Yass, a small NSW town near Canberra received the signature Queer Eye makeover when the Fab Five descended on the town earlier in June. Well, the whole town didn't, but George — a cattle farmer and former rodeo cowboy — did. As did the local pub. A rundown of the show, for the uninitiated, the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy show hit screens a whopping 15 years ago — running from 2003 to 2007 — and the reboot Queer Eye returned to Netflix this year. The general premise is that the Fab Five give less-fashion-savvy men (and it seems, establishments) much-needed makeovers. In Yass, while three of the Fab Five, Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France and Karamo Brown, were looking after George the cattle farmer, the remaining two — Antoni Porowsi and Bobby Berk — renovated the local pub's bistro and introduced a new signature dish to the menu. Fittingly, the five were also crowned — by Yass Mayor Rowena Abbey — Yass Queens. Yas, queen. If this reference is lost on you, it's a term said to have originated in the 80s ballroom community, but recently surged to popularity thanks to this YouTube video. The Australian mini-episode of Queer Eye will is now available to watch, with Queer Eye's second season also streaming on Netflix since June 15. Check out Yass, Australia! below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM2zD5FtrkQ&feature=youtu.be
If you're a fan of iconic late-90s/early-00s high school-set dramedies, big-name Hollywood comedies, entertainingly twisty mysteries and TV shows about teenage witches, then SXSW Sydney 2025 is doing you a simple favour: Paul Feig, the director, writer, producer and actor who created Freaks and Geeks, helmed Bridesmaids and A Simple Favour, and co-starred in the OG Sabrina the Teenage Witch, is heading Down Under for this year's event. Not only is Feig the 2025 SXSW Sydney Screen Festival keynote speaker and also the filmmaker in the spotlight at the fest's big-screen retrospective, but he's also being celebrated with a brand-new accolade. When the event runs between Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19, 2025, it'll debut the SXSW Sydney Screen Pioneer Award, and Feig is its inaugural recipient. If you're a fan of The Heat, Spy, Last Christmas and this year's Another Simple Favour, too — and also Feig's excellent 2018 Ghostbusters with an all-female spirit-hunting team — then this keeps proving great news. Exactly which titles among those flicks will be among SXSW Sydney's screenings is yet to be revealed, however. The same is the case with whether the Feig-helmed Unaccompanied Minors, The School for Good and Evil and Jackpot! might pop up. Here's something to cross your fingers for, though: The Housemaid, Feig's latest movie, is due to make its way to cinemas at the end of 2025. So, while there's absolutely no word yet that it'll be playing SXSW Sydney before its general release, you can start hoping that the Sydney Sweeney (Echo Valley)-, Amanda Seyfried (Long Bright River) and Brandon Sklenar (Drop)-starring film might score a spin when Feig makes the trip Down Under to get chatting. "I'm so honoured to receive the first-ever Screen Pioneer Award from SXSW Sydney. SXSW is my favourite festival in the world because they are committed to entertaining audiences. They've been supporters of mine for so many years and to have my work celebrated in this way, and to be able to share it with Australian audiences through this retrospective, is incredibly special. I look forward to the conversations, the Q&As, and the Tim Tams come October!" said Feig. Added Fenella Kernebone, Head of Conference Program, "Paul Feig's films have reached huge audiences — from Bridesmaids, The Heat and Spy to Ghostbusters and A Simple Favour, his career has been defined by genre-shaping stories that put powerful, complex and hilarious women front and centre. Paul has spent his career breaking moulds, challenging industry norms, and proving that female-led films can be both critically acclaimed and wildly successful. We're thrilled to welcome him to SXSW Sydney and can't wait to hear his insights from a career built on visionary storytelling, sharp comedy and a deep commitment to elevating others." Also big: SXSW Sydney's Screen Festival has announced its first six features beyond the Feig retrospective, so get excited about seeing By Design, $POSITIONS, Dead Lover, Zodiac Killer Project, The Last Sacrifice and Bokshi. Among that group, body-swap effort By Design features Juliette Lewis (The Thicket), Mamoudou Athie (Kinds of Kindness) and Robin Tunney (Dear Edward); horror-comedy Dead Lover is a SXSW Austin award-winner; Charlie Shackleton (The Afterlight) digs into a famed serial killer; and everything from comedy to folk horror features. Shorts Stomach Bug and Chasing the Party have a date with the fest as well, among other titles, with the former a BAFTA-nominee and the latter boasting Sam Rockwell (The White Lotus) as a producer. The new round of SXSW Sydney announcements for 2025 — following its dates, that its free programming is expanding, plus a few batches of speakers and music artists — also span Slo Mo podcast host and former Google X Chief Business Officer Mo Gawdat, Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen, Passes founder Lucy Guo and MIT Technology Review Executive Editor Niall Firth as fellow speakers across the rest of the technology, music, film and gaming event. Signal President Meredith Whittaker is already on the keynote list from past program drops. The initial 50 Conference Program sessions and the first 40 titles at the Games Festival Showcase have been revealed, too, which is ace if you're keen to learn more about exploring space, sustainable design, the creator economy, people living in the ocean, writing true stories for TV, indie game marketing, cutscenes, cyber intelligence, digital sovereignty and AI ethics — or to mash a whole heap of buttons. SXSW Sydney 2025 runs from Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Top image: Frank Micelotta.
This New Year's Eve, it's time to turn back the clock. Pumping out his signature '90s hip hop classics, the legendary Grandmaster Flash is hitting The Soda Factory for a house party like no other. Spinning an unmissable set of old-school records, the founding father of the hip hop scene will be sending off the year-that-was in spectacular fashion. The Grandmaster is gearing up to bring his truly partystarting edits to our shores this NYE. Renowned for breaking new ground and pushing the limits of what DJs are capable of, Flash paved the way for the mixing methods seen pumping across clubs and airwaves today. Tucked away in Surry Hills, The Soda Factory will play host to partygoers looking for a spot to one-two step their way into 2015. Bring your mates and best dance moves along for some Grandmaster tracks this New Year's Eve. Image: Yves Borgwardt.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and start that business you've always wanted to give a red hot go? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. Dreaming big is easy. Following through on that dream — that's where the hard work begins. Junky Comics' owner Vlada Edirippulige knows this, but a year after opening her own store, she wouldn't have it any other way. Also known as illustrator Junky and as a member of local band Major Leagues, her commitment to boosting Brisbane's arts scene shows just what can happen when you embody 'Sine Metu', set your mind to something and throw caution to the wind. We had a chat to Vlada about how taking a big chance has paid off in a big way. You can read the interview over here. Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Vlada's being a total legend and helping us give away $1000 worth of rare comic books from her own Junky Comics collection, so you can see for yourself what happens when bold humans take big creative chances with big payoffs. This whopping prize includes the complete Walking Dead series 1-23, Hip Hop Family Tree by Ed Piskor, the complete Scott Pilgrim colour hardcover series and The Complete Wimmen's Comix. Enter here to win. And enjoy Jameson responsibly, folks.
We’re not talking lion hunting while munching caviar and canapés, nor are we dreaming of zebra reductions or tiger tartare: this gourmet safari, courtesy of travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith, features hotels whose restaurants alone are worth a bumpy ride in a 4X4, whose chefs are the big game of the food industry, and whose dining rooms draw food critics like thirsty wildebeest to a watering hole. 1. SANGOMA RETREAT Where: 70 Grandview Lane, Bowen Mountain, NSW What: Game reserve-inspired glam City grind got you ground down? Sydneysiders in need of respite should write their own prescription for a stay at African-inspired Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains, just a 70-minute drive away, where five light, airy and very spacious suites loll across 10-hectare grounds. Rooms are blessed with huge freestanding Philippe Starck tubs and wraparound balconies for soaking up bush scenes, but chances are you’ll be hard-pressed to tear yourself away from the restaurant. Owner/chef Zenga Butler cooks up globe-trotting cuisine with Ottolenghi influences (healthy, seasonal, locally sourced and largely organic). It’s a relaxed affair: heaped platters of fish and salad, which you can help yourself to. 2. METROPOLITAN BY COMO Where: 27 South Sathorn Road, Tungmahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand What: Manicured minimalism Australian chef David Thompson’s rice-white and mango-yellow Nahm restaurant in the Metropolitan by Como, Bangkok hotel may survey the pool, but you’ll only have eyes for your food, however many starlets or stallions strut past. Expect elegant Thai cuisine featuring tingling flavours and succulent seafood: kingfish salad with chilli, lime and mint, deep-fried crab with pomelo, and coconut-cream-slathered desserts. Lesser known, but equally wonderful, is the hotel’s guilt-free Glow restaurant, where Amanda Gale’s zingy salads keep you feeling great. The low prices (around AU$21 for a fresh juice and two-course lunch) are equally revitalising. 3. ROYAL MAIL HOTEL Where: 98 Parker Street (Glenelg Highway), The Grampians, VIC What: Gourgeous gourmet pub Need a dose of vitamin C? Head to Royal Mail Hotel in the Grampians, where fat pumpkins, albino eggplants and juicy tomatoes flourish ripely in the green, green garden. Dan Hunter (formerly head chef at Spain’s two-Michelin-starred Mugaritz) flirts with vegetarians and omnivores alike via two 10-course tasting menus: one leafy; one meaty. This chef melts rules like butter: lamb comes with liquorice; pigeon is paired with white chocolate. Such creativity has garnered a fistful of awards, so book your table when you book your bedroom. There’s also a casual bistro with a sunny courtyard and a tapas menu, and – for less calorific moments – mountain views, hills for hiking and a peaceful outdoor pool. 4. QT SYDNEY Where: 49 Market Street, Sydney, NSW What: Theatrical temptress Scantily clad door-sirens with flame-red wigs, rooms with DIY martini kits, a buzzing bar and a spa with hammam, ice-room and hipster barber: at sexy QT Sydney hotel, you could easily forget to eat. That would be tragic, though, given the excellent restaurant housed in the hotel’s historic State Theatre and Gowings department store buildings. Helmed by executive chef Paul Easson, under the creative direction of Sydney restaurateur Robert Marchetti, Gowings Bar & Grill is a funked-up Euro-flash brasserie which relies of the most artisan producers for the freshest Australian ingredients, and cooks them to perfection in wood-fired rotisseries. Repair to the Gilt Lounge afterwards for vintage cocktails. 5. EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL Where: Marine Parade, Queenstown, New Zealand What: Historic haven with watery vistas If you fancy drinking in both Lake Wakatipu views and silky seafood chowder, book a bedroom at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown. This glam grand dame has mountain- and lake-spying rooms, a famous bar and a very good restaurant. Choose between dining at the award-winning bar or at Eichardt's Parlour, a private lounge and dining area on the first floor, styled with Georgian grace. Chef Will Eaglesfield is the talent in charge, plating up delicious dishes such as wild-game terrine with house pickles and mustard, and salted-cod-and-potato croquettes with herb aioli. Comfy sofas, friendly service and a toasty fireplace keep things cosy. 6. LAKE HOUSE Where: 4 King Street, Daylesford, VIC What: Restrained rural retreat Delicious little Lake House hotel in Daylesford began life in 1984 as a 40-seat, weekend-only restaurant, owned by acclaimed chef Alla Wolf-Tasker. Fast forward more than a few years, and lake-scoping rooms and a Scandinavia-inspired spa with treetop hot tubs and a blissful 75-minute signature treatment have been added to the equation. The emphasis is still firmly foodie, though: what’s dished up varies according to the season, but you can expect house-made charcuterie, heritage vegetables and fruits, local trout, eel and cheeses, free-range pork and wagyu beef. Be sure to book your table when you bag your stay, and call by Alla’s more casual café, Wombat Hill House, in the nearby Botanic Gardens. 7. ESTABLISHMENT HOTEL Where: 5 Bridge Lane, Sydney, NSW What: Everything-under-one-roof design destination Devotees of dim sum will think they’ve died and gone to har gow heaven when they clap eyes upon Establishment Hotel’s impressive Cantonese restaurant, Mr. Wong, a sprawling 240-cover space. When pork buns pale, there are plenty of other in-house options: Est., for Australian fine dining with French and Asian flair; Sushi-e, for succulent sashimi; Palings, which has a 'kitchen' menu designed for sharing, and the stunning Gin Garden bar, with lush plants, sexy pendant lamps, raw brick walls and a choice of Thai and Australian dishes. This multi-tasking pleasure palace can organise access to the Fitness First gym next door, if you start to feel fatty. 8. HUKA LODGE Where: 271 Huka Falls Road, Taupo, New Zealand What: Trad Twenties hunting lodge Fan of fishing, food and fast-paced adventures? Huka Lodge has all three covered. Set in Taupo, home to New Zealand’s largest lake in the heart of the volcanic North Island, this heritage 1920s hotel was founded as a frill-free fishing lodge, but don’t expect simple dinners of fisherman’s pie. Instead, the Michelin-starred executive chef brings European influences to contemporary New Zealand cuisine, harnessing the finest fresh, flavoursome local ingredients, including fruit from the orchard. Menus change daily according to the produce available, but previous crowd-pleasers include: freshwater lobster butter-poached with lemon-infused gnocchi and watercress, and chocolate fondant with espresso ice-cream. Cosy up in the main dining room or dine alfresco in the riverside grounds. 9. SPICERS VINEYARDS ESTATE Where: 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW What: Modern manor house Lovers of vine things have long flocked to the green-gold hills of the Hunter Valley, where some of the country’s sweetest, punchiest grapes flourish. Spicers Vineyards Estate makes the most of its regional charms: the 350-strong wine list (manager Belinda Stapleton's pride and joy) includes local gems from Margan, Tyrrell's and the like, or old-world classics from Burgundy and Bordeaux, and the restaurant has a veggie patch, chickens and pigs, and clever chef Mark Stapleton. Botanica's contemporary menu is loaded with lip-smacking dishes, such as house-made charcuterie, slow-cooked duck with caramelised fennel, and hand-cut pappardelle with lobster cream. Rattan chairs, earthy tones and floor-to-ceiling windows offering serene vineyard views make for a relaxed setting. 10. THE PRINCE Where: 2 Acland Street, St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC What: High-drama design, art deco grace Melbourne knows that the way to a visitor’s heart is through their stomach: this is the city where pop-up eateries sprout like mushrooms in the little laneways, after all. The Prince boutique hotel, a colourful art deco distraction in bayside St Kilda, lives up to its location, with not one but two ravishing restaurants. At Circa, rising star Paul Wilson and seasoned chef Jake Nicolson rustle up sharing plates with Asian zing: kingfish sashimi with yuzu and basil jelly, or bonito with green tea, for example. There’s a Mexican in the basement, too, but don’t be scared: Acland St Cantina spans a casual canteen and a cute, characterful restaurant. Save room for the salted-caramel ice-cream churros taco (we kid you not).
