If you haven't eaten a hopper, you need to rectify that immediately. A type of bowl-shaped pancake made with rice and coconut milk and traditionally filled with an egg and other toppings, the Sri Lankan street delicacy has been labelled the next big thing in food. And with good reason — these things are bloody delicious. Now, after a successful pop-up last year, food precinct Tramsheds is getting its very own eatery dedicated to the humble hopper. Opening today — Friday, February 10 — Hopper Kadé is a new eatery from Ruvanie de Zoyza, who over the past ten months has been selling her hoppers at markets around town. "We are thrilled Sydneysiders love hoppers as much as we do," de Zoyza said. "Now that we will be serving them regularly from our permanent home, we are hoping to satisfy the demand." The menu at Hopper Kadé features three different types of hoppers: a white hopper made with white rice and coconut milk, a red hopper made with fermented red rice and coconut milk, and a string hopper, which is made with steamed white rice noodles. As for toppings, you can choose from a number of variants both savoury and sweet. The Ozzie comes with caramelised salted bacon, tomato relish and a free-range egg, while the crispy chicken option includes fried chicken, egg and a spicy date and tamarind sauce. The Naana-Tella, meanwhile, is piled high with banana and drizzled with Nutella. Alternatively, customers can build their own from scratch, with additions ranging from marinated beef to seasonal fruit to spicy yoghurt and green pepper mayo. Hopper Kadé is open 9am till 9pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Artist Lane at Tramsheds, 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge. For more information, visit www.hopperkade.com.au.
When two locally acquired cases of COVID-19 were identified in Sydney late last week, involving a man in his 50s and his wife, the New South Wales Government reimplemented a number of restrictions in the Greater Sydney region. In effect since 5pm, Thursday, May 6, the current rules regarding at-home gatherings, singing and dancing indoors, standing up to have a drink and wearing masks were due to end at 12.01am tomorrow, Monday, May 10 — however, they'll now remain in place for another week. Announced this morning, Sunday, May 9, by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the restrictions continue to apply to the Greater Sydney area, which includes the Central Coast, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and the region down to Illawarra. They'll now be extended until 12.01am on Monday, May 17. If you need a refresher, a 20-person cap is in place for gatherings in homes in Greater Sydney — and that includes children. Outside of the house, drinking while standing up is no longer allowed at pubs, clubs, restaurants and the like, and neither is dancing or singing at indoor venues. At weddings, dance floors can still operate, but they can only accommodate 20 people at once. https://twitter.com/GladysB/status/1391198751369228289 Masks will continue to be mandatory in some situations, but the rules are being tweaked slightly there. They're no longer required in retail or hospitality situations — unless you're a customer-facing staff member, or you're in the gaming area. Covering your face remains compulsory on public transport, though, and at public indoor venues such as theatres, hospitals and aged care facilities. The restrictions are being kept back in place after the two new NSW cases occurred in people who haven't been overseas recently, and don't work in hotel quarantine, border or health roles. Last week, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said that the sequence from the new case matches a case in a returned overseas traveller, but NSW Health hasn't been able to directly connect the two people as yet. That remains the same today, which is why restrictions are being extended. In a tweet, Premier Berejiklian explained that "as the 'missing link' case hasn't been identified, we're keen to prevent a super-spreading event". Sydneysiders are also asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited over the past week — and, if you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, to follow the instructions regarding testing and self-isolating. In terms of symptoms, you should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste — and getting tested at a clinic if you have any. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
A glass of wine can have 27 different acids, 23 kinds of alcohol, 16 types of sugar, 80 esters and aldehydes and a crapload of minerals and vitamins. What does that mean? For a drink made solely by fermenting grape juice, wine is incredibly complicated. Many of us don't know a $400 bottle of jammy oaked Red from a cocktail of goony nail polish. Looking at a menu with 400 options can be quite embarrassing sometimes. The Keystone Group wants to help us out. They've launched a new 'wine school' headed by award-winning sommelier Sarah Limacher. The classes held at The Winery teach the basics of wine tasting, wine matching and how to order a wine that you'll like. Sarah says the classes are unpretentious and ultimately she just wants everyone to have a good time. The $25 classes come with ten wine tastings and food, so that’s highly likely. School's on at 6.30pm on the last Tuesday of the month.
Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Thankfully, the good folks over at the Sydney Comedy Festival agree wholeheartedly and are back again to ensure we don’t waste the 27 days spanning April 20 to May 17. Returning for its 11th year to venues across the city, the festival brings a chock-a-block comedy calendar catering to all comedyphiles. From side-splitting stand-up to sit-down storytelling, sketch shows and improv, they’ve covered the entire comedy spectrum. While there are a stack of stellar shows — including the always popular Gala and Cracker nights — we’ve narrowed it down to ten you can’t afford to miss if you don’t want a wasted day. Check out our top ten shows to see at the Sydney Comedy Festival.
In attempting to engage the lucrative teenage market, a film could do worse than conclude its opening monologue with the line, "Everybody knows where they belong... except me". "Oh my god," say those teenagers, "that's basically what I think! I need to get all my friends and see this movie eighteen more times!" There's a reason more than 17 million copies of the novel by Veronica Roth are in print worldwide with no signs of slowing down. Sure, there's the plot about a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world in need of courageous teenagers to save humanity, but at its heart, Divergent remains a simple story about teenage isolation and the possibility that a cute boy might actually like you. Set 'after the war' (that's as much detail as we're given), the survivors of this Chicago 2.0 have instituted a new form of social order to ensure the sustained peace. The community is divided into five factions: carers, pacifists, protectors, thinkers and truth-speakers. When the teenagers come of age, they're subjected to a series of tests to determine their factional predisposition, and while 99 percent of them fall clearly into one group or another, every so often a 'divergent' individual comes along whose skills and feelings cross into multiple factions. A simple but boring version of this idea would be: In a world of left-handers and right-handers, some people are ambidextrous. And then those ambidextrous people are hunted down and murdered. The problem with divergents, you see, is that they can't be controlled. They're a threat to the system because they don't play by the rules. So now, in addition to cute boys and isolation, there's a heady dose of 'screw you mum — you can't tell me what to do!' The divergent in this instance is 15-year-old Beatrice (Shailene Woodley), a daughter of two 'Abnegation' parents who dreams of being one of the 'Dauntless' caste, the fearless (if also reckless) group charged with maintaining order in the city. But some, like Erudite leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet), believe the system is broken, and as the balance of power begins to shift with dictatorial-like qualities, 'Tris' finds herself having to choose between faction and family. Woodley is the standout in Divergent; an undeniably talented young actress whose performances since The Descendants have shown both range and maturity beyond her years. She commands attention in every scene and convinces as the conflicted heroine who prefers not to pull the trigger but can and will without hesitation if necessary. Around her is a substantial supporting cast, including Ashley Judd, Jai Courtney and Zoe Kravitz, with Theo James as her sufficiently attractive and brooding love interest, Four. In the end it's all very Hunger Games Lite, mixed in with a bit of Brave New World for good measure. With much of the film centred around Tris's training instead of any actual conflict, it suffers from a lag that struggles to shake free until well into the second hour, by which time what action there is feels rushed and unsubstantiated. Fans of the books will be happy, especially given the film's fidelity to the material; however, newcomers may struggle to get on board. https://youtube.com/watch?v=336qJITnDi0
Looks like a few Black Keys-lovin' Bluesfest ticketholders will be reconsidering their Easter long weekend plans, The Black Keys have cancelled all Asia Pacific shows due to injury. Drummer Patrick Carney has sustained a serious shoulder injury, so the duo have cancelled all forthcoming concerts in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, part of their Turn Blue world tour, cancelled up until April 23. "We are very sorry to have to cancel our upcoming performances through April 23," the band said in an official statement. "Patrick sustained a dislocated and broken shoulder in January that required surgery. Working with the doctors, surgeons and physiotherapists since January, we had expected Patrick to be ready to return to touring in April. The recovery process and physical therapy has taken longer than anticipated and unfortunately Patrick is still unable to perform and needs additional time to heal. We thank all of our fans for their ongoing support and we look forward to getting back on the road as soon as possible.” "We were incredibly excited about the shows that were about to happen but there is no way around cancelling the tour with the extent of Pat’s injury," said Brian Taranto from Love Police Touring. "You just can’t have The Black Keys with no drums. We sincerely apologise for the hassle this cancellation will cause fans.” The cancellation isn't good news for Bluesfest in particular, coming just weeks after headliner Lenny Kravitz also pulled out of Bluesfest and his Australian shows due to conflicting touring commitments. All tickets (outside of Bluesfest Byron Bay) will be refunded — wherever you bought them from. Rescheduling ain't happening. For Bluesfest refund policies, visit bluesfest.com.au. CANCELLED TOUR DATES April 2 Riverstage - Brisbane, Australia April 3 Bluesfest - Byron Bay, Australia April 5 Rolling Green - Rochford Wines Yarra Valley, Australia April 7 Margaret Court Arena - Melbourne, Australia April 10 Qantas Credit Union Arena - Sydney, Australia April 11 Rolling Green - Bimbadgen Winery Hunter Valley, Australia April 14 Red Hill Auditorium - Perth, Australia April 16 Entertainment Centre Theatre - Adelaide, Australia April 18 Horncastle Arena - Christchurch, New Zealand April 19 Vector Arena - Auckland, New Zealand April 22 Studio Coast - Tokyo, Japan April 23 Studio Coast - Tokyo, Japan
Just this morning, Nike announced to the world that it had terminated its sponsorship agreement with boxer Manny Pacquiao on account of his offensive views towards same sex couples. It’s a timely reminder of the lengths to which corporations will go in order to protect their brand, even if it means dropping one of the biggest and most successful names on their books. The most powerful companies in the world understand that such power exists only insofar as the public continues to allow it, for without their buying power, these companies are nothing. The most famous and certainly most destructive example of this approach took place in the 1950s, when Hollywood’s major motion picture studios agreed to blacklist a group of their most successful screenwriters on account of their affiliation with the communist party. No crimes were committed, no treason alleged, yet these men were suddenly denied any ability to work in the industry to which they’d dedicated their lives and provided so many financial and critical accolades. Families struggled, many crumbled, and some of the blacklisted even died. And all of it because a few powerful conservatives including John Wayne and gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (played here by Helen Mirren) deigned to call them ‘un-American’. The best known of the so-called Hollywood Ten was screenwriting legend Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston), the highest paid writer in town and the scribe behind such hits as Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo and Kitty Foyle. When he refused to comply with the infamous hearings of the House Un-American Activities Committee, Trumbo was immediately blacklisted and imprisoned, and soon realised the only way he’d be able to continue working was to write B-movies for a pittance under an assumed name. So began an extraordinary period in Hollywood’s history that ultimately resulted in not one, but two Academy Awards going to entirely fictitious writers. It's a story so fantastic it would seem to surpass the imagination of even the likes of Trumbo. Perhaps that explains why Trumbo the film falls somewhat short of the mark. A movie that not just centres on an extraordinarily gifted screenwriter, but also includes multiple excerpts of his craft, inherently sets up an unavoidable comparison with its own writers’ work, and the contrast is at times pronounced. The film’s tone, too, frequently errs on the whimsical despite its subject matter representing an incredibly dark and shameful period in America’s history. The scenes where its actors pay proper deference to this are by far the strongest – although the most moving scene of all takes place in the credits, when the real-life Trumbo pays tribute to his stoic daughter Nikola (Elle Fanning). Despite these issues, Trumbo tells a compelling tale. Led by a remarkable performance from Cranston, the extensive cast breathes much life into the story – and while it feels insufficiently told, the portrait of the man at its centre remains a moving one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gryhSJxx7I
Can't be stuffed hitting the kitchen on Christmas Day? Or maybe you're hunting a spot to enjoy some post-lunch cocktails with the crew? Luckily Sydney's got no shortage of cafes, restaurants and bars that are dishing up the goods, even on December 25. Here are a few spots that are open and ready to whet your whistle and fill your belly on Christmas Day, 2021. [caption id="attachment_700692" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Neptunes[/caption] EATS Above Par, Sydney: 5.30–10pm Anason, CBD: midday–10pm Bake Bar, Randwick: 6am–5pm Bathers' Pavilion, Balmoral: 8am–5.30pm Black Bar and Grill, Pyrmont: midday–3pm and 5.30–10.30pm Botswana Butchery, CBD: midday–5pm Cucino Porto, Pyrmont: 5-9.30pm El Camino, Manly: midday–9pm El Jannah, Various Sydney Locations, : 11am–11pm Fratelli Fresh, Manly, Entertainment Quarter and Darling Harbour: 11am–3pm Flying Fish, Pyrmont: 5-10.15pm Harbord Hotel, Freshwater: 7am–late Harbourside Seafood Restaurant, The Rocks: midday–4pm Il Pontile, Woolloomooloo: midday–3.30pm and 6–10pm Infinity at Sydney Tower, Sydney: midday–2pm and 6pm-late Neptunes, Brighton-Le-Sands: 7am-11pm Otto Sydney, Woolloomooloo: 11.30pm–2pm Quay Restaurant, The Rocks: midday–1.30pm Sokyo, Pyrmont: midday–2.30pm and 5.30–9.45pm Tayim, The Rocks: midday–3pm [caption id="attachment_780053" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Esteban La Tessa[/caption] DRINKS Bar Tikram, Pyrmont: 4pm–late Continental Deli Bar Bistro, Newtown: midday–4pm Customs House Bar, Circular Quay: midday–8pm Munich Brauhaus, The Rocks: midday–4pm Willie the Boatman, St Peters: midday-6pm The Winery, Surry Hills: midday–3pm
As happens every year, more than a few Australian films will reach local screens in 2021. Some have already proven exceptional, others have earned the exact opposite description, and more flicks to come will fall into both camps. But great, average and terrible movies alike, no homegrown title that hits cinemas and/or streaming this year will garner as much attention as Nitram. It's the first Aussie feature to play in the Cannes Film Festival's coveted competition in a decade, it's one of the big local premieres at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, and it's headed to Australian cinemas and then Stan after that. Read the movie's moniker backwards, however, and you'll see why it has already attracted controversy. Reuniting Snowtown and True Story of the Kelly Gang filmmaker Justin Kurzel with screenwriter Shaun Grant, who penned both movies, Nitram steps through the lead up to the events in Port Arthur 25 years ago. Caleb Landry Jones (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) plays the eponymous figure, who lives with his mother (Judy Davis, The Dressmaker) and father (Anthony LaPaglia, Below), and finds a friend in a reclusive heiress named Helen (Essie Davis, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears). Of course, while the film isn't specifically about the tragedy of April 28 and 29, 1996 — promotional materials stress that it's about the time leading up to those dates — every Australian knows where the story goes from there. Before anyone has seen the feature, Nitram has already sparked debate about whether any film should explore this traumatic chapter of Australia's past. Thanks to their last two collaborations, Kurzel and Grant have an impressive history when it comes to tackling the nation's darker and thornier moments, however — and if Snowtown especially is any guide, the result will be difficult but must-see viewing. From the just-dropped first trailer, too, audiences look set for a haunting movie. In response to the conversation already surrounding the film, the filmmakers have advised that "Nitram was written as a response to the proliferation of regular mass shootings across the world and is an exploration of the issues and events that led to this atrocity, rather than a re-enactment of it, to bring the gun control debate to the fore and to try to ensure history does not repeat itself." Check out the trailer below: Nitram will have its Australian premiere at the 2021 Melbourne International Film Festival, and will release in local cinemas afterwards — and stream via Stan — with exact dates yet to be announced.
