Coming up with Christmas gifts for the entire family isn't always easy, but there are a few things most people can agree on, like a good cup of coffee. That's why a gift like ST. ALi's annual Christmas coffee blend is a godsend when you're stuck for ideas. Back again for another festive season, this year's limited-edition and in-demand blend is the Nutcracker. Primed for going under the tree or straight in the grinder, expect a flavour profile that's delightfully on the nose when it comes to evoking holiday spirit. Jam-packed with notes of stollen and fruit cake, you'll also encounter warm toffee undertones alongside dark chocolate, roasted chestnut and candied orange. Effectively Christmas in a cup, the beans (whole or pre-ground) are also thoughtfully packaged, making them the ideal stocking stuffer for that coffee-obsessed relative who'll appreciate a festive brew. But if that's more of a you thing, trust that your December caffeine needs are covered. Drawing inspiration from the unapologetic spirit of the namesake old-world tale, the strictly limited Nutcracker blend is proud to be more than a little bold and dramatic. Load up on this Christmas coffee before it's gone and avoid snapping like a doll if you, or your relatives, don't get their morning brew. ST ALi's limited edition Nutcracker blend is available now. Head to the website for more information.
Darlinghurst has just scored its own little slice of New Orleans as the doors open to new cocktail bar The Big Easy. Kitted out in deep greens, pastel pinks and lush foliage aplenty, the two-level space will have you feeling as though you've been whisked away to the French Quarter or even the raucous surrounds of Bourbon Street. This ode to colourful New Orleans comes courtesy of owner Doug Laming (The Smoking Panda, Brix Distillery and Rabbit Hole Bar), who set out to create a fitting homage to the city's famed music, food and bar scenes. A couple of lively murals help set the tone — one by Sydney artist Kentaro Yoshida gracing the outdoor courtyard, the other a Voodoo-inspired piece by Brisbane's Natty B, jazzing up the upstairs space. Each drink from the expansive cocktail lineup nods to one of the Louisiana city's classics, including the signature Big Easy Fizz – a fusion of rye, Southern Comfort Black, burnt orange, Peychaud's bitters and ginger ale, finished with a sprig of rosemary. There's also a mostly-Aussie wine selection, a strong contingent of bourbon and rye on the back bar, and a beer list ruled by American drops — think, Pabst Blue Ribbon or perhaps Deschutes' Mirror Pond pale ale. The food sticks to the same theme, with a lineup of Creole- and Cajun-inspired fare. For snackier sessions, there are bites like homemade beef jerky, charred giant shrimp and sweet potato fries doused in rosemary and paprika. Up the bigger end, you'll spy jambalaya with andouille sausage and shrimp, and a blackened Atlantic cod sided with corn cream and toasted buckwheat. A Wednesday to Friday happy hour (4.30–6.30pm) offers a little midweek fun with $5 PBRs, $5 glasses of wine and $10 cocktails. And each Sunday, you can kick back with live tunes courtesy of The Big Easy's weekly Sessions in the Sun rotation. Find The Big Easy at 77 Stanley St, Darlinghurst. It's open from 4pm Wednesday to Friday and 12pm Saturday and Sunday.
Between 2010–2017, Melbourne was ranked the most liveable city in the world. In 2023, it's the most liveable city in Australia — yet again. The Economist Intelligence Unit compiles an annual Global Liveability Index, with the Victorian capital coming in third in the latest list. In fourth place? Its usual homegrown rival Sydney. Cue battles across state lines about whether Melbourne or Sydney is the truly best place to live, plus international recognition for Australia's two biggest cities. And, for residing Down Under in general. Only Canada had more places in the top ten in 2023, with three, while Switzerland also scored two. When Melbourne was dethroned from top spot in 2018, Vienna in Austria emerged victorious, earning the honours from 2018–20, then again in 2022 and now once more in 2023. Getting the love in 2021? New Zealand's Auckland, which came equal tenth this year. The full top ten features Vienna at number one, Copenhagen in Denmark in second place, then Melbourne and Sydney in third and fourth, plus that big Canada and Switzerland block — Vancouver in fifth, Zurich in sixth, Calgary and Geneva sharing seventh, and Toronto in ninth place — then Auckland and Osaka, Japan both in tenth. Melbourne's placing sees it rise from tenth in 2022, while Sydney came in 13th last year. And if you're wondering about other Aussie cities, they all zoomed up the rankings, too. Perth and Adelaide now share 12th spot, up from 30th and 32nd respectively, while Brisbane sits 16th after coming in at 27th in 2022. Asia Pacific cities were big movers overall, which the report credits to "a shift towards normalcy after the pandemic". Also rising: Auckland, which went up by 25; fellow Aotearoa city Wellington, lifting 35 places to sit in 23rd; and Hanoi in Vietnam, which moved up 20 spots. Regarding Melbourne and Sydney's soaring fortunes again, which sees them take the spots that Frankfurt and Amsterdam enjoyed last year, the report notes that the Aussie cities "bounced up and down the rankings during the pandemic" but "have seen their scores in the healthcare category improve since last year, when they were still affected by COVID waves that stressed their healthcare systems". As for why Vienna came out on top once more, "the city continues to offer an unsurpassed combination of stability, good infrastructure, strong education and healthcare services, and plenty of culture and entertainment, with one of its few downsides being a relative lack of major sporting events," advised the report. "The same is true of Copenhagen, another frequent high performer that has kept its position in second place from last year." The annual index ranks cities on stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, culture and environment, giving each city a rating out of 100. Vienna achieved a score of 98.4 overall, with Melbourne receiving 97.7 and Sydney 97.4. At the other end of the list, Damascus in Syria scored 30.7, ranking in 173rd spot. To read the full Global 2023 Liveability Index, head to the Economist Intelligence Unit's website.
With your next dessert, you could help send a message to the Australian government about climate change. That's the aim behind Ben & Jerry's new limited-edition 'Unfudge our Future' flavour. Made with almond milk, the chocolate and peanut butter non-dairy ice cream features chunks of fudge brownies and peanut butter cookie dough and, as well as tempting your tastebuds, it's designed to raise awareness about the country's use of fossil fuels. The latest addition to the brand's range is specifically part of a campaign targeted at Aussie leaders, complete with personalised tubs created for Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor. Ben & Jerry's has joined forces with 350.org Australia and the Climate Council, with all three are calling for the Australian Government to invest in sustainable and renewable energy in this year's budget, and to adopt a science-based approach to climate change in general. Accordingly, the flavour links in with a new section on Ben & Jerry's website that allows you to send a message to the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction. And, for every punnet sold, Ben & Jerry's will also be donating part of the proceeds to 350.org Australia. It is hosting a virtual ice cream and climate change event on Thursday, August 20, too; however, because it includes free ice cream, registrations have already reached capacity at the time of writing — unsurprisingly. Fans of both non-dairy ice cream and fighting against climate change can pick up the new 'Unfudge our Future' flavour at Ben & Jerry's stores, as well as grocery and convenience stores around the country — and, via delivery services. For more information about Ben & Jerry's new limited-edition 'Unfudge our Future' flavour, and its campaign against fossil fuels, visit the brand's website.
When you think of Phillip Island, you probably think of penguins (not that we blame you — they're adorable). But this remarkable setting offers so much more than just our furry friends. Whether it's the outstanding dining possibilities — think fresh seafood, seasonal produce, top-notch wines and killer views — or the coastline that features some fascinating rock formations and the opportunity to spot some migrating sea life, at less than two hours' drive from Melbourne's CBD, Phillip Island is an awesome place to spend a cooler weather getaway. We've found the best spots to eat, play and stay on a weekend away if you want to escape our big island to find a smaller, cosier one. [caption id="attachment_724044" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phillip Island Winery, Jackson Grant[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Although surrounded by water, Phillip Island isn't a tropical isle where you sip on coconuts. It's wild, rugged and full of cosy eateries and bars to stop at and escape the cold. And, just because you're leaving behind Melbourne for the weekend doesn't mean you have to give up the coffee that you know and love. Start your Phillip Island getaway at The Store, which is where you'll find the best cup of java to kickstart your trip. There's also a selection of flaky pies and steaming hot toasties that'll help rid you of the daybreak chills. Now that you've had your morning pick-me-up, what better way to dive into the pleasures of Phillip Island than by taking a quick drive south through the picturesque plains to the Phillip Island Winery? From here, you'll experience stellar panoramic views from the winery's vantage point — make the most of them by sitting outside next to the roaring fire pit and sipping a shiraz alongside a cheese platter. Once you've sampled enough of the island's top wines, you'd be remiss if you didn't give the beer the same opportunity. Fortunately, Ocean Reach Brewing's mellow brewpub is only ten minutes away. Start with a tasting paddle, which will give you four flavourful offerings from the core range. [caption id="attachment_722687" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Cape Kitchen[/caption] By now, the morning is probably done and dusted and it's time to figure out your lunchtime plans. Serving up everything from breakfast bagels to birria queso tacos, Kelp is a popular pit stop for lunch a brunch seekers on Phillip Island. Located right by the bridge connecting Newhaven and San Remo, the charming venue features an interior inspired by the surrounding seaside with a rustic fit out. Another option is Saltwater, a laidback eatery situated on the most eastern tip of the island. Here, you'll be tucking into woodfired pizzas, charcuterie and, unsurprisingly, plenty of seafood while overlooking the wild sea. When the sun goes down, we recommend getting cosy with another glass of red at Grenache Wine Bar. Alongside an extensive wine list, featuring both local and international drops, it also has a great reputation for beautiful meals that wouldn't be out of place at a trendy inner city spot. The relaxed, intimate atmosphere pairs perfectly with a belly-warming feast that could entail grilled chorizo oysters with balsamic glaze or snapper with pepperberry hollandaise. These options not enough for you? Check out our food and drink guide to Phillip Island to find more local wineries, breweries, cafes, bars and restaurants. [caption id="attachment_704319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] DO Phillip Island undoubtedly offers some incredible gastronomic options, but the scenery is just as good. From striking clifftop hikes to astounding whale watching spots, there are plenty of things to see and do to keep your weekend away lively. One of the island's most popular adventures is the Cape Woolamai Circuit. Starting from the island's southern point and travelling up to its highest peak, this trek combines three separate walks that range in length from four to almost seven kilometres long. Each section is a rather easygoing walk with no prior hiking experience required. You'll probably want to rug up — you'll be battling the elements, after all. But you'll be rewarded with moody ocean vistas and stunning rock formations, including the Pinnacles Lookout and the Old Granite Quarry, which highlights a bit of local history — much of Melbourne's building materials came from here in the late 19th century. [caption id="attachment_724590" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Any weekend escape to Phillip Island needs to include a visit to Kitty Miller Bay — the 500-metre long stretch of sandy dunes is one of the prettiest in the region. There's also the remains of the SS Speke, which ran aground in 1906, and is now a popular spot for surfers and snorkellers in warmer months. In cooler months, stay dry (and warm) while whale watching. If you head to Pyramid Rock, you'll find yourself at one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales and orcas that cruise by heading to warmer waters. Take a stroll down the boardwalk and experience the rugged coastline from the excellent viewing platform. [caption id="attachment_724589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] To up your chances of seeing whales, the self-guided Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail is your insiders' map on where you need to go and it advises you on the bays, headlands and beaches you have to hit. Even if you don't witness the majestic creatures this time around, these incredible sights are still worth a visit. If you'd prefer someone to lead the way for you, Wildlife Coast Cruises offers a variety of tours. Consider the Winter Whale Cruise, which takes a tour of four whale watching hotspots or go in search of the island's resident fur seals with this two-hour cruise. For more exciting things to do on Phillip Island, read our full outdoor adventure guide or hit up Concrete Playground Trips — where you can book two-day cruises, day trips from Melbourne and tours to the penguin parade. [caption id="attachment_724571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Cabin, Hilary Walker[/caption] STAY After a day of exploring this charming island in all its windswept glory, you're going to want somewhere cosy to retreat to and thaw out — preferably in front of a fireplace with a glass of red. We do have a specific guide to the best places to stay on. Philip Island but here are some of our faves. Our first pick is Cape Cabin, a mud-brick and timber home that boasts direct beach access and sweeping views across Bass Strait and Cape Woolamai. Hidden among native plant life, it's ideal for big groups as it sleeps up to nine guests across five large bedrooms. There's loads of space to spread out, with fully equipped indoor and outdoor kitchens, plus massive entertainment and living areas. [caption id="attachment_723598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Five Acres[/caption] For those looking for a more rural retreat, the Five Acres farm stay offers just that, while remaining easily within reach of Cowes. From here, your deck showcases sprawling views across Western Port Bay, while a fireplace makes for snug evening warming back up. Or, you could opt for an even more rustic approach with a stay in one of The Sheltered Glamping Co's luxury glamping tents. The largest, Emperor Safari, even comes with an outdoor tub to soak in. Meanwhile, if style is the name of the game, then the Anglers Shack likely wins. Owned and decorated by prominent stylist Simone Haag, this chic beach cabin on Sunderland Bay shows off some of her best work. Enjoy the ocean views and the skate ramp — if that's your kind of thing. Down the road in the lush community of Smiths Beach, the five-bedroom Beachwood Luxury Villa will have you within close proximity to a wealth of restaurants and parks. The balcony is great for celebrating, plus you can get a glimpse of Pyramid Rock and the nearby beach, all from the comfort of your weekend home. But if you travelling on a budget, think about some laidback holiday parks by the beach. There's Comfort Resort Kaloha and NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park just outside of Cowes, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island in the countryside and BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park by Newhaven. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
In a bid to contain a COVID-19 outbreak, Sydney's northern beaches have been under stay-at-home orders since Saturday, December 19. Initially flagged to end on Wednesday, December 30, those orders have today been extended until at least Saturday, January 9 for the northern half of the northern beaches and until at least Saturday, January 2 for the southern half. Which means, yes, that they'll be in place for NYE. The good news for northern beaches residents is that — similarly to the privilege allowed over Christmas — you'll be allowed to have small gatherings in your home for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. For those two days, people in the northern zone will be allowed up to five people in their homes (including adults and children) and those in the southern zone will be allowed ten people. Residents can't leave their zones, however, and people from Greater Sydney cannot enter the region. Limited outdoor public gatherings, which were given the OK on December 26, continue, too, which allow for groups of up to five to gather for recreation and exercise purposes in the northern zone and ten in the south. Under the newly extended stay-at-home orders, residents in both zones can only leave homes for one of four reasons: shopping for food or other goods and services; travel for work or education purposes if unable to work from home; exercise; and medical or caring reasons. If you need a refresher on the zones, the NSW Government has split the northern beaches into two zones — a northern and southern section, using the Narrabeen Bridge and the Baha'i Temple as a boundary. You can see a map below. The announcement comes as NSW records five additional cases of locally acquired COVID-19 in the 24 hours leading up to 8pm on Sunday, December 27. All of them are in the northern beaches. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that while the number of new daily cases is trending down, "there are still too many concerning aspects for us — of those cases and also of not really being able to identify what we call the intermediaries, those unlinked cases — for us to really ease restrictions in the way that we know that the northern beaches community wanted us to do so." For Greater Sydney, Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong, restrictions are changing slightly for NYE, too, with limit on outdoor public gatherings halving from 100 to 50. Gatherings inside homes continue to be capped at ten. For the rest of regional NSW, indoor gatherings are 50 and outdoor public gatherings 100. The NSW Government has posted a handy rundown of new restrictions here: For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha'i Temple), the following rules apply until January 9: The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to suppress community transmission. However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day but will be restricted to five visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes). Current arrangements allowing five people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues. No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year's Eve. For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches, the following rules apply until January 2: The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to suppress community transmission. However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day but will be restricted to 10 visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes). Current arrangements allowing 10 people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues. No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year's Eve. For Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong the following rules apply: Gatherings in the home remain at 10 visitors in total (including children). Outside gatherings (such as picnics) will be restricted to 50 people in total (down from 100). For regional NSW there is no change to current arrangements For more information about the northern beaches outbreak and current restrictions, head to the NSW Health website.