With Biennale 2016 out of the bag, the unofficial fringe exhibition, SafARI, is preparing for take-off. On Saturday, November 7, the organisers will reveal their program with a titanic launch party at Freda's. Leading the festivities will be teaser performances from official 2016 artists Angela Garrick, presenting An invitation to vent your frustrations about the weather, and Grace Blake (with Greg Holden), with Psychedelic visuals meets imperfect hardware clubby techno. Meanwhile, a slew of musical acts will keep your ears happy with original tunes and sound experiments, including Matthew Brown's 'dark megalithic techno', Wet Kiss's bedroom pop, Orion delivering 'Sydney's answer to New Order', Dominic Talarico's Aaliyah and Arthur Russell-influenced songs, and The Mullumbilical Brothers DJs. Young Henrys and Freda's will be providing support in the form of cheap drinks and tasty morsels. Tickets are $10 online before the event, or $15 on the door.
There's a small chance Sydney's main nightlife woes could soon be a thing of the past, with a bill to remove the city's ever-problematic lockout laws set to go before Parliament this Thursday, October 25. A proposal by MP Robert Borsak, of the Shooters, Farmers and Fishers Party, will be put before the Legislative Council at around 11am tomorrow. Mr Borsak, who said in a Facebook post that the lockouts are "killing our city", is hoping to have the support of the Berejiklian Government, after reports earlier this month that Deputy Premier John Barilaro also wanted the laws scrapped by the end of the year. While the specifics of this bill are yet to be revealed, nightlife lobby collective Keep Sydney Open is hoping it's a strong step towards saving the city's ailing night time economy. The existing laws, which force 1.30am lockouts on venues in the CBD and some surrounding areas, were brought into effect back in 2014, as part of a suite of liquor law reforms by the NSW Government. Their aim was to curb booze-related violence. Last year the laws were relaxed slightly, with 20 or so venues in Kings Cross and the CBD granted an 'exemption' on the grounds that they provide legitimate live entertainment. This pushed last drinks for these venues from 3am to 3.30am and lockout from 1.30am to 2am. But between the time the laws began and May this year, figures from Liquor & Gaming NSW show that 418 licensed premises had shut up shop in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross — closures that many in Sydney's hospitality, music and nightlife industries attribute directly to the legislation. "The effect on culture, small business and our civil liberties has been undeniable. We feel patronised — like our city has been taken away from us," explains Tyson Koh, spokesperson for Keep Sydney Open. "This is our chance to reinforce at this crucial time how deeply despised these laws are and how they have crippled Sydney." If you'd like to show your support for scrapping the lockout laws, you can join the Keep Sydney Open: Bye By Lockouts rally happening at the top of Martin Place on Macquarie Street, before making its way up to Parliament House. The exact meeting time will be announced on Keep Sydney Open's Facebook page, as soon as parliament's order of business for the day is announced. The Shooters, Farmers and Fishers Party is, of course, a minor party, so it's hard to say how much support the bill will get in parliament. The party has two members in the upper house, where the bill be introduced, and only one in the lower house — so it will need to win the support of the Berejiklian Government to get the bill through both houses and made into law. Nonetheless, this will give the members of the Legislative Council a chance to explain their views on the lockout laws to their constituents and Sydney's small business owners — that is, those that have been most affected by the lockouts. We'll keep you updated on what happens in parliament this week. UPDATE: OCTOBER 25, 2018 — This article previously stated that the Shooters, Farmers and Fishers Party had no seats in the NSW lower house, when it in fact has one member, Robert Borsack. The article has been amended to reflect this. Image: Kimberley Low.
Legendary Sydney party crew House of Mince is known for bringing heaving dance floors to spaces around the city. A leader in radical inclusivity, LGBTQIA+ joy and boundary-pushing dance music, the team has previously turned the Sydney Opera House into a nightclub, curated the Sydney iteration of Boiler Room and programmed countless lineups featuring some of the world's top DJs. Fan-favourite event series Mince Openair is returning on Sunday, March 31 for a massive multi-level long weekend edition at Circular Quay's recently revamped mega pub Jacksons on George — and it's free, kids. You'll be able to party across all three levels of the venue from 3pm–10pm on Easter Sunday, with no reservations that you've got to get up for work the next day thanks to the public holiday. Each floor is offering up something a little different, from extravagant drinks and camp cabaret to sun-soaked DJ sets. The rooftop and its sweeping views of the city skyline will be the main fixture of the event, providing the open air to Mince Openair. Here you can catch DJ sets from some of Sydney and Melbourne's best electronic tastemakers including Simon Caldwell and Deepa. Each level also has its own bespoke cocktails to choose from courtesy of the day's sponsor Don Julio. Up on the rooftop, you'll find the chilli-infused Heat Wave, a tequila espresso martini and the extravagant $35 Millonario Margarita which pairs Don Julio 1942 with apricot, bergamot and lime. The ground-floor public bar is supposed to act as a house party of sorts, as well as a lunch or dinner pit stop. Here, things will function relatively as normal with Jacksons on George's pub feeds being served up. And then there's Bistro George — Jacksons on George's swanky middle-floor European brasserie. Here, an exciting lineup of performers will be coming together for a colourful cabaret experience. Enjoy the bistro's exceptional menu (our pick of the bunch is the clams casino) as performers like Byron Spencer entertain you with a camp extravaganza.
Not content with serving up damn fine cups of coffee, Sydney's Paramount Coffee Project has teamed up with clothing label Banks Journal for a fashion pop-up in Taylor Square. Selling clothing — and hot caffeinated beverages, naturally — it's a must-visit if you adore PCP's cuppas so much you want to deck yourself out in its merchandise. Featuring original artwork by WeBuyYourKids' Sonny Day, the range of summery items includes t-shirts, bathrobes, slippers and baseball caps, plus a fetching set of shorts with a matching short-sleeved shirt. The store will also be selling Day's artwork and, between Thursday, December 12–Sunday, December 15, he'll be onsite painting a new piece live. On the food and drink menu: PCP coffee made with a La Marzocco KB90 machine, warm house-baked cookies in a variety of rotating flavours, and pies that range from classic to mac 'n' cheese. Microcosm microbiologist Jana Stewart has also curated a plant installation, with greenery available to purchase in-store — and other gift-style items too. The Paramount Coffee Project x Banks Journal Pop-Up runs from Thursdays–Sundays between Thursday, December 5–Sunday, December 15, opening from 11am–7pm Thursday–Saturday and 11am–5pm on Sundays.
The University of Sydney is transforming bars and pubs into classrooms on one night for a second year – 20 of them, to be exact, which means there are at least 20 new things for you to discuss and learn about. Raising The Bar will see academics deliver free talks around the city, bringing the concept that "good ideas are born at the bar" to life. Previously established a few years back by students from New York and Columbia Universities, this year's event will showcase a range of speakers, ideas, and themes. Pick one that'll interest you, teach you something new, or get you animated, standing and gesturing dramatically with your beer glass. Try Lian Loke at Cake Wines, reflecting on a positive view of technology, and how it can be used to increase your physical activity (can it turn us into elite athletes?). For something even darker, Celine Van Golde will hold "Making a Murderer: The Real Story" at the Bristol Arms, and detail the case of a real wrongful conviction. Or, James Humberstone will head to Venue 505 to talk about how music inspires us — from classical to Kanye, and from funk to Taylor Swift. Raising The Bar will kick off on Tuesday 18th October at various venues, from 6.00pm. It's a free event, but booking is required and recommended so you don't miss out (last year's tickets sold out fast).
