Feeling the need for speed, posing as an assassin, faking a romance, battling tornadoes: thanks to Top Gun: Maverick, Hit Man, Anyone But You and Twisters, they've been Glen Powell's recent tasks. The actor's next job is to flee, and also to survive, in the second big-screen adaptation of a dystopian novel written by one of the most-famous authors there is under a pen name. His The Running Man gig under director Edgar Wright (Last Night in Soho) also involves following in Arnold Schwarzenegger's (Fubar) footsteps. 2025 is the perfect year for another take on the thrilling page-turner that Stephen King released in 1982, but as his pseudonym Richard Bachman. This is the year, in fact, that The Running Man is set on the page — and when King imagined that healthcare in the United States would favour the wealthy, leaving everyone else in such a scramble for medical treatment that signing up to compete in a literally killer television show is the only option. As the just-dropped first trailer for The Running Man shows, Powell's Ben Richards is the man in a bind in a near-future society. He's 35, married, has one child and is facing a medical crisis, needing a doctor for his sick daughter. He's also both unemployed and blacklisted from working. Josh Brolin (Outer Range) plays TV producer Dan Killian, who convinces Ben that entering the hit small-screen series that shares the film name could solve all of his problems. The aim, then, is for the lethal game's newest contestant to make it through 30 days while professional assassins are trying to hunting him down — and as the world watches on to huge ratings success. When Schwarzenegger portrayed Richards in 1987, the film didn't stick as closely to King's storyline. Back behind the lens for the first time since 2021's trio of films — Last Night in Soho, Sparks documentary The Sparks Brothers and concert film What the Hell Is It This Time? Sparks Live in London — Wright has also enlisted Michael Cera (The Phoenician Scheme) to lend Powell's protagonist a hand, plus Colman Domingo (The Four Seasons) as the host of The Running Man. His cast spans everyone from Lee Pace (Foundation) and Jayme Lawson (Sinners) to Emilia Jones (Winner), William H Macy (Accused) and Daniel Ezra (All American), too. The film hits cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 6, 2025 — and its debut trailer has also dropped with ideal timing, given that watching competitors attempt to survive a deadly game was at the heart of Squid Game, which just wrapped up its third and final season, and also clearly owes King's novel a debt. Check out the first trailer for The Running Man below: The Running Man opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Watching a man painstakingly recreate an oil painting doesn't exactly sound like the basis for a winning documentary. Yet in the hands of popular TV double act Penn and Teller, that's exactly what it turns out to be. Told in clear, accessible terms that laymen can understand, Tim's Vermeer is a lively, intriguing look at the line between artist and inventor, one that challenges the very notion that the distinction should be made at all. Johannes Vermeer was a 17th-century Dutch artist, best known these days for Girl with a Pearl Earring. His paintings have been lauded for their photorealistic look. Various theories exist as to how he was able to achieve such detail, one of which suggests that he made use of optical aids — mirrors, curved lens and so on. One subscriber to this theory is San Antonian inventor Tim Jenison. Despite having no artistic training, Jenison believes that by following what he thinks were the Dutchman's methods, he'll be able to produce similar results. An unassuming project about an unassuming man, this film is an ode to quiet determination. Jenison pours years into his hobby, teaching himself the skills to build a life-size replica of Vermeer's studio, and even finagling a private viewing in Buckingham Palace of the piece he wishes to recreate. His painting technique, which involves matching colour to an image reflected in an elevated mirror, is rather difficult to do justice in writing. Rest assured though that it's fascinating to behold. Penn provides the narration — his verbosity and humour helping viewers follow the science behind the art. Teller, meanwhile, does solid work in the director's chair, keeping the movie moving at a reasonably rapid pace. If the film has an issue, it's that it leaves little room for viewpoints other than its own. Apparently the optics theory is quite controversial in the art world, but everyone in the movie dismisses the sceptics out of hand. Then again, it's rather hard not to be convinced by Jenison's hypothesis, particularly when you see what he's able to put on the canvas. Whether or not his was the same technique that Vermeer used, the final product is certainly remarkable. At the end of the day, that may be more important. This film doesn't work because you care about Vermeer. It works because you care about Tim. https://youtube.com/watch?v=cxVxti5Fnf8
Newtown’s not the suburb it was when I was little. Back then, it really wasn't the same bustling place it had been once before that, either. Newtown is constantly harking back to a more authentic age. This small, busy locality has changed a lot over the years. It can be surprising to realise that there have been about 150 of them so far and to celebrate the sesquicentenary of its incorporation, the suburb will be putting on a series of low key parties. The Dendy will be screening a short return season of local documentary I Have a Dream over the weekend of December 8 and 9 (at 10 and 2pm daily). I Have a Dream tells the surprising story of how Newtown’s iconic Martin Luther King Jr. mural was originally painted on King St, who painted it and how you get away with a highly-visible four-storey piece of street art. As well as the screening, shopfronts across Newtown (PDF) have been neatly decorated with images from across the suburb’s varied past. They’ll stay that way until December 15. On the anniversary itself — December 12 — Newtown Library will play host to some Proclamation Day festivities which should straggle pleasantly on into the evening. Update: The I Have a Dream Screenings have been cancelled for technical reasons. Image shows Relaying the Tram Line at Newtown Bridge in 1927. State Rail Authority image from Sharpe, A 1999, Pictorial History of Newtown, Kingsclear Books, Alexandria p51.
Ordering a cocktail on Crown Street at 1am, stopping by a bookshop in the CBD at 4am, or partying and painting at a 24-hour Alexandria cultural precinct are all possibilities in the near future, thanks to the City of Sydney's new late-night trading plan. The plan, which was first proposed by council last November — and has since received feedback from over 60,000 Sydney residents — was unanimously endorsed at a council meeting last night, Monday, May 14. And it means big things for Sydney's late-night economy. As well as the above, the plan allows for 24-hour trading for unlicensed CBD businesses (currently most can trade until 5am), including bookshops, hairdressers and unlicensed eateries. Outside of the CBD, 'low impact' businesses — including bars, restaurants, shops, galleries and cultural institutions — located in areas such as Glebe Point Road, Crown Street, Unions Street and Redfern Street can have their opening hours extended from midnight till 2am. Some live music venues and theatres will also be able to score an extra hour of trading on the nights they have a gig or performance on. In addition to this, the City will establish a brand new 24-hour cultural precinct in a heritage warehouse in the industrial part of Alexandria, on the corner of McEvoy and Wyndham streets. This will house creatives and host exhibitions, parties and gigs, and service the growing population around Alexandria and Green Square. [caption id="attachment_648852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leticia Almeida.[/caption] Of course, the City of Sydney can't change the lockout laws — that's the job of the NSW Government — but these changes will allow businesses to gain at least a few more freedoms within the state's restrictions. The city hopes that, with these proposals, it can safeguard Sydney's nightlife culture for the future, whether the lockout laws stay in place or not, "It's time for Sydney to become a 24 hour city and we've now given businesses the opportunity to open around the clock," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore in a statement. "The City of Sydney is doing its part. I hope these changes encourage the NSW Government to reconsider the lockout laws and help Sydney regain its status as one of the world's premier late night destinations." The NSW Government has — surprisingly, with pro-lockout law Premier Gladys Berejiklian in power — recently changed two liquor licences, allowing Chippendale favourite Freda's to trade until 4am and long-standing Petersham pub the Oxford Tavern to play live music till 3am. Both of these venues, however, are outside the lockout zone. While a recent year-long parliamentary inquiry into the state of Sydney's music and nightlife economy found that the industry was in "peril" due to the NSW Government's history of neglect, and lack of funding, hopefully, we're about to see some of this damage (slowly) reversed. Next big steps to its revival would include the State Government winding back, or stepping down ,on the lockouts and introducing other late-night infrastructure, like 24-hour transport on weekends. For now, City of Sydney's new late-night planning rules will no doubt have an impact on Sydney's nighttime economy — but it won't all happen at once. Businesses in the CBD and surrounding villages that would like to extend their opening hours — inline with the plan — will need to have proven good behaviour and submit an application. We'll keep you updated as these start to progress. Businesses in the CBD and surrounding late-night trading areas can apply for extended licences through the City of Sydney. We'll keep you updated with these and the progress of Alexandria's 24-hour cultural precinct. To read more about the plan, head to the website. Top image: Frankie's Pizza by Katje Ford.
If you fancy yourself a bit of a cocktail connoisseur, Lûmé is about to jump to the top of your must-visit list. Last night, bartender Orlando Marzo, from the South Melbourne restaurant, was crowned the world's best bartender. Which means Melbourne is now officially home to some of the tastiest cocktails in the world. Marzo took out the gong at the World Class Bartender of the Year competition in Berlin, where he beat more than 10,000 other bartenders from around the world for the prize. World Class, which is in its tenth year, is the biggest bartending competition in the world and culminates in four days of finals, during which Marzo impressed judges with a particularly notable Zapaca rum aperitif in a challenge called 'Before and After'. You might see this pre-dinner tipple pop-up on Lûmé's menu one day very soon. Before Marzo heads back Down Under to join the ranks of Australia's bartending elite — which includes Maybe Frank's Andrea Gauldi, who took out best bartender in Australia at last year's competition — he'll be travelling the world, making cocktails and judging competitions. When he's back, we'll let you know what drinks has plans to serve up at the South Melbourne restaurant and what pop-ups he plans to host. Who knows, he may even follow in Gauldi's steps and open a bar. You can check out the full list of past and present winners at the World Class website. Image of Lûmé: Josie Withers, Visit Victoria
On a hot summer's day, a sweet frozen treat will always hit the spot. A new brand has just launched in Australia that's providing a dairy-free solution to your sweet summer cravings. Originating in Thailand, Buono has created 100 percent plant-based frozen desserts that are vegan, gluten-free and contain no artificial colours or flavours. Buono has two types of frozen treats available in Australia currently. The first, Buono Boru Boru, is a tub of bubble tea-inspired ice cream. It's vegan, of course, made using coconut milk and containing flavour-filled balls reminiscent of the those you get in bubble tea. The Buono Boru Boru comes in two different flavours: classic Thai tea and genmaicha, which combines the flavours of green tea and roasted rice. The second range of dessert goodness Buono has created are called Mochi Ice. Made with coconut milk, these ice cream-filled mochi balls are a great bite-sized snack, but, be warned, you might find yourself returning to your freezer multiple times a day to grab one. They come in a range of flavours including strawberry, black sesame, vanilla, mango, coconut, chocolate and Japanese green tea. If you find yourself craving a cold creamy treat this summer, the Buono range is available at Coles and Woolworths stores nationally — and can be delivered to your door via Coles Online. Buono's range of plant-based desserts are available to order online or at select Coles, Woolworths and specialty stores nationwide. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Much-loved farm-to-table eatery Three Blue Ducks is expanding its ever-growing suite of establishments to regional NSW this month. The Sydney restaurant group will open a Snowy Mountains location at Nimbo Fork Lodge on Wednesday, November 25. Originally opening in Bronte back in 2010, before expanding to Byron Bay, Rosebery, Brisbane (in the W Hotel) and Melbourne (inside a surf park), the restaurant collective is known for its dishes packed with locally and ethically sourced produce. The group's latest iteration will be located in the heart of the picturesque Tumut Valley, 30 minutes' drive from Gundagai. Its home, Nimbo Fork Lodge, is a boutique hotel with six cottages, five suites and a bar and restaurant. [caption id="attachment_788800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Three Blue Ducks team by Nikki To[/caption] As with Three Blue Ducks' other restaurants, fresh produce will be an integral part of the new venue. The menu has been designed around the on-site kitchen garden, award-winning sustainably farmed Provenir Beef and trout from local Tumut waterways. If the locally sourced trout isn't fresh enough for you, you can even head out to the renowned fly-fishing areas nearby and provide your own catch of the day for the chefs to use. "The menu is all about local produce and suppliers, but beyond that, we're really excited to cultivate the kitchen garden and create a space for the community and out of towners to come in and experience interactive activities during their stay," Three Blue Ducks Co-Owner and Chef Mark LaBrooy said in a statement. The new restaurant will be open seven days a week for dinner, with lunch available on weekends and breakfast and snack packs available to order. Menu highlights include whole butterflied trout and Nimbo tomahawk lamb chops with zucchini, mint and spring peas. Local NSW beers and wines, as well as coffee from Three Blue Ducks caffeine partner Single O, will also be available. While you're in the area, you can visit thermal pools, hike past waterfalls and bobsled down a mountain. For more ideas, check out our guide to activities in the Snowy Mountains region. Find Three Blue Ducks at Nimbo Fork Lodge, 330 Nimbo Road, Killimicat from Wednesday, November 25. It'll be open for dinner daily and lunch on weekends. Top image: Three Blue Ducks Byron Bay
The latest big-screen gems aren't the only movies on offer at a heap of Australian film festivals in 2024. When Europa! Europa returned in February and March, it also featured a retrospective dedicated to Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos. On this year's German Film Festival lineup: a spotlight on The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft's Werner Herzog. And, when the Spanish Film Festival hits picture palaces around the country in June and July, it'll pay tribute to the one and only Salvador Dalí. 2024 marks 120 years since the Spanish artist's birth, so this annual showcase of films from Spain and Latin America is including an ode to the surrealist great through cinema. Documentary Salvador Dalí: In Search of Immortality is filled with archival footage, 1929 short film Un Chien Andalou is a collaboration between Dalí and filmmaker Luis Buñuel, and 1930's L'Age d'Or is penned by the pair. Also featured: Alfred Hitchcock's Spellbound, in which Dalí was responsible for the dream sequence. When you're not celebrating Dalí at this year's Spanish Film Festival, there's plenty more to see — including opening night's Chile-set The Movie Teller from director Lone Scherfig (The Kindness of Strangers) and co-writer Walter Salles (Central Station), as starring the Buenos Aires-born Bérénice Bejo (Final Cut) and Barcelona-born Daniel Brühl (All Quiet on the Western Front). It'll kick off the fest in each of its stops in Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay and Ballina, with the event's full tour running from Tuesday, June 11 (when it launches in the Australian Capital Territory) to Wednesday, July 10 (when every leg around the nation wraps up). When Un Amor, the latest from Elisa & Marcela director Isabel Coixet, pops up on the lineup, it's part of a focus on the filmmaker. Elegy, which stars Ben Kingsley (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar) and Penélope Cruz (Ferrari), is also on the spotlight bill — as is 2013's Yesterday Never Ends and the Monica Bellucci (Mafia Mamma)-led Those Who Love from 1998. Other highlights span drama The Girls at the Station, a coming-of-age tale about three girls who grow up at a juvenile detention centre; Something Is About to Happen, focusing on a woman who loses her job, which won Malena Alterio (Strangers) a Goya; Jokes & Cigarettes, a biopic of comedian Eugenio; and vino-focused documentary Rioja: The Land of a Thousand Wines. Or, there's Checkmates, which rocketed up the Spanish box office with an underdog story about kids trying to win the Spanish Chess Championship — and Saturn Return, which takes inspiration from Spanish band Los Planetas. The timely Artificial Justice follows a judge assessing if AI can be used in the justice system, and Vera and the Pleasures of Others focuses on a 17-year-old girl who likes listening to exactly what the title spells out. Then there's the roster of titles from Latin America, such as Totem, which takes place across one day in a Mexican household; Bad Actor, which tells a post-#MeToo era tale; sci-fi thriller Aire: Just Breathe; and wellness dark comedy The Practice. There's more where they came from, including one helluva closing-night pick: Alejandro Jodorowsky's iconic The Holy Mountain, adding more surrealism beyond Dalí to the program. Spanish Film Festival 2024 Dates: Tuesday, June 11–Wednesday, July 10: Palace Electric Cinema, Canberra Wednesday, June 12–Wednesday, July 10: Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, June 13–Wednesday, July 10: Palace James Street and Palace Barracks, Brisbane Thursday, June 13–Wednesday, July 10: Palace Raine Square Cinemas, Luna Leederville and Luna on SX, Perth Friday, June 14–Wednesday, July 10: The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Palace Balwyn and Pentridge Cinema, Melbourne Wednesday, June 19–Wednesday, July 10: Palace Norton Street, Palace Moore Park, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Friday, June 21–Wednesday, July 10: Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay Friday, June 21–Wednesday, July 10: Ballina Fair Cinemas, Ballina The 2024 Spanish Film Festival tours Australia in June and July. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the festival's website.
