Captain Sustainability and brains behind Silo Joost Bakker has relaunched his cafe as a soup kitchen. Of course, it's no ordinary cooking-with-groceries soup kitchen; the stocks for the soups are made from bones that go unused by high-end eateries such as Rockpool, Attica and the European. It's called Brothl, the kind of pun that might have been best made and forgotten but is now the legitimate name of a place we'll be spending plenty of time in. Bakker, originally a florist and a designer, had been doing the flowers at Rockpool for years when he finally asked Neil Perry if he could take the discarded bones for soup stock. Perry did not hesitate to give them away. The result is four nutritious broths packed full of flavor: A Cape Grim beef stock simmered for 48 hours, a 24-hour chicken stock, 12-hour seafood stock made from marron and crab, and a vegetarian stock made using kelp foraged from the Bellarine Peninsula. On top of that, all of the broths are made with rainwater from Monbulk. If that’s not some thrifty practice, we’re not sure what is. For those who are both sustainability- and health-conscious, the menu includes details of which nutrients, vitamins and minerals each broth will bring you. Getting involved with this Brothl is going to be good for you in more ways than one, it seems. It will cost you a tenner for a hearty bowl of broth, and once you’ve got the base down you can add extras, such as sea bounty muscles, poached chicken, house-made soba or spelt noodles and seasonal vegetables. They even have chicken feet if you’re craving it. If you want to know more on this no-waste venture, just make sure you type Brothl exactly like that into your Google search; it will save you from seeing all the things you can’t unsee.
If you're a Sydney-based cinephile, the end of daylight savings and the beginning of cooler weather means one thing: the Sydney Film Festival. Yes, the city's annual celebration of movies, movies and even more movies runs from June 7 to 18. Venues include: The Randwick Ritz, Dendy Opera Quays and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, but our favourite option is definitely the State Theatre. Head inside the stunning building on Friday night and settle down for a Sydney Film Festival flick. In a few months you'll be saying to your friends, "I've already seen that". Image: Lottie P via Flickr.
Films about terminal illness can be a tricky proposition. There’s only so much drama that can be wrung from the mundane inevitability of death, a process that, by its very nature, is so horribly undramatic. Too often do filmmakers and actors make the mistake of overcompensating, wallowing in misery or resorting to cheap emotional manipulation. It’s for its avoidance of these pitfalls, as much as anything else, that Still Alice deserves your attention. Adapted from the novel by neuroscientist turned author Lisa Genova, Still Alice tells the story of Columbia linguistics professor Alice Howland (Julianne Moore). In one of the first scenes we see her, she’s giving a lecture in Los Angeles, when suddenly she finds herself unable to recall a specific word. At first she dismisses the lapse as one of those inevitable side-effects of turning 50. When she gets lost on her regular morning jog, however, she realises something more serious is amiss. A visit to her doctor brings a devastating diagnosis: early onset Alzheimer’s, a disease without a cure. In the film’s lead role, Moore is simply magnificent — she’s already taken home the Golden Globe, and seems a lock to win the Oscar. Alice deals with her condition proactively — at one point she even visits a nursing home, under the guise of finding a room for an elderly parent. Inevitably, however, the illness takes its toll. Slowly, we watch her go from an articulate, passionate, independent woman to a shell of her former self. It’s a heartbreaking transition, and Moore captures every moment — with honesty, nuance and whatever small measure of dignity she can muster. So too do we witness the effect the disease has on the afflicted person’s family. Alec Baldwin gives a terrifically understated performance as Alice’s husband, John, a New York intellectual suddenly confronted with a future he may not be able to accept. Even more impressive is Kristen Stewart as Lydia, the youngest of John and Alice’s adult children. Although she's (rightfully) bemoaned for her wooden performances in the Twilight movies — frankly, no one could make that dialogue sound good — it’s abundantly clear that Stewart has talent. Here, both the actress and her character exhibit a maturity far beyond their years. Credit must also go to the movie's married co-directors, Wash Westmoreland and Richard Glatzer. They’re the perfect fit for the project, having experienced similar medical hardship themselves. Glatzer lives with ALS and is unable to speak, communicating with actors on set via an iPad. It’s their sensitive, compassionate storytelling — channeled by their cast — that ensures Still Alice sticks in your memory even after Alice forgets.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a superhero? No, it's a stunning festive display hovering above the Royal Botanic Gardens as part of new Christmas festival Noël Sydney. This massive event is already filled with luminous sights, including light projections across buildings, but it's the nightly drone show running until Christmas Eve that'll get you looking up. To give you an idea of how big Noël Sydney is, it's had to extend its space throughout the Royal Botanic Gardens by 50 percent. The Noël Christmas Skyshow isn't small, either. Telling a Christmas story called Santa's Coming to Sydney in the heavens, this aerial wonder features 500 drones flying, soaring and dancing in the air over Farm Cove. The term 'making shapes' truly does apply here — including words, stars, a globe, a Christmas tee, animals, decorations and the jolly red-suited figure synonymous with this time of year. These images come together to spin a Aussie Christmas tale about a kangaroo called Sydney leading Santa and his present-filled sleigh from the North Pole to the Harbour City. Sydney's first major Christmas drone show, entry to the Noël Christmas Skyshow is free, with two viewings each evening — at 8.15pm and around 10pm — until Saturday, December 24. And the best place to scope it out? The Parade Ground.
Backyard cricket, barbecues and water sports are all Aussie summer clichés for a reason: they're good, wholesome fun. Another one? Outdoor cinemas. And we're here to tell you the very good news that North Sydney's version of this al fresco activity is returning for another season. Sunset Cinema is once again taking over North Sydney Oval from Thursday, January 28–Saturday, April 3. Whether you're planning a cosy date night or easy family outing under the stars, this year's program has something for everyone — with the cinema releasing its lineup month by month. So far, the nostalgic lineup includes titles like Dirty Dancing, Grease, The Lion King, multiple Star Wars movies, and Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, plus recent releases such as The Dry, Wonder Woman 1984, Promising Young Woman and The Witches. Or, you can check out new flicks like the Tom Hanks-starring News of the World, Penguin Bloom with Naomi Watts, and Irish-set romance Wyld Mountain Thyme on Valentine's Day. BYO picnics are encouraged, but if you want to enjoy a sparkling or brew throughout the film, the onsite bar will be serving a range of drinks. Didn't pack enough snacks? There'll be hot food options, which you can order online and then pickup, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn. Tickets start at $20 for adults, and you can hire a foldout chair for $6, a bean bag for $10 and a lawn lounge for $22.
Let's face it: lights are pretty. Who doesn't love a good lightshow? If you were living under a rock and somehow missed Vivid Sydney, then Luminous Nights presented by aMBUSH Gallery might be just the ticket. The nights are designed to showcase Darling Harbour's new-ish permanent light display, Luminous. Serving up a dash of solid tunes to go with the sparkly lights, Future Classic DJs will have you dancing so hard, you might not feel the wintery air at all. Your fingers can also get a workout at these August evenings, with Luminous converting one facade into a gaming console that is activated through your smartphone. Hopefully you get off on the idea of lots of people watching you play Pong, Big Snake or Finger Paint with your best mate in a very public arena. Might be an idea to get in some quick practice before you go. Winning is always much more fun with a crowd after all. https://youtube.com/watch?v=E4TAbn97iVQ
Ever since news broke that The Cure, The Strokes and The Avalanches were coming to Australia for Splendour this year, every punter and his dog have been trying to predict when and if The Cure would be announcing solo sideshows to coincide with the festival (unlike the other two bands, they didn't have a big fat 'only Aus show' next to their name). And today they've gone and done it, with Live Nation announcing this morning that the iconic British band will be touring to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth later this year. Just like in 80s rock heaven, The Cure will be playing full-set arena spectaculars. Their retrospective shows have been known to go for two hours plus, so if you can't make it to Splendour, this really is the next best thing. It's the first time the band have toured Aus since 2007. The dates for Sydney and Melbourne have been locked in: Monday, July 25 at Qudos Bank/Allphones Arena and Thursday, July 28 at Rod Laver Arena, respectively. However, the Adelaide and Perth shows are still being finalised and will be announced at a later date. You're going to have to get your best ticket-nabbing game on though, because these babies are going to wildly sought after. The Melbourne and Sydney shows will go on sale next week. There will be a Telstra customer pre-sale at 10am on Tuesday, May 3, followed by a Live Nation pre-sale at 10am on Thursday, May 5, and general tickets will finally go on sale at 10am on Friday, May 6. Phew. THE CURE 2016 TOUR DATES Monday, July 25 — Qudos Bank Arena (formerly Allphones Arena), Sydney. Thursday, July 28 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. Adelaide and Perth dates to follow. To keep up to date and to buy tickets, head to livenation.com.au.
Taking his homegrown charm to fans one last time, Bored Nothing is wrapping things up in spectacular classic pub style. Launching his second album 'Some Songs' (the first to be recorded outside his beloved bedroom set-up), frontman Fergus Miller will be playing two unforgettable shows in both Sydney and Melbourne. Born and bred in Geelong, Miller has decided to call it a day after three years of recording and producing the dreamy, melancholy tracks Bored Nothing is famous for. After two months gallivanting through Europe for late 2014 touring, a string of support gigs for Brisbanites The John Steel Singers and the release of a handful of hypnotic singles, the new year feels like the perfect time to end Bored Nothing's killer run on a truly great note. Pinned for two packed-out performances in Sydney and Melbourne, these intimate east coast gigs are a fitting send off before Miller sheds his Bored Nothing moniker once and for all.
When Sydney Film Festival looks backwards in 2025, as it does every year with a featured retrospective, it'll be following in its own footsteps several times over. The work of Iranian director Jafar Panahi has graced its screens again and again over the fest's history. More than a decade ago, in 2011, a retrospective just like this also highlighted some of his movies alongside those of his compatriot Mohammad Rasoulof, in fact. Long may this trend continue; a filmmaker this bold and daring should always be in the spotlight. Panahi's body work speaks for itself — and also speaks to his ongoing fight to chronicle contemporary Iran and the reality of life for its people, a battle that he's kept waging despite repercussions regularly coming his way. By his nation's ruling regime, the writer/director has been banned from filmmaking, and also from travel. He's been arrested and imprisoned as well. Indeed, it isn't just his movies that send a message of resistance; his quest to make them, to retain the right to do so, and the pursuit of freedom that goes with that ceaseless campaign, is also a statement. SFF's 2025 Jafar Panahi: Cinema in Rebellion program is celebrating its namesake with a program of all ten of his features, all screening across the festival's dates of Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15. From 1995's The White Balloon to 2022's No Bears, audiences can witness Panahi's progression as a filmmaker — and how his exploration of existence in Iran, especially for women and others suffering oppression and censorship (including himself), has evolved and solidified over almost three decades. With every one of his titles, SFF attendees will also watching be award-winning pictures. The White Balloon gave Panahi his first Cannes accolade, for best first film. Then 1997's The Mirror took home the Locarno International Film Festival's Golden Leopard, 2000's The Circle nabbed Venice's Golden Lion, 2003's Crimson Gold earned an Un Certain Regard prize back at Cannes and 2006's Offside collected a Silver Bear in Berlin. More Cannes love came for 2011's This Is Not a Film (the Carrosse d'Or at the Director's Fortnight) and 2018's Three Faces (for best screenplay), plus more Berlin recognition for 2013's Closed Curtain (another Silver Bear) and 2015's Tehran Taxi (the Golden Bear), and more again from Venice for No Bears (a Special Jury Prize).