It's mid-August, so you should probably start getting your New Year's Eve plans in order. Victorian NYE festival Beyond the Valley has just announced the lineup for their celebrated four-day festival in Lardner, Victoria and it's pretty bloody good, so could be a solid option. Just four festivals old, the Victorian festival is still pretty fresh on the New Year's circuit, starting out in 2014. Despite this, they've managed to secure a rather colossal lineup, featuring charismatic rap headliner Schoolboy Q, Sydney electro legends The Presets, falsetto-flaunting folk favourite Matt Corby, UK grime gem Stormzy, East London 'wonky funk' singer Nao and 21-year-old Channel Islands-born producer Mura Masa. Beyond the Valley takes over Lardner Park, Warragul, Victoria from December 28 to January 1. Anyway, here's what you came for. BEYOND THE VALLEY 2017 LINEUP: Schoolboy Q The Presets Matt Corby Stormzy Mura Masa Stephan Bodzin (live) Little Dragon 2MNANY DJs (DJ Set) Adana Twins Âme (live) Amy Shark Andhim The Belligerents B.Traits Crooked Colours Cub Sport Cut Copy Dean Lewis DMAs Dom Dolla FKJ GL George Maple Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda Hayden James Hot Dub Time Machine Ivan Ooze Jack River Lastlings Late Nite Tuff Guy Marek Hemmann Meg Mac NAO Patrick Topping Pleasurekraft The Preatures Princess Nokia Ruby Fields Sampa The Great San Cisco Skegss Beyond the Valley is happening December 28 to January 1 at Lardner Park, Warragul, Victoria. Presale tickets on sale Wednesday, August 16, with general tickets on sale Thursday. August 24, from www.beyondthevalley.com.au. Images: Beyond the Valley.
In 1961, Hannah Arendt (Barbara Sukowa) was one of the world's leading academic writers and thinkers, a rock star figure at the university she taught and a fiery leading light amongst the Manhattan intelligentsia. Having escaped from her native Germany as the persecution of Jewish people began though, the spectre of the Holocaust was never far from her thoughts. An opportunity to return to her homeland arises when the New Yorker commissions her to travel to Germany and cover the trial of Adolf Eichmann. Known as the 'architect of the Holocaust', Eichmann was a high-ranking Nazi lieutenant responsible for transporting Jewish people to concentration camps. After the fall of Berlin, he had escaped to South America before being rounded up by Mossad agents and returned to Europe for the 'trial of the century'. Instead of being struck by his coldness or inhumanity at the trial, however, Arendt instead finds Eichmann an "unimpressive" and "unremarkable" figure, who presents himself as a bureaucrat who merely followed orders. Her reaction was not the one she expected, nor one many people wanted to hear, but her bafflement at Eichmann's approach to the trial went on to inform a work which helped readers understand how an almost unfathomably dark chapter in human history had unfolded. The process of writing has long been a difficult one to capture on screen and Hannah Arendt is not immune to this problem, settling for ho-hum shots of Sukowa sitting at a typewriter, endlessly smoking cigarettes, or looking deep in thought as her magazine editors pound the phones, eager for the elusive first draft. The film's main focus, however, is not the process of thinking through the trial and writing the controversial article (it was later expanded into a book) but the fallout after it was published. Many thought it a betrayal of her own Jewish heritage or a slanderous, self-serving provocation. The university where she once received gooey-eyed affection from her adoring students asks her to justify her continued employment there and social schisms spring up as former friends and allies turn against her. Directed in solid, determinedly no-frills style by Margarethe Von Trotta, Hannah Arendt is a reminder that a work which is now almost universally accepted as a key insight into the horrors of the Holocaust and the operation of a genocidal machine was considered incendiary and worse at the time of publication. Still, it's not until a late scene where Arendt faces a hostile crowd at a public speaking engagement that this seems to really get to the heart of what made her such a vital figure. For a film centred on a fearless, headstrong character who many saw as arrogant, there's something just too polite about Von Trotta's biopic, a film likely to inspire but not really satisfy, further curiosity in Arendt's work. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WTQNWgZVctM
With the bulk of 2020 now past us, the idea that visiting the shops might mean you need to pay special attention to your health is no longer new. Indeed, that scenario is now a normal part of life during a pandemic — and one that New South Wales residents have been getting used to during the state's response to COVID-19. Naming locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited is key element of NSW's containment strategy, and yesterday, Tuesday, October 13, it announced the latest places that Sydneysiders should be wary of. The big one: IKEA in Tempe, with anyone who went looking for affordable Swedish furniture between 1.30–5.30pm on Wednesday, October 7 asked to monitor their health, and get a test for COVID-19 and then self-isolate if they start suffering from even the mildest of symptoms. Also on the list is Woolworths Oran Park, with visitors to the centre on three specific days asked to watch for symptoms: between 5.30–6.30pm on Wednesday, September 30; from 5.15–6pm on Thursday, October 8; and between 6–6.30pm on Friday, October 9. Folks who frequented Bunnings Gregory Hills between 7–8pm on Tuesday, October 6 fall into the same category as well, as do those who went to Fantastic Furniture Campbelltown from 3.30–5.20pm on Friday, October 9. Rounding out the latest rundown of venues are a number of spots in Emerald Hills, specifically for folks in the area on Friday, October 2. At Prasadi Nepali, the warning applies to those in attendance from 3.30–4pm that day. The same applies to visitors to McDonalds from 5–5.15pm and anyone at Aldi Emerald Hills from 5.30–6.15pm. https://www.facebook.com/NewSouthWalesHealth/posts/1422467214619282 NSW Health has been maintaining an ongoing register of locations that have been visited by positive COVID-19 cases, and you can check out the entire list on its website. And, if you need a reminder, the symptoms to look out for are coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste. You can find a rundown of testing clinic locations online as well. At the time of writing, NSW has 59 active COVID-19 cases, from a pandemic-long total of 4106 across the state. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Chiswick has long been a staple in the Sydney culinary scene — for ten years, in fact. So, from Friday, May 6, Chiswick will be marking that milestone with a month-long celebration. There's plenty to celebrate. As well as being known for its picture-perfect grounds, Chiswick is home to one of Sydney's only kitchen gardens with produce grown on site — which means that it serves up a seasonal menu that exudes a welcome balance of innovative fine dining and a warm sense of homeliness. Unsurprisingly, it has quickly found itself at the heart of the Woollahra community as a result. Creator Matt Moran and his team are releasing a digital recipe book to commemorate the big birthday, and also doing special-edition Providoor boxes. But if you're keen to head in, you'll find the venue looking even more stunning thanks to Sydney floral design studios Wilder and Hermetica, which'll both be styling some large-scale elaborate works. And, then there's the birthday menu, which will continue to echo Chiswick's planted-to-plated philosophy. Moran has collaborated with newly appointed Head Chef Taylor Cullen to create a lineup that honours Chiswick's signature dishes and gives diners a peek into what the next ten years might have in store. Expect bara-masalata with flatbread, grilled peppers with harissa, and butterflied trout with roe and Chiswick garden herb dressing — plus slow-roasted lamb with hummus, tabouli and mint salsa, and a fig and macadamia bombe alaska to finish things off. Price-wise, Chiswick's tenth birthday collective menu will set you back $90 per person. Top image: Steven Woodburn.
Secret Garden Festival might be the most secretive festival to grace the summer scene, and tickets for the next instalment are on sale on Thursday, November 14. As per every previous year, the lineup and location are still a complete secret, so the cash dropped for one of these tickets is a lucky dip that commits you to a whole weekend of booze, bands, friends and fun. Once again, the first day is a theme day. The 2013 festival celebrated the theme of Secret Garcon, where Friday festival goers dressed up in their favourite Cosplay attire. 2014, however, is a whole new ballgame. The Friday celebrations will be Farmers vs Zombies: a band of 'zombies' will be let loose on gardeners, who will be armed only with Nerf weapons (BYO Nerf weapons) and are expected to clear the yard in two hours, when the festival proper kicks off. Badass. The rest of the festival is given over to all manner of entertainment, including bands, artists and various other performers doing various other things. As vague as that sounds, it's mysteriously exciting. The best dang thing about the whole deal is that the entire festival is not for profit. All proceeds from tickets, food and drinks bought at the festival go towards the Sarah Hilt Foundation, which supports victims of meningococcal. So the more you drink, dance and stuff yourself, the more you're helping the community. Tickets start at $120 for one day, or $185 for both. Additional costs are involved for hiring tents, the Friday morning banquet and a bus to and from and the Farmers vs Zombies. Update 18 February: Here's the full lineup for 2014. Ariane - Awesome Tapes from Africa (CAN) - Blank Realm - Cosmo's Midnight Day Ravies - Del - Dusty Fingers - DZ Deathrays - Ernest Ellis – Joyride - Ken Davis Ambassador For The Future - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Levins - Love Bombs - Mighty Mouse (UK) - Mike Who - Roland Tings - Roof – Shag Shantan Wantan Ichiban - Slowblow & Softwar - Steve Smyth – Sweetie True Vibenation - Tyson Koh & Smokey LaBeef - Wordlife (DJ Set) - Yo Grito's Dance-Off! They join the first announcement acts: Bloods - Client Liaison - D.D Dumbo - Donny Benet & The Donny Benet Show Band Elizabeth Rose - Goldroom (USA - DJ Set) - Lancelot (Live) - Little May – Nantes Olympia – Palms - Papa Vs. Pretty - Richard In Your Mind - The Rubens - Ryan Hemsworth (CAN) - Shining Bird - Straight Arrows – Sures - The Trouble with Templeton - World’s End Press
They're called twin films: two movies with a similar idea that reach screens around the same time. Think Deep Impact and Armageddon, Dark City and The Matrix, and The Prestige and The Illusionist — plus The Raid and Dredd, Upgrade and Venom, and Skate Kitchen and Mid90s. Yes, the list goes on (and on and on). The same concept applies on the small screen, too, as two of 2020's new shows are demonstrating. Earlier in the year, Netflix debuted Space Force, which starred Steve Carell as a military man tasked with establishing the space-focused new branch of the US armed forces. Now, via US network Showtime — and streaming service Stan in Australia — Moonbase 8 is also trying to turn the quest to leave earth into a sitcom. Featuring Fred Armisen, John C Reilly and Tim Heidecker, and set to start dropping from Sunday, November 8, Moonbase 8 follows three men who are eager to take part in a lunar mission. Skip (Portlandia's Armisen), Rook (Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!'s Heidecker) and Cap (Reilly) are the epitome of enthusiastic, in fact, and they're doing their absolute best to complete their training at NASA's Moon Base Simulator in the desert in Winslow, Arizona. But whether they'll stay sane through the process is another matter entirely. The show's three stars also serve as Moonbase 8's executive producers, while the series is penned by Heidecker with Portlandia and Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! writer — and Baskets creator — Jonathan Krisel. And, based on the just-dropped first trailer, the new comedy promises plenty of stir-crazy silliness between three characters living in close quarters — something immensely relatable in 2020, obviously. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KECl99n-DI0 Moonbase 8 starts streaming in Australia via Stan on Sunday, November 8. The New Zealand streaming date is yet to be confirmed — we'll update you with further details when they come to hand. Top image: Courtesy of A24 Films/SHOWTIME.
