offer a unique insight into Asian influence on the Australian palate, as well as the origins of Lunar New Year. Head to The Rocks Square from 4pm on February 4 and 12 to catch the free talk. EXPLORE FOOD, BEERS AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROCKS LUNAR MARKETS Continue your culinary journey at The Rocks Lunar Markets, which will be running over the first two weekends of February. Wander beneath hundreds of red lanterns and take in live music by local performers as you explore the rows of stalls, serving up delicious street eats – think mouthwatering skewers, Malaysian street food and a host of international sweet and savoury delights from lokma to pizza — which you can enjoy while browsing local art and textiles. Then, head to the Tiger Beer Lunar Bar to cool off — it'll be open from 5–10pm on Fridays, and from 12pm on the weekends. Located on Playfair Street, the pop-up bar will be serving ice-cold beers, perfect to enjoy while taking in the buzzing atmosphere as you stroll around the markets. It'll all be set to a soundtrack of live entertainment, with the lineup featuring local talent including DJ Mowgli May and more. SOAK UP GOOD FORTUNE AT A LION DANCE, ZODIAC READING OR WITH LUNAR NEW YEAR CALLIGRAPHY If you're in need of some good luck, make sure you don't miss out on the traditional new year Lion Dance. On the first two Fridays (6pm), Saturdays (12pm, 3pm and 6pm) and Sundays (12pm and 3pm) of February, the Lion and Happy Buddha will be roaming the streets with a drumming team to spread new year fortune. For a more personalised experience, take a seat for a free Chinese zodiac horoscope reading and find our what the Year of the Tiger might have in store for you. Or choose your own destiny with the wonderfully preserved ancient and expressive art of Chinese calligraphy. Get a free lucky calligraphy bookmark which you can adorn with an auspicious saying of your choice. [caption id="attachment_838511" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] CATCH A LUNAR-INSPIRED MOVIE AT LANEWAY CINEMA: LUNAR EDITION On Wednesday and Friday nights you can snag a bean bag or deck chair and relax among the sandstone buildings in the picturesque Laneway Cinema. This Lunar New Year will have some special lunar-themed screenings, with the likes of Crazy Rich Asians, The Joy Luck Club, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Mao's Last Dancer all on the lineup. Entry to the cinema is free, but get in quick as it's first come, first served. There'll be an international array of eats on offer, too, like Impossible burgers by Butter, fresh pizza from Caminetto, Korean street food from Chikin Ajumma, or Tex-Mex from El Camino Cantina. CATCH A LARGER-THAN-LIFE YEAR OF THE TIGER INSTALLATION The Year of the Tiger symbolises strength, resilience and bravery — which couldn't be more appropriate this year. Get up close and personal with this giant Sumatran tiger cub for your essential Lunar New Year photo op. This magnificent feline forms the centrepiece of the impressive Year of the Tiger Installation, which will take pride of place at Circular Quay Promenade from February 1–14. TUCK INTO AUSPICIOUS LUNAR NEW YEAR MENUS AT BLU BAR AND SERGEANT LOK Ring in the new year with a touch of luxury and head to Blu Bar on 36 at the Shangri-La Hotel, where you can indulge in a decadent Cantonese dining experience paired with a Chinese-inspired cocktail. Enjoy sharing-style dishes like seared scallops and XO sauce or roast duck with egg noodles, all with a near-unbeatable view of Sydney Harbour from the 36th floor. Closer to sea level, book a special Lunar New Year banquet at Sergeant Lok, the beautiful establishment serving impressive modern Chinese cuisine. The banquet will feature the traditional dish lo hei, an auspicious dish for this time of year that's said to bring good luck. A legend says the higher you toss the ingredients, the better luck you will receive in the new year. This year, Sergeant Lok has added a touch of glamour to the traditional dish in the form of a special champagne sauce. There's plenty more to see and do to celebrate Lunar New Year at The Rocks this year. Find out more at the website.
