Australians, if you thought you had a lot of food delivery options at your fingertips before, consider yourself even more spoilt for choice now. DoorDash, the US's biggest on-demand food platform for door-to-door delivery, has arrived Down Under, taking on Melbourne, Geelong and Sydney in its first expansion outside of North America. Thousands of restaurants are set to jump on board as DoorDash rolls out its platform locally. And yes, that means dinnertime decision-making just got a little more interesting. Which can't be a bad thing, given that stats show a lot of us — two million of us to be exact — use meal delivery services at lease once every three months. Even more so now, with many Australians practising social-distancing or self-isolating in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DoorDash has introduced no-contact delivery (and will leave your food at the front door) and is waiving delivery fees for a heap of restaurants, so they can generate a little more money in these uncertain times. Big-name restaurant brands available on the delivery service in Melbourne include Betty's Burgers and Nando's, along with a diverse spread of well-loved local eateries like Red Sparrow Pizza, Le Bon Ton, Huxtaburger. In Sydney, you can order from the likes of Grill'd, Restaurant Moon, Huxtaburger, Lukumades, Mr Crackles and Thirsty Bird. The app works much the same as competitors, like UberEats and Deliveroo, though it also has a 'pick-up' and 'group ordering' options — the latter making it a lot easier to coordinate big groups. DoorDash is by no means new to the game. Having launched back in 2013, it now operates in over 4000 cities across all 50 states of the USA and Canada. If you're keen to check out the new service, DoorDash is currently offering free delivery for a heap of restaurants. The DoorDash delivery platform is now available in Melbourne, Geelong and Sydney over at doordash.com. 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.
Whether you have tickets to Bluesfest or you were just intending to head to Byron Bay for an Easter getaway, the latest COVID-19 developments in New South Wales might have you rethinking your plans. Today, Wednesday, March 31, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that four shires in the north coast region will be placed back under gathering and venue restrictions in response to the recent community transmission cases linked to the area. From 5pm AEDT today until at least 11.59pm on Monday, April 5, the Byron, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore shires will revert back to 30-person caps for at-home gatherings, and will reinstate the one person per four-square-metres rule at all indoor public settings, including hospitality venues. You'll also have to sit, not stand, while you're having a drink. And, masks will be compulsory on public transport, in retail settings and whenever you're indoors in a public place. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1377061983447490560 The Premier also revealed today that one case has been identified in Byron Bay, linked to one of the venues visited by two positive cases from Brisbane who visited the area over the past weekend. The man in his 20s "sat in proximity to the travellers from Queensland who were infectious at the time," NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant advised at today's press conference. Due to this growing cluster, the Greater Brisbane area is currently in lockdown. Announcing the changed restrictions in the four shires, Premier Berejiklian said that "we know through this one case of community transmission that there could be others. Until the end of Easter, those four local government areas will be subject to some restrictions." She continued: "the positive news in all of this is we're not saying to businesses shut your doors, quite the opposite. We are saying you can keep your doors open but because of the risk that is there — we want you to be extra cautious." If you've seen NSW Health's COVID-19 figures for today, it lists no new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, Tuesday, March 30 — but this new case in Byron Bay was identified after that period ended. Premier Berejiklian also advised that the government isn't locking down the identified areas, but folks who were planning to head there might want to re-evaluate their plans. "We won't tell people to stop going to those four regions over Easter but, given the new restrictions about the four-square-metre rule, venues which could previously take more people may have to take less people," she said. "We ask everybody who was attending those local government areas to reconsider their plans, although we're not saying it is compulsory not to go." Specifically regarding Bluesfest, which is due to kick off tomorrow, Thursday, April 1, the Premier said that a statement will be put out later today. Speaking about the festival, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard also said discussions are ongoing with the event's organisers. "There is a high level of concern from our public health officials that, with these new cases that have come from Queensland and then the newest case that we have heard about just overnight, that we all need to be on high alert," he advised. "What I would say is that if it were absolutely safe, then we wouldn't be making this comment... To those who might be intending to come, just be alert to the messages that will come from the New South Wales Government in the next 12-24 hours as we look at the unfolding situation on the north coast," he continued. As always, Sydneysiders are asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that have been visited by positive coronavirus cases — and, if you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, to get tested immediately and self-isolate. You can also have a look at the venue alerts over at this interactive map. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Australians, it's time to roll up your sleeves — because the nation's slow-moving COVID-19 vaccine scheme has just been given a crucial boost. In a newly announced change, all Australian adults of any age can now get the AstraZeneca jab. All you need to do is go to your GP and specifically request the AZ vaccine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the news during a late-night press conference yesterday, Monday, June 28, in which he addressed several aspects of the country's vaccine rollout. Specifically, he announced a new no-fault indemnity scheme for general practitioners who administer COVID-19 vaccines, so they're covered if their patients have any adverse reactions. Australia's current health advice notes that the AZ vaccine is preferred for folks over the age of 60, and that anyone younger should have the Pfizer vaccine; however, if you're below that cutoff and would still like the AZ jab, your doctor can now give it to you. "This relates to encouraging Australians to go and chat to their GP about their vaccination, and to have their vaccination administered," said the Prime Minister. "The advice does not preclude persons under 60 from getting the AstraZeneca vaccine, and so if you wish to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, then we would encourage you to go and have that discussion with your GP," he explained. "We are also providing the indemnity scheme for those general practitioners so they can actively engage with you and you can make the best decision for your health." While that part of the Prime Minister's press conference didn't mention age limits, he was specifically asked about under 40s, and confirmed that any Aussie adult of any age can now go to their GP to get the AZ shot. "If they wish to go and speak to their doctor and have access to the AstraZeneca vaccine, they can do so," he said. That's welcome news for everyone under 40 that's keen to get jabbed, but hasn't been able to due to Australia's staged vaccine rollout. Until last night, adults aged between 16–39 weren't eligible to get vaccinated unless they fell into a number of specific categories. You had to either be of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent; work in quarantine, border or healthcare roles; work or live in an aged care or disability facility; work in a critical and high-risk job such as defence, fire, police, emergency services and meat processing; have an underlying medical condition or significant disability; or participate in the NDIS, or care for someone who does. Aussies under 40 who'd prefer the Pfizer vaccine will still need to fall into one of the aforementioned groups. Since Thursday, June 17, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has recommended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine in people aged over 60 only due to the risk of rare blood clotting disorders that've been linked to the vaccine when given to younger folks. That change followed an early recommendation back in April, which noted the AstraZeneca vaccine wasn't preferred for anyone under 50. But anyone of any age, including those under 60, can now still get the AZ jab — after making an informed decision by talking to their doctor. For further information about Australia's vaccine rollout, head to the Australian Department of Health website.
As Australia's drinks scene has boomed, so has a hardly surprising side effect, with more than a few independently owned breweries and distilleries getting snapped up by the big end of town. In fact, the latest development in this space sees not one, not two, but five indie names make the move to a beer behemoth — with Lion purchasing the Fermentum Group, which includes Stone and Wood, Two Birds, Fixation, Little Dragon and Sunly Seltzer. The sale sees the Byron Bay-based Stone and Wood, Melbourne labels Two Birds and Fixation, boozy ginger beer brand Little Dragon and hard seltzer Sunly Seltzer all join Lion's sizeable alcohol stable. Owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings, Lion also boasts beer labels such as James Squire, Little Creatures, Furphy, White Rabbit, Hahn, Tooheys, James Boag's, Malt Shovel, Eumundi and XXXX to its name — and, since 2019, 50 percent of Healesville-based gin distillery Four Pillars as well. Announcing the news on its website, Lion said that it has "huge respect for what Jamie Cook, Brad Rogers, Ross Jurisich and the team have created; great beer, wonderful brands, spiritual homes in their breweries and tap rooms, an inclusive culture and a commitment to the community. We want to grow what they've started, giving their people and beers even more reach across the country." In their own statement, the Stone and Wood trio of Cook, Rogers and Jurisich said that "earlier this year, we realised that we were approaching a major milestone in the development of Stone and Wood where we knew it was time to build a new brewery. After many months of working through how we were going to begin the next chapter in our story, the founding families decided it might be time to see if there was a custodian for the business who could grow the legacy, its people, its culture, its brands, and continue to drive the business whilst staying true to its purpose." [caption id="attachment_667510" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Two Birds, Simon Shiff[/caption] Part of the sale will see Lion support Stone and Wood, Two Birds and Fixation to go carbon neutral, and to also continue Fermentum's plans to build a new brewery in Murwillumbah. The deal comes nine months after Fermentum bought Two Birds' brewery, tap room and brands, as announced back in January. At the time of writing, the sale of Fermentum to Lion is still subject to regulatory approvals. For more information about Lion's purchase of the Fermentum Group of breweries, visit the Lion and Stone and Wood websites.
If we had to name just one inner city suburb to best represent what makes Sydney special, then a strong case could be made for Redfern. It combines slices of Sydney history and cultural heritage with buzzing hospitality and modern creative arts scenes. Some of the area's greatest offerings are hidden right in plain sight. To help you explore more of this part of Sydney, we teamed up with City of Sydney to ask Concrete Playground readers what businesses they love to visit and support around Redfern and Waterloo. Here are some of your top picks. Read on to discover some of the most popular picks to visit during the day. Then, flick the switch above and we'll dim the lights to show your favourite things to do once the sun goes down.
