When it comes to small bars, there are a number of key qualities that when done right almost guarantee success. First and foremost there’s the booze and people serving it, and of course you can’t go past venue, including location, ambience and layout. Secret Garden Bar in Enmore has managed to nail each one firmly on the head, and with it once again reinforced that if you’re a fan of fun, the inner west needs to be your playground. Brain child of ex-law student Ashleigh Cavagnino and Jacqui 'DJ CUNNINGPANTS' Cunningham (organiser of undoubtedly Sydney’s biggest lesbian nights, including Girl Thing and Birdcage), Secret Garden Bar is ironically far from hidden. That said, with a bright teal sign beckoning punters towards its huge, glass-paned frontage right next to the Enmore Theatre, inside it still manages to create a lush, green sanctuary with overflowing hanging baskets above, field-ploughing paraphernalia to the side (courtesy of Cavagnino’s grandmother) and outside-furniture-style chez lounges connecting tables along the main wall. Max capacity is in the high 40s so expect lawn party over crowded festival setup any day. The cocktail menu is long and delightful. On our visit we began with a Lady Killer ($14) of Tanqueray shaken over ice with triple sec, pineapple juice, passionfruit pulp and a hint of lime, as well as the Smirnoff Honey Harbour of its namesake flavoured vodka, apple, sugar, lemon and ginger beer ($14). The former was my personal favourite but both well and truly hit the spot (the wax paper seal around the Lady Killer you stab with your straw is a very cute touch). If the chicks behind the bar are flat out, though, the Newtowner by local brewery Young Henrys is a pretty nifty quick refresh, or if you’ve got a few thirsts to quench the Mule Jug of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum with bitters, lime juice and ginger beer will keep you all satisfied (all jugs $25). As food goes, currently Secret Garden serves just one type of dish: the gluten-free Columbian cornmeal snack widely known as arepas. And, quite frankly, they serve it good. These soft and plump little pockets come with your choice of filling. The spicy pulled beef with tomato salsa or the pulled pork are by far the best ($8), but if you’re not into meat, you can opt for either a three cheese ($5) or black bean and feta ($6). Both, any vegos out there will be happy to hear, are very tasty. All in all as small bars go there’s a lot to love about Secret Garden. There's DJ sets most days (including Cunningham herself from time to time), Wednesday night Wolves & Lace events showcasing all sorts of creative happenings (such as live graffiti and 3D artists at work), the toilet designed and painted by local talent Takie, as well as a genuinely welcoming vibe. If all of that and more doesn’t indicate a successful venture, then to be honest, we don’t know what does.
Winter in Melbourne in 2024 began with a festival, with RISING getting June started with everything from music-fuelled block parties to 24-hour movie marathons. Winter in Melbourne in 2024 will also end with a fest when Now or Never makes its big return in mid-to-late August. After proving a hit with its mix of tunes, performances, installations, talks and more in 2023, its inaugural year, this City of Melbourne-presented celebration will again fill the Victorian capital with creativity. Clear your calendar now — you've got more than 100 different events to attend. Now or Never already locked in its dates and theme earlier in the year. Whether you're a Melburnian or an interstater looking for an excuse for a getaway, you'll have plenty to do across Thursday, August 22–Saturday, August 31. And, with help from 250-plus local and international talents, you'll be getting revelling with the concept 'look through the image' — so, honing in on imagination, emotions and contemplation — firmly in mind. A recurring idea among 2024's Now or Never events is peering beyond the surface, as reflected in a lineup that's jam-packed full of deep cuts. While 2023's fest saw Melbourne's historic Royal Exhibition Building host its first large-scale live music performances in over 20 years, 2024's will return to the venue for four nights of tunes and audiovisual projections that aim to leave a big impression. Eartheater, Sandwell District, Erika De Casier, Ben Frost, Naretha Williams, Clark and DJ Donato Dozzy are all on the bill, as is the Australian debut of COUCOU CHLOE. Still on Aussie premieres, DESASTRES from Marco Fusinato falls into that category, heading Down Under after first appearing at the Venice Biennale 2022 across a 200-day run. For just two days in Melbourne, audiences will be peering at the world's largest LED volume screen for virtual production at NantStudios in Docklands cinema studios for this experimental noise performance project, which synchronises its guitar sounds with imagery. It's both a solo performance and an installation. Across Thursday–Sunday nights during the festival, Joanie Lemercier will unveil Constellations above the Yarra River. This free AV installation projects lights to form shapes in the air, focusing on the cosmos, as accompanied by a soundscape by producer Paul Jebansam. Similarly at the right price for everyone's wallets, the also-free Silent Symphony and Present Shock II hail from London's United Visual Artists. The first features Frost's compositions as part of celestial patterns given a sonic interpretation, in a piece that will never repeat. The second boasts a score by Massive Attack's Robert Del Naj with Robert Thomas, and is all about confronting a realm where alternative facts and post-truths now dwell. At ACMI — and also presented by the Melbourne International Film Festival — the free world-premiere kajoo yannaga (come on let's walk together) will take participants on an interactive virtual and gamified walk on Country that puts First Nations knowledge at the fore, all thanks to Wiradjuri Scottish artist April Phillips. Or, hovering above Melbourne Museum Plaza, get ready to experience Peder Bjurman's augmented-reality experience Slow Walker, which turns a microscopic organism into a floating giant. Plagiary is another certain highlight, with dance technologist and choreographer Alisdair Macindoe joining forces with media artist Sam Mcgilp to create a new dance performance each night. Ten dancers will improvise, but it's a computer presence that'll tell them what to respond to. Elsewhere on the lineup, Roxane Gay's latest trip to Australia is tied to discussing 2023 book Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People's Business; Melbourne's HTRK and Britain's Actress are teaming up for a single evening; and Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari man Kutcha Edwards is in the spotlight at Wuigada — Gagada (To Sing — Loud), which makes its Victorian premiere. There's also MOUNTAIN, a dance performance with costumes by Akira Isogawa, plus mycologist Merlin Sheldrake chatting about fungi, if you needed more examples of how wide-ranging the 2024 program is. Now or Never 2024 runs from Thursday, August 22–Saturday, August 31 around Melbourne — head to the festival website for further details.
Sydney, it all comes down to this. After a whirlwind international tour, The British and Irish Lions are coming to Accor Stadium to take on the Wallabies for a finale showdown. If you're one of the 80,000 fans flocking to the stadium, there's one stop you'll want to add to your plan for the big day: getting a free facial hair trim inspired by your favourite Aussie sports icons. On Saturday, August 2, Philips is setting up outside the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park hotel with a pop-up facial grooming experience ahead of the match. From 1pm–9pm, the OneBlade Barbershop will be open for walk-ins, with two barbers on hand to give your beard or moustache a trim, edge or close shave using the Philips OneBlade. You'll get to choose from the icons board of AFL, Rugby, NRL, UFC, Cricket stars to inspire your cut, from Honeybadger and Nick Kyrgios, to Bailey Smith and Volk. There's no need to book ahead, just drop by and scan the QR code to secure your spot on the day. While you're waiting for your shave, you can also spin the prize wheel to win extra goodies to take home. Whether you want to head to the game looking sharp or just want to try the OneBlade for yourself, this is your chance. Catch the OneBlade Barbershop pop-up outside Novotel Sydney Olympic Park hotel on Saturday, August 2 from 1pm–9pm. For more info, head to the website.
Writers' festivals are getting more and more 'with it' these days. People wear shirts with hashtags on them, you're encouraged to live-tweet questions for authors on panels, and the events are no longer held at local library reading rooms, but cool back-alley warehouse spaces. The kind of place where everyone's wearing black-rimmed glasses and talking about Tao Lin. All this is old news now however, as the Emerging Writers' Festival has just announced the creation of the world's first exclusively online writers' festival to take place in February 2014. While writers' festivals once lamented the damning effects of the internet and digital technology on the written word, the Digital Writers' Festival will be a 12-day celebration of it. Digital publishing, eBooks, alt lit, fan fic, webcams and Twitterbots — the publishing industry and the nature of writing itself has transformed dramatically in even the past few years, and DWF is going to be a dedicated space in which to examine it. This also has a huge impact on accessibility. Do you live in the Northern Territory and always feel jealous when you see pictures of the Melbourne Writers' Festival? Maybe you live in Melbourne, but never felt quite cool enough to head along to the events. Perhaps you tried, but got lost looking for the event down a laneway? The DWF will be the first truly accessible festival for a vast array of people all over country, and more than that, the world. Admittedly it could all be a little confusing though. We talked to the new DWF Director, Connor Tomas O'Brien about what the festival will be and how it will all work. We talked on Twitter because that's what the cool kids do now, right? Right? The full DWF program of events and artists will be released in January 2014.
When Hugo's closed last year, many Sydneysiders were left wondering about the future of Sneaky Sundays. Run by Sneaky Sound System's Miss Connie and Black Angus, the Sunday staple has been providing weekend party people with the best house music since 2000 and has gained a dedicated following. It might even be where you were introduced to deadmau5 or Daft Punk. After a successful summer run in Mykonos, the long-loved event is returning with a new home at Bondi beachfront bar The Bucket List. Sneaky Sundays is on from 7pm to midnight, every Sunday throughout the summer and features an array of weekly guests. It's the best excuse to while away the balmy nights dancing to everything from deep house to electro.
Visit the Chau Chak Wing Museum for an expedition back to one of the world's oldest civilisations. The Egyptian Galleries brings ancient Egypt to life with two imaginative (and free) exhibits that explore the culture's lasting legacy. The Mummy Room weaves together archaeological artefacts and modern science to showcase the lives of four different Egyptians. The exhibit features the coffins and mummified bodies of Meruah, Padiashaikhet, Horus and Mer-Neith-it-es, who lived in Egypt between 1200 BCE and 100 CE, and uses innovative CT technology to uncover previously indiscernible details about their health and lifestyles. Accompanying the captivating exhibit is Pharaonic Obsessions, which highlights the Egyptomania that swept Australia in the 19th century. On display are a range of ancient Egyptian artefacts collected by different Australians, such as ornate funerary objects and decorative tiles and columns. While you're there, check out the museum's other art, science and history exhibits — all of which you can explore for free. Get more details on The Egyptian Galleries and other exhibits at the Chau Chak Wing Museum's website.
Heated outdoor spaces are a hot commodity while the weather's still a bit nippy. They offer a rare occasion to enjoy some fresh air even when the warmth from the sun has vanished. Luckily, The Grounds of Alexandria has you sorted. The venue holds regular after-dark music events held in its fairy light-lit urban garden, and the next instalment is all about blues and mulled wine. Go straight from work and grab a glass from 6.30pm. Music will be going throughout the night — the soulful Frank Sultana will be complemented by the upbeat harmonica tunes from duo Sweet Jelly Rolls. Dancing is encouraged. The $30 ticket price includes entry and the music, with food and drinks available to purchase from the kitchen — think cheese and charcuterie boars, burgers and other dishes from the barbecue. It's a top date idea or, alternatively, one for you fam — kids under 12 get in for free.
For a long weekend activity on the luxe end of the scale, head down to the launch of Portopeli at Pelicano, a new monthly event transforming the Double Bay venue’s Cote d’Azur-inspired surroundings into a fashion and homewares market. These folk are taking their wildly rich grown-up house-party vibe to new heights, giving Sydneysiders the chance to shop the closets of stylists, designers, bloggers and people who know what to do with scarves. At this inaugural do, snoop through the pre-loved wardrobes of stylists and Instagrammers Everybody Knows Mars and Maia Liakos. There’ll also be new items from Aitken & Co, Cinzia handmade ballet slippers, Santos Wish and Sydney Fragrance Co, as well as vintage and contemporary threads from the likes of Zimmerman, Sass and Bide and Isabel Marant. After all that, you’ll probably need a pick-me-up. Choose from Pelicano’s full modern Pacific food and drink menu, or stop by their pop-up Bloody Mary Bar. Just don’t spill your tomato juice on anything white, and you’ve got this.