Usually, Betty's Burgers serves up exactly what its name suggests. Sometimes, though, the chain adds something a little different to its menu. Both last year and this year, it has whipped up indulgent but affordable lobster rolls. For Easter 2020, it went with a prawn roll. Now, it's cooking up a limited-edition steak sanga. Combining a piece of wagyu steak, cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles and the chain's in-house sauce — as made from onion relish and sriracha mayonnaise — all on a long bun, Betty's new steak sandwich is available for dine-in (where open), takeaway and delivery from its restaurants spotted across Australia. If your stomach is already rumbling, you can tuck into one for $16 — or order a 'steak night' package and get two sangas, two serves of fries and a bottle of shiraz for $55. You'll need to get in quickly, though — while Betty's hasn't provided an end date for its latest addition to its menu, it's definitely a short-term affair that's only available until stocks last. And, if it's anything like the aforementioned lobster roll, expect it to sell-out — fast. When it isn't making steak sangas, Betty's is known for its Shake Shack-style burgs and frozen custard desserts (called concretes). While you can now grab one of the chain's burgers at over 20 locations across Australia, including six Sydney outlets, four Melbourne spots, four Brisbane outposts, one Toowoomba eatery and one location in Adelaide, the company first began in Noosa, and then expanded to the Gold Coast. With the chain's stores open for takeaway and most of them offering delivery via UberEats and Deliveroo, you can get your steak sandwich to pick-up or brought to your door. To check which options your local has, head to the Betty's Burgers' website or download the app for iOS or Google Play. Betty's Burgers' steak sandwich is available at all Australian stores for a limited time. To order, download the Betty's Burgers app for iOS or Google Play.
Anton Chekhov is renowned for his four classic plays and his stream-of-consciousness writing technique, which detached itself from traditional literary story structures. He believed that the role of an artist was to ask questions, not to answer them, and did not apologise for the difficulties posed for readers in his works. This progressive disregard for the obvious is also evident in Mary Bing's adaptation of his 1891 novella The Duel. Directed by Dover Kosahvili, the film paints Chekhov's words beautifully onto the big screen. The plot pivots around two lovers and is simple enough. With laconic charm, the film tells a tale of desire, adultery, betrayal, and ultimately, love. Laevsky (Andrew Scott), an aristocratic civil servant, lives with his mistress Nadya (Fiona Glascott), having seduced her from her husband. A letter arrives informing Laevsky of Nadya's husband's demise and unfurling into a series of life-changing decisions for him to rapidly make: whether to tell Nadya of the letter, make an honest woman of her by marrying her and starting a family, or keep drinking and playing cards, hoping adult responsibilities dissolve conveniently into the night like Nadya's multiple lovers, who keep popping up. Laevsky is driven mad by her and is wracked with guilt not just for his actions but his inability to commit to anything resembling the lives of those around him. The film unfolds slowly in fragments, whose nature might capture some viewers' curiosity but might jolt others with its uncomfortable and alienating rhythms. Moments full of angst and action pepper the story. One such sequence is the film's crescendo, the duel, providing an outcome that is open to interpretation and coming back to Chekhov's desire to ask questions and leave them unanswered. The cinematography (by Paul Sarossy) is stunning, with location shots in Croatia. Sarossy's efforts give the film the visual feel of an endless ream of postcards. The Duel is a gorgeous film with strong, committed performances from Scott, Glascott, Tobias Menzies, and Niall Buggy. Chekhov admirers should warm to it particularly; however, it should also procure wider audience appeal. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Op2Mewueijc
Their outdoor cinema season may be coming to an end, but there are still plenty of reasons to swing by The Greens in North Sydney. Case in point: the coolest lawn bowls club turned garden bar and eatery in town is celebrating its one year anniversary with summery morning yoga sessions and a revamped breakfast menu. What more motivation could you possibly need to haul yourself out of bed? Starting this weekend, Yoga at the Greens will give you the chance to start your day off on the right foot, with hour-long yoga sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 9am, 8am and 9am, respectively. The classes are $20 per person and are designed for beginner to intermediate yogis – and don't worry if you don't own a yoga mat, because The Greens will provide one for you. Once you've found your centre, you can reward yourself with a bit of brekky, courtesy of The Greens' new head chef Nathan Tillott (formerly of Pink Salt and GPO). Highlights of the new breakfast menu, available Fridays through Sundays, include apple sweetened five grain porridge with spiced poached pears, rhubarb, almonds and honey; wild mushroom and quinoa omellete with marinated feta, cress, white truffle oil and toasted sourdough; a breakfast salad of hot smoked trout, wild rice, pickled cucumber, crumbled egg, preserved lemon and dill; and choc crackle French toast with stewed plums, lemon curd and cream. That last one isn't exactly in keeping with the health theme – but then again, after yoga, we reckon you'll have earned it. The Greens is located at 50 Ridge Street, North Sydney. To book yourself in for a yoga session call 9245 3099 and for more information on upcoming events visit their website.
