The dockless bike sharing phenomenon hasn't exactly proved a roaring success here in Australia, with rogue bikes clogging up footpaths, or winding up broken and abandoned in dangerous locations, and oBike withdrawing from Melbourne entirely. And still, yet another company is keen to give the concept a whirl locally — this time, featuring electric scooters. Aussie start-up Scootie has announced it'll launch a trial program of its ride share service in November this year, giving locals in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth the chance to be the first to road-test its fleet of electric scooters. Punters keen to get involved are invited to sign up now to Scootie's mailing list. Riffing on the scooter systems that have been going gang-busters over in the USA, the local company is still nailing down its technology, with plans to launch the pilot program in St Kilda, before rolling out across CBD areas. At this stage, riders will simply locate a scooter, scan and pay via the Scootie smartphone app, before jetting off on their two-wheeled adventure. According to Scootie spokesman Troy Taylor, details about specific scooter deposit zones and charging stations are yet to be confirmed, though there will be a bond taken to help deter people from damaging or abandoning the scooters. Trip costs are also in the process of being finalised, with Taylor suggesting they'll start at around 20-40 cents per minute. So, for example, a 40-minute journey would cost between $8 and $16. Scootie's trial program is slated to launch in November and run for several weeks. You can sign up to be a part of it here.
Just a couple of weeks after Totti's opened the doors to its much-hyped Great Ocean Road outpost, another Sydney favourite has announced it's making moves down south. Odd Culture Group, the hospitality crew behind inner-city spots like The Duke of Enmore, The Old Fitzroy Hotel and namesake King Street venue Odd Culture Newtown, is gearing up to launch its first Melbourne haunt in Fitzroy this May. The team has snapped up the sprawling heritage site at the corner of Brunswick and Johnston Streets, with plans to install a local version of its aforementioned Newtown bar, complete with a strong retail booze offering. As the name suggests, Odd Culture isn't afraid to get a little weird and wonderful, which tells us it'll fit right in here in this neck of the woods. The group's earned a reputation for creating welcoming, experiential venues that are centred on top-quality food and drinks — and this Melbourne debut looks set to follow suit. Odd Culture Fitzroy will have a familiar local name at the helm, too, with the role of General Manager going to Gerry Nass, owner-operator of the former Robbie Burns Hotel. A bar and bottle shop rolled into one, the venue will be stocked with an easy-to-explore specialty array of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails, with an emphasis on wild brews and natural vino. You'll be able to browse and buy to take away, or select a drop to enjoy onsite, either settled in on the indoor banquet seating or out in the laneway beer garden. Meanwhile, Meatsmith alum James MacDonald is taking the reins as Executive Chef, serving a menu of bar snacks that showcases Meatsmith goodies alongside some of the best-loved plates from Odd Culture Newtown. [caption id="attachment_831649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Odd Culture Newtown[/caption] Find Odd Culture Fitzroy at Shop 1/296 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, from May. We'll share more details as they drop.
There's always something new in the works from Josh Niland. There's always another restaurant on the way, someone throwing the Sydney seafood chef some love or a reason to try his nose-to-tail approach to the ocean's finest. In the past year or so alone, he's opened his second iteration of seafood butchery and takeaway shop Fish Butchery in Waterloo, announced plans to take over The Grand National Hotel and move restaurant Saint Peter into it, and launched restaurant and bar Petermen in St Leonards. Oh, and he was the only Australian to make the top 100 best chefs in the world list for 2022, and scored the Game Changer Award from France's prestigious La Liste with his wife Julie. Next on the list: slipping back into home kitchens everywhere. As much of a delight as it would be to have Niland drop by your door and whip you up at meal, that sadly isn't on the menu — but helping you learn his tricks of the trade, and make his recipes, is. Already, Niland has released two cookbooks: The Whole Fish Cookbook in 2019 and its sequel Take One Fish. Next comes a tome with a familiar name, aka Fish Butchery. [caption id="attachment_855330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob Palmer[/caption] For his third foray into print, the chef will share his expert techniques, and also some of his pioneering recipes. In the process, as his cuisine always does whether you're eating at his restaurants or working through his tips at home, he'll be advocating for culinary sustainability. Readers will peruse the manual's three sections — entitled 'Catch', 'Cut' and 'Craft' — for detailed instructions on how to prepare fish, plus 40-plus dishes to make. So, get ready to learn the reverse-butterfly and double-saddle methods, then cook up fish sticks, fish pies, fish sausages and fish chorizo. [caption id="attachment_870811" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Niland at the Talisker and Saint Peter pop-up.[/caption] Debuting in hard cover and spanning 272 pages, Fish Butchery will hit bookstores on Wednesday, August 30. If you're a seafood fiend, you'll want to make space on your kitchen shelves ASAP — next to The Whole Fish Cookbook andTake One Fish, of course. The former nabbed Niland the James Beard Book of the Year Award back in 2020, becoming the first Australian do win the acclaimed prize. And the latter focused on 15 global varieties of fish, giving readers 60-plus ways to cook them up. [caption id="attachment_826359" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Niland at Charcoal Fish.[/caption] Fish Butchery: Mastering The Catch, Cut And Craft will release on Wednesday, August 30. Top image: Rob Palmer, The Whole Fish Cookbook.
'Wine' and 'festival': they're two words that almost always lead to happy times for you and your gang. The Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival will return come Saturday, April 6, and with it comes a celebration of the region's food and wine. Local winemakers will engulf the town centre — Rosalind Park to be precise — for five hours of alfresco fun. Over 60 different wines will be on show for you to sample, so grab a glass, have a chat to the winemakers and do a big collective 'cheers' to the end of the harvest. Remember to pace yourself (small sips, not big gulps) and that eating isn't cheating — there'll be plenty of food stalls to keep you plugging along wholesomely. There'll also be live music from The Deans and The Funk Junkies and competitions running all day. You can BYO picnic rug or, if you're feeling ritzy, nab a private VIP marquee for $750. It'll get you and eleven mates entry to the festival (with a souvenir wine glass and complimentary wine tastings), access to the special private digs all day and a 30-minute private wine masterclass with a Bendigo region winemaker. Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival will run from 11am–4pm on Saturday, April 6. Tasting tickets start at $45, which includes a souvenir wine glass and complimentary wine tastings. Non-tasting tickets are available from $25. For more information and to purchase tickets, head this way.
SORRY FOLKS! DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND, TICKETS FOR THIS SCREENING HAVE ALL BEEN ALLOCATED Chosen as the Sundance Film Festival's Official Selection, Wish You Were Here is the new Australian film, starring Joel Edgerton, about four friends who take a care-free trip to Cambodia - but only three return. Filmed on location in Sydney and in South East Asia, the story is ostensibly a thriller that explores the relationships of the three Sydneysiders as they face the aftermath of one of the clan's mysterious disappearance. Concrete Playground has teamed up with Hopscotch Films to present a preview screening of the film, directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith, on Sunday, April 22 at Event Cinema in Bondi. Hosted by FBi Radio's Kate Jinx, the screening will commence at 10.30am, followed by a chance to 'Meet the Filmmakers' at the Apple Store, with director Kieran Darcy-Smith, co-writer/actor Felicity Price, and producer Angie Fielder. The film is in cinemas April 25.
In a previous article, we asked you what the world would look like if it was run by hipsters. Now, with a new series of artworks by illustrator Ronallman, it seems that this threat may have been more imminent than we ever thought. In a collection named 'The Dic-sters', Ronallman has taken the world's most infamous dictators and given them indie makeovers that would suit the next ASOS advertising campaign. Kim Jong-Illest shows his love for hip-hop by rocking a pair of Kanye shutter shades, while Fidel Hipstro swaps his trademark army greens for a red scarf and aviators. Joseph Stachlin's facial hair gets a neat upgrade, and he also wears a green shirt (top button done up, obviously) with a contrast plaid collar. However, perhaps most terrifying of all is Skritler, a hybrid of brostep champion Skrillex and Germany's most notorious chancellor, Adolf Hitler. Such a character isn't too far-fetched when you remember that Skrillex's music has often been labelled a crime against humanity. Hipsters, with their locally-produced vegan burgers and willingness to complain about anything, are usually aligned with left-wing ideology. However, Ronallman's illustrations prove that their wardrobes might be better suited to conservative nutjobs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6Z1RRslsFxA [via Complex]
For kids, seeing a circus performer do a handstand on an elephant is a form of wonder that makes their clean little minds flip. For the rest of us, there's La Soiree. La Soiree is well known to Sydney, having bowled us over in their 2013 summer season (and in La Clique form as early as 2007, in the Famous Spiegeltent). The cheeky, ever-evolving international cabaret circus now sells out with each visit. If there's a number of viewings required to dull its shine, awe, and utter glee, no human audience member is reported to have reached it yet. The trick is their special collection of burlesque vaudeville contortionist aerialist acrobat comedian evocateurs who are just a little bit grungy and a little bit sexy. Although the show is always changing, you can count on the return of sword-swallowing Miss Behave, while world-renowned aerial artists Hugo & Katherine will have you eating your fist with the drama. Cirque du Soleil run when they hear these carnies coming. See them in the Opera House Studio; it may not be mirrored, but it's a perfectly intimate cabaret salon.
For kids, seeing a circus performer do a handstand on an elephant is a form of wonder that makes their clean little minds flip. For the rest of us, there's La Soiree. La Soiree is well known to Sydney, having bowled us over in earlier La Clique form as early as 2007, in the Famous Spiegeltent. The cheeky, ever-evolving international cabaret circus now sells out with each visit. If there's a number of viewings required to dull its shine, awe, and utter glee, no human audience member is reported to have reached it yet. The trick is their special collection of burlesque vaudeville contortionist aerialist acrobat comedian evocateurs who are just a little bit grungy and a little bit sexy. Although the show is always changing, you can count on the return of the inimitable 'Bath Boy' (aka David O'Mer), whose dramatic flights from the air and into the tub will redefine how you think of aerial arts (and having water flicked into your face). Also returning is the beloved kook Captain Frodo, known for putting his whole body through the head of a tennis racquet while donning '80s short shorts and sweatband, accompanied by hula hooper Marawa, non-PG puppetmasters Cabaret Decadance, non-creepy clown Nate Cooper, and Freddie Mercury-esque ringmaster Mario, Queen of the Circus. Cirque du Soleil run when they hear these carnies coming. See them in the Opera House Studio; it may not be mirrored, but it's a perfectly intimate cabaret salon.
Coachella FOMO is no longer a thing. With its biggest livestream yet, YouTube is solving it in 2023. Sure, you can still wish that you were heading to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California across April 14–16 and April 21–23. Yes, there's nothing quite like being there in person. But if you're all about seeing the fest's impressive lineup — seeing as much of it as possible, too — this year's Coachella and YouTube collaboration is beaming the entire event around the world. One of the globe's biggest music festivals has been teaming up with the video site for 11 years now. Earlier in 2023, they announced that they've locked in their arrangement till 2026, in fact. So expanding exactly what the Coachella livestream shows, and when, is the next logical step — with 2023's fest covering all six stages across both weekends. This is the first time ever that YouTube's Coachella footage has played the whole fest as it's happening, upping its feeds from three to six. Whoever you want to see — and if you want to catch their sets twice — you now can. 2023's bill is worth getting excited about, with Bad Bunny headlining the Friday nights, BLACKPINK doing the Saturday nights and Frank Ocean on Sunday nights. Down Under, you'll be tuning in on Saturday, Sunday and Monday to catch each, so mark your diaries now. Also on the lineup: a stacked array of acts that also spans everyone from Calvin Harris, Gorillaz, The Chemical Brothers, ROSALÍA and Blondie through to The Kid LAROI, Björk, Fisher, Charlie XCX, Porter Robinson and Idris Elba. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) In-between sets, YouTube will fill its feeds with more on-the-ground coverage, so you'll be able to scope out the art and installations around the fest, head behind the scenes, see how the acts get partying before the hit the stage and more. 2023's set times haven't yet been announced, but keep an eye on Coachella's Instagram feed in the lead up to the festival — and, obviously, bookmark its YouTube channel ASAP. Coachella runs from April 14–16 and April 21–23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. To watch the livestream, head to YouTube from 9am AEST on Saturday, April 15 Down Under.