As one half of creative duo Frank & Mimi, Emily Devers has spent years exploring the artistic nooks and crannies of Brisbane — and left her mark on several of them as well. The artist, who trained at QUT, has been making large-scale murals with signwriter Rick Hayward since 2011, and their works can now be seen splashed across the bridge of the Pillars Project gallery as well as Doomben Station, Newstead Brewing Co and the Golden Pig. In partnership with Pullman Hotels and Resorts, we're helping you explore more on your next holiday and make sure you get those experiences that the area's most switched-on residents wouldn't want their visitors to miss. In Brisbane, we've called in Emily, whose favourite spots range from a gallery that's helped uncover the the state's best street artists to the second-hand bookstore that's a joy to explore. A stay at Pullman's King George Square hotel in Brisbane — located in the centre of the city and just a stroll over the Victoria Bridge from South Bank — will not only put you in the thick of all this action, it will let you contemplate all you've seen in five-star luxury at the end of the day. Read on for Emily's top Brisbane art and design hot spots in her own words, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. WANDERING COOKS What feels like a secret warehouse tucked away down Fish Lane, Wandering Cooks houses some of Brisbane's most exciting food ventures. They're a beaut community of like-minded entrepreneurs, celebrating locally sourced produce, local kitchen legends and an impressive low-intervention drinks menu. It's my pick for a low-key Friday night, followed by a wander to the river under the lights down Fish Lane. THE PILLARS PROJECT The Pillars Project is Brisbane's largest outdoor gallery, curated by Dan Brock. It's a great collection of large-scale artworks covering the pillars of Merivale Bridge in South Brisbane, showing visitors to Brisbane what our local artists are made of. It started in 2014 with nine artists painting under eight rail pillars, and the project has now grown to include a few more, including a Frank & Mimi piece. You can give it a wave coming along Montague Road! JUGGLERS ART SPACE A handful of prominent global street artists were born out of little ol' Brisbane, some of who (including Anthony Lister, Fintan Magee, Guido and Shida) spent their formative years exhibiting at Jugglers. We grew Frank & Mimi out of a small corner room in this iconic building. Brisbane's longest-running artist-run initiative (15 years now!), Jugglers addressed a serious shortage of exhibition, performance and studio spaces in Brisbane when it opened in 2002, and continues to provide an inclusive community space for cultural enquiry through art. QAGOMA The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is located across two adjacent buildings in Brisbane's South Bank. Celebrating the contemporary art of Australia, Asia and the Pacific, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Brisbane. Sydney-based architects Architectus are responsible for the incredible building design, a huge part of the reason why you should visit. If it's your first time, try and get to a GoMA Up Late evening, so you can view the art with a drink in your hand and some local music in your ears. Also be sure to check out the gallery stores — they feature a lot of Brisbane makers. ARTISAN Artisan is a gallery space and design store on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley. They support design creatives from emerging talent to established Australian legends, and they also run regular workshops in everything from spoon carving to textile design and life drawing. Drop by to see the latest exhibition, but make enough time to do a full lap around the store — it shows off our city's best designers and makers. THE BRISBANE FINDERS KEEPERS MARKETS Currently on twice a year, Finders Keepers is a design market featuring the work of independent makers and designers from across Australia. We love keeping up with who's making what by visiting the Brisbane chapter. Walking through the stunning Old Museum rooms overflowing with beautiful hand made things has always been a weekend treat, though the market it soon to move to a new, bigger location at the Brisbane Showgrounds, The Marquee. ANALOGUE GALLERY Analogue Gallery is a creative-led exhibition space in Fortitude Valley.Run by a powerhouse crew including Brisbane Curator Holly Riding, Grace Dewar of First Coat Festival and Matt Haynes of The Design Conference, this unassuming little space is tucked under dive bar Greaser in the heart of the Valley. It has a regular pop-up exhibition program and provides a professional platform for local, regional and interstate artists to show their work to a dedicated crowd — rent and commission free. This one's a really easy way to support Brisbane' creative community on the first Thursday of every month. BENT BOOKS Bent Books on Boundary Street in West End is probably the most adorable second-hand bookshop in Brisbane. They've been around for over 20 years and some of our favourite art and design books (including a rare, early edition sho' card painting book) have come from there. The staff are always friendly and will take down your name and notes if you're seeking something specific. BRISBANE POWERHOUSE The Brisbane Powerhouse is a contemporary, multi-arts centre reborn out of an old power station from the 1920s. It's a one-stop shop for high-quality theatre, performance, visual art and music, and you'll always be able to find something to suit your creative mood. I recommend starting with an afternoon picnic at New Farm Park, taking a walk along the river and entering the building from there — that way you can see our addition to the permanent art collection on the way in! PADDINGTON ANTIQUE CENTRE The Antique Centre in Paddington is perhaps the most overstimulating place you could visit in Brisbane. Housed inside the heritage-listed Plaza Theatre on the main strip of Paddington, it was originally open for business in 1930. Since then, it's collected a whole bunch of Brisbane-based antique and retro stores and sells everything from flamingo light fittings to top hats and ball gowns. I recommend coffee and breakfast at Naïm around the corner before a wander through on a lazy Sunday morning. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
Wes Anderson is partial to a few things. Bill Murray. Primary colours. Owen Wilson. Folk music. Natalie Portman's bottom. And overhead shots, to name but a few. Here, all of the auteur's beautifully crafted bird's eye views have been compiled into one stylish montage, featuring scenes from films including The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. [Via Best Week Ever]
Let's be real: too many aspects of our locky-d can make us feel like we're living in Groundhog Day. But, we ask you, why should drinking — that great lockdown pastime — feel the same? Of the many things we're missing these days, right up the top of the list is enjoying a perfectly crafted cocktail while perched at a lovely bar. And sure, we can try our hand at making our own, but, in these trying times, why not leave it to the professionals? Not only will it taste better, but you'll also be supporting our hospo industry, especially as many of our favourite venues are doing it tough right now. With that in mind, we've teamed up with Patrón to highlight six city venues — and two regional ones — delivering the good times to your door. We're talking litres — literally — of ready-made margaritas, as well as DIY taco kits, seafood feasts and more. Here's where to place an order for your next big night in. TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD, PADDINGTON: TACO KITS AND DIY MARGS Paddington agave den Tequila Mockingbird is not messing around this lockdown, with single serves, batch pours and even DIY marg kits available to be delivered straight to your door. The eponymous Tequila Mockingbird Margarita is always a winner here, a house signature which features Patrón Silver, St Germain, jalapeño-infused agave, cucumber and lemon. This lockdown, it's available in bottles for one, four, six or eight (at least in theory — because, these days, who's counting?). The same pours are also available for a selection of the bar's other classics or you could even try your hand at shaking your own drink with a DIY kit featuring all the ingredients as well as a jigger, shaker, strainer and a Patrón agave cup to pour it into. Hot tip: complete your order with an eight-serve DIY taco kit, or a hearty winter warmer like a slow-roasted lamb shoulder served with chimichurri rojo. Discover Tequila Mockingbird's full takeaway offer and place your order at its website. [caption id="attachment_822949" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] PS40, CBD: CUSTOM COCKTAIL BOXES CBD cocktail den PS40 was among the first venues in town to pivot to cocktail delivery last year, and, thankfully, the service is still going strong now. You can customise a box of three bottled cocktails with multi-serve bottles of signatures like the Breakfast Negroni, which includes hints of banana bread, coffee and tonka beans, and the Spicy Verdita Margarita, in which the verdita is made from ripened pineapple, jalapeño, parsley and mint. If you're looking for something a little more hands-on, the Watermelon Margarita Fun Pack is just the ticket. The airtight pouch contains a delicious combo of tequila, sake, cold-pressed watermelon and bergamot — all you need to do is cut it open, pop it in your blender and blitz away for those summer holiday vibes (BYO paper umbrella). The pouch serves two and has a three-month shelf-life in the freezer. Discover PS40's full delivery offer and place and order at the website. Delivery is available Sydney-wide from Tuesday to Saturday. THE BOATSHED, LA PEROUSE: SEAFOOD FEASTS AND $10 MARGS While it's not quite the same as sipping a marg from the sunny outdoor bar overlooking Frenchmans Bay, you can bring a bit of The Boatshed to your place thanks to its excellent takeaway deal. Every day, the La Perouse waterfront hangout is slinging a huge selection of cocktails — including three types of marg — for just $10. They're all served in fun-sized Patrón glass bottles, which you can return empty for ten percent off your next takeaway cocktail order (as if we needed an extra excuse). Pair your drinks with one of the kitchen's fresh seafood dishes to really make a night of it. Discover The Boatshed's full takeaway offer over on its Instagram. You can order via Uber Eats or call ahead on 9661 1817. LOW AND LOFTY'S, CRONULLA: INDONESIAN BITES AND SMOKY MARGS An order from Shire fave Low and Lofty's will take your lockdown night in from low to lofty. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, the Cronulla restaurant and bar is delivering mouthwatering Indonesian dishes as well as a number of its excellent cocktails Shire-wide. Pair a chicken satay or full-bodied beef rendang with a mini Patrón bottle filled with a classic marg or a smoked jalapeño variety finished with cinnamon smoke. Discover Low & Lofty's full takeaway offer and place your order at its website. ROXY'S, DOUBLE BAY: MIDDLE EASTERN BITES AND MARGS Double Bay newcomer Roxy's has made a name for itself since opening earlier this year for its creative interpretations of classic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours — and this is an influence that extends, naturally, to its bar program. This lockdown, the all-day eastside spot is offering a heap of takeaway goodies every Wednesday through Sunday, with an offer that ranges from freshly baked pastries to flavour-packed pita pockets. You can also pick up a margarita or five — opt for either a single serve or a 500ml bottle of the house marg which features Marionette dry curaçao, lime and hints of sumac. Discover Roxy's full takeaway offer and place your order at its website. CHECHO'S, PENRITH: FOUR-COURSE FEASTS AND ONE-LITRE MARGS Buzzy Penrith diner Checho's is hoping to bring the (socially distanced) fiesta to yours this lockdown. You can choose your own adventure, too, with the restaurant cooking up its ready-made favourites like charcoal corn ribs, patatas bravas and DIY taco kits; or, if you prefer to take matters into your own hands, opt for a cheekily named Hola Fresh box featuring a stack of fresh ingredients and instructions on how to make a four-course meal perfect for two, with dishes like beef brisket tacos and watermelon salad. Whichever you choose, you'd be remiss not to add a one-litre margarita bottle. There are five varieties to choose from, including charred pineapple and mango — if you want to work your way through all five, that is perfectly acceptable, too. Find out about Checho's takeaway offer and place your order at its website. Takeaway is available Wednesday–Sunday evenings. TOWRADGI BEACH HOTEL, WOLLONGONG: CANDY-INSPIRED MARGS The folks at Wollongong's Towradgi Beach Hotel know how to bring the good vibes, whether at the bar or in your home. As well as its indulgent $70 Netflix and Chill packs, which feature a pizza, pasta, garlic bread and a large margarita jar (or bottle of vino), the bottle shop is slinging over ten varieties of margs. You can choose to keep things classic or opt for a fruit-fulled one, including strawberry, mango and passionfruit flavours. Feeling adventurous? Then sample one of the limited-edition candy-inspired margaritas. The rotation changes weekly — previous flavours include Nerds Grape and Wizz Fizz — so keep an eye on the venue's Facebook page to see the latest selection. Find out about Towradgi Beach Hotel's takeaway and delivery offer and place your order at its website. Food is available for takeaway Friday—Sunday evenings; the bottle shop is open daily. [caption id="attachment_823880" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Pop'd Shop (Unsplash)[/caption] POCKET BAR, TERRIGAL: WEEKEND SESSIONS Central Coast favourite Pocket Bar is helping you indulge over the weekends — even in lockdown. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, the Terrigal hangout is offering next-level dinner packs (which can serve up to six people) for pick-up and delivery. Food-wise, expect dishes like 60-day dry-aged scotch fillet, heirloom tomato burrata salad and potato gratin.If you're seeking a little libation, be sure to add its pre-batched cocktails, such as a strawberry negroni or classic marg, to your order. All cocktails are available in three different sizes, too, meaning there'll be plenty to go around. Find out about Pocket Bar's takeaway and delivery offer and place your order at its website. For more cocktail inspo, head to the Patron website. Top image: Alana Dimou
Owned by an ex-Coffee Alchemy barista, new neighbourhood café Double Tap is serving up coffees to froth over. Despite its remote Marrickville location, hidden among warehouse lots and residential terraces, the new family-owned coffee shop is already starting to pick up steam, with many considering their brews pretty hard to beat. It's the first venue for owner and manager Daniel Karaconji, who worked as head barista at Coffee Alchemy for almost a decade. While the batch of beans may be different, Karaconji continues to win over hearts and spike blood pressures with his silky milks and caramelised cremas. If you're interested in knowing what you're drinking, Double Tap sources all its coffee from small batch roasters only, with its house blend Silver Bullet by Panorama Coffee Roasters in Sydney's Wetherill Park. Used for white coffees only, the Silver Bullet blend is made from Brazilian and Ethiopian beans and reveals lingering notes of cacao, berries and stone fruits. For black coffees, customers can choose their own single origin beans, with offerings from Sample Coffee, Wood & Co, Grace & Taylor, Small Batch Roasting Co and Market Lane, among others. If you're starting to get the jitters, try hitting up the food menu, with Double Tap serving a homely menu of toasted sarnies, fresh salads and brekkie bowls. Made on toasted Brickfields sourdough, the sandwiches are particularly tasty, even more so, when you consider the price. Options include a free-range poached chicken with chives, blanched almonds and a mustard-seed mayo ($9.50) as well as a mortadella, provolone and fresh mint with sliced green olives ($9.50). Cakes are also a standout with Karaconji's wife and mum hand-baking the selection. Today, Karaconji's mum Yovanka has rustled up a CWA-quality strawberry and cream sponge ($6), while his wife Elizabeth came to the table with a glazed lemon and yoghurt ring ($6). Slices are whooping nana-sized portions and the rustic appearances and homemade taste are equivalent to a big, warm hug. While this may be a family-owned cafe, the interiors are sleek, with warm Australian timbers, native floral decorations and a botanical wall mural, painted by Karaconji's brother, Alex. While Double Tap may not be doing anything "new" or "different" per se, sometimes just doing the simple things well can be pretty revolutionary. Images: Letícia Almeida
This may shock you, but not all people who have Fine Arts qualifications end up as successful practising artists. I know, right? Who'da thought it. When Good Curators Go Bad is an exploration of what happens to the people who get degrees in art and are working in the arts but not as artists. "Was there a point?" the exhibition asks, and "What are you doing now?" and "Hey, wanna be in a show?" Conceived by Michael D'Agostino, who is Studio Co-ordinator at Parramatta Artists' Studios, the show features artists who are known for their careers as arts professionals. Kon Gouriotis is director of visual arts for the Australia Council, for instance, Lisa Havilah is CEO of CarriageWorks, and Bec Dean Michael Rolfe is CEO of Museums & Galleries NSW. These are people who are doing pretty well. But, one must ask, is it ART? What art is comes up in a slightly different way in Jodie Whalen's Sixty Kilograms, a body of work that take the 'body' part of that phrase very seriously. The title comes from a weight that falls into the ideal zone for Whalen as calculated by BMI, and her work investigates and documents regimen and ritualisation as part of an attempt to 'succeed' both in reaching this 'ideal' weight and having her work displayed in an art gallery. It's a performance - including a live performance in the gallery space - but it's also a crossover between art practice and 'real life.'