Lena Dunham has announced a return to filmmaking. At the 15th New Yorker Festival, held over the weekend, she spilled the beans on her plans to adapt and direct Karen Cushman’s coming-of-age novel Catherine, Called Birdy. “I’ve been obsessed with it since I was a kid,” Dunham told author Ariel Levy on Friday night. In fact, in a 2012 interview with the New York Times, she identified it and Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita as the “two best books about girls” she had ever read. It's a project that will allow the Girls creator to extend her voice well beyond beyond her generation. Narrated as a diary and set in England in the 1290s, Catherine, Called Birdy recounts a 13-year-old girl’s struggle against arranged marriage. “[She] gets her period and her father basically says, 'Well, it's time for you to get married,' and she's like, 'Uh, no,'" Dunham explained. “It's hyper realistic and really pretty and it's full of incest and beatings, but it's a child's story.” Fortunately there were no Q-Tips in the 1290s, so audiences will at least be spared that Dunham-patented horror. The writer-director is intending to produce the film via her production company, A Casual Romance, which she set up with Jenni Konner, executive producer of Girls. However, they’re still in need financial support from “someone who wants to a fund a PG-13 medieval movie.” In the meantime, she is busy promoting her debut essay collection, Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s 'Learned'. Via Indiewire.
Since Australia started easing out of COVID-19 lockdown, the country's internal border restrictions have earned plenty of attention. With tactics to stop the spread of the coronavirus implemented at a state-by-state level, each Aussie state has navigated the situation in its own way when it comes to letting non-residents visit. In Tasmania, that has meant strict quarantine requirements — which, for non-Tassie residents who aren't classified as essential travellers, entails spending 14 days in government-designated accommodation. If you're entering from a location considered high-risk, such as Victoria, it also requires pre-approval from the Deputy State Controller. As announced on Friday, October 2, Premier Peter Gutwein revealed that Tasmania will start to relax its border restrictions, with changes set to come into effect from Monday, October 26. As part of step two of the state's current three-step plan for reopening, it'll allow travellers from "low-risk COVID states" to enter under eased conditions — although it's yet to spell out exactly what that'll involve for those visiting. Still, Tasmania has advised exactly where it'll be opening up to. If you're eager for a holiday that definitely involves crossing a body of water — or you're thinking about attending Mona Foma in January — the state will open its borders to most of the country. It currently considers Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory to fall in the low-risk category — and has noted that New South Wales might possibly be on the list, too, depending on case numbers in the state. https://www.facebook.com/petergutweinmp/photos/a.1710247719193660/2691774364374319/?type=3&theater Premier Gutwein advised that "low-risk jurisdictions are determined by Public Health [Services] based on a number of factors, which include the period of time they have gone with low or no numbers of cases, and the lack of community transmission occurring in those jurisdictions". With that in mind, the state will "review the situation in New South Wales over the next week". If you're in Victoria, sadly the changes won't apply to you just yet. Premier Gutwein also noted that "border restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future with Victoria until we are satisfied that the risk has reduced to a lower level". Of course, Tasmania's reopening to any state is dependent on case numbers remaining low. "If at any time the situation changes in these states and the advice is that the risk is too high — then I won't hesitate to change this decision," the Premier said. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Tasmania, and the state's corresponding restrictions, visit its online COVID-19 hub.
UPDATE, September 4, 2020: Paddington 2 is available to stream via Netflix, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Break out the marmalade, slather it on a sandwich and stash it under your hat in celebration, because Paddington is back. In 2014, the Peruvian mammal journeyed from author Michael Bond's pages to his first movie adventure, and the resulting blend of heartwarming sweetness and madcap goofiness proved an utter delight. Three years later and we're pleased to report that the follow-up is every bit as much of a joy. As with its predecessor, this sequel adores its furry protagonist every bit as much as generations of readers have, and is determined to bring that love to his latest big-screen excursion. But it's also committed to being entertaining; to jovial jokes, smart sight gags and well-meaning silliness. In short, it'll leave you sporting the biggest, sincerest of smiles. Picking up where part one left off, Paddington 2 sees the eponymous bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) still happy with the Brown family, both in their hearts and in their home. Risk analyst Henry (Hugh Bonneville) is annoyed about losing out on a promotion, his wife Mary (Sally Hawkins) is preparing to swim the English channel, teenage daughter Judy (Madeleine Harris) has started her own neighbourhood newspaper and son Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) is reinventing himself at school. As for Paddington, he's trying to purchase an antique pop-up book for his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) back in the jungle. Working odd jobs helps raise the cash he needs, but soon two problems present themselves. The first comes in the form of famed theatre actor Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant), who is after the text as well. The second arises when the prized tome is suddenly stolen. Quicker than our hero can stuff a toothbrush or two into his ears, Paddington 2 jumps from a carnival to prison to touring London's famous landmarks. With a jailbreak, some amateur sleuthing and a train-top chase included, it's a busy 103 minutes as the talking bear falls victim to prejudice, befriends a burly jail cook (Brendan Gleeson) and tries to restore order. Despite this, however, the movie never feels over-stuffed. Nor is it lacking in visual treats, be it the exceptional CGI work used to bring Paddington to life, or the gorgeous animation that takes viewers through a pop-up world. The film offers up such a feast of precise, playful and picturesque imagery that it's easy to imagine Wes Anderson sitting at the helm. Indeed, if the man behind Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel had a British counterpart, it'd be Paddington director Paul King. Before he steered the series' maiden movie outing, the filmmaker directed all 20 episodes of The Mighty Boosh as well as the similarly surreal comedy Bunny and the Bull, and the offbeat sensibilities of both shine through here. Witty, whimsical and filled with wonder, in King's hands the film is a comic caper that offers a warm hug and a fierce rib-tickling at the same time. It also finds room to make a gentle statement about the merits of inclusiveness — a message that feels extra important given the current climate in Paddington's adopted England, as well as the world at large. All that's left is for the cast to ace their roles, which is exactly what they do. The returnees remain in fine form, with Whishaw's vocal work proving a particularly perfect match for Paddington's famed kindness and politeness. Grant, meanwhile, hams things up spectacularly, turning in his best and most enjoyable performance in years. Moreover, there's an expressiveness and physicality to his efforts that could've worked just as well in a silent movie — as could've much of the immensely bearable fun throughout the film. Everyone talks, of course, but Paddington 2 serves up an array of well-executed nods to cinema history, along with the feeling that it'll be joining all of those classics soon enough. It's not only the best family-friendly flick of 2017, but one of the best of the year in any genre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aQR1oc3E40
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, where we are putting up guests who book one of our epic For The Love VIP packages. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This four-and-a-half-star hotel looks out over the picturesque North Wollongong Beach and lighthouse. It's one of the very best places to stay in the area, giving you easy access to local walking trails and swim spots as well as the thriving night life. THE ROOMS The rooms themselves aren't super flash, but they don't really need to be when you have sea views like this. In the morning, grab a seat on your private balcony, breathe in some sea air and watch Wollongong wake up — with the long stretch of coastline your backdrop. Gorge. Each of the 209 spacious rooms have all the necessities too. Air conditioning (a must for summer), a flat screen television, free wifi, a large desk (if you need to work) and a mini bar on demand. Just be aware that not all rooms have those stunning sea views — you'll need to choose one when booking. FOOD AND DRINK Novotel Wollongong Northbeach knows how to entertain. It has four separate bars, each with its own unique menu and level of formality. The Adrift Pool Bar consists of several white wooden booths and a few cute rattan tables set up around the heated pool. The best bit? Fresh seafood and classic cocktails are served out here. Hang out with some locals and fellow travellers at the public Pepe's on the Beach — where you can hire out your own cabana for the day. Or go for something a little more refined at North Bar. An impressive selection of wines adorn this drinks list, alongside a few specialty cocktails and top-shelf spirits. And when the sun goes down, American-style The Frisky Flamingo is the place to be — dress up and start your night out at this glam drinking den. THE LOCAL AREA Yes, you have so many places to eat and drink at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, but you'd be a fool to spend all your time wining and dining. Either walk down to the beach or seaside pool for an ideal summer jaunt or head to some of the nearby walking trails along the coast to see even more of this gorgeous coastline. Boutique stores, local restaurants and all other town centre necessities are only a short walk away — with a free bus available right outside the hotel for those who want to have a chill one. If you're about to spend a day partying at For The Love, the bus is for you. [caption id="attachment_882178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] North Bar[/caption] Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
If you're always trying to stay up-to-date with all of the new shows and movies hitting Netflix, but you're also attempting to do so on the cheap — by borrowing a pal or your parents' login details — you might soon have to change your viewing strategy. Some of the service's subscribers have started reported receiving warning messages about using other people's accounts, with the platform currently testing a new feature to block password sharing. "If you don't live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching," states the message, which then gives users a few options. If you are indeed watching via your own account, you can get a verification code sent to you via email or text. If not, you can sign up for a 30-day trial. There's also a 'verify later' option, which'll let you keep watching — but only for a short but as-yet-unspecified amount of time — and then verify later. Images of the message have started appearing on social media, and Netflix has confirmed the move to media outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter and ABC News. THR reports that how the feature is being rolled out varies per country, and that protecting accounts from unauthorised use is one of the reasons behind it. To ABC News, a Netflix spokesperson advised that "this test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so." Converting folks who use other people's passwords to access the platform into paying customers is obviously one of the strategy's aims, too, especially as more and more streaming services pop up in competition. And, after most folks have just spent more time at home than usual — and more time streaming Netflix, too — the company is likely looking at ways to keep growing its numbers. Whether the password-sharing block will become a permanent feature is yet to be seen, but it isn't the only thing that Netflix has been testing of late. The platform is also working on a shuffle function, that'll automatically pick your next thing to watch and save you from scrolling for hours and hours — which is expected to be rolled out in the first half of this year. Netflix's new password-sharing block is being tested now — we'll update you when more details are announced. Via The Hollywood Reporter/ABC News.
Returning for its fourth iteration, The Fork Festival sees top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for up to half the usual price. Yep, up to 50-percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. Up and running as of today, Friday, April 22, the offer is a blessing for those feeling a little light-pocketed after Easter — or thanks to the spate of long weekends we're currently enjoying. To snag a half-price meal (or, in a few cases, 30-percent off), you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app at one of the participating eateries for any service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during the six-week period. There are some great venues coming to the party, too. In Sydney, you'll find cheap eats at the likes of Kings Cross Distillery, Monopole, Sydney Brewery in Surry Hills, Diana at Potts Point, Bentley Restaurant & Bar in the CBD and Cirrus Dining at Barangaroo. Victoria's lineup includes Brunswick Mess Hall and the Sarah Sands Hotel in Brunswick, Gasthaus on Queen, Amazing Graze Tea Rooms, and everywhere from Korr Jee Chicken and Lezzet to Neo Lemonade and Scarpetta. In other states, the list is much smaller — so you'll need to head to TGI Fridays Robina in Queensland; the brand's outposts in WA as well; The Pelican Place in the ACT; and spots such as Pier Bar and Grill, Christies Beach Hotel, Sammy's on the Marina and Red Ochre Barrel and Grill in South Australia. You might want to revisit an old favourite or you could get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discounted feasts before the festival wraps up on Sunday, May 29. The Fork Festival runs from Friday, April 22–Sunday, May 29 at select restaurants nationwide, excluding the NT and Tasmania. Top image: Sarah Sands Hotel.