It's a longstanding qualm some people have with female comedians that they're always talking about their genitalia. Those people might not enjoy this show. Returning to Australia for the second time in 2014, US comedian, performance artist and one half of the Wau Wau Sisters Adrienne Truscott is quite literally baring all in a one-woman show about rape culture. Dressed only from the waist up, Truscott is taking aim at the likes of Daniel Tosh and his controversial comments of last year, and is dragging the art of the 'rape joke' to breaking point. After five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe, Adrienne Truscott's Asking for It is likely to be one the most-talked about shows of the festival (for better or worse). Adrienne Truscott's Asking for It is one of our top ten picks of the Sydney Festival. Check out our other favourite events over here.
Despite its nickname as "the city of angels", Los Angeles is hardly angelic. It's an idea that comes up time and time again throughout movies, television, music and literature — the seedy underbelly of a city that hails itself as the gateway to fame and riches, to dreams come true. So while David Cronenberg's Maps to the Stars isn't the first, and most definitely not the last, to mine this terrain for metaphoric scraps, it is quite surely one of the weakest. And though a film by Canada's master of body horror, one of the tamest. Agatha Weiss (Mia Wasikowska) arrives in Hollywood and quickly gets into the backseat of a car chauffeured by wannabe screenwriter Jerome (Robert Pattinson). She gets a job as an assistant to a narcissistic, over-the-hill actress named Havana Segrand (Julianne Moore) while tracking down the child star Benjie (Evan Bird) and his father, Stafford (John Cusack). Their inter-connected lives become melodramatic fodder for Cronenberg as he navigates the incestuous nature of the American film industry and peels back the sunny exterior of its destructive nepotism and skewed standards. Like I said, this is hardly new terrain for any filmmaker, but for Cronenberg it feels like a drastic step backwards, even from the doldrums of Cosmopolis. One of the ugliest films of the year, Maps to the Stars finds no visual storytelling methods at all, which is especially disappointing given the director's trademark audaciously sexualised grotesquery would have been a perfect fit for Bruce Wagner's screenplay. Wasikowska, perfectly fine in the role, is even dolled up to look like Holly Hunter in Cronenberg's Crash, only worsening the comparison between this and his earlier work. It's up to Moore to save the film, and indeed she does some of the best work of her career as the ridiculously named Havana, who is attempting to star in a remake of her own mother's defining role. She is able to fill the character to the brim with all of the Hollywood insecurities to inevitably come with being an actress of any age, let alone one pushing 50. Her lips perma-glossed, her hair bleached blonde, and constantly shopping just in case she needs to be seen; it's a deliciously hilarious role, and without Moore's keen instincts with the part, the film would be a disaster from start to end. Maps to the Stars still isn't a good movie, but Moore gives it a life it doesn't deserve.
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-dinner vibe. To assist, celebrated Roman winemaker Gianmarco Antonuzzi from Le Coste will be on hand to chat all things wine. He'll be picking the tipples as well. As well as drinking Italian wine, and eating Italian fare, you'll also be watching the award-winning Italian film La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty), which picked up both the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 2014. Tickets don't come cheap, at $150 per head — but it's the kind of decadent evening out you don't get to enjoy every day. Images: Daniel Boud.
Orange has more delicious produce and wines than almost any region in NSW. The area’s high altitude, cool climate and rich volcanic soils work like magic for local producers, making it the perfect growing environment. Usually you would have to drive for several hours to experience the goodness of Orange, but this month the goodness comes to you, as Taste Orange bringing the region’s best wine and food to Sydney. On August 21-22, Martin Place will offer tastings, cooking demonstrations, discussions and live music from the town’s culinary elite. Arrive between 11.30am and 2.30pm to sample the region’s plumpest fruits, olives and meats at the farmers market and watch Orange local and Master Chef winner, Kate Bracks, host a live cooking demonstration using local ingredients. There will be a Millamolong Polo lounge in the evenings where you can chill and enter a draw to win tickets for you and nine friends to visit the state’s premier polo tournament on a bus named ‘Driving Force’. Return at 5pm for an outdoor pop-up bar serving the region’s award winning wine at $7 a glass. The bar will feature 24 of the region’s best wines, including Citibank NSW Wine Award winners Logan, and Angullong, whose Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz were featured on the 40 best wines of the state. If you want to learn more about the region’s premium wine and food production, Bracks, the farmers and the winemakers will be happy to chat. You may not be surrounded by the colours of the state’s Central West but Taste Orange will provide a rare opportunity to taste and buy produce straight from the makers themselves. Read full event details here.