There's only one problem with the beach: it can make you dumb. Seaside days are the most tempting time to read trashy chick lit and airport novels, but what does that do to your brain? And what if you forget your book altogether and are forced to passively admire the glittering horizon while your companions enjoy tales of adventure and romance? Enter the beach pop-up library: a terrific notion from French architect and industrial designer Matali Crasset (whose website is really worth a visit for playtime). Currently popping up at La Romaniquette in Istres, France, the cute 'Bibliotheque de Plage' boasts more than 350 titles, so there's little chance you wouldn't find something that appeals. Adding a personal touch to the venture, the books on offer have been carefully selected and include many of Crasset's own favourites: for example, the classic architecture text The Poetics of Space, Gaston Bachelard's beautiful and influential meditation on how we experience interiors. The beach library creates its own special space to be experienced, composed of a simple steel frame with tarpaulin wings that form three shaded alcoves for peaceful reading. The idea for the project arose partly out of local government's focus on encouraging literacy. It would be great if charming libraries like this one were a common sight beside the food and drink kiosks that appear on beaches, ensuring you would never be stuck without a quality seaside read again. Via PSFK.
It's been a rocky few years for Jamie's Italian in Australia, having relaunched with full ownership in 2017 only to lose ownership again just one year later. Luckily, the Brisbane-based Hallmark Group took over the management of the Australian restaurants, but not without some casualties — the Canberra and Parramatta outposts (the latter of which has become a steakhouse) quickly closed. But, luckily, the Pitt Street venue has continued to pump out pasta to heaving lunch and dinner crowds. And, this April, Jamie's Italian in the CBD will run a series of bottomless prosecco lunches for a very reasonable $50 per person. The one-month deal will run on the four Saturdays in April as well as Easter Sunday — and it includes a lot more than just an endless supply of sparkling wine. Each table will be served small bites to share (including those crispy polenta chips), and everyone will get a big bowl of pasta. You'll be be able to choose which one you want, too — think classics like prawn linguine and bucatini carbonara, and signatures including the truffle tagliatelle and lamb ravioli. Plus, it'll all be topped off with panna cotta for dessert. If we know anything, it's that people really love Jamie's Italian. As such, these lunches are sure book out fast — so front a pineapple and book it already.
The city will set 2024 off to an exciting start with the return of the Sydney Festival. One of the many exciting events coming to town is an exciting collaboration between Riverside's National Theatre of Parramatta and UK-based theatre company The Javaad Alipoor Company. That collaboration is Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World, a multimedia theatre production coming to the Sydney Opera House for a limited run between Friday, January 19 and Sunday, January 21, 2024. This production is a look at the nature of investigation, with the real-life murder of prominent 1970s Iranian pop star Fereydoun Farrokhzad at its core. Using a blend of technology, music, and dramatisation, this show explores how our thoughts and actions are affected by the tools we use to investigate — from Wikipedia to murder mystery podcasts — and how the creation of those tools affects the outcome. With performances by Javaad Alipoor and Asha Reid with Raam Emami (King Raam) and on-stage musician Me-Lee Hay, this one-of-a-kind show will help you wrap your head around a new way to tell stories. Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World is playing at the Sydney Opera House from Friday, January 19 to Sunday, January 21. For more information or to get tickets, visit the website.
This year, acclaimed whisky-maker House of Suntory is inviting you to celebrate 100 years of whisky with three elegant dinners at renowned restaurants in Sydney. In honour of the brand's roots, the Suntory Time dinners will be held at Japanese restaurants Toko on Wednesday, August 30 and Saké on Tuesday, September 12. The Lobby Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Sydney will also be showcasing Japanese-inspired dishes on Thursday, September 21. Tickets vary depending on the venue, but cover a lavish five-course meal and the chance to sample a selection of Suntory's premium whiskies, including the special 100th anniversary edition of their 18-year-old Yamazaki Mizunara and Hakushu Peated Malt, which retails for over $3000. Diners can expect seafood galore at Toko — you'll be greeted with salmon tartare and caviar upon arrival, followed by a sushi platter, lobster tempura, miso salmon and wagyu beef cheeks with wasabi crème fraîche. Saké will be serving up a mix of signature dishes and one-off specials, including yakitori, miso-glazed toothfish and a moriawase of wagyu tartare, beef tataki and charcoal-grilled wagyu. And while The Lobby Lounge's menu — curated by executive chef Sven Ullrich — is still under wraps, it promises to take you on quite a journey with tantalising courses named The Awakening, The Bubble and The Skyline. Since opening the first malt whisky distillery in Japan in 1923, Suntory has now established itself as a leading purveyor of spirits recognised the world over, and has expanded the offering to include the award-winning Roku gin and Haku vodka. Whisky connoisseurs who can't make it to the dinners should keep an eye out in bottle shops for the release of limited editions of the 18-year-old Yamazaki Mizunara and Hakushu Peated Malt, along with anniversary labels of the 12-year-old Yamazaki and Hakushu. Book your spot at Toko for $595 on Tuesday, August 22 at the website; Saké for $395 on Tuesday, September 12 at the website; and Lobby Lounge at Hyatt Regency Sydney for $375 on Thursday, September 21 at the website.
Write a Brisbane-set book. Score a hit on the page. Then, see your words take to the stage, then the screen. That's how life went for Trent Dalton with Boy Swallows Universe. Next, going as far as treading the boards for now, that's also his path with Love Stories. Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Brisbane Festival have just announced that another of Dalton's books is getting a stage adaptation. As the play version of Boy Swallows Universe did, Love Stories will premiere at Brisbane Festival, with Tim McGarry penning the script and Dalton contributing additional writing. Fiona Franzmann will also contribute, while Sam Strong is directing. If much of this combination sounds familiar, Strong and McGarry also brought Eli Bell's antics to the theatre when it hit QPAC first. Their stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe wasn't just a smash — it's still the venue's bestselling drama ever. [caption id="attachment_944825" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Dalton, Fiona Franzmann, Sam Strong and Tim McGarry. Image: Lyndon Mechielsen.[/caption] Fans won't have to wait long to see the end result for Love Stories, with the production set to have its world premiere in spring 2024, playing QPAC's Playhouse from Tuesday, September 10–Sunday, September 29. As for who'll be bringing it to life onstage, Jason Klarwein plays a writer and husband, while Michala Banas is his wife. They're both based on married couple Dalton and Franzmann. Also in the cast: Rashidi Edwards as Jean-Benoit, a Belgian busker who is also the show's narrator. Kimie Tsukakoshi, Jeanette Cronin, Mathew Cooper, Bryan Probets and Harry Tseng round out the acting talent from there, as joined by dancers Jacob Watton and Hsin-Ju Ely. The production will set its scene from the corner of Brisbane's Adelaide and Albert streets — and if you've read the book, you'll know why. Dalton wrote the 2022 Indie Book Awards Book of the Year-winner by heading to a corner in Brisbane's CBD, Olivetti typewriter in hand, and asking folks walking by for their tales. His question: "can you please tell me a love story?". Accordingly, this is another love letter to Brisbane, as Boy Swallows Universe is. This time, however, it tells true tales about romance and life. The aim is for it to be joyous but poignant, humorous but dramatic, and to be sentimental about Brisbane while telling a range of diverse love stories. [caption id="attachment_944824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Dalton and Franzmann. Image: Lyndon Mechielsen.[/caption] "It's a rare and wondrous thrill to see one's words brought to life in the boundless universe of Australian theatre. It's an even greater thrill to see the love stories of so many not-so-ordinary real-life Queenslanders given such reverence and weight," said Dalton. "I've already had the great honour of informing many of the storytellers who so kindly told their stories to me on that corner that their words will now be retold in the most thrilling theatrical way by the most gifted team of creatives. These beautiful people who come from every corner of Queensland are just as excited as I am." [caption id="attachment_935699" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Dalton, Simon Baker, Phoebe Tonkin, Felix Cameron, Lee Tiger Halley, Bryan Brown and Travis Fimmel at the premiere of Boy Swallows Universe. Image: Jono Searle/Getty Images for Netflix.[/caption] "Love Stories the show will be filled with everything that people adore about the book (and Trent's work) — beautifully specific Brisbane stories that speak universal truths, undeniably unforgettable people, and stories that sometimes break our hearts but always fill them," added Strong. "In translating Love Stories into the theatre, we're also building on the original. Trent and Fiona's own love story, which interweaves through the book, has been expanded by them for the stage show. In addition, we're including some of the incredible love stories that have been shared since the book was published." There's no sneak peek available for Love Stories yet — images, trailer or otherwise — but check out the trailers for both the stage and versions of Boy Swallows Universe in the interim: Love Stories will play the QPAC Playhouse, South Brisbane, from Tuesday, September 10–Sunday, September 29, 2024 as part of Brisbane Festival. Head to the venue's website for tickets and further details. Images: Netflix / Lyndon Mechielsen.
Whether you're a groover and shaker yourself or your favourite posi is in a comfortable seat in a dark theatre, witnessing beautifully controlled bodies seamlessly transition through shape after shape is a sight to behold. We've teamed up with LG SIGNATURE and Sydney Dance Company to gift two lucky Sydneysiders a prize that will see them moving that body with beats in their ears, stat. Down in Walsh Bay, Sydney Dance Company's large airy studios await students of all levels. The lineup of studio classes includes beginner hip hop, ballet and contemporary, pilates and conditioning classes — plus heels, tap and Latin funk. And taking the company's art a step further? Technology. With the support of LG SIGNATURE premium technology, 16 in-studio classes are livestreamed from the harbourside studios each week. Dining chairs become ballet barres, pilates mats rolled out in living rooms, as famed and favourite teachers instruct from afar. It's a happy marriage of technology and art that delivers the chance to express yourself — no matter where you are. A pass to one of these innovative at-home dance classes will set you back $18 (or score a saving with a 10-class pack). Though, if you're red-hot keen to bop your way to greater strength, flexibility and sky-high moods, the Livestream Plus+ membership is for you (providing unlimited access to both livestream and pre-recorded classes — many headed up by Sydney Dance Company's leading talents). At CP, we're keen appreciators of the creative excellence born from fusing art and technology, so it's exciting to partner up with LG SIGNATURE and Sydney Dance Company to gift two prize packs that celebrate that very same fusion (with the tech courtesy of the LG F9P wireless earbuds). Looking to get groovy? Enter below. LG SIGNATURE is a proud partner of Sydney Dance Company and a supporter of the wider arts community. Head to the website to learn more. [competition]864614[/competition]
Is hip-hop alternative? Or does it just have trouble getting gigs at the Opera House? Whether you’re up to speed or yet to be sold on the genre, the Platform Hip Hop Festival is returning to the Carriageworks' concrete halls for its fourth year to educate your senses. With Nick Power in the papers calmly elucidating the heritage of strong women in Aussie hip-hop, and lithe Sydney Dance Company director Rafael Bonachela praising breakdancing’s vitality on the same page, it seems a lot less like alternative, and more like the rest of Sydney has finally caught up. If you're new to the genre, there's plenty of room to learn as you go.The festival offers a series of free Hip Hop classes every Saturday, with sessions for dance and beat-boxing. If you're past just getting started, you also can check out the masterclasses run by B*Boy Storm. There's photography in the foyer, Saturday Graffiti tours around Newtown and Redfern if you prefer your art in situ, and all-day festivals-within-the-festival Freak the Technique and Platform Rocks the Block. Most events are free, all of them appeal and none leave much excuse for missing out.