Her milkshake brought all the boys to the yard back in the early 2000s. It also sent Kelis soaring up the charts. Now, that hit track is set to echo through Beyond The Valley. The end-of-year music festival is in announcement mode, dropping its lineup for 2023 — and not just Kelis but also RÜFÜS DU SOL, Central Cee and Peggy Gou lead the bill. Last year, Beyond The Valley also went retro with one of its big-name acts: Nelly Furtado. This year, it's harking back to the same era. Expect to hear fellow nostalgic hits 'Trick Me,' 'Bossy,' and 'Millionaire' when Kelis takes to the stage as well, and to revel in all things noughties. Taking place at Barunah Plains in Hesse in Victoria from Thursday, December 28, 2023–Monday, January 1, 2024, 2023's Beyond The Valley will welcome back RÜFÜS DU SOL, in what'll be their third stint at the festival since it began in 2014. British rapper Central Cee will bust out 'Doja', of course, and show why he's notched up two-billion streams. And Peggy Gou hits the decks fresh from her latest single '(It Goes Like) Nanana' doing huge things. Also on the lineup: Destroy Lonely, DMA'S, G Flip, Mall Grab and The Jungle Giants, as well as COBRAH, BIG WETT, Lastlings, King Stingray, Becca Hatch, CXLOE, JessB, Channel Tres and Romy. And yes, the list still goes on from there. Fancy listening to podcasts at a music fest? There's a dedicated stage for that, too, with everyone from Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay to Aussie Rules footballer Mason Cox on the lineup. The event's Barunah Plains site comes compete with a 100,000-square metre-natural amphitheatre — and it'll be setting up three main stages, a 70-metre-wide LED wall, a ferris wheel and more. Fancy hitting up an inflatable wedding chapel? Checking out Poof Doof Pride Patrol's roving drag performances? Trying to find Schmall Klub's hidden party? Having a swim? Doing some yoga? Get ready for that as well. BEYOND THE VALLEY 2023 LINEUP: RÜFÜS DU SOL Central Cee Peggy Gou Destroy Lonely DMA'S G Flip Kelis Mall Grab The Jungle Giants BIG WETT Boo Seeka Cassian Channel Tres COBRAH Conducta b2b Notion DJ Heartstring Ewan McVicar Jayda G KETTAMA King Stingray Lady Shaka Lastlings Logic1000 LUUDE Mella Dee Overmono Rebūke Romy Ross From Friends (DJ set) salute STÜM Taylah Elaine Willaris. K 6 SENSE Baby G Becca Hatch Blusher CRUSH3d Crybaby CXLOE dameeeela Effy Forest Claudette FUKHED Gold Fang House Mum JessB DJ JNETT Mia Wray Miss Kaninna PANIA Pink Matter Saoirse Shake Daddy Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir Tyson O'Brien PODCAST STAGE Scheananigans with Scheana Shay Curious Conversations with Tully and Sarah Flopstars Jamo and Dylan In Bed with Georgia Grace The Maria Thattil Show The Mason Cox Show Where's Your Head At Yarning Up First Nations Stories with Caroline Kell Beyond The Valley will run from Thursday, December 28, 2023–Monday, January 1, 2024 at Barunah Plains, Wentworths Road, Hesse, Victoria. Ticket presale registrations are open now, closing at 3pm AEST on Monday, August 21 — with presales starting that same day at 6pm AEST. General sales kick off at 12pm AEST on Tuesday, August 22. For more information, head to the fest's website. Images: Jordan Munns / Josh Bainbridge.
Three Blue Ducks is expanding its collection of popular farm-to-table eateries with a new road trip-worthy regional restaurant. Following the opening of a Snowy Mountains outpost in 2020, and the recent closure of its original Bronte location, the hospitality group has now turned its attention to the New South Wales mid-north coast. Three Blue Ducks Bellingen will be located at the area's dreamy hotel The Lodge, becoming the group's sixth venue accompanying locations in Rosebery, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Melbourne and Nimbo. Set to open later this year, diners can expect all of the hallmarks of Three Blue Ducks at its latest iteration. Located on the hotel's 16-acre gardens, the restaurant will serve up ethically sourced dishes highlighting local produce. Owners Darren Robertson and Andy Allen have been working with farmers from the region to source ingredients that will feature across the all-day menu. [caption id="attachment_852010" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Three Blue Ducks Providoor, Steven Woodburn[/caption] "Sustainability and ethically sourced produce is a primary focus for us, and this ethos will continue with our menu offering in Bellingen," says Robertson. "The area and its surroundings is a melting pot of different flavours, ideas and innovative ways of presenting food, which makes Bello a must-visit location for food lovers." Bellingen locals, hotel guests and tourists will all be able to head in for a classic Three Blue Ducks spread for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Accompanying the produce-heavy eats will be coffee from Single O, and a robust list of wines and beers from across NSW. There will also be a separate functions menu, with the Three Blue Ducks team working with The Lodge to offer private events and catering for weddings. The Lodge boasts 30 individual rooms, luxury glamping options, a pool with day beds and a bar, and five alpacas that wander the gardens. Three Blue Ducks Bellingen will open sometime in 2023 at The Lodge, 1381 Waterfall Way, Bellingen — we'll update you with a launch date when one is announced.
It's one of the grand dames of Sydney's pub scene, but this spring lower north shore institution The Oaks will leap right into the future, when it unveils its most significant makeover yet. With an impressive 133 years under its belt, the historic pub is now in the midst of a hefty upgrade, as the site is reimagined with three distinct new offerings under the one roof. The first new venue, slated for September, is Taffy's: a sports bar that's heavy on the pop culture references. You'll catch a life-size cut-out of cricketing great Richie Benaud, a novelty Hulk Hogan beer tap and a giant eight-person foosball table, along with retro games and a stack of sport screens. A food menu will feature imaginative reworkings of pub snack classics, with the likes of reuben-inspired spring rolls (filled with pastrami and cheese) and duck nachos with fried wonton skins instead of corn chips. Meanwhile, the cocktail list will showcase gutsy drops such as a smoked barrel-aged negroni and the 20-tap beer list will change monthly. Taking an entirely different direction is the elegant conservatory-inspired space Alala's, which is scheduled for an October debut. This lush spot will boast lofty bay windows and a Parisian-style patio looking out on the pub's legendary namesake oak tree. This one will be your go-to for lunch — think, open sandwiches and house-made tartines — and seasonal, produce-driven cocktails. Summer is coming, after all. The sports bar is named after longstanding publican David 'Taffy' Thomas, who at the age of 86 can still be spied behind the bar pulling schooners, and Alala's takes its moniker from his mother, the matriarch of the Thomas family — who purchased the pub back way back in 1975. The space between the two, also slated for an October opening, will play host to the new Oaks Bottle Shop and Takeaway. It'll rock a lineup of brews selected by a cicerone (a certified beer expert). The space itself will take its cues from a 1940s milk bar, with a rotisserie promising gravy-drenched hot roast rolls (from midday until 1am, mind you) and a cast iron oven turning out freshly baked bread on the daily. In here, you'll also find a tasting table where you'll have the chance to sample before selecting your takeaway booze. The pub's upper levels scored a makeover of their own back in 2016, reimagined as The Oaks Upstairs. Taffy's, Alala's and The Oaks Bottle Shop and Takeaway will all open by October at The Oaks, 118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay.
Looking for an affordable way to break up the working week? Believe it or not, it's still possible in Sydney. From Tuesdays to Thursdays, you can now indulge in a plate of a pasta and perfectly matched red or white wine at PIER Dining for just $25. Go for a trusted classic like bolognese or experiment with a chef's special. Either way, you'll be tucking into fresh, seasonal ingredients while overlooking sparkling Sydney Harbour – every booking gets you a one-hour seating beside the water. This is exactly the excuse you need to linger in the city after work for a much-needed catch-up with mates, without breaking your (or their) budget for the week. Fair warning: once you're settled in, you might be tempted to stay on for another glass (and dessert). PIER Dining is open for $25 pasta and wine on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm till late. The deal is running till the end of April, so you'll need to get in quick.
Having run The Newport on the northern beaches since March 2016, Merivale has just announced a new addition. Meet Bert's, a brasserie and bar brimming over with oysters and lobster that's set to open in early January. As we've come to expect from Merivale, Bert's won't be doing anything by halves. Getting its inspiration from the 1930s — when hotel dining rooms were grand destinations — the restaurant will be an extravaganza of jade green and coral pink, with an open kitchen as its centrepiece. The menu, sorted out by executive chef Jordan Toft, aims to transport you to some fancy European seaside resort. Look out for a dedicated raw bar, crowded with oysters, crab and brioche canapés, and a larder loaded with charcuterie and salads. Among the decadent mains are lobster (straight from the tank, mind you) and whole fish, baked in a charcoal oven or cooked over a basque grill. Walking in, you won't be able to miss the cellar, put together by master sommelier Franck Moreau. Its contents include a selection of European drops, an array of rose (including Jeroboam), plenty of Aussie classics and a bunch of left-field bottles from creative labels, such as Lucy Margaux 'Wildman' and Patrick Sullivan 'Windy Cottage'. Meanwhile, Sam Egerton and his team will be hard at work in the cocktail bar, mixing new versions of old classics using seasonal produce. Egerton's favourite is a take on the Royale, with vodka, ginger cordial, Champagne and finger lime caviar. Needless to say, Bert's comes with gob-smacking views, of both The Newport's expansive grounds and stunning sparkling Pittwater. "The Newport has always held a very special place in the hearts of the northern beaches community; it is a truly magnificent site, in an incredible location," said Justin Hemmes, head honcho at Merivale. "Our long-term vision for the venue is to create a destination that genuinely has something for everyone — all occasions, ages, budgets and tastes." Bert's will open in early January at The Newport, 2 Kalinya Street, Newport. We'll keep you updated on an opening date, but for more information, visit merivale.com.au/thenewport. Image: The Newport by Bodhi Liggett.
Gone are the days when a lobby was just a lobby. Now, you'll find all sorts of great cafes, wine bars and coffee nooks jazzing up the bottom of office buildings and residential complexes all over Australia. And for Sydney, one of these is cafe Lobby Boy, which has made its home in Northpoint Tower, right in the middle of the action of the North Sydney CBD. Spurred by the success of the original Lobby Boy over in Commonwealth Bank's Eveleigh site, this northern counterpart is once again the work of Ramzey Choker — the mind behind hits like The Grounds of Alexandria and The Grounds of the City. The result of another collaboration with design studio Acme and the Cromwell Property Group, Lobby Boy North Sydney is decked out with rustic timber flooring, soft lighting and splashes of musk pink and deep green. It's a warm and relaxed space, designed to act as a chilled out meeting place for the buzzing Miller Street office block above. From the kitchen comes a contemporary daytime offering, flecked with international influences. You'll spy the likes of a brioche brekky jaffle stuffed with maple-glazed bacon, roast tomato, egg and smoked barbecue mayo, and a brown rice chirashi salad starring tuna tartare, edamame, charred avocado and salted kombu. A ploughman's-style sandwich is loaded with leg ham, cheese, pickles, heirloom tomato and relish, and a lineup of small plates features the likes of Asian-style South Australian mussels, fried school prawns and an heirloom carrot and buffalo mozzarella tart. Of course, coffees are pumping all day. To match, there's a range of shakes and smoothies, and a line of house-made sodas in flavours like Berry Minty and Pine Passion Fizz. Choker and his team also have plenty more big things in the works, including a huge new dining precinct, espresso bar and coffee research lab opening in South Eveleigh next year. So stay tuned for that one.
Approaching its 70th birthday, Piccolo Bar is set to be revitalised as a licensed aperitivo spot under the guidance of Bartender magazine founder, Dave Spanton. Located just off the Kings Cross main strip on Roslyn Street, Piccolo Bar served as a late-night cafe and nightlife spot from 1952. But, following years of difficult lockout laws and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kings Cross institution closed its doors. Now, Spanton is leasing the bar from long-time owner Vittorio Bainchi, with plans to reopen in August this year. For Spanton, it was a no-brainer when he saw the beloved venue was up for lease. "My accountant thinks it's a crazy idea," he jokes. "But there's more to life than money, and I just couldn't stand to see this place disappear." The writer and entrepreneur has also secured the venue's first-ever liquor license. Sitting at a small but mighty 20 square metres, the bar will hold 12 seats indoors and eight outdoors. Come 10pm, the outdoor seating will be packed away making Piccolo Bar one of Sydney's smallest drinking holes. Piccolo Bar is tipped to serve up a curated drinks list, including ten to fifteen classic cocktails alongside a modest selection of quality wines and champagne. Spanton says the menu is a pragmatic result of the venue's limited space, but he hopes to eventually make the bar's signature drink the humble aperitivo. Accompanying the drinks list will be a selection of bar snacks, paninis and locally-sourced cheese. The bar's interior will be refreshed, with a conscious effort to maintain Piccolo Bar's original look and feel. Locals will be familiar with the large photo wall that was adorned with historic photographs and well-known faces. While Spanton is determined to maintain this element of the bar, he's had a bit of trouble tracking down the original photography. [caption id="attachment_815179" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Kings Cross Mardi Gras 2019, Destination NSW.[/caption] "Over the years they've lost a lot of their historic shots and photos. They've just disappeared," Spanton says. "What I have done is spend a small fortune on eBay getting as many historic shots from the area and people that visited the place." Piccolo Bar's reopening will come during a crossroad point for Kings Cross. Following the slow rollback of the lockout laws that ended in March this year, neighbouring Kings Cross suburb Potts Point has been going through somewhat of a renaissance in recent years with the opening of several new restaurants from high-end French bistros to beloved Japanese outposts. Spanton believes Piccolo Bar can play an important role in the return of the area. "We wanted to make sure we called ourselves Kings Cross because over the last ten years, because of the lockouts, Kings Cross has become a bit of a dirty word. Especially for venues. Everyone's calling themselves Potts Point. That's fair enough, but we want to put a bit of pride into the name Kings Cross." He hopes Kings Cross can return to its days of "amazing venues, great bars and great hotels, where the rockstars would come and stay" and the way to this is through a wide-spanning range of day and night businesses. "I think the future for this place to work will be a broader mix of small bars, restaurants, cafes and kind of boutique shops, which I think Potts Point is doing a really good job of. I think that's something will flow on to more of the Cross." Renovations on Piccolo Bar begin this week. The bar is expected to open mid-August in 2021.
