Gauchito Gil is Argentina's Robin Hood. As such, it seems fitting that Australia's own Malbec World Day has been borrowed from the South American country, where the majority of the world's Malbec comes from. If this day is a donation from the grape god, it's one we're happy to accept. After a successful three years in Melbourne, Gauchito Gil is bringing Malbec World Day to Sydney with a five-hour wine bonanza at the National Art School's Cell Block Theatre on Saturday, April 23. The event comes from the organisers of the Pinot Palooza and Game of Rhones, and mirrors the free-reign tasting set up. Your $50 ticket will include a wine glass, and from there you'll be able to move around, sampling over 80 Australian and Argentine Malbec varietals. Other events have been known to get a little boozy, so to soak up all that wine, Porteño will be cooking up an epic Argentinian feast. Think empanadas, think asado, think yum. It really doesn't matter if you know everything there is about Malbec or if you don't know much at all, because Malbec World Day is about education and celebration of the Argentine grape. And what better way to celebrate than with an bottomless glass of wine? Malbec World Day will take place at the Cell Block Theatre at the National Art School, Darlinghurst on Saturday, April 23 from 1-6pm. Tickets are $50 and include a Plumm wine glass and tastings of all the wines on offer. For more info and to buy tickets, visit their website.
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
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup seriously almost upon us, it's time to start your carb loading, vuvuzela blowing and early morning venue planning. Despite the Brazil-based, productivity-dooming early starts for all matches, a number of Sydney venues are finding ways to work with the lockout and open their doors to football-mad patrons, offering up some World Cup specials and screenings to give you the best seats in the house over the next few crazy, crazy weeks. THE ENMORE THEATRE Having proven itself one of the best places to watch the 2010 World Cup, the Enmore Theatre will again be live broadcasting all games involving both the Greek and Australian teams. Boasting a giant 9x6m screen, enormous sound system, warm theatre seating, bar, cafe and — most importantly — wildly passionate fans surrounding you, spots will be sure to sell out quickly. Cost: $15 + booking fee (02 9550 3666) Location: 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown Website: www.enmoretheatre.com.au/events/2014/06/14/fifa-world-cup-australia-vs-chile THE ROSE One of Sydney's go-to pubs for The World Game, The Rose has proved a solid World Cup venue over the last few instalments. With its openair beer garden and last year's renovated upstairs area perfect for early morning ventures, Chippendale's beloved Rose is a solid pub option if you're after the buzzy vibe without the supercrowds. They’re screening games every morning from the wee hours both inside and out, with bacon and egg rolls ($7), brekkie pizzas ($15), bacon, feta and tomato croissants ($8) and eggs benedict ($16) strolling on out out of the kitchen. The legends are even putting on coffee for all morning games, and giving out wifi codes so you can bring your laptop and work/play multitask. Nice. Cost: Free Location: 52-54 Cleveland St, Chippendale Website: www.therosehotel.com.au WORLD SQUARE Boasting another giant screen and an enormous warmed-up marquee, World Square will be broadcasting the games live, beginning with Brazil vs Croatia from 5:30am on 13 June. Grill'd, Sourdough, Primavera and Gloria Jeans will be open to keep you appropriately nourished, penalty shootout competitions will be on to keep you appropriately entertained and Brazilian dancers will be on hand to keep you appropriately questioning your ability to dance. Repeats of the games will also be run throughout the day in case the dawn starts are as unappealing as your samba. Cost: Free Location: 680 George St, Sydney Website: www.worldsquare.com.au/news_events.asp VIC ON THE PARK Enmore/Marrickville's favourite finger-on-the-pulse pub Vic on the Park are hosting a World Cup brekky on Saturday, June 14, screening the Socceroos vs Chile game in all its false hope glory in the front bar. Opening at 7:30am for an 8am kick off, the kitchen will be cranking out epic bacon and egg rolls ($10), while the always legendary bar staff whip up freshly squeezed voddy OJs ($8) and Bloody Marys by the glass or by the jug ($10/$25). Then they’ll rinse and repeat the brekky goodness for the England vs Italy game the next morning on Sunday, June 15. Cost: Free Location: 2 Addison Road, Marrickville WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/thevicenmore THE LIGHT BRIGADE This World Cup, the Light Brigade in Woollahra isn't taking any chances with its reputation as being the sport-watching pub of the Eastern Suburbs. It's pulling out all stops — extending trading hours through the night and early morning, playing live games through the night (plus replays during the day for those not-so-diehards who value their sleep), and serving up a night menu, hot breakfast and coffee to keep you fuelled no matter what strange hour of the day or night you find yourself there. Expect to see all Australian games, all major group games and selected finals, and expect to see them on a pretty impressive 103" plasma screen. Cost: Free Location: 2A Oxford St, Woollahra (02) 9357 0888 Website: www.lightbrigade.com.au/article/2014-fifa-world-cup MLC CENTRE If you fancy yourself fairly adroit with a foosball table, and need a break from watching actual games (we won't tell anyone), head to the MLC Centre when the rest of the world heads to bed to prove your mad skills on the small field. From June 12 to July 13 there'll be two foosball tables set up in the centre of the birdcage, ready for you to battle it out for your own World Cup glory. There are no prizes here, save bragging rights. That, and the knowledge that you're pretty awesome. Cost: Free Location: 19 Martin Place, Sydney Website: www.mlccentre.com.au BRAZA CHURRASCARIA If you can't make it to Brazil, the next best thing is a straight up authentic Brazilian restaurant — and Braza Churrascaria is the place you're looking for. It'll be screening all the Brazilian and Australian group matches, as well as the Round of 16, Quarters, Semis and the Final. Put another way, they'll be screening a lot of Brazil's matches and three with Australia. They'll also be serving up a massive Brazilian breakfast complete with sausage and rump cap skewers, stuffed cheese bread, Brazilian tortilla and polenta chips. Cost: $24 big breakfast Location: 1/25 Harbour St, Darling Harbour (02) 9286 3733 Website: www.braza.com.au/ NEWMARKET HOTEL Having just installed a two-storey bigscreen in the beer garden, the Newmarket brings the large-scale CBD buzz to your Mascot local. Kicking off at 6:30am for Brazil vs Croatia on Friday, June 13, the Newmarket has been know to put everything on hold for a sporting event — rugby, SuperBowl, league; you name it, the Newmarket's yelled at it. Solid pub food, local brews, enraged locals — sounds like a World Cup go-to to us. Cost: Free Location: Cnr Gardeners Rd and Botany Rd, Mascot Website: www.newmarkethotel.com.au HOYTS If sport really is the last truly unscripted drama, then Hoyts is the pefect place to catch every FIFA 2014 blockbuster. Throughout the entire tournament, selected cinemas will be offering up not only their cinematically enormous screens, surround sound systems and candy bar treats, but also a hot breakfast package included with your ticket. Forget biting your nails and instead sink your teeth into a hot toastie (bacon and egg or ham and cheese), then wash it all down with some OJ as you cheer on your team through the big climax and into the closing credits. Cost: Group matches - $22 per person, Round of 16/Quarter Finals/Semi-Finals - $27 per person, Final - $32 per person (all matches include a $1.10 online booking fee / discounts available for group bookings over 20 people). Location: Selected cinemas Website: www.hoyts.com.au/movies/hoyts_plus/2014_fifa_world_cup.aspx THE STAR From 13 June to 14 July, The Star will be offering two huge venues in which to catch all the games live. Sports Bar will feature all 64 games, along with pre-game entertainment and loads of food and drinks; whilst The Star Event Centre will be transformed into the ultimate fan experience - the 'Hyundai Fan Park' - boasting cutting edge audio visual technology, live entertainment and food offers. And if you don't like Australia's chances in the World Cup, remember: they are still better odds than winning just about anything in The Star. Cost: Free Location: Casino (Level 1): 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont Website: www.star.com.au/whats-on-sydney/Pages/brazil.aspx HOME Let's not kid ourselves — getting out of bed is hard enough at the best of times, and 2:30am in winter is far from the best. The solution? Stay in bed. One of the more amusing characteristics of the past two World Cups since Australia has been involved is the sound of households around your neighbourhood cheering in unison through all hours of the morning (amusing, so long as you're also awake). For those who favour the comfort of your own fridge and couch groove over the roaring shared experience, SBS will be screening every game live, with kickoff times handily calculated by any number of websites, like Fox Sports' comprehensive FIFA breakdown. And remember, if you're calling in sick to work, lie down on your back while spinning flu-ridden lies; it restricts airflow and enhances the effect. Or buy the sick notes in advance. Cost: Free (plus ample Cheezel, beer and questionable-but-barbequable meat budget) Location: Your joint, strewn with television-thrown socks, pencils and other non-commital screenward torpedoes Website: www.facebook.com/dontfuckwithmywallchart Words by Tom Glasson, Jessica Surman and Shannon Connellan.
If you've ever played along with McDonald's regular Monopoly promotion, then you'll want to watch McMillion$. The marketing campaign itself is rather simple — handing out Monopoly tokens with burger purchases, which corresponds to the game's squares and lets customers win big. But in the 90s in America, someone worked out how to rig it and handpick the lucky folks taking home $1 million cheques, as well as other prizes. Smartly, McMillion$ plays this 100-percent true tale as a whodunnit. If you don't already know the details, we'd advise you to keep it that way until you watch the docuseries' six very compelling and very bingeable episodes. You might not think that a show that spends so much time talking to FBI agents in nondescript offices would prove quite so gripping, but the case they uncovered is both complex and jaw-dropping. The interviews with the promotion's controversial winners, and with other figures involved with the scam, also have to be seen to be believed.
Riparide is a new online venture which aims to provide surfers from around the globe with an easier means of coordinating holidays and trips. The brainchild of Australians Marion Law and Dane O’Shanassy, Riparide allows surfers to seek accomodation and equipment from locals at their destination. Conversely, surfers who would rather catch waves than go to work can offer their own services in return for cash. O’Shanassy stated that “we’ve gone to places where we know the people with boards and places to stay, but not everyone’s lucky enough to know people in, say, Hawaii.” This is a great service which will only tighten the global surfing community. Staying with other locals will also give you a greater insight into the area and a more authentic experience. Who knows, you might find yourself staying on the couch of the next Kelly Slater. [via PSFK]
Paul Rudd probably has an attic. And in that attic, a dusty portrait of the superstar actor is probably ageing, because the man himself doesn't seem to be. That's a perfectly logical explanation for why the Clueless, Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers, Romeo + Juliet, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Parks and Recreation, Wet Hot American Summer and Living With Yourself actor — and Ant-Man star, too — has looked the same for decades. And, it inspires a question: if you keep Rudd's likeness somewhere in your house, will you stop getting older as well? Will you start looking like Paul Rudd instead? That's a situation no one would complain about. Whatever might happen, a very real book written by Rudd's very fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe alter ego is on its way, so soon you can pop it on your shelf and find out. That tome is Look Out for the Little Guy, as penned by Scott Lang — aka Ant-Man. It's just been announced because a not-at-all-tun movie called Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits cinemas on Thursday, February 16. And yes, this new text will feature in that flick. See the film, buy the fake memoir: that's what's on offer for MCU fans, Ant-Man stans and Paul Rudd obsessives (so, everyone). In Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Lang has penned the book, detailing his time saving the world. Unsurprisingly, the autobiography has proven popular. The Disney-owned Marvel will be hoping the real text does the same, of course, when it hits bookstores on Tuesday, September 5. According to the official synopsis, the memoir steps through "a bracingly honest account" of Lang's "struggles and triumphs, from serving time to being a divorced dad to becoming Ant-Man and joining The Avengers". Readers are also in for "stories of epic battles won and lost, as this everyman turned super hero finally tells all — from the official account of what really happened between The Avengers and Thanos to how shrinking down to ant-size really feels to the challenges of balancing the roles of hero and dad". Look Out for the Little Guy also has a trailer, because Marvel and the Mouse House realise that the best way to sell anything involving Paul Rudd is just giving the world what we want: more Paul Rudd. "In this new book I'm almost certain was not written by me, we pull back the curtain and uncover the man behind Ant-Man: Scott Lang," the actor advises. "Who is he? What's he like? Why does he look so much like me?" Check out the Look Out for the Little Guy trailer below: Scott Lang's Look Out for the Little Guy will hit bookstores on Tuesday, September 5, and is available to pre-order now — head to the Disney Books website for further details. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 16.
Snapping a few selfies over Christmas, and then sharing them with the world? Aren't we all. In this selfie-taking, uploading, sharing and Instagram-filling age, the days of only being able to spy your own image in a mirror or reflective surface are long gone. But, what if you could see it on a cookie, cupcake or even on top of your iced coffee? That's what New York's Selfee promises — and they can place your likeness on cold beverages and other baked goods as well. They've been holding pop-up events for the past six months, and are currently running a crowdfunding campaign to open their own store. At the time of writing, they've raised $23,516 towards their $30,000 goal with six days remaining. https://www.instagram.com/p/BOQBxEVAIgu/?taken-by=selff.ee How does it work, you're probably wondering? Flavourless, FDA-certified edible inks hold the key to feasting on food boasting your own picture — or another snap of your choosing. So does a quick printing method that happens as you watch, which gives it an advantage over existing methods of decorating food with your own image (such as cake transfers that have topped bakery fare for years — or online photo-printed marshmallow ordering service Boomf, which is co-owned by James Middleton, the brother of the Duchess of Cambridge). The New York shop will produce selfie-adorned cold-brew iced coffee, iced green tea, cupcakes, cookies, marshmallows and milkshakes, while an online store will ship cookies across America. Add it to your must-try list if you're heading to the US any time soon, or keep your fingers crossed that something similar pops up in Australia. (If you're heading to Asia, Selfie Coffee has proven popular in Singapore)> For more information about Selfee, visit their website.