Yes, you read that correctly — Sydney's favourite heritage pub, The Taphouse, is coming back to Flinders Street. Thanks to renowned hospitality group Applejack, Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy the popular watering hole again, as well as its stylish new additions. Applejack's M.O. is to rejuvenate retired local haunts while maintaining the integrity and history of these community institutions, putting its own spin on 'something new and something old'. After resurrecting Surry Hill's famed Forrester's pub back in 2020, the Sydney-based hospo group set its sights on The Taphouse, the ninth venue under Applejack's ownership, now set to reopen the three-level pub on Wednesday, September 13. In the case of The Taphouse, Applejacks has retained its three core driving forces — its taps, tunes and the Chinese menu offering. "Pat, Benny, and I were on the rooftop one sunny arvo and thought how good it would be to put a spin on the food by serving up a delicious Chinese menu to enjoy whilst making your way through the 20 odd taps which will feature Sydney's favourite breweries. It's an all killer no filler approach to beer," said Applejack co-owner, Hamish Watts. The revived venue's fit-out consists of newly added terracotta tones and dark timber, creating an invitingly intimate atmosphere paired alongside the familiar timber paneling and pressed tin ceilings. The rooftop terrace, however, juxtaposes the cosy interiors with its complete revamp — featuring neutral umbrellas for maximum shade, a fully retractable roof and coastal white and blue tones. To top it all off, there's also a brand-new sound system primed for use. Applejack's decision to shine a spotlight on Cantonese cuisine pulled inspiration from the inner-workings of English pubs. "We were inspired by the great English tradition of leasing out pub kitchens and serving a style of food not normally associated with a pub," said Watts. Patrick Friesen (ex-Queen Chow, Stanley Brisbane & Ms.G's) leads The Taphouse's kitchen as Directory of Culinary alongside the newly appointed Head Chef Sam Ng (ex-Ho Lee Fook, Praya and Stanley), hailing from Hong Kong. The Taphouse's menu has been given the Asian-fusion treatment, offering up an array of exciting dishes to complement the taps available. "Derived from our love of Hong Kong, Cantonese food, and Australian Chinese food, you can expect classics featuring local produce with a few local Hong Kong favourites," Friesen said. Expect to see the likes of Jangs egg noodles paired with crisp pork belly and Chinese broccoli and chilli on The Taphouse's menu selection. Plus, classics like a seasonal stir-fry, cruller prawn toast, Shandong crispy skin chicken legs and steamed barramundi accompanied by pickled chilli and black beans to round out the menu highlights. You'll find The Taphouse at 122 Flinders Street in Darlinghurst. It'll be open from Wednesday, September 12, 4–11pm Monday–Wednesday, 4pm–midnight Thursday, 11.30am–1am Friday–Saturday, 11.30am–11pm Sunday.
If you've had a particularly hard week and you're looking for a way to treat yourself, you've come to the right place. To celebrate National Bubble Tea Day today, Burwood Chinatown is giving away 1,000 free boba from the likes of Chatime, CoCo, King – T, Milk Flower, The Burwood Hotel and The Moo over two days. 500 bubble teas from some of the best chains in Sydney will be given out from 6pm on Friday, April 30 on a first-come, first-served basis at Burwood Chinatown Grounds. If you miss out, you'll have a second chance on Saturday, May 1 with another 500 milk teas, fruit teas and yoghurt drinks up for grabs from 6pm. Bubble tea is a tea-based drink, traditionally using black or green tea but vendors offer many creative options. The word 'boba' is a reference to the black, chewy tapioca balls commonly found in bubble tea, but can also be used colloquially to describe the entire drink and toppings.
Another day, another new film festival announcement — and while we've probably made that claim before, it really is beginning to prove accurate. Come August, movie buffs will be able to immerse themselves in the big screen wonders of Latin America courtesy of Palace Cinemas' newest fest. Meet CINE LATINO: A New Festival of Latin American Cinema. Not content with adding an American indie showcase and an Aussie offshoot of the documentary-focused Hot Docs to the mix already this year, the arthouse cinema chain is keeping the festivals coming. Screening in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide, CINE LATINO is the first country-wide event dedicated to Latin American cinema in Australia, featuring films from Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala and more. Given that Latin America is made up of 20 Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries with over 600 million people — and has given rise to recent Oscar winners Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón — there's certain to be plenty of flicks to choose from. That'll be the task of Alex Castro, who previously oversaw the Melbourne Latin American Film Festival from 2004 to 2007. That makes quite the number of cultural touring film fests gracing the cinema outfit's big screens in 2016, with the French Film Festival currently doing the rounds, the Spanish Film Festival rolling out from April, and the Scandinavian, Israeli, Italian and British festivals also on Palace's slate throughout the year — not that we're keeping count or anything. And while you'll never hear us complaining about too many film festivals, we are mighty curious about what new niche they might move into next. CINE LATINO: A New Festival of Latin American Cinema will screen in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide from August 11 to 31. For more information, keep an eye on the festival website. Image: Ixcanul (2015).
Visiting the Louvre art gallery in Paris is an exciting experience. Battling the crowds to get a glance of Venus de Milo is exciting. Copping an elbow to the face as you attempt to take a selfie with the Mona Lisa is even kinda exciting. But, imagine, if you could spend an entire night inside the Louvre, exploring the halls — and taking many many selfies with Mona Lisa — without any other tourists around. A total dream. And one that could become a reality, thanks to Airbnb. Yep, the company that lets you stay for cheap in other people's homes is giving away a night at the Louvre for you and a mate (date, mum, whoever). As well as spending the night under the iconic glass pyramid, you'll be given a Renaissance-inspired cocktail to toast with Mona — while relaxing on a luxe Parisian lounge and listening to French vinyl records, of course — enjoy an extravagant feast in a pop-up dining room next to Venus de Milo, and watch an acoustic concert inside Napoleon III's lavish apartment. Pick your jaw up off the ground and enter the competition, now. Well, before April 12. This crazy once-in-a-lifetime experience is part of AirBnB's Night At series, where it gifts sleepovers at really over-the-top spots. Previous sleepovers have been held on the Chicago Bulls basketball court, at the top of an Olympic ski jump, in a shark aquarium and on the Great Wall — the list goes on. To enter the competition, you need to answer the question "Why would you be the Mona Lisa's perfect guest?" in 800 characters or less before midnight on Friday, April 12 French time, which the morning of Saturday, April 13 AEDT. The sleepover will take place between April 28 and May 2 (the winner will win a total of three nights in Paris). To win a night at the Louvre head to the Airbnb website. Images: Julian Abrams.
With drought blighting the country, Australia just sweltering through its hottest summer on record, and severe storms popping up with frequency in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, there's little doubt that the earth's climate is changing. And while the subject has fuelled many a documentary in recent years, a new Australian film is taking a different approach. Rather than chronicling the bleak status quo, it ponders how we could improve things for the future. The second film from actor-turned-director Damon Gameau, 2040 sees the Aussie exploring areas such as climate, economics, technology, civil society, agriculture and sustainability — chatting with experts, assessing the best technology currently available and prognosticating on what life might be like if we were to embrace solutions that are being worked on today. Specifically, he muses on the state of the planet in 21 years time, using his young daughter as inspiration, with the doco framed as a letter to the now four-year-old. In his previous feature back in 2014, Gameau took on unhealthy diets by consuming a whole heap of sugary food — and given That Sugar Film's local success, it's hardly surprising that he's taking a personal approach to an important topic once again. 2040 premiered last month at the Berlin Film Festival, where it struck a chord with audiences, and will have its Aussie debut at the Gold Coast Film Festival in April before releasing around the country in May. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-rTQ443akE&feature=youtu.be 2040 opens in Australian cinemas on May 23.
Surry Hills' Folonomo has switched things up. It has closed its doors as a 'profit-for-purpose' restaurant and is now an events space for pop-ups, parties and one-off collaboration dinners. It's kicking off its new purpose with two dinners this month, when social enterprise The Pure Collective (Portal, Symbol) hosts two of Sydney's top chef's from Hartsyard and Dear Sainte Éloise on Thursday, August 15 and 29, respectively. First up, Hartsyard chefs Jarrod Walsh (Automata) and Dorothy Lee (Saga, Momofuku Seiobo) will be whipping up a seven-course vegetarian feast. Expect the Enmore restaurant's much-loved fried cheese, with hot mustard and pepper berry, to make the cut. Six new dishes will also be on the menu, including smoked celeriac with sake butter and fried bread; and shiitake mushrooms with buttermilk; and cauliflower and cured egg yolk. Tickets will also include Walsh's signature cocktail on arrive: a blend of whiskey, black tea and grapefruit. Then, on Thursday, August 29, Dear Sainte Éloise chef Hugh Piper will be in the house and he's serving up a nine-course Peruvian dinner — a cuisine he learnt during time spent cooking in the kitchen at Lima's Astrid y Gastón, which came in at 39 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants List in 2018. The feast will include dishes such as spicy ocean trout ceviche on prawn crackers, cobia topped with tiger milk and picarones — a pumpkin doughnut doused in fig leaf syrup and corn custard. Pisco sours will be poured on arrival and guests can also opt for an additional South American wine pairing. Monopole's Peter Richardson will even be working the front of house. Tickets to each night will cost $95 a head, with optional wine pairing available at each dinner. And, as always with The Pure Collective, you'll be wining and dining for a good cause. All proceeds from the Hartsyard dinner will be donated to HopeforOllie, which supports research into muscular dystrophy at The Westmead Children's Hospital. Proceeds from the the Dear Sainte Éloise dinner will go to Beyond Blue, a non-profit supporting Australians with depression and anxiety. Stay tuned for more collab dinners, too.
Strawberry Fields' Tocumwal home has remained quieter than normal of late, after the site was inundated by flood waters last October, forcing the annual music festival to cancel. But it's about to score its glorious comeback, with brand-new one-day fest Good Times heading along to give it a proper workout this autumn. Making its debut on Saturday, March 25, Good Times is set to deliver a hefty lineup of Aussie talent, with acts like Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, garage four-piece Floodlights and blues legend CW Stoneking & His Primitive Horn Orchestra already revealed to be making the trip to Tocumwal. [caption id="attachment_887375" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] Now, organisers have dropped the full artist lineup, throwing big names like jazz-funk four-piece Surprise Chef, Music Victoria Award-winning songstress Bumpy and dance-floor favourite Wax'o Paradiso (aka Simon TK and Edd Fisher) into the mix. Joining them in this bush oasis on the banks of the Murray River are rising stars Glass Beams (with their signature masks), Yorta Yorta blues act Benny Walker and Alice Springs-based folk artist Charly. And you'll catch even more diversity of sound from the likes of JUMAN, Collingwood Casanovas, PBSFM's Mz Rizk and a stack of others. [caption id="attachment_887378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] The family-friendly one-stage festival is set to be capped at just 1000 guests, with camping passes available for those keen on sleeping over, as well as shuttles running to and from Tocumwal's town centre. Alongside the tunes, there'll be offerings like a flame-driven culinary program with eats by Three Blue Ducks' Mark La Brooy, Wild Pie (a new collaboration from Jo Barrett and Louise Daily), and the purveyors of wild game at Discovered Wildfoods. Plus, attendees can also enjoy a strong lineup of natural wines, a series of riverfront hot tubs for unwinding in between sets, and a pop-up lounge for resting and relaxing. And as is the case with Strawberry Fields, you'll be able to cool off with a refreshing dip in the river whenever you like. Best of all, the entirety of Good Times ticket profits will be rolled into the Strawberry Fields Community Grants Fund, going to support local community organisations and non-profits. Berrigan Shire locals have access to half-price tickets. [caption id="attachment_887377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] Here's the lineup in full: GOOD TIMES 2023 LINEUP: Benny Walker Bumpy C.W. Stoneking & his Primitive Horn Orchestra Cash Savage & the Last Drinks Charly Claps Collingwood Casanovas Don Glori Floodlights Friday Young Glass Beams JUMAN Kuzco Mz Rizk Surprise Chef Wax'o Paradiso Good Times will take place at the Strawberry Fields site in Tocumwal, NSW, on Saturday, March 25. General admission tickets start from $119, available online. Top image: Duncographic.