Sweltering through increasingly toasty temperatures, the Earth keeps breaking and matching records — ones the planet doesn't want to continue. After notching up its hottest year in recorded history back in 2016, this spinning rock we call home equalled it in 2020. The past six years are now the hottest six on record, too, while the past decade is also the warmest ever recorded. The news comes via the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), which tracks data about the climate now and the past to contemplate the future — not just for Europe, but also for the rest of the world. Compared to the period between 1981–2010, which is commonly used as a reference, 2020 was warmer by 0.6 degrees Celsius. In comparison to pre-industrial times, from 1850–1900 specifically, it was hotter by 1.25 degrees Celsius as well. That mightn't sound like a huge amount, but it made a big difference in some parts of the globe. Europe experienced its hottest year ever recorded, even beating 2016 by 0.4 degrees Celsius. And in the Arctic and Siberia, temps reached more than six degrees higher than average. That meant that Arctic sea ice was significantly lower than average in the second half of the year — the lowest sea ice extent on record in July and October, in fact. Announcing the data for the past year, C3S Director Carlo Buontempo said that "2020 stands out for its exceptional warmth in the Arctic and a record number of tropical storms in the north Atlantic. It is no surprise that the last decade was the warmest on record, and is yet another reminder of the urgency of ambitious emissions reductions to prevent adverse climate impacts in the future." https://twitter.com/CopernicusECMWF/status/1347438880551800832 The unwanted milestone also came about as the northern hemisphere mostly experienced higher than average temperatures for the year, while parts of the southern hemisphere had below average temperatures due to cooler La Niña conditions. C3S also advised that 2020 matches the 2016 record despite the cooling effect of La Niña, while 2016 started with a warming El Niño event. With climate change continuing to show its effects, the news shouldn't come as a surprise. It's still a stark reminder of the current state of the planet, however. Locally, the Bureau of Meteorology has already advised that Australia sweltered through its fourth warmest year on record in 2020, and ended its hottest decade ever as well. For more information about the 2020 data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), head to the C3S website.
Marty. De Niro. Leo. Enough said. That's the basic maths behind Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese's first film since 2019's The Irishman. Premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival before hitting cinemas Down Under in October and then Apple TV+ after that, it's also his first feature to star two of his long-serving collaborators: Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. De Niro and DiCaprio have been in so many of the legendary director's movies that it's rare for any of his titles to not include one or the other. The former's run gave viewers gangster masterpieces such as Mean Streets, Goodfellas and Casino; also spans the iconic Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The King of Comedy; and covers musical New York, New York and thriller remake Cape Fear, too — and, of course The Irishman. The latter began leading Scorsese's films in the early 2000s, kicking off with Gangs of New York, then starring in The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street. Yes, that's a helluva resume for both actors, and for their favourite helmer. Enter Killers of the Flower Moon — which is actually the second time that De Niro and DiCaprio have joined forces for Scorsese, but their debut together in one of his full-length features (they played themselves in the director's 2015 comedy short The Audition). The actors have a past on-screen beyond that, however, thanks to the non-Marty helmed This Boy's Life in 1993, back when DiCaprio was still a teen. That's the Scorsese–De Niro–DiCaprio history, with Killers of the Flower Moon also jumping backwards into the real-life of murders of oil-wealthy members of the Osage Nation in Osage County, Oklahoma a century back. Scorsese also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth (Dune, and an Oscar-winner for Forest Gump), adapting David Gann's 2017 non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. As the just-dropped first trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon shows, DiCaprio (Don't Look Up) and Certain Women standout Lily Gladstone play a couple caught up in the investigations surrounding the mounting killings. Also co-starring: not just De Niro (Amsterdam), but Jesse Plemons (Love & Death), John Lithgow (Sharper) and newly minted Best Actor Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale). Check out the trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon below: Killers of the Flower Moon will release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 19, then stream via Apple TV+ at a later date — we'll update you with streaming details when they're announced.
There's a reality TV show for everything and, via the 2014–9 series Wahlburgers, that includes burger joints owned by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers. Fancy eating the chain's fast food fare, rather than just watching it? After opening 52 stores in the US, Canada and Germany so far, Wahlburgers is launching Down Under. The first place that'll be serving up the chain's burgers, shakes, beers and 'wahlbowls' — aka burger ingredients, but without the bun — is the Sydney CBD. Folks in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane can all expect to tuck into the brand's bites to eat, too, and New Zealanders as well. Just where Wahlburgers will be opening in NZ hasn't been revealed, but the chain will be launching 20 stores across the two countries. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wahlburgers 🍔 (@wahlburgers) If the Wahlberg name has you thinking about movies — with Mark starring in everything from Boogie Nights to Instant Family, and his co-owner and brother (and ex-New Kids on the Block member) Donnie Wahlberg also featuring in The Sixth Sense and the Saw franchise — then that won't change at Wahlburgers' Aussie and NZ joints. The chain's venture Down Under is a collaboration with United Cinemas, and some of the former's sites will be located within the latter's picture palaces. United Cinemas currently operates venues at Narellan, Collaroy, Warriewood, Avalon and Opera Quays in Sydney, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, Craigieburn in Melbourne, Indooroopilly in Brisbane and Rockingham in Perth, so that's where you might be getting your Walhburger fix; however, Walhburgers will be opening stand-alone stores as well. Just when the chain will launch hasn't been revealed, but news.com.au is reporting that the first store in Sydney's Circular Quay will be open in the next few months — and that the restaurants will play up the movie theme. [caption id="attachment_796269" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Michael Rivera via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Wahlburgers is also co-owned by chef Paul Wahlberg — another Wahlberg sibling — and, given its name, the chain decks out its sites with photos and memorabilia from the brothers' lives. If you happen to remember that Mark Wahlberg was in the music business before he started acting and, as part of his hip hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, he released the 1991 single 'Good Vibrations', then you might be wondering if Wahlburgers serves Sunkist — because it's referenced in the lyrics. Based on its US menu, the answer is no, but fingers crossed that changes Down Under. Wahlburgers is set to open in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and New Zealand — we'll update you with exact locations and dates when they're announced, and you can keep an eye on the chain's website and Facebook page in the interim. Top image: JJonahJackalope via Wikimedia Commons.
Yulli's, Surry Hills' purveyor of standout vegetarian fare and great brews since 2008, is expanding — imminently. On Friday, July 20, the team will throw open the doors to its brand new taproom and restaurant in Alexandria, Yulli's Brews. While the space itself isn't new, owner Karl Cooney and head brewer James Harvey have been in there for a while brewing award-winning ales such as Norman, it's the first time the space will be open to the public. And it'll be 100 percent vegan. From the beer through to the wine to the neat lineup of bush tucker-meets-Southeast Asian eats, not a fish scale, cheese crumb or bacon rind will appear. But it won't skimp on flavours — or personality, which carries through from the eclectic design to the anthropomorphic beers. The space, which can hold 150 people, is split into two areas — a ground floor for big tables and standup beers, and a large mezzanine for sit-down eats — and is filled with tables made from repurposed boat decking and vintage finds from nearby Lunatiques. Designed by Surry Hills' Snell Architects, it has an industrial edge (fitting, for a warehouse) with plenty of nods to Yulli's past. Take a seat on the mezzanine floor and you'll be able to look straight into the production area and watch Harvey and Cooney brewing. You'll also be able to taste three brand new Yulli's brews, including its first cider, Margo. Like all its brews, the dry and fruity apple cider is named after an employee — who still works at the Yulli's restaurant in Surry Hills. If you're not a beer — or cider — fan, fear not: Yulli's Brews has a full bar. And it's all local. And all vegan. Cooney admits that sourcing completely vegan wines — which are all from NSW — was tough, but well worth the effort. On the lineup of local spirits, expect to see plenty of nearby gin distiller Archie Rose. Food is a mishmash of cuisines. You'll find yiros made with Vietnamese ingredients — and served on house-made flat bread — and dumplings stuffed with bunya nuts, which Cooney recommends you pair with Chuck Black, Yulli's bunya nut porter on tap. The kitchen, which will also act as a production site for Yulli's restaurant, will be overseen by Kenny Kim, who did a big stint back at the Surry Hills restaurant. It'll also be churning out vegan fare for nearby pubs, who have been hitting up Cooney for years to look after the vegan part of their menus. While there's no word yet on what pubs they'll be supplying, if you're a vegan in the inner west, expect dining out at pubs to get a lot more exciting in the upcoming months. Find Yulli's Brews from 4pm, Friday, July 20, at 75A Burrows Road, Alexandria.
