Category: CITIES

Cinderella on stage is coming to Sydney!

Santino Fontana and Laura Osnes Original Broadway Production of CINDERELLA (c) Carol Rosegg

Updated: 11/04/2021

Opera Australia and the Gordon Frost Organisation are teaming up to bring us the Rogers & Hammerstein masterpiece Cinderella on stage in Sydney this year. Continuing their wildly successful collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless musicals, most recently The King and I, Opera Australia and The Gordon Frost Organisation are uniting again to produce the Tony® Award-winning Broadway production for the first time in Australia, with support from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most popular titles, Cinderella was written for television, debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, who was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance. More than 100 million viewers saw the broadcast, more people than any other program in the history of television at the time. Cinderella was re-made for television in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren in the title role, Ginger Rogers and Walter Pidgeon as the King and Queen, and Celeste Holm as the Fairy Godmother. A further television remake followed in 1997 with Brandy as Cinderella, Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, Bernadette Peters as the Stepmother, Whoopi Goldberg as the Queen and Jason Alexander as Lionel. And now, it’s on stage in our fair Sydney with tickets on sale on 30 April, with pre-sales from 26 April – join the waitlist now at cinderellamusical.com.au.

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, THEATRE

Tags: Cinderella on stage is coming to Sydney, Join waitlist Cinderella, Sydney Cinderella, sydney theatre, Sydney theatre guide, What to see theatre Sydney

A new kind of Mexican in Melbourne: Johnny’s Green Room ‘New El Paso’

by James Banham

Updated: 11/04/2021

This Sunday 11 April, there’s a new once-off Tex-Mex extravaganza at Johnny’s Green Room in Melbourne, showcasing the yummiest in food and drink of the Mexican persuasion. Complete with Melbourne rooftop views, delicious Mex-American dishes will be pumped out for under $20 alongside tunes from DJ Chico G. Oh, and a special one-time-only gelato taco from gelateria (and Johnny’s neighbour) Pidapipo will round out the menu with the perfect sweet finale. Garage Project will also have their Golden Path IPA on tap to sip (for only $12 a pint) and enjoy the city views whilst you chow down on delicious tacos and quesadillas. Here’s what to get excited for: Totopos con queso – $11 Corn chips & nacho cheese sauce Mushroom quesadilla – $11 Pine mushrooms, Oaxaca cheese & jalapeño Burnt ends hard shell tacos (2pc) – $17 Smoked brisket burnt ends, salsa roja & guacamole Torta ahogada – $16 Fried chicken sandwich, chipotle mayo, iceberg, guajillo & tomato salsa Pidapipo gelato taco – $11 Sweet corn gelato tacos with capsicum and strawberry jam, poached cucumber & peanut croquant Johnny’s 8 Ball – $20 Blanco tequila, mezcal, Aperol, yellow chartreuse, lime Find it at Johnny’s Green Room presents: ‘New El Paso’ Sunday 11 April, 12pmLevel 2, King & Godfree LnCarlton VIC 3053

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, MEXICAN FOOD

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Victoria and Albert Museum London’s got an exhibition of Fabergé eggs and more

by James Banham

Updated: 10/02/2022

Opening this November, the V&A announces Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution, the first major exhibition devoted to the international prominence of the legendary Russian goldsmith and the importance of his little-known London branch: Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution Gallery 39 and North Court 20 November 2021 – 8 May 2022 With a focus on Fabergé’s Edwardian high society clientele, the exhibition will shine a light on his triumphs in Britain as well as a global fascination with the joyful opulence of his creations. Three of his legendary Imperial Easter Eggs will go on display for the first time in the UK as part of the exhibition’s dramatic finalé. Who or what is Feberge? Carl Fabergé is the man which is now synonymous with his internationally recognised firm that symbolised Russian craftsmanship and elegance – an association further strengthened by its connection to the romance, glamour and tragedy of the Russian Imperial family. Highlights to see: A miniature of the Imperial Regalia, lent by the Hermitage Museum, made for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle will capture Carl Fabergé’s role as official goldsmith to the Imperial family a figurine portrait taken from life of the private bodyguard of the Dowager Empress will be on display – a sculpture on a level of rarity with the Imperial Easter eggs A prayer book gifted by Emperor Nicholas II to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna on his Coronation Day will also sit alongside early photography of the Imperial family with their prized possessions, and more! For more information and to book your visit, head to… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Faberge, Faberge exhibition London, V&A Museum, VA Museum London, Victoria Albert Museum