It seems a cold-culture fad has hit the streets of Sydney lately. With bright stores popping up left, right and centre, what is the go with froyo? Even the kids of The OC were all over it back in the day, with Marissa and Summer frequently spotted getting their dose. For those of us (ahem, cool kids) that haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, we delved into the deep end to seek out what the fuss was all about. So now we can deliver the lowdown on the who, what, when, where — and, most importantly, why you’d even froyo at all. So why froyo? Well, for starters, you can get all the goss on who the 14-year-olds are crushing on in One Direction and also find out why Jess spoke to Matt on Monday at school, when they were like, totally over on Friday. All whilst you’re getting your dairy requirements in a guava and pineapple froyo. Just make sure you top it up with a few berries, so Mum knows you've had your antioxidants. It seems we’ve all fallen for the marketing gambits, because although froyo contains all those fan-dangle bacterias like lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus, it literally is just frozen, yoghurt. Also known as frogurt, but froyo is the word on the street. Ah-der. Where did this froyo fad stem from? Froyo apparently originated in the US in the 1970s, when a gentleman named Hood introduced the soft serve dessert called Frogurt. Of course, everyone cottoned onto this fad and by the 1980s, it was all about fluoro leggings, frizzy hair and froyo. It's still massive in the US, and the revival here comes down to consumer preferences for 'healthier' options and the variety of flavours and styles. Plus, late-night dessert cravings are met, as the froyo places are open till 11pm most nights. How does it work? The froyo experience can be quite overwhelming — there are so many places to choose from and then there's an abundance of flavours and toppings as well. Once you've selected your size, flavour and desired toppings, young staff in bright uniforms will prepare the froyo for you behind the counter. More perilous alternatives are those stores that are self-serve, where you pay by weight (eg, 59c per 28.35g). With heavy-handed serving and yoghurt nozzles that pour huge dollops out very quickly, be careful you don't spend all your pocket money on the froyo. Otherwise, you'll have to skip Friday froyo and miss out on what happened with Jess and Matt this week. Other possibilities for a froyo hit include smoothies and yoghurt parfaits and some places offer the standard desserts such as chocolate souffles, waffles and churros. Moo Berry in Newtown is renowned for its signature Coconut Affogato ($6.50) — one for the grown-ups. Flavours? The standard original will always be an option, and is commonly a favourite among those who prefer that unique yoghurt taste. But like anything in the US, 50 of anything is just not enough, so there's always a new flavour waiting in the wings. Many places offer between four and eight flavours, with Yoghurtland having the most on offer — a whopping sixteen on rotation at once. Among the culprits you'll see available are: chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut, mango, passionfruit, strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, banana, coconut, lychee, biscotti, salted caramel, white chocolate macadamia, cookies & cream and guava & pineapple. Toppings? Once you’ve got the flavour decided, it’s time to choose some toppings to complete the package. And depending on where you go, there can be quite the variety, thus resulting in a lengthy decision-making process. Here are just a few (seriously, a few): muesli, cocoa krispies, maltesers, choc flakes, coconut shavings, fresh and dried fruit, fresh berries, Oreos, nuts, hot fudge, mini marshmallows, gummy bears, freckles, sprinkles, passionfruit, cookie dough and fruit pearls/bursts. Take your pick. Best combinations? There are any number of peculiar combinations — basically the ball's in your court. Personal preferences can get bizarre, but usually original is paired with fruity toppings such as fresh berries or passionfruit and sweeter flavours like chocolate are best with m&m’s, cookies or hot fudge. Here are some of our favourites: caramel with brownie bits and crushed nuts, mango with shredded coconut and lime pearls, original with muesli and strawberries, watermelon with mini marshmallows and raspberries, hazelnut with hot fudge and choc chips, pomegranate sorbet with gummy bears, and vanilla with strawberry syrup and choc chips. Showdown: froyo or gelato? Yes, yoghurt is healthy, but the real killer with froyo is the fact that manufacturers have sweetened up traditional yoghurt to avoid the tart taste. Additionally, with all the fanciful flavours and topping options, froyo ends up being just as 'naughty' (or whatever) as gelato. Plus, why are we catching on to this US fad when their credibility in the food arena is, well, to be debated? Regardless, it comes down to taste, and frozen yoghurt maintains tartness to it, whereas its frozen rivals are much sweeter. But we love treats — everything in moderation, right? So what if it is the Krispy Kreme of the yoghurt world, we say dig into whatever floats your boat. And despite froyo being the latest fad, something tells us it’ll linger a little longer, so you’ve got plenty of time to take your pick and be part of the active, probiotic froyo culture. Froyo hotspots Yogurberry: Locations: World Square, Chatswood, Epping, Strathfield, Eastwood, Bondi Junction, George St, Burwood. Moo Berry: 160 King Street, Newtown Yoghurtland: Locations: George St, Manly, Newtown, Parramatta, Macarthur Square. Wowcow: 280 King Street, Newtown Zwirl Yoghurt House: Chatswood, Newtown Twisted Frozen Yoghurt: 36 Hall Street, Bondi Top image: ninacoco. Toppings image: PincasPhoto. Via photopin cc
With just days to go until the new Sydney Metro City and Southwest Line's planned opening, Transport for NSW has announced that the super-fast train line will no longer welcome its first passengers on Sunday, August 4. In recent months, thousands of hours of tests have been carried out on the new line's systems to prepare them for commuters. However, the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator has yet to certify the line as passenger-ready, forcing Transport for NSW to postpone the opening. A new opening date is yet to be announced. It has taken seven years of construction to prepare the new line connecting Sydenham in Sydney's southwest to Chatswood, north of the harbour, and tantalising images of the new stations, including the vast "superhub" at Martin Place, have offered a glimpse at the exciting upgrades commuters can look forward to. Improved infrastructure around new Metro stations has also been revealed in recent days, including a sprawling public spaces at the waterfront Barangaroo precinct, where hundreds of plants, seating areas and a monument of a unique piece of Sydney history have been installed. At a media address at Martin Place on Tuesday, July 30, Transport Minister Jo Haylen said of the delayed opening: "We do need a little more time for the safety regulator to give us the final tick of approval. I've always said that safety and reliability comes first and I'm not in the business of putting additional pressure on the national safety regulator." More than 11,000 hours of tests have been carried out on the line already, however, four additional exercises, in collaboration with Fire and Rescue NSW, will need to be completed before final approval to open can be issued. For more information about the City and Southwest Metro line, visit the Sydney Metro website. Images: Transport for NSW
Maybe you've gone in for pizza and had a surprisingly great cocktail. Or maybe you've done it the other way around. Either way, one thing is for sure: Maybe Frank does great pizza and cocktails. And now, the team behind the Surry Hills' restaurant is expanding its offering with Maybe Sammy, set to open in The Rocks later this year. Owners Stefano Catino and Vince Lombardo have already begun work on their new Harrington Street digs, which sits just opposite Neil Perry's Rosetta. The venue is fittingly named after another jazz era icon, Sammy Davis Jr. — if you hadn't guessed, Maybe Frank is named after Sinatra. But this new venture is all about the cocktails — something that Maybe Frank has gained quite a following for. The restaurant's leading barman Andrea Gualdi most recently won the 2017 World Class Bartender of the Year at the Diageo World Class Australia Competition. He'll be a co-owner along with Catino and Lombardo, and will lead the bar team at the new venue. While the cocktail list will be entirely new and hasn't yet been finalised, you can expect the creative cocktail creations that Maybe Frank is known for. To give you an idea of what to expect, the current menu features the Hugs and Roses (vodka, citrus, turmeric, rose petals and honey), Flat Spritz (white wine, peach, Aperol and pop rocks) and Capitano (Encanto Pisco, mezcal, pecan-infused vermouth, bitters and charred wood). What won't carry over to the new menu is the pizza. Replacing the Italian menu will be one inspired by 1950s Hollywood glamour, complete with a fit-out that emulates a high-end hotel bar. Everything's still very much in development, so, at this stage, Maybe Sammy looks like it will be a few months away yet. But we'll update you with more info on this soon. Maybe Sammy will open later this year at 111 Harrington Street, The Rocks. Keep an eye on this space for updates.
For an Anzac Day experience all in one venue, head down to The Vic in Enmore as they host their inaugural Anzac Day car park party at their new outdoor venue, The Projects. There will be plenty of drinks. There will be plenty of meat, on spit roasts. There will be plenty of Anzac biscuits. There will be plenty of Two-Up. There will be plenty of music from Spurs for Jesus, Handsome Young Strangers, Jay Katz and DJs. Plus entry is free. Read the rest of our ten best things to do this Anzac Day.
Before 'indie' meant more than 'independently signed', Neutral Milk Hotel fit the term by all accounts. Reaching cult status only after their 1999 breakup, the American outfit have since inspired Tumblr posts the world over with angst-soaked lyrics such as "How strange it is to be anything at all." As part of their reunion tour, Neutral Milk Hotel were set to headline the dust-biting Harvest Festival, but made sure to remember their generation-spanning fans here in Aus. Yep, for their first Aussie shows ever, the full lineup from everyone's favourite record — 1998's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea — will be brought to The Enmore Theatre on November 14. The once-in-a-lifetime shows will see NMH joined by M. Ward and Superchunk. So c'mon fanboys and girls, grab the last of the tickets that went on sale Friday October 11; they mightn't last much longer.
Since March 2020, Australians haven't been able to take an overseas getaway, with the country's borders closed and international travel banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In just a few weeks, however, that'll change — with the long-discussed trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand launching at 11.59pm on Sunday, April 18. Today, Tuesday, April 6, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the country has agreed upon conditions for opening up quarantine-free travel with Australia. Yes, that means that Aussies will soon be able to venture further than our own shores. Yes, that word you're looking for is 'finally'. And yes, the quarantine-free travel applies to New Zealanders returning from Australia, too. If this idea sounds familiar, that's because a one-way arrangement has actually been in effect since mid-October 2020, with New Zealanders currently able to visit some Australian states. While the bubble has been paused a few times due to COVID-19 case numbers in NZ, it has remained broadly in place for the past six months. But, despite a reciprocal plan being floated and discussed plenty of times over the past year, Aussies haven't been able to head to NZ in return so far. In mid-March, Prime Minister Ardern advised that the NZ Government was progressing towards a decision on the trans-Tasman bubble. After that revelation, a date of Tuesday, April 6 was given for the official announcement. So now, after all that talk and planning, Aussies now know that they can start genuinely planning NZ getaways — and when they're able to head off — while New Zealanders know when they can take an Aussie holiday, then return without quarantining. Announcing the news, Prime Minister Ardern said that the trans-Tasman bubble is "an important step forward" in the country's COVID response "and represents an arrangement I do not believe we have seen in any other part of the world". Heading to NZ won't quite be the same as it was pre-COVID-19, though, as Prime Minister Ardern also outlined today. "While we absolutely wish to encourage family and friends to reunite and visitors to come and enjoy the hospitality New Zealand is ready and waiting to offer, those undertaking travel on either side of the ditch will do so under the guidance of 'flyer beware'," Prime Minister Ardern said. "People will need to plan for the possibility of travel being disrupted if there is an outbreak," she continued. If you're wondering what that could mean, the NZ Government is implementing a framework for responding to outbreaks in Australia. It will treat Australia as its own region when making decisions on restrictions, "albeit one with the complication of multiple internal borders" Prime Minister Ardern said. So, if an outbreak arises in an Aussie state, there'll be three options. Firstly, if the case is clearly linked to a border worker in a quarantine facility and is well contained, travel will likely continue. If a case isn't linked to the border and the relevant state went into lockdown, NZ would probably pause flights from that state. And, if there are multiple cases of unknown origin in a state, NZ will likely suspend flights for a set period of time. With those three possibilities in mind, travellers from Australia have been told to expect two things. You'll need to follow NZ's guidelines on the ground while you're in the country — and, if an outbreak arises in Australia before you depart, you might have to monitor for symptoms, take a test before departing or isolate upon arrival. Going into managed isolation for up to 14 days might be required "possibly, in some situations," Prime Minister Ardern said. Folks heading from Australia to NZ will be travelling on 'green zone flights', which will only carry passengers who have been in Australia for the last 14 days. The crew on those flights won't have flown on any high-risk routes for a set period of time, too. Among the other requirements, passengers won't be able to travel if they have cold or flu symptoms, will have to wear a mask on the flight and will be asked to download and use the NZ COVID Tracer app while in NZ. You'll also need to provide NZ authorities with comprehensive information on how you can be contacted while in the country — and there'll be random temperature checks upon arrival. Australia's international border still remains shut to most global travel, although a similar travel bubble with Singapore is currently under discussion for a potential July start. If you're keen to start planning your NZ jaunt, we've rounded up some of our favourite glamping sites, wineries, sights and restaurants in NZ over here. 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. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
Let's not start off on the wrong foot here. It's not that I want to label any food as 'bad' ... just different. But 'cuisine' is generally not the first word that comes to mind when I think 'American diner'. Levdawg is changing all that, and turning bad food good. Real good. What's more, the newly added daily specials create excellent excuses to visit every night of the week. On Wing Wednesday, swing by for Red Hot Buffalo Wings with Celery Sticks and Ranch sauce. Thursdays host the Hot Dog Happy Hour, with half priced Lev's Dawgs between 5 and 7 - a bargain at $6. Be tempted out of GoodGod's Small Club on Fridays, and snap up a box of Fried Chicken, Chips and Chipotle Mayo for a mere $15 after 10. Saturdays are the highlight of the week, with new Hot Dog experiments every week a la Pub Life. Click here for full review and details. Image: courtesy of The Dip
At last, we can take a peek at what's promised in epic new film Tracks, with the release of the first online trailer. It’s not only the panoramic desert shots and solitary-road-trip-by-foot concept that are garnering attention, but the undertaking by the lead actor, Mia Wasikowska. No doubt the experience of immersing herself in Tim Burton's weird and wild wonderland gave the Canberra-born 24-year-old a head start, but even that wasn’t sufficient preparation for the adventure of making Tracks. Based on Robyn Davidson’s memoir of the same title, the film depicts the intrepid writer’s 1977 journey from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean — solo (well, except for three camels and a dog) and on foot. She covered 2700 kilometres in nine months. Upon publication, the book was a bestseller, turning Davidson into something of a celebrity. In making the film last year, director John Curran (The Painted Veil) shot Wasikowska and co-star Adam Driver at various sites in South Australia and around Uluru. The screenplay is an adaptation of Davidson’s story, put together by Marion Nelson, and the production team is the one that brought The King’s Speech to the big screen (winning an Oscar in the process:), Emile Sherman and Iain Canning. Having premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September, Tracks is due for release on 6 March 2014.