Could you get more theatrical than glorious Walsh Bay? Soaring warehouse conversions, the glittering harbour — and the iconic STC at the hub of the Arts Precinct. Walsh Bay Kitchen, within the Roslyn Packer Theatre, opens its doors on the burgeoning food strip of Hickson Road. The space is slick with off-Broadway style: think parquetry floors and leather banquettes. The recessed lightboxes seem a nod to stage lights, casting dress circle moodiness. But instead of the whispers of a reverent audience, here chatter bounces off the upholstered walls. If mirth and merriment bars a thousand harms and lengthens life, there isn’t a better reason to catch an end-of-season show and dig in here. Specialising in pre-theatre dining and post-show supper, the restaurant opened to coincide with the launch of The Present and was thrust into the world. The fare, with hints of modern Asian, isn’t reinventing the wheel. Like Upton and Chekhov, classic combinations needn’t be toyed with. And with daily lunch specials of nachos, fish and chips and spag bol, it seems head-chef Kay Huang is playing down any stuffiness once associated with theatre-going. The dinner menu (two course $47, three course $57 with a glass of wine) offers good food piled high on stunning, Insta-worthy glazed plates, like free range chicken pat? with moscato jelly, pickle and baguette toast ($16). There’s a bar menu for grazing over aperitif hour; the ginger scallop ceviche a highlight ($16). It’s a decidedly Sydney spread, from zingy Japanese to the creamy bistro classic of the snapper. The unabashedly rich chocolate slice for dessert ($14) is a fitting finale in a town that prides itself on flamboyance, cut by a good dose of sea salt. There are many reasons catching a play is a good idea — the thrill of entertainment with an intimacy often lacking in our screen-obsessed world — and Walsh Bay Kitchen is one more. Simplicity with an elegant, Australian ease, this is a place you’ll sneak into at intermission and come back to again, ticket not necessary. Walsh Bay Kitchen is also open Sundays as per the performance schedule.
Picture this: you're having a lazy evening at home in front of Netflix, and you promise yourself you'll power through just one — and only one — more episode before tapping out for the night. How many times have you broken that promise? Let's face it, you'd probably prefer not to count. And if you're like us, you probably also reach for the Ben & Jerry's for a quick sugar fix to keep you going. Convenient it may be, but healthy? Not so much. Next time you're planning a lazy night in, level up your snack game with something more wholesome (and equally delicious). We've teamed up with Yumi's to compile a collection of quick, easy and delicious alternatives to your favourite couch-time snacks. Here's what to dig into next time you're doing Netflix and chow. INSTEAD OF CHARCUTERIE...ASSEMBLE A GRAZING PLATTER Look, there's nothing wrong with a well-prepared charcuterie board — piles of delicious deli meats, indulgent cheeses, pâté and preserves, salty crackers, and the odd smattering of fruit. Add some variety with crunchy crudites — and, of course, dip. Yumi's have a huge range of dips that are all dairy and gluten free, and packed with real ingredients. We love the classic sweet potato and cashew dip, while the classic hommus is also excellent — variations like the rocket and almond pesto are also winners. They're great paired with fresh veggies (think carrots and cucumber), but perhaps even better with Yumi's selection of preservative-free and ready-to-eat falafel or veggie bites. We recommend zapping them in the microwave for a minute. INSTEAD OF ICE CREAM...MAKE SORBET Real talk: telling yourself that you're having just one more scoop of ice cream is the same as telling yourself you'll only watch one more episode before heading to bed. Before you know it, it's an ungodly hour and you're staring at the bottom of an empty tub. Lessen the lactose by making a swap for an easy, refreshing homemade sorbet — no churning required. You'll need to dice and prefreeze your favourite fruit — mango, cherries, pineapple or banana always work a treat, while store-bought, prefrozen berries are great for a quick win. Then, pop a cup (or two) in a blender with three to four tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup, and blitz until smooth. You can balance out the sweetness with a hint of lemon or lime juice, too. [caption id="attachment_815090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Margarita Zueva (Unspalsh)[/caption] INSTEAD OF PIZZA...MAKE BRUSCHETTA An evening on the couch with a juicy series lined up and a big, cheesy pizza — is there a better way to Netflix? Perhaps not — but there are healthier ways (that also don't rely on Uber Eats). Making your own pie is simple as can be, especially with so many types of premade bases available in just about any supermarket, including ones that cater for just about every dietary requirement. Crank up the oven and lather your base with tomato paste (you can even make your own, should you wish), cheese and your choice of toppings. Feel like something more refreshing? It's hard to go wrong when you make your own bruschetta. Pick up a crusty baguette, whack it under the grill, give it a rub with some olive oil, garlic and salt, and then load it up with fresh diced veggies, herbs or deli meats. It's an easy — and delicious — way to make sure you get in your five a day. [caption id="attachment_815095" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charles Deluvio (Unsplash)[/caption] INSTEAD OF SALTY CHIPS...MAKE VEGGIE CHIPS Love the salty crunch of potato chips? Us too — so we also know how hard it is to know when to stop. For a healthier alternative, leave the prepackaged morsels in the supermarket aisle and pick up some sweet potato or kale instead. It couldn't be more simple to get snacking, either. Just slice up your veg, toss it in some olive oil and pop it in the oven until crispy. Kale is full of good things, from beta-carotene to help eyesight, and Vitamins C, K and E. As for sweet potato, it's loaded with antioxidants, fibre and Vitamin A — it's also lower GI than a regular potato. Want some extra flavour? Kale chips are even better when tossed in a bit of za'atar, while sweet potato and paprika is a spicy match made in heaven. Dip liberally in some hummus and you've got yourself a serious snack. [caption id="attachment_815092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anshu A (Unsplash)[/caption] INSTEAD OF BIKKIES...MAKE OATMEAL COOKIES We stan a Tim Tam as much as the next sweet tooth. And don't get us started on our ongoing love affair with an Iced Vovo. But of course, they're not the healthiest treats to snack on. If you too have trouble keeping your mitts out of the bikkie tin, try your hand at making your own oatmeal cookies. They're surprisingly easy to put together and will easily satisfying any sweet cravings. The benefits of trading sugar for oatmeal are plentiful — oats are higher in fibre, can stabilise blood sugars and are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. There's also the added benefit of the warm aroma of freshly baked goods waiting through your house. [caption id="attachment_815093" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Abbie Whiddett (Unsplash)[/caption] INSTEAD OF CAKE...MAKE CACAO BALLS There's a better way to get your gooey chocolate fix. Enter date and cacao balls. They're ridiculously easy to make, and they last longer than cake does, too (though if they disappear from the fridge quickly, we won't blame you). There are a heap of health benefits, too — dates are high in antioxidants and fibre, and can also improve bone health, while cacao has been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. For more wholesome snacking, check out the full range of Yumi's falafels, veggie bites and dips.
You've heard the tales. Those mystical, weird-as-blazes stories of entire restaurants manned by robots in Japan, surrounded by glow sticks, frantic lasers, bejewelled dancers and robot battles. The rumours are straight-up true. But don't even think about breaking that piggy bank open for an airfare, the world-renowed Japanese Robot Restaurant from Shinjuku, Tokyo is coming to Sydney for two nights only. This is not a drill. As part of the launch of Contiki’s new 'Japan Unrivalled' itinerary kicking off in March 2015, the travel-lovin' team are bringing one of Japan's major kitschy attractions to you — battling robots included. Set to pop up at 41 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, the Japanese Robot Restaurant is the sum of your wildest, weirdest and wackiest Japanese-inspired dreams — big ol' J-pop beats, choreographed dancers, fluorescent fitout and tasty Japanese food and bevs — and LASERS. So very many lasers. The kicker? The pop-up will see giant futuristic robots doing battle while you nosh. That's right, bigass robots battling. Just, just look at this: Classic weird, wonderful Japan. This is going to be nuts. Robots Unrivalled will perform February 23 and 24 at 41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Tickets are $40 +BF per person (max. two tickets per transaction) and your Bento box is included in the ticket price. There are three sessions: 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, January 28. For more information or to register for tickets head to www.contiki.com/robotsunrivalled. Image: Lindsay Clark, THINK Global School.
Stay tuned. More info on its way.