The best and brightest in new queer cinema is coming to Melbourne cinemas — and to couches around the country as well. When the Melbourne Queer Film Festival returns from Thursday, November 18–Monday, November 29, it's embracing big-screen sessions via a huge 145-film lineup. And, for folks who can't make it along in person, including everyone outside of Melbourne, it's also screening more than 40 flicks online. That's the film festival dream these days, giving movie lovers the flexibility to sit in a darkened theatre or watch along from home. You'll need to attend in person to make the most of MQFF's opening night, however, with the 2021 fest — the event's 31st, in fact — kicking things off with a gala screening of powerful animated documentary Flee at The Jam Factory. Other highlights include moving drama Great Freedom, which hits MQFF after picking up a prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival; closing night's Fanny: The Right to Rock, about female rock band Fanny; the Los Angeles-set Summertime, which focuses on 25 of the city's residents as their lives intersect; French romance Anaïs in Love; and the Udo Kier-starring Swan Song. Or, there's also striking Albanian drama The Hill Where Lionesses Roar; Dramarama, a coming-out comedy about theatre kids; the St Vincent and Carrie Brownstein-starring The Nowhere Inn; and South Korea's A Distance Place.
Here's an excuse to roll out of bed early, then start your day with a cinema date: on Sunday mornings, Hoyts is slashing its standard ticket prices to $10 before midday at its cinemas across Australia, including in Sydney. Head to one of chain's picture palaces and pick whichever film that's playing, as long as it's an early session that begins prior 12.01pm, to score a bargain movie date to kick off winter. Sure, Sunday mornings are prime sleep-in time, but this is a hard deal to pass off if you're a cinephile, on a budget, like spending the colder months indoors, are looking for a cheap date idea or all of the above. Initially, the special was only running for June, but now it has been extended for the foreseeable future, with no end date locked in. Movie-wise, there are plenty of titles to choose from, whether you're keen on the Austin Butler-starring motorcycle drama The Bikeriders, the horror thrills of A Quiet Place: Day One, or getting animated with Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4. You can also catch Twisters and Deadpool & Wolverine, which release in July. You don't need to be a Hoyts member to score the discount; however, there are some caveats. The $10 tickets are only available on Sundays; can be booked online, via the Hoyts app or in-person at the cinema; and will attract a booking fee for everything but physical purchases. And again, the deal applies just to standard sessions, not HOYTS LUX and special events — but you can pay extra to sit in a D-BOX motion recliner or get the Xtremescreen experience. Updated Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
One of the best coastal walks in Sydney, Spit Bridge to Manly is all the better with your pup by your side. Unfortunately, your doggo is not allowed within the Sydney Harbour National Park section of the hike (at Dobroyd Head), but it's easily avoidable on this walk — and the rest of the trek is completely dog friendly. Start this nine-kilometre trip with a swim at Spit Reserve, where fur babies are welcome and allowed to roam off-leash at certain times. Then, cross the bridge and hike along the Fisher Bay Walk. Stop off for another sand run at Sandy Bay on the way, which is also a pooch's paradise. Instead of continuing along the coast on the Clontarf Track, turn into the lovely residential streets of Balgowlah Heights. From here, you can link back up with the coast (outside of the national park) and continue on your way to the Manly Wharf. Image: Destination NSW
He's responsible not just for a big Australian movie franchise, but for the big Australian movie franchise. He's also followed a pig in the city, made penguins dance, gotten witchy and granted wishes, too. He's Australian filmmaking icon George Miller, and he has just joined the Sydney Film Festival lineup for 2024 to talk about his career, and of course Mad Max and Furiosa. Mere weeks after Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga hit cinemas — starring Anya Taylor-Joy (The Super Mario Bros Movie) as Furiosa and Chris Hemsworth (Thor: Love and Thunder) as wasteland warlord Dementus — Miller now has a date with Sydney's annual cinema showcase to chat about on-screen storytelling. For company, he'll have someone else who knows a thing or two about action cinema, and just filmmaking in general: stuntman and filmmaker Nash Edgerton, brother of Joel (Dark Matter), and director of episodes of Bodkin, plus Mr Inbetween, Gringo and The Square. The Road to Furiosa — George Miller with Nash Edgerton will take place at 3pm on Saturday, June 15 in the Sydney Film Festival Hub at Town Hall, on the second-last day of the fest. SFF's full dates: Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16. Miller won't just be stepping through his work in a general sense, either. The director that started the Mad Max franchise 45 years ago and has helmed four more films in the saga — and has Babe: Pig in the City, The Witches of Eastwick, the two Happy Feet movies, Lorenzo's Oil and Three Thousand Years of Longing on his resume as well — will dig into a specific action sequence, if you want to find out how it was executed. After also adding a visit from Elvis star Austin Butler for his new picture The Bikeriders and straight-from-Cannes body-horror flick The Substance as closing night's flick since announcing its 2024 program, Sydney Film Festival has now popped something for Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon fans on the bill, too. Ahead of season two's arrival, the Iron Throne spend time at Martin Place from Wednesday, June 5–Friday, June 7. Yes, you can sit in it. Other talks and events on the program also include a queer cinema night, going all in on the 80s to tie in with opening night's Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line, K-pop fun as part of a Korean cinema celebration and a session on the impact of AI. [caption id="attachment_959668" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Belinda Rolland © 2023/SFF[/caption] Sydney Film Festival 2024 takes place from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website. Read our interview with George Miller, Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth about Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and our review of the film. Top image: Sonna Studios.
You don't play a character for almost 25 years if you're not fond of them. Renée Zellweger was nominated for her first Academy Award for portraying Bridget Jones — stepping into her shoes, slipping into her skirt and seesawing between her feuding romantic options, too — in 2001's Bridget Jones's Diary. Thanks to 2004's Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, 2016's Bridget Jones's Baby and now 2025's Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, she's returned to the part three times since. "Personally, I couldn't be luckier," Zellweger tells Concrete Playground about her time in the role over more than two decades, a stint that's seen the films take Bridget from a single thirtysomething scribbling her yearning for love in her journal to a widowed single mother in her 50s. The franchise's namesake was initially born in text, in an anonymous London newspaper column penned by Helen Fielding. Then, the author took the unlucky-in-love figure to bookshelves. Bridget now feels equally as tied to Zellweger, though, even if the Cold Mountain and Judy Oscar-winner herself sends the credit for the character's success Fielding's way. "It's a testament to Helen's talent, really, and what she's mined in these characters and these experiences that are universally relatable," she advises. Although all things Bridget Jones struck a chord on the page before lighting up the screen, in cinema the series has achieved a rare feat. Film franchises about everyday women aren't common — let alone a film franchise about an everyday woman who is permitted to go where life takes her over more than two decades, delights, dramas, joys, chaos and all, and who has been allowed to age from her 30s to her 50s over that time. Across its first three flicks alone, before Mad About the Boy reached picture palaces — including Down Under from Thursday, February 13 — the saga has earned over three-quarters of a billion dollars. In Bridget Jones's Diary, Bridget's potential solutions to her singledom were her womanising boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, Heretic) and buttoned-up barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth, Lockerbie) — and, although the picture ended with her happily in the latter's arms, The Edge of Reason repeated the same love triangle. Daniel was lost, presumed dead, in Bridget Jones's Baby, so American entrepreneur Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey, Dexter: Original Sin) battled with Mark for her affections, and to discover who had fathered her child. In what's being presented as the franchise's final entry, and is certainly its most moving even while remaining delightfully funny, Daniel is back and firmly now a trusted friend, which Bridget needs after Mark's passing. As Mad About the Boy's love interests, then, enter Chiwetel Ejiofor (Venom: The Last Dance) as Mr Wallaker and Leo Woodall (Prime Target) as Roxster. As calm as Bridget is usually chaotic, Mr Wallaker is a teacher at the school attended by her children Billy (Casper Knopf, Rough Diamonds) and Mabel (debutant Mila Jankovic) — and, like the man that's so deeply mourned throughout the movie, his bond with everyone's favourite British rom-com heroine takes time to kick in. Twenty-nine-year-old park ranger Roxster first meets Bridget in Mr Wallaker's company, after she gets herself stuck in a tree trying to get her kids out of it. With Ejiofor and Woodall in the parts, the fourth Bridget Jones flick has enlisted more fans. "I'd always loved the films and so it was really lovely to be asked to join," Ejiofor explains. Of course, courtesy of Love Actually, the 12 Years a Slave BAFTA-winner and Oscar-nominee — and star of everything from Dirty Pretty Things, Kinky Boots and Children of Men to the Doctor Strange movies, The Old Guard and the TV version of The Man Who Fell to Earth — already had a widely loved English romantic comedy on his resume. "It's a tremendous gift to get to join this party," notes Woodall, who finds himself in his third big-name project in three years with an already-existing fanbase. No one will ever forget his turn in the second season of The White Lotus; then came his engaging performance in the television adaptation of One Day. We also chatted with Zellweger about one of the key aspects of returning to play Bridget again and again and again: that she's the same person in each film but also not, because we all change as our lives change and we get older. Ejiofor told us about portraying a character with parallels to Mark, too, and Woodall about his run of standout roles in well-known small- and big-screen series. On How Zellweger Is Playing the Same Character Each Time That She Steps Into Bridget's Shoes — But She's Also Not, Because Bridget Changes as Her Life Changes Renée: "I love that you say that. That's a big part of the experience — it feels like a familiar reunion, and then at the same time it's a rediscovery, to try to figure out how what life has thrown at her in the interim manifests. I love that you mentioned that. And especially at this stage in in life — I think that this film is tonally and stylistically a bit of a departure from the other three, and it's looking at some really meaningful milestones that a person in where we meet Bridget now is going through. So I love that you mentioned that; of course she's different. But part of the fun was also figuring out how she hasn't changed." On What Excited Ejiofor and Woodall About Joining the Franchise — and Playing New Romantic Interests for Bridget Leo: "There wasn't much that wasn't exciting. It's a tremendous gift to get to join this party and I had nothing but joy coming into this. Well, I had nerves, but they kind of started to go away once I'd met Renée and Chiwetel, and started becoming part of the family. It was lovely." Chiwetel: "I felt exactly the same way. It was a really exciting thing. I'd always loved the films and so it was really lovely to be asked to join it. And, you know, a little intimidating, but really just an embracing experience, I think, which is led by Renée — as Leo says. And you feel very comfortable very quickly within the environment of it all. It's a wonderful part as well. Just reading the script, it was so emotional and funny, and this great part to play. So what was not to like, really?" On What It Means to Zellweger to Lead a Rare Franchise That's Not Only About an Everyday Woman, But Has Followed Bridget Through Her 30s, 40s and 50s — to Box-Office Success Renée: "Wow, I guess I don't really look at it from that perspective. It's really special and it's a testament to Helen's talent, really, and what she's mined in these characters and these experiences that are universally relatable. It's just for me personally, it's a blessing. It changed my life creatively — and look at the people that I get to work with. Personally, I couldn't be luckier. Anywhere I go in the world, I meet strangers and we laugh together immediately because they want to share their own Bridget Jones experiences, and why their friends call them Bridget Jones. And what a beautiful thing that we have this thing in common immediately — and it's vulnerability and it's our humanity, and I think that's just so special." On Ejiofor's Sense of Responsibility Playing a Character with Parallels to Mark Darcy – But Never Trying to Replace Mark Darcy Chiwetel: "Mark Darcy is such an iconic character and a completely irreplaceable character, and Colin's work on it is so special that you would be, I think, nuts to even try to sort of step into the shoes in any way. I think the only real thing you could do is try to understand the character as an individual — and, I suppose, represent how Bridget is in a different place in her life and has completely different challenges. Mr Wallaker fits into those challenges in a really complex and interesting way, especially surrounding the dynamics that they have as a family — and Mr Wallaker as an educator, and therefore his relationship and what he brings to, especially Billy, Bridget's son, in terms of what they faced and what they've been through, and how he feels he can help in some way. So he's a really interesting character with this very individual arc, I think, from very buttoned-up to somebody with a few more interesting layers to that. But I think he's quite distinct, as I think Roxster is as well. They're distinct from the other characters, and I think that's what's really special about this. I think all the parts, and all of the parts through all of the films, have been so brilliant and so individually realised. And so it was really wonderful to be part of that." On How Woodall's Experiences on The White Lotus Season Two and One Day Helped Him to Step Into Another Project with an Existing Fanbase Leo: "It's a good question. I'm sure it did, partly subconsciously and consciously, I think. There's always — always — pressure when you start a new job. I am always the most nervous for day one, when you have no idea who you're going to be working with really, and how well you're going to do or how badly you'll do. So I just approach it as much as I can with the same attitude of just being open and wanting to do well, and to be nice and good to work with. I think one thing that's nice about an already-established fanbase is that everyone wants the thing to fulfil what they are expecting and what they're hoping for. So I think it kind of makes it a bit easier." Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
For four decades, The Shining has been responsible for many a nightmare — not only due to Stephen King's 1977 bestseller, which helped cement him as a horror maestro, but courtesy of Stanley Kubrick's unnerving and acclaimed 1980 film. If you've ever been spooked by twins, garish hexagonal hotel carpet designs, sprawling hedge mazes, elevators filled with blood, someone shouting "here's Johnny!" or just Jack Nicholson in general, you have this macabre masterpiece to thank. From parodies to homages to overt recreations, The Shining is also the unsettling gift that keeps giving. Everything from The Simpsons to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Ready Player One has nodded the movie's way — as has documentary Room 237, which attempted to delve into its many secrets, meanings, theories and interpretations, too. But they've got nothing on the actual sequel to the eerie story. It picks up decades later, following the now-adult Danny Torrance as he tries to cope with the fallout from his supernatural gift. (Oh, and the memory of being terrorised by his axe-wielding dad as well.) In the first trailer for Doctor Sleep — which is based on Stephen King's 2013 novel of the same name — all work and no play made Danny (Ewan McGregor) something something. Perturbed, mainly, as he grappled with the trauma he experienced in The Shining. Then he met a mysterious teenager (Kyliegh Curran) who also has the gift, and things got creepier than a ghastly woman peering out of a bath or the word 'redrum' written on a mirror. The teaser was filled with references to the film's predecessor, naturally; however the just-dropped new sneak peak ramps up the nods even further. This time, Danny heads back to the Overlook Hotel to confront his past, and things get even more ominous. Rebecca Ferguson, Bruce Greenwood and Room's Jacob Tremblay also star, with The Haunting of Hill House's Mike Flanagan in the director's chair. While King was famously unhappy with Kubrick's take on The Shining — even writing the script for a three-part TV mini-series version in the 90s — here's hoping that he approves of Flanagan's vision. This is actually the filmmaker's second King adaptation, after Netflix flick Gerald's Game. Check out the latest Doctor Sleep trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oCTK2U5lpc Doctor Sleep releases in Australian cinemas on November 7, 2019.