In the darkness of space in Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity, no one could hear a stranded astronaut scream. In the writer-director's follow-up, Roma, no one would hear a maid's cries even if they shared the same room. Domestic worker Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) attends to the everyday needs of her middle-class employers and their four loving but unruly children, treating them like family. But she's the first to rise in their well-appointed household in Mexico City's Colonia Roma neighbourhood, and the last to sleep. She's the person who both tucks the kids into their beds and scrapes dog excrement from the driveway each day. Cleo is part of the fabric of their lives, but the minutiae of her life is never part of theirs. That's a domestic servant's plight — indispensable but always an outsider — which Cuarón details with both a loving gaze and a clear-eyed stare. Inspired by his own upbringing in the early 1970s when the film is set, Roma is a tribute to women who often go unseen, as well as an acknowledgement of the realities of their existence. The contrasts keep coming, juxtaposing the privilege of Cleo's employers with her own modest reality, while recognising the comfort of Cleo's position compared to the puddles and shacks of village life. With the era's student protests also weaved into the movie, Roma similarly sees the chasm between widespread societal unrest and those clinging to their own patch of calm. Most of all, the movie sees Cleo. It spies the Mixtec housekeeper while doctor Antonio (Fernando Grediaga) complains to his wife Sofia (Marina de Tavira) about the state of the house, spotless except for the dog droppings that keep on coming. It observes when the kids call for Cleo's cuddles and snuggle up to her every chance they get. It spots the quick jokes she shares with her best friend Adela (Nancy Garcia), the family's cook, as well as the tiny apartment they share above their employer's sprawling home. And it watches on as she shares a date with Fermín (Jorge Antonio Guerrero), the cousin of Adela's boyfriend — then shares more, and then faces the aftermath. There's an episodic feel to Roma, which pieces together slices of Cleo's life more than it charts a clear dramatic arc — although the consequences of her tryst with Fermin provide a strong narrative thread. The increasing absence of Antonio, the impact upon Sofia and the ripples that flow through the house all provide another. Cuarón isn't simply paying attention to whatever takes his fancy, of course, but building a portrait: of the city at the time, of complicated lives, and of a woman that, to many eyes, would simply blend in. He's done so before in various fashions, championing the overlooked in Children of Men's dystopian future, in Y Tu Mamá También's coming-of-age road trip, and in his Harry Potter gig, The Prisoner of Azkaban. In focusing on a female medical engineer sent into space, he did the same with Gravity as well. For all of the highlights on Cuarón's resume, however, Roma sees the director enter another realm. Acting as his own cinematographer, he peers so attentively at his hometown, the era of his upbringing, and at Cleo, that he could be conjuring memories onto the screen. He's not, completely, but his visuals have that feel — and, in each crisp black-and-white frame, they have that look as well. In alternating between luxurious panoramic shots and intimate close-ups, and between slow pans and excited movement, he switches between the broad and the deep, mimicking the way that we think back about our lives. Both types of image overflow with detail, whether showing violence on the streets, wandering through a chaotic but merry party, venturing to the seaside for a holiday, or offering a window into Cleo's soul one tender glance at a time. Enter Aparicio, a first-time actor who is everywhere in Roma. She's firmly at the story's centre, in a role that recognises an important truth: Cleo, and Indigenous house staff like her, are rarely the centre of anyone's story, a fact that the untrained talent's naturalistic performance only underscores. Indeed, hers is a performance about quiet presence more than overt effort — or, more accurately, about the impact that someone has even when they're usually on the periphery. In the graceful way that Cleo soldiers on through her own crisis, as well as the family's and Mexico's circa 1971, it's a performance that makes you wish that she was always in the spotlight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp_i7cnOgbQ
Following a big night out, scrolling through your snaps may be part of your morning-after routine, letting you bask in the glory of all those photos immortalising all that fun. Or, hitting up a gig, bar or party just mightn't be complete unless you're filling your socials while you're there. Whether one or both of the above apply to you, neither is out of the ordinary — so much so that heading to a shindig without being able to access your phone is now a novelty. That's exactly the kind of situation that Lane 8's record label This Never Happened is embracing, however, when it tours Australia's east coast with for a series of gatherings. At This Never Happens Presents, you won't have a screen in your hand — or face. You won't be swiping, texting or doing anything else with the gadget we're all addicted to, either. Attendees will have their phones taped upon arrival, because these dance music get-togethers are all about connecting IRL and in the moment. The tour has three stops over one July weekend, starting on Friday, July 14 at 170 Russell in Melbourne, then moving to Sydney's Metro Theatre on Saturday, July 15, before wrapping up at Brightside Outdoors in Brisbane on Sunday, July 16. In each city, you'll enjoy tunes from Le Youth, Sultan & Shepard and PARIS on the dance floor — and you'll just have to rely upon your noggin to remember all the highlights afterwards. These will be This Never Happen's first shows in this part of the world, after launching in 2016, signing artists who've toured with producer and DJ Lane 8, and first hosting parties in 2017 and 2019 elsewhere around the globe. Pics or it didn't happen? Not here. THIS NEVER HAPPENED PRESENTS 2023 DATES: Friday, July 14 — 170 Russell, Melbourne Saturday, July 15 — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sunday, July 16 — Brightside Outdoors, Brisbane THIS NEVER HAPPENED PRESENTS 2023 LINEUP: Le Youth Sultan & Shepard PARIS This Never Happened Presents tours Australia's east coast in July, with ticket pre-sales from 12pm AEST on Wednesday, May 10 and general sales from 12pm on Thursday, May 11.
A post-apocalyptic, three-part journey inspired by The Simpsons. A provocative Indigenous rom-com. A ham funeral. Autumn wields quite a hefty stash of theatre for Sydneysiders, so we've picked the shows you should focus your attention on. Some are made to make you chortle, others are downright disturbing, and they're the best on stage this month.
There's no doubt Australian same-sex couples have had a pretty rough go of things this year, as the nation decides the future of marriage equality via a postal vote. But in a potential win for Sydney-based same-sex couples keen to get hitched, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the City of Sydney has announced they'll be able to marry for free in some of the city's best-loved buildings and parks — if same-sex marriage is given the green light by the Federal Government, of course. In a motion passed yesterday, the council would allow gay couples to hire halls, parks and community facilities free of charge for 100 days after the government legislates gay marriage, and has also suggested it will make Sydney Town Hall available for a mass wedding ceremony. It has, however, promised that no existing bookings for straight couples would be cancelled or moved. Lord Mayor Clover Moore tweeted on the subject this morning. But if YES 🌈 then we will provide city spaces free for 100 days to welcome same-sex couples to civil marriage #marriageequality #postyouryes — Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) October 23, 2017 The City of Sydney has been a vocal supporter of the Yes campaign, gifting the likes of mailouts, the erection of banners and the use of office space. A result is expected to be announced on November 15. So if you haven't yet posted your vote, well, make sure you do it ASAP. Via The Sydney Morning Herald. Image: Letícia Almeida.
So, it turns out that booze isn’t the only thing you can produce via fermentation. Not even close. It seems you can ferment practically anything, and it'll taste pretty darn decent and be super good for you. Or at least, that’s what fermentation guru Sandor Katz says. Over a period of three days this February, Katz (author of the The Art of Fermentation) will take his audience through the various methods of and products available to fermentation. This includes a talk on Friday night, and two intensive sessions per day on Saturday and Sunday. Costs vary, depending on how many/which sessions are attended. Katz has been fermenting since he was a kid and has taken his knowledge of the virtues of brewing food all around the world. It’s Australia’s turn now to host this New York native, and learn about the virtues of an ancient and unique method of food preparation.
If you're the type of traveller who doesn't just plan where you'll be staying and what sights you'll be seeing, but also what you'll be drinking while you're there, then add Australia's latest accommodation option to your dream holiday list. A collaboration between caravan rental site Camplify and The Botanist Gin, The Botanist Van is the country's first gin-themed caravan — and yes, a bottle of gin will be waiting for you when you get there. Nicknamed Mazzy the Van, the holiday spot on wheels has been painted in beachy blue and white hues, while its interiors have been decked out Hamptons-style — with oozing serious 70s vibes one of its aims. The renovated 1979 Viscount Royal vintage caravan comes with a barbecue, an outdoor table and chairs, and an awning, as well as indoor and outdoor games, a beach umbrella and beach towels, and a picnic basket. It's the stocked Botanist Gin bar cart, however, that'll make you thirsty. During your stay, you'll be sipping from a complimentary 700-millilitre bottle of The Botanist gin, a four-pack of Fever Tree tonic waters and Botanicus' flavoured herbal Tea Tube. You'll also be combining all of the above with dried fruit garnishes and other ingredients to make gin cocktails. The Botanist team have some new suggestions for the latter, too, including its own spin on a G&T — so you just need to get mixing and sipping. If this sounds like your kind of getaway, The Botanist Van is available to book from Friday, November 6 through until the end of summer (February 28, 2021) from $140 per night — sleeping four people, and for a minimum three-night stay. You will need to get cosy over a weekend to receive the gin pack, though, as it comes with Friday–Sunday and Saturday–Monday bookings. As for where you'll be having a few drinks, kicking back and getting nostalgic, the van is based on the New South Wales South Coast. It can be reserved and set up on your choice of campsite within 100 kilometres of Flinders — so between Austinmer and Jervis Bay. To book The Botanist Van — with prices from $140 per day, and rentals available within 100 kilometres of Flinders in New South Wales until February 28, 2021 — visit the Camplify website.
If Harry Potter movies were still gracing cinemas, exploring the boy who lived's adult life, we're certain he'd be a brunch fan. It's a magical meal, after all. Alas, unless The Cursed Child makes the leap to the big screen, that isn't in our future. But while you're muttering "accio new HP movie" to yourself over and over again, if you're in Sydney or Melbourne, you can enjoy the next best thing. Whether you're still not over Harry or you just wish you'd had the chance to attend Hogwarts because you know you're destined to be in Gryffindor (and to be seeker on the quidditch team, obviously), you'll want to make a date with The Wizard's Brunch. You'll dine in a Great Hall-like space, matching your meal (Pixie Puffs, please) with bottomless butterbeer, 'magic' potions (aka cocktails, we're assuming) and other wizard-themed beverages. And you can bet the menu will include every Potter pun you can think of. The particulars such as the exact date, venue and how many galleons you'll have to spend haven't been revealed as yet, though keen muggles can sign up to The Wizard's Brunch email list for more information. What we do know, however, is that there'll be Harry Potter characters mingling with attendees. Folks in costumes pretending to be Hermione, Dumbledore and others isn't really our idea of a magical HP experience, but perhaps a few firewhiskys — and a spot of quidditch, a couple of sorting ceremonies and wand lessons — will get you in the right mood. The Wizard's Brunch will take place in Sydney and Melbourne later this year. We'll let you know when you can buy tickets, and you can sign up for updates here. UPDATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2018 — The Wizard's Brunch has now sold out two sessions in Sydney. More details around Melbourne are coming soon.
If you've been hanging out at the Carriageworks Farmers Market during the past year or so, chowing down on Lankan Filling Station's moreish Sri Lankan snacks, then we have some tasty news for you. As of late April, Lankan will be setting up permanent digs in Darlinghurst. Get ready to eat hoppers — if you haven't had the pleasure of trying one, it's an irresistible rice flour crepe filled with curry or egg and sambal — whenever you choose, be that for brekkie, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. "We've been looking for the right place for while," saya head chef O Tama Carey (ex-Berta), who co-owns the eatery with general manager Odette Overlunde. "It's a really beautiful building... a stunning blank canvas." Lankan Filling Station will be taking over a 50-seat space on the ground floor of 58 Riley Street. Carey has worked out the design in collaboration with David Mitchell Architects, taking inspiration from the simple, modern designs of architect Jeffrey Bower. Expect a casual feel, with polished concrete, dark wood, spice-filled jars, an open kitchen and plenty of natural light. And, forget about bookings. On the menu, you'll find hoppers filled with a variety of flavours — from sweet mutton curry to tamarind prawn curry — as well as curries and sambols, including dried fish and coconut, and chilli with lime and onion. Look out, too, for a new dish: the string hopper. "It's also made with rice flour dough, but flattened like a pancake, then steamed and turned into noodles," said Carey. If you're looking for something bite-sized, choose from the 'short eats', which include delicacies such as crab cutlets. There'll be beers, wines, cocktails and spirits a-plenty to match your food order. For something new, try Lankan's very own alcoholic ginger beer or arrack, a Sri Lankan spirit distilled from coconut flour, which Carey is sourcing from a family-run, green-certified business. "What they do suits what we strive for," she said. "It's all handmade and as natural as possible." Lankan Filling Station is due to open in late April at 58 Riley Street, Darlinghurst. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, noon–10pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10am-10pm. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for further details.