Spoiler warning: this interview incudes spoilers for Yellowjackets season three if you're not up to date with the series at the time of publication. It was meant to be a simple sports trip, with a high school girls' soccer team travelling from New Jersey to Seattle to compete in a tournament. That's where the plot of Yellowjackets begins in a linear sense — with American teenagers, their coaches and one of the latter's two children all flying across the US in 1996, and with the promise of on-field glory awaiting. But after the plane carrying the titular team is diverted over Canada, it plunges to the ground en route. What immediately happens next for young women who should be living normal teen lives, not doing whatever it takes to survive, is one half of the series. What's occurring a quarter of a century afterwards also fills Yellowjackets' frames, as the hit survivalist thriller has spent three must-see seasons so far exploring the impact of a wild dance with the wilderness, and with the trauma such an experience sparks, plus the vulnerability of being stranded then scarred by it. New Jersey, Seattle, Canada: that trio of locations is pivotal to Yellowjackets, even if no one has yet made it to the middle spot on the list. In the show's third season, New York proves crucial as well, but New Zealand and Australia have also long left their own imprint. The series began with Aotearoa's Melanie Lynskey (The Tattooist of Auschwitz's) leading the present-day cast as the adult Shauna, nee Shipman and now Sadecki, one of the team members to make it back from the plane crash alive. Also since the first season, Australians Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Liv Hewson (Party Down) have helped dig into what enduring in the forest really entails, the first as Charlotte "Lottie" Matthews and the second as Vanessa "Van" Palmer. In season two, New Zealander Simone Kessell (Muru) joined Lynskey among the survivors — and joined Eaton in portraying Lottie. Alongside a killer premise, an unflinching embrace of the darkness and devastation that was always going to spring from such an ordeal, a glorious array of 90s nods and a spectacular cast — Christina Ricci (Wednesday), Juliette Lewis (I'm a Virgo), Tawny Cypress (Law & Order) and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) also play the 2020s-era crew; Sophie Thatcher (Companion), Sophie Nélisse (No Return), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Scream VI) and Samantha Hanratty (Atlas) are among the talents bringing the squad's younger guises to life — characterisation has always been one of Yellowjackets' strengths. There's no doubting that these are complex women, both as teens and decades later. Its cast may portray a team, but the show sees its main figures as individuals, surveying their respective wants, needs, desires and fears. In Lottie's case, Yellowjackets spies someone yearning to be loved and accepted, so much so that she tries to grasp it in her faith in her new surroundings. No high schooler is prepared for suddenly living in the wilderness for months and months awaiting rescue, but Lottie's moneyed upbringing — her dad financed the fateful private plane to Seattle — leaves her seesawing between confidence and fragility. She's so assured in her beliefs in the forest that her fellow survivors start following her lead. She's also troubled, including from her family life, and despite how she projects herself to the world. The adult Lottie is introduced as a wellness guru-slash-cult leader, complete with purple-wearing disciples, but she's still weathering the same internal struggles. Following a stint staying at Shauna's and bonding with the teenage Callie Sadecki (Sarah Desjardins, The Night Agent), season three takes Lottie's story to an end that the character avoids in the woods, as the world discovered at the end of the latest run's fourth episode. How is Kessell feeling now that the character's fate is out there in the world? "I've got to say the fans of Yellowjackets are everything," she tells Concrete Playground. When the episode aired, an influx of messages came her way. "It's so lovely and so kind and generous, and I think I'll read them all," she advises. "I didn't quite expect such an outpouring of love and support." "And also because season two starts on Netflix soon, I was cautious not to — and for people who haven't watched that episode yet — put a spoiler on social media and things like that. But I'm overwhelmed. And it's amazing that you can play these characters that touch so many people." [caption id="attachment_995131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] Kessell came to Yellowjackets more than three decades into her career. Like her compatriot Lynskey, she was starting out as an actor when she was a 90s teen herself. NZ TV series Homeward Bound gave Kessell her first role — and from there, her resume has spanned everything from Xena: Warrior Princess, the OG Heartbreak High, CSI: Miami, Underbelly and Terra Nova through to 1%, Pine Gap, Our Flag Means Death, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Wellmania, Critical Incident and plenty of others. Next, she'll be seen in The Last Frontier, a new American thriller series that also sees her keep a Down Under connection courtesy of Aussie Jason Clarke (Oppenheimer). Kessell is coy about whether Lottie could possibly return to Yellowjackets in some form, spirit or otherwise, in the future. "Oh my goodness, how would I play ghost Lottie? My god, I don't even know," she laughs. But she's deeply grateful for the chance to have stepped into her shoes, she also shares, in a chat that covers the balancing act that is portraying such a complicated character, plus how she approached taking on a figure that'd already been established in a younger guise, the Australian and NZ-heavy roster of talent, why the show has earned such a devoted following and more. On Saying Goodbye to Lottie — and What It Has Meant to Play Her "I've had so many people say 'is Lottie really dead? Please come back. Diva down. I miss you mother. I'm an orphan'" — all these great social media comments, which crack me up. But I think when I found out that Lottie was going to die in the season, of course I was disappointed because I just loved playing her. If I'm really honest, I just love playing Lottie. So unpredictable. And she's so vital. And you don't know whether she's going to analyse you or laugh at you — or laugh with you. And I think that getting the opportunity as an actress in my late 40s, playing those characters, they don't come along very often. So when you get them, you grab them with both hands. And I got to really, really play in the world of Lottie, which was incredible. So, when they told me she was no longer, I just went 'okay'. It's that kind of show, right? It's Yellowjackets. So it's the kind of show, if you're going to die — and let me just say, I'm not the only main character that dies this season — so, I went with it. And it was just so great to film, and it was such amazing cast — and I just had the time of my life working on the show." On Juggling Lottie's Confidence and Her Vulnerabilities — Her Faith in the Wilderness, Too, and Her Desperate Need to Be Loved and Accepted "The first season was a lot tougher, because she was really unravelling — and we saw that through the flashbacks. Also, you don't know what's happened in the wilderness till you read the script or watch the episode for the younger characters. So you've got to really go with your gut instinct, because you get these new scripts and you're like 'oh my god, I did that?. Huh. Maybe I would have played that other scene differently had I known I did that'. I think as an actress, you have to have a well where you can tap, or a part of me that I can tap and go there, and there was some really vulnerable, fragile scenes this season — but mostly last season, too, where she was just haunted by her past and I really had to go there emotionally. I was away from my family — living in Vancouver, and hadn't seen my family for a long time. My two boys, because they're at school here, and my husband and everything. So I was able to really tap into the loneliness in myself. And the unknown. As an actress, you find the things that really resonate truthfully for yourself and then put it through the character's words, and that's where I go. And then you have to take it off. You go for a run, or you go and do a hot pilates class, or you drink some white wine. You just throw it at the wall and see what sticks. And she was vulnerable. Thank you for saying that, because that was something I really wanted to find in her this season — just lost, a bit out at sea." [caption id="attachment_995127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On How Kessell Approached Stepping Into Lottie's Shoes When Courtney Eaton Had Already Established the Character as a Teen "First of all, Courtney's a lot taller than me — so literally stepping into shoes that were a lot higher. And also I wanted to do Courtney justice as a young actress on the verge of her career, and a character that she had done such a beautiful job with setting up. I wanted to make sure I did it well out of respect for her craft and her work. But those are high stakes, and there's a lot of pressure. I mirrored a few of her mannerisms, and then I decided that 25 years ago — I don't know about you, but 25 years ago, I was very different to who I am today, so that gives you a lot of room to play. And Lottie was the queen of reinventing herself. In this season, yet again she reinvents herself. Yet another mask is put on Lottie. She's gone from spiritual guru cult leader to now sort of like a bit of a vagabond, a bit of a lost soul, finding shelter at Shauna's house, at the Sadeckis', when really she has a penthouse in New York. She's shoplifting even though she's probably worth $100 million. Things like that. So you just roll with it on the show, and you never know what the writers are going to throw at you, so you have to be open to all of those storylines. But yeah, it was big shoes — literally high shoes — to fill." [caption id="attachment_995129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On the Down Under Origins of Plenty of the Cast "Unfortunately I never got to work with Liv and Courtney, because they're in the different timeline. So it was often Melanie and I. And Melanie, even though she's been out of New Zealand maybe 25 years, has got a stronger accent than ever. And, because I'm me, I still fall on the ground — even though I when I get drunk, I speak like that. So she's got a great Kiwi accent and the two of us just chat, chat, chat, chat, chat away — and I can tell that the American and Canadian crew are like 'what are they saying? What are they talking about?'. And often, Melanie and I, I'd be like 'babe, how do I say this word?'. She's like 'oh, well, I think you say it like this'. And I was like 'okay, great, great, great'. And then occasionally our accents would drop and we'd laugh. But it's just lovely having someone, when you're so far away and you're working with such heightened characters, to have a confidant and have a best friend like I had with Melanie. She's not only an incredible actress, extraordinary talent, she's actually a really beautiful person. And that was that was a joy." On Why Kessell Thinks Yellowjackets Has Earned Such a Dedicated Following "I think the two timeframes make it — if you're not into the older timeline, then you've got the younger timeline. I think the fact that it twists and turns the way it does. I think the fact that it's set in the 90s, so for older audiences, they're like 'oh my god, I remember this song, I remember this time, I remember this'. So you can reminisce. And then it's also, I think, there's the part that you go 'oh my god, how would I be if my plane had crashed?'. And what we did to survive — that's kind of intriguing, because it could have happened to any one of us, right? And then it goes to a whole different level. So I think there is a part of us that's intrigued with the actual storyline and what happens to these girls, and do they get rescued or do they all go fucking crazy? And I guess the answer is the latter, and then we get to see it as older versions. I think the casting on the show is brilliant. I think everyone is like their younger selves, and I think there's a part of it that makes you go 'that really could have happened to me and what would I have done?' And 'if you're that hungry, what would you have done?'." [caption id="attachment_995130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On What Gets Kessell Excited About a New Role More Than Three Decades Into Her Career "I think the writing. And I think speaking to you, a journalist, you get that — when you read something that pops off the page and you can't stop reading it, as an actress that's everything to me. And then my mind starts going. I love picking up bits of people in my life, like a characteristic or a way someone tilts their head or eats their food or walks, all of those wonderful things that we instinctively do as human beings. So if I feel I can paint that into a character, then I get really excited. Then I'm like 'ooooh, this is a challenge. Oh my god, what's her voice? Where's she from? What's happened to her? Why is she doing what she's doing? Why is she behaving badly or why is she behaving this way?'. That's what gets me going. [caption id="attachment_894498" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lorenzo Agius/SHOWTIME.[/caption] And that's, I think, why I'm so sad to see the end of Lottie in Yellowjackets, because I got to do that — I got to play in that world for a long time. And there were no restrictions on me as an actress. I got to really dive deep and nothing was a no. When I asked them, I was like 'what if I tried this?'. And it's like 'yeah, go for it'. I think that's why that show is so successful, because we were given so much rope to play with and then, I guess, eventually, she hung himself with it, right? She didn't. That's not a spoiler." Yellowjackets season three streams via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one and review of season two, plus our interview with Melanie Lynskey. Yellowjackets stills: Kailey Schwerman/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
The Campbelltown region is a patchwork of people and localities. While a lot of the local culture goes on in the surprisingly swish Campbelltown Arts Centre — and sometimes at the Campbelltown Mall as well — the surrounding suburbs have secrets of their own. If multi-storied Minto, for example, seems a bit distant from the inner-city — the sort of place you'd need a guide to get around — the Sydney Festival has you covered. Festival outlier Minto: Live takes you on a artistic tour of this often overlooked south-western Sydney suburb. Imported artists will work with locals for a production that spans the Minto streets. UK theatre duo Lone Twin will stage their Street Dance with eight local households telling their stories on their doorstep, while fellow Brit Hetain Patel stages his TEN with local Pacific Island drummers. Sydney artist Nicole Bakarat will deliver fabric art, while Freddie Hill leads a trumpet chorus of locals in the streets. For the finale, Belgian performance artist Gwendoline Robin promises us fireworks. If you're interested in what happens in that part of the world while no one is looking, Minto: Live promises to pull away the curtain — if only for an hour or two. Tours meet in the carpark of Minto Mall at 6pm. Buses will take you back to the carpark or station at the end of the tour.
Having a hard week? Need to get your chi sorted but also just really want a drink? Well, every Sunday you can do both — at a brewery. That's right, a brewery. Every Sunday morning, you can stretch and sip in Marrickville's Stockade Brew Co. Dubbed Beer 'n' Yoga, the guided class — held at 11am — is hosted by instructor Arabella Stevens and is aimed at a beginner to intermediate level. Fifteen bucks gets you a 60-minute yoga class followed by a free craft beer from the brewery's core range: Chop Shop Pale Ale, 8Bit IPA, Sesh Mid-Strength, Hop Slicer Grapefruit, Mr Fruju NEIPA or Duel Hoppy Lager. Brewery yoga is already a popular trend across the US craft beer scene, and Sydney has already hosted a couple of iterations of its own. The idea stems from the notion that yoga isn't about incense and austerity, but instead about finding a healthy balance in life. By 'balance', we don't mean practicing upward facing dog with a beer in one hand (although, kudos to you if you can manage that), but appreciating yoga and beer in quick succession. Bring your yoga mat, an open mind and be sure to pack your drinking hat, too.
Following the world-altering whirlwind that was 2020, award-winning Eau-de-Vie closed down, promising to return in the near future. While it's taken longer than expected, the sleek cocktail bar that was once 13th on the World's 50 Best Bars list has announced it will be reopening in a new home next year. The Speakeasy Group (Mjølner, Nick & Nora's) and its directors Sven Almenning and Greg Sanderson will be bringing the new iteration of Eau-de-Vie, as well as a new accompanying restaurant called The Sanderson to the Brookfield Place development, reinvigorating the historic Beneficial House site at 285 George Street. [caption id="attachment_868199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brookfield Place[/caption] "Eau-de-Vie is like our first child, we just have so much love for it! We looked long and hard to secure the new location, but the wait will be worth it," says Sanderson. "We really do see Beneficial House becoming a destination that our guests can spend an entire evening within. Aperitif cocktails at Eau-de-Vie, upstairs to The Sanderson for an amazing dinner, and then back downstairs for a whisky nightcap." All of the class of the original Eau-de-Vie will be on show at the new opening with moody lighting, a smooth jazz soundtrack, the signature Whisky Room and private whisky lockers. The Sanderson will both aesthetically and conceptually compliment this luxurious take on a cocktail bar, centring its menu around steak and oysters. [caption id="attachment_868200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sanderson render[/caption] The Speakeasy Group has taken out a ten-year tenancy on the 618-square metre space in Brookfield Place, joining the likes of Shell House, Romeo's, Edition Coffee, Gojima, NeNe Chicken and PappaRich in the huge inner-city development. "The Speakeasy Group's unique bar and restaurant offering will bring an excellent addition to our food and beverage mix at Brookfield Place Sydney and will contribute significantly to activating the precinct's nightlife," said Brookfield Properties Australia's Executive Vice President and Co-Head Danny Polijak. While we don't yet have an exact opening date for the two new restaurants, they're set to open in early 2023. [caption id="attachment_788884" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The old Eau-de-Vie[/caption] Eau-de-Vie and The Sanderson will open at 285 George Street, Sydney in 2023.