Building a business is similar to making a sandcastle. Getting started is easy — all you need is a bucket, sand and a big idea. But, if you want to turn that building into an empire, you'll need to get serious. That includes hiring a team, engaging an accountant and maybe moving out of your home office. Basically, it means scaling up. To do that, you'll need cash and some smart strategies. Luckily, you're not the first person to scale up a business — and there are heaps of people that you can go to. So we've teamed up with Westpac to tap into the minds of some entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled up. Here, we've nabbed some golden words of wisdom from four guns that have steadily increased their cashflow and turned their hospitality venues into varied businesses. Read on for four hacks they've used to successfully (and sustainably) grow their businesses. [caption id="attachment_724984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] STREAMLINE YOUR BUSINESS TECH It's no secret that Luke Powell, renowned head chef and owner of LPs Quality Meats, knows how to grow a business. The mastermind behind his 110-seat Sydney eatery always knew he'd need oversight to keep his business thriving. With the opening of his second venue — Newtown pizzeria Bella Brutta — last year, it was time to invest in tools that would put valuable analytics at his fingertips. "We have used a few different point of sale (POS) systems since we opened," Powell explains. "We now use Kounta for all the venues and find it very insightful and useful with all the information it can provide." Consolidating stats for both of his venues means Powell can make informed business decisions in real time. Not only has this saved him huge chunks of time but also means he's able to explore and invest in new revenue streams — like starting a wholesale smallgoods business on the side. [caption id="attachment_712428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Milton Wine Shop.[/caption] ALWAYS CONSIDER WAYS TO BROADEN YOUR OFFERING Milton Wine Shop's Lyndon Kubis is first and foremost a wine nerd. As wine bar operators, Kubis sees himself and his team as "the DJs of the wine world" — they don't make the wines, but they serve them "with passion". In order for the hits to keep playing, it's important that the point of sale process runs smoothly — Kubis uses Kounta point-of-sale software, which offers great insights for detailed reporting and directly integrates with Presto, Westpac's payment terminal. Kubis says this has helped the business to achieve "super easy end-of-day reconciliations" that feed "directly into [their] accounting software". With the reconciliation process taken care of, Kubis was able to focus on broadening the shop's offering — making it more than just a one-trick pony. The shelves may be donned with bottles of high quality wines from niche producers, but, now, it also now delivers a thoughtful selection of beer and spirits, too. This has diversified the offering and customer base of Milton Wine Shop, making it more broadly accessible and financially sustainable. LET YOUR CUSTOMERS DO THE TALKING If you've never visited a Devon Cafe outpost – in either Sydney or Brisbane — chances are you've seen it on Instagram. With dishes like the truffle sundae and brioche french toast, its menu is made for food blogger flatlays. Owner Derek Puah has always embraced the power of social media to grow his business, and an active online presence enabled him to reach and build a network of loyal customers. "We find a lot of our biggest fans are on Instagram and they love to share photos of their experiences," Puah explains. Re-sharing images not only means that Devon has readymade content (with very little investment) — but it also serves to attract new customers and keep diners coming back for specials. Plus, those searching for a brunch spot can hear first-hand from other customers about what they can expect. [caption id="attachment_734827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] TREAT TIME AS YOUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE William Edwards, founder of Sydney distillery Archie Rose, watches his time. Very seriously. For Edwards, every hour of his day is planned with purpose. "My calendar is my bible — if there's something in there, I'll be there. If there's not, I won't be there," he says. "I schedule when I wake up, when I check email, when I perform certain types of tasks, leave work, get ready for bed, go to sleep, etc. and what days are work vs meeting vs admin days." Sound pretty hardcore? Even Edwards admits it's not going to work for everyone, but, at its core, it's about visualising your day, taking responsibility for your schedule and how much time you allocate to building your business. Now that you have some top tips, it's time to take the first steps towards scaling up your business. And when it comes time to set up your payment technology, look to Westpac's Presto Smart terminal. It's made for speedy payments, busting queues, reducing keying errors and seamlessly connecting to a range of Point of Sales systems, including Kounta, to help you keep track of cashflow. Please note that the above information is intended to be general in nature and should not be relied upon for personal financial use. To request more info and speak to Westpac, head here. Top image: Kitti Gould.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 — Black Widow has moved its release date again, and will now hit cinemas on Thursday, April 29, 2021. This article has been updated to reflect that change. UPDATE, APRIL 4: Disney has announced a new release date for Black Widow, with the film now hitting cinemas on November 5, 2020. UPDATE, MARCH 18: Due to concerns around COVID-19, Disney has announced that Black Widow will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, April 30, 2020. At present, a new release date has not been announced — we'll update you when one has been revealed. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Over the course of 23 films in 12 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown into a big-screen behemoth. Just this year, Avengers: Endgame became the biggest worldwide box office hit of all time — and all three other Avengers films also sit in the global top ten, with Black Panther coming in at number 11. Basically, the MCU has become the Thanos of the cinema world, decimating its competition with ease. But, over all that time, all those movies and all that success, it has taken nearly a decade to give Black Widow her own standalone film. When it comes to pushing women to the front, the MCU's track record isn't great. As everyone knows, Captain Marvel, the Disney-owned company's first movie solely focused on a female character, only came out this year. Now Marvel is following that up with a film that really should've eventuated years ago — Natasha Romanoff, the highly trained ex-KGB assassin known as Black Widow and played in the MCU by Scarlett Johansson, first debuted on-screen in 2010's Iron Man 2 after all. Perhaps it's a case of better late than never. Perhaps, if Black Widow had been made earlier, it mightn't have attracted the extra scrutiny that's certain to follow given Johansson's track record when it comes to misguided public comments of late. Either way, thanks to Endgame, the film is obviously a prequel — as the just-dropped first teaser trailer makes plain. Also starring Florence Pugh (Midsommar, Fighting with My Family), Rachel Weisz and Stranger Things' favourite David Harbour, Black Widow jumps back a few years, setting the bulk of its story just after the events of 2016's Captain America: Civil War. On the run, Romanoff is forced to face her complicated (and violent) past, as well as a new masked opponent. We're sure a few familiar MCU faces will also show up. When it hits cinemas Down Under at the end of April 2021 — after a year delay due to COVID-19 — Black Widow will close a considerable gap for the MCU in more ways than one — not only will it finally give one the Avengers figure a solo moment to shine, but it'll mark the first Marvel film since mid-2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home. Behind the scenes, the movie boasts another reason to get excited, with Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland (Berlin Syndrome, Lore, Somersault) in the director's chair. And, she's actually the first female filmmaker to helm a Marvel flick solo (after Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck co-helmed Captain Marvel). Check out the Black Widow trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxAtuMu_ph4 After being delayed from its original release date of April 30, 2020, Black Widow will now open in Australian cinemas on April 29, 2021.
Gemma Arterton's resume is filled with roles both forgettable and masterful, in small and blockbuster movies alike, and in intimate and overblown films, too. Her time as a Bond girl in Quantum of Solace sits alongside vampire feature Byzantium, underrated zombie flick The Girl with All the Gifts, romantic drama Vita & Virginia and the Adam Sandler-starring Murder Mystery, for instance. But when she's in a film that feels as if it has been built around her, either wholly or in part — see: The Disappearance of Alice Creed, Tamara Drewe and Their Finest — she rarely fails to impress. Summerland is the latest movie to boast one of her most memorable performances, and it's definitely better for it. Exploring an unexpected connection between a misanthropic writer and a young boy placed in her care, tackling multiple types of trauma, and espousing the enduring need for hope, this primarily World War II-set drama would've proven far more standard otherwise. It's still often a straightforward affair, but it also demonstrates that a feature can be neat, obvious, heartfelt and rivetingly acted all at once. In the mid-70s, Alice Lamb (Penelope Wilton, Downton Abbey) taps away at her typewriter and scares away the children who come knocking at her door. Rewind to the 40s, and the younger Alice (Arterton) does much the same. She's been labelled a witch by the kids in her seaside village, and she's hardly happy when the pre-teen Frank (Lucas Bond, The Alienist: Angel of Darkness) arrives on her doorstep as part of a government program to evacuate the next generation from London. In fact, Alice demands that he be rehoused instead of interrupting her work; however, she's told that'll take a week. Moving to the big screen after stage success as a playwright and theatre director (and making short film Leading Lady Parts, also starring Arterton), debut feature filmmaker Jessica Swale penned the original script, so Summerland isn't based on an existing text or property — but everyone watching knows Alice and Frank have ample time to overcome their initial animosity, and that that'll end up being the case. When it spins a story about a woman given a new lease on life via an unanticipated bond that's thrust upon her, Summerland rarely flirts with surprise, let alone delivers many. Alice specialises in investigating the myths and histories of mirage-like imagery, including visions of a castle in the sky not far from her own quaint cottage — and the curious Frank quickly embraces her field of expertise. It brightens up his own uncertain predicament, not just because Alice is so unwelcoming, but given that his father is a pilot in the thick of the action and his mother remains in the capital as it is under threat from bombing. Frank's interest also helps soften the cantankerous Alice's tough exterior, which is predictably the product of past woes. Again and again, Swale's screenplay makes obvious choices, and yet it also tells a resonant tale in the process. Other than Arterton's efforts, Summerland benefits from two specific aspects: the backstory behind Alice's demeanour, and the way it unpacks her outsider status. Inescapably, Summerland also includes an almost-cringeworthy, far-too-convenient twist — but when it leaps back to the 20s, to Alice's immediate attraction to and subsequent time with Vera (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Misbehaviour) during her university studies, it doesn't just add a love story to the narrative. In its flashbacks and the shadow they leave on Alice's WWII-era life, the movie also invests depth and emotion that isn't as strong otherwise, unleashes unexpected elements that aren't evident elsewhere, and offers a quiet yet potent undercurrent of subversion as well. Swale needn't stress the point, so she doesn't, but she lingers on moments between Arterton and Mbatha-Raw because they stand out. Period scenes of queer romance will do that in genres and tales that aren't known for them, after all. Before flitting backwards, viewers have already seen that Alice lives alone prior to Frank coming along, so Summerland instantly delves into complex territory. The audience is well aware that Swale has reshaped and recontextualised a largely cookie-cutter narrative, and they're just as cognisant of the hurdles Alice and Vera faced in having any hope of enjoying a happy ending. Also apparent: why Alice has long chosen to cultivate a peppery reputation, and to close herself off to her fellow townsfolk. This is a warm movie with an array of hope, though. Summerland never lets Frank lose sight of it, or allows the embers of hope for a different future to die within Alice. Arterton is particularly compelling when Alice lays bare her heartbreak, even if that's clearly one of the character's much-needed steps on the path to moving forward — and, because it's paired with such a lived-in performance, Alice is able to navigate an easy-to-foresee emotional journey and still staunchly feel like her own person at the same time. There's no avoiding the air of familiarity that hovers over Summerland, of course. It's unshakeable in most of its storyline, its assortment of quirky bit players (including villagers portrayed by King of Thieves' Tom Courtenay and The Secret Garden's Dixie Egerickx) and its postcard-perfect imagery, especially. That said, Swale mostly manages to fly through much-recognised territory, find ways to dive deeper and occasionally transcend a template, and get viewers to share the heartache Alice wears on her sleeves and the desires she has buried inside — with Arterton so crucial to making that happen, it's hard to imagine the film without her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4gSLP9Smlg
Sydneysiders, it's roadmap time — again. If you've been wondering how life throughout New South Wales will change as more people across the state get vaccinated, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has outlined the details today, Monday, September 27. And, you now have a few new double-jabbed thresholds to pop in your diary, plus some new dates as well. Back at the beginning of September, the Premier announced the first phase of New South Wales' roadmap out of lockdown, which focused on the 70-percent fully vaccinated threshold. That mark is fast approaching, and is expected to be hit by Monday, October 11. From there, more rules will ease again when 80-percent of NSW residents over the age of 16 have been doubled-jabbed. And, on Wednesday, December 1, restrictions will relax even further again. "I know people are counting down the minutes until we reach 70-percent double-dose and the freedoms that will provide, and today we are providing further certainty by announcing the 80-percent roadmap and future settings," said the Premier. "Vaccination remains our ticket to freedom, so we need to work even harder to get jabs in arms, to help stop the spread, minimise outbreaks and ensure people are protected when we open up," Berejiklian continued. [caption id="attachment_802757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] At the 80-percent double-dosed threshold, which is expected to arrive around two weeks after the 70-percent double-jabbed mark is hit — so, by the time October is out — the focus is still on the fully vaxxed. For everyone who has rolled up their sleeves twice, gatherings at home will go up to ten, and outdoors they'll increased to 20. At COVID-safe events, 200 people will be able to attend, with that number going up to 500 if it's seated and ticketed. Also, in hospitality venues, vertical consumption will be back indoors. Community sport will also be allowed again, retail will still be under the one person per four-square-metres rule that kicks in at 70-percent, and hairdressers, nail salons and other personal services businesses will be under the same density cap — but without the five-client limit that applies at the lower threshold. Gyms and indoor recreation facilities will still be under the same capacity requirement as well, hosting classes with up to 20 people. Sporting facilities and major recreation outdoor facilities — which spans stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos — will also remain under the one person per four-square-metres rule with a 5000-person cap. At indoors venues such as cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries the one person per four-square-metres rule will still be in place, or they'll be able to fill to a maximum of 75-percent fixed seated capacity (whichever is larger). Weddings and funerals won't have any caps, but will have the one person per four-square-metres requirement. And, this is when domestic travel — which includes trips to regional NSW — will be permitted. It was originally going to kick in at 70-percent double-dosed, but has been pushed back to 80-percent. Caravan parks and camping grounds will be allowed to open, including for the unvaxxed. Also, carpooling will be on the cards again. Masks will still be required in all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports. Then, the next phase of the roadmap kicks in on Wednesday, December 1. This is the phase that Berejiklian is calling "COVID-normal". At this point, there'll be no limits on gatherings at home or outdoors, plus the density rule at venues and planned events will move to one person per two-square-metres — including in hospitality, retail and in gyms, at major recreation outdoor facilities, and at indoor entertainment sites. Amusement centres and nightclubs can reopen, too, but under the one person per four-square-metres rule. Indoor pools can reopen as well, under the one person per two-square-metres requirement. Plus, weddings and funerals will also move to the one person per two-square-metres cap. And, the roadmap will include unvaccinated people at the same settings from Wednesday, December 1 as well — so, when summer starts, the relaxed rules will apply to everyone. These just-announced plans for the 80-percent fully vaxxed mark and December 1 all build upon NSW's already-revealed outline for life at the 70-percent double-jabbed threshold — which is when fully vaccinated Sydneysiders will first be permitted to sip beers in pubs, eat meals in restaurants, have friends over to their homes and see movies in cinemas again. Hospitality venues will operate under the one person per four-square-metres rule inside and the one person per two-square-metres rule outside, with vertical consumption only outdoors. Most other venues will be under the same one person per four-square-metres cap, including retail, major recreation outdoor facilities and indoor sites. Also, that's when five-person at-home and 20-person outdoor gatherings will allowed as long as all adults are vaxxed. NSW recorded 787 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/8Qkdwzp9qA — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) September 27, 2021 It's worth noting that the national plan requires all of Australia to reach each vaccination threshold overall before an individual state or territory that's met that milestone can ease restrictions — but that hasn't been mentioned in NSW's roadmap. Also, what's set to happen with international travel hasn't yet been revealed, but the Federal Government has advised that heading overseas again is likely to return "by Christmas at the latest". Today's NSW announcement came as the state reported 787 new COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday, September 26. Wondering where you can currently get vaccinated? There's a handy online map that helps you find your nearest clinic. Keen to keep an eye on vaccination rates? A heap of online resources will help you do that as well. For more information about New South Wales' reopening roadmap, head to the NSW Government website. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. Top image: Cassandra Hannagan.