The Beach Boys, one of the world's most influential bands, are reunited for the first time in more than two decades. Stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth mark their fiftieth anniversary, and an end to years of resentful animosity. Playing forty hits spanning over six decades, the tour's new show is described as being "complete and comprehensive", with these old gods once again bringing their summer sound to a wintry Australia. Since forming back in 1961 in California, The Beach Boys have cemented themselves as one of the world's most iconic rock bands, with hits like 'Surfin' USA' and 'I Get Around' still being listened to by all age groups even today. Their 29th album, That's Why God Made The Radio, was released in June this year, propelling the band back to the top ranks of the the US chart where they belong. https://youtube.com/watch?v=RljRp1JgaBQ
Look, some things are definitely better fresh. Things like like produce, sashimi and hot chips. But other things get better with age, things like you and, surprisingly, beer. There's an idea floating around that beer only belongs in the former category, but in celebration of Cooper's 2017 Vintage Ale release, we're shedding some light on the beers that age gracefully. If you're intimidated by the idea of a cellar, don't be. Modern cellaring doesn't require you to own a sprawling mansion with a decked-out cellar door. All you need is a dark, cool and consistent space to cellar beer and bring out its mature flavours. A basement or garage will do the trick, as long as the temperature stays between ten to 12 degrees celsius and doesn't fluctuate. Also, keep the space between 50 and 70 percent humidity if you can, but if you can't, an air humidifier will help control any mould issues. The other very important item you'll need is self control — don't go downing your cellared beers just because they're there and you can. Good beers come to those who wait. (And so do some pretty tasty food and beer pairings.) Once you've got the set-up, which beers should you choose? Which actually age well? Well, that's where we come in. Follow our lead, and look to these brews for your home beer cellar. In a year or so, you'll be thanking us. STOUT A good rule of thumb is that heavier beers with a higher alcohol content will cellar the best. Aim for beers that are heavy on malt and have an alcohol content of eight percent for good results. Stout is an excellent beginner's brew for cellaring. The word stout is even a synonym for heavy, determined and forceful, making it an ideal candidate to develop some extra depth. The rich, dark (but never heavy) texture of a stout starts off great, but is made even better with time. The roasted malt component, which is what gives the beer its depth, becomes even more complex. The consensus on how long to cellar a stout for is mixed, but the best approach for a DIY beer-ager is through experimentation. Buy the brew of your choice in bulk (like Cooper's Best Extra Stout) and drink a few fresh, making sure to take notes as you go. Age the rest and every six months, repeat the experiment, each time taking notes. Everyone has different tastes, but when you have your perfectly aged stout, pair it with a slow-cooked pork roast or oysters. DARK ALE Dark ale is one of the lesser known dark beers, but its reputation (or lack thereof) is undeserved; this beer warrants a place in your DIY cellar, especially if you're into chocolaty, coffee flavours. Think of dark ale as a dessert beer — heavy, creamy and rich. This strong flavour profile is what makes the beer excellent for cellaring, as it gets stronger, yet subtler, after a few years in the dark. For your home cellar, look for either barrel-aged or bottle-conditioned beer, like Cooper's Dark Ale. The active yeast contained in the bottle means they were designed to cellar well. Also note, thanks to their high alcohol content, dark ales can withstand a slightly higher temperature — between 12 and 14 degrees celsius — compared to their wheaty brethren, making this one a kinder brew for the home cellar novice. VINTAGE ALE From time to time, brewers will develop and release beers that are designed to age. Cooper's Vintage Ale is the perfect example and a must have for any DIY beer cellar — trust us, you'll be glad you added it in couple years. In its infancy, it has a bitter and punchy flavour with pineapple and pear undertones (unusual flavours for such a heavy beer, but somehow it works). During the production process, the introduction of live yeast as a conditioner gives this brew its longevity. So, if you're patient, you'll notice as the beer ages that the bitterness evolves into a sweet, caramel palette. Keep an eye out for these kinds of limited releases at your local as they're often designed — bottle and all — to be cellared, and may even become collector's items in years to come. SPARKLING ALE Now, we have just said that dark and heavy beers age well, so it may surprise you to see sparkling ale on this list. As a lighter brew, it may not be a go-to for most cellars, but sparkling ales do actually age beautifully and (if you do it right) you'll end up with a rich brew a lot faster than the heavier drops. The cellaring process takes the sparking ale's fruity, floral notes and smooths them out. Any acidity, over-the-top sweetness or rough edges age into honeyed undertones. But make sure you check these beers more regularly than their darker counterparts as they'll mature a little faster. Also, make sure to keep the temperature under control; these brews won't react well to any heat. Once you've nailed your desired aged flavours, pair them with bold tastes. Spicy food will match with the bubbles, and charcoal and rotisserie barbecue flavours will sit well with fruity tones. SOUR BEER If you like your beer a little bit tart, then turn your attention to sour beer. These acidic brews famously cellar well, but be warned, they're an unpredictable beer to begin with. Sour beers have always been brewed differently from other beers. Before modern brewing, beer was intentionally soured by introducing wild yeasts into the fermentation process — a method still used today. And although the modern brewing method is a little more controlled — brewers often use a Belgium yeast called brettanomyces to sour, instead of leaving the beer out to the elements — things can still go wrong. On the plus side, if the initial brew goes well, the beer will taste even better a few years down the track, since brettanomyces take months to develop a full flavour profile. Even if you don't traditionally like sour beer, we recommend you hop on down to your local and try an aged sour — you might be pleasantly surprised. (Beer pun intended.) A limited number of the 2017 Coopers Vintage Ale cartons have been released, so get to stocking your cellar with these brews quickly. Otherwise, you can find the vintage available on tap at a few key venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond. Find your closest pub serving the brew here.
We've known for a while that all is not perfect in the Cross. It's seen some unforgettable tragedy lately, that perhaps could have been avoided, and most of us would rather face torture than its main drag on a Friday or Saturday night. Of course, everyone's got an opinion on what might help — and for many people who live and work in the area, those opinions don't jibe with the actual proposals by the State Government, announced late on Tuesday after mounting pressure from media and community groups. Aside from the mandatory sentencing provisions, which are generally loathed by legal professionals, the proposals include some harsh licensing changes for the bars and venues that fall within the 'CBD Precinct', a designated zone that stretches east from Darling Harbour to Kings Cross and south from The Rocks to Darlinghurst. Exempting small bars with a maximum capacity of fewer than 60 people, venues in this area will be required to impose lock-outs from 1.30am and to stop serving alcohol at 3am. In addition, across the state, bottle shops will be closing at 10pm, and on-the-spot fines for 'anti-social behaviour' are going up — for disobeying a move-on order, from $200 to $1100. In infrastructure news, free buses will be going from Kings Cross to the city every ten minutes. The buses are mostly uncontroversial. But every other aspect of the proposals is being pored and picked over. Most troubling are the lock-outs, which arguably push even more people out onto already crowded streets, all at once, and the ham-fisted, blanket approach to violence that's only being caused by a small minority. More broadly, the question of how we can create a vibrant, international, all-hours city while also making a safe one seems hard to answer. Since we tend to think of our readers as 'people who like to go out at night and not be tossers', we think this affects you. It affects us. Some of the proposals included have value, and certainly the intention is good. But does it come at too high a cost for the cosmopolitan culture we've all being building in this city? Is it even effective? We thought we'd ask some of our friends who know best — those who run the bars we love, where we retreat for nibbles at 9pm, a nightcap at 1am or a dance at 3am. Here's what a few of them had to say about what the proposals will mean for their businesses and the culture around them. Frankie's and The Baxter Inn Anton Forte co-owns the Shady Pines Saloon, The Baxter Inn and Frankie's Pizza together with business partner Jason Scott. Shady Pines, which opened in 2010, is often thought of as a leader in Sydney's small bar revolution. How do you think your bars would be affected by the proposed legislation changes? The Baxter Inn shouldn't really be affected at all — we close at 1am, so no sweat with this little guy. I don't have much hope for our extended hours getting approved. We're waiting for a response from OLGR [The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing]. I thought it would be neat if we had a little extra time to trade. There are a lot of folk who are keen for a late-night tipple before bed. There are a lot of humans that keep different hours to the social norm — hospitality industry staff, and just regular folk who come to the city to watch theatre/shows. These people might only arrive just in time for our last drinks. t would be swell to give a little extra service to those folk. But alas! If the proposed legislation gets approved it would affect one of our bars, Frankie's Pizza, a ton. We keep our doors open until 4am religiously, and have a super positive clientele enjoying local live music, delicious hand-rolled pizza and icy cold craft beer. The atmosphere is electric! We get all sorts of people coming into the venue — travellers who have just landed, hospitality crew winding down and grabbing a bite to eat after a hard night, and lots of punters who have just seen gigs or shows in the locality. It would be such a bummer to not be able to service these people. It would be a real shame! What about the area as a whole? Obviously, it would be detrimental to the late-night economy of the City of Sydney. Part of what makes Sydney such a fantastic place to live and visit is, its thriving after-midnight scene. Within a five-minute drive you can have such a diverse set of experiences after 2am. A quick drag show on Oxford Street, followed by Peking duck and pinot at Golden Century, a short walk down the road takes you to Good God where you might run into an International Breakbeat DJ, and finish off with a high-end Martini at Palmer & Co. All these things make the city dynamic and interesting! That's what makes a place special: people being creative and putting together products with substance and soul ... So many human beings are connecting after 1.30, and that's what makes for a truly international city — the ability to do all those things listed above, and the facility for people to go out on a whim and attempt to succeed in the concepts they believe in. What, in your experience, would be an effective measure to curb alcohol-related violence? There are some positive measures that this proposed legislation had put foreword, but I don't agree with all of them. I think we should focus on increased police presence, transport and working on 'dangerous venues' instead of placing a blanket ban on the City of Sydney. The Hide and The Flinders Hotel Jason Ryan is the owner of The Flinders Hotel, a classic late-night destination in Darlinghurst. They've just opened The Hide wine bar upstairs, which we love and which was looking like the chill antidote to any rowdier influences in the area. How do you think your bar would be affected by the proposed legislation changes? We have already begun the awful task of reworking rosters and cutting back staff in preparation. The effects on our business will be dramatic ... The Flinders is a safe and well-established late-night venue. We have also just invested large amounts of money into trying to develop The Hide, our new bar upstairs. At the moment we are reliant on the cash flow from late-night business to support and pay for this investment. Now that late-night trade is being severely compromised, it's a real worry as to whether we can sustain cash flow over the next few months whilst developing the rest of the business. This may ultimately jeopardise the future of The Hide. We hope people we still turn out in force at The Flinders for the lock-in! What, in your experience, would be an effective measure to curb alcohol-related violence? Venues and pub owners already do so much to ensure the safety of patrons. I think the government should look at more socially responsible programs. In Denmark they’re really progressive. There’s a national voluntary organisation, called Natteravnene (Night Owls). This is a concept where volunteers work locally across the whole country to increase safety for young people in the public arena. Police are not the answer and neither are lock-outs. It’s an infringement of civil liberty and an impingement on trade. Hinky Dinks Dan Knight is a co-owner of Hinky Dinks with Jeremy Shipley. It's a sweet slice of the '50s just off William Street, and one of our enduring favourite date spots. But just because they close at the wholesome hour of midnight, doesn't mean it's smooth sailing for the future. How do you think the area around Hinky Dinks would be affected by the proposed legislation changes? Undoubtedly it will change the area and the entire city. There are a lot of businesses in the Cross that make their money early in the morning and for them business is going to suffer. You will see a lot of places closing if and when this legislation comes into effect. And the trickle-down effect will eventually see our city lose some of the vibrancy we have all worked so hard to cultivate over the last seven years. Will we see a drop in violence? Probably not. Since neither incident that has inspired this legislation actually happened on a licensed premises, and since both incidents actually happened before midnight, I can’t see how this legislation moves to address an issue that is far more social in its scope than the government is willing to acknowledge. In my opinion forcing entire precincts of drunk people out on the street at taxi change-over and two hours before public transport resumes is more likely to increase alcohol-fuelled violence. What, in your experience, would be an effective measure to curb alcohol-related violence? Perhaps if we stopped glorifying violence in our society people wouldn’t see it as an heroic or powerful act. If I grow up idolising boxers, cage fighters or even thuggish and bullying politicians, then when I am out (with my inhibitions and my self esteem at an all-time low) why wouldn’t I start a fight in order to try and feel better about myself? Beyond that, just running public transport 24 hours a day would also make a huge difference by taking drunk people off the streets and delivering them to their homes. This is something the O'Farrell government could implement immediately, but I doubt it would make them look as tough. Just like the guys throwing the coward punches, this government is more concerned with looking tough than actually being part of the solution. The Old Growler Jack Brown is the owner of Old Growler, just a really great bar in an area with a troubled reputation. The bar closes at midnight so will only be looking at flow-on rather than a direct impact. How do you think your bar would be affected by the proposed legislation changes? For us and our locals we believe it's likely to have a positive affect. If it alters peoples perceptions of the dangerous nature of the Cross then that can only be positive. What about the effect on the local area? Again I think its about perception more than any genuine impact. The proof will be in the pudding but it's unfortunate that an international city like Sydney is forced to introduce such drastic blanket measures. What, in your experience, would be an effective measure to curb alcohol-related violence? It's a very difficult one as many of the serious incidents which were the catalyst for this legislation were actually drug-related; they just happened to be in a high density of alcohol venues. Tougher sentencing for alcohol-fuelled crimes will help but mostly its a cultural issue and thats a generational thing and will take time to alter. Goodgod Jimmy Sing, Adam Lewis and Hana Shimada are owners and operators of Goodgod Small Club. They made their impassioned opposition heard on Faster Louder yesterday. "When we started Goodgod three years ago we wanted to create a late-night environment that was music centric, fun, welcoming and safe. We were inspired to create experiences where people felt entertained, understood and cared for. It’s something that we’ve cultivated week-to-week, hosting thousands of incredible bands, DJs and performers for a community that’s as engaged and passionate as we are. And in doing so, it’s become very clear that Sydney wants to be engaged with something much more than just drinking ... These new measures present a challenge to our ability to nurture this late-night culture. They risk forcing major events away from the planned lockout zone and into nearby precincts, reduce the opportunities available to musicians and music promoters, and wear down the viability of venues that strive to go beyond simply facilitating drinking for drinking’s sake." Read the whole statement over at Faster Louder. Palmer & Co Palmer & Co is a CBD favourite in classic speakeasy style. It's part of the Merivale empire along with the likes of Mr Wong, El Loco, the Beresford and, of course, ivy, so they're all governed by the word of CEO Justin Hemmes in Tuesday's press release: "Justin Hemmes ... strongly welcomes and commends the Premier for these tough measures to combat drug and alcohol fuelled violence. Without doubt, these measures will create a safer environment for all."