International Dog Day is coming up and The Golden Sheaf is getting in on the action by designating an afternoon at the pub to the cutest four-legged friends that the eastern suburbs has to offer. In collaboration with Pound Paws, The Sheaf will be running a host of dog-based activities while raising awareness about pet adoption in Double Bay and surrounding suburbs. While the official International Dog Day is on Friday, August 26, The Golden Sheaf's adorable celebration is going down a couple of days late on Sunday, August 28 from midday until 4pm. There will be a variety of pet market stalls popping up in the venue's dog-friendly beer garden, as well as live entertainment, talks on responsible pet ownership and dog tarot card readings. Possibly the cutest activity of the day will be the Rescue Dog Adoption Parade, where pups looking for a home will get to strut their stuff and possibly catch the eye of a new owner. Those bringing their own furry best friend can also enter them in the best tricks and best-dressed competitions, with a range of prizes to be won. Head to Eventbrite to reserve your spot. It's free for general admission passes, and $6.36 for pet owners that want to enter their talented furball into the competitions.
Curated by Anna Louise Richardson, this show at Galerie Pompom brings together a group of emerging artists from Western Sydney: Caspar Fairhall, David George Ledger and Ian Williams. Each artist will be examining the malleable space between fiction and reality. Moving between landscapes, the built environment and digital imagery, this exhibition will re-evaluate contemporary painting practice and what the 'plastic arts' might mean in our contemporary and increasingly screen-based age. While at the gallery, you can also catch 24 Hour Franco from collective Kubrick or Korine (Justin Harvey and Alex Munt), a TV channel inspired by the one and only James Franco, which also pays homage to both the actor and icon, and the televisual dreams of Nam June Paik.
The play that launched Brendan Cowell’s theatre career is having somewhat of a fifteenth birthday celebration by returning to its birthplace at the Old Fitz. Men was written by Cowell, who also starred in the first production, alongside Toby Schmitz and Anthony Hayes, in the three male roles of Poet, Penis, and Panther. Red Line Productions is now remounting Men with Ben O’Toole, Sean Hawkins and Jamie Timony. Cheree Cassidy will be the maternal presence onstage, watching these three try to out-macho each other. It’s a script that requires intense acting prowess from the cast, but, with the pressures of masculinity changing, does it still resonate? Director Jessica Tuckwell thinks so, and will likely add complexity and empathy from her own vantage point. Warning: Men may provoke observations and discussions about Australian masculinity culture — make sure to go with friends who embrace debate.
Right now 3D printing is best known for its fun applications, such as making action figures of yourself or of your foetuses. But 3D printing is also a technology that's hugely useful and has the potential to reshape many industries. Somewhere in between is the 'Landscape House', the first 3D printed house, to be built in 2014. The house, by Janjaap Ruijssenaars of Dutch architecture studio Universe Architecture, has a two-storey design in the form of a single, flowing Mobius band. The architect worked with mathematician and artist Rinus Roelofs to develop the design, which will be printed in pieces and then assembled (ruining our daydream of a giant, multi-storey printer that spits out houses existing somewhere in the world). The Landscape House is part of the Europan competition, which gives 15 architects 15 blocks of land and two years to create something impressive with. Via 3ders. Images from Universe Architecture. Read more about 3D printing in our interview with The Beehive.
This summer, imaginations young and old will run wild, as the interactive Future Park arrives at the Powerhouse Museum. Developed by teamLab, a collective of 'ultratechnologists' whose cutting-edge installations are currently captivating audiences in Beijing, Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco and more, this immersive exhibition will see visitors build a huge collective artwork, inspired by the future. Across eight different interactive installations, Future Park is fuelled by human interaction, evolving in real time as visitors engage and leave their own mark on the artworks. Collaboration is nurtured and shared experiences are encouraged — and it's meant for kidults as well as kids. The Light Ball Orchestra installation invites visitors to manipulate a series of moveable balls to create music and light shows, while Sketch Town is a dynamic world populated by vehicles, buildings and townscapes visitors have drawn themselves. Sketch Town Papercraft will even see your drawings scanned into 3D sketches that can later be printed in 3D.
You know those friends who are so madly into each other, it's obvious to everyone they should be a couple? And they just shrug it off and continue on their merry way, probably share-housing together and watching late-night movies together and working on a creative project together, too, just for good measure? That's Jake (Travis Kesek) and Elise (Nicole Dimitriadis) in Body Language, and since we've all had friends like them (or been them), it's easy for audiences to get hooked on this new play from writer Luke Holmes. Jake and Elise seem to be at the centre of a web of people trying to negotiate relationships with a member of the opposite sex — relationships whose true natures cannot be read from the surface. Elise's friend Sarah (Charlie Hanson) is an awkward, garrulous type flattered to be invited to sit for a painting by artist Karl (David Ross). Nick (William Koutsoukis), a bit of an oaf, is mandated to see psychologist Sam (Brendan Layton) after an incident with an ex, whom he's still obsessing over. Small world, though; both shrink and patient are currently seeing the same sex worker (Morgan Powell), and she'll be an asset to the nicer guy of the pair. Body Language is the first work to be produced by new independent theatre company Brave New Word, who stand out for having a clear mission statement and methodology from the get-go. The group, all graduates from the Australian Academy of Dramatic Art, take a new script they like and put it through three weeks of workshopping with the cast and creatives, during which anything can change. With the script finalised, the last weeks are spent rehearsing under the guidance of the director (for this show, Sepy Baghaei). It's an approach that borrows from existing script development programs, allowing some newer, greener theatre makers to benefit from taking part in a collaborative process with their peers. Body Language has a unique charm which could well be a result of this. The scenes between Jake and Elise, in particular, are so natural, so warm and funny, they seem like the kind of thing that can only result from the actors bringing a lot of themselves to the roles. It's a little reminiscent of the Before Sunrise movies that way. Dancers Lillian Jean Shaddick and Paul Musumeci add some physical-theatre palate cleanser in between scenes, and although it's not as integrated with the rest of the play as it could be, it's great to see non-naturalism getting some love. The fledgling company could afford to take even more risks next time — some moments, especially as the characters' paths reached resolution, were a bit predictable, possibly the result of writing by committee. But overall, this is a sparky, entertaining show. It will be a lucky writer whose work is zeroed in on by Brave New Word next.
This year may have gotten off to a chaotic start, but that doesn't mean the country's (or your) cultural calendar is looking too bare. Some of 2022's most exciting and immersive art and museum exhibitions have either just opened their doors across the nation or are on their way before the year is out — which means you've got plenty to see in plenty of places. That's especially exciting now that interstate borders are all fully open across the entire country, and cheap flights keep popping up with frequency, too. So, get out your diaries and plan trips to dive into all things Disney, peer at Yayoi Kusama's finest in two different cities, scope out Picasso's best and fall in love with Elvis paraphernalia — aka some of the art and museum exhibitions set to brighten up 2022. Top image: Raemar, Blue, 1969, James Turrell. Tate: Presented by the Tate Americas Foundation, partial purchase and partial gift of Doris J. Lockhart 2013. © James Turrell. Photo: Tate.
At a time when the hard questions have never been more important to ask, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), in partnership with The Good Room, is wading through a combat zone rife with smashed avo and cries of 'OK Boomer' to reopen the conversation with I've Been Meaning To Ask You. I've Been Meaning To Ask You takes a bunch of thorny questions asked by kids and the best answers adults could muster and turns them into a high-energy dash to the future. You can even submit your own answers via meaningtoaskyou.com. The questions may not be what you're expecting (and the answers may raise a few eyebrows), but this is a chance to see the plans being hatched by tomorrow's great minds to solve the problems we all grizzle about today. Naturally, the production is created and performed by an ensemble of local youth performers. And it's making its way to Riverside Theatres on Wednesday, March 17. Chance of a spicy car ride home: high. 'I've Been Meaning To Ask You' is a production by ATYP, created by The Good Room and presented by Riverside Theatres and Critical Stages Touring. To nab tickets, head here.
Every September and October, Germany erupts with brews, food and lederhosen-wearing revellers for its annual Oktoberfest celebrations. When that time rolls around Down Under, Australia follows suit. One such festivity is Oktoberfest in the Gardens, which has been throwing big Bavarian-themed celebrations around the country for 14 years — and is returning to Sydney for 2024. Oktoberfest in the Gardens will make its latest Harbour City stop at The Domain on Saturday, October 26. If you're keen to head along, expect company; the event expects to welcome in over 65 people enjoying steins, schnitties and German shindigs across this year's seven-city run. Sydney's fest will serve up the same kind of beer- and bratwurst-fuelled shenanigans that Germany has become so famous for. So, if you have a hankering for doppelbock and dancing to polka, it's the next best thing to heading to Europe. Oktoberfest in the Gardens boasts a crucial attraction, too: as well as serving a variety of pilsners, ciders, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, it constructs huge beer halls to house the boozy merriment. When you're not raising a stein — or several — at the day-long event, you can tuck into pretzels and other traditional snacks at food stalls, or check out the hefty array of entertainment. Live music, roving performers, a silent disco, rides and a sideshow alley are all on the agenda.