Australian Venue Co — one of the country's largest hospitality groups which operates 94 venues in Queensland, 70 in Victoria, 26 in Western Australia, 18 in South Australia, 10 in New South Wales and 2 in the Northern Territory — announced on Monday, December 2, that it will no longer host Australia Day celebrations on January 26 at any of its more than 200 outposts. January 26 is a contentious date for many. Commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the beginning of European settlement on the Australian continent, it is a day of enduring collective trauma for First Nations communities and their allies who know it as Invasion Day or Survival Day rather than its traditional name. [caption id="attachment_908540" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morris House, Melbourne[/caption] In a statement supplied to The Herald Sun, an Australian Venue Co spokesperson said of the decision to bar events on January 26: "Australia Day is a day that causes sadness for some members of our community, so we have decided not to specifically celebrate a day that causes hurt for some of our patrons and our team," Since 1994, all Australian states and territories have enjoyed a public holiday on January 26, but calls to move the country's national day to another less controversial date have gained momentum in recent years. In 2017, radio station Triple J made the decision to move its annual Hottest 100 rankings to January 25 and earlier this year, major supermarket brands Woolworths and Aldi both pledged to no longer stock Australia Day merchandise in its stores. Across Australia, January 26 has also created opportunities to show solidarity with First Nations communities. More than 80 councils around the country no longer hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26 and Invasion Day rallies attract thousands of peaceful protesters every year. For a full list of the Australian Venue Co venues effected by the January 26 event ban, visit the Australian Venue Co website.
After the success of last year's foray, the East Village Gourmet Food Festival is set to become an annual event, with Joynton Park being taken over again by every foodie’s dream. Double the size of last year, the festival will have stalls from a host of Sydney vendors, including Darlinghurst’s darlings Foley Lane and the Chinese stylings of East Ocean Restaurant. Allpress Espresso will be serving up the coffees and Italian deli Salt Meats Cheese will don the barkeep’s garb, dishing out cocktails, craft beers and vino. At 7pm, things are taken up a notch with everybody’s favourite Thai joint, Longrain, hosting the Long Dinner — a banquet set up under the starry cosmos with all the guests at one, big table. With live music for adults and a petting zoo and face painting for the kids, the festival caters to the most diverse demographic of gastro-gurus. There’s even a makeshift dog park for the furry connoisseur.
Since winding up the breakfast show at Triple J last year, comedian Tom Ballard has not slowed down in the slightest. Sure, he might not have to get up so early every weekday morning, but in between nationally touring his stand-up comedy shows, writing op-eds and returning to radio for a six-week Chatback stint, Ballard is one busy lad. Now he's set to launch and host his own show on ABC TV called Reality Check, which will look exclusively at the bizarre world of reality TV. Before that all happens, we were lucky enough to pull him over for a quick chat about his stand-up comedy career, Dry July, Thorpie and RuPaul's Drag Race. Congrats on the new show. What made you want to explore the world of reality TV? Ahhh, the money? Since I left Triple J breakfast I'm destitute and living on the street, so having a regular paycheck is pretty good! But it's also a bonus that it's a really fascinating topic that we don't talk about enough, and I get to do it with CJZ [the merger of Cordell Jigsaw Productions and Zapruder's Other Films, independently responsible for shows such as The Gruen Transfer and Go Back to Where You Came From] and ABC who make pretty awesome TV together. There is a wealth of material that hasn't been mined yet, there's a shitload of really important, moving stuff, but there's obviously a ton of jokes as well. It's the perfect sweet spot for me. You'll be joined by previous reality TV 'stars' — I use that term very loosely! Who are you most excited to have on the panel? (Slyly giggles to himself) Well, I have to be a bit boring and tell you we're keeping that one close to our chest at the moment. We've had a bunch of producers whose names you may not know, but they're actually responsible for huge reality TV hits, as well as previous judges and contestants. We've spoken to some people who have been the voice of Big Brother, some people who have won a major series, and people who have worked in the UK and America who have batshit crazy shows so it's really fascinating talking to them. Every week there will be names who are very familiar to reality TV addicts but also people who only follow it on the periphery. We worked really hard on getting some good names who can give us a lot of insight on the shows and the issues we want to talk about. https://youtube.com/watch?v=RmfHMNkhtn8 What reality TV shows did you watch growing up? Or are there still some that you watch now? Australian Idol was huge for me. I watched the first series. I was a big MasterChef head as well. I love RuPaul's Drag Race as well, and that is a really funny show. Come Dine With Me, and just stupid shit like the Kardashians. For this show we've watched a shit-ton of stuff and looking at the crazy moments that have happened in other countries like Nigeria's Got Talent and China's Got Talent, Big Brother Houses in other countries, one which was full of short-statured people. There's a UK show called Tourettes: Let Me Entertain You, which was basically a talent search for young people with Tourettes, just insane shit like that. I'm really excited about bringing that to the fore and laughing and celebrating all that stuff we get to see. You have just wound up your return to Triple J with Chatback: What was it like being back? It was great. It was really lovely, I was starting to miss everyone quite a lot so I got to go in on Thursdays and say hello to everyone. It reminded me how much I love radio and all the cool and crazy stuff that station does. There were also a few of your famous friends calling in under aliases, did any of them give you a heads up about their characters, or did they just let you have it? Yeah, we workshopped them all, a lot of that stuff was pre-recorded. We went back and forth with a few ideas, and then characters that people really liked, like Rebecca or Dr Jangles, came back in later weeks. It was really fun to have a character on twice because people were really keen to hear more from them and find out how their lives are going. I just think radio like this is underutilised. At the BBC in the UK the amount of comedy radio out there is amazing and I'd love to see more of that in Australia, because there's just so much fun you can have on a very low budget. It's just messing with peoples minds. That's what Chatback was — it was funny how worked up people got who thought they were real people. You also wrote a great op-ed recently about Thorpie coming out and why that was so important. It's no secret you're an opinionated young man, but what has to happen for you to decide, right, I'm going to write an op-ed about this? Well, to be honest a friend of mine who works at Fairfax called me and they wanted a young gay person's perspective on the issue. But honestly I did think about it, because there were a million think pieces and even for the next two days everyone and his dog had an opinion on the whole situation. I felt like I had something to say that I hadn't seen in many other media outlets so I thought that was a good chance. I want to be a comedian, that's what I want people to think of me as so I don't want to get on my high horse too often, but it is something that's really important to me. I'm really passionate about the mental health of young queer kids, and I wanted to remind people that when someone comes out, we should be happy. Yes we can have our criticisms about it, but ultimately it's a good news story. Have you enjoyed having more time to focus on your stand-up comedy this year? Although to be fair, it looks like you've had a million other side projects going. The first six months of the year had a lot of touring, so I wasn't being very visible on other media. It was all about getting out there and doing a whole bunch of stand up which was really fun. The truth of the matter is if you want to make a living from being a stand-up comic in this country you do need to push your media profile to make sure people are aware of you from other areas. It's kind of a balancing act. I am really excited about this show, I think it's going to be super fun, but I'm also excited about the fact that hopefully more people will come see me live and laugh at my jokes in front of me. Finally, how did your Dry July go? [Tom was on a team called 'Alco-Hellllll No!' with Megan Washington, and Triple J staff including Zan Rowe and Kyran Wheatly] Hahaha! Ummm…. Bad? I've raised money and it's been great not drinking, I feel a bit healthier and it's for an awesome cause, but it's much tougher than I thought it would be! Reality Check premieres on ABC TV on Wednesday, August 13, at 9pm.
Some colours only exist in nature, as much as paints, dyes and pixels attempt to pretend otherwise. The raging reds, blazing oranges and burning yellows seen in A Fire Inside's bushfire footage are some such hues — and, away from the safety of a cinema screen, no one should ever want to spy these specific searing tones. They're haunting enough as it is to look at in a movie. Taking up entire frames of on-the-ground footage shot during the summer of 2019–20, they're scorching in their brightness and intensity. This documentary about the national natural disaster just two years ago, when swathes of Australia burned for months, deploys those apocalyptic colours and the imagery containing them sparingly, notably; however, even when they only flicker briefly, those shades aren't easily forgotten. After everything the pandemic has delivered since the beginning of 2020, just as the 'Black Summer' bushfires were cooling, that chapter of history might seem far longer ago than just a couple of years. A Fire Inside is also an act of remembrance, though. Directors Justin Krook (Machine, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead) and Luke Mazzaferro (a producer on Girls Can't Surf and The Meddler) firmly look backwards, pushing these events back to the top of viewers' memories. That said, they also survey the situation since, as the rebuilding effort has been complicated and elongated by COVID-19. This approach also enables them to survey the lingering aftermath, including the homes that still haven't been rebuilt, the people still residing in makeshift setups, and the emotional and mental toll that's set to dwell for much longer still. Accordingly, what could've merely been a record of a catastrophe becomes a portrait of both survival and resilience. Unsurprisingly, interviews drive this Australian doco, focusing on people in two camps: the afflicted and the volunteers. Folks in each group chat about their experiences, and the lines between them frequently blur. Firefighter Nathan Barnden provides the first and clearest instance; the film's key early subject, he saved seven strangers and retained his own life in an inferno on the very first night that the fires reached New South Wales' far south coast, but also lost his cousin and uncle to the blazes the same evening. Barnden claims Krook and Mazzaferro's attention for multiple reasons, including his initial youthful eagerness to pick up a hose — following his father, who had done the same — as well as his candour about his distress in the months and now years afterwards. Often overlooked in tales of such events, that kind of emotion sears itself onto the screen with unshakeable power, too. A Fire Inside spends time with others affected, residents and volunteers alike. RFS captain Brendan O'Connor saved his community, alongside his crew, but suffered in his personal life — and his is just one of the film's stories. Krook and Mazzaferro don't loiter on the same kinds of details over and over again, but whether talking to food bank staff, backpackers helping with re-fencing damaged farms or locals who saw everything they belonged succumb to the flames, the duelling sensations of both endurance and loss remain throughout their doco. The mood: careful, caring, sensitive and poignant. This is a movie that conjures up every sentiment expected, but also one that earns every reaction. Heartbreak and hope seesaw, and recognising that back-and-forth ride is one of the film's canny touches. Just as astute, and as important, is the question simmering at A Fire Inside's core: why? That query isn't directed at the fires, with their cause naturally receiving oxygen during the movie's discussions, but is instead aimed at everyone who chose to help then and since — no matter on what scale. The answers are complex, which the documentary acknowledges in its format, structure and editing. It lets its lineup of chats all sit side by side, weaving them together and jumping between them, and the effect resembles a filmic mosaic. In interview after interview, the movie doesn't seek to come up with a definitive reason, but to present the range of responses, covering the impulses, thoughts and feelings, as well as the realities behind them. Tributes to bushfire volunteers and victims have taken many forms since 2019, such as concerts raising money and faces plastered across the Sydney Opera House sails. But A Fire Inside takes those gestures of appreciation to another level — and, as it dives so heartily into the ramifications of assisting during the fires and since, it ensures that all of that gratitude goes hand in hand with recognition. Saluting such selfless acts inherently involves noting them, of course. Still, realising that the toll keeps persisting, that the shock and trauma doesn't instantly subside when the flames are extinguished, and that volunteering is also an act of emotional labour isn't always as innate. A Fire Inside sees that as clearly as it perceives those red, orange and yellow hues, and as acutely as it finds as both grief and inspiration in the ashes.