The rise of White Lotus-esque luxury wellness escapes is in full swing this year, fuelled by the same energy driving members-only health clubs, At these retreats, the itinerary is slower, holiday-goers are excited to be rejuvenated by nature and eco-friendliness is a priority. The 2025 Spa & Wellness Awards have landed just in time for the holidays, spotlighting the best spa destinations and wellness centres around Australia and New Zealand. In the Travel section, sustainability takes centre stage — and Elements of Byron has just been crowned the Best Resort or Hotel Focused on Wellness, beating out other world-class stays such as Qualia and Kokomo Private Island. Anchored by the award-winning Osprey Spa, Elements of Byron stretches across 50 acres of rainforest, eucalypt, wetland and dune landscapes at the doorstep of Belongil Beach. The treatments foster have a deep connection to the natural world — the spa hosts rainforest walks led by its resident naturalist, in partnership with Vanessa Megan Skincare (who took Best Haircare at the awards). Guests can wander through banksia, Davidson plum, tea tree and lemon myrtle, all native botanicals found in Vanessa Megan concoctions that grow right on the property — it's the spa version of farm-to-table. Besides cultivating a love for land, the resort's green ethos includes solar-powered infrastructure, waste-minimising practices, culinary philosophies and partnering with local businesses. Spa Manager Amy Back says, "This award celebrates the passion and integrity behind everything we do, from sustainable operations to the way we source ingredients, train staff, and care for our guests and our environment." Wellness at Elements of Byron go beyond the Osprey Spa. Guests start their morning with yoga classes overlooking the ocean, ride through the forest on horseback (there's even a charming fairy trail for the kids) or unwind with self-guided meditation rituals. Or grab a cheeky spritz at the swim-up bar in the adults-only pool— because self-care comes in all forms. Find out more about the 2025 Spa & Wellness Awards. Images: Supplied
Since opening its doors in 2017, Albi's Taverna has been a Shire fave thanks to its menu of hearty Italian fare and excellent service. Helmed by Italian-born chef Albi Cuni, who trained at Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe as well as CBD fine diner Quay before breaking out on his own, the kitchen plates up reliable takes on classic dishes. The four cheese and truffle ravioli is a winner here, as are the classic meatballs finished with bocconcini, parmesan and feta. You'll want to save room for dessert, too — there are five types of tiramisu to choose from. Albi's Taverna is also known for its bottomless lunch and dinner menus, which includes a ten-course chef's choice menu with two hours of unlimited sparkling, rosé, beer and house white.
Drop everything, it's time to book a holiday for next year. At this time of year, every dollar counts, and when else can you book a return flight (domestic and international) and only pay for half the fee? Jetstar — ever the patron saint of affordable getaways — has just announced its latest special offer: three days of deals that offer essentially two flights for the price of one. From midnight tonight (or midday today if you're a Club Jetstar member), customers who purchase an outbound starter fare on select flights will get their return flight completely free, until 11.59pm on Sunday, November 30, or until the 90,000 available fares sell out. As mentioned, the offer is available across both domestic and international trips. Sydneysiders could skip the eight-hour drive to Byron and instead book a flight to Ballina from $42, or to Cairns from $102. Brisbane travellers can book a Whitsundays flight from $63, and Perth locals looking to go cross-country can fly to Melbourne from $199. If you're going out of the country, you're spoilt for choice. Sydneysiders looking for a quick and easy trip to Bali can do so from $249, Melbournians can immersive themselves in the cultural melting pot that is Singapore from $209, and if you're part of the Aussies that have yet to visit the 'it' destination of 2025: you can fly from Brisbane to Tokyo from $373 and Sydney to Osaka for the same price. Just next door is South Korea, which has gone underappreciated for too long — but Brisbanites can fly to Seoul from $309 in 2026. In terms of dates, the availability varies per route, but the offer is open for domestic flights between early February and late October 2026, and for international flights between early February and mid-September 2026. The Jetstar Return for FREE Black Friday sale runs from 12pm AEDT on Thursday, November 27 for Club Jetstar members, and from 12am AEDT for the general public. The sale will run until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, November 30, or until fares sell out. Visit the Jetstar website for more information.
Attention seafood lovers. Get ready to get your mitts on some of the freshest oysters in the country at the Narooma Oyster Festival. The annual event is back with a mouth-watering selection of NSW-native rock oysters, seafood, and other gourmet treats from the Eurobodalla Coast region. On Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, visit the Narooma quay for a day of live music, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and, of course, plenty of oysters (almost 70,000 will make it from tide to table). Meet local oyster farmers and learn about the art of oyster shucking, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. This year, the Narooma Oyster Festival is offering tastings from oyster farms from all over southern NSW in Oyster Farmers Alley, oyster-tasting masterclasses with a leading Aussie seafood authority, cooking demonstrations from top chefs, a twilight social, a lazy champagne and oyster cruise, and much more. Tickets start from $25 and are as plentiful as the oysters — but are selling fast, so head to the website to get yours. Pro tip: the festival is a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney, so local accommodation is popular and should be booked in advance. Shuttle buses are bookable to and from Bateman's Bay and Bermagui. Images: Destination NSW
After spending winter hibernating at home, we're pretty keen to get out and explore our incredible city again. As restrictions roll back and the warmer weather kicks in, there's one thing that's at the top of our post-lockdown to-do list — to head to a bar with our mates. And, there's a brand-new rooftop watering hole opening in southwest Sydney this month that's worth checking out. On Thursday, October 14, head to the top of Flinders Centre in Bankstown for the official opening of an impressive new venue, Lady Banks Rooftop Bar. Named after the wife of Bankstown's namesake, Lady Dorothea Banks, this sprawling sky-high sanctuary has been thoughtfully designed by Pony Design Co. with all the seasons in mind. Whether you want to cosy up inside by the fireplace or let loose in the fresh air all summer, Lady Banks Rooftop Bar has got you covered year round. The bar boasts panoramic views that capture both the CBD skyline and the Blue Mountains. Plus, there are tasty brews and a top-notch share-style menu to enjoy, too. Order share plates like burrata and roast pumpkin, roasted rainbow trout and duck fat potatoes. Or, keep it simple with a selection of pizzas like the potato and provolone or truffle mushroom. Keen to try a brand-new rooftop bar this summer? No need to trek to the CBD to do so. Instead, head to Lady Banks Rooftop Bar at Flinders Centre, Bankstown from Thursday, October 14. For more information and to you book a table, visit the website.
Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, The Mighty Boosh, Frida Kahlo: they're just some of the faces that've graced exhibitions around Australia in 2023. The next to join them is Amy Winehouse, in a showcase that's doing what documentary Amy also dedicated some of its frames to: stepping back a couple of decades to the beginning of the 'Back to Black' and 'Rehab' singer's career. When Winehouse was 19, photographer Charles Moriarty was requested by a friend to take some snaps of the then-unknown talent. They're the images that Amy, Before Frank will display. More than 30 will feature — and if you're wondering where the exhibition's name comes from, it references Winehouse's debut album Frank, with the photos covered hailing from before that record dropped. When Winehouse was in front of his lens, Irish photographer Moriarty didn't know what'd follow for the performer — the fame and success, nor her passing in 2011. The session clearly worked out well because Moriarty also shot the cover art for Frank, and became friends with the singer. To check out Amy, Before Frank, fans will need to head to Sydney's M2 Gallery from Wednesday, October 18–Sunday, October 22. That timing couldn't be more perfect, given that Frank — which includes the singles 'Stronger Than Me', 'Take the Box' and 'In My Bed' — released two decades ago in October. Moriarty is also coming to Australia with the exhibition, chatting in Sydney on Saturday, October 21. [caption id="attachment_917853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The original photograph used for Amy Winehouse's debut album 'Frank', shot on Princelet St, London, 2003[/caption] Images: Charles Moriarty.
When word arrived in 2021 that Australia was getting a new European-focused film festival, it couldn't have been better news for movie lovers. Europa! Europa is all about showcasing flicks from across the whole continent, so you can see the latest and greatest titles from France, Spain, Italy, Romania and more all at the one event — and, ahead of its February debut in Sydney and Melbourne, the fest has just revealed its full inaugural 2022 program. In total, 43 features from 42 countries will grace the festival's screens during its runs in both capitals, which'll kick off on Friday, February 4 and play through until Sunday, February 27 — at Sydney's Ritz Cinemas in Randwick, and Melbourne's Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick and Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn. If you can't wait till the nation's country-specific fests arrive later in the year, such as the standalone French and Italian events, or until Sydney Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival roll around for 2022, there's plenty to tempt you into a darkened theatre this summer. Opening the lineup is The Souvenir Part II, sequel to 2019's exceptional The Souvenir — which means that Europa! Europa is launching with the new team-up between rising star Honor Swinton Byrne and her mother Tilda Swinton. The follow-up picks up where the first movie left off, with Swinton Byrne's aspiring filmmaker attempting to cope with the tragic events of the last flick, all while she shoots her next project. Once again directed by British helmer Joanna Hogg, it'll start the festival in sublime form. (And if you're keen to see the original, it's on the bill as well.) Also bookending the fest: closing night's France from inimitable writer/director Bruno Dumont (Joan of Arc, P'tit Quinquin). A satire of the media industry, it stars No Time to Die and The French Dispatch's Léa Seydoux as a journalist forced to navigate the aftermath of injuring a pedestrian in a traffic accident. Other standouts include 13 films that were submitted as their country's entries for this year's Best International Feature Film Oscar, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina's social-realist fairytale The White Fortress and North Macedonia's Sisterhood, which is about toxic friendships — and a number of titles that wowed last year's Cannes Film Festivals, like Norwegian supernatural thriller The Innocents and the Before Sunrise-esque train-set love story Compartment No 6. Or, there's also Andrea Arnold's (American Honey) Cow, aka the most gripping and moving documentary portrait of a dairy cow's life that you're ever likely to see; Earwig, the English-language debut of acclaimed French director Lucile Hadžihalilovic (Innocence, Evolution); Vortex, which sees Climax filmmaker Gaspar Noé swap his usual wild fare for an Amour-style look at ageing; and No Fucks Given, starring Blue Is the Warmest Colour's Adèle Exarchopoulos as a flight attendant for a low-cost airline. And yes, if you've spotted more than a few high-profile European directors mentioned above, that's because highlighting the best filmmakers the continent has is also one of Europa! Europa's big aims. Europa! Europa will screen in Sydney and Melbourne between Friday, February 4–Sunday, February 27. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the festival's website.
