This Friday night, we're looking forward to checking out the work of Sydney artist Kyra Henley. Henley's work recontextualises images from magazines and books of the 1950s, 60s and 70s to create unfamiliar landscapes of familiar images. A skilful painter, her collage-based process to constructing work combines a highly saturated palette and focused attention to detail. This show is the latest exhibition programmed by Lilac City Studio, a Sydney-based artist-run initiative that provides a platform for emerging artists to exhibit and sell experimental works. You can get a sense of their aesthetic by checking out past exhibitions like Currency and Monstrous/Ordinary. Originally based in Oxford Street, Lilac City Studio are now curating shows in different spaces around Sydney and interstate. The work stays up for a little while after the opening — and it's worth heading back in to check out the work, minus the crowds. If you can't make it down this weekend, keep your eye on the studio's calendar or Instagram for future exhibitions. Recreation II opens on Friday 26 October at 6pm. You can also visit the gallery the over the weekend, from 11–5pm on Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment via email info@lilaccitystudio.net. Image: Kyra Henley: Man Talk Herculon Carpet.
With the video for their latest single ‘Hands’ featuring half-naked, axe-wielding chicks in roller blades making out with their palms, you could say that there’s a lot to like about Melbourne six-piece Alpine. And that’s before you even get to their music. Which happens to be seriously good. Alpine’s five track EP Zurich, released Nov 2010, features the angelic vocals of frontwomen Phoebe Baker and Lou James layered over gutsy guitar hooks. The result? Beautifully crafted melodic indie pop tunes with bite. Their hugely popular track ‘Villages’ is a perfect example of this exciting mélange of sounds, and the slightly darker and ethereal ‘Hands’ — the first cut from their debut album due out early 2012 — makes for a strong follow-up. Alpine’s signing to Ivy League Records in 2010 sees them sitting side by side with the likes of Cloud Control, Sparkadia and Josh Pyke, just to name a few. They’ve also been the support for high-calibre bands like The Naked & Famous and SIA, and were one of the highlights at last year’s Falls Festival. This should be enough to convince you that Alpine is worth checking out this Friday Jan 20 at Oxford Art Factory, with support from Crayon Fields frontman Geoffrey O’ Connor doing his solo thing.
Back in the '20s, you'd always be caught dead on Kellett Street. Once the battleground of vicious razor gangs — headed by the brothel-owning ‘Queen of Woolloomooloo’ Tilly Devine and fencer of prohibited goodies ‘Queen of Surry Hills’ Kate Leigh — Kellett Street saw a good portion of the epic and bloody Razor Gang Wars between 1927-31. Now, the shady backstreet is a Sydney night strip home to clubs, nightspots and eateries — including brand new, just-opened bar/restaurant Parsons. Opened by brothers Joe and Nick van der Heide, Parsons is housed in the site formerly home to French bistro Cafe Boheme. It's a gutsy move, as Good Food points out, with the street gaining a bit of a reputation for cut-short restaurant residencies — although fellow Kellet Street newcomer The Powder Keg is diving in too. But perhaps it's simply a matter of daylight. "A lot of the places [that didn't make it] tried to focus on day trade," Joe van der Heide told GF. "It's still a night strip." Parsons is decked out in classic '30s speakeasy detail, with low hanging exposed light bulbs, an openair back room and Chesterfield couches. Drinks-wise, the cocktail menu is full of '30-style gems like The Parsons' Mistress (Belvedere, elderflower, gin, egg white, fresh mint), Blood and Sand (scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, cherry, blood orange) or the Black Cherry Banger (Gentleman Jack, lime juice, simple syrup, grapefruit bitters and cherry soda). You'll find the local likes of Rocks Brewing Co.'s Hangman Pale Ale and The Governor Golden Ale on tap, with a vintage wine ledger on request. Happy hour ($7 pints, $5 house wine and $12 cocktails) runs until 7pm. Nosh-wise, you’ll find bar snacks like pork crackling (served herbed or fiery), olives and house-seasoned nuts. For something shareable, there’s crumbed pork strips with house made ketchup and lemon aioli, pulled beef brisket sliders with mustard slaw, cheese boards and charcuterie. For a heftier eat, Parsons is offering up vegetable galette ($15), prawn and shitake ravioli ($17), chicken mini roasts stuffed with parsley, spinach, walnuts and currants ($18) — all topped off with housemade ice-cream from head chef Sciara. Find Parsons at 3 Kellett Street, Kings Cross. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm until midnight. Via Good Food.
Founded as a way to promote happiness and health, this five-kilometre-long run involves splashes of colour to distract you from the fact that you're, you know, exercising. All participants are asked to wear as much white as they can, and then embrace the colour pigment that's blasted at them at various points during the race. This is sweaty exercise disguised as straight-up fun. With plenty of excitement at the beginning, a party at the end, and four colour zones to dance your way through — plus a bubble zone, a foam zone and a DJ zone — the fun never stops, and neither do your legs. The Color Run now takes place in more than 35 countries worldwide, attracting six million runners across the globe. This year it'll run its Sydney race on Sunday, November 10 at Cathy Freeman Park in Sydney Olympic Park, kicking off at 7am. If you need more motivation, there'll also be free slurpees, a giant swing and a ball pit. Plus, if you'd like to do something for others with your run, you can raise money for the Starlight Children's Foundation.
It has been more than half a decade since Australia's most ambitious outdoor cinema held its first Sydney pop-up, letting movie lovers catch a flick under the stars while getting cosy in one of its beds (yes, beds). Of course, that type of event hasn't really suited these COVID-19 times so far, so Mov'In has adapted in 2020 — launching Mov'In Car, a pop-up drive-in on Entertainment Quarter's rooftop. Last year, the brand also floated Mov'In Boat into Darling Harbour, too, because there are plenty of ways to watch movies in outside spaces. But this month, for six weeks from Friday, October 29 through till Wednesday, December 1, it's bringing back its automobile-based outdoor film-viewing setup. Returning now that Sydney's lockdown is over and New South Wales' roadmap back to normality is underway, Mov'In Car will screen films every night of the week except Mondays, kicking off with Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. From there, it'll move to horror flicks for Halloween — think: IT and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, so you can choose between eerie and song-filled viewing — and then cycle between classics and recent favourites. Other highlights include Wrath of Man, the latest movie to pair Guy Ritchie with Jason Statham; Oscar-winner Nomadland, which brings its own vehicle theme to the drive-in; Aussie page-to-screen drama The Dry; and Joker, featuring Joaquin Phoenix's applauded lead performance. Black Widow, Raya and the Last Dragon, Free Guy and Jungle Cruise help round out the new-ish releases — and yes, Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, because it's always on every drive-in and outdoor cinema lineup. There'll also be snacks, food and beverages available to buy, complete with all-you-can-eat pizza deals, bottomless popcorn and Nutella calzones. Mov'In Car isn't BYO, so you'll have to purchase all hot food and drinks inside — but you can bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Price-wise, tickets for a car with one or two people cost $49.90, while you can head along with three or more people for $59.90 per vehicle. All-you-can-eat pizza costs $49.90 for two as well. Also, Mov'In Car is dog-friendly, although your pet pooch will need to stay in your car.
A go-to for Spanish wine and some of Sydney's best bar snacks, La Salut has carved itself a name in this city's bustling hospitality scene in just one year. Arriving in Redfern late in 2021 from the Love Tilly Group — which is also behind Sydney favourites like Ragazzi, Dear Sainte Eloise and the titular Love, Tilly Devine — La Salut is throwing a tapas and vermouth party to celebrate the success of its first 12 months. For the celebrations, the sleek Redfern bar is taking the decisions out of your meal, offering up a set menu of ten of the best and most popular tapas dishes from the past 365 days. You'll be able to tuck into the venue's take on Jatz with anchovy and manchego, plus fried quail with quince aioli, sea urchin prawn toast, caviar-topped eggs and two types of pinchos — pork neck and salmon belly. Concluding the feast will be a classic Catalonian dessert, a crema Catalan tart, accompanied by jammy figs and creme fraiche. La Salut's Restaurant Manager Nadia Verduci will be on-site to offer diners a complimentary tasting of MutVer Vermut, a special vermouth infused with wild-foraged New South Wales botanicals created by Love Tilly Group Co-Founder Nate Hatewell with help from some of his winemaker friends. This specially made wine will be served with a soda on the side and anchovy-stuffed olives in the glass. Reservations at the tapas party include this vermouth tasting and the full slate of tapas, setting each guest back $120. Once you're enjoying your sea urchin and fried quail, you can also add a glass or bottle of wine from the 200-strong list that La Salut boasts. Each seating will last two hours, with bookings available between 12–4pm on the day. Reservations can be made through the La Salut website. Images: Nikki To
Update Monday, June 12: East 33 is looking to help you through Sydney's latest lockdown with its winter range of oysters, as well as oyster and champagne packages and at-home cocktail recipes via Instagram. By now you've probably mastered the art of pickling and tried your hand at bread baking. And sure, becoming a whiz in the kitchen is great and all, but sometimes it's important to treat yourself a little — even in iso. Whether you've finally organised your bookshelf, reached that work deadline or just made it through the day, it's worth celebrating the small wins. So, next time you're in need of a little at-home indulgence crack open a bottle of bubbly and order yourself a tray of some of the finest oysters around thanks to East 33's new next-day delivery service. A collective of Australia's major Sydney rock oyster farmers located along the NSW coast, East 33 usually supplies some of the country's — and the world's — top restaurants. But with the temporary nationwide closure of restaurants, bars and cafes, East 33 has changed tact with its new service 33 Delivery, meaning you can have a fine dining experience from your couch. If you're an oyster fan, you already know that Sydney rocks are the considered some of the best of the bivalves. And, for a limited time, East 33's dropping them to your door at reasonable prices, with free delivery. Do yourself, your partner or your housemates a favour and order some stat. You can either get them shucked or unshucked, with prices starting at $59 for a tray of two dozen. If you want to sample Sydney rocks from up and down the coastline, opt for the East 33 Tasting Pack ($69) which features eight from northern NSW, including Nambucca, Hastings River and Camden Haven; eight from the central coast regions of Port Stephens, Manning River and Wallis Lake; and eight from the south coast areas of Merimbula, Pambula and Lake Wapengo. Delivery is free and is available across Sydney's inner suburbs, eastern suburbs, inner west, north shore and northern beaches. To see all shipping locations, head here. East 33's new next-day delivery service is available across a heap of Sydney suburbs for a limited time only. For more information and to place your order here.
The end of August will bring with it the end of winter, but will also herald the arrival of IKEA's Democratic Design Days. At the festival's first Australian iteration, you'll find out what exactly — besides fiddling with Allen keys — goes on behind the scenes of product development and design at the Scandinavian superstore. Over three days at the MCA, expect workshops, showcases of new designs and never-before-seen prototypes, appearances from creative leaders of design, and a glimpse into what the future holds for IKEA and design in general. IKEA's head of design Marcus Engman will be the keynote speaker on the Monday, talking on the evolution of design — but the real keynote address might be given from your plate to your stomach as you make full use of the pop-up Swedish meatball restaurant that's coming along, too. The IKEA Social Enterprise Meatball Restaurant will create balls of all description (beef, chicken, vegetable, and the newly created IKEA salmon ball) on all three nights of the festival, and all proceeds will go to Foodbank, Australia's largest food relief organisation. There will also be an after-work games night (with cocktails) on Tuesday and an 'unwind' session on Wednesday that will let you kick back with DJs, drinks and IKEA snacks.
