If your festival budget this year is a little skint and you've resigned yourself to missing out on seeing bands on hills in your gumboots this summer, don't fret just yet. EDGE is a new — and free — arts and cultural festival program launching in Sydney's inner west. EDGE will include a cacophony of arts, music, light projections and performance events throughout its 2018 and 2019 run. While the events for next year have not yet been announced, the festival's inaugural event is a four-day celebration taking places this September. And it's starting with a free opening night party in Ashfield Town Centre on Thursday, September 6. Headlining will be diverse fusion band Worlds Collide, accompanied by sound installations, light projections and dance performances happening throughout the evening. The celebration will continue for the rest of the weekend, too, with pop-up performances in Ashfield Town Hall, Sydney Sacred Music Festival, sound and light-filled exhibition Ritual Lanterns by Jayanto Tan and a folklore flower trail, Bloom. Ashfield Town Centre will also light up with Three Generations, from September 6-9, giant projections of local people and their stories, done by Esem Projects. EDGE will expand during the course of 2019 — beginning in Ashfield and spreading to more of Sydney's inner west — with hundreds of local artists and performers jumping onboard. If you want to register your interest, you can here. Image: Bec Taylor
Tarantino fans, it's the moment you've all been waiting for — and it just might be even better than the world-famous Jackrabbit Slim's twist contest. In a massive overnight movie marathon (dusk till dawn included), Palace Chauvel Cinema is showing its love for the filmmaker responsible for making everyone think twice about Madonna's 'Like A Virgin', Royales with cheese, getting sword-wielding vengeance and getting caught in Minnie's Haberdashery during a snowstorm. With more enthusiasm than the man-in-question's fondness for rapid-fire dialogue, retro soundtracks and paying homage to every film he's ever seen, Tarantino Fest will train the James Street cinema's projector on some of QT's finest from 1pm on December 9. The next 19 hours or so will be filled with flicks helmed by Tarantino, written by Tarantino and/or starring Tarantino. On the agenda: Reservoir Dogs, True Romance, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, From Dusk till Dawn, both volumes of Kill Bill and The Hateful Eight, in that order. Breaking out your best yellow jumpsuit, bathrobe, Hawaiian shirt, daggy tee and shorts combo, or flight attendant's uniform is heartily recommended. And if you want to dance to 'Stuck in the Middle with You' or 'Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon' in the foyer, we're guessing that no one will stop you.
"Goodbye Christopher Robin," announces the title of this treacly biopic. Goodbye subtlety and and emotional nuance, too. A true tale about Winnie-the-Pooh author AA Milne, his son, and the loveable bear that made them both famous, this is a movie that doesn't trust its audience to laugh or cry without being told when and how much. Eeyore's constant moping and Tigger's bouncy zest seem almost restrained in comparison. The handsomely staged effort sets its sights on a shell-shocked Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) in the wake of the First World War. He's rattled by London life following his experiences on the battlefield, much to the dismay of his socialite wife Daphne (Margot Robbie). A move to the country doesn't seem to help matters either — or at least it doesn't until a stint in the surrounding forest without Daphne or live-in nanny Olive (Kelly Macdonald), when the writer and his eight-year-old son Christopher Robin (Will Tilston) imagine a whole new world with the help of some stuffed toys. If it worked for Peter Pan and Mary Poppins, then it can work for Winnie-the-Pooh. Or at least, that's what director Simon Curtis (Woman in Gold) appears to think. Indeed, as Finding Neverland and Saving Mr. Banks did before it, Goodbye Christopher Robin presents itself as a behind-the-scenes origin story, but soon proves more interested in riding an easy wave of affection. Given that everyone's favourite fictional bear is involved, there's ample love flowing, of course. Alas, though the movie's approach is well-intentioned, the end result remains noticeably heavy-handed. An overwrought score, uninspired cinematography and pacing that pauses for impact every time something notable happens are just a few of the film's particularly grating elements — although arguably the biggest problem is the mismatch between the script and the way it's been executed. Screenwriters Frank Cottrell-Boyce (The Railway Man) and Simon Vaughan aren't afraid to take the narrative to darker corners, touching on the trauma of war, the difficulties of marriage and motherhood, the struggle of having your childhood suddenly opened to the public, and the distance that can grow between a father and a son. Sadly, Curtis would rather skip nostalgically past the bleaker material, or wring it to inspire easy waterworks. Filmmakers underestimating their viewers isn't new. Nor is spoon-feeding plot developments and signposting sentiment, pairing a cute kid with a grumpy adult, or leaning on pop culture commodities. Goodbye Christopher Robin is guilty of all of the above — but, more than that, it's guilty of squandering its potential. As the great performances from young Tilston and the suitably conflicted Gleeson both show, there's plenty of emotion and drama to be found in the Milnes' story without smothering it in honey. As Winnie himself would say: "oh bother." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb6gC-G2-6c
Perhaps it was timed to coincide with the centenary of the Russian Revolution, but Griffin Independent and Little Ones Theatre appear to have pulled off a serious coup here. Merciless Gods is short story collection by Christos Tsiolkas, author of The Slap and a man renowned for not being afraid to jab at the darkest and most shameful aspects of Australia's national character. Upon publication, the anthology was widely praised, but also described as "out there" and "shocking", with reviewers teasing fictional worlds governed by brutal sex, murder and random violence. Difficult subject matter on the page and not an obvious candidate for a theatrical reworking. Nevertheless, Dan Giovannoni, of Melbourne queer theatre collective Little Ones Theatre, has managed to prise Tsiolkas' savage stories off the page and craft them into a fierce script. By all accounts, the performance adds another, very visceral layer to the already charged stories, without overlooking the vein of human tenderness running beneath.
Music. Art. Maker stalls. Street food. DJs. Workshops teaching some ace skills. Birthday parties can be pretty fancy these days, but most five-year-olds don't get to enjoy all of the above. Of course, COMMUNE isn't like most, well, anything. Their Erskineville and Waterloo spaces are all about creativity, bringing people together and having a collaborative, artistic good time — so it should come as no surprise that their celebration of five years in business offers all of that. Taking place from midday on December 2, the COMMUNE Block Party will turn its Waterloo warehouse precinct into an overflowing shindig, complete with a lineup of their curated pals from across their existence to date. That means lyricist OKENYO, DJs Levins and Franco, and hip hop selectors Flex Mami and DJ Nes, plus Goodgod's Jimmy Sing, roots reggae act The Strides, seven-piece Ghanaian drumming and dance outfit Karifi Ensemble — and more. On the learning side of things, you can discover how to spin tracks with DJ James De La Cruz, make your own electronic music with Heaps Decent or get your hip hop dance on with Groove Therapy and Feras. A group exhibition and art installation, locally made and vintage markets, and food and drinks aplenty are also part of the fun. Early bird tickets are now on sale, starting from $35 + booking fee, with taking part in the classes adding another $20–30 to the price.
Russian punk band Pussy Riot were famously jailed for "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" following an anti-Vladimir Putin protest in 2012, and the three band members spent over a year in prison. Since her release, Maria Alyokhina has continued to make music as well as founding an independent media outlet in Russia, and now returns to Australia with Riot Days. A 'punk opera'/documentary/performance art piece about her arrest and imprisonment, it is a ferocious call to arms for the resistance. "Freedom doesn't exist unless you fight for it every day," Alyokhina says. "The choice is very simple – to act or to stay silent. What we are showing is just one small example."