If you've ever sat in the theatre and thought, 'those actors are just too damn far away', then Griffin's Really Intimate Theatre is for you. For one day only, Griffin Theatre Company are taking to the streets around Circular Quay to offer unassuming passers-by a one-on-one theatre experience inside their specially built pop-up venue. The shows are free, go for five minutes and involve one of a rotating cast of Griffin's finest performers. Kind of like a theatre world equivalent to 'Five Minutes in the Closet'. Architect Jon King has stepped into to design the cosy, two-person venue. To experience a Really Intimate Theatre, simply look for Griffin's representative at East Circular Quay on the promenade in front of the Quay Grand Hotel (on the way to Sydney Opera House) between 10am – 2pm on Saturday, May 9.
We've all been there — determined to stretch that bank account until payday by eating lentil bolognese for dinner five days in a row. You swear you won't dip into your savings account this fortnight. But on day six of toasted sandwiches made from dumpster-dived bread, it's time to say enough is enough, and treat yourself to a satisfying dinner. You deserve it. Thankfully, Sydney is brimming with hospitality legends pumping out delicious and nutritious food for less than what a trip to the supermarket will set you back. With a little help from American Express, we've put together a list of spots around town where you can fill your tummy without bankrupting yourself before payday. When leftovers just won't cut it, these small businesses have you covered, and will let you pay using your American Express Card.
Local ceramic shop Elph Ceramics is currently putting on fun workshops so you can make your own little ceramic houses at home. The Australian brand of handcrafted homewares is run by sisters Sophie and Eloise, offering virtual classes guiding you through creating adorable ceramic houses. Originally, the tiny houses were created to test glazes and clay colours, but soon became a hit with customers. The duo hosts in-person tiny house workshops in their NSW Southern Highlands studio, but with Sydney in lockdown, have taken the classes online. The classes run every Thursday until Thursday, October 14, but you'll want to reserve your spot as they've been filling up fast. When you book yourself in for a class, you're sent everything you need to make four to six tiny houses (enough for one to two people to join in) including air-dry clay and a wooden clean-up tool. All you need to bring yourself is a bowl of water, a plastic mat and your drink of choice. You then log onto the zoom call and the Elph team will guide you through making your cute new decorations. The class will set you back $85 plus $15 to ship the items. While you're booking your session, take a look at what else Elph has on offer at its online store.
The National Gallery of Victoria's revolving door of blockbuster exhibitions shows no sign of slowing, with an exceptional meeting of creative minds next set to grace its halls. Running from Friday, June 9–Sunday, October 8 as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, the NGV will play host to world-premiere exhibition Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi. This major showcase is set to feature more than 100 works by the famed French painter, seen through a fresh lens as accompanied by contemporary scenography by internationally renowned architect and designer Mahdavi. Originally slated to debut in 2020 before the pandemic did its thing, the highly anticipated exhibition has been curated in conjunction with Paris' Musée d'Orsay — home to the world's largest collection of Bonnard works. [caption id="attachment_890701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'The dining room in the country', 1913, Pierre Bonnard. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, The John R. Van Derlip Fund.[/caption] An icon of late 19th and early 20th century art, and a good mate of Henri Matisse, Bonnard is known for his colourful, textural depictions of French life, offering stylised yet subtle glimpses of intimate domestic scenes, urban backdrops and natural landscapes. Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi will showcase a hefty collection of the artist's own paintings, drawings, photographs, prints and other decorative objects, alongside works from his contemporaries — including Édouard Vuillard, Maurice Denis, Félix Vallotton and cinematic pioneers the Lumière brothers. [caption id="attachment_890702" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'The window', 1925, Pierre Bonnard. Tate, London. Presented by Lord Ivor Spencer Churchill through the Contemporary Art Society, 1930.[/caption] Considered one of the world's most influential architects, multi-award-winning Mahdavi has been commissioned to help bring the historic pieces to life via her scenography, tasked with creating a setting that complements Bonnard's signature use of colour and light. "Monsieur Bonnard and I share the same passion: colour," Mahdavi explains of the exhibition. "I love his subjective perception of colour — the way he transforms the intimacy of everyday life into something sublime." Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi will include numerous pieces on loan from the Musée d'Orsay, as well as other museums and private collections in Europe, Australia and the USA. They'll be joined by significant works from the NGV's own collection, including Bonnard's 1900 painting La Sieste (Siesta). [caption id="attachment_890703" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Siesta (La Sieste)', 1900, Pierre Bonnard. National Gallery of Victoria, Felton Bequest, 1949.[/caption] 'Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi' will run at the NGV International from Friday, June 9–Sunday, October 8. For more information, see the venue's website. Top image: 'Coffee', 1915, Pierre Bonnard. Tate, London. Presented by Sir Michael Sadler through the NACF, 1941.
It has been a tumultuous two years for the Sydney Film Festival. First, the event moved completely online in 2020, as many fests did. Then, it hosted a brief summer season this January, welcoming cinephiles back to the State Theatre. And, in the hope that running the huge movie-filled festival as normal might've been more of a possibility later in the year, SFF then shifted from its usual June dates to the end of August for 2021. Obviously, the Greater Sydney region's current extended lockdown has now gotten in way of the latter, and its planned run Wednesday, August 18–Sunday, August 29 now during the city's stay-at-home period. So, unsurprisingly, the fest's organisers have announced that they're shifting this year's SFF to November. Movie buffs, you'll need to block out Wednesday, November 3–Sunday, November 14 in your calendar, as that's when SFF's 68th edition is now scheduled to take place. And, you can start looking forward to a festival that won't require carting your winter coat around, sipping soup in the State or enjoying the rush between cinemas because it keeps you warm — because this year's fest will now be a late-spring affair. Which venues SFF will screen in, and how many of its already-announced first 22 films will still grace its screens — and what the rest of the program will look like, too — is all yet to be announced. It is expected that the fest's lineup will undergo some tinkering, however, given that some of the titles already unveiled will have already reached cinemas in general release before November. So far, that includes Zola, the wild Sundance hit based on a lengthy 148-tweet Twitter thread. When the rest of the program will be announced also hasn't been revealed, although SFF normally doesn't unveil its full lineup until around a month before the festival — so, it's safe to assume further details will arrive by early August. Standout movies currently on SFF's bill include New Zealand's The Justice of Bunny King, which stars Essie Davis (Babyteeth) and Thomasin McKenzie (Old); Riders of Justice, a revenge-fuelled Danish comedy led by the inimitable Mads Mikkelsen (Another Round); 2020 Berlinale Golden Bear winner There Is No Evil, a searing Iranian drama about the death penalty; and Undine, the alluring and beguiling latest film from German auteur Christian Petzold. The festival has also already announced a retrospective dedicated to Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. SFF joins Vivid in postponing due to the current outbreak and lockdown — and doing so after already delaying its 2021 dates in an effort to avoid cancellations, rescheduling or being impacted by restrictions. At present, Vivid is due to run from mid-September. The 2021 Sydney Film Festival will now take place between Wednesday, November 3–Sunday, November 14. For further information, head to the festival website.
Ever been at an outdoor cinema, and wished you could just jump into bed? Well, of course you have — bed is the one thing we can rely on to always be there for us, and we all wish it could follow us around for intermittent lie-downs. That's presumably why the geniuses at Sydney's new PicNic Cinema have decided to implement beds into their outdoor setup. Well, that, and they're probably aware of the struggles of keeping your head propped up on a packet of chips while lying on a picnic rug trying to drink wine. PicNic Cinema will take over Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square for 16 nights this April. Instead of just the usual picnic rug and bean bag sitcho, the cinema will bring in enough inflatable double mattresses for 100 people to literally lie back and relax on. You'll even get a blankie in case it gets chilly. The film program is surprisingly varied and international, with everything from Muriel's Wedding to Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky to Iranian Oscar winner, A Separation. The food lineup is similarly diverse, with Cuban, African, Brazilian and Lebanese dishes set to be on rotation. Let's just hope it doesn't rain. UPDATE: April 8, 2016 The entire PicNic Cinema program is sold out online, but organisers will keep two double beds free every night and a handful of tickets will be available at the door.
What helps a formerly active person who has lost both their legs find the will to keep on living? It's rarely a guy like Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts), who fights in illegal bouts, hits his kid, kicks dogs, disrespects women, does dodgy things for cash and is all-round one of the least likeable characters to ever appear on screen. And yet the journey Stephanie (Marion Cotillard) goes on through him makes just enough sense to be believable — powerful, actually — in Jacques Audiard's feature film Rust and Bone. The film is quite a big departure from the source material, Canadian writer Craig Davidson's collection of short stories by the same name, and is in some ways even more brutal. Stephanie is an orca trainer at a Cote d'Azur equivalent of Sea World. One day, to the poetically dissonant backing of Katy Perry's 'Firework', a public performance goes wrong and Stephanie wakes in hospital to find her legs amputated. After weeks of depression, she calls Ali, a nightclub bouncer she met briefly before the accident and thought little of at the time. His company turns out to be relaxed and matter of fact; he does not handle her with kid gloves, and it's just what she needs to begin to figure out her new sense of self. When he starts out on his underground boxing career, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn in. Rust and Bone is an unsentimentally lyrical triumph, unexpected in every way from its narrative to its mise en scene. Cotillard is a sensation. Need it be said? This film about fighters packs a punch. We have 10 double passes to give away to see Rust and Bone. To be in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us with your name and postal address at hello@concreteplayground.com.au. Read our full review of Rust and Bone here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=x3leZNzz6N8
March kicks off with the return of the annual music festival, the Girrakool Blues Festival. For the seventh year running, this celebration of a genre loved worldwide will bring global big names of blues to The Entrance for a whole weekend. Running from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, this year's lineup is set to rock as hard as ever. Expect tunes from the likes of Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks, Bondi Cigars, Jesse Redwing, Pete Cornelius, Steve 'West' Western and many more. And although the music ought to be top-notch, you'll also find market stalls, First Nations cultural activities and a family carnival day on Sunday, all in Memorial Park on The Entrance's main road. The best news? Unlike certain other big-name festivals, entry here is free of charge.
He's famous for a series about nothing. He's now heading Down Under to share something: Jerry Seinfeld, that is, with the comedian just announcing Australia and New Zealand dates for his latest stand-up show. Instead of rewatching old Seinfeld episodes for approximately the 75th time, you can catch the iconic talent on a seven-city trip that marks his first visit since 2017. Those gigs sold out faster than a Seinfeld character can say "what's the deal?", and expect tickets to his 2024 trip to get snapped up quickly as well. Mark June in your calendar, as that's when Seinfeld will be going all "yada yada yada" in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne in Australia, plus Auckland and Christchurch in Aotearoa. So far, every city scores one show except Melbourne, where Seinfeld will take to the stage for two nights. Back in 1998, he called the Victorian capital the "anus" of the world — but perhaps his feelings have now changed. In NZ, Seinfeld's Christchurch stop will mark his first ever in the city — with Auckland a return to the spot where he played his debut New Zealand gig in 2017. [caption id="attachment_925505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] "I can't wait to bring the laughs Down Under once again," said Seinfeld about his next trip our way, which comes 43 years after he initially appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and 35 years since Seinfeld — which was co-created by its namesake and Larry David — premiered. His career also spans everything from web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, films such as Comedian and Bee Movie — with a new flick Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story on the way — and books Is this Anything? and Seinlanguage. And yes, we're assuming that he won't be stepping behind the microphone wearing a puffy shirt. JERRY SEINFELD AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR 2024 DATES: Saturday, June 15 — RAC Arena, Perth Sunday, June 16 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, June 19 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, June 20 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Saturday, June 22–Sunday, June 23 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Monday, June 24 — Spark Arena, Auckland Wednesday, June 26 — Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch Jerry Seinfeld is touring Australia and New Zealand in June 2024, with Telstra presales from 12pm local time on Tuesday, November 14 TEG Dainty presales from 1pm local time on Thursday, November 16 and general sales from 12pm local time on Friday, November 17 — head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.
We love street artworks, because they enliven the built environment for jaded city dwellers. And we love cocktails, because they too enliven the built environment for jaded city dwellers. The guided tour East Sydney: Contextualising Art in the Streets cleverly marries the two, as artist, curator and publisher Joseph Allen Shea of Izrock Mixed Business helps you bespoke-drink your way through the small bars of Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, and Chinatown, discovering local commissioned street artworks and mingling with the creative minds who executed them. Works to be viewed include Reko Rennie’s Always Was, Always Will Be in Taylor Square, Jason Wing’s In Between Two Worlds in Chinatown, and more. 4-7pm, March 16. Places are limited (book) and drinks are $10 each. East Sydney Street Art Tours are part of Art Month 2013. Check out our guide to the festival's ten best events here.