Wine is a good time. Whether you're cracking a bottle of bubbly to celebrate something big or sipping a glass of red as you cook a midweek dinner, grape juice is a solid booze option. With so many wineries, grape varieties, styles, vintages, terroirs and tannins, the world of wine is both fascinating and exceedingly overwhelming. At the end of the day, though, you just want a tasty wine that'll suit your current scenario, which is where we come in. For the sake of journalism (and our love of wine), we teamed up with Vivino to chat about the wines we've been drinking, sipping and sinking this season. From juicy pink-hued pét-nats and stone fruit-forward skin contact vinos to zippy whites and inky Aussie reds that pair exceptionally well with spag bol, these bottles are the ones we reach for time and time again — and we reckon you will, too. Need to know even more about the drop you're about to drink? Then take a snap of the bottle in your hand — or simply search for it — in the Vivino app. There, you'll find zero-bullshit reviews, ratings, taste characteristics and prices from more regular wine drinkers. And, if you can't be bothered to track down a bottle IRL, you can also purchase some of them from Vivino, too, and get it delivered straight to your door. 2020 UNICO ZELO ESOTERICO SKIN CONTACT BLEND It's extremely rare that I buy the same wine more than once — I am, after all, an attention span-lacking millennial obsessed with the next shiny new thing. So, for a drop to have a permanent spot in my liquor lineup is a big deal. Enter Esoterico, from Adelaide Hills-based winery Unico Zelo. This amber-hued drop, made from a blend of fiano, zibbibo, moscato giallo, gewürztraminer and greco, is a real all-rounder. It carried me through some pivotal 2021 moments; its decent level of texture and funkiness made all those lockdown loungeroom parties a little more fun. It has notes of citrus and stone fruits, particularly mandarin and apricot, so it was the perfect drop during the picnic era. And it's acidic — almost spicy — so it has served me well over summer, too. Want more reviews? Check them out on Vivino, then buy yourself a bottle. Melanie Colwell, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_833746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Samantha Teague[/caption] 2020 BODEGA ALBAMAR ALBARIŃO At an early Sunday dinner at recently opened wine bar La Salut, in Sydney's Redfern, I had a delightful glass of albariño from the Rías Baixas region in Spain (an area famous for that particular grape type). This wine is all bright, vibrant, delicate citrus vibes — extremely non-intimidating — and was the perfect bedfellow to the salty flavour-packed Catalan-inspired bites. It's like the white wine equivalent of running through a sprinkler after an innings of cricket on a hot summer day. But with alcohol! You can read more reviews of Albamar Albariño on Vivino. Suz Tucker, Editorial Director 2021 EXPRESS WINEMAKERS L'ORANGE SKIN CONTACT WHITE Hailing from a single vineyard in the deep south of WA, the amber-hued L'Orange from Express Winemakers brings sunshine straight to my hand. The skin contact white — mostly riesling, with a dash of semillon — is bright, juicy and sends off the same vit C vibes that its namesake fruit does. Ryan O'Meara, the young and fun gung-ho winemaker, kept those precious skins on for six days to deliver a tart, textured drop that's everything you'd expect from a skinsy sip. I'm a pét-nat lover at heart, but this white is the perfect go-between. I've got a bottle sitting tight for my upcoming weekender in western NSW, and I'll be pouring an ice-cold glass for my whole gang before we watch that golden sun set and breathe in the fresh country air. Want to nab yourself a glass too? You can purchase it from Vivino. Grace MacKenzie, Junior Staff Writer 2020 ARFION FEVER SKIN CONTACT BLEND Whenever I feel like drinking wine, I like to leave it to the experts. This includes when I'm at my local bottle-o, where most of my interactions with the staff usually go something like this: they see me staring in the skin contact wine section, they sniff out that I'm clueless, they ask me what I like, then they recommend a drop — and they always get it right. A recent delight was the 2020 Arfion Fever from the Yarra Valley. This bright, refined orange wine is a blend of five varieties — pinot gris, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, pinot noir and savagnin — that are fermented on skins, and the result is criminally delicious. It's one of those wines where, after the first sip, my partner and I gave each other an involuntary and knowing nod to say we'd be buying another bottle of this moreish nectar. And that we did — twice. Check out more reviews of Arfion Fever on Vivino. Courtney Ammenhauser, Branded Content Producer 2021 BRAVE NEW WINE NAT DADDY PÉT-NAT Brave New Wine's Nat Daddy pét-nat became my go-to drop for the wave of picnics that hit during that two-week period last year when al fresco hangs were the only way you could see your mates. The fizzy and fruity blend of shiraz and sauvignon blanc basically begs to be drunk on a warm afternoon in the park. Brave New Wine has been producing vibrant, highly drinkable wines out of Western Australia's Great Southern wine region for the past five years. Each bottle is created with minimal intervention, is naturally fermented, and comes adorned with a fun eye-catching label that sets the tone for the light and breezy pét-nat. While variety is the spice of life, I keep coming back to Nat Daddy — and it's sure to feature heavily in my plans throughout 2022. Want to know more about this bottle of bubbly? You can read more reviews of Brave New Wine Nat Daddy on Vivino. Ben Hansen, Staff Writer 2019 GRANT BURGE BAROSSA INK SHIRAZ As the only New Zealand-based team member, I should absolutely be advocating for any of the world-class Kiwi drops. Instead, I'm risking my citizenship and coming in hot with this big, bold South Australian number, which has received cult-like status in recent years (it actually took home the top gong for wines under $25 in Australia's Vivino Community Awards). This wine has been named Ink Shiraz as it's so rich and full-bodied that it almost has a Ribena-like quality, making it the best accompaniment to a giant steak or a table full of Italian food. I know what you're thinking — a rich red, Sarah? In summer? But hear me out. Book in a night to yourself at home, turn the air-con as low it can go, and enjoy a large glass of this with a giant bowl of spag bol and the latest episode of Succession. Instant happiness. So, buy yourself a bottle of Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz from Vivino, stat. Sarah Templeton, New Zealand Editor 2020 KERRI GREENS PINOTS DE MORNINGTON ROSÉ If you're after a vino primed for catch-ups, this unfiltered drop from the Mornington Peninsula's Kerri Greens will definitely be your groove. When it comes to pink wine, the Pinots de Mornington rosé is my go-to. It's dry and moreish, with good texture and creaminess, and a taste that's reminiscent of fresh strawberries and cream. The blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and pinot gris grapes also delivers some fun forest fruit flavours. It's also the kind of sip that stands up well alongside food — a handy trait if you like to snack your way through a Sunday sesh like me. Hot tip: match it with some fresh prawns and you'll be one happy chappy. All up, this drop is essential summer quaffing, and a primo accompaniment to beach picnics, barbecues and park sessions alike — and that's coming from a diehard beer fiend. Sound good? You can read more reviews of Kerri Greens Pinots de Mornington on Vivino, too. Libby Curran, Staff Writer Download the Vivino app and start discovering more ideal summer sips to stock up on — then buy them straight from the app. For more wine inspo, check out this year's Vivino Community Awards. Top image: Winona, Kitti Gould.
Days after winter has officially landed, HBO has gone and announced something totally off The Wall. The giants of television are bringing us Game of Thrones: The Exhibition at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art Australia from July 1-5. Presented by Google Play, the immersive exhibition will highlight all key GoT locations, characters and narrative ERHMAGHERD moments, with nearly 100 props, weapons, costumes and bits and pieces from the show — season four included. Because they're Stark raving mad legends, Game of Thrones: The Exhibition will be open to the public FO FREE. It's been confirmed that the exhibition is the same one that has been touring the globe of late, so we're in for a big ol' dragon-sized treat. The existing HBO exhibition started in New York in January then moved on to Mexico City, Austin, Rio de Janeiro, Oslo, Toronto and Belfast and Vancouver. Included are cloaks galore, an Iron Throne you can sit on and an interactive virtual reality experience powered by Oculus Rift. If the exhibition saw numbers anything like those from the Powerhouse's past Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Star Wars blockbusters, Google Play and HBO will rub some gleeful paws in the merchandising aftermath. With the amount of gore and boobery in GoT, however, major kiddie target markets are almost totally ruled out. For all the details, check out the exhibition website. Read our interview with Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham here.
The Butler tells the story of Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), an African American man who grew up on the cotton fields of the South only to then serve for decades as a butler in the White House. His tenure lasted from the administrations of Eisenhower all the way through to Reagan, and through his eyes director Lee Daniels shows us the intimate, unseen moments behind some of America's most turbulent periods. From Jackie Kennedy sitting alone, blood-soaked and weeping, to Richard Nixon foraging for snacks in the kitchen, Gaines dutifully tended to their needs — at once indispensable and yet imperceptible so as to not even seem present in the room. While presidents came and went, however, the issue of race relations remained ever-present and increasingly divisive in the United States, and it is that which forms the focus of Daniels' film. This subject is explored not just through Gaines' story as butler to those most possessed of the power to effect change but through his son, Louis (David Oyelowo), who became a passionate black rights activist, travelling on the Freedom Bus, working alongside Martin Luther King and even becoming a Black Panther. This use of concurrent plot lines occasionally hits home, most notably when a lavish state dinner at the White House is intercut with the infamous Woolworth's diner sit in, during which black customers were bashed and abused for ignoring segregated seating. More often, though, the White House scenes feel like they're from an entirely different movie; a cavalcade of celebrity impersonations ranging from the impressive (Alan Rickman as Reagan) to the outright bizarre (John Cusack as Nixon). Given the poignancy (if also Forrest Gump-esque convenience) of the son's civil rights vignette, it's tough not to feel The Butler would've been better served by excluding the presidents entirely, perhaps save for the occasional use of archival footage. Gaines is based on the former White House butler Eugene Allen, and in bringing him to life, Whitaker turns in arguably the performance of his career. He masterfully demonstrates the 'two faces' worn by African Americans during the decades of racial tension: one that's real, vulnerable and angry, the other that's designed to calm white people and keep them from feeling threatened. Oprah Winfrey also puts in a powerful performance as Gaines' wife — her first film role in 15 years since Beloved. Theirs is a marriage no less turbulent than the world around it, but its foundation is sound and their tenderness is genuinely moving through both the highs and the lows. Around them, the supporting cast is enormous, including Robin Williams, James Marsden, Cuba Gooding Jr, Lenny Kravitz, Liev Schreiber, Jane Fonda, Vanessa Redgrave and Terrence Howard. The Butler may at times stray into sanctimonious territory, even veering towards parody, but its honest depiction of some of America's darkest days and the performances by its leads make it more than worthwhile, delivering an ambitious, powerful and emotional two hours of cinema. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DUA7rr0bOcc
Big Picture is one festival that'd have Banksy's backing. "Film is incredibly democratic and accessible," he said after making Exit Through the Gift Shop. "It's probably the best option if you actually want to change the world, not just redecorate it." The creators of Big Picture agree. That's why they've put together 17 documentaries and fictional films that "take a stand against social inequality", showing how "involvement, passion and commitment can bring about positive change". Curated by Eddie Cockrell, the event is backed by five ambassadors — David Stratton, Tom Keneally, Jessica Rowe, Michael Kirby and Tracey Spicer. This year's highlights include Half of a Yellow Sun, a drama about four individuals struggling to establish a republic in Nigeria; Belle, a 2013 British film based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the mixed-race daughter of a British Naval officer; Beatriz's War, East Timor's first ever feature film; and The Missing Picture, which was Oscar-nominated for its recreation of the atrocities conducted by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia during the late 1970s. As well as its Event Cinemas George Street sessions, the Big Picture Film Festival will also hold screenings at Event Cinemas Liverpool and the Casula Powerhouse. https://youtube.com/watch?v=GZ-O5HKBChU
Online natural wine marketplace Notwasted has teamed up with Potts Point sandwich eatery Small's Deli for the picnic pack of your dreams. Throughout spring, Sydneysiders can order the packs through Notwasted's website, then pick them up via click-and-collect (no delivery) from Small's Deli from Wednesday–Saturday — just order before 11.30am and they'll be ready from 12.30pm that day. If you fancy yourself a sommelier, you can choose your own drinks from the Notwasted range, and add them to your cart featuring whatever picnic pack you desire. Or, perhaps you're picnicking for your October birthday — and in true indecisive libra fashion, you can't decide on what wines to pair with your sambo. If that's the case, there's a pre-paired option. And yes, the wines also come chilled. The meat charcuterie box includes garlic and fennel salami, triple-cream brie, Maffra waxed cheddar, house pickles, fruit pate or chilli honey, plus a third of a baguette. Or, there's the vego charcuterie box, featuring triple-cream brie, cheddar, house pickles, fruit paste, apple and baguette. Both cost $29 for two people and $58 for boxes that feed four. There's also a sandwich pack for $30 (plus whatever booze you add on top), which includes a panini filled with salami, grilled eggplant, walnut paste, creamed pecorino and rocket, plus a baguette stuffed with triple-cream brie, Serrano ham and cultured butter. So, dust off your picnic blanket from last weekend, text your mates, and let Notwasted and Small's do the rest.