Australian Museum recently launched an exhibition that explores the ancient predators of the ocean: sharks. Highlighting the diversity of the aquatic species, the exhibition features an array of activities for all ages. Guests are greeted with eleven life-size shark models – Hammerhead, Reef, Great White, Sand Tiger, Bull and Whale sharks – and specimens from the Australian Museum collection. Interactive experiences, workshops and activities are also available during your visit, along with monthly talks about the future of sharks featuring a panel of renowned shark scientists and cultural experts. With industrial fishing and water pollution at their peak, ocean life is in danger more than ever. Thankfully, you'll be able to uncover how to protect these friendly giants through the knowledge of the First Nations and Pasifika Peoples. Plan ahead and book your ticket now via the Australian Museum website. The Sharks exhibition will run until Tuesday, April 25. Top Images: Tim Levy
Have you ever been half way through the work week and fantasised about living the simple life? Perhaps you've been dreaming about waking up in a timber cottage with nothing but rolling hills as far as the eye can see? Well, luckily for you, there's a small collection of quaint cottages on vineyards and rustic cabins set amongst idyllic gardens in Victoria — perfect for your next serene weekend venture. To help you live out your dungaree-wearing, straw chewing, horse riding dreams, here's a list of the most charming farm stays across Victoria you can book right now. UNDER A PEPPERCORN TREE, CASTLEMAINE A beautifully renovated self contained studio perched under an ancient peppercorn tree. Just four minutes from Castlemaine, a charming country town with a bounty of restaurants, pubs and small shops. From $216 a night, sleeps two. DOG-FRIENDLY HOLLOW LOG ESTATE, MUSK VALE With weatherboard interiors, a stylish yet quaint kitchen and stain glassed windows, this stone cottage looks like its straight out of a fairytale. Bring your pup for a weekend on the 23 acre property featuring gardens, open paddocks and dams. From $225 a night, sleeps two. HALCYON COTTAGE RETREAT, STRZELECKI This stylish cottage is perfect for a group of friends searching for an idyllic weekend away spent cooking and drinking wine in front of jaw-dropping views of the Strzelecki Ranges. There's a veggie garden and an outdoor bath, too. From $290 a night, sleeps six. MOORAKYLE RETREAT AT EASTERN HILL ORGANIC FARM, BLAMPIED This cottage is set on a 300 acre property that is a registered farm animal rescue and grows wildflowers. Perch yourself on its deep verandah that overlooks grows overlooks native forests, a creek, and Mt Kooroocheang. From $255 a night, sleeps two. BUSH HAVEN CHAPEL NEAR CASTLEMAINE, FRYERSTOWN If you want to mix things up for your next country stay, consider booking a weekend at this chapel (originally built in 1861), which has been lovingly restored and styled. Swim nearby at the mineral spring reservoir if you stay during summer. From $210 a night, sleeps two. ORTO TWO STRAW ECO COTTAGE, BLAMPIED Set on a regenerative permaculture farm, and nestled between even more farms with delightful offerings (free-range pork, home cooked sweets, organic wine and berries), this straw eco cottage also has cooking lessons for two to ten people. From $230 a night, sleeps two. A VIEW TO A HILL, BULLAROO Bullaroo has two spacious bedrooms, each of which can be rented separately or all at once if you're with a group. There's a high-end kitchen and a top floor terrace with a barbecue and bar with sweeping views across acres of farmland. From $690 a night, sleeps five. THE JUNE, BIRCHCREEK This two bedroom cottage is tucked into the foot of the Mornington Peninsula Hinterland, close to beaches and nearby towns. Wander the grounds of the working farm you'll be staying on — you'll see goats, cattle, alpacas and beehives. From $275 a night, sleeps four. RED HILL BARN IN IDYLLIC RURAL SETTING, RED HILL A picturesque barn-style house stands amongst vines and olive groves. The timber wrap-around deck is ideal for afternoon drinks, and there's a dam for swimming on those balmy summer days. From $390 a night, sleeps six. RURAL RETREAT, SELF-CONTAINED STUDIO, WOODFORD If you want alpacas, sheep, pigs and chickens as your neighbours for a weekend, this newly built studio set on five acres of farmland is right up your alley. The farm also supplies fresh free range eggs and has a walking track nearby. From $140 a night, sleeps two. ON A PEACEFUL VINEYARD IN THE YARRA VALLEY REGION, ARTHURS CREEK This B&B is on the first floor of a vineyard farmhouse 45 minutes from Melbourne with world renowned Yarra Valley wineries only a 15 minute drive. If you want to stay in, there's a clawfoot bath for soaking, plus a deck overlooking a private garden. From $246 a night, sleeps two. THE ROCKS, PYALONG This off-grid studio is truly unique — it's surrounded by massive granite boulders and just as many sheep. Bask in views across the Great Dividing Range from the deck, or by the fire through floor to ceiling windows. From $210 a night, sleeps two. MACEDON RANGES FELLCROFT FARMSTAY, COBAW Built by the Crozier family who have been farming in the Macedon Ranges since 1862, every detail in this house has been thoughtfully planned for an authentic and relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle of city life. From $255 a night, sleeps two. HALFMOON CREEK — MOONDANCE COTTAGE, WANDILIGONG If you've been needing to finish that book with a glass of wine, unreachable by your boss, Moondance Cottage has cozy, rustic decor, no television, no phone reception and gets all of its water and power from the nearby creek. From $255 a night, sleeps two. BABENOREK STUDIO, DEANS MARSH Charmingly styled, with a small but dreamy country-style kitchen and handmade furniture, this solar powered studio was hand-built from lime-rendered straw bales twenty years ago by the family that owns the farm. From $175 a night, sleeps four. TORQUAY FARMSTAY BLUE STUDIO TRUCK, FRESHWATER CREEK Close to Great Ocean Road beaches and national parks, this tiny house has been built on a truck using a recycled timber, windows, doors and stain glass. Don't be fooled by the exteriors — three lofts and a fully functioning kitchen await you inside. From $155 a night, sleeps four. COUNTRY PARADISE IN THE GULLY, SMITHS GULLY The twisted staircase leading to a wooden mezzanine along with stain glass windows and a pitched roof give this farm house a magical feel. Enjoy panoramic views of vineyards, nearby farms and the Kinglake Ranges. From $195 a night, sleeps four. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The greatest trick that Late Night with the Devil pulls could be a trick on future viewers. In a decade or so, perhaps less, someone will likely come across the film on a streaming platform and think that the year that's listed next to its name is a typo. The illusion would be stronger if video stores still existed, where the Australian-made horror marvel that's had audiences talking since its 2023 SXSW premiere could sit on a shelf beaming its 70s-era look and artwork at perusers searching for their next watch. Everything about the movie, which is presented as a found-footage documentary showing a Halloween episode of a late-night talk show in full, wants everyone to make that misinterpretation. The year is 1977 in Cameron and Colin Cairnes' latest feature, which joins the writer-director siblings' resume after 100 Bloody Acres and Scare Campaign. The date is indeed October 31. The show: Night Owls with Jack Delroy, which has been slipping in the ratings. The week is Sweeps Week, the key ratings period in the US, in fact. Host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian, Dracula: Voyage of the Demeter) has been struggling himself, following the death of his wife (Georgina Haig, NCIS Sydney) 12 months prior. In his efforts to pick himself and his show back up, he commits to a special live spooky instalment featuring a skeptic (Ian Bliss, Safe Home), psychic (Fayssal Bazzi, Prosper), parapsychologist (Laura Gordon, Foe) and a girl (Ingrid Torelli, Force of Nature: The Dry 2) who is reportedly possessed — and being willing to do whatever it takes to succeed gets a demonic spin. The experience of watching Late Night with the Devil is like stepping into whichever type of time machine takes your fancy; the attention to period detail is that exact, as is the Cairnes' commitment to practical effects when things get eerie. The same can be said of Dastmalchian's stunning lead performance, playing a character styled after Australian TV's Don Lane alongside American television's Dick Cavett and Johnny Carson. When future viewers add Late Night with the Devil to their queue, the can't-look-away portrayal from the picture's star is bound to get them thinking that this truly is an unearthed treasure from the 20th century. Aptly, Dastmalchian is a big fan of horror TV hosts, even penning an article for Fangoria about them. So, take a childhood in the 80s spent watching late-night talk shows, a love of horror from that decade and the one prior, a keen awareness of the period's flicks about television such as Network and The King of Comedy, experience working in studios themselves, an exceptionally well-cast lead and a killer concept — plus that dedication to authenticity — and the next Aussie horror hit is the end result. "It's our twisted love letter to talk shows and the horror movies of that era," Colin tells Concrete Playground during a chat with both brothers. "I think it was really was a golden age for horror movies in the States, but also in Australia to some degree. We made some pretty cool stuff back then." A wild horror ride, a helluva character study, and an unpacking of the way that sensationalist media haunts and possesses as much as literal spirits, too, Late Night with the Devil is "pretty cool stuff" itself, deservedly earning a reputation far and wide. Iconic horror author Stephen King called it "absolutely brilliant" and said that he couldn't take his eyes off it". Mere days before we spoke with Colin and Cameron, they had run into one of their influences IRL, who also adored it. "Definitely all the great films by David Cronenberg and John Carpenter, the Wes Cravens," Colin cites as inspiration. "Joe Dante, who we were lucky enough to bump into two days ago in LA walking out of the screening of our film, which was really cool. Mind blown — it was just a wonderful chance encounter. And we've since exchanged emails. Yeah, he's a fan of the film. So that was really, really special to us. As kids growing up watching Gremlins or The Howling or Innerspace, all these great 80s horror hybrids, fun horrors that he made, it was just such an honour to bump into the man who had just seen our film, which was crazy." After it popped up on the festival circuit in 2023, viewers Down Under have been able to discover why Late Night with the Devil has been wowing King, Dante and more since it hit local cinemas on Thursday, April 11. We chatted with Colin and Cameron about their inspirations, specifically picking 1977 as the year to set the film in, the work that goes into making the movie look and feel so authentic, their take on Delroy and getting Dastmalchian to play him, and more. On Taking Inspiration From Watching Late-Night Talk Shows as Kids in the 80s in Australia Cameron: "I think TV was just a bit looser back then, and felt a little more dangerous. It was late night, and for a kid staying up late to watch those shows, it just felt a little taboo. So, what we love about that period in those shows — and we're talking not just our Australian icons, but the American ones as well — is just they all felt unscripted and dangerous, and like anything could happen or anything could go wrong at any minute. So that felt like fertile ground for us to to play in. And those experiences, they stuck with us. I think when you're young and you're watching stuff, you're very impressionable. So we're watching lots of horror movies on VHS, and we were watching lots of TV at home, lots of American stuff. It was all feeding into the script and to the story. We drew on those experiences quite a lot." On Setting the Film Not Just in the 70s, But Specifically in 1977 Cameron: "It really came down to our date, didn't it? Like 77, we wanted to set it on Halloween night, but it also needed to be Sweeps Week, if that means anything." Colin: "The ratings period." Cameron: "So in our research, we discovered that in 77 on Halloween week, it was actually Sweeps Week. So we tried to be as authentic as we could with every detail." Colin: "What's not to like about 77? We always knew it was somewhere in that range, but 77 felt like that was that was peak 70s, really." Cameron: "It was kind of the peak in-between time, too. The Exorcist, I think was released in 73, and then we were at the dawn of the Satanic panic. So I think, between 73–80, that period felt right. And also, we wanted to suggest that Night Owls, the show Jack Delroy hosts, had been on the air for a while and was struggling. So it just made sense that it maybe started around early 70s." Colin: "And going back to the movies, that's when that cycle of great films — I mean, there'd been Texas Chain Saw, probably that was 73, 74 maybe, that's when all those directors that we admire and are paying some homage to, I think, started to do their work. Halloween, I think was released 78, just a bit later. Network, I think, was released beginning of 77. So all that wonderful stuff was happening at that time, so that felt right — and yes, fortunately, Halloween fell on a Monday night at the beginning of Sweeps Week." On the Movie's Commitment to Period Detail and the Work That Went Into It Cameron: "Being as authentic as we could was just key to the whole movie. If no one's buying it, then they're checking out and it's not going to be worth your time. So we took all that stuff really, really seriously — just immersed ourselves in that world. I think having grown up a little bit in the period, and certainly through the 80s, we felt a little bit more connected to it, to that period." Colin: "We knew if something was a bit phony. I think a lot of the audience has been actually a younger crowd, but we are finding people in their early 20s talking to us after screenings, saying ' you know, I'm going bring my mum and dad to this. I reckon they'll really like it'. So people are sensing the authenticity of it, and like Cam's saying, I don't think the scares are going to work, the humour won't work — and, importantly, the drama isn't going to work — if it doesn't feel of a very specific time and place." Cameron: "Going into the production of it, it was just 'let's just commit to the idea that we're making this show in 1977'. So all the costumes, the lighting, the way we shot it, everything was pretty much of the period apart from the cameras we shot on — we obviously had to do some treatment on that in post. But we just tried to shoot it exactly like a late-70s Tonight Show. That meant three cameras were rolling the same at the same time, and the lighting looks a bit hot and harsh. But you just have to embrace all that stuff." On Drawing Upon Their Own Experiences Working in TV Studios Colin: "I directed, in a past life going back 20-plus, 25 years, I actually worked in television in Singapore. I got a job fresh out of uni directing sitcoms, English-language sitcoms, which were really big, huge successes in that part of the world. It was a lot of fun. That was a three-camera set up where we rehearsed through the week, and then we bring in an audience, so we would shoot it as if it were live. We would get a second go if something didn't work out, but we also didn't want to keep the audience there too late, because they'd stop laughing after the second or third take. And Cam's done some work in TV, too. So we had a sense of how adrenaline-fuelled that environment is, and how it's very stressful and has lots of anxiety, but it's also seat-of-your-pants stuff — it's exciting, it's fun. So we thought taking that as the foundation for an already very tense environment, and then bring in the supernatural element, we thought that that could go places. Ten years later, ten years of writing, we got there — so it helped a lot." On How the Film Evolved Over the Ten-Year Writing Period Cameron: "It went through lots of different iterations. In fact, I think the first draft it was centred around a seance. It was going to be a seance live on TV. But we kind of blew our wad early on that, because the seance was happening sort of at the 25-minute mark and we found we had nowhere to go after that. So it was constantly sort of rethinking the conceit and also finding the characters…" Colin: "That were going to warrant 90 minutes of your time." Cameron: "Exactly." Colin: "A character that could host legitimately host the talk show, but has his own baggage, his own issues. Plot's important, story is important, but for us, the characters are key. You want people walking away saying 'I hated that guy. I love that guy. I wanted to know more about that person'. And that's the stuff that really needs to succeed for any movie to work, regardless of genre." On What Inspired Jack Delroy — and the Cairnes' Take on Him Cameron: "Jack's a little bit desperate at this point in his career. He's been at it for a little while, but he's…" Colin: "Ruthlessly ambitious." Cameron: "But, his background is, he's this Midwesterner, worked in radio. He's kind of a sweet guy with good intentions." Colin: "He may have made one or two poor choices over the course of his career. A victim of some of those choices, I think. But he's a man who's experiencing some grief as well. I mean, his wife has passed away a year prior to the taping of this show. And, we explained early on — I don't think it's a spoiler to say that — his most-successful episode to date was the episode where his dying wife came on as his special guest. So there are some ethical concerns, I think, about his character. But the audience loves him. He's got his hardcore fans, and he's a showman through and through, who believes the show must go on. But that, of course, becomes harder and harder as some very strange events occur over the course of evening." Cameron: "When we first set out, we were referring a lot to Dick Cavett, Johnny Carson, I guess in our heads. He was almost an amalgam of those two. But then, we started drawing a lot on our own experiences, watching our homegrown talent. When I say homegrown…" Colin: "Bronx-born Australian Don Lane." Cameron: "Who people of a certain age will remember. We obviously grew up in the early 80s and watched a lot of Don Lane. Don and Bert, and Mike Walsh, and saw a little bit of Graham Kennedy as well. So they were definitely there in our heads as we are writing the character, but I think we were thinking more the urbane kind of American TV host." Colin: "We watched a lot of Dick Cavett. A lot of Dick Cavett. There's a bit of a blend." Cameron: "But when the American producers got on board and David got on board, we pointed them in the direction of Don Lane. We just thought as a curious thing they might be interested to see our own talent. And the producers, Steven Schneider [Insidious: The Red Door, Knock at the Cabin] in particular, and then David, our main actor, really took to Don. And he was like 'he's great'." Colin: "Yeah, 'what a character'. Because there's layers. He's not the slick showman that Carson is. Cavett's a bit more the slightly, there's a hint sarcasm, cynicism, but quite the intellectual — very happy to be talking to some novelist as he is to some pop singer. But Don was a bit less polished and a lot more, well, basically into the supernatural. He would have these lengthy specials where he'd have the Warrens [the inspiration for The Conjuring films] or whichever psychic happened to be visiting Australia. He would dedicate entire episodes, sometimes several episodes to these characters, which made him really different from the American version of that host." On Casting David Dastmalchian Colin: "We knew what a fan of the genre he was. He writes for Fangoria. His love of regional TV horror hosts." Cameron: "He writes comic books, he has written graphic novels" Colin: "He has Count Crowley. So we knew how embedded he was in the horror scene back in the States. And add to which he's just a really, really great character actor. And he has this look about him that also screams 70s, I think. So when we floated his name with all the producers, it was probably the first time everyone said yes at the same time. We were out to him a couple of weeks later through one of our American producers, the great Roy Lee [Don't Worry Darling, Barbarian], and weeks later we're talking to him and then a bit later he's signed on. We've got him. It just felt like was meant to be, and now you watch it and you cannot imagine anyone else being that character." Cameron: "It just wouldn't have worked if we'd had a big A-list star in there, you know, if Ryan Gosling — he's a great actor, but…" Colin: "You'd spend 90 minutes trying to look past the star. He's going to go on to bigger, possibly better — he's already working on a big show for Apple. Plus, the world is his oyster, and it has been for ages. We're just fortunate that we're a small part of his journey to international stardom." On Making the Connection Between the Film's Literal Possession and the Ravenous Urges that Sensationalist TV Sparks Colin: "Obviously, it was an important consideration in the scripting and the shooting, because we have the studio audience there and they're complicit in that. They're not — no one's leaving their seats. What would we do if we were there and shit started to go down like that? The logical thing would be to run to the door, but the fact is they know that the weirder and stranger and darker things get, the better the ratings are." Cameron: "I mean, we all love a bit of car crash TV, where we just can't turn away. And I think, yeah, definitely playing into that idea." Colin: "We're a little complicit, almost, and responsible to some degree for shows going where they go. And that hasn't changed — that was there before 77, and it's gotten even worse in many ways since. So if there's some little commentary or critique going — no, maybe not a critique — it definitely has fed into it. It was a serious consideration, because at what point would the audience just say 'this is stupid, I'm going home' or switch off? Or would the network just shut down the broadcast? So the fact that no one does had a lot to do with how we pace the thing, and how we reveal information, and where the scares come and all that sort of stuff. That's a more technical consideration, but it plays into what you're saying." Late Night with the Devil opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Read our review.
