Category: FEATURES

Love Spanish dance? Try the Flamenco Festival at Sadler’s Wells

Flamenco dancer

vibrant and passionate art of flamenco is currently taking centre stage at the iconic Sadler’s Wells theatre in London. The Flamenco Festival 2023, running from 15 July to 29 July, brings together a showcase of the world’s greatest flamenco talent in an electrifying celebration of this timeless Spanish tradition. The festival features an impressive line-up of international artists, including renowned dancer and choreographer, Maria Pages, who presents her latest work, “An Ode to Time”. This captivating performance is a reflection on the human experience of time and the inevitable passage of life, with flamenco music and dance expertly woven into the fabric of this deeply moving piece. Other highlights of the festival include the Gala Flamenca, featuring an all-male cast of contemporary flamenco mavericks, Manuel Linan and Alfonso Losa, whose high-energy performances showcase the evolution of this dynamic art form. But flamenco isn’t just about the performers – it’s an immersive cultural experience that embraces the soul of Spain and its people. From the ringing sound of guitar strings to the raw, impassioned wail of the cantaor (singer), the spirit of flamenco is infectious and impossible to resist. As well as the performances, the festival offers a range of workshops where participants can learn and explore the choreographic style of flamenco in greater depth. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to experience the passion and energy of the dance first-hand, under the guidance of experienced instructors. With its thrilling rhythms, intricate footwork, and emotive storytelling, flamenco is an art form that captivates and enchants audiences… Read More

Amazon Prime Day in Australia: Best home buys

Holiday booking online

Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner and Australians are gearing up for one of the biggest online shopping events of the year. From tech gadgets to fashion finds, Amazon Prime Day has it all. With discounts on thousands of products, shoppers can find bargains on everything they need and more. This is the perfect time to score incredible deals on items you’ve been eyeing or to discover new products at unbeatable prices. Here’s what we’re watching… Amazon Echo Dot Amazon Fire Stick Beats headphones Sunbeam coffee machine Jeecoo M20 Computer Speakers for PC Desktop Monitor, Bluetooth V5.3 PC Sound Bar foreverLily LED Face Mask Light Therapy Rode USB podcast microphone Joseph Joseph Elevate Knives Carousel set

Best buys this Amazon Prime Day in the UK 2023

Man hands credit card online shopping

In just a few days, Amazon will be launching its highly anticipated Prime Day event on 11 and 12 July 2023! This two-day extravaganza is a sales bonanza for Amazon Prime members with discounts available on thousands of products ranging from electronics to home goods and everything in between. If you’re looking to snag some great deals, this is the perfect opportunity to grab items at a fraction of their original price. In this blog post, we’ll list some items we’re watching to make the most of the shopping experience of the year. So, whether you’re a seasoned Prime Day pro or a first-time shopper, get ready to save big with Amazon’s Prime Day! Click this promo image to go right to Prime Day! Giant dog bed for humans Cordless wall sconce lights with adjustable brightness and warmth Reusable ice cubes in fun colours Drinkable greens for gut health and wellness Memory foam bed wedge pillow with pockets for storage Wireless Bluetooth printer – no ink needed! Silicone couch armrest tray with pockets for holding anything – fits any couch! Stone quick dry bath mat that never needs to be washed Smart side table with plugs and storage

How to be resilient as a stoic in this tough modern world

Marcus Aurelius

Modern Stoicism: Top 5 Books to Help You Live a More Meaningful Life Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, has been gaining popularity in recent years as a practical approach to living a more mindful and fulfilling life. The principles of Stoicism emphasise the importance of self-control, rational thinking, and mindfulness to achieve inner peace amid the chaos of everyday life. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 books on modern Stoicism that can help you incorporate these principles into your daily routine, and ultimately, lead a more meaningful life. All the books are on sale, too! In conclusion, these top 5 books on modern Stoicism offer practical insights and exercises to help readers live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Whether you’re new to Stoicism or a seasoned practitioner, these books are sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration.

What to see at Kew Gardens before summer ends

london-kew-gardens-gardens-and-lake

Don’t let the summer slip away without experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Kew Gardens after hours with a new series of unique events. From classical music concerts to guided wine tastings, these evening events offer a rare opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site at sunset, when the gardens take on an entirely different kind of magic. On Thursday 21 September, The Nash Sessions kick off the musical side of things with a special performance by The Morassi Quartet. This talented group, who have wowed audiences across the UK and beyond, will perform a selection of classical favourites from Mozart and Debussy, as well as popular hits from Adele and The Beatles, all by candlelight in the beautiful surroundings of Kew’s oldest glasshouse. For those more interested in wine, the Kew Series in partnership with Laithwaites Wine presents Wine Walks on Wednesday 6 September. This multi-sensory guided tour of the gardens includes tastings of sparkling rosé in the Rose Garden, Italian wines in the Mediterranean Garden, and tropical New World wines inside the magnificent Temperate House. The evening ends on a high note at the Pavilion Bar & Grill with a classic Bordeaux vintage, offering a chance to soak up the late summer ambience of Kew Gardens while sipping on delicious, lesser-known grape varieties. And for those wanting to take home a piece of the experience, visitors can purchase bottles from the newly launched Kew Series by Laithwaites range of wines, which showcases lesser-known yet deeply delicious grape varieties from around the world. 10%… Read More

Opera Australia hits the road with razor sharp production of The Barber of Seville

