There's nothing quite like Sydney in summer; the steady hum of cicadas, the sea breeze wafting through the air, the balmy days followed by the ever-reprieving southerly. Yep, when the sunny season hits, we Sydneysiders are always keen to get outdoors and discover new things to eat, see and do in our harbour city. And, to make sure you don't miss a sight, sound or sip this summer, we've partnered with Tanqueray to pull together a lineup of activities that'll see you enjoying the best of Sydney with, of course, a top-notch botanical tipple in hand. (Because everybody knows gin is the summer drink.) From dirty martini clubs to outdoor cinemas with blow-up beds, we've got all you summer-lovers catered for. JOIN THE MOYA'S DIRTY MARTINI CLUB Ah, finally a club that you'll actually want to be a member of. The Dirty Martini Club at Moya's Juniper Lounge is a new monthly gathering amass with gin lovers. The club pays tribute to one of the best juniper-based tipples, the Tanqueray dirty martini, which you can enjoy for just $10. Headed up by siblings Charles and Jess Casben, Moya's is a small, sultry bar with dim lights, vintage lounges and eclectic paintings adorning the walls. It's elegant and refined yet has a dark edge — much like the dirty martini itself — and is the perfect place to escape the heat and while away a summer evening. Head along on Wednesday, March 13 and Wednesday, April 17 from 8pm to mix among other martini devotees. SPEND THE DAY AT SOL SPA After a chock-a-block year and the endless December festivities, its time for a spot of relaxation. Treat yourself to a two-hour Absolute Pamper Package at Sol Spa, for tip-to-toe indulgence. The package includes a dry body brush and nourishing coconut scrub to rehydrate your skin, a full body massage to relieve tension and a blissful scalp massage. At $200, it's not exactly cheap but, hey, you've been working hard. Once you're sufficiently recharged, head next door to The Botanica Vaucluse for a post-preen Tanqueray No. Ten and tonic, and soak in the afternoon summer sun. SEE A FLICK AT SYDNEY'S OUTDOOR BED CINEMA Moore Park's Mov'in Bed is back for summer, running till Sunday, March 3. So, grab a buddy, curl up on a big blow-up bed with a blankie and bottomless popcorn to watch the latest films on the big screen. The program encompasses both old and new flicks — from A Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody to Beetlejuice and The Lion King — with every type of cinephile considered. After you've got your cinematic fix, take a short 30-minute stroll through Moore Park to cocktail mecca This Must be the Place. Order a 'Belafonte' spritz with Fino sherry, Tanqueray No. Ten, lemon, prosecco and basil to really get a taste of summer. Alternatively, grab a bottle of Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla and make your own Seville orange spritz at home. LEARN HOW TO MAKE SUSHI AND SASHIMI LIKE AN IRON CHEF Ever wanted to learn how to construct the perfect nori roll or to slice sashimi like Jiro Ono? (It's always good to aim high.) Head to Crane Bar in Potts Point for a sushi and sashimi masterclass, and learn the ins and outs of Japanese cuisine. Running every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm, the two-hour class will teach you how to expertly prepare and slice fish. You'll also be given a recipe book to take home, a certificate, and some nibbles to enjoy while you roll. Once you've finished with fish, savour a Tanqueray cocktail, like the White Lady, with Tanqueray, Cointreau, lemon juice and zest, or the Brambler, with Tanqueray, Chambord, lemon juice and sugar syrup, and cheers to your rolling success. ENJOY BAREFOOT BOWLS AT THE GREENS IN NORTH SYDNEY You might've been to this North Sydney stalwart before, but, let's face it, those city skyline views never get old. (And neither does going barefoot, especially in summer.) Grab some friends, kick off your shoes and see who is the best bowler in your crew. The Greens is open seven days a week and runs two-hour social bowls for $25 per person. No matter your sporting ability, bowls are a fun, relatively easy summer activity for all types. Yep, even your very uncoordinated best friend. When hunger strikes, order the Barman's Plate packed with cheese, olives and bread, along with a signature Green's Grove cocktail with Tanqueray No. TEN, yuzu, lemon, elderflower, cucumber and basil. Celebrate the return of summer with a Tanqueray tipple in hand at home or around your city. Top image: The Greens.
A car-free George Street. It's a dream many Sydneysiders hold, and one that will come true on October 20, if only for a night. The Art & About closing night party is replacing George Street's usual gridlock of petrol-fuelled monsters with food trucks, dining tables, DJs, outdoor art installations and big screens. It's a celebration to mark the closing of a festival that pulls art out of galleries and into unusual places in the city. And it's a Moveable Feast, not just of tasty international street food, but of art, live music, documentaries, shorts and feature films. Delicious. The next step? Booting cars out of George Street for good. Have a look at the Art & About opening night, night noodle markets, the full exhibition program, and Concrete Playground's top picks of the bunch.
This small space — which has capacity for around 30 people — does classic cocktails very well, but it's the killer craft beer selection that locals love. The offering is constantly changing but Sydney breweries Yulli's Brews and The Grifter feature heavily, and the team here has a knack for getting its hands on limited releases. Images: Jasmine Low
You can find this rustic and raucous Italian joint in a former warehouse on Crown Lane. From the tile and timber bar to the hanging plants and the massive wood fire oven, this pizzeria impresses just at first glance. But, once you look at the menu, you know you're in for a real treat. Here, you can expect fun starters like fried olives with feta, polenta chips and the most OTT garlic bread you'll ever order. Next, proceed to woodfired pizzas and a handful of mains, like gnocchi with pancetta and goat's cheese, pork cutlet and beef rib with chimmichurri.
UPDATE, APRIL 4: Due to concerns around the coronavirus, Sony has announced that Ghostbusters: Afterlife will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, July 2, 2020, with the film now hitting cinemas on March 25, 2021. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. There's something strange in the town of Summerville and a group of kids are calling upon themselves to bust it. That's the premise of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which swaps New York for Oklahoma and grown men (and women) for children — and jumps firmly on the Stranger Things-led 80s nostalgia bandwagon. Whether siblings Phoebe (Annabelle Comes Home's McKenna Grace) and Trevor (Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard) are seeing things runnin' through their heads or they'll catch an invisible man sleepin' in their beds is yet to be seen, but the film's first trailer does lay out the basics of this threequel's plot. The central duo has moved to the isolated locale with their mother (Widows' Carrie Coon), and into a rundown old house they've inherited from their grandfather. It's filled with ghost traps, containers of spores, mould and fungus, beige jumpsuits emblazoned with the name 'Spengler' and a very familiar car — which might come in handy when the ground starts shaking for no reason and a mysterious green light starts glowing. Paul Rudd also stars as teacher Mr Grooberson, who schools the kids in Ghostbusters lore — because this is a direct sequel to the original 1984 Ghostbusters and its 1989 follow-up Ghostbusters II. In the just-dropped sneak peek, the original characters appear in news footage, and Bill Murray's voice is heard; however, Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts are all set to reprise their roles in the film. (Harold Ramis, aka Spengler, passed away in 2014). Because bustin' makes everyone feel good, the Afterlife trailer is filled with other nods to the first two films, with writer/director Jason Reitman (Tully, The Front Runner) making both obvious and subtle references to the movies originally directed by his dad Ivan Reitman. Still, let's not forget that a great recent Ghostbusters film already exists, thanks to Paul Feig's wrongly maligned all-female version from 2016 — although Afterlife seems to be glossing over that. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahZFCF--uRY After being delayed from its original release date of July 2, 2020, Ghostbusters: Afterlife will now open in Australian cinemas on March 25, 2021.
How better to temporarily break free from the everyday routine than by heading on a holiday escape somewhere worlds apart from your normal life? Imagine swapping life in the city for a few nights soaking up some spectacular coastline or enveloping yourself in lush rainforest. Well, if it's a unique getaway you're after, you'll find a smorgasbord of unconventional Airbnb stays dotted all across Australia. A Newport cabin floating on the water, a converted vintage bus nestled in the Tamar Valley and even a historic French provincial castle tower in Rutherglen are all options at your fingertips. Whether you're planning that ideal vacation, or still in the dreaming stages, here are ten of Australia's best Airbnb stays. Recommended reads: The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Islands to Visit in Australia The Best Beaches in Australia [caption id="attachment_774843" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] The Bus Hideaway, Tasmania This vintage bus has been retired from the roads, but it's living a pretty happy life reborn as a cosy getaway for two, moored on a remote farm in peaceful Tamar Valley bushland. It's an eco-friendly hideaway, crafted from lots of upcycled materials, heated by a cosy wood fire and stocked with organic, locally sourced goodies — right through to the luxurious linens on the comfy king-size bed. This little gem is kitted out with a full modern kitchen, proper gas-fuelled shower and a composting loo that won't have you feeling like you're roughing it too hard. And with zero wi-fi, it's the perfect excuse to unplug and unwind — the book collection, DVD player and acres of Tassie wilderness are sure to keep you happily entertained. From $220 a night, sleeps two. [caption id="attachment_774846" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] Dinky Di's Dugout, South Australia Ever wanted to indulge your inner earthworm with a subterranean stay? Best put Coober Pedy on your holiday radar. The South Australian town is famed both for its opal mining and its underground dwellings, built to withstand the area's scorching temperatures. And you can call one of these 'dugouts' home for a few nights — namely this two-bedroom, two-bathroom number that's carved into the earth just north of the town centre. It's got all the trimmings you'll need for a comfy cave getaway, with full kitchen, laundry and an outdoor barbecue area. This underground beauty even comes with a healthy dose of natural light, thanks to the windows set right across its front. From $185 a night, sleeps seven. The Salty Dog, New South Wales This floating cabin on the sea takes 'waterfront property' to a whole new level. Featured in countless Australian travel guides and even International publications, its easy to see why this boathouse is filed under unconventional. Found in Newport, this tiny home on the ocean features a combined kitchen and dining area as well as a cozy loft bedroom. Windows are a-plenty for splendid views of the marina, and emphasising that boat-on-the-water feeling. During your stay, make sure to stop by the beach - only a 20-minute walk from the cabin - or Newport's local businesses. And yes, they give you a boat so you can leave. From $635 a night. Sleeps two. [caption id="attachment_774851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] The Shed at Broger's End, New South Wales Occupying a quaint patch of green between the Kangaroo River and Brogers Creek in NSW's southern highlands, this former machinery shed has been given new life as a rustic country escape. And it's got unplugged group getaway written all over it. The low-footprint, sun-powered home features lots of recycled materials, boasting a sprawling but cosy living area with vintage furniture pieces throughout. And you'll find no shortage of nifty extras to help elevate your downtime here — think, woodfired pizza oven, firepit, expansive herb garden, onsite chooks laying fresh eggs for brekkie and even an outdoor bath for soaking under the stars. Hit the river for activities, or go wildlife-spotting on one of the many kilometres of nearby walking trails. From $550 a night, sleeps seven. [caption id="attachment_774853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] The Tower at Mount Ophir Estate, Victoria If you've ever fantasised about living it up in a fairytale castle, you can quit dreaming and lock in a stay at this 115-year-old French provincial-style tower, located at Mount Ophir Estate in the heart of Rutherglen winemaking country. As far as couples' escapes go, this one comes with a fairly exxy price tag — though it also boasts three separate levels, some truly gorgeous interiors, a library, and a lavish top-floor bedroom suite with 360-degree views. Breakfast is included with your stay — we get the feeling it'll be top-shelf — plus you've got access to the property's bikes whenever you're in the mood for some exploring. And of course, don't forget all those wineries right on the doorstep. From $518 a night, sleeps two. [caption id="attachment_774854" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Airbnb[/caption] Alikra Eco-Glamping Retreat, Victoria Tucked away among scenic Dandenong Ranges forest, this straw-bale yurt is the ultimate antidote to all that big city craziness, with space to sleep two nature-seekers and a unique design that keeps things comfy all year round. Hang out in the wilderness of this 40-acre property, revelling in nature, getting acquainted with the farm animals or just clocking in some off-grid time in this beautifully appointed former artist's studio. There's a firepit, a rustic outdoor kitchen and a light-filled bedroom stacked with soft furnishings collected from all across the country. Hiking trails abound in this pocket of Melbourne, though you'll also find a healthy stock of books and board games for cosy days spent lounging at base camp. From $295 a night, sleeps two. [caption id="attachment_774856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] The Little Red Barn, Queensland Secure your own little patch of leafy, Noosa Hinterland wilderness with a stay in this cheerfully restored red timber barnhouse. With space to sleep seven, it's working a stylish old-meets-new fit-out, where timber floors and soaring vaulted ceilings complement plush white linens and contemporary bathroom features. Depending on the weather, you can snuggle up by the living room's fireplace, take a soak in the old-school claw-foot bath out on the deck, or unwind with a dip in the concrete water tank swimming pool overlooking the rolling green hills. Put this one on the list for your next group getaway — it's got a big, open living area, plus roomy wrap-around verandahs for those outdoor hangs. From $450 a night, sleeps seven. The Beach Dome, Queensland This quirky