Category: CITIES

Sydney World Pride surprise – Ava Max to perform!

Updated: 19/02/2023

Just when you thought this season’s Sydney World Pride and annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebration couldn’t get larger, think again! Ava Max has recently announced she will perform in Sydney’s open air knoll that is The Domain, right in the heart of town, as part of the epic line-up at the official closing concert Rainbow Republic presented by Optus at The Domain on Sunday 5 March 2023. The event will be Ava Max’s first public performance in Australia, and her only Australian appearance this summer. And if that’s not enough, G Flip and Keiynan Lonsdale will co-host Rainbow Republic and perform at the seven-hour closing concert at The Domain, as Sydney hands to baton to the WorldPride 2025 host city Washington DC. Ava Max and Kim Petras are appearing exclusively at Rainbow Republic. Sydney WorldPride has started and runs for 17 days. To mark the start of the festival, for one-night only, the Sydney Opera House will be lit up with the Pride Progress Flag tonight as part of the #RainbowCity public art project. Final tickets to Rainbow Republic presented by Optus are available now at SydneyWorldPride.com.

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

Tags: Ava Max, Ava Max Sydney, ThE F Mardi Gras, the f sydney, THE F Sydney World Pride, World Pride

Pride floral exhibition at The Calyx in The Domain

by James Banham

Updated: 21/04/2023

Presented as part of Sydney WorldPride Pride Amplified, the world-renowned floral show Fleurs de Villes PRIDE is coming back with an exclusive Preview Night, and a groovy Floral Disco, alongside the intriguing guided Queer Plants Walk and botanical Archie Rose Spirits Tasting and Garden Walk adventures all coming to life in the central events hub, The Calyx in The Domain park, Sydney. Minus the alcohol, loud music and obscene (-ly lovely) nudity that takes over Oxford Street and Hordern Pavillion when Mardi Gras is in town, this is a way for friends and members of the rainbow community to celebrate with a little more peaceful contemplation. Flowers have always been a way to express one’s feelings. There is a reason why different flowers emit different meanings. If you have been thinking about gifting a bouquet, why not get flowers online from this website. Here’s a run down of what’s on: Fleurs de Villes: PRIDE The famous international floral show Fleurs de Villes is returning to The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney between 17 – 26 February for another fresh celebration. Fleurs de Villes: PRIDE is a stunning 10-day exhibition celebrating joy and inclusivity by featuring 15 beautiful floral mannequins paying homage to inspirational members and allies to the LGBTQIA+ community. These stunning masterpieces will be designed and created by talented Sydney florists including Uncle & Ghost Botanics, Rose Moon Flowers and Hayfever flowers to name a few. To get a sneak peek of the profound display guests can attend the exclusive Preview Night on 16 February to meet and greet the florists and have their say on… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

The Veronicas will own Oxford Street this Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

The Veronicas smiling and laughing in each others' arms

by James Banham

Updated: 03/03/2024

In possibly the second-gayest piece of news to come out about the upcoming annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for 2023 – after the news that Kylie Minogue will smash the after party – The Veronicas will dominate the famous Oxford Street parade! The Veronicas will provide a knockout rendition of ‘Untouched’ supported by 80 members of the American Express Pride+ Colleague Network who will march and celebrate alongside them. This comes after they headlined the afterparty at Hodern Pavillion for the 2023 Sydney Mardi Gras, the sisters will again stir the clubber within of every attendee along Oxford Street in their positions as the official ambassadors of American Express’ With You & Proud community initiative which will see LGBTQIA+ champions from around Australia receive the opportunity to attend a special Sydney WorldPride experience including tickets to sold out events as well as dining and entertainment vouchers. They said, “For Jessie, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and for both of us as passionate allies, we’re honoured to bring American Express’ With You &Proud initiative to life – we can’t wait to celebrate this incredible community and share our personal stories of pride together. “Having grown up deeply connected and involved with the LGBTQIA+ community from a young age and creating safe space for all at our shows for 18 years, representing Australia for WorldPride and being part of this incredible initiative will be an absolute personal and career highlight.” See them on the Oxford Street circuit! For more about where to watch the parade, head here