If you're a movie-loving Australian resident, and you're also constantly dreaming of overseas getaways, odds are you have the country's annual film festival lineup to thank. In March, the French holiday cravings kick in courtesy of the relevant cinema showcase. Then, it's time for Spanish fantasies beamed down from the silver screen. A trip to Germany comes next, followed by a whole heap of Scandinavian vacation cravings — and, when September hits, prepare to start wishing you're in Italy. Yes, it's Italian Film Festival time again, and it's doing the rounds with quite the lineup — including everything from Italian box office hits and Sophia Loren-starring classics through to a documentary about a shoemaker to the stars helmed by Call Me By Your Name and Suspiria's Luca Guadagnino. As the fest always does, it's touring its just-announced program around the country, kicking off in Sydney, then heading to Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Byron Bay, all between Tuesday, September 13–Sunday, October 16. This year's IFF will open with Belli Ciao, which did huge box office business in Italy. It both stars and is co-written by comic duo Pio D'Antini and Amedeo Grieco, who play once-inseparable friends who went their own ways after high school — Pio leaves for Milan, Amedeo stays in their hometown — and now reunite, complete with a north-versus-south culture clash. Among there, highlights include The Hummingbird, an ensemble drama with Nanni Moretti (Three Floors) and Berenice Bejo (Final Cut), which hits IFF fresh from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival; drama Lord of the Ants, about the controversial 1960s trial of intellectual Aldo Braibanti, which screens direct from its Venice Film Festival competition debut; and The King of Laughter, which features Toni Servillo (The Hand of God) as actor and playwright Eduardo Scarpetta. From the documentary selection, two big titles stand out. The aforementioned Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams focuses on Salvatore Ferragamo, while Ennio — The Maestro sees director Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) pay tribute to legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone (The Hateful Eight). Elsewhere on the bill, there's rom-com Breaking Up in Rome, homecoming drama Nostalgia, play-to-screen adaptation The Great Silence, the fairground-set Swing Ride and prison The Inner Cage — the latter of which also features Servillo. In fact, he pops up again in Casanova's Return, as an acclaimed Italian director making his last movie about Casanova. More than 25 films grace the full lineup — including blasts from the past, such as closing night's Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni-starring Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. To celebrate the centenary of filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini's birth, three of his iconic movies — all adaptations of literary works — will screen as well, with The Canterbury Tales, Arabian Nights and The Decameron all getting big-screen showings. ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: Tuesday, September 13–Wednesday, October 12 — Palace Central, Palace Norton St, Palace Verona and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, September 14–Wednesday, October 12 — Palace Electric Cinema, Canberra Thursday, September 15–Wednesday, October 12 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, The Astor and Cinema Nova, Melbourne Wednesday, September 21–Sunday, October 16 — Palace Barracks and Palace James Street, Brisbane Wednesday, September 21–Sunday, October 16 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, September 22–Sunday, October 16 — Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema, Perth Friday, September 23–Sunday, October 9 — Palace Byron Bay The 2022 Italian Film Festival tours Australia between Tuesday, September 13–Sunday, October 16. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
Forget long-haul flights and lengthy stopovers — our closest neighbours are brimming with idyllic islands, gorgeous beaches and scenic regions just waiting to be enjoyed. It's never too late or too early to start planning your next holiday — and New Zealand has plenty to offer if you're looking for an unforgettable travel adventure in the middle of the year. Between geothermal phenomena and snow-capped peaks, the country is home to first-class skifields, dramatic volcanic landscapes, practically untouched coastal tracks and foodie paradises. While it can be tempting to curl up and stay in come cooler temperatures, nature's most fun playground emerges during winter and an escape to New Zealand is the only way to make the most of the season. To help you get planning for your mid-year break, here are ten places worth working your 2025 travels around. Wānaka Just a one-hour drive from Queenstown over the dramatic Crown Range and through Cardrona Valley is Wānaka, a lakeside village offering an equal level of heart-stirring beauty as its larger sibling. Boasting its own microclimate, Wānaka comes to life in the winter. The waters become icy and the surrounding peaks, which become cloaked in snow, reflect off the lake. The arrival of winter also marks the start of ski season and Wānaka is home to not one, but four ski resorts — each with distinct terrain. There's the world-class Cardrona Alpine Resort, straddling Queenstown and Wānaka, where the southern hemisphere's most extensive terrain park proudly sits alongside a mix of groomed runs and backcountry options. Conquering Roys Peak — one of the South Island's signature hikes — on foot is weather dependent during winter and you might need confident hiking skills, but Treble Cone Ski Area offers breathtaking views of the peak and Lake Wānaka regardless of whether you hit the resort's steep slopes. Rounding out Wānaka's resorts are Snow Farm and Soho Basin by Amisfield, both offering one-of-a-kind experiences. The former is where you'll find New Zealand's only cross-country facility while the latter is home to a guided catskiing experience that will take you deep into the backcountry beyond resort boundaries with catering by Queenstown's lauded wine producer and restaurant Amisfield. Back on solid ground, the family-owned Maude Wines is highly recommended for wine lovers, while beer fans are spoiled for choice with everything from tasting rooms to open-plan breweries and garden bars. [caption id="attachment_986162" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Trafford[/caption] Wellington New Zealand's capital is brimming with more restaurants, cafes and craft breweries than you can poke a wizard's staff at. It's no secret that the city has more cafes, bars and restaurants per capita than New York City — meaning you'd have to try pretty hard to have a horrible meal or bevvy in the city. (Here are five spots to get you started at any rate.) Your weekend on the waterfront might also include wandering through street art-filled laneways, copping postcard-worthy views from the top of Mount Vic, taking in some culture at our national museum or getting up close and personal with native birdlife at the world's first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary. The relatively small Wellington CBD also makes hopping around the city, and between eateries, a breeze. [caption id="attachment_986165" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Abel Tasman National Park The Abel Tasman National Park is best known for its coastal track which bypasses stunning shoreline and lush native bush that's accessible year-round. A 60-kilometre one-way journey might seem like a long way to trek, but when you can set your pack down and rest on secluded golden sand beaches, it's well worth it. On the way you'll discover Cleopatra's Pool — a natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide — negotiate tidal crossings, walk across a suspension bridge and encounter a seal colony. If you'd prefer a more relaxing adventure, you can take a water taxi or kayak between different locations. Top beaches worthy of a visit include Anchorage Bay, which is home to the track's first large camping spot, Torrent Bay, Kaiteriteri and Awaroa. [caption id="attachment_986166" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] The Poor Knights Islands Northland's Poor Knights Islands and its underwater network of caves, cliffs and tunnels are renowned for their diving and snorkelling. Jacques Cousteau once rated the area as one of the top ten dives in the world. The sea surrounding the islands has been a marine reserve since 1981, and offers a great variety of underwater habitats to explore, from kelp forest and sponge gardens inhabited by a multitude of exotic fish — many of which aren't found anywhere else in New Zealand, to black coral found in deeper waters and the steep cliffs that plunge up to 100 metres below sea level. If you're willing to brave the colder winter water temperatures, you'll be rewarded with exceptional visibility in the water that's still rich with sealife to observe. Aoraki/Mount Cook Standing at 3724 metres, Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand's tallest mountain. With its sharp peak and plummeting crevasses, the sheer sight is enough to keep you on edge, but the company of the mountain is oddly comforting. Ngai Tahu, the main iwi of the region, consider Aoraki as the most sacred of the ancestors that they had descended from. The name is believed to mean cloud piercer. Ascending the steep peak is no easy feat and should be reserved for the most experienced climbers, or those safely tucked inside a helicopter. Winter transforms the mountain and unleashes its full natural beauty. From Hooker Lake, south of the mountain, the modern explorer can indulge in the ever-inspiring lake and mountain. As you drive into the region, past the electric blue Lake Pukaki, and catch the first glimpse of the mountain in the background, you know you're in for a vision of a lifetime. [caption id="attachment_791440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Glen Sinclair.[/caption] Wharariki This windswept beach at the top of the South Island has to be one of the country's most photographed sections of coastline. Wharariki is only accessible via a 20-minute track from the end of Wharariki Road, which travels over farmland and through coastal forest. With particularly big seas, sightseeing is the number one attraction here — and the Archway Islands will certainly serve up the goods. The group of four rock formations rising from the tide provide an exception photo opp, especially if you decide to tour the region on horseback. The beach is popular year-round, but winter is the best time to walk the flat shores if you prefer your vistas less busy. [caption id="attachment_610026" align="alignnone" width="1282"] Rob Tucker.[/caption] New Plymouth Sitting on the western knob of the North Island, halfway between Auckland and Wellington, is New Plymouth — one of the country's best-kept secrets and a town bored of being thrown into the same basket as Palmerston North. At the heels of the mighty Mount Taranaki, or mini-Mount Fuji, you'll find a blossoming foodie paradise, a thriving arts scene and world-class festivals like WOMAD. The 13-kilometre coastal walkway is a must when visiting the region — head along the winding trail past the rugged coast and popular surf beaches. Elsewhere, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre is the first gallery in New Zealand dedicated entirely to a single artist. The structure's undulating stainless steel exterior is a major landmark in the CBD, a work of art in itself, and gives great insight into the groundbreaking artist and his obsession with 'art of movement'. [caption id="attachment_791436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trevor Klatko.[/caption] Ninety Mile Beach This epic 88-kilometre-long stretch of sand has to be seen to be believed. The famed northland beach starts near Kaitaia and makes its way up to Cape Reinga. At low tide, the beach is officially a public highway, but don't even think about bringing your rental hatchback here — several have been swallowed by the unforgiving seas. The dunes at Te Paki in the north are famously used for bodyboarding — just expect to take home pockets full of sand. Whether you're sliding on down when the weather dips or in full sunshine, bring water and sunscreen. [caption id="attachment_986368" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Waipoua Forest The walking track to Tāne Mahuta, the largest known living kauri tree in Aotearoa, in Waipoua Forest only just re-opened at the end of 2024, which makes exploring this pocket of New Zealand even more special. Nearby is Te Matua Ngahere, which just might be the oldest tree in New Zealand. While it's not possible to test the tree to confirm, Waipoua Forest on the whole is incredibly lush, verdant and well worth exploring. Fiordland At the heart of Fiordland sits Milford Sound. A spot that hardly needs an introduction, visiting Milford Sound during the winter months is a chance to experience a completely different side to one of New Zealand's best-known and most-visited landmarks. Famously one of the wettest places not just in New Zealand, but the world, winter is one of the few times in the year when Fiordland dries up just a touch, revealing crystal clear skies and unobstructed views. Although it's still best to be prepared for wet weather, this is the season to try your luck. Just as we retreat inwards during the winter, so too do marine wildlife — during the winter, seals, penguins and dolphins tend to head inwards into the Sound, which makes spotting them in one of New Zealand's most breathtaking vistas a very real possibility. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here. Top image: Miles Holden.