ANZAC Day 2021: 10 ways to commemorate in NSW

by James Banham

Updated: 05/04/2021

Each year, we gather to remember those who gave up their lives and who they were for the betterment of Australia. And what better way to commemorate their sacrifices than racking up a few truly Australian ways to cast our minds back and have a bit of fun in the process? Here are 10 sensational ideas to commemorate the men and women of our past, around New South Wales. Step back in time in one of Sydney’s most historic neighbourhoods – The Rocks. Indulge in a diggers breakfast at the colonial style Australian Heritage Hotel, plus enjoy the Scot’s Marching Band and live entertainment all day. Spend the night on the site of Sydney’s first hospital at Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney, built in 1887, and wake up early for an Anzac Day dawn climb with BridgeClimb Sydney. Not all of Sydney’s historic pubs are in the Rocks – Parramatta’s Woolpack Hotel was established in 1796. Book a weekend in the city staying at Rydges Parramatta or PARKROYAL Parramatta and check out some of the nearby heritage-listed sites like Australia’s oldest public building, Old Government House in Parramatta Park. Another Sydney suburb full of heritage charm Balmain is home to local institution The London, dating back to 1870. In fact, Balmain has the highest pub-to-person ratio in Australia with the historic Dry Dock Hotel, established in 1857, another spot to settle in for the day. Be sure to drive over the picturesque Anzac Bridge on your way to Balmain, named in honour of Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Telling… Read More

Category: CITIES, SYDNEY

Tags: ANZAC Day 2021, ANZAC Day 2021 10 ways to commemorate in NSW, What is ANZAC Day

Get your booking for Drag Brunch Sundays at The Smith, Prahran Melbourne

by James Banham

Posted: 05/04/2021

Sometimes brunch can be boring. To remedy that, you need a little glitter in your life. Enter The Smith Prahran, offering up Sunday brunch options that serve food, yeah, but offer up the snacks the likes of Max Drag Queen up as the main dish in all her glamorous glory. A two-hour brunch package that includes a brunch dish and bottomless spritzes, you’ll be entertained by Max and Jaw Breakers’ DJs Kali and Sabrina. For the menu and to make a booking, head to The Smith Prahran’s website.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

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2 places to go for the best Italian and Greek desserts in Melbourne

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Australia’s prized Mediterranean heritage comes fully into into its own category of awesomeness when you turn your gaze to the food. From the roadside delis of Oakleigh to the gastronomy of the CBD and the full-on production houses of the northern suburbs, there’s no surprise Greek, Italian and Mediterranean food is right up there on Melburnians’ list of ‘must-eats’. But, what about dessert? For those more sugar-inclined, there’s never a reason to overlook the desserts from that region of the world and thankfully, Lukumades (Greek) and Cannoleria (Italian) are filling the gap. Lukumades is – as the name suggests – known for their traditional Greek doughnuts, vehicles for all the sauces and toppings your heart could desire. In fact, they’re so desired that Lukumades has just opened five shops in Indonesia on top of their outlets in Melbourne. They can’t get enough and it’s easy to see why – they’ve taken the traditional lukumade recipe, which is normally served with honey syrup and crushed walnuts, and Australianised it. They look incredible. And if it’s something with a bit more crunch you’re after, that’s where the Italians step in, with their little pockets of deliciousness: the cannoli. The Melburnian Cannoleria was created in 2018 by That’s Amore Cheese; the brand specialises in the traditional Sicilian dessert where the delicate tubes of golden, crunchy pastry are filled fresh daily with That’s Amore Ricotta. We’re getting excited about them again, because on top of their usual quality array of desserts, they’re producing some themed ones for those die-hard… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: Best desserts Australia, Best desserts Melbourne, Cannoleria, Desserts Melbourne, Greek desserts Melbourne, Italian desserts Melbourne, Lukumades

An exclusive five-course wine and dine experience in Melbourne at Mr Joe

by James Banham

Posted: 18/03/2021

From Richmond, Mr Joe is partnering with two of Victoria’s most notable wineries to inner Melbourne with an exclusive five-course wine and dining event. Hosted in collaboration with 2019 Winery of the year winner, Seville Estate in Yarra Valley and Indigo Vineyard in Beechworth, the events are expected to showcase the best of Victorian wine and produce, including an exciting global-fusion set menu. And now, you can enjoy. Get in touch via the website or through details below to purchase a ticket for unforgettable evenings across April 29th and 30th for Indigo Vineyard, and May 6th and 7th for Seville Estate – only at Mr Joe. And prepare yourself for an onslaught of gastronomic intensity you don’t find often. Head chef Martin Sun has curated an exciting five-course menu for the event, featuring the innovative, boundary-pushing cuisine that Mr Joe is renowned for. Sun’s dishes will take guests on a sensory experience around the globe, using cooking techniques and ingredients from different countries including yuzu from Japan, gianduja from Italy, tzatziki from Greece and veloute from France. Despite the inherent worldliness of their cuisine, local ingredients are at the forefront of the menu, with wagyu rump from Sher Wagyu in Ballan, lamb saddle from Gippsland and dairy from inner-Melbourne’s only micro-dairy, St David Dairy. More awaits, but to find out, get booking.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: Fine dining Melbourne, Five course dining event Melbourne, Melbourne food drink event, Mr Joe