This year has had us all discovering and rediscovering hobbies to try and keep ourselves busy and distracted. And if for you that has involved dusting off the ol' sewing machine, watching some online sewing tutorials and turning swaths of fabric into fashion, then you're going to want to know about Fabric Muse. This store in Chippendale has been supplying designers, costumers, students and home sewers with premium fabrics from all over the world since 2011. Dedicate some time to thumbing through the vibrant prints and designer fabrics — from houndstooth tweed and stretch silk to natural linen and wet-look effect lace.
Keen to escape the house after spending the past few months in lockdown? Eager to watch a movie on a screen that's larger than your television? Want to do all of the above and go easy on your wallet? A visit to one of Event Cinemas' Sydney sites has you covered — now that they're reopening across the city. For a limited time — with no end date announced for the special as yet — the chain's venues are offering up half-price tickets to celebrate their relaunch. That means that you'll generally pay less than a tenner to see your movie of choice in a standard theatre, and also score discounted Gold Class, V-Max and Boutique tickets as well. To nab the deal, you will need to be a member of Event Cinemas' Cinebuzz Rewards program. If you're not already, you can sign up for free online. And if you're wondering what to watch, there's plenty on the bill if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. That includes new releases such as The Personal History of David Copperfield and Love Sarah, as well as older 2020 titles like Dark Waters, Emma, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Invisible Man, The Gentlemen, Bloodshot, 1917 and Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). Parasite is still screening at some sites, too, because of course the best movie of 2019 is still on screens more than a year after it first released, and even after pandemic closures. Event Cinemas' half-price deal is available for a limited time — head to the chain's website for further details.
Between the inaugural So Pop festival, drawing names like Vengaboys, Aqua and Lou Bega, and RNB Vine Days, headlined by the likes of Nelly and Craig David, the list of international music heroes hitting Aussie stages this summer is already huge. But it's about to get even heftier, with news that the world's biggest hip hop festival Rolling Loud is set to make its southern hemisphere debut next January. The independently owned one-day event hits Sydney Showgrounds on Sunday, January 27, and while the lineup won't be released until later this week, it's set to be seriously buzz-worthy, if previous years' offerings are anything to go by. Since its first outing in Miami back in 2015, Rolling Loud has expanded to Los Angeles and San Francisco, pulling crowds of up to 135,000 earlier this year. Past sell-out events have seen names like Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, A$AP Rocky, Future, Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Post Malone, Migos and Lil Uzi Vert all grace the festival's stage. For Rolling Loud's first Australian foray, young founders Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif are teaming up with local production and events company HSU Events, who has previously brought us big international headliners for the likes of Midnight Mafia and Knockout Circuz. If you're keen to catch Rolling Loud's Aussie debut, you can sign up now for exclusive pre-sale access. The festival will take over Sydney Showgrounds, Olympic Park, on January 27. We'll fill you in on who's headlining as soon as they're announced later this week. Images: Beth Saravo and Sebastian Rodriguez
Sydney's summer of sport is officially in full swing, and this season's lineup includes everything from blockbuster cricket and harbour-skimming catamarans to world-class football and top-rate tennis showdowns. And with action taking place throughout the city, each event offers the perfect jumping-off point to explore more of the city. Rather than racing in and out for a match, consider this your playbook for turning four of Sydney's biggest summer sports events into proper mini-escapes, with our picks of nearby restaurants, bars and hotels to help you make the most of your experience. Here's how to make the most of Sydney's summer of sport. [caption id="attachment_1043313" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tennis Australia/Steven Markham[/caption] United Cup Why it's unmissable The Australian summer tennis swing kicks off in Sydney on Saturday, January 3 with the return of the United Cup. This fan-favourite tournament sees national sides battle it out in men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles, bringing a lively, festival-like vibe to Ken Rosewall Arena. The 2026 edition serves up plenty of reasons to get courtside, with local hero Alex de Minaur, Iga Świątek and Emma Raducanu among the headline names leading a stacked field. Find out more here. Eat here first If you're heading to a day session, kick things off at Happyfield, the enduringly popular American-style diner in Haberfield serving pancake stacks with 100-percent Canadian maple syrup, hefty breakfast burgers and top-notch single-origin coffee. Later in the day, Olympic Meats delivers hearty charcoal-grilled meat plates and other Greek favourites, while Sippenham is a cool, quietly confident neighbourhood hangout known for its seasonal plates and punchy wine list. [caption id="attachment_898451" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Happyfield[/caption] Celebrate here after Post-match, follow the fan flow back into the Inner West and drop into Deadwax, the late-night bar and listening room home to wagyu sandos, a massive vinyl collection and Enmore's only karaoke room. Make a weekend out of it Turn matchday into a mini-escape with a stay at Australia Street Suites, a boutique Newtown address offering stylish accommodation just steps in the thick of one of Sydney's most vibrant neighbourhoods. With easy transport links to Sydney Olympic Park, it's a relaxed, design-led base for a full weekend of tennis and inner-west exploring. Women's T20I Series v India — 1st T20I Why it's unmissable Women's cricket returns to the SCG this February, as the Aussies take on India under the lights in a primetime T20 showdown. The growing rivalry between these two powerhouses is one of modern cricket's most thrilling storylines, with both sides playing at the top of their game right now. Can Alyssa Healy and her side reclaim bragging rights in front of a home crowd after India knocked them out of November's ODI World Cup, or will the Women in Blue spoil the party? Find out more here. Eat here first The SCG's location in the thick of the eastern suburbs means it's within easy reach of some of Sydney's favourite restaurants. Enjoy a spread of Greek mezedes paired with ouzo coladas at vibey Redfern taverna Olympus, fuel up at Surry Hills' Argentinian steakhouse Porteño, or soak up the scene at Neil Perry's big-swinging Italian dining room Gran Torino. If it's water views you're after, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach plates up the legendary British chef's produce-driven seafood dishes, as well as sweeping views of one of the city's most beloved stretches of sand. Celebrate here after When stumps are called, wander up to sleek Darlinghurst neighbourhood bar Vin-Cenzo's (pictured above) for a pick from the impressive wine list and traditional Italian biscuits served in vintage tins, or settle in nearby at The Waratah, home to a cocktail menu that heroes native ingredients. Make a weekend out of it Extend your stay at The EVE — just steps from the SCG, you'll feel like you're a world away thanks to its tropical resort vibes. AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 Why it's unmissable For the first time in two decades, Australasia's biggest celebration of women's football returns to Australia, bringing some of the region's best national squads (and biggest names) to Western Sydney Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park's Stadium Australia. And with spots in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup — and, for the first time, the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament — up for grabs, you can expect teams to leave it all out on the pitch. Find out more here. Eat here first Kick off your matchday at Misc. This breezy 300-seater in Parramatta Park does it all, from cheeky breakfast items like the Lebs Benedict, featuring grilled sujuk, smoked butter hollandaise and pickled chillies on thick-cut milk toast, to all-day sharing dishes like daily market fish with a preserved lemon vinaigrette and a fall-off-the-bone lamb shoulder with minted labneh, zhoug and flatbread to mop it all up. [caption id="attachment_879092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Celebrate here after Keep the energy high after the final whistle at Lady Banks, Western Sydney's sky-high rooftop perched above Bankstown. Head up for sweeping views and summer-ready cocktails — the perfect perch to debrief every goal, near-miss and heart-stopping moment from the game. Make a weekend out of it Stay close to the action at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Macquarie Park. With brand-new rooms, sleek modern interiors and easy access to both Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, it's a smart base for turning matchday into a full Sydney escape. KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix Why it's unmissable SailGP brings the world's most exciting race on water back to Sydney Harbour this summer, turning the city's most iconic waterway into a high-octane racecourse. From tight duels and fierce national rivalries to near-flying boat speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour, every race unfolds just metres from shore, with Shark Island perfectly positioned as your front-row seat to the action. This year's event comes with a twist: racing kicks off at 5.30pm, delivering the first-ever twilight showdown in the event's local history. Find out more here. Eat here first Make a day of it on the harbour's edge. Start your pre-race wander at Flaminia, the polished new Italian restaurant bringing big coastal flavours to a prime harbourfront location. For something more laidback, Watermans — tucked along the Barangaroo boardwalk — serves Levantine-inspired plates backed by seasonal local produce. If you fancy a stroll into the city, Rockpool's steak-frites restaurant 24 York serves up MB2+ scotch fillet cooked to your liking for $48. Celebrate here after Take the post-race festivities skyward at Smoke Bar, Barangaroo House's sleek rooftop perch with panoramic views, sharp cocktails and a near-constant buzz. If you'd prefer something more intimate (but no less lively), slip into Maybe Sammy, the award-winning cocktail bar pouring playful, theatre-driven drinks in an elegant, pared-back setting. Make a weekend out of it Cap off your raceday with a stay at the Park Hyatt Sydney (pictured above), where balconies overlook the Sydney Opera House and morning swims on the rooftop pool come with postcard views. It's the ultimate base for a weekend built around the harbour. Ready to feel the Sydney side of summer? Discover the full calendar of what's on across the city at sydney.com.
Clear your calendar - Darlo After Dark is taking over Darlinghurst from June 19-29, serving up winter nights packed with live music, street performances, solstice rituals and all the good things that happen after dark. Curated by the team at Arts Matter, this ten-day festival spans ten venues between the Coke Sign and Green Park, encompassing Victoria, Burton and Liverpool Streets, as well as Darlinghurst Road. The neighbourhood will transform into a kind of cultural crawl - part pop-up, part performance, part party. This one's for the night owls, the curious, and the creatively inclined. Expect a sultry solstice performance from Malaika Mflame at The Darbury (yes, there'll be mulled wine). Over at Gino's Trattoria, you can catch live opera while tucking into Southern Italian eats. And if you wander into Ouzo, you'll find James Domeyko on sax, soundtracking your night with ambient jazz while you snack on Greek small plates. There's also limited-edition solstice ice cream from Messina, sake tastings at Nomidokoro Indigo, and tarot readings tucked away inside Dust Antiques. Need something hands-on? Head to Rainbow Studios for lantern-making workshops or craft your own whimsical flower crown at the twilight markets. Cap it off with an intimate screening of The Witches of Eastwick at Govindas Cinema - a dark fantasy comedy that hits that perfect sweet spot between witchy and wicked. This isn't your average winter festival — it's layered, hyper-local and full of surprises. Start early, stay late, or just wander. The fun is in the in-between. For more information, visit DarloVillage and be sure to follow us on socials @darlovillagesydney. Images: Supplied
The winter chill is enough to make anyone head for the airport. That idea is even more tempting now that Qantas has just discounted 350,000 seats across its international network for a huge one-week sale. With economy fares starting at $499 return, perhaps an overseas adventure is the perfect way to cure the winter blues. Featuring discounted flights on more than 30 routes across Asia, the Americas, the United Kingdom, Africa and the Pacific, now is your chance to soak up fascinating (and warmer) destinations. Think the bright lights of Los Angeles, a Tokyo shopping spree or some much-needed beachside bliss in Bali. For those who can't just get up and go, the sale features travel dates from July 2025 to May 2026, offering plenty of time to carve out some space in your calendar. Meanwhile, the sale coincides with the school holidays alongside must-see international events, like the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival and Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebrations in LA. Ready to depart? There's no shortage of options. Melburnians can book return flights to Bali from $599, while Sydneysiders can soak up the island scenery of Nadi for the same price. There's also discounted return departures from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Vanuatu from $549, Tokyo from $949 and Los Angeles from $1099. Plus, holiday-seekers in Perth and Darwin can journey to Singapore from $519, while those in Perth can kick-start a European adventure in London with return flights from $1749. There are heaps more routes on the list too, with premium economy and business fares also discounted for those with a little more room in their travel budgets. "What makes this sale special is the availability during school holidays, which is something we know families really value," says Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace. "Whether you're looking for a tropical escape to Bali, exploring Los Angeles and Dallas or experiencing the culture in Hong Kong, there's something here for everyone." Qantas' international sale is on now and ends at 11.59 AEST on Monday, August 4. Head to the website for more information.