For the best part of the past six years London artist Ben Wilson has spent his days painting pieces of chewing gum that have been stuck to the ground. Wilson transforms these sidewalk blemishes into miniature works of art. The paintings range from animals, landscapes, portraits and even messages to pedestrians. Unsurprisingly his chewing gum art has turned him into something of a local celebrity, meaning he also does paintings on request for members of the local community - including apologies to girlfriends, thank you messages from managers to employees, a R.I.P. painting for a deceased postal worker and even a marriage proposal. Despite this, Wilson has received some police interference including one arrest. Charges were quickly dropped after dozens of people wrote letters of support and Wilson was able to convince the police that it was not him actually sticking the chewing gum to the ground. To create it all, Wilson first softens the chewing gum with a blowtorch then sprays it with a lacquer and finally applies three coats of acrylic enamel. The works usually only last one or two years depending on conditions but this does not bother Wilson, as in his words "everything is transitory, what's important is the creative process." Images via Flickr users Jansos, Tezzer 57 and r3cycl3r [via Gizmodo]
Usually, a feast at Circular Quay's Bar Patrón will cost you a pretty penny. But if you can swing a visit mid-week then it will only set you back $30. Every weekday throughout the month of February, the restaurant will be offering an all-you-can-eat taco option at a tidy 30 bucks. Make a booking between 12.30pm and 3.30pm and you'll have two hours to work your way through its taco menu (twice over, if you like). That includes all five of its tacos: oyster mushroom, al pastor, fried fish, lobster and seared wagyu. We recommend ordering a few of the lobster ones — they come topped with mango salsa and gold leaf. To redeem the offer, you will need to purchase a drink of sorts. Margaritas and palomas are the order of the day, but the bar also has an extensive collection of tequila and beers, and even does some good non-alcoholic cocktails. Hot tip: if you make a 2pm booking, you could slide right into happy hour at 4pm, when margs become $12 and beers just $7. If you're going to get a work crew together, you might want to book in advance. You can lock down a table here.
Netflix's algorithm has clearly figured out one of the most obvious and basic facts about humankind there is: we all really love dogs. That was obviously the idea behind the streaming platform's 2018 canine-centric documentary series — and the show sent viewers so barking mad with affection that it's coming back for another season. Called Dogs, the thoroughly feel-good series follows different puppers in different places around the world, as well as the two-legged folks who care for, groom, dress and even fish with them. Of course, the adorable balls of fluff are the real drawcards. The six-episode first season dedicated its frames to canines in Syria, Japan, Costa Rica, Italy and the US, each with their own stories to tell. The show's return was announced back in 2019, and was hardly unexpected. If something is a hit — and Dogs was, naturally — Netflix is never quick to say goodbye. Been spending the last two years wondering when a new batch of cute little woofers would grace your screen? Thankfully, that wait is about to come to an end. On Wednesday, July 7, the streaming platform will drop the show's second four-episode season — which shouldn't be confused with Dog TV, the new streaming service that's all about content especially for pooches. Netflix has also just released a trailer for Dogs, too, so prepare to meet four new canines who make their human companions' lives better with every bark. This time, viewers will be spending time with a lively four-legged university mascot, as well as the just-as-endearing dogs adored by an astronaut, a priest and a military contractor. Check out the season two trailer below: Dogs' second season will be available to stream on Wednesday, July 7 via Netflix. Images: Netflix.
Across a period of ten years from 2008–2018, British filmmaker Steve McQueen made four features — and every single one has proved essential viewing. It started with Hunger, with Michael Fassbender stepping into the shoes of Bobby Sands, the IRA member who famously went on a hunger strike while imprisoned in Northern Ireland. Then came Shame, with Fassbender playing a sex addict and Carey Mulligan co-starring as his sister. Nine-time Oscar nominee 12 Years a Slave followed, featuring powerful performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong'o (and yes, Fassbender, too). And, last up, the Fassbender-free Widows delivered one of the flat-out best heist movies ever made. Across a five-day period this December, McQueen's next five movies will arrive — and you'll be able to stream them all via Binge. They're part of the Small Axe anthology series, with every feature directed by McQueen and co-written by him as well. The entire quintet also explores the lives of London's West Indian community between the 60s and the 80s, telling tales of race, discrimination and resistance (and beauty, love, friendship, family, music and food), too. First up, dropping on Saturday, December 19, is Mangrove. It opened this year's London Film Festival, focuses on the owner of a Caribbean restaurant of the same name in Notting Hill, and follows his and the surrounding community's response to continued police raids — and stars Lost in Space's Shaun Parkes and Black Panther's Letitia Wright. Then, on Sunday, December 20, you'll be able to watch Lovers Rock — which spins a fictional tale of love at a Blues party in 1980. And, on Monday, December 21, you can check out the John Boyega (Star Wars)-starring Red, White and Blue, about a young forensic scientist who witnesses his father's assault by two policemen, then decides to join the force himself. On Tuesday, December 22, it's time for Alex Wheatle, a biopic about the titular award-winning writer. Then, wrapping it all up on Wednesday, December 23, Education delves into unofficial segregation policies in schools. Check out the Small Axe trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcqItifbNUA&feature=youtu.be Small Axe starts streaming via Binge from Saturday, December 19 — with a new film available each day for five days. Top image: BBC.
A fly is buzzing so loudly that the fine hairs on my ears prickle. Irritated, I go to swat at something in the air. These are some convincing sound effects. Tight production elements mark this staging of the William Golding classic Lord of the Flies (adapted by Nigel Williams). Marooned on an island during the Cold War, a bunch of prepubescent boys struggle with all matters relevant to the replication of civil society: democracy, defence, housing, food acquisition and rituals. Yet when the conch is stolen, the war paint spreads and hunting takes precedence, any common decency becomes swallowed by the impossibly thick scrub of the island and the mercilessly blinding sun. The minimalist raked stage, partly surrounded by water, becomes a canvas upon which the boys’ performance paints a pulsing morass of hysteria, mind-wrenching confusion and throttling rugby scrums and the Beastie's presence can be felt, presiding over them, egging them on. Director Anthony Skuse brings an innovative approach to this canonical narrative as a chorus of boys feature side-stage wearing large oversized heads like fragile cocoons containing dead flies. The giant heads behave like a Greek chorus, wobbling and mocking Piggy (Samuel Rushton) and Ralph's (Andrew Ryan) attempts to protest the irrational decisions of the group and nodding solemnly when Simon (Stephen Lloyd-Coombs) makes the terrifying realisation of his own madness. In the darkness, a body appears, bloody and wretched, crawling across the stage, its wet flesh flogged, its matted head slung forward and its pained face concealed. Simon yells accusations at the crawling mess. He growls in a deep menacing voice at the body then jerks his neck to accommodate another small voice that giggles and refutes the angry man inside. Once the voice of reason and philosophical inquiry, Simon is having another 'turn' yet he is terrified of having another turn. The fine line between sanity and insanity is blurred and the ability to control oneself when left to one's own devices is put into question. His tortured performance left my eyes glittering with cold tears.
In Australia's music festival scene, 2022 has been a year of big comebacks — and when December hits, Meredith will join the list. On hiatus since 2019 due to the pandemic, the beloved three-day BYO camping festival in central Victoria will finally return across Friday, December 9–Sunday, December 11. Obviously, it wouldn't be another stint with Aunty Meredith if there wasn't a killer lineup. For its first fest in three years, Meredith will feature Canadian electronic producer Dan Snaith under both his guises — sitting at the top of the bill as Caribou, and also at the bottom of the list so far as Daphni. When you're not catching his sets, you can hit up the event's two big local headliners: Yothu Yindi and Courtney Barnett. Also on the lineup: The Comet Is Coming, Dry Cleaning, Sharon Van Etten and Derrick Carter from the overseas roster, spanning everything from post-punk and jazz through to house. And, among the local favourites, Tkay Maidza sits alongside Tasman Keith, SHOUSE and Private Function. [caption id="attachment_865436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mia Mala McDonald[/caption] The stacked lineup goes on — and, if you're wondering how you can see all of the above, and more, across one huge December weekend, Meredith tickets are still only available by entering the ballot. You can do so at online up until 10.29pm on Monday, August 22. This year isn't just any old Meredith, either. It's the fest's 30th event, so prepare for quite the party in the Supernatural Amphitheatre. [caption id="attachment_847588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Fletcher[/caption] MEREDITH 2022 LINEUP: Caribou Yothu Yindi Courtney Barnett The Comet Is Coming Dry Cleaning Tkay Maidza Sharon Van Etten Nu Genea DJ Quik Erika de Casier Babe Rainbow Derrick Carter Private Function SHOUSE CLAMM Minami Deutsch Tasman Keith Surprise Chef Our Carlson Darcy Justice POOKIE Rot TV OK EG Allara Rubi Du Daphni and more to come Meredith Music Festival will return to Meredith on Friday, December 9–Sunday, December 11. To put your name in the ballot to get your hands on tickets, head to the festival's website. Top image: Chelsea King.
Kurt Vile ain't vile in the slightest; his music is mesmerising, with lo-fi sounds that are equal parts psych, folk and garage. April 2013 release Wakin on a Pretty Daze is the ultimate soundtrack to your balmy summer evenings, and thanks to the Sydney Festival he can score your summer evenings in person. Set to play Paradiso at Town Hall, the former War on Drugs musician has stumbled upon a growing cult following. If you've missed out on tickets to his solo performance, catch him backed by his band The Violators at Paradiso at Town Hall. Nab tickets to the January 22 show to get seriously blissed out, and wake the next morning in a pretty daze. Alone or with his crew, Kurt Vile is a certain highlight of Sydney Festival. Image by Shawn Brackbill.
While seeing fruit mince pies in your local shopping centre in October feels downright disturbing, there's one Christmas treat that no one ever minds arriving early: Four Pillars' annual Christmas Gin. The latest iteration of the Healesville distillery's seasonal sip is coming in strong, set to hit shelves on Tuesday, October 26. It's the delicious result of a yearly tradition that sees a bunch of Christmas puddings handmade with distiller Cameron Mackenzie's mother's recipe — the 1968 Australian Women's Weekly recipe, in fact — and distilled with various festive botanicals to create a sought-after tipple that pretty much screams December 25. The flavours of an Aussie Christmas are captured in notes of cinnamon, star anise, juniper, coriander and angelica. The Christmas gin is then blended with some earlier gin that's been carefully ageing in 80-year-old muscat barrels. It's all finished with a hit of Rutherglen muscat for a bit of added richness and complexity. Each year, a new unique label is chosen to wrap up this Christmas creation, setting out to evoke that same festive spirit. The 2021's bottle design is the work of Cairns-based artist Andrea Huelin, who has taken inspiration from the immensely Aussie pairing of prawns and pavlova. Known for her fondness for fruit, glassware and everyday household items, Huelin combined all of the above — and a cheeky glass of Australian Christmas Gin — in a photo that now graces the tipple's label. The distillers recommend you sip the limited-edition gin neat; mix it with ginger ale, lime and bitters; or whip up a pavlova punch with the festive gin, passionfruit, muscat, berries and your choice of sparkling. Or you can just splash a bit of it on your own Christmas pudding — or pair it with Four Pillars' own Christmas gin puddings, which'll also be available to buy from Tuesday, October 26. If you want to nab a bottle, have your fingers poised over the 'buy' button when they go on sale online next week. Alternatively, you can stop by the Four Pillars HQ in Healesville, Victoria (if restrictions allow, of course) or the brand's Surry Hills shop. Bottles are $100 a pop and would make stellar Chrissy pressies, if you're already thinking about that. Four Pillars Christmas Gin is available to buy online, from the Healesville distillery and Surry Hills shop from Tuesday, October 26. But you'd best be quick — there's only a limited amount of bottles.