Before summer makes a run for it, we’re handing out five double passes to the Golden Age Cinema. Gratis. There are two main reasons why we’re itching to send you to the movies. The first is that the Golden Age’s February program is promising an even tastier cult feast than usual. The second is that, in cahoots with Appleton Estate, the cinema has cooked up some film-inspired cocktails tempting enough to drag James Bond away from his martini. On Saturday, February 21, a New York Heatwave will sweep in for the weekend. Catch Marilyn Monroe’s ukulele skills in one of the best American comedies ever, Some Like It Hot; check Alfred Hitchcock at his most brilliant in Rear Window; and hang out with ‘70s gangsters in The Warriors. Sink into those Paramount heritage chairs with a Rum Runner Highball: Appleton Estate VX rum, honey and ginger water, topped up with fizzy ginger beer. Then, from Tuesday, 24 February, it’ll be all about birds; the occasion, of course, being the release of Birdman. Find out how humans come out against wings in Hitchcock’s The Birds, see Brandon Lee at his most vengeful in The Crow, and on February 28, lose all touch with reality in a double-bill made up of Birdman and Tim Burton’s 1989 technicolour Batman. Get your drinking in on the theme with a Jungle Bird or a Jack Sparrow (that’s a Mai Tai, Appleton Estate-style). To be in the running for one of five double passes to the Golden Age Cinema, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Switch its modern-day Texas setting for the American frontier of several centuries ago, and its noble thieving heroes for gunslingers roaming the range, and there's no mistaking it: Hell or High Water is a western through and through. These days, every second film or thereabouts is deemed a contemporary take on the genre, from Mad Max: Fury Road to The Dressmaker. Director David Mackenzie doesn't take on the Old West lightly, however, and his sun-scorched drama proves to be the genuine article. Bullets fly, law and order collides, and the distinctively dusty US landscape looms large over morally murky exploits. It all harks back to times (and films) gone by, while also proving ever-so-relevant to today. Sons of Anarchy actor turned Sicario writer Taylor Sheridan cleverly steeps every recognisable western element in timely commentary on our have-versus-have not society. Brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner Howard (Ben Foster) fall into the latter category — but as the movie's title intimates, they're determined to make a change. Their primary opponent: the banking system. Specifically, a local financial establishment that happily gave their mother a reverse mortgage on the family farm, and now wants to swoop in and take it all away. So the siblings react Robin Hood-style, holding up the bank's various branches to raise the funds needed to retain control of the property. Of course, rangers Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham) are soon on the brothers' trail, one trying to hold on to the past by staving off retirement, the other grinning and bearing his colleague's old-school ways. In a film built dirt-up from the tiniest of details — a parade of sepia-tinted small towns here, a slow drawl masking unspoken pain there — paying close attention to the furrowed brows of Pine and Bridges is highly recommended. Like the film they inhabit, their characters are broken men moulded from familiar pieces. And yet the actors still manage to convey depths that trump the feeling that you've seen it all before. Watching them weather their respective battles — against systems trying to keep them in their places, against their internal demons, and against each other — is quietly revelatory. Though tasked with the least nuanced role of the three main players, Foster also ensures his ex-con character is more than simply a unhinged comic foil to his morally conflicted brother. To put it simply, it's stellar work from most involved. That applies to Mackenzie as well, who provides not only an evocative sense of the genre he's happily playing with, but balances Hell or High Water's solemn tone with his lightness of touch. The journeyman filmmaker continues to serve up new highlights such as his previous prison effort Starred Up, and now this. He's ably assisted by the fine work of cinematographer Giles Nuttgens, as well as by a soulful score from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.