beachside dome has a look that's as cheery as its tropical Far North Queensland surrounds, nestled among palm trees just metres from the sands of Cairns' Trinity Beach. The self-contained, two-bedroom bubble is like a cool, coastal oasis, decked out in plenty of bright whites and upbeat pastel tones. Though it's compact, it's got space for four guests (plus an extra, if you use the rollout bed), a modern kitchen and bathroom, and even a cute front porch primed for afternoon wines overlooking the ocean. In addition to four other domes, the property's also home to its own pool, just in case you want to shake things up between beach sessions. From $130 a night, sleeps four. [caption id="attachment_786395" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arabella on Airbnb by Love Space Photography[/caption] Arabella, New South Wales Settled on a 140-acre property that looks straight out of a fairytale, this tiny home is for nature lovers and off-the-grid fanatics. And when we say off the grid, we mean it. No internet, reception, two kilometres off the main road and water from the natural spring nearby. This dwelling is an eco-experience in every sense of the term. However, as unconventional as the time home is on its own, the stand-alone one-way glass shower truly takes the cake. Soak in nature while soaking in the tub with 360 views of the gardens around the entirely-glass structure. While you're having your inevitable picnic in sprawling outdoors, be sure to try to spot the wild alpacas, kangaroos, and echidnas. From $445 a night, sleeps three. Stargazing Bubble 'Etoile', Victoria Sleep among the stars from the comfort of the indoors in this award-winning accommodation. Set atop the mountains overlooking the rolling hills and ocean below, this out-of-the-box retreat is made to bring stargazing to the next level, providing panoramic views of the night sky as well as a telescope and pair of binoculars. When you're not staring at the stars, the outdoor patio comes with deck chairs and a mini barbecue to use after a day of exploring. The interior of the bubble features a four-post queen bed with wrap-around privacy curtains, a lounge area, kitchenette, and a bluetooth speaker. Bubble acoustics are out of this world! A connecting bubble for the bathroom has all the amenities for a comfortable stay, and don't forget to look up in the shower to see a mini stargazing roof. From $795 a night, sleeps two. Images: courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
December 31: it’s the date that divides the forward-planners and the party crashers, the prepared and the procrastinators. Each year, there are those who are ready months in advance of the big day, planning each minute of their NYE celebrations, then – dragging our feet in anticipation of the same old midnight anticlimax, or fear of commitment to the wrong party – there’s the rest of us. Luckily, last-minute friends, there are still days to finally make that NYE 2012 decision. Pat yourselves on the back for not rushing into house party #6709, or resigning yourself to watching the fireworks on the TV, as Concrete Playground has rounded up the ten best places to party this New Year’s Eve. Sydney Harbour Fireworks Why? Because they’re the best in the world. Aerial acrobatics, light projections, synchronised crowd ‘fireworks’, and the big ones – those world famous Sydney Harbour fireworks. If there’s one we couldn’t leave off the list, it’s this one. Be clever about it; pick a vantage point, (according to the Sydney NYE website there are 71), plan your food, drink and toilet options (usually no BYO alcohol), and be prepared for the crowds. The action starts at 6pm, and this year creative ambassador Kylie Minogue has chosen the pretty colours and things. Download a free smartphone app to be part of the mobile phone ‘fireworks’ on the night. Peats Ridge Why? Because NYE should be a four-day festival. As Concrete Playground’s Music Editor puts it, “You could spend one hour trying to get a cab to some party trying to hear some fireworks, or you could spend it heading up to the beautiful Glenworth Valley for Peats Ridge”. And from previous lack-of-taxi experience at NYE, we’re sold on that statement. From Saturday Dec 29 to Tuesday Jan 1, the mega line-up includes John Butler Trio and a DJ set from Friendly Fires. Pack fancy dress for the Peats Ridge tradition, an NYE masquerade party. Shore Thing Why? Because it’s a massive dance party on the beach. Put your hands up for... Fedde Le Grand, The Chemical Brothers DJ set, and Knife Party – two of the guys behind Pendulum. On Dec 31, tens of thousands of people will make their way to Bondi Beach for an epic dance party, plus as midnight strikes Bondi gets its own firework display over the ocean. Tickets are still available ($145-$232). Boom Boom NYE Why? Because it’s like a house party with international DJs. US DJ Marcellus Pittman (Unirhythm, 3 Chairs, Detroit) is headlining Boom Boom NYE – a secret, underground party for those in the know. There are a limited number of tickets to the Boom Boom parties, featuring the Paradise Lost ensemble and DJs Daniel Lupica and Karim. The party starts at 9pm, tickets are $50 including champagne and canapés and details of the secret underground CBD oasis are revealed to partygoers only. Field Day 2013 Why? Shake off that NYE hangover with an awesome festival in the Domain. Hot Chip, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Mark Ronson (DJ set), Django Django, TEED, Erol Alkan, Jaguar Skills, AC Slater, Future Classic DJs, and mother-flippin’ Coolio! Need we say more? Field Day takes place in The Domain on January 1. Tickets are $135-$237. NYE at Bar at the End of the Wharf Why? Stellar views with a live blues soundtrack. Pull up a pew at the Bar at the End of the Wharf on December 31 for perfect, up-close views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. There will be live music from the charismatic Rockabilly-country maestro Pat Capocci Combo and bluesy-folksy singer-songwriter Lucky Luke (Webb), as well as food and a glass of champagne for $185 per person. NYE Player Haters Ball Why? Old skool tunes, excellent DJs and only $20. The Left Eyes, featuring Milan Ring, will be covering all those R‘n’B classics from R Kelly to TLC, at this special Player Haters night. DJs Smart Casual and Daniel Darling will be spinning a mix of garage, soul, rock and blues in the front bar at Sydney’s favourite small club, and there’ll be plenty of hip-shaking tracks at the Danceteria. The party starts at 8pm on Dec 31, and entry is just $20. The Sailor’s Club Why? For glamour, Harbour views, boaty folk and good times! Rose Bay’s Harbour-side restaurant is boasting three great options for New Year’s Eve. There’s a Sunset dinner, from 5-8pm, for those early birds who want to catch the last sunset of 2012 then head into the city; the Captain’s Dinner Party, from 9pm to 2am, is the main shindig, including a three-course dinner, fireworks and dancing ($350 pp); and on New Year’s Day there’s a tempting, chilled out Deckside Recovery lunch from midday. Glenmore Hotel Why? Exclusive rooftop views and a tasty food and drinks package. It’s all about location come NYE, and the newly renovated Glenmore Hotel has that and then some, with exclusive views from the hotel’s rooftop bar. So what does the $275 price tag include, bar that money-can-buy vista? A tasty-looking list of food and drink throughout the night, is what, including a three-hour drinks package, Sydney rock oysters, mini wagyu sliders, Nigiri sushi, and champagne at midnight. Glam Fest at Sydney Opera House Why? Because if you’re gonna spend it, there’s no better spot. If you’ve got the cash, why not go big guns and spend NYE in the city’s prime location, right at Sydney Opera House. Sure, most of us don’t want to spend $495 each on any old fireworks – so SOH have called in non-stop entertainment, including The Big Hit Orchestra, DJ Stephen Ferris, and a glam rock themed night of hula hoopers, tattoo artists and food trucks so smoking that Matt Moran is proud to put his name to them. The night is strictly over 18s, from 7pm-1.30am.
A few years ago, Sydney was whistling a hesitant tune when it came to the beauty of craft beer, with Sydney Craft Beer Week consisting of only a handful of events. Now in its fourth year, SCBW has grown to be a massive affair, involving over 100 crafty, boozy events from October 18-26. Sydneysiders have begun jumping on the bandwagon of the microbrew. Just as the first sweltering days of the season descend on Sydney, brewers far and wide are becoming our heroes with their individual take on the much-loved frosty beverage. As we start to count down the days, here are the events that we are most looking forward to. Sydney Craft Beer Week Gala Opening If this week has been patiently marked in your calendar for the past 365 days, then you have no excuse to miss SCBW’s opening gala. The scene will be set at Giant Dwarf Theatre, and the event is guaranteed to bring you into SCBW with a bang. Live shows and tastings will take place all evening, and your ticket includes three drink tokens and a fancy commemorative glass to carry around for the rest of the week. Food will be provided by Sydney's food trucks and the perfect companion after a few strong drinks. 17 October from 6-10pm. Giant Dwarf Theatre, 199 Cleveland Street, Redfern. Tickets $37.50. Beer Street Bakery What’s not to love when we bring Sydney’s favourite baked goods and craft beer together in perfect harmony? No longer does the perfect sausage roll need to be a morning-after debacle, for SCBW, the two will unite in perfect harmony. The entire week will see special baked treats creatively fused with The Grifter Brewing Co.’s Inner West brews. And on the first Saturday of SCBW, the brew team will also make a special guest appearance pouring a few of their favourite non-baked treats. So pair your beer with a pastry filled with beer; it’s the perfect carb-to-carb ratio. 18-26 October from noon-5pm. Bourke Street Bakery, 46a Macleay Street, Potts Point. Free entry. Australiana Spice Bonanza Surry Hills' staple restaurant for vegos and a favourite for non-vegos alike has always been known for its extensive brew list. In honour of SCBW, not only are they offering a special beer-inspired dumpling menu but they are also bringing a little extra Australiana to their beer menu. The list will include an exclusive range of beers flavoured with native Australian flavours, including one brewed in-house by their head brewer James Harvey. Free entertainment will also be on offer each of the seven evenings of the week, including 'Get Your Yarn On' (Australian spoken word poetry) and 'A Night of Brown Grass' (Australian styled Bluegrass). 18-25 October from 11am-12am. Yulli’s Screening Room, 417 Crown Street, Surry Hills. Free Entry. Feral Brewing Sunday Sounds Session – Take 2 There are few finer things in life than good beer and good music on a sunny Sunday arvo. Not only will you spend a glorious Sunday soaking up rays at the Collaroy Beach Club but a ticket to this event includes the whole lot; there will be no Sunday worries on your mind. Tickets include transfers from the city to the Collaroy Beach Club, five schooners of Feral brews, a sausage sizzle, a DJ spinning tunes all day long and a 6pm return to The Welcome Hotel for the tap takeover. Sure to be an afternoon for the books. 19 October 12-6pm. The Collaroy Beach Club, 1058 Pittwater Road, Collaroy. Tickets $55. Platinum and HopDog present True Grit Take midweek break with a screening of The Coen Brothers adaptation of True Grit at Golden Age Cinema and Bar. The men behind Platinum Liquor and HopDog bring you ‘La Boeufes Bete Noire’, a special 7 percent American stock ale, aged on oak chips for three months, and in their humble opinion, the perfect companion to a little action with Ol’ Rooster and Le Boeufe. Ticket includes film, a glass of beer, a cocktail shaker of popcorn and live bluegrass music before the film. 22 October from 7:30-11:45pm. Golden Age Cinema and Bar, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. Tickets $31.51 (incl. booking fee). Brewers and Chewers Dinner Each year this proves a favourite event at SCBW, selling out on most occasions. Hosted by the craft beer legends at The Local Taphouse, the annual event presents as a sort of speed dating for beer lovers. Great food will be paired with seven specially chosen brews from Two Birds, Young Henrys, Garage Project, Beavertown, Sixpoint and NOMAD. The event will feature a ‘meet the brewers’ style set-up where diners can take the opportunity to chat to the makers of their favourite beverages. 23 October from 6-10pm. The Local Taphouse, 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst. Tickets $97.75. The Great Swillhouse Collaboration Coup If it comes from Swillhouse, you expect it to be a little out there. The boys behind The Baxter Inn, Shady Pines Saloon and Frankie’s have travelled to the ends of Australia to bring you the best Australian breweries have to offer with a whole host of special collaborations for SCBW. The taps of Frankie’s Pizza will be taken over with the Swillhouse creations, ranging from Beer Monster BBQ II to Gout Stout to Euro Porn Pale, and that doesn’t even scratch the surface. Frankie’s famous house band will play both nights, so bring an appetite for great beer and leave your Monday blues at home. 20-21 October from 6pm-3am. Frankie’s Pizza, 50 Hunter Street, Sydney. Free Entry. Batch and KP Baltimore Crab Feast With one of Batch Brewing Co.’s head brewers hailing from Baltimore, expectations are high for some of the best Atlantic-style seafood at this event. Batch Brewing and Kingston Public are partnering for a Friday feast of epic proportions. Maryland-style crab and limited release Old Bay Spice-inspired brews will be served, and this will be a cracker of a long lunch (pun intended). Dig into some choice seafood and beer, bib and all. 24 October from 1-4pm. Batch Brewing Co., 44 Sydenham Road, Marrickville. Tickets $57.50. The Big Pig Out Byron Bay is all about the laidback vibe and the independent lifestyle, and it was just that which inspired the team behind Stone & Wood to start their brewery. Now one of the oldest and a true favourite in the still new craft beer scene, they are a welcome sight at SCBW. This year, they are bringing a whole heap of fun with whole roasted pigs at The Mule at the Newington. Three whole pigs will be spit-roasted on the day and all four of Stone & Wood's beers will be on tap, plus seasonal favourites and special one-offs. This is bound to be a Saturday BBQ of epic proportions. 25 October from 12-5pm. The Mule, 292 Stanmore Road, Petersham. Tickets $28.75. Sip & Savour Rounding out the week, the Australian Beer Ambassadors are hosting their inaugural event, Sip & Savour. Each day will be a celebration of all things craft beer, with over 250 beers and ciders on tap. Most importantly, these two days are an opportunity for the craft brewers of Australia to get on the floor to interact with the drinkers themselves. Saturday will focus more on the cultural aspect, with live music from local acts including Castlecomer and a viewing of Hop Flicks Short Film Festival winning pieces, while Sunday will be a child-friendly Sunday session vibe. Check out the website for more information on each session. 25 October 11:30am-4:30pm and 6pm-11pm; 26 October from 12-6pm. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh. Tickets from $44.