Romance. Kidnapping. A farm girl called Buttercup. A scheming prince. A swashbuckling saviour. A giant. When William Goldman threw them all together, The Princess Bride was the end result — first in his 1973 novel, and then in the 1987 film that the late, great writer also penned. For more than three decades, viewers have watched Fred Savage hear the world's best bedtime story, Robin Wright and Cary Elwes frolick in fields, and Andre the Giant tower over everyone around, with The Princess Bride one of those beloved 80s flicks that never gets old. That said, if you've ever found yourself enjoying all of the above and thinking "a musical number or two wouldn't go astray", you're about to be in luck. Despite what outlaw boss Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) might exclaim, a musical version is no longer inconceivable. Instead, Disney is channelling another famous Princess Bride line: as you wish. While the project has been in various stages of development for more than a decade, a new creative team has been hired to finally make this all-singing take on the tale a reality, The Hollywood Reporter notes. Fresh from nabbing a 2018 Tony Award for The Band's Visit, David Yazbek will take care of The Princess Bride's original music and lyrics, while book fellow Tony winner Bob Martin (The Prom, The Drowsy Chaperone) will pair up with Rick Elice (The Cher Show, Jersey Boys) on the book. If The Princess Bride musical does come to fruition this time, it'll join the ever-growing list of movies leaping to the stage, including Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bring It On, Mean Girls, Clueless, The Bodyguard, Amelie, Waitress, Muriel's Wedding and Moulin Rouge!, with versions of The Devil Wears Prada, Empire Records, Mrs Doubtfire, The Notebook and Aussie classic Starstruck also in the works. No timeframe has been given for The Princess Bride; however the film's trailer will help tide you over until more news comes to hand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9FRDyTerZA Via The Hollywood Reporter.
Long before humans could soar into space, they could only dream about it. Queensland Museum's new NASA exhibition — an Australian premiere — celebrates both the experience and the idea of space travel. While much of NASA – A Human Adventure features suits, parachutes, equipment and even empty food containers that've actually left the earth, the stellar showcase also pays tribute to the imaginative minds that've inspired every rocket scientist, engineer and astronaut. Visitors not only enter the exhibition via a dome that honours Jules Verne, HG Wells and company, but can also spy their names in the biographies of important figures that are plastered across the South Bank building's walls. It's easy to understand how one influenced the other — how mere ideas motivated eager adventurers to push boundaries, achieve the seemingly impossible and fly beyond this planet we all call home. Indeed, NASA – A Human Adventure has the same effect. Feasting your eyes on this array of more than 250 historically significant items, getting up close to replicas of famous spacecraft, and hearing Neil Armstrong's iconic "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" speech while wandering through the exhibition, plenty of wannabe astronauts — and those who thought they'd stopped dreaming of such things years ago — will leave with visions of rocketing to the moon themselves. And with 2019 marking half a century since man first set foot on the moon, the timing of this exhibition couldn't be better. It will only be hitting Brisbane, so if you're not a local, you might want to schedule in a trip to the city before October. When you get there, these five standout pieces can't be missed — from space shuttles to space vodka (yes, really). A JUPITER NOSECONE One of NASA – A Human Adventure's first's first big pieces shows signs of wear and tear, and that's to be expected. You don't fly into space, crash into the sea and escape unscathed — even if you're part of a rocket. Visibly worn on the outside, filled with gadgetry inside, this hefty item draws a crowd; however, the story behind the Jupiter program's involvement in space flight is just as fascinating. While the PGM-19 Jupiter was originally designed as a nuclear-tipped missile, the nosecones were instrumental when it came to discovering how manned spaceflights might re-enter the earth's atmosphere. In 1958 and 1959, they were also used to test biological flights in low orbits, using both mice and monkeys. LUNAR ROVERS First, the bad news: two types of lunar rover drove across the moon's surface in the 60s and 70s, and they're all still there. Now, the good news: NASA – A Human Adventure has the next best thing: life-sized replicas. Visitors will first spot Lunokhod 1, the Soviets' first moon walker (that's the literal translation). It looks a little bit like a giant Wall-E, was launched in 1970 and stopped transmitting back to earth in 1971. Then you'll mosey on over to the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle, the moon buggies used by the Americans on the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions. Yes, it's supposed to look like a dune buggy. Yes, the chairs look like deckchairs. No, you can't hop into it. SPACESUITS Reaching for the stars requires a wardrobe to match, although an astronaut's attire is functional rather than fashionable. Still, staring at real-life spacesuits never loses its intrigue — especially when some of them have actually been into space. NASA – A Human Adventure features six pieces, including a US Air Force high-altitude pressure suit, plus items from all of its missions from Mercury to Apollo. The highlight: a version of the suit, helmet and gloves that were used during the moon landing, including a cutaway piece that shows just how much protective material is needed (and hints at some of the practicalities of being suited up, as everyone has always wondered). MERCURY, GEMINI AND APOLLO CRAFTS NASA's jaunts into space all started with Project Mercury, which aimed to send a human into orbit and then return them safely. And while NASA – A Human Adventure doesn't feature a real Mercury spacecraft, taking a gander at a life-size replica does spark a definite realisation: for something that was sent into space, it's rather tiny. With Project Gemini, the second human spaceflight program, the capsule is noticeably bigger (although, as this replica makes plain, it still wouldn't suit anyone who isn't fond of small spaces). Finally, exhibition attendees can also peer at full-scale models of the Apollo Lunar Module Crew Cain and the Apollo Command Module — all while walking beneath the enormous (and space-flown) orange-and-white parachute that was used in 1972's Apollo 16 mission. THE SPACE SHUTTLE Ever wanted to climb aboard the space shuttle — that is, the world's first reusable spacecraft, which was used to transport cargo into space from the 1980 to 2011? Now that it has been retired after 135 missions, you can't; however you can ascend Queensland Museum's stairs to make a peek at this towering replica. Windows allow attendees to view the cockpit, its console its many, many buttons, although sadly you can't take a seat or press anything yourself. And in good news for anyone with accessibility requirements, there's also a lift that'll take you up to the top level (and folks on crutches or in a wheelchair will also nab a view that no one else gets to see). NASA – A Human Adventure is currently showing at Brisbane's Queensland Museum until October 8, 2019. Tickets cost $18–21 and can be booked online here.
It's a decades-old inner-west tradition: watching the Newtown Jets' home footy game from up on the hill at Henson Park, that is. But things have been dialled up a few notches over the years with the introduction of The Beer Footy Food Festival. In 2023, the annual event returned with its biggest set of festivities to date, transforming into Welcome Day in partnership with The Music and Booze Co and Heaps Gay. Now, in 2024, it's going on tour, with not one, not two, but three days of Beer, Footy and Food coming to Sydney. It will all kick off with a new expansion to North Sydney Oval. The hallowed North Shore suburban ground will host a special NSW Cup Magic Round across two days in May: Saturday, May 18–Sunday, May 19. Much like the NRL's Magic Round, which sees all 17 clubs descend on Brisbane for a week of back-to-back games at Suncorp Stadium, the Beer Footy Food Festival has linked up with the North Sydney Bears to host a full round of reserve-grade rugby league at North Sydney Oval. Across the weekend, you can catch classic match-ups like the West Magpies taking on the Parramatta Eels, the North Sydney Bears and the South Sydney Rabbitohs going head-to-head, and the Newtown Jets battling it out with the Newcastle Knights. Then, on Saturday, July 27, the Beer Footy Food Festival will return to its spiritual home at Marrickville's Henson Park for its usual day of good feeds, brews and a little bit of rugby league, with the Parramatta Eels and Newtown Jets hitting the field for the main event. As usual, Pro Wrestling Australia will be back to deliver some half-time entertainment. And, while the roster of breweries and food stands popping up at Henson Park hasn't been revealed yet, it's safe to say beloved mainstays like Yulli's, Grifter, Philter, Hawke's and Happy as Larry will more than likely be making an appearance. If you're heading down on July 27, make sure you pack your footy so that you can take part in the post-match kick-around on the hallowed turf of Henson Park. Tickets for Magic Round at North Sydney start from $30 for one day or $55 for a two-day pass. And entry for the classic BFF Festival at Henson Park will set you back $25 (or $60 for the whole family). If you want to wrap your head around the full schedule, head over to the festival's Instagram account. Top image: Tom Wilkinson.
Coming via London's Victoria and Albert Museum, a new exhibition of garments by groundbreaking fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga has made its way to Australia. As well as being one of the most well-known fashion designers of the 20th century, the Basque-born couturier was also one of the most influential in changing and shaping modern fashion and haute couture. He was even once called "the master of us all" by Christian Dior. Showing exclusively in Victoria's Bendigo Art Gallery, Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion features more than 100 iconic pieces from the 50s and 60s as well as works by his protégés and contemporary designers continuing his legacy. It's a must-see if you're interested in not only the craftsmanship of fashion, but the history of it and how it can change societal standards and trends. Here, we've picked out five pieces you should seek out at the regional exhibition. [caption id="attachment_739079" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Imagine Pictures[/caption] DEFINING THE CLASSICS: THE TULIP DRESS Balenciaga retired unexpectedly in 1968 at age 74. In an interview with The Times in 1971, he's reported to have said: "When I was a young man I was told by a specialist that I could never pursue my chosen métier of couturier because I was far too delicate. Nobody knows what a tough métier it is, how gruelling the work is. Underneath all this luxury and glamour, the truth is, it's a dog's life!" This dress shows Balenciaga at the height of his craft. Playing with gravity and weightlessness, the tulip dress is one of the classic pieces of the collection. It also shows to using texture, light, structure and form to create the striking silhouettes for which the couturier is known. [caption id="attachment_739090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Veasey[/caption] MAKING FASHION PRACTICAL: AN X-RAY OF A DRESS The meticulous structural work undertaken for garments like those made by Balenciaga again highlights the work involved to produce his gowns. Balenciaga worked carefully to reduce the number of fastenings so women could dress easily and without assistance, making his gowns both beautiful and comfortable to wear. As Bendigo Art Gallery Curator Jessica Bridgfoot puts it, "the garment did the work for you." New forensic investigations reveal the couturier's hidden workings and processes. This includes a series of x-ray images by British photographer Nick Veasey. Veasey's x-ray photographs are presented in the exhibition alongside works made during a digital pattern making project with the London College of Fashion. [caption id="attachment_739092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn wearing coat by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, 1950. Photograph by Irving Penn © Condé Nast,Irving Penn Foundation[/caption] DITCHING THE WAISTLINE: THE COAT Balenciaga is credited as the designer who took women's fashion beyond an obsession with a tiny waistline. His sculptural contributions to fashion include the sack dress, babydoll and shirt-dress which all remain staples today. This influence can be seen in the work of contemporary designers like Comme des Garçons and Hussein Chalayan. Here, model Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn sits for photographer Irving Penn in a Balenciaga coat. Irvin Penn was Balenciaga's favoured photographer, and one of the only people the famously private designer allowed in to his workrooms and studios to document his collections. [caption id="attachment_719353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dovima with Sacha, cloche and suit by Balenciaga, Cafe des Deux Magots, Paris 1955 © The Richard Avedon Foundation[/caption] STICKING TO STRUCTURE AND TEXTURE: DOVIMA IN PARIS When Richard Avedon photographed Dovima in Paris in 1955, she was one of the world's most famous models. This photograph shows her in a cloche and suit by Balenciaga. Striking contrasts in colour and texture are complemented by the couturier's hallmark minimalist shapes, fastidious attention to colour, and structured outlines – the aesthetic that made him one of the most influential designers on modern fashion. [caption id="attachment_739103" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Imagine Pictures[/caption] A FASHION LEGACY: GHESQUIÈRE'S GREY CAPE An important part of the show examines the legacy that Balenciaga made on fashion — both in his own house and others. Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion includes works by other designers who worked to carry the Balenciaga label forward after its founder's retirement, including Nicolas Ghesquière. Ghesquière designed the grey cape — which was features in Vogue in 2006 — and was known for pairing voluminous, billowing shapes with tightly cut suits and pants. He is now creative director of the house of Louis Vuitton — so you may notice some similarities in the two labels' pieces. Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion is exclusive to Bendigo Art Gallery in Australia, and runs until November 10, 2019. Bendigo is a two-hour drive from Melbourne. Top image: Imagine Pictures.
Attention Japanophiles and all those who live by standout coffee: Suntory BOSS Coffee is launching a caffeine-laden concept space for two-and-a-half weeks in Surry Hills this month. From Friday, February 17 until Saturday, March 4, Tokyo House will be bringing you a dedicated co-workspace during the day — complete with communal desks, free and fast wifi and brews straight from Japan. Then there's a stacked lineup of exclusive events exploring and celebrating Japanese talent and culture at night. Why? It's all in the spirit of the Japanese art of omotenashi; that is, providing guests with the ultimate experience of both hospitality and kindness (while expecting nothing in return). Together with Suntory BOSS Coffee, in the spirit of omotenashi, we are giving five of you the chance to win a double pass to whichever Tokyo House session your heart desires. The hard part? Choosing just one from the lineup. If you're already sold, head to the website to get your tickets. The pop-up will be spotlighting a bevy of Japanese creatives. Expect beats from DJ Moto (February 17; March 4) and DJ Naiki (March 3), sultry vocals from Maya Hirasedo (February 23), as well as insights into the creative processes of designer Akira Isogawa and manga-style comic book artist Queenie Chan. Plus, there'll be plenty of Japan's number-one coffee in a can — plus iced coffee degustations, crafted cocktails (from the mind of Bennelong's Taka Shino, no less) and paired food offerings. So, if you're into craft, culture and coffee, get your entry in ASAP. The comp is only open until Wednesday, February 22 — then 10 of you will be sorted for a vibe-heavy night out in Surry Hills. [competition]888856[/competition]
Masters of putting unlikely things together, Ikea, have kicked off a smart design initiative to connect thousands of homeless dogs with potential families. Shelters are overcrowded and homestarters want that little extra addition to their pad, so the US-based Animal Lovers League and Singapore's Save Our Street Dogs have teamed up with the Swedish furniture giants for a very simple marketing project. Dubbed Home for Hope, the campaign uses the ol' cardboard cut out routine in the best possible way. Home renovators wander through Ikea displays picturing every thoughtfully-placed item in their own abodes (we've all entertained 'friends' around an Ikea display kitchen once, right?), a state of mind the furniture heavyweights are harnessing with life-size cardboard cut outs of the adoptable dogs merrily chillin' out in the lounge room. Customers visualise themselves 'completing their home' with throw rugs, patterned curtains and kitchen blackboards, then attach the same sentiment to a scruffy little face. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tBka2eF4OAI Ikea's team headed to the involved shelters, photographed the homeless pooches and created life-size cardboard cut outs of legends like Momo, Lady and Pampam. Then the team went to work, perching the 'dogs' on lounge chairs, begging at dinner tables, snuggling at the end of beds. Shoppers can scan the QR codes on the cardboard dogs' collars to register their interest in adoption, with each scruffy mutt having their own bio and individual video on the Home for Hope website (watching dogs have their own photoshoots is actually The Best Thing Ever). Alongside Ikea, Home for Hope will work with other big furniture players like Grafunkt, Foundry, Commune, Journey East and Noden Collective. The idea was borne from a lack of budget and a subsequent need to market the poor pooches creatively. "Home for Hope was borne out of a pressing issue," the foundation says. "With a limited budget, most animal shelters can only afford to voice their messages using social media. Problem is, their followers are pet lovers, and most already own pets. Hence, adoption rates are low." Via Fast Co.Design.