You may have noticed that Sydney isn't a particularly edifying place to live right now. House prices are breaking the stratosphere's personal space boundaries and rent's basically a synonym for extortion. The unspoken objections of parents to their adult children returning home hang heavy in the air. Accusations of tightfistedness and poor work ethic are being thrown thick and fast across the generations. All the while, homeless rates and hulking property developments are on the rise. Into this arena (and Griffin Theatre) comes Brooke Robinson's Good Cook. Friendly. Clean. Directed by Marion Potts, the play is a black comedy about the casualties of a war fought using only smashed avocado and Twitter. When her housemates decide to replace her with one of their friends, Sandra (Tara Morice) is given two weeks to run the gruelling gauntlet of the share house interview process. Sandra's pretty normal — a good potential housemate. But she's also 58, with an illness that's starting to catch up with her. As the deadline approaches, Sandra commits to increasingly desperate measures to convince a series of couples (Fayssal Bazzi and Kelly Paterniti) that she's the right fit for their abode/pad/studio. In an interview about the work, Robinson points to the old maxim that we're all only three bad life decisions away from homelessness. With the last census showing homelessness in NSW has increased by more than thirty percent since 2011 (and more than 70 percent in Sydney), even that wiggle room seems to be disappearing. Good Cook. Friendly. Clean. may be billed as a black comedy, but as Sandra's options begin to dry up, so too do the laughs. With a runtime of 75 minutes, the fall is short and sharp. Griffin describes it as funny. Until it's not. Good Cook. Friendly. Clean. runs until Saturday, June 16. Tickets can be purchased here and start from just $38 (for under-35's).
Travel three and a half hours northwest from Sydney and you'll hit Mudgee, a small central New South Wales town that dates back more than 150 years. It's a place with history, including in gold rush-era Australia — and, since 2012, it's also home to Baker Williams Distillery. This spirits outfit may be a microdistillery, but it boasts a sizeable range. On offer: an award-winning gin and lemon myrtle liqueur, plus a whisky, rouge vert jus, coffee-flavoured liqueur and a very popular butterscotch schnapps. Making all of the above with local raw ingredients is Baker Williams' big focus, as is making the most of its resources, with its lemons and oranges going to cordial manufacturers, spent malt to pig farms and other organic waste composted. At present, due to COVID-19 restrictions, visits to Baker Williams' cellar door are by appointment only — but you can call to book seven days a week.
From the creators of La Soiree comes Club Swizzle, a place for the most depraved souls in show business to call home. Incorporating a melee of cabaret, acrobatics and infectious merrymaking, the show is set to the soundtrack of ARIA-, APRA- and AFI-winning band Mikey and The Nightcaps. World-famous postmodern diva Meow Meow (former Little Match Girl) leads the January lineup for the Sydney leg of Club Swizzle with a kamikaze cabaret which she's already performed with David Bowie, Pina Bausch and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Ali McGregor is the February diva, who seeks to transverse the world of opera and pop culture alike. Anything goes at Club Swizzle, with their no stage, no rules and no regrets policy. So leave your worries at the door and prepare for a night filled with a different type of entertainment.
If brutal honesty, passionate angst and extraordinarily affecting personal songwriting is your jam, rejoice the return of Martha Wainwright to Australia for a massive, 12-date national tour. Part of a large, fractured musical family, it was perhaps fitting that Martha made her first big splash with 'Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole', a song at once heartbreaking and defiant, laying bare her difficult relationship with her father in an extraordinarily public way. And her forthcoming album, Come Home to Mama, continues this deeply personal approach to music, inspired by the six-month period in which she gave birth to her first child and lost her mother — legendary Canadian folk singer Kate McGarrigle — to cancer. But it's not all doom and gloom. Over the years Wainwright has established herself as a compelling and engaging performer with an extraordinary voice, one that will have you in tears one moment and tapping your feet the next. It won't be an easy night, but it could be an amazing one. 31 May – The Tivoli, Brisbane 1-2 June – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay 6 June – Sydney Opera House 8-9 June – Live n Cookin' @ Lizotte's, Newcastle 13 June – Theatre Royal, Hobart 14-15 June – Recital Centre, Melbourne 16 June – Memorial Hall, Leongatha (VIC) 20 June – Dunston Playhouse, Adelaide 22 June – Astor Theatre, Perth Tickets for the Sydney Opera House show are on sale on Friday, April 12, at 9am. More ticketing information here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=pX-bIr8dr6U
Given the effort they put into creating, curating, collating and copying their wares, it seems kind of weird that the makers of zines would be the kind to abbreviate words. Like, "Okay, guys, we've edited and self-published a niche interest periodical, sure, but we don't have time to pronounce the syllables 'mag' and 'a'. That's where we draw the line!"? But then again, eccentricity and arbitrary decision-making are part of the beauty of zine culture, wherein anyone with access to words and/or images and a means of putting them together can be a publisher. There are political zines and poetry zines and zines about spoons and zines about people spooning. Often stumbled across in cute indie stores and venues or tracked down online, zines also enjoy a good gathering and the MCA and the Sydney Writers' Festival are, as has become their annual tradition, throwing them a party with this fair. Head along and do some collecting — you can buy or barter — or just have a look at what people are into and up to.