Australia's states have been known to serve each other some pretty stiff competition when it comes to world-class boozing and bartending. We've usually got a handful of cocktail haunts vying to take the top Aussie spot in the annual World's 50 Best Bars list (last year, that was Sydney's Maybe Sammy coming in at number 22) and innovative new venues are emerging on the scene all the time. In May, global bartending competition Diageo World Class ignited even more of that interstate drinks rivalry when it named its Top 100 Australian Bartenders for 2022, who would go on to compete for the coveted title spot. And now, after a few rounds of fierce contest and some exceptional mixology, we have a winner — Nick Tesar from Melbourne's Bar Liberty has been crowned this year's Diageo World Class Australian Bartender. Held in Sydney overnight, the final stage of the annual drinks competition saw five Aussie finalists battle it out behind the bar, as they showed off their skills across three whisky-focused challenges. Joining Tesar in the ring were fellow Victorian, Black Pearl's Kayla Saito, as well as Maybe Sammy's Sarah Proietti, Eduardo Conde from Glebe's No.92 GPR and Samuel Cocks from Western Australia's Bar Rogue. The night's challenges included a mystery box-style task centred on Talisker Scotch, which Tesar owned with a cumquat-based cocktail creation, and a speed round during which the winner managed to smash out 12 show-stopping drinks in just five minutes. [caption id="attachment_623310" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Liberty, by Brook James[/caption] The newly-crowned bartending king will now go on to compete in the Diageo World Class global final in September, where he'll shake and stir up a storm alongside 55 other international hopefuls in a bid to be named World Class Global Bartender of the Year. He'll have a home-field advantage, too, with the competition to be held in Australia for the first time ever. It'll descend on Sydney as part of the World Class Cocktail Festival, from September 9–18. For full details on the Diageo World Class Australian Bartender competition and more info on Diageo World Class, check the Diageo Bar Academy website.
Usually, February is the month that gets hearts all aflutter. But if you're in the mood for romance this March and April, Sydney is about to welcome a new pop-up museum on that very topic. Called The Museum of Love, it's the latest venture from the folks behind the sweet-themed Sugar Republic. Expect the same kind of photogenic setup, but this time swapping out lollies galore for pink hues and oh-so-many hearts. Remember the cartoon way of representing romance, where animated figures see hearts in front of their eyes as they go weak at the knees? That's what you'll be seeing, too, if you head along to the three-level installation. Open from Thursday–Sunday each week during its seven-week season, The Museum of Love will fill a warehouse with words about love, tokens of love, neon signs to fit the theme, rosy-coloured streamers, teddy bears and more. Yes, there'll be a heart-shaped ball pit that you can hop into, because of course there will be. Among the pieces of art and lovestruck backdrops, plenty of different facets of types of love will be covered — including first crushes, weddings, platonic relationships with your mates, family bonds, self-love and heartbreak. From the 'rose-tinted glasses room' to the life-sized wedding cake, it has all been developed by Creative Nation, the aforementioned team behind Sugar Republic, in conjunction with emerging Sydney artists Jade Goodwin and Madeleine Golden. Other highlights span a wall filled with scents of romance, a mirrored room so you can adore your own reflection, a confetti shower, and a swing surrounded by flowers that's designed for attendees and their best mates. There's also a Las Vegas-style Chapel O' Love, and you can play the 'Perfect Pair' TV game show as well. Or, walk through the Teddy Bear Tunnel, take an awkward family portrait, then settle in at the Heartbreak Cafe. If you're keen to fall head over heels for the pop-up, each ticket gets you an hour inside the museum, and costs $35. Also, The Museum of Love is the first attraction as part a year-long Sydney program — so it seems that you can look forward to other yet-to-be-revealed pop-ups to follow.
It's only the fourth day of 2021, which usually means sweltering weather and blue skies. But summer in Australia is also synonymous with storms, and one is coming Sydney's way — so if you're currently reading this from somewhere dry and cosy, we suggest that you keep it that way for the rest of your Monday afternoon. Sydney isn't just in for any old wet weather, either. In a 'Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning' released this afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology has advised that "flash flooding and damaging winds" are likely as storms sweep through Richmond, Camden, Penrith and Picton, then hit Parramatta, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Bowral, and then affect Hornsby, Sutherland, Wollongong, Sydney Airport, Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cessnock. The wild weather is predicted to impact Parramatta from around 4.20pm, then make its way to the CBD by 4.50pm. BOM will issue another update by 4.55pm. https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW/status/1345952681748291585 Sydneysiders can also expect large hailstones and heavy rainfall, BOM noted on Twitter, as the line of severe storms makes its way across the city. As the storms approach today, the usual common sense tactics obviously apply: secure loose outdoor items and stay inside. NSW State Emergency Services' number is 132 500 if you need its assistance. While the storms are only expected to make their presence known today, wet weather is forecast to hang around until the weekend. There's a 60-percent chance of showers on Tuesday, 70 percent on Wednesday, 50 percent on Thursday and Friday, and 40 percent on Saturday. Stay dry out there. And remember to check Live Traffic, Transport Info and BOM for warnings and updates.
The Sydney Tweed Ride is back, ready to add some sartorial elegance to bikes lanes across the city. As the title suggests, cyclists are implored to ditch the leaving-little-to-the-imagination lycra and dress in their finest tweed for a serendipitous cycle around Sydney. For one June Sunday, dapper will reclaim the lanes as pedlars wheel out the tweed and the odd penny-farthing in celebration of simpler fashion times. Gents, there will be no better opportunity to sport a handlebar than whilst gripping your handlebars so dress up ol' sports. If your wardrobe isn't replete with tweed then do not fret, you can still partake, just dress warm and be ready to say "jolly good show chaps and chapesses" at select intervals. The event is part of a growing global movement of tweed rides, and runs, that has proven very popular in both England and America and after a brief hiatus in 2012, the popular annual event is ready to peddle again. So if you feel like dropping the cleats for pleats, registration (which is compulsory, as is a helmet) begins on the day at 8am at Town Hall. Tally ho! UPDATE 2: The Tweed Ride has been postponed a second time, to a future date to be determined. More details here. Image courtesy of Garry Knight
Even in the middle of Sydney, you're never far from cafes, green spaces and beautiful water views. And one of the city's popular running and walking routes, Blackwattle Bay, has all three in abundance. The eight-kilometre pathway can be tackled in any direction and there's plenty to see and do no matter what time of day you like to exercise. To help you discover more on your next run or walk, we've teamed up with Adidas to pick out seven spots along the way where you can recharge the batteries and add a bit of variety into your routine. Starting at Pyrmont, head towards Glebe before returning back to Ultimo. Or, plan your own adventure using the map below. PIOIK BAKERY Named after the ancient Egyptian word for bread, Pioik is Pyrmont's specialist bakery and cafe. It has a wide range of Middle Eastern-style breads, pastries and treats — all of which are preservative-free and made on site. If you're starting your jog or walk on an empty stomach, you can grab a freshly baked croissant, a takeaway drink or a slice of Pioik's famous orange cake to go. Or, if you have time to linger, take a seat at the communal table and watch the world pass by on Pyrmont's busy Harris Street. [caption id="attachment_804445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan; Destination NSW[/caption] SYDNEY FISH MARKET A fish lover's paradise might not be the most obvious place for a respite when you're on a mission to burn calories, but the Southern Hemisphere's largest seafood market has more to offer than its fresh catches. There are delis, cafes and eateries here, meaning it's an ideal place to pick up a snack on the go. If you're craving some five-a-day goodness, perhaps a fresh juice is on the cards? Or, if you missed Pioik's opening hours, you can get coffee here too. [caption id="attachment_804619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Sydney/Adam Hollingworth[/caption] FEDERAL PARK Found within Jubilee Park, Federal Park is a grassy playground for our four-legged friends. When there are no sporting events taking place at the nearby oval, dogs are allowed off-leash throughout the area. When there is a game, they can roam free on the grass only. Reward your kilometres so far by giving pats to a parade of puppers and, once you've met a few new besties, you can take in the stunning water views or have a go on the outdoor exercise equipment. We know you're here for the good boys and girls, though. They'll give you the serotonin boost you need to carry on running. GELATO MESSINA TRAMSHEDS At Sydney's Tramsheds you'll find an outpost of one of Australia's finest gelato emporiums. Messina has become famous for its range of flavours, from vanilla and strawberry to its outlandish and indulgent specials. At any one time there are five specials to choose from, meaning one week you could be tucking into a scoop of Robert Brownie Jr. (milk chocolate gelato with chocolate brownie and chocolate fudge pieces) and the next, Papa Don't Peach (peach gelato with crushed amaretti biscuits). The best part is: Messina's open from midday until at least 10pm, even on Sundays. Afterwards, run back around and run back towards Pyrmont. [caption id="attachment_804443" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan; Destination NSW[/caption] BELLEVUE COTTAGE Located within a 19th century heritage-listed building, French cafe and restaurant Bellevue Cottage is known for its stunning vistas and next-level dishes, created by Head Chef Antoine Moscovitz. Given you're unlikely to be in the mood for a three-course meal, the cafe's takeaway cart is where to head. Order a warm cuppa and a pastry as you take in the views over the Bay across to the Anzac Bridge. Should you be passing by on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the cart has an expanded menu featuring baguettes and traditional french crêpes, too. [caption id="attachment_804624" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Sydney/Katherine Griffiths[/caption] WENTWORTH PARK If you're in the mood to add a little distance to your route, take a scenic diversion into Wentworth Park. The urban park was developed in the late 19th century as a way to provide more green space in the inner west; today it has public fitness equipment available in abundance, from traditional bars and ramps for strength building to parkour-themed stations to test balance and dexterity. You'll find the outdoor gym near the corner of Wattle and William Henry Streets. IAN THORPE AQUATIC CENTRE Named in honour of swimmer Ian 'Thorpedo' Thorpe's five Olympic gold wins, Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre was one of the last buildings to be designed by noted architect Harry Seidler. The building's iconic wave-shaped roof is thanks to Seidler, which you can admire from the 50-metre lap pool. As this is your last stop, you can add in some more cardio at the indoor gym, or relax in the spa, sauna and steam room. The latter is open from 6am–9pm daily and casual entry is $15.20. In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Sydney. Top image: City of Sydney; Adam Hollingworth