Everyone has one main motivating factor in the career path they choose, and if you're passionate about helping humanity and the state of the world, you've got a bunch of options available. Doctors, lawyers and politicians may take a lot of the credit for shaping our futures but they're not the only options. In fact, there are plenty of other avenues to explore. Whether you're at the beginning of your education, looking for a career change or wanting to gain some additional professional experience, knowing where to start can be hard. That's why we've tracked down a selection of degrees from leading Australian universities to study online via Open Universities Australia(OUA) if you're desperate to make a difference in the world. With the threat of climate change and limited natural resources becoming a reality in the not-too-distant future, the time for a focus on the environment, sustainability and education has never been greater. Here's our list of which degrees to study if you want to inspire or create change. BACHELOR OF EDUCATION Imparting wisdom to our younger generations is a hugely important undertaking — after all, these are the people that'll one day inherit the earth. Curtin University offers one of the best teaching degrees for primary education (years one to six). After studying the Bachelor of Education or the Master of Teaching degree via OUA, you will leave the course with advanced training for leadership roles in a teaching career. Although you'll be studying primarily online, the degree also includes hands-on experience in a range of schools and across year levels, and it culminates in a five-week professional placement. Your studies will also include lesson planning, classroom management, special education and digital literacy. BACHELOR OF ARTS: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Change starts from the ground — so getting involved in community-based projects, be it services, welfare or not-for-profit organisations, is a great way to see your effort being put into action before your very eyes. A Bachelor of Arts in Community Development will hone your communication, critical thinking, ethics and social justice knowledge — and that's just the start. The program from Murdoch University (available online through OUA) focuses on a wide variety of perspectives and solutions that can benefit different communities — from Indigenous and First Nation peoples to overseas aid development. You will graduate with the ability for persuasive oral communication and a broad knowledge of research methods. DIPLOMA IN COMMUNITY WELFARE AND WELLBEING Outside of teaching, another obvious do-gooder career path is within the welfare and health sectors. Whether you're interested in nursing, community service or social work, gaining a Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing from the University of New England allows you to earn credits toward many community-minded degrees — and to develop the foundational skills for employment or toward further study. The course provides students with the theoretical and academic groundwork for a career in overall social care. Within the elective subjects offered, you can opt to specialise in working with members of the community dealing with disability or ageing, or working with Aboriginal people. BACHELOR OF ARTS: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Marching for climate action is a great start, but if you're passionate about finding more sustainable ways for you and your neighbours to live and preserve the environment, this Murdoch University program is worth exploring through OUA. Sustainable Development is a newer profession but is growing in popularity. The more prominent career paths you could take from this degree include joining the public sector, a local council or an NGO, or working within research institutes or national and international aid organisations. But the skills gained here are much more far-reaching and can also lead to careers in sustainable tourism, media, education and resource management. MASTER OF ENVIRONMENT Already got a degree in environmental science under your belt? First of all, good for you. Now, keep channelling that passion and experience into a masters degree from Griffith University. After all, it's arguably one of the most important fields of study you could enter into at the moment. Within this degree, you can choose to specialise in several different areas of expertise, including climate change adaptation, sustainable business, economics and policy, environmental planning and environmental protection. Career options hit a huge range, too, and include the likes of environmental assessment officer, consultant for government agencies and environmental and biosecurity management. Explore these degrees and hundreds more from leading Australian universities, available online through Open Universities Australia. You'll be making a world of difference before you know it.
Winter is a notoriously difficult time for the hospitality industry. The month of May, teetering on the cusp of winter, is not the best month to open a restaurant unless, of course, that restaurant has a Nordic theme. While Sydneysiders rug up and rooftop bars citywide bunker down, Norsk Dor has set up shop on Pitt Street. And who better to guide us through the chilly months than a cosy Scandinavian-inspired restaurant? Norsk Dor isn't 'Nordic' as you may imagine it — you won't find any allusions to Vikings (aside from that fur draped on the back of your chair). But you will find a hearty menu, chock full of fresh produce and protein. The venue is inspired by the years head chef Damien Ruggiero spent in Sweden, where he lived on a salmon farm with no power and no gas — but plentiful salmon and potatoes. What he learned? Ingredients are king, and they certainly are at Norsk Dor, where the menu fluctuates not with the season but with the availability of good produce. Each component is sourced close to home, such as salmon from Mount Cook in New Zealand and kingfish from Manly. "For us, it's about respecting the raw ingredients, getting the freshest produce, keeping it simple and using Scandinavian traditional techniques (like curing) and reinventing that for Australian produce,' says general manager Stephen Byrne (formerly of fellow basement dweller Uncle Ming's in Wynyard). Norsk Dor consists of an closely-linked bar and a kitchen, intimate not just because of the atmospheric lighting that cloaks the whole venue, but in the way they interact. The kitchen feeds, shares ingredients with and inspires the cocktail and bar menus. Tired of olives and crostini for bar food? This bar menu is a challenge to the palette, an adventurous little taste of the restaurant menu with dishes like salmon on crisp rye bread, king crab pate and quail egg. Visiting Norsk Dor is a bit of an 'experience' — especially in a rather whatever part of the CBD. A nondescript industrial door gives way to a yellow-lit corridor, leading to a dark, earthy lair. Foliage grows here in abundance (helped along by hydroponic lamps) and fluffy kangaroo hides are folded over elegant chair backs. Rich wood and simple concrete work together in the space to create the perfect frame for Ruggiero's dishes and Byrne's cocktails. Byrne says the interior design was also a labour of love. "We did it all ourselves. We've been working on this project for nine months now… Justin Best and I worked really closely on the design. It fits in with the whole ethos of the place, it follows through into our menu as well and we wanted the food and drinks to shine through." Find Norsk Dor at 70 Pitt Street. Open Monday - Saturday 5pm - 12am.
Tucked between Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ipswich, and sprawling around the towns of Beaudesert and Boonah, southeast Queensland's Scenic Rim region is home to scenic sights, national parks, mountains and plenty of other reasons to head outdoors. Come October, it'll also boast another attraction luring visitors into the area's the natural surroundings — a 55-kilometre walking trail, complete with eco-cabins. Dubbed Spicers Scenic Rim Trail, just approved by the Queensland Government and expected to take six months to complete, the new route will start at the existing Spicers Hidden Vale Retreat and venture through Mt Mistake, up to Spicers Peak Nature Reserve and through parts of Main Range National Park. Extending existing walking tracks, it'll trek through sub-tropical rainforests, eucalypt forests and mountain heathlands over five days. And if the frequent name-dropping didn't give it away, the venture is being spearheaded by the Turner family, who founded the Spicers Retreats chain, to the tune of $10 million. The Turners are building two new sustainable eco-camps along the path, both within Main Range National Park. The first, Spicers Amphitheatre, will feature light coloured cabins perched above the floor of the forest, surrounded by gum trees, decked out with king-sized beds and adjacent to an observation deck. As for the second site, Timber Getters Eco Cabins, the structures will take on a darker hue. Both will include six sleeping pods, two wash pavilions and impressive views. As well as bunking down for the night, the full walk itinerary includes a visit to the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, a 4WD trip to a private nature reserve, and hiking along the Scenic Rim's Main Range. Weekly journeys will depart on Sundays from October, costing $3190 per person twin share with all accommodation, meals and beverages included, while the 2020 season will run from March to November. The venture comes in response to a state initiative to increase ecotourism in Queensland's national parks, with Main Range National Park featuring one of 42 reserves that comprise the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area (GRAWHA). For those planning a visit to the area in general, without booking in for the official trail, the project will also include improvements to public camping and hiking facilities. Spicers Scenic Rim Trail and eco-cabins are slate to open by October, with bookings now open. For more information, visit the trail website. Images: Spicers Retreats and Spicers Scenic Rim Trail.
One king. Six wives. Centuries of folks being fascinated with the regal story. Throw in pop songs as well, and that's the smash-hit SIX the Musical formula, as Australian audiences discovered in 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and can again in Sydney from Friday, October 26, 2024 at Theatre Royal. If you've ever needed proof that some stories never get old, the ongoing obsession with Britain's royal history provides plenty. In IRL, it's relentless. On screens and stages, a slice of regal intrigue is regularly awaiting our viewing, too, interpreting and remixing the past in the process. The Crown might've taken ample artistic license with reality, but it's got nothing on the empowering pop-scored twist on the 16th century that's been wowing audiences in SIX the Musical. This theatre sensation gleans a few cues from well-known history, adds toe-tapping tunes and makes stage magic. If you think that you know the stories of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr, then you probably do — even those with little interest in Britain's past kings and queens are likely aware that Henry VIII had six wives — but SIX the Musical's version isn't about telling the same old tale. First premiering back at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, then jumping to London's West End — and winning Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, plus a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album, along the way — SIX the Musical gleans inspiration from one of the most famous sextets there's ever been. It also finds its own angle despite how popular the Tudor monarch's love life has been in pop culture. So, move over 00s TV series The Tudors and 2008 movie The Other Boleyn Girl — and this one takes the pop part rather seriously. SIX the Musical is presented as a pop concert, in fact, with the Catherines, Annes and Jane all taking to the microphone to tell their stories. Each woman's aim: to stake their claim as the wife who suffered the most at the king's hands, and to become the group's lead singer as a result. Images: James D Morgan, Getty Images.
If anyone can promise a Mardi Gras after-party you won't forget in a hurry, it's the folks at monthly LGBTQI+ dance fiesta Saturgay and the ever-inclusive All Sorts. And indeed, the two are coming together to host one especially memorable shindig, helping to round out Mardi Gras' jam-packed program with their post-parade Blackout Mardi Gras Party on Saturday, March 2. Taking over three rooms across both levels of The Lansdowne Hotel, this double whammy celebration will be hosted by the highly entertaining Miss Ellaneous and Marzi Panne, from Party Passport. Downstairs, punters will experience Saturgay's signature serve of disco-drenched, dance floor-filling good times, while a All Sorts delivers one of its legendary mixed bag adventures — headlined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ crew, Brotha Boys, Sista Girls — upstairs. You'll catch high-energy performances from the likes of Dreamtime Divas, Nova Gina and Miss First Nation finalists MadB and Timberlina, along with DJ sets from favourites like GLDSPK, Ruby Slippers and Nelly Yuki, well into the wee hours. Best bring your dancing shoes for this one.
Melbourne's skyline is looking up, with the city set to gain another huge tower that'll become both the Victorian capital's and Australia's tallest building. Proposed by the Royal Society of Victoria and designed by Decibel Architecture, the structure is planned for the corner of La Trobe and Victoria streets in the CBD where the RSV is currently based — and as well as reaching high into the sky, it'll also catch the eye with its super skinny appearance. Named Magic, the building will feature 60 storeys soaring more than 330 metres high, with one document listing the skyscraper as 362 metres tall. While it'll primarily feature apartments, the site will also enable the RSV to upgrade its heritage-listed home, add a science engagement centre and cafe, and create a science precinct. The organisation has described its plans as "dedicated to science and the spirit of the Royal Exhibition Buildings World Heritage Precinct". Indeed, celebrating Melbourne's science prowess is at the heart of the project, which architect Dylan Brady states "will demonstrate ingenuity, cutting edge sustainable technologies and be an iconic marker to Melbourne". Magic's lofty status will join eclipse the city's current tallest building, the 297.3-metre tall Eureka Tower, as well as the in-progress 319-metre Australia 108 residential tower at Southbank and the 323-metre-tall One Queensbridge tower slated for the Crown precinct. Around the rest of the country, the Gold Coast's Q1 presently reaches 332.5 metres, with the new 328m Orion Towers in Surfers Paradise in development.
Penfolds is taking over Carriageworks for three nights, introducing its new 2022 collection with an immersive event series headlined by one of Australia's favourite pop acts. Between Thursday, August 4 and Saturday, August 6, Venture Beyond by Penfolds will see Carriageworks turn into a hub of food, wine, music and art. Visually, the space will be transformed with local art collective and gallery Babekühl creating a multi-disciplinary short film depicting Penfolds' winemaking process. And accompanying the film? A space-themed set menu crafted by Sydney's renowned degustation king Nelly Robinson, from Surry Hills fine-diner nel. Robinson and the nel team created the viral KFC degustation earlier this year, and have conjured up a range of boundary-pushing set menus centred around the likes of Moulin Rouge!, Disney flicks and Christmas. This time around, he's created a series of intergalactic dishes designed to pair with Penfolds wines. Topping off the lineup is electro-pop duo Client Liaison, who will be performing across all three nights. The band will be bringing their catalogue of hits to the events with the help of producer and DJ Dan Lywood, who will be keeping the tunes rolling before and after their sets. Tickets include entry to the event as well as a stand-out meal from nel, a glass of three of the new wines from The Penfolds Collection 2022 and vinos from the Penfolds Max Collection throughout the night. Plus, for an additional $30, you can add a guided tasting of seven wines from the latest collection. Venture Beyond by Penfolds is on from Thursday, August 4 till Saturday, August 6. Head to the website to grab your ticket.