There's a vibe that buzzes through a venue just before a live gig starts. It's a feeling of excitement shared by a room, arena or field full of people who just can't wait to see a performer take to the stage, and to completely surrender their senses to a show for the next few hours. We all know it. If you're fond of seeing musicians, bands and comedians do their thing right in front of your eyes, you love it. But for nearly two years now, much of Australia has missed it — or missed experiencing it whenever we liked, as was the norm before the pandemic. The country's live entertainment industry has obviously been suffering due to COVID-19, and the lockdowns and restrictions that've been helping to stop the spread since March 2020. Yes, that's an understatement. So, more than 400 artists, performers and other organisations involved in putting on live shows — think: venues, music festivals, tour promoters, ticketing agencies, record labels and comedy producers, as well as theatre, opera and dance companies — have banded together to encourage a way forward. As the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra did back in July, this alliance has kicked off a campaign that's all about getting the jab. The message: #VaxTheNation, stop the interruptions to our daily lives. Accordingly, the just-dropped campaign commercial features shots of sights that feel a bit like a dream from another time, with performers on stages and packed crowds lapping up their sets. These images play to the sound of Powderfinger's 'My Happiness' — and yes, the Brisbane band is one of the big names backing the initiative. Also involved: Jimmy Barnes, Courtney Barnett, Paul Kelly, G-Flip, Tim Minchin, Celeste Barber, Vance Joy, Archie Roach, Amy Shark, Regurgitator, Courtney Act, Birds Of Tokyo, Tom Gleeson, Amyl & The Sniffers, Hilltop Hoods, Nazeem Hussain, Marcia Hines, Midnight Oil, Judith Lucy, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Nina Las Vegas, Briggs, Daryl Braithwaite and Human Nature. The list of performers and musos throwing their names behind the campaign goes on, while new industry group Live Alliance — which includes folks from a heap of other live entertainment bodies — are onboard as well. Check out the #VaxTheNation commercial below: In a statement, Live Alliance members said that "the impact of the pandemic on Australia's world-leading music, theatre, comedy and live entertainment industries has been truly devastating. Getting vaccinated is the crucial step fans can take which will allow us to join together and enjoy the unbeatable magic of live performance once again." Those sentiments have been backed up by words of encouragement from plenty of the high-profile names involved, too. "It's like boxing — a few well-placed jabs can keep your opponent at bay — so let's get the jab to fight COVID-19 so we can get back to what we love doing," noted Archie Roach. "I miss my family, I miss my mates, I miss travelling, I miss performing and sweating it out with other music loves at live music events. But every day when I see those vaccination rates getting higher and higher, it reminds me that I'll be doing all of that again soon and we are so, so close now to dancing together again!" said KLP. "This IS a race. A race we are all running, together," advised Tim Minchin. "As someone who hates COVID and is desperate for attention, I think we should all vax it up so we can get back to normal and have comedy and music and theatre again ASAP. Let's #VaxTheNation so we all have a reason to have a shower and leave the house," said Tom Ballard. If you're now looking for vaccination clinics, you can check out a handy online map that collates vaccination hub, clinic and GP locations. It covers all Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. For more information about #VaxTheNation, head to the campaign's website.
There's a naked bloke on the back of Sydney buses, but this one's not selling swimwear. You don't need to stop looking at the rippled pecs, but the point of this ad lies in the lines of motion dripping away. The Sydney Dance Company's new work Shared Frequencies is actually a combination of two pieces — LANDforms and Raw Models. LANDforms owns an aria sung by Katie Noonan, but the dance is a collaboration between choreographer and SDC director Rafael Bonachela and composer Ezio Bosso (who did the score for Italian film I'm Not Scared). Bonachela talked with Bosso in Venice during the 2010 Biennale, where the Sydney Dance Company was touring their We Unfold and Six Breaths. Unfold and Breaths seemed to cover the elements of water and air, so LANDforms in turn is pure land and soil. Which you might have noticed already from their earthy posters. In Raw Models Italian choreographer Jacopo Godani sets bodies flowing in perfect crescent movements, while experimental electro-acoustic duo 48 Nord put on a bespoke score. Shared Frequencies' Italian connection will also be explored further at a preshow chat with Godani, Bosso and Bonachela hosted by the Sydney Italian Cultural Institute on April 2.