Art Month turns three this year, returning with its city-spanning hook-up of contemporary art, galleries and the general public. Orbtiting the calendar opposite Art and About, Art Month shifts the focus to many on Sydney's smaller art institutions, with a month-long schedule of tours, talks, cycles, trails and exhibitions. The gargantuan scale of its full program can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, Concrete Playground is at the ready with this guide to Art Month's 2012 foray. 1. Art at Night Catching galleries of an evening has long since begun to catch on in Sydney. As its contribution to this widening field, Art Month is hosting six nights of Art at Night, with six Sydney precincts opening their doors late. Each evening one gallery hosts an art bar and FBi DJs, with a constellation of late-opening galleries around it. Paddington's hub is MiCK Gallery, flanked by shows like Hugh Ford, Magnum photos and abstracts at Eva Breuer. Rozelle centres around Artereal, with a dLux party, art precinct launch and interesting maps at Paper Plane. Surry Hills starts at the Chalk Horse, with shows at First Draft or Breenspace, and Chippendale offers a duel between MOP and the new Galerie pompom, with drinks later at the White Rabbit. East Sydney's National Art School base is a brisk walk from shows like Alaska Projects' Peep, while Alexandria's evening offers galleries like Darren Knight and hub Sullivan and Strumpf. Each party has one gallery bar, with participating galleries open 6-8pm, bars 6-10. Paddington/Woollhara is on March 8, Rozelle March 9, Waterloo/Alexandria March 15, Darlinghurst/East Sydney March 16, Chippendale/Redfern March 22 and Surry Hills on March 23. 2. Serial Space Suitcase Market Serial Space's Brisbane-borrowed Suitcase Market returns for Art Month, this time stocked by art students and ARIs. Vendors (you too can register to sell until March 15) are able to pack what they can in a single suitcase, selling whatever as they please: kitch, art or other treasures. If it's legal, if it fits in a suitcase, it could be going home with you. As a buyer, just turn up on the day with cash in your wallet, an eye for an interesting bargain and, perhaps, a bag of your own to take home your coming stash. March 17, 10-2pm. Free. 3. Art Cycle Art Month's Art Cycle combines the need to know with a two wheel tour, taking Art Month attendees on one of four itineraries of galleries around town. An Inner West circuit skirts Newtown galleries, Annandale and Leichhardt, with a finish at At the Vanishing Point and the night-garden-making Tortuga Studios, while a Chippendale and CBD tour pings Customs House before cruising inner-city highlights like Gaffa and Serial Space before ending up at First Draft. Bourke Street's foray touches Dank Street, the National Art School and Artspace, and the Paddington excursion exercises you from the Sherman Foundation through Alaska Projects up downhill to Coo-ee Aboriginal Art down by Bondi Beach. Bookings are essential. Email info@artcyclesydney.com with your name, mobile and the tour you prefer. Art Cycle recommends bringing water, food cash, a mobile, spare tube/tube or repair kit, tools and weather protection. Helmets compulsory. 4. Beer and Fries Sydney artist Kath Fries gets about. Dropping sculpture in cemeteries, winning her way to Tokyo with the Japan Foundation's New Artist Award and now a selection of installations in Millers Point's for Scorch at galleryeight. The show casts tree branches in bronze, mixing them into art with nylon, charcoal and a touch of mess. For her Art Month talk, Beer and Fries, Kath gets combined in conversation with MCA Curatorial Assistant Megan Robson and galleryeight director Peter Cramer. At the talk's end, galleryeight's geographical advantages get used to good effect, finishing with a free craft beer-tasting next door at the Lord Nelson Hotel. 11 March, 3pm. Free. RSVP info@galleryeight.com.au (Image: Kath Fries, Hold dear, 2011, bronze, nylon and charcoal, dimensions variable.) 5. Uncollectable Art Fraser Street Studios is bringing a group of artists together to talk about art you can't sell, letting you decide if it's better to make art that comes with a paycheck, or trade economic constraints for arctic freedoms. Uncollectable Art is moderated by Das Superpaper's Bronwyn Bailey-Charteris, and featuring ideas from ARIs, Primavera almunus and Squatspacer Keg de Souza, and performative walker Sarah Rodigari. The afternoon should leave you with a better appreciation for — or at least a stronger opinion about — the sorts of ephemeral things that are hard to sell, impossible to pack for art spaces and on occasion delightful to witness. March 11, 2 - 3pm, Fraser Street Studios. Free. RSVP online. (Strategies for Leaving and Arriving Home image by Adeo Esplago) 6. ARI Tours ARIs (Artist Run Initiatives — galleries run by artists, for artists) are, on the whole, a good thing. They encourage their artistic operators to get au fait with the business side of the creative arts, while they offer their exhibiting artists the chance to get their work shown by in a sympathetic space at (hopefully) sympathetic prices. The only problem for the outsider can be getting your head around where they are and what they do. While those in the know can do worse than checking out an online how-to, those seeking a more personal touch might look to get themselves shown around by someone who knows the traps. Match Box Projects are those someones, offering a series of four ARI Tours around inner Sydney to get you in the know. The tours are in Newtown on March 10 at 2pm, the Rocks March 11 at 1pm, Chippendale March 17 at 1pm, Surry Hills March 18 at 1pm. Tours are free, but you need to book. 7. John Kaldor in Conversation You know John Kaldor's stuff. Commissioning public art like Jeff Koons' puppy at the MCA, domestic wrappers on public sculpture and luring Christo and Jeanne-Claude to cover australian shores, his impressive and extensive collection of modern art now graces the Art Gallery of NSW. During Art Month, Kaldor Public Projects is preparing to launch its twenty-fifth project, The Dailies by Thomas Demand. Demand is printing his art on the Commercial Travelers' Association in Martin Place, even bringing a faint suggestion of scratch-and-sniff to the proceedings. Sitting down in tune with this new endeavour, John Kaldor takes to the stage at Customs House to discuss his collecting proclivities and his love for art, interviewed by ABC art maven Fenella Kernebone. 14 March, 6 - 8pm. RSVP here. Free. 8. Artbank Open Day Take an uncommon peek into the massed cultural holdings of national art-loan service ArtBank. One of the biggest buyers of art in Australia, Art Bank rents it back to offices around the country and some private homes. Their vaults are buoyed by up-and-comers, and more established artists around the country. It's not a collection whose spaces are often open to a general public, but for one day in March they're letting regular punters into what's otherwise a more mercantile environment. With a staff on hand to help you get a better look at their massed cultural holdings, this Art Month offering is a slice into a hidden art world, its own micro Sydney Open. 10 March, 2pm - 4pm Artbank. (Free) Bookings: enquiries@artbank.gov.au 9. Magnum Photos The Magnum Photos co-operative's original members photographed everything. The Spanish civil war, Ernest Hemmingway, Sartre and Ghandi. An agency with an eye for everyday people, and a knack for images à la sauvette, these "toreadors with little Leicas" are slow and selective with their membership. Only one Australian photographer, Trent Parke, is currently on Magnum's books and the Stills Gallery is running images from Parke's book Minutes to Midnight during Art Month, alongside a show of filmic contact sheets (also supporting a book) with Magnum images of Thatcher, the Beatles, Marlene Dietrich and others. A highlight of this photographic visitation will be a floor talk from FotoFreo-loving Magnum rep Fiona Rogers, whose words will no doubt throw the images into clearer relief. The two exhibitions run at Stills Gallery from February 29 - March 24. Rogers' talk takes place Wednesday 14 March at 6pm. (Image © Magnum LON7485 & LON107693. DAVID HURN - G.B. ENGLAND. LONDON.) 10. The Rocks Pop-Up Project in March The Rocks gets into Art Month with an open studio run by the National Institute for Experimental Arts (NIEA), under the umbrella of its Pop Up program. NEIA's space features the Match Box Projects' Sydney Portraits, which invites fresh contributions to their picture of the city, as well as contributions from David Langley, Grace Kingston and Bernardo Bento. Alongside Factory 49, which takes a brutalist-like approach to the raw materials of art, AMBUSH Gallery's Project Five restages prints from previous Project Five shows, before Auctioning off four new, large-scale works to benefit multicultural arts star ICE. Down and upstairs, 47 George St, the Rocks. Wednesday - Sundays in March. Factory 49's show opens Thursday March 8 at 6pm. Project Five has its launch 6pm on March 9, with painting continuing until March 11. The artists will be in conversation from 11am on March 12, and the auction starts March 22 at 6pm. (Image by E.L.K. Leading image from Julian Rosefeldt's 'asylum' video installation in Migration, courtesy of the artist.)
Up your midichlorian count and get your eyes all over this new trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This is the second look we've had of the seventh Star Wars instalment, after the first trailer dropped in November. Don't get cocky. The film isn't out until Christmas — December 17, 2015. But never tell us the odds.
Wellington Paranormal is back for its fourth and final season, Rose Matafeo's rom-com sitcom Starstruck has just returned for its second batch of episodes, and now Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby's HBO Max pirate parody is less than a month away — yes, it's proving a fantastic time for TV comedies either made in New Zealand or starring NZ talent. And if you're particularly keen to say "ahoy!" to Waititi and Darby's Our Flag Means Death, here's some more great news: its just dropped an unsurprisingly hilarious full trailer. Sometimes, the world just handily delivers answers to questions you didn't even know you ever had. You might not have actively wondered to yourself "what'd happen if NZ treasures Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby played pirates?", for instance, but we're betting you're now keener than a buccaneer searching for a bottle of rum to discover how it turns out. And, arriving on Thursday, March 3 on Binge in Australia and Friday, March 4 on Neon in NZ, Our Flag Means Death will firmly answer that query. The ten-episode sitcom sees Darby lead the show as Stede Bonnet — who was a real-life pirate who took to the seas in the early 18th century. The reason that his story is getting the streaming treatment? Bonnet was a 'gentleman pirate', as both the initial teaser and just-dropped full trailer for Our Flag Means Death dubs him. He left his life of privilege to rove the oceans, which this comedy is set to have plenty of fun with. [caption id="attachment_840021" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aaron Epstein/HBO Max[/caption] As the show's sneak peeks so far demonstrate, Bonnet has some bold ideas about how life onboard should run — bold compared to the usual pirate stereotypes, that is. And, that sees him clash with a very famous name from pirate history: Blackbeard, which is who Waititi plays, and who appears far more traditional with his views on the whole pirate caper.. The two immensely funny NZ talents are joined by a long list of co-stars that includes Ewen Bremner (First Cow), David Fane (Paper Champions), Nathan Foad (Bloods), Joel Fry (Cruella), Samson Kayo (Truth Seekers), Rory Kinnear (No Time to Die) and Leslie Jones (Death to 2020). And, while Our Flag Means Death is the brainchild of writer, showrunner and executive producer David Jenkins (People of Earth), Waititi directs the pilot — and executive produces, lending his name and support to another up-and-coming comedy after doing the same with Reservation Dogs last year. And yes, that means he's directing Darby yet again, as he's already done in everything from Flight of the Conchords and What We Do in the Shadows to Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Our Flag Means Death will drop three episodes on March 3, another three on March 10, then two episodes on both March 17 and March 24. Check out the full trailer for Our Flag Means Death below: Our Flag Means Death will start streaming in Australia via Binge on Thursday, March 3 and in New Zealand via Neon on Friday, March 4.
Film festival lineups are only ever truly complete when the event is over for the year, because new movies and sessions can join the program right up until the curtains fall. 2025's Sydney Film Festival runs in June, for instance, and unveiled the bulk of its its roster to start May — but it still keeps expanding, including by scoring the Australian premiere of Ari Aster's Eddington. Fresh from announcing that DEATH STRANDING and Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima has joined the 2025 program to get chatting with Mad Max and Furiosa director George Miller, SFF has now revealed that one of this year's most-anticipated movies — that wasn't already on its bill — is also heading to the Harbour City across Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15. Eddington joins the fest's straight-from-Cannes contingent, with the news coming just days after the film debuted at the prestigious French festival. "With Eddington, Ari Aster turns his razor-sharp gaze to the fractured heart of America, and perhaps the world, in a film that is provocative, urgent and completely gripping. This is a compelling work that speaks to the chaos and contradictions of our times — and one that will spark passionate conversation," said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley, announcing the movie's addition to SFF's 2025 program. "We are delighted to present its Australian premiere at Sydney Film Festival and offer Sydneysiders the chance to be some of the very first people in the world outside of Cannes to see this incendiary film." Arriving two years after Aster first stressed out Joaquin Phoenix in Beau Is Afraid, Eddington has more tension and chaos in store for the Oscar-winning actor. The pair reunite for a trip back to 2020, to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to the movie's eponymous New Mexico location as it attempts to cope with the abrupt change to life as its citizens know it. Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux) portrays the small town's sheriff — with Emma Stone (Kinds of Kindness ) as his wife, Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) as the loyal mayor and Austin Butler (The Bikeriders) as the charismatic Vernon Jefferson Peak. The storyline: putting Joe and the mayor on a collision course, which unsurprisingly causes ripples throughout Eddington, in a tale that's set to see townsfolk clash in a period that we all know couldn't have been more heightened. Aster is back cultivating unease, then, as he did so expertly in Hereditary in 2018, then Midsommar in 2019, then Beau Is Afraid in 2023. If you can't see Eddington at SFF, it releases in Australian cinemas on Thursday, July 24 — the same day as the also Pascal-starring Fantastic Four: First Steps. Check out the trailer for Eddington below: Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website.