In response to Sydney's latest cluster of locally acquired COVID-19 cases, people who live or work in four Sydney Local Government Areas will be required to stay home for the next week. From 11.59pm tonight, Friday, June 25 until at least the same time on Friday, July 2, the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick LGAs will revert to the same conditions that were in effect when the state went into lockdown back in March 2020 — which means you'll only be able to leave the house for four specific essential reasons. Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the new public health order on the morning of Friday, June 25, announcing that the New South Wales Government was following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community. Also revealed this morning: 11 new locally acquired cases reported to 8pm yesterday, Thursday, June 24, plus another 17 that have been identified since. If you need a reminder about those four reasons, folks who either live or work in the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick LGAs can only leave home for work and study if you can't do it from your house, for essential shopping, for exercise — outdoors in groups of ten or fewer — and for compassionate reasons, which includes emergency medical treatment. Otherwise, everyone must stay at home; however, there are no restrictions on when you can go shopping or go out for exercise, and there's no curfew. Again, the stay-at-home orders don't just apply to folks who live in the four LGAs, but also to anyone who works in them. "In this outbreak, we're seeing too many examples of workers coming in from other areas, getting infected in the workplace but then passing on the infection to multiple clients — and that is, without being specific, it hasn't just happened in one instance, it's happened in multiple instances," said the Premier. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1408228493310132226 The stay-at-home orders will require venues in the four LGAs will need to close. "Clearly, if you are a business in those four Local Government Areas, unfortunately, unless you're providing essential food and services — that is take away food and services or grocery services of that nature — we don't expect those businesses to remain open in the next week," said the Premier. Premier Berejiklian also said that NSW Health "remains concerned that given how contagious the virus is, we are likely to see more cases in coming days — namely from household contacts. Previously, you may have had one or two other members of a household getting the virus, but because this is a contagious strain, we anticipate that close to 100 percent of everybody in a household is likely to get the virus if one person has had a positive test result." She continued: "we also appreciate, given the patterns of behaviour that we've seen, that many workers, unfortunately, who are face-to-face with a number of clients during the day have also been transmitting the virus." While the stay-at-home order only applies to four specific LGAs, the rest of Greater Sydney — including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour areas — will remain under the same restrictions that came into effect on Wednesday, June 23. They'll be in effect a little longer, too, until at least 11.59pm on Friday, July 2. And, in general, folks across Greater Sydney "should also limit unnecessary activity and avoid large gatherings in coming days and comply with the current restrictions," the NSW Government advised. Those settings for the rest of the city include only having five people over to your home, as well as wearing masks in all indoor spaces and at organised outdoor events — and still on public transport and in public indoor spaces. If you're having a beverage in a bar or something to eat at a cafe, you need to sit down. Dancing and singing have be banned again, Footloose-style, everywhere except weddings — which can only have 20 people on the dance floor at once — and the one person per four-square-metre rule is also back in all indoor and outdoor settings. Residents of the Bayside, Canada Bay and Inner West LGAs also can't leave the metropolitan Sydney area. Neither can residents of the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick LGAs, of course — so if you are leaving home for one of the four permitted reasons, you can't venture beyond the city limits. As always, Sydneysiders are also asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited over the past week — and, if you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days after your visit. In terms of symptoms, you should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste — and getting tested at a clinic if you have any. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Peace, love and picklebacks, another Sydney venue has decided to throw in the towel. This time, it's the long-loved Darlinghurst bar, The Flinders. Announcing their closure on Facebook this evening, the owners have directly blamed the lockouts for the closing of doors. "It's been a good run but Barry got us in the end," the team posted at 6pm. "We know it's sudden but please come in tonight and pour one out for your fallen homie. Thanks for all the good times. Peace, love, and picklebacks, from all of us at the Flinders." This announcement comes just months after Kings Cross venue The Backroom directly blamed the Barry O'Farrell-led government and their lockout legislation for the closure, prompting the controversial (and let's be honest, straight-up jerk-style) #notearsshed response from the former Premier. Jason Ryan, owner of The Flinders, talked to us about the lockouts in January 2014 after the opening of The Hide wine bar upstairs. When asked about how the bar would be affected by the proposed legislation changes (i.e. the lockouts), Ryan already knew the impact on the hotel. "We have already begun the awful task of reworking rosters and cutting back staff in preparation. The effects on our business will be dramatic … The Flinders is a safe and well-established late-night venue. We have also just invested large amounts of money into trying to develop The Hide, our new bar upstairs." "At the moment we are reliant on the cash flow from late-night business to support and pay for this investment," he said. "Now that late-night trade is being severely compromised, it’s a real worry as to whether we can sustain cash flow over the next few months whilst developing the rest of the business. This may ultimately jeopardise the future of The Hide. We hope people we still turn out in force at The Flinders for the lock-in!" The Flinders are shutting up shop super speedily, even holding a closing party tonight on Thursday, January 8. This seems a super fast closure for such a longtime Sydney bar. Very sad stuff. Throw back a few Picklebacks with the Flindies crew tonight at 63-65 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst.
If your idea of a good Thursday night involves tasting some of the best wines NSW has to offer in the company of the makers themselves, then keep reading. As part of the revamped Citi NSW Wine Awards, Outstanding on the Pier is a new event taking place on Pier 2, with the sparkling waters of Walsh Bay as a backdrop. It showcases the 120 wines that were selected as 'top wines' for 2013, with over 60 NSW wineries from varying regions being represented. You'll be able to meet some of the makers and sample a smattering of seasonal state produce (think Brasserie Bread, Alto Olives, Pepe Saya butter, a bit of Southern Highlands Lamb). Make sure to vote for the People's Choice Award to be in the running to win a special prize, including a selection of this year's top wines. Outstanding on the Pier is on October 31 at Pier 2, 13 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay from 5.30-8.30pm. Tickets are $40 from nswwine.com.au. Thanks to the Citi NSW Wine Awards, we have five double passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
The little black dress is dead, viva la little brown dress; it’s more dapper, younger cousin. Actually, it’s a project designed to curb textile consumption thanks to a garment re-styled and worn over an entire year.This is one of the many ideas featuring at Fashioning Now, an exhibition and symposium at UTS Gallery during Sydney Design 09. The exhibition will showcase innovative research projects and explore the issue of fashion and sustainability, particularly the way clothing is produced, used and discarded.Another work includes the disappearing dress - one that slowly dissolves over 28 days to become nothing more than liquid. In addition, an array of garments, photography, fashion illustrations and time-based media targeted at the Australian design community will highlight the need for alternative modes of material production.
Prepare to spend more time scrolling through streaming queues from this November onwards — that's when Apple's new film and television platform will arrive. Called Apple TV+, announced earlier this year and just revealing that it'll launch on November 1, the new subscription service will feature a heap of new original television shows, movies and documentaries. They'll all be available ad-free and on demand, with access via the company's existing Apple TV app and the Apple TV+ website. The platform will debut just a few weeks before Disney's new streaming service, Disney+. And, like the Mouse House's foray into the world of online viewing, Apple TV+ will come relatively cheap. Australian viewers will be able to subscribe for $7.99 per month, while New Zealanders can sign up for $8.99 per month. While Apple doesn't have its own decades-old library of content to draw upon, like its sizeable competitor, it is investing a heap of cash into new shows. The company has revealed a sizeable lineup of new original series it hopes will attract your TV-loving eyeballs — and plenty of stars to go with them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVsM4gvkQXo Fancy watching Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell navigate the world of morning television in the appropriately titled drama series Morning Wars? Jason Momoa in a new sci-fi show called See, which is set in a world where humans are born blind? A reboot of 90s kids favourite Ghostwriter? A new docu-series from Oprah — and the return of her book club? They're all on the way, and will be available from the outset. Most series will premiere with three episodes, then roll out one new instalment per week afterwards — although some will drop full seasons at once. At launch, the above shows will also be joined by Dickinson, with Hailee Steinfeld playing poet Emily Dickinson, plus Snoopy in Space, a new Peanuts production about the beagle's desire to become an astronaut. Or, you can look forward to documentary The Elephant Queen, exploring the animal species and their proximity to extinction, and For All Mankind, which'll ponder what could've happened if America was still literally reaching for the stars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rg0y7NT1gU Down the line, Apple TV+ will also be home to Servant, a new psychological thriller from M. Night Shyamalan; Truth Be Told, which is based on a novel about true crime podcasts and features Octavia Spencer and Aaron Paul; and Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie-starring flick The Banker, about two African American entrepreneurs trying to make it in the 50s. The list goes on, spanning a revival of Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories anthology series; crime thriller Defending Jacob, starring Chris Evans; and a TV remake of Terry Gilliam's film Time Bandits, with a pilot directed by Taika Waititi. There's also a comedy set in a video game development studio from the folks behind It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a yet-to-be-named CIA undercover agent series starring Brie Larson, and new series from La La Land director Damien Chazelle. As well as being available on iPhones, iPads, Apple TV and the iPod touch, the Apple TV app is accessible via select Samsung smart TVs, and will hit Amazon Fire TV, LG, Roku, Sony and VIZIO platforms sometime in the future, too. Apple TV+ is set to launch on November 1. For more details, or to sign up for future updates, visit the streaming platform's website.
Diehard fans of The Simpsons will remember season three, episode ten — the one in which bartender Moe steals Homer's secret, cough medicine-filled cocktail recipe and starts selling it at his bar as the 'Flaming Moe'. If a cough syrup-induced haze has always sounded like your kind of fun (or you're just a huge Simpsons fan) you're in luck. This classic episode will come to life this April when the Flaming Moe's Pop-up Bar opens its doors in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. It'll be an immersive experience with 'Moe' behind the bar slinging bottomless cocktails and all of the show's best characters in attendance, too. We doubt the bar's namesake cocktail will actually contain the grape-flavoured, children's cough medicine depicted in the show, but no information on the recipe has been revealed just yet. If its purist Simpsons, the drink will at least include some unholy combination of tequila, peppermint schnapps and creme de menthe — all lit on fire for good measure. For beer drinkers, Duff-inspired brew will be on tap as well. And, to round out the night, there will also be Simpsons trivia, with themed prizes up for grabs. Dates are not yet announced and details are slim, but we do know that the pop-up will open for just one day in each city. You can sign up for pre-release tickets here, which you best do because space will surely be limited.
British songstress Beth Orton is in Australia, performing a national tour singing in churches across the country. The BRIT Award winner is arresting audiences across the nation with her angelic voice that perfectly suits the ambience offered by her chosen venues. Beth has been involved in music for more than two decades, and her experience is evident in her lyrics and voice, which she controls with carefully crafted technique and aplomb to convey the powerful emotions that simmer beneath the surface of her songs. Her tour is made possible by Heavenly Sounds, who utilise the acoustics offered by the architectural splendours of Australia's churches to present intimate concerts that will not be forgotten. Beth's is happening at St Stephen's Uniting Church in Sydney for one night only on Tuesday, May 14.
As far as blockbuster citywide exhibitions go in Australia, there's none quite as ambitious as the Biennale of Sydney. Celebrating its 21st edition with brand new artistic director Mami Kataoka (chief curator of Tokyo's Mori Art Museum), the Biennale is bringing out the big guns next year. With controversial Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei at the top, the lineup for the 2018 Biennale has dropped. Running from Friday, March 16 until Monday, June 11, the Biennale will see around 70 artists exhibiting around Sydney over 12 weeks — with 21 announced in the first release today. Weiwei will make his triumphant return to Australia following his wildly successful Melbourne double-bill exhibition with Andy Warhol last year. If you remember, he had quite the public falling-out with Lego so expect anything and everything from his Biennale involvement. Weiwei joins the likes of French multimedia artist Laurent Grasso, sculptural artist Haegue Yang, Australian contemporary artist Brook Andrew and Finnish video artist Eija-Liisa Ahtila, among significantly impressive others. While the Biennale's exhibition title won't be announced until July, artistic director Kataoka says this year they've done away with a specific theme or concept. Instead, they're focusing on perspectives from a broad range of artists from around the world. "Next year's Biennale will explore multiple viewpoints in search of a state of equilibrium," she said. "Rather than focusing on a specific concept or theme, the exhibition will suggest multi-layered perspectives of the world and its histories simultaneously." Kataoka says the Biennale experience will be "a journey; a walk through microcosms of the world today based on the stratum of history, human knowledge, emotions, desires and beliefs". A little vague, but we're still psyched. FIRST BIENNALE OF SYDNEY 2018 LINEUP: Eija-Liisa Ahtila Ai Weiwei Brook Andrew Oliver Beer Anya Gallaccio Laurent Grasso N.S. Harsha Mit Jai Inn Kate Newby Noguchi Rika Nguyen Trinh Thi Ciara Phillips Koji Ryui Semiconductor Yasmin Smith George Tjungurrayi Nicole Wong Wong Hoy Cheong Yukinori Yanagi Haegue Yang Jun Yang The 21st Biennale of Sydney will run from Friday March 16, until Monday June 11, 2018. We'll keep you posted on the whole artist lineup and exhibition program. Images: Ai Weiwei and Mit Jai Inn.