It was a sad day when Polaroid announced it was going to stop producing film. The iconic camera was used by artists Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, Helmut Newton and Robert Mapplethorpe and nothing quite matches the simplicity and beautiful graininess of Polaroids. But now, you don't have to feel glum whenever you look at your photo wall - it's not all over yet. The clever clogs at Polaroid have found a way to keep the camera alive without using the traditional film. Meet the Polaroid Z340. It is a 14MP camera with a 2.7-inch LCD display and an integrated printer that produces 3x4-inch color prints. The printer uses inkless printing technology from Zink Imaging where special print paper has embedded dye crystals which are activated by heat to form the image. It's not cheap at $299.99, and a pack of 30 photos costs $19.99. But hey, instant gratification is priceless. Fingers crossed that the images will still have that dreamy imperfection that makes them unique.
Change is coming to The Witcher, with Henry Cavill (Zack Snyder's Justice League) set to relinquish Geralt of Rivia's icy locks after Netflix's hit fantasy series' upcoming third season. Before that big switch — which will see The Hunger Games, The Dressmaker and Independence Day: Resurgence's take over the role — fear is coming first, as the just-dropped first trailer for the show's next batch of episodes teases. "Now, for the first time, I understand real fear," growls Geralt to kick off the debut sneak peek at The Witcher season three — complete with his sword at the ready. Elsewhere, Ciri (Freya Allan, The Third Day) has ghost cavalry on her tail, while Yennefer (Anya Chalotra, The ABC Murders) has her own scares to deal with. Need a refresher on the story so far? Haven't watched the first two seasons yet? If The Witcher's name sounds familiar, that's because it's based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. In the Netflix series, Cavill plays the witcher of the title. Geralt of Rivia is a monster hunter who prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone in a realm called The Continent. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer and young princess Ciri. When it tosses a coin to its witcher again, season three will take its cues from Time of Contempt, the second book in Sapkowski's series. The new batch of episodes will hit streaming queues this winter Down Under, featuring eight instalments split into two parts. Volume 1 arrives on Thursday, June 29, with Volume 2 following on Thursday, July 27. One of Netflix's big successes, The Witcher has been renewed for a fourth season, too, which happened back in 2022 long before its third had a trailer or a release date — something that also occurred with season three before season two dropped as well, and with season two before season one debuted before that. But instead of Cavill as Geralt, Hemsworth will replace him, as also announced in 2022. The Witcher franchise doesn't just include the show itself, but also animated flick The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, which hit Netflix in 2021. And, there's 2022 prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin, which takes place 1200 years before Geralt's time, spans four episodes and stars Everything Everywhere All At Once Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Witcher's third season below: The Witcher's third season will hit Netflix in winter 2023 Down Under, releasing in two parts — with Volume 1 arriving on Thursday, June 29 and Volume 2 on Thursday, July 27.
A new nursery has opened in the heart of Rosebery, and it's offering heaps of indoor and outdoor plants, alongside Will & Co coffees and fresh pastries to boot. Plant Base Sydney is run by James Stevens, founder of online florist Mr Roses, which also operates out of Rosebery. Located just down the block from The Cannery, the newcomer specialises in plants suited to your home, office or home-office. And the shop already has over 100 species to choose from. Think fiddle leaf figs, crassula max cooks, golden cane palms and snake plants. Plus, succulents and hanging plants aplenty. The selection will change seasonally and includes a range of plants with health benefits, too — such as devil's ivy and peace lily, which, according to NASA, can help purify the air in your home by removing small amounts of chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The nursery also sells a range of planters and pots that have been chosen to brighten up your home. And, since roses are Stevens' specialty, Plant Base also sells bouquets of freshly cut flowers. As well as all those plants, the space also boasts a Will & Co coffee cart that's serving up fresh pastries, including Portuguese tarts from Tuga, that are delivered each morning. For those who are sticking to online shopping at the moment, Plant Base also offers click and collect and delivery to the Sydney metro area — next-day delivery is available Tuesdays and Fridays if you order by noon. If you're happy to head to the physical store, keep an eye on the website for regular sales. Find Plant Base Sydney at 57–59 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery from 9am–5pm daily.
Come one, come all! Roll into the Courthouse this Australia Day in your best bogan attire and thongs for a celebration befitting Australia's national holiday, featuring a Bogan Pageant hosted by Dinni and followed by the very competitive Thong Toss Competition. As if this event could be any more Aussie, the Courthouse will be streaming Triple J's Hottest 100 all day long, and will also feature (what else?) an Aussie BBQ. Representing Australia's best side, throughout the day $1 from every VB Tinnie purchased will go towards supporting beyondblue.
Game of Thrones fans might be waiting at least another year before the hit HBO show returns for its eighth and final season, but here's something that should help fill the void: an actual GoT-themed hotel, made almost entirely from ice and snow. Lapland Hotels SnowVillage is an annual pop-up hotel that opens in Kittilä, Finland each December, crafted by professional ice sculptors using around 20 million kilos of snow and 350,000 kilos of natural ice. Covering about 20,000 square metres, it's impressive at the best of times, though as Condé Nast Traveler reports, the owners have this year teamed up with HBO Nordic to give the hotel an extra memorable twist. A wintery homage to Game of Thrones, SnowVillage's latest iteration features its own 'Hall of Faces', a dragon-shaped ice slide, an Ice Mountain-guarded Ice Throne and ten impressive hotel suites with their own unique sculptures carved into the walls. In stark contrast to our current Aussie summer temperatures, the hotel's interiors only reach about minus-five degrees celsius, though you'll get a cosy sleeping bag to help see you comfortably through the night. Of course, if you're not quite sold on the idea of such a chilly sleepover, SnowVillage also has plenty to tempt day-trippers. You can chow down on a feed of local delicacies (reindeer included) in the ice restaurant, warm up with some themed drinks at onsite drinking spot Ice Bar, take in some scenery on a husky safari, or unleash some creativity of your own at one of the ice sculpture workshops. If you're heading to Finland in the next few months, entry to the SnowVillage costs €15 ($23 AUD), with rooms starting at €165 ($253 AUD). It's open daily until April 8, 2018. Via Condé Nast Traveler.
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.
If life in general hasn't been dystopian enough for you over the past few years, your next HBO obsession will be: The Last of Us, the television adaptation of the hit video game. Expect a tense future 20 years after modern civilisation has been destroyed, plus a seasoned survivor given a tough mission involving a teenager — and, amid that nightmarish quest, the kind of monsters no one wants to see. If you've been a fan of the button-mashing favourite since it first arrived in 2013, then played the sequel in 2020, then you're already devoted to The Last of Us — and you know where HBO's version is going when it arrives in January, streaming in Australia via Binge and New Zealand via Neon. If you're new to the gaming franchise, get ready for what's certain to be 2023's first big show, complete with an eerie, creepy, action-packed mood, and a story that dives into a fraught post-apocalyptic version of the US. That's been the vibe in both the initial teaser trailer from September and the just-dropped full trailer, both of which help tease out The Last of Us' premise. Pedro Pascal (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent) plays Joel, who has been hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey, Catherine Called Birdy) out of an oppressive quarantine zone. There wouldn't be a game, let alone a television version, if that was an easy task, of course — and if the pair didn't need to weather quite the brutal journey. So far, so intriguing — and while the sneak peeks so far do indeed conjure up memories of The Walking Dead, that just comes with the basic concept. The Naughty Dog-created PlayStation game wouldn't be the huge hit it's proven for almost a decade now if it simply cribbed from that TV show, obviously. Fans of the game will note that Ashley Johnson (Blindspot) and Troy Baker (Young Justice), who voiced the Ellie and Joel in the source material, will indeed pop up in the HBO show. They'll clearly be playing different characters, however. Also pivotal to HBO's adaptation: co-creator, executive producer, writer and director Craig Mazin, who already brought a hellscape to the US network (and to everyone's must-watch list) thanks to the haunting and horrifying Chernobyl. He teams up here with Neil Druckmann from Naughty Dog, who also penned and directed The Last of Us games. Alongside Pascal and Ramsey — and Johnson and Baker — the series also boasts Gabriel Luna (Terminator: Dark Fate) as Joel's younger brother and former soldier Tommy, Merle Dandridge (The Flight Attendant) as resistance leader Marlene and Aussie actor Anna Torv (Mindhunter) as smuggler Tess. And, Nico Parker (The Third Day) plays Joel's 14-year old daughter Sarah, Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) and Nick Offerman (The Resort) feature as isolated survivalists Frank and Bill, Storm Reid (Euphoria) pops up as Boston orphan Riley, Jeffrey Pierce (Castle Rock) plays quarantine-zone rebel Perry and Yellowjackets' Melanie Lynskey also guest stars. Check out the full trailer for The Last of Us below: The Last of Us will start streaming Down Under from Monday, January 16, 2023 — in Australia via Binge and New Zealand via Neon. Images: Liane Hentscher/HBO.
Before donning a face covering became a regular part of life for everyone during the pandemic, one of the most famous mask-wearing figures in popular culture was doing it first. And, the fictional character will be doing so again in Australia — in Sydney from August next year, and then in Melbourne from October. The Phantom of the Opera was actually set to head to Sydney from September this year, and then to Melbourne from November; however, the famed musical's 2021 dates were postponed due to lockdowns in both cities. Now, the production's schedule for next year has been confirmed, so get ready for the music of the night to croon its way into both cities. Kicking off at the Sydney Opera House from Friday, August 19 and then heading to the State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne from Sunday, October 30, 2022, these new seasons of the acclaimed Tony-winner will arrive in Down Under after breaking records in the UK — and touring the US for seven years. Australia will become just the third country to witness this take on the tale, in fact. Obviously, all of the familiar songs are part of it, such as 'All I Ask of You', 'Masquerade' and the titular number. You'll also be lapping up Maria Björnson's original costumes, too. But, if you've seen the show before, expect the chandelier to look a little different. Australian musical theatre performer Josh Piterman is set to play the Phantom, after first wearing the character's mask in London pre-pandemic. He'll be joined by Amy Manford and Blake Bowden as Christine and Raoul, as part of a cast and orchestra of 65 people — which'll make The Phantom of the Opera one of the largest musical productions in Australia. If you need a refresher on the musical's story, it follows soprano Christine Daaé and the masked musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House — and the latter's obsession with the former. Although first turned into a stage musical in the 80s, it's based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel. And yes, you might've seen the 2004 movie, which starred Gerard Butler as the Phantom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jpaw9dft2Y Opera Australia is also putting on a run of The Phantom of the Opera earlier in 2022, in March in Sydney, as part of its annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour event. The Phantom of the Opera will tour Australia in 2022, starting at the Sydney Opera House from Friday, August 19 and then heading to the State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne from Sunday, October 30, 2022. For further information and to buy tickets, head to the musical's website. Images: Michael Le Poer Trench.
We've all been disappointed by express post services at one time or another. But your own bureaucratic blip falls into perspective when you see Sameday Service or Sooner (2008), a life-size TARDIS flat-packed for shipping. The mobility of the Doctor Who police box, capable of travelling anywhere in time and space, has been absurdly inverted upon contact with our current best method of conveyance. Like so much of the work of Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, it makes you laugh, then it makes you think, and then it makes your brain hurt a little. This is the first major museum survey of the two Sydney-based artists, who have developed a rich catalogue of work since starting their collaboration in 2001, while fresh out of art school. It's one room that captures their probing spirit and insists on the relevance of contemporary art to our everyday lives. You don't need to have written or even read a thesis on conceptual art to relate to their playful works, which commonly use found objects that have iconic status in ways that render the items foreign, ridiculous, or redundant. Typical is Future Remnant (2011), an arrangement of IKEA furniture assembled beneath the bones of a replica dinosaur fossil. The colourful tower is suggestive of our culture of disposability and impermanence as well as of the potentially bizarre archaeological legacy we will leave for someone to one day dig up. The idea of archaeologising the present, and so viewing it from a distant perspective, recurs in Healy and Cordeiro's work, starting with their very first, Cordial Home Project (2003), which took apart a whole suburban house and rearranged it into layers of like materials reminiscent of geological strata. The looming family home, it turns out, is surprisingly small. IKEA is a constant source of inspiration and materials here, but the duo's most impressive works are the large-scale installations that defy the allen key. Don't miss Stasis (2012), the new commission on the quayside lawn that points an orange aircraft at the MCA.
Great news, dog lovers of Australia: you can now expect to see more pups at more pubs around the country. When 18 venues around the nation start serving pooches their very own version of charcuterie — adorably dubbed 'barkuterie' — there's bound to be one big result: a flurry of humans bringing their four-legged best friends out for a bite. If you spend your life with a canine companion, you'll be able to take your barking buddy to bars in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia from Saturday, September 16. On the menu: barkuterie boards created in collaboration with online pet supplies retailer Pet Circle, featuring three dog treats from Nature's Cuts and Zignature paired with seasonal fruit and vegetables. So, while you drink and graze, so can your pupper. Just don't go giving your dog any beer to go with their barkuterie board, of course. The canine snack plate comes in at $12, and arrives to celebrate spring. It's a limited-time special, however, getting tails wagging for four weeks — or until stocks last. Of course BrewDog is getting in on the barkuterie spread, which is great news for folks who can hit up the Scottish beer brand's venues at South Eveleigh in Sydney and Murarrie, at its DogTap Brisbane Australian base, in Brisbane. Harbour City residents can also take their pup to The Winery in Surry Hills, while Sunshine State folks can make a date with the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche and Everton Park Hotel. In Victoria, Richmond's Bridge Hotel is joining in — and folks in WA have Victoria Park Hotel and The Bassendean Hotel to choose from. It's a great time to be a dog devotee in SA, with Brighton Metro Hotel, The Duck Inn, Mick O'Sheas, Waterloo Station, The Hope Inn, Robe Hotel, The Colonist, Parkside Hotel, Naracoorte Hotel and The Victoria Hotel in Strathalbyn all on the list. "More Aussies than ever consider their dog as their fur-child and are looking for experiences to do with them. They are taking them to cafes and pubs, and now dogs have their very own menu. They say the way to a dog's heart is through its stomach so we hope all the dogs really love the barkuterie boards," said Pet Circle Head Vet Teagan Lever. 2023 has already delivered doughnut-shaped biscuits for dogs — now this is your next excuse to treat your pet. Pet Circle's barkuterie boards will be available from Saturday, September 16 at 18 venues around Australia — for four weeks until Friday, October 13, or until stocks last.