Situated in the highlands of Orange, just over a three hours drive from Sydney, you'll find Nashdale Lane Wines. The winery is offering wine lovers a luxurious getaway among the vines: Glamping at Nashdale Lane Wines. The family-owned and run vineyard is surrounded not only by grapes but also fruit trees, olive groves, farmland and Mount Canobolas. If you're keen to sample its vinos, the onsite elevated tin-shed cellar door offers tastings every day of the week. Nashdale produces whites such as riesling, pinot gris, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc fumé, as well as rosé and reds ranging from pinot to tempranillo and shiraz. Promising a "private escape among the vines" the winery's luxury glamping cabins (just two) are nestled amongst an established vineyard. Wake up to gorgeous views of Mount Canobolas and neighbouring vineyards and farms. Each cabin sleeps two with hardwood flooring throughout — this is no ordinary tent — private bathroom facilities, a kitchen, a custom-made four-poster queen-sized bed, sunken outdoor lough and an outdoor lounge with alfresco deck and barbecue area. Located on the grounds of Nashdale Lane Wines, it's the ideal getaway for couples looking to explore the Orange region's exceptional food and premium cool-climate wines. Updated May 2 2023
Australia is home to tens of thousands of species of wildflowers — many of which are grown exclusively in Australia — making it one of the biggest and most diverse collections in the world. While some bloom in seemingly endless fields of brilliant colour, others grow in hard-to-see spots, among trees and grasses. Most get started in early spring, but, in cool environments, like the Snowy Mountains, the real action doesn't kick off until summer. Here's your guide to some of the best places for wildflowers in Australia — from the alpine meadows of Kosciuszko National Park to the wattle-filled picnic areas of Warrandyte State Park, just outside Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_740494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elinor Sheargold[/caption] NSW: KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK Once the snow has melted, Kosciuszko National Park transforms into a wonderland of wildflowers. Hundreds of species grow here, including 21 that are unique to the area. One of the nicest ways to see them — while conquering Australia's highest mountain — is along the Kosciuszko Walk, which travels for 13 kilometres from Thredbo to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. If you're looking for an even more epic adventure, go for the Main Range Walk: a 22-kilometre loop that takes in several glacial lakes. Either way, you'll meet bright yellow billy buttons, pink everlasting daisies, yellow and purple eyebrights and alpine mint bush, among other delights. When to visit: December–January. [caption id="attachment_631474" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pam Goldie[/caption] NSW: MUOGAMARRA NATURE RESERVE Need a wildflower fix, but don't want to travel too far from the city? Make tracks to Muogamarra Nature Reserve, which lies an hour's drive north of Sydney, near the Hawkesbury River. More than 900 native species live here, from brilliant red waratahs and angophoras to pink boronias and native orchids. Plenty of animals enjoy the sights, too, so don't be surprised to come across echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles and lyrebirds. To deepen your knowledge, join a guided walk, be it the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, the Muogamarra Highlights Walk or the six-hour Peats Bight Walk. There's only one catch — Muogamarra is open just six weekends each year in August and September. When to visit: August–September. [caption id="attachment_740505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Spencer[/caption] NSW: TOORALE NATIONAL PARK If you're up for a road trip, make Toorale National Park your destination. You'll find it at the back of Bourke, around 11 hours' drive northwest of Sydney. Perched on the banks of Darling River, the park is made up of enormous floodplains and waterways, which create ideal conditions for flowers to bloom. See the most spectacular scenery on the Darling River Drive, a 41-kilometre loop that, in spring, passes through fields of teeny-tiny sunray daisies. After rainfall, you'll be surrounded by bluebells, native peas and pigweed. It's also an excellent route for stargazers and birdwatchers, especially those who like baby emus. You can camp by the water, too, at Yapara Paaka Thuru (Darling River Campground). When to visit: September–October. VIC: GREATER BENDIGO NATIONAL PARK Bendigo isn't only an excellent escape for culture vultures, it's also perfect for wildflower watchers. That's because the city is more or less encircled by national park. Begin your escapades at One Tree Hill Regional Park, with a three-kilometre hike to the summit. It's steep, but worth the visual rewards — expect to be immersed, not only in golden carpets of wattle, delicate wax flowers and an array of native orchids, but also by panoramic regional views. Another flowery spot nearby is Solomon Gully Nature Conservation Reserve, which is a 10-minute drive south of town. When to visit: September–December. [caption id="attachment_740501" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julian Kingma for Visit Victoria[/caption] VIC: GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK A whopping one third of Victoria's wildflowers are in Grampians National Park. In fact, it was once described as the 'garden of Victoria' and, given that Victoria was once known as 'The Garden State', that's saying something. If you're visiting in early spring, head for Heatherlie Quarry, Mount Zero and Mount Stapylton — all in the Grampians' northern section. Also impressive is Wartook Valley, where acacia blooms from late August. Come spring, the best views are around Halls Gap, where the last weekend of September is dedicated to the Grampians Wildflower Show. When to visit: August–December. [caption id="attachment_703439" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Carson via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] VIC: WARRANDYTE STATE PARK Want wildflowers without any driving? You're in luck. Melbourne has its very own stash of blossoms in Warrandyte State Park, on the banks of the Yarra, 45 minutes' drive northeast of the CBD. It's the closest state park to the city. There's a diverse and colourful variety of flora to spot, from chocolate lilies (which are purple, not brown) and milkmaids to blue pincushions and pale sundews. Most bloom between September and December, though some, like ivy-leaf violets and common heath, last longer. In between looking down for flowers, look up for koalas. When to visit: September–December. [caption id="attachment_726968" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Nott for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] QLD: GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK The name's a giveaway. Girraween means 'place of flowers'. And they look even more dramatic here than in other spots — thanks to the massive granite boulders and outcrops, which create stunning backdrops. The show starts early, in late July, when thousands of wattle trees turn gold. But it's in spring that things really get going, with pea flowers bringing showers of red and purple, followed by native sarsaparilla, native bluebells and stacks of daisies, in a spectrum of colours. The cornucopia of blossoms is a magnet for flower-loving wildlife, including butterflies, crimson rosellas, wedge-tailed eagles and lyrebirds. Girraween National Park is three hours' drive southwest of Brisbane. When to visit: July–January. QLD: GURULMUNDI Not many people live in Gurulmundi, a locality in the Western Downs located five hours' drive northwest of Brisbane. So you won't be bumping elbows while photographing wildflowers. To help you make the most of the many blooms that grow here, there's a dedicated wildflower trail. Made for driving, this 100-kilometre loop officially begins in the nearby town of Miles and takes you off the beaten track, onto unsealed roads and into out-of-the-way places. Along the way, you'll cross the 5000-kilometre-long Dingo Barrier Fence: the longest fence in the world. Follow the wildflower signs for the most beautiful vistas. When to visit: September. QLD: BIRDSVILLE Birdsville might be best known for its legendary pub and spring races, but there are wildflowers, too. Lots and lots and lots of them. That's because the town is in the Diamantina River floodplains, which means fertile soil. The best time to visit is after spring rain, because it drives the seeds to sprout. And, given the terrain is so flat, the results aren't hard to see. Keep your eyes peeled on the road into Birdsville and, if you're exploring further, into Betoota and Bedourie, as well. Just some of the exotic flowers you're likely to see include poached egg daisies, the hairy darling pea, wild stock and desert nightshade. When to visit: After it rains. Top image: Wildflowers in the Grampians by Christine O'Connell; Barrington River by John Spencer; and Muogamarra by John Spencer.
It seems like every small town has a slightly hazardous rite of passage that provides endless stories — both good and bad. In Brunswick Heads, this initiation involves making the leap from the South Beach Road Bridge into Simpson's Creek about four metres below. With the creek providing a wonderful swimming spot at high tide, dozens of people — young and old — test their mettle on a hot summer's day. There's every reason to get involved, but do take caution if you decide to take the leap from this 85-year-old wooden bridge. Image: Christy Gallois, Flickr
Sydney WorldPride is now upon us and the Mardi Gras Parade is this weekend. If you've left your preparation to the last minute, we've enlisted the expertise of living legend Carlotta — a trans icon and cabaret performer who knows a thing or two about getting ready for a show. Carlotta is currently featured in a special Sydney WorldPride installation in the QVB which pays tribute to queer Australians who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community. The QVB is temporarily rebranding from the Queen Victoria Building to reflect each of these contemporary queens with a set of fabulous portraits by photographer Dream Syndicator (pictured above). Carlotta is one of the queens in focus, along with queer activist Ken Davis (a member of the original Mardi Gras 78ers), Indigenous drag queen Felicia Foxx, Independent MP Alex Greenwich and Janine Middleton who, together, co-chaired Australian Equality and successfully fought for and helped achieve marriage equality in Australia. Fashion and costume has always played a role in self-expression for queer communities, and when it comes to dressing up Mardi Gras is one of the biggest nights of the year. So Carlotta shared a few tips for any Pride newcomers looking for a bit of a steer. Carlotta, what's the best way to mentally prepare for Pride? It's three weeks of (what seems to be) non-stop parties, so how does one survive? "To prepare for Pride you need to be organised, wear something you're comfortable in (for Carlotta this would now be wearing flat shoes) and make sure you're drinking lots of water." If you were going to Mardi Gras what would you be wearing? "If I were to be going to the celebrations I would be wearing a Camilla Kaftan because it's bright and colourful but also loose, flowy and comfortable. I'd also be wearing flat shoes because my feet are suffering now and I can't wear high heels like I used to." Where are some of the best places in Sydney to stock up on looks for Pride? For me it would be Camilla or House of Priscilla on Oxford Street (it has always been the best place). [caption id="attachment_892528" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Inside of House of Priscilla[/caption] How do you differentiate your day-to-day style versus your on-stage style? - Is your on-stage self an extension of your day-to-day or is it a completely new persona? "My day-to-day persona and on-stage persona are two completely different aspects. Day-to-day I wear more loose and flowy clothing, and on stage I'm more extravagant with lots of sequins and feathers." How do you think fashion plays a role within the queer community in general? Fashion plays a role in the queer community but all the fashion choices and styles are completely different. People can wear what they want to wear and that's what it's all about. What have been your favourite Mardi Gras/Pride looks to date? I've always loved everything I've worn. My favourite look I've ever done is when I did Priscilla Queen Of The Desert — I wore a big white coat and feather collar. Why do you think dressing up is such an important aspect of Pride? It's the excitement of the celebrations in the community. Everyone gets to me themselves and uses their outfits as self expression. For more inspiration for how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration head to our events guide on the best of Sydney WorldPride.
Whenever 90s rom-com Pretty Woman comes to mind, Roy Orbison's song likely does as well. When the musical based on the hit flick arrives in Australia for the first time, you'll be getting Bryan Adams tunes lodged in your head, too. The Canadian singer-songwriter helped bring the Julia Roberts (Leave the World Behind)- and Richard Gere (The Agency)-starring film to the stage, penning the music and lyrics for the show — and during his latest Aussie tour, it was announced that Pretty Woman: The Musical is finally heading Down Under, debuting in Brisbane. From Sunday, October 5, 2025, the late 80s-set tale of Vivian met Edward will roll into the QPAC Lyric Theatre in the Queensland capital, following a romance that's already fuelled a box-office smash as a movie, then premiered on Broadway in 2018 as a theatre production. If you've seen the film, you'll know the story, as an escort and a corporate raider fall in love — and you'll also know that it made Roberts a star, complete with a Golden Globe win, plus her first Best Actress Oscar nomination. Alongside America's most-famous theatre district, where it broke records at the Nederlander Theatre, Pretty Woman: The Musical has graced the stage in London's West End, plus Spain, Italy, Poland and Germany. There's no word yet regarding the local cast, so who'll be following in Roberts and Gere's footsteps — and Laura San Giacomo (NCIS) and Hector Elizondo's (Mr Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie) as well — hasn't been announced. Whether Pretty Woman: The Musical will head to other Australian stops also hasn't yet been revealed. Behind the curtain, Adams worked with his songwriting partner Jim Vallance, who he wrote 'Summer of '69', 'Run to You', 'Cuts Like a Knife' and 'Heaven' with, on the music and lyrics. Late filmmaker Garry Marshall (Mother's Day), who directed the Pretty Woman movie — plus Roberts and Gere's on-screen reunion in 1999 in Runaway Bride — penned the book with the OG flick's screenwriter JF Lawnton (Yellow River Christmas). Images: UK tour, Marc Brenner.