Pay a visit to The InterContinental Sydney's glamorous rooftop bar, 32 storeys up, and you can look down upon one of the most unrivalled views of Circular Quay, Sydney Cove, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, anywhere in the city. But stunning as those vistas are, a new series of events will have you turning your eyes to the sky instead. Aster is going astral. At this four-night series, taking place every Thursday between August 8–29, you can learn about the wonders of the cosmos from esteemed astrophysicist Dr Ángel Lopez-Sanchez as you sip champagne, themed cocktails and delicious bites. And don't worry, blankets will also be provided so you can rug up against the winter chill. Star maps will help you identify heavenly bodies, while gourmet eats including three-cheese croquettes with caramelised aioli, braised Angus short ribs with wild mushrooms, cavolo nero and red wine jus and slow-cooked carrots with wild mushrooms and a pomegranate glaze keep your body fuelled for an evening of discovery. Tickets are $140 per person and included in the price is a welcome glass of bubbles, a signature cocktail topped with a bubble of haze that disperses like a nebula when the glass touches your lips, plus a glass of wine. Additional beverages of your choice can still be purchased from the bar at any point during the evening. Sips, snacks, stars and Sydney — a match made in heaven. Images: Steven Woodburn
Opening at Firstdraft from June 7 is a new exhibition from Brisbane-based artist Tyza Stewart, whose self-portraits of ambiguously gendered selves interrogate fixed ideas of binary gender. Hey Remember When I Had a Rat Tail focuses on the issue of transgender visibility, and its potential use as a tool to limit discussion of queer experiences of gender. Stewart works in what has been called a brutally honest, occasionally controversial way, using video and oil painting to create art that challenges and complicates the viewer's perception of gender. The aim? To frustrate our ability to neatly categorise and apply normative readings to a person's identity (something the artist has personally experienced during interactions with various journalists and art institutions), and instead embrace complexity, ambiguity and multiplicity. Interviewed in Manuscript Daily, Stewart says, "I want to experience less rigid, polarised ways of understanding and being perceived, and I think a lot of other people might also benefit from this, so that's the kind of larger political agenda I'm interested in being involved in." Promises to be a thought-provoking show. Image: Tyza Stewart, Hey Remember When I Had a Rat Tail, courtesy the artist and Firstdraft.
Ice cream maker-turned-activist Ben & Jerry's is once again taking its frozen treats into the political realm. In the past, the much-loved ice cream (or lack thereof) was used to support marriage equality. Now, it'll become a platform for taking action on climate change with the new limited-edition flavour, Gimme S'More Renewables. The flavour's launch corresponds with the global Rise For Climate Day on Saturday, September 8, and will be available in Ben & Jerry's stores for just one day, and while supplies last. All proceeds will be donated to the company's long-term climate activism partners, 350.org Australia. On the day, fifty marches and picnics are scheduled to take place across Australia — you can find the closest event to you here. Ben & Jerry's has also sent personalised pints of Gimme S'More Renewables to federal and state politicians, acting as a direct call on Australian leaders to accelerate renewable energy and commit to a fossil-fuel-free world. In a show of good faith, the company has committed to being carbon positive and using only renewable resources by 2030. Plus, its 2020 deadline for using renewable electricity sources and eliminating coal from its energy mix is just around the corner. All Ben & Jerry's shops are currently powered by Powershop, an electricity provider that is 100 percent carbon neutral. If you need more than the drought and the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef to convince you to get involved, the Gimme S'More Renewables sounds pretty damn tasty, too — a combination of marshmallow ice cream, chocolate cookies, Graham cracker swirls and fudge flakes. Ben & Jerry's limited-edition Gimme S'More Renewables will be available at all Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops on Saturday, September 8. Find your closest one here.
The sleepy western suburbs of Sydney may not seem like the most obvious place to drop a multi-million dollar food court. But it's certainly one of the smartest. Catering to the area's growing population (and large number of residents with southeast Asian backgrounds), Cabra-Vale Diggers — which straddles the border of Canley Vale and Cabramatta — has just completed a gigantic expansion of their premises, including a 600-seat food precinct, named District 8. After eight months of construction, the club has turned 2000 square metres of space into an all-day diner, which is open from 9am till late every day of the week. As the name suggests, District 8 will have eight food offerings, and vendors have been organised in a way that feels like a culinary voyage through the countries of the Mekong River. You'll be able to get everything from dumplings, congee, noodles and baked goods, to jellyfish salad, poached Hainan chicken, beef massaman curry and crispy silver fish green mango salad. There will also be a dessert area and a bar. The food precinct's design is an architectural marvel to behold. Over 5000 pieces of red timber hang from the ceiling and 2000 roof tiles were imported from China to give the ultra-modern space an authentic Asian feel. If that doesn't work for you, then maybe the 266 Maneki Neko that were imported from China to form a huge 'waving arm cat' wall will. "We have created 'streets' and walkways throughout the scheme, surrounded by columns, plants and Hong Kong-style illuminated signage to really give that feeling of being outdoors," says Tina Fox, project manager of Altis Architects, who painstakingly designed nine mock-ups before completing the project, two of them to scale. "There is some logic behind District 8, as some Asian countries are divided into districts," says Boris Belevski, CEO of Cabra-Vale Diggers. "Not only does the number eight imply good fortune, but there will be eight vendors." District 8 is part two of an $18 million four-stage renovation to the food offerings at the Diggers. A restaurant and cafe have already opened on the premises, with a steakhouse and a dining room for the venue's new hotel the next stages to be completed. Cabra-Vale Diggers and District 8 is now open daily from 9am till late at 1 Bartley Street, Canley Vale. For more information, visit cabravale.com.au.
If you thought the concept of Christmas gin was cool, you might be pretty excited about this: a Melbourne-born small-batch gin infused with cannabis has just hit the shelves. Distilled in Healesville by The Cannabis Co, local makers of all things cannabis-infused, The Myrcene Hemp Gin is made using one of the main essential oils, or 'terpenes', found in cannabis plants, called myrcene. It's supposedly the world's first cannabis gin made with tyrene. Also found in hops, this little guy can apparently help ease symptoms of inflammation and chronic pain, and is responsible for producing some of those joyful and euphoric effects associated with cannabis. All Cannabis Co products are currently free of psychoactive substances, but, as the company pushes for the legalisation of recreational marijuana use in Australia, it hopes to release products — like gin — with CBD and THC (cannabinoids) in the future. Terpenes, like myrcene, are also known for their specific aromas and flavours, and, in The Myrcene, works a little bit like the botanicals in regular gin. The result is a sip that balances the earthy and the fruity. According to the makers, it has aromas of bubblegum, pine forest, lavender and sage, with hints of cloves and woody spice flavours on the tongue. And it works a treat alongside some tonic and fresh lemon, or a sprig of rosemary. The creators of The Myrcene stepped back in time for their inspiration, looking to the gin-makers of 17th century Britain. Word is, small distillers would often flavour their creations by distilling resins from terpenes they found in the forest. All of The Cannabis Co's hemp products are certified organic and grown here in Australia. The first batch (aptly named batch 420) has already sold out, but if you're keen to get some cannabis gin in your life, you can sign up for pre-sales of the next batch through Alchemy. First image: Letícia Almeida
Sometimes they're sung. Sometimes they're splashed across the screen. Quite frequently, they adorn Dolly Parton-themed paraphernalia. That'd be the iconic Tennessee-born icon's words, which feature heavily in affectionate, entertaining and enthusiastically camp Australian comedy Seriously Red. Viewers should expect nothing less of a film about a Dolly Parton-adoring real-estate valuer who decides to pour her cup of ambition into being a Dolly Parton impersonator, obviously. There's an exact turn of Parton-penned phrase to sum up Raylene 'Red' Delaney's new gig, too: what a way to make a living. Of course, as Seriously Red's star and screenwriter, that sentiment applies to Australian actor Krew Boylan as well. For two decades now, particularly across shorts and television — a resume filled with everything from McLeod's Daughters and Wild Boys to A Place to Call Home and TV movie Schapelle — she's been chasing the performing dream. Her best part yet, though, is the one she wrote herself, and a role that harks back to watching 1989's Steel Magnolias as a child with her mum. From being wowed by a Parton-starring film to making her own Parton-obsessed on-screen ode, Boylan's fondness for the 'Joelene' and '9 to 5' singer has endured; persistence is a very Dolly trait, after all. Indeed, it was thinking about why Parton represented the pinnacle of success for her that sparked Boylan to start scripting Seriously Red in the first place in 2009. The years since have seen other projects come her way, but after getting Dolly's pivotal tick of approval — thanks to friend, executive producer and on-screen Elvis doppelgänger Rose Byrne — the movie started becoming a reality. In fact, it's the first feature by Australian independent production company Dollhouse Pictures, which Boylan and Byrne created with Seriously Red's director Gracie Otto (The Last Impresario, Under the Volcano) and producer Jessica Carrera, plus Babyteeth filmmaker Shannon Murphy. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Parton should be clearly be honoured. As well as playing a Dolly impersonator, Boylan couldn't be more effusive with praise about the entertainment legend. "She's great artist, and she's funny, and she's irreverent. She decides how to she wants to look, and she keeps it positive even when people try to bring her down about it. And she's quick-witted, and then she's also got this business side. I guess I gravitated to that whole package." It's one thing to make a movie that drips its "love, sweat and joy" for the country star through every frame, as Boylan puts it. It's another to also ponder identity, creativity, self-esteem and finding the courage to be yourself. As it follows its titular character's chaotic pursuit of all things Dolly, including exploring the celebrity impersonator scene, Seriously Red is that feature. It's no wonder that Parton read the script twice within days of receiving it, and jumped up and down exclaiming "you played me, you played me!" when Boylan met her. With Seriously Red now in cinemas Down Under, following a whirlwind year that's spanned premiering at SXSW, an Aussie debut at the Sydney Film Festival and opening the Brisbane International Film Festival, we chatted to Boylan about having a Dolly great time loving Dolly, meeting the woman herself, exploring the impersonator industry and getting Byrne to play Elvis. ON ALWAYS LOVING DOLLY "I always loved Dolly Parton. I became fixated on her really through the movie Steel Magnolias, that my mum must've showed me — I can't remember how, like at what age I saw it, but I remember sitting there with my mum and my sister and watching this movie and crying and laughing, and just falling in love with all those characters. So I did start to fixate on Dolly — not as much as Red does, but I started to gather stories about her, and where she came from and why she looks the way she looks, and watching interviews on how she handles herself with some pretty sexist interviewees back in the 70s and 80s. I just loved the way she handled herself. I loved that she was a businesswoman, and the joke was always with her and she always kept it positive. Yeah, I did become quite fixated on her. My dad was always very adamant — he's got daughters — that 'girls, you can be successful, you've got to have drive, you go for what you want'. And I started to kind of go 'yeah, I've got drive, but I'm not really getting the success that I want — and what is that anyway?'. That's when I started to write to figure that out, and the answer was pretty quickly that Dolly Parton's the top of the chain for success for me. So what is it going to look like for me, and how is that going to feel? Hence why I started to write about Dolly Parton." ON GETTING DOLLY'S SIGN-OFF "You know, Dolly was almost one of the first people to get onboard, and then it took us the rest of the time to convince everyone else… It's a complete love story to Dolly Parton, and the music is the heartbeat of the film, so it was really important to get her. "That entailed Rose Byrne taking the script, hard copy, in her car driving partway across a couple of states to get to Nashville to meet with her manager Danny Nozell, who's an executive producer on the film. And to hand it to him, and say 'this is the project, this is what we're passionate about, this is what we want to make — can you have a read?'. It was only a few days later that we got an email back saying 'Dolly loves it. She's read it twice. What should we do? How can we help?'. It was life-changing, but you couldn't quite really feel it until I met her. ON MEETING DOLLY ONCE THE FILM WAS FINISHED The first time I got to meet her was just in March in Austin, Texas at SXSW. What was weird about it, I found, was that it was so normal. I was so in my boots and so relaxed, as she was — and that's a testament to her, she really just knows how to make you feel comfortable. We had this gorgeous connection, this great little hangout, and I think I was so surprised that it was organic and normal and calm, and she was just so beautiful and giving. She launched at me, and she hugged me, and she jumped up and down holding my hand saying 'you played me, you played me!'. And I started to cry, saying 'thank you for letting me tell my story through your stories'. And she was like 'you cryin' angel? Are you cryin?' — and she started wiping away my tears. In that moment, I was like 'is this really happening? Is Dolly Parton wiping away my tears?' But she was, and she was just beautiful. I think she definitely connected with the story. She felt vulnerable reading the script, knowing that I am playing her and I disrobe — she felt a little bit vulnerable about that. I thought it's amazing — she's personified me as much as I personified her." ON EXPLORING THE IMPERSONATOR INDUSTRY "I like seeing worlds that you don't always get to experience in real life. I like seeing that in plays or in TV or in theatre. So of course I went to Vegas to meet with impersonators, watch a whole of bunch of shows and really dig into it. I've got so much respect for that industry, because you really can't be halfway in if you want to be great impersonator. You've really got to go for it. Whether or not you want to live as that person can be a fine line or a tricky balancing act, and I certainly met people who were more or less living as that person, and then other people who were like 'no, this is just strictly business'. Then there were other people who are just like 'look at me!' — and I was like 'yeah, you look exactly like Steve Tyler. No wonder.' That was sort of the end of the conversation with this one impersonator because he did, he looked exactly like him. It was really interesting and, of course, I love the duality of it. We're all often wearing masks, especially now in a social media and zoom world, where you can kind of choose who you're going to be, or how you want to be filtered, or how you want to put your life out there as it being one thing. And is it truly? This movie might just help everyone just remember who you really are, and that your identity is also constantly changing — so allow for that. ON ROSE BYRNE PLAYING ELVIS We were both living in New York City, and I remember waking up that morning thinking about how I want to play a man — just because you're an actress, you want to try to play everything. I did method at Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, so I'm into all of those different processes. And I was thinking about how I would love to play a man, and it just clicked, and I thought 'Rose should play Elvis!'. Like, if I want to play a man, she's going to want to play a man for sure. And she was picking me up in an hour or something, so when I got in the car I was like, 'would you be my Elvis?'. And she was like, 'yes, YES'. She looks kind of like Elvis. Elvis was pretty beautiful, Rose is really one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen and it just made sense. And she is a tour de force, and such a great actress. It's one of those performances where the more I watch it, the more hilarious it becomes. I just can't stop, every time she comes on screen now I just chuckle. But I think it's one of those movies that sometimes just gets funnier and funnier — a bit like Bridesmaids. Seriously Red opened in cinemas Down Under on November 24. Read our full review.