The 2011 World’s 50 Best Bars list has been published by Drinks International, curated by editor Lucy Britner and US drinks writer, Camper English (I can imagine someone with that name sipping cocktails on a daily basis). The pair asked the opinion of around 100 bar professionals, including the Playboy Club’s Salvatore Calabrese, 'King of Cocktails' Dale DeGroff, Esquire US’s David Wondrich and diamond ice-carver Hidetsugu Ueno. These votes were combined with global votes and resulted in a list with bars from 16 countries. Your local favourite may not be on the list, but rest assured that all fifty are well worth the visit next time you find yourself in one of the world's culture capitals. Here are the top ten (and you can download a guide to all of them here). 1. PDT, New YorkPDT, short for Please Don't Tell, is a sexy speakeasy with a deep-fried twist - you can order drunk snack food from the low-key joint, Crif Dogs (from where you enter via the false rear wall of a phone booth), next door. An old-fashioned with a side of frankfurt? Yes please. Where: 113 St. Marks Place, New York 2. Connaught, LondonThe height of London elegance, if you order a martini the waiter will pour gin and vermouth from a crystal tumbler at your table and let you choose an infused bitters from their many flavours. Where: The Connaught, Carlos Place, London 3. Artesian, LondonModern touches like purple mock-snakeskin leather chairs and excellent service brings this Grand Victorian-styled bar into this century and at the top of the list. Play dominos whilst you sip on a rum-based cocktail. Where: Regent Street, 1C Portland, London 4. Death & Co, New YorkSome of the best cocktails in New York can be had in this dark, shadowy speakeasy. Where: 433 East 6th Street, New York 5. Milk & Honey, LondonThis bar is tucked away so not anyone can just wander in - it's members only for most of the week. Regular people can visit at the beginning of the week to try the phenomenal cocktails. Where: 61 Poland Street, London 6. American Bar at the Savoy, LondonThe bar that bore the ultimate cocktail guide, this is London's most iconic imbibing institute. Good luck getting a seat. Where: The Savoy, 100 Strand, London 7. 69 Colebrooke Row, LondonIf you were very, very rich, this bar might feel like your lounge room, complete with bow-tied butlers to make you cocktails and pour your water in tall glasses from cocktail shakers. Where: 69 Colebrooke Row, Islington, London 8. Drink, BostonAll you have to do is a name a flavour you feel like and a personalised drink will be yours. Where: 348 Congress Street, Boston 9. Harry’s New York Bar, ParisHemingway, Sartre and Blondin were all regulars at this famous bar that invented the Bloody Mary and the White Lady. A Paris must. Where: 5 Daunou street, Paris 10. Black Pearl, MelbourneSplit over two levels, head up if you'd like to drink out of Royal Doulton glassware or downstairs for a beer. Either way, you'll have a good time. Where: 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne Also... A special mention to Sydney's own Eau de Vie who finished in 13th place, and Wellington's Matterhorn who finished 33rd. For the rest of the list, click here.
When it was first published in 2011, A Discovery of Witches swiftly became a bestseller. Thankfully for readers instantly enamoured with Deborah Harkness' supernatural novel, there was more where that came from. The book was just the first instalment in the All Souls trilogy, with its follow-ups arriving in 2012 and 2014 — and, since 2018, fans have been able to watch a TV adaptation starring Australian actor Teresa Palmer as a Yale University historian and witch, as well as Downton Abbey's Matthew Goode as a biochemistry professor and vampire. Palmer plays Diana Bishop, with A Discovery of Witches chronicling her story after she finds a bewitched manuscript and gets reluctantly drawn back into the magical world. Where the show's first season charted her initial efforts to protect the enchanted text, known as Ashmole 782, the currently screening second season kicks off with a jump back to London more than four centuries ago.
Commuters travelling through King's Cross this morning would have been greeted by an unexpected site, after a group of protestors from Greenpeace scaled the intersection's iconic Coca-Cola billboard. Police arrived on the scene shortly after 8am this morning to find a number of protesters standing atop the famous advertisement refusing to come down. The environmental group has confirmed that the stunt is part of their #StopCoke campaign, which opposes attempts by the soft drink company to stall a state government recycling scheme. "Coke spends millions every year to maximise its corporate profits, and is trying to undermine a solution to our massive pollution problem," said Greenpeace Australia Pacific spokesperson Nathaniel Pelle in a media release. "We chose this ad space to tell Coke to get out of the way, and implore Mr Baird to put the community before the interests of a soft drink company." 5 #Greenpeace protesters on top of the Coke sign at #kingscross this morning - made for an interesting commute! pic.twitter.com/FJNTvoZHJ2 — Naomi_Midwinter (@Naomi_Midwinter) March 22, 2016 Your mother was a hamster... @CocaCola @Greenpeace #kingscross pic.twitter.com/rSpRM7lpjA — Dave Baskind (@davebaskind) March 22, 2016 The protestors planned to unfurl a banner reading "Stop Coke Trashing Australia," however they were prevented from doing so by police. Seven people have been arrested for trespassing, and surrounding streets have been temporarily shut down. Premier Mike Baird last year announced a plan to introduce a 10c cash for containers scheme similar to the one that exists in South Australia, complete with vending machines where the public can deposit used cans and bottles. However several beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, oppose the plan. "In NSW, drink containers make up at least 44 per cent of all litter; in South Australia it's less than 3 per cent," said Pelle. "We cannot have a fizzy drinks company dictating our waste policy or blocking effective solutions to a major global pollution problem." Via Pedestrian and news.com.au.
Serving up culinary adventures across two thriving venues, RAFI has established a stellar reputation for its show-stopping cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Whether you prefer the multi-zoned elegance of RAFI North Sydney or the surf-inspired ambience of RAFI Urbnsurf, getting amongst a new weekend long lunch is bound to impress. Held every Saturday and Sunday, the set menu roams from one signature favourite to the next. Complemented by two hours of bottomless mimosas, premium wines and select beers, this elevated dining experience is perfect for a slightly sophisticated weekend get-together with friends and family. With everything designed to be shared, highlights include pita and silky hummus, green asparagus with egg yolk and tarragon salsa, alongside a delectable spring lamb. Situated on Urbnsurf's upper level, head to the sun-drenched terrace for the best experience, as you sip and dine while watching the surfers attempt a few barrels. Incredible food and drinks await, no matter which restaurant you choose. Bottomless lunch is $120 per person, with a minimum of two people required per booking.
Last night's Marrickville Council meeting represented a victory for Sydney's independent music scene. A unanimous vote saw the passing of a motion stating the Council's intention to undertake research concerning the legal and financial pressures on live venues and to become involved with the Leichhardt Council's Sydney Live Music Precinct plan. On March 26, Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne successfully persuaded his council to back a proposal to transform Parramatta Road’s inner west section into a bustling cultural hub. The following day, he told themusic.com.au that he would next seek the support of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Marrickville Mayor Victor Macri. For now, he can safely count on the latter. The Council agreed, not only to "assist with the development of programs and policies that could support the proposed Parramatta Road initiative" but to expand its geographical scope. Marrickville's network of alternative warehouse spaces may soon become part of the big picture. The government also recognised that increased consultation with independent artists might lead to a more sustainable music scene. In the past year or so, both legal and underground spaces have gone down the gurgler at an alarming rate, often due to the obstacles presented by miles of red tape. The Annandale, Notes, The Sando, Dirty Shirlows and Midian are just a few of the names on the deceased list. According to the motion, the Council has now committed to undertaking research into "why legal venues such as Notes Enmore and The Sando Newtown have closed down in recent months. This research should include factors such as economic sustainability, liquor licensing laws, BCA requirements and accessibility requirements," and to investigate "informal feedback" indicating that "the fire, safety and accessibility requirements expected of the venues make it financially unsustainable for small business owners to open and operate a music venue legally." Hundreds of musicians, organisers and promoters crowded into the Council offices at 2-14 Fisher Street, Petersham to show their support. Ali Avron, founder and director of DIY space The Newsagency, was one of the many in attendance. "It was a really great atmosphere ... so many people coming out in support of their community and the culture we're breeding here," she says. "It's definitely a step in the right direction ... It's really hard to start a venue, with the current model ... but now the picture is looking bright." Image: The Newsagency.
Sydney Good Food Month is gearing up to turn the big 2-0 and it's set to mark the occasion with its most expansive program yet, dishing up a huge array of food-focused festivities across October. This year's milestone lineup will both look back in time and nod to the future, celebrating the famed restaurants and innovative chefs that have made Sydney's food scene what it is today, as well as those young guns now carrying on the legacy. The festival's Palm Springs-themed pop-up restaurant Hyde Park Palms makes its colourful return to Hyde Park North, hosting culinary greats from near and far across a program of inspiring feasts, talks and parties, from October 4–21. Home-grown heroes like Stephanie Alexander, Bill Granger and Lune's Kate Reid feature alongside international names including LA's Jason Neroni and Italy's Isabella Potì. There'll be throwbacks aplenty, from a 20th birthday feast helmed by Christine Manfield, Neil Perry and Ross Lusted (The Bridge Room), to a long lunch that sees Andy Bowdy (Saga) and Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) kicking it old-school with some quintessential 90s flavours, and a noughties lunch with ACME's Mitch Orr and the aforementioned croissant queen Kate Reid. Acclaimed Smith & Daughters chef Shannon Martinez works her signature brand of culinary magic with a three-course vegan Italian dinner, and some of Australia's female food heroes — including Saint Peter's Alanna Sapwell and Momofuku Seiobo's Kylie Javier-Ashton — headline the Culinary Women of Influence feast. And the pasta battle returns, this time helmed by LuMi's Federico Zanellato, Federica Andrisani from Hobart's Fico and Joal Valvasori-Pereza from Perth's Lulu La Delizia. Meanwhile, Ume and Cow & The Moon team up to deliver the ultimate date-night situation, complete with burgers, ice cream, booze and a screening of 10 Things I Hate About You. And of course, Good Food Month's ever-popular Night Noodle Markets are back for another season, taking over Hyde Park from October 4. Along with a tasty assortment of over 40 street food stalls, and a program of performers, live acts and DJs, this year's edition also features a pop-up stall showcasing a rotation of the city's hottest chefs and eateries. For those not wanting to spend heaps of cash, the affordable Let's Do Lunch returns, allowing punters to dine at Good Food hatted restaurants for only $45 — which includes a lunch main and wine or beer. Tickets to Sydney Good Food Month are on sale from 9am Tuesday, July 30, via the website. Image: Night Noodle Markets, Letícia Almeida; Hyde Park Palms, Nikki To; Pasta Battle, Griffin Simm
It has won 11 Tony Awards. It's one of the Obamas' favourite musicals. A filmed version of its Broadway production was nominated for several Golden Globes. Now Lin-Manuel Miranda's game-changing musical Hamilton is finally making its way to Australia, with its Sydney Lyric Theatre season kicking off on March 17 — and, if you're as keen to attend as its namesake was about American politics in the 18th century, you just might be able to nab yourself a cheap ticket. As happened with The Book of Mormon before it — and is presently happening with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child's current Melbourne season, too — a ticket lottery is being held for Hamilton. And, this one is cheap. Very cheap, in fact. Via Today Tix, you can sign up for your chance to score a ticket for just $10. Yes, that figure is accurate. You won't want to throw away your shot to see the most talked-about musical of the decade for less than the price of a cocktail. To take part in the lottery, you will need to download the Today Tix app — which is available for iOS and Android — and submit your entry each Friday for the next week's performances. The lottery will go live at 12.01am every Friday morning, starting from March 5, with winners drawn between 1–6pm on the following Thursday. If your name is selected, you'll have an hour to claim your tickets from when you receive the good news. If you need a reminder, you can also sign up for lottery alerts via Today Tix, too. [caption id="attachment_731122" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joan Marcus[/caption] The critically acclaimed hip hop musical, for which Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book, is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. As well as its 11 Tony Awards, which include Best Musical, it has nabbed a Grammy Award and even a Pulitzer Prize. After hitting Broadway in 2015, then West End in 2017, Australians are finally getting their turn. Usually, tickets will set you back $70–250 a pop — so the $10 lottery really is an absolute bargain. There's no word yet on whether Hamilton will head to other Aussie cities later on. It's possible, as other big musicals, such as The Book of Mormons, have. But, if you don't want to risk it, those located interstate should to start planning a trip ASAP — we think it'll be more than worth it. Of course, if you're hoping to make the journey to NSW from elsewhere, you'll want to keep an eye on internal border requirements. This isn't Miranda's first musical to hit Australia, either, with his take on the classic 2000s film Bring It On: The Musical hitting Melbourne in 2018 and quadruple Tony Award-winning In The Heights playing a short season at the Sydney Opera House in 2019. In the meantime, you can watch the filmed version of Hamilton with the original Broadway cast on Disney+ — yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard. Hamilton will make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from Wednesday, March 17–Sunday, September 5, 2021. To enter the Today Tix $10 lottery, download the company's iOS or Android app, and head to the company's website for more information — and to set up an alert. Images: Hamilton, Broadway. Photos by Joan Marcus.
If you find that your temptation to play World of Warcraft greatly outweighs any need to talk to friends, eat food or breathe fresh air, you may be suffering from an addiction to the internet. And now the detrimental effects of spending hours online may be solidified in the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," a widely-cited guide for medical practitioners and others in the field. There are proposals for internet addiction to be classified as a substance-related disorder in the manual, which is due to be published again in mid-2013. This proposal is hardly surprising, given that a recent survey of 250 people in the journal Psychological Studies found that people had a greater urge to check Facebook than have a cigarette or alcoholic beverage. So how can we do we classify somebody as a certified internet addict? Many of us use the internet for hours on end, either for leisure or employment purposes. Dr. Jerald L. Block stated in the American Journal of Psychiatry that symptoms include "excessive use... withdrawal... and negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, and fatigue." Oh no. Sounds like me on weekdays. If internet addiction is indeed classified as a mental illness, it will be interesting to see how this affects the community at large. Will more people begin to blame their crimes and failures on the crippling need to get a fix of Facebook? If so, how will the legal system respond to this new-found mental illness? Furthermore, it will be interesting to see how one gets cured of internet addiction. Maybe a healthy dose of television will do the trick.