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.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this month's latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest through to old and recent favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from May's haul. BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL NOW THE GREAT Television perfection is watching Elle Fanning (The Girl From Plainville) and Nicholas Hoult (Renfield) trying to run 18th-century Russia while scheming, fighting and heatedly reuniting in ahistorical period comedy The Great. Since 2020, they've each been in career-best form — her as the series' ambitious namesake, him as the emperor who loses his throne to his wife — while turning in two of the best performances on streaming in one of the medium's most hilarious shows. Both former child actors now enjoying excellent careers as adults, they make such a marvellous pair that it's easy to imagine this series being built around them. It wasn't and, now three seasons, The Great has never thrived on their casting alone. Still, shouting "huzzah!" at the duo's bickering, burning passion and bloodshed-sparking feuding flows as freely as all the vodka downed in the Emmy-winner's frames under Australian creator Tony McNamara's watch (and after he initially unleashed its winning havoc upon Sydney Theatre Company in 2008, then adapted it for television following a BAFTA and an Oscar nomination for co-penning The Favourite). In this latest batch of instalments, all either written or co-written by McNamara, Catherine (Fanning) and Peter (Hoult) begin the third season sure about their love for each other, but just as flummoxed as ever about making their nuptials work. She's attempting to reform the nation, he's the primary caregiver to their infant son Paul, her efforts are meeting resistance, he's doting but also bored playing stay-out-of-politics dad, and couples counselling is called for. There's also the matter of the royal court's most prominent members, many of whom were rounded up and arrested under Catherine's orders at the end of season two. From Sweden, exiled King Hugo (Freddie Fox, House of the Dragon) and Queen Agnes (Grace Molony, Mary, Queen of Scots) are hanging around after being run out of their own country due to democracy's arrival. And, Peter's lookalike Pugachev (also Hoult) is agitating for a serf-powered revolution. The Great streams via Stan. Read our full review. PREHISTORIC PLANET When it initially arrived in 2022, becoming one of the year's best new shows and giving nature doco fans the five-episode series they didn't know they'd always wanted — and simultaneously couldn't believe hadn't been made until now — Prehistoric Planet followed the David Attenborough nature documentary formula perfectly. And it is a formula. In a genre that's frequently spying the wealth of patterns at the heart of the animal realm, docos such as The Living Planet, State of the Planet, Frozen Planet, Our Planet, Seven Worlds, One Planet, A Perfect Planet, Green Planet and the like all build from the same basic elements. Jumping back 66 million years, capitalising upon advancements in special effects but committing to making a program just like anything that peers at the earth today was never going to feel like the easy product of a template, though. Indeed, Prehistoric Planet's first season was stunning, and its second is just as staggering. The catch, in both season one and this return trip backwards: while breathtaking landscape footage brings the planet's terrain to the Prehistoric Planet series, the critters stalking, swimming, flying and tumbling across it are purely pixels. Filmmaker Jon Favreau remains among the show's executive producers, and the technology that brought his photorealistic versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King to cinemas couldn't be more pivotal. Seeing needs to be believing while watching, because the big-screen gloss of the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World sagas, the puppets of 90s sitcom Dinosaurs, and the animatronics of Walking with Dinosaurs — or anything in-between — were never going to suit a program with Attenborough as a guide. Accordingly, to sit down to Prehistoric Planet is to experience cognitive dissonance: viewers are well-aware that what they're spying isn't real because the animals seen no longer exist, but it truly looks that authentic. Prehistoric Planet season streams via Apple TV+. Read our full review. I THINK YOU SHOULD LEAVE WITH TIM ROBINSON Eat-the-rich stories are delicious, and also everywhere; however, Succession, Triangle of Sadness and the like aren't the only on-screen sources of terrible but terribly entertaining people. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson has been filling streaming queues with assholes since 2019, as usually played by the eponymous Detroiters star, and long may it continue. In season three, the show takes its premise literally in the most ridiculous and unexpected way, so much so that no one could ever dream of predicting what happens. That's still the sketch comedy's not-so-secret power. Each of its skits is about someone being the worst in some way, doubling down on being the worst and refusing to admit that they're the worst (or that they're wrong) — and while everyone around them might wish they'd leave, they're never going to, and nothing ever ends smoothly. In a show that's previously worked in hot dog costumes and reality TV series about bodies dropping out of coffins to hilarious effect, anything can genuinely happen to its gallery of the insufferable. In fact, the more absurd and chaotic I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson gets, the better. No description can do I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson's sketches justice, and almost every one is a comedic marvel, as again delivered in six 15-minute episodes in the series' third run. The usual complaint applies: for a show about people overstaying their welcome, the program itself flies by too quickly, always leaving viewers wanting more. Everything from dog doors and designated drivers to HR training and street parking is in Robinson's sights this time, and people who won't stop talking about their kids, wedding photos and group-think party behaviour as well. Game shows get parodied again and again, an I Think You Should Leave staple, and gloriously. More often than in past seasons, Robinson lets his guest stars play the asshole, too, including the returning Will Forte (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story), regular Sam Richardson (The Afterparty), and perennial pop-ups Fred Armisen (Barry) and Tim Meadows (Poker Face). And when Jason Schwartzman (I Love That for You) and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) drop in, they're also on the pitch-perfect wavelength. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson streams via Netflix. Read our full review. IN LIMBO Not to be confused with the just-released Australian film Limbo, new six-part Aussie dramedy In Limbo not only takes its title to heart, but also uses the idea as fuel for a supernatural buddy comedy. Indeed, before the first episode is out, Nate (Bob Morley, Love Me) is palling around with his lifelong best friend Charlie (Ryan Corr, House of the Dragon) from the afterlife. The former doesn't know why he's still a presence. The latter is understandably reeling from the tragedy, and initially thinks that spying Nate is just a drunken hallucination. No one else, not Nate's wife Freya (Emma Harvie, Colin From Accounts), eight-year-old daughter Annabel (Kamillia Rihani, The Twelve), supremely very Catholic mother Maria (Lena Cruz, Wellmania) and affable father Frank (Russell Dykstra, Irreverent), can see their dearly-departed loved one as a ghost. It's Christmas, too, in this Brisbane-shot and -set series, and facing the festivities after such a shock is far from easy. While heartily deploying Brisbane Powerhouse and New Farm Park as settings, that's a lot for one show to delve into — and delve it thoughtfully does. Tackling grief, mental health and suicide is never simple, even in a show about someone haunting their best mate, and including when such topics have been increasingly popping up in Australian fare of late (see also: Totally Completely Fine). In Limbo is clearly made with care, empathy and understanding — and, crucially, doesn't attempt to offer any firm answers, instead acting as a conversation starter. At its core, the always-excellent Corr plays a complicated role with charm. That's no surprise given his resume, and he couldn't be better cast. Corr's likeable performance always dives deep into the about-to-get-divorced Charlie's struggle without Nate physically by his side, with Nate now his ghostly offsider and with his own problems, and never brushes past the character's flaws. And, just as importantly as the show's focus on 21st-century masculinity and friendship, Corr makes such a great double act with Morley that filmmakers should be clamouring to pair them up again ASAP. In Limbo streams via ABC iView. CONFESS, FLETCH Since Mad Men had Don Draper want to buy the world a Coke to end its seven-season run back in 2015, comedy has been Jon Hamm's friend. He's the ultimate TV guest star, building upon stints in 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation while Mad Men was still airing with Toast of London, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Curb Your Enthusiasm, on a resume that also includes The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, Childrens Hospital, Medical Police, Angie Tribeca, The Last Man on Earth and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp as well. So, casting him as the new Irwin Maurice 'Fletch' Fletcher couldn't be an easier move. Having fellow Mad Men standout John Slattery (The Good Fight) also appear in the latest flick about the investigative reporter, and the first since the Chevy Chase-led movies in the 80s, is another winning touch. Even if that reunion wasn't part of the film, Hamm is so entertaining that he makes a killer case for a whole new Fletch franchise — on whatever screen the powers-that-be like — with him at its centre. Hamm clearly understands how well he suits this type of character, and the genre; he's a comic delight, and he's also one of Confess, Fletch's producers. Superbad and Adventureland's Greg Mottola directs and co-writes, scripting with Outer Range's Zev Borow — and ensuring that Hamm and Slattery aren't the only acting highlights. Working through a plot that sees Fletch chasing a stolen artwork, discovering a dead body, and both looking into the crime and considered a suspect himself, the film also features engaging turns by always-welcome Twin Peaks great Kyle MacLachlan and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar gem Annie Mumolo. There have been several attempts to revive Fletch over the past three decades, including separate projects with Ted Lasso duo Bill Lawrence and Jason Sudeikis — on the page, the character spans nine novels — but viewers should be thankful that this is the action-comedy that came to fruition, even if it skipped cinemas everywhere but the US. Confess, Fletch streams via Paramount+ and Binge. BUPKIS In its opening moments, Bupkis unloads — twice, in completely different ways, while ensuring there's zero doubt that this is a series about Pete Davidson starring Pete Davidson as Pete Davidson. First, the former Saturday Night Live comedian gets Googling while alone in the basement of the Staten Island home he shares with his mother Amy (Edie Falco, Avatar: The Way of Water). The results about Ariana Grande, Kate Beckinsale and Kim Kardashian's ex aren't positive; so, to shake off the unpleasantness of reading '12 Things Horribly Wrong with Pete Davidson', he switches from "scumbro" with "butthole eyes" comments to porn. He's wearing a VR headset, and he's soon deep in self-love. Then his mum walks in. Bupkis clearly isn't wary about getting crude. It isn't concerned about satirising its central figure, either. Instead, this semi-autobiographical dramedy relishes the parody. At the age of 29, Davidson has reached the "you may as well laugh" point in his career, which is hardly surprising given he's spent the past decade swinging his big chaotic energy around. Partway through the eight-episode series, while keen to claim some perks for being Davidson's mother — other than doting on her son, that is — Amy shouts at wait staff that "Marisa Tomei played me!". Add that to Bupkis' gleeful, playful nods to reality. An opening statement before each instalment stresses the difference between fact and fiction, and why the show has the moniker it has, but art keeps imitating life everywhere. There's no switching names, however. Davidson is indeed Davidson, his IRL mum is called Amy and his sister is Casey (Oona Roche, The Morning Show). As in The King of Staten Island, they've been a trio since 9/11, and dealing with losing his New York City firefighter dad still isn't easy. Off-screen, however, Davidson must be a fan of My Cousin Vinny, plus the gangster genre. Hailing from the former as Tomei does, and famed for his performances in the latter like The Sopranos star Falco, Goodfellas, Casino and The Irishman alum Joe Pesci is a pivotal part of Bupkis as Davidson's grandfather Joe — a hilarious and delightful part, unsurprisingly. Bupkis streams via Binge. Read our full review. VENGEANCE When Vengeance begins with a New Yorker journalist who's desperate to start his own podcast, Soho House hangouts and relationship advice from John Mayer as himself, it begins with rich and savvy character details. Writing, starring and making his feature directorial debut after helming episodes of The Office and The Mindy Project, BJ Novak instantly establishes the kind of person that Ben Manalowitz is. He shows the East Coast world that his protagonist inhabits, too — and, by focusing on the only guy in NYC without their own audio outlet, or so it seems, plus that romantic guidance, it splashes around its sense of humour. This is a sharply amusing mystery-comedy, and a highlight on Novak's resume in all three of his guises. It's also about subverting expectations, and lampooning the first impressions and broad stereotypes that are too often — and too easily — clung to. Indeed, Vengeance bakes in that idea as many ways as it can as Ben (Novak) does the most obvious thing he can to convince his producer (Issa Rae, Insecure) that his voice is worth hearing: bursts his Big Apple bubble. The Mayer bit isn't just a gag; it helps set up Ben as the kind of person who is dating so many women that he doesn't know which one has died after he gets a bereaved phone call from Texas in the middle of the night. On the other end is Ty Shaw (Boyd Holbrook, The Sandman), brother to Abilene (Lio Tipton, Why Women Kill), who insists that Ben head southwest immediately to attend her funeral — she claimed that they were serious enough that she's his girlfriend, after all. Upon arrival, the out-of-towner initially regards his hosts as jokes, and their lives and Abilene's death as content. Ty thinks she was murdered, and Ben couldn't be giddier about getting it all on tape and calling the series Dead White Girl. The journo's self-interest is up there with his obliviousness about anything that doesn't