Here we are, about to farewell 2013 and broach the year we're tentatively calling '2014'. On the one hand, how did it go by so fast? On the other hand, we had to debate whether Silver Linings Playbook came out this year or back in the Cretacious period because it was definitely forever ago. That's right, we've come to end-of-year list time, that fraught period of reflection and ranking stuff. Concrete Playground Sydney's editors and writers have weighed in with their favourite five picks across bars, restaurants, music, art, theatre and movies. We hope it sends some kudos to the people who fed, watered and entertained us all year. How'd we go? Bars & Restaurants Bars & restaurants - Eloise Basuki, Food & Drink Editor Mr Wong Step into Colonial China at Merivale's two-level Cantonese food palace. A few words of advice: get there early and don't forget to order the pork hock. Chinese Noodle Restaurant Crazy decor and sharp service aside, this sardine-tin restaurant has some of the best (and cheapest) fried dumplings and handmade noodles in Sydney. Lobo Plantation With more rum than you can throw a coconut at, this cool underground Caribbean watering hole is a must-visit for a cocktail or three. Shenkin A favourite spot for breakfast club gatherings (the shakshuka is unreal) or a quick lunchtime bite. Order one of their wraps and I promise you won't be leaving hungry. Mary's This year, Newtown got a healthy dose of cheeseburger. With an excellent beer to beard ratio, it's a cool and trendy spot for dinner with friends. Top Five Bars - Jack Arthur Smith, Writer Bulletin Place My absolute favourite little bar complete with expert table service, an ever-changing cocktail list (heaven) and a suitably hidden away location that just the right amount of people know about. The Barber Shop You've got to have some mystery in life and the sliding door separating plain white barber shop and dark, warehouse-style bar is delicious — almost as delicious as the Martini you can have with a haircut. Lobo Plantation Another CBD treasure, this sugar-sweet hangout might get packed pretty quickly, but if you can nab yourselves some seats, with enough friends to guard 'em, a good time is guaranteed. The Gay Bar There’s nothing better than a good boogie, especially when the party continues across all floors. Plus, there's enough space to actually get served and the tunes are hot. The Hide This very, very newbie on the Sydney scene above the Flinders is probably one of the coolest additions to the area in a long time. All you need to know is it serves good food and it's open until late. Very late. Top Five Restaurants - Jack Arthur Smith, Writer Foley Lane This absolute gem serves delicious tapas, employs staff with a thorough understanding of all things booze and finally gives Taylor Square something to be proud of again. Cafe del Mar Not the biggest fan of Darling Harbour but damn Cafe del Mar knows how to feed you, look fabulous and fix a drink. The hosts also look stunning in their Camillas. The Sailors Club When the sun's out in Rose Bay, The Sailors Club is a colourful oasis of fresh food, innovative desserts and buzzing atmosphere like no other in the area. Can't go wrong here on a summer Sunday. Mary's Genuinely delicious burgers, cold beer and shots of Jack Daniels in Newtown? Probably one of the most obvious no-brainers. Apollo If you can grab yourself a table at the bar, there really is nothing better than sharing a bottle of fizzy pink and tearing into the lamb here. Theatre Top Five Shows - Jessica Keath, Writer Small and Tired (Belvoir) Kit Brookman's Small and Tired was my favourite show of the year. A bonsai version of the Orestia, with a superb performance from Luke Mullins, it was detailed, heartbreaking stuff. Secret River (STC) Andrew Bovell's adaptation of Kate Grenville's The Secret River was the sort of main stage triumph that STC can justify its existence with. A large, talented cast brought the seminal piece of Australian fiction to life and Bruce Spence made a memorable appearance as a kangaroo. Mrs Warren's Profession (STC) Sarah Giles' deluxe production of George Bernard Shaw's 1893 morality play was proof that Helen Thomson is the best goddam actor in Sydney. The Light Box (Fat Boy Dancing/we do not unhappen) This production makes the top five mainly because of a charismatic toucan costume fashioned by designer Dylan Tonkin. Natalia Savvides' mesmerising script and James Dalton's forensic direction also contributed. Stories I want to Tell you in Person (Belvoir) Belvoir commissioned Lally Katz to write a play, which she didn’t quite manage, so instead she did a piece of effervescent stand-up featuring her famous apocalypse bear and it was hilarious. Top Five Shows - Rima Sabina Aouf, Editor-in-chief Angels in America (Belvoir) It went for seven hours, so my deep love for Angels in America is part critical esteem, part Stockholm syndrome. The Secret River (STC) Every nation tells itself stories. It means something that this large-hearted, unflinching historical fiction is now one of ours. This Heaven (Belvoir) The full-length debut from Sydney playwright Nakkiah Lui gripped, entertained and made this complacent, bourgeois reviewer feel that rioting was a good move. Little Mercy (Sisters Grimm/STC) This is the year Sydney stole 'trash-tastic' DIY group Sisters Grimm off of Melbourne. Their stuff is joy and impudence, bottled. The Light Box (Fat Boy Dancing/we do not unhappen) I almost didn't include this on my list because my partner worked on it. But so did many talented young theatre makers, and it was just wow. Art Top Five Art Exhibitions - Rebecca Speer, Art Editor JANIS II An ongoing initiative dedicated to promoting the work of female artists, curators and writers, JANIS II thrilled us with an exceptionally talented power cabal of women. Tracey Moffatt at Roslyn Oxley Moffatt reminded us that she's an artist at the top of her game with five new series of visually spectacular photographic works. Sydney Moderns If there was a 'visitor's choice' award for exhibitions, this all-star show looking at Sydney in the '20s and '30s would have taken it out. Sydney Contemporary Our newest and biggest art fair started with a bang, attracting many of Australia's top galleries in a whirlwind weekend of art, air kissing and champagne. Yoko The diminutive star flew Down Under to open War is Over! (if you want it), an exhibition filled with wonderful conceptual art and a decent serving of peace and love. Top Five Art Exhibitions - Lauren Carroll Harris, Writer Project Home, Abdul and Abdul-Ramahn Abdullah, Underbelly Arts Festival With their meditation on the nature of contemporary Australian-Muslim identity, these brothers showed that even in this super media age, beautiful paintings can still be staggering. Bingo Unit - Team Mess Audiences traipsed around a fake backlot for a fake cop show, as all the usual TV conventions unravelled: the UV lights on fingerprints, the crim lineup, the chase scene, the post-mortem dissection. Many artworks profess to crucially involve the viewer, but this one succeeded. Ryoji Ikeda's Test Pattern No [5] Ambitious and minimalist, austerely conceptual yet accessible, massively scaled yet deeply intimate, Test Pattern No [5] appealed to kids and adults, artists and audiences alike, like an installation art version of 2001: A Space Odyssey. 13 Rooms, Kaldor Public Projects The true blockbuster of 2013, a year when performance art busted into the Gaga mainstream, 13 Rooms' exhibition of 'living sculptures' showed that contemporary art can be big, exciting and accessible to a broad audience. Ben Quilty, After Aghanistan, National Art School Gallery Politically fraught but visually and emotionally compelling, Quilty's melting pastels showed us mauled fighter vehicles, black-holes in the desert, and a non-stoic side of traumatised soldiers we scarcely ever see. Movies Top Five Movies - Rima Sabina Aouf, Editor-in-Chief Silver Linings Playbook Forget American Hustle; this January release was David O'Russell's big 2013 success. Not only is it funny and moving, it's a sensitive, generous portrayal of mental illness that means a lot to many people. The Act of Killing Your jaw just drops further and further with every minute of this documentary about the 1965-66 Indonesian genocide and the ongoing exaltation of its perpetrators. Upstream Color There is no filmmaker quite like Shane Carruth, and there is no forgetting the experience of watching Upstream Color, wondering what the fuck is happening and then letting go and running with it. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire It kicks so much arse. Short Term 12 The best Boxing Day release you've probably never heard of, Short Term 12 will make you feel all the feelings. Top Five Movies - Tom Glasson, Writer We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks A surprisingly sensitive inquiry into Wikileaks and the two men responsible for its overnight infamy. Complex and impressively even-handed, it's also far more compelling than last month's The Fifth Estate. Zero Dark Thirty People often forget (or simply don't realise) that Kathryn Bigelow directed Point Break. Fact is, she's arguably the best director of action right now, and Zero Dark Thirty was a sublime example, combining heart-pumping combat with deeply personal drama. Red Obsession Rightly described as a 'wine thriller', this documentary offered an enthralling, passionate and consistently amusing perspective on the extraordinary price boom of 2011, followed by its equally dramatic crash and China's growing obsession for the iconic Bordeaux reds. Moonrise Kingdom Perhaps the darkest of the Wes Anderson oeuvre, Moonrise Kingdom is also somehow his most romantic. Quirky, whimsical and wickedly funny, it's a delightful tale of young, forbidden love. The Gatekeepers Like the Shin Bet agents it scrutinised, this gripping documentary grabbed you by the throat from the opening scene and never let go. A remarkable and candid examination of one of the world's most secretive organisations. Top Five Movies - Lauren Carroll Harris, Writer Mystery Road Both bleakly beautiful and staunchly optimistic, and with an Indigenous cultural perspective that's rarely represented in the mainstream, I'm convinced that we'll look back on it as something important in Australian cinema. The Great Gatsby Luhrmann’s 21st-century bastard iteration of the sham-American-dream classic made me cry like a small child. I don't care how uncool it is to admit — this was the first version that made me feel the true tragedy of Gatsby (a perfect, shiny-eyed Leo DiCaprio) and Daisy's predicament. Behind the Candelabra Steven Soderbergh went beyond the cliches of both a 'gay film' and a biopic to deliver touching, if typically unsentimental, twin portraits: one, a dysfunctional, tragic relationship, and the other, a destructive American addiction to consumerism and celebrity. The Act of Killing A film that changed the documentary genre and terrified and transfixed audiences more than any fiction could. If it helps the victims of Indonesian war crimes achieve justice, it may even be one of the most effective documentaries. Top of the Lake Challenging, gorgeously shot, with difficult characters and deft observations of crimes against women and the relationship between childhood and adulthood — it had everything I expect from great film. It counts. *Tom and Rima would like to go on record with the actual no.1 film they've seen this year, Spike Jonze's Her. Unfortunately, it's not out till January 16. Look for it then, and on our 2014 lists. Music Top Five Albums - Matthew Watson, Writer Days Are Gone – HAIM Best album of 2013, hands down. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Haim for giving the world your excellent daughters. Steal The Light – The Cat Empire A fine return to form for Australia's most popular animal inspired band. When The Night – St. Lucia If you saw anybody dancing or smiling in 2013 whilst listening to music, chances are this was the album they were experiencing. Sunday Gentlemen – Spit Syndicate There were far too many Aussie hip-hop contenders for a spot on this list but Spit Syndicate claims the glory with an album perfect for every Sunday barbeque I've hosted this year. This Is…Icona Pop – Icona Pop This is the soundtrack for quitting your job, finding yourself halfway across the world and never growing up. Top Five Songs - Matthew Watson, Writer The Wire - HAIM Choosing my top five songs of the year was tough; choosing one was simple. ‘The Wire’ is hands down the best song of the year and I cannot wait to lose my HAIMginity when I see them perform at Laneway. Pompeii - Bastille We learnt a brand new way to pronounce ‘close your eyes’ and a defining moment in history got the anthem it deserved. Let Go – RAC The greatest house party track released this year. Fact. A World Alone – Lorde A mesmerising melody to accompany late night philosophising. Riptide – Vance Joy This is the ukulele hit of 2013 (I assume; I must admit uke doesn’t feature prominently on my iTunes library). Events Top Five Sydney Events - Rima Sabina Aouf, Editor-in-Chief Golden Age Cinema & Bar opens Credit where credit's due; Right Angle Studios and the Brothers Barton have given Sydney a precious place to hang out, eat sundaes and watch exclusive films. 13 Rooms People queued, profusely, to see performance art. Stranger things have basically not happened. Underbelly Arts The finest and funnest day out on Cockatoo Island. Sydney Film Festival Hub The cherry on the top of a strong festival generally. Opera on the Harbour Tickets are exxy, but it's the most spectacular and well-run outdoor event in Sydney.