Remember the animation devices of ancient times, such as the zoetrope, praxinoscope and phenakistoscope? No, of course you don't. Fortunately, we have artist and technician Richard Balzer, who has taken it upon himself to perform the necessary updates. For more than 30 years, he has been dipping into cabinets of curiosity and combing through flea markets in order to find detailed drawings, diagrams and photographs from the old world and breathe new life into them through the popular gif image. From an early fascination with the magic lantern, Balzer has accumulated a comprehensive collection of optic toys and illustrations. These forms of visual entertainment were originally developed as an attempt to better understand the functioning of the eye and the brain. Enthralled by the phenomenon of illusory movement, Balzer has spent the last five years curating a virtual museum, bringing the image-making magic of these devices to the web. Peruse the catalogue and uncover innumerable psychedelic head-spinners, from galloping devils to backflipping knights in armour to monstrous faces swallowing and re-swallowing each other. Balzer's aim is simply to share his passion with as wide an audience as possible, whilst preserving and digitising an art archive on the verge of being forgotten. Via psfk and Colossal.
Established in 1987 by composer-violinist Alexander Balanescu, the Balanescu Quartet claim to have "a sensibility nearer to a band than a classical group". The long-standing ensemble have a pretty rock 'n' roll reputation in the contemporary musical world, having spent around 25 years challenging traditional expectations about the limits of what a string quartet can do, or should do. They're known for their dynamic, energetic (some might say hypnotic) live performances, and they've collaborated with everyone from Pina Bausch to Kate Bush. They're especially famous for their complicated Kraftwerk covers, which featured on their album Possessed. This particular show is a performance of their 2005 album Maria T, which is inspired by the legendary Romanian folk singer Maria Tanase and actually uses some of her original recordings. To provide a visual as well as aural feast, the quartet are collaborating with Austrian video artist Klaus Obermaier. So maybe take advantage of the hall's amazing acoustics and embrace a one-night-only opportunity to catch a unique string quartet at the peak of their game. https://youtube.com/watch?v=aENrG-STVx4
With the FIFA World Cup kicking off shortly, Nike Football has released part three of its #riskeverything campaign. The film – "The Last Game" – is a five-minute animated feature starring some of the world's greatest footballers, on a mission to save football from the hands of a villainous mastermind, The Scientist. Let the games begin.
'Drink fresh' is the general rule of thumb when it comes to beer, but not all brews must be consumed according to a 'best by' date. Because really, some things are just better with age (see: wine, whisky, wisdom). And in actuality, some beers are better with some age. So, in celebration of Coopers' 2017 Vintage Ale release, we're exploring the idea of ageing, and more particularly, ageing beer, because time can be of the essence when it comes to some of the finest things in life. We've already looked at five unexpected things that get better with age (number one being beer), and now we're diving deeper into this idea of ageing brews. Chief brewer of the iconic Coopers Brewery, Dr Tim Cooper is an impressive figure within Australia's beer scene. Not only is he a certified medical doctor, but he also heads up the family business, continuing to grow its legacy. As part of this legacy, his team has explored the process of ageing beers since 1998 when they released their very first Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale. For the uninitiated, these beers are made with the intention that they should be cellared before enjoyed in order to help deepen flavour and bring out new aromas as the brew ages. Looking to dive a bit deeper into this cellaring process, we sat down with Dr Tim to talk through all things aged beer — why you should try it, which beers you should (and shouldn't) cellar and how to age them correctly. WHY YOU SHOULD AGE BEER "My father used to tell tales at the brewery of a Norwegian sea captain who would purchase a year's supply when docking in port closest to the Adelaide brewery," says Dr Tim. "He would hoard the beer for his travels, preferring to drink those stored from the previous years as they had matured. This was back in the 1970s, and showed that people were interested in ageing back then." Come the 1990s, numerous requests from publicans pressured the brewery to consider a vintage seasonal; by the time 1998 came around, the Coopers Vintage Ale was born. Whilst it's not entirely clear what will happen when a beer ages — there are just too many variables — maturation cannot be considered emphatically better or worse, it merely changes the beer's flavour. "Ageing takes some of the raw edges off the perceptible flavour and can definitely be an improvement," Dr Tim asserts. Ageing beer brings out new flavours, replacing harsher notes with softer, sweeter aromas. "Fermentation with ale yeast imparts fragrant esters of tropical fruit, pineapple and banana evident early on," explains Dr Tim. "These compliment the floral and fruity notes arising from the addition of aroma hops. Consumers will enjoy these flavours when drinking these ales fresh." Then, over a relatively short time, the fruity and floral character of the ferment esters and hops dwindle, so by the five year mark, the malt characteristics become fortified. This further ageing will foster umami and vinous characteristics of, say, port wine. When it comes down to it, however, it's all dependant on your own tastes. The reason you should try ageing beer exists in why you drink it in the first place — "the end goal should be for better enjoyment." WHICH BEERS CAN BE AGED Overall, beers with higher alcohol are up to the challenge of cellaring. "By and large the Coopers Vintage products are generally higher than average in alcohol," Dr Tim explains. Similarly, sour styles and beers you can buy already barrel-aged fend nicely, developing flavour and complexity as time goes by. These heftier, more alcoholic beers — think stouts, porters and barley wines — not only have natural means of reducing the negative effects ageing has on taste, but their flavours often benefit. Fruity, floral notes and any bitterness decrease due to the natural degradation of hop profiles, all while malt characteristics such as bready notes and sweetness generally take over. Just keep in mind that hop-centric beers, lagers and beers with lower ABV are generally brewed for fresh consumption. Their flavours will suffer from any prolonged ageing. HOW TO PROPERLY CELLAR Implicitly funky and unpredictable, beer is like a jazz musician who leads by listening rather than following any sheet music. So ageing beer can go in strange directions, both pleasant and less than. How should you cellar your beer to best bring out deeper flavours and avoid ruining the brew? It's best to avoid oxygen, heat and sunlight. A young beer will age gracefully under proper conditions. Coopers helps you out on the oxygen front, by naturally conditioning their bottles to help remove any free oxygen that will ruin your beer. Dr Tim explains how "naturally conditioned beers can be best [for ageing], as the yeast mops up the oxygen left over in the bottles helping to curb oxidation and spoilage." He also suggests storing a carton or two in a central part of your house that isn't likely to heat up, "preferably a dark cellar, but anywhere that is cool, around ten to 15 degrees, is good." A space with minimal light is also ideal to avoid too much sun. Without breaking open the chemistry textbooks, the reason to avoid storing your beer in sunlight is that ultraviolet light breaks down acids from the hops to the same sulphur radical as the smell of skunk spray — hence why as some beers age, they can become 'skunked', particularly hoppy beers and lagers like IPAs and golden ales. Quite possibly the biggest challenge of ageing beer is keeping it cellared long enough to allow for the ageing process to take place. "I'm completely hopeless," says Dr Tim. "I do always enjoy every vintage, but [I don't] always remember to take it home." We can appreciate that when it comes to tasty beers, it is hard to keep your hands off them. Sometimes ageing can be a great thing. Stock up on some Coopers Vintage Ale 2017 and try it yourself. Words: Mikey Lowe and Quinn Connors.
Maybe you like magical movie experiences. Perhaps you're a Timothée Chalamet obsessive. Or, you could love nothing more than catching an old-school flick on the big screen again. Whether one, two or all three of the above applies to you, there's a reason to head to Moonlight Cinema in January 2025. And if you're a fan of romances, horror, animal-led tales and biopics, there's even more where they came from. This Australian summer tradition unveils its lineup in batches — and has just dropped the program of flicks that will start the year. Wicked will be defying gravity, A Complete Unknown has your Timmy C (Dune: Part Two) fix covered and the OG Freaky Friday will give you a blast from the past before the sequel arrives later in 2025. Plus, We Live in Time, Heretic, Mufasa: The Lion King and Maria will also play under the stars. With seasons in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth, Moonlight Cinema mostly screens the same movies in each location; however, there are some differences. In January, 2024 Palme d'Or-winner Anora and crime thriller-meets-musical Emilia Perez are only heading to Sydney and Melbourne, for instance, but the bulk of the lineup will play across all five cities. Other highlights include Gladiator II, Moana 2, Paddington in Peru and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, giving franchises plenty of love; Better Man joining the music-fuelled picks; the Jesse Eisenberg (Sasquatch Sunset)-starring, -written and -directed A Real Pain; and Conclave's tension in the Vatican. Among the retro fare, Bridget Jones's Diary, Shrek and The Princess Diaries will get you looking backwards. Brisbane's season is on until Sunday, February 16 in Roma Street Parklands, while Adelaide's runs till the same date in Botanic Park. Moonlight Cinema's stints at Centennial Parklands in Sydney, Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, and Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth all extend through to Sunday, March 30. As always, the films and the setting are just two parts of the cinema's experience. Also a drawcard: the Aperol spritz bar. Nosh-wise, the event is again letting you BYO movie snacks and drinks (no alcohol in Brisbane, though), but the unorganised can enjoy a plethora of bites to eat onsite while reclining on bean beds. There's two VIP sections for an extra-luxe openair movie experience, too, as well as a platinum package with waiter service in Sydney and Melbourne only, and a beauty cart handing out samples. Plus, dogs are welcome at all sites except Perth — there's even special doggo bean beds. Moonlight Cinema 2024–25 Dates Brisbane: Thursday, November 21, 2024–Sunday, February 16, 2025 in Roma Street Parklands Sydney: Friday, November 22, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025 in Centennial Parklands Adelaide: Thursday, November 28, 2024–Sunday, February 16, 2025, 2024 in Botanic Park Melbourne: Friday, November 29, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025 in Royal Botanic Gardens Perth: Thursday, December 5, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025 in Kings Park and Botanic Garden Moonlight Cinema runs until February 2025 in Brisbane and Adelaide, and until March 2025 in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the cinema's website — and we'll update you with further program details when they're announced.
Earlier this year, the onsite restaurant at Brisbane's Ovolo The Valley announced a considerable change, with Tel Aviv-inspired eatery Za Za Ta Bar and Kitchen switching to an entirely vegetarian menu. But it isn't the only venue at the chain that's making the shift — with the hotel group's full suite of bars and restaurants at its Australian and Hong Kong sites all adopting a completely plant-based range for the next 12 months. Ovolo is calling the move its 'year of the veg', and it came into effect from Thursday, October 1. As well as Za Za Ta, the change also covers Mister Percy at Sydney's Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, plus Monster Kitchen and Bar at Ovolo Nishi in Canberra. And, Ovolo Woolloomooloo's Alibi Bar and Kitchen, too, although it already served up a wholly plant-based menu before this announcement. In Brisbane, diners can keep tucking veggie-heavy Middle Eastern fare, such as hummus made with braised chickpeas and a 63-degree egg; shish barak, aka Lebanese-style pumpkin dumplings; and cauliflower shawarma with smoked labneh and quince. For Sydneysiders, Mister Percy is now dishing up a vegetarian Italian menu, including pastas, pizzas and antipasti. Dig into a bowl of pappardelle and wild mushroom ragout, for example, or opt for a potato, mozzarella, taleggio, rosemary and truffle paste pizza. And, in Canberra, Monster Kitchen and Bar has a new executive chef as well. Paul Wilson's revamped menu will feature fermented and pickled foods quite heavily, and the restaurant will also start its own kitchen garden to grow its own produce. For more information about Ovolo Hotels, its restaurants and their plant-based menus for the next 12 months, visit the chain's website.