How does Ryan Coogler do horror? With the supernatural, a blues soundtrack, and blood and gore, and also with evil honing in on twin brothers who are trying to create a new haven for their Black community to let loose in after dark, and to simply call their own, in the Mississippi Delta in the 1930s. Both portrayed by Michael B Jordan (Creed III) — because the only thing better than one version of the actor in the filmmaker's Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is two in Sinners — Elijah and Elias, aka Smoke and Stack, are back in their hometown from Chicago with cash to splash and a dream to bring to fruition. They secure an old saw mill, then set about turning it into a juke joint as speedily as they can. The siblings' young cousin Sammie (debutant Miles Caton), a talented guitarist, is enlisted to assist. So is everyone from other musicians (Unprisoned's Delroy Lindo and The Penguin's Jayme Lawson) and friends (Omar Benson Miller, True Lies) to loves from before the brothers left for the city (Loki's Wunmi Mosaku and The Marvels' Hailee Steinfeld) and the local Chinese American shopkeepers (Based on a True Story's Li Jun Li and The Last Bout's Yao). Not just anyone can enter — but when Irishman Remmick (Jack O'Connell, Back to Black) insists on an invite through the doors after being drawn the bar's way by Sammie's powerful tunes, and is refused, he gets persistent. Remmick also gets toothy. Chatting about the picture back when its second trailer released, Coogler described Sinners as "very genre-fluid". He continued: "it switches in and out of a lot of different genres. Yes, vampires are an element of the movie. But that's not the only element. It's not the only supernatural element". Seeing how that proves accurate in the finished film, and how the man behind the movie has written and directed the hell out of it, is already one of 2025's best cinematic experiences. While marking the first time that Coogler hasn't explored a true story, taken on an existing franchise or brought an already-known character to the screen, there's never any doubting that the flick that results couldn't have sprung from anyone else — and that it builds upon one of the best filmographies in the business over the past decade. Although Sinners is Coogler's debut official and overt entry in the horror realm, in a way he's been stepping into that terrain since 2013's Fruitvale Station. When that feature charted the events leading to the death of Oscar Grant in Oakland, it examined a real-life incident far more distressing than any movie that's predicated upon bumps and jumps. Now, 12 years later, Coogler's path from his first film to his fifth is clear: in both, terrors and traumas can lurk for no more reason than being Black in America. [caption id="attachment_1000420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marion Curtis / StarPix for Warner Bros.[/caption] Sinners also builds upon Coogler's tried, tested and terrific creative collaborations — with Jordan, yes, and also with cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw (The Last Showgirl), production designer Hannah Beachler (Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé), editor Michael P Shawver (Abigail), and two Oscar-winners in composer Ludwig Göransson (Oppenheimer) and costume designer Ruth E Carter (Coming 2 America), all back from either Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever or both. Their sense of connection, of support, of coming together to realise a vision, is evident in every frame. Sinners' cast also gush about it. Indeed, when Coogler, Jordan, Caton, O'Connell, Lindo, Li, Mosaku, Steinfeld, Miller and Lawson chat through their experience making the movie, they talk about the shorthand between the film's writer/director and its two-time lead; first-timer Caton enjoying a spectacular learning experience; the depth at every turn, including for the feature's villain; and the cultural richness and attention to detail. Also covered: the flick's impressive choreography behind its frays, cultivating a sense of place, wanting to be on set on days off and more. On the Shorthand That Coogler and Jordan Have Established Over Five Projects and More Than a Decade of Collaborating Michael: "The shorthand has done nothing but get stronger over the years, especially with this one being my first movies that I've done since I directed my first film — and just having a deeper sense of empathy of what Ryan goes through on a day-to-day basis, all the hats that he must wear, the amount of places that he has to be at the same time. Especially on this one, for me to be able to be an extra set of eyes for him and help where I can or anticipate his movements or needs allowed us to maybe get a little bit more done, especially when time is always an issue on set in general — but it's a just mutual understanding. I can't really explain the nonverbal communication that we have that's only gotten better over the years." On Whether Coogler and Jordan's Working Relationship Evolved After Jordan Directed a Film Himself Ryan: "I worked as his producer on Creed III. It was a lot of times where I would never rub it in his face like that, but he would say 'whoa, man, I see what you're dealing with' — but the reality is, man, our jobs are so different. Even what he did when he was directing Creed III, he was acting in that movie. He was having to go get punched in the face and then go look and check to see how he did, and then go back and get punched again. I'm not on-screen ever when I'm directing. I'm behind the camera. Mike is an empathetic guy. He grew up on film and television sets. What I like the most about working with him is he has an incredible work ethic, but he's also a very kind and family-oriented person. When you're number one on the call sheet — in this case, he was 1A and 1B — you have that culture. Oftentimes, it's going to come from there and it trickles down. People are watching how the lead actor communicates with the PA; with the assistant director, the AD; with the camera operator; with the sound. Do they like to let the sound person mic them, or do they want to complain? All of these things, man. He's such an incredible sport and just kindness is the default. That's just infectious on the set in terms of establishing the tone that everybody's going to work with. It's unacceptable to yell at a PA — Mike had never done that, Mike had never raised his voice." Michael: "That's right. That's right." Ryan: "In an industry where it can get very high stress, it can get very toxic, it's great to have somebody who understands the value of keeping it loving and respectful, so that's what I like about Mike the most. The other piece is, he wants to challenge himself constantly. What was great was I got that with every cast member. Everybody who went through the works and stepped on the set, they were trying to be better than they were on their last movie. I believe that they're going to be better than they were on this movie on their next one. That's the type of people that we hired and that culture starts with Mike, but I was fortunate enough that everybody came with that, and I was very happy with that." On Caton's Journey with His First Film Role Miles: "I started off when I was 16 years old, I got the opportunity to sing background for HER, and we began a tour all over the world. We opened up for Coldplay. Towards the end of that tour, I got a call one day saying, she called me and she said 'little bro, there was somebody in the crowd that heard you sing and they want you to audition for this role'. I took that and I ran with it. I sent a self-tape audition. After that, I got a callback. Then they sent a couple sides. It was a kid, a young kid just playing the guitar. I did that and I sent that off. The next thing I knew, I had went to LA to do an audition, and I got to meet Mike and I got to meet Ryan along with a couple other people. From there, I got to really talk with them about the role and just put my best foot forward. After that, I was able to really learn from them. Just being on this project, I got to grow so much. Every day was a learning experience. From the time I got on set to the end, I really did push myself every day to be better. Being around actors at this level, they all showed me so much love, man, so to be here in this moment, I feel super blessed." On O'Connell's Job Unpacking the Many Layers of Sinners' Unsetting Supernatural Force Jack: "I think villain is a fair description. There's probably an easier way of doing things, but in the film, we do it the hard way for Remmick. He's all about fellowship and love. All he wants is just to bite you on your neck, and then that's everlasting love, just a little bite. He's constantly saying 'I promise I won't hurt you'. It's the easy way, but we end up going the hard way. Listen, there's a real richness, a real depth, I think, to Ryan's writing. What we were striving towards was — it wasn't superficial. It was grounded in something that's rooted in history. That, to me, was the main thing I was loving to latch onto, was the cultural richness that our characters were representing in individual ways." On Lindo Being Tasked with Getting Physical and Fiery Delroy: "First of all, we have such a wonderful team who work on the fights. I had said earlier 'oh, Ryan has a wonderful team that he puts at all the actors' disposal'. I had talked earlier about the fact that when I was younger, I did dance class and fighting on film, and in the theatre — it's like choreography, right? It's choreographed. On some level, the more violent the fights are, the more critically important it is that it be choreographed to a tee. These fights were. I came to the project a little late, because I was working on something else, but when I arrived in New Orleans they were already in the thick of building the moves in the fight. The very first fight rehearsal that I went to, the fight captain showed me what they were working on and showed me very specifically 'okay, this is how you will slot in'. We just worked very methodically to achieve that, so by the time we got on camera to shoot those scenes, we all knew exactly what we were doing, what our responsibilities were. The other thing I would say really quickly, there was an openness which trickles down from Ryan and from Mike in terms of the generosity shown to all of the actors. If something was presented to me, there were a couple of things presented to me in the fight scenes where I said 'can I maybe try this?'. 'Absolutely.' There was always space to incorporate what felt more organic for me as an actor." On the Attention to Detail That Went Into Exploring the Chinese American Experience Li: "I was not aware of the Chinese American community in the Mississippi Delta at all. I had no idea about them. All I knew was that when I was presented with the sides during my audition process, I had no other information other than the fact that she was a Chinese American with a very thick, deep southern accent, which was what really piqued my interest — and also obviously because it was Ryan's project. When we dived into the research, it was fascinating. They were such a crucial part of the world at the time. They were the only people who were able to open up grocery stores specifically for the Black and white communities, but they also endured a lot of prejudice themselves. In a documentary made by a filmmaker named Dolly Li, there were a couple of people that she mentioned. One of the women's names was Frieda Quon, which is whom we used for our dialect inspiration. She always said that as long as we stayed in our lanes, we were fine, but trouble would start if we crossed over. I just love how fascinating it was, how deeply embedded they were in the culture and how you would never think that a person who looks like me would speak that way, and yet they did. They also made southern-style Chinese food and they built their own community. It was really a gift to learn about this." On Why a Sense of Place Was So Important, Especially to Smoke and Annie's Love Story Wunmi: "Annie's shop, her home, is in this picturesque environment with these massive shaded oaks — and what's the other tree, the one in Louisiana with the moss? It's so beautiful and romantic and really adds to the magic of their relationship, their love. It elevates it. I love how, in the scene when we see Annie and Smoke for the first time, is it dandelions you've got blowing behind Smoke?" Ryan: "Yeah, pussy willows." Wunmi: "You say willow?" Ryan: "Yeah, pussy willow." Wunmi: "It's so beautiful. The whole shop itself, I feel like I wish we could see the whole thing because Hannah Beachler, she did such an amazing job." Delroy: "She did." Wunmi: "There's smoke coming up through the floorboards and there were these little cards hanging from the ceiling. This candle's burning in the background. You can't see all of this. There were spiderwebs on these spell books. These are real spiders. It's not even set design. It just felt really magical. It felt like their home. When he comes into the store, he knows where to pick his pipe from. He knows that time has stood still for her and everything is as it was. I really loved their environment. It felt like it really added to the scene, it added to our intimacy, it added to our connection." On Navigating Mary's Journey, and the Night-Time Shoots That It Entailed Hailee: "I think the nights were crazy, and a lot of the nights took place inside the juke, too. We would go in and it would be light — and we'd come out, it'd be light again. What I loved, though, so much about the juke for Mary was that even though it was a new place to her, it was home. There were so many elements within that juke that were created, that were brought to life, that were home. The food; the people, most importantly; the music; just the way, the layout where you'd have Smoke and Stack up above, Annie in her corner, the stage and Mary just moving through and feeling this sense of familiarity having never been there before because of who was around her. I love that so much about this character and how she falls into this story, because she's in a place of not knowing whether or not she, to an outsider, not so much herself — an outsider may not believe that she belongs in that space, but she does, she knows that and she feels it. Being in that juke, being on that stage and even in our exterior location, looking at that structure that was built, it was like it became our home. It became Mary's home. It became her connection to her mother and her past that she'd been away from for so long, living a very, very different life that we didn't necessarily see, but we could only imagine how beautiful it might've been or looked, rather, or how different it might've looked. It wasn't what she wanted. This is home. I loved walking in there and hearing everyone's shoes creak on the wood and the chairs that we see a little bit in the movie of the juke coming together. It's just like you wonder where it all came from and how they got it all together. It was all these people that are in there that made it happen, that brought it together. We had just the most incredible team, some of who you mentioned, bring this to life and make this feel like a safe space that we could call home." On the Collaborative and Creative Vibe That Comes with Working on a Coogler Film Omar: "I've been doing this for a good amount of time now. I've been blessed to work for a long time. Ryan Coogler runs the most-egalitarian set I have ever been on, and I say that in the most-complimentary way. Once we got to set, once everybody came out of the trailers, everybody was equal. For somebody who's had an underdog element to his whole career, I value that so much. To me, that was something that I leave with — leaving that set and always being welcome to return to the set, and always being a part of it with looking forward to return to it, was that I know that we're all being treated equally. Ryan knows everybody's first name. It's 200-something people. Ryan's calling people out: 'Roger Stevenson, how was your weekend?'. It's stuff like that. It's very, very, very impressive." Jayme: "This is hands-down my favourite experience. I think the way Ryan really set the tone, that it felt like we could bring our stories with us as he shared his with us — it made for this collaboration where, I think I can speak for a lot of us, we found a level of freedom that oftentimes you don't get to tap into, because you're being led by somebody that has so much faith in you and trust in you with his brainchild. At no point did he ever feel so precious about it. It was a gift that he was willing to share — every day, like Omar said. I would show up when I didn't have to be at work. Now, I don't know anybody else that would want to do that, but to be able to watch Ryan work, I had to. I just wanted be in that room at all times, and I am forever grateful for that." Sinners releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Film images: Warner Bros / Eli Ade.
Playwright Joe Orton has a most extraordinary biography. Starting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at age 18, he immediately met his best friend, lover and constant collaborator, Kenneth Halliwell, with whom he worked on numerous epic novels that no-one wanted to publish and a series of public pranks that pissed off all of England. When one of these pranks — replacing library book covers with their own art — earned them six-month jail terms, Orton and Halliwell were separated for the first time in 11 years and Orton forced to write on his own. He soon became a hit, his plays running back-to-back through the '60s. Halliwell, meanwhile, became mired in depression and plagued by personal and professional jealousy, until one night in 1967 he bludgeoned Orton with a hammer before consuming an overdose of pills. It is said that Halliwell died first. It's almost as if no story Orton himself wrote could compare to the intensely poetic and tragic one he lived. The antidote is that he wrote comedies, great slabs of satire that held up a mirror to British society. In Loot, a play he retooled over many years till it finally earned rave reviews, it's the day of Mrs McLeavy's funeral, and her widower (William Zappa) is grieving. It's an upper-middle class household — decked in the requisite crucifixes, flying ducks, and pattern clash of wallpapers — so when wastrel son Hal (Robin Goldsworthy) enters looking like he stepped out of the photo shoot for Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, it's obvious he's trouble. Sure enough, he and his mate, working-class assistant undertaker Dennis (Josh McConville), have robbed a bank and, with the police on their tail, decide to stash the cash in his mother's coffin, enlisting her nurse Fay (Caroline Craig) to help. What follows are madcap hijinks with dead bodies. It's all so very English. Australia has at least one consummate comedian who immediately comes to mind for this sort of old-fashioned farce, Darren Gilshenan — and fortunately enough, he's in this, too. His cutthroat yet clueless detective (or employee of the water board, as he too-long insists as his cover) is a joy to watch. Gilshenan can make the simple act of taking a pipe out of his pocket a complex journey in absurdity, slapstick and subversion. Beside him, the other actors all hold their own, and Goldsworthy in particular pulls out some great grimaces as the cheeky young Hal. Teeming with fast talk, twisted logic and biting class observations, Loot is a good '60s satire staged in much the same way it would have been in the '60s. It can be, since its themes of bureaucratic corruption, religious hypocrisy, prodigal youth, prudish age and the taboo of death remain current, and classic British humour will always find a welcoming audience. But today's theatregoers may find themselves searching for an awareness of gender and other social constructs that isn't there and that hasn't been teased out. Without bringing much new to the table, this production has only limited interest. Still, you can take your parents to Loot, and afterward, hunt down the Orton biopic Prick Up Your Ears, with Gary Oldman as Joe, for yourself.