If it takes a bit more than a squirt of sriracha or a spoonful of sambal to satisfy your fiery desires, then you've come to the right place. For those chasing their next chilli hit, we've put together a list of Sydney's spiciest dishes, ranging from the lip-tingling and throat-scorching to surface-of-the-sun hot. Get ready to scream, shake, sweat and swear; here are Sydney's ten best spicy dishes for hardcore heat lovers. FRIED CHICKEN WITH 'HOT AF' SAUCE AT BUTTER, SURRY HILL AND PARRAMATTA This fried chicken, sneaker and champagne joint in Surry Hills and Parramatta is a safe haven where chilli lovers and haters can sit down together and share a meal. While both sides of the argument will adore Butter's crispy cayenne-spiced fried chicken, those who want to up the ante can self-administer from the gradation of sauces, which ranges from naked through to 'OG', 'Fire' and, the most inflammatory of all, 'Hot AF'. Take a bite if you dare; the only thing louder than the crunchy chicken coating will be the sound of your own chicken-muffled screams. PORK BELLY WITH SCUD CHILLI DEATH SAUCE AT CHIN CHIN, SURRY HILLS While much of the menu at this trendy pan-Asian nightspot is accessible to a range of tolerances, for every sweet and mild dish, there's also a stealth bomber, too. The menu's fiercest option is the rotisserie pork belly with fennel, pickle and scud chilli death sauce — however, truth be told, not everybody ends up dying from it. To minimise the injury, Chin Chin has quarantined the sauce to a small bowl on the side, which allows you to carefully eye-drop the amount that you want. In controlled doses, it adds punch and personality to the soft, wobbly pork. Just whatever you do, don't go sloshing it around. BELT NOODLES WITH PORK AND CHILLI AT SPICE TEMPLE, CBD It's hard to leave Neil Perry's famous shrine to spice without suffering at least a little chilli trauma. The whole menu is strewn with bird's eye chillies and, worst of all, there are no symbols to warn you. It's like some kind of frightening (yet still fun) chilli roulette. While there are plenty of dishes with pep and pungency, the most intense is the chewy belt noodles with braised pork and fermented chilli. Sift through the bowl, and you'll find salted and dried chillies cloaked in there, too. A word to the wise, make sure you eat it last, as you're unlikely to taste anything afterwards. REALLY F**KING HOT WINGS AT BELLES HOT CHICKEN, VARIOUS LOCATIONS Well, you can't say you haven't been warned. Nashville-style fried chicken joint, Belles Hot Chicken serves up hot wings that actually live up to their name. Whether at the Barangaroo, Darling Square or Tramsheds outpost, customers can choose from five grades of suffering: from 'Southern' (mild) to medium, hot, really hot and 'Really F**king Hot'. Wings are brined first, then seasoned in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion and garlic powder, while the really f**king hot ones get an extra dusting of ground up habanero peppers. [caption id="attachment_683848" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain.[/caption] HOT BUTTER CUTTLEFISH AT LANKAN FILLING STATION, EAST SYDNEY For those up to the challenge, Lankan Filling Station serves some of the hottest Sri Lankan food in Sydney. While there's more than one tongue torturer on the menu, the spiciest is the hot butter cuttlefish, which is deep-fried in turmeric batter then wok-fried in a deadly medley of chilli, garlic and black pepper. Be sure to have the tissues ready, it's a dish that promises to bring more than a few tears to the eye (and chilli sweats to the face). The menu also includes plates to treat the heat, from cooling raita to spongey egg hoppers and O Tama Carey's exquisite rose-scented love cake. CHIANG MAI LARP AT LONG CHIM, CBD You might want to hit up a few of these other hotspots before Long Chim because you're going to need to build up your chilli tolerance. This Thai street food eatery by renowned chef David Thompson (ex-Sailors Thai and Nahm) has a menu to blow your mind — and also possibly your entire head clean off. Arguably the hottest dish in Sydney is Thompson's chiang mai larp of chicken with northern spices and herbs served on cabbage leaves — which, truth be told, do very little to extinguish the incinerating heat. There are no chilli ratings on the menu at Long Chim, but it's fairly safe to assume the larp probably sits at like a hundred. CAMARONES A LA DIABLA AT CHULA, POTTS POINT Let's be honest, Chula isn't quite in the same spicy league as some of the other offerings, but we thought by now you might be craving a little variety. This beautiful terracotta-toned Mexican restaurant in Potts Point specialises in fresh and light regional specialities and many come with their own punch in the gut. One of the hotter dishes on the menu is the camarones a la diabla, a fiery dish of red pepper prawns doused with arbol and guajillo chilli salsa. If it's too tepid for you, you can always turn up the dial with a side of the house-made habanero salsa. DTUM BPHA AT BOON CAFE, HAYMARKET Owned by the Chat Thai dynasty, this all-day eatery serves up northeastern Thai cuisine with a fiery kick. While the breakfast and lunch menu is filled with fresh herb sandwiches and brown rice bowls, playtime ends at dinner when traditional Isaan cuisine sends the whole thing up in flames. While pretty much all the dishes will give you third-degree burns, the most scalding is the dtum bpha — a green papaya salad tossed with field crabs, fermented fish, snails, pork sausage and fermented rice noodle. It may look fresh, green and fragrant, but it's a clever disguise for a whole world of pain. SPICY HOT POT AT SPICY SICHUAN RESTAURANT, VARIOUS LOCATIONS Known for its liberal use of bird's eye chillies and tonsil-tickling peppercorns, Sichuan cuisine is widely considered to be one of the hottest in the world. If you want to test the theory, you'll find an array of options at Spicy Sichuan Restaurant, with three outposts across the city. For those who prefer a long, drawn-out affair, we recommend the spicy hot pot — a glowing cauldron of fiery red soup that's generously swirled with red pepper pain. Not sure you're ready for it? There's also a half spicy version for those who want to test the waters first. KANOM JEEN TAI PLA AT CAYSORN THAI, HAYMARKET Sydneysiders are generally well versed in northern Thai cuisine, however, when it comes to the salty, sour and spicy flavours of the south, many find themselves in foreign territory. Prepare for initiation by fire at Haymarket institution Caysorn Thai, which is known for its fermented rice noodles, chilli-flecked broths and spicy green mango salads. At the chemical warfare end of the scale is the kanom jeen tai pla, a grilled fish curry in a mouth-blistering broth of dried chillies, shrimp paste and sour fish sauce. It'll take more than Thai milk tea and an all-you-can-eat salad bar to undo the damage. Top image: Long Chim.
A book whose plot Amazon describes as "how the sexiest sales girl in business earned her huge bonus by being the best at removing her high heels" might not be anything to write home about. You know what would be? If the author of said book was someone's dad, and that someone decided it would be hilarious to read a chapter every week to the entire world, with some incredibly funny friends providing commentary. Jamie Morton did just that with his father's (pen name: Rocky Flinstone) erotic 'novels', the Belinda Blinked series. And so the audacious and pants-wettingly hilarious podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno was born. And now Morton and his pals James Cooper and Alice Levine are bringing their hilarious smut to Sydney on Saturday, August 19. While listening to the podcast is a truly confusing and outrageous experience, imagine watching a guy read chapters from a porno novel that his dad wrote that includes the characters 'discussing the merits' of each others' nipples and popping their supposed 'vaginal lids'. In front of people. In real life. At least this time when you laugh out loud in public at the show, everyone will know what you're cackling at. If you're a fan of the show, the live incarnation should make you very happy. For as Belinda says: when you get what you want, you feel great.
Laure Calamy doesn't star in everything that's hitting screens big and small from France right now, but from Call My Agent! and Only the Animals to Full Time and The Origin of Evil, audiences can be forgiven for feeling otherwise. Calamy isn't new to acting, either, with a resume dating back to 2001; however, her in-demand status at present keeps showering viewers with stellar performances. Indeed, The Origin of Evil is a magnificent Calamy masterclass. She's playing a part while playing a part, and she makes both look effortless. The Antoinette in the Cévennes César Best Actress-winner is also a picture of unnerving determination and yearning, and resourcefulness and anxiety, too, as a seafood-factory worker usually tinning anchovies, then packing herself into a mix of Knives Out, Succession, The Talented Mr Ripley and Triangle of Sadness. Unleashing in-fighting upon a wealthy family residing on Côte d'Azur island Porquerolles, this instantly twisty and gripping thriller from Faultless and School's Out writer/director Sébastien Marnier (who collaborates on the screenplay with Amore mio scribe Fanny Burdino) takes a setting that'd do The White Lotus proud as well, then wreaks havoc. On the agenda in such lavish and scenic surroundings, which come filled with an unsettling menagerie of taxidermied animals: witnessing savage squabbling over who'll inherit a business empire, bathing in the kind of bitterness that only the bonds of blood among the affluent and entitled can bring, more than one person wishing that patriarch Serge Dumontet (Jacques Weber, The World of Yesterday) would shuffle off this mortal coil and, just as crucially, not everything being what it seems. First, The Origin of Evil sees the mundanity of Stéphane's (Calamy) life on the mainland, as she works the tinning assembly line, is stood up during a visit to her incarcerated girlfriend (Suzanne Clément, STAT) and gets kicked out when her landlady decides to reconcile with her estranged daughter. It's after the latter news that she picks up the phone, makes a call and locks in a date for her own reunion. Soon, Stéphane and Serge are getting acquainted — but when the restaurateur takes his long-lost daughter from a fling decades ago back home to his palatial abode, the welcome is hardly warm. His shopaholic wife Louise (Dominique Blanc, Syndrome E) is largely obliging enough, but his daughter George (Doria Tillier, Smoking Causes Coughing) couldn't be icier, her daughter Jeanne (Céleste Brunnquell, Fifi) can't understand why anyone would want in on a clan she can't wait to get out of and light-fingered maid Agnès (Véronique Ruggia, Loving Memories) is also far from friendly. Stéphane isn't the only reason that affection among the Dumontets is as dead as the stuffed critters filling their airy, stately but jam-packed abode. His health may be ailing, but Serge still has a bite regarding work, ruling the roost and being threatened as the head of the family. George says that she's been running the company since her father's stroke, and is taking him to court to gain full control — which he'll do anything to stop. Accordingly, the joy that Serge splashes around over Stéphane's sudden appearance and the misgivings that are directed her way by George are both saddled with ample history. Whether she's claiming to own the fish factory, advising that all she wants is to get to know the dad that she's grown up without, or ignoring George's cold demand that she go away and never come back, Stéphane's time with this battling brood also has its own knotty backstory. With his School's Out cinematographer Romain Carcanade, Marnier makes The Origin of Evil a visually exacting and foreboding film, even as its vibe is laced with black comedy. Nudging viewers to spot firearms and knives isn't by accident. Ramping up the tension by having the audience primed for a body count isn't as well. Playfully clever use of split screens when everyone in front of the lens is in the same room helps reinforce the Dumontets' divisions, with and without Stéphane — and stresses her outsider status among them, alongside a heavy everyone's-a-future-suspect air. In its imagery, The Origin of Evil is as busy as the central villa that Louise has stacked with everything that she can possibly collect (one notable instance: a wall of VHS tapes of recorded TV shows). The switch of hues from grim to bright whenever Porquerolles beckons is telling, too. Watching along is like playing detective, then, scouring the sights, scenes and details for tell-tale tidbits. It might sport a title that could grace an entry in the Evil Dead, The Conjuring or IT franchises (most scary-movie sagas, really), but The Origin of Evil isn't a horror movie — traditionally, at least. As told via savvily suspenseful scripting, where constantly waiting for new revelations doesn't mean being ready for everything that spills, it's scathing about the ghastliness of money, privilege and expectation, and also misogyny. Snaky doesn't only sum up the plot, though. Where allegiances and sympathies land at any given moment is equally as zigzagging. And, as the story keeps spinning, Calamy's bobbing and weaving efforts as Stéphane are nothing short of phenomenal. Marnier and Carcanade regularly catch reactions from the newcomer in the Dumontets' midst that her hosts cannot see, each one adding new layers to this star performance. As riveting as she proves at every moment, Calamy also has excellent company, including the rest of the female-heavy cast. Blanc, Tillier, Brunnquell and Ruggia's characters mightn't receive as much time on-screen to demonstrate as much depth, but the quartet still ensures that they each make a sharp impression. Blanc is a barbed yet smiling gem, in particular. Together, around Weber segueing from affable to monstrous, the four women unpack the many imperfections of a life that glitters only on the surface — aka the flaws in the gleaming prize that Stéphane is so eagerly chasing. Again, however, Calamy is The Origin of Evil's jewel. If France's film and TV output wants to keep pushing her to the fore again and again, its movies and television shows will only be better for it.
We're officially less than two months out from December 25, so, like it or not, you can prepare to be inundated with an assortment of new-release festive goodies. In a similar vein to Four Pillars' annual Christmas concoction, the latest edition of which has just hit the shelves, South Australian distillery Prohibition Liquor Co. has unveiled its own Yuletide-inspired gin for 2018. As always, this year's seasonal small-batch release sets out to bottle the essence of a true-blue Aussie Christmas, blending flavours of star anise, cherry, cinnamon, fig and orange to create a drink that's spicy, syrupy and unmistakably festive. Longtime fans of Prohibition's Christmas Gin will notice a few changes with this latest batch, which is slightly boozier to previous years (at 40 percent) and rocks a new pale blush colour. As with other Prohibition products like the Shiraz Barrel Gin and the Bathtub Cut Gin, this one's all packaged up in a square, Prohibition Era-style bottle — perfect for bootlegging some booze to your family Christmas lunch. Prohibition Liquor Co.'s 2018 Christmas gin is on sale now for $105 online and at select retailers.
If you're headed to Mexico, then you probably have two things on your itinerary: seeing the sights and sipping tequila. And while you can do both in the usual fashion, travelling from place to place, soaking up the scenery, and stopping for a few drinks here and there, combining them on the Jose Cuervo Express really is the ultimate holiday dream. Move over, Hogwarts Express — this is your new favourite train trip, and while it isn't fictional, it does still sound magical. Run by the Jose Cuervo tequila brand, this regular venture takes patrons from the city of Guadalajara to the aptly named town of, you guessed it, Tequila. You'll visit agave fields and take a tour of the Jose Cuervo distillery once you arrive; however, the journey really is just as important as the destination. On the eponymous locomotive, you'll down the spirit in question along the hour-long trek, all thanks to an all-you-can-drink tequila selection. There are three types of tickets available, with the open bar included in the most expensive tier — 2500 Mexican pesos, or around AU$182. While you're chugging along, a range of Mexican snacks and cocktails are also on offer, as well as boozy beverages other than tequila (i.e. rum, vodka and whiskey), should you feel the need to mix up your drinks. Off the train, you'll watch an agave harvesting demonstration, take part in a professional tasting session, wander through the distillery and cellar, and have time to explore the town at your own leisure. You'll also head to a Mexican show, but just what that entails has been left vague. Running most weekends — typically on Saturdays, but sometimes on Sundays instead — the Jose Cuervo Express offers two timeslots. Although the departure time only varies by half an hour (9am versus 9.30am), the 'sunrise' tour takes you on the train during daylight, then brings you back via bus, and the 'sunset' tour reverses the two, so you're on the train come evening. Both take a minimum of ten hours return, making for one hefty tequila-filled day. We're assuming that lemon and salt will also be included in the ticket price. For more information or to make a booking, visit the Jose Cuervo Express website. Images: Jose Cuervo Express.
If someone mentioned bubbles before 2020 hit, they were usually talking about baths, sparkling wine, gum or tea. For the past 12 months, however, the term has been on every hopeful holidaymaker's lips, referring to arrangements between countries that allow overseas travel in these pandemic-afflicted times. Since mid-2020, the big hope for Australians eager to head abroad while the international border is shut has been a travel bubble with New Zealand. That has actually been in place on and off since October, but only on a one-way basis — so New Zealanders can come to some parts of Australia, but not vice versa. There had been chatter that the complete trans-Tasman arrangement might come into effect in early 2021, allowing Aussies to jump across the ditch. It's now March, though, and that hasn't come to fruition as yet. So, the Australian Government has set its sights on a different location: Singapore. As confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Sunday, March 14 on the ABC's Insiders, Aussies might be able to fly to the island city-state for a holiday by mid-year. "We're working with Singapore at the moment, potentially for a bubble in July," the Deputy Prime Minister said. "As the vaccine rolls out, not only in Australia but in more countries, we'll reopen more bubbles," he continued. If you're after more details, that's all that was discussed; however, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Aussies would be permitted to go to Singapore for work or leisure. And, getting permission from the Department of Home Affairs — which is the only way you can go overseas at present while the nation's international border restrictions are in place — wouldn't be necessary. It'll only apply to folks who've been vaccinated against COVID-19, however. Singaporeans who've been vaccinated would also be able to travel to Australia, without undergoing the currently mandatory 14-day quarantine period. While the details are yet to be finalised, if the Australia–Singapore travel bubble comes into effect, it'll be great news for everyone that's been dreaming of overseas holidays since the pandemic began. At present, Australia's international border closure has been extended until mid-June, but airlines Qantas and Jetstar have begun selling overseas flights for trips from October onwards in the hope that the border will reopen by then. Qantas has also started trialling a digital health passport on repatriation flights, which allows passengers to provide proof that they've received a negative COVID-19 test result before flying — and will ideally note vaccination status in the future, too. 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. Via Insiders / The Sydney Morning Herald.
Feel like you're in a weekend activity rut? Run out of ideas for your next mini break? While we adore lazy brunches and home movie nights, sometimes you need an injection of leisure time adrenaline to break into new worlds of fun. Happily, there are plenty of unusual adventure avenues to explore in New South Wales. Whether you're looking to ride camels into the sunset or fling yourself from extraordinary heights, we've found a bunch of NSW activities that will redefine your comfort zone.