Reese Witherspoon. Nicole Kidman. Laura Dern. Shailene Woodley. Zoë Kravitz. Meryl Streep. Put any one of these actors on screen and viewers will follow. Stick them all in the same TV program, and it's set to become one of the biggest shows of the year. Picking up where the first season left off when it returns on Monday, June 10, Australian time, Big Little Lies is back with another dose of murky mysteries, tested friendships and life-altering events — and more lies, obviously. If you missed the huge Emmy and Golden Globe-winning first series back in 2017, it follows a group of women in Monterey, California, whose children all go to the same school. Oh, and who all got caught up in a murder tale, naturally. Based on the book by Australian author Liane Moriarty, it was originally planned a single-season run, but its enormous popularity (and swag of awards) have helped bring the drama back for another series. While Witherspoon, Kidman, Dern, Woodley and Kravitz were all among the cast the initial time around, Streep is a Big Little Lies newcomer. She's playing Mary Louise, the visiting mother-in-law to Kidman's Celeste. And, like everyone else, she doesn't quite expect she'll hear the truth when she starts asking questions about the previous season's developments. Also joining the fold is director Andrea Arnold, of Fish Tank, Wuthering Heights and American Honey fame, who is helming all seven episodes in the season season. She takes over from C.R.A.Z.Y., Dallas Buyers Club and Wild filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée, who did the same for the first season. Check out the first trailer below: Big Little Lies airs on Foxtel Showcase weekly from Monday, June 10. Image: Jennifer Clasen/HBO.
Watching a scary film on Halloween is pretty much required but instead of plopping down on the couch with Netflix, head to the Hayden Orpheum for their special Halloween screening of The Silence of the Lambs. Even if you've seen this classic many a time, it's still guaranteed to scare the living daylights out of you. And if it's still on your must-watch list, what better time to cross it off than All Hallows Eve? Afterwards, stroll over to nearby Thiq Bar to calm your pounding heart with one of their heavenly pastrami burgers. A milk bun stuffed with house-smoked pastrami, Gruyere cheese, and sauerkraut, this is decadence at its most delish. Halloween plans, sorted.
What sits at the heart of European storytelling? That's a question that one of Australia's must-attend film festivals has been pondering for three years. It was back in 2022 that Europa! Europa initially started showcasing the breadth of cinema from across Europe — surveying as many countries as it can fit into each annual program, and swinging from the latest to the greatest pictures from across the continent. 2025's event kicks off in February to explore that idea again. Attending Europa! Europa's opening night this year means discovering what makes a French box-office hit, for starters. A Little Something Extra, directed by comedian and actor Artus, was its nation's highest-grossing homegrown movie of 2024. When it kicks off this Australian film fest in Sydney and Melbourne on Wednesday, February 12, it'll start the celebration of cinema with a tale about jewel thief and his son at a summer camp for young adults with disability. Returning to Ritz Cinemas Randwick in Sydney for a month, running until Wednesday, March 12, Europa! Europa has compiled a roster of 44 movies from 26 countries. Accordingly, its latest program lets viewers dig into what drives filmmaking from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark and Estonia, and also Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine. Titles from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Georgia, Montenegro, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom are on the list, too. Unsurprisingly, the largest contingent comes from France. Indeed, Gallic cinema provides Europa! Europa with its centrepiece film as well — and it's an Australian premiere, with Once Upon My Mother stepping back to the 60s. The festival's headliners bring big-name talents, as well as touching documentaries to Sydney and Melbourne. In Another End from The Wait director Piero Messina, Gael García Bernal (La Máquina) plays a mourning widower exploring tech-enhanced ways of facing grief, with Renate Reinsve (Presumed Innocent) and Bérénice Bejo (Under Paris) co-starring. The Dardenne brothers (Tori and Lokita) co-produce the Belgian tennis academy-set Julie Keeps Quiet, while Sweden's 2025 Oscar submission The Last Journey hails from Swedish journalists and TV hosts Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson, and focuses on a trip to France with the former's father. Still on familiar faces, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan Academy Award-nominee Maria Bakalova (The Apprentice) leads the satirical Triumph, French standouts Daniel Auteuil (An Ordinary Case) and Sandrine Kiberlain (November) get farcical in Love Boat, and Mélanie Laurent (Freedom) and Guillaume Canet (All-Time High) portray Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI in their final days in The Flood. Other highlights from the fest's slate of new titles include Spain's I Am Nevenka, about an IRL MeToo case; U Are the Universe, a Ukranian sci-fil film made during the current war; the Sundance-premiering Sebastian, about a writer who is also a sex worker; Anywhere, Anytime, a modernisation of Italian masterpiece Bicycle Thieves; and Loveable, from the producer of The Worst Person in the World — and the list goes on. Europa! Europa's annual retrospectives keep proving a drawcard, too. After shining the spotlight on Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness director Yorgos Lanthimos in 2024, the festival is jumping back into French film history by heroing the iconic François Truffaut. Four of the French New Wave filmmaker's movies are on the lineup, all showing as new 4K restorations: Shoot the Piano Player, The Soft Skin, Two English Girls and Finally, Sunday!.
This new work by the internationally revered Back to Back Theatre centres on three warehouse employees struggling with a seemingly meaningless task. As they physically toil, they also grapple with intellectual obstacles — questions of inclusion, identity and cooperation. This intriguing piece of contemporary storytelling reflects on the often-overlooked and vulnerable voices in a world where outrage and righteousness can be deafening. Winner of the 2024 Venice Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, Back to Back Theatre's latest triumph pushes the characters on stage to challenge the limitations of their bodies and their capacity to care. Multiple Bad Things is a dynamic work that explores real-world struggles the way only truly innovative art can. Image: Jeff Busby
That feeling you get on the dance floor, not just of ecstasy, excitement and exuberance, but of knowing that such a moment is special because it is fleeting: imagine that turned into a film. That's what writer/director Mia Hansen-Løve and her co-scribe brother, actual former DJ Sven Hansen-Løve, have done as they wander through the Parisian electronic music scene. Calling their movie Eden is apt, because someone in their sights is always in search of perfection. Most often it's Paul (Félix de Givry), a literature student determined to make a living making music and spinning tunes. Sometimes it's one of his friends, such as his club DJ partner Stan (Hugo Conzelmann), or Showgirls fan Arnaud (Vincent Macaigne), or comic book artist Cyril (Roman Kolinka). Every now and then, it's Thomas Bangalter (Vincent Lacoste) and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (Arnaud Azoulay) — also known to the world as Daft Punk. Yes, the real-life history of everyone's favourite French electro duo is weaved into the film, and though they're not the stars of the show, their presence — and their catalogue of songs — is more than just a gimmick. It's an indicator of just how great Eden's soundtrack is, of course, if house and garage are your style of music. It's also a yardstick, showing what success in the scene means, and just how far the others have to go to achieve their dreams. Indeed, trying and not quite succeeding is what the feature is all about, capturing the gap between wanting to devote your time to doing what you love and realising that your desires just aren't going to come to fruition. Jumping between points across 21 years from 1992 onwards, that's the path that Paul's life follows. At venue after venue, he chases what he hopes will be a blossoming career. He's up all night to get lucky, and his aims never change, even as he gets older, watches those around him both grow and give up, and cycles through different girlfriends (including the ever-luminous Greta Gerwig and the bewitching Golshifteh Farahani). Exquisite actresses excluded, it all sounds a tad depressing; however, Eden remains playful and hopeful as it charts Paul's journey. Though the Hansen-Løve siblings never shy away from heartbreak and hardship in their narrative, it's hard not to get swept up in a euphoric mood when the sound of pulsating beats and the sight of dancing bodies are so common. There more than anywhere, the movie apes its characters. In the story, the power of music and movement just can't be shaken. Watching the film evokes the same reaction. Making Eden look like hazy memories of late nights, smoky clubs and early mornings only furthers that feeling, with Mia Hansen-Løve proving that the style of her previous two features, Father of My Children and Goodbye, First Love, wasn't a fluke. Nor was the authenticity of the latter, another semi-autobiographical effort. That's what shines here: the lived-in texture and the insider's perspective. Rarely have the ups and downs of life felt so real on screen, whether you've been there and done that, or can just relate to the blissful momentary reprieve from lacklustre normality found in great song and on a darkened dance floor.
We're so used to hearing of cinemas closing their doors that, for a while there, we were worried we'd be forced to watch feature films on our laptops forever more. But something's shifted. Since opening in 2013, Surry Hills' tiny one-screen Golden Age Cinema contiually sells out screenings, and this year we've had film festivals coming out our ears (including new fests dedicated to American indie and Latin American film). And, after announcing just last month that they'll open a ten-screen cinema in Double Bay, Palace Cinemas have this morning revealed plans to open another new multi-screen complex in Chippendale's Central Park Mall. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Palace will take over the third floor of the complex, which is at the moment home to aMBUSH Gallery. There will be a whopping 14 screens, with each cinema ranging from 30 to 100 seats, and a bar — because it wouldn't be a proper Palace experience without a glass of red in hand. The cinema business is obviously proving a profitable one for Palace. As well as the Double Bay development, they're also replacing the seating at Paddington's Palace Verona and adding an extra four screens and, up in Byron Bay, they're in the middle of a revamp that will bring a nine-screen complex to the beachside town by 2018. The new cinema will be called Palace Central and is expected to open towards the end of 2017. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
International sportswear label Adidas continues its efforts to save the world's oceans, announcing it will contribute $1.5 million USD to the Parley Ocean School Program. The catch? It will donate $1 for every kilometre run, so grab your joggers and pound the pavement for a good cause. Runners can clock their kilometres by joining the Run for the Oceans group within the app Runtastic, which is free to download on iPhone and android. There are also a slew of Adidas and Parley running events happening across Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, New York, Paris, Berlin, London, Barcelona, Milan and Shanghai, which you can also partake in. The initiative is running globally from June 8–16, 2019, and is capped at $1.5 million USD. Last year, 12 million kilometres were run and $1 million USD were raised for the same initiative. https://www.facebook.com/adidasAU/photos/a.614311325637497/779507399117888/?type=3&theater Parley Ocean School Program is a branch of environmental charity Parley for the Oceans that educates and empowers the next generation about the importance of the ocean, the dangers of plastic waste and what we can do to protect the ocean and its marine live. Together with Parley, this is just Adidas' latest campaign to help save the ocean and reach its 2024 goal of eliminating the use of virgin polyester from all products. The 2019 Parley apparel range will also see the the company produce 11 million pairs of shoes made from recycled plastic pulled from the beach. The planet-friendly range features the new slick Alphabounce+ running shoes, water bottles, training tights and backpacks. Adidas' Run for the Oceans initiative runs from June 8–16, 2019. To find out more info and to signup head to adidas.com.au/runfortheoceans.
This teeny tiny shop on Enmore Road looks fairly inconspicuous from the outside, but it has become a local gem — especially after it won the title of world's best gelato in Italy in 2014. Cow & the Moon make all of its gelato in-house using a recipes developed over the last 15 years. The traditional flavours are all winners here — including the gianduia, pistachio and tiramisu — as are the lemon cheesecake and the pannacotta with balsanmis strawberries and chocolate. In the lucrative field of sorbets, the chocolate is one of the best around. Cow & the Moon also does a very good coffee (and affogatos).