A Wild Picnic promises to be a mysterious and thought-provoking dining experience if you have a spare $240. Join James Viles (Biota), David Moyle (Hobart's Franklin) and Aaron Turner (Geelong's Igni) for a sustainable lunch at a secret location in the Southern Highlands. All the ingredients will be foraged and sourced within the area and prepared using just Mother Nature. For bookings call (02) 4862 2005 or email info@biotadining.com. This event is one of our top ten picks of Good Food Month 2015. Check out the other nine.
The Concrete Playground team is out on the streets soaking up the Sydney Fringe. Here's what we've found so far — this diary will be updated as the festival progresses. Adventures in Hair 18 and 15 September, The Switchbox, Factory Theatre; 2 October, The Container, Factory Theatre Adventures in Hair is a wonderfully original and clever piece of writing with an incredibly nonsense plot about the quest for a new viceroy for 1622 Macau. It had absolutely nothing to do with hair but certainly lots to do with adventure and whilst there were some criticisms to be had — some scenes involved too much standing still and the hat donning was unpolished — these could be ignored due to the energy brought by the trio of Ciaran Magee, Michael Richardson and Laurence Rosier Staines. They were clearly enjoying what they were performing on stage and it was infectious, with the entire audience laughing even if they weren't always sure why. -MW Fully Committed 26-28 September, New Theatre Sixty minutes. Forty characters. One actor. Becky Mode's Fully Committed is a rollicking, fast-paced one-man satire revealing the not-so-fine underside of fine dining. It depicts one day in the working life of Sam Peliczowski, whose day job is phone reception for a four-star Manhattan restaurant. It's a highly challenging script, demanding on-the-mark timing, deft switching of personas and intensely focused energy. Actor Nick Curnow, under the direction of Alexander Butt, does it tremendous justice, natural and believable as the pressured-to-the-hilt Sam and laugh-out-loud funny as his cast of persistent customers and unhelpful co-staff. As The Brevity Theatre Co.'s debut production, Fully Committed suggests that the Australian theatre scene can celebrate an exciting addition. -Jasmine Crittenden Jane Austen Is Dead 16-23 September, New Theatre Jane Austen is Dead is the best play I have seen at the Sydney Fringe in the years I have been attending. Having been neatly polished in Edinburgh, New Zealand and Melbourne, it arrived in Sydney with not a theatrical crack to be seen. Mel Dodge's captivating performance as 33-year-old "spinster" Sophie, youthful and desperate Mary as well as her countless past suitors fuse together brilliantly and her integration of Austen's archetypal male suitors into the play is effortless, so much so that you certainly need not be an Austen fan to comprehend and enjoy the show. Sophie's final realisation that she is happy in her own company is fitting, as we were all happy to be in Dodge's for the hour. -MW Once again the phrase 'boat peeps' makes its way into my review notes. #SydneyFringe @JazzTwemlow — Anita Senaratna (@anitasenaratna) September 14, 2013 2013 - When We Were Idiots 6-15 September, starting at The Pie Tin Newtown In 2013- When We were Idiots, comedian Xavier Toby dons a penguin suit (not a tuxedo, a literal penguin suit) and pretends that he and the audience are from the year 2113, wandering the streets of Newtown reflecting on all the stupid things people did and believed in in the year 2013. The show is part interactive stand-up. part hilarious walking tour and actually does contain a lot of cool historical facts about Newtown. Toby covers lighthearted stuff like onesies, fast food and consumerism (because apparently in the year 2113 people only wear one outfit until it wears out — a statement met with some dismay by female audience members) but also touches on things like gay marriage, boat people and Tony Abbott. It's one of those things you could go to every single night and have a different experience, because a lot of the humour comes from the interactions with the public along the way and the audience participation elements. Site specific/interactive art is on the rise, but so far this hasn't really spilled over to comedy. It's a unique approach to stand-up (or rather, walk-around) comedy and it would be interesting to see if this inspires other comedians to try similar formats. -Anita Senaratna -When We Were Idiots MotherFather - DoctorDoctor 18-20 September, The Fusebox (Factory Theatre) MotherFather are the two best improvisers in the country at the moment, confirmed by their current status as national Theatresports champions. However, watching