It seems that, even though it falls on the same day every year, Christmas creeps up on us. To be fair, it's a pretty hectic time — we're organising holiday plans, tying up loose ends at work and figuring out some resolutions for a brand new year. Even if you have a bunch of post-it note reminders of 'Choose a good gift for Mum' and 'Buy pressies before Christmas Eve', it's easy for those good intentions to fall by the wayside. Plus, it gets pretty expensive when you're buying under time pressure. In partnership with Square, we've searched through independent New South Wales shops to bring you a gift guide that won't break the bank — and you'll be buying from local legends who, after a pretty tough year, need your support. If you are a small business owner, Square has the tools you need to take payments and maximise your sales, including an ebook with tips to help you get started this holiday season. POTTED PLANT, THE FLORAL CREATIVE ($40) The idea may be tried and tested, sure, but plants are a go-to gift for good reason. Rather than buying blooms, why not give something that will last for years to come? The Floral Creative offers a range of leafy potted plants for a reasonable $40, ranging from lush fronds to succulents, herbs, low maintenance greenery and seasonal plants on top of its array of stunning bouquets. Shipping is $15. AUSTRALIAN BUSH SOY CANDLE, LOVE FARMHOUSE STYLE ($25) Inspired by the elegant simplicity of country lifestyle, Love Farmhouse Style, based out of Teralba, sells everything from handmade homewares to earthy ceramics and soaps — basically anything that'll add a homely touch to any house. If you're buying for a homebody, the brand's hand-poured soy candles are a winner, particularly the Australian Bush scented one, with notes of lemon, pine and eucalyptus. Shipping takes about five business days and costs $15. SOAP, COALCLIFF OLIVE CO ($7) Presents don't always have to cost a bomb. Coalcliff Olive Co's beautiful handmade natural soaps, made just south of Sydney, make for a great gift for anyone who loves pretty and fragrant things. Whether that's your nan, dad or cousin, you'll find a scent to suit their personality — think coffee, olive leaf and honey, chamomile, coal and tea tree and lemongrass. Plus, they contain no nasties like harsh chemicals, sulphates or parabens and also come with eco-conscious packaging. Shipping is $10, otherwise you can pick it up in person for no additional cost. TABI CUP, EMI CERAMICS ($40) Operating out of Marrickville, Emi Ceramics is known for its unique pottery, making everything from vases to mugs, oil burners and even brooches. For a gift that's equally convenient as it is beautiful, Emi's Tabi Cup comes with a removable lid and is perfect for anyone who drinks tea or coffee on the go. Be prepared though, each cup is made to order and can take up to four weeks to make. You can pick it up from Emi Ceramic's studio, otherwise standard shipping is $10. MARKET BASKET LARGE, THE SHEARER'S WIFE ($44) For those who lug a lot of things around in their day-to-day — but still love to look chic — consider this woven bag. Designed by Cooma brand The Shearer's Wife, this large bag will make for a great beach or picnic accessory, as well as something to take along to the farmers market. Available via pick up only. T-SHIRT, SAUCE BREWING CO ($30) We all know someone who loves a good craft brew. Rather than buying them booze which, let's be honest, will get consumed fairly quickly over the silly season, get them some cool merch instead. Independent Marrickville brewery Sauce Brewing Co, mostly known for its top-notch ales, has two mighty fine cotton tees sporting either the brand's logo or its mascots on the front. It comes in at $30, with a bunch of sizing to choose from. Shipping costs an additional $10, or you can order some brews as well and score free shipping to Sydney metro for orders over $90. [caption id="attachment_780150" align="alignnone" width="1920"] KOI[/caption] CAKE, KOI DESSERT BAR ($15–18) Let them eat cake may be a frivolous statement from an out-of-touch queen, but, really, who doesn't like cake? When in doubt, a decadent dessert doesn't go astray, particularly when it's coming from Masterchef Australia star Reynold and his talented brothers. KOI's wildly popular treats change weekly, but expect Asian-inspired flavours with these oh-so-pretty cakes. You can either pick it up from KOI's Ryde and Chippendale stores or get it delivered for an extra $5. CHILLI OIL, LITTLE GREAVES ($12) Keen to spice things up this silly season? Then we have two words for you: chilli oil. This condiment from North Sydney food company Little Greaves is, as the bottle advertises, not overly hot, but has enough of a kick to work well with dishes like pasta, fried eggs, pizza, noodles and dumplings. Get this for your mate who loves cooking up a storm or any chilli lover in your life. You can score free shipping if you order two bottles or pick it up from one of its stockists. GIRL GANG TEE, EVIE LOVES MAY ($49) We all have our version of a girl gang. You know, those people who've been there for you at your best and your worst? Yep, they're the best. Matching charm bracelets may be a bit passé and twinning tattoos a touch too permanent for some, but these cute, comfortable Girl Gang t-shirts from NSW brand Evie Loves May are the perfect solution. Whether you get it for just your bestie or for your whole crew, be sure to snag one for yourself as well. Shipping costs $12 or $15 for express delivery. CHIKOMAN STUBBY HOLDER, KURLY WURLY BAR ($15) If there's one practical gift for summer it's the stubby holder. It's an Aussie essential, keeping your bevvy cold at the beach, in a park or when you're sipping brews on your balcony. Instead of getting any old can cooler, though, opt for Kurly Wurly Bar's tongue-in-cheek design, sporting a surfer carrying a giant Chiko Roll. Designed by Sydney-based illustrator Michael Kovacs, this one is made with A-grade neoprene, so it's sure to keep beer super frosty as the mercury rises. Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. If you are a small business owner, Square has guidance on how best maximise sales in the run up to the Christmas holiday period in its ebook, found here.
When Tom Stoppard first visited Australia it was as a 3-year-old Czechoslovakian refugee. Since then he’s not only fulfilled his childhood desire to become an “honourary English gentleman”, he’s also been acknowledged as one of most important and most internationally performed living playwrights. His plays, toying with themes of censorship and human rights as well as linguistics and philosophy, are rarities in that they have lapped up by both the critics and the masses. 1966’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead was his first hit, followed by a whole heap of award-winning productions including 1998’s Shakespeare in Love. And it’s likely that if his original script for The Golden Compass wasn’t rejected that the film would have turned out way less lame than it did. He’s been back to Australia a few times since 1940, doing things like talking culture at the Town Hall and presenting his hilarious Travesties (1974). Now he’s coming back again to talk about some more things, because talking, like writing, is something that he does extremely well. This is someone who famously said “It is better to be quotable than to be honest”, so chances are this conversation, though slightly elusive, will also be a hilarious, insightful and ultimately relevant one.
Melissa McCarthy is now three-for-three in collaborations with Paul Feig. The actor-director team chase down Bridesmaids and The Heat with a goofy espionage comedy that serves as a showreel for their respective talents. In Feig’s case, that means cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most rock-solid comic-directors, extracting hilarious turns from a more-than-willing cast while demonstrating a surprising amount of confidence with action scenes, which bodes well for his Ghostbusters sequel next year. For McCarthy, it means delivering one of the best performances of her career, nailing both the verbal and physical comedy while steering almost entirely clear of lazy jokes about her gender or her size. McCarthy stars as analyst Susan Cooper, a desk jockey working in the CIA basement funnelling instructions via an earpiece to operatives around the world. Her primary charge, and the subject of her unrequited affections, is the revoltingly narcissistic Bond-wannabe Agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law). But things suddenly change after Fine is gunned down by a devious arms heiress (Rose Byrne), who has somehow gained access to the identity of every active spy. With their best assets compromised, the agency has no choice but to throw the untested Cooper into the field. It’s a pretty standard comedic premise, in a similar vein to other recent spy spoofs such as Johnny English and Get Smart — the one major difference being that Cooper is actually fairly good at her new job. Feig, who wrote the film as well as directing, pokes fun at all the typical spy movie cliches, from the megalomaniacal villain all the way down to the gadgets, here disguised as everyday items such as fungal cream and laxatives. For the most part the humour is fairly broad and sweary — this is, after all, the same director who had McCarthy shit in a sink. Still, as with Feig’s previous films, the material is elevated considerably by the performances. After proving the MVP in both Bridesmaids and Bad Neighbours, Rose Byrne could well consider giving up dramatic roles altogether. Her villainous turn here is a delightful caricature of upper-crust snobbery, and many of the film’s best scenes are the ones that she and McCarthy share. Law is likewise wonderfully hammy as Fine, while Jason Statham sends up his typical screen persona as a 'rogue' CIA agent a little too convinced of his own brilliance. But it’s McCarthy who’s the real hero here, throwing herself into every scene with absolute commitment. Together, she and Feig not only deliver big laughs but also manage to skewer our expectations of what someone who looks like her is capable of. Yes, there are plenty of jokes at Cooper’s expense, but more often than not they’re the result of people underestimating her. As it turns out, that’s a pretty big mistake.
In 2003 two men painted NO WAR in big, friendly letters across the sail of the Opera House. Jailed, fined and applauded by Opera House staff, the two men — Will Saunders and Dave Burgess — were essentially 'culture jamming', a movement that interferes with public space the same way pirate radio jams public frequencies. Just as acrobatic in action as Saunders and Burgess, were the Sydney-based group the Lonely Station. Moran-winning photographer Dean Sewell got to know them over a number of years, at first only covering their actions. Culture Jammers, documents his transformation from observer to participant as he followed the Lonely Station's collective co-opting of commercial locations into art and politics. From the guerrilla plastering of art on Sydney's new Louis Vuitton shop, to a hills hoist planted in Sydney Park for political purposes, Sewell's photos show you this urban art action from the lens of a man in the middle of it. And if a window into a covert movement with overt messages to sell isn't enough for you, the Museum will be putting on an Art and Politics of Culture Jamming forum which presents you not only to Sewell, but a who's who of recent Sydney culture jammers: Lonely Stationer Neal Funnell, Opera House painter Dave Burgess and Peter Vogel from the culture jamming progenitor group BUGAUP. The forum will be held at the Museum on Sunday February 12 (11am, $30/25), Dean Sewell will give an artist's talk Sunday March 11, alongside curator Inara Walden (11am, free with museum entry). Image: Dean Sewell.
Sydney Airport's next public art installation is a colourful reminder of Australia's roots, in a place where cultures and people from all across the globe converge daily. The work United Neytions by Kamilaroi artist Archie Moore will set a pretty striking scene, hung from the 17-metre-high ceiling of T1 International Terminal's Marketplace. Featuring 28 distinctive flags to represent the diversity of our country's Aboriginal cultures, the piece was chosen by The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and Sydney Airport for their latest art commission, edging out works from seven other leading Aussie artists. According to MCA Director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, the work, by "one of our nation's most important contemporary artists", is a fitting one to be shared with the 15 million passengers that flow through this part of the airport annually. "Archie Moore has approached this exciting opportunity with great flair and his visually striking installation will no doubt intrigue, engage and capture the imagination of the millions of passengers passing through the airport's International terminal every year," she said. Moore himself explained that the flags would help draw attention "to the histories, voices and presence of local Indigenous people on which land the airport – an international zone/'no man's land' – lies, but also the passages of cultures, pasts, territories, ages and cultural knowledges that airports foster." United Neytions is set to be completed and unveiled at Sydney Airport in 2018.
Sydney is home to some extraordinary pubs, but few capture that traditional British atmosphere, where hearty cuisine pairs with upscale dining. Launched in 2024 by renowned Lancashire-born chef Nelly Robinson, Winstons at the Nag's Head Hotel in Glebe is what he considers Sydney's first true gastropub experience. For those yet to experience its rustic-meets-refined charm, the latest event in the Winston & Mates series is the ideal excuse to head along. On Thursday, July 24, Executive Chef Nelly Robinson (NEL Restaurant) will team up with Justin North (Banc, Bécasse) for a one-off eight-course dinner. Titled 'Legacy & Larrikin', these big personalities will put their heads together, balancing the refined technique and playful flair that have made them esteemed names in the world of cuisine. Expect standout dishes like spanner crab tart with brown butter, king prawn and bug tortellini in lobster bisque, and 14-hour beef short rib with truffle potato. Priced at $120 per person, there are only 50 spots available for this gastropub-inspired feast. Forming the second in this six-part series, Robinson will also welcome other leading chefs like Julian Cincotta (Butter) and Shaun Christie-David (Plate It Forward) into the kitchen over the coming months.