Our city is constantly changing and evolving, with taller skyscrapers being erected, new 'Opera Houses' being built and construction on the light rail seemingly never ending. And amongst all these big infrastructure changes, small, carefully designed spaces popping up. The backstreets of Zetland has a shiny new six-storey library — complete with underground garden and piano room; Paddington is now home to Australia's first fish butchery; and in the CBD, a laneway filled with top eateries and stores has arrived. These are the spaces that are really catching our attention, the ones that are quietly evolving the community — through innovation and sustainability — and are accessible to you. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Sydney to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new spaces were nominated for Best New Space in Concrete Playground's Best of 2018 Awards.
Bringing a taste of Manhattan to Marrickville, Brooklyn Boy Bagels is teaming up with Maple Social Club to fly the stars and stripes for Bagels & Bands — a free Fourth of July shindig. Featuring an all-American specials lineup teeming with feel-good foods, these limited-edition treats are available all weekend long. Yet the main event is undoubtedly happening from 10am–12pm on Saturday, July 5, when the club's community brings the party vibe. Combining NYC-style bites with an upbeat, but low-pressure social setting, Brooklyn Boy Bagels' Marrickville HQ will host an energetic Independence Day celebration. Headlined by Charley Castle & The Boys in the Well, their brand of country and bluegrass tunes will provide the ideal soundtrack for toasting s'mores around the firepit, complete with authentic graham crackers, jumbo marshmallows and milk chocolate. Then, it's time to tuck into other Fourth of July specials. The Bagel Dog features a NY-style hot dog wrapped in bagel dough and topped with everything seasoning. There are also stacked half-pound burgers, featuring a super-thick patty and melted cheese on a Brooklyn Boy Bagels potato bun. Made-to-order fresh from the barbecue, this Americana special is bound to leave you stuffed. As for the drinks, this mid-morning party has got you covered. Order a Dr Brown's Soda, a New York deli classic, with black cherry, celery, and cream varieties up for grabs. Meanwhile, the festive flavours of a Puerto Rican coquito latte hit hard on a winter's day, brimming with cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg notes. RSVP via Maple Social Club, then break out your best boot-scootin' outfit for this star-spangled day.
Great news, dog lovers of Sydney: you can now expect to see more pups at more pubs. Across the country, 18 venues are serving pooches their very own version of charcuterie — adorably dubbed 'barkuterie' — including at BrewDog's South Eveleigh bar and The Winery in Surry Hills. If you spend your life with a canine companion, you'll be able to take your barking buddy on a bar date from Saturday, September 16. On the menu: barkuterie boards created in collaboration with online pet supplies retailer Pet Circle, featuring three dog treats from Nature's Cuts and Zignature paired with seasonal fruit and vegetables. So, while you drink and graze, so can your pupper. Just don't go giving your dog any beer to go with their barkuterie board, of course. The canine snack plate comes in at $12, and arrives to celebrate spring. It's a limited-time special, however, getting tails wagging for four weeks — or until stocks last. 2023 has already delivered doughnut-shaped biscuits for dogs — now this is your next excuse to treat your pet.
Usually, Vegemite gets spread across bread. It's simple, it's easy and, if you like the yeasty Australian staple, it's a classic. But that's just one way to enjoy the famed product, which has found its way into chocolate, milk shakes, icy poles, ice creams, burgers, popcorn and booze, too — and now, to the top of a pizza as well. In the type of new menu item that'll either have you ordering right now or rethinking ever eating a slice again, Vegemite and cheese pizza is a real thing that now exists at Domino's. It's a limited-edition addition to the chain's menu, however, so if you're currently somehow salivating at the thought of this new food mashup, you've got three weeks to get a taste — starting Monday, October 11. Yes, a Vegemite and cheese pizza is as straightforward as it sounds, with Domino's slathering the yeasty spread across a pizza base, then adding mozzarella. Yes, your tastebuds and stomach are definitely allowed to feel confused about the whole idea. Wondering why such a Frankenstein's monster of a pizza has come to fruition? Domino's asked its social media followers if they'd sink their teeth into this exact creation, and they responded with an overwhelming yes. If the new Vegemite and cheese pizzas prove so popular that they sell out quickly, they won't actually be on the menu for the full three weeks — if you need an extra incentive to give one a try. Price-wise, they start from $7.95 for pick up, and are available at all Aussie stores. Vegemite and cheese pizzas are available at Domino's from Monday, October 11–Sunday, October 31 — unless sold out earlier.
If you're looking for a unique Las Vegas experience, this is beautiful in every single way: an Airbnb hosted by Christina Aguilera, with the entire weekend booking designed around the the 'Dirrty', 'Genie in a Bottle', 'What a Girl Wants' and 'Lady Marmalade' singer. She'll chat with you over drinks. You'll hit up her favourite Vegas restaurant. You'll also see her intimate show in the Nevada city. And, of course, you'll spend two nights making the most of your reservation, including slumbering just off the Vegas strip. Missed Aguilera at her one-night-only gig in Melbourne in 2023, which was her first Down Under since 2007? This is your chance to go one better — and head to her, too. Here's hoping that your calendar is blank in the near future, however, because the Airbnb stay is only on offer from Thursday, February 29–Saturday, March 2. [caption id="attachment_942172" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dennis Leupold[/caption] "Welcome to Las Vegas! I'm a big believer in self-love and embracing your true, authentic self, so I'm thrilled to host a stay in Sin City for fans to let loose and give themselves some much deserved TLC for the weekend," said Aguilera about her hosting gig. "This glam stay is all about empowerment, pleasure and play. Get ready." Included in the booking, which covers up to four people: that conversation with Christina while drinking cocktails; staying in the luxe four-bedroom, four-bathroom Airbnb for the weekend; a private burlesque lesson from choreographer and dancer Sarah Mitchell, who has worked with the singer for more than a decade; and VIP seats to Christina Aguilera at Voltaire, the star's current Las Vegas residency. You'll also score that restaurant experience; a glam session with Christina's team to learn about — and don — her looks — as well as a boudoir photoshoot. Thanks to Christina's sexual-wellness brand Playground, you'll take some goodies home with you, too. The one-of-a-kind Aguilera-focused stay is the accommodation platform's latest such once-in-a-lifetime experience. Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, Hobbiton, the Bluey house, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage and Santa's festive cabin in Finland have all featured before (and the list goes on). For you, if this is what a girl (or guy) wants, needs, will make you happy and set you free, you'll need to try to nab the free booking at 5am AEDT / 4am AEST / 7am NZDT on Friday, February 23. Whoever gets these special kinds of Airbnb reservations is usually responsible for their own travel, including for this one. So, making the trip to Las Vegas and back is on your own dime. The rest? Money really can't buy it. For more information about the Christina Aguilera-hosted Las Vegas Airbnb stay, or to book at 5am AEDT / 4am AEST / 7am NZDT on Friday, February 23 for a stay across Thursday, February 29–Saturday, March 2, 2024, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Victor Leung. 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.
Evenings out in the city don't get any more indulgent than this. On Thursday, March 3, seven of Merivale's hatted chefs will gather at est. to cook up the feast to conquer all feasts as part of March into Merivale 2016. Dubbed All Pleasure, No Guilt, the night will see you linger over five luxuriant courses, while sipping on Dom Pérignon champagne. Each dish served will be a unique creation, designed especially for this event and available nowhere else. And the Dom Pérignon will come in three coveted varieties: Vintage 2006, P2 Vintage 1998 and Vintage rosé 2004. If there was ever an event to dig out your finest black tie for, this is it. You'll be seated at a long table and your every need, desire and whim will be catered to by white-gloved silver service.
In 2011, The Cure took to the Sydney Opera House stage to perform their 180-minute programme Reflections as part of Vivid Live. Now, the post-punk luminaries are returning to the iconic venue to headline the festival once again — this time, however, they'll be performing their 1989 album Disintegration. The Sydney show will be a world premiere and an Australian exclusive, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the landmark album. The gothic rock-style record contains hits such as 'Lovesong' and 'Pictures of You', and, while it won't be a three-hour music marathon, it's expected to be equally impressive. Robert Smith — teased hair, lipstick, eyeliner and all — will take to the stage alongside the band's four other members across four nights in May. The Cure made some of the most critically acclaimed music of the 80s, including Disintegration, and has been credited with influencing many contemporary musicians such as Lorde and Interpol. [caption id="attachment_708546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Smith by Andy Vella.[/caption] Headline acts of the huge annual festival of music and light over the past seven years have included Solange, Morrisey and Kraftwerk with the ballots for all three selling out. To get your hands on tickets for the 2019 show, you'll also need to enter a ticket ballot. To do so, head to the Sydney Opera House's website between now (Tuesday, February 19) and midnight on Sunday, February 24 and register. Successful applicants will be notified on Thursday, February 28. No other live music acts have yet been announced for Vivid Live 2019 — with the rest of the lineup expected to be announced in the upcoming weeks — but if it continues anything like it has started, this year is going to be a banger. The Cure will perform four shows at Vivid Live 2019 at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall between Friday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 28. Registrations for the ticket ballot are now open. Images: Andy Vella.