UPDATE: JANUARY 30, 2020 — Due to "current community health concerns", organisers have postponed Burwood Chinatown's Lunar New Year festival. The two weeks of celebrations will now run from May 18–30 to coincide with the dining precinct's birthday. The 1000 free bubble tea giveaway will also go ahead, but slightly later on Friday, May 22 and Friday, May 29. Free bubble tea. Mochi doughnuts. Fried chicken. Burwood Chinatown is throwing one tasty party to celebrate the incoming Year of the Rat. The inner west dining precinct's Lunar New Year celebrations kick off on Thursday, January 23 and run all the way through till Saturday, February 8, with different after-dark happenings each day. As well as nightly ping pong games, you'll find pop-ups from Dirty Bird and Demochi Donut on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31 from 5pm–9.30pm, and 2 Smoking Arabs and Duo Duo Ice Cream the following week on Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7 from 12–9.30pm. Dragon and lion dance performances will fill the area on Saturday, February 8 and 500 free bubble teas will be given away at 6pm on Friday, January 31 and again the following Friday. To snag yours, just head along to the Burwood Chinatown grounds (via Clarendon Place) and pick up a milk or fruit tea courtesy of the precinct's six bubble tea makers: Chatime, Cha Ball, King Tea, Milk Flower, The Burwood Hotel or The Whale Tea.
In what can only be described as an odd turn of events, Top3 was founded by Terri Winter after she saw a German cabaret show featuring a woman, a walrus and a trapeze artist. As it happens, these three acts were the best in their field — and this inspired Winter to translate the 'top three' concept into a retail store. As it turned out, it was a huge success. Now with four stores around the country — two in Melbourne, one in Sydney and one in Canberra — Top3's mission is to offer customers the best products based entirely on their design merits. The store stocks well over 1000 different products — but only three of each type — across homewares, clothing and travel accessories. You're bound to find something you need and/or want here. Images: Trent Van der jagt.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the five-star, adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive five-night travel deal — including a discounted room rate, complimentary massages and a bunch of extra goodies. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? There are so many islands in Fiji to choose from when holidaying to this tropical part of the world, but this particular private island offers up a totally kids-free travel experience. And, Tokoriki Island Resort is all about luxury — with the proof in the countless awards the spot's won for its lavish offering. If you're looking to really treat yourself on your next vacay, staying here is sure to do the trick. THE ROOMS The entry-level accommodation at Tokoriki Island Resort comes in the form of small beachfront bures. These 60-square-metre freestanding rooms look fairly rustic, but come with aircon, modern furnishings and a gorgeous outdoor tropical shower surrounded by lush gardens. You even have a cheeky hammock outside your bure for post-swim hangs with a book and glass of vino in hand. Then there are the upgrades: go for your own bure with a private plunge pool or one of the larger villas that come with or without a pool. No matter which accommodation you choose, you'll be surrounded by nature and have uninterrupted views across the surrounding beaches and coves. THE DINING When you're staying on a private island, you are fully dependent on your accommodation to provide food — so it better be good. Thankfully, these guys don't miss a beat on the dining front. For breakfast, we recommend ordering the floating champagne breakfast. When lunchtime rolls around, head to the restaurant, dine on your own balcony or get the team to make you a beach picnic hamper. This stellar offering is nothing compared to the long list of dinner options. Get around the à la carte menu championing South Pacific and Asian cuisines — using locally sourced ingredients — or splash some cash on one of the extra-special dining experiences. There's the four-person teppanyaki feast, the champagne and sashimi degustation out on the jetty or the romantic private sunset dinner. Each and every meal served at this luxury Fiji resort comes with a side of sweeping beachfront vistas. You really won't get tired of these views. [caption id="attachment_877271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook Sabin, Cloud 9 floating bar courtesy of Tourism Fiji.[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA Tokoriki is one of the many picturesque Mamanuca Islands in Fiji — and it has been privately owned for over 25 years. That means you won't find hordes of tourists here. It's a sanctuary surrounded by wild natural surrounds. And it's pretty easy to get to as well. If you jump in a chopper from the main airport on Nadi, you'll arrive in about 15 minutes. Or if you go by boat (which is included in the deal we are slinging on Concrete Playground Trips), it will take about an hour. Once you're here, you can explore the long white-sand beaches and lush rainforest or jump on a boat and tour around the neighbouring islands. There are over 20 islands located in this tropical archipelago, with a few floating bars also dotted about for good measure. It's in a prime position for guests who want to do a little island hopping in Fiji. THE EXTRAS This is a five-star tropical island resort, meaning you'll find extras aplenty. You can do the usual snorkelling around the local reefs or learn to scuba dive, or you can do something a little different — think fishing trips on a catamaran, small-group tours to nearby islands and a series of bespoke couple's activities. And if you book our five-night stay at Tokoriki Island Resort, you're set to receive loads of extras. This includes complimentary massages, cocktail tastings, daily afternoon tea, snorkel trips around the local reef and return transfers by boat. It's all sorted for you — just book your flights, pack your bags and get ready for one incredibly luxurious holiday in Fiji. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Things are really kicking off with one of world football's biggest events coming to town — and we've got a pitch for you. Football teams from around the world are descending upon Aussie soil to duke it out for the FIFA Women's World Cup, so it should be your top priority to tune into all of the action. With the month-long fare taking over Sydney, you'll be searching for a spot to celebrate the wins, nurse the losses or simply feel the electricity of each game alongside other avid fans. If you need an assist, Kitanda Bev's & Bites has got you covered. In true Brazilian fashion, the cosy hangout spot is celebrating all things FIFA-related with screenings of the Brazil team's games paired with exciting specials. On Monday, July 24, the vibrant bar and eatery will be opening just for Brazil's first game. The game is kicking off at 9pm, but you can head in from 6pm and be treated to an exclusive World Cup menu. the offer includes $10 skewers, with a choice between halloumi, rump steak and the specialty chicken hearts, plus $10 croquettes. There will be a happy hour that will run for the whole night, so you can sip on $15 caipirinhas and $16 beer jugs as you enjoy the match against Panama. Brazil's second match is going down on Saturday, July 29, but if you were hoping to head in for that match, the Surry Hills favourite is already booked out. Rounding out the group stages, Brazil will take on Jamaica on Wednesday, August 2. For this match, Kitanda is offering its weekly Wednesday deal of $10 croquettes and spritzes with happy hour between 5–7pm. Head to Kitanda's Instagram to keep up to date with more deals and screenings as the tournament continues into the finals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kitanda Bevs & Bites (@kitanda_sydney)
This tiny 220-metre sandy harbour spot is just right for those looking for a bit of variety on their next trip to the beach. First up, its waters are surrounded by shark nets, so, unlike the name suggests, you don't have to worry about any unwanted sea creatures interrupting your game. Secondly, it's located at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse and is part of Sydney Harbour National Park, making it a picturesque playing spot. Of course, the small size means it's ideal for smaller-scale games, so we recommend bringing along a couple of friends instead of a big ol' group. But you can always move into the adjoining park if you're looking for more space — or some shade. Shark Beach is temporarily closed for renovations until December 2022.
Whistler is most famous for the mountains that surround the village, Whistler and Blackcomb, and in turn the eponymous ski resort that just so happens to be the biggest in North America. But there's much more than ski runs to explore. To begin, the scenery is jaw-dropping in every direction, and you can take it all in from way above or by getting in the thick of it. Soar over all the snow, trees and idyllic scenes via helicopter or gondola, or get up close on foot, along lakeside cross-country ski trails. And when you're looking to relax after a day of exploring, you can kick back in Scandinavian-inspired hot pools or friendly boutique hotels laden with private baths, day spas and mountain views. Meanwhile, the food and drink scene is all about local produce, independent brewers and, thanks to the cold climate, comfort — think delicious bakery treats, melted cheeses, handmade pastas and tasty ales. The trick is avoiding the tourist traps and making tracks for the locals' favourites. Luckily, we've done some research for you, and with a little help from Tourism Whistler, have developed a full guide to doing Whistler like a local. [caption id="attachment_632302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @PurebreadWhis.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK When there's some serious, snowy adventuring ahead, it's important to start the day right: with a massive, hearty breakfast. Make your first stop Elements, where you can choose from seven different benedicts (including one with crab meat) or one of the most decadent French toasts we've ever heard of, stuffed with honey ham and double-cream brie. If your cholesterol levels are threatening a heart attack though, then head to The Green Moustache for a just as delicious brekkie, like their superfood-charged, all-organic Buddha bowl with quinoa, veg, sprouts and avocado. And if you're on the move or in need of a warming snack with your coffee, look to one of Whistler's best bakeries, Purebread, for their buckwheat sour cherry scones. [caption id="attachment_632434" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Facebook/Bar Oso.[/caption] When the midday stomach rubbles start up, set your sights on Ingrid's Village Cafe. The delicatessen has been nourishing Whistler locals and visitors for over 20 years, serving up burgers, salads, sandwiches and a daily selection of soups. And come evening, after a day out and about, the most satisfying way to refuel is with a bowl of house-made pasta and a good Italian wine at Pasta Lupino. Otherwise, it's Bar Oso for excellent tapas, including wild chilli-garlic prawns, scallop crudo and hearty fresh and cured charcuterie boards. Plus, Bar Oso has an extensive cocktail menu, with a whole section dedicated to gin and tonics using gins from around British Columbia. Finally, it'd be plain rude to visit Whistler without finding out what the local brewers have been up to. Swing by Coast Mountain to sample the signature IPA and Whistler Brewing, where, in case you're feeling homesick, you can sip an Aussie Sparkling Ale. [caption id="attachment_632417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane.[/caption] DO It goes without saying that most holidays in Whistler involve a bunch of skiing, boarding, snow shoeing and dog sledding in nearby mountains. But, there are plenty of less obvious escapades to be had in and around town. To get some perspective, take a helicopter tour. You'll soar over the region's famous peaks, valleys and rivers, and fly scarily close to a glacier. You can even book into a tour that'll take you on an exploration of ice caves, ending with a dip in some natural hot springs. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF7DJBGk2U8[/embed] Another ethereal experience is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Instead of taking the Whistler Village Gondola up to then ski back down with everyone else, head up and stay at the summit to take in the views and enjoy the idyllic, snowy surrounds from a journey on the PEAK 2 PEAK. As you ride over the Fitzsimmons Valley, you'll get a full view of the snowy dreamscape below from this extraordinary feat of engineering. Linking Whistler and Blackcomb summits, the PEAK 2 PEAK holds three world records: longest continuous lift system, highest lift of its kind (436 metres above the ground) and longest unsupported span for a lift of its kind (3.024 kilometres). If you prefer to see some spectacular scenery with your feet firmly planted on the ground, a snowshoeing journey around the lesser known sights for Whistler will have you feeling like a local. Transporting you to a time before Whistler existed, Parkhurst sits on the banks of Green Lake, where it started life as a logging town in the 1920s, but was emptied out by the time the '60s came around. [caption id="attachment_629882" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @katstjames.[/caption] As you wander through, you'll come across derelict cabins splashed with street art-style paintings, collapsed houses, rusty cars and a mammoth-sized tractor that looks like it froze mid-use decades ago. Snowshoe to Parkhurst from Whistler Village along the Sea-to-Sky Trail to discover the eerie, abandoned town. And to keep up the adventure, you can hoof it to Rainbow Park, Cheakamus River and the Train Wreck, featuring box cars from a 1956 wreckage that have become works of art among the trees. [caption id="attachment_632415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova.[/caption] Meanwhile in town, there's the Audain Art Museum. Opened in March 2016, the understated building made of local materials holds a huge collection of British Columbian art, beginning with works by First Peoples and culminating in those of contemporary artists. Architect John Patkau designed the building to feel like a part of the surrounding spruce forest. "The feeling is that the museum will be quietly inserted into a void within the forest," he says. And within you'll find an exhibition program that changes three times a year, as well as 200 permanent works depicting the history of art from coastal British Columbia. [caption id="attachment_632422" align="alignnone" width="1922"] Nita Lake Lodge.[/caption] STAY There's only one stay in Whistler right on the waterfront, and that's Nita Lake Lodge, 500 metres from Whistler Mountain and the Creekside Gondola. If you choose this lakeside retreat during your time in Whistler, you'll be snoozing in a mega-sized villa on a king-sized bed, relaxing your tired muscles in a private hot tub and hanging out in front of your very own gas fireplace. There's also an onsite day spa, yoga studio and an outdoor plunge pool by the lake. The best news of all? Your dog is welcome with open paws. [caption id="attachment_630995" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Summit Lodge.[/caption] Another boutique hotel to check out is Summit Lodge, smack bang in the middle of Whistler Village. Another pet-friendly stay — in fact there are two Rottweilers among the staff members — the wintry lodge holds rooms varying from deluxe studios to one-bedroom suites. All come with kitchenettes, hot tubs and bright design features, including walls covered in colourful geometric shapes, hand-knitted toys and art works. There's also an outdoor pool, hot tub, cedar sauna and an onsite day spa. [caption id="attachment_632419" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whistler Platinum.[/caption] Another option outside of the boutique hotel is, of course, to hire your own chalet — preferably with a few mates as a lot of these places can hold ten or more people. There are many lovely accommodations to find on Whistler Platinum. Go for rustic with the warm and cosy log-walled Horstman 4590, which comes with sleeping room for ten across five bedrooms, plus awesome panoramas. And if you're keen to wake up, strap on your skis and hit the slopes immediately, book into Kadenwood 2939. Located in one of Whistler's swishest on-snow villages, this accom has its own forest-encircled hot tub, as well as five ensuite bedrooms, a log fireplace, massive windows looking onto the mountains, a pool table and floor heating. Plan an adventure into the great Canadian outdoors, and discover all Whistler as to offer here. Top image: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane.