While nearly every Australian is surely familiar with the quintessential Aussie portrait of the beachgoer — Max Dupain's 1937 black-and-white icon The Sunbaker — not so many are familiar with Dupain’s mentor, the British/Australian photographer Cecil Bostock. Now's your chance to get to know him with a comprehensive exhibition of Bostock's work currently showing at Manly Art Gallery & Museum. Having moved to Australia in 1888 at the age of 4, Bostock became enchanted with Sydney's Northern Beaches and was to later document his love for their pristine beauty in his photography. Taking to the art form in 1915, Bostock was a pioneer of art photography in Australia, producing visionary images of nudes, landscapes and urban scenes. He was also a founding member of the Sydney Camera Circle, which would meet and organise photography trips around the city and its suburbs. From documentary to portraiture, Bostock's work encompasses a range of themes and approaches and his skill behind the lens is most evident in those images that appear to be flippant holiday shots. He depicts his children playing by the water and captures both the spontaneity of his family along with the constancy of the landscape. Not only was Bostock making a document of the city and its glorious features, but he was, and still is, allowing the viewer front-row access to intimate moments. Guided tour Sunday 27 February, 3 pm Image: Cecil Bostock, Manly Beach opposite Dungowan (Mary, Joyce and Peter), 1927
If jungle vibes while shopping for greenery sounds like your perfect outing, head along to the Jungle Collective's indoor plant sale on Saturday, December 12–Sunday, December 13. It's the latest greenery-filled Sydney market from the Melbourne nursery, which stocks all kinds of weird and wonderful species. Yes, it is trucking its way up north again for another venture — and, after hosting plenty of online-only events this year, this sale is a 100-percent in-person affair. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it here. Have a reputation for killing your cacti? Overwatering your ferns? Don't worry — there'll be horticulturalists on site on the night to give you advice and chat through any questions you might have. Get inspired by greenery aplenty and learn to incorporate plants into your home and living spaces, all while browsing and soaking up some tunes. Jungle Collective is turning this event into a bit of a maze, too, so you'll enter in one spot, wander along a designated path and leave in a completely different area. Best get in quick though — these markets are always popular, with more than 170 different species usually on offer. Due to expected demand, the sale will be held in 30-minute sessions across both days, and attendees will need to register for free tickets in advance from midday on Monday, December 7. Plus, if you wear white — and spend at least $10 — you'll also get $5 off your purchase.
Theatrical masterpiece This Is Our Youth will undergo another celebrity makeover when the play hits the Sydney Opera House this March. Michael Cera will lead the cast in an unconventional departure from his high-profile role in television series Arrested Development and films such as Juno and Superbad. He will be joined by Golden Globe nominee Kieran Culkin and AFI Award winning actress Emily Barclay. Having directed the world premiere of This Is Our Youth in 1996 and sophomore season in 1998, Mark Brokaw returns to the director role in his debut Australian showcase. The script was written by Kenneth Lonergan, who went on to pen Gangs of New York. This Is Our Youth follows a tumultuous day in the lives of three New Yorkers in 1982, and explores their contemplations and sense of confinement in the Big Apple. Painting a bittersweet image of a discontent generation lost in a society undergoing rapid change, the play takes Australian audiences to a time and place that may not be so different from our everyday lives. Although it explores American society in the Reagan-era, the play's sheer bluntness and honesty has garnered worldwide appeal and acclaim. Its popularity with theatre enthusiasts has been reflected in stars such as Matt Damon, Colin Hanks and Jake Gyllenhaal all playing roles in previous seasons. The Australian performance is set to uphold the play's celebrated status. This Is Our Youth will run from March 14-25, 2012 at the Sydney Opera House. Tickets are available from February 10.
Launceston's Cataract Gorge is no stranger to dazzling displays, especially when Mona Foma rolls around. But when the Museum of Old and New Art's (MONA) key summer event returns in January 2022, the natural landmark will host something particularly spectacular: a 2.4-tonne sculpted block of ice that'll hang over the gorge. If you're after jaw-dropping displays that make a statement, THAW by Legs On the Wall is it. When it's dangling between Friday, January 21–Sunday, January 23, it'll task one daring performer with standing atop that big chunk of ice for eight hours a day, all as the frozen block of water melts. The installation comes to Tasmania after hitting up Sydney Festival first, and it's certain to be a stunning sight in both locations. That's not all that Mona Foma has in store for its next fest, with MONA announcing a jam-packed program that'll run in Launceston across those aforementioned dates, and then arrive in Hobart from Friday, January 28–Sunday, January 30 — after the event confirmed back in November that it was definitely going ahead in 2022. On the bill across the whole lineup: lasers, monster trucks, Midnight Oil, sonic sculptures, the return of the festival's beloved morning meditations and more. While Launceston gets ice, Hobart will see lasers blast over the city thanks to Beacon by Robin Fox. Other highlights from the entire two-weekend program include Midnight Oil's shows in both cities, and cement mixers turned into monster trucks that'll rove around the two locales. Also, Kartanya Maynard will collaborate with Vernon Ah Kee on site-specific text and sound installations in each spot, pondering assimilation, displacement and Tasmanian Aboriginal protests. Plus, the Mofo Sessions will host nightly concerts in Launceston's Royal Park and on the Mona Lawns, with Gwenno, Mo'Ju, The Chills, Danny Healy Quartet, DENNI and Jason Whatley Quartet all on the bill. And, if you've ever wanted to see two dancers on a brutalist pile of concrete for more than four hours, that'll be part of Fertile Ground. In Launceston, musicians Karlin Love and Jon Addison will play tunes inspired by Cataract Gorge's ecosystems in the gorge itself; the Midland Highway will host Trawlwoolway artist, writer and curator Julie Gough's The Missing, which muses on the area's colonial history and treatment of Indigenous Australians; video work Pacific Sun by German artist Thomas Demand will take over the National Theatre; and Quandamooka artist Megan Cope will create sonic sculptures out of discarded mining relics, geological samples and piano strings that'll be used in live performances. And, in Hobart, you can also check out AQI2020, which sees New Zealand performance and installation artist Alicia Frankovich turn a transparent sulfur-hazed box into a live show. It'll house performers, mimic the look and atmosphere from Australia's 2019–20 bushfire season and, unsurprisingly, comment on climate change. Or, attendees can also see 70s-era organs rescued from the tip and given a last whirl in DJ TR!P and Scot Cotterell's Organ Donor; check out a huge, loss-inspired, computer-generated work by Albanian artist Anri Sala at Princes Wharf 1; and witness a series of pieces that pay tribute to and farewell Australia's video shops. [caption id="attachment_835603" align="alignnone" width="1920"] THAW. Photo credit: Shane Rozario. Image courtesy of the artists and Mona Foma.[/caption] Top image: Atrium, Alicia Frankovich. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.
It's said that great magicians never reveal their tricks. But hey, it's 2018. The alternative is you find the answer on YouTube and then axe yourself trying to replicate it in the backyard. SydFest is bringing the circus to town over the weekend of January 11, and with its arrival, there's as much opportunity to learn and perform amazing feats as there is to witness them. At Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square, the moon will rise twice in 24 hours — once out of gravitational necessity and once to suspend an aerialist 20 metres above the ground as she spins and twists in the lunar body's orbit during the performance, Heliosphere. For those who fancy a moonwalk for themselves, Sydney Trapeze School will be running flying trapeze classes nearby for $50, as will acrobatics school Aerialize in the courtyard of Riverside Theatre for $10. Circus Comes to Town is part of Sydney Festival's dramatic and diverse 2019 program. Check out the full lineup here.
Ever wanted to enjoy sous vide (meat that's been vacuum-packed and carefully cooked in a water bath) at home? Ribs & Roast is an Australian-owned company, which wholly focuses on pre-cooked restaurant quality sous-vide meats. Rather than being a traditional butcher, they do half the work for you, carefully seasoning and cooking meats for its wholesale customers. Opt for Italian inspired saucy lamb shanks, tender three-bone-in chuck beef ribs or Portuguese-inspired chicken Marylands. Can't decide what to get? There are two pack offerings — a barbecue pack (complete with beef and pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken wings and beef brisket), or the burger pack (with pulled pork and shredded beef).
Hey boy, hey girl — we've got some news. Pioneering electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers is heading Down Under — for its first Aussie tour in six years. Off the back of dropping its ninth studio album No Geography just last month, the pair has just announced it'll be taking a new live show (also called No Geography) around the world this year. Stops include the UK, US and Mexico — and, luckily, also Australia. If you've been lucky enough to catch The Chemical Brothers live before, you'll know its shows aren't your average stand-behind-the-decks-and-play performances. They feature strobe lights, lasers and mind-bending images projected onto huge screens. It's sort of like a trip, without the LSD. If you haven't seen one before, take a peek at one of the psychedelic shows below. As well as new hits off the new No Geography album, including 'Free Yourself' and 'MAH', we're hoping the duo will add some throwbacks to its live performances — the late-90s and early-2000s hits 'Hey Boy, Hey Girl' and 'Galvanize' would be particularly welcome. As an added bonus, the duo will be touring the country with a big-name local: The Avalanches. The Melbourne-born electro group will be playing a live DJ set at all The Chemical Brothers' shows. If you don't know them, you'll definitely know their song 'Since I Left You'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tri7gjlmfdk THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS NO GEOGRAPHY LIVE 2019 DATES Brisbane — Thursday, October 31, Brisbane Riverstage Sydney — Saturday, November 2, The Dome, Sydney Showground Melbourne — Tuesday, November 5, Melbourne Arena The Chemical Brothers No Geography Live pre-sale tickets start at 10am on Tuesday, May 7 with general tickets going on sale at 10am on Thursday, May 9. For more information, and to sign up for pre-sale access, head to the Frontier Touring website.
It was a time where prosperity came crashing to a halt. A period riddled with emergency, panic and political buzzwords. Where the only solution was to spend our way out of trouble. Everybody was to blame. Nobody was to blame. Here it all is, distilled in one hour of performance. Sounds like a hoot! Okay maybe not at first. But take one acclaimed Australian performance group, 60 minutes and then consider the fact that the ladies are: (a) not experts on this subject, and (b) decided not to do any research beforehand. And all of a sudden the Global Financial Crisis is an absolute scream. In a single hour, performance trio post (Zoe Coombs Marr, Mish Grigor and Natalie Rose, who are about to tour this work to the UK) attempt to explain all things GFC. Staged at the recently reopened Giant Dwarf Everything I know about the Global Financial Crisis in One Hour is a bold take on a serious reality and a guaranteed night of hilarity and education. Maybe.
This post is sponsored by our partners, lastminute.com.au. It's hard to fathom how to tackle our nation's biggest state. Flights to Perth are easy enough, but what to do from there? The seemingly uncharted wilderness is huge and menacing, and you don't even remember how to apply mosquito repellant, let alone set up a tent. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Whether you're going for just the weekend or the better part of a month, here's the low-down on everything from swimming with whale sharks to kicking back in a brewery. If you're spending the weekend If you're only around for a couple of days it's going be hard to get too far out of Perth. This is by no means a bad thing though! For great cafes and kindred spirits, check out Leederville, Subiaco or Northbridge, and if ever in doubt, make a beeline straight to Fremantle. While there, you can catch the Fremantle Dockers play a game on home soil, and follow it up with a trip to the Little Creatures Brewery. After you've eased your way into the local custom, your next stop is the beaches. Just a short drive west of the CBD, Cottesloe is one of the best beaches in the entire country — why not take advantage with some swimming or paddle boarding? Once you've lounged around there for awhile, it'll be time to stretch your legs out to Rottnest Island. Bikes are your best bet for getting around, and if you've still got some energy by the end of it all, take advantage of that clear water with some snorkelling. Extending it to a week If you've seen all Perth has to offer and you're curious about the rest, the first pitstop is Exmouth. This place is so surreal you will think the two-hour flight from the city has transported you to an alternate dimension. Fittingly, your first task is to swim with some whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef. This World Heritage Listed marine park stretches over 300 kilometres and is home to more than 500 species of fish, as well as turtles, dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales — most of which you are welcome to swim with. Who knew the sea could be so much better than Seaworld? After Exmouth, we recommend hiring a car and driving to Monkey Mia. It'll take ten hours and there is the option to fly, but again, the coasts of WA are a destination in themselves. The coast at Monkey Mia is particularly excellent because it has the added benefit of being populated by dolphins. Each morning, hundreds of bottlenose dolphins come right up to the shoreline and say hi, and you'll definitely want to be there when they do. Alternatively, if sealife just ain't your thing, head to the Pinnacles — one of the many geographical wonders WA is naturally blessed with. In for the long haul All this is only brushing the surface. If you really want to have the full WA experience, jump in for more than a week. When a state is the size of Queensland and New South Wales combined, you need a bit of time to get your head around it. You'll also need some extra time to venture up to Broome. Here, you'll find a beautiful little community and an endless summer, but more importantly, camel rides on the beach. If that's not dramatic enough, check out the Kimberley — Baz Luhrmann's inspiration for Australia. Get grubby in the outback with a day trip to Karijini National Park, Koolpin Gorge or the Bungle Bungle Range, then balance it out the next day with a sojourn to Margaret River. Known best for its wineries, this south-west gem will have you eating and drinking all day with some of Australia's premier winemakers, and expending your leftover energy with leisurely bike rides. Last, but certainly not least, make time for the sightseeing. Whether it be an amazing natural sediment formation such as Wave Rock, or a city that's a spectacle in itself. The town of Esperance will take you straight along WA’s South Coast Highway — the perfect position for spotting whales and wildflowers, and an opportune place to pop off to the beach and rest your muscles in the sparkling water. This is a holiday after all. Book your next WA escape now at lastminute.com.au.
"I never want a guest to walk away hungry — ample sauce is a must." This is the mantra of chef Hamish Ingham when talking about his new Redfern eatery Redbird. Ingham met his partner in crime Rebecca Lines while they were working at Billy Kwong. After the pair linked up to become a hospitality power couple, opening the likes of Bar H, Banksii and Tequila Daisy, they're now bringing the skills they learnt back in the Crown Street kitchen to their latest opening. Redbird presents simple and fresh takes on classic modern Chinese dishes using local and native ingredients. Sydney rock oysters and steamed ginger Murray cod make an appearance on the menu, alongside sticky caramelised pork belly, prawn toast and stir-fried greens. "I also want them to experience that perfect meeting of salty, sweet and sour that has kept me coming back to this style of cooking for 22 years and counting," says Ingham. The signature dish on the menu is the eponymous Redbird. Which bird is the subject of this dish will change regularly, from chicken to pigeon to duck. What stays the same is poaching the poultry in an aromatic Cantonese red braise. Other highlights on the menu include chilli-spiced lotus root chips, five-spice tofu salad, pork and scallop wontons, and stir-fried beef fillet. For dessert, you can opt for the lighter strawberry and Sichuan sorbet, or double down on the indulgence by ordering the jasmine custard with verjuice caramel — or Sichuan caramel chocolate truffles. There's also a hefty cocktail menu, ranging from the Redfern sour — a mix of Bacardi Blanca, Pernod, osmanthus syrup, mint and lime leaf — through to the jasmine margarita made with Patron Reposado, yuzushu, jasmine syrup, lime, and a smoke and salt bitter. The inviting dining room is defined by exposed brick, recycled timber and terrazzo tiles, while there's a 20-seat al fresco dining area out on Redfern Street providing a perfect people-watching vantage point. Redbird is located at 99 Redfern Street, Redfern — open 12–3.30pm Friday–Sunday for lunch and 5.30pm–late Wednesday–Saturday for dinner.