Nothing makes a nice meal fall apart quite like pairing it with the wrong wine — and nothing reveals how little you know about wine like trying to defend your wine choices. Imagine if you knew how to sniff, swirl and speak eloquently to what makes a wine perfect for the delicious feast you have prepared. As MasterChef Australia's official wine of choice for the second year running, Jacob's Creek is here to help home kitchen chefs create an evening worthy of a master. It's bringing back last year's sell-out Kitchen Collective pop-up, where ticketholders can learn skills from previous MasterChef Australia guest judge (and the man behind Huxtaburger) Daniel Wilson and Rocker chef Stuart Toon, a former MasterChef UK contestant. From a pop-up on Bennelong Lawn, you'll take part in a cook-off against your mates and enjoy a three-course dining experience, as wine experts Kristy Farrell and Katherine Candy let you in on the secrets of food and wine pairing. Jacob's Creek has let us have a sneak peek at the menu, and we have the recipes for an entree and dessert to share with you. Test your skills before the big day, and sharpen your wine talk with tasting notes for the Jacob's Creek wines they pair with from Jacob Creek's chief winemaker Dan Swincer. ENTREE When you pop down to the market to gather fresh ingredients for this confit vanilla king salmon, make sure to pick up a bottle of Jacob's Creek Barossa signature chardonnay. The creaminess of the wine works with the fat deposits of the fish (often called the wagyu of the sea), while the drop's citrus notes and the finger lime in the dish refresh the palate. Obviously, the ultimate pairing is putting wine in your food, so a splash of that chardonnay makes the fennel puree even creamier. Be sure to comment on the nutty, cashew notes in the wine, and how they interplay with the macadamia pesto. CONFIT VANILLA KING SALMON Ingredients 5 portions (about 400gm) of New Zealand king salmon, boneless, skinless and bloodline removed Half a vanilla bean 1 bunch of watercress, picked 1 finger lime 70ml of extra virgin olive oil FENNEL PUREE Ingredients 1 large fennel, diced 1 tablespoon of butter 50ml of Jacob's Creek Barossa signature chardonnay 40ml of cream Sea salt and ground white pepper MACADAMIA, THAI BASIL AND FINGER LIME PESTO Ingredients Half a bunch of Thai basil, picked 100gm of roasted and salted macadamia nuts 5gm of freeze dried finger lime powder Pinch of citric acid 125ml of extra virgin olive oil Method Switch your oven on to 90 degrees celsius, then get started on the vanilla oil. Cut the vanilla bean in half, scrape the seeds out and into a small bowl with 20ml of the olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and mix. Place the salmon fillets, evenly spaced, onto a baking paper-lined tray and rub the salmon on all sides with the vanilla oil. Pop that to the side (keep at room temperature). For the fennel puree, heat a saucepan over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add fennel and sweat for five minutes stirring often. Add the chardonnay, then cover with a lid and turn down to low. Give it a stir every four to five minutes and cook until soft with no colour. Once the wine has evaporated and the fennel is soft, add cream. Puree with a stick blender, season with sea salt and ground white pepper and pass mixture through a fine sieve. Put the puree to the side and cover. In a bowl, mix up 50ml of the olive oil and the flesh of finger lime, making sure to remove any seeds. Set this aside for later. Pop the tray of salmon into the oven and cook for about 10 minutes or until just cooked. While that's in the oven, toss the basil leaves, macadamia nuts, finger lime powder and citric acid into a food processor until finely chopped. Add olive oil and blitz until it is the consistency of pesto and season with salt and pepper. Hey, presto, you've got pesto. To plate up like a real masterchef, warm the fennel puree and put a nice circle slightly to the left of centre on the plate. Carefully place the salmon half on the puree. Top with a quenelle (fancy way of saying an oval-shaped scoop) of the pesto and four pieces of watercress. Finally, whimsically drizzle that bad boy with finger lime oil, and enjoy with a glass of Jacob's Creek Barossa signature chardonnay. DESSERT Decadent is the only way to describe this dark chocolate and plum mousse, served with chocolate, coconut and shiraz soil and raspberry coulis. It's best enjoyed with a glass of Jacob's Creek Barossa Signature shiraz tempranillo. Each flavour in the dish mirrors the flavours of the wine: plum from the tempranillo, chocolate from the shiraz and coconut from the American oak. Plus, the fruity sweetness of the tempranillo matches the tart and slightly sour coulis. So fancy. Just make sure you correctly pronounce "tem-pra-ni-yo", so you sound sophisticated. DARK CHOCOLATE AND DAVIDSON PLUM MOUSSE Ingredients 200 grams of coconut milk 200 grams of dark chocolate 3 grams of Davidson plum powder 2 egg whites, room temperature Pinch of salt 20 grams of castor sugar 5 dark chocolate cylinders Method In a small saucepan, bring coconut milk to the boil, making sure not to scorch the bottom. While that's heating up, place the chocolate and Davidson plum powder into a stainless steel bowl. When the coconut milk is lightly simmering, pour it over the chocolate. Stir once with a rubber spatula and let sit for two minutes to melt, then stir well until it is all combined. Next, whisk two egg whites on high. Once it starts to froth up, gently add the sugar bit by bit until it's all mixed together. Continue to whip until glossy, stiff peaks have formed, but do not over whip. Grab the rubber spatula again and quickly fold one-third of the meringue into the chocolate mixture, making sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl. Fold in the rest of the meringue, mixing gently until it's all combined. Transfer the mousse into a piping bag and pipe into the chocolate cylinders, making sure not to leave any air gaps. Cover with baking paper and pop in the fridge to set. CHOCOLATE AND SHIRAZ SOIL Ingredients 40ml of cold water 100 grams of caster sugar 75 grams of dark chocolate 10 grams of shiraz powder 30 grams of desiccated coconut, lightly toasted 10 grams of raw cacao powder Method Place the water in a small saucepan and gently pour the sugar into the middle of the water, careful not to get any sugar crystals on the side of the pan. Do not stir or mix. Prepare a pastry brush in a small bowl of cold water to brush down the sides if the syrup starts to crystalise around the edge of the pan. Put the chocolate in a medium-sized stainless steel bowl and set aside until the syrup is ready. Pop the saucepan on a high heat and wait until it dissolves and starts to bubble. Don't stir the sugar. Continue to cook until you start to see golden brown edges. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk into the chocolate; don't forget to whisk around the edges. Keep whisking until all the chocolate has crumbled and looks like soil, which should only take a couple of minutes. Mix in the shiraz powder, toasted coconut and raw cacao, and transfer onto a baking paper-lined tray to cool. RASPBERRY AND ROSELLA COULIS Ingredients 150 grams of frozen raspberries 20 grams of caster sugar Juice of half a lemon 2 grams of dried rosella powder Method Over medium heat, mix up raspberries, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan, using a wooden spoon to break up the berries as they start to soften. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for two minutes. Pour the raspberry mix into a sieve over a bowl, pushing through with a spatula. Add the rosella powder and mix well. If you have one handy, transfer the sauce to a small squeeze bottle for next-level presentation. Pop this in the fridge until you are ready to plate up. On the plate, place a few puddles of the raspberry coulis and a couple of spoons of chocolate soil. Top with a chocolate cylinder of mousse and use a sieve to dust with plum powder. Pop open a bottle of Jacob's Creek Barossa Signature tempranillo shiraz and pour yourself a glass to enjoy with your indulgent dessert. Jacob's Creek Kitchen Collective will take place between Tuesday, July 16 and Sunday, August 4. Daytime sessions will run from 12pm–4pm every Thursday to Sunday, and the nighttime experience will run from 6pm–10pm every Tuesday to Sunday. Only 16 seats are available for each session, so move quickly and get tickets here.
Another year, another new version of Cinderella. Some stories just can't stay away from the screen, and this is one of them. Filmmakers have been drawn to the fairy tale since the silent era, resulting in beloved animated flicks, playful takes on the tale such as Ever After and Ella Enchanted, and Disney's 2015 live-action adaptation. Arriving next, and soon: a new musical that combines glass slippers and pining for a better life with singing, dancing and a fairy godparent named Fab G — with the latter played by Pose's Billy Porter. This version of Cinderella stars singer Camila Cabello as the titular character, while The Craft: Legacy's Nicholas Galitzine plays Prince Robert. Also popping up: Idina Menzel (Frozen II) as Cinders' stepmother, Minnie Driver (Starstruck) and Pierce Brosnan (Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) as the king and queen, and Romesh Ranganathan (Staged) and James Corden (The Prom) as both footmen and mice. The latter is a producer, too, and came up with the idea for the film, while Pitch Perfect writer and Blockers helmer Kay Cannon sits in the director's chair. Clearly, if a new version of Cinderella doesn't hit the screen every few years, Hollywood must turn into a pumpkin. While musical takes on the tale aren't new — see also: the stage version that's slated to hit Australia — this one is set to feature pop songs. So, you'll be seeing Cabello, Menzel and company singing tracks you know, as well as crooning their own new original tunes. Just how that'll turn out will be revealed on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, September 3, with the film originally slated for a cinema release, but then snapped up by the streaming platform instead. In both the initial first-look trailer and a just-dropped first new sneak peek, there's plenty of songs, colour and empowerment. Cinders won't stand for her stepmum's terrible treatment, or for simply being a dutiful princess when she hits it off with Prince Robert. There's also humour in this version, crucially, including around Fab G and the abilities that come with being a fairy godparent. "Do you want to go to that ball?" asks Fab G, to which Cinders replies: "yes, I was just crying and singing about it like two minutes ago". Check out the latest Cinderella trailer below: Cinderella will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Friday, September 3. Top image: Kerry Brown.
It has been almost three months since Queensland closed its borders to Greater Sydney, making the Sunshine State off limits to residents of specific local government areas in the New South Wales capital. Over that period, the status of Queensland's borders has changed multiple times — as it has throughout much of 2020 — including shutting out all of NSW, then reopening to areas down to Byron Bay. But Sydneysiders won't be able to make the trip up north anytime soon. Today, Friday, October 30, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that Queensland will remain closed to folks from 32 local government areas in Sydney. On the list: Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Ku-Ring-Gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Woollahra and Sydney Harbour (Unincorporated). The Queensland border will also remain shut to people in Victoria, covering the entire state. In good news for NSW residents outside of Sydney, however — and for Queenslanders keen to head to parts of the state without quarantining upon their return — Premier Palaszczuk also revealed that the Sunshine State will open up to the rest of NSW come 1am on Tuesday, November 3. The announcement arrives a day before Queensland's next state election, which takes place on Saturday, October 31. Back in August, Premier Palaszczuk had already noted that the state was unlikely to reopen its borders to Victoria and Sydney until there has been no community transmission in those areas, so today's news wasn't unexpected. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1321968426349256704 Going into detail about the decision, Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said "it is all about numbers. There are 4.8 million people who live in those 32 LGAs in Sydney. They are the risk, they are the ones moving around". She also noted that there have not been any cases in the past 28 days outside of those 32 LGAs, hence the move to open Queensland up to the rest of NSW. If you're a Queenslander now keen on a southern getaway, you can do so by flying via Sydney airport at Mascot — and that isn't counted as entering one of the 32 LGAs. But you can only travel through the airport, flying in and then flying out to somewhere outside of Greater Sydney. If you go anywhere else in the city, the quarantine rules come into effect upon your return back north. Whichever way you're heading — whether you're a NSW resident from outside of Greater Sydney who is keen to come to Queensland, or a resident of the latter eager to venture beyond the state's borders for a bit and then come home — you will still need a border pass. It isn't required to leave the state, but NSW folks will need one to enter and Queenslanders will need one to come back. To obtain a pass, you'll need to apply online, with each one valid for seven days. Regarding when Queensland might open to Greater Sydney, Dr Young said that she couldn't predict a date. "I genuinely do not know — it depends what happens with the virus. We are learning more and more about it every day. And what we are learning is that it is actually very contagious so we just have to look at the evidence, and I look at the evidence every single day, seven days a week, and work out what is the best advice." For more information about Queensland's border policies, head to the Queensland Government website.
If you're a Harry Potter fan keen to relive the wonder of your favourite book-to-film series, you don't need to cast a spell or wind your time turner to get some wizarding fun. Pottermore, Fantastic Beasts spinoffs and The Cursed Child might've followed the original franchise, but JK Rowling's boy-who-lived and his pals are never far away from a big screen — or a concert hall. After doing the honours with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it's hardly surprising that this piece of prime movie and music magic for muggles has now turned its wand to the third flick in the series. From April 2018, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be heading to the Sydney Opera House, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to screen the film while the score is played live by each city's symphony orchestras. Prepare for John Williams' Oscar-nominated music to echo through your ears as you watch Harry, Hermione, Ron and company meet Sirius Black, realise that they shouldn't believe every dark tale they hear, learn something new about their new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and tussle with Peter Pettigrew. That means dogs, wolves, rats and Dementor's Kisses are all part of the action, plus Buckbeak the hippogriff, and trips to The Leaky Cauldron and the Shrieking Shack. It's arguably the best movie in the series, as directed by a pre-Gravity Alfonso Cuarón, and it's certain to prove even more enchanting with live music. We've said it before and we'll say it again — will sell like pumpkin pasties, so get in quick or spend eternity griping about it like some Moaning Myrtle-type character. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert teams up with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House from 18 - 20 April 2018, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for two shows on 19 May 2018, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 8 - 9 November 2018. For more information, head to the SSO, QSO and MSO websites.
The 79th Annual Wee Waa Show, while 'a highlight of the district calendar', was never destined to be more than a warm up for the big 'eight oh' in 2014. We all knew this. Of course, the 'Wee Waa Has Talent' contest (alongside the showgirl, wood chop and mouse racing competitions) is always a riot. And let's not forget the demolition derby! But the 80th Annual Wee Waa Show was the party on everyone's mind. Then along came two helmeted Frenchmen, whose music has been described as "a dafty punky thrash", with an announcement that would shake Wee Waa (and the entire internet) for weeks to come. Their new record Random Access Memories, out May 21 through Columbia Records, will be launched at the festival on the evening of Friday May 17. The global release party for Daft Punk's first studio album in eight years... in Wee Waa. And, unless you're already locked in as a 'wool steward' or wood chop competitor, chances are you missed out on the 4,000 tickets that were released and exhausted in April. But read on, oh readers, for we may have good news for the desperate Daft-devotees among you. Concrete Playground is giving readers the chance to win ten (!) tickets to the Daft Punk album launch at the Wee Waa Show. That's right, one lucky reader will get to take 9 of their friends along to the most hyped album launch OF ALL TIME. To go in the running, enter your details below. The competition is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Bianca Macliver.
While Messina's main jam is crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. Back before the pandemic, the cult gelateria would team up with a savoury-focused culinary hero every couple of months, then throw a big ol' food party in the car park at its Rosebery headquarters to celebrate the collaboration. For the next edition of the series, the Messina team is teaming up with an old Rosebery favourite, Ricos Tacos, who will be returning to its old stomping ground outside of Messina HQ for a two-night pop-up. Ricos used to call the Rosebery car park home, before setting up a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant in Chippendale. Taco King Toby Wilson and co will be serving up their fan favourite tacos and hash browns on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, with some top-notch desserts. The tacos come in sets of two with fried fish, beef, mixed mushroom and pork carnitas varieties on offer. The beef and mushroom sets are birria tacos, so you'll score a hot beef or mushroom consomé for dipping on the side. Finishing things up are hot fried churros paired with salted dulce de leche or Messina hot chocolate with a toasted cinnamon marshmallow. The pop-up will open from midday each day and stay open until late.
How do you capture the essence of a pub in a drink? How do you make sipping a cocktail conjure up the feeling of hanging out in a hotel's front bar, with your feet almost glued to the carpet and the unmistakable smell of beer in the air? How do you whip up a spirit that pays tribute to an iconic Australian watering hole that's closing in on a century and a half of pouring beverages, too? These are the questions that Four Pillars is answering with its Sticky Carpet Gin. This tipple dates back to 2018, when it arrived as a boozy ode to the legendary haunt that is The Espy in St Kilda in Melbourne. First, you could only try it in cocktails at the pub it was inspired by. Then, it became available by the bottle in 2019, but only as a limited release. Now, Four Pillars has brought it back — and also given it some tinkering. The Healesville distillery had one aim from the outset with its Sticky Carpet Gin: capturing the spirit of a venue that's meant many different things to different people for many, many years. Four Pillars co-founder and distiller Cameron Mackenzie's first effort was such a success that it's become the gin that more folks request to be brought back than any other of the brand's gin. Start saying cheers to Sticky Carpet Gin again, then, given that it's back in Four Pillars' online store now. The new version of the tipple still wants to give everyone that's sipping it an unmistakable pub feel. This time, however, Mackenzie has swapped out roasted dark stout for using Little Creatures Pale Ale in the gin's base. The beer goes into the still with juniper, coriander, barley, cassia, macadamia nuts, orris root, lemon myrtle, honey, lavender, ginger and lemon peel, plus the base spirit. Also, hops hang in a bag over it to extract the aromatics. "The Little Creatures brewers have made a beer that is the benchmark for American-style pale ale, with slightly tropical and resin-y flavours, like Sierra Nevada, my fave US beer," said Mackenzie. "In a way, this is the closest we've come to making a Jenever-style of gin. It's a dense canvas of resin-y juniper with deep brown spice notes. There's a chewy, malty hop character that hangs onto the macadamia nut and it's a touch fruity with bright citrus notes, too. As well as buying Sticky Carpet Gin online for your gin shrine or getting it from Four Pillars in-person — it retails at $88 for a 700-millilitre bottle — it's on offer at The Winery in Surry Hills in Sydney; both The Regatta and Riverland in Brisbane; Yarra Botanica, The Espy (of course) and Garden State Hotel in Melbourne; and the Claremont in Perth. The Espy is also hosting a free launch party on Wednesday, April 17 from 6pm, complete with free gin and tonics upon arrival. You'll need to nab a complimentary ticket to attend, however — and you'll catch live sets from Floodlights and Back Pocket as well. For those knocking it back at home, Four Pillars recommends using Sticky Carpet Gin in a new twist on the G&T called Sticky and Tonic, in a boozy pink lemonade spider, with cordial, or as part of a lemon, lime and bitters sour. Four Pillars Sticky Carpet Gin is available to purchase online, from Four Pillars in-person, and from select bars — head to the distillery's website for more details.