It's a rare treat to see classical favourites performed by world-class musicians in a beautiful setting. And it's even rarer for that experience to be completely free, but that's exactly what's provided by Sydney Symphony Under the Stars. Each year, the renowned orchestra brings its rapturous performances to Parramatta Park, with the park's rolling green hills acting as a backdrop to a free program. Appearing free of charge and unticketed as part of Sydney Festival, the symphony is taking on a Lunar New Year twist in 2023, featuring a concerto from Tan Dun and both Chinese and Vietnamese folk favourites alongside big-hitting tunes of the classical world and classic film scores. [caption id="attachment_832879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victor Frankowski[/caption] Pack a picnic basket and your favourite rug before heading down early to nab a comfy spot in front of the huge stage located at Parramatta Park's The Crescent. You'll then be treated to a world-renowned performance from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Northey that will build to a grand finale of the night: a thunderous firework display lighting up the night's sky. Starting at 8pm on Saturday, January 21, the event is family-friendly — and spots are first-come-first-serve, with no online registrations. Top images: Jamie Williams
Cooking and entertaining at home has hit peak popularity during the pandemic, and many Sydney venues have been forced to adapt. But the clever folks behind CBD pasta bar Ragazzi — namely Matthew Swieboda, Nathanial Hatwell (Love, Tilly Devine, Dear Sainte Éloise) and Scott McComas-Williams — are taking this shift in stride. Following the success of Ragazzi's lockdown pasta kits, the team has decided to launch Fabbrica Pasta Shop in the CBD this September. The retail space will sell fresh pasta by the gram, sauces and related smallgoods to help Sydneysiders create the perfect Italian feast at home. Through a big glass window, you'll be able to watch the staff making pasta of all shapes and sizes, including rigatoni, egg farfalle, semolina pici (thick hand-rolled spaghetti) and gluten-free varieties. Add on a sauce or two and you'll be able to whip up Ragazzi fan-favourites at home — such as spaghetti cacio e pepe and duck ragu over rye casarecce (short twisted pasta) — along with your own creations. Other Italian items will also be for sale, including a range imported cheeses, house-cured meats, sausages, olive oil and flours. Plus tinned tomatoes, Cantabrian anchovies and fresh produce like biodynamic eggs and organic garlic. Alongside the pasta, breads will be made in-house too and paired with compound butter. And, to complete your meal at home, bottles of minimal-intervention Italian drops will be on offer, too. [caption id="attachment_780345" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] There will also be a dine-in aspect to the space, with four outdoor high tables designed for snacking while you wait for your takeaway order. For this purpose, there will be a daily sandwich and baked pasta option, plus coffees and natural wines by the glass. The space will also act as a prep kitchen for Ragazzi and host regular pasta making, wine tasting and baking classes. You'll also start seeing Fabbrica products in other delis, butchers, grocers and markets around Australia, with Cameron Birt (Fino Foods) running the wholesale arm of the business. And the entire venue will be available for private bookings if you really want to treat your nearest and dearest. Designer Sarah Watt, who also designed Ragazzi, will be responsible for the fit-out — expect stainless steel finishes and a clean, brutalist space to unfold over the next month. Fabbrica Pasta Shop will open in late September at 161 King Street, Sydney. Keep an eye on this space for updates. Images: Nikki To
When winter rolls around, it's all too easy to hide away and only catch glimpses of the outside world through your Instagram feed. This year, fight the urge to bundle up on the couch for the next few months and go cure the inevitable wanderlust you'll get from scrolling through social media. You don't even have to go that far. Especially when spots like Port Stephens are an easy 2.5-hour drive away. You might associate the area with sun and surf, but it's packed with spots that are perfect for chilly days, too. Picture yourself kicking back in a comfy couch with a top-shelf tipple while staring out at still water. Or, how about blissing out in a hot tub after an aromatherapy massage? Then there are the whales. 'Tis the season for watching after all. We've got your itinerary covered below. Now, all you've gotta do is book the trip. [caption id="attachment_774058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SET SAIL TO WATCH FOR WHALES Between May and October every year, thousands of humpback whales swim along Australia's east coast, and one of the best places to watch them just so happens to be Port Stephens. Climb aboard a tour that you can book though Concrete Playground Trips to spend three hours cruising in the deep, looking out for tail slaps, body rolls and breaches. Alternatively, stick to the land — some of the best spots include Tomaree Head, Boat Harbour, Anna Bay and Fishermans Bay. GET UP CLOSE TO AUSTRALIA'S CUTEST MARSUPIALS We bet you have a soft spot for koalas because, well, who doesn't? And if you want to see these cuddly creatures up close — and contribute to local preservation and conservation efforts — we suggest paying a visit to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Set within eight hectares of bushland, the sanctuary includes a koala hospital, Sanctuary Story Walk (a 250-metre pathway telling the story of the koala and its habitat) and the Newcastle Airport Skywalk — a 225-metre elevated pathway that provides a treetop-style experience in the koalas' natural habitat. The sanctuary has accommodation on-site, too, including glamping tents and suites, if you'd like to spend a little longer in the koalas' bushland retreat. Overnight guests are treated to an early-morning tour during the morning feeding routine, so you can see the koalas at their most active. INDULGE IN A TREATMENT AT SPA LUCCA A really good winter escape should involve a long spa treatment, which you'll conveniently find at Spa Lucca. As soon as you step into the peaceful, ocean-inspired surroundings, you'll feel instantly at ease. The extensive menu covers aromatherapy massages, chakra balancing sessions, body polishes and plenty more, including several signature 'rituals'. There's also a blissful private bath, where you can soak your stresses away, as well as a sauna and steam room. To go all-out, book a package, which bundles a bunch of treatments into one ultra-relaxing session. [caption id="attachment_774065" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GO ON A 4WD BEACH AND SAND DUNE ADVENTURE This 4WD trek takes you to all the best bits of Birubi Beach, including the famous Stockton Sand Dunes — the biggest dunes in the entire Southern Hemisphere. At the dunes, the guide will take you sandboarding with all the equipment provided. It's guaranteed to be the most fun you've had since you threw yourself down a grassy hillside as a kid. Then you'll glide across the coast to gawk at stunning sites and search for pipis wiggling about the shore. You can then take a few back to your accom to taste later. GO TOP SHELF IN A WHISKY BAR Your wintry escapades continue at Moby's Bar. Sink into a leather lounge, surrounded by mahogany and stone, and sip your way through whiskies from all over the world. There are even a few bottles from Port Ellen, on the island of Islay, which closed in 1983 and is now considered one of the most coveted drops on the planet. To sample some top whiskies, head there between 4–6pm for happy hour. Afterwards, head to The Wild Herring to feast on local seafood, like seared scallop croquettes and Moreton Bay bug pies — nothing says winter by the beach quite like a hot seafood pie. EAT OYSTERS STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM For some people, loving oysters is in their blood. Take the Holberts, a Port Stephens family who've been farming the tasty little molluscs for five generations. Their business is now one of the biggest oyster producers in New South Wales — even with plenty of fierce competition. The best part of all this is that you're welcome to drop by the farm, chat about what they've learned over the past 100 or so years and taste the results — freshly shucked. Plus, you can do all that while sitting on the waterfront and sipping a beer or wine. And, if you happen to have a bottle of something special in your suitcase, you're welcome to BYO (wine only). [caption id="attachment_716523" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Spencer OEH[/caption] STROLL ALONG WRECK BEACH There are 26 beaches in Port Stephens, so it's never difficult to find a stretch of sand to call yours for a day. While many are well-known to locals and visitors, others are harder to find — and don't attract as many weekend crowds. One of these is Wreck Beach, a glorious cove tucked away behind Shoal Bay. To get there, and feed your intrepid spirit at the same time, take the Wreck Beach Walk (currently closed for repairs), a one-kilometre trek through coastal angophora forest. Once you're on the sand, keep a lookout for whales and dolphins; Port Stephens is home to a resident dolphin community, which numbers somewhere between 90 and 120. [caption id="attachment_716286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] High Tea at Galley Kitchen[/caption] HAVE HIGH TEA WITH UNLIMITED BUBBLY If there's one delicious way to while away a winter's afternoon, it has to be at a high tea with bottomless sparkling wine. And the only way you could make it even better is with tranquil, dreamy waterscapes to gaze at — which is exactly what you'll get in The Galley Kitchen. Set in an airy, light-filled space with expansive views over Port Stephens, the tea is available every day from 2.30–4.30pm. It'll set you back $89 but that includes unlimited sparkling wine, plus as much Ronnefeldt Tea as you can drink. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top image: Tomaree Head Summit, Destination NSW
For half a century now, The Rocky Horror Show has been astounding. And, with the Richard O'Brien-created production lasting that long, perhaps time really is fleeting. Either way, whenever this sci-fi/horror musical hits the stage — and wherever — a glorious kind of madness takes its toll. In 2023, Australian audiences will be able to listen closely — and watch Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter take a jump to the left, then a step to the right, too — when the famed musical heads around the country on a huge 50th-anniversary tour. The Rocky Horror Show's brand-new Aussie run will kick off at Theatre Royal Sydney in February, with other stops and dates yet to be announced. On offer: the tale that theatre audiences have loved for five decades — and movie-goers as well, thanks to 1975's iconic big-screen release The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For the uninitiated, the story involves college-aged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss getting a flat tyre, then wandering over to an old castle to ask for help. That's where they discover an extra-terrestrial mad scientist from the galaxy of Transylvania, plus his staff and his Frankenstein-style experiments — and, yes, doing 'The Time Warp' is essential. As well as Donovan slipping on Frank N Furter's fishnets (fresh from popping back up in Ramsay Street to farewell Neighbours), the new Australian tour will star Myf Warhurst as The Narrator. Also set to feature: Ellis Dolan (School of Rock) as Eddie/Dr Scott, Darcey Eagle (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) as Columbia, Ethan Jones (9 to 5 The Musical) as Brad, Deirdre Khoo (Once) as Janet, Loredo Malcolm as Rocky (Hamilton) and Henry Rollo (Jagged Little Pill the Musical) as Riff Raff. Since first premiering in London in June 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has played in more than 30 countries — and over 30 million people have seen songs like 'Science Fiction/Double Feature', 'Dammit, Janet!', 'Sweet Transvestite', 'Over at the Frankenstein Place' and 'Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me'. If you haven't been before, this is your turn to join in. The Rocky Horror Show's 2023 Australian tour kicks off at Theatre Royal Sydney in February, with tickets on sale from 10am on Monday, October 17. Head to the production's website for further details. We'll update you with information on seasons in other cities when they're announced. Images: Richard Davenport, The Rocky Horror Show UK tour.
To say 2020 has been a tough year is an understatement, but it's worth reiterating that the impact on the hospitality industry may continue long after business has returned to 'normal'. Long gone are the days when you could rock up to a restaurant without a reservation, or enter a venue without signing in via a QR code and a customary squirt of hand sanitiser. We all know the new rules, and it's important that we still follow them to ensure our hospo friends can keep going. With varying restrictions in place in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, we wanted to find out how businesses are navigating the new normal. In partnership with Square, we've spoken with four business owners to find out how they've adapted, and what lessons they've learnt along the way. Here's what they said. "YOU NEED TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF TO HELP OTHERS" When COVID-19 restrictions were first announced, Made Well Group (Falco, Bar Liberty and Capitano) Director Michael Bascetta wasn't sure if his business would make it through to the other side. The Melbourne-based group moved quickly to create online stores for all three businesses, cross-promoting products between them. Falco shifted from solely selling bakery goods to also serving wine and meals from its sister restaurants. It also sold vouchers that could be redeemed across any of its stores, and offered bonus credit through a buy-now-eat-later scheme, as well as store merchandise. Bascetta says the biggest thing he's learnt during this period is that "you need to look after yourself in order to help everyone", and the co-founder says how grateful he is for his customers' support during such a difficult time. Moving forward, Falco will continue to cross-promote products between all venues within the Made Well Group, while continuing to serve delicious, house-made baked goods, which can be purchased in-store, online and through vouchers. "MAKE PRACTICAL DECISIONS TO SEE THE TEAM THROUGH" The first thing the team at Black Star Pastry did when COVID-19 restrictions were announced was to shutter all five stores across Sydney and Melbourne. The bakery, which is famous for its Strawberry Watermelon Cake (aka 'The World's Most Instagrammed Cake'), was forced into a new normal of online ordering, delivery and reduced trading hours. General Manager, Josef Murray, says in the early days he relied heavily on "taking the emotion out of the thought process" and "making practical decisions to see the team through". In line with varying restrictions across Victoria and New South Wales, the stores each had a different approach to the pandemic. In Victoria, under heavier restrictions, the stores launched a Melbourne-wide delivery service, while in Sydney it focused on improving the online ordering and cake collection experience. "While cake is inherently a celebratory snack, it's also a tremendous comfort during tough times," says Murray. "We are so pleased that we've been able to reopen and do our bit to bring joy to people's days in a time when we all need to savour the sweet things in life." HAVE A CAN-DO ATTITUDE "Every day really was a new day," says Nicolas Pestalozzi, Co-Founder of Fishbowl. "We were shocked. We'd never expected this curveball, but also felt confident that we could find a way to not only push through to make the most of lockdown but also to evolve and move forward." Pestalozzi and his team's can-do attitude allowed the Japanese-inspired salad bar to shift its in-store operations (going cashless, implementing the 1.5-metre distancing rules within the store and having designated hygiene marshals), as well as expand its online presence. The team began focusing heavily on digital ordering through its website and delivery apps, and created a brand new e-store named Fish-Shop. This newly created online store sells market-fresh sashimi boxes, whole fish, oysters and other Australian seafood, allowing the business to expand from the takeaway space and into catering. "Fish-Shop only came about with the closure of our stores," says Pestalozzi. "Our Feed The Frontline initiative also gave our customers the chance to order Fishbowl delivery and nominate a medical worker, friend doing it tough, hospital or teacher for a free meal," he says. "Our customers transitioning to digital has been really positive and once we have in-store traffic back to normal, we will hopefully be in a better position coming out of this than we were going in." HAVE A STRONG, MOTIVATED TEAM As Barrel One Coffee Roasters Co-owner Samuel Graham discovered "adaptation is key, and running off four hours' sleep is doable." The Sydney Northern Beaches coffee shop was able to adapt quickly to the changes imposed in March, and it went cashless as soon as restrictions were enforced. Barrel One began using Square's contactless payment system, which allowed for speedy in-store transactions and resulted in shorter lines, which made physical distancing even easier. The team also launched its weekend Breakfast Box service, which allowed customers to create their own Barrel One breakfast at home with a box of goodies delivered to their doorstep. The boxes were filled with bagels, smoked trout, cream cheese, avocado and more. Graham says his biggest lesson from the pandemic is the importance of having a strong and motivated team, and being able to create stronger connections with his customers. "Our staff are the backbone of our venues and they continue to operate at the forefront of the forever changing situation we find ourselves in. But, we are all connecting with our customers that little bit more, which is really nice," he says. "It's something I hope will stay long after this is all over." Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. Top image: Falco's team L–R: Manu Potoi, Christine Tran, Michael Bascetta and Casey Wall.