There’s a new Rumble Coffee espresso bar at Kensington, Melbourne opening up

by James Banham

Updated: 18/03/2021

Rumble Coffee Roasters are known for making waves in the world of Melbourne drinkers – the coffee capital – and have long been causing a rumble from their Kensington roastery. Up until now, they’ve commanded attention in the wholesale market and now, they’ve opened up a cafe! Originally from New Zealand, Matt Hampton and Joe Molloy have spent decades running award-winning cafes and espresso bars (Octane Espresso, The Truffala Seed) and developing profound, lifelong passions for both hospitality and specialty coffee. In doing so, they felt that there was so much more that coffee roasters could, and should, be doing to support both the cafes they sold their coffee to, and the producers and farmers from whom they purchase their beans. Find it at Rumble Coffee Roasters is located at 8 Thompson St, Kensington VIC 3031.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: Best Melbourne coffee, melbourne coffee, Rumble coffee espresso, There's a new Rumble Coffee espresso bar at Kensington Melbourne opening up

Feeling lonely? New funding for QLife means they’ll have your back whenever you need them

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by James Banham

Updated: 17/03/2021

Lockdown and Covid was rough for literally everyone around the world, so there’s no surprise a few of us struggled. A lot of us struggled. And sometimes it felt like there was nowhere to turn to. Thankfully though, in those dark times and feelings of extreme isolation, loneliness and other thoughts and feelings, there were organisations there – often a call away – offering support where they could. One of those is QLife, Australia’s LGBTQ+ support service, who thankfully received a huge $100k cash injection courtesy of ANZ Bank, all purposed to help with their large influx of requests for assistance during lockdown. QLife experienced a 58% increase in the number of people wanting to access its telephone and web services. It also recorded a 31% increase in calls from people who said they had experienced feelings of “isolation” and “loneliness”. With the support they received, QLife’s managed to dedicate a further 2,250 hours of support to those in need, not only in the lead-up to the recent Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, but beyond. So if those thoughts are lingering and the effects of Covid-19 haven’t quite shaken off yet, remember that even on our own, we’re still together.

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: ANZ sponsor QLife, Feeling lonely? New funding for QLife means they'll have your back whenever you need them, QLife, QLife $100000

Pizza takeovers in Sydney and Melbourne at Ria Pizza + Wine and Arbory Afloat

by James Banham

Updated: 15/03/2021

Because pizza is everyone’s favourite thing let’s celebrate the right way. Ria Pizza + Wine’s new Pizza Party Series is kicking off this March, playing host to some of the country’s best chefs for a series of pizza parties supported by Breville. Momofuku Sei?bo’s Paul Carmichael will be launching the first party in Sydney style on Sunday 28 March, taking guests to the beaches of Barbados with Caribbean-inspired pizzas. The menu includes ‘Maybe I’m just a Jerk‘ (smoked fior di latte, jerk seasoning, egg), ‘Leonardo DiCrabrio’ (blue swimmer crab, salt cod XO, cream cheese) and ‘The Cal Jumped Over the Moon’ (jamaican beef patty & cheese calzone). It’ll go down like this: From 5 pm, pay $70pp and embark on a pizza-based journey of: – Maybe I’m Just a Jerk (smoked fior di latte, jerk seasoning, egg) – Leonardo DiCrabrio (blue swimmer crab, salt cod XO, cream cheese) – Is Pineapple on Pizza Illegal in Italy? (cured pork, chilli, pineapple) – The “Cal” Jumped Over the Moon (Jamaican beef patty & cheese calzone) Snacks- Piklitz and avocado- Cos, mojo, parmDessert- Layered strawberry & white chocolate yoghurt cake Find it at 71A Macleay Street, Potts PointSydney NSW 2011 Meanwhile in Melbourne, the riverside Arbory Afloat will be hosting a Detroit Style Pizza pop-up, slinging only 75 of the deep dish, cheesy rectangular pizzas each day from 12 March to 31 March. Dished up by Afloat’s resident pizza phenomenon Salim Gafaryi and Executive Chef Nick Bennet, the limited-edition pizzas are topped with plenty of cheese (edge to edge) and a range of delicious… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Pizza takeovers in Sydney and Melbourne at Ria Pizza + Wine and Arbory Afloat

ARTS & CULTURE

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

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More