Thailand is undoubtedly one of Australia's favourite holiday destinations, and Bangkok is one of the world's most visited cities by international tourists. The sprawling metropolis makes room for the old and the new — one minute you're cruising down the Chao Phraya river, the next you're travelling through the city at breakneck speed on the BTS skytrain. We've going to bet that a few of you have been to Bangkok before. Maybe you've even trekked up to Chiang Mai and Pai, or soaked up some sun scuba diving off one of Thailand's many islands. That's why we've left some of the obvious Bangkok destinations out of this article, like the mind-boggling Chatuchak markets, the opulent Grand Palace and the silk-lovers heaven that is Jim Thompson House. If you're in the country's capital and looking for a fun way to spend a few days, we recommend giving a few of these a visit. Drink at high altitudes Bangkok has quite a nifty reputation for its rooftop bar scene, so we decided to check out the highest one we could find — it was the Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower (also known as the rooftop bar from The Hangover 2). Come alone or come in a wolf pack to the 65th floor — the service is friendly and the cocktails are outstanding. We could drink their blueberry sour G&T's all damn day, but there's also a Hangovertini for those looking to stay in theme. Sunset is generally the best time to arrive but, then again, we're yet to find a bad time to drink at high altitudes. We also climbed to the top of Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Bangkok, located on the 61st floor. It's extremely easy to pass the hours when you're seated against the glass wall overlooking the city — with free bar snacks that were constantly replenished, no less. There was a smart casual dress code at both of these rooftop bars, so it's worth checking ahead to make sure drinking in the clouds stays firmly on your conquered list. Yes, both of these places were a bit pricier than your average 60 Baht bottle of Chang beer, but if you're after a nice night out, this is it. What can we say? Bangkok has us now. Work Your Way Out Of Escape Hunt Escape rooms are becoming a bit of a thing in Australia, but we tried out the Bangkok version at Escape Hunt anyway. For the uninitiated, escape rooms are like playing real-life Cluedo: you get 'locked' in a room, left to solve a murder mystery before your time is up. In our case, we had an hour to figure out who had killed a female painter — one of her three boyfriends, or the groundskeeper? This was totally awesome. And if Bangkok hasn't already tested your relationship with your travel partner, this certainly will. You're allowed to get clues from your host, but each clue deducts one minute off your time, so we recommend only using them when you're desperately seeking some Sherlock intuition. Thankfully, we made it out with just under two minutes to spare, and we were given the cutest tweed detective gear to put on and take photos in. Check Out Cat, Dog and Bunny Cafes Cat cafes did originate in Asia, so it's no surprise there are a few here in Thailand's capital. We're not sure exactly how many cat cafes Bangkok has, but we know there are at least three. Purr Cat Cafe Club is one of the more prominent ones in Sukhumvit, and in a city filled with apartment buildings and high rises, it's no wonder Bangkok locals are looking to spend some quality time with a furry friend. Purr is run by a Thai sitcom actress and houses 14 fluffy Persians cats. At the cafe you can have cat-shaped brownies and whiskers drawn on your hot chocolate. There is also Kitty Cat Cafe and Makura Cat Cafe in Bangkok if you can't get enough of your feline friends. Cats not your thing? Don't even worry about it. Bangkok also has a cafe that specifically houses Siberian huskies called True Love Cafe. There are 17 of these adorable pups running around, all of different colours and sizes. One final animal establishment we'd like to throw out there is the Lucky Bunny Cafe & Restaurant, which houses happy, healthy rabbits. All of the cute, all at once. Food and (Safe) Sex Together At Last With a tagline like 'Our food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy', how could you possibly refuse a meal here? There are mannequins covered in elaborate condom costumes which are hilarious and honestly quite impressive, but Cabbages and Condoms is not the money-grabbing, photo-opportunity establishment you might first think. Cabbages and Condoms was initially created to promote a better understanding of sexual health and family planning, as a portion of the profits go towards the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). It's all in the name of an excellent cause, so you might as well get amongst. The menu is strictly Thai cuisine, and there's plenty to choose from. There are a few Cabbages and Condoms located all over Thailand, so if you're heading over to Thailand but not staying in Bangkok, there's still a chance to check this out. Grab a handful of free dingers on the way out and have yourself a safe and merry day. Choose Your Own Adventure: Thai Street Food Let's be honest, this section could be a whole article to itself. Thai street food is the best kind of street food — cheap, unpredictable (in a good way), and, above all, delicious. The rules are simple: eat anything that looks interesting, ask questions later and try something new every time. On a personal note, I spent two years of my childhood living in Thailand, so I had a slight advantage of knowing that (1) My chances of death were slim if I chose wisely, and (2) I could identify some of the strangest looking toppings on Thai snow cones. Boat noodles (kuay tiew rua) are a Bangkok street food staple, and there is a whole alley dedicated to this delicacy located near Victory Monument. For other noodles on the run, a safe bet is the readily available stir-fried wide rice noodles (pad see ew) or Pad Thai. Our favourite savoury snacks were easily the bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms, as well as the ever-present and super cheap grilled pork sticks (moo ping). For sweets you can't go passed mango and sticky rice (kao niao mumuang) — it's traditional and delicious. For some who are keen for a little lucky dip, give the Thai snow cone (nam kang sai) a go. You fill the bottom of the bowl with anything from black jelly, chestnuts, sweetened taro to red beans, then place a mound of shaved ice on top of that and cover with flavoured syrups and condensed, evaporated or coconut milk, depending on how sweet you want it. Top image thanks to Scalino, Lubua photo taken by Vicky Chung via Flickr, cat image thanks to ironypoisoning, Cabbages and Condoms image thanks to micamonkey, street food image thanks to jaaron.
Ever wanted something other than a beer to go with your burger on a Friday night? Or wondered which bev would pair well with the ramen you get delivered from UberEats? Well, the answer is wine. It doesn't just go well with steak or cheese — it goes down a treat with any number of foods. You just have to know which wine to choose. It's all about balance. A successful pairing creates a symbiotic relationship between the dish and the wine, and neither element will overpower the other. This can be achieved by picking a flavour in both the wine and the dish that you wish to enhance — this will create a connection between the dish and what you're drinking. A basic example is smoke; when you pair barbecued or chargrilled beef with a red wine that has a smoky element to its bouquet, it's going to enhance that flavour in both things. It makes for a cohesive dining experience that begins with the first bite of food and continues with a sip of wine. The other rule to remember is that acid and tannin (that's the 'puckering' feeling in the mouth when you drink a wine) break down protein in food — it's why your folks love a Barossa Shiraz or Coonawarra Cabernet when they're eating roast lamb on a Sunday. And don't forget to experiment with flavours and matches — it's how you'll get better at it. My only word of caution is to always take into consideration the weight of the wine that you plan to match with your dish, as a lighter, more aromatic wine can tend to get lost in a dish that is a heavier style of protein (and vice versa). To get you started, we've done the hard work (that is, the eating and drinking) to come up with the best Aussie wine pairings for some unconventional dishes. RAMEN AND ROSÉ Now that we're heading into winter, there will be more soups and broths on the agenda — and the king of liquid-based meals is, of course, ramen. However, ramen comes in all different flavours and styles (miso vs. broth, pork vs. tofu, black garlic vs. chilli, or all of the above) making it hard to pinpoint which style of wine to pair with it. Which is why Rosé is your hero — it comes in all different flavours and styles and has just enough fruit character to counteract the varying degrees of chilli in ramen. Side note: don't be fooled by the colour of the wine, as not all deeper-coloured Rosés are automatically sweet. Some have bolder fruit flavours with a dry finish, and for those of you who load up their ramen with every type of chilli, a more fruit-driven rose may just be your saviour. In one sentence: No matter your style of ramen, a fruity style of rose will create a nice counterbalance to any chilli or salt-driven flavours. Good if you like: Bold flavours, strawberries, sitting in the warm autumn sun when there's just a slight chill in the air. One to try: 2016 Vignerons Schmolzer and Brown 'Pret-a-Rosé' (Sangiovese, Pinot Noir and Shiraz), Beechworth, Victoria. FRIED CHICKEN AND PINOT NOIR One of the biggest mistakes you can make when pairing wine is thinking that you have to match red wine with red meat and white wine with white meat. Not true. If you work on the principle that you're matching flavour with flavour, the possibilities for food and wine matching become exponential. Fried chicken is a great dish to experiment with a lighter or aromatic style of red, like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc. You just need something with enough tannin structure to break down some of the protein of the chicken, a touch of acid to freshen the palate and counteract the grease, and something with a bit of spice to complement or enhance the seasoning on the chicken. In one sentence: A lighter red like a Pinot Noir will give a bit of freshness to the dense protein of fried chicken — and if the winemaker has used whole bunch to create a savoury element in the wine, this will pair nicely will the spices in the seasoning. Good if you like: Cranberry sauce on your turkey at Christmas time or like experimenting with flavours in the kitchen. One to try: 2016 Mallaluka Pinot Noir, Canberra District, NSW. CHEESEBURGER AND SPARKLING A vintage sparkling wine (particularly one from our spiritual home of sparkling, Tasmania) and a great burger is one of my all-time favourite food and wine pairings. The crunch of a toasted brioche bun with the smokiness of the grilled meat and a creamy bit of cheddar cheese is perfect paired with a sparkling wine — particularly one that has similar toasty flavours but the same backbone of acidity. This will refresh your palate after each greasy (but delicious) bite. In one sentence: Bring an element of luxury to your next takeaway burger with a sparkling wine — the toasty notes in the sparkling will pair with the bun and the acid will cut through the greasiness of the burger. Good if you like: Well, if you're human with tastebuds, you will love this pairing. One to try: 2007 Arras Blanc de Blancs, Tasmania. GOLDEN GAYTIME AND CHARDONNAY Desserts are often the hardest thing to create a pairing for as sugar tends to coat and dominate the palate. Find something with acid (like a late harvest Riesling) or a more delicate style of dessert wine (like a fortified wine or Mistelle) that isn't going to be cloyingly sweet on the palate (just avoid anything that has Botrytis on the label at all costs). Try sweet dishes paired with a lighter, fresher style of wine with citrus flavours and white floral notes, like a Chardonnay, so that the palate is refreshed at the end of the dessert. In one sentence: Sugar + sugar = avoid. Good if you like: Caramel and honeycomb flavours — basically anyone with a sweet tooth. One to try: Bremerton Mistelle fortified Chardonnay, Langhorne Creek, SA. POKÉ BOWL AND RIESLING Like Bert and Ernie and Vegemite and cheese, there are some pairings that are sacrosanct. Riesling and seafood is one such pairing that works every time — in particular with creamier or oilier fish like tuna, kingfish and salmon that you would find in a poké bowl. The floral layers of Riesling (in particular ginger blossom) would work harmoniously with this dish too, as they would pick up on the subtle ginger, miso or sesame characters you might have in your bowl. In one sentence: A creamier or oily fish paired with a bright and acid-driven Riesling is a classic pairing. Good if you like: Squirting lemon on your fish and chips before devouring it. One to try: 2016 Ochota Barrels 'Kids of the Black Hole' Riesling, Adelaide Hills, SA. Celebrate all types of Australian wine by getting involved with Aussie Wine Month over May — there will be events and tasting opportunities all over the country. Images: Kimberley Low.
Classic flicks just keep making the leap to the stage, turning their big-screen tales into song-filled musical adaptations in the process. From 9 to 5 and Muriel's Wedding to Moulin Rouge! and Shrek, a hefty number of beloved movies have done just that — and now Adam Sandler's smash-hit film The Wedding Singer is joining them. The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy was originally due to hit Melbourne in June this year but, as we all know, the pandemic hit. Now it'll head to the city in April 2021, before hitting up the Gold Coast in June and Sydney in July. When it does finally arrive on our shores, The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy will deliver an all-singing, all-dancing stage show based on its hilarious namesake 90s flick. And it's from the same crew that propelled it to sell-out success on Broadway and across the UK, including the writer of the original movie, Tim Herlihy. This one promises to yank you right into The Wedding Singer's 80s world of big hair and classic wedding bangers, thanks to a toe-tapping score that's sure to prompt a few hearty crowd singalongs. It retells the story of party-loving wedding singer and wannabe rock star Robbie Hart, who's left stranded at the altar at his own nuptials. Heartbroken, he sets out to destroy every other wedding he's a part of, until a chance encounter with a waitress: Drew Barrymore's character Julia. Now, he just has to win over the girl... and somehow put a stop to her own upcoming marriage along the way. If you need a refresher, you can watch the OG nostalgic film trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yjOXMTa6vA THE WEDDING SINGER: THE MUSICAL COMEDY AUSTRALIA 2021 TOUR Melbourne: from Friday, April 30 at The Athenaeum Theatre, with tickets via Ticketek Gold Coast: Wednesday, June 16–Saturday, June 26 at HOTA, Home Of The Arts, with tickets via the venue Sydney: from Thursday, July 1 at the State Theatre, with tickets via Ticketmaster The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy starts touring Australia from Friday, April 30, 2021, with seasons in Melbourne, on the Gold Coast and in Sydney. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, December 1 — for more details, and to join the waitlist, head over to the show's website.