This autumn, for four nights from Thursday, May 4–Sunday, May 7, Mov'In's drive-in cinema is returning to the Entertainment Quarter rooftop — and it's all about electric cars. In fact, this is Australia's first EV drive-in cinema, and you do indeed need to rock up in a pure electric vehicle to gain entry. Try to roll in driving anything but a full electric vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions — so, attempt to arrive in any car with an internal combustion engine, including hybrids — and you won't be permitted entry. Ticketed spots are available to drivers of all EV brands; however, because the cinema is sponsored by Polestar, owners of the Swedish car brand's Polestar 2 can score free entry. As for what you'll be watching, the lineup starts with Guy Ritchie's latest Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre, then goes blue with Avatar: The Way of Water. Next up is the nostalgic animated fun of The Super Mario Bros Movie, before retro openair cinema staple Dirty Dancing closes out the program. Yes, it's always on every drive-in and outdoor cinema lineup. There'll also be food and beverages available to buy, complete with pizzas and bottomless popcorn. Mov'In Car isn't BYO, so you'll have to purchase all hot food and drinks inside — but you can bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Each film kicks off after last light each night, so around 7.30pm, with gates opening at 6pm. Price-wise, tickets for a car with up to five people cost $49.90. Also, Mov'In Car is dog-friendly, although your pet pooch will need to stay in your electric vehicle.
If rice wrapped in nori is your idea of a perfect meal, then you might have June 18 permanently circled on your calendar. Each and every year, that's when the world's sushi devotees celebrate their favourite food for International Sushi Day. We're not saying that the Japanese dish will taste better on that date, but if you just can't get enough of it, it's definitely time to celebrate. This year, to mark the occasion, ten restaurants across Australia are offering a tasty special — and one that your bank account will like, too. If you live in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide — and on the Gold and Sunshine coasts — you can nab $1 sushi all day long via Deliveroo. Lunch, sorted. Sydneysiders can choose between Sushi Dining DEN Vaucluse and Kokoroya Japanese Sushi Dining, while Melburnians will need to order from SUPERHIRO Japanese Food & Bar by Yoyogi and Wabi Sushi. In Brisbane, Sushi Kotobuki and Sushi Lovers Rosalie are doing the honours, and Adelaide's Kintaro Sushi Brickworks and Kintaro Sushi Kurralta Park are also joining in. You can check out the full list below. To get your fix, all you need to do is jump on to Deliveroo, search for "$1 deals" and order — only on Saturday, June 18. Exactly which varieties you can score for $1 differ per store, but we see everything from teriyaki chicken, prawn tempura and karaage chicken with lettuce to salmon avocado, spicy tuna and chicken schnitzel rolls in your future. There is a $10 minimum order limit, and you can only get three $1 rolls per order — and while stocks last. INTERNATIONAL SUSHI DAY RESTAURANTS SYDNEY Sushi Dining DEN Vaucluse Kokoroya Japanese Sushi Dining MELBOURNE SUPERHIRO Japanese Food & Bar by Yoyogi Wabi Sushi BRISBANE Sushi Kotobuki Sushi Lovers Rosalie GOLD COAST Sushi Doori SUNSHINE COAST Flaming Sushi House ADELAIDE Kintaro Sushi Brickworks Kintaro Sushi Kurralta Park
UPDATE, September 17, 2021: Ammonite is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Looking at an ammonite fossil is like putting your ear up to a seashell: in their ridged spirals, it feels as if a whole new world could exist. In the latter's case, each one is made from the remains of extinct molluscs from millions of years ago, and lingers now as a reminder of a different time and existence, its compact coils encasing all of its secrets. The striking specimens from the past provide the film Ammonite with its title, and with an obvious metaphor as well — but also an apt one that's brought to life with meticulous delicacy. The two central characters in this patient yet always evocative 1840s-set romance are the product of centuries of convention and expectation, with society's engrained views about women both weathering away at them and solidifying their place. They're also as tightly wound as the historical remnants they tirelessly search for along the craggy, cliff-lined West Dorset coastline. Writer/director Francis Lee made his feature debut with 2017's exceptional God's Own Country, which means he has already deployed many of the choices that are pivotal to Ammonite. Both brandish a title that functions literally and symbolically. Both spin stories about queer love that arises slowly and organically in heightened and intimate circumstances. Both dive into specific, labour-intensive fields with a resolute and instinctive connection to the land, and derive an elemental tenor from their crucial locations. The two films each watch on tenderly as a new arrival upends the status quo, unleashing a wave of affection that takes both parties by surprise — unlocking a lifetime of closely held emotions, and gifting lonely souls a connection they wouldn't otherwise admit they yearned for. But Lee's latest feature isn't just the lesbian counterpart to its predecessor. While the movies complement each other perfectly, Ammonite unearths its own depths and boasts its own strengths. Lee has made the concerted decision not just to focus on women, but to fictionalise the relationship between real-life scientists who find solace in each other as they're forced to fight to be seen as anything other than housewives. Living in Lyme Regis with her ailing mother (Gemma Jones, Rocketman), Mary Anning (Kate Winslet, Wonder Wheel) is no one's wife, and doesn't want to be — but, toiling in the male-dominated realm of palaeontology, she's accustomed to being treated differently to her peers. As a child, she found her first ammonite fossil, which is displayed in the British Museum. Now scraping by running a shop that sells smaller specimens to rich tourists, she hasn't stopped looking for other big discoveries since. When geologist Roderick Murchison (James McArdle, Mary, Queen of Scots) visits Mary's store, however, he's after her services in a different way. In a casual reminder of just how dismissively women are regarded, she's asked to take care of his melancholic wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan, Little Women) while he travels abroad for work. Roderick thinks it'll be good for Charlotte to learn from Mary, to get outside daily and to have a sense of purpose, but Mary only agrees for the money. Ammonite swells with foreboding, rather than with astonishment. Viewers know where the narrative is heading, and soak in every moment of the gradual journey along the way. And, as Mary and Charlotte form a friendship and then something more, working through their individual traumas in the process — Mary's heart is hardened from a failed relationship with another villager, while Charlotte's depression stems from a miscarriage — the audience dives into their passion and their struggles in tandem. Eventually, heated trysts ensue, but Ammonite isn't a torrid, feverish, corset-ripper. Lee paces his film deliberately, colours it with grey and naturalistic hues thanks to cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine (Jackie, Elle), and gives it an almost grim mood, all to stress just how Mary and Charlotte's bond offers a ray of sunshine in an otherwise austere existence. Mirroring the restrained lives enforced upon 19th-century women in general, and those trying to forge careers specifically, the filmmaker's approach proves thoughtful, involving and moving; to truly understand why his central couple dissolve with such contentment in each other's embrace requires deeply feeling the oppression and unhappiness that surrounds them everyday. Casting frequent Oscar favourites Winslet and Ronan has a significant impact, of course. God's Own Country didn't need high-profile names to leave an impression, and neither does Ammonite, but Lee has enlisted two of the best actors for the current job. The former won a golden statuette for 2009's The Reader, the latter nabbed four nominations before her 26th birthday, and both rank among the greats presently gracing our screens — a status that Ammonite only reinforces. Playing complex and conflicted characters so used to aching inside that it shades every element of their demeanour, they're each quietly and potently expressive here in their own ways. Winslet is stern, fierce, no-nonsense and task-oriented, while Ronan is eager and open but heartbroken and tentative. Each recognises more than a little of themselves in the other, and the magnetic pull drawing Mary and Charlotte closer becomes palpable in their hands. Watching Winslet and Ronan's often-silent, always-emotionally loaded stares, viewers can be forgiven of thinking of the past year's other stellar sapphic romance; however, Ammonite doesn't merely lurk in Portrait of a Lady on Fire's shadow either. Exquisitely told love stories can simmer and sparkle to the point of threatening to catch ablaze, as the French film does so magnificently. They can also ebb and flow back and forth like the tide washing against the rocky shore, which this English drama prefers. Ammonite serves up its own equally nuanced and resonant affair as a result, crackling with the salty ocean air and clinging to the forbidding cliffs rather than shimmering and sitting in the beachside sun. A solemn sense of beauty emanates, too, as does an earthy reminder that romances, women and under-appreciated bright minds alike never just adhere to one type — and that excavating that truth should be commonplace, rather than monumental. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZAQT0jTFuU
Sydney's new cinema with an old-world air, The Golden Age Cinema and Bar, has been confirmed to open on September 6. It's taking over the old Heritage-listed Paramount Pictures Building on Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills with a revamped screening room and atmospheric small bar that takes advantage of the original art deco fittings from 1940. If some of the best films of the last few years have taught us anything, it's that audiences miss the good ol' days of cinema. Whether it's the splendour and decadence of an opening night in The Artist or Hugo's love song to the early years of film, the movies themselves seem to be filled with a deep longing for an era when films didn't live and die by their opening weekend and the 'megaplex' did not yet exist. The Golden Age Cinema and Bar, from the Brothers Barton and Right Angle Studio, recaptures some of that old-world movie magic, that picture-palace romanticism, right here in Sydney. It is set to feature a bar, a fascinating film program and an atmosphere more hearty than Hoytsy. The first program is anchored by festival-hit new releases (Behind the Candelabra, Before Midnight) that screen once a day Tuesday to Saturday, mixed in with cool films that haven't been released in Australian cinemas (Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture, Michel Gondry's The We and the I), classics both cult and mainstream (Suspiria, Singin' in the Rain) and even a weekly pick for kids with cred (My Neighbour Totoro). The 60 person-capacity bar is accessible whether you're seeing a film or not, and will serve wines, beers, cocktails and food (including film-inspired specials) from interesting producers. It's also the place to get your cinema snacks before heading into a session. Golden Age Cinema and Bar runs Tuesday to Sunday, while the space is available for private hire on Mondays. See more of their beautiful renovation images, by Don Cameron, at the Golden Age website. Top image: Golden Age artist's impression by Robert Barton.
You know those wildly decadent Tella Ball milkshakes from Foodcraft Espresso and Bakery everyone lost their minds about last year? The ones with the spherical doughnut oozing with Nutella, sat proudly atop a Nutella milkshake? These ones. Well, if you'll recall the hoo-ha that happened last year, and the fact that Sydney now has it's own Tella Ball Nutella dessert bar, you'd better clear your schedule. Because no one can get enough of the hazelnut and chocolate combo we all know and love — particularly when combined with doughnuts — there's now another eatery dedicated to this heavenly pairing. Yep, the Tella Balls Dessert Bar has expanded, setting up a second shop in Entertainment Quarter. And, to celebrate, they're giving everyone exactly what they want: free Tella Balls for everyone who visits the store between 11am and 2pm on October 15. Be warned, there is a limit of one per person. As always, the general aim is to direct every scrap of Nutella in the known universe into our bodies, via all manner of indulgent treats. The Nutella-fuelled menu structures meals just the way we like it. Mains: coffee. Desserts: Nutella cruffin, Nutella cheesecake, Nutella crepes, Nutella waffles, Nutella pancakes, Nutella pizza, Nutella ice cream, Tella Ball Milkshakes (of course) and no doubt many more Nutella creations as yet unimagined by mankind. Tella Balls Dessert Bar is now open at Shop 210-G4, Entertainment Quarter, Fox Studio, 210 Lang Rd, Moore Park. Check their Facebook page for more information. Text: Imogen Baker and Sarah Ward.