The way the festival scene is going, the summer of 2016/17 is going to be epic. The latest in the series of boutique festivals to join the summer calendar is Tell No Tales, a one-day techno bonanza inspired by the hedonism of the European summer festival scene. The lineup gets on board with the European theme too. They've released the first round of artists (yeah, you read right — this is only the first round) including Ricardo Villalobos, a Chilean-born and Berlin-based minimalist techno god who's been dominating the scene for nearly 20 years; Pan-Pot, another Berlin-based outfit; Audion, a techno mainstay who's just dropped his first album in ten years; Agents of Time, an Italian trio who stick strictly to analogue; and Nastia, a Ukrainian DJ who's rocketed to fame in the last few years. The festival will off in Melbourne before coming up to Theatre of the Horse at Randwick Racecourse on Sunday, December 4. The first release of tickets have sold out already, so keep your eyes peeled for a second round. Image: Stephen Arnold.
One of the most important films of 2016, Chasing Asylum tears back the curtain on Australia's brutal immigration policies. Directed by Eva Orner, the Oscar-winning producer of Taxi to the Darkside, this confronting documentary explores the human cost of mandatory detention, combining interviews with whistleblowers — who risked jail to speak out — and sickening hidden camera footage from inside detention centres on Manus and Nauru. "I think we all need to stand up and say enough is enough," Orner told us in May. "I just read this thing where Malcolm Turnbull said, 'Let's not get misty-eyed about offshore detention.' People are lighting themselves on fire. Children are being sexually abused. People have died." One Day Entertainment and the Factory Theatre are presenting a special screening of Chasing Asylum, with all proceeds from the night going to the Refugee Advice and Casework Service. Tickets are now sold out, but watch the Factory Theatre's Facebook page for announcements. Read our interview with Chasing Asylum director Eva Orner here.
Sparkling wine is often relegated to pre- or post-degustation status. But, at this long, long dinner, you'll be sticking to bubbles all evening long. Because it's in sparkling varieties Prosecco, Lambrusco, Franciacorta and Spumante that chef Paola Toppi has found inspiration for each of the six courses in this special one-off dinner held as part of the Bolle Italia sparkling wine festival and Good Food Month. All in all, you'll get to try no fewer than 11 Italian drops. The feasting and sampling will take place under the watchful eye of Bar Machiavelli's black and white projections. Formerly a tyre factory, the restaurant is now a paean to Italian culinary excellence, from the fresh house-made pastas to the cracking wine list. The dinner costs $145 per person but includes six epic courses and 11 (yes, 11) sparkling wines. You will be rolling out of there.
Have you ever wondered why the Mad Hatter is so mad? No, of course you haven't. One of the wonders of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is that it doesn't try to explain the headwear enthusiast's mental state — it just accepts him for who he is and lets him get on with his tea party. Movie adaptations have done the same to date, including Tim Burton's 2010 live-action effort Alice in Wonderland. Alas, Disney is intent on sharing the origin stories of every classic literary figure it can think of, leaving Alice Through the Looking Glass to explore Hatter's background. In fact, with Alice (Mia Wasikowska) out in the real world, sailing the seas and attempting to save her mother's house, it's the plight of Hatter (Johnny Depp) that actually brings her back to the fantastical Underland. This time he's the one who's lost much of his muchness, thanks to his newfound belief that his long-gone family might still be alive. To help her truest friend, Alice visits Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), then goes jumping back through Hatter's history. His past isn't his alone, with his tale intertwined with the feuding antics of Red Queen Iracebeth (Helena Bonham Carter) and her White Queen sister (Anne Hathaway). As such, Alice Through the Looking Glass is both a prequel and a sequel. Given that its predecessor made more than a billion dollars at the global box office, the reason for the film's existence is obvious — as is the determination of director James Bobin (The Muppets) to follow in Burton's footsteps wherever he can. More peculiar is the decision of writer Linda Woolverton to turn Alice into a little more than an observer in the story, making her character the least interesting part of the movie in the process. As a result, Wasikowska is left largely watching on, even if she does ensure Alice seems suitably older and wiser. And while Depp receives top billing, he's carefully deployed — a little of his all-too-familiar wackiness goes a long way. With Bonham-Carter cartoonish and Hathaway mostly placid, it's left to Baron Cohen to bring the liveliness the film so badly needs. Sadly, despite his best efforts and never-ending supply of time-based puns, Alice Through the Looking Glass is never the energetic adventure it so desperately wants to be. That said, Bobin's movie is never boring — only misguided. Trying to ape Burton's over-the-top sensibilities was always going to be difficult, but simply shifting focus to the kookiest figure, throwing together similar set-pieces and asking most of the cast to repeat their previous performances isn't the way to go about it. Even the candy-coloured visuals don't shine as brightly this time around. That the film's most striking imagery stems from scenes of decay says more than it probably should.
The best joke in The Boss is the one that no one talks about. Whatever Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) is wearing, her outfit includes a turtleneck jumper pulled up over her chin. Whether it's meant to be slimming or is simply an eccentric style option, it looks as ridiculous as it sounds — and while there's no avoiding the silly sartorial sight that greets viewers every time the protagonist graces the screen, the unusual clothing choice is actually among the film's most subtle elements. The fact that it remains hilarious while never earning a mention or explanation is refreshing, particularly in a movie that takes every other chance it can to either state or rely upon the obvious. At the beginning of the film, which McCarthy co-wrote with her director husband Ben Falcone, Darnell is a self-made titan of business. After wheeling and dealing her way to the top, she's the 47th wealthiest woman in America, and at the filling stadiums, splashing cash around and dispensing self-help advice stage of her career. Alas, all it takes is an insider trading charge and a stint in prison for her fame and fortune to disappear. With nowhere to go upon her release, Darnell turns to her former assistant Claire (Kristen Bell) to help get her life back on track — and seizes upon a brownie-selling opportunity inspired by Claire's young daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson). The Boss is an awkward film, and not just because it pairs a predictable storyline with clumsily inserted scenes of outlandish behaviour. It's the kind of movie in which school girls brawl with their mothers in the street, and swearing and physical antics are presented as the height of comedy. Yet the bulk of the awkwardness stems from McCarthy herself. Arguably The Boss ranks alongside The Heat and Spy as one of the actresses better starring roles, but with Identity Thief and Tammy also on her resume, that's not saying much. As committed as she remains to doing whatever it takes to garner laughs, there's no escaping the feeling that she's done it all before. The fact is, audiences may well be getting tired of watching McCarthy bear the brunt of violence, become the butt of jokes and deliver expletive-filled dialogue. Showcasing rather than stretching the energetic performer's many talents is the movie's main aim, however it actually fares best in quieter, less exaggerated moments. There's an astuteness and understanding in the ever-changing dynamic between McCarthy and Bell, even if the latter frequently threatens to steal the show from the former. Dissecting the ways women can both come together and tear each other apart, their exchanges provide The Boss with its much-needed heart. Of course, such moments of depth are few and far between, as is demonstrated by McCarthy's other main adversarial relationship with an over-the-top Peter Dinklage as her ex-boyfriend turned rival. That the end result proves a jumble of earnest sentiment, too-easy gags, one-dimensional characters and inconsistent absurdity is hardly surprising. But at least there's always those unexplained turtlenecks to keep you chuckling.