Everybody's favourite spiced rum, Sailor Jerry, and the music legends at Yours and Owls are teaming up this August and September for Jerry Can & A Van—the no-rules, all-heart live music tour—to celebrate the return of WAAX and their new single "Ur A Rat". After a three-year hiatus, WAAX lead vocalist, Maz De Vita, will be making a fierce comeback, taking their raw and energetic new music to the masses on this short but heady string of East Coast gigs. As a long-time supporter of live Aussie music and tattoo culture, Sailor Jerry will unite the two by rolling out celebrity tattoo artist Lauren Winzer exclusively for the Sydney event to give WAAX fans the chance to wear the tour on their sleeve. "This tour is about reclaiming WAAX in the most raw, honest way possible, and teaming up with Lauren felt like the perfect fit — we're both driven by creativity, connection, and strong female energy," Maz De Vita explained. Kicking off in WAAX's hometown of Brisbane at The Brightside on Friday, August 29, the Jerry Can & A Van tour will make its way down to the University of Canberra (Friday, September 5) and UTS Underground in Sydney (Saturday, September 6), before finishing up at Howler in Melbourne (Thursday, September 11) and Pelly Bar in Frankston (Friday, September 12). Expect an unapologetic night of new WAAX energy, flash tattoos, and signature Sailor Jerry serves. Tickets for Jerry Can & A Van featuring WAAX and Lauren Winzer are available here. For more information and tour updates, visit the Sailor Jerry Website. By Elise Cullen
NIDA's October season is here again. It's our opportunity to catch NIDA's graduating talents in action before they head off to win over Hollywood hearts. Five performances will showcase some of the nation's best and brightest in the fields of acting, costume, design, production and properties. The season kicks off with Enda Walsh's dark journey through urban decay and self-destruction, Sucking Dublin. Then there's Jane Bodie's new play, Hinterland, about the discovery of an ancient civilisation of which only four members remain. Meanwhile, ex-STC Associate Director Tom Wright will take on Shakespeare's romantic comedy Cymbeline and Imara Savage will direct an adaptation of Georg Buchner's Woyzeck, featuring music and lyrics by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Dennis Kelly's Osama the Hero, a provocative exploration of fear and dissent, is set to wrap up proceedings. At the same time, NIDA's EXPO 2013 will display the year's finest theatrical creations, in the way of costumes, props, rendering, model boxes and audiovisual works, and Writers 2013 will introduce the next generation of playwrights. Image: Woyzeck, photo by Lisa Maree Williams.
It's the film festival that gives German cinema fans a showcase of the European nation's latest and greatest movies without leaving Australia. It's a way to catch up on highlights from the Berlin International Film Festival from Down Under, too. And, it's where German-language flicks from beyond the obvious nation equally get their time to shine. Here's another description that fits: it's also where one of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's masterpieces is almost always on the bill. The event in question is the German Film Festival, which has a huge 2025 in store even just by the numbers. Making its way around Australia between Wednesday, April 30–Wednesday, May 28, this year's fest has 29 days of movies on offer across eight legs in nine places and 23 cinemas. Cinephiles in Sydney, get excited: 20 features, plus 14-part miniseries Berlin Alexanderplatz, are hitting Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Central and Palace Moore Park between Thursday, May 1–Wednesday, May 21. Fassbinder's addition to this year's program is playing on the silver screen across three weekends — and clearing your diary to see the page-to-screen great that is Berlin Alexanderplatz couldn't be more highly recommended. The German Film Festival's 2025 opening-night pick is romantic comedy Long Story Short, kicking off the celebration of cinema by giving Australia the chance to see one of Germany's recent box-office smashes. Other highlights across the complete program include six flicks that first played at this year's Berlinale, spanning closing night's Mother's Baby, the Nina Hoss (Tár)-starring Cicadas and conspiracy thriller Hysteria, alongside Hildegard Knef-focused documentary I Want It All, comedy of manners What Marielle Knows and the family-friendly Circusboy. That strand of movies also demonstrates the fest's fondness for variety, and for veering from the amusing to the thrilling and the dramatic. Or, attendees can catch Anatomy of a Fall Oscar-nominee Sandra Hüller in heist comedy Two to One, which is based on real-life events in 1990; Lars Eidinger (Babylon Berlin) as an orchestra conductor in Dying; Sam Riley (Widow Clicquot) in biopic John Cranko, about the choreographer; the literary loving The Door-to-Door Bookstore, as fittingly based on the novel; or Winners, which picked up the 2024 German Film Award for Best Children's Film.
The predictably sole stay available in the Zig-Zag-occupied Republic of Zubrowka, Wes Anderson's mighty Grand Budapest Hotel is quietly killing it over at Trip Advisor. With its own page up for user reviews, photos and generous applause for its cable car access, mountaintop location, satisfying concierge and significant amount of available rooms, the fictional hotel is now rated higher than Paramus, New Jersey's Holiday Inn Express. Seems the marketing team have pulled one humdinger of a stunt, celebrating the UK DVD/Blu-ray release of The Grand Budapest Hotel. If only Trip Advisor had been around for The Shining, they might have pulled a few more winter guests. The official description, as provided by the 200-room 'hotel' reads as follows: Located in the mountainous Republic of Zubrowka and reached by funicular railway The Grand Budapest Hotel has all the advantages of being secluded amongst nature, while having attractions including the Kunst Museum and Mendl’s Patisserie close at hand. Famed for its staffs’ meticulous attention to detail and commitment to the wellbeing of its residents this hotel proves to be the perfect retreat — you’ll never experience anything quite like the Grand Budapest Hotel. True to Trip Advisor form, the comments section is the best bit. Whether fuelled by fans or the marketing team themselves, there's some chortleworthy digs in there for fans of Anderson's wonderfully whimsical hotel: "I am a lady in my 80s and I had the pleasure of staying in this wonderful hotel. Charming, luxurious, soothing, breathtaking... these are just some of the words I'd use to describe the concierge. Simply put, Gustav blew my mind. The hotel wasn't bad either." "Its best days may be behind it, but it's at least quiet, and you never have to wait for a table at dinner time." "As much as I enjoy the solitude, though, it's not perfect. The elevator has the odor of some strong cologne that just won't dissipate, and every so often a VERY creepy old man wanders around and sleeps in the servant's quarters. I'm sorry, but somebody like that has no business amongst the classes that would be staying in a grand hotel." "One of the few genuinely historic buildings remaining in Zig-Zag-occupied Zubrowka. The concierge is lazy, but also quite accommodating." Marketing teams for The Exotic Marigold Hotel, Bates Motel and Hotel Transylvania are face palming right now. Via Indiewire and IWATCHSTUFF.
Whisky and oysters and Mapo, oh my. On Sunday, November 26, The Rocks will be the setting for the launch of Waterford Whisky: Waterford Single Farm Festival, hosted by whisky haunt The Doss House. Entry to the festival is free, and you can expect pop-ups from plenty of local producers, including freshly shucked oysters from East 33, baked goodies from organic bakery Infinity Bakery, specially-made whisky and cocoa gelato from Newtown favourite Mapo, as well as toasties and snacks courtesy of The Doss House. Also on the agenda for the day are Waterford Whisky Cocktails, whisky-tasting flights and traditional and contemporary Irish music performed live. Waterford Irish Single Malt Whisky is making waves and breaking traditions in the spirits world. Not only does it drop the traditional 'e' found in Irish whiskey, but it is also the first on the island to bring in traceability to showcase its dram's terroir (or téireoire as it calls it, a combination of the Irish for Ireland, Éire, and terroir) and produce the world's first biodynamic whisky. It is the brainchild of Mark Reynier, former head of Bruichladdich and Renegade Spirits, who will be attending the launch festival and hosting an intimate masterclass tasting of the never-before-seen range, which includes the aforementioned biodynamic whisky, a certified organic whisky, a single farm origin tipple, and a super smoky peated number. Tickets to the whisky masterclass will set you back $70.14, plus the booking fee, places are extremely limited, so be sure to book your spot on the website. The Doss House isn't the only place you will be able to find Reynier this summer. He's hosting Waterford Whisky tastings across the eastern coast. Starting at The Gresham, Brisbane, on November 23; then The Oak Barrel, Sydney, on November 27; then on to 18th Amendment, Melbourne, on November 28; before finishing up at The Elysian, Melbourne, on November 29. The Doss House has a very close connection to Waterford Distillery; owner Ciara Doran's family farm back in Ireland is one of the hundred Irish growers supplying barley to Waterford. The single-origin whisky made from these grains is yet to be released, but it is a full-circle moment for Doran and her family as her venue was chosen as the site for the official launch of the whisky in Australia. Images: Alana Dimou
Adults of Sydney: prepare to revert to a childlike state and have your face painted as a tiger because you’re going to the zoo. Announced this week, the new $36 million Sydney Zoo is set to be constructed over 16.5 hectares of the Western Sydney Parklands at Bungarribee and don’t worry, it will be nothing like Bob Fossil’s Zooniverse (we hope). Where The Mighty Boosh's fearless zoo leader Fossil can boast 'the black and white people who eat sticks' (pandas), 'the grey leg-faced man' (elephant) and 'the windy man, the long mover' (python, if you want to get technical about it), the new Sydney Zoo will house more exotic creatures. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8cQulDUzNs[/embed] John Burgess, the founder of the Sydney Aquarium, and his son are behind the project, set to hopefully open by 2017. Burgess told the Sydney Morning Herald that the zoo isn’t looking to steal visitors from other zoos and the exotic offerings such as sharks, rhinos, lions and zebras are likely to appeal to local residents, whereas veteran establishments Taronga Zoo and Featherdale Wildlife Park appeal to a tourist crowd because of their large native animals quota. Zoos tend to get a bad rap for their history of animal cruelty and the very idea of wild animals in captivity, however Sydney Zoo will apparently provide the highest level of care for their animals, including extra-large enclosures and of course, animal experts and zoolologists on site. Plus, some enclosures will be cage-free entirely. Sydney Zoo will also run a breeding program to boost the numbers of endangered species from around the world, including Asian elephants, lowland gorilla and tigers. And you know what this means: more Snapchats from zoo day of you squealing while a baby elephant squirts everyone with water. So let's take a little walk through the future zoo. Here's the proposed entrance: And the boardwalks of wonderment: And this grassy picnic spot where you can all compare your winning Zebragrams: Sydney Zoo is coming to the Western Sydney Parklands at Bungarribee, to possibly open in 2017. More details to come. Via Sydney Morning Herald. Images: Sydney Zoo/Dollar Photo Club.
If there's one thing that puts Australia head and shoulders above the rest of the world when it comes to tourism, it's that you can enjoy every type of climate in one place. Enjoy shredding it on the ski slopes? You're sorted. Love sojourning balmy beaches in your speedos? No worries. Over 18-percent of the country is made up of desert, which also makes Australia one of the best places for the ultimate desert experience. From red sand dunes and dramatic sheer cliffs to wallabies around watering holes and ancient rock formations, the desert could not look any better than in Central Australia. So, we've teamed up with Tourism Central Australia to give you the ultimate desert itinerary in the Red Centre. Want to plan your very own adventure to the Red Centre? Take a look at our handy trip builder to start building your custom itinerary now.
While some people seem to want to make it harder to be a cyclist in the city (ahem, NSW Government), others want to make it easier. We could point to many European cities — for example, Amsterdam's solar powered bike path and London's cross-city cycle highway — as well these low-cost recycled cardboard bikes and this beautiful fold-up one from Lucid Design. But this time it's IKEA who are getting on board with urban cycling, creating a chainless bike for commuters. The bike, named SLADDA, is designed to be low maintenance so that anyone (i.e. the general population who don't know anything about chains and gears) can use and ride the bike without worrying about all the technical stuff. Instead of a chain it will have a corrosion-resistant, maintenance-free cogged drive belt that, according to IKEA, will be good for up to 15,000 kilometres. The whole concept of the bike, which was created by global design consultancy Veryday and has already won an award, has been "designed to fit an urban lifestyle". The bike's aluminium frame is lightweight, which makes it easier to carry up and down stairs and manoeuvre in and out of your house, as well as scratch-resistant and adjustable. It will also be integrated into a 'click system', which will allow you to buy accessories — like baskets, racks and even a small trailer — that simply 'click' onto the bike. The SLADDA is set to be available from August in Europe, with a worldwide release potentially following soon after. It will cost €699 (or about $1000 AUD). Via Core77.