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

Tags: Oxford Street Parade, sydney mardi gras, Sydney Mardi Gras Oxford Street Parade, Sydney World Pride 2023, The Veronicas, Veronicas American Express, Veronicas SYdney Mardi Gras

Ride the Vengabus this Sydney World Pride

by James Banham

Posted: 17/02/2023

There’s no secret that the Vengaboys are coming and everybody’s jumping this Sydney World Pride 2023! And to celebrate, they’ve partnered with Uber to shuttle an actual Vengabus around town to cart guests from party to party. From February 17 until March 5 the ultimate party bus called Uber Pride Ride will run throughout the festival, and be jam packed with on-board performances from drag icons like Jojo Zaho, Carla from Bankstown, Coco Jumbo, as well as educational talks from Black Rainbow, which advocates for LGBTQI+SB first nations voices. So get your gladrags on and prepare to party, because Uber is bringing the ultimate inner city disco onwheels to Sydney for Pride. Hosted by 90s pop icons the Vengaboys and drag queen royalty, the UberPride Ride is a free hop-on, hop-off bendy bus, helping festival-goers navigate around events easily,safely and with heaps of fun en route.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Sydney World Pride, THE F Pride, THE F Vengabus, Uber Vengabus, Vengaboys Sydney, Who to see Sydney World Pride, World Pride 2023

London’s Southbank: Circa Contemporary Circus will premiere Humans 2.0

by James Banham

Posted: 17/02/2023

Based in Australia, international circus company Circa Contemporary Circus will bring the London premiere of Humans 2.0 to the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall from 12 – 16 April 2023. A circus in every sense of the world, they’ll take over London’s Southbank, right in the heart of town, to showcase their feats of balance, muscular control and teamwork. Humans 2.0 is a deeply primal show that showcases the beauty and mechanics of acrobatics. With a minimalist set, the show is aesthetically led by the physicality of the human body. A troupe of ten acrobats push their physical limits to the extreme with feats including hand-to-hand acrobatics, human towers and banquine, using the sheer human body as swings, climbing frames and supports. Themes that shine through are teamwork and trust, and the show asks; Can we ever find a perfect balance, or is adapting to constant change the only way forward? Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, the production blends theatre with circus and dance. The score is created by one of the founding fathers of the techno scene in Israel, composer Ori Lichtik. For more info and to get a ticket, head to the Southbank Centre website

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, LONDON

Tags: Best circus London, Humans circus, London circus, London Southbank circus, The F London, Whats on Southbank

Get better boots: Julius Marlow, but not like you remember them

Crystal Sole Julius Marlow boots brown 2

by James Banham

Posted: 17/02/2023

As we gradually move away from the calendar summer months and take a trip to autumn for another season, it’s almost time to bring the boots out of storage and shake the dust off. But if like most, your boot-care skills are left wanting, then it might be the time to invest in some new, comfier options by an oldie-but-a-goodie; Julius Marlow. Known as the go-to in department stores around the country, the JM brand is back with a new boot for the season that uses some flash new technology: the Crystal Sole. Crystal Sole is packed with quality materials, curating the perfect work shoe. Boasting a functional sole, offering flexibility, extra grip, and ultimate durability, in this latest Julius Marlow’s Crystal Sole Work technology, the outsole has a new slip-resistant feature. With the help of Julius Marlow, Crystal Sole will be your best shoes yet this year. With genius technology in focus, The Crystal Sole Work collection is tailored to meet the specific needs of hospitality workers.The range features a professional look, and with a slip-resistant component added to Crystal Sole tech, it can be worn in the kitchen, front- or back-of-house areas. The design of the shoes is intended to provide comfort, durability for those who are on their feet for long periods of time, as well as slip-resistance for those sticky situations. Curious? So you should be. In brown, black and low cut for your more dressy occasions, they’re every man’s must-have this season. Here’s more info:

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, MELBOURNE, MEN'S STYLE, STYLE

Tags: Best boots Melbourne, Best men's boots, Crystal Sole boots, Julius Marlow boots, Melbourne boots brands, THE F Julius Marlow

See drag queens Trinity The Tuck, Monét X Change, Jinkx Monsoon in May

by James Banham

Updated: 17/02/2023

After the glitter has settled this Sydney World Pride 2023 and the day jobs kick back, your next opportunity to check back out of reality and get your drag on won’t be too hard behind! See more about Sydney World Pride 2023 here. This May along the eastern seaboard of Australia, the Queens will be serving up the ultimate eleganza extravaganza in the LEGENDS Tour has already proved a hit with Aussies and Kiwis, with a number of shows already sold out (Brisbane, Sydney and Perth) and final tickets on sale for Melbourne and Adelaide. Due to unprecedented demand, more dates have been added for Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, with all ages performances also added to the schedule to keep it inclusive. With meet and greets on offer, too the time is now for tickets.

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

Tags: Drag shows Sydney, See drag queens, Sydney drag queens, sydney mardi gras, Sydney Pride, Sydney World Pride, Where to see drag Sydney

Over 40 parties to get into this Sydney World Pride 2023

by James Banham

Updated: 17/02/2023

From 17 February – 5 March to celebrate Sydney WorldPride 2023, there are over 40 new parties and events to get your gay on. They’re saying there’s an event to suit everyone with drag brunches, long lunches, dog shows and rooftop parties, plus Merivale’s inaugural Pride Plane experience, so we’ve done some digging and pulled out some favourites, listed below – there are too many options, though to list them all! Rest assured, if you’re used to Sydney’s renowned Mardi Gras celebrations, the oldies will still be back, like Vic on the Pardi Gras (at Vic on the Park Hotel, Marrickville), The Beresford Dog Show and Drag Brunches taking place across The Beresford, Coogee Rooftop, Queen Chow Enmore, ivy Pool Club and The Paddington. DRAG GALA AT TARONGA ZOO This year, as part of WorldPride, the team have launched the inaugural Drag Gala performance, featuring performances from the one and only Karen from Finance alongside several best, iconic and most sought-after drag superstars: KITA MEAN, SPANKIE JACKZON & CARLA FROM BANKSTOWN Highlighting the diverse range of talent, disciplines and backgrounds that the Down Under drag scene offers, the Drag Gala will be a fresh new format, with group acts, duos and solos. The Drag Gala will be hosted by the queen of corporate herself, Karen From Finance, who recently placed as one of the top four finalists in season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, which took to international airways in May 2021. Get tickets here DRAG HAUS WORLD PRIDE 2023 With 15+ Queens in the mix, and 30+ performances, this supersized Drag Haus will be a true showing of drag excellence for… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

Tags: gay sydney, merivale sydney, sydney, sydney gay, Where to celebrate World Pride, World Pride parties, World Pride Sydney

Opera Australia’s singer shine bright in new Adriana Lecouvreur

Opera Adriana Lecouvreur woman lying in purple water

by James Banham

Updated: 12/02/2023

From 20 Feb to 7 March, Opera Australia will put on the ultimate story of love, drama and costumery with a hint of espionage, that is Adriana Lecouvreur. Played this season by Opera Australia favourite, Ermonela Jaho, the role demands the finest talent in both singing and acting, and Albanian soprano’s renowned musical and storytelling skills make her perfect to return to Sydney to reprise the part. Michael Fabiano will return also, after his last performance with the Company in 2019, to make his role debut as the romantic lead, Maurizio. Coming from the cast of Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera, Fabiano will first perform his debut Australian solo recital at Melbourne City Recital Hall on February 12. See more info on that here. The production this year is a new reimagining by director Rosetta Cucchi, which will bring to life Cilèa’s operatic incarnation of the true story of Adrienne Lecouvreur is one of many adaptations of her fascinating life across a variety of artforms. Cucchi’s vision of this high-tension love triangle drama, including a stunning silks performance, will have audiences intrigued by Adriana’s scandalous tale until the final curtain falls. Book tickets at the Opera Australia website