As far as folklore villains go, Baron Samedi is one of the most mysterious. He's an ancient spirit (or Loa) of Haitian Voodoo, the leader of the Guédé, guardian of the afterlife, and associated with magic and death. He's got a skull-like face and donned in a top hat, black tail coat, dark glasses (prepared for burial, Haitian-style). Now, he's returned from the underworld. This week Baron Samedi Spiced announced its arrival on Australian shores with a super stealthy gig by triple j Hottest 100 winners The Rubens — but that's not the only feisty fun this new spicy spirit has in store. There's a reason that the beverage — made with Caribbean rum and spices such as vanilla, cacao, cinnamon and native Haitian spice Vetiver — takes its name from Loa; it's a dash of cheekiness and mystery, all rolled into one. It's the spirit that sums up yours, and it's also the reason to head to Surry Hills every Friday and Saturday night until June 4. Baron Samedi will be taking over The Beresford both nights from 7-11pm for four weeks and, should you dare to step inside, you'll enter a shadowy rum-fuelled underworld rife with magic, music and lots of tastings. Indulge in vanilla, cacao and cinnamon-flecked cocktails served by colourful characters, and get sucked into an evening of dark adventure. That it all kicks off Friday the 13th couldn't be more fitting. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Well, it should. Whether the Baron Signature (with ginger beer, fresh lime and bitters), the Baron Iced Tea (with rooibos tea, lemon, star anise and mint) or Hoodoo Voodoo (with Cinzano Rosso vermouth, pomegranate, blackberries and lemon) takes your fancy, you'll be one of the first in Australia to taste them.
At the heart of Queen of the Desert sits Gertrude Bell, a real life historic figure who was anything but ordinary. A writer, photographer, traveller and more, Bell bucked traditional gender roles, blazed a trail for women working in international politics, and ultimately played a key part in establishing the modern borders of Iraq and Jordan in the years following WWI. Sadly, while the film that tells her tale doesn't ignore those achievements completely, its primary concern instead seems to be her love life. That's how an account of Bell (Nicole Kidman) and her time in the Middle East becomes an episodic effort tied to the men she fell for and worked with. After begging her aristocratic father to send her anywhere outside of England, she is dispatched to Tehran to stay with her diplomat uncle (Mark Lewis Jones), and swiftly succumbs to the charms of embassy secretary Henry Cadogan (James Franco). When their courtship ends, Bell takes to the desert, forming a platonic bond with T.E. Lawrence (Robert Pattinson). And largely via letters, she also connects with Charles Doughty-Wylie (Damian Lewis), a married British consul stationed in Damascus. Writing and directing his first fiction feature since 2009's My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done, Werner Herzog wants to have his cake and eat it too. He obviously intends to depict Bell as a fiercely independent woman, and yet he can't resist indulging in overwrought relationship melodrama. While such a contradiction might reflect life (and suit Herzog's fascination with existential contrasts, as seen in his other films such as Rescue Dawn and Grizzly Man), Queen of the Desert just can't seem to strike the right balance between empowered adventure and lovelorn longing. Instead, the film becomes a sweeping but standard epic, hoping to blend the emotion of The English Patient and the spectacle of Lawrence of Arabia, and ultimately proving as formulaic as that sounds. At least the latter inspiration provides striking, sun-drenched imagery, with the film at its best when it's charting a lush visual excursion across the plains. As for its worst — well, that's where the performances come in. In the cast's defence, there's a big difference between bad acting and portrayals that are stifled by bad material. Kidman, Franco and Pattinson are all serviceable, but simply aren't given the room they need to turn thinly drawn characters into something more. Kidman certainly tries in one of her most committed efforts in recent years, yet as she flits between yearning and determined, the true spirit of Bell never shines through. Accordingly, Queen of the Desert feels more like routine historical romantic fodder rather than a genuine biopic. Given the woman at its centre, that's hardly a satisfying outcome.
When We Will Rock You initially ventured beyond Britain, Australia was the musical's first stop. The year was 2003, and the Ben Elton-directed effort proved as much of a success here as it did in the UK. Spinning a show around Queen's hit songs, the production said it would rock us — and boy did it live up to that promise. That's the crazy little thing about jukebox musicals: with the right tracks, tale and talent, they can make audiences feel like they're the champions of the world. Who doesn't want to see a narrative set to their favourite tunes, and sing along as it all unfolds? Yes, this is real life. No, it's not just fantasy (although the resulting story of Galileo Figaro, Scaramouche and Killer Queen is, of course). Yep, the three iconic characters are back as We Will Rock You returns to Australia for the first time in more than a decade — and the iconic sounds of 'Radio Ga Ga', 'Under Pressure', Another One Bites the Dust' and 'Fat Bottomed Girls' do as well. With Gareth Keegan, Erin Clare, Casey Donovan and Brian Mannix among the cast, the new production is certain to break free of all expectations. Our tip: find somebody to love to take along. Image: Jeff Busby.
Celebrate the Year of the Rooster by feasting like a pig at Spice Temple this Chinese New Year. From January 23 until February 5, the restaurant will be offering a special banquet menu devised by Neil Perry and Head Chef Andy Evans, featuring ingredients meant to promote good fortune in the coming year. Priced at a pretty reasonable $95 per head, banquet dishes include raw tuna with spicy orange and iceberg ("prosperity"), stir-fried wagyu brisket with lucky money dumplings and baby eggplant ("longevity"), roast pork belly ("harmony") and caramel ice cream with praline ("love"). Matching wines are also available, for an extra $55 per person.
Rabbits: not traditionally a symbol of environmental responsibility or sustainability. Nevertheless, two blindingly white critters, looking like they've barely escaped an evil magician's clutches, have been chosen as the mascots of Penrith City Council's inaugural health and environment festival. But we digress. Real Festival is kicking off in Penrith this weekend at the Tench Reserve on the banks of the Nepean River. It's a night and day of workshops, food, music and art to promote sustainability and healthy living. Activities range from ornithology to kayaking (with ornithayaking for the experienced). Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis will be doling out gardening tips, while Black Pebble and Charlie Darling will be running classes on how to resurrect busted up furniture and how to become an eco-aware kid, respectively. Some of Sydney's most popular food trucks, like Knafeh Bakery, will also be on hand to make sure getting closer to nature doesn't become a Lord of the Flies situation. The festival is free, but a lot of the activities require bookings. All you need to do is hop onto the Council's website and follow the white rabbits.
With spring firmly established, Kensington Street Social is kicking off its Social Sunday series, starting this Sunday 13 November. Spend your afternoon drinking, feasting and listening to live music. The first step is to choose your beverage of choice. For just 35 bucks, you'll get a stream of bottomless sparkling, or, for $16, a glass of frosé. Next up, you'll want to cast your eye over the new Social Sunday menu. Tasty morsels include Kangaroo Island scallop with blood orange ponzu, green apple and shiso; tataki hiramasa kingfish with dill and kale togarashi; and beef tartare with beetroot jam, oyster emulsion, horseradish and wasabi leaf. Finish off with dessert in the form of marinated blueberries with almond cream, warm chocolate mousse and milk crisp. Once the feasting's done and dusted, you're invited to shift into the Old Clare, where you'll be settling in for live tunes, and, yep, you guessed it, more drinks.
Consider yourself a bit of a wine expert? Can you swish with the best of them? Can you hold long conversations about tasting notes and ageing barrels? Or are you more in the Leslie Knope school of thought when it comes to wine sampling — couldn't tell you the difference between a Cab Sav and a Merlot, but it's tasty and I'll go with it? Wherever you sit on this spectrum, Mental Notes promises to have something for everybody on the wine enthusiast scale. Returning for their second event on October 25, Paddington Town Hall will be hosting winemakers from all over Australia and beyond, giving keen wine-drinkers the opportunity to taste a cheeky wine, or three. With over a hundred wines available for the tasting, you can drink your way through the country's vineyards, and learn a trick or two from the winemakers themselves. If this wasn't already a pretty sweet deal, there will also be a smattering of food stalls on the day to complement (read: soak up) some of that sweet wine goodness thanks to Mary's. Hosted by Joel Amos (DRNKS) as well Kenneth Graham and Jake Smyth of Mary's and The Unicorn fame, there will also be a casual bar operating during the wine tasting — with a wine list that will be changing every hour — because, can you ever really have enough booze at a wine event?
If you haven't yet had a gander at Harold Park's just-opened Tramsheds, here's your excuse. Every Thursday in October for Good Food Month, various eateries at the new foodie hotspot will be hosting their take on Food Tales. In other words, they'll be telling you all the stories — old and new — about the dishes they serve up. Ever wondered where pasta comes from or what eating it means to the Italians? Curious about how sustainable fishing works and why it's important? Not sure how Gelato Messina started and when it got so damn big? Get yourself along and find out. While you're there, check out the Shoot The Chef photography exhibition. Image: Steven Woodburn.
It should've been so easy. Everybody loves Christmas films that revel in the raucous side of the season, as the likes of Bad Santa (forget the sequel) and The Night Before demonstrated. Everyone loves Office Space-style workplace comedies as well. Combine the two, throw in a host of funny folks, and the jokes should write themselves… shouldn't they? Perhaps that's the problem with Office Christmas Party — maybe directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck (The Switch, Blades of Glory), as well as the six different writers involved with conjuring up the story and screenplay, just assumed that's what would happen. They certainly thought that sticking to a formula as bland and straightforward as the film's title would work, and that mentioning beloved pop culture brands and figures such as Fast and Furious, Mad Men, David Bowie and Prince would rustle up some added affection. Alas, the last time office-based festive antics proved such a mess, it was in Die Hard. We all know how that turned out: fantastic as far as action flicks are concerned, but not so well for the people trapped inside Nakatomi Plaza. Here, a Chicago building inhabited by the local branch of a computing firm provides the site of the chaos. Head honcho Clay Vanstone (T.J. Miller) wants to throw the kind of annual party his dad, the former company head, would've been proud of — not the non-denominational holiday mixer with a gouda-stacked cheese platter that HR rep Mary (Kate McKinnon) is putting together. When his sister and interim CEO Carol (Jennifer Aniston) not only cancels the shindig, but threatens to lay off almost half of his staff, Clay and his chief technical officer Josh (Jason Bateman) spring into action. They plan to woo a possible big-shot client (Courtney B. Vance) by throwing an epic rager, with an inappropriate eggnog delivery system, a basketball star and all-round debauchery included. Great party movies, like the recent Tina Fey/Amy Poehler vehicle Sisters, make you wish you were there. Bad party movies usually make you cringe — and no, that's not what Office Christmas Party actually wants to do. Frankly, it's attempting too much already. With X-Men: Apocalypse's Olivia Munn, Workaholics' Jillian Bell, Saturday Night Live's Vanessa Bayer and The Neon Demon's Abbey Lee also among the cast, the film isn't short on subplots involving professional and romantic troubles. As if that weren't enough, a revolutionary new way to access the internet also plays a significant part in proceedings. Mixing an over-stuffed story, predictably bad behaviour, and Santa suits and Christmas lights aplenty, Office Christmas Party proves the type of supposedly outrageous comedy that feels like it was designed by committee. To be fair, that is how most real-life workplace gatherings of the sort come together, and they don't have the scene-stealing McKinnon to liven things up. Still, a party that's only enjoyable when one specific person pops up will always remain a drag, be it off-screen or on.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is the hero of old-world seaside charm. Its stripy umbrellas, schoolyard benches and Breton-striped wait staff make it the perfect place to while away a summer afternoon with a drink. The Beach Club has sprawling outdoor seating, a fresh-not-fancy menu and a view so palm-tree perfect it could be a postcard. Every Sunday from February 5 to March 26, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel has a summer-perfect Aperol Spritz pop-up bar and drink special. Finish off what has been an amazing summer season by heading down to Watsons Bay on the weekend and grabbing a $10 Aperol Spritz in the sunshine. The drink special runs all day, there will be summer DJs to set the mood and a pop-up lifeguard tower to get the perfect photo. We can't think of a more perfect lazy Sunday. On Sunday March 5, Messina are teaming up with Aperol and Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel to create an Aperol-flavoured gelato. You can sample it from 2pm-5pm in the sunshine.
If you'd lived in Sydney 100 years ago, the Queen Victoria Building would've been your go-to farmers' market. Local growers and makers would pour in, peddling fresh produce, groceries and textiles. To celebrate this delicious history, the QVB has decided to host a pop-up foodie market this August. For five tasty, tasty days between Wednesday, August 3 and Sunday, August 7, a crowd of Sydney's favourite providores will take over the building's first floor. You'll be able to wander from stall to stall, browsing, sampling and deciding which morsels to take home. If dairy is your weakness, get into Pepe Saya's perfectly creamy, cultured butter, which will be sold alongside a stack of artisanal breads. Also delivering on the freshly-baked front will be Sonoma, with their 36-hour-made sourdough. Meanwhile, Salt Meats Cheese will be serving up three-cheese truffle mushroom toasties. Once that's done and dusted, move onto Vanto's Naples-style wood-fired pizza. Next up is dessert. There'll be no shortage of choice for sweet tooths, with Nutorious selling caramelised nuts and popcorn prepared in an old-school copper barrel, Spoon and Fork offering a selection of too-good-looking-to-eat cakes and biscuits, Koko Black taking care of chocoholics and Doughnut Time presenting a new, QVB-inspired creation. Wash it all down with a coffee from Kikko Cafe and pick up a bunch of Mr Cook flowers on the way out. The QVB Marketplace will open 10am-4pm, from Wednesday, August 3 to Sunday, August 7. On the Thursday, opening hours will extend to 7pm. Image: Pepe Saya.
"For some reason, everything has become a metaphor," newly widowed investment banker Davis Mitchell (Jake Gyllenhaal) writes in a letter to a vending machine company. Uttered in voiceover partway into Demolition, it's not just a cringe-worthy piece of dialogue designed to provide an insight into his grieving mindset. It's also a dangerous sentiment for a character in a film to express — particularly in a feature that dedicates the bulk of its running time to becoming the movie equivalent of this statement. Davis' life has been torn apart by a car accident that claimed his wife (Heather Lind), though he managed to escape without a scratch. Barely shaken by the tragic turn of events — and clearly not visibly upset enough to satisfy his father-in-law and boss, Phil (Chris Cooper) — Davis begins to see everything around him as a reflection of his predicament. When he's not pouring his thoughts onto the page, initially trying to obtain compensation for a packet of undispensed peanut M&Ms but really just looking to share his lack of pain, he takes to dismantling the physical objects around him. A phone call from pot-smoking customer service representative Karen (Naomi Watts) proves similarly disruptive. Director Jean-Marc Vallée might be known more for his style than his subtlety, but the aptly titled Demolition takes blatant expressions of emotional states to a new level. Gone is the evocative earnestness and thematic texture that made the Quebecois filmmaker's French-language fare such as C.R.A.Z.Y. and Café de Flore work so well, even when they veered into heavy-handed territory. Instead, it's the contemplative simplicity of his most recent English-language efforts — AIDS drama Dallas Buyers Club and soul-searcher Wild — that's on display, coupled with a fondness for obviousness. Accordingly, Demolition proves an elegantly shot and deftly edited but ultimately empty series of scenes depicting its titular process in various forms: the initial crash, the destructive manner in which Davis behaves in the aftermath, and more than a few instances of both items and relationships being smashed to pieces, often in slow motion. While there's truth behind the broader observations Vallée is keen to stress, there are few new insights on offer. That screenwriter Bryan Sipe also penned the script for this year's Nicholas Sparks' adaptation The Choice gives an indication of the level of depth — or absence thereof. Alas, Demolition isn't a film that can be saved by its cast either. Gyllenhaal is solid and convincingly imparts some much-needed levity, but demonstrates exactly the amount of nuance he's asked to. While it shouldn't be surprising that yet another movie about a man's attempt to find himself wastes its female talent, Watts' nothing part is still disappointing. Playing Karen's teenage son, it's actually relative newcomer Judah Lewis (TV's Game of Silence) that fares best. His story arc might be designed to increase drama, but he conveys his character's journey without resorting to the movie's favourite tool, on-screen and off: a sledgehammer.