Merivale will be embracing the Queen's Birthday this long weekend with parties fit for royalty across two of its venues, to celebrate the exclusive launch of Beefeater PINK in Australia. Head to Enmore, Friday, June 8 through Monday, June 11 to indulge in Beefeater PINK cocktails at Queens Hotel. There's the Royal Fizz, a blend of Beefeater PINK, Lillet Rosé and tonic, and the Beefeater Marteani, served in a teacup (just as Queenie likes it) and garnished with rosemary. Next, settle in for on-site Cantonese restaurant Queen Chow's Her Royal High Tea, where you can feast on pink lobster dumplings with tobiko and gold flakes and red rice rolls with prawn and crispy beancurd. There's also The Peking and The Queen, a signature take on the classic roast dinner, featuring Imperial Peking Duck. Providing the soundtrack while you tuck in will be DJs Polographia and Shantan Wantan Ichiban. The Vic on The Park will also be getting involved in the festivities serving up the Beefeater PINK cocktails alongside a more traditional British menu including roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, Devonshire tea soft serve and Vic Lane snacks (the Vic's take on the subcontinental food of London's famous Brick Lane). DJ sets by Luen Jacobs and World Champion DJs plus live graffiti art on classic British cars will provide the entertainment while you feast. Find more information on the long weekend celebrations and make a booking here.
Think your recorder skills in Year 6 were pretty enviable? London high school buds Jack Steadman, Jamie MacColl, Suren de Saram and Ed Nash actually lived the School of Rock dream when they were offered a record deal just after finishing their studies. Fast-forward a few years, a few albums and more than a few shows, Bombay Bicycle Club (albeit with less cherub-looking faces) are still rocking it. For the first time in almost two years, the British four-piece will grace Australia's east coast. Blessed with an ability to bounce between genres, their latest self-labelled 'dance' record released in February of this year, So Long, See You Tomorrow, is the group's fourth album in five years. For their Australian gigs, expect a little bit of psychedelia of 2011's A Different Kind of Fix, a little bit of acoustic goodness from 2010's Flaws, and a whole lot of Londony vibes. Supported by East. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JwlgC-jSPTk
It seems pretty safe to say that us Sydneysiders are absolutely, undeniably food obsessed. And not just in an instagramming our food way. Just check out how many food festivals we have. Yup, it's a lot. Taste of Sydney is the next one on the food calendar, running from March 14-17, and if you've never been before, just picture Centennial park covered in food, alcohol, and chefs under white tents. It's kinda like the food and cocktail circus is in town. You might also want to drop by one of the 20 restaurant stands, like 4Fourteen, The Woods, or Efendy. Here are our picks of the best stuff on. Dilmah Chef's Skillery in association with Gourmet Traveller If watching chefs filleting fish or showing off their knife skills gets you hot under the collar, head to the Dilmah Chef's Skillery tent. You might want to come up with some super-tricky questions before you go, too, because there's a Q&A section. Surely chefs have a take on the meaning of life question too, right? You're also allowed to get "up close and personal" with the chefs, although we assume this means more along the lines of getting tips on how to host the ultimate dinner party and food trends than getting a free hug. But you just never know. Bertolli Taste Kitchen This is the spot to check out "Sydney’s top chefs" cook up a storm. And if you're a My Kitchen Rules fan: winners of series two, sisters Sammy & Bella Jakubia, will also be handling the pans. They'll be doing what they call reinvented Polish cuisine. If you aren't a fan, just ignore the above and go there to watch chefs do their thing. And yeah, you get to taste it. Miele Taste of Sydney VIP Lounge If the thought of not being a VIP fills you with dread (all that mingling with the 'common people') this might be the option for you. You get two free drinks thrown in, $30 worth of crowns (the currency of the event) — oh and unlimited access to the VIP area, dahlink. You can take a moment to digest and rest your weary feet that have been dragging you around all day in pursuit of things to quaff and gorge yourself. It's a tough life for some. Plumm Wine Theatre presented by Gourmet Traveller WINE Wine tastings, wine glass education ($50 and you get to take home four Plumm wine glasses with you) — oh yeah, and wine. Did we mention there will be wine? Wine experts, winemakers, and sommeliers will talk all things wine, like cellaring tips, food and wine matching, and all that kind of stuff. Even wine critic Nick Stock will be there, and for 6 crowns you can see what he has to say about the liquid stuff. Malaysia Kitchen If you're already head over heels for all things Malaysian (foodwise), then we needn't say more. Celebrity chef Poh Ling Yeow will be there for some Malay cooking tips, and there will be Malay food and Malay food cooking demonstrations. So yeah, all things Malay. Tasmanian Pavilion This is a newbie to the Taste Sydney festival, and as its name suggests, it's focused on Tasmanian produce. Kylie Kwong will be there cooking Flinders Island Wallaby, and you can enter a comp to win a trip to the Apple Isle. Some of the Tassie produce on offer is beer from Moo Brew, Franks Apple & Pear cider, mussels from Spring Bay Seafood, and gourmet pies from Tasmanian Bakeries. Rekorderlig Cider Bar This is where Rekorderlig Cider lives (we assume). Or at least, its vacation home. You'll be able to try the regular apple or pear, strawberry-lime, wild berries, apple & blackcurrant and their new passionfruit flavour at their bar set up in the Star Marquee. While you down a cider, some live tunes will be a happening to get your dance on to, or you can just chill out and relax in a lovely cider haze. Sensology presents The Art of Cocktail Making For when it's time to get your Tom Cruise on and make some cocktails. Remember to shake it, and shake it good (only if it calls for it of course). You'll be taken step by step through cocktails like the Viva la Cuba Classic Mojito and Mad Men-inspired classics such as the espresso martini by mixologists. Then you can whip them up at home later to impress everyone you know. And remember to invite us. Sail and Anchor Beer and Cider Hall with Beer & Brewer Magazine And now one for the beer and cider lovers. You can get on down to demonstrations, free tastings (of up to five Aussie and overseas labels) and brewing masterclasses. Some of the brews available to try will be Sail & Anchor (WA), Sol / Dos Equis (Mexico), Crabbie’s Ginger Beer (UK), Chang (Thailand), The Australian Brewery (NSW), and Kopparberg Cider (Sweden). Taste of Sydney is on at Centennial Park from Thursday, March 14, to Sunday, March 17, 2013. See their full program of events on their website. Tickets start from $25.
Famous for its 55-minute workouts and worldwide following, Barry's Bootcamp has become a fitness heavyweight since first setting up shop in West Hollywood back in 1998 — and now it's bringing its studios to Australia. From September 2018, Sydneysiders will be able to put themselves through Barry's high-intensity interval training sessions in Surry Hills, Martin Place and another yet-to-be-revealed CBD location. Then, in early 2019, the brand will set up its first Melbourne location. If you're a gym junkie, celebrity obsessive or just familiar with the term "Barry's body", then you'll have heard of Barry's. Already active in 18 cities around the globe — including Los Angeles, New York, Milan, London and Dubai — it's claimed that the studio's sessions burn over 4000 kilojoules. That's thanks to a regimented program that incorporates 25 minutes of treadmill work, 25 minutes of strength and conditioning with free weights and resistance bands, and then a five-minute cool-down. The focus of each class changes daily across Barry's weekly schedule, with each session targeting a different muscle group. As extra motivation, Barry's classes are held in high-energy red rooms, complete with mood lighting and the kind of music you're more likely to hear in a nightclub. Adding to the vibe, each location features its own bar serving up locally designed shakes and smoothies — and patrons will also be able to buy workout outfits onsite. "From the time the client arrives in studio to when they're ready to leave, we've accounted for every step of their visit to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience," says Australian head of operations Heston Russell, who's overseeing the brand's local launch alongside fellow fitness guru Blake Bridges. That might be their aim, but we're guessing everyone else's involves working out and finding a new spot for luxe gym Instagram posts. Find Barry's Bootcamp at Sydney's Surry Hills, Martin Place and another yet-to-be-revealed CBD location from September 2018, and in Melbourne from early 2019. Visit the Barry's Bootcamp website for further information.
Thomas Bernhard’s The Histrionic is a rude piece of theatre. Directed by Daniel Schlusser, it started out at the Malthouse in Melbourne and is now on at the Sydney Theatre Company (STC). It’s the story of Austrian national treasure, Bruscon (Bille Brown), who is unwillingly touring his Wheel of History through the countryside and has found himself in the damp and unfriendly pig-rearing town of Utzbach. Bernhard wrote the play as a response to an OH&S enthusiast prohibiting him from turning off the theatre exit lights for two minutes during a production of The Ignoramus and the Madman in 1982. In The Histrionic, Bernhard responds by having Bruscon obsess over the exit lights and insult the fire warden. It is Bernhard’s way of saying that Austria is a backwater full of pigsties, or more eloquently, “a pimple on the arse of Europe.” In this way the play is an Austrian in-joke, designed to insult and provoke his local audience. There is a mutual dependence between state and dissident and Bernhard has a particular role in Austrian culture. He does not have that same status in Australia, so the play has to stand on its own, without the context of Bernhard the provocateur. Even with the mitigating influence of geographic distance, the piece is still fairly brutal. Bruscon calls actors liars, the wider society a bunch of suburbanite cretins and criticises main stage theatres for their pomposity and elitism. Brown’s excellent characterisation of Bruscon is so well rounded as to be confusing; he is capable on the one hand of charm, wit and sense but then sadism, vulgarity and stupidity on the other. The character of Bruscon is itself a condemnation of the self-importance of theatre making. Marg Horwell’s set is a wonderfully kitsch insult to anyone who likes cool-looking theatre. It’s then an odd choice of programming from STC, considering the play’s main target is institutions like the STC. Perhaps it’s an attempt to acquire some of the legitimacy that comes with being attacked. Whatever the reason for the programming, we should be glad it’s made its way to Sydney. It’s a fascinating piece, (although maybe limited to those interested in theatre making) and Schlusser’s direction ensures that the comedy provided by Brown and Barry Otto’s performances is balanced by a good dose of genuine darkness: an abortive mutiny attempt midway through is truly exhilarating and terrifying. Tom Wright’s adaptation would have us extrapolate the kitsch, xenophobic Austrian culture to Australia — which is not too much of a stretch. Image by Ellis Parrinder.