Something delightful is happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are starting to reopen — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney and Brisbane (and, until the newly reinstated stay-at-home orders, Melbourne as well). During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made over the past three months, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwk9DsB2JAM IRRESISTIBLE Late in Irresistible, a penny drops — figuratively, of course. Much that has seemed overtly clumsy and broad prior to this moment is given some bite and sting thanks to a crucial plot development, and the political comedy finally seems like something that its writer/director Jon Stewart would conjure up. It's a great moment, but it's sadly also a case of too little, too late. Equally skewering and unpacking the polarised state of America today, especially where politics, elections, campaign finance and escalating culture wars are concerned, Irresistible is far too happy to coast on stereotypes of supposed Democratic and Republican party supporter traits, and for far too long. As he did for on The Daily Show, Stewart has set himself the important task of pointing out just how broken US politics is at present (or, realistically, just how broken it continues to be), but this is one of the great comedian and commentator's lesser efforts. It's also inescapably, unshakeably obvious, even as a moral comedy that endeavours to pair its laughs and observations with a few lessons. After being humiliated by Hillary Clinton's defeat in the 2016 election, Democratic strategist Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell) is re-energised about his job when he's shown a YouTube video from the small town of Deerlaken, Wisconsin. In it, Marine Colonel Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) makes an impassioned speech supporting undocumented immigrants, and Gary instantly sees a potential Democratic mayoral candidate who'll actually appeal to voters in the Republican heartland. On the ground, little goes smoothly. When Gary's long-time rival, his Republican counterpart Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne), arrives to support the incumbent mayor, Deerlaken suddenly becomes the centre of national attention — and a drawcard for hefty political donations. While Byrne is a fantastic comedic actress in general, it's telling that her presence, expressions and line readings ensure that she steals absolutely every scene she's in, including opposite Carell. Everyone from Russian Doll's Natasha Lyonne to That '70s Show's Topher Grace also pops up, but Irresistible's other standout performance comes from an underused Mackenzie Davis (Terminator: Dark Fate) as the Colonel's resourceful daughter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwk10YGPFiM I AM GRETA If a single image can sum up the current crucial battle against climate change, it's a picture — any picture — of Greta Thunberg. Since deciding to skip school to protest outside Sweden's parliament back in August 2018, the braid-wearing teen has become the face of a movement. She isn't the first person to sound an alarm about the dire state of the planet, to vehemently speak truth to power or to gain widespread attention, but her determined, no-nonsense approach really isn't easily forgotten. Sometimes, it's directed at ordinary Stockholm residents going about their days while she strikes. As she has garnered increasing attention, Thunberg has trained her stare on crowded United Nations' conferences, too, and at attendees with the power but not necessarily the inclination to make a difference. She has also met face to face with world leaders, but she knows that politicians usually only share her gaze for a photo opportunity. Demonstrating patiently, speaking passionately, shaking hands for the cameras: all of these moments are captured by documentary I Am Greta, which surveys Thunberg's ascension from everyday Swedish 15-year-old to one of the best-known figures fighting to save the earth. The film acts as a chronicle, starting with her activism on her home soil, following her efforts as she's thrust to fame, and culminating in her trip across the Atlantic Ocean via yacht to present at 2019's UN Climate Action Summit, where she gave her iconic "how dare you" speech. But as the title indicates, this doco is just as concerned with Thunberg's home life as her public impact. Accordingly, while filmmaker Nathan Grossman has an array of recognisable footage at his disposal in this slickly packaged affair, he interweaves it with quieter, intimate and unguarded moments. These snippets help paint a picture of the teenager behind the activism, and much of it is highly relatable. Also cutting through astutely is Thunberg's continued recognition of how, as her fame increases, the global response by naysayers encapsulates so much about the status quo and the lack of government action. And, similarly leaving a mark is the documentary's dedication to show Thunberg's work to effect change in action, and to let that speak volumes. Indeed, what echoes here is that simply doing the right thing is essential regardless of any obstacles and opposition, whether urged by Al Gore, David Attenborough, Aussie doco 2040, your best mate, your neighbour, a stranger or Thunberg. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFVhB54UqvQ REBECCA In the pages of Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel, and on the big and small screens several times since, Rebecca tells the tale of a young woman caught in the shadow of her wealthy new husband's late previous wife. So it's noticeable and perhaps fitting that the new 2020 movie adaptation mimics that sensation, with Ben Wheatley's film forever destined to be compared to Alfred Hitchcock's Oscar Best Picture-winning 1940 adaptation of the beloved book. Wheatley is a stellar filmmaker, and has a resume filled with everything from Down Terrace, Kill List and Sightseers to High-Rise, Free Fire and Happy New Year, Colin Burstead to prove it. Here, in his most mainstream, least boundary-pushing effort to date — and his most visually lavish, too — he has crafted a moody and brooding, elegant and often overtly gorgeous film that doesn't do its source material or the gothic genre a disservice. But it still always feels as if it is following in Hitch's footsteps, even when it deviates from that version's famed changes under Hollywood's strict production code at the time. As the book does, this iteration of Rebecca starts an evocative line: "last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again". It's uttered in voiceover by a young woman who is never known as anything but Mrs de Winter (Lily James), and who viewers first meet as a paid companion to an acid-tongued socialite (The Handmaids' Tale's Ann Dowd) during a trip to the French Riviera. During the picturesque getaway, the unnamed heroine crosses paths with widower Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer). Romance quickly blooms, setting them en route to his sprawling family estate. Back at Manderley, however, the new bride can't escape the lingering presence of the movie's titular figure, the menace directed her way by housekeeper Mrs Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas) and the sensation that much is awry about her current situation. Those unacquainted with Rebecca's twists should keep it that way going in, with Wheatley patiently teasing out its ample psychological thrills. Still, as luxe as it looks, as capably as it handles the iconic narrative and as memorable as Scott Thomas is — with James and Hammer always hitting their marks, but doing little more — this is a movie that exists, engages enough, but rarely has a strong lasting impact. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTxobgjD3hE CITY OF LIES It has been almost a quarter-century since Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (aka the Notorious BIG/Biggie Smalls) were gunned down in separate incidents within six months of each other — and, over that time, fewer films about either or both have reached screens than one might expect. Known not only for their music but for being the focal points of the supposed East Coast-West Coast hip hop feud, the pair's plights have inspired exactly zero worthwhile movies, though, and that includes the long-delayed City of Lies. Based on the non-fiction book LAbyrinth by Randall Sullivan, this conspiracy thriller views the deaths of two of the 90s' biggest stars through the efforts of LAPD detective Russell Poole. There is real-life grounds for that angle, and the on-screen Poole (Johnny Depp) is constantly noting and fighting against the racial prejudice that existed in the Los Angeles police department at a time just after the Rodney King assault, trial and riots, as well as the OJ Simpson case. But there's no escaping the fact that the film approaches some of the most momentous events in rap history through a white cop. In 1997, Poole is assigned to another shooting — of a black officer by a white officer — just days after Notorious BIG's death. Soon, however, his investigation of the former leads him to the latter, and to the conclusion that the LA police were involved in killing Biggie, all as his superiors demand he ignore the evidence. Decades later, long after he has resigned from being a cop, a journalist (Forest Whitaker) wanders into Poole's apartment for a 20-year piece on the rapper's murder — and the writer might've been accused of dredging up the past if Poole's walls weren't covered in case details and materials. Where director Brad Furman turned legal thriller The Lincoln Lawyer into a slick and entertaining affair, almost everything about City of Lies is misjudged, and it drags on rather than drawing viewers into its theories or even the cases it covers. Depp plays crusading but hard done by with little discernible effort, and the decision to film the movie's 90s scenes with the same type of hues and lighting usually reserved for 70s-set features smacks of the same. And while Whitaker is the best thing about City of Lies, his determined performance isn't enough to salvage the film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9Vm7cpQX80 HOPE GAP If you're going to watch a couple navigate the waning days of their decades-long marriage, and watch as their adult son tries to cope with the fallout, too, then you might as well be directing your eyeballs at Annette Bening, Bill Nighy, and God's Own Country and The Crown star Josh O'Connor. They play Grace, Edward and Jamie, respectively, with their family rocked by the revelation that mild-mannered, history-obsessed teacher Edward is leaving after 29 years because he's fallen in love with another woman. Usually the shining light and driving force in their modest house in a seaside town, Grace doesn't take the news well. Jamie, who lives in the city and doesn't generally come home as often as anyone would like, swiftly becomes his mother's main source of a support and a go-between with his father. As written and directed by second-time filmmaker William Nicholson (1997 feature Firelight) based on his 1999 play The Retreat from Moscow, little in Hope Gap's narrative offers surprises — especially if you've seen other movies about marital breakdowns, such as 2019's far meatier Marriage Story — but the British drama benefits considerably from its central trio of talent and their performances. While the plot plays out as anticipated, one aspect of Hope Gap does veer from the expected formula — and that'd be O'Connor. That he's an exceptional actor isn't new news, but he's firmly the heart of this wordy drama about the yearning and breaking hearts of his character's parents. He's also the most soulful part of the film; however, that isn't a criticism of Bening and Nighy. In spiky but still vulnerable mode, Bening may struggle with an unconvincing English accent, but she cuts to the core of Grace's bravado and pain. Nighy plays his part in a far softer, gentler, more nervous register, and helps make it plain just how Grace and Edward's marriage has gotten to this fracturing point. In a handsomely shot movie that intertwines picturesque glimpses of the coast with tense domestic scenes — and uses poetry verses to help convey emotion as well — they all demand the viewers' attention. But without the especially tender and thoughtful O'Connor, Hope Gap would've felt like just another average portrait of a longstanding relationship imploding, even with Bening and Nigh's impressive work. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30; August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27; September 3, September 10, September 17 and September 24; and October 1 and October 8. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves, The King of Staten Island, Babyteeth, Deerskin, Peninsula, Tenet, Les Misérables, The New Mutants, Bill & Ted Face the Music, The Translators, An American Pickle. The High Note, On the Rocks, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Antebellum, Miss Juneteenth and Savage. Top image: Rebecca, Kerry Brown / Netflix.
Stay tuned. More info on its way.
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, with its urban oasis scenery and immersive natural beauty, is one of the best places to find serenity in the heart of the city. Deep within this leafy green wonderland is The Calyx, a self-contained glasshouse with even more wonders to be found — including, during the August-exclusive return of Fleurs de Villes, the world-renowned floral art show behind exhibitions in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. From August 9—18, it's popping up with a new show, Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE, a celebration inspired by destinations around the world. The travel-themed exhibit features 15 unique fresh floral mannequins, each carefully crafted by Sydney's most talented floral designers. Visitors will be taken on a floral journey of discovery, enjoying creations inspired by the likes of Morrocan souks, thrilling South African safaris, the beautiful Moulin Rogue in Paris and so much more. You have ten days to visit and take it all in before Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE bids us a fond adieu. Enjoy the exhibit plus the surrounding indoor glasshouse and the largest green wall in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as enjoying the stunning floral creations, you'll be able to catch free botany talks and demonstrations from expert florists and horticulturists. Be sure to grab a bite to eat from the Leaf Dept. Cafe, still surrounded by floral splendour, and cast your vote for your favourite mannequin design. Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE runs from Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 18. See here for instructions on how to access The Calyx. For more information or to book your tickets, visit the website.
"Know thyself" is an oft-repeated mantra, but how much do you really need to know? Thanks to advances in technology, people can now generate a whole heap of data about themselves that would have been unthinkable not long ago. If you've got a smart phone, you can already get apps to track your activity and sleep; and heart-rate monitors are just as likely to be worn by joggers as those in a hospital bed. Nike and Apple have already combined to offer Nike+ to the data-hungry running community, but the quantified self crowd will probably want more than distances and times. The yet-to-be-released data-tracking-bracelet from Jawbone (best known for wearable tech in the form of bluetooth headsets) is already causing quite a buzz. Up is more than just a sensor-packed piece of wrist-wear to catch all your data, it can send the numbers to your phone to be crunched, and come back with helpful health tips based on your recent activity. But be careful what you do with all that data! Some fitbit users have been sharing a little too much information — logs of their sexual activity have accidentally been showing up online. [via PSFK]
New Zealand entrepreneur Hamish Dobbie is in the final rounds of a Kickstarter campaign to fund Yolkr, a rather nifty egg yolk separator. 'Finally', I hear you say, a simple and incredibly good looking kitchen tool for separating those whites from the yolk, without scattering shells throughout your 'egg'cellent kitchen creation. Having been tested by his 90 year old Grandfather, who has one eye, wears glasses and shakes somewhat, along with numerous others, the Yolkr project reached its Kickstarter goal within 5 days, and there are still 54 days remaining. Move over Number 8 wire, a new and revolutionary Kiwi invention has arrived. And it will change the way you make your omelette forever.
No wristband or badge? No worries — SXSW Sydney's free festival hub at Tumbalong Park is open to everyone, whether you've already planned out your whole week or are just curious to see what the fuss is about. Running for the duration of SXSW, from Sunday, October 15, to Sunday, October 22, the event will feature brand activations, live music, tech demos, gaming competitions, presentations and an outdoor cinema — it's basically a self-contained sample of the entire SXSW program. Wander through the maze at CommBank House to learn about CommBank's latest innovations in tech and how they're helping young adults save and earn more, manage their money and stay safe from cybercrime. Popular bakery Lode will serve coffees and pastries at Porsche House, where tattoos, photography and art will be featured, before it turns into a bar come sunset. You (visually and figuratively) can't miss Suntory Minus 196's 12-metre-tall Extreme Vending Machine. Enjoy a cold one at the Double Lemon Garden on the ground floor before moving through the structure to a display of the brand's freezing technology and then up to the rooftop bar, where there'll be a selection of Japanese snacks, Double Lemon and Grape drinks, plus a DJ. Back on the ground, you can catch live music sets from a selection of local and international artists at the Music Festival Presentation, which will run for five days throughout the week. Young Henry's Rock & Roll Circus on Wednesday, October 18, will feature artists such as Dan Sultan, Wallice and Tyne-James Organ covering rock classics, while Touchdown Down Under on Thursday, October 19, and Friday, October 20, will showcase musical artists from Asia to the Middle East. For the film fanatics, you can celebrate the start of the screen program at the Screen Festival Opening Party with bands and DJs from 7–10pm on Sunday, October 15. There will also be a series of movie screenings at the outdoor cinema on select days throughout the week. [caption id="attachment_920356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jess Gleeson[/caption] Gamers can tag along to the Games Festival Presentation on Sunday, October 15, and Sunday, October 22, or flex their skills at the community esports competition on Tuesday, October 17. You might not be able to hear from Chance the Rapper or Nicole Kidman, but you can still get inspired at one of the presentations, demonstrations or talks at Tumbalong Park. See rockets, rovers and go-karts designed by UTS students or watch a cooking demonstration by artist Yiying Lu (creator of the dumpling emoji) and James Beard Award-winning chef Martin Yan. And don't forget to mark your diaries for national treasure Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, who will join comedian and presenter Adam Spencer on Saturday, October 21. SXSW Sydney's festival hub will take over Tumbalong Park from Sunday, October 15, to Sunday, October 22. Check out the full program for Tumbalong Park at the SXSW Sydney website. Top image: Tumbalong Park, Vivid, Destination NSW.