them in an hour-long format you can witness their true brilliance in all its hilarious glory. Bridie Connell and Tom Walker excel in an arena where they can flesh out their characters, showcase their ability to rap and generally just entertain — Tom’s description of a pet as a partner that you can hold in one hand will leave this reviewer laughing every time he pats a dog. The chemistry they have as a performing duo results in not a beat being missed, compelling the audience to immerse themselves in the entire hour. Whilst their run is at an end, you can still catch Tom’s absorbing physicality in his solo show, Muscle Clown. Matthew Watson, writer The venue theming could do with a little work, but it's great to see @sydneyfringe with a lively outdoor hub like Emerald City this year. — Rima Sabina Aouf (@rimasabina) September 20, 2013 101 Vagina 17-22 September, TAP Gallery Sigh, if only sex-education made a class excursion to the 101 Vagina Book Exhibition compulsory. It's a tonne more helpful to the prepubescent than 'hair will grow places' and is all about flipping off the taboo that surrounds the female body. Philip Werner's series has donned the walls of Tap Gallery with 101 photos of vaginas (otherwise known to the diagram savvy as vulvas), each accompanied by a message, story or poem. Part of Sydney Fringe, this is one we all need to see one or even 101 times. Expect a little high-fiving your awesome body along the way. -Rachel Eddie, writer 101 Vagina The Defence 4-14 September at PACT Centre for Emerging Artists If the Sydney Fringe Festival is a lucky dip, The Defence is the $10,000 winning scratchie someone kindly dropped into the mix. By Chris Dunstan and his cohorts from theatrically prodigious University of Wollongong, it explores the shifting shape of misogyny over the centuries. Nested like a Russian doll, The Defence contains a bombastic, gender-swapped play about the psychology of playwright and notorious woman-hater August Strindberg (whose Miss Julie is concurrently playing at Belvoir), the rehearsals for which are constantly interrupted so the male director and his two actors can workshop the scenes. Needless to say, its greatest indictment is reserved for today's educated young men, who may be able to deconstruct gender at essay length but still manage to do and say some vile and unaware things. Funny, confident and unflinching, The Defence is incredibly smart but never feels like hard work. -RSA THE DEFENCE was the best @sydneyfringe show I've seen. Funny, unflinching and full of astute observations about misogyny today. Encore pls. — Rima Sabina Aouf (@rimasabina) September 18, 2013 The Defence Jude the Obscure 4-14 September at PACT Centre for Emerging Artists This show has the best premise ever, end of story. Writer/performer Alice Williams plays Australian comedian Judith Lucy, in space, in the the future, doing a catalogue of "little known material" from her oeuvre. It's an odd and marvellous meeting of Williams' academic, questioning brain ("inspired by the fatalism of [Lucy's] comic persona", she looks at the "themes of destruction and failure" from Lucy's comic material from a "universal perspective") and a novelty mode of interrogation. Appropriating the stand-up form and mimicking Lucy brilliantly, Williams takes us on an absurd, punchy adventure that knows its limits and ends within 40 minutes. Confronted by the majesty of space and the horror of complete isolation forever more, Lucy is wry and pragmatic, and we're left to wonder, is that for the best? It's all done with total love, and we hope somewhere out there, Lucy herself is getting a kick out of it. -RSA Jude the Obscure Bushpig 10-13 September, Seymour Centre Sound Lounge The pinnacle of one-woman showmanship right here. Hannah Malarski is a NIDA playwriting grad with a gift for creating vivid characters through both writing and performance, with director, designer and dramaturg Jack Richardson helping give the piece solid form. It's a transfixing little number that evokes the bewildering feeling of living in the world sometimes — particularly if you're from a country town as small as the fictional Funnel, and particularly if you've just left for the big smoke to forge a career in television, as has our dear titular character, Bushpig. The journey has Malarski morphing from corpulent Aunt Vivian to a mystical gardening show host, a disingenuous talent agent, a bratty boy, a vocally challenged cat and plenty more besides. It goes to a weird place you in no way could have imagined at the outset. Rima Sabina Aouf, editor @sydneyfringe @annalieseszota Disney reimagined, just the way I’d’ve liked it as a kid. And wow, what a voice! http://t.co/36WAfOAMW8 — Madeleine Butler (@MadBut) September 12, 2013