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, OPERA, SYDNEY

Tags: Best Sydney operas, opera australia, sydney opera, What to see Sydney, What's On Sydney

Where to watch Sydney Mardi Gras’ new Pride route for 2023

Mardi Gras Parade men topless in speedos

by James Banham

Updated: 11/02/2023

With a new route that still wind sup out front of the party to end all parties, the Mardi Gras after party at Hordern Pavillion where you’ll see Agnes, Sugababes, Kitty Glitter and plenty more acts, it’s time to start getting excited. On Saturday 25 February 2023, the world-renowned Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returns home to Oxford Street in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras march. This iconic event unites individuals across the LGBTQIA+ communities to showcase their pride, advocate for equal rights and express their passion. As the centrepiece of the epic Sydney WorldPride Festival, all eyes will be focused on 12,500 marchers as over 200 floats grace Oxford Street for the first time since 2020. Expect to see all of your Parade favourites, with First Nations, 78ers and the legendary rumble of the Dykes on Bikes leading the Parade as well as the quintessentially Australian Lifesavers With Pride and the many colourful, political, satirical and outlandish floats that has made the Parade famous over the last four decades. This year’s Festival theme, “Gather, Dream, Amplify,” comes to life as bigger floats adorn the entirely revamped route. With lighting and firework shows elevating the spectacle of the Parade, from Hyde Park to Moore Park, including a new Parade route milestone Drivers Triangle located by recently-announced Viewing Area Ruby Road. For more about Mardi Gras in Sydney 2023, head to the website and plan your night!

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: mardi gras, Sydney Mardi Gras 2023, Where to watch Mardi Gras, Where to watch Sydney Mardi Gras Parade 2023, Where to watch Sydney Mardi Gras' new Pride route for 2023

ARTS & CULTURE

A Cindarella Royal Opera Affair at the Sydney Opera House

28/11/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to dust off your glass slippers and prepare for a royal night out as Opera Australia rolls out the red carpet for the Australian premiere of Cinderella (Cendrillon), opening at the Sydney Opera House this summer. And here’s the twist—this isn’t just another fairy tale outing. Think dazzling voices, high-fashion-meets-18th-century costumes, and, the pièce de résistance, an all-Australian, mostly female-powered superstar cast. All Hail the All-Australian Cast Leading the charge is mezzo soprano Emily Edmonds in her debut as leading lady, stepping into Cinderella’s much-coveted shoes. It’s her big moment, and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better royal-to-be. Playing Prince Charming in the iconic ‘pants role’ is Margaret Plummer, making her return home from a sparkling international career. She’ll share the spotlight with fellow powerhouse Sian Sharp, an Opera Australia principal singer who knows how to bring the charm. And in a role that’s truly otherworldly, the Fairy Godmother will be brought to life by beloved soprano Emma Matthews—just what you need for some magical, operatic sparkle. Of course, no Cinderella story is complete without a wicked stepmother and, less-than-ideal stepsisters. Angela Hogan and Dominica Matthews will channel their inner villainess with all the outrageousness you could hope for, while Ashlyn Tymms takes her Opera Australia principal role debut alongside Jennifer Black and Jane Ede as the hilariously dreadful stepsisters. Throw in Richard Anderson as Cinderella’s father, Shane Lowrencev as the King, and Iain Henderson and Virgilio Marino as the Dean of Faculty, and you’ve got yourself an ensemble fit for a… Read More

Yayoi Kasuma makes more history at NGV Melbourne

22/11/2024

By James Banham

This summer, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne invites you to lose yourself in the extraordinary universe of Yayoi Kusama.

Why rush to see The Great Mughals at V&A: a celebration of opulence, art and culture

22/11/2024

By James Banham

Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence. For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires. The Glory of the Mughals The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation. Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences. Unveiling the Court’s Creative Mastery At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of… Read More

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More