Barber of Seville feature

Opera Australia is taking one of the most beloved operas of all time, The Barber of Seville, on tour once again for the 27th annual National Tour. This year’s production, directed by award-winning director Priscilla Jackman, boasts a fresh new take on the classic masterpiece, featuring updated characters and set in the Victorian town of Seville and the nearby Yarra Valley wine region. The cast is composed of some of Opera Australia’s finest musicians and singers, including the talented sopranos Esther Song and Cathy-Di Zhang who will share the role of Rosina, and tenor Shanul Sharma, who recently dazzled audiences as Gandhi in Philip Glass’ Satyagraha at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. Christian Haotian Qi and Andrew Williams will share the iconic role of Figaro, The Barber of Seville. The two-month tour will travel over 14,000 kilometres across five states and territories, visiting 15 metropolitan and regional theatres in New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Victoria. For the first time, the tour will visit the towns of Goulburn (NSW) and Cleveland (QLD), while making a welcome return to Cairns, Katherine, Alice Springs, Kalgoorlie, and Albany. Opera Australia continues its commitment to take opera out of major cities and into regional areas, with Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, stating that this is an essential part of the company’s annual program. The Regional Children’s Chorus program, under the direction of Children’s Chorus Master Jonathon Bam, is one of the many outreach programs that Opera Australia engages in with local communities at each location the tour… Read More

New wine bar Melbourne: By The Glass in Armadale

By The GLass bar wine bar

Wine lovers, rejoice! There’s a new wine bar in town that’s sure to become your new go-to destination for a night out. Introducing By The Glass, located in Armadale, this venue is bringing quintessential European concepts to Australia with its cosy yet adventurous atmosphere. Upon entering By The Glass, you’ll be greeted by an expansive selection of wines from around the world, available by the bottle or by the glass. From Australian Chenin Blanc to Argentinian Malbec, there’s something to suit every palate. The wine list is curated with a whole menu refresh every six weeks, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try. The sixty-eight-seater wine bar is divided into several intimate spaces, each with its unique atmosphere, depending on the occasion. From the dark and moody indoor dining area to the hypnotic ambience of the street front dining section, By The Glass offers a variety of seating options. Plus, their secluded thirty-eight-seat arcade area is perfect for those looking for a more private dining experience. But it’s not just the wine that’s impressive at By The Glass – the food menu is equally enticing. Venue Manager and Head Chef Myles Davis-Schiele has created a menu bursting with flavour, featuring dishes like Burnt Butter Brioche topped with mackerel, Duck & Lamb Pate, and Oysters with preserved lemon oil & bloody shiraz gin caviar. Plus, the Marinated Beef Heart served with chimichurri, Burnt Butter Cauliflower, and Lamb Carpaccio are favourites gracing the menu. By The Glass owners, Ron Dhali and Gareth Yan, are… Read More

What to expect from the new season by Opera Australia

Opera Australia promo

Mark your calendars for Opera Australia’s much-awaited 2024 Sydney Summer Season, brought to you by the talented guest Creative Director Lindy Hume. Get ready to experience five Sydney Opera House premieres that will leave you awestruck! This season will showcase the virtuosity of Australian talent both on and off the stage, featuring a premier selection of international guest artists. Opera Australia celebrates the potency of opera in contemporary storytelling through this carefully curated selection of operas. Inspired by the European Enlightenment Era, this season features four operas written in the 18th century. Lindy Hume, the mastermind behind this program, says the season is filled with extraordinary music, deep contemplation, and brimming with optimism for the future. With an emphasis on collaboration, this season includes milestone partnerships with Victorian Opera, Pinchgut Opera, Circa, and Opera Queensland, plus a welcome return to the Sydney Festival program. This celebratory season captures how versatile and dynamic the artform can be. Opera Australia’s CEO, Fiona Allan, explained that Lindy Hume was the perfect choice to create an interim Sydney Summer program for OA. Her season is tremendously refreshing, filled with exciting works showcasing a great breadth of artistic talent from all across Australia and around the world. Audiences will be presented with some of Australia’s brightest local and returning talent, including directors Sarah Giles and Yaron Lifschitz, conductor Jessica Cottis, and singers Samantha Clarke, Caitlin Hulcup, Michael Smallwood, Helen Sherman, and New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes. Join us for the debut of Kate Gaul’s fantastical and eclectic new production of… Read More

Some of the best EOFY sales in Australia right now

Dr Martens shop Westfield Sydney shopping

As the end of the financial year approaches in Australia, businesses across the country are preparing to offer some of the biggest sales of the year. This time of year is an excellent opportunity to grab a bargain on everything from technology to household appliances and clothing. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the end of financial year sales in Australia, including when they start, where to find the best deals, and how to make the most of your shopping experience. So, get ready to save big and make the most of the EOFY sales! Superdry If you’re on the lookout for stylish and high-quality clothing, Superdry is a brand that you won’t want to miss. With a focus on combining vintage Americana styling with Japanese-inspired graphics and attention to detail, Superdry offers a unique and distinctive range of clothing for men and women. From their signature hoodies and t-shirts to jackets, jeans, and accessories, Superdry’s clothing is designed to be both practical and fashionable. With a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, Superdry is a brand that you can feel good about supporting. Hush Puppies Hush Puppies Outdoor boots with Michelin soles are the perfect combination of style and function, designed to take you on any adventure you desire. These boots feature a durable leather upper combined with a waterproof membrane, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable no matter the weather conditions. The Michelin sole provides superior grip and traction, allowing you to navigate any terrain with… Read More