If you're looking for a new place to party all night during Mardi Gras, you'll find it at the 2019 Festival Club. The club is taking over the Seymour Centre with a rotating lineup of hosts and DJs every night from 9pm between February 16 and March 1. Hit the dance floor or catch pop-up performances from festival guests including drag superstar Aaron Manhattan, and burlesque performers Trigger Happy, Lillian Star and Bunni Lambada. When you're not showing off your best moves you can relax in the chill out areas and hang out with new and old friends. Plus, entry is free.
The inner-city suburb of Redfern isn't exactly beachside, though you'll be able to pretend as much now that Redfern Surf Club has arrived on the corner of Botany and Henderson Roads. Masterminded by the former general manager of The Cliff Dive and Oxford Art Factory, Yannick Maslard, the venue is an ode to the quintessential Aussie 'local club' — a laid-back, lighthearted neighbourhood haunt where everyone is welcome. He has pulled together a bunch of mates and bar regulars to makeover the heritage-listed, one-time bank, and the result is a verdant indoor courtyard, decked out with plants, knick-knacks and even a taxidermy 'bin chicken'. A pool room is filled with surf-centric works by photographers Luke Shadbolt, James Adams and Nick Lawrence, and classic surf flicks screen on a retro TV set. And it's hard to miss the neon-drenched shrine to legends like Prince, Phil Collins and fictional surf god Bodhi (AKA Patrick Swayze in Point Break). Classic cocktails have been reimagined in a nod to the backyard barbie, and are headlined by lineup of canned cocktails — just wait until you get acquainted with the Passiona, lime and vodka concoction, which is served, yes, in a Passiona can. Alongside The Grifter Brewing Co's pale ale, which is the bar's house brew, you'll find an all-Aussie lineup of seasonal beers showcasing Sydney's best-loved breweries. For those who prefer grapes over gruit, a diverse list of natural drops are available by the carafe — for those lazy summer afternoons to come. Venue images: Patrick Stevenson; cocktail: Luke Shadbolt.
For foragers, the chillier months of the year are all about one of the most valuable things you can find in soil: black diamonds, earth nuts, tartufo. It's truffle season, people. The time of the oh-so-aromatic ingredient that's practically an edible precious metal at its peak market price. With supplies in abundance from June to August, you'll see a lot of it at venues across Sydney, including Bar Infinita, the North Shore's most buzzing Italian eatery. From now until mid-August (truffle season, like any produce peak, doesn't have a hard end date), Bar Infinita is serving a dedicated truffle menu to celebrate this legendary fungi flavour. With fresh truffles from The Truffle Farm in Canberra, you can tuck into five sweet and savoury dishes that put truffle front and centre. Starting with a delicate gnocco fritto with truffled mortadella and buffalo taleggio cream, you'll move to the house favourite woodfired pizzetta, now served with a molten pool of parmesan fondue, before a main of deliciously decadent house-made gnocchi with truffle butter, porcini mushrooms and chestnuts rounds out the savoury courses. Save room for the finale: trufflemisu, a light and creamy dessert with coffee, mascarpone and truffle combined with surprising results. Every dish gets a shaving of fresh truffle at the table, too. To wash it down, sip on a truffle negroni — made with truffle butter-washed olive leaf gin blended with rare dry gin, orange curaçao, dry vermouth and Suze. If you prefer truffle as an accompaniment, you can get a side of 2g of black truffle for just $4 with any meal on a Friday night throughout the special's availability. Images: Take Studios
It's often said that modern technology is ruining our lives; turning us more and more in on ourselves in a dangerous spiral of introversion, narcissism and disconnection from the physical world. And can you blame us? An iPhone can look significantly more appealing than the other sweating, mouth-breathing humans we sit next to on public transport or pass on the morning commute. But, occasionally there comes along a real reminder that the human race isn't totally doomed to becoming robotic unfeeling drones. A new project by Sydney photographer Pete Hawk is one such reminder. In Stranded Corridors, Hawk takes to frequented 'corridors' about town – the tunnel at Central, Newtown's King Street, and the wind tunnel opposite Redfern station. Using one light, he photographs people passing by and asks them to write something about themselves. Think Humans of New York, but in black and white, and coming to you from your own backyard. It's a simple idea, but Hawk's photographs are really quite beautiful. And the captions people have written offer snippets of their lives, aspirations and worries, which range from life advice ("Wear colour and enjoy your night.") to confession ("I fell in love. Twice."), and where they're going to (Zumba) or coming from (Japanese class). If the popularity of projects like HONY has taught us anything, it's that we love to peek into other people's lives. It speaks to some of those good old-fashioned human pastimes — like voyeurism and eavesdropping — but packaged in an artful, socially acceptable format. It's the perfect way to people watch without the awkward eye contact. All images via Pete Hawk.
What if a trio of old guys robbed a bank? That'd be funny, wouldn't it? That seems to be the only line of thinking behind Going in Style, which remakes a 1979 flick of the same name and brings together a thoroughly likeable cast of elderly actors, but doesn't rise above "aren't geriatrics hilarious?"-style humour. Attempting to bulk up its premise with a hefty tug at the heartstrings and a weak statement about ruthless financial institutions proves about as effective as chewing steak with dentures. Sure, you can give it a shot, but everyone knows that it's not going to work. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin play old friends Joe, Willie and Albert, who toiled away for decades together at a Brooklyn steel works, only to find themselves stripped of their pensions after a corporate takeover by an overseas company. But after Joe witnesses a slick holdup at his uncaring bank — an establishment that tricked him into a loan with a nasty interest rate, is now threatening to take his house away, and happens to be handling the pension debacle — the three hatch a plan to reclaim their entitlements via a caper of their own. Given the talent the film puts on screen, Going in Style probably could've worked quite well without throwing in the sob stories. Alas, the script by Hidden Figures writer-director Theodore Melfi is determined to justify the characters' newfound criminal urges in the most blatantly sappy and cliched ways that it can. Accordingly, Joe has to save the home where his daughter and granddaughter also live, while Willie is in dire need of a new kidney. Former musician Albert takes longer to warm to the stickup idea, probably because he isn't blighted with his own sad tale; instead, he's more preoccupied with his new romance with a grocery store clerk (Ann-Margaret). The fact is, Caine, Freeman and Arkin are all much, much better than the material they're saddled with. If there's any fun to be had here, it's in watching the three Oscar winners sit in a diner bickering and bantering. Any time they're tasked with supposedly comic hijinks, you're left wishing they were all in a better film; a horribly executed sequence in which they attempt to shoplift from a local supermarket as a practice run for their big heist is a prime example. Still, they fare much better than their poor co-star Christopher Lloyd, whose hammy performance might make you exclaim "great Scott!" in horror. Although he's helmed two movies already, in Garden State and Wish I Was Here, Actor-turned-director Zach Braff is still best known for starring in the small screen hospital comedy Scrubs. Perhaps it's not a coincidence, then, that his latest effort feels more like a bland, formulaic sitcom pilot than it does a feature film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Qq3pIWMHk
We in the media received a funny but perturbing press release a few weeks ago regarding what's perhaps the Sydney Theatre Company's most anticipated production of the year, Waiting for Godot. "[The cast have] been waiting for a man who will never turn up," it read. "They’ve been waiting for director Tamás Ascher." Oh most fortuitous of tragedies! Lacking probably the most important person on set has never looked so promising. After Ascher was ruled unable to fly from Hungary due to an injury, rehearsals proceeded in an uncertain manner, with STC artistic director Andrew Upton running the room and eventually stepping wholly into the director's role, Ascher's translator and dramaturg Anna Lengyel acting as something of an Ascher-by-proxy, and everyone involved trying to interpret the text in the spirit of Ascher but without getting too servile about it (actor Richard Roxburgh writes amusingly of the experience for the SMH). Fortunately, through all that, they've pulled off a ripper of a Godot and absolutely one of the year's most memorable shows. The play is famous as the defining work of absurdism on stage, capturing the utter pointlessness of human existence in its form — in other words, not the most enjoyable comedy around. And yet, in this team's hands, it's a consuming, almost fun three hours. Waiting for Godot is, in case you missed it, about two guys waiting for Godot. Occasionally they meet another two guys, who are not Godot. Vladimir (Hugo Weaving), usually called 'Didi', and Estragon (Roxburgh), or 'Gogo', are chums, or at least have been bound together beneath this barren tree for some time — the habitual odd couple. When the spectral, silent and decrepit Lucky (Luke Mullins) enters, pulling his imperious master Pozzo (Philip Quast) by rope, then… well, then nothing. It has no consequence. But it's a spectacular diversion. After intermission, much the same thing happens, though the words are different and the tree has grown three leaves. Playwright Samuel Beckett was notoriously controlling over how Waiting for Godot was performed, and his estate continues that vigilance, meaning that you pretty much know what you're going to get with a production of Godot. Without huge leeway for interpretation, a lot of the interest comes from the pairing of actors, and Weaving and Roxburgh are sublime. Not only are they heavyweights of Australian drama, they're hilarious together, with an easy chemistry and camaraderie that led Ascher to envisage them in the roles while they were all working on Uncle Vanya in 2011. Roxburgh's Estragon is the grumpy, sincere clown of the piece, while Weaving's more with-it Vladimir still has wide-eyed optimism and relish. Their performances are not totally but nearly naturalistic, such that their tete a tetes seem quite coherent; it might not be Beckett's ideal, but it is appropriately earthy for a contemporary Australian audience. More flourish comes from the magisterial Quast (you can get an idea of the man's sheer presence in this clip from his famous performance as Javert in Les Miserables) and Mullins, who is unrecognisable as Lucky. After being utterly abused and put upon, Lucky is required to speak just once, and to see it is basically traumatic (in a good way). This is a once-in-a-lifetime cast of talent. Complete with a set by Zsolt Khell (one of Hungary's leading stage designers and a frequent Ascher collaborator) that could take up hours of your attention on its own and beautifully intense chiaroscuro-casting lighting by the wonderful Nick Schlieper, STC's Godot is definitive. Absurd beginnings have produced magnificent ends. Image by Lisa Tomasetti.