With winter finally digging its claws in, there's nothing like a quality, spiced spirit to get you through those long, cold nights. Luckily, Baron Samedi — not only an Haitian voodoo spirit, but a spirit of the liquid kind too — is coming to your rescue. Having popped up at Taylor's Rooftop in June, the good ghost is back and, this time, he'll be hitting the North Shore. You'll find him in residence at Lane Cove's Longueville Hotel, serving up cockle-warming cocktails featuring Baron Samedi Spiced, ginger beer, lime and bitters, as well as cups of Voodoo Punch. Yet to be acquainted with Baron Samedi Spiced? Well, it's a Caribbean spirit laced with an exotic mix of spices, including vanilla, cacao, cinnamon and Haitian native, vetiver. Its namesake, Baron Samedi, is a master of all trades, from voodoo to guédé to gatekeeper of the afterlife. We're afraid we'd be ruining the fun, were we to let you in on too many more specific details.But we will say that there will be drink specials and a few surprises along the way. So get on down the Longueville this winter and experience Baron Samedi Spiced for yourself.
Have you ever fallen asleep while reading a classic text, and dreamt of something much more lively? One assumes Seth Grahame-Smith has, given that his main claim to fame is taking iconic characters and mashing them up with the undead. Having already seen an Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter adaptation, a big screen take on his 2009 novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies seemed like only a matter of time. Unfortunately, the film follows in the footsteps of its presidential predecessor, failing to provide either laughs or gory thrills. To be fair, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies makes a much more convincing attempt than Grahame-Smith's take on honest Abe. You can see how writer-director Burr Steers (Charlie St. Cloud) is trying to splice together his seemingly conflicting components. Sadly, you can see the gaps as well. It's not the concept that the film struggles with, but the tone and the requisite balance, never managing to be as funny or as ridiculous as its director so desperately desires. The film concerns the Bennet sisters, trained zombie killers on the lookout for suitable husbands. Second sibling Lizzie (Lily James) is less than enthused about matrimony, despite the pleading of her father (Charles Dance) that she think about her future, and the machinations of her mother (Sally Phillips) to see her daughters married off to wealthy men. As her sister Jane (Bella Heathcote) courts wealthy new neighbour Mr Bingley (Douglas Booth), Lizzie can't help noticing the stern but somewhat mysterious Colonel Darcy (Sam Riley). He's not the only potential suitor in her midst however, with her pompous cousin Parson Collins (Matt Smith) and debonair soldier Mr Wickham (Jack Huston) also making their interest clear. If the above description emphasises the romantic aspects of the story, it's simply taking its cues from the film. Think of it as Pride and Prejudice with a few zombies thrown in as a gimmick; a way to differentiate the movie from the numerous other big screen versions of the tale. Those familiar with Austen's prose might raise a smile as Lizzie's headstrong ways find a perfect outlet in combat, and will likely enjoy scenes of banter paired with physical duels. As a matter of fact, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies offers a surprisingly serviceable interpretation of its original source material. Those after literal brains, however, will find very little in the blood and gore department. What Steers fails to realise is that there's more to a zombie flick than talking about them, training montages, and throwing in a few shots of decaying faces now and then. Given the charm James shows as a feisty heroine fending off flesh-eating foes, it's disappointing she's not given more opportunities for action. Along with the rest of the cast, she does her best to act like she's in the kind of movie Pride and Prejudice and Zombies should be, rather than the one it actually is.
Get your fill of the best vegan food in town at the fourth annual Vegan Day Out. This weekend in Sydney and Melbourne, The Cruelty Free Shop is putting together a walking tour of vegan cafes, restaurants and retailers, many of which will be offering discounts, deals and free samples to anyone who stops by. On March 5 and 6, socially conscious eaters can stop by The Cruelty Free Shop on Glebe Point Road in Sydney or Brunswick Street in Melbourne and grab a map outlining their route. Whether you're a dyed in the wool vegan or just giving it a go, you'll find a whole world of retailers catering to animal-free eating, offering meal deals, two-for-ones, complimentary coffee, wine tastings and savings on vegan groceries. The Cruelty Free Shop will also be running its own tastings throughout the day, as well as offering discounts on more than 400 different products.
Sometimes, a film's premise is all there in its name. In 2008's Kung Fu Panda, a cuddly animal tried to master a skill he didn't appear all that suited for. His exploits blended an underdog story with physical comedy, wrapped up in vibrant animation and leaning on the voice talents of Jack Black. Of course, the movie that resulted hit all the anticipated beats: the training montages, the heart-warming journey from uncertainty to self-confidence, and the repeated sight-gag silliness of a panda showing off his martial arts prowess. Two films later, and not much has changed. Just as you can expect a movie called Kung Fu Panda 3 to feature 'Kung Fu Fighting' on its soundtrack, you can also expect it to stick to the established formula. That's how franchises are made, after all — if it ain't broke, don't fix it, as the old saying goes. When a series is built on little more than a one-joke concept boosted by its cuteness and saddled with a feel-good message, however, it's hardly surprising when it wears thin a few installments in. Po (Black) might have accepted his unlikely status as the Dragon Warrior — the sole kung fu master capable of harnessing limitless power — yet he's still not that comfortable in the role. In fact, he's daunted when he's told by his teacher, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), that he'll now be training his pals (voiced by Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, Angelina Jolie and David Cross), and is thus happily distracted when his long-lost biological father, Li Shan (Bryan Cranston), arrives to whisk him back to a secret panda village. But when the menacing Kai (J. K. Simmons) breaks free from the spirit world with a mission to capture other kung fu warriors' chi, Po has to find a way to believe in himself, unleash his full potential and save his friends. With Po's adopted (James Hong) and birth dads jostling for attention, and a pretty panda (Kate Hudson) vying for his affection, there's plenty going on in the Alessandro Carloni and Jennifer Yuh Nelson-directed effort — though the fact that the duo have worked on the series before, as have writer-producers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, is telling. The stakes might be raised, and many more pandas thrown into the mix, but even younger viewers will be able to see where it's all going, and how they're supposed to feel about it. As too often proves the case with all-ages animated fare, it's left to the film's images to brighten things up with colour and movement, and to add some personality in the process. Kung Fu Panda 3 may not offer up a new narrative, but it tries — and almost manages — to compensate with lively 3D visuals. The voice acting attempts to inject the same kind of energy, although a little bit of Black goes a long way. That said, if another round of laughing at pandas busting kung fu moves and listening to a message about being yourself is your idea of easy, undemanding entertainment, then the film's been-there, done-that approach won't worry you.