As the force behind Cake Wines, Glen Cassidy has been shaping Sydney's epicurean side for six years now — and enjoying partaking in it as well. The brand is known for getting involved with the city's cultural events, while the man himself is full of tips and praise for Sydney's dining and drinking scene — particularly Redfern, the evolving inner-city suburb where Cake Wines opened its own cellar door in 2016. In partnership with Pullman Hotels and Resorts, we're helping you explore more on your next holiday and make sure you get those experiences that the area's most switched-on residents wouldn't want their visitors to miss. In Sydney, we've called in Glen, whose favourite spots range from the restaurant that's home to Gourmet Traveller's 2018 Chef of the Year to the joint slinging his favourite burgers in town. A stay in one of Pullman's two locations in central Sydney — Hyde Park and Quay Grand Sydney Harbour (there's also two more at Sydney Airport and Sydney Olympic Park) — will not only put you in the thick of all this action, it will let you rest and digest in five-star luxury at the end of the day. Read on for Glen's top Sydney food hot spots in his own words, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. ESTER The team at Ester in Chippendale are big supporters of interesting wines — mostly natural, I think. The food is simple, but with what seems like a few very personal twists by the 2018 Gourmet Traveller Chef of the Year, Mat Lindsay. These guys have got the "local undiscovered but always full" vibe totally dialled. I love going there and sitting at the bar, with a couple of share plates and a few vinos. I've had some memorable afternoons there with Cake staff over the years. HUBERT Best in the game? Probably. The wine list, the menu, the atmos — CBD restaurant Hubert is a reimagining of classic dining, but without the stiffness that often accompanies food and wine this good. Hats off to the team (the Swillhouse Group, also behind Sydney establishments Shady Pines Saloon and the Baxter Inn) who have created this special place, and to the crew who work there. They deliver killer service and vibe, week in, week out. CAKE WINES CELLAR DOOR Yep, ok, I'm biased, but our Cellar Door in Redfern captures everything we love about food, wine and culture in this city. We have all our wines, different cultural programming each week, a solid selection of simple pizzas and charcuterie — all in a beautiful space down on Eveleigh Street. Vibes are always high at the Cellar Door as Redfern continues to evolve, and we're super proud to be part of it. ACME What's not to like? Acme in Rushcutters Bay boasts simple but creative cooking, a banging wine list, great staff and just an all-round vibe. Their creative approach to Italian food means you'll see dishes like cold spaghetti with okra, sesame and ponzu, and pig's head macaroni with egg yolk. We recently had a staff night out there for the launch of Ochota Barrels' new wines and the food was beautifully matched. No wonder they've just been awarded one hat by the Good Food Guide. REDFERN CONTINENTAL AND GDR Legends of the game. Redfern Continental presents a near-perfect example of casual dining, with a hidden gem of a night spot out the back. A complement to the pan-European offering in front, Gunther's Dining Room (aka GDR) is loosely East Germany themed, with curywurst and traditional German hotdogs on the bar menu. Factor in a killer wine list with selections from all around the world, and you've got it made here. $1 Oysters on Sundays in the bar are a must. This place is a regular haunt for Cellar Door staff. Redfern on the come up! SUPERIOR BURGER I grew up near this joint, so I am fond of the crew that is making such a positive contribution to the rapidly changing region that is Western Sydney. In a city overrun with burgers, I can hand on heart say these guys are the best I've tasted by far. The love, skill, energy and drive Jovi [chef Jovan Curic, formerly of Pub Life Kitchen] and the crew have for creating the best-tasting burgers comes out in spades. Get in your car and head to Wakeley — you will not regret it. HANOI QUAN Hanoi Quan offers a truly authentic northern Vietnamese experience. It's been at this spot in Marrickville since forever and gives nothing away from the outside. Had it not been introduced to me by the one and only DJ Arno, I wouldn't know about it, and I can honestly say my life would not be the same had I not tried their signature combination pho and grilled pork vermicelli. BART JR A new kid on the block in Redfern, Bart Jr is a cosy little joint that is quickly becoming my go-to. They have a great wine list (I drank a bottle of Piss Christ there only last week!), plus a fresh and simple menu that changes weekly. Do yourself a favour and stop by today. George, Anne [George Woodyard and Anne Cooper from Scout's Honour and Morris] and the crew have brought something special to the area for sure. DA ORAZIO PIZZA + PORCHETTA Food + wine + music = vibe. It's a hard combo to nail but full respect to Maurice [Terzini, the restaurateur who is also behind Icebergs] and the crew who balance this beautifully (shouts to Picnic on the bookings!). The Napoli-style pizza is made from dough that's left to rise for 48 hours before heading to the woodfire stove, while a whole Berkshire pig hits the spit roast every day (explaining the titular pizza and porchetta). Bondi needs more joints like this. FATIMA'S LEBANESE RESTAURANT Ok, this is the straight-up best "late night on the way home and don't want to get something gross" spot around. We are talking next-level Lebanese food. When it comes to takeaway, kebabs are as legit as they come, served by a proper maestro who has been there since as long as I can remember. Get the lot with chilli sauce, hummus, tabbouleh and salad. Fatima's will make sure you arrive home in one piece. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
Plants, stars and wine collide when astronomy comes to The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Garden. Running from 7.30–10pm, the Lunar New Year edition of the regular event invites you to kick back, relax and learn about the night skies and Chinese astrology. Astronomers will talk you through space volcanoes, dark energy, planets and the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, while surrounded by the garden's super-popular carnivorous plant display, before leading you outside to look at the night sky through telescopes. You'll gain a whole new perspective on familiar constellations and learn how to find those that are not-so-familiar. Learn to locate the Jewel Box within the Southern Cross, bright nebulae within Sagittarius and Omega Centauri, a globular cluster. Tickets are a reasonable $41 and include a glass of wine upon arrival, with more drinks and snacks available to purchase. Tickets always book out well in advance — so get in quick.
Chicken-devouring people of the northern beaches, another Chargrill Charlie's is coming your way. As of Saturday, December 14, Dee Why will be home to the 14th incarnation of the Sydney institution. And, to celebrate, the Charlie's team is giving away free food. Get there between midday and 1pm on opening day to score a free quarter barbecue chicken with chips, then make a return between 5pm and 6pm to tuck into a half chook with salad, also gratis. Charlie's is transforming a shop a short walk from Dee Why beach into a comfy space with a beachside twist, a pop of colour and a touch of neon. In keeping with the eatery's usual look, you can expect a modern industrial feel, with tiled tables and a greenery. As well as burgers, chicken and chips, the menu will offer all the other goodness for which Charlie's has become legendary. That includes up to 15 types of salad on any one day, chicken schnitzel, creamed potato, rolls, DIY dinner plates and desserts, including apple pie. If you're keen to eat for free, we suggest you get there early — the giveaways are only available for an hour, or until sold out.
Getting some shuteye or even slightly comfortable on a long-haul can be tricky. With its new 17-hour non-stop Auckland to New York service on the horizon, Air New Zealand is hoping to put economy travellers to sleep with a new prototype that features six lie-flat pods. The Economy Skynest is the result of three years of research and development at its Hangar 22 innovation centre in Auckland. Each bunk bed-style Skynest, measuring 200 by 58 centimetres, will have room for six sleepers. While still yet to be confirmed, it is intended that each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep. The airline says it is exploring other features such as separate reading light, personal device USB outlet and ventilation outlet. Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod says that the development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to economy travellers inability to stretch out on long-haul flights. It's not the first time the carrier has put energy into making economy passengers more comfortable; the Economy Skycouch allows travellers to book an entire row and transform it into a makeshift bed, while last year saw the introduction of inflight exercise videos to enhance wellbeing. The airline today filed patent and trademark applications for the Economy Skynest. It will make a final decision on whether to operate the service next year after it has assessed the performance of its Auckland to New York operations. For more information about the Economy Skynest, visit airnz.co.nz.
When Flash Camp brought pop-up glamping to Stradbroke Island in 2016, southeast Queenslanders took note. Among them were the folks at Straddie Camping, who've now set up a permanent glamping retreat at the north island's Adder Rock, bringing luxury beachside camping to this idyllic patch of land all year round. Launching just as the weather heads into prime glamp-friendly territory, and just in time for whale migration season, Straddie Camping's Adder Rock setup features a mini-village of ten tents by the beachfront. Blending the novelty of sleeping under the stars with the comforts of home, each comes equipped with cotton sheets, fresh towels, two bamboo chairs and power. Visitors also have access to the camping ground's communal kitchen, barbecue and picnic facilities. And, in addition to the sound of lapping waves, views aplenty and shelter from native tea tree and pandanus forests, the site is also within close proximity to the more touristy part of the island. That means that following up your beachside bliss with a wander up to Point Lookout's shops, restaurant and all-important pub is on the agenda. For those keen to head to every Brisbanite's favourite island for a leisurely stay by the sea, tents are available for the very affordable rate of $99 per night for two people. Getting in quick is recommended, with the retreat certain to prove popular as Queensland's seemingly endless summer sets in. For more information about Straddie Camping, visit their website.
If you didn't manage to snag tickets to one of The Cure's four Sydney shows this May, we have some good news: the legendary band has announced a fifth show. On Thursday, May 30, the post-punk luminaries, headed by the Robert Smith (with his teased hair, eyeliner and lipstick), will take to the Sydney Opera House stage for another Vivid Live headline performance. The catch? You had to have signed up for the original The Cure ticket ballot back in February to be eligible. If you didn't? There is a pretty decent consolation prize. The Opera House has announced that it'll be streaming the fifth performance live on Facebook and YouTube (below). So, we suggest you start planning your The Cure watching party stat — and stocking up on hairspray. The Cure will be performing their 1989 album Disintegration in its entirety in a world-premiere, and Australian-exclusive, performance celebrating the 30th anniversary of the landmark album. The gothic rock-style record contains hits such as 'Lovesong' and 'Pictures of You', and, according to Smith, is meant to be played at max volume. "This album was mixed to be played loud... so turn it up!", Smith said in a statement about the live stream. Maybe this a good excuse to invest in a new set of speakers. The British band is just one of the big-name performances heading to Sydney for the 2019 Vivid festival. Others include FKA Twigs, Rüfüs Du Soul, folk rock singer Sharon Van Etten and Perth up-and-comer Stella Donnelly. You can check out the full lineup and snag tickets to more shows over here. Check back here to watch the livestream — and Robert Smith in all his eyelinered glory — from 8pm on Thursday, May 30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9uSPf9WDbw The Cure will perform its fifth show in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Thursday, May 30. The concert will be live streamed from 8pm via the SOH's Facebook page and YouTube channel (above). For more information about The Cure ballot and live stream, head here. Images: Andy Vella. Updated: May 30, 2019.
Sydney band The Laurels have finally dropped their long-awaited debut record Plains – a patchwork of gritty riffs, lush pop melodies and fuzzy psychedelic hooks. The four-piece recently supported Band Of Skulls on their Australian tour, and after playing with a myriad of other international acts over the last few months – The Black Angels and A Place To Bury Strangers just to name a couple – they are now hitting the road to showcase their latest offering, stopping over at the Annandale Hotel. The dense walls of sound that they create, further amplified by their shimmering drones, make for a mind-melting live show experience. Always upping the ante in terms of delivery, dynamism and musicianship, they have cemented themselves as one of Sydney's best live bands. Supporting duties for the evening go to Melbourne-based Witch Hats and Sydney's East River. https://youtube.com/watch?v=5nMYUwAi5zw