Looking for a novel (and free) way to celebrate the end of the working week? Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is turning The Rocks and its laneways into a strange and mysterious playground over eight Friday nights during November and December. Taking Rocks Square as its centre, the Rocks Village Bizarre aims to take its visitors by surprise, changing its theme weekly and placing unexpected experiences around every corner. The event's creative director Michael Cohen says, "It's more than just an event; it's a weekly adventure into weirdly wonderful." Amongst the myriad of things to do will be a sprinkling of intriguing places to drink (including a 1920s speakeasy experience thanks to Gin Mill Social), silent discos, bingo games, open air peddle-powered YouTube battles, a birds-only 'hole-in-the-sky' pop-up bar, night markets, old school barbers offering haircuts, magicians, fortune telling, love potions and a constant stream of roving performers. Sounds pretty wacky, right? Budding filmmakers may be keen to get involved in the festival's Bike Shorts Film Competition. There are two categories depending on your experience level, so you can enter either a five-minute standard short or a 15-second micro short. The prizes are pretty awesome, too. Get all the info here. When the inaugural Village Bizarre event launched last year, we wrote: "The Rocks has proved an unexpectedly difficult area to rejuvenate. Home to winding laneways, heel-cracking cobblestones, quaint colonial haunts, and shady histories, it should be the atmospheric epicentre of cultural life in this city ... Now the most promising sign of change yet has come." The marquees and pop-ups of the Village Bizarre were the wardrobe to Narnia on those nights, and sure enough, we've found more and more reasons to loiter in The Rocks ever since. Here's to a new season of inspired happenings. Get the full events listing at The Rocks Village Bizarre website. To watch the teaser video, click here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=nv9-R9V7Uoo
It's titled Always was, always will be, but the artwork that graces the facade of Taylor Square's T2 building won't be around much longer, with the City of Sydney marking the piece for removal in preparation of the building's sale. Painted by Indigenous artist Reko Rennie in 2012 for the council's Streetware program and in recognition of the land's original owners, the bold design has become one of Sydney's most prominent public Indigenous artworks. Though originally created as a temporary installation, the council voted to keep it up for an extra two years, before ultimately agreeing it could stay until September 2017. Now, the work is set to be painted over as the council gears up to sell the property, which it bought in 2009. A council spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald that, in light of the sale, Rennie had given the go-ahead for the work's removal. "Repainting the building will remove the current artwork and ensure the City in its capacity as building and artwork owner is complying with the development application for the artwork, which has expired and the wishes of the artist for the work to be remove prior to sale," he said. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
Leave your Hunters and your oversized sunhat behind to spontaneously frolic and make out with strangers. Pepa Knight, Jinja Safari's co-frontman, is launching his solo career with the announcement of a 2015 album release. But fans won't have to wait until next year to take off their shoes and enjoy that unmistakably JS-popularised brand of atmospheric, drum-thumping pop. On Friday, November 28, the first collection of Knight's solo recordings, Hypnotized Vol. 1, will be released — following on from his two critically-acclaimed singles 'Rahh!' and 'Clams'. Throughout November, Knight will be performing a series of headline shows to celebrate this first half of his highly-anticipated double album. Presented by Artists Voice and Rare Finds, the confirmed dates include appearances in Melbourne, Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Brisbane. In the coming weeks, Knight will also be releasing another single in support of the tour, giving fans a further insight into the infectious, whimsical sounds of his debut solo effort. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ysx8lssBeIE
The first day of March marks the first day of autumn, but when you're at El Loco, it's never not summer. So if you are a fan of spicy tortilla, colourful flags, icy margaritas, floral oilcloth, or general happiness, chase the ephemeral form of Sydney's favourite Mexican cantina to its new home in the Slip Inn courtyard. If you made to the pop-up at Sydney’s Opera House, you’ll know the deal: kitschy decor, a killer snack menu featuring Dan Hong's, infamous tacos and cheese-drowned hot dogs, and a "secret taco" that always tends to increase in appeal as the bucket of Coronas diminishes. Everything is priced around the $6-10 mark, including a few additional items made exclusively for the CBD's brightest pop-up. Between Wednesday and Saturday there will be live entertainment kicking on until last Coronas are called, which on weekends will be well after midnight. El Loco at Slip Inn is located at 111 Sussex St, Sydney CBD and will be open Monday to Thursday from midday till midnight and Friday and Saturday from midday till late, until March 31.
Much has happened on Sydney's Cockatoo Island/Wareamah, which has housed a prison, ship-building facilities, a reform school and a wartime boat repair port in its time. In recent years, the patch of land in the middle of Sydney Harbour has also hosted a film festival and haunted history tours — and now Haus of Horror is combining elements of both for its next immersive cinema screenings. The movie-loving outfit has been popping up around the Harbour City for over a year, screening The Exorcist and the OG Scream in a haunted prison with sessions at Parramatta Gaol, taking Beetlejuice to Camperdown Cemetery in Newtown and more. Next comes two evenings of A Nightmare on Elm Street on Cockatoo Island on Friday, February 16 and Saturday, February 17, with attendees catching a themed ferry over, then exploring the site. When sunset hits, Freddy Krueger will start stalking. If you believe the stories about Cockatoo Island's ghosts, you'll be in a particularly eerie place for this date with the horror-movie villain created by the late, great Wes Craven. You'll also be watching the film in its 40th-anniversary year. And, as is Haus of Horror's custom, pressing play on the film in a notable — and notably disquieting — spot is only the start of it. These folks take the immersive part of the setup extremely seriously. Whether or not you choose to don a striped jumper for the occasion, your ticket includes the chartered ferry to over and back, departing from Barangaroo; moseying around not only the island but the unsettling installations that the Haus of Horror crew sets up around the Turbine Hall and Bolt Wharf; listening to a live DJ as part of the pre-show entertainment; and special guests roaming around, and also a photobooth to immortalise your memories. A bar will be serving drinks, and there'll be snacks on offer — but you'll be paying for those separately.
Peruse a list of 2019's big movies, and you could be forgiven for feeling like Hollywood is living in the past. When it's not serving up Dumbo, Aladdin and The Lion King remakes, it's extending the Godzilla, X-Men, Men in Black, Child's Play, Toy Story, Spider-Man and Terminator franchises — and putting together a sequel to The Shining. The list goes on, with the new Charlie's Angels the latest to join the fold. Hello, nostalgia- and action-loving movie-goers, obviously. Back in 2000 and 2003, the world didn't really need a couple of films based on the 1976–81 television series of the same name, even if Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu made a great team. Almost two decades later, the world probably doesn't need a third Charlie's Angels movie about a private detective agency, its formidable ladies and their globe-trotting hijinks, either. But the new flick — which both revisits the franchise's familiar scenario with new faces, and reportedly continues on from both the TV show and the the first two films — does boast more than a few potential highlights. Cast-wise, Charlie's Angels circa 2019 stars Kristen Stewart, Aladdin standout Naomi Scott and British up-and-comer Ella Balinska. Like her Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson, Stewart has made some savvy film choices since farewelling the vampire romance saga, including Clouds of Sils Maria, Certain Women and Personal Shopper — and while this upbeat action flick about kick-ass ladies saving the world clearly shares little else in common with her recent dramatic roles, here's hoping it continues her good run. Elsewhere, Elizabeth Banks sits the director's chair, co-wrote the script and features on-screen as Bosley. Well, one of them — Patrick Stewart and Djimon Hounsou both play Bosley, too. Music fans can also look forward to the soundtrack, with Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey all collaborating on a song, as the film's first trailer reveals. That's a bit of a throwback of its own, given that 2000's Charlie's Angels also featured a killer track, aka Destiny's Child's 'Independent Women'. Catch a glimpse of the new Charlie's Angels in the initial clip below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSUq4VfWfjE Charlie's Angels releases in Australian cinemas on November 14, 2019.
Next up at COMMUNE is Rae Begley's new solo exhibition And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out. Through a series of exquisite studies of glaciers and landscapes captured at Nepal's Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Lake last year, the show explores the sacred quality of the mountain landscape, its spiritual significance to the local people and its vulnerability in the face of evident environmental decline. Begley explains that during her visit in 2016 "the breathtaking beauty of the landscape was scarred with the tragedy of human interference and the subsequent impact of climate change". Combining film photographs (all shot handheld with the intention of large-scale, in-person viewing), video, ambient sound and installation works, her exhibition aims to both celebrate the majestic glory of the Himalayas and "evoke a sense of urgency from the viewer" in light of worrying evidence that that the region is experiencing glacial melt. The show has a short run: you only have from November 2 to 5 to head along. And prospective buyers take note: Begley will donate a percentage of sales to The Ice Stupa Project in support of their work fighting climate change and melting glaciers. Image: Rae Begley, The End (2016).
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is giving 2018 the best possible send-off with a killer New Year's Eve party. Overlooking the picturesque shoreline of Sydney Harbour, it's the prime place to spend the final sunset of the year. You'll be presented with a stellar lineup of musical talent, food and drinks, plus an awesome vantage point to catch the midnight fireworks. Don't fret about the tunes — the setlist's in safe hands as Aussie producer MUTO headlines the bash. Hailing from Sydney's Northern Beaches, he's been selling out shows across Australia over the last year and played to a packed out audience at Splendour in the Grass. Joining MUTO will be local DJ and producer Jesse Porsches. Expect his grooves to keep the dance floor lively well into the night, featuring collaborations with the likes of Flume, Tkay Maidza, Skepta and Booka Shade. A general admission ticket will set you back $134.28. But if you want to take your New Year's Eve to glamorous levels, consider a VIP ticket ($287.28), which offers exclusive bar and balcony access. You'll also enjoy roaming canapés — think mini fish and chips, salmon poké bowls and chicken noodles — a cocktail on arrival and a two-hour beverage package featuring Heineken, white, red and sparkling wine. You can also add ferry and bus transfers back to Manly, Bondi or Rose Bay to your ticket, which means less stressing about rideshare surging at the end of the night. To purchase your ticket to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel's NYE Party, head to the website. Images: Daniele Massacci.
Paddington nose-to-tail seafood favourite Saint Peter is getting a bar — and Josh and Julie Niland, the pair behind the acclaimed eatery, are getting a boutique hotel, too. Come summer 2022–23, the Nilands will take over Underwood Street's Grand National Hotel, moving their beloved restaurant into it. Also on the cards: a separate bar menu for a more casual stopover, an additional private dining room and 14 rooms for guests to stay in. It's already been a big few years for Josh and Julie, who also opened their first Fish Butchery in Paddington back in 2018, launched sustainable fish and chip shop Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay in 2021 and set up a second Fish Butchery in Waterloo earlier in 2022. This news is particularly huge, though. Closed since 2019, the Grand National dates back to 1896, and will relaunch under the Nilands after a new stint of renovations. [caption id="attachment_855329" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Newtown Grafitti via Flickr[/caption] For seafood lovers eager to follow Saint Peter to its new digs after six years at 362 Oxford Street, the relocated restaurant will sit within a 45-seat dining room — and beneath a skylight ceiling. It's no wonder that the Nilands have called the move "opulent". While you eat, you'll be able to see into the open kitchen and wood-fired grill, and also peer at the fish charcuterie cabinets and displays. And, menu-wise, you'll be picking from an a la carte menu filled with the ocean's finest, showcasing Australia's top fishers and oyster growers (as well as vegetable growers, winemakers and artisans). As for that bar, it'll be there for sips before or after dinner — or just for lunch or dinner on its own. And, for special occasions, the private dining room will cater to 15. [caption id="attachment_811440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The interior of Saint Peter, by Nikki To.[/caption] Keen to tuck into a fishy spread, have a few drinks, then bunker down for the night? The Nilands describe the hotel as providing "our restaurant guests with an opportunity to extend their Saint Peter experience with a luxurious overnight stay". Exactly when Saint Peter will start operating in its new spot, and when The Grand National will reopen, hasn't yet been revealed — but Saint Peter Oxford Street will shut its doors sometime in early 2023. Saint Peter will remain at 362 Oxford Street, Paddington, until early 2023. The Grand National Hotel, at 161 Underwood Street, Paddington, is set to open sometime over the summer of 2022–23. Top image: Rob Palmer.