Catering to our fierce love of seafood over the Easter period, Sydney Fish Market is extending its Good Friday trading hours so you can get your hands on the freshest ocean treats for your long weekend meals. Each year, the Fish Market — which will be relocated to a $250 million new site come 2023 — capably serves over 50,000 buyers looking to snag a deal, with a whopping 650 tonnes of seafood expected to be sold throughout the day. Between 5am and 5pm on Friday, April 19, the market is yours to scout out the most sumptuous fish, king prawns, oysters and calamari. The best news is that it's all Australian-sourced, with half of it from New South Wales. It's not only fish here, though. You can also peruse cold meats and cheeses at the deli for a grand charcuterie platter, pick up wine from the bottle shop or stop by the on-site bakery for hot cross buns. Or, if you're a a bit of an Easter Sunday traditionalist, you can even pick up lamb from the butcher. They sell basically everything here. If you miss out on Friday, the Fish Market will also be open for its regular hours — 7am–4pm — for the remainder of the long weekend. The Sydney Fish Market is open from 5am–5pm on Good Friday and 7am–4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Looking for new threads? Sure, you can head to plenty of markets around town and trawl through food, homeware and other objects, or you can mosey along to Sydney's dedicated ladies fashion get-together. Round She Goes does one thing, and it does it well. If it's clothing, accessories and jewellery you're after, you'll find it here. Filled with preloved designer and vintage fare, the one-day happening will take over Marrickville Town Hall on a number of Saturdays from 10am — on June 1, August 31 and October 26. These editions will boast 60 stalls, all specially curated by organisers to deliver reasonably priced, high-quality bits and pieces, and ranging from beloved brands to handmade items to fashion clear-outs. Entry costs $2, and when you're finding that shiny gold coin to get you in the door, make sure you did up some other cash as well. Cold, hard currency is preferred here, and parting with it will be worth it. Your wardrobe will thank you for it.
Gelato Messina is ditching its waffle cones and paper cups in favour of beautiful, handmade ceramic bowls at an inner west event this Sunday, April 14. And it's doing so to help raise money for All Together Now — a non-profit dedicated to reducing racial discrimination and abuse around Australia. The Potters in Protest fundraiser event will be held at Marrickville's Join the Dots Artists Studio and Workshop. Purchase a handmade ceramic bowl for $30 and it'll be filled — for free — with Messina (vegan options available). It's a fairly simple idea but noble nonetheless, with 100 percent of the profits going towards the cause. Over 150 bowls will be available, donated by some of Australia's most talented potters, including Milly Dent, Alana Wilson, Bridget Bodenham, Public Holiday, Mud Australia, Nicolette Johnson and Vicki Grima, plus more. Potters in Protest will run from noon to 4pm, unless sold out prior. We suggest you go early and scoop it out. Images: Saskia Wilson.
Three Australian choreographers have joined forces on the Australian Ballet's newest Sydney show, Verve. Powered by explosive movement and intense emotion, it's a journey from light to darkness — from sublime calm to unbridled anger — accompanied by a soundtrack that swings from Tchaikovsky to German electronica. The first act is Constant Variants, the creation of fellow resident choreographer Stephen Baynes. This strikingly contrasting piece travels into a world of beauty and tranquility. Expect to be carried away by a neoclassical dance of extraordinary grace and poise, set to Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, which features a breathtaking solo cello section. Next up is Aurum, a new work by Alice Topp, who debuted on the mainstage in 2016 with Little Atlas, and has choreographed for Megan Washington and Ben Folds. Aurum takes its inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi — repairing cracked pottery with precious metals — and encourages audiences to understand the beauty of imperfection. Filigree and Shadow, the work of resident choreographer Tim Harbour, rounds out the performance. Harbour carries the audience into a dark, uncertain world, driven by animal aggression. Think sudden moves, shadowy lighting, an architect-designed set and a score by German collective 48nord, who mix experimental and new music with post-pop and neo-rock. An all-Australian team is behind every aspect of Verve's set design and lighting. It includes resident lighting designer Jon Buswell (Constant Variants) and legendary lighting designer Benjamin Cisterne (Filigree and Shadow), as well as multi-award winning set and costume designer Michael Pearce (Constant Variants) and renowned architect Kelvin Ho (Filigree and Shadow). Verve will run from Friday, April 5 to Thursday, April 25 at the Sydney Opera House. To purchase tickets, head this way. The Australian Ballet is also hosting a one-time lunchtime performance of Alice Topp's Aurum on Wednesday, April 17 at 12.30pm. Images: Jeff Busby and David Kelly.
It's time for another food-focused celebratory day, with fried chicken in the spotlight. At its Macquarie store in Sydney, NeNe Chicken is naturally celebrating its main culinary attraction. Not only is it giving away freebies, however — it's also giving away gold-dusted poultry pieces. Head on down from midday on Saturday, July 6, and a free serving of Korean-style original-flavoured wingettes and drumettes will be waiting if you're one of the first 100 people through the door. If you like fried chook and free lunches, you'll want to be one of them. And honestly, who doesn't love both? By nabbing a serving, you'll also go in the draw to receive a free dish of pieces coasted in edible 23-karat gold. Yes, really. That said, you will need to hang around until 12.30pm to see if you're one of the five winners — and if your National Fried Chicken Day will be extra shiny.
If your pup's been trying to sad-eye his or her way into your Easter celebrations, but without much chocolatey success, here's a solution for you both. From midday on Saturday, April 13, Mad Paws, an Aussie pet-sitting network, is bringing its annual Dog Easter Egg Hunt back to Sydney. For two furry hours, your drooling, slobbering one will be the focus of all attention. More than that — it'll get to scour Glebe Foreshore Parks for dog-friendly Easter treats. The pupper who finds the most will also win prizes, so your cute pooch could enjoy a very indulgent day indeed. While the main attraction is part of a country-wide push to hold the world's biggest dog easter egg hunt (with simultaneous events happening in Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Darwin), there'll also be games, dog trainers offering advice and plenty of four-legged cuties everywhere you look. Last year's festivities featured agility courses, best-dressed comps, pupcakes and massages — here's hoping they all make it back this year.
Pints of freshly brewed beer and some of Sydney's best Mexican fare will join forces this weekend in Marrickville. Rosa Cienfuegos, a tamaleria and Mexican deli in Dulwich hill, is packing up its tasty tacos and tamales and bringing them over to Sauce Brewing Co for four days. And the best part? It's open every damn day. Peckish after you knock off work (early, maybe) on Thursday? Head on over to Mitchell Street. Need an icy cold pint of IPA on Good Friday afternoon? Sauce has got you. Wake up with a hangover only tacos and a hair of the dog can fix on Sunday? Rosa's food will be thy saviour. You get the idea. Every. Day. While it's not yet been announced what exactly will be on the menu, you can expect Rosa's Oaxaca-style hot tamales — packed with mole and pineapple pork, perhaps — and tacos topped with the likes of slow-cooked brisket, lamb barbacoa and spicy cactus salad. To drink, Sauce will be serving up its usual fresh brews, which include the Pazy Hale (a hazy pale ale) and a tart and refreshing passionfruit berliner weisse. If you're looking for more beers and tacos this long weekend, Rosa will also be popping up at Young Henrys and Grifter. You can check out all the details here. Rosa Cienfuegos at Sauce will be open from 4–10pm on Thursday, 12–10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 12–8pm on Sunday and Monday. Images: Rosa Cienfuegos by Trent van der Jagt.