Girls to the front — Bikini Kill are coming to Australia. The iconic Kathleen Hanna-fronted, Washington-formed band instigated the Riot Grrrl movement, and will perform their first Australian shows in more than 25 years on a seven-date 2023 tour. On top of already-announced appearances at Mona Foma and Golden Plains, the trailblazing trio have now dropped the dates for a series of headline shows, appearing in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney throughout March. The solo shows will kick off at Brisbane's The Tivoli on Friday, March 3, before moving onto Lion Arts Factory in Adelaide on Sunday, March 5. They, they'll hit up The Forum in Melbourne on Wednesday, March 8, and the Sydney Opera House on Monday, March 13. In good news for the next generation of riot grrrls and underage rockers, all four of these headline shows will be all ages. Plus, Bikini Kill have also been added to the Perth Festival lineup, where they'll perform previously announced headliners Bon Iver and Björk — with the latter bringing her Cornucopia tour to Western Australia for the 2023 festival. [caption id="attachment_874299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] "The quintessential band that blends activism and extreme fun, Bikini Kill, will take their rightful place on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage for one of the most anticipated shows of the year," Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall said. "Kathleen Hanna, Kathi Wilcox and Tobi Vail are feminist performance-art punks whose moment never went away and are arguably needed now more than ever. Mesmerising, clever and surreal, this is a rare chance to see this legendary, razor-sharp live band that will blow you away, while revealing the constant struggle that animates them." Tickets for the Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne gigs will all go on sale at 9am local time on Monday, October 31. As for the Sydney show, tickets will be available for Sydney Opera House Insiders from 9am on Tuesday, November 1, followed by a What's On pre-sale at midday on Wednesday, November 2, and a general sale at 9am on Friday, November 4. Yes, either watching or rewatching the exceptional documentary The Punk Singer, about Hanna, should be on your must-do list right now. Fun fact: when Hanna spray-painted "Kurt smells like Teen Spirit" across her pal Mr Cobain's wall, the name of a certain grunge anthem was born. And, if you're in Sydney in any point leading up to the tour, drop into the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo, where Bikini Kill is currently being featured in the exhibition UNPOPULAR. The exhibition dips into the musical archive of entrepreneur Stephen 'Pav' Pavlovic to unveil never-before-seen photographs and footage of legendary and beloved musicians taking to Australian stages. Hanna, Wilcox and Vail appear alongside other decade-defining artists like Beastie Boys, Nirvana, Sonic Youth and Hole. [caption id="attachment_875372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unpopular exhibition view featuring Video, No Alternative Girls, directed by Tamra Davis, 1994. Courtesy of Tamra Davis, credit Zan Wimberley[/caption] BIKINI KILL 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: Sunday, February 26 — Mona Foma, Hobart Wednesday, March 1 — Perth Festival Friday, March 3 — The Tivoli, Brisbane Sunday, March 5 — Lions Arts Factory, Adelaide Wednesday, March 8 — The Forum, Melbourne Saturday, March 11 — Golden Plains Festival, Victoria Monday, March 13 — Sydney Opera House Bikini Kill will tour Australia between Sunday, February 26–Monday, March 13. For all the details on when tickets go on sale in each city, head to the band's website. Top image: Debi Del Grande
Apologies to anyone who isn't a Harry Styles fan — 2022 clearly isn't your year. The former One Direction member has been everywhere over the past nine months, given that he's headlined Coachella, dropped a new album, and announced a big Australian and New Zealand tour. Oh, and he's also been the talk of the Venice Film Festival just this week for potentially spitting on Chris Pine at the premiere of Don't Worry Darling, one of two movies that'll be giving Styles' acting skills a workout on screens near you this spring. The upcoming second flick on Styles' resume? That'd be My Policeman — which will also send Styles back in time, to the 1950s to be exact, because starring in movies set seven decades ago is the ex-boy band star's own personal 2022 trend. As first revealed in the film's initial teaser back in June, this one gives off big Carol vibes, but in Britain, and focusing on a love triangle involving the titular cop, the man he falls for and the woman who loves him. Due to hit Prime Video Down Under on November 4, My Policeman sees Styles plays Tom, that eponymous law enforcement officer. In sweeping, emotionally resonant period-drama style, the movie gets him caught between teacher Marion (Emma Corrin, The Crown) and museum curator Patrick (David Dawson, All the Old Knives). And as the just-dropped new sneak shows, heartbreak seems to be the prevailing mood. My Policeman will also flit forward to the 1990s, where the older Tom (Linus Roache, Homeland), Marion (Gina McKee, Phantom Thread) and Patrick (Rupert Everett, The Happy Prince) are still haunted by how things played out when they were younger. If the storyline sounds familiar, that's because My Policeman comes to the screen from Bethan Roberts' 2012 novel of the same name. For the film version, director Michael Grandage (Red) is doing the honours, with Ron Nyswaner (Freeheld, Philadelphia) on screenplay duties. Based on the handsome trailers so far, both of which sport a hefty mood of yearning, viewers can expect an exploration of love, social expectations, and the tumult that springs when the latter dictates the former. And, obviously, for Styles' latest on-screen stint after Dunkirk, Eternals and Don't Worry Darling, which releases a month earlier in October. Check out the full trailer for My Policeman below: My Policeman will be available to stream via Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand on November 4. Images: courtesy of Prime Video © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC.
Gauchito Gil is Argentina's Robin Hood. As such, it seems fitting that Australia's own Malbec World Day has been borrowed from the South American country, where the majority of the world's Malbec comes from. If this day is a donation from the grape god, it's one we're happy to accept. After a successful debut last year, Gauchito Gil is once again bringing Malbec Day to Sydney with a five-hour wine bonanza at Carriageworks on Saturday, April 22. The event comes from the organisers of the Pinot Palooza and Game of Rhones, and mirrors the free-reign tasting set up. Your $60 ticket will include a wine glass, and from there you'll be able to move around, sampling over 60 Australian, French and Argentine Malbec varietals. Other events have been known to get a little boozy, so to soak up all that wine there will be top-notch empanadas from Porteño and alfajores (soft shortbread-like cookies filled with dulce de leche) from Alfamores. It really doesn't matter if you know everything there is about Malbec or if you don't know much at all, because Malbec Day is about education and celebration of the Argentine grape. And what better way to celebrate than with an bottomless glass of wine?
UPDATE, August 12, 2022: Drive My Car is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. More than four decades have passed since Haruki Murakami's debut novel reached shelves, and since the first film adaptation of his work followed, too; however, the two best page-to-screen versions of the author's prose have arrived in the past four years. It's easy to think about South Korean drama Burning while watching Drive My Car, because the two features — one Oscar-shortlisted, the other now the first Japanese movie to be nominated for Best Picture — spin the writer's words into astonishing, intricately observed portraits of human relationships. Both films are also exceptional. In the pair, Murakami's text is only a starting point, with his tales hitting the screen filtered through each picture's respective director. For Drive My Car, Japanese filmmaker Ryûsuke Hamaguchi does the honours, taking audiences riding through another of the Happy Hour, Asako I & II and with Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy helmer's layered, thoughtful and probing reflections on connection. Using Murakami's short story from 2014 collection Men Without Women as its basis, Drive My Car's setup is simple. Yes, the film's title is descriptive. Two years after a personal tragedy, actor/director Yūsuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima, Silent Tokyo) agrees to bring Chekhov's Uncle Vanya to the stage in Hiroshima, and the company behind it insists on giving him a chauffeur for his stay. He declines— he'd asked to stay an hour away from the theatre so he could listen to recorded tapes of the play on his drive — yet his new employers contend that it's mandatory for insurance and liability reasons. Enter 23-year-old Misaki Watari (Tôko Miura, Spaghetti Code Love), who becomes a regular part of Yūsuke's working stint in the city. Drive My Car doesn't hurry to its narrative destination, clocking in at a minute shy of three hours. It doesn't rush to get to its basic premise, either. Before the film's opening credits arrive 40 minutes in, it steps through Yūsuke's existence back when he was appearing in a version of Uncle Vanya himself, married to television scriptwriter Oto (Reika Kirishima, Japanese TV's Sherlock) and grappling with an earlier heartbreak. His wife is also sleeping with younger actor Takatsuki (Masaki Okada, Arc), which Yūsuke discovers, says nothing about but works towards discussing until fate intervenes. Then, when he sits in his red 1987 Saab 900 Turbo just as the movie's titles finally display, he's a man still wracked by grief. It's also swiftly clear that he's using his two-month Hiroshima residency as a distraction, even while knowing that this exact play — and Oto's voice on the tapes he keeps listening to — will always be deeply tied to his life-shattering loss. This prologue does more than set the scene; there's a reason that Hamaguchi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Takamasa Oe (The Naked Director), directs so much time its way. Where tales of tragedy and mourning often plunge into happy lives suddenly unsettled by something catastrophic or the process of picking up the pieces in the aftermath — typically making a concerted choice between one or the other — Drive My Car sees the two as the forever-linked halves of a complicated journey, as they are. The film isn't interested in the events that've forever altered the plot of Yūsuke's life, but in who he is, how he copes, and what ripples that inescapable hurt causes. It's just as fascinated with another fact: that so many of us have these stories. Just as losing someone and soldiering on afterwards are unshakeably connected, so are we all by sharing these cruel constants of life. The reality that anyone can have a history as complex and as coloured by pain is a lesson for Yūsuke to learn. Although he makes a living plumbing the depths of human emotion through art, and cathartically so, reading those same feelings into the people around him — recognising the same highs and lows in their experiences, as in his own — is a thornier path to chart. But in his daily treks to and from his theatre rehearsals, he starts making the trip towards that realisation as Misaki sits behind the wheel of his trusty Saab. Initially, neither speaks, with Oto's line readings via cassette breaking the silence. Yūsuke saves his words for the International cast he auditions and then directs, each relaying Uncle Vanya in their native tongues (or, in one instance, by an actor who is deaf and signs her dialogue). Slowly, though, the drives find their own language, as Misaki opens up about her past and vice versa. Forget Green Book and Driving Miss Daisy, American Oscar-applauded films similarly about drivers, passengers and unexpected camaraderie — Drive My Car is in a lane of its own, and not just because it isn't a simplistic and saccharine attempt to weave a heartwarming story out of racial reconciliation. Hamaguchi takes his central pair and his audience on a patient, engrossing and rewarding trip that cuts to the heart of dealing with life, love, loss, pain, shame and despair, and also sees how fickle twists of chance — a recurrent topic in the director's films — unavoidably dictate our routes. Another thing that the filmmaker does disarmingly well: ponder possibilities and acceptance, two notions that echo through both Yūsuke and Misaki's tales, and resonate with that always-winning combination of specificity and universality. Drive My Car is intimate and detailed about every element of its on-screen voyage and its character studies, and also a road map to soulful, relatable truths. Sitting — while driving and during rehearsals — is a recurrent sight in Drive My Car. It's fitting; this is a film to sit with. The movie's lengthy duration lets viewers take in its gorgeously shot visuals as they might revel in landscape spied from a car window, whether cinematographer Hidetoshi Shinomiya (Ju-on: Origins) is lensing the road as it winds by the Seto Inland Sea, spending time with the feature's core duo or chronicling Yūsuke's efforts at the theatre. Crisp, poetic and revealing even in a visit to a waste treatment facility, Drive My Car's naturalistic imagery provides a striking canvas for its affecting performances, too, with Nishijima and Miura as quietly expressive as any film — and any Murakami adaptation — could hope of its actors. In one of the picture's most stunning sequences, they chat by steps near the ocean, and the camera sees everything about their characters, and simply existing, and also tussling with life's pain, in each emotionally loaded closeup and sweeping, waterside wide shot. These are moments that drive a movie to greatness, and this moving and perceptive masterpiece is filled with them.