This Thursday marks the opening of 'Central', the new retail hub at Central Park. To celebrate its first week the area will be abuzz with live entertainment, special events and giveaways. Architecture fans, now’s your chance to explore the new sustainably designed space (and have a squiz at that dizzying vertical garden). The brains behind the ‘living mall’ seem to have thought of everything — from eateries to shops to art spaces. Level 3 features a gallery to showcase local and international artists, a workshop area for visual artists and even a rehearsal space for performers. There’s free Wi-Fi and plenty of outdoor and indoor spaces to set up camp. Pretty cool. Tips for freebie hunters: Glue is giving 20 percent off storewide, and on Thursday from 11am-9pm Guzman y Gomez are serving free burritos. Between 4pm-8pm Thursday to Sunday you can check out live music, dance, contortionists, Harajuku girls (why not) and the FBi chill out lounge on Level 2.
It only takes one perfect record to make a musician a legend. For Ms Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was that album. The American singer and rapper fronted The Fugees before dropping her only solo release. She starred in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit as well. But come 1998, when the record that bears her name hit, it ensured that she'd always be an icon. 2023 marks 25 years since The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill first arrived — and to celebrate, Hill is touring. Down Under, she has locked in three stops, including a stadium show on Thursday, October 5 at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. Home to singles 'Doo Wop (That Thing)', 'Ex-Factor', 'Everything Is Everything', 'Lost Ones' and 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You', The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a smash on the charts, with critics and at the Grammys. It peaked at number two in Australia; has been named in oh-so-many lists of 90s, hip hop and rap records, as well as albums of all time and releases by women; and earned five Grammys from ten nominations. During her tour, Hill will play tracks from her time with The Fugees, too — killing audiences softly with the iconic cover that the band is best known for, plus 'Ready or Not', 'Fu-Gee-La' and more. Top image: Città di Parma via Wikimedia Commons.
The King of Blues is making his long-awaited return to Australia, with his beloved guitar Lucille in hand, for what are bound to be epic performances in Sydney, Melbourne and Byron Bay. B.B. King has defined true blues for the past 60 years, and there seems to be no end in sight to his reign. King bought his first guitar for $15 at age 12, and has since recorded over 75 albums, played over 10,000 concerts and won 15 Grammy Awards. In addition to being ranked #3 on Rolling Stone's '100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time', King was been inducted into some of the most prestigious collections of musical talents, including the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. These and the long list of other achievements he's piled up throughout his career make him nothing short of a living legend. Although he's been recording since the 1940s, B.B. King is now more relevant and adored than ever. The release of his album 'One Kind Favor' in 2008 broke blues boundaries, including covers of songs that influenced King's own blues career and defined the genre as a whole. Lucky for us, the superstar will tear up the stage in Sydney for not one, but two nights to prove why he still reigns as the King of Blues. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4Ny5ajCn0xw
Unless you're lucky enough to live close by, Watsons Bay isn't a stumble-there-by-accident kind of place. You've either made the journey by ferry, bus or car, or you powered here on two legs. However, it's worth the effort. This picturesque suburb is home to harbour beaches, legendary fish and chip shops, wedding venues and a family-friendly park. It's also where you'll find the one-kilometre South Head Heritage Trail, which snakes through national parkland and overlooks the ocean and city. Together with Adidas, we've picked out seven rewarding pit stops to enjoy next time you tackle the South Head Heritage Trail, starting and finishing at Robertson Park. Take a look, then launch the map below to plan your own adventure. [caption id="attachment_805547" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GREEN POINT RESERVE From Robertson Park, stroll along Marine Parade looking out to the city beyond. Follow the path around to Camp Cove and you'll soon find Green Point Reserve. Looking out over Sydney Harbour's glistening blue waters, this small patch of grass is the perfect place to stretch your limbs and take in the view. Take a moment to snap a few photos and relax on the grass as you gaze across the water. In your swimmers? There are secluded swimming spots here if you prefer to take a dip away from the crowded beaches. [caption id="attachment_805549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CAMP COVE Barely a stone's throw away from Green Point Reserve is the harbour-facing Camp Cove Beach. This strip of golden sand is well known for its calm waters and you'll sometimes spot divers entering the water near the kiosk. Nab a spot by the shore for quick access in and out of the water, or set up a brolly for a picnic before tackling the rest of the walk. Rich in history, Camp Cove is believed to be an important fishing location for the Gadigal people before invasion. [caption id="attachment_805662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Yurasek/DPIE[/caption] HISTORICAL CANON After you've brushed off the sand from your swim, follow the trail up the stairs for just 100 metres. Here you'll find a canon. Originally placed to protect the headland from potential attacks, this historic monument has become somewhat of a photo op location for tourists. Take a rest on the sandstone and appreciate the magnificent backdrop. [caption id="attachment_805698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Yurasek/DPIE[/caption] LADY BAY BEACH Continue along the path and you'll soon find Lady Bay Beach, also know as Lady Jane Beach. This small, sheltered beach is a popular nudist spot for (mostly male) locals and tourists. If you didn't pack swimmers and you are open to a nudie swim, take the opportunity to plunge right in. While swimwear is accepted here, it's far from the norm. Be respectful and avoid taking photos. And, as always, slip, slop and slap. [caption id="attachment_805550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] HORNBY KEEPER'S COTTAGE Next stop on the trail is Hornby Lighthouse — the third lighthouse to be built in NSW in 1858 — and the nearby Hornby Keeper's Cottage. Originally built for the lighthouse keeper, of course, this sandstone cottage is a key milestone in the walk. From here you can spend time whale watching in winter, or spotting yachts in the harbour in summer. Swot up on your local history, or use the opportunity to lay down and enjoy South Head's views. From here, turn back around and retrace your steps to Camp Cove. [caption id="attachment_805675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pexels; Min An[/caption] CAMP COVE KIOSK By the time you've made your way back to the beach, you're sure to have worked up an appetite. For a quick refreshment, head to Camp Cove Kiosk for an ice cream, juice or smoothie. Or, if you're feeling a bit more peckish, opt for one of its sandwiches (tuna, brisket, egg and chicken are usually on offer). Breakfast options include avocado and feta on sourdough and healthy brekkie bowls. Take your snacks to the sand as you refuel by the gentle waves. [caption id="attachment_805556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr; Marc Dalmulder[/caption] THE GAP After your feed, take the most direct route along Cliff Street for 650 metres to reach The Gap. The stunning ocean cliff has unique rock platforms and the pounding ocean below. Before colonisation, the area was home to the Birrabirragal people. Today it's a lookout point, but it also has a history of being a place where people have taken their own lives. Local man Don 'Angel of The Gap' Richie was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his prevention of more than 160 deaths at The Gap. Take a moment to remember Don and those who've walked here before us. Then, head back down the steps to Robertson Park to mark the end of your run or walk. Want to extend your day further? Enjoy an afternoon drink at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Sydney. Top image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW
Vivid might have started as a light festival, but it's become so much more. These days, the program ranges from talks to live performances and immersive experiences. And, beyond the official program, venues all over the city are getting on board with Vivid-inspired eats and drinks. One of them is Untied, Barangaroo's original rooftop bar. Throughout the festival, it's serving fairy floss fizz: a glass of sparkling wine topped with a cloud of fairy floss. You have four flavours to choose from: blue raspberry, green sour apple, pink watermelon and purple berry crunch. As soon as the glass lands, you'll want to get your phone out. The floss creates a shimmering, swirling effect that's very much Instagram friendly. Plus, it gives your wine a sweet kick. Glasses of fairy floss fizz are going for $14 each. They're only available from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14. Top and bottom images: Onecut Studios.
The annual festival of lights, art and music has revealed the first three installations in its 2021 program. The three installations include an immersive sound and light display in Cockle Bay, a 3D projection encompassing Circular Quay's Customs House and the projection of an artist's creative process in The Rocks. The announcement came 100 days before Vivid 2021 is set to begin, coinciding with the launch of two luminous clocks counting down to the festival's 'lights on' moment on Friday, August 6. You can visit the clocks which are ticking away at First Fleet Park in The Rocks and Wulugul Walk in Barangaroo. Following a breakout year of immersive walkthrough experiences, Sydneysiders will be able to head to Cockle Bay and wander across a floating walkway surrounded by 200 bubble-like spheres and towering structures scattered across the bay. The installation, titled Ephemeral, is the work of Sydney design studio Atelier Sisu and will be the first time Cockle Bay's waters have been incorporated into Vivid. [caption id="attachment_809931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ephemeral, Destination NSW[/caption] Hong Kong's Treacle Media are responsible for Circular Quay's VORAX, a three-dimensional projection that will tell the story of a mischievous thief's rise to greatness in front of Customs House. Down the road in The Rocks, local artist Brad Robson and Esem Projects will project Robson's spellbinding portraits, as well as his process of creating them for the installation Point of View. "Vivid Sydney is a bright star on Sydney's events calendar supporting the entire ecosystem of the state's visitor economy," NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney said. "It brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and inspires locals to get out and enjoy Sydney and support our CBD businesses during winter which is typically a quieter period." Vivid will activate a little later than usual this year with the event tipped to run from Friday, August 6 until Saturday, August 28. It follows the cancellation of the 2020 event due to coronavirus. This year's full program is set to be announced in late May. Vivid Sydney 2021 will take place from August 6–28, 2021. We'll update you when the full program is released closer to the event date. For more information in the interim, visit the event's website. Top images: Destination NSW
Pull out your loose change stash and check under the couch, because one of Sydney's favourite dumpling spots is serving up an impressive weekly deal. Every Monday, Harajuku Gyoza is slinging gyoza for $1 a piece. Head on at any time of the day and bring your appetite — and all the gold coins you can find. Customers can choose any kind of gyoza on the menu, other than open pork gyoza or Harajuku Gyoza's limited edition gyoza. And, you can order them in $5 plates of five, with one type of gyoza per plate. There is a limit of four plates per person; however that covers 20 dumplings, so you won't leave hungry. There is another catch — punters must download the Harajuku Gyoza app and present the promotional tile in the app to a staff member when you place your order to access the $1 dumpling extravaganza. Bookings are recommended, because everyone loves cheap gyoza — or, if you prefer, you can order to takeaway as well. [caption id="attachment_775115" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Harajuku Gyoza[/caption] Harajuku Gyoza's $1 dumpling deal is available every Monday until Monday, November 30 — at its Darling Harbour venue.
Australia's festival scene is undoubtedly on the comeback trail, with Rolling Loud having just announced its return to our shores the first time since 2019. Set to shake the eardrums of hip hop fans in Sydney and Melbourne, this one-day experience is building the hype by revealing the 2026 headline act is trap and pop-rap superstar, Gunna. Performing exclusively at both stops of Rolling Loud Australia, the Atlanta-based rapper will be joined by a host of crowd-pleasing international artists and up-and-coming local names. With the rest of the lineup set to be announced in the coming weeks, motor-mouthed music lovers can expect the festival to feature epic performances and captivating on-site experiences. "We're thrilled to finally bring Rolling Loud back to Australia," say Rolling Loud Co-Founders Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif. "The energy from Sydney in 2019 was unforgettable, and this time we're expanding that experience with shows in both Sydney and Melbourne." Fortunately, you won't have to wait long to vibe out to your favourite artists, with Rolling Loud Australia touching down at Sydney's Centennial Park on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Then, the festival keeps the party going by heading to Melbourne for the first time, taking over Flemington Racecourse on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Since its Australian debut over five years ago, Rolling Loud has embarked on global expansion, bringing the world's largest hip hop festival to massive crowds in almost every corner around the world. Before touching back down in Australia, the festival is travelling to India for its inaugural edition, with Central Cee, Wiz Khalifa, Don Toliver, Westside Gunn and more whipping crowds up into a frenzy. "Australia has always shown real love for Rolling Loud, and we can't wait to deliver something special for the fans Down Under," say Zingler and Cherif. Rolling Loud Australia is happening on March 7, 2026 at Sydney's Centennial Park, and Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse. Head to the website for more information.
First, To All The Boys I've Loved Before was a book series, initially hitting stores back in 2014. Then, Jenny Han's trio of books — which also spans 2015's P.S. I Still Love You and 2017's Always and Forever, Lara Jean — made the leap to Netflix via a trilogy of movies. By now, though, we all know that the streaming platform doesn't part quickly with anything that gets eyeballs staring its way in a big way, which is where ten-episode spinoff series XO, Kitty will come in from Thursday, May 18. What happens after novels, films and a TV show? To celebrate the latter, Sydney is getting a one-day-only XO, Kitty pop-up cafe. At 30 Kensington Street in Chippendale on the series' launch day, a Korean dessert bar will make itself at home from 11am, handing out free sweet treats to everyone who drops in. Icyland and Siroo Rice Cake Cafe will be providing the bites and sips — including Korean rice cakes in strawberry mochi, chocolate rice muffin, white bean, strawberry and sweet potato flavours; strawberry and peach bingsu; and iced tea. It's a while-stocks-last affair, and there'll also be cherry blossoms decorating the place if you're keen on an Instagram-friendly backdrop for a commemorative snap. Wondering how it all ties into XO, Kitty? The series sees its teen matchmaker namesake (Anna Cathcart, Odd Squad) visit Korea to learn about her heritage and reunite with her long-distance boyfriend. Images: Scott Ehler.