It's a bloody glorious setup: Nicolas Cage, actor of a million unmissable facial expressions, star of almost every movie he's asked to be in (or so it can seem) and wannabe bloodsucker in 1988's must-be-seen-to-be-believed Vampire's Kiss, playing the dark one, the lord of death, the one and only Dracula. In Renfield, that stellar idea makes for frequently bloody viewing — cartoonishly, befitting an OTT horror-comedy with Nicolas Cage as Dracula. And the pièce de résistance that is Cage getting his fangs out as the Bram Stoker-created character, who was inspired by the IRL 15th-century Wallachian prince Vlad the Impaler? It is indeed glorious. The Transylvanian is the latest part he was born for, after stepping into his own shoes in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, getting revenge over a pet pig in Pig, milking alpacas in Color Out of Space and screaming while dousing himself in vodka in Mandy (and, well, most things on his four-decade resume). Some movies have learned a simple truth, however: that putting Nicolas Cage in front of a camera and letting him unleash whatever version of Cage the film needs isn't always enough. That disappointment is usually on everything but Cage (see: his entrancing work in the otherwise average-if-lucky Willy's Wonderland, where he wordlessly battled demonic animatronics and made viewers wish he was around in the silent era), but Renfield has pre-emptively staked that lesson through its own heart. As the title makes plain, Cage's Dracula isn't the lead character. Instead, the long-suffering, insect-eating servant played by the feature's other welcome Nic, The Great's Nicholas Hoult, is in the sunlight. Accordingly, The Lego Batman Movie and Robot Chicken director Chris McKay doesn't even try to get his feature by on the Cageness of it all alone. That's a miscalculation. In fact, it's up there with the flick's Robert Montague Renfield pledging allegiance to the vampire that started all vampire obsessions. Renfield is at full power when Cage is front and centre, and feels like its blood is slowly being drained when he's out of the frame. Rocking lush red velvet threads and a devilish stare, Cage couldn't be better as Dracula, proving both Renfield's instant drawcard and its reason to keep watching. He gives the script's ultimate toxic boss angle hilarious bite, too, because that's the storyline. After several lifetimes of doing the undead master's bidding, Renfield realises that finding people for the Count to sink his chompers into, cleaning up the mess afterwards — there's always a mess — and generally dealing with his chaos isn't fun, fulfilling or healthy. Getting invincibility and immortality by eating bugs doesn't bother him, but the demands that go with it do. The script from Ryan Ridley (Rick and Morty, Community) based on a story by Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible) has Renfield come to that epiphany by attending a New Orleans support group for codependent relationships, then deciding to be his own person again. If only escaping Dracula was that easy, as over a century of movies — and Stoker's OG text — have established. There's a coming-of-age slant to Renfield's quest to work out who he is if he leaves the darkness behind, chooses life and matures into a post-offsider existence (while coming-alive-again isn't a term, that's what it is as well). There's also a hefty shadow cast by What We Do in the Shadows given that unhappy vampire familiars are a part of both Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's side-splitting movie and the also-ace American TV spinoff. But McKay and company don't trust that there's enough legs in the Nic-and-Nic double act, either, or that putting them in Shadows-meets-Dracula territory gets the blood pumping. Their solution: also making Renfield about NOPD traffic cop Rebecca (Awkwafina, The Little Mermaid) and the mob family she's trying to take down. Her vengeance-fuelled feud hones in on the obnoxious Tedward Lobo (Ben Schwartz, in Parks and Recreation's Jean-Ralphio mode if he was a gangster) — and, of course, Renfield and Drac get in the middle. He may be fresh off a big-screen stint in The Menu, but Hoult was in somewhat similar territory a decade ago in zom-rom-com Warm Bodies. Even when he's tasked with delivering explanatory narration like this is Zombieland, being the likeably dreamy lead in a light-hearted twist on a horror-genre staple suits him, although not as much as irreverent takes on royal history as in The Great and The Favourite. Still, in Renfield he's at his best when he's bouncing off Cage. The entire cast is, including Schwartz, Shohreh Aghdashloo (Mrs Davis) as Teddy's all-controlling crime matriarch mum and Brandon Scott Jones (The Other Two) as Renfield's 12-step-group's leader. Cage is just having that much of a blast. While he knows he's in a comedy, he also blends camp and menace in an iteration of Drac that's gleefully happy being fiendish. As the old cliche goes, he could read the phone book in the cape and prove mesmerising. No one recites from 20th-century lists of landline numbers. Renfield spouts wisdom from a self-help book for a scene instead, and it's a nice gag. That moment stands out because it's a rare — Renfield doesn't ever suck, but it's nowhere near as funny as a Cage-starring Dracula comedy should easily be. Slickly shot and content with being amiable, it isn't anything as much as it should be, whether that's an odd-couple flick, a viscera-splashing horror parody, a crime caper, a superhero affair (cue Renfield's supernatural fighting skills) or, in a plot thread flirted with but never committed to, a romance. In not wanting to tie its fortunes to the entire reason that anyone is buying a ticket, this addition to Dracula's lengthy on-screen resume doesn't want to be any one thing, and it shows glaringly. Count Dracula is the Guinness World Records-confirmed most-portrayed literary character, giving Cage plenty of past competition — Max Schrek (Nosferatu), Christopher Lee (the Hammer flicks), Udo Kier (Blood for Dracula), Klaus Kinski (Werner Herzog's Nosferatu the Vampyre), Gary Oldman (Bram Stoker's Dracula), Richard Roxburgh (Van Helsing), Adam Sandler (the Hotel Transylvania movies), Luke Evans (Dracula Untold) and Claes Bang (TV miniseries Dracula) all included. It might be daunted about its own focus, but Renfield surprisingly isn't daunted by that cinema and television history, in one of its other marvellous but oh-so-brief touches. Early on, McKay inserts Cage and Hoult into Tod Browning's 1931 Dracula. Their faces replace Bela Lugosi and Dwight Frye's, and it's a wonder. Leaning into Cage as Dracula far heartier than Renfield does would be glorious, and what Renfield leaves viewers wanting — but it's teasing a Universal Classic Monsters-style effort with Cage baring his teeth that sparks all the yearning.
Not every Sydneysider has the luxury of being able to nab a cheeky beach dip in Tamarama after work. The words "hectic traffic", "epic trek", "generally CBF" start a long list of pretty solid excuses. If you're an inner-city dweller, chances are you've found your nearest community pool for cooling off and doing mad laps in. Luckily, the City of Sydney's built a fair few aquatic centres around town. And the first day of summer's the perfect time to try 'em all. For free. On Saturday, December 1, the City of Sydney is opening up four of its swimming pools for free from 10am till 3pm, inviting locals to try out everything each 50-metre pool has to offer — including the insanely pretty Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool located on the edge of the harbour, Redfern's lovely yellow-hued Prince Alfred Park Pool, Victoria Park Pool in Camperdown and Cook + Phillip Park Pool on the edge of Hyde Park. You could hope between each one for a full comparison. Do note that the $40 million Harry Seidler-designed Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre isn't doing an open day, despite being located in the City of Sydney. There'll be a range of activities for all ages on the day, including tours, fitness classes, aquatic inflatables, learn-to-swim information, barbecues and face painting. Plus, you get to swim for free. The idea behind the open days is to give you a chance to test out the facilities associated with the City of Sydney's 360 card — $54.50 a fortnight for access to all five of the City of Sydney's aquatic centres across the city, and their adjoining fitness facilities. Image: City of Sydney.
Whole seasons of the newly-resurrected Doctor Who have focused on the dangers of getting close to its semi-titular hero, the Doctor. Fellow time travellers have been left stranded, blithe or in trauma after the show's various writers were done with them. After that sort of warning, you may not want to get too close to the show's manic star. The ABC are attempting to solve this problem. At their Sydney headquarters they're hosting the Doctor Who Celebrating 50 Years of Adventures in Space and Time exhibition. It features the Doctor's props and costumes, but for your safety, crushingly, leaves out the man himself. In the show itself, visiting this sort of exhibition might be exactly the way that an adventure through time and space would start. And while the ABC doesn't promise in any way that their mannequins will come to life and attack you, it's still probably no bad thing to scope out the exits routes on your way in. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, 9-5, except for election week September 2-8. It will be open weekends from 10-5 only the weekends of August 17-18, August 31- September 1, October 5-6, November 2-3 and 23-24 and the Australia Day weekend, January 25-27. Image of the Earl's Court police box (which may, or may not, contain a TARDIS) by Phillip Perry.
Wollongong will be rocking its smaller-than-Sydney vibes in a big way when the Yours & Owls music festival takes over Stuart Park on September 29 and 30. This intimate two-day festival is known for its impressively curated lineup combining local Aussie talent and handpicked international bands in a weekend that rivals any capital city shindig. Though the festival is still in its infancy, Yours & Owls continues to pull some big names — the 2018 festival will be headlined by Angus & Julia Stone, Peking Duck and Alison Wonderland. The rest of the lineup reads like a roll-call of Triple J up-and-comers, with Middle Kids, Jungle Giants, D.D Dumbo, Alex the Astronaut and Didirri all on there. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, June 5 — and while we don't know how much they'll be yet, last year the price was quite reasonable for a two-day ticket. Camping is available too, so make a weekend out of it with our weekender's guide to Wollongong. YOURS & OWLS 2018 LINEUP Angus & Julia Stone Peking Duk Alison Wonderland Jungle Giants Methyl Ethel Ocean Alley Hockey Dad D.D Dumbo Middle Kids Cub Sport Alex the Astronaut Alice Ivy Big White Boy Toy Clews Dear Seattle Destroyer Didirri E^st Fritz Hellions Jack River Jess Locke Johnny Hunter Liars Listener Luca Brasi Maddy Jane Mallrat Mere Women Mezko Moaning Lisa Nyxen Obscura Hail Pist Idiots Polaris Press Club Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Rolling Blackouts Coast Fever Step-Panther Stonefield The Vanns Tiny Little Houses Touch Sensitive Tropical Fuck Storm Tumbleweed Yahtzel (Live) You Beauty
As culture, technology and entrepreneurial spirit intertwine ever tighter, REMIX Summit's Sydney edition is on hand to present the world's most forward-thinking industry leaders and creative minds. From December 7–8, over 100 visionaries will discuss the future of the creative economy, cities and the arts, offering up insight into the companies and individuals shaping the future. Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell headlines REMIX Sydney Summit 2017; the much-loved hedonistic festival that has gone from strength-to-strength as a cultural keystone with more than 70,000 partygoers attending in 2017. There will be too many gifted folks present to name, but to spotlight a few special speakers, you'll hear from Lonely Planet Global CEO Daniel Houghton, NASA Jet Propulsion Lab's Dan Goods and Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Disney Australia Kylie Watson-Wheeler. Plus representatives from the likes of Airbnb, the Royal Shakespeare Company and London's National Theatre will all be in attendance. Are you a budding entrepreneur with big ideas but a small budget? We're here to help. To celebrate the return of REMIX Sydney Summit 2017, we're giving away one two-day pass valued at $695. To enter, see details below. If you don't manage to snag the golden ticket, you can still attend at a discounted price. We're offering Concrete Playground readers a 25 percent discount on this year's event, just head to the REMIX website and enter 'concrete25' at checkout. [competition]646456[/competition]
Chippendale's Old Clare Hotel is going through some ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. It's about to farewell another one of its in-house restaurants. In 2016, the boutique hotel's Silvereye restaurant closed its doors, now, on October 21, British celebrity chef Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social will follow suit. Atherton told Fairfax that the distance between London and Sydney was too great to devote enough time to the Chippendale restaurant. The bitter moment will quickly turn sweet, however, when Marrickville's Barzaari takes over the site on October 30. Barzaari Chippendale will serve up a menu of eastern Mediterranean share plates for lunch and dinner — focusing on the cuisine of Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. The 120-seat dining room and private mezzanine will be swiftly transformed in the one-week gap between tenants thanks to award-winning architects Neri & Hu and designer Matt Darwon (Automata). Expect elements of the brand's Marrickville digs to make its way to Chippendale, including the signature sand pit coffee, market place vibes and The Four Seasons mural by Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Owners Andrew Jordanou and chef Darryl Martin (ex-Three Weeds and Quay) have teamed up with hotelier Loh Lik Peng (owner of The Old Clare's parent company Unlisted Collection) to bring the restaurant to Kensington Street. As in Marrickville, the menu will be designed around sharing and offers a range of bites, smalls and large plates, along with sides and dessert. The restaurant is named after a Cypriot market place where Jordanou's grandfather sold his produce, and the story makes its way onto the plate with a focus on seasonal veggies — think barbecued broccolini with spicy muhamarra capsicum dip, carrot juice and tomato, and woodfired green beans, mograbieh pasta and chilli. Larger plates we're keen to try include the kingfish with sunflower sprouts, falafel, broad bean and candied lemon; woodfired duck breast with globe artichoke, braised caper and black eyed peas; and lamb shoulder with whipped feta and harissa. Guests of the hotel will be lucky enough to order Barzaari for room service, too — it'll sure beat that late-night kebab. Barzaari Chippendale will open on October 30 at 3 Kensington Street, Chippendale. Opening hours are noon–3pm and 5.30pm–late, Tuesday–Saturday; and 11am–3pm Sunday. First image: Kensington Street Social
Whether it's a dog in a superhero costume or a cat wearing, well, whatever you can manage to get a cat to wear, animals donning outfits ranks among the cutest sights your eyes can ever see. Puppers popping on Santa hats and baubles and posing for portraits might just raise the adorable stakes beyond previous levels, however — and it's not only on offer on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, but you can also take a souvenir home with you. If your pet pooch deserves to be the on the front of this year's Christmas card, march on down to the Zetland Store Gallery between 11.30am–4.45pm on Saturday and 10.15am–4.45pm on Sunday. That's when Dog Photog will be snapping pics of your four-legged furball as part of its two-day pop-up. If you missed out last time, then you'll want to be there — and this one is white Christmas-themed. Bookings are essential, and getting a gorgeous portrait of your cute canine will set you back $55 — or $85 if you have two dogs in the same household. You'll receive a 15-minute session, plus two jpegs per dog. And if you'd like to order a print to hang on your wall, you can do so on the day.