The Pebble E-Paper Watch campaign, run in April last year, is the most highly funded in Kickstarter history. Having set their initial goal at $100,000, the creators raised a whopping $10,266,845. The second most successful, if you're curious to know, is that of 'OUYA: A new kind of video game console'. Selling itself as 'the first watch built for the 21st century', the Pebble is compatible with both iPhone and Android. It's also fully customisable. The wearer can choose from an array of watch faces, making changes as often as desirable. The designers write that they 'strove to create a minimalist yet fashionable product that seamlessly blends into everyday life'. The selection of apps is growing all the time, from biking and running monitors to golf rangefinders to music software. Bluetooth enables connection with a nearby smartphone, which means that the Pebble can access GPS, and communicate notifications from social networks and email accounts. The phone weighs in at 32 grams and its black and white screen offers a resolution of 144 x 168 pixels. Drawbacks include the tendency to reduce a smartphone's battery life, by up to 10%. Plus, owners of a Blackberry, Windows 7 or Palm phone don't have any chance of compatibility yet. Following delays, the first Pebbles were shipped to Kickstarter supporters in January this year. On July 7, they (the watches, not the supporters) became available on shelves in America's consumer electronics store, Best Buy. [via mashable]
Take a kid or several, then add a skill to be mastered and a feat to be overcome. Next, paint the protagonists as underdogs, and show synchronicity between their efforts and the act of growing up. It worked in 1980s fantasies Labyrinth and The NeverEnding Story — and the adventures of The Goonies too. The approach trickled through the baseball-themed The Sandlot Kids and the hockey-centric The Mighty Ducks trilogy in the 1990s. Circa 2000s, the espionage antics of Spy Kids and the wizardry of the Harry Potter films followed the formula. Now comes the locally made Paper Planes, a feature for a new generation of childhoods yet one that feels ripped from all others that came before. As the title suggests, the age-old pastime of creating plane-like shapes out of paper provides the movie with its premise. In this activity that anyone can enjoy, one ordinary child finds a new ability, chases glory, and circles a solution to his adolescent problems. Yes, it is supposed to sound familiar. No, it is not supposed to be subtle. Twelve-year-old Dylan (Ed Oxenbould) is the Western Australian kid in the spotlight, often left to his own devices by his grieving father (Sam Worthington) and deemed different in his country class but soon anointed with the promise of something more. A simple schoolroom lesson unlocks his knack for folding and throwing paper planes, a talent his teacher (Peter Rowsthorn) encourages. With the help of a bully turned best pal (Julian Dennison) and his cheeky grandpa (Terry Norris), Dylan sets his sights on national and international championships. By design, the path plotted by writer/director Robert Connolly and co-scribe Steve Worland isn't difficult to discern. In his coming-of-age quest of trying to triumph in the paper plane arena, Dylan encounters an adversary (Nicholas Bakopoulos-Cooke) and makes a new friend (Ena Imai); however, being comfortable in his own skin and repairing the relationship with his dad are more important outcomes. With magical realism and hearty humour bubbling through the film in abundance, Paper Planes endeavours to offer the same joyful jaunt for all ages that helped fellow homegrown efforts Babe and Red Dog achieve success – and with the same penchant for striking backdrops and broad performances, too. Well-meaning cheesiness, as seen in repeated sequences of planes rocketing past outback landscapes, and earnest portrayals of stereotypical characters acting as expected (including brief appearances by Deborah Mailman and David Wenham) are what the feature is made of. Alas, it is nostalgia, not enchantment, that keeps Paper Planes flying, if never quite soaring. Think back to the feel-good movies of your youth, because Connolly obviously has. Simplicity, sweetness and sticking to the well-worn script are the main aims of his Australian fable, and ones attained with the biggest blast of old-fashioned exuberance the filmmaker – and the film – can muster.
People have orgasms every day, but for decades spent closing her eyes and thinking of England in a sexually perfunctory marriage, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande's lead character wasn't among them. Forget la petite mort, the French term for climaxing; Nancy Stokes' (Emma Thompson, Cruella) big wrestling match with mortality, the one we all undertake, has long been devoid of erotic pleasure. Moments that feel like a little death? Unheard of. That's where this wonderfully candid, intimate, generous and joyous sex comedy starts, although not literally. Flashbacks to Nancy enduring getting it over with beneath her now-deceased spouse, missionary style, aren't Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde (Animals) or British comedian-turned-screenwriter Katy Brand's (Glued) concern. Instead, their film begins with the religious education teacher waiting in a hotel room, about to take the biggest gamble of her life: meeting the eponymous sex worker (Daryl McCormack, Peaky Blinders). For anyone well-versed in Thompson's prolific on-screen history, and of Brand's work before the camera as well, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande inspires an easy wish: if only Nancy had a different job. Back in 2010, the pair co-starred in Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, a title that'd also fit their latest collaboration if its protagonist cared for kids rather than taught them. Jokes aside, the instantly charming Leo is used to hearing that sentiment about his own professional choices. Indeed, Nancy expresses it during their pre- and post-coital discussions, enquiring about the events that might've led him to his career. "Maybe you're an orphan!" she says. "Perhaps you grew up in care, and you've got very low self-esteem," she offers. "You could have been trafficked against your will — you can't tell just by looking at somebody!" she continues. There are plenty of "if only" thoughts and feelings pulsating through Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, a film where its namesake's tongue couldn't be more important — yes, in that way, and also because talk is as crucial as sex here. If only Nancy hadn't spent half of her existence in a pleasure-free marriage. If only a lifetime of being middle class and socially conservative, and of internalising Britain's stereotypical 'keep calm and carry on' mentality, hadn't left her adrift from her desires. If only being a woman in her mid-50s wasn't seen as a libidinous void by society at large, a mindset that's as much a part of Nancy as the wrinkles and ageing body parts she can barely look at in the mirror. If only prioritising her sensual needs wasn't virtually taboo, too, especially in her mind — even after, two years since being widowed, she's booked an expensive rendezvous with Leo. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande unpacks those if onlys — not the Nanny McPhee one, obviously, but the idea that Nancy's life is immovably stuck in the same rut it has always been. As played by Thompson at the height of her acting powers, at her absolute splintery, finicky yet vulnerable best even with Last Christmas, Years and Years, Late Night and The Children Act on her recent resume, she's nervous, anxious, uncertain and always on the cusp of cancelling, including once Leo strolls into the room, beams his easy magnetism her way and starts talking about what she wants like it's the most natural thing in the world. Slipping into the sheets and knowing what excites you is the most natural thing in the world, of course, but not to Nancy. As her four appointments with Leo progress, she comes up with a lineup of carnal acts she'd like to experience — and she may as well be reading from her grocery list. But getting her to shed her inhibitions is as much his focus as shedding her clothes, and the twentysomething won't let Nancy keep getting in the way of herself. How simple Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is, and also how complex. That's fitting; sex is the same. Brand has penned a slinky two-hander about an unfulfilled woman tentatively taking charge of her own wants, and the helping hand she needs to do so, and also a movie that layers every stigma about female lust, older women, sex work, boundaries and respect into one frank, empathetic, penetrating and delightful package. That's there in the minute details, such as Nancy's job teaching religion to schoolgirls, to whom she's shown the same stern judgement she directs her own way. It's in the way that Leo asks before making every move, dismantles Nancy's concerns about his vocation and their age gap, and dedicates their time together to putting her at ease in every way he can as well. And, it also lingers in his response to her lack of care about his own work-life divide. The straightforwardness, the complications, the texture, the intense emotional landscape — they all evolve and deepen as Good Luck to You, Leo Grande goes on, as do the weighty subjects that the movie ponders, and the two characters swirling through the frame. Twirl, twist, sway, spin, thrust, tumble: Nancy and Leo do all of the above, physically and verbally, and what a double act they make. You could call Good Luck to You, Leo Grande a chamber piece courtesy of its small cast, chatter-heavy setup and the fact it's largely set in one room; however, the always-phenomenal Thompson and the immediately mesmerising McCormack make every second of the film feel expansive. Movies about women of a certain age attempting to get their groove back aren't uncommon, but movies about accepting that there's even a groove to reclaim, why that's essential, and how not only sex but sex work have a pivotal place in our daily lives are almost as scarce as Nancy's orgasms — until now. Helming her third feature after progressing from the also revelatory 52 Tuesdays through to Animals and now this, Hyde could've just ensured that her regular cinematographer Bryan Mason was peering Thompson and McCormack's way, then let their acting magic happen — and, at times, that's how it appears. But Good Luck to You, Leo Grande does what Nancy never has with herself, and what Leo endeavours to control with his clients: it truly sees its central pair, who they are and who they want to be, and what makes them moan, groan and tick. Hyde is clearly drawn to intricate two-person dynamics and the dances they inspire, whether following a teenager and her transgender parent, two thick-as-thieves best pals or a couple of strangers getting explicit. She blatantly loves telling coming-of-age tales, too, with the emphasis on both the coming and the age in this case. And, she ensures that soaking in the quiet moments, including when her characters are together but alone, says as much as any words bantered back and forth. Sex comedies have rarely felt so lived in, so comfortable, so earnest or so nuanced, or like such a release.
Solo Sydney emcees Phatchance and Coptic Soldier have supported heavyweight acts like Method Man & Redman, DJ Premier and The Beat Nuts, and are playing their final free show at Oxford Art Factory this week. Chance Waters aka Phatchance released Inkstains in 2009, was a featured artist on Triple J Unearthed, and drops insights that other artists would stumble over. His catchy, lover-not-a-fighter lyrics are supported by well-layered harmonies and epic instrumentation. Luke Girgris aka Coptic Soldier launched his street release The Past Three Years Diary in 2009, teamed up with soul vocalist Miriam Waks to release The Sound of Wings in 2010, and has a sense of poetics to make Henry Lawson weep. His beats are beautifully textured and his social commentary is both searingly honest and endearingly self critical. Catch them at the Oxford alongside Charlie Mayfair and Sydney local Atlas B Salvensen. Image: Phatchance
Jello Biafra, the voice that defied the Reagan era as frontman of Dead Kennedys, is bringing his chaotic punk back to Australia. Inspired by The Stooges' performance at Iggy's 60th birthday bash, Jello set about immediately recording the first album with his new accompaniment. Audacity of Hype was well-received by new and old fans alike, enabling the production of two follow-up EPs and sophomore album White People and the Damage Done, the content of which dominates their setlist. Whilst his new musical troupe is not as confronting as DK were, fans can still expect to experience layers of guitar accompanied by the obligatory crashing of drums and impassioned vocals in Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine. Like true punks they do not hold back, tackling corruption, foreign policy and scandals through blunt lyrics punctuated by explosive rock. The rage of their lyrical content personifies itself in Biafra's onstage flailing and intensity. Catch them in Sydney for one stick-it-to-the-man night only on Saturday, May 18.
Usually when a festival dedicated to espresso martinis pops up, it takes over one place. Such boozy fests only tend to run for a day or so, or a weekend, too. But one of Australia's big hospitality chains is ditching both of those norms, because this drink needs a whole week and more than 200 pubs countrywide to truly get buzzing. Who needs sleep when there's caffeinated cocktails to sip and celebrate? The event: ALH Hotels' Espresso Martini Festival, which'll take over venues in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory from Monday, March 13–Sunday, March 19. If you're wondering why, the reason is the same that most food- or drink-themed fests pop up. Yes, there's an occasion dedicated to the beverage in question, with World Espresso Martini Day upon us on Wednesday, March 15. For the week around the espresso martini-fuelled date, ALH Hotels will pour Grey Goose espresso martinis no matter what time you drop by. Fancy a pick-me-up over lunch? After-work bevvies with your colleagues? A cruisy weekend session giving you some extra perk? They're all options — just don't expect to be tired afterwards. Among the venues taking part in NSW, Sydneysiders can hit up the Summer Hill Hotel, Kirribilli Hotel, New Brighton Hotel, The Ranch and Harlequin Inn. Victoria's list spans Young and Jacksons, Moreland Hotel, Elsternwick Hotel, The Croxton and Balaclava Hotel, too. In Queensland, options include Breakfast Creek Hotel, Brunswick Hotel, Oxford 152, Indooroopilly Hotel, Stones Corner Hotel and the RE in Brisbane, plus spots both up and down the coast. The full list also features pubs in SA such as the Watermark Glenelg, Royal Oak and Esplanade Hotel; venues in WA, complete with Hyde Park, the Belgian Beer Cafe and the Albion Hotel; and four places in the NT. [caption id="attachment_870392" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Breakfast Creek Hotel, Andrew S (Flickr)[/caption] ALH Hotels' Espresso Martini Festival runs from Monday, March 13–Sunday, March 19 at venues around the country — head to the pub chain's website for the full list and further details.