A night at the ballet is spectacularly unique — strong bodies moving with masterful technique, bejewelled costumes and magnificent orchestral compositions. The Australian Ballet exemplifies all of this theatre and artistry in the more traditional productions on its program, but it also showcases dance in a way that's wildly different to preconceived ideas of what ballet is and can be. This is particularly true for Instruments of Dance, the triple bill set to hit Sydney Opera House's Joan Sutherland Theatre from Thursday, November 10. To get a look inside this performance, we sat down with Drew Hedditch, a coryphée (a rank above the corps de ballet — pronounced co-ri-fay for anyone who needs it) at The Australian Ballet, before the work headed up to the Harbour City after its Australian debut in Melbourne. Hedditch is fronting up part one — Everywhere We Go — which will be the first time he's taken a leading role with the company. What did the dancer reveal? Reasons aplenty for this show being the one for you if you're green to the scene. [caption id="attachment_869097" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Longley[/caption] PART ONE OF THE TRIFECTA Excitingly, Instruments of Dance brings three resident choreographers — and their bespoke compositions — from the world's top ballet companies to Australian soil. There's Justin Peck from the New York City Ballet, The Royal Ballet's Wayne McGregor and The Australian Ballet's own Alice Topp. "It's not going to be like going to a full-length ballet, where you see the first act and know what you're in for for the next hour and a half," Hedditch assures. "There's definitely no tutus." Canberra-born Hedditch takes centrestage in part one of the eclectic performance, Everywhere We Go. The boundary-pushing piece was conceived by New York City Ballet's resident choreographer Justin Peck in collaboration with Sufjan Stevens, who delivers a score full of his trademark ethereal beauty and surprise. "Justin really has his own style," shares Hedditch. "A sharpness and understated movement of the arms, and then the fast pace of it all. I just keep reiterating to people that he choreographed the latest West Side Story [film] — having seen that, then doing this, I get it." The Australian Ballet is the first company to perform Everywhere We Go outside of the New York City Ballet. "The New York City Ballet has this amazing energy that comes through all of their works," explains Hedditch. "It's an energy and commitment that challenges no one else, it's almost a little bit unrefined at times." It's that Broadway energy that will define the piece. Rapid musical accompaniment from a live orchestra, nautical-striped costumes and the flurry of 25 dancers flowing on and off the stage. "It's really playful, no sets; just a projection on the back that changes like geometric shapes. It's just us and the audience — and that connection." [caption id="attachment_869099" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Longley[/caption] INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS "Sufjan [Stevens] is a complete genius," Hedditch exudes. "The music keeps us on our toes — we're counting five eights of seven into a four, it's ridiculously fast. You can tell that Justin and Sufjan worked hand in hand to make this ballet, and it feels really nice on the body." Everywhere We Go illustrates the creative power of collaboration. In this case, providing new opportunities for both dancers and audiences Down Under. "It allows us to push ourselves to the point where we are playing risky. There's also moments that are just really real and humane, where we can look at each other, crack a smile or play. In a story ballet, you can really live the story and become a part of it. But in this work, without a narrative, you just get to live." [caption id="attachment_869098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Longley[/caption] ENDURANCE, COMMITMENT AND GETTING ON STAGE Just like anything, with challenge and commitment comes delicious fruit: "We're not going to be able to pull this off unless we dive into that commitment and bring the energy, too," Hedditch states. "To see the dancers that we know and look up to — who did these roles originally — to then perform it is so inspiring." As mentioned, these dancers are athletes at the top of their game. Months of rehearsals, pirouettes and pas de deux practised over and over, new ways of moving studied and then executed. "In the first movement, I don't really leave the stage," he continues. "I had tingling through my arms because they had literally just been going and going. It was day one! The tempo wasn't even at full speed yet. I'd never really felt that, and that's kind of exciting — like, where is this going to go from here? How far can we push this?" What's certain is that by the time Hedditch and the troupe hit the Sydney stage, audiences — both new and seasoned — will be about to witness a thrilling night of ballet that's fresh and focused. "As artists, everyone's willing to mix and collaborate. That's the beauty of it, that's how masterpieces are made." Instruments of Dance takes the stage at Sydney's Joan Sutherland Theatre from Thursday, November 10 till Saturday, November 26. Head to the website for more information and to grab your tickets. Top images: Jeff Busby
The race that stops the nation is almost here and this year, Philips is helping you look the part. On Tuesday, November 4, the OneBlade Barbershop will be setting up at the Southbank Spillway for a free pop-up grooming experience ahead of Melbourne Cup celebrations. From 10:30am–6:30pm, the OneBlade Barbershop will be open for walk-ins, with two barbers on hand. Whether you're off to Flemington, heading to a rooftop party or catching the race from a bar, you can swing by for a quick trim, edge or shave using the Philips OneBlade. You'll get to choose from the icons board featuring well-known AFL, Rugby, NRL, UFC, and Cricket stars to inspire your cut, from Honeybadger and Nick Kyrgios, to Bailey Smith and Volk. There's no need to book ahead, just drop by and scan the QR code to secure your spot on the day. While you wait, you can also spin the prize wheel to score giveaways like the Philips Nose Trimmer NT1000, the Philips OneBlade Original Blade, exclusive merch, mini fans and more. If you've been considering trying out a new look but just waiting for the inspiration, this is your chance to try out the OneBlade for yourself and head to The Cup looking sharp (for free)! Catch the OneBlade Barbershop pop-up at Southbank Spillway, Melbourne on Tuesday, November 4 from 10:30am–6:30pm. For more info, head to the website.
Corruption at the highest level is a timely topic. Rock Surfers' upcoming production The Way Things Work takes characters that are all too familiar (for all the wrong reasons), pits them in a sordid cover-up against each other, and watches the messy trickle-down from public office, through the boardroom scuffles of private enterprise and down to the seedy inner workings of the criminal underbelly. The play is the winner of the inaugural Rock Surfers/CJZ Playwriting commission. Written by Aidan Fennessy and directed by Leland Kean, it's a proudly Australian satirical take on the grubby bedfellows that are politics and big business, following a certain minister through the descent behind the trashy headlines. Kean describes it as "a wonderfully biting, aggressive, corrupt, contemporary, black comedy". Laugh, cringe, be horrified, then leave trying to ignore the sinking sensation that comes with the realisation that it's all a little bit close to home.
When lockdowns started sweeping the globe at the beginning of the pandemic, the entertainment industry responded in different ways. With in-person events off the cards for a significant period, streamed gigs and performances kept creatives and audiences alike busy. New at-home audio experiences popped up, too — so, between making jigsaws and baking sourdough, you might've spent some time listening to eerie radio plays. For the team at immersive entertainment company Swamp Motel, the situation inspired a new three-part online project that turns a night at home — or three — into a sleuthing experience. That series: Isklander. It's proven such a hit in the UK and US that it has been optioned by Gaumont UK, the studio behind Lupin and Narcos, to be turned into a TV show. In its current playable digital and format, however, it'll be available in Australia and New Zealand from Thursday, September 23. Isklander is designed to be played in groups, but everyone can be in their respective houses. It also unfurls a different mystery in each of its different chapters. So, with Plymouth Point, you're tasked with searching for a missing person. In the titular locale, Ivy Isklander has disappeared, and you need to work through clues, solve puzzles and crack codes to get to the bottom of it. Then, in The Mermaid's Tongue, you're sent looking for the eponymous ancient artefact, which could bring about doom if the wrong person gets hold of it. Finally, there's The Kindling Hour, which is described as "a corporate espionage thriller". Accordingly, you'll need to work your way into a powerful organisation to bring it down from the inside. If you're wondering how it works, Swamp Motel is all about blurring the lines between theatre, film and gaming — and turning the results into a shared live experience. Isklander is never the same twice, and it features everything from live-action performances and newsreel footage to fourth-wall breaking research (that is, the kind you do yourself). And, while it'll have you and up to five pals using the internet to investigate as part of the game, it also resembles a film at times and an escape room at others. The fact that the cast includes Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings, Lost), Dino Fetscher (Years and Years) and theatre performer Bathsheba Pipe helps nudge Isklander in the direction of a movie, but you won't just be sitting and watching. No, this isn't like another night glued to your streaming queue. You'll be playing a part — including hacking into emails, scouring social media posts, making phone calls and looking at websites — which means that you'll be experiencing a series that's part puzzle game and part scavenger hunt as well. To keep things running, each session is also directed live by an in-character aid, with Swamp Motel's team of 30 stage managers guiding you through all three chapters of Isklander — whether you choose to play them all, or just pick one or two. And, the whole experience unfurls in real time, with a ticking clock, so you'll definitely feel a sense of urgency while you're puzzling. Check out the trailer below: Isklander will be available in Australia and New Zealand from Thursday, September 23. Images: Matt Hass.
Physical navigation tools might've largely gone the way of landlines, cassette tapes and eating meals without taking a photo first, but one company has come up with a tasty alternative. You mightn't be able to navigate your way through London, New York or Tel Aviv with one of Tamtik's chocolate city maps, but you will have quite the eye-catching dessert, gift or both. A collaboration with online marketplace Nisnas Industries, the artisan creations combine three things everyone loves — aka travel, confectionery and art — into a melt-in-your-mouth package that proves the ultimate edible souvenir. Inspired by the geometric-shape heavy traditional Arabic patterns often seen in architecture, known as mashrabiya, the chocolates feature stylised designs depicting the streets of their chosen locations. And, lest you think they're too abstract, landmarks such as the Thames River and Central Park stand out among the curved lines of dark cacao. Indeed, to ensure that each map accurately reflects each city's landscape, they're made by local artisans. Tamtik are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to spread their wings to another city, with participants able to vote for their preferred destination. Rewards not only include chocolate, obviously, put copies of the moulds should you want to whip up your own at home. Alas, before you go dreaming about breaking a representation of an Australian or New Zealand city into chocolatey pieces, Tamtik only ship to the US, Canada, the UK and Israel at present. That said, just as they're planning to add more maps to their lineup, they're also planning to deliver to more areas in the future. Via My Modern Met. Images: Tamtik.
Paddington mainstay the Paddo Inn is marking Australian Gin Week with a limited-edition gin cocktail list. Each day from Monday, November 15–Friday, November 19, a different Australian distillery will take centre stage, with a range of cocktails showcasing their best and most exciting gin creations. Kicking off the week is Syndey's Archie Rose and Poor Toms on Monday and Tuesday respectively. Also in the mix, Victorian favourite Four Pillars on Wednesday, Byron's Brookies Gin on Thursday and local husband and wife team Ester Spirits on Friday. Take your pick of which day you'll head in, and which gin you'll sample. Alternatively, head to the venue on Saturday, November 20 or Sunday, November 21 and make your way through a selection of cocktails created with all five gin-maker's spirits. The inn's bar staff will be on hand to walk you through each distillery's quirks and characteristics, as well as the cocktails you can choose to sample. In order to ensure you nab a spot, you can book a table at the Paddo Inn website. Images: Nikki To
Teetering over 50 metres above George Street beside Sydney Town Hall, a streamlined, cloud-shaped arch is one of three brand new public artworks coming to Sydney's CBD — to be installed as part of the City of Sydney's George Street-based revamp. An oversized milk crate pavilion and 60 delicate handmade bronze bird sculptures by notorious British artist Tracey Emin have also been confirmed by the City of Sydney today. Designed by Tokyo-based architect and artist Junya Ishigami — winner of the coveted Golden Lion for Best Project at the 12th Venice Architecture Biennale and visiting professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design — Cloud Arch will act as a gateway to the newly pedestrian-friendly George Street, with the brand new light rail passing right underneath it — kind of like an elegant, minimalist Colossus of Rhodes for Sydney's CBD. "Green, global and connected are the characteristics of the new Sydney, and this new public space about to be created in George Street will be the exact manifestation of these qualities," says Ishigami. "Good public policy is not, in itself, enough — there is a need for a new symbol to embody and communicate these qualities to the world. The Cloud is that new symbol, comprehensible to all. The Cloud evokes comfort, openness and freedom." At 50 metres high and significantly ribbony, you might be wondering how Cloud Arch will stand up to those pesky CBD wind gusts or densely-populated flocks of art-hating birds. Using a single box beam as the central construction framework, Ishigami's tapered steel plates will apparently stand up to the elements without a hitch. Cloud Arch will also change shape from wherever you're getting a crick neck looking at it around the CBD, classic perspectival win (it should be visible from as far north as Wynyard station, the Coca Cola sign on Darlinghurst Road to the east and Liverpool Street to the south). Meanwhile, in the southern end of the city, an oversized milk crate will make Belmore Park its new snuggly home. Nestled next to Central Station, the 13.7 metre high, milk crate-shaped pavilion has been designed by Sydney-based, Egyptian-born artist Hany Armanious. Ol' Milky (not it's actual title, it's really called Pavilion but this kid's sticking with Ol' Milky) will offer seats and lighting within its 42:1 enlarged body, breathing new life into the somewhat raggedy Belmore Park. "Pavilion is a representation of the most humble and ubiquitous of urban forms... transformed into a grandiose and extravagant public oasis," says Armanious. "At such a scale it assumes the authority and majestic beauty of a gothic cathedral or Greek temple, while remaining intrinsically contemporary. "Belmore Park is one of the few clear open spaces in central Sydney and is therefore a natural meeting place... Pavilion is a bold interpretation of a pavilion for all, a place for contemplation and repose, but also performance, community gatherings and ceremony." Heading back to the northern end of the CBD, through the refurbished Kent Street underpass and around Bridge and Grosvenor Streets, Young British Artist and notorious character Tracey Emin has a little magic of her own to sprinkle on Sydney. My Bed creator will introduce a brand new, permanent installation to the area titled The Distance of Your Heart, comprised of 60 handmade bronze bird sculptures. Paired with a plinth dedicated to homesickness, the Emin birdies will hang out along the thoroughfare, perch on doorways and telegraph poles and remind the homesick and lonely there's someone thinking of them. It could possibly be the nicest, prettiest thing Emin has ever done. "The longest time I have ever spent [in Sydney] is two and a half months. Most days I would wake up feeling very happy and free but occasionally I would find myself feeling low and disorientated and I realised I was suffering from an overwhelming feeling of homesickness." says Emin. "As my artwork I would like to make a counter site in Sydney for the young, the old, the backpackers, the tourists and the businessmen and women; somewhere else they can have their image taken to send back to the loved ones that they miss, that conveys the feelings of distance and homesickness." These three shining new additions to the Sydney CBD have been handpicked by a special evaluation panel (comprising Ms Flynn, city design director Bridget Smyth and four members of the city’s Public Art Advisory Panel: director of Carriageworks Lisa Havilah, professor of architecture at UNSW Richard Johnson, artist and visiting fellow at the College of Fine Arts Janet Laurence, curator of C3West for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia Anne Loxley) after the City of Sydney's largest international public art callout to date. With a whopping 700 entires from 25 countries to pick from, the three winners mark the first three projects for the City of Sydney's $9.3 million city centre public art plan (snuggled inside the City’s $220 million contribution to the NSW Government’s light rail project). Lord Mayor Clover Moore noted the public art plan was a direct result of the City of Sydney's massive Sustainable Sydney 2030 consultations, Sydney Open and the new Cultural Policy. "We heard the public loud and clear say they want more public art in Sydney," said the Lord Mayor said. "The transformation of George Street with light rail and a pedestrianised boulevard gives us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-imagine our city. The artworks selected by our expert evaluation panel will cement Sydney’s reputation as a capital of culture and creativity... I have no doubt they will become iconic landmarks of our city for today and future generations." The City of Sydney will now kick off a thorough design development process for all three works, including consultation with local businesses and residents. You can give your own two cents about the works at the City of Sydney's consultation website, sydneyyoursay.com.au.