Celebrating ten years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005, Laneway Festival returns with one of its biggest lineups yet. After Burger Records' Lee Rickard took a BIGSOUND opportunity to confirm the Laneway attendance of Mac DeMarco and his mum Agnes, the entire 2015 lineup has finally been dropped this morning. Returning to the Australian touring circuit is UK on-repeat outfit Jungle, festival jaw-droppers Future Islands and Melbourne's lives-up-to-the-hype queen Courtney Barnett. Two of the biggest hypecards of the bunch, FKA Twigs and BANKS, will fight for the midnight hushed vocal crown. Then there's the ever-epic St. Vincent, punk-as-fuck UK band Eagulls, smooooooth king Flying Lotus, Harlem's top-of-the-game hip hop outfit Ratking and the triumphant returns of Lykke Li, Rustie, Jon Hopkins, POND and crisp-as-blazes Caribou. But enough talk, here's that lineup you're after. Laneway Festival 2015 Lineup: Agnes DeMarco* Andy Bull Angel Olsen BANKS Benjamin Booker Caribou Connan Mockasin Courtney Barnett Dune Rats Eagulls Eves*** FKA Twigs Flight Facilities Flying Lotus (Layer 3) Future Islands* Highasakite Jesse Davidson** Jon Hopkins* Jungle Little Dragon Lykke Li Mac DeMarco Mansionair Perfect Pussy Peter Bibby POND Ratking Raury Royal Blood* Rustie Seekae SOHN St Vincent* Vic Mensa *Exclusive to Laneway: no sideshows **Laneway Adelaide only ***Exclusive to East Coast shows only Kicking off in Singapore on Saturday, January 24 in The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, Laneway will run through seven dates finishing up at its new home in Fremantle's Esplanade Reserve and West End on Sunday, February 8. St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2015 dates and venues: Saturday 24 January — SINGAPORE - THE MEADOW, GARDENS BY THE BAY Monday 26 January — AUCKLAND - SILO PARK Saturday 31 January — BRISBANE - BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS, BOWEN HILLS (16+) Sunday 1 February — SYDNEY - SYDNEY COLLEGE OF THE ARTS (SCA), ROZELLE Friday 6 February — ADELAIDE - HARTS MILL, PORT ADELAIDE (16+) Saturday 7 February — MELBOURNE - FOOTSCRAY COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE (FCAC) + THE RIVER’S EDGE Sunday 8 February — FREMANTLE - ESPLANADE RESERVE AND WEST END Image: Aaron Webber.
Getting engaged isn't meant to be bloody, but that's how Fair Play starts: with joy, love, passion and bodily fluids. What is and isn't supposed to happen is a frequent theme in writer/director Chloe Domont's feature debut, an erotic thriller set both within the heady relationship between Emily (Phoebe Dynevor, Bridgerton) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich, Oppenheimer), and also in the slick, fast-paced, high-stakes world of New York finance — familiar territory for its Billions alum filmmaker, who also has Suits and Ballers on her resume. The blood arrives via a bathroom tryst at Luke's brother's (Buck Braithwaite, Flowers in the Attic: The Origin) wedding. He pops under her dress, she has her period, he drops the ring that he was going to propose with, she says yes, and next they're betrothed and fleeing out the window to go home. Staged to feel woozily, authentically romantic, the occasion seems perfect to this head-over-heels pair anyway, even if it leaves their clothes stained. Yes, Domont is playing with symbolism from the outset. Lust isn't a problem for Emily and Luke, clearly, but they've become experts at keeping everything about being together away from work out of necessity. The duo each chases big dreams at the same hedge fund, which has a firm no-dating policy for its employees. So, when they wake up, dress and step out the door the next day, they go their separate ways to end up at the one place — and Emily's finger is glaringly bare. Then something that they've both been hoping would happen does: a portfolio manager sitting above their analyst positions is fired. Next comes a development that they've each felt was meant to occur, too, with the word spreading around the office that's led by the icy Campbell (Eddie Marsan, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre) and his yes-man flunkey Paul (Rich Sommer, Minx) that Luke is in line for a promotion to fill the new vacancy. Domont and cinematographer Menno Mans (Forever Rich) want viewers to watch Dynevor and Ehrenreich closely within Fair Play's glossy, steely frames, with the film taking on the cold and corporate hues of its main office setting, and also peering at its leads slowly and carefully. This isn't a strict two-hander, but frequently plays that way — and observing Emily and Luke's every reaction is crucial. One case in point: when Emily receives a 2am phone call from her higher-up Rory (Sebastian De Souza, Pixie), has no choice but to agree to his command that she meet him at a bar, but finds a life-changing conversation with Campbell over a whisky awaiting instead. Here's another: Luke's reaction when she returns home with stunning news for her, but a revelation that he visibly thinks wasn't meant to happen. That climb up that ladder is hers, not his, and he'll be working beneath her. Dynevor and Ehrenreich each possess a savvy talent for cycling through a storm of clashing emotions in mere seconds — and making the swift change feel not just understandable but believable — as Fair Play captures unblinkingly in its pivotal moments. She can go from dutiful to determined, caring to calculating, and cautious to confident; him from loving to withdrawn, supportive to passive-aggressive, and charming to menacing. Emily and Luke's relationship changes just as swiftly, its steamy days fading into sexless territory all thanks to that coveted job. Resentment seeps from Ehrenreich's pores, and exasperation from Dynevor's. Fair Play doesn't neatly box either Emily or Luke into easy categories, however. When everything shifts in an instant, the film's excellently cast stars ensure that viewers see every iota of complexity. At each point from popping the question onwards, the same proves true, and not just frame to frame and scene to scene. Domont's Sundance-premiering feature — Sundance bidding war-sparking picture, too, selling to Netflix for $20 million after getting the film festival buzzing — soon becomes an erotic thriller without that much physical slipping between the sheets. While the look is pure now and Donna Summer's 70s classic 'Love to Love You Baby' gets the soundtrack started, there's an 80s and 90s air to the movie, recalling the genre's heyday. That said, this isn't Fatal Attraction (which was just remade as a TV series, and reframed) or Disclosure meets Wall Street. Rather, the entire flick thrums with the heat and charge between its two protagonists, knowing that its psychological duel is all the more knotty because sex, intimacy and love are involved, while also pulsating with the pressure and stress of its high-rolling realm. The tension is palpable and unrelenting, as aided by Brian McOmber's (Hail Satan?) nervy score. Fair Play doesn't pretend that gender power imbalances don't exist in workplaces otherwise, beyond couples mixing the professional and personal in a cut-throat world and keeping it clandestine. Indeed, it shows that fact, too, and in grim detail. It's there in the salacious whispering by the other male analysts about how Emily got the job from, the strip club drinks and flat-out calling her a "dumb fucking bitch". This isn't a film that's afraid of getting uncomfortable. Fair Play also effortlessly carves into this wealth-chasing field's general soullessness, including with golf clubs being swung around in anger, public dressing-downs and humiliating begging. Still, it never escapes notice that square at the picture's centre sits the type of guy that's doting, encouraging and a dream until he doesn't think that he's on top. There's no one that's perfect in Fair Play's gaze, as its main performances superbly portray — the ever-reliable Marsan is also chillingly effective — but how men react to women doing well earns extra attention. Seeking power, losing it, trying to retain or reclaim it, forcing it back in the absolute worst way possible: this all bubbles up as well, and viciously. As the gripping film unpacks sexual politics in the workplace, it lays bare insecurities, jealousies and infuriatingly age-old rumours. Domont's movie is sharp, even when it's obvious. It's assured from its libidinous start to its increasingly lurid end, and riveting — even if it's never as gleefully OTT as its genre was famously known for back when Michael Douglas (and only Michael Douglas) would've been playing Ehrenreich's part. Fair Play screens in select cinemas from Thursday, September 28, and streams via Netflix from Friday, October 6.
Western Sydney is no stranger to art: it got the best of this year’s Kaldor Projects, and owns some stompingly good exhibitions out at the Campelltown Art Centre and Casula Powerhouse. But despite that history, Sleepers Awake is probably still the first time someone has tried to land a second moon on it. British artists Heather and Ivan Morison are restaging a English marshlands piece that sees them suspend a brilliant, floating lunar body over the Bungarribee parklands. Sleepers Awake will keep the park illuminated ’til dawn nine nights, the spectacle accompanied by entertainment and visiting food trucks from 5.30–7.30pm each evening. It’s a program that promises nine straight nights of hip hop, film, opera and, you know, a whole second moon to help keep you up well past your bedtime. Bungarribee will be open 24 hours during Sleepers Awake. Though the park is accessible by public transport, a car will probably be the best way to go, especially later into the night.
Once again, the famed grounds of Taronga Zoo will come alive with lights and projections when Vivid Sydney kicks off this Friday, May 24. This year, as part of the after-dark light program that takes over various precincts across Sydney, Taronga's set-up will include four brand new captivating installations. As the zoo continues its mission to raise awareness and support for endangered species in Australia and Sumatra, this year's Lights for the Wild gives zoo visitors the opportunity wander the harbourside site after dark, encountering everything from multi-coloured elephants to giant redback spiders along the way. This year's event incorporates four new installations and a heap of returning favourites — including the Sumatran rhino and interactive chameleon. Here's a peek at some of the animalistic magic you can look forward to when you visit. The light show begins from the moment you hit the zoo's heritage-listed archway. This year, the giant light projection features images representative of the ten fragile species across Australia and Sumatra that the zoo has made a commitment to protect. These include the yellow and black Southern Corroboree frog, the platypus and the Asian elephant. You'll have the chance to snap a photo alongside three glowing Sumatran tigers, created in celebration of the zoo's brand new cubs: Mawar, Tengah Malam and Pemanah. See giant redback and funnel-web spiders emerge from the shadows — which remind us a little of Hagrid's dear Aragog — then continue along the Aussie Bush path to meet bilbies, six-metre-long goannas and a saltwater crocodile. And encounter an enormous multicoloured elephant hanging out among the trees. A friendly koala rounds out a massive collection of illuminated native fauna, which also includes echidnas (with moving tongues). Other highlights include an award winning animated projection in a 270-degree cinematic experience, by Taronga Centenary Theatre, and a dazzling laser garden. All proceeds from tickets will go to supporting Taronga's work in conservation and wildlife care. Vivid Sydney will run from Friday, May 24 until Saturday, June 15, and Taronga Zoo will be open at night from Wednesday to Sunday (and Monday, June 10) throughout the festival. The experience is ticketed — you can buy two-hour tickets to the nightly 5.30pm and 7.30pm sessions here. Images: Destination NSW.