Now that summer is almost here — and daylight savings has kicked in — it's getting lighter and lighter ever day. Luckily, there are lots of venues where you can lap up this sunshine as soon as you clock off work. One of them is this new pop-up spritz bar. Located on the lush terrace of CBD restaurant Bopp & Tone, the Lillet Cocktail Bar is open from Thursday, November 21 through to Friday, December 20. And it's serving up three very summery spritzes: the classic Lillet spritz with strawberry, cucumber, mint and Lillet Blanc (an aperitif made from a blend of Bordeaux wines and fruit); the Rouge and Soda, made with Lillet Rouge; and the Ginger Rose, which combines lemon myrtle, Lillet Rosé and ginger beer by PS40. These fizzy drinks will set you back $16 most of the time, but if you head to the Carrington Street spot from 4–6pm on weekdays, you'll get them for $14. Images: Guy Davies
In the on-screen sea that is the never-ending list of films and television shows constantly vying for eyeballs, Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby have frequently proven gem-dappled treasure islands. When the immensely funny New Zealand talents have collided, their resumes have spanned four of the most endearing comic hits of the big and small screens in the 21st century so far, aka Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, Wellington Paranormal and Hunt for the Wilderpeople — and now, with HBO Max pirate parody Our Flag Means Death, they've given viewers another gleaming jewel. The brainchild of writer, showrunner and executive producer David Jenkins (People of Earth), this show was always going to swashbuckle its way into streaming must-see lists — and into comedy-lovers' hearts — based on its concept alone. The inimitable Darby stars as Stede Bonnet, a self-styled 'gentleman pirate' and a great approximation of Flight of the Conchords' Murray if he'd existed centuries earlier. Meanwhile, Waititi dons leather, dark hues aplenty, an air of bloodthirsty melancholy and a glorious head of greying hair as Edward Teach, the marauder better known to the world as Blackbeard. While the latter is a household name — pop culture has been inserting him into stories for decades: Ian McShane played him in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Hugh Jackman did the honours in Pan, for instance — Bonnet will be a new discovery to most of Our Flag Means Death's audience. Also a real-life figure, he left his life of wealth, privilege and comfort to rove the oceans. That's a scenario that this ten-episode comedy has plenty of fun with, complete with Bonnet's onboard library decked out with classics and summer linens-filled auxiliary wardrobe. In its first three episodes, Our Flag Means Death establishes its fish-out-of-water situation — or its tale about a ruffled shirt-wearing aristocrat seemingly out of his depths while sailing across treacherous waters, to be more accurate. Bonnet is not one for the usual pirate stereotypes, and that takes some adjusting to by his crew. Among those with him on the Revenge: Lucius (Nathan Foad, Bloods), his righthand man and official scribe; Buttons (Ewen Bremner, First Cow), a seasoned seafarer and source of advice; Black Pete (Matthew Maher, Marriage Story), who constantly claims to have worked with Blackbeard; the fire-obsessed Wee John Feeny (Kristian Nairn, aka Game of Thrones' Hodor); and the initially secretive Oluwande (Samson Kayo, Truth Seekers) and Jim (Vico Ortiz, The Sex Lives of College Girls). Scene-setting and ensemble antics abound in the series' opening instalments, including a run-in with a British navy captain (Rory Kinnear, No Time to Die) with ties to Bonnet's past, and another a fellow pirate captain-turned-bar owner (Leslie Jones, Death to 2020) and one of her husbands (Fred Armisen, Los Espookys). But then Blackbeard arrives, taking over the Revenge with his first mate Izzy (Con O'Neill, The Batman) — and Our Flag Means Death starts becoming a rom-com. From the outset, it's already a gloriously inclusive and emotionally astute comedy. Bonnet wanting his crew to be in touch with their feelings, rather than simply solve everything with swords and violence, is one of the aforementioned ways that he bucks expectations. But that trend deepens and grows as its two key swashbucklers gravitate towards each other, riding the waves from adversaries to co-captains to potentially something more. From its first trailer, Our Flag Means Death delivered answers to questions that no one knew they had, such as "what'd happen if Waititi and Darby played pirates?" and "what if Waititi and Darby played pirates alongside Spud from Trainspotting and Hodor?". Now that the results have played out across an entire season — all of which is available to stream in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon — it's sweeter than a bottle of rum to a buccaneer (or oranges to fend off scurvy, which definitely get a mention in the show). Smartly, Our Flag Means Death doesn't just satirise pirate archetypes. It isn't content with finding easy laughs at the whole 'gentleman pirate' caper, either. Instead, it's a comedy about plundering one's own depths to find out who you really are, where you truly belong and who should comprise your chosen family — whether you've been set up for a life of luxury, you're the world's most fearsome scourge of the seas or you're simply roving the oceans with them. When Waititi's Blackbeard steps into the story, meet-cute and all, less of its focus resides upon its other supporting characters. When you've got comedic greats such as Waititi and Darby bouncing off of each other — as they do from episode four onwards, and with pitch-perfect comic chemistry — you let them have the spotlight. Still, subplots that flesh out the remainder of the Revenge crew's histories wholeheartedly link in with Our Flag Means Death's focus on reinvention and rediscovery, and its open heart. Relationships are laid bare, and secrets, too. In the process, cliches are dismantled, correct pronouns are used, and everyone helps build a thoughtful and sincere comic caper. Indeed, add Our Flag Means Death to the list of delightful sitcoms that beam with warmth, even when it's soaking cat flags (yes, that's a pirate banner adorned with a feline) with blood. Stellar talent doesn't always equate to a must-see, something special or both, of course; however, Our Flag Means Death ticks all of those boxes — and the who's who that is its guest and supporting cast also includes fellow Conchords alum Kristen Schaal, Big Mouth's Nick Kroll, Arrested Development's Will Arnett, and Aussies Claudia O'Doherty (Sarah's Channel) and Angus Sampson (Bump). With Waititi also helming the pilot and executive producing, his winning ways with TV comedies continue, too, after a top-notch few years that've included the What We Do in the Shadows television spinoff and Reservation Dogs as well. Ahoy, streaming lovers — let Our Flag Means Death sail into your queue right now. Check out the full trailer for Our Flag Means Death below: Our Flag Means Death's first season is available to in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon. Images: Aaron Epstein/HBO Max.
The music industry has spent a long time moving toward favouring the live performance over the recording to make their money. But Sydney Artists have also started going the way of the live performance, with while-you-wait graffiti wars and the seemingly inexorable rise of the Brown Council. Fresh from a series of water-based performances, Artspace is bringing you artists who put themselves back into their work for Nothing Like Performance. Artist Paul Donald will be spanning the space with ramshackle bridge, as frequent auto-portraiter Lauren Brincat gets on and off camera to satisfy her urge for art. Matthew Bradley renews his drive to make a windmill-like set of giant wheels, building it live as the next element in his Monster Bike, a project last exhibited as a Borgesian 1:1 model in his Victorian show Storm Machine. Will French likes big public statements with his art, having once driven a car through the wall of Firstdraft for art's sake, and here will elaborate on elements from his travels. Body-shaping performance artist Yiorgos Zafiriou will bring beginnings from Damien Minton's annex to conclusion at Artspace, painting classical German sculptures out in marble, while the Brown Council dot three shows over the course of the exhibition, honing in on a particular Aussie performance artist. The Brown Council perform opening night and December 4 and 18. Image: This Time Tomorrow: Tempelhof by Lauren Brincat.
If you only know two things about South Korea's film and television industry, then you likely know that it's been responsible for Parasite and Squid Game over the past couple of years. The nation's big- and small-screen output spans much further than that, of course — and, since 2010, Australia has boasted a film festival dedicated to its cinematic prowess. That'd be the Korean Film Festival in Australia, which returns to Sydney's Event Cinemas George Street from Thursday, August 18–Tuesday, August 23 with 13 impressive titles that showcase Korean filmmaking's finest. And while that lineup mightn't be huge numbers-wise, it's still filled with massive names, including two of the biggest movies from any country currently doing the rounds of the international and Australian festival circuits. If you didn't catch up with it at Sydney Film Festival, make a date with Broker, the latest release from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. The 2018 Shoplifters Palme d'Or-winner has made a movie in Korea — his first Korean-language film, in fact, and it's still exploring the director's favourite topics. That'd be the ties that bind and the connections of family, following two people who illegally take an abandoned infant from a 'baby box facility'. In another drawcard, Broker stars Parasite's Song Kang-ho, who won Cannes' Best Actor Award for his efforts. Also a must-see: Decision to Leave, a noir romance that saw Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook win Cannes' Best Director gong. Anything that the Stoker and Oldboy director helms is worth a look, but the fact that it has been six years since his movie — 2016's The Handmaiden — makes his latest even more exciting. The rest of the KOFFIA lineup spans opening-night pick Special Delivery, a crime-action film from Park Dae-min that stars Parasite's Park So-dam; mystery Hommage, which again features a Parasite alum — this time Lee Jeong-eun — and charts the searching for missing footage from one of the first feature films directed by a South Korean woman; and In Our Prime, with Oldboy's Choi Min-sik as a North Korean defector and mathematical genius working as a school security guard. Or, there's The Roundup with Train to Busan's Don Lee as a cop chasing a killer; the 80s-set Escape from Mogadishu; and Spiritwalker, about a man who loses his memory and wakes up in a different body every 12 hours — and the list goes on.
Exercise should be fun. It is a great way to feel fit and fresh and make new friends along the way. Running on that treadmill can be repetitive though, and by now you are probably zoned out of Zumba. So we're all ears to new workout options and technologies that can rejuvenate our routines. Thankfully, creative trainers all across the world have been hard at work creating the next big thing for you and your friends to throw yourselves into. These weird trends are taking over gyms, parks and post-workout coffee discussions everywhere. Want the endless energy to conquer whatever heights a new workout takes you to? We recommend you get fitted in the latest Boost technology found in the Adidas adistar Boost, available in limited release from our friends at the Athlete's Foot. Bokwa Where: Nationwide Dance-inspired fitness classes show no sign of fatiguing any time soon, and Bokwa is the latest craze stepping out onto the floor. Bokwa is cardio with a culture, fusing conditioning with customary African dance to create a full body workout that will leave you craving more. The best part is you can be as uncoordinated as you like and still join in, with the steps all spelling out basic numbers, letters and words. So basically if you have read this far into the article, you can Bokwa. Virtual Reality Cycling Where: Athlete Lab, Sydney and Best Practice Personal Training, Brisbane Virtual Reality cycling takes cyclists on a virtual vacation from inside their own gym. The class utilises a large projector or screen display to simulate scenery and environments from all across the world to crash through the cycling constraints of the four walls surrounding exercisers. Whether you are peddling the pavement in New York or assailing the Alps, you will find yourself working up a serious sweat whilst dodging cars without the danger. TRX Suspension Training Where: Fitness First centres across Australia or your own home TRX Suspension Training is ready to get you navy-fit anywhere, anytime. All you need are suspension bands and your own body weight to perform a rewarding resistance workout that caters to all levels of fitness and gets you fit for whatever life throws your way. You do not even have to pay for a gym membership as the bands can be put up anywhere from your bedroom to the local park. Bingo! Quidditch Where: Across Australia Yes, you read correctly. Quidditch is taking over the world as Harry Potter fans look to keep the magic going. There is no need to have read or seen any of the books or films to take part though, with all equipment, including your very own broomstick, supplied and rules very easy to pick up. Once you embrace looking silly alongside everyone else, you will probably end up having the best time you have ever had with a broomstick between your legs. So lace up those runners, mount up and seek that snitch. Street Workouts Where: Anywhere outdoors Street workouts provide you with the best opportunity to head outdoors for your exercise this winter. This workout emphasises the utilisation of public facilities and your surrounding environment. You could do activities such as pull-ups on the monkey bars, dips on the park bench and jumping over obstacles, parkour style. Plus, it is all for the price of free. Extreme Obstacle Courses Where: Nationwide Whether you want to be a Tough Mudder or a Spartan Racer or both, there is an extreme obstacle race out there waiting for you to conquer it. These gruelling courses stretch up to 20 kilometres and allow you to test all elements of your endurance as you crawl through mud, swing over pools and climb over walls. Then they zap you with live wires, just to make sure your heart is in it. It is all worth it at the end, though, as you are rewarded with that glorious sense of athletic achievement and personal pride. Backwards Running Where: Outside Backwards running is the process of running backwards. See, it is nice and simple. Aside from being a fun way to imagine the world in reverse, it also is said to be good for your fitness, as it can improve your balance and take the strain off muscles used in that boring forward running. This is a good time to pull on a pair of adistar Boosts, as the extra cushioning in the sole provides support for the heel when running backwards. Check out this clip for some motivation. One to try on a track very clear of obstacles. Cycle Karaoke Where: Currently only the US Cycle Karaoke — or Cyclaoke, as we have taken to calling it — finally provides an opportunity to sing your way into shape. It aims to get you exercising at your optimal heart rate, so if your rendition of Queen's 'Bicycle Race' is proliferated with panting, then you should ease off a little. Then again, if you are belting out 'Eye of the Tiger' with ease then you really need to focus on your pedal power rather than your power ballad. Either way, it is exercise at its embarrassing best. Antigravity Yoga Where: Nationwide Ever wondered what it would feel like working whilst airborne? If so, then antigravity yoga is for you. By settling into a supportive silk hammock you can exercise off the ground and remove a significant amount of stress from your body. Combining elements of yoga, dance and the aerial arts, it will help you form a concrete core as you have fun learning to fly. Man Versus Horse Marathon Where: Wales, United Kingdom If none of these are for you, though, and you want the ultimate challenge, then you should race a horse. The annual Man Versus Horse Marathon covers a 35km cross-country course and is the ultimate test of man versus animal. You can take on the horse all by yourself, or you can take two gym buddies with you and claim team glory. With only three human winners in the 32-year history of the race, your name could go down in history forever. Before you head out on these 10 super-charged new workouts, it helps to have the endless energy harnessed by the new Adidas adistar Boost on your side. They're in limited release at the Athlete's Foot now. How do you boost? These four athletes have a few ideas to rival our own. Vote for your favourite to be in the running for your own pair of Adidas adistar Boost running shoes. https://youtube.com/watch?v=nTH4KKY5_5s https://youtube.com/watch?v=RJYVuVV-yC4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=u3-xitE0fy0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=juY_jxiCJms Top image: Tough Mudder contestants in costume.