fit into his NYC orbit; however, this isn't a culture-clash comedy — thankfully — but a clever, self-aware and ambitious satire. It's also strikingly shot and features a standout performance by Ashton Kutcher (That '90s Show) as a suave record producer. Vengeance streams via Netflix and Binge. NEW AND RETURNING SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK SILO Rebecca Ferguson will never be mistaken for Daveed Diggs, but the Dune, Mission: Impossible franchise and Doctor Sleep star now follows in the Hamilton Tony-winner's footsteps. While he has spent multiple seasons navigating dystopian class clashes on a globe-circling train in the TV version of Snowpiercer, battling his way up and down the titular locomotive, she just started ascending and descending the stairs in the underground chamber that gives Silo its moniker. Ferguson's character is also among humanity's last remnants. Attempting to endure in post-apocalyptic times, she hails from her abode's lowliest depths as well. And, when there's a murder in this instantly engrossing new ten-part series — which leaps to the screen from Hugh Howey's novels, and shares a few basic parts with Metropolis, Blade Runner and The Platform, as well as corrupt world orders at the core of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner flicks — she's soon playing detective. Silo captivates from the outset, when its focus is the structure's sheriff Holston (David Oyelowo, See How They Run) and his wife Allison (Rashida Jones, On the Rocks). Both know the cardinal rule of the buried tower, as does deputy Marnes (Will Patton, Outer Range), mayor Ruth (Geraldine James, Benediction), security head Sims (Common, The Hate U Give), IT top brass Bernard (Tim Robbins, Dark Waters) and the other 10,000 souls they live with: if you make the request to go outside, it's irrevocable and you'll be sent there as punishment. No matter who you are, and from which level, anyone posing such a plea becomes a public spectacle. Their ask is framed as "cleaning", referring to wiping down the camera that beams the desolate planet around them onto window-sized screens in their cafeterias. No one has ever come back, or survived for more than minutes. Why? Add that to the questions piling up not just for Silo's viewers, but for the silo's residents. For more than 140 years, the latter have dwelled across their 144 floors in safety from the bleak wasteland that earth has become — but what caused that destruction and who built their cavernous home are among the other queries. Silo streams via Apple TV+. Read our full review. THE OTHER TWO Swapping Saturday Night Live for an entertainment-parodying sitcom worked swimmingly for Tina Fey. Since 2019, it's also been going hilariously for Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider. Not just former SNL writers but the veteran sketch comedy's ex-head writers, Kelly and Schneider have been giving the world their own 30 Rock with the sharp, smart and sidesplitting The Other Two. Their angle: focusing on the adult siblings of a Justin Bieber-style teen popstar who've always had their own showbiz aspirations — he's an actor, she was a ballerina — who then find themselves the overlooked children of a momager-turned-daytime television host as well. Cary (Drew Tarver, History of the World: Part II) and Brooke (Heléne York, Katy Keene) Dubek are happy for Chase (Case Walker, Monster High: The Movie). And when their mother Pat (Molly Shannon, I Love That for You) gets her own time in the spotlight, becoming Oprah-level famous, they're equally thrilled for her. But ChaseDreams, their little brother's stage name, has always been a constant reminder that their own ambitions keep being outshone. In a first season that proved one of the best new shows of 2019, a second season in 2021 that was just as much of a delight and now a stellar third go-around, Cary and Brooke have never been above getting petty and messy about being the titular pair. In season three, however, they aren't just hanging around with stars in their eyes and resentment in their hearts. How do they cope? They've spent the past few years constantly comparing themselves to Chase, then to Pat, but now they're successful on their own — and still chaotic, and completely unable to change their engrained thinking. Forget the whole "the grass is always greener" adage. No matter if they're faking it or making it, nothing is ever perfectly verdant for this pair or anyone in their orbit. Still, as Brooke wonders whether her dream manager gig is trivial after living through a pandemic, she starts contemplating if she should be doing more meaningful work like her fashion designer-turned-nurse boyfriend Lance (Josh Segarra, The Big Door Prize). And with Cary's big breaks never quite panning out as planned, he gets envious of his fellow-actor BFF Curtis (Brandon Scott Jones, Ghosts). The Other Two streams via Binge. Read our full review. PLATONIC Sometime in the near future, Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen and filmmaker Nicholas Stoller could easily join forces on a new rom-com. In fact, they should. Until then, buddy comedy Platonic makes a hilarious, engagingly written and directed, and perfectly cast addition to each's respective resumes. Reuniting the trio after 2014's Bad Neighbours and its 2016 sequel Bad Neighbours 2, this new series pairs Australia's comedy queen and America's go-to stoner as longterm pals who are never anything but mates — and haven't been in touch at all for years — but navigate a friendship that's as chaotic and complicated as any movie romance. That's an easy setup; however, watching the show's stars bicker, banter and face the fact that life doesn't always turn out as planned together proves as charming as it was always going to. Also, Platonic smartly doesn't try to be a romantic comedy, or to follow in When Harry Met Sally's footsteps. Instead, Platonic explores what happens when two former besties have gone their own ways, then come back together. The show knows that reconnecting with old pals is always tinged with nostalgia for the person you were when they were initially in your life. And, it's well-aware that reckoning with where you've ended up since is an immediate side effect. Enter Sylvia (Byrne, Seriously Red), who reaches out to Will (Rogen, The Super Mario Bros Movie) after hearing that he's no longer with the wife (Alisha Wainwright, Raising Dion) she didn't like. She's also a suburban-dwelling former lawyer who put work on hold to become a mother of three, and can't help feeling envious of her husband Charlie's (Luke Macfarlane, Bros) flourishing legal career. Her old BFF co-owns and runs an LA brewpub, is obsessive about his beer and hipster/slacker image, and hasn't been taking his breakup well. They couldn't be in more different places in their lives. When they meet up again, they couldn't appear more dissimilar, too. "You look like you live at Ann Taylor Loft," is Will's assessment. Sylvia calls him "a '90s grunge clown." Neither is wrong. Platonic streams via Apple TV+. Read our full review. THE CLEARING They're called The Kindred, not The Family. Adrienne Beaufort is their leader, not Anne Hamilton-Byrne. But there's no mistaking the inspiration for JP Pomare's book In the Clearing and its new eight-part adaptation The Clearing. Exploring the inner workings of an Australian cult based in rural Victoria, spouting New Age sentiments mixed with doomsday thinking, fixated upon blonde-haired children and led by a charismatic woman — a rare female cult leader — this tale fictionalises the real-life details documented in countless newspaper headlines since the 80s, and also in Rosie Jones' 2016 documentary The Family and 2019 series The Cult of the Family. Amid their so-wild-they-can-only-be-true stories, both of those projects showed viewers the eerie image of children with platinum locks in severe bobs and dressed in matching blue attire. That distinctive look is similarly at the heart of Disney+'s first original scripted Aussie drama. In the earlier of its two timelines, Amy (Julia Savage, Blaze) dons the tresses and uniform as one of the older children at Adrienne's (Miranda Otto, Wellmania) Blackmarsh bush compound — one being prepared to be her heir, and made an accomplice in the group's quest to add more kids to its ranks. Initially dutiful, the teenager is soon questioning the only existence she's ever known, with its harsh rules, strict aunties keeping everyone in line between Adrienne's sporadic visits, weekend services attended by well-to-do acolytes and, sharing the show's title, its LSD-fuelled confessional sessions. When The Clearing dwells in the now, still in Victoria at its leafiest, the smear of heartbreak and damage is ever-present. Indeed, when single mother Freya Heywood (Teresa Palmer, Ride Like a Girl) hears about a girl being abducted, she can't shake the feeling that history is repeating. She dotes over her primary school-aged son Billy (debutant Flynn Wandin), but she's also visibly nervous and anxious. When she keeps spotting a white van, she's a portrait of panic. The Clearing streams via Disney+. Read our full review. HIGH DESERT In High Desert, the always-excellent Patricia Arquette (Severance) leads a private investigator comedy that dapples its jam-packed chaos under California's golden sun, against the parched Yucca Valley landscape and with an anything-goes philosophy — not to mention a more-mayhem-the-merrier tone. She plays Peggy Newman, who isn't letting her age get in the way of perennially struggling to pull her life together. That said, when the eight-part series begins, it's Thanksgiving 2013 and she's living an upscale existence in Palm Springs, with gleaming surfaces abounding in her expansive (and visibly expensive) home. Then, as her husband Denny (Matt Dillon, Proxima) jokes around with her mother Roslyn (Bernadette Peters, Mozart in the Jungle), and her younger siblings Dianne (Christine Taylor, Search Party) and Stewart (Keir O'Donnell, The Dry) lap up the lavish festivities, DEA agents swarm outside. Cue weed, hash and cash stashes being flushed and trashed, but not quickly enough to avoid splashing around serious repercussions. A decade later, High Desert's protagonist has been sharing Roslyn's house and trying to kick her addictions while working at Pioneertown, a historical attraction that gives tourists a dusty, gun-toting taste of frontier life. Peggy would love to step back in time herself when she's not pretending to be a saloon barmaid — to when her recently deceased mother was still alive, however, rather than to her glitzy post-arrest shindigs. Still angry about being caught up in a drug bust, Dianne and Stewart have zero time for her nostalgia and a lack of patience left for her troubles. Their plan: to sell Roslyn's abode with no worries about where Peggy might end up. Her counter: doing everything she can to stop that from happening. High Desert doesn't just embrace the fact that living and breathing is merely weathering whatever weird, wild and sometimes-wonderful shambles fate throws your way; in a show created and written by Nurse Jackie and Damages alumni Jennifer Hoppe and Nancy Fichman, plus Miss Congeniality and Desperate Housewives' Katie Ford, that idea dictates the busy plot, too. High Desert streams via Apple TV+. Read our full review. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March and April this year. You can also check out our list of standout must-stream 2022 shows as well — and our best 15 new shows of last year, top 15 returning shows over the same period, 15 shows you might've missed and best 15 straight-to-streaming movies of 2022.
Online shopping go-to The Iconic has no shortage of sales, but now it has launched a permanent sale in the form of an outlet site. The best part? Discounts start at a whopping 50 percent off. Called The Iconic Outlet and live to shop right now — say goodbye to your plans of a productive Monday at work — the site features heaps of women's, men's and kids' clothes, as well as accessories and shoes, for pocket change. You'll find heels and sandals for under $15, sneakers under $50, tops under $10, dresses under $20, shirts as little as $14 and a whole heap more. All the usual brands are on offer, too, including Nike, Speedo, Tigerlily, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Camilla and Adidas. As well as discounted clothes, The Iconic Outlet is offering a flat-rate delivery fee of $7.95 across Australia and $9.95 across NZ. The site's launch has come at a great time, too, with spring in full swing from tomorrow. So, if you need new bathers, beach shoes, dresses or hats, The Iconic Outlet has got your back. Alternatively, if you're still working from home and those trackies you've been thrashing are looking a little threadbare, you'll find some cheap new ones on the site. The Iconic Outlet website is now live in Australia and NZ. 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.
It kicked off more than four decades ago with one of the best horror movies ever made; however the Halloween franchise has been through quite a few ups and downs over the years. Clocking up ten follow-ups and 11 movies in total so far, the slasher series has delivered excellent and terrible sequels, veered into remake territory, both killed off and brought back its heroine, and completely erased parts of its own past several times. But, like its mask-wearing villain Michael Myers, it always finds a way to go on. Since 2018's Halloween, that's been especially great news — with the Jamie Lee Curtis-starring, Jason Blum-produced 11th flick in the franchise proving a smart, thrilling horror delight, and ranking second only to the movie that started it all. Indeed, the movie was such a success that two more sequels are set to come from the same team (aka Blum, writer/director David Gordon Green and co-scribe Danny McBride): Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends. Originally, Halloween Kills was due to hit screens his year, in October — when else? — but, as announced this week by franchise creator John Carpenter, it's now moving back its release to October 2021. As the iconic filmmaker explained via social media, "if we release it in October this year as planned, we have to face the reality that the film would be consumed in a compromised theatrical experience. After weighing our options, we have chosen to push the film's theatrical release by one year". Fans will now need to postpone their return trip to Haddonfield and their next encounter with Curtis' spirited Laurie Strode and her lifelong nemesis — but, if you're wondering what's in store, Carpenter also unveiled Halloween Kills' first teaser trailer. As the 30-second clip shows, the sequel is picking up where the last movie left off. Cue the iconic, Carpenter-composed theme music, obviously. Carpenter also noted that the new film has "lined up a cast of legacy characters... alongside some new faces, [and] we aggressively made the second chapter of our Halloween trilogy. It unfolded into an experience that was a creative playground and we feel confident that our misfit pleasures will be seen as an unexpected entry into this franchise". Check out the Halloween Kills teaser trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHhZDYVoV7w Halloween Kills will release in Australian cinemas on October 15, 2021.