I don't care if the number 12 has a perfect number of divisors and if the sum of its divisors is also a perfect number. To me it is not a sublime number, just awkward and misleading. It's the number that made primary school times tables actually difficult, it's the length of a full-sized Subway sandwich that's too big and double the length of a Subway sandwich that's too small, and it tricks you into thinking that you're going to get 12 days of presents come Christmas time. The only time when 12 is a good number is when it refers to the number of artists showing at WATIM's 12x12 exhibition. This is because they consist of Daek, Drewfunk, Ears, Edward Woodley, Gary Seaman, Gimiks Born, Mark Alsweiler, Rone, Sean Morris, Shannon Crees, Shida and Troy Archer — some of the country's most sought after urban artists. On Friday 22 July they will be exhibiting 12 artworks at Sydney’s aMBUSH gallery, and each artwork will be 12x12 inches. If you have dodecaphobia (a fear of the number 12) it’s probably best to stay at home on opening night, but you can still purchase the works through an online catalogue on the 23rd. Image: Shannon Crees, 2011
GO FONT UR SELF* is returning to Sydney with chapter 3 in its series of typographical revelations.With a truly international line up of ‘typographic misfits’ – hailing from Sydney, NYC and the Ukraine amongst others – GO FONT UR SELF* celebrates the taken for granted art of typography. The work of graphic designers will show alongside that of graffiti artists, fine artists and a Japanese calligrapher.Talented with pen, mouse, can and brush these artists make everyday stuff better to look at. Honour them and share in the food and drink and the Bad Wives DJ produced ambiance at Peer Gallery in Glebe, Thursday 15 October. (RSVP gofonturselfsydney@peergroupmedia.com)Junko Azukawa, master calligrapher and the woman behind that beautiful new Kirin Beer label, will be painting some limited edition calligraphic prints - one of which you may just be lucky enough to take home. I caught up with Junko and she enlightened me on the finer strokes of her artistic practice.You have collaborated with/done commissions for photographers, fashion labels and Kirin Beer as well as sustain your own practice. Why do you believe calligraphy is so universally appealing?Calligraphy is many things; from simple strokes like the work I did for the Kirin beer label, to highly stylised scripts for advertising, to completely abstract characters, which appear more like a picture than a font. The link between them is the dynamism and immediacy of the work, which comes from the artist’s state of mind during the creation of a piece. I think this attracts people to calligraphy because they can share the moment of creation with the artist. If you look at a piece of calligraphy carefully, it is possible to retrace the exact brush movements, which were used to make the piece. So I think there is an honesty in calligraphy that people appreciate.You've been studying calligraphy since you were five and are a now a teacher yourself, how important is it to you to keep the art alive?Calligraphy has a history of more than 3000 years and is one of the most important art forms in Japan. In my culture, calligraphy is a very important way for people to express and develop themselves. Personally, I have learnt so much from studying calligraphy so it is really important for me to expose as many people as possible to this art. Coming to Australia has been a great opportunity to pass on calligraphy to people who would otherwise not have had an opportunity to experience it.How do you balance the sometimes competing interests of tradition and innovation?For me, the most important thing is to be myself as an artist. In many ways I am a traditional person and I love my cultural heritage, but living in Australia has exposed me to many new and different ideas. I can see now that my work has unconsciously evolved to become something new and different to traditional calligraphy. That said, I still love to incorporate elements of traditional calligraphy into my art.What is the inspiration behind your work that we'll see at the Sydney GO FONT UR SELF*?I am going to create a new work on the day. It will be my first time to visit Sydney so I’m sure I will draw lots of inspiration from all the new sights and sounds.
It's Cinco de Mayo time again, and with the holiday always comes a slew of Mexican food offerings. For the occasion, Neutral Bay's SoCal is bringing back its all-you-can-eat taco night on Tuesday, May 8 — so best start making room in your stomach now. For $30, you can tuck into as many tacos as your tum can handle. Think varieties like fish with pineapple and coriander salsa, steak with sriracha mayo and fried haloumi with slaw and jerk dressing. For drinks, the bar will be slinging margaritas for a tenner and inviting a mariachi band and dancer for some authentic entertainment. You'll need to book a table between 5–9pm for the deal, so make one soon or miss out. It's all part of the venue's inaugural Taco and Tequila Fiesta, which celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a week of festivities.
Bars and pubs across Sydney have stepped up to help make nights out safer, as part of the NSW Government's new "Ask for Angela" campaign. To be trialled across the CBD in conjunction with the NSW Police, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and the City of Sydney, the initiative aims to combat late-night violence and sexual assault, riffing on a now internationally recognised program of the same name born two years ago in the UK. The "Ask for Angela" campaign gives patrons at participating venues an 'out' if they're feeling unsafe or uncomfortable — simply ask for "Angela" at the bar and staff will discretely escort you to safety or help by contacting the authorities. Trials of the concept are already underway across Wagga, Orange, Albury and Byron Bay, with Sydney's kicking off officially on July 14. As with elsewhere, it's hoping to help curb sexual assaults and anti-social behaviour, acting as a much-needed safety-line when a date turns bad. "I have seen the success the 'Ask for Angela' trial has had in other areas of the state and overseas and I support its introduction to the Sydney CBD," said Minister for Police Troy Grant. "We don't want people feeling intimidated when they're socialising in the city, they're out to enjoy themselves, not feel threatened, and this initiative supports their safety." NSW Police has been training staff at participating venues on how best to help patrons who drop the campaign code word. Image: Katje Ford
The zero-waste movement started small, with cafes, bars, farmers markets and environmental groups encouraging us to ditch single-use cups, bags and straws. Now, the big guys have finally joined the party. Last month, Maccas pledged to ditch plastic straws by 2020 and Woollies has ditched single-use plastic bags (Coles will hopefully follow suit on August 29). And the latest company to jump on board is 7-Eleven, who has just launched a (surprisingly) great product. The world-first reusable coffee cup, dubbed the rCUP, is made from six recycled takeaway coffee cups. Costing a reasonable $15, the cup is made in collaboration with Simply Cups — a coffee cup recycling company that functions across Australia and the UK. Since launch, Simply Cups has upcycled more than 1.48 million takeaway cups into reusable cups, car park bumpers and hospital trays. The rCUP is 100 percent leak proof (supposedly) and fully insulated, so if you forget about your coffee it'll still be hot half-an-hour later. It's also available at all 7-Eleven stores across the country. To make the rCUPs, 7-Eleven needs single-use takeaway cups — and it's collecting them at over 200 stores across NSW, Vic, Qld and WA, too. The stores are collecting all takeaway coffee cups (not just their own), Slurpee cups and plastic straws to recycle together with Simply Cups. So next time you forget your keep cup, you don't have to feel as guilty. The rCUP is now available at all Australian 7-Eleven stores. You can recycle your takeaway coffee cups, plastic straws and Slurpee cups at select stores in NSW, Vic, Qld and WA.
The late director Russ Meyer has had his work described as sexist, degrading and exploitative. This is pretty accurate. His work also happens to be a little bit brilliant. Kitschily, inexplicably brilliant.Over five weeks, the Chauvel Cinema will be bringing Meyer’s 60s and 70s aesthetic to Sydney in this over-the-top homage. Produced against the sober background of a conservative post-war America, Meyer’s films straddle the boundaries between female empowerment and exploitation, between sexuality and iconography. Don’t expect much subtlety, though: Meyer was more about big breasts, fast cars and fisticuffs than nuanced explorations of the changing roles of women.“I know some people will look down at [these films] as being just camp and stupid, but I think there’s more,†curator Sam Fielder says. “Russ was a great filmmaker who deserves to be celebrated, just like you would celebrate a filmmaker like Fellini or John Ford, and Chauvel Cinema is doing exactly that.†Fielder tips Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill (1965) as a must-see, but look out for Supervixens (1975) and Beneath the Valley of the Ultra Vixens (1979) too.
Sydney's international dance festival is back at the Sydney Opera House from August 20 to September 2. This year's Spring Dance programme, a two-week line-up of the world's best dancers and choreographers, has been curated by Rafael Bonachela, artistic director at Sydney Dance Company. Leading the bill is Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's haunting follow-up to Babel, Dunas, created with flamenco artist Maria Pages. Other highlights include a high-energy mix of street dance in Correria Agwa (Running Water), new works from four gifted female choreographers in Sydney Dance Company's Contemporary Women, critically acclaimed performances from Chinese choreographer Tao Ye, the melding of dance with art installation and soundscape that makes Clouds Above Berlin, and homegrown talents representing the brightest and most diverse dance-makers in Australia. The festival will also feature a series of masterclasses from the choreographers behind the shows for $30 a class (bookings must be made by August 8), plus free masterclasses including ballet with David McAllister, artistic director of the Australian Ballet and a jazz class with the Sydney Dance Company's Ramon Doringo. There will also be film screenings, a festival bar and Q&A sessions, all at Sydney Opera House. https://youtube.com/watch?v=a6NmzoOwe7E
UPDATE, December 22, 2022: Jackass Forever is available to stream via Binge, Paramount+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Older men, same ol' tricks and dicks: that's Jackass Forever. The fifth film in the prank-fuelled TV-to-movie franchise isn't afraid of letting it show, either, just as it's never been afraid of flashing around male genitalia. No one in Jackass' crew of comic daredevils is scared of that much — or, if they are, they're more frightened of not challenging themselves alongside their buddies — so the proud and purposeful attitude flaunted in the flick's title and usual formula is thoroughly unsurprising. Twenty-two years have passed since Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Dave Englund, Wee Man, Danger Ehren and Preston Lacy first turned outlandish stunts and practical jokes into an MTV hit, but age hasn't wearied their passion or camaraderie. It also hasn't dampened the gang's fondness for showing their junk, but there's something sweet here among all the penises: the fact that time inescapably passes but doing stupid shit with your mates sparks immortal joy. Jackass Forever is stupid, because the kinds of gags that Knoxville and company love are profoundly idiotic — including the film's opening gambit, where a green Godzilla-esque creature tramples a city but it's really Pontius' package painted like a monster. Also inherently silly: using the cast's bodies to prop up skateboarding ramps, a Knoxville-hosted game show that penalises wrong answers with a whack to the sack, exploding a port-a-potty while Steve-O is using it and a contraption made of harnesses that simultaneously gives three people wedgies. The ridiculous bits go on, including lighting farts underwater and drinking milk on a moving carousel to the point of vomiting. Another reason that Jackass is forever for this troupe: they're still as juvenile now, even though they're all over or approaching 50, as they ever were. Describing Jackass' risky skits and scenes never comes close to watching them, but how funny anyone finds this franchise depends on individual senses of humour and, sometimes, upon your mood on any given day. Regardless, there's always been an art to its follies, as captured on camera by Jeff Tremaine, the series' longstanding director, and also its co-creator with Knoxville and Her filmmaker Spike Jonze. Jackass' slapstick credentials carry on the traditions of Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and The Three Stooges, but lewder and grosser, obviously. The saga's commitment to documenting not just the stunts and pranks themselves, but the setups, attitudes in advance and reactions afterwards — the key interplay between its perpetrators, victims and spectators, too — also sees it deconstruct the brand of comedy it sports as it goes. These sense-defying jesters show their working, in other words, and share the thrills it inspires. No wonder they don't ever want it to stop. Mortality does hang over Jackass Forever, however, as seen in a number of ways — starting with Knoxville's grey hair. It isn't always so strikingly silvery, and he's also shown talking about not wanting to show his bald spot, which Jonze then rushes in to cover with black spray paint. But when the crew's ringleader does let his wintry-hued tresses show, it's the best visual representation possible of how these guys will be adoring all things Jackass till they die. Well that, and the plethora of injuries suffered, including Knoxville's concussion, brain haemorrhage and bone fractures from a bull stunt. Jackass' ridiculous men can't escape the passing years and its impact upon their bodies if they wanted to, but it clearly makes them savour what they're doing. Indeed, also prominent this time around is the sense of gratefulness that they're all still able to give Jackass another whirl, a feeling deepened by the film's dedication to former co-star Ryan Dunn, who was killed in a car crash a decade back. It's been 12 years since Jackass 3D, although we all know that pop-culture hits never die — and, in this case, the brand even manages to survive 2013's hidden-camera comedy Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa — but making this movie with so much of the OG cast definitely isn't being taken for granted by anyone involved. Plus, that aforementioned sweetness also filters through in the kindness and support the gang show in the moment here, even while devising the feature's torturous scenes, egging each other on and clearly enjoying seeing their pals squirm. They're all in it together, even if Ehren does seem to take the bulk of the movie's physical punishment. A new roster of talent joins in as well, but bringing in Sean 'Poopies' McInnerney, Zach Holmes, Jasper Dolphin, Eric Manaka and Rachel Wolfson — Jackass' first female member — isn't about passing the torch. It's about sharing, as the regulars also do with celebrity guests such as Eric Andre, Tyler the Creator and Machine Gun Kelly. Jackass has always had a hangout vibe and a more-the-merrier attitude to its dangerous displays, after all. Dispiritingly, the latter also applies to too many Jackass Forever bits that rely upon animals, including Wolfson's lone solo segment, which are the kinds of jokes that not just this comedy brand and its pranksters but the world in general should've outgrown by now. Perhaps Jackass sticks to its critter-centric jokes for the same reasons it keeps giving cinema as much male nudity as it can: its ageing daredevils just aren't interested in new tricks. Instead, they want to have the same stupid and needless fun they've always had — because no one needs to either participate in or observe any of Jackass' pranks — purely for the sake of it. You can read in plenty of meaning along the way, including the ultimate manchild schtick, performative toxic masculinity and bromance (and, here, mid-life crises as well). Also, laughing along with every setpiece, simple and elaborate alike, is far from a given. But Jackass Forever still makes its audience appreciate its lust for life and rage against the dying of the light, and its cast's undying affection for their always-immature gambit, as well as their willingness to be jackasses purely to get each other and the world chuckling.