If you like scary movies, then you've likely watched a Scream film or five over the past quarter of a century. And, across that period — ever since the OG flick became a box-office smash in 1996, then delivered 1997's Scream 2, 2000's Scream 3, 2011's Scream 4 and 2022's Scream, plus TV spinoff Scream: The TV Series — you've seen the saga's mask-wearing killer Ghostface slash his way through the fictional Californian town of Woodsboro multiple times, as well as a college in Ohio and then Hollywood. Until now, viewers haven't witnessed the series' villain follow in The Muppets' footsteps, though. But thanks to Scream VI, which arrives in cinemas in March 2023 and just dropped its first teaser trailer, that's changing. This time around, Ghostface is getting slashy while taking — and terrorising — Manhattan. No, everyone's favourite felt characters didn't quite do that, but they did galavant across the New York City borough first. When the first Scream VI trailer begins, it's clearly Halloween, and costumes abound on a NYC subway. Among all that spooky attire: more than one black-clad person in a Ghostface mask, making passengers and franchise returnees Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera, In the Heights), her sister Tara (Jenna Ortega, Wednesday) and their film-obsessed pal Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown, Yellowjackets) more than a little distressed. Scream VI's trailer doesn't provide any other story detail, but it does still love scary movies, riffing on Alien's famous "in space, no one can hear you scream" tagline. It's also set to bring a few other familiar Scream faces back — sadly not Neve Campbell, after the actor turned down a reappearance after a salary dispute, but seeing Courteney Cox (Shining Vale) return as TV reporter Gale Weathers, Mason Gooding (Fall) pop up again after the last flick and Hayden Panettiere (Nashville) rejoin the fold following Scream 4. Will this make Panettiere's Kirby Reed the killer this time around, because this franchise does love links when it comes to Ghostface's identity? At this stage, we can only guess. What anyone who has even just heard of the Scream flicks does know, of course, is that stabbing murders and horror movie fandom will combine no matter who's wielding the knife. Ready or Not's Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett return to helm Scream VI, as they did with 2021's Scream. And yes, why the franchise's titles have gone from Scream to Scream 2, Scream 3 and Scream 4, then back to Scream, and now to Scream VI, makes about as much sense as running up the stairs when someone should be heading out the front door. Also set to feature in Scream VI: She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and The Other Two's Josh Segarra, Servant and The Grand Budapest Hotel's Tony Revolori, and Australian Nine Perfect Strangers and Ready or Not star Samara Weaving, plus Dermot Mulroney (Umma) and Henry Czerny (another Ready or Not alum). Check out the first Scream VI teaser trailer below: Scream VI releases in cinemas Down Under on March 9, 2023.
A two-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney is Murray's Brewing Co, a small brewery that's been making top-notch and interesting craft beers since 2006. The team serves up to ten different beers on tap at any one time, plus bottled specials. And, along with the beer, visitors can taste local wines, enjoy cheeseburger spring rolls, sticky pork ribs or haloumi burgers from the Brewery Restaurant, play a game of bocce and listen to live entertainment. Those keen to learn more about craft beer can take a tour, which run daily at 2.15pm. For beer novices, Murray recommends the Angry Man pale ale, Whale Ale wheat beer and refreshing East Coast lager, and those feeling riskier can give the Spartacus Imperial IPA, Wild Thing stout, Coco Hops coconut porter or Pucker Up sour ale a whirl. If you head in around October, you may by lucky enough to try the limited-edition, oft-requested Pumpkin Ale, made with 50-kilograms of roast pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
Whatever you were planning to see at this year's Sydney Film Festival, it now has company — and you have some juggling to do with your movie-watching schedule. The city's annual major cinema celebration returns from Wednesday, June 8–Sunday, June 19, and it'll now be screening 12 more films than originally announced, including a heap of newly minted award-winners straight from the Cannes Film Festival. If you're a seasoned SFF attendee, you'll know that this is part of the festival's usual routine. First, it reveals a smattering of flicks in its program in early April. Then, it drops its full lineup at the beginning of May. But, after Cannes is done and dusted for the year, it adds the best movies it can nab from that prestigious French event, too. This year is no different, and the haul of Cannes titles is impressive. And yes, Palme d'Or winner Triangle of Sadness — which satirises the mega rich, is directed by Force Majeure's Ruben Östlund, and marks his second Palme win after The Square — is on the bill. Also heading Sydney's way: Broker, the latest from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, who won the Palme d'Or back in 2018 with the sublime Shoplifters. This time, he's made a movie in Korea — his first Korean-language film, in fact — with Broker again exploring the ties that bind and the connections of family. Starring Parasite's Song Kang-ho, who won Cannes' Best Actor Award for his work here, it'll close out this year's SFF. Other Cannes award-recipients just added to the program include joint Cannes Grand Prix-winner Stars at Noon, which sees Claire Denis (High Life) direct Margaret Qualley (Maid) and Joe Alwyn (Conversations with Friends) in an erotic espionage tale; Tori and Lokita, which nabbed the Cannes 75th Anniversary Prize for Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Two Days, One Night); Holy Spider, an Iran-set true-crime serial killer thriller by Ali Abbasi (Border), and the recipient of Cannes' Best Actress Award for star Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Tehran Taboo); and Boy From Heaven, a Cairo-set political thriller that picked up Best Screenplay. And, from Cannes Un Certain Regard, there's also The Blue Caftan, about a love triangle between a young gay man and a middle-aged couple, which won the FIPRESCI Award; Joyland, which nabbed the Cannes Jury Prize and Queer Palm, and also marks the first Pakistani film to make the Cannes Official Selection; and Mediterranean Fever, winner of Un Certain Regard's Best Screenplay Award. Plus, Portuguese writer/director João Pedro Rodrigues' musical Will-O'-The-Wisp arrives from Cannes Director's Fortnight — and there's also The Night of the 12th, a police procedural set in Southern France, too. SFF already added Baz Luhrmann's Elvis to its lineup as well, thank you very much. Not hailing from Cannes, documentary Nothing Compares also joins the bill, exploring the life and career of Sinéad O'Connor. The 2022 Sydney Film Festival runs between Wednesday, June 8–Sunday, June 19 at the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Art Gallery of NSW. To check out the event's full program, or to buy tickets, head to the festival's website.
The cool air will heat up on Saturday, June 9, when a stellar lineup of some of Australia's hottest musical acts takes to the stage. Thredbo has teamed up with Heineken to transform the Village Square into a pumping live concert venue for the four jam-packed months of the winter season. And the first Saturday will kick off the program with a bang. The Sosueme DJs will be the first on-deck (with its '99% genre-free' tunes), before Brissie producer Young Franco takes to the stage at 6pm to spin disco tunes with funky basslines. Finally, renowned time-travelling DJ Hot Dub Time Machine will round things out with an epic two-hour set from 7.30pm. What decades will he play? We don't know, but we can promise they'll be chronological. Depending on your proclivities, you can start earlier or continue later, too. Once you've finished on the slopes, head straight to the pool (don't worry, you won't have to get in) for Heineken's Poolside Après Party from 2pm. Here, you can wind down or gear up with a beer in hand. If you're more of a night owl, Thredbo's only nightclub, Keller, will be keeping the party going from 9.30pm till the wee hours. If you're heading to Thredbo later in the season, Heineken Saturday will also take place on Saturday, August 25, featuring Tigerlily, Kinder Music and DJ Michelle Owen. To find out more about Thredbo's exciting winter program, head to thredbo.com.au.