Keen to escape the festivities in a cinema over the Easter long weekend, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball? Call Dendy Cinemas' latest special a case of great timing, then. For the five days between Thursday, April 18 to Monday, April 22, the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem — whether you purchase online or at the box office, you'll only pay $10 for your movie of choice at Newtown and Opera Quays. Or movies. With everything from Shazam! and Captain Marvel to Us and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part currently screening, too — plus The Aftermath, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, Hellboy, The Curse of the Weeping Woman and more — there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. The special isn't available for special events, Dendy Arts sessions or preview screenings, but you're certain to find something to watch regardless. And if you're buying online, there's a $1.50 booking fee, too.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or more? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Sydney, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4.30pm on Saturday, February 9, you'll saunter around Surry Hills and Darlinghurst — and between the likes of This Must Be The Place, The Dolphin Hotel, Black Bottle, Mister Pocket, Della Hyde and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples, they'll be taken care of by New South Wales' Slow Wine Co, South Australia's La Prova, Western Australia's Mr Barval and others. Tickets cost $64 and places are limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for another beverage, and a guide to help you plan your mosey between bars.
Godhood's a hard thing to come by in any profession. But over the course of roughly half a century, Stephen Sondheim, the composer and lyricist responsible for penning all of the songs your musical theatre friends refuse to stop singing in public places (including those from Into the Woods, West Side Story and Sweeney Todd), has toddled on up the road to full-blown deity status. With a pool room that contains virtually every award, Sondheim is most revered for managing to bottle the unique sound and style of New York in the late-20th century. In February, however, City Recital Hall is looking to focus on his stratospheric achievements as a gay artist. Originally presented as part of Brisbane Powerhouse's Melt 2017: Festival of Queer Arts and Culture, Boys of Sondheim is a five-man cabaret that takes some of Sondheim's greatest hits and explores them in the context of same-sex relationships. Featuring a herd of showstoppers from Assassins, Follies, Gypsy and Company, Boys of Sondheim is a celebration of both the work and the gentleman who produced it. Godhood may be difficult to improve upon, but be sure to book if you want to see what the master looks like from a slightly different angle. Boys of Sondheim is a 2019 Mardi Gras Festival Premier Event and will be presented on Friday, February 22 at City Recital Hall. Tickets start from $40 for under 30s and can be purchased here.
If you want to learn something this Sydney Festival, head to the Sydney Observatory and soak in some stars while expanding your vocabulary. During the one-hour Bayala language class, Durag woman Aunty Jacinta Tobin and Gadigal man Joel Davison will be teaching participants one of Sydney's native Indigenous languages. Attendees will learn Indigenous names for locations around Sydney, a few anatomical terms, basic phrases and a short song. This is the third year the classes have run, and each time the convenors have been blown away by the response. In fact, there are a few additional three-day sessions for those who are returning and want to take things up a notch. The classes will run over two weekends — the first at Prince Alfred Square in Parramatta and the second at the Observatory. They're free, but if you're interested, book early — registration opens at 9am on November 30. You'd be surprised how many linguists will pose as amateur astronomers just to steal your seat.
Let's get right to it, if the idea of audience participation tickles your fancy — hello, extraverts — One Infinity is the show for you at Sydney Festival 2019. Together with musicians Genevieve Lacey and Wang Peng and composer Max de Wardener, Gideon Obarzanek, director, choreographer and founder of Chunky Move will create a singular work every night of the show's run as he explores Chinese music and contemporary movement in One Infinity. The guqin, which is kind of like a guitar-violin hybrid and the recorder — you remember that from school, right? — will form the musical basis for the piece, then audience members will be invited to join in. Whether it's for the sheer delight of losing yourself to dance or a sneaky attempt to pad out your resume as a SydFest performer, One Infinity is your chance to see a new work come together from where you kinda always wished to be — the stage. One Infinity is part of Sydney Festival's dramatic and diverse 2019 program. Check out the full lineup here.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or more? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Sydney, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4.30pm on Saturday, May 18 you'll saunter around Manly — and between the likes of Cured Manly, Manly Pavilion, Peanut Butter Jelly, The Nook, Havana Beach and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples, they'll be taken care of by a range of local and national producers. Tickets cost $65 and places are limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up more than 30 wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for another beverage, and a guide to help you plan your mosey between bars. Image: Manly Pavilion
There's something oh-so-relaxing about staring at the sea; however, despite Sydney's glorious sunshine most the of year around, we can't always all hang out on the beach. Or by the harbour, near rivers or in pools for that matter — but you can head to the Ocean Film Festival World Tour. On Wednesday, April 3, it'll unleash a cinematic feast of water-focused wonders onto the big screen. And, it'll do so in the Royal National Park. This night of movie magic is happening at the Audley Dance Hall, so you can sink into one type of nature while surrounded by another. Film-wise, viewers will spend time both above and below the ocean's surface thanks to a compilation of shorts from around the world. Expect to chase big waves, explore a range of sea life and get a hefty ocean rush, plus a heap of other sea adventures. The program is united by a love of the ocean, an appreciation of the creatures who dwell in its waters and a curiosity to explore the substance that comprises more than two-thirds of the earth. It's the next best thing to diving in, all without getting wet. Image: Travis Burke.
Already this year, Australia's won big on the pizza front, with Philadelphia's Pizzeria Beddia popping up at Bondi Beach Public Bar and New York icon Di Fara hosting a stint in the kitchen at Melbourne's Harley & Rose. But just in case that wasn't enough to sate your lust for international pizza royalty, another big-name USA favourite is set to hit our shores next week. Taking over Firedoor's acclaimed Surry Hills kitchen for a one-off Fire 'n' Slice pizza party on Sunday, December 9, is none other than Brooklyn institution Roberta's — a cult pizza destination that counts Beyonce, Jay Z and the Clintons among its many fans. Roberta's Owner and Head Chef Carlo Mirarchi will be joining forces with the Firedoor crew for an all-day, no-reservations food fiesta, bringing along his 'mother' dough starter and putting the kitchen's woodfired oven through its paces. A special menu of Neapolitan-style slices and grilled dishes will embrace the best of each venue, while the gelato experts at Messina will be dishing up an array of sweet treats for dessert. Amping up the party vibes, there'll be exclusive cocktails crafted on Belvedere, big beats across the afternoon, and limited-edition merchandise up for grabs, including a t-shirt designed by tattoo artist JED. Fire 'n' Slice is not taking reservations. Doors open at 1pm and close when the dough runs out. Prepare to line up. Roberta's images: Eyal Yassky. Firedoor images: Nikki To.
The natural wine trend is bigger than ever, but getting into these rare drops can be a pricey endeavour. If you're looking for a bang-for-your-buck way to explore the world of funky wines, head to Annandale Cellars on Saturday, March 16 from 1–5pm. The family-owned bottle-o is hosting the Artisan Wine Fair, and it's offering up over 50 tastings of small-batch bottles for just $20 bucks. Like the bottle shop, the festival is all about independently-operated small producers. They'll be slinging the whole range of those natural styles that seem to be everywhere nowadays. Expect plenty of organic, skin contact, orange, pét-nat, wild, minimal intervention and bio-dynamic wines up for grabs. Both Australian and international winemakers are on the docket, and many of the producers will be on hand for a chat. These include Adelaide Hills' BK Wines and Leko, Tasmania's Two Tonne, Hunter Valley's Thomas Wines and Margaret River's Dormilona. Hailing from Europe, there's cider from Switzerland's Ciderie du Vulcain and raw wines from France's Fond Cypres, whose secluded vineyard is set in the Escales region. There's also quite a few drops from France's Jura wine region — which is known for its out-there varieties — including Domaines des Marnes Blanches, Tony Bornard and Michel Gahier. And this is to name just a very few. Apart from all the tastings, your incredibly well-priced ticket also includes a complimentary Riedel tasting glass to take home and access to an all-day grazing table provided by The Grazing Co — think charcuterie, cheese, olives and pickles to snack on while you sip. The event will take place under the marquees just outside the cellars, so be there rain or shine.
When it comes to space, there's never a bad night to peer at the heavens; however this July might just be a better time than most. Unless you've been trapped under a lunar rock, you'll know that this month marks 50 years since the Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon, heralding humanity's first small steps and giant leaps on the Earth's only natural satellite. To celebrate — and to just get Sydneysiders staring at the sky anyway — Australian Geographic is hosting stargazing nights at various stores. When you're done with the 9–5 grind on Thursday, July 11, just head to Westfield Warringah Mall, Penrith or Miranda, or Rouse Hill Town Centre, and prepare to look up. Prefer to mosey along Thursday, July 18? Then Hurstville has you sorted. Some stores require bookings. Otherwise, simply make your way to your closest spot, take a gander through a few telescopes, chat to experts, and learn more about everything from space photography to star guides. Times and locations vary at each shopping centre — you'll be staring up from a site outside, obviously, including from the rooftop if you're going to Miranda.
Dust off your best flapper dress or pinstriped suit, because a monthly prohibition party is headed to Sydney shores. The Blind Barber is a speakeasy-style pop-up by the Beyond Cinema folk — who also brought The Greatest Showman circus soirée to a secret Sydney location, an extravagant Great Gatsby party to a mansion in northern Sydney, the Mad Hatter's tea party to the Botanic Gardens and recreated Titanic on Sydney Harbour. Now, the group will throw its first non-film-inspired party, and it'll go down every month starting on Friday, November 1. There will be casino tables to gamble at, bootleg cocktails to sip on and dancing all night long — with live bands playing jazz and throwback 1920s hits. And you can expect to bump into some of the period's most notorious characters, gangsters and crooks while you're at it. As with all Beyond Cinema events, lavish dress-ups are a must — for this one, think flapper dresses, bob hairdos, feather boas, pinstriped suits and suspenders. While the party's exact location will be kept under wraps (as usual), we do know that it'll be near North Sydney in an underground space, with plenty of secret rooms and tunnels to explore. Entry is $30 per person, or you can nab a spot at a three-course feast at secret underground chamber for $100. The November edition of the Blind Barber will be the first in a monthly series of these secret parties.
Autumn might be mushroom season, but we bet you've never seen fungi quite like the ones that have just sprouted at Cockle Bay Wharf. The towering three-to-six metre tall 'shrooms are glowing in all colours of the rainbow. The 12 LED structures are the work of Aussie light sculpture artists Amigo & Amigo — a crew with a penchant for infusing public spaces with their playful, colourful creations. The monstrous mushies are gracing Darling Harbour as part of this year's Vivid festivities, and while you can't eat them, you will find a special menu of glowing cocktails to enjoy while you're there exploring. There are ten limited-edition drinks to choose from, each clocking in at $12 and served in a keepsake LED martini glass. Try Blackbird Cafe's peach, raspberry and elderflower Blue Heart Bliss, the triple-rum Smoked Zombie from Hunter & Barrel, or maybe Pontoon Bar's Star Wars-inspired take on the Sex On The Beach, the R2D2. The mushrooms light up from 6pm each night and the majority of bars are open from 11am–11pm. To check individual opening times, head to the Cockle Bay Wharf website.
With winter starting to set in, you'll probably be searching for ways to ward off the chills on a night out. Well, how does eating and drinking your way through four courses of gourmet eats and top-notch whisky sound? That's what Glenmorangie had in mind for its collaboration with Kingsleys Woolloomooloo. The special set menu, Grain to Glass, will take you on a culinary journey — with a harbourside view to boot. The special menu, which kicked off on May 18 (International Whisky Day) and will run until the end of June, begins with the mellow original Glenmorangie whisky served with tonic. You'll then make your way through four dishes — each paired with a signature Glenmorangie drop. Every course represents a stage of the whisky making process, from malt — think 12-year-old Quinta Ruben alongside Sydney Rock oysters with Ovaltine sauce — to distillation, with caramelised brioche, date ice cream and hazelnut brittle with the world's first whisky made from a unique 'chocolate' barley malt. The Grain to Glass menu costs $130 per person. To make a reservation, visit the website. Images: Jasper Avenue.
A Christmas-themed bar is setting up shop in The Rocks this month when the Christmas in July Village rolls into town. Here, you'll be able to sip boozy hot chocolates, karaoke to Christmas classics and dance to electro takes on carols from Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14. The hot chocolate cocktails will include the Mont Blanc (white chocolate spiked with vodka and topped with whipped cream and candy) and the Gingerbread (milk chocolate and Grand Marnier topped with cream and gingerbread crumble). Mulled wine will also be up for grabs (of course). Every night from 6–8pm, 'Santa' will be on the decks spinning electronic takes on Christmas tunes. And, from 8–10pm, the bar will turn into a karaoke den, with all of your favourite Christmas carols to choose from. The pop-up bar will be located on Atherden Street — right next to the Christmas in July Village, so you can head over to eat freshly roasted chestnuts and heart-warming snacks when you're done. Santa's House pop-up bar will be open from Thursday–Saturday 11am–11pm and Sunday 11am–9pm.
Once a year, Alliance Française brings the best of French cinema to Sydney — the latest and greatest, the flicks that won't make it to our shores otherwise, and a smattering of classic fare as well. If you're particularly keen on the latter, it also runs a second festival, too, which is completely devoted to stellar movies from years gone by. Returning for its fourth year, the 2018 Alliance Française Classic Film Festival will hone its focus on the inimitable Jeanne Moreau. A shining light of French cinema since the 1950s, she starred in such as Louis Malle's Elevator to the Gallows, Luis Buñuel's Diary of a Chambermaid and Joseph Losey's Eva — and the iconic Jules and Jim by Francois Truffaut. With Moreau sadly passing away in 2017 at the age of 89, the festival will showcase six of her best features across its four-day Sydney program, with French New Wave highlight Moderato Cantabile also on the lineup, alongside The Old Lady Who Walked in the Sea from her work in the 90s. The fest hits Palace Norton Street and the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace at Cremorne between Thursday, September 6 and Sunday, September 9.
When the end of October rolls around, the Hayden Orpheum will be asking quite the iconic question: do you like scary movies? And, if you don't, don't worry. They'll also be pondering another query: if frightening flicks aren't for you, do you like like horror-themed comedies? From the sinister and unnerving to the amusing and quirky, the northside cinema's Halloween lineup has everyone covered, even those that aren't fond of jumps and bumps. Across three days in the lead up to the spookiest time of year, they'll be unleashing an anarchic zombie sequel, an unsettling 60s classic and an amusing 80s great as part of their Halloween Special. Army of Darkness gets things started with a chainsaw and some comedy on October 26, for those keen on some Evil Dead fun 25 years after this third instalment's initial release. Then October 28 sees Rosemary's Baby hit the big screen again, fifty years after it first premiered. Finally, rounding it al out on All Hallow's Eve itself is the zany antics of Beetlejuice in a 30th anniversary session. Hitting up all three nights is a nostalgic movie buff's idea of Halloween heaven.