For the first time in over two decades, the Grammy Awards will take place in March this year, after the music industry's night of nights was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles. The ceremony has been pushed back from its original date of Sunday, January 31, and will now be held on Sunday, March 14 Pacific Time. For Australian viewers looking to tune into the ceremony, the new date to mark in your calendar is Monday, March 15. In a joint statement regarding the postponement from Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr, CBS executive Jack Sussman and show producer Ben Winston, the worsening COVID-19 situation in LA was cited as the reason for the postponement. "The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, with hospital services being overwhelmed, ICUs having reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local governments have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do," reads the statement. The announcement comes after a record 29,464 new COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County were reported in a single day on Saturday, December 26. There are currently 7898 COVID patients currently hospitalised in Los Angeles County. Leading the 2021 list of Grammy nominees is Beyoncé with nine nominations for her song 'Black Parade' and her collaboration with rapper Megan thee Stallion 'Savage (Remix)'. Australians Tame Impala and Flume are nominated for awards in the Best Alternative Music Album and Best Dance Recording categories respectively. Flume previously took out the Best Dance/Electronic Album Award in 2017 for his album Skin, while Tame Impala have been nominated twice previously but have never won. You can find the full list of nominees via the Grammy Awards' website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCRiUi28UpA The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards have been postponed to Sunday, March 14, 2021 Pacific Time — which is Monday, March 15, 2021 in Australia. For further information, head to the Grammy Awards website. Top images: Grammy Awards, M.Johnson / Flume, Andy Fraser.
When Sydneysiders want to spend a day carving up the snow, they usually have to jump in a car for at least five hours and head to one of NSW's ski resorts. But, in a few years, it might be as easy as jumping on a train to Penrith, thanks to a new $200-million indoor Winter Sports World that's been proposed for the city. Set to be built in Jamisontown on the corner of Jamison Road and Tench Avenue, the centre will include a 300-metre indoor ski slope, ice skating rink, and both ice and rock climbing facilities. If executed to plan, the proposal claims the ski slope will be one of the top ten high-performance training centres in the world. A food and drink precinct featuring bars, restaurants and cafes, and a 170-room hotel have also been included in the proposal. The development, which is currently open for public feedback, is part of the Penrith City Council's plan to double visitors and tourism revenue in the area by 2025. If it goes ahead, the development is expected to contribute $74.9 million to the NSW economy each year. Once built, the facility is hoped to provide a boost to Australia's Winter Olympians and their training. The Winter Olympics haven't traditionally been one of Australia's sporting strong suits — the national team first competed in 1936 and didn't win its first medal until 1994. The proposal has been in the works since November 2018 and is currently up for Public Exhibition on the Penrith City Council website. According to the scheduled timeline, if the development is approved the planning phase will be complete by July 2021, making way for the start of construction. If construction does kick off, it certainly won't be the only building happening in Western Sydney. Parramatta Square dining precinct is almost complete, and Badgerys Creek will soon be home to Sydney's next major airport. You can review the winter sports facility proposal and give feedback on the Penrith City Council website up until 4pm on Friday, November 6.
Who knew ballet and rock music make such a beautiful team? The newest production from the Australian Ballet, Chroma, features four contemporary works and proves that ballet is not just classical orchestration and frou-frou. The White Stripes combine with contemporary costume and minimalist set design to make this not your mum's ballet. The quadruple bill takes its title from one of the works within, Chroma, a legendary piece originally created by Wayne McGregor for The Royal Ballet of London and using the aforementioned music from the Whites. McGregor's ballet differentiates itself from the classical style, with jerky movements meant to push the limits of the dancers' bodies. "The movement can be freaky at times and shows off every joint our bodies have, sometimes all at once," says Daniel Gaudiello, the male lead in Chroma. "The body is such an amazing instrument and you witness it at its limits." Also slated for performance are twin pieces choreographed by Jirí Kylián, Petite Mort (also featuring Gaudiello) and Sechs Tanze, as well as a new original work, Art to Sky, by the Australian Ballet's resident choreographer Stephen Baynes. The contemporary dances by Kylián and Baynes are paired with the classical music of Mozart and Tchaikovsky, creating a blend of old and new ballet styles. Both Chroma and Kylián's works will feature dancers in all white or neutral costumes, highlighting the motions of the dancers. "We are in these little camisole-like chiffon outfits that are designed to complement our skin tones," says Gaudiello. "The result I think is an inside-out view of ballet through an androgynous lens." The intensity of ballet, particularly when paired with the music of The White Stripes, shows off the pure athleticism of the dancers. "I feel Australia is such an athletic country and so is the ballet," says Gaudiello. "We all feel so lucky to have the chance to try such a coveted work and I really believe we will strive in every show to put in the raw intention, attack and groove that such a difficult piece like Chroma demands." As for the stories the choreography conveys, Gaudiello tries not to sway us. "That is the beauty of contemporary ballet, sometimes the ending is up to you," he says. Chroma is on at the Sydney Opera House from April 29 to May 17. Tickets can be purchased through the Sydney Opera House website.
We all know the fun things that can happen when a nostalgic childhood treat is reimagined for a grown-up audience. And the latest collaboration from gelato masters Messina and Sydney distillery Archie Rose is certainly one of the goodies. The pair has gone and reworked the classic neapolitan ice cream combo into a limited-edition trio of spirits, heavy on the retro-tastic dessert vibes and ready for your spring cocktail sessions. Available from Monday, September 7, the Neapolitan Set features three 200-millilitre spirit varieties crafted on produce from Messina's own Aussie farms, paying homage to the familiar pink, white and brown scoops that have long graced dinner tables across Australia. There's a strawberry and pink peppercorn gin, a vanilla and pandan vodka, and a chocolate-inspired cacao husk and hazelnut whisky. Archie Rose individually distilled a swag of top-quality ingredients to create each sip and has even come up with some suggested cocktails to put them to good use. For example, the gin teams locally foraged pink peppercorn and native river mint with juicy strawberries from Messina's farm in Dural, NSW. They say this one works particularly well matched with some of Messina's strawberry sorbet in a blushing riff on the miami vice cocktail. Meanwhile, the collaboration vodka uses fragrant pandan and sustainably sourced Tongan vanilla beans to create a spirit that's the perfect addition to a grasshopper. And the whisky stars roasted hazelnuts from both Italy and the Messina farm in Seymour, Victoria, along with macerated husks from rare cacao beans. Best try that one blended with a scoop of Messina's hazelnut gelato in a creamy toblerone concoction. While the spirit set will be available to buy online and from select bottle shops, Messina will also be dishing up a supporting act with a limited-edition decorated neapolitan gelato tub up for grabs from September 7. Plus, stay tuned for a virtual neapolitan cocktail masterclass, presented by Messina and Archie Rose on September 25. Find the Archie Rose x Messina Neapolitan Set ($109) at select bottle shops, the Archie Rose bar and on the Archie Rose website, from September 7.
A lot of us miss Pinbone, but luckily, they're teaming up with Newtown favourites Young Henrys to throw a raging party with wild animals, wild weeds and "crazy, wild messed-up beers". We're not sure what that means, but we like it. Come along, find your inner beast and get loose. Email info@pinbone.com.au to book tickets. This event is one of our top ten picks of Good Food Month 2015. Check out the other nine. Image: Pinbone.
When it comes to Sydney craft beers, many would argue that brews from the inner west are best. You've got Batch, Grifter, Philter and Wildflower in Marrickville, while just up the road you'll find Willie the Boatman in St Peters, Young Henrys in Newtown, Wayward in Camperdown. Basically, you're spoiled for choice. And, to celebrate quality brews and Sydney's craft beer cradle, Leichhardt's The Royal is throwing its third annual Inner West Beer Fest. Running from 12–8pm on Saturday, November 16 and from 12–6pm on Sunday, November 17, The Royal's Inner West Beer Fest is a great day out for beer novices and enthusiasts alike. This two-day event showcases a plethora of well established and upcoming breweries, featuring some of the hipster capital's very own, including Batch and Young Henrys, as well as stalls from Akasha, Frenchies and Adelaide's Pirate Life. The festival spills out onto the street in front of the Leichhardt institution and will feature live music, crab racing and competitions for best beer or cider in various categories. Plus, you can enter the chance to win an inner west beer crawl for you and seven mates here or at the festival's ticket desk on the day. Best of all, entry to this beer bonanza is free. There'll be a couple of pop-up food stalls, plus The Royal's kitchen will be slinging its usual pub fare. Whilst the event itself is free to attend, you can buy early bird tickets ($27). The price covers five tasters, so it'll ultimately save you money on the day if you plan on sampling a few brews — and you get to skip the queues. To grab yourself an early bird ticket, head here.
Inspired by Madonna, Michael Jackson and Nine Inch Nails, Auckland based synth pop duo Computers Want Me Dead have decided they're not going to take themselves too seriously – resulting in a sound that's chaotic, almost dizzying synth pop that you can't help but pull shapes to. They've played Rhythm + Vines, Big Day Out and supported 30 Seconds to Mars – all while having only released their debut EP in March this year. They've taken over New Zealand and plan to take over the rest of the world later on this year, one synth track at a time. One half of Computers Want Me Dead, Sam Harvey, chats to Kirstie Sequitin about Gary Numan, Nine Inch Nails and embracing their inner synth pop. I read this thing on your Facebook profile last night, saying that your set is 'a whirling and buzzing tornado of sound akin to some wonderful lovechild of Gary Numan and Nine Inch Nails on ecstacy'. And then I saw that you had a photo taken with Gary the other day – did he have something to say about that? Yeah, yeah that was amazing! A friend of mine was organizing the Gary Numan show over here in Auckland, so as soon as I found out I ran in saying 'please, please, please can I meet him?' And I met him, he was the nicest guy I've ever met, it was incredible. Did he listen to your music at all? I don't know. It was funny because the friend that hosted the television show knows I'm a huge fan (of Gary) and actually gave him a copy of our CD live on air. I was like 'Oh my God, I can't believe you did that.' But, I don't know. I'd like to think that he would have heard it but yeah, no idea. Why do computers want you dead? The name is definitely ironic, because we both love computers and we're kind of nerdy in that way. But it actually comes from a friend of mine who had moved to Chicago wrote me this massive long email on MySpace, back in the day when MySpace was all the rage. So she wrote me this massive email and clicked send and… it timed out. She had spent two hours writing this email and was really really pissed off. The next email she wrote was titled 'Computers want me dead'. I was like, "I'm totally going to use that as a band name". She didn't believe me until we put out a single. What were you guys doing before Computers Want Me Dead and how did you guys start working together? I was wearing a Nine Inch Nails t-shirt at a work function and Damien came up to me and was like, "Oh yeah, I'm a fan of Nine Inch Nails too." And we just got talking. We were both talking about how we wanted to, you know, start a band, and we started jamming. We ended up moving into an apartment – I live here with Damien and his girlfriend – and it kind of just went from there. So how does a love for Nine Inch Nails translate to the stuff that you guys make together? Well, it's funny - it started off being a lot darker and kind of grittier. Then one day I changed the bass line on something and added the sort of poppy sounding synth and all of a sudden it was a different song and we just ran with that. But yeah, Nine Inch Nails are definitely a massive influence on both of us and kind of evidence of earlier stuff that we've done. I've played one of our singles to a friend of mine who is also a Nine Inch Nails fan and – I don't know if this is compliment but - he said "It sounds like Nine Inch Nails on E". And I was like, "Sweet. That's awesome". That was the coolest thing he could've said. You say that your music comes from being able to embrace pop music shamelessly; do you think other bands take themselves too seriously? Do you think that there's a bit of synth pop in every band? (laughs) I think everyone has a potential to take themselves too seriously. We're all guilty of it sometimes. But yeah, I don't know, there's some music that's more serious than others – and I'm a big fan of all kinds of stuff. I don't look at people who are really into what they're doing as taking themselves too seriously – I don't think they're pretentious or anything, but it's just not what this band is about. Computers Want Me Dead's self-titled EP is out now.