In a year that's seen us all pondering holidays close to home, the New South Wales National Parks department has just gifted the state's residents with a trio of new reasons to book a local trip. Perhaps you feel like heading north and enjoying a coastal getaway? Maybe you'd rather go south and roam around the bushland? Either way, there are now three refurbished cottages across both spots ready and waiting for reservations. The first — and perhaps the one you'll be instantly enthusiastic about with the weather warming up — is Davies Cottage, which is located in Myall Lakes National Park on the mid north coast. It was built back in the 50s, on the eastern headland at Seals Rock village, and boasts views out over Boat Beach and Sugarloaf Bay. Here, you can vacation in a group of up to six, and spend plenty of time sitting on the timber deck and staring out at the water. The self-contained abode also comes with an outdoor barbecue and sun lounge chairs — or, for when you'd rather relax inside, a fully equipped kitchen and an open-plan living space. In terms of things to do, you'll be less than a kilometre from Sugarloaf Lighthouse. Or, you can indulge in a bit of dolphin-spotting at Lighthouse Beach or wander through Treachery Headland. Drive over to Wallingat National Park and/or Booti Booti National Park, and you'll find more places to bushwalk, more lookouts and more beaches. [caption id="attachment_784630" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Davies Cottage via Brent Mail, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] The second two refurbed places to stay are located in Kosciuszko National Park, in the Thredbo-Perisher area. It mightn't be ski season at present, but the Creel Bay cottages are open year-round in the Snowy Mountains region. Both — Creel Retreat and Creel View — are surrounded by eucalypt woodland, and boast views over Lake Jindabyne. Three-bedroom abodes that can sleep six guests each, and feature new kitchens and bathrooms, large outdoor decks and barbecues, they're actually former staff lodges that have been repurposed. On the agenda here: peering over the lake and up at the mountains, and, in winter, using it as a base to get to Perisher Valley (which is less than a 30-minute drive away) and hit the snow. In summer, you can take a bushwalk via the nearby waterfall, through the Main Range or along the Mount Kosciuszko Summit. On Lake Jindabyne, you can also fish, paddle and boat — while the Thredbo Valley Track is also ten minutes away by car. [caption id="attachment_784626" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Creel Bay cottages via Murray Vanderveer, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.[/caption] If you're eager to kick back by the sea, Davies Cottage's rates start at $1400 — for a seven-night stay (which is the minimum booking period) for up to six people. For those who'd rather a mountain trip, the Creel Bay cottages start at $265 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. Both Davies Cottage and the Creel Bay cottages are now available for bookings. For more information, or to make a reservation, head to the Davies Cottage and Creel Bay cottages pages on the NSW National Parks website. Top images: Davies Cottage via Brent Mail, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment; Creek Bay cottages via Murray Vanderveer, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
The minds behind Barossa Grape & Wine Association and vinous event organisers Revel have another specialised wine exploration to add to your calendar, this time devoted to the famed South Australian wine region of The Barossa Valley. On Saturday, July 14, Barossa. Be Consumed makes its Sydney debut, before returning to North Melbourne's Meat Market for the second time on July 21. Expect a one-day celebration of the Barossa's finest, showcasing a huge 44 of the region's wineries, including Yelland and Papps, home to 2018 Young Gun of Wine finalist Michael Papps, and Turkey Flat Vineyards, winner of the 2017 Jimmy Watson Trophy. You'll have the chance to meet producers while you sample their best creations, and then have bottles of your favourite wines shipped straight to your door. Drops from the likes of Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, Barossa Distilling Company and Barossa Valley Cider Co. round out the liquid offerings, while the region's top edible produce will be showcased at the Barossa Maker's Table. Meanwhile, local acts like Sam Brittain will deliver the soundtrack to your wine appreciation, and you'll even have the chance to try your hand at that beloved Barossa pastime, Kegel — a traditional German bowling game.
If you don't spend the festive season floating around Darling Harbour in a Christmas-themed pedal boat while surrounded by buoyant Christmas baubles, then is it really the merriest time of the year? In Sydney, clearly not — because Cockle Bay's old-school pedal boats are making a comeback this summer, complete with a seasonal makeover. In the words of the festive song from Love Actually that you'll now have stuck in your head, Christmas will indeed be all around you when you take to the water in one of these floating vessels. Sure, many of us have enjoyed a date on a pedal boat, holding hands and having conversations about the weather (actually, if movies are to be believed, most of us fall into that category), but you can now you can relive the experience while getting festive. Until Sunday, January 26, the leg-powered vehicles can be hired from the Cockle Bay Marina for $44 a pop, which'll get you a whole 30 minutes on the water. If you think half-an-hour in the blistering Sydney sun sounds like a recipe for sunburn, you'd be right but, thankfully, the boats come equipped with a shade to keep you cool. The boats will be hitting the bay from 10am–8pm seven days a week throughout their two-month run. They seat two adults, so you can plan a date or bring a mate. If you have little ones in tow, you can also bring two kids along — but the four-person capacity still only covers a maximum of two adults. You do have to wear a life jacket while cruising on Darling Harbour, and you can book online in advance.
Sydney is a pretty great place to be all year round, but especially in September. Spring has hit (although the last few days of cold, wet weather may have had you thinking otherwise), and the city is abuzz with Sydney Fringe Festival happenings. Yes, we wait in anticipation all year for the festival to come around— and now, somehow, it's almost over again. But not before a raucous, late-night closing shindig. Next Saturday, September 28, the City Tatts Hub, based in the City Tattersalls Club on Pitt Street, will host an epic six-hour dance party. From 7pm until 3am, you'll be shimmying and shaking through the venue's different rooms with each one dedicated to a different decade of dance — from the mighty 80s prom to a Cuban club straight out of the 40s to a soul train disco from the 70s. And to celebrate another successful year of shows, parties and gigs, we're giving away a double pass to this final farewell. Not only will you and mate get access to the party, you'll also get to sleep in a lush room at the Novotel Sydney Darling Square once the music stops. And, since we know you'll be weary from a long night of dancing, we've also thrown in late checkout (at 12pm) and a buffet brekkie. To be in the running, enter with your details below. [competition]742466[/competition]
We’re all familiar with the hangover blues — when memories of overpriced cab fares and too many drinks make an unwelcome reappearance. However, you can ease that empty wallet guilt by knowing you splashed your cash for a good cause. If you scoot down to Bondi this weekend, Project Futures and the Age of Intimacy are cooking up Life’s a Beach — a party with heart. Well-versed in fundraising events, Project Futures is a not-for-profit organisation that combats human trafficking worldwide. They have teamed up with lingerie label The Age of Intimacy to put on this DIY extravaganza. Forty bucks will buy you access to a range of good-time pop-ups. In addition to tasty nibbles from the likes of Cantina Mobil, Monster Rolls and The Nighthawk Diner, there will be jumping castles, sumo suits and 'silly beach games'. Hydrating the event will be Young Henrys, Holgate Brewhouse and The Hills Cider Company. The goal is to raise $10,000 with proceeds going towards sustainable support services for trafficking survivors. Crank up the party in the name of social awareness.
Update Monday, March 7: Sparkling Sydney has been postponed after unprecedented rainfall has meant Pirrama Park Pyrmont is expected to be unaccessible. The event will now be held on Saturday, April 30. This article has been updated to reflect this. Sipping sparkling might be a pivotal part of your pandemic routine, but nothing has felt particularly bubbly over the past few years. Here's one easy way to change that in 2022: spending a day drinking the fizziest wines possible in a harbourside park. After being forced to postpone its 2020 and 2021 events multiple times due to COVID-19, plus postponing its 2022 event due to severe weather, Sparkling Sydney will finally return from 11am–6pm on Saturday, April 30 with more than 60 sparkling wines from 20 local regional wineries. If you're all about the bubbly things in life, prepare to be swept away by the city's most effervescent booze fest, which'll descend upon Pirrama Park in Pyrmont. Once again, the 2022 edition of Sparkling Sydney is set to deliver a jam-packed day of gourmet food and fizzy fun — although this time around it'll be ticketed, starting at $29 for pre-sales and hitting $39 for general sales. Varieties on offer will include blanc de blanc, petit verdot and moscato, sparkling malbec, pinot noir, pinot meunier, sparkling rosé, verscato, prosecco, sparkling zibbibo, and zinfandel shiraz. No, you won't be short on options. Of course, there'll be plenty of top-notch eats to match — and other tipples, if you'd like to knock back Six String Brewing Co beers, Brix Distillery spiced rum cocktails, sparkling spritzes and non-alcoholic sparkling vinos, too. The Sparkling Sydney lineup also spans wine and oyster matching sessions, sparkling wine bath soaks, and a lineup of live music and DJs, including the Crawfish Po'Boys, Electro Alley, Spyglass, and DJs Kate Monroe and Charlie Villas. Sparkling Sydney runs from 11am–5pm.
Working from home certainly has its advantages, including the lack of commute, the expanded wardrobe choices and, if you have a pet, the fact that your favourite furry friend can curl by your side. Don't have your own four-legged bestie? Always eager for more doggos in your life? Add a lunchtime date with Guide Dogs Australia to your schedule, and enjoy the overwhelming cuteness of the organisation's first puppy zoom meeting. With Wednesday, April 29 marking International Guide Dog Day, Guide Dogs Australia is giving the country what it wants: adorable dogs, virtually. The puppy zoom meeting will run for half an hour from midday, and feature gorgeous little labrador guide dog puppies — as well as experienced guide dogs, too. One of the pups, a three-week-old cutie, is even called Zoom — so you can bet it'll get plenty of attention. And yes, the whole event is taking place via Zoom, the platform, as most things in life seem to be at the moment. As well as gawking at endearing dogs, you'll also learn more about the guide dog journey — and how they assist people with blindness or low vision. Guide Dogs Australia's Puppy Zoom Meeting runs for free via Zoom from 12–12.30pm on Wednesday, April 29.