On- and off-screen, Bluey is inseparable from Brisbane. For its setting, the hit animated series takes inspiration from the Queensland capital. It also hails from a studio based in the River City. The Heeler home resembles Brissie's Queenslanders. And back in 2022 when a replica of the Bluey house popped up temporarily, of course it happened in Brisbane. It makes sense, then, that you can now step inside the famous Brisbane series at the new Bluey's World experience in Brissie. Announced in 2023 and open since early November 2024, the attraction will get you walking around life-sized sets that recreate the beloved family-friendly show. Yes, the Heeler house and yard are part of the setup — for real life. Yes, you can expect to hear "wackadoo!" more than once while you're there. Movie World might've badged itself as Hollywood on the Gold Coast, but it's no longer the only big tourist hotspot giving visitors to southeast Queensland — and locals as well — a chance to explore their on-screen favourites IRL. An immersive installation sprawling across 4000 square metres, Bluey's World features the Heelers' living room, playroom, kitchen, backyard (poinciana tree included) and more. Alongside bringing the global TV sensation's sets into reality, it also boasts familiar interactive games such as Keepy Uppy and Magic Xylophone, plus other activities for both kids and adults. Maybe you'll be accompanying your own little ones, or your nieces and nephews. Perhaps you know that appreciating the adorable Aussie show about a family of blue heelers isn't just for children. Either way, this new addition to Northshore Pavilion in Northshore Brisbane is big — literally thanks to its sizeable floor plan. And yes, as seen in the series, you can arrive via CityCat. Visitors should plan to spend 70 minutes bounding through the experience — and will also find an indoor playground that nods to Bluey's Brisbane neighbourhood, plus spring rolls and pizza on offer at the cafe. There's a soundscape to match, plus a gift shop. For big Bluey birthday celebrations, the site is hosting parties as well. Bluey's World is exclusive to Brisbane, making it a tourist attraction to fans not only locally and nationally but worldwide. Unsurprisingly, that's a big part of the push from both the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, who are supporting the BBC Studios- and HVK Productions-produced experience.
Upmarket hospitality precinct Wunderlich Lane has quickly transformed part of Redfern with top-notch restaurants, bars, retailers and wellness spaces since it opened in July last year. This June, the vibes after-dark will reach fever-pitch, as NightShift takes over for a week-long festival that celebrates the winter solstice through feasting, live music, art and more. Presented from Monday, June 16–Sunday, June 22, the precinct's first major winter event will feature a myriad of immersive installations, surprising culinary collaborations, roving performances and even a noodle-fuelled rave. Set against the glow of the winter moon, you and all your pals might just let out a howl of anticipation after checking out the schedule, as this late-night affair offers an abundance of once-off experiences. On opening night at 6.30pm, Olympus hosts the NightShift Greek Feast Launch Party, serving a playful spread beneath its oculus, inspired by ancient Hellenic feasts. Book out an entire table for ten of your friends, as this plentiful sit-down banquet sees tables adorned with flowers by Doctor Cooper, roving art performances between courses, and hypnotic instrumental sets by GODTET. On Tuesday, June 17, much-loved music brainiacs Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe take over Baptist Street Rec Club for 'The Best Music Quiz Ever'. Joined by Love Police's James Bellesini on the decks, now is the perfect time for your music-loving crew to put their heads together alongside a round of disco cocktails. Then, S'WICH and Regina La Pizzeria will join forces for the 'After-Work Pizzetta Party' from Wednesday, June 18—Thursday, June 19, slinging a limited-release pizzetta sandwich against the vinyl deep cuts of Barney Kato and Adi Toohey. Looking further ahead, Island Radio hosts a 'Noodle Rave with JNETT' on Saturday, June 21. On the eve of the year's longest night, this six-hour session features abundant noodles, lasers, booming beats and pure rave energy. On the same night, R by Raita Noda presents 'The Whole Fish', where the namesake Japanese master is joined by his son Momotaro to break down an entire tuna as part of an atmospheric live sushi demonstration. With numerous other events to explore throughout the week, this moonlit showcase captures what makes Wunderlich Lane such a dynamic addition to the city's scene. "NightShift is a celebration of Sydney's after-dark magic — community-driven, immersive, and a tribute to the wonder of the longest night of the year," says Jacob Rolls, Executive General Manager at Toga Hospitality. "It brings together the very best of Wunderlich Lane: collaboration, culture and a love of the unconventional. There's a little mischief in it too — just as there should be when the nights run long." NightShift is happening Monday, June 16–Sunday, June 22 at Wunderlich Lane. Head to the website for ticketing information, specific event details and more.
In 2011, in this very country and galaxy, a pop culture favourite gained a singing, stripping burlesque parody. It's the mash-up that was bound to happen. Who hasn't looked at George Lucas' space opera, its sprawling drama and ample spectacle, and wondered what a steamier, funnier version with more visible butt cheeks would look like? Russall S. Beattie clearly did, and had a good feeling that other people would give it a shot. The Empire Strips Back was the end result. It became a hit around Australia, then took itself overseas to much acclaim. Now it's returning home for a 2020 tour — once again showing local audiences that lightsabers aren't the hottest thing in the Star Wars galaxy. The saucy show promises "seriously sexy stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, some tantalising Twi'leks, a delightfully lukewarm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker [and] the droids you are looking for", according to its website. Apparently Yoda doesn't get the sexed-up treatment, but there is plenty of song, dance, acrobatics and — because it's burlesque — the removal of clothing. A dancing Chewie and Han is just the beginning of this cheeky take on Star Wars cosplay. Given that it's got an upbeat soundtrack, the costumes are extremely detailed and the show throws out lots of references to George Lucas' original plot, it's not surprising that local audiences — presumably the same ones that pack out Star Wars parties and large-scale screenings with a live orchestra — have latched onto the production. Heading to the Enmore on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15, The Empire Strips Back sits alongside Dame of Thrones in Beattie's pop culture parody stable — so if you've already seen one of your fantastical screen obsessions get the burlesque treatment, then you know what you're in for. If you're super keen, you can also nab a Wookieerotica magazine online: a 116-page, 70s-style men's mag, just casually featuring all of your favourite jedis, siths, ewoks and other Star Wars characters. Either way, it could be a great introduction to burlesque or Star Wars, depending on which way you're coming at it. Pre-sale starts at 9am on Tuesday, November 12. Images: Jon Bauer, Leslie Liu and Josh Groom.
Your daily commute isn't something that normally screams festive cheer — unless you happen to board one of Sydney's most extra buses this month. Eight public buses currently doing the rounds have been decked out top-to-toe in Christmas finery, courtesy of some local primary school kids. Filled to the brim with colourful, handmade decorations, the select buses are cruising around on their usual routes, ready to surprise commuters with a whole lotta Christmas joy. It's an annual Christmas tradition for the city's bus operator State Transit, which each year invites different primary schools to pimp out eight buses — one from each depot — with tinsel, stickers, baubles and other shiny things. The eight buses will be parading their festive looks until December 31 — but since they'll be switching up routes regularly, finding one is a bit of a lucky dip situation. To see whether you'll be travelling on a festive bus on any given day, keep an eye on your go-to real-time travel app, where they'll be signified. If you're using NextThere, you'll spy a party and bus emoji next to the bus number (below). The best-looking bus is always judged by a patient from Sydney Children's Hospital — and this year, five-year-old Kai decided North Sydney depot's bus was the most impressive as it had "lots of tinsel and baubles". The whole thing is very wholesome and quite possibly the nicest thing about catching a bus all year. So if you're catching the bus this week, keep your eye out for one on your commute.
The Rocks is serving up all your Christmastime needs in its cobblestone streets this holiday season — from bespoke gifts and decorations to joyful holiday feeds. The historic neighbourhood's annual Christmas Markets will run every Friday through Sunday from December 3–19. Not only that, but The Rocks will be decked out to the nines, transforming the precinct into a Christmas wonderland. There'll be ambient lighting at the First Fleet Park stairway as you head into The Rocks, alongside Christmas trees, lamp post decorations and fairy lights along George Street. Plus, a variety of live music will also take over The Rocks, with a mixture of Christmas covers and feel-good tunes. The Rocks' usual shops will be done up in your standard red-and-green, silver-and-gold hues, too. There'll also be plenty of festive treats from street food vendors, so you can refuel on some tasty snacks, then keep working through your gift list. Once you've got all your shopping done, you can head to Broomfields pop-up pie shop, which is opening alongside the market and running all the way until February. Open on Playfair Street, the pie shop is serving up buttery pies with mash, gravy and cold beers Thursday–Sunday. It even has a turkey, pork and sage Christmas Pie. The Christmas Markets will be open from 4–9pm Fridays, 10am–9pm Saturday and 10am–5pm on Sundays. Images: Anna Kucera
The Rocks is hoping to serve up all your Christmas-time needs in its neighbourhood — from bespoke gifts and decorations to joyful meals and festive drinks. The weekend Christmas Markets will run every Thursday through Sunday from December 5–22. The festive vies and street food will accompany the gift stallholders — from the latter, expect artisanal presents like handmade jewellery, wooden toys, locally made Christmas decorations and independent designer prints. A pop-up Christmas bar will supply you with a much-needed festive beverage — think Champagne cocktails and French wines. It'll serve up plates of oysters, and you're welcome to bring in food from the market to eat over a drink. The Rocks' usual shops will be done up in your standard red-and-green, silver-and-gold hues, too. And the local bars and pubs have you covered post-shopping, from craft brews at Endeavor Tap Rooms to cocktails on Mrs Jones terrace. [caption id="attachment_698011" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] The Christmas Markets will be open from 10am–9pm each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