The CBD has welcomed an impressive new boutique hotel with an attached wine bar and bistro ideal for after-work drinks. Unlike some of Sydney's other landmark hotel openings (see: the recently opened Capella and the soon-to-arrived W Hotel), Bar Morris is a more low-key affair, tucked away on Pitt Street just by Chinatown with 82 stylish rooms. The property originally opened in 1929 and was the tallest hotel in the country for more than 30 years. Now under the guidance of Accor, the inner-city stay has been given a massive makeover that maintains the charm of its historic Italian renaissance influence. The exterior has been refurbished to retain the original design, with a bold white and red sign proudly exclaiming 'Hotel Morris' out the front. Inside, the art deco-influenced suites welcome guests with Jarrah wood accents and custom furniture that pays homage to the history of the building. Downstairs, Bar Morris continues the building's vintage Inter-War Palazzo design with a sleek 40-seat space built around pink marble, delicate chandeliers and vibrant flourishes of red. The bar serves as an all-day CBD stop-off for a quick drink and snacks or a no-holds-barred feast. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can pop in for Industry Beans coffee and Sicilian pancakes in the morning, the daily pasta or panini special at midday or a lavish Italian dinner led by fast-rising Head Chef Rosy Scatigna. At just 30 years old, Scatigna has already worked across Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and the UK after studying at Alma International School of Italian Cuisine. On the after-dark menu, you'll find rich, flavour-packed starters and mains like mussels gratinate with saffron aioli, cheesy 'nduja madeleines paired with preserved lemon and guanciale, marinated prawn and pumpkin risotto, and flank steak topped with a signature Café de Morris butter. Natty wine enthusiasts will be excited by the wine list which is made up of nearly entirely Australian and Italian producers and boasts an extensive range of skin contact drops both by the glass and the bottle. Swap your usual glass of riesling for a skins-y Hunter Valley fiano or start your night with a glass of rosé pét-nat in place of your usual sparkling. If you're heading in with mum, never fear, there's still plenty of traditional tipples to be had across the extensive 50+ bottles on offer. And, if you prefer to pair your spaghettone with something a little stiffer, you're in luck: classic cocktails, an entire page of amaros and inventive blends are all on offer. After something a little different? Try the Salted Stars which combines chilli, grapefruit, amaro Montenegro, lemon sorbet and Archie Rose vodka. Hotel Morris and Bar Morris are now open at 412 Pitt Street, Haymarket. Bar Morris is open for breakfast until 10am on weekdays and 10.30am on weekends; lunch 11am–2.30pm Monday–Sunday; and dinner 5.30–10pm Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Steven Woodburn
When you book an Airbnb, a set of rules normally greets you when it comes time to check in. We know one that'll be on list at the platform's latest stay: don't say "Beetlejuice" three times. Just to be safe, you mightn't even want to say it twice in a row, even if the spot that you'll be visiting is all about Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Adding to its Icons category, aka the pop culture-themed abodes that you wouldn't be able to step inside without Airbnb making them a reality, the service now has the Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice house on its books. The latter movie hit cinemas in September and is available to watch at home on digital now, ready to inspire a whole new round of Halloween costumes — and get you primed for a vacation like the ghost with the most this November. The Deetz residence has been at the heart of both of Tim Burton's (Dumbo) Beetlejuice flicks, starting back in 1988 when Michael Keaton (The Flash) first began sporting black-and-white suits on-screen. In the initial movie, Barbara and Adam Maitland (GLOW's Geena Davis and Dr Death's Alec Baldwin) met an untimely end, found themselves haunting their own abode with a Handbook for the Recently Deceased in their ghostly hands, weren't thrilled about the new family who moved in and called upon a certain bio-exorcist for assistance. Those new occupants: the Deetz crew, of course, including Schitt's Creek's great Catherine O'Hara (Argylle) as matriarch Delia and Winona Ryder (Stranger Things) as her daughter Lydia, plus Jenna Ortega (Miller's Girl) as the latter's daughter Astrid in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. If you've seen one or both films, you'll recognise the home, complete with the black mourning veil it sported in the second picture after the death of the Deetz family patriarch. You'll also spot plenty of familiar bits and pieces inside, including artwork and the portal to the afterlife. Delia is listed as the listing's host. "Now that my work is posthumously appreciating in value and recognition, it's only fair that artistic souls be invited to my magnificent home," the character said in a statement. "So, come admire my life's work and Create with a Capital C in the first-ever art class from beyond the grave. Just watch out for that pesky trickster in the attic!" Until 5.59pm AEST on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, ten bookings are on offer for visits between Saturday, November 16–Wednesday, November 27, 2024; however, there is a difference with this Icons spot compared to the others. This time, you'll only be there for three hours, nor overnight. There is still a stay involved, though, just at an Airbnb listing in Princeton, New Jersey at no additional cost. Upon arrival at the Beetlejuice house, you and up to five friends will get to wander around checking out Delia's work, plus the Maitlands' model of Winter River — the town that the Beetlejuice movies are set in, even though you'll be physically heading to Hillsborough Township, New Jersey — in the attic. Although saying a certain name isn't recommended, naturally everyone is going to utter it, which is how you get to the afterlife. Yes, the glowing green light, the waiting room and the disorienting hallway are all there. Then an art class is on the agenda, before you head to where you're bunking down for the evening — all if you nab one of the bookings. As always, your travel there and home (including to and from the US from Down Under) is at your own expense. It was back in May that Airbnb announced that it was doing things a little differently in 2024 with these once-in-a-lifetime listings. The platform is no stranger to giving travellers dream vacation options — see: Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Hobbiton, to name just a few — which it previously announced at random, with no advance warning. Now, it has created the Airbnb Icons category, grouping them all together but also still unveiling surprises along the way, like this one. In the past, Airbnb has also featured the Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and a Christina Aguilera-hosted two-night Las Vegas stay. Its Airbnb Icons category has also made sleeping at the Purple Rain mansion, the Up house, Inside Out 2's headquarters, the X-Mansion from X-Men '97 and the Ferrari Museum a reality, as well as stays hosted by Doja Cat, Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor and Kevin Hart. For more information about the Beetlejuice house on Airbnb, or to book it until 5.59pm AEST on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for visits between Saturday, November 16–Wednesday, November 27, 2024, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Emily Shur, Damien Maloney and Randy Slavin. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
While an indulgent night of pasta and wine can be an absolute treat, who doesn't love a quick, affordable bite to eat? After nailing the former for the past decade with his restaurant group Totti's and the beloved Pinbone before that, chef Mike Eggert has turned his attention to the latter with his new CBD restaurant Oti'. Open in the former Lorraine's Patisserie shop just off George Street, Oti' specialises in two beloved staples of the quick, no-fuss culinary experience — pizza by the slice and sandwiches. Sambos start from $15, while pizza are available from $12 a slice. A welcome addition to the CBD's late-night feed options, Oti' is keeping the kitchen firing until midnight Thursday–Saturday each week (if stocks last until then). The menu is ever-changing, but you can expect plenty of classic Italian ingredients loaded between slices of schiacciata or piled on top of the thick, fluffy Roman-style pizza basses. Prosciutto, salami, mortadella, olives, capers and plenty of vegetarian-friendly fillings will be making appearances — as well as a range of eight different kinds of cheese, including Totti's signature burrata. If you want to browse the day's menu before heading in, head to the Oti' Instagram page for its daily offerings.
We've all heard of the saying 'the older you are, the wiser you are' — and in this case it stands true. It is common knowledge that we can learn so much from our elders with their breadth of experience. So when it comes time to learn about experiences pertaining to love, romance and sex, who better to ask than the ones with the most expertise? Strap in — or on — for a wild ride, as All The Sex I've Ever Had returns to Sydney completely revamped for WorldPride 2023. The Darlinghurst Production Company has teamed up with Canada's Mammalian Diving to bring an LGBTQIA+ edition of the hugely successful, 90-minute tell-all production back to Sydney. From 7pm Tuesday to Friday or 5pm on Sunday, you can draw upon the wisdom of queer local senior citizens at the Eternity Playhouse Theatre and experience the climaxes of truly raw storytelling as these generous elders recount some of the highest highs and lowest lows of navigating their way through dating, relationships and sexuality. Take the opportunity to hear or ask questions about the panel's escapades, spanning from first crushes and casual flings to unplanned pregnancies and tumultuous love affairs — nothing is off the table. As these sex-perts bear their chests in a spoken memoir of heart-warming and heartbreaking accounts, the courage to share personal stories on stage emphasises the importance of being unapologetically open and fearless. This WorldPride event re-establishes our elders as the ones to turn to for advice and life lessons, while breaking the stigma around the taboo nature of enjoying life's pleasures to the fullest in your twilight years. This must-attend event will be one for the books.
The traditional Sydney weekend — a practice honed after many years of dedication — includes heading to the market for flowers, fruit and veg (with coffee in hand, of course), and then finding a way to squeeze a touch of culture into your morning. And Carriageworks has you covered for both, with their famous Saturday farmers market and eclectic exhibition space only a few steps away. In the coming months the space will house Liveworks, experimental performance and art from across Australia and Asia, Project Banaba, a work of historical artefacts, and New Breed by the Sydney Dance Company.
It has been 23 years since Mecca opened its first store in Melbourne, with the beauty retailer expanding to more than 100 Australian and New Zealand shops over that time. But none of its locations so far can match the company's soon-to-open latest addition — a huge new site in Sydney, which not only marks Mecca's first flagship store, but will also become the biggest dedicated beauty store in the southern hemisphere. Slated to open on Friday, November 27, the new shop will take over the heritage Gowings building on the corner of Market and George streets — sprawling across four levels and 1800 square metres. That's where Topshop used to sit and, if you're wondering how it compares to Mecca's other digs, it'll be more than twice the size of its current largest store at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne. It'll also span over 20 times more space than its very first store did two decades back. All that room means plenty of space for beauty products, of course — including a heap of new brands that the retailer hasn't stocked before. You'll be able to pick up Tom Ford, Moon Juice and Resorè items, which will join a curated lineup of more than 200 brands. Returning favourites range across everything from Nars and Shiseido to Drunk Elephant and Sunday Riley, plus Mecca's own signature lines Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Max. As well as shelves upon shelves filled with foundation, lipstick, face creams, mascara, masks and more, Mecca's flagship store is dedicating more than a third of its floorplan to beauty services, too — such as naturopath Anthia Koullouros and hair salon EdwardsAndCo. Jewellery designer Sarah & Sebastian will also be on hand, doing piercing and bracelet soldering. Mecca's dedicated labs — for skin, makeup and brows — will be a feature, as will its biggest perfumeria yet. And, there'll be a Mecca gift-wrapping bar, which'll be present all-year-round but is obviously perfect for end-of-year shopping. Plus, the Mecca concierge will help point you in the right direction as you're wandering around the revamped, colour-heavy space, as designed by Sydney's Meacham Nockles. You'll be shopping while surrounded by neon yellow lifts, mosaic walls and a beauty chute — which transports products between levels. Find Mecca's new flagship store at 45 Market Street, Sydney, from Friday, November 27. Top image: Maksym Kozlenko via Wikimedia Commons.