It was the scary sensation of 1999; a documentary-style freak-out that audiences were led to believe was real. A low-budget hit that reignited faux found-footage as an inexpensive but successful method of frightening filmgoers, without The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity and a spate of other imitators might never have existed. And while the original movie already spawned one follow-up back in 2000, it was really only a matter of time before a new sequel wandered out of the woods and back into cinemas. You could be forgiven for not knowing much about Blair Witch, however. Filmed in secret under a fake name, its true nature was only revealed in July. Other than the involvement of director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett (aka the folks behind playful horror effort You're Next and stylish action thriller The Guest) this initial misdirection is arguably the most intriguing part of a film that knows it has big shoes to fill, and tries to do so as faithfully as possible. Blair Witch treads a familiar path quite literally, sending a new group of camera-wielding college students back into the Black Hills Forest, albeit with some updated tech. For James Donahue (James Allen McCune), the creepy camping trip is personal, since it was his older sister Heather who disappeared in the original film. When his life-long quest to find out what happened leads him to an online video posted by fellow interested parties Lane (Wes Robinson) and Talia (Valorie Curry), he rounds up his pals Lisa (Callie Hernandez), Ashley (Corbin Reid) and Peter (Brandon Scott) to head off in search of answers. Decking everyone out with earpiece cameras and a short-range drone, Lisa films their trip for a class project. The on-screen characters mightn't expect the series of events that follows, but audiences certainly will. Immersed in their haunted surroundings, the crew soon starts hearing strange noises and begin to spy spooky stick figures suspended from the trees. When they inevitably try to flee, they end up getting lost and start walking around in circles. And yet, while Blair Witch mightn't chart new narrative ground as it constantly nods to its predecessor, it does conjure the requisite bumps and jumps. The range of visual sources at the film's disposal certainly helps, with Wingard employing urgent, erratic point-of-view shots, as well as lingering glimpses of the sea of trees captured by drone camera from above. Re-teaming with The Guest cinematographer Robby Baumgartner, enlisting seasoned television editor Louis Cioffi, and composing the score himself, where Wingard fares best is in evoking an unnerving mood. It doesn't always matter that you can see where the story is headed if you remain uneasy and anxious in the moment, with the sound design particularly unsettling. However that still only takes Blair Witch so far. When the third act drops its atmospheric ambiguity for more overt shocks, the movie suffers. Obvious dialogue and by-the-numbers performances likewise dull an otherwise effective rehash.
You may think $26 sounds like a kinda random amount to budget, but it's exactly how much you'll need to spend to eat Sydney's hottest new sandwich. It rolled through the door at Continental CBD late last year, and it's been the star of many Instagram posts ever since. And it got us thinking: what else can you eat in the city for $26? Well, it turns out, quite a lot. Cough up a lobster and some coins, and you'll find you can snag yourself 21 hot dogs, or a dozen oysters, or even 78 custard-filled puffs. So, here are eleven ways to get the biggest bang from you 26 bucks in Sydney. Choose wisely. [caption id="attachment_709616" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ulrich Lenffer[/caption] FRENCH DIP, CONTINENTAL DELI BAR BISTRO CBD Twenty-six dollars. That's the price of Sydney's new favourite sandwich, the French Dip at Continental. The Los Angeles-inspired sanga is made from a toasted Brickfields baguette loaded with Ranger Valley roast beef and melty washed rind cheese, served with a bowl of beef jus for dipping. Ok, so it's a little pricey, but we guarantee you won't stay mad at it for long. And you'll probably schedule in a return visit ASAP. How much? $26 for one. [caption id="attachment_709580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] SUCKLING PIG SAUSAGE ROLL WITH BLACK GARLIC, BENNELONG Not all sausage rolls are created equal. On one end of the scale, you've got your classic Mrs Mac's plastic-wrapped variety, a perfectly acceptable snack when there are no other options available. On the other end, you've got Peter Gilmore's posh pastry pocket. Available on Bennelong's Cured and Cultured menu, the suckling pig sausage roll is made from braised suckling pig wrapped in a blanket of buttery puff pastry. It's then pre-sliced and served with smoky kisses of black garlic sauce. Don't expect to be satisfied with the servo kind ever again. How much? $24 for one. FLOURLESS BELGIAN CHOCOLATE CAKE, BOURKE STREET BAKERY While other flourless cakes have seen their popularity rise and fall, Bourke Street Bakery's flourless Belgian chocolate cake remains the city's go-to gateaux for birthdays and break-ups. Whatever your relationship with gluten, it's hard to resist a slice of this irresistibly fudgy chocolate cake, made from both dark chocolate and cocoa, with a soft acid kick thanks to the natural yoghurt. While a slice may be enough for some, $25 will buy you your very own cake. Order online and you can even compose yourself a thoughtful chocolate plaque. How much? $25 for one small cake. [caption id="attachment_686701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain.[/caption] PIPIS WITH XO SAUCE, GOLDEN CENTURY This year marks 30 years since live seafood restaurant Golden Century first prised open its doors. After all this time, the speciality remains the pipis in XO, an intensely flavoured dish of live pipis wok fried in a pungent XO sauce, served over crunchy vermicelli noodle cakes which soak up the sauce. Whether you come at 2pm or 2am, you'll always leave happy as a clam. While the market price can fluctuate, $26 will typically buy you just over 300 grams. How much? $26 for around 300 grams of pipis. TWO MARY'S BURGERS, MARY'S CBD The snaking lines down Castlereagh Street in the city are not there for a closing down sale. In fact, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and Marcs have nothing on Mary's. A budget of $26 will buy you a pretty enviable feed, including two Mary's burger ($13 each), made from a smashed patty of O'Connor grass-fed beef or a fried chicken burger (we won't argue with you) with extra bacon and a serving of fries. If the sun's out, take your special package over to Hyde Park, for an impromptu picnic alongside the ibises. How much? $26 for two $13 Mary's burgers. [caption id="attachment_637652" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katje Ford[/caption] FOUR SLICES OF PIZZA, FRANKIE'S This 90s-themed dive bar and pizza parlour by Shady Pines brothers Anton and Stefan Forte, serves up a pretty mean slice. Just don't expect a traditional experience. In fact, it appears they've taken the Neapolitan rulebook, spun it around their finger, and tossed it out the window. The super tasty, Americanised range come with toppings like ham and pineapple, prawn and pesto, and a volcanically hot, chorizo, 'nduja and jalapeño creation called the Titty Twister (don't get any ideas now). Whole pizzas range from $19–25, or if you want some variety, four different slices for $6 each. How much? $24 for four $6 slices. FIVE DOUGHNUTS, SHORTSTOP COFFEE & DONUTS You're now able to get your sticky fingers on Shortstop's famous small batch doughnuts, which have their own glass-walled emporium in Barangaroo. The springy rings are made from premium ingredients, such as Pepe Saya butter, Laucke flour and Hailala vanilla, and come in three different varieties, if it wasn't already hard enough to choose. There are the dense and crumbly cake doughnuts ($5), the fluffy-yeast raised variety ($4–5), and the twisted French crueller ($4.5). Flavours range from a simple dusting of cinnamon and cardamom sugar to the more elaborate earl grey and rose or pandan-glazed with coconut cream centre. How much? $25 for five $5 doughnuts. A DOZEN OYSTERS AND A GLASS OF SPARKLING, THE MORRISON BAR & OYSTER ROOM Put your love of oysters to the test on Wednesday nights at The Morrison, when each briny bivalve takes a dive in price from $4.50 to $1.50. With a sexy fit-out by Alexander and Co, the blackened steel and walnut leather bistro makes the perfect setting for slurping, whether that's with a date or on your own. $26 will easily buy you a dozen oysters, which come with fresh lemon or chardonnay vinegar, it's just enough to leave you satisfied, but not so many that you start feeling seasick. With your leftover coinage, treat yourself to the happy hour drinks at the bar, with beers and wine priced at just $6. How much? $18 for 12 $1.5 oysters (on Wednesdays from 6–7pm) and $6 for a beer or wine. SIXTEEN XIAO LONG BAO, DIN TAI FUNG Din Tai Fung is filling, folding and steaming soup dumpling, otherwise known as xiao long bao, far and wide across Sydney. Each bundle of dumpling joy is made with scientific precision, from careful weighing to meticulous folding, with each little sack bearing no less than a total of 18 pleats. The dumplings are famous for their thin, silky skins, which are filled with a sweet gelatinous pork juice that bursts in the mouth. Since first launching at World Square in 2008, the Hong Kong chain has grown to nine outlets across the city, which means you're never too far away from their bamboo baskets. How much? $24 for 16 xiao long bao ($6 for four). TWENTY-ONE HOT DOGS AND A TINNIE, SODA FACTORY If you thought the hotdogs at IKEA were good value, the dollar dogs at Soda Factory will see you get a lot more for your dough. There are five gourmet varieties to choose from, from a Carolina pulled pork stuffed with slaw and citrus mayo to an oozy Nacho cheese with maple bacon and jalapeños. How exactly they make a profit on these is not exactly clear. To unlock the special price you'll need to come on a Tuesday night and order a drink, too, with Millers tinnies priced at just $5. How much? $26 for 21 $1 hot dogs and a $5 Millers tinnie (every Tuesday night). SEVENTY-EIGHT EMPEROR'S PUFFS, EMPEROR'S GARDEN Okay, we're not suggesting you go and eat 78 of these golden balls of deliciousness — but, just that, you could if you had $26 to spare. And, maybe, you could buy them all and share them round with friends, fam and other Chinatown revellers. To find them, head to the corner of Hay and Dixon streets, and join the queue waiting for a taste of the venue's famous Puffs. These hot little custard balls are sold straight from the oven and are well worth the wait. A single dollar buys you three of these babies (or you can nab them for 35 cents each). How much? $26 for 78 Emperor's Puffs (three for $1).
If you've seen the Disney Pixar film Up, chances are this picture is causing you a bit of déjà vu. As part of a new National Geographic television series, How Hard Can It Be, a team of scientists, engineers and balloon pilots recreated the scene from the hit flick in which 78 year-old Carl Frederickson escapes the ennui of his retirement home by tying balloons to his house and flying far away. Ben Howie, executive producer of the show, said the team "found it is actually close to impossible to fly a real house". After two weeks of intense planning, the team was successful in using an enormous cluster of helium balloons to lift a small, lightweight dwelling with several people inside. Each balloon required an entire tank of helium for inflation, and the house rose to a height of 3,500 metres, remaining airborne for around one hour. https://youtube.com/watch?v=C71rb-4_bOk [Via NOTCOT]
The team behind Sydney institutions S*A*S*H, Slyfox Hotel and Stanley's Bar has taken over a storied Oxford Street space to open a new techno and dance music-focused nightclub. Carousel Bar and Ballroom is the latest project from the accomplished crew, slotting into the former home of Byblos and Miind Club with a cabaret- and 70s-inspired bar that boasts a primary goal of hosting heaving dance floors. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the Darlinghurst venue operates as a small bar, serving approachable cocktails and Estrella Damm on tap. Then, from Thursday, Carousel transforms into a nightclub for the weekend, playing home for the night to some of the country's and the world's best DJs. A state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound system has been installed, featuring 33 speakers placed all around the venue — including the bathroom — to deliver the night's soundtrack as selected by each evening's chosen tastemakers. The DJ decks have also been moved off the wall and further onto the dance floor, placing the DJs right among the patrons and creating a setup reminiscent of Boiler Room's in-the-round layout. Rounding out the whole operation is an impressive lighting system that includes lights imported all the way from Amsterdam that you won't find anywhere else in Australia. The decks have already hosted the UK club mainstays Voigtmann, Yune Pinku on her Listen Out Australian tour and local favourites like Melbourne's Sleep D. Among the upcoming gigs taking over the Oxford Street digs, you can catch Casey Spillman, Booka Shade and the Subsonic Music Festival launch party. The name Carousel is derived from the rotating stage that the team discovered during the site's renovations. The unconventional setup is believed to have hosted creatives around 60 years ago when the venue went by Carpiccio's. Find Carousel Bar and Ballroom at 163–169 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, operating Tuesday–Sunday. To browse all of the upcoming events arriving at the new Sydney nightclub, head to the venue's website.