How do you choose Australia's best beach from the country's 11,761 coastal locations? That's the enviable annual job of beach expert Brad Farmer AM. It might sound like one of the best gigs that there is, but it's also far from an easy decision given that there's so many places to pick from in this nation girt by sea. So for 2025, Farmer hasn't been able to select just one — he's opted to anoint a ten-kilometre stretch of beaches as the country's finest instead. You'll find the top spots for some beach time in 2025 along the Tasmanian coastline, at the Bay of Fires Conservation Reserve. Farmer has chosen an expanse across the site's southern portion as his pick for the year. In doing so, he's given his list a few firsts. [caption id="attachment_666210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sean Scott[/caption] Never before has Tasmania taken out top spot for Farmer's recommendations for sun-, sand- and surf-fuelled getaways for the year ahead. Bay of Fires earns the honour after Squeaky Beach in Victoria did the same in 2024 and South Australia's Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island achieved the feat in 2023. Other past winners include Misery Beach in Western Australia in 2022, Cabarita Beach in New South Wales in 2020, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy island in Far North Queensland in 2018 and Cossies Beach in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, in the Indian Ocean, in 2017. Similarly making history: Farmer selecting a cluster of beaches over a single winner. "I spent plenty of time in Tasmania assessing the beaches and in the end there were so many incredible options I couldn't even settle on one, which is why, for the first time, I'm awarding the best beach to a cluster of neighbouring beach bays in the Bay of Fires," he advised. "They say the colder water is good for you, but even if you're not up for a refreshing dip there is still plenty to do and see along this ten-kilometre stretch of coast. It's a location made for photography or painting, fishing and surfing." [caption id="attachment_990475" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liz McGinnes[/caption] As always, Farmer has spread the love across his top-ten list around the country. Woolgoolga in New South Wales came in second, then Emily Bay Lagoon on Norfolk Island placed third, Queensland's North Kirra Beach ranked fourth and Little Lagoon in Western Australia sits fifth. After that, South Australia's Fishery Bay earned sixth position, before Queensland, WA and NSW all pop up again — with 1770, Scarborough Beach and Caves Beach, respectively, in that order. Then, Victoria makes a showing thanks to Cowes Beach in tenth place. Situated on the Coffs Coast, Woolgoolga has notched up an impressive feat, too: its second-place ranking makes it Australia's best mainland beach and finished in second spot. Farmer has dubbed it "the quintessential Aussie beach destination". [caption id="attachment_990476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Norfolk Island Tourism[/caption] He's also badged Emily Bay Lagoon as "Australia's hidden gem in the South Pacific" and North Kirra on the Gold Coast as "Australia's best airport beach". The praise goes on; Shark Bay's Little Lagoon is "a unique oasis", Eyre Peninsula's Fishery Bay is recognised for its sacred First Nations connections and 1770 near Agnes Waters is highlighted for being "a beautiful Queensland inlet shoreline environment". Perth's Scarborough Beach is "Australia's number-one integrated foreshore development", while Caves Beach in Lake Macquarie has the best caves and rock pools to explore, and Cowes Beach on Phillip Island earns affection for its lack of pretence. [caption id="attachment_990477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] www.coastalreflections.com.au[/caption] "Every beach which makes the list is a winner and this year really highlights the incredible diversity of the beach offerings we have here in Australia. It really is like nowhere else in the world. In 2025 we recognise beaches of all shapes and sizes right around the country," he continues. Farmer might've unveiled his picks with less than a month left of summer 2024–25, but you still know what to do from here: start making holiday plans that involve a splash. For Aussies in most states, there's a site on the list in your own backyard. And if there isn't or you're just keen on heading further afield for a gorgeous beach trip, you have options. [caption id="attachment_990478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @theultimateaus Chris Bulloch[/caption] The Top Ten Best Australian Beaches for 2025 1. Bay of Fires, Tasmania 2. Woolgoolga, New South Wales 3. Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island 4. North Kirra Beach, Queensland 5. Little Lagoon, Western Australia 6. Fishery Bay, South Australia 7. 1770, Queensland 8. Scarborough Beach, Western Australia 9. Caves Beach, New South Wales 10. Cowes Beach, Victoria [caption id="attachment_990479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Serio Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_990480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] londonerinsydney.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_990481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Wardle Media[/caption] [caption id="attachment_990482" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lake Macquarie City[/caption] [caption id="attachment_990483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] www.coastalreflections.com.au[/caption] For more of Brad Farmer's beach tips, head to his Best Australian Beaches website. Top image: Will Wardle Media. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Taking off on that overseas adventure just got much simpler and a whole lot faster, with electronic boarding passes for international flights now available at airports across the country. Changes made by the government today mean passengers will now be able to check into international flights via their smartphone, just as they've been doing on domestic routes. Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge announced the move this morning, and hopes the new system will reduce costs to airlines, save on paper and slash time spent moving through the airport. We're already dreaming about the extra sleep-in time we'll score for those early-morning flights. "Last financial year more than 21.4 million travellers were cleared through the border departing Australian international airports," Mr Tudge said in a statement. "These increasing volumes mean we are always looking for ways to clear legitimate travellers efficiently and seek out those of interest to law enforcement. This change will cut out the need to visit the check-in desk to show your passport and collect your paper boarding pass." The new mobile check-in system has already been trialled for international travel by Qantas, Air New Zealand, Emirates and Singapore Airlines, and is expected to be rolled out across all flights and airlines in the coming months. Check-ins could become simpler again, if biometric trials at Sydney airport are deemed a success. The trials, which started in May, saw some international travellers check into flights using a simplified six-step process using their face and fingerprints.
We've all been there — as you're getting ready for bed, you set your phone alarm with grand intentions of getting up and going to pilates, a spin class or a run before work. Then, when that absurd time rolls out, getting out of bed is a near impossible feat. Well, we may have found a cure for that. Undercard Boxing, Darlinghurst's newest concept gym, is hosting an event this Thursday, June 27, that'll put a pep in your sleepy step. The special pre-work session will give you a (free) taster of this new fitness craze developed by co-founders Kesava Commerford and Zach Vickers. It combines boxing, strength and metabolic conditioning training styles for a high-intensity workout to get your blood pumping — you'll forget that the temperature outside is teetering around the single digits in no time. This special session kicks off at 8am and is invite only — but, we've managed to spots for you and a mate. The event is said to be themed on the cult film Fight Club, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Like the film, Undercard involves heading underground and throwing punches in a dimly lit space. But that's pretty much where the comparisons end. The workout area is a super slick room, with orange-tinted lights, high-tech treadmills, free weights and a bunch of water-filled punching bags hanging from the ceiling. The class runs for about an hour and will test both your strength and endurance. The event will be bookended with exciting happenings from some of Undercard's lifestyle and wellness partners. Before the class, Paddington's Valonz hairdressers will be on-site offering hair braiding and there'll be free bottles of water from Just Water. Post-workout, you'll be able to get activewear styling tips from Style Runner and tuck into the delicious breakfast grazing table from Bondi's Porch and Parlour. A free workout, styling tips and a free breakfast — not a bad excuse to get out of bed, after all. To be in the running (pun intended), enter your details below. [competition]728029[/competition]
If you've got a passion for cocktails, you'll be happy to know the Maybe Cocktail Festival's 2025 lineup is stacked with a huge range of internationally renowned bartending talent. Bringing 20 of the world's best bars to our shores, you won't have a better chance to sample some of the very best concoctions you'll try anywhere, all from the comfort of several much-loved Sydney venues. Boasting seven bars that appear near the top of The World's 50 Best Bars 2024, the festival will welcome the likes of Seoul's Zest (#9), Barcelona's Paradiso (#10) and London's Connaught Bar (#13). Representatives from acclaimed venues in the Americas, Europe and Asia complete the array of talent. Between April 7-13, these innovators and tastemakers will put their skills on display through 25 fascinating events. You can expect signature cocktails, exclusive collaborations and world-class hospitality from some of the best in the world at world-class local venues including Maybe Sammy, El Primo Sanchez, Whisky Thief and Little Cooler. You might also be happy to learn this instalment of the festival is the most gender balanced to date, with more international female bartenders attending than ever before. If you're keen to get in on the action, you can purchase cocktail tokens at the door of each venue, with $50 getting you two tokens to spend on a curated selection cocktails from visiting bartenders.
These days, a simple flash of your smartphone can let you pay for stuff without tapping your debit card, see a gig without a hard-copy ticket and even split dinner bills without carrying around a heap of cash. For NSW residents, it can now also double as your driver licence. After a successful trials in Dubbo and the eastern suburbs, the digital version of licences have now been made available to the whole state, which means any NSW driver can now access a digital version of their licence via the Service NSW app on their smartphone. The digital licences will be accepted as proof of identity at police roadside checks; proof of age to get into bars, pubs and nightclubs; and can be used at petrol stations, supermarkets, convenience stores and tobacco retailers. There are a couple of rules, though: you can't access your digital licence when driving (even when stationary) unless asked to do so by a police officer, and your digital licence may be refused if your screen is cracked or dim. You don't have to hand over your smartphone to the person checking your licence, either, and the licences work even when you have no data coverage. https://www.facebook.com/ServiceNSW/photos/a.584446361616956/1634718353256413/?type=3&theater Service NSW has also suggested that you continue to carry your plastic card "while venues get used to seeing and accepting the digital driver licence as identification" and when travelling interstate and overseas. Plans for to make the switch to digital were first announced back in 2016, but South Australia has since beaten NSW to the punch, introducing digital licences in 2017. To activate your digital driver licence, you'll need to download the Service NSW app, login using your MyServiceNSW Account details and follow the prompts. You can also use the app to check your rego details, view fines and check on your demerit points, as well as download digital versions of your boat driver licence, RSA/RCG competency card and Working with Children check clearance. To download the Service NSW app, head to the Google Play or App Store. To read more about NSW Digital Driver Licence, head to the Service NSW website.
If you've ever wanted to witness a Lost Boys-style food fight (that may or may not conclude in slicing a coconut mid-air), you might want to mark this date in your diary. Part of the Museum of Contemporary Art's C3West program, FOOD FIGHT aims to raise awareness about food security in Liverpool and South Western Sydney through artist-led workshops, performances, cooking demonstrations and choreographed culinary combat. Set to take place in Liverpool's Bigge Park on the evening of Saturday, April 30, the event will be one big celebration of food. Expect cooking shows, projections and live performances, including a DJ set from experimental artist Mish Grigor. Don't expect your usual food stalls either; among a whole slew of culturally diverse snacks, there will be Laotian fare and even traditional Ukrainian food from artist David Capra and his mum and aunty. And all this deliciousness will culminate in a 100-seat al fresco banquet and an epic food fight performance. Artists Diego Bonetto and Branch Nebula (Lee Wilson and Mirabelle Wouters) — in partnership with the MCA and Genevieve Murray of Future Method Studio — will also collaborate with various local partners, including Foodbank, OzHarvest and Youth Food Movement Australia, on a series of community engagement workshops. According to recent statistics, roughly two million Australians rely on food relief programs every year, while close to a million children go without breakfast or dinner each day. "Our aim with this FOOD FIGHT project is twofold," said Bonetto. "We want to create a fun and engaging event that serves as a wake-up call and conversation starter on a hidden issue; whilst also celebrating the community champions and everyday heroes who fight for food security in the local area, one meal at a time." The event is free to attend as a punter, and if you want to get involved as a volunteer, you can sign up at the event website. If you don't live in the area, hop on a Bankstown-bound train — the park is only a short walk from Liverpool Station. We suggest you start practicing your hot dog hurling skills.
Vegan and deli may not be two words you put together, but perhaps you haven't been to Shift. Meet Shift Eatery, Sydney's first vegan deli. Opened on Commonwealth Street in September 2017, Shift is a sleek cafe and shop specialising in hearty, healthy food, sans animal products. The idea for the store was spawned by owner James Danaskos's own turn to veganism a few years back and his desire to create more places for people looking to eat less or no meat. The cafe has everything you would expect from a concept cafe in the age of Instagram: lattes of every hue (pink pitaya unicorn, blue pea, green matcha and golden turmeric), smoothie bowls and picture-perfect vegan sweets courtesy of Treat Dreams and Nutie. But outside of the colourful treats, the main food menu is a goldmine of casual, vegan fare. The sandwich and toastie menu features vegan twists on traditional sambos — ham and cheese, tuna and mayo and Steve, the Reuben's vegan brother stuffed with corned 'beef', pickles, kraut, cheese and russian dressing — with a few pun-filled monikers thrown in for good measure, like the No Whey Jose made up of Cuban 'ham', pulled jackfruit, vegan cheese and housemade sauce. Like any true deli, Shift is also stocked with ingredients to takeaway including kimchi, granola and vegan ice cream pints.
If you don't mind waiting 97 minutes for a really cute little animation at closing credits, then check out Filth. If waiting annoys you, then give this one a miss. If you must see it, do yourself a favour and read the book first. That might help. Adapted from the acclaimed novel by iconic author Irvine Welsh, Filth falls short of even the most casual of expectations. Directed by Jon S. Baird from his own screenplay, Filth stars James McAvoy with a supporting cast including Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, Imogen Poots and Eddie Marsan. McAvoy is Bruce Robertson. He's a tormented, bigoted cop who snorts, smashes and sleazes his way through the festive period. What he really wants for Christmas is a promotion and he'll do whatever he needs to get it — screwing wives, exposing secrets and trampling self-esteems is all in a day's work. The problem is, well, just about everything. Take Bruce. There's no descent into despair, no spiral out of control, no ride for us to belt up for and settle in. When we meet him he's an asshole, and he stays an asshole, with a few tears and moments on stairs with understanding colleagues thrown in. I laughed twice, once about a boat and once because the c-word was very well-placed. The characters are half-baked and predictable — when the next line is in your head before its spoken then something has gone very wrong. Any aspect of Bruce's personality or past we're even vaguely interested in gets resolved in a lazy tell-all monologue revealing just what we had figured out 80 minutes and two buckets of popcorn ago. And this is no Trainspotting situation; the violence is lame and without context, the sex is nothing to hang your hat on, the madness is stereotyped and disjointed and there's next to no opportunity for us to even begin to understand any of the two-dimensional characters or why they do all the annoying things they do. Except for the little piggy, right at the end, who is not annoying, and is completely adorable. Filth gets one small point for the smashing soundtrack and the animation and McAvoy's beard, which is very neat and coped well with all the jaw clenching. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tymWDB7gtK4
Fresh from premiering at 2023's Brisbane Festival, one of Sydney Festival's big 2024 highlights is a stage musical comedy from the songwriting team behind Muriel's Wedding The Musical: Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, who are taking the fest to Bananaland. Created by the pair after their success treading the boards with everyone's favourite Porpoise Spit resident, Bananaland focuses on 21-year-old Ruby. She has her own protest band called Kitty Litter, which accidentally becomes a hit with preschoolers. Penned by Nuttall and featuring a score composed by Miller-Heidke, with the duo joining forces on the show's musical numbers, Bananaland is a warmhearted but incisive exploration of chasing dreams — and an ode to performing live. Charting Kitty Litter's path to following in The Wiggles' footsteps, Bananaland is taking over Parramatta's Riverside Theatres until Sunday, January 14. Simon Phillips (Ladies in Black) directs, while Max McKenna (Jagged Little Pill) stars as Ruby. Production images: Darren Thomas.