"Movies are dreams that you never forget," says Mitzi Fabelman (Michelle Williams, Venom: Let There Be Carnage) early in Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans. Have truer words ever been spoken in any of the director's 33 flicks? Uttered to her eight-year-old son Sammy (feature debutant Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord), Mitzi's statement lingers, providing the film's beating heart even when the coming-of-age tale it spins isn't always idyllic. Individual pictures can come and go, of course. Only some — including on America's most populist filmmaker's own resume, packed as it is with Jaws, Indiana Jones, E.T., Jurassic Park, West Side Story and the like — truly stand the test of time. But as Mitzi understands, and imparts to her on-screen Spielberg boyhood surrogate, movies as an art form are a dream that keeps beaming in our heads. We return to theatres again and again for more. We glue our eyes to films at home, too. We lap up the worlds they visit, stories they relay and fantasies they incite, and we eagerly add our own. To everyone that's ever stared at the silver screen in awe and wonder, The Fabelmans pays tribute far more than it basks in the glow of its director. Because everyone is crafting cinematic autobiographies of sorts of late, Spielberg adds this tender yet clear-eyed look at his childhood to a growing list of similarly self-reflective flicks; however, he's as fascinated with cinema as a dream-sparking and -making force as is he with fictionalising and mythologising his own beginnings. Slot The Fabelmans in alongside James Gray's Armageddon Time, Kenneth Branagh's Belfast, Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza and Alejandro González Iñárritu's Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths from the past year or so, then, and easily. Don't consider it merely Spielberg jumping on a trend, though. This is a sincere, perceptive and potent movie about how movies act as a mirror — and a vividly shot and engagingly performed one, complete with a pitch-perfect late cameo that's pure cinephile heaven — whether we're watching or creating them. First comes the viewing, as it does with us all no matter if we end up picking up a camera. While The Fabelmans charts Sammy's film fixation as it quickly expands from devouring celluloid dreams to fashioning them — giving Spielberg's career an origin story, clearly — that initial dalliance with the big screen in the 1950s couldn't be more pivotal. Heading to catch Cecil B DeMille's The Greatest Show on Earth with Mitzi and dad Burt (Paul Dano, The Batman), the boy is anxious. And, when his debut experience with cinema involves witnessing a train crash in the movie, he's haunted afterwards. The Fabelmans makes that obsession the source of nightmares as well as inspiration, but once Sammy begins working through and rewriting his feelings by restaging the scene using a model train set, plus capturing it on Burt's Super-8 camera, the latter wins out. Both before and after Sammy hits his teen years (where he's played by The Predator's Gabriel LaBelle), The Fabelmans adores staging the wannabe filmmaker's DIY shoots. The horror of the dentist, mummies wrapped in toilet paper, westerns, war flicks: enlisting his sisters Natalie (Sweet Magnolias' Alina Brace as a kid, then Hunters' Keeley Karsten) and Reggie (Pivoting's Birdie Borria, then Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's Julia Butters), and his Boy Scout troupe, he's constantly filtering what he spies in darkened rooms into his enthusiastic work. There's a touch of Be Kind Rewind to these moments, joyously, but Spielberg highlights technique, too, such as Sammy's genius idea to make gunfights look more realistic. Cinema isn't just about storytelling, he reminds, but also science — even if career-minded computer engineer Burt can't see past the art, disapprovingly and to Mitzi's dismay, to the technique behind dolly tracks, camera angles that convey meaning and careful editing. Every filmmaker wants their audience to forget they're watching a movie, getting so immersed that everything else fades from mind while the projector whirls, but Spielberg loves the dream as well as the method behind it. He highlights the push and pull between the two into The Fabelmans from the outset, from the instant that the young Sammy stands in the middle of the frame outside the cinema, putting his creative, emotive, ex-concert pianist mum on one side and his analytical, data-driven, workaholic dad on the other. That's a gorgeous and intelligent touch, benefiting from luminous lensing by Janusz Kamiński, Spielberg's regular cinematographer. As built into the screenplay co-penned with fellow returning collaborator Tony Kushner — the helmer's first script since 2001's A.I. Artificial Intelligence — it also speaks to the family chaos that keeps thrusting Sammy and the Fabelmans in an array of directions. This movie isn't called Sammy, after all. Filmmaking is a communal experience — again whether you're enjoying the end result or toiling for it — and Sammy's pursuit of it doesn't occur in a vacuum. That maiden cinema visit wouldn't have happened without his mother and father. His response to it, right through to wanting to make the pictures his career, couldn't have either. Just like the nocturnal kind, cinema's reveries flow from an everyday reality, with The Fabelmans deeply invested in Sammy's. That spans hopping around the US following Burt's work, from New Jersey to Phoenix and then California; Mitzi and Burt's fragile chalk-and-cheese pairing, plus her obvious fondness for his best friend Bennie (Seth Rogen, Pam & Tommy); fitting in as a Jewish family amid antisemitism; words of wisdom from a long-lost uncle (Judd Hirsch, The Goldbergs) with a Hollywood background; high-school romances, bullying and other dramas; and sibling rivalries and complicated parent-child bonds. As a memoir, The Fabelmans isn't nostalgic about anything except cinema's undying allure — crucially so for the film's performances. Spielberg's mother was a pianist. His dad was an engineer. They moved to same spots seen in the movie, and their relationship didn't survive the director's childhood. Every choice in The Fabelmans is warm, including the John Williams score, but that doesn't mean sweeping past Mitzi's unfulfilled professional and romantic desires, overlooking Burt's work focus or ignoring the restlessness simmering within the family. Embracing those complexities gives Williams, Dano and LaBelle ample fuel for thoughtful, moving and multi-layered portrayals that always feel personal. Playing your director's mum, dad or younger self isn't guaranteed to have that impact, but Spielberg's compassionate direction makes it a given. His clever, insightful, funny and oh-so-astute ending here also makes The Fabelmans unforgettable; "how would you like to meet the world's greatest director?" indeed.
Every year, the Japanese Film Festival, presented by The Japan Foundation, Sydney, takes over cinema screens across Australia. But, thanks to the global pandemic, the annual cinematic event will look a little different this time around, returning for its 24th year as a digital festival called JFF Plus. So, warm up the popcorn and get ready for ten days of Japanese flicks that you can catch from the comfort of your couch. If there's one thing that Japanese cinema is known for, it's variety. So, expect everything from heartfelt anime to time travel adventures and geisha-inspired musical comedies. Overall, there'll be more than 25 films in this year's online program, covering feature-length flicks, documentaries and shorts, with a mix of new titles and cult classics. Highlights include quirky rom-com Tremble All You Want, family drama One Night, a documentary on the on the world-famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo and legendary director Yasujirō Ozu's 1952 film The Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice. Oh and did we mention it's free? [caption id="attachment_788623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Tsukiji Wonderland', 2016 Shochiku Co., Ltd.[/caption] To check out the full program, head to the Japanese Film Festival website. Top images: 'One Night', 2019 'One Night' Film partners; 'The Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice', 1952/2017 Shochiku Co., Ltd.; and 'Tremble All You Want', 2017 'Tremble All You Want' Production Committee.
We take travelling seriously at Concrete Playground. Whether you're planning luxury getaways abroad, interstate camping trips, weekend jaunts to a city or bathing beachside, our team of avid travellers and destination-obsessives like to think we've got all the necessary tips for where to eat, drink, stay and hang out to get your itineraries in the best possible shape. But it has come to our attention that we've lapsed in our advice when it comes to what to put in your luggage. So, what must-have travel essentials should you be bringing with you on your next trip to make packing for your holiday a simple and stress-free task? In partnership with the folks at Kmart, we're going to share our top tips for packing, depending on what kind of adventure you are about to embark on. Carry-on Connoisseurs If you are attempting to eschew those ever-increasing checked luggage bag fees but aren't quite keen on stuffing a pillowcase with all your belongings, it might be time to assess what you are actually packing. If you've committed to confining yourself to cabin baggage alone, pack items that can do multiple jobs. A simple button-up shirt can be casual with jeans and a tee, a throw-on layer over swimwear, or be dressed up by buttoning it up and tucking it into your pants. Dresses are the ultimate outfit saviour if you favour a single-item outfit. With a simple hairstyle or accessories, a dress can take you from chill brunch to a luxe wine-tasting or fine-dining experience. Don't put yourself out, and ensure you are always looking your best, whether you are sipping on sparkling next to the Riviera or exploring food markets in Japan. Luxury Lovers There's nothing more luxurious than having options for everyday activities on your five-star getaway. But with all your outfit choices, how can you keep tabs on your belongings? Easy, get yourself organised with luggage organisers. Packing cubes are excellent for all kinds of travellers, whether you're hiking the Great Dividing Range or booking yourself into a relaxing retreat. Keep your items organised, from your electronics to your toiletries, your swimwear to your evening wear. With the right travel accessories, you'll never have to worry about where your perfect evening outfit or super luxurious sunhat is. International Explorers If you're that person who is constantly returning from an overseas trip and planning the next one, you probably need new luggage. All that travelling plays havoc on your baggage. From the usual wear and tear of being pulled through the terminals to the stress of being chucked around on baggage chutes, bus racks, taxi boots and more. Before you start planning your next vacation, make sure your bags are in good nick for overseas travel. You don't want to have to be scouring local supermarkets for duct tape. Get yourself sorted with a stylish new set, and you're basically halfway ready for your next adventure. Weekend Warriors Do you keep your eyes peeled for budget-friendly interstate flights or car hire sales for your next weekend escapade? Much like the Carry-on Connoisseurs above, you're only going for the weekend, so make sure you pack lightly (so you can fill your car/suitcase with all the local goodies you can). Whether you're heading for the hills or journeying to a dense metropolis, walking shoes are a must. No matter if you are a guy planning a luxe trip to the south Pacific or a gal heading to the mountains, the ratty trainers you've been rocking to the gym simply won't do (and neither will that stylish new pair you're yet to break in). Get comfy, versatile walking sneakers or boots that match your fave 'fit for city exploring or countryside wandering and wear them on the way to your weekend destination. Adventure Seekers If you love spending your weekends exploring the bush or hiking up mountains, it's important to be prepared and get your camping gear in order. A sturdy shoe, head torch and waterproof pack can make or break a weekend — so be prepared for every kind of weather and dress for the elements to change. Remember: it's cold at night, even during an Aussie summer. If you're a keen camper, stock up on gas fuel for your stove and a first aid pack (with sunscreen and bug spray). It's the times that you need it that you don't have it. Don't put yourself in that position and get prepped for adventure. Foodie Fanatics Do you spend your holidays sampling wines, tasting local produce and snagging the best dinner reservations in town? Dress to impress and pack a skirt that can bring you from the market to the restaurant in an instant. Whether you're more of a mini, midi, or maxi skirt kind of person, a stylish skirt can elevate your outfit for the perfect look for embarking on your epicurean adventure. Discover more of your must-have travel essentials over on Kmart's website.
Give Netflix the night off and invest generously in your local art scene by rolling down to The Old Fitz Theatre for dinner and a show. With a number of fearless and dynamic performances, Red Line Productions programmes some of the most challenging theatre in Sydney, and in light of recent art funding cuts, these young writers, actors and producers could use all the spare dimes they can get. So why not throw them a money bone and catch them on a Tuesday? You'll score cheap tickets and a hearty bowl of pasta for less than $50, which we think is a pretty sweet deal.
In 2025, G Flip has a new album on the way. Come 2026, they'll be backing up their latest record with a five-city tour of Australia. When the drummer, singer and songwriter takes to the stage in Brisbane to kick off their next run of homegrown dates, it will be eight years to the month since Georgia Flipo first uploaded 'About You' to Triple J Unearthed — a move that's sparked a helluva career so far for the Aussie talent. G Flip has locked in gigs not only at Brisbane's Riverstage on Friday, February 27, but also at Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Tuesday, March 3; Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena on Saturday, March 7; Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre come Thursday, March 12; and Fremantle Arts Centre on Saturday, March 14. If you've spotted the fact that these dates are nicely spread out, that's likely because the ARIA Award-winner's 2023 solo Australian tour played to sellout crowds, adding extra shows due to demand. [caption id="attachment_1013155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amy Martin Photography via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] For company this time, G Flip will have Toronto's The Beaches and Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon in support at all gigs. "I am so excited to be coming home to play some shows with my mates The Beaches and Ayesha Madon! The Dream Ride tour is going to a bloody good time, can't wait to see you there!" said the 'Drink Too Much', 'Hyperfine', 'Gay 4 Me', 'The Worst Person Alive' and 'Good Enough' performer, announcing the tour. [caption id="attachment_1013154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Sophie Bine[/caption] Dream Ride, the album, releases on Friday, September 5, 2025 — and features already-released singles 'Disco Cowgirl', 'Big Ol' Hammer' and 'In Another Life'. Get ready for an 80s-inspired sound, and for G Flip playing almost every instrument on the record. Their second album Drummer dropped in 2023, and earned G Flip ARIAs for Song of the Year for 'The Worst Person Alive', Best Video for 'Good Enough' and Best Australian Live Act for the corresponding tour. Before that, their studio debut About Us released in 2019. While G Flip last took their own headline tour around the country in 2023, they were busy everywhere from Field Day and Great Southern Nights to One Night Stand and Spilt Milk's House Party series in 2024. [caption id="attachment_967435" align="alignnone" width="1917"] F Fawkes via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] G Flip Dream Ride Tour with The Beaches and Ayesha Madon Australian 2026 Dates Friday, February 27 — Riverstage, Brisbane Tuesday, March 3 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Saturday, March 7 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Thursday, March 12 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide Saturday, March 14 — Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth [caption id="attachment_966668" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Callum Walker Hutchinson[/caption] G Flip is touring Australia with The Beaches and Ayesha Madon in February and March 2026, with ticket presales from 12pm local time on Thursday, July 17, 2025 and general sales from 1pm local time on Monday, July 21, 2025. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images.