Swifties, listen up. A new Darlinghurst food joint is celebrating the build-up to Taylor's Eras tour arriving in Sydney with three weeks of Taylor Swift-themed bottomless brunches. The boozy affair will be popping up at Harry's by Giuls on Saturday, January 13 and 27 and Saturday, February 10, 17 and 25. The Stanley Street restaurant is the second venue from the Giuls team, opening at the tail end of 2023. A few months after swinging open its doors, the charming Italian restaurant is proclaiming "welcome to Darlinghurst" with a new tune-heavy bottomless brunch. Don an outfit representative of your favourite era from Ms Swift and settle in for 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks and tasty Mediterranean snacks. The menu sticks closely to your classic brunch affair, with a few Taylor Swift puns thrown in for good measure. You'll kick things off with a mystery Lavender Haze cocktail and some Getaway Carbs (arancini balls and Harry's pizza bread). You'll then be treated to antipasto, green olives, shoestring chips, burrata la stella, and a selection of pizza and pasta to share. Throughout the hour and a half, you can take your pick from espresso martinis, Aperol spritzes, house wine and mimosas — but that's just the start of the fun. There will also be friendship bracelets (a regular occurrence on the Eras tour), a life-sized cutout of Taylor for photo ops and a DJ playing exclusively TS tracks.
It's the end of an era, and it's going out with some impressive names. When Bluesfest hosts its last-ever festival in April 2025, it'll have Crowded House, Ocean Alley and Vance Joy for company. A week after announcing that the music fest only has one more run in it, the Byron Bay mainstay has started unveiling its goodbye lineup, revealing the initial 20 acts on the bill. 'Don't Dream It's Over' should take on extra resonance when it earns a spot in Crowded House's set, with the band making one last Bluesfest appearance. Ocean Alley are also no strangers to the fest, and equally onboard for the final 2025 hurrah. From there, the roster of talent for Thursday, April 17–Sunday, April 20, 2025 so far also spans Tones and I, Gary Clark Jr, Rag'n'Bone Man, RY X, Allison Russell and Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram — and more already, with future lineup announcements still to come. "As we prepare for the final chapter of Bluesfest in 2025, I am profoundly moved by the outpouring of support from thousands in our community, along with the many artists and their management eager to be part of our farewell edition. Thank you all for your heartfelt messages and expressions of solidarity," said Festival Director Peter Noble, revealing the fest's first acts for next year. "We're thrilled to unveil the first wave of artists for our grand finale. This lineup, meticulously curated to honour Bluesfest's rich legacy, features a dynamic mix of legendary and cutting-edge performers. This announcement marks just the beginning. Our second lineup is well and truly in the works and the reveal is on the horizon, promising to further enhance what is set to be an epic farewell." Bluesfest's four-day 2025 event will celebrate the Easter long-weekend fest's 36th year, as well as its last. As for who'll join Crowded House, Ocean Alley, Vance Joy and company, start guessing — 2024's headliners Tom Jones and Elvis Costello, if that helps. The last few years have been tumultuous for the Byron Bay fest. 2023's event lost a number of acts, including King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Sampa the Great, after Sticky Fingers were added to the bill. Bluesfest ultimately dropped the controversial band. And while the fest went ahead in 2022 after two years of pandemic cancellations (and a thwarted temporary move to October for the same reason), it showcased a primarily Australian and New Zealand lineup. [caption id="attachment_970517" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Celina Martins[/caption] Bluesfest saying goodbye means that two huge Aussie music festivals that call Byron Bay home have shut up shop, although hopefully one is only temporary. After Splendour in the Grass announced its dates for this year, then its lineup, it swiftly cancelled mere weeks later. It continues to prove a tough time for the Australian live music scene. Bluesfest calling time follows Mona Foma doing the same after its 2024 event — plus a lengthy list of festivals beyond Splendour that've ditched their plans this year, sometimes also without announcing their intentions for the future. Just two years after debuting, Adelaide's Harvest Rock has scrapped its 2024 fest as well. Spilt Milk cancelled its 2024 festivals, while Groovin the Moo did the same after announcing its lineup. Summergrounds Music Festival, which was meant to debut at Sydney Festival 2024, also pulled the plug. As announced in 2023, Dark Mofo took a breather in 2024. Yours and Owls has postponed its next fest until 2025, too, but is hosting a pre-party in October this year. Bluesfest 2025 Lineup: Crowded House Vance Joy Ocean Alley Tones and I Gary Clark Jr Rag'n'Bone Man RY X Allison Russell Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram Brad Cox Here Come the Mummies The California Honeydrops Marc Broussard Pierce Brothers Taj Farrant Fanny Lumsden 19-Twenty WILSN Cimafunk Neal Francis [caption id="attachment_969986" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LD Somefx[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969989" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LD Somefx[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969987" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LD Somefx[/caption] [caption id="attachment_867504" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kurt Petersen[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969988" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roger Cotgreave[/caption] Bluesfest 2025 will run from Thursday, April 17–Sunday, April 20 at Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah. Early-bird tickets are on sale now — for further information, head to the Bluesfest website. Top image: Joseph Mayers.
In 2020, we all started paying extra attention to where we've been, in case venues we've visited were also attended by confirmed COVID-19 cases. And, with the Greater Sydney region currently under lockdown due to a coronavirus outbreak, frequently checking the state's list of exposure sites is once again part of Sydneysiders' routines. The NSW Government maintains a register of venues that positive COVID-19 cases have visited, and urges the state's residents to get tested and/or self-isolate if they've also visited at specific times. Now, you can also see all of the venue alerts across the state on an interactive map. Called COVID-19 Near Me, the statewide map gives locations specific hues depending on the action visitors are being urged to comply with, making it easy to see whether or not you must get tested and self-isolate or just monitor for symptoms. For example, bright red-coloured venues are close contact locations and, therefore, visitors are to get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, even if they receive a negative test. A darker red indicates that folks should also get tested immediately and self-isolate, but will then need to wait for further advice. Orange is used for casual contacts, with visitors urged to get a test and self-isolate until receiving a negative result. And blue dots are used for lower-risk locations, which require visitors to monitor for symptoms and, subsequently, get tested should any appear. Unlike the NSW Government's pre-existing map for COVID-19 cases by postcode, this map is not run by the Government — it's just powered by its official data. So, NSW residents are urged to also check the official NSW Health website if they have any concerns about venues they may have visited. At the time of writing, the map was last updated in the early hours of Thursday, July 15. Everyone in NSW with even mild cold and flu symptoms is encouraged to come forward and get tested. You can check out all existing COVID-19 venue alerts at covid19nearme.com.au. For more information about COVID-19 in NSW and current restrictions, head to NSW Health. Images: COVID-19 Near Me as of Thursday, July 15.
Francophiles, rejoice! Circular Quay and The Rocks will once again overflow with the spirit of liberté, egalité et fraternité — as well as lots and lots of cheese — for the annual Bastille Festival, a free-to-enter four-day celebration of all things French from Thursday, July 11 until Sunday, July 14. The event has been a winter mainstay in the Harbour City since 2012, so while it is technically in honour of France's national holiday, commemorating the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution, the fest has become just as much a local tradition as it is an international one. This year, revellers can enjoy 124 free performances from 344 artists across seven locations around Sydney's historic harbourfront including live performances, DJ sets, pumping dance classes and even al fresco film screenings at Le Mulled Wine Cinema at Cadmans Cottage. From jazz and samba to cabaret and capoeira, the range of creative talents on show is set to be truly dazzling. Food is always a major drawcard, with numerous stalls selling French street-eat favourites including ooey-gooey raclette, garlic-drenched escargot, freshly-made crêpes, hearty saucisson and of course, more fine fromage than you can shake a warm baguette at. This year, however, gastronomes can delve even deeper into France's rich culinary traditions via a series of cookery masterclasses. Highlights include a class from the coach of the 2019 Australian World Pastry Cup team, master pâtissier Yves Scherrer, showcasing his legendary soufflé and chocolate fondant recipes and sessions from chef Fabio Salvato, who'll be sharing techniques learned during his stints in Michelin-starred kitchens. Still hungry? Another new addition this year, Le Diner Extraordinaire is a series of luxe meals at Quay Quarter Lanes, championing the culinary talents of this new hospitality hotspot. The collaborative four-course menu will include tapas from Deux Freres, Italian-inspired dishes from Bar Mammoni and a creamy dessert from Zini Contemporary Gelateria. There'll be different live entertainment accompanying each of the sessions, too, ranging from a classical symphony to a DJ and sax live-set combo. If there's one thing the French love as much as dining, it's wine. The Bastille Festival's wine-tasting tour is an annual staple, spanning 1.4 kilometres and featuring bottles from top wine regions including the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Alsace, Rhône Valley, Provence and Languedoc. Simply grab your Bastille Festival wine passport and branded tasting glass and tick off each drop on your self-guided tour. One notable addition to this year's proceedings is the Bastille Olympic Village outside Customs House, where sculptures of iconic Parisian landmarks, including a six-metre-high Eiffel Tower, will transport Sydneysiders to the heart of the French capital. To mark the 2024 summer games — the first Summer Olympic Games to be held in France in a century — visitors will be able to take part in fencing, basketball, badminton, and archery workshops led by seasoned coaches. Finally, on Saturday, July 13, an Olympic Parade, featuring a procession of athletes, local organisations and roaming performers, will march from Circular Quay to the Rocks to celebrate the Olympic values of sportsmanship and community.
Trying to dance like Christopher Walken, pretending you're in Cruel Intentions, being transported back to the late 90s and early 00s: that's all on the agenda when Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, returns Down Under in 2023. Touring New Zealand in January and February, then hitting Australia in April and May, the British dance music legend will take to the decks to bust out a hefty range of dance floor fillers. His 1998 album You've Come a Long Way, Baby was the club soundtrack to end the 20th century — a staple of every 90s teen's CD collection, too — and responsible for hits like 'Right Here, Right Now', 'The Rockafeller Skank' and 'Praise You'. As for 2000's Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars, it gave the world 'Weapon of Choice' and its iconic Walken-starring (and Spike Jonze-directed) video. You might not be able to dance along the walls when Cook plays Christchurch, Napier, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Taupo in Aotearoa — and then hops over the ditch a couple of months later to do the same in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth — but you'll want to thanks to his big beat sound. Indeed, alongside the Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, The Propellerheads and Crystal Method, he helped bring the style to mainstream fame. Cook has been making music since the 80s, but took on the name Fatboy Slim in the mid-90s, starting with 1996 record Better Living Through Chemistry. His discography also spans 2004 album Palookaville and 2013 single 'Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat'. [caption id="attachment_878697" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] If you've seen Cook live before, you'll know that this is news to get excited about right about now. His Australian tour marks Cook's return after his 2020 headline shows — pre-pandemic — with his Melbourne gig at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl recorded for an epic live video that's notched up more than 2.4-million views. FATBOY SLIM 2023 AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR Friday, January 27 — QE2 Park, Christchurch Saturday, January 28 — Tremain Field, Napier Sunday, January 29 — Gardens Music Festival, Victoria Park, Auckland Friday, February 3 — Anderson Park, Wellington Saturday, February 4 — Gibbston Valley, Queenstown Sunday, February 5 — Riverside Park, Taupo Friday, April 28 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Wednesday, May 3 — Riverstage, Brisbane Friday, May 5 — The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney Sunday, May 7 — Burswood Park, Perth Fatboy Slim will tour New Zealand in January and February 2023, and Australia in March and April 2023. Tickets for NZ are on sale now. Pre-sale tickets for Australia start at 2pm local time on Wednesday, November 23, with general sales from the same time on Friday, November 25. Top image: Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons.
Despite the Philippines’ proximity to Australia, we don’t get many opportunities to explore their bold, unusual food. But the Shangri-La Hotel’s Cafe Mix is breaking the mould. Their annual Philippine Food Festival has proved such a cracker that it’s back for it's third consecutive year, bringing you old traditional favourites and brand new creations to savour. For eight delectable days between October 2-10, Cafe Mix will be taken over by a colourful, aromatic buffet of dishes unique to the Philippines. Served up at lunch between midday and 2.30pm, and at dinner between 6pm and 10.30pm, it’ll allow you hours of laidback sampling at your own pace and according to your inclinations. Just quietly though, you don’t want to miss the kare-kare, a classic Philippine stew enriched with oxtail and peanut butter, and coloured with orange-red annatto seeds. Or the sizzling pork sisig, a dramatic, spicy dish, seasoned with chilli and calamansi (a half-kumquat, half-orange fruit native to the Philippines). And then there's the oysters, crabs and prawns — as you can imagine, a nation whose home consists of 7000 islands knows exactly how to get the most out of its seafood. The festival already has a dedicated and ravenous following, so you’d be smart to book yourself a spot by calling (02) 9250 6000 or emailing dine.slsn@shangri-la.com.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon.
Last week, Australia had its first ever drive-in concert. It took place in Sydney's Robyn Webster Sports Centre in Tempe on Thursday, May 21, with Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan as the headline act. It was free and — despite the midday time slot and the slightly off-kilter artist choice — it garnered a crowd. Drive-In Entertainment Australia's first concert was an example of how it plans to run its (many) future events. From July, the company hopes to host live music concerts for up to 600 people, in 300 cars, with plans to launch eight drive-in venues across NSW and Victoria. Depending on how successful the events are, more states may follow. So, how does it work? Much like a scene out of hit 70s film Grease — or any drive-in cinema, really — you drive in, park up and watch from your car. The sound will be broadcast by an FM radio to your car, with the option for the spectacle to be live streamed via Zoom, too. You won't be able to get out of your vehicle though, unless going to the bathroom. All ticketing will be contactless, as will any snack purchases, which will be delivered to your car from onsite food trucks. It's no secret Australia's music industry has been hit hard during the pandemic, with website I Lost My Gig reporting about $340 million in lost income since COVID-19 saw the cancellation and postponement of festivals and gigs nationwide. With Australia's proposed roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown, mass gatherings of up to 100 will be permissible from July, which isn't a sustainable outlook for all facets of the industry. Despite Falls Festival 2020 announcing its plans to go ahead, a public health expert predicts music festivals may not be able to restart until September 2021. At least with drive-in concerts, larger live music events will be able to have a small revival — even if it means you must cut shapes in your car. Australia is not the first country to trial drive-in gigs, with one of the first happening in an LA carpark back in March and another in Aarhus, Denmark last month, which sold out in minutes according to Forbes. Drive-In Entertainment Australia plans to launch eight venues across NSW and Victoria, with other states to potentially follow. Entertainers, producers, agents and managers can register for a gig from Saturday, July 18 onwards. More information and contact details can be found on the website.
Melbourne's seen its fair share of dockless bike share systems rolled out (and often axed) over the years. But things are shifting up a gear this year when the city's first ever long-term dockless share scheme for electric bikes launches this week. The City of Melbourne, the City of Yarra and the City of Port Phillip have announced they're starting a one-year trial with Uber's much-hyped e-bike service, Jump. Jump has already been embraced by cities across the US and Europe, and is en route to our neighbours in Auckland, but this will be its Australian launch. When they lands in Melbourne tomorrow at 6am, Wednesday, 4, the bright red pedal-assisted bikes will be available to hire through your regular Uber app. You'll just need to switch to bike mode, where you'll be able to see available bikes and use the app to unlock one and ride away. For now, 400 bikes will located in the CBD, with more bikes set to roll out across the City of Yarra and City of Port Phillip over the coming months. They'll be available to use in the three council areas, only, which cover the CBD and Docklands, West Melbourne (and over to Flemington), the inner north (Carlton, North Melbourne, Fitzroy and Richmond) and down to the bay (Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, Albert Park, St Kilda and Elwood). If you ride a Jump bike outside of these areas, you may receive a penalty charge to your Uber account. In another effort to avoid the woes of past bike share networks, the councils have signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the rules and regulations Jump will need to stick to in order to keep operating in Melbourne past the 12-month trial. The company using geo-fencing technologies and remote monitoring to keep track of its fleet. Hopefully that'll help curb the number of bikes ditched in trees, creeks and other questionable spots around the city, as was mostly the downfall of previous players like oBike. As well as laying down requirements for parking and maintenance, it stipulates firm resolution timeframes for damaged or discarded e-bikes. Taking care of service and maintenance will be the crew from Good Cycles, a Melbourne-based social enterprise that trains and employees disadvantaged youth. Riders will, of course, have to don a helmet and play by the usual road rules when cruising around on a Jump bike, with the bikes costing $1 to unlock and 30 cents a minute to ride. When you've finished using the bike, you'll also need to park and lock the bike in one of the e-bike zones shown on the app's map. Uber hasn't announced any plans to launch Jump in any other Australian cities yet, but if the trial goes well, we'd expect that it will in the near future. The Jump bike option will be available in your Uber app from Wednesday, March 4. You can find more info on the Jump bikes here.
I heard Jonathan Boulet between the cabin crew's witty quips and Kate Miller-Heidke tunes on Virgin Blue the other day; he's definitely creeped into the mainstream since releasing his debut on taste-making Modular Records a few months ago. The album of electronic-tinged folk is full of exultant and uplifting tunes that recall the anthemic moments of Arcade Fire, all played and produced by the Hills District wunderkind. Boulet has received some serious respect thus far: Triple J feature album, great reviews and even a big up from Mr. West himself, Kanye, who posted a link to the clip for 'A Community Service Announcement' on his blog, with title "Please watch this it's fucking amazing". Better exposure than Virgin Blue airtime, I reckon. The other bonus for this free show is Sherlock's Daughter, the young Sydney band who are going great guns and are about to do Texas's South by Southwest, as well as a string of other U.S. shows. The band's sound is built on almost hypnotic, pulsing Krautrock-esque rhythms and chants, which explode into dynamic freak-outs. Take the chance to see both bands at the Beach Road Hotel while they still do shows for free. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LyU7udQhBr8
It's 29 years since Queen last had Aussie crowds belting out their favourite lyrics at a live show. In that time, the Brit legends have endured the tragic loss of Freddie Mercury and struggled to find a replacement. In fact, since his death in 1991, no fewer than eleven singers have made appearances with the band, including David Bowie, Annie Lennox and Robbie Williams. However, it's 2009 American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert who's made the grade for this year's world tour. Before heading to Australia, he'll front Queen over the course of nineteen dates throughout the US. "The thought of sharing the stage for a full set in Australia is so beautifully surreal," Lambert said. "I'm honoured to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory. He's a personal hero of mine and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band." The tough part, of course, will be getting your hands on a ticket. New shows have been added but the seats have been pretty much snapped up quicker than you can say "Yeah, I'm smelling like a dried fish bone." https://youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM
Edward Gant's Amazing Feats of Loneliness is about two things: the ability of even small forays into art to remind us of beauty where at first glance there is only ugliness, and costumes. Edward Gant himself is a "prodigy, soldier, traveller, poet, but always a showman", and also something of an alter ago for writer Anthony Neilson (The Wonderful World of Dissocia). Like Neilson, he's found salvation from despair in rounding up strange, surreal, sweetly tragic and slightly grotesque stories for display in what is at one point dubbed his "unintelligible travelling vanity project". Gant (Paul Bishop) just does it in a green-sequined cape and with a charm reminiscent of Michael Sheen spliced with a bit of Betelgeuse (that is, a lot of charm). His three actors (played by Lindsay Farris, Bryan Probets and Emily Tomlins) present their collection of tales — of ostracised Sanzonetta, who's physical disfigurement holds the key to riches, love, freedom and social capital; of heartbroken Edgar, who scales the Himalayas to get his absent lover's face erased from his memory (years and questionable technologies ahead of Eterntal Sunshine) — on a skew-whiff, decagonal stage above which dangles the world, in paper lantern form. The costumes, meanwhile, are by Romance Was Born, who have clearly embraced the opportunity to design for a dreamy narrative with no attached commercial imperative to translate it to ready-to-wear. Their confections include an endlessly layered, peaches-and-cream lace frock crowned with sculptural, bougainvillea-like headgear; a beard of differently sized pearls; a pith helmet and pastel regalia; and a dress built entirely of jammy sponge rolls. Their signature patchwork and pomp is perfectly at home in Gant's arena, and the aesthetic is matched in the tricked-out set (Renee Mulder) and dramatic lighting (Damien Cooper). Eventually, a tear emerges in the high-fashion fabric of the Amazing Feats, infighting dooms the show's future, and it all gets a bit meta. As the play implodes, the characters enact debates about the purpose of theatre and the value of whimsy versus realism that one imagines torment Neilson around the clock. The love-it-or-hate-it turn of events at least brings extra meaning and fun. It's not a masterpiece and doesn't pretend to be, but Edward Gant is a bit of a treasure.
The Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is making its grand return in 2024 with a fantastic epicurean program worthy of a journey to the Sunshine Coast. There aren't many events that bring leading chefs, acclaimed restaurants, live music and beach parties together, but this event offers all that and more in one of the country's most picturesque coastal destinations across four days from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2, 2024. From multi-course lunches at Noosa's buzziest hotspots to celebrity chef masterclasses and sunset drinks on the beach, read on for the various mouthwatering ways to experience Noosa Eat & Drink in 2024. Festival Village The heart of the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is the two-day Festival Village across Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. Grab your tickets for one of the interactive chef-hosted masterclasses including a Bandita Masterclass with Jason Jones and Seabourne Distillery, and a dessert masterclass with sweets superstar Anna Polyviou. Then grab a wine, beer or cocktail from world-class purveyors as you explore the Producers Pavilion throughout the day to procure local honey, condiments, ceramics and more. This year's Main Stage program at the Festival Village will showcase cooking demos led by notable foodie personalities and celebrity cooking competitions. Once the sun goes down, a lineup of entertaining performers will keep the crowds warmed up, from guest DJs to six-piece live band Bermuda Social. You can regularly recharge with a bite from one of the pop-up restaurants and stalls, or unwind in style at the VIP Lounge. VIP ticket-holders can enjoy a complimentary welcome drink of Chandon Garden Spritz and catering by Lanai Noosa in lounge seating on a private lawn. They'll also get front-row seating by the main stage and priority entry. Book your Festival Village tickets here. Beach Events The festival will take over Noosa Main Beach with back-to-back twilight events and a Sunday brunch from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2. These sprawling oceanside shindigs are so sought after that one of them sold out within a couple of days of tickets going on sale. That's right, tickets for the official opening party on the Friday evening have already been snapped up entirely. However, the Sunday Festival Sundowner — the beach party that caps off the weekend with tequila, dancing and revelry — is now on sale so get in quick. Earlier on the Sunday, The Minuty Beach Brunch will take place with a menu curated by George Calombaris and MasterChef alumni Sarah Todd, paired to complement the flavour profile of Château Minuty rosé which will be flowing on the day. Book your tickets now. On Saturday, June 1 Noosa Main Beach will be taken over as the Saturday Beach Club where groups can book tables or picnic rugs and enjoy Italian-style grazing platters by Locale and drinks for a leisurely hang to make the most of the gorgeous setting. Rally your crew and book in for a session pronto. Restaurants It wouldn't be a spotlight on Noosa's food scene without the involvement of beloved local restaurants. Refined classics Locale, Noosa Waterfront and Season will join fresh favourites Seabourne Distillery, Mariella Mexicantina, Bandita Mexican and Sum Yum Guys for special menus and exclusive events. Among the highlights: The Locale Long Italian Lunch presented by Cloudy Bay for which the terrific Hasting Street Italian eatery is collaborating with visiting chef Will Cowper of Otto Brisbane for a traditional Italian-style feast paired with Cloudy Bay wines. Tickets go on sale from March 14. Another option is going down a little further south at the Peregian Beach Hotel for the Local Love Lunch where guests will enjoy a four-course lunch starring the best local and native produce with beverages courtesy of Seabourne Distillery and wines from Alpha Box & Dice. Get tickets here on March 14. If a Mexican feast with mezcal is more your speed, get on board for the Bandita Late Lunch, where the Bandita Noosaville team will join forces with Mextrade — Australia's top distributor of tequila, mezcal and Mexican craft spirits. Tickets will be available here from March 14. And one of the waterfront institutions of Noosa Main Beach, Season Restaurant, is hosting a lavish Asian dining feast at the Season Restaurant x Shaw + Smith Lunch with wines courtesy of the renowned Mclaren Vale winery at which winemaker Adam Wadewitz will be on hand to guide you through each pairing. Bookmark this link to secure your tickets. There's also a special collaboration between Khanh Ong and Betty's Burgers, a gin tour, a local craft beer tour, and a laneway party at Noosa Junction. There will also be a floating dining experience on the luxe Catalina Noosa and even an island takeover. Tickets are strictly limited and sold separately per event, so make sure to get in quick. Purchase tickets and find out more at the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival website.
If Emily had been made two or three decades earlier, it might've starred Frances O'Connor, rather than boast the Australian actor-turned-filmmaker as its writer and director. Back in the 90s and 00s, O'Connor played with literary classics in movies such as Mansfield Park and The Importance of Being Earnest, plus a TV version of Madame Bovary. Now, making an accomplished and emotive debut behind the lens, she explores how Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights might've come to be. Is a Kate Bush-inspiring piece of gothic romantic fiction of such passion and yearning — the only one from a writer lost to tuberculosis at the age of just 30 in 1848 — the result of a life touched by both? That's a question that this fictionalised biopic ponders. Emily begins with another query, however, although it's also basically the same question. "How did you write it?" Emily's (Emma Mackey, Death on the Nile) older sister Charlotte (Alexandra Dowling, The Musketeers) demands. "How did you write Wuthering Heights?" As one Brontë grills another, "I took my pen and put it to paper" is Emily's literal answer, offered as she reclines, pale and not long for this world, alongside printed versions of her now-iconic story. The response provided by the gorgeously shot, impressively acted and deeply moving Emily is far more complicated, but O'Connor's choice to open her movie with this scene and question is both clever and telling. One perspective on great artists, including of words, is to view their work as intertwined with their lives — aka this feature's preferred vantage. A key perspective of Emily, too, is not letting the small amount of detail known about the middle of literature's three Brontë sisters dictate how this story is told. That copy of Wuthering Heights by Emily's side? It bears her name, as does every iteration printed today, but her book wasn't first published under her real moniker — her pen name was Ellis Bell — until two years after her death. With Emily, O'Connor doesn't just pluck everything from her own imagination, but conceives of context for a novel that still haunts and entrances today. Before she's close to saying farewell, the film's namesake is a shy, sensitive but strong-minded young woman seen as the family black sheep — in her minister father Patrick's (Adrian Dunbar, Line of Duty) eyes, visibly, given that she always comes second to Charlotte and the younger Anne (Amelia Gething, The Spanish Princess), and also further afield. "They call you the strange one," Charlotte advises with exasperation at Emily's demeanour, her penchant for staying home and for fondness for roaming, rolling and falling in green among the wily, windy moors. There's no absence of kindness among the sisters, but Emily's keenest affinity springs with her scampish brother Branwell (Fionn Whitehead, Voyagers), an aspiring creative whose attachment to alcohol and opium impacts his dreams. Into this Yorkshire maelstrom arrives handsome curate William Weightman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen, The Lost Daughter), instantly winning over Charlotte and Anne with his lyrical sermons and his Valentine's wishes, and the village of Haworth as well, but initially leaving the guarded Emily sceptical. So, when Patrick decrees that William will help with Emily's French lessons, she's reluctant in general — including about their burgeoning connection. In a movie filled with standout scenes so potent that many other flicks would long to possess them, a debate in the Gallic tongue about blind faith proves one of Emily's most electrifying. That said, sparks don't merely fly in verbal discussions, as the frantic but careful attention given to the era's complicated disrobing demonstrates once Emily and William submit to their smouldering attraction. Teaming up with cinematographer Nanu Segal (A Spy Among Friends) and editor Sam Sneade (The Suspect) — and with strings-fuelled assistance from composer Abel Korzeniowski (The Courier) — O'Connor finds heat and solace against the picture's bucolic backdrop. At its lustiest, Emily never threatens Lady Chatterley's Lover, but it too is earthy, full-hearted and focused on a tactile romance. The impressionistic filmmaking itself evokes the whirlwind of sensations swirling and stirring inside its central figure, whether the movie is cutting to black, deploying handheld camerawork or energetically setting the pace through quick edits. Throw in that often-urgent score, as well as elemental sound design that whirrs with the wind but also knows how to punctuate its emotions with silence, and to watch Emily is to feel as feverish as O'Connor contends that Emily did, or might've, or could've. It isn't just a compliment to O'Connor to note that she pens and helms a feature she would've once fronted. Such is the now-director's standing as an actor — in a career that's also spanned Love and Other Catastrophes, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Hunter, The Conjuring 2, Cleverman and The End — that they're words of praise to Mackey as well. The Sex Education star ripples with intensity even in the stillest and quietest of moments, constantly conveying Emily's ever-churning thoughts and feelings in something as simple but loaded as a pensive gaze. Emily adores peering intently at her face and Mackey is up to the scrutiny, but one of her powerhouse scenes involves Emily donning a mask. Playing a storytelling game, and bringing to mind the origins of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in the process, she spooks Charlotte, Anne, Branwell and William by claiming to be the spirit of the Brontës' dead mother. How symbolic this exchange is, too, laying bare the influence of grief upon the family and displaying what Emily is capable of when she doesn't have to worry about the face she's showing the world. How wonderful it'd be to see Mackey cast as Catherine in a future adaptation of Wuthering Heights as well, if another soon joins the many past takes — 1939's Oscar-nominee, 1992's Juliette Binoche-led flick and 2011's Andrea Arnold (Cow)-directed one, to name a few — on-screen. For now, though, if there's a misstep in Emily, it's the nods given to the Brontës' speculated sibling rivalry. All three sisters made their mark on the page, and on history — Charlotte is responsible for Jane Eyre, of course, and Anne for Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall — and having them in competition with each other feels reductive. Still, it never undoes the movie, and it does help answer the big early question slung Emily's way. How did she write Wuthering Heights? In a family of sharp, intelligent, talented women, by being utterly and unflinchingly herself.
The Annandale Hotel, the beloved Parramatta Road music venue, is bringing primary school back by pitching the boys against the girls in a showcase of some of Australia's most exciting male and female talent. With an epic lineup of six bands, and evoking lunchtime kisschasey games, Boys vs Girls is a night sure to provide you with your musical money's worth and a minimal amount of playground hair-pulling and name-calling. Headlining are one of Sydney's finest up and coming bands Ghostwood, who you should in all seriousness check out, because if things in the world are fair they deserve to get very big. The female half of the headline is represented by Laura Imbruglia's witty, folk-inspired tunes, and bringing up the rear are the jangly guitars of Young Revelry, the grungy pop of The Betty Airs, as well as Creepers and Bonney Read. The first fifty pre-sale tickets will receive a limited edition cassette single of Ghostwood's incredibly catchy single 'Sunset Mirage.' A friend of mine has been trying to get his hands on one of these for a couple of months now, so I'm guessing there has to be something pretty awesome about them, aside from the novelty of owning pieces of dead technology gradually being revived by hipsters and nerds.
Harry Potter is dead. He has ceased to be. He has expired, gone to meet his maker, 100 percent Avada Kedavra'd and this time love 'aint gonna bring him back. Be it known that his murderer was one Daniel 'never gonna pigeonhole me' Radcliffe, who killed off the boy wizard with a lethal dose of convincing American accent and a heady trinity of straight sex, gay sex and self-sex. But Kill Your Darlings is not a murder mystery. The title actually refers to some sage literary advice that writers ought delete their most beloved passages since they're inevitably the most self-indulgent. The film does open with a murder and revisits it in the climax, yet at its heart it is a coming-of-age tale for its protagonist — famed US poet Allen Ginsberg (Radcliffe). It's set in Manhattan during the early 1940s, when Ginsberg was just a college freshman at Colombia University, studying the classics but experiencing a growing disdain for the established order. Inspired by the free verse of Walt Whitman and the free spirit of his dormitory buddy Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan), Ginsberg quickly fell down the sex-drugs-and-alcohol-fuelled rabbit hole of the underground literary sect, befriending future luminaries like Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston) and William Burroughs (Ben Foster). This was the beat generation finding its rhythm, and in that sense Kill Your Darlings tells something of an origin story for some of America's great storytellers. In the lead, Radcliffe's Ginsberg is a performance of transformation, not just of the character but for the actor, too. Both begin the film as timid young men in an alluring yet perilous world, burdened with complicated pasts and uncertain of how their contemporaries will judge them. By its end, they emerge as commanders of their art; fearless poets and performers. The wide-eyed wonderment with which Radcliffe's Potter viewed his magical world appears again here, though the temptations and possibilities are of an entirely different nature. Most notable is his infatuation with the manipulative Carr, played to perfection by DeHaan (The Place Beyond The Pines). Though never fully demonised, Carr's very much the villain in Kill Your Darlings — a blue-eyed, blonde-haired paramour whose hapless devotees (including Michael C. Hall) will do anything to please him, including writing assignments on his behalf. There's more than a bit of DiCaprio in the young actor, who's quickly ratcheting up an impressive backlog of performances, and his on-screen chemistry with Radcliffe is entirely engaging. There's a lot to like about this movie, and compared to other recent beat-era films (On The Road, Howl) it is easily the best. Filmed over just 24 days, it suffers from the occasional rough edges — both cinematically and textually — however, its fine performances and fascinating subject matter make it more than worth your while. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WRY2ogQpbvg
Any night of the week, you're guaranteed a good feed in Sydney. But during Sydney Solstice, the city's dining scene is taking things up a notch. The new two-week event is taking over more than 200 bars, restaurants, art galleries and live music venues across multiple suburbs for a series of magical feasts, devilish dinners and food-filled street parties. Running from Tuesday, June 8 till Sunday, June 20, the event series will feature a midnight feast at CBD dumpling master Mr Wong, a wine series with Opera House views at Aria and a free beer fest at Pyrmont's Terminus Hotel — and that's just the start. We've teamed up with NSW Government via Destination NSW to round up nine Sydney Solstice experiences to lap up this winter if you, like us, are always thinking about food and booze.
This Christmas, all you need is love — plus a festive little cabaret that showcases all of the hit tunes from Love Actually. It's the way to celebrate the season when you're not just leaving the seasonal favourite flick on repeat at home. Yep, that's Christmas Actually. Created by the folks behind Rumour Has It and Lady Beatle, Christmas Actually features all of the tracks that've become synonymous with this merry time of year — including Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You', naturally. Songs by Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, The Beach Boys and The Beatles are all on the bill as well — and, to help belt them out, Price will be joined by Luke Kennedy, Stefanie Jones, Doron Chester, Scott French, Mik Easterman, Lauren White and Ben Kiehne. There'll even be more than one nativity lobster, plus a jolly mood and a whole room full of festive cheer. That room is Sydney Coliseum Theatre, where Christmas Actually plays its 2024 Harbour City date on Saturday, December 21. Get excited by revisiting Love Actually's trailer below. 'Tis the season, after all. Top image: Katy Bedford.
Almost a decade and a half after the Marvel Cinematic Universe first reached screens and began to change blockbuster entertainment as we know it, it can often seem like its sprawling range of interconnected films and TV shows has featured every actor ever. We'd start naming stars, but there's just so many. And the next show headed to the comic book company's television ranks — and set to stream via Disney+, obviously — definitely won't change that feeling, given that it features Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke. In Moon Knight, Isaac (The Card Counter) plays the eponymous figure — and yes, from the MCU's Phase Four ranks (because Marvel splits its movies and series into phases depending on where the overarching story is at the time), this'll be the first Disney+ series that doesn't overtly tie in with characters we've already seen in plenty of its past flicks. So, if it all sounds unfamiliar after the last year served up WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki and Hawkeye, there's a very good reason for that. On the page, Moon Knight dates back to 1975 — and, on-screen, hasn't ever gotten the live-action treatment until now. Also known as Marc Spector, the character is an ex-marine who has a dissociative identity disorder as well as a sleeping disorder, and also becomes the conduit for the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. Already dealing with multiple distinctive identities and not being able to tell the difference between being awake and asleep, the latter run-in doesn't go down smoothly, unsurprisingly. Just how that'll turn out for this Isaac-starring version of the figure won't be seen until Wednesday, March 30, when Moon Knight will start hitting Disney+ — but the first trailer for the six-part series has just dropped to give everyone a glimpse in the interim. Isaac plays frantic, stressed and panic well, and not only because he plays almost everything well (see also: last year's Scenes From a Marriage and Dune). And this sneak peek both gets twisty and teases out the show's premise. As for Hawke (The Good Lord Bird), he's the villain of the piece, and is seen drawing a crowd, looking like a cult leader and encouraging Marc to embrace the voice inside his head. Moon Knight boasts impressive talent behind the camera, too, with The Endless and Synchronic's Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead directing. And yes, this is just the first of Marvel's 2022 TV shows, with She-Hulk starring Tatiana Maslany (Perry Mason) and he-hulk Mark Ruffalo, plus Ms Marvel and Nick Fury-focused series Secret Invasion, all likely to hit this year, too. Check out the Moon Knight trailer below: Moon Knight will be available to stream via Disney+ from Wednesday, March 30.
The Old Fitzroy Hotel is unique among Sydney pubs in having a theatre in its bowels. And it's not just any old theatre, but one of the city's best in programming independent productions from up-and-comers and experimenters, through its resident company, the Tamarama Rock Surfers. Now for its many artists, fans, and those who just love any excuse for Sunday beers, the Rock Surfers are extending an invitation to Pub Plays, a fortnightly series of script-in-hand readings of classic Australian plays that have been too long hidden from light. It's a great tack for a scene where new scripts can find roads to their premiere but not often their reprise. The gatherings will be looking for new insights from these older stories, with the insightfulness helped along by a few jugs. The first reading, on September 30, will be of Eunice Hanger's Flood and directed by John Kachoyan.