It's happened to all of us. Your favourite band is in town and tickets are $50. Easy. Done deal. You see the tour announcement, log onto Ticketmaster or Ticketek and begin the transaction. But then, they start casually bringing up other fees. Oh, you want to book the ticket, that'll be an extra $5. Pay with a credit card? $2. Mail it, print it or pick it up at the venue? Each will cost you. By the end of the process your bargain price can end up looking pretty awful. Now, following an investigation led by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), these two ticketing companies will be forced to stop being so sneaky. This process, known as 'drip pricing', will be stopped and all compulsory fees will now be included in the up-front price. Both Ticketek and Ticketmaster will include the payment processing fee in the advertised cost, and Ticketek will also add the service/delivery fee as soon as you select the number of tickets. Admittedly, it's not a huge win for music fans. You're still paying these ridiculous arbitrary fees, but at least you'll know about it upfront. There's nothing worse than grabbing tickets to an event that's selling out and being gouged by mounting fees. Just look at this year's Splendour ticketing hack: even when the price climbed into the thousands people felt pressured to buy. "Although the law does not prevent traders from charging fees, it does require that they are disclosed clearly to avoid consumers being misled," said ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard. "The steps taken by these ticketing companies should give consumers more clarity upfront about the total cost of buying tickets for entertainment events." Two enthusiastic thumbs up. Next on the agenda: airlines. The ACCC have also launched a similar investigation into Jetstar and Virgin that will hopefully put an end to their extra booking and servicing fees. We can deal with buying our own sandwiches on board, but when you try to sneakily charge us $10 for picking a special seat, you've gone too far.
On a stage or screen somewhere, the Jets and the Sharks are usually facing off — or, given how popular that West Side Story has proven for almost seven decades now, that's how it feels at least. The famous musical last popped up in cinemas in Australia thanks to Steven Spielberg. Next, it'll tread the boards again courtesy of Opera Australia. And, when it returns in 2024, it'll do so in spectacular surroundings. Sydney Harbour is set to experience a taste of Broadway magic circa 1957, with Handa Opera's famed floating stage playing host to legendary show — again. West Side Story returns to the yearly event after doing the honours in 2019 and proving a smash, unsurprisingly. Over 65,000 tickets were snapped up, making it the most-popular of Handa Opera's productions to-date. In 2024, the musical will light up the unique waterfront opera venue from Friday, March 22–Sunday, April 21, again reimagining the classic tale of star-crossed lovers in 50s-era New York City. If you've missed past versions — film, opera or otherwise — West Side Story tells the tale of two rival West Side gangs, plus the drama that ensues when people from each side fall in love. Acclaimed director Francesca Zambello, along with Brian Thomson and Jennifer Irwin, created this new take on the original Broadway favourite — following on from famed musical figures Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents, who originally did the honours in the 50s. And yes, the story is basically William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but revamped and transferred to the Big Apple. Sydneysiders and visitors alike will get to see the captivating production brought to life under the stars, from harbourside seats at Mrs Macquaries Point, while bopping along to all of the musical's iconic hit songs — 'I Feel Pretty', 'Maria', 'Somewhere', 'America', 'Cool' and, of course, 'Tonight'. Also included in this West Side Story experience: not just the show on the overwater stage, but also fireworks each evening, dazzling Sydney skyline views and hitting up pop-up dining spots that are constructed onsite each year. "West Side Story is a theatrical phenomenon, as is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. This combination has proved winning before and we highly anticipate that it will again," said Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan, announcing the 2024 season. West Side Story at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will run from Friday, March 22–Sunday, April 21, 2024 — with tickets via Opera Australia subscription packages available from Thursday, September 28 and general tickets from Thursday, October 5. Images: Opera Australia's 2019 cast of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour.
Unsurprisingly, Paul Feig has had Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' stuck in his head for some time. Given that the Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters and A Simple Favour director's latest film is a festive rom-com based on the well-known 1980s hit, and uses 14 other songs by the late, great George Michael, that comes with the territory. "It never goes away — but in a great way," he explains. Feig isn't complaining. "The funny thing is that, when you're working on a Christmas movie, your entire year is Christmas," he says. "So, in the middle of May, when you're singing 'Last Christmas' while you're walking down the street, you're like, 'this is weird'. But now it all comes full circle and you're like, 'I'm all set!'." Starring Emilia Clarke as down-on-her-luck Londoner Kate, and Henry Golding as the handsome stranger who turns her life upside down — again, in a good way — Last Christmas isn't Feig's first Yuletide-themed movie. That honour goes to 2006's Unaccompanied Minors, although considering the higher-profile titles on his resume (he created cult TV series Freaks and Geeks, featured on-screen in the 90s version of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and also helmed The Heat and Spy), it's hardly his calling card. Indeed, based on his past experience on that feature, he didn't particularly want to make another Christmas movie. But Feig is a seasonal film fan. His favourite picture of all time: It's A Wonderful Life. Guided by his background in the genre, his love of watching Christmas movies himself, and a witty script co-penned by Emma Thompson (after he almost directed her in Late Night), Last Christmas is his attempt to add a new perennial go-to to everyone's end-of-year viewing lists. With recently Feig visiting Australia to promote the release of the movie, we chatted with the filmmaker about all things festive on-screen, creating a "warm hug" of a movie and championing funny women — among other topics. ON RETURNING TO THE CHRISTMAS GENRE "It was really Emma Thompson's script. Honestly, I didn't want to do another Christmas movie — and she said, 'oh I've got this script together, you should read it and we should do it'. And I was like, 'oh how exciting, it's Emma Thompson'. And then you open it up and it says Last Christmas and you're like, 'oh no, it's a Christmas movie'. But it was so good. My favourite movie in the world is It's A Wonderful Life, and to me, this had elements of that. It had elements of just every rom-com I've ever loved, too. And also it had this great lead character in Kate, who's this very challenging woman who is not behaving the way that women are normally meant to act in these movies. And Emma's writing was so smart and so honest about this woman that I couldn't not do it." ON THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A CHRISTMAS MOVIE "[On Unaccompanied Minors] I learned that a Christmas movie needs to have a lot of layers. It needs to really have emotion — and characters that people relate to, and feel that the kind of issues that come around Christmas sort are filtering through them. Those layers are what gives you depth and reality. Here, Last Christmas is not only about a women surviving a catastrophic illness, but it's also an immigrant story. And that really appealed to me — this displaced family who were doing well in their country and, because of a war, had to flee, and now they've ended up in this big city where they can't do what they normally did, and how they're all damaged by that. None of us set out to make a political movie, but at the same time, if you're going to make a film about an immigrant family in London in 2017, they are going to be affected by Brexit. It's going to affect their psyche. I really liked that that layer was in there, but not in a way of just being preachy or being anti-anything — just saying 'look, these are the consequences of how people feel because of these things'." ON TRYING TO MAKE A FILM THAT VIEWERS WILL REVISIT EVERY YEAR "You definitely think about it. It's funny — when I made Unaccompanied Minors, I'd never made a Christmas movie before. So you kind of go is 'well, the great thing about this is it's going to be a movie that people are going to watch every year, and it's going to become a favourite, a perennial!'. And then you find out that that's not true. There are a tonne of Christmas movies, and a lot of them are very forgettable. A lot of them just sort of disappear and don't make that once-a-year list. If you look at that list, it's incredibly small. So I just realised that you can't take it for granted, and you just really have to make the best movie you can. Again, it's all about the characters and story. That's the only reason that any movie works. But you also make it, as Emma calls this movie, 'a warm hug' — that, visually, it's got this beauty of Christmas to it, and it's got this happy, lovely glow. I wanted to make Last Christmas something you'd want to revisit, hopefully not just at Christmas time, but definitely when Christmas rolls around — to make it one of these things that you have warm memories about and makes you feel good. Because no Christmas movie doesn't make you feel good at the end. Maybe Black Christmas or some horror movie. Even then, I think probably the protagonist wins and defeats evil. I remember when I first saw It's A Wonderful Life in film school — and saying that if I could make a movie that makes me feel the way that I do at the end of that movie, if I could do that on my own, then I would be very happy. I definitely feel like, for me, our movie gives you that same world of feeling." ON THE CHRISTMAS MOVIES HE REVISITS AGAIN AND AGAIN "Love Actually is such a great one, because it's so uplifting. I love watching that because I can never get over what a master feat Richard Curtis did juggling all those stories in a way that you follow them all and care about them all — that's the hardest thing in the world. But then, I like Die Hard. I think that's a great Christmas movie. I know there's a lot of controversy — people say it's not a Christmas movie, but I'm on the 'it's a Christmas movie' side. And it ends with 'Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!'!" ON CHAMPIONING WOMEN IN COMEDY — AND WEATHERING THE DEBATE SURROUNDING GHOSTBUSTERS "It just shows you how ridiculous and how behind the times Hollywood has been for so long — the fact that we're still arguing that. Especially about should women be in certain franchises or roles and all that kind of thing. But the most onerous part is just the 'are women funny or not?' question. You just have to scratch your head and go 'what year are we in? Is it 100 years in the past? Have I stumbled into a time machine or something?'. It's not even a valid question, but people still seem to bring it up. How many times can we disprove it? How many hilarious women can there be before people wake up. But I think it's the same thing as, when I talk to people and they go, 'oh, the food in London is terrible'. And I say, 'when was the last time you were in London?'. And they go, 'well 20 years ago'. That's the dumbest thing. You're just saying some stupid thing and passing along some trope that you heard somebody else say, and it doesn't even make any sense. So yeah, it's crazy." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co5jWMYsr34 Last Christmas is now screening in Australian cinemas — read our full review.
Every Easter long weekend for 29 years, Bluesfest has descended on Byron Bay for five days of blues and roots. But this year, the acclaimed festival's 30th anniversary, may be its last in the Northern Rivers location. In a scathing letter addressed to the NSW Government, Festival Director Peter Noble has revealed that Bluesfest might leave the state because of the government's strict new policies on music festivals. "I am saying now, Bluesfest will leave NSW. We have no choice it's a matter of survival," the letter, originally published on The Industry Observer, said. "Will the last festival to leave NSW please turn out the light of culture in this soon to be barren state?" You can read the full open letter, which was shared with Concrete Playground, below. Noble described the new policies — which include a strict new licensing regime — as "poorly thought-out", "unbalanced" and "the Lockout Laws Version Two for festivals", highlighting that the State Government had neglected to fully consult those in the industry. He also revealed that the 30-year-old festival is having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with recently implemented policies. Bluesfest, if relocated, will be just the latest casualty of the NSW Government's new policies, with both the Mountain Sounds and Psyfari teams cancelling their 2019 festivals in the last seven days, stating "the government's war on festivals", particularly "newly imposed safety, licensing and security costs", as reasons. Both said they were also required to spend thousands of dollars to comply with the new policies, but were unable to do so at such short notice. The new music festival licensing regime follows advice from the government's expert panel on music festival safety, which was assembled in September after two young people died of suspected drug overdoses at Defqon 1. Since then, three more young people have died from suspected drug overdoses at NSW festivals. The NSW Government is continuing to ignore increased calls for pill-testing as a harm-minimisation technique at festivals. Read Peter Noble's full letter below. Letter from Peter Noble OAM, Bluesfest Festival Director re NSW Government's policy changes to festivals in the State: Bluesfest may well be celebrating our last festival in NSW, should the sitting NSW Government proceed with its plans for its policies. Even though we are Australia's most highly-awarded festival both nationally and internationally – having won Best Major Event at the NSW Tourism Awards three years in a row; and in representing NSW we came in second in the Australian Tourism Awards (beating Victoria's F1 Grand Prix) – we have been designated a 'high risk event'. This will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with a policy where we and every other event in this State have had zero opportunity to have any consultation or input into a policy where we will need to spend significantly more money to put on the event this year with zero notice. The policy will see our full-strength liquor approval denied, while a myriad of other costs may be levied costing us hundreds of thousands of dollars. The NSW police regularly state that our policies are those of an industry leader in the supply of alcohol, field hospital, and crowd security and care. But, due to headlines in the media, our 30-year-old professional business is to be seriously damaged in a new policy imposed regarding festival presentation by a government who has rushed the judgement of our industry without full consultation of stake holders, or meetings with entertainment industry professionals. I charge the Government with a systemic failure in fairness here and implore all politicians from all parties to quickly become involved with what is a serious injustice. We, like most events in this State, supply a significant level of culture – we don't receive a cent from government even though we cause thousands of people to be employed – and bring tens of millions of dollars into NSW through Tourism. In the recent study done by the NSW government into the arts, it was found NSW is significantly behind Victoria and Queensland. I ask the Premier, the Minister for the Arts, Tourism and Major Events and EVERY sitting politician: WHY? Why do you seem to be hell-bent on destroying our industry? We provide culture to the people of this state, and Australia, through our good works. Most festivals haven't had drug deaths and contribute greatly to our society through presenting well-run, professional, world-class events. Why have we been given zero recognition in this government's actions? It seems the new policies are poorly thought-out and through their implementation will decimate our industry, should our government not see good sense. Will the last festival to leave NSW please turn out the light of culture in this soon to be barren state? I have in my 50 years in presenting music NEVER EXPERIENCED such poorly thought out, unbalanced legislation. Surely a professional governing body could do better. It's the Lockout Laws Version two for festivals. This is NOT a vote winner in the upcoming election. Thank you, Peter Noble OAM Presenter, Bluesfest and the Boomerang Indigenous Festival Bluesfest 2019 is scheduled to run from April 18 to April 22 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Joseph Mayers.