It's a great time to be a film fan. We live in a golden age of blockbusters, spanning multimillion-dollar creations of all shapes and sizes. 2022 saw Top Gun: Maverick break the box office and blow our minds with its mach-one machinations, Minions: The Rise of Gru become an internet phenomenon, and audiences went diving deep into the multiverse via head-spinners like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Everything Everywhere All at Once. Cinemas are the place to be, and if you thought 2022 was big, you're not ready for what awaits in the new year. The next few months contain some huge blockbuster beasts, as any partner, friend or parent of a film fan will have already started hearing about. With that in mind, we've teamed up with HOYTS Cinemas to create a gift guide for the movie buff in your life — matching the upcoming titles your loved ones are excited about with the perfect presents. AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER: HOYTS GIFT CARD If you know somebody who is excited for this film, firstly, can you blame them? It's likely going to be among the biggest titles of both 2022 and 2023. A sequel to James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, Avatar: The Way of Water once again stars Australia's own Sam Worthington opposite Zoe Saldaña. Picking up ten years after the original, it follows the growing Sully family and the challenges they continue to face. What better gift for somebody waiting to return to Pandora than a HOYTS Gift Card, which they can use to cover the full experience, 3D screenings, snacks and all? In the case of Avatar, 3D is a must-see. Think: the big screen (Xtremescreen-level big), impressive surround sound, comfy recliners and a hefty bucket of popcorn (or luxury in-seat dining), perfect for a summer movie behemoth. HOYTS gift cards cover it all, and can be purchased online or at any HOYTS cinema. I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY: SINGING LESSONS The latest in Hollywood's lineup of major music biopics, I Wanna Dance With Somebody tells the story of 'The Voice' herself, Whitney Houston, from her rise to stardom in the mid-70s to her chart-topping hits of the 90s. Directed by Harriet's Kasi Lemmons, it stars Naomi Ackie as Houston, Stanley Tucci as record producer Clive Davis and Ashton Sanders as her husband Bobby Brown. If Houston's legendary pipes are constantly blaring in your household, it may be time for your resident superfan to work on their own singing skills. The musical maestros at Sydney Voice Studio offer a wide range of courses for every age and experience level, including a free four-week introduction course that lets participants explore the potential of their voice and latent singing skills. Give someone a new hobby and accompanying confidence with a gift voucher to use on a course of their choice. PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH: CATMOSPHERE GIFT VOUCHER Everyone knows Puss in Boots from his appearances in the Shrek franchise, plus his solo big-screen outing in 2011. You may have also heard that he's returning for another ride in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. In the latest animated trip to the Kingdom of Far Far Away, Puss — voiced by the velvet-smooth Antonio Banderas — is down to the last of his nine lives, and must battle fairy-tale bounty hunters over a star with the power to grant a single wish. If you know a kiddo (or grown-up Shrek fan, no shame in that) who has this on their watchlist, we have the perfect pressie. In Surry Hills, Puss in Boots fans (and any cat person) can find their dream day out at Catmosphere. As Sydney's original Cat Cafe, it offers multiple cat-centric cafe experiences, plus activities like cat yoga. The venue's residents span all breeds and ages, as sourced from rescue groups — and they live there permanently. There are age requirements for some activities, but most cat fans will find themselves accommodated. Gift cards are available online for all experiences and price ranges. BABYLON: ACTING CLASSES Thanks to its stacked cast, Oscar-winning director and glitzy premise, Babylon is a must-see for history buffs and film fans alike. Directed by La La Land's Damian Chazelle and starring Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, it spins a tale of ambition and excess in 1920s Los Angeles. The era was marked by endless growth and celebration across the United States, especially in a seaside town called Hollywood. Any fan of the cast or director is likely a fan of the film industry as a whole. The appeal of Hollywood and stardom beams brightly — and the movie is about actors and showbusiness, after all — so they might want a chance to make a name for themselves. Send them down that road with a voucher for a course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, which offers classes for all ages in ten studios across Sydney. Those classes include acting, directing, comedy, theatre and more, and can be taken face-to-face or online. LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: SPA DAY PACKAGE Any musical or Broadway appreciator probably has Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile on their radar. The musical comedy is the first film adaptation of the beloved book series about a family who discovers a singing crocodile in the attic of their New York home, and stars Javier Bardem and Constance Wu — plus Shawn Mendes as the titular singing crocodile. Pair that with new original music from the songwriters of The Greatest Showman, and there's plenty to get excited about. One thing that Lyle likes just as much as singing: a good bath. Soaking in some bubbles can help wash off almost any burden, whether you're a crocodile or a human. Accordingly, anyone looking forward to the film will appreciate a stint at The Langham Sydney and its famous day spa services. Vouchers can be bought online, and used for the usual range of massages, spas, pedicures and manicures. MAGIC MIKE'S LAST DANCE: DANCING LESSONS It won't be hard to find somebody who's got their eyes on this six-pack movie. Channing Tatum's mesmerising moves as Mike Lane have entranced audiences for a decade now. In Magic Mike's Last Dance, he takes to the stage for one last show, with Salma Hayek Pinault co-starring as a wealthy, mysterious socialite. It could be the last time we see Tatum's hips swing, so let's make it count. Luckily, there's a gift to fill the void that Mike will leave in our hearts. Sydney Vintage Dance is an honoured local institution where anyone who wants to get moving can give it a try. The vintage in the name points to their curriculum, covering historical dances, chair and heel dancing, fitness dancing, burlesque dancing and dancing performances. So, once Mike hangs up his dancing shoes, your loved one can don their own and bring the art of dance into their lives in a whole new way. Know a film fan? Anyone who has mentioned these films? HOYTS is the place to be this summer, with all of the above movies and more hitting its screens. Find your local cinema and its showtimes on the chain's website, and shop for gift vouchers online as well.
If you're feeling a little more adventurous this New Years Eve, hop over the Tasman to New Zealand for the Rhythm and Vines festival. Stretching over the last three days of December, Rhythm and Vines helps you welcome the new year with one of the biggest line-ups to grace the festival circuit in 2011, as well as Concrete Playground's own Pool Party. This instalment is headlined by Australia's biggest drum and bass export, Pendulum, whilst Calvin Harris brings his incredibly infectious sound to eager audiences. For the old-school demographic, DJ Grandmaster Flash will provide a great history lesson in hip-hop with his set. Don't miss out on an opportunity to see this undisputed legend working in an element that he was primarily responsible for. More bass will be provided by Skream and Benga, two dubstep pioneers who have developed a distinct, global sound from their modest beginnings in English warehouses. Other festival favourites such as Erick Morillo, Tiga and Architecture in Helsinki will also be in attendance. Accomodation ranges from rental houses to motel rooms to camping spots, so there's plenty of options to help mould your perfect festival bender experience. Courtesy of our friends at Stolen Rum, Concrete Playground has a double-pass three-day Club Stolen VIP Package up for grabs. What does the VIP Package offer? It will include an exclusive area with an uninterrupted view of the main stage, treated to delicious Stolen Rum cocktails throughout the night. Importantly, you'll also get access to toilets with actual flushes, and anybody who has been to a festival will know that this is truly a Godsend. To win this double VIP pass to Rhythm and Vines, make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au (for Australia) or auckland@concreteplayground.co.nz (for New Zealand) by 5pm on Thursday 15 December, 2011. The winner will be notified by email soon after, and will be responsible for own transport and accommodation arrangements.
Things are heating up here in Sydney, and Aqua Sculpt has officially debuted as Australia's first open water floating wellness destination, bringing an innovative approach to movement and mindfulness to Sydney's harbour. The brand's founder and head trainer, Nina Hirschfeld, created a space that promises to deliver a transformative mind and body experience rooted in nature, all performed on custom-designed standing floating boards. Aqua Sculpt blends pilates, yoga, stretching, and immersive sound bath meditation while grounding them in mindful movement. Guests can engage in low-impact, strength-building classes that activate the core, challenge balance, and promote deep relaxation. Each session sculpts the body and calms the mind through guided movement and immersive sensory elements. With plans to expand across Asia, the brand is positioning Sydney as the forefront of wellness tourism, offering guests a range of experiences designed to balance mind, body, and environment, including sunrise sculpt sessions, restorative evening floats, and themed experiences. The pilates on water adds the challenge of balance, focusing on strength and stability while connecting with nature and your breath. Similarly, their yoga class promises to deliver a full-body experience, inviting calm connections with oneself and their surroundings. Their seniors' stretch, perfect for those seeking restorative relaxation, focuses on stretching while lying down or seated in shallow water. Aqua Sculpt also offers a sound bath, using the calming power of sound and water to provide profound stillness, emotional release, and inner clarity. Their sculpt and sip picnic, held at Bellamy Beach, invites guests to pause, stretch and sip. Each event offers a signature pilates or yoga class, followed by a picnic with bubbles, good food and great company. Saving the best for last, Aqua Sculpt offers a wellness retreat in several locations, providing guests with the opportunity to pause, reconnect, and recharge. Each retreat offers floating water pilates, yoga, and sound baths. This experience serves more than just a weekend getaway, but a shared space for women who value wellness, rest, and joy. Whether you're a wellness expert, a curious beginner, or seeking a unique way to combine holistic wellness with stunning scenery, Aqua Sculpt offers a revolutionary approach to moving, breathing, and reconnecting. Book your class. Images: Supplied
If pastel wasn't already part of your gig-going wardrobe, it will be at Client Liaison's Expo Liaison, which will be touring the country in August. Announced back in May, the seven-hour event will hit Sydney's Luna Park on across August 25, and the headlining duo will have quite the company. Alongside a roster of eight other acts, the duo's own set will also feature The Voice himself, John Farnham. Alice Ivy, Ken Davis, Kon, Luke Million featuring KLP, No Zu, Rainbow Chan and Total Giovanni are all on the bill, plus John Howard doing a DJ set. Whether that's John Howard the former prime minister, John Howard the Aussie actor or just some other guy called John Howard, well, your guess is as good as ours — but Triple J is entertaining the fact that it could be the former. As for the kind of vibe that's in store, the curated event has fest badged "a multimedia, multi-city, multiversal experience" in its promotional material, as well as a "once-in-a-lifetime event". They're the kind of descriptions that plenty of gigs and fests throw around, but, even though the band's being overly hyperbolic, Client Liaison has a track record of delivering more than just the usual shows — or fashion lines or music videos, for that matter.
Redfern's neighbourhood retro-style bar, Misfits, is appropriately kicking off Sydney's Mardi Gras Parade weekend with a big blowout. The Miss Misfits Mardi Gras Party, hosted by April Fools, is returning for its second year on Friday, February 28, from 7pm and going until the wee hours — so put on your dancing shoes, with drag performances, gay party anthems, and plenty of glitter. They're putting on an in-house glitter station so you can sparkle too, plus there'll be be three bedazzled cocktails to choose from to get your night started. There's the cheekily dubbed Purple Rain, the regal Kweens Cup and soulful Impersonating Beyoncé Is Not Your Destiny, Child — all fabulously dressed. There will also be food specials and giveaways, with prizes like free oysters and sparkling vino, cocktails, a bottle of bubbly and a $50 bar voucher. Should you win the grand prize, you'll nab a $500 dinner for you and nine of your nearest and dearest. Once Saturday rolls around, you'll need to recover before the parade starts. So, head back to the bar for its monthly Lunch Club at midday, which you can book here. Food will cost you $45 and your hair-of-the-dog option comes in the form of bottomless glitter prosecco — yep, that's a thing — for an additional $20, so you can get over your hangover and start the pre-game for the rest of the Mardi Gras shenanigans to come.
If you're one of those people who's always meaning to give blood, now might be the perfect time to roll up your sleeve. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service needs 99,000 new donors, so it's hosting Australia's first 24-hour donate-a-thon — with some bloody great incentives to get you through the door. A CBD donor centre in Sydney's Town Hall will be open for 24 hours from 7pm on Thursday, June 13 through to 7pm on Friday, June 14 (aka World Blood Donor Day). To encourage you to donate, there'll be live music, live magic and free food. Oh, and you'll be helping to save up to three lives. We all know it's important to have a bite to eat after giving blood, and for once it'll be more than just a cookie and a party pie. Chef Nelly Robinson (of the CBD's lauded Nel.) will be serving salmon pies, gourmet sausage rolls and an especially fancy spiced carrot cake with mandarin sorbet and yoghurt foam. And Gelato Messina has whipped up a new flavour just for the occasion — blood orange cheesecake gelato with red velvet cake and raspberry puree. How very fitting.