In 2023, Kylie Minogue was one of the headline acts at the first-ever Sydney WorldPride. In 2024, Australia's favourite homegrown pop star is leading the bill at another huge event: Splendour in the Grass. 'Padam Padam' will echo across North Byron Bay Parklands to warm up winter — and festivalgoers will be spinning around to the music megastar's three-plus decades of hits. Kylie tops a lineup that also boasts Future and Arcade Fire, with Minogue headlining the Friday night with an exclusive set, then Future doing the Saturday and Arcade Fire taking to the stage on the Sunday. The dates, in case you don't already have them in your diary: Friday, July 19–Sunday, July 21. And yes, 2024's biggest Splendour names have plenty of company. [caption id="attachment_870885" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darenoted Ltd[/caption] You'll also be catching G Flip, Turnstile, The Presets doing a DJ set, Yeat, Hayden James, Girl in Red, Baby Gravy, Tash Sultana, DJ Seinfeld, Fontaines DC, Royel Otis, Tones and I and more. Of course the list goes on from there — it's Splendour. Omar Apollo, The Last Dinner Party, Lizzy McAlpine, The Kills, Thelma Plum, Partiboi69, Angie McMahon, Viagra Boys: add them all to your schedule for the three days, then a whole heap more. [caption id="attachment_945649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leonardo Samrani via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Splendour 2024, which is the festival's 22nd birthday, will feature beats and projections at The Forest, LGBTQIA+ dance club Rainbow Bar, everything from immersive installations to giant sculptures as part of its arts program, and Little Splendour turning a trip to the fest into a family-friendly experience, too. Don't forget that there's also a lineup for the Thursday night as well, with Jimi the Kween, Krissy Jaman, Victoria Anthony and Summer Lover kicking off the proceedings. Splendour in the Grass 2024 Lineup: Friday: Kylie G Flip Turnstile Tash Sultana Omar Apollo Partiboi69 Angie McMahon Viagra Boys ISOxo Confidence Man Otoboke Beaver Allday A.B. Original Yard Act Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers JK-47 Leisure Kita Alexander Skeleten Radio Free Alice Becca Hatch Nick Ward Triple J Unearthed Mix Up DJs: Dameeeela Baschoe Reenie The Forest: Anthony Pappa Wongo Morgazmk Miles Jackson Arya Data Roaming K Dizzy Saturday: Future Yeat Hayden James Fontaines D.C. Lizzy McAlpine Tones and I The Last Dinner Party The Presets (DJ set) Pond Boywithuke Middle Kids Beddy Rays Swim Coco & Clair Clair Michael Marcagi Floodlights Rona. The Dreggs Teenage Joans Good Neighbours Rum Jungle Willo Miss Kaninna Logan. Mix Up DJs: Naynay Naycab The Forest: Grouch Marnie Megapixel Ish K Sophdexx Lucidream Justtim Camila Rosa. Sunday: Arcade Fire Girl in Red Baby Gravy (Yung Gravy X Bbno$) Royel Otis DJ Seinfeld The Kills TV Girl Thelma Plum Fletcher Polaris Eyedress Sofia Kourtesis Sam Alfred Pacific Avenue Erika De Casier Grentperez Danny Ocean Old Mervs Paris Paloma 6 Sense The Slingers Vv Pete Belair Lip Bombs Triple J Unearthed Mix Up DJs: Jhassic & Rakish Bria The Forest: Opiuo Godlands Käse Kochen Grouch in Dub (solo) April Kerry Surge Crooks Farfetchd Smish Wren Thursday night: Jimi the Kween Krissy Jaman Victoria Anthony Summer Lover Splendour in the Grass will take over North Byron Bay Parklands from Friday, July 19–Sunday, July 21, 2024, with ticket presales from 9am–9pm AEDT on Thursday, March 14 for Splendour members, 10am–4pm AEDT on Sunday, March 17 for locals, 9am–9pm AEDT on Monday, March 18 for PYP, 9am–12am AEDT on Tuesday, March 19 for Optus and 9am–9pm AEDT on Wednesday, March 20 via TikTok — and general sales from 9am AEDT on Thursday, March 21. For more information, head to the festival website. Images: Charlie Hardy, Bianca Holderness and Claudia Ciapocha.
Do the drab walls of your over-priced office space make you cry a little inside every weekday? Does working from home make you realise that there is such a thing as a too comfortable workspace? Meet the co-working space: fashionable cousin to working from home and a place that has seen a slew of small businesses and organisations sharing spaces and experiences, all while saving some dosh. Hub Australia is one such space that is opening its Sydney doors for free and, to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, they're allowing you to experience what it's like to have a pretty-looking space to while away the working day. Suss out the Hub kitchen on an office tour, get a taste of the shared office life with networking sessions and workshops, and listen to talks from guest presenters and experts on all things innovation. Participants will even be invited to the Hub's weekly, sufficiently self-explanatory 'Wine Down' from 5pm onwards. Fuel your office envy and register for free here. Image: The HUB Melbourne
After seven years of bringing food to Australians' doors — and alcohol, kitchen and household products, and pop culture-themed board games in some places, too — Deliveroo has delivered a significant piece of news: it now no longer operates in the country. Via a series of messages to customers, on social media and on its local website on Wednesday, November 16, the company announced that it was shutting its Aussie service effective immediately. "Deliveroo no longer operates in Australia," the organisation's website now reads. "Deliveroo has taken the difficult decision to leave Australia. We have been proud to bring so many people amazing meals from Australia's great restaurants over the years," it continues. The company is now in administration, with KordaMentha appointed to oversee the process. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deliveroo (@deliveroo_au) In its statements on social media, Deliveroo called the news a "sad announcement" and reiterated that it "has been a very difficult decision to make". It also called out Australia's "amazing food" and "thousands of brilliant restaurants and riders". Obviously, the sudden shuttering will impact both considerably. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Deliveroo staff will receive compensation, and drivers who made a delivery in the past three months. As a result of the closure, Deliveroo's app is now no longer accepting orders, leaving customers to use competing food-delivery services such as UberEats, Menulog and DoorDash. Since opening in Australia in 2015, in efforts to stand out in a crowded market, Deliveroo has done everything from giving away burgers and Tim Tams, offering free delivery during lockdowns and slinging free fries based on vaccination levels through to even dropping off free Gelato Messina choc tops by boat. For more information about Deliveroo ceasing operations in Australia, head to the service's website.
Fining guests for posting bad reviews of your Vanderbilt-built hotel? Might want to think twice on that poorly-formed brainwave and avoid giving internet reviewers a reason to unite. Union Street Guest House in Hudson, New York is doing exactly that. The Rockefeller/Vanderbilt estate hastily took down a controversial rule from its own website yesterday, according to Huffington Post. The super dumb, money-grabbing rule charged wedding guests (primarily the newlyweds themselves) for any bad reviews posted on review websites like Yelp and Trip Advisor. Yep. Apparently, as pointed out by the initial New York Post story on Monday, couples holding their wedding at the USGH would see a sneaky $500 deducted from their security deposit for each thumbs down posted online by their guests. After a few WTF inquiries, the hotel took to Facebook and pulled the ol' 'it was all a joke' card to quash the backlash, but then mysteriously that post went missing too. "The policy regarding wedding fines was put on our site as a tongue-in-cheek response to a wedding many years ago," read the Facebook post. "It was meant to be taken down and certainly was never enforced." Although it's no longer (obviously) up on the hotel's website, Business Insider snapped it up before it was lost to the ages. Here's what the rule read, seriously: If you have booked the Inn for a wedding or other type of event anywhere in the region and given us a deposit of any kind for guests to stay at USGH there will be a $500 fine that will be deducted from your deposit for every negative review of USGH placed on any internet site by anyone in your party and/or attending your wedding or event. Although the team attempted to put out the fire, the sparks had already flown. Over 500 angry reviewers threw the hotel major shade with the lowest possible rating, again and again and again. Although sites like Yelp delete reviews who haven't actually stayed in the venue up for review, the slams are still coming for USGH: Now Union Street Guest House's rating looks like this: Yikes. Think before you joke-fine. Via Business Insider, Huffington Post and New York Post.
Born out of a dislike for sexy cabaret shows, Circa's Peepshow isn't quite what it seems on the surface. Its posters suggest seduction and saucy movement, but creative director Yaron Lifschitz says it's part of the company's "post-cabaret" work, which takes cabaret motifs and ideas and runs them through a circus filter, turning it on its head. "My theory has been that cabaret has been stealing from circus for many years, so we're stealing back," he says, over the phone from Brisbane, where Circa is based. Peepshow isn't Circa's first work in this style — and it's not a new show, either — but it is making its Sydney Opera House debut right now, running until February 14. We spoke with Lifschitz to find out what audiences can expect from the 80-minute performance. And what surprises they might encounter, too. [caption id="attachment_798985" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] IT'S NOT YOUR STEREOTYPICAL CABARET SHOW Peepshow was created for a six-month run in Berlin and the show is divided into two parts: "The first half is set within this post-cabaret world and the second half is like a nightclub," says Lifschitz. It begins with the voyeurism expected from a cabaret show. "For the first half, everyone and every act is acutely conscious of — and distorted by — the act of looking and knowing you're being looked at and being seen," he says. Then, after the interval, the show becomes more like an "ecstatic rave". "Lights move in and out, no one is performing for anyone, and they're just moving with the gritty abandon of performance and of the true body." [caption id="attachment_798993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] IT'LL MAKE YOU WANT TO MOVE Lifschitz tells us audiences are taken on a journey from acting and responding to what's on stage like they're in a cabaret to "being filled with music and body, light and smoke, and energy and skill. It almost bypasses their eyes and talks directly to their guts and their bloodstream," he says. So you might find yourself moving along to the music from your chair. "Almost the whole second act is one continual mixed track by an Israeli DJ. It doesn't apologise for going to the ends of bodies and energy — and I love that about it." [caption id="attachment_798988" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] IT HAS HUMAN CONNECTION AT ITS CORE "Going from a sexy, cool exterior to something with authenticity and emotion is the exciting journey of the show," says the creator. Yes, you can expect exceptional circus skills — from aerial and tissue sequences to group acrobatics — but human connection is what makes Circa's work stand out from the pack. "The revelation for me during Covid times was that I don't go to the theatre to be entertained. I hope it does entertain me, but I go to the theatre for meaning and connection. Entertainment for me is like the function of skills in circus: it's the thing you do to be able to connect with the audience. It's like the price of admission, not the ultimate pay off." And its sexiness isn't all lingerie and lipstick either: "I think sexiness is not young people grinding against each other; I think it comes from confidence and strength and authenticity of the body." [caption id="attachment_798987" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] IT'S NEVER BORING As a circus maker, Lifschitz and his team have a mantra: 'thou shalt not bore'. "I would say this show takes audiences into some very unexpected places," he says. "The show is overtly fun, because it talks directly to its audience. It plays with the audience. You get to clap. And we allow release, whereas in most of our stage shows we try to hold a lot of tension in and on stage." And, like in all circus shows, bodies morph and connect with each other in different ways. "The line between skill and presence is constantly blurred and challenged," he says. [caption id="attachment_798986" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] IT'S SURPRISINGLY FAMILY FRIENDLY "Teenagers would blush, for sure," says Lifschitz. "But grown ups will be fine." Peepshow is suitable for ages 15-plus, which means it's both a show you can take a date to and and night out for families. In its six-month run in Berlin, Lifschitz tells us they performed for families and hens parties alike. "We're all united by the fact we have bodies, which is one of the powerful things the show reminds us," he says. "It's a great date show, partly because it'll give you a lot to talk about. It's sexy, it's playful, it's funny. And on the other hand, it takes something you admire from the outside and then you internalise it; you move and groove with it, too" 'Peepshow' is running at Sydney Opera House from February 2–14. Tickets start from $49. Find out more and book your tickets, here. Top images: Prudence Upton
"Well sir, there's no easy way to say this. Your wife isn't who she says she is." So starts the just-dropped full trailer for the fifth season of Fargo, the anthology TV show inspired by the big-screen Coen brothers masterpiece. Spinning blackly comedic crime tales just like the movie, this series charts a different caper with each go-around — and enlists a different cast, too — with the wife being spoken about here played by Ted Lasso's Juno Temple. Like season one, two and the movie, Fargo season five spends its time in Minnesota and North Dakota. The year: 2019. Dorothy 'Dot' Lyon (Temple) is the otherwise-ordinary person falling afoul of the law, or so it seems. Indeed, as her husband Wayne (David Rysdahl, Oppenheimer) learns, she not an average Midwestern housewife. And, as also seen in two prior sneak peeks, there's plenty more to this story. With Jon Hamm (Good Omens) also starring as Roy Tillman, the North Dakota Sheriff (and preacher) on Dot's trail, this tale is set to get twisty fast — and also include a heap of other familiar faces. Joining Temple, Hamm and Rysdahl: Jennifer Jason Leigh (Hunters), Joe Keery (Stranger Things), Lamorne Morris (Woke), Richa Moorjani (Never Have I Ever), Sam Spruell (The Gold) and Dave Foley (The Kids in the Hall). In a case of spectacular casting, Keery will put his famous hair to good use as Tillman's son Gator, in a franchise that also loves unpacking the ties of blood that bind and cause chaos. Spruell plays a drifter who is enlisted to help on the search for Dot, while Leigh hops onboard as Wayne's mother, aka the 'Queen of Debt' thanks to being a debt collection company CEO — and Foley plays her in-house counsel. Among the cops, there's Moorjani as a deputy from Minnesota and Morris as a North Dakota counterpart. Oh you betcha there's accents, crime capers, dedicated cops, and people doing dark deeds for selfish reasons and then getting karmic comeuppance, with Fargo season five arriving in Australia via SBS On Demand on Wednesday, November 22. 2023 marks almost a decade since writer, director and producer Noah Hawley leapt from Bones, The Unusuals and My Generation to diving back into crime in often-frosty American places with sly laughs. The first two seasons arrived back to back in 2014 and 2015, with season three then following in 2017 and season four in 2020. Now, after another three-year gap, the show returns with another new story and cast, but still set in the same world as the Fargo movie. Check out the full trailer for Fargo season five below: Fargo season five will start streaming via SBS On Demand on Wednesday, November 22. Images: Michelle Faye